Bill O'Reilly showed a clip of a 3 minute video called "Prop 8: The Musical." The video pits a group of anti-Prop 8 actors against a group of actors dressed up like fundamentalist Christians. Of course, those depicting the Christians are made out to be haters and even say "It is time to spread some hate" with Proposition 8.
Jack Black (I've never heard of him) portrays Jesus who miraculously appears on the scene between the Christians and the supporters of the gay and lesbian community. The "preacher" bows down before Jesus and asks, "Jesus, doesn't the Bible say these people are an abomination?" Jesus replies, "Yeah, but it says the exact same thing about this shrimp cocktail." As he holds up a loaded shrimp cocktail the preacher and his followers lick their lips saying, "Yum!" Jesus continues, "The Bible says a lot of interesting things" and he talks about men selling their daughters into slavery. The preacher replies smugly, "Well, we ignore those verses." To which Jesus says, "Well friend, it seems to me you pick and choose. Well please choose love instead of hate."
There are several problems with the logic used in the arguments this video makes. I seriously doubt that Jack Black and his ilk really care, but here are the difficulties.
Picking and Choosing. If Christians are guilty of being inconsistent in the application of God's word, such guilt does not change the word of God. If it is an abomination to eat shellfish and we choose to eat it anyway, the dismissal of God's word regarding shellfish doesn't argue that homosexuality is therefore okay.
Jesus (not the impostor Jack Black) accused the Pharisees of His day of inconsistently applies God's word. "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone." Matthew 23:23 Jesus didn't excuse the Pharisee's omission of the weightier matters of the law because they ignored them. He said they should have done both. If the Bible teaches that homosexuality is an abomination (admitted in the video) as well as eating shellfish, then both are wrong. Ignoring either teaching does not justify ignoring the other.
The writers of the video are simply encouraging more picking and choosing rather than submitting to the word of God. The real Jesus said, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." John 12:48.
Ignorance of Sound Teaching. The video reveals the ignorance of Biblical teaching on the part of the writers and producers. Unfortunately this ignorance is shared by many people who call themselves Christians. Without going into a lot of explanation, there is a fundamental teaching in the Scriptures regarding the Old Testament law. That law, which forbade homosexuality and the eating of shellfish, is no longer God's law for man.
In a lengthy discussion that begins in Hebrews 7, the writer of Hebrews argues that the Old Testament law (referred to as the first) was replaced by the New Testament (referred to as the second). He concludes in Hebrews 10:9 that Jesus "takes away the first that He may establish the second." Paul says in Galatians 3:19 that the Old Testament law "was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made" and tells us that the Seed was Jesus. Once Jesus came the old law ended and the law of Christ was established (Galatians 6:2).
So we must determine what the New Testament teaches about homosexuality and shellfish to know what we as Christians can do today.
Teaching Concerning Homosexuality and Shellfish. Here are the New Testament passages regarding shellfish and homosexuality.
Shellfish.
In a discussion about what is proper to eat Paul says, "For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving." 2 Timothy 4:4. The proper conclusion is that anyone may eat shellfish based on the teachings of the apostle Paul, who said, "If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord." (1 Corinthians 14:37).
Homosexuality.
The New Testament teaching regarding homosexuality is also clear and easy to understand. Consider these passages.
"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." 1 Corinthians 6:9,10.
"For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1: 26-32
"For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly." 2 Peter 2: 4-6
Homosexual and lesbian behavior is said by God to be unrighteous, vile, unnatural, shameful and ungodly. But those involved in such are not alone. Those committing adultery and fornication are in the same condition. So are those who murder and those who steal. As well as those who are disobedient to parents.
Inconsistency. Those who demean Christians with such material as "the musical" are inconsistent. The fake Jesus is clearly a mockery of the real Jesus and is an expression of intolerance toward Him. The fake Jesus accuses Christians of being unloving while the real Jesus says "If you love Me, keep my commandments." John 14:15. There is no expression of love for Jesus to be found in the video.
Legislation. Christians may try to force the Lord's ways on others through legislation but until they win the hearts of those in sin over to Christ, no battle has really been won. The homosexual and lesbian community may eventually and probably will secure the legislation they want. A legal victory may temporarily cause them feel justified in their behavior, but the final verdict is Christ's.
Jesus has spoken. His word is clear. All who are in sin must believe in Him (John 3:16), turn away from their sinful behavior in repentance (Luke 13:3), confess His Lordship over their lives (Romans 10:9,10), and be baptized in water to allow his blood to cleanse them of their sin (Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4). When one follows those teachings and lives faithfully to the Lord, it can be said of them, "...such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Corinthians 6:11.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Spreading The Wealth Around
A couple of weeks ago Senator Barak Obama fueled national discussion when he told Joe the plumber he wants to "spread the wealth around." Regardless of your political views on whether or not the government needs to be taking from your pocketbook and distributing your wealth to others, the Lord has plenty to say about the subject.
Paying Taxes. Taxation is nothing new. We are not the first generation to deal with taxation. In Jesus' day taxation was a burning issue. In Mark 12 some men came to Jesus with a controversial question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" they asked (14). The story continued with Jesus saying, "'Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.' So they brought it. And He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?' They said to Him, 'Caesar's.' And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'"
In Romans 13 the apostle Paul addressed taxation. "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (7). What is the message from both Jesus and Paul? Pay your taxes. No one wants to be taxed and no one wants to be over taxed. But what if the government does? Jesus and His apostle instruct us to pay our taxes.
Spreading The Wealth Around. Whether or not the government takes our money through taxes or leaves us with all our wealth, Jesus says we are to spread the wealth around. Consider these passages.
"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." Ephesians 4:28
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Christians have the responsibility to share their blessings with others who have need. Note that these are commands - obligations the Lord expects that we will fulfill. We cannot hoard our blessings or spend all of our bounty on our own selves. As the Lord blesses us, those blessings should flow through us to others. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was condemned because he did not share his wealth with a poor man who sat right on his doorstep.
Observations.
Many have argued that rather than the government taking Americans' wealth and distributing it, Americans should be allowed to decide for themselves how their wealth will be distributed. There is probably merit to that sentiment but it cannot be simply a slogan for Christians. We must follow-through with action and share the wealth as the Lord intends.
Some argue that when the government takes wealth from Americans, it discourages a sharing attitude by those whose wealth is taken. That may be true with people in general, it cannot be true of Christians. We cannot dismiss helping those around us because we feel that our government's tax policy is flawed or unfair. Those two commands quoted above were given to the same generation of people who were asking Jesus about whether or not to pay taxes.
The "institutional" concept of wealth sharing violates God's intent whether it is our government collecting the funds or the churches. Churches are charged with helping needy Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1,2) but the commands to help the world's needy are given to individuals (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28). By placing an "institution" between the giver and the recipient, whether that institution is a government or a church, a disconnect occurs. People develop the "I gave at the office" mentality and real care and concern for our fellowman is diminished. Christians must not allow increased taxation to be our excuse for not fulfilling our responsibilities to others and we must not place the church in a role it has not been given.
Bottom-line. Spreading our wealth around is pleasing to the Lord. Regardless of how much of our wealth the government decides to tax, we must still be sharing people.
Paying Taxes. Taxation is nothing new. We are not the first generation to deal with taxation. In Jesus' day taxation was a burning issue. In Mark 12 some men came to Jesus with a controversial question: "Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?" they asked (14). The story continued with Jesus saying, "'Bring Me a denarius that I may see it.' So they brought it. And He said to them, 'Whose image and inscription is this?' They said to Him, 'Caesar's.' And Jesus answered and said to them, 'Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.'"
In Romans 13 the apostle Paul addressed taxation. "Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (7). What is the message from both Jesus and Paul? Pay your taxes. No one wants to be taxed and no one wants to be over taxed. But what if the government does? Jesus and His apostle instruct us to pay our taxes.
Spreading The Wealth Around. Whether or not the government takes our money through taxes or leaves us with all our wealth, Jesus says we are to spread the wealth around. Consider these passages.
"Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need." Ephesians 4:28
"Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
Christians have the responsibility to share their blessings with others who have need. Note that these are commands - obligations the Lord expects that we will fulfill. We cannot hoard our blessings or spend all of our bounty on our own selves. As the Lord blesses us, those blessings should flow through us to others. In the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man was condemned because he did not share his wealth with a poor man who sat right on his doorstep.
Observations.
Many have argued that rather than the government taking Americans' wealth and distributing it, Americans should be allowed to decide for themselves how their wealth will be distributed. There is probably merit to that sentiment but it cannot be simply a slogan for Christians. We must follow-through with action and share the wealth as the Lord intends.
Some argue that when the government takes wealth from Americans, it discourages a sharing attitude by those whose wealth is taken. That may be true with people in general, it cannot be true of Christians. We cannot dismiss helping those around us because we feel that our government's tax policy is flawed or unfair. Those two commands quoted above were given to the same generation of people who were asking Jesus about whether or not to pay taxes.
The "institutional" concept of wealth sharing violates God's intent whether it is our government collecting the funds or the churches. Churches are charged with helping needy Christians (1 Corinthians 16:1,2) but the commands to help the world's needy are given to individuals (Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 4:28). By placing an "institution" between the giver and the recipient, whether that institution is a government or a church, a disconnect occurs. People develop the "I gave at the office" mentality and real care and concern for our fellowman is diminished. Christians must not allow increased taxation to be our excuse for not fulfilling our responsibilities to others and we must not place the church in a role it has not been given.
Bottom-line. Spreading our wealth around is pleasing to the Lord. Regardless of how much of our wealth the government decides to tax, we must still be sharing people.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Don't Worry, Be Happy
Remember that song with the catchy tune, "Don't worry, be happy"? There is a lot of truth in those words and we can use that encouragement today.
Economic Crisis. The stock market dropped 777 points today, its largest single-day point drop in history. How did you fare? Is your 401k still performing well? Has your bank been sold or taken over by the federal government?
Political Crisis. Regardless of who you lean toward in this election, McCain or Obama, you would have to agree that the political situation in this country seems to be at its worst. Terrible blame-game tactics, do-nothing attitudes and jealousy abound. It is enough to make you want Jerry Brown to be running again!
Moral Crisis. The values of our countrymen seem to be at an all-time low. The sexual revolution has caught up with us and is destroying lives all around us. Dishonesty abounds, lack of respect for others is evident on every hand, a decent work ethic is lacking in so many, etc. The crimes being committed against fellow human beings now make Charles Manson seem like a small-time killer. How could it get any worse, we might think.
Keeping Our Perspective. A friend recently wrote me about the situation of some Christians in another country. He said, "police are putting pressure on religion generally, especially those who do not completely yield to the government...local police who had been somewhat tolerant of the brethren are now insisting that the churches stop assembling for at least a month. The brethren have instead asked the police to come to the assemblies to verify their purpose. Unfortunately, the police are so fearful of their superiors that they are reluctant to attend." In this same country the government has eliminated many of the jobs those Christians had and they cannot now find employment. Our brethren are being saddled with burdens their non-Christian friends do not have to bear.
So how is your 401k? Has the name changed on your bank yet? Which presidential candidate do you believe will persecute Christians? Do you fear the elimination of your job or your life simply because you are a Christian?
Don't Worry, Be Happy. My friend goes on to write, "In the midst of all these struggles, good is being accomplished." He tells of young men who are studying diligently so that they can spread the gospel to their countrymen. One recent convert to Christ is one who previously would have persecuted our brothers and sisters there, or would have had little compassion on them. How can these Christians be busy in the Lord's kingdom when so many terrible things are happening all around?
Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:25-33).
Our concern should be for those things that pertain to the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That does not include the Wall Street bail-out plan. That does not include who will be our next President and what will happen if our favorite isn't elected. It doesn't include sitting around worrying about how bad the world has gotten.
If we will busy ourselves with the kingdom of God, He will take care of all the rest. That is His promise to us. Will we "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness" or will we just go on worrying? Do we truly believe His promises?
NOTE: Some readers know the country where this persecution is taking place. Please do not comment on this blog and mention that country by name or anyone involved there. You could jeopardize our brethren and their work. Thanks!
Economic Crisis. The stock market dropped 777 points today, its largest single-day point drop in history. How did you fare? Is your 401k still performing well? Has your bank been sold or taken over by the federal government?
Political Crisis. Regardless of who you lean toward in this election, McCain or Obama, you would have to agree that the political situation in this country seems to be at its worst. Terrible blame-game tactics, do-nothing attitudes and jealousy abound. It is enough to make you want Jerry Brown to be running again!
Moral Crisis. The values of our countrymen seem to be at an all-time low. The sexual revolution has caught up with us and is destroying lives all around us. Dishonesty abounds, lack of respect for others is evident on every hand, a decent work ethic is lacking in so many, etc. The crimes being committed against fellow human beings now make Charles Manson seem like a small-time killer. How could it get any worse, we might think.
Keeping Our Perspective. A friend recently wrote me about the situation of some Christians in another country. He said, "police are putting pressure on religion generally, especially those who do not completely yield to the government...local police who had been somewhat tolerant of the brethren are now insisting that the churches stop assembling for at least a month. The brethren have instead asked the police to come to the assemblies to verify their purpose. Unfortunately, the police are so fearful of their superiors that they are reluctant to attend." In this same country the government has eliminated many of the jobs those Christians had and they cannot now find employment. Our brethren are being saddled with burdens their non-Christian friends do not have to bear.
So how is your 401k? Has the name changed on your bank yet? Which presidential candidate do you believe will persecute Christians? Do you fear the elimination of your job or your life simply because you are a Christian?
Don't Worry, Be Happy. My friend goes on to write, "In the midst of all these struggles, good is being accomplished." He tells of young men who are studying diligently so that they can spread the gospel to their countrymen. One recent convert to Christ is one who previously would have persecuted our brothers and sisters there, or would have had little compassion on them. How can these Christians be busy in the Lord's kingdom when so many terrible things are happening all around?
Jesus said, "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matthew 6:25-33).
Our concern should be for those things that pertain to the kingdom of God and His righteousness. That does not include the Wall Street bail-out plan. That does not include who will be our next President and what will happen if our favorite isn't elected. It doesn't include sitting around worrying about how bad the world has gotten.
If we will busy ourselves with the kingdom of God, He will take care of all the rest. That is His promise to us. Will we "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness" or will we just go on worrying? Do we truly believe His promises?
NOTE: Some readers know the country where this persecution is taking place. Please do not comment on this blog and mention that country by name or anyone involved there. You could jeopardize our brethren and their work. Thanks!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Are You Rapture Ready?
I visited a web site the other day called “Rapture Ready.” It is a site devoted to its author’s passion - the rapture. It even comes complete with an index giving the likelihood that the rapture is imminent. By the way, index numbers are high right now. The present reading is 166. The record was set on September 24, 2001 when the index peaked at 182! Of course, you can make a donation of money (not tax deductible) at the website.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
...
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Man Sues Church Due To Holy Spirit Injury
According to an AP report a Knoxville, Tennessee man is suing a church because of injuries he sustained when the Holy Spirit knocked him down and no one at the church bothered to catch him. Several things about this story strike me as interesting.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
From Worms to Butterflies
Nature has always amazed me. I watch with interest all the things around me and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. Several years back when my boys were much younger, they collected some caterpillars from the churchyard and were just dying to bring them home. I consented.
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
He Was Gathered To His People
In the books of Genesis and Exodus the phrase “gathered to his people” is used in connection with the deaths of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and Aaron. Genesis 25:8 says, “Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” When I ponder that phrase I picture the spirits of these men leaving their bodies and making their way to the spirits of those who have gone on before them.
My dad passed away two days ago. He, too, was gathered to his people. Dad’s “people” (his parents) were Christians and I am told that they were fine people. They passed away early in dad’s life. To me they are just faces on a picture that go with a few stories dad told about them. I envision dad being gathered to his mom and dad and becoming acquainted in a way that dad was never privileged to share in this life. There will be no separation this time. Eternity is their’s to share and enjoy.
Two Groups of People
The book of Revelation paints a picture of two groups of people: those faithful to the Lord and those who follow after Satan.
Each group is pictured in two different settings, one while living on earth and one after this life is over. Those faithful to the Lord are represented in various ways such as the 144,000, a great multitude, the bride of Christ, those having the seal of God in their foreheads, and the great city, holy Jerusalem. Those serving Satan are pictured as those in league with a beast, having his mark on their hand or forehead, following a great serpent and performing abominable deeds with the great harlot. All people are pictured as in either one or the other group. No one has a question mark on their forehead. They wear either the seal of God or the mark of Satan, indicating their allegiance.
Each group has a different destiny. The faithful of the Lord live forever in paradise where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). The followers of Satan are those of whom it is said, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
To Whom Will You Be Gathered?
Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Those who are not Christians are “people of this world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).
When you and I die we will be gathered to our people. Who have we made “our people” in this life? Those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ or the people of this world? Since the ultimate destiny of every person is one of these two groups, you need to decide who you want to be gathered with. If you love this life and its sin and pleasures, then do nothing. However, if you want an eternity of peace and comfort with the best people who lived this life, then you need to be following Christ. You'll be gathered to your people in the end so be certain that the people you call friends are the people of God.
Dad’s death is a sad event for me. I will miss him so very much. However, I have a hope that I will be gathered to my people, the people of God. When that happens I will be with dad throughout the ages, no longer separated by the pain of death. Knowing how much my dad loved me and desired to be with me in this life, I’m confident that he’ll be the first to greet me when I arrive.
My dad passed away two days ago. He, too, was gathered to his people. Dad’s “people” (his parents) were Christians and I am told that they were fine people. They passed away early in dad’s life. To me they are just faces on a picture that go with a few stories dad told about them. I envision dad being gathered to his mom and dad and becoming acquainted in a way that dad was never privileged to share in this life. There will be no separation this time. Eternity is their’s to share and enjoy.
Two Groups of People
The book of Revelation paints a picture of two groups of people: those faithful to the Lord and those who follow after Satan.
Each group is pictured in two different settings, one while living on earth and one after this life is over. Those faithful to the Lord are represented in various ways such as the 144,000, a great multitude, the bride of Christ, those having the seal of God in their foreheads, and the great city, holy Jerusalem. Those serving Satan are pictured as those in league with a beast, having his mark on their hand or forehead, following a great serpent and performing abominable deeds with the great harlot. All people are pictured as in either one or the other group. No one has a question mark on their forehead. They wear either the seal of God or the mark of Satan, indicating their allegiance.
Each group has a different destiny. The faithful of the Lord live forever in paradise where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). The followers of Satan are those of whom it is said, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
To Whom Will You Be Gathered?
Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Those who are not Christians are “people of this world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).
When you and I die we will be gathered to our people. Who have we made “our people” in this life? Those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ or the people of this world? Since the ultimate destiny of every person is one of these two groups, you need to decide who you want to be gathered with. If you love this life and its sin and pleasures, then do nothing. However, if you want an eternity of peace and comfort with the best people who lived this life, then you need to be following Christ. You'll be gathered to your people in the end so be certain that the people you call friends are the people of God.
Dad’s death is a sad event for me. I will miss him so very much. However, I have a hope that I will be gathered to my people, the people of God. When that happens I will be with dad throughout the ages, no longer separated by the pain of death. Knowing how much my dad loved me and desired to be with me in this life, I’m confident that he’ll be the first to greet me when I arrive.
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