People all across the globe were riveted to their TVs Tuesday night waiting for the first of 33 miners to emerge from the rescue capsule. For many the rescue of the first man was quite an emotional experience.
A huge crowd gathered around the small opening that served as the life line and escape route for the miners. In the crowd were their rescuers, family and friends, employees of the mining company, the president of Chile, his wife and several others from the government. Surrounding that crowd were many from the media and through their cameras, the rest of the world looked on.
As the first miner emerged the huge crowd erupted into applause and cheers accompanied with tears of joy. Those reporting even gave in to their emotions just a bit as they chronicled the events of the evening. Those of us watching were silently cheering as well. I enjoyed the chants of the crowd as they expressed their national pride shouting, "Chi Chi Chi, le le le, Chile!" Everyone was overjoyed by the deliverance of the miners.
A Similar Picture From Scripture
"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." Luke 15:10. Imagine a man trapped in sin. He is separated from God by his sin. Without a rescue he will perish in a Devil's hell. Some around him realize his desperate condition and tell Him about a Man who came to rescue him. They teach him of the love of God who sent His Son to pay the price for his sin so that he can avoid the destruction awaiting him.
As he learns more he develops his faith in Jesus. "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Hebrews 11:6. He understands the need for repentance, a permanent change that must take place in his life so that his life will become like Jesus' life. "[God] commands all men everywhere to repent." Acts 17:30. He confesses His faith in Jesus. "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9. He responds in obedience by being baptized so that Jesus washes away his sins. "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." Acts 2:38
Looking on are God and Jesus Christ. With them are the angels in heaven, a huge crowd of heavenly host who want this man to be rescued and saved. When he responds, heaven erupts in joy over this sinner who has repented.
Conclusion
We are so glad that the men in Chile have been rescued and thank God for their safety. We need to realize how many of our friends are trapped in sin, perishing as we live next door to them, work with them, and interact with them socially. Will we help to bring joy to the huge crowd in heaven by opening our mouths and telling these lost ones about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Let's busy ourselves with an even greater rescue mission that results in even greater joy.
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Monday, May 25, 2009
Wild Game Expo & Woof 'n' Worship
During my 50 years on this earth I have seen a lot of change in churches. As our society has become more wealthy and more focused on fun, churches have also grown in resources and have changed their focus to providing fun.
When I was in high school a local denomination put on a presentation for the student body. It was an abbreviated presentation of the "Magic with a Message" event going on at the church. A preacher did some magic tricks that served as a teaser to come and see the full show at the church. Of course, the magic came with a message about Jesus. All that the kids at school talked about afterward was the magic, not the message.
These days churches have gone into the counseling business, and the day care and education business. Many churches are now offering financial planning and most have physical fitness centers that rival the local YMCA where you can exercise to your favorite gospel music.
As churches have innovated and expanded their "services" they have always tried to slip some gospel into those services. That is, until now.
Watching TV the other night I saw an ad being run by the Oakwood Baptist church near Chattanooga, Tn. The ad promoted their upcoming Wild Game Expo. I was very surprised when the ad ended and not one reference was made to any sort of worship, praising the Lord, a time for teaching about Christ, etc. Not only that, to attend the evening event the church is charging $10 for tickets. So I went to their website. I figured they would surely have an agenda of their events that would include some spiritual activities. Here is the content of their site:
Woods-N-Water Wild Game Expo will take place Saturday, May 30, 2009, on the Chickamauga Campus. We are pleased to have Hank Parker as a special guest speaker. Chris McDaniel will provide musical entertainment.There will be a Wild Game Cook-off Competition during the day's events. Samples will be given until they run out. Entries will be judged by an "Oakwood Celebrity" panel. Trophies and bragging rights will be awarded. Contact Michael Swanson for details on competing at 706-375-7236.
Join us beginning at 3 pm for a day of FREE events
Archery Exhibition by Frank Addington, Jr.
Classic/Hot Rod Car Show
Motorcycle Show
Virtual Fishing & Archery by Georiga DNR
Displays by Outdoor Equipment & Supply Vendors
Wild Game Cook-Off Competition
Evening Events (Ticket required)
BBQ Dinner
Special Guest Speaker: Hank Parker
Music provided by Chris McDaniel
Door Prizes
Advance Tickets Now On Sale! Tickets for evening events: $10
There it is. No mention of anything spiritual. Apparently you can go and they won't even try to slip in a message about Jesus. Atheist's should feel comfortable going to this one. In fact, they can attend and perhaps walk away with one of the door prizes! And maybe it won't be a Bible.
I would say that I'm amazed but I am not. This is the natural course of events for churches whose emphasis has become fun and games and pleasing the masses. This falls under the "Recreation Ministry" of the Oakwood Baptist church (wasn't Timothy in the Bible a recreation minister? - I jest).
One of the popular "church growth" teachers today advocates that churches take a survey of the community to learn what they want and then provide it. Perhaps that is what the Oakwood church has done.
Now checkout this link. A church in Weymouth, Massachusetts now offers a Sunday evening service they call Woof 'n' Worship. Since the Scriptures speak of all creatures praising God, the Rev. Rachel Bickford decided to have her church members bring their dogs for worship. She said, "I thought this would be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to get together." She even blesses the dogs that are sick.
By just reading the article you get an idea of who is being pleased by these actions. "I love it. My life revolves around making my dogs happy" one member said. Continuing she said, "It makes me happy and it makes them better socialized and better dogs." Ms. Bickford stated "people were excited to be able to take their dogs to church." Like most politically correct organizations today, the church is an inclusive church. Bickford said she was glad the church was able to include all breeds.
In Acts 20:28, Paul refers to the church as "the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." Do you think Jesus shed His blood so that a church can put on a Wild Game Expo or help dogs be better socialized animals through Wolf 'n' Worship? Such activities border on blasphemy, if they aren't!
During the period of the judges the nation of Israel would cycle through periods of faithfulness to the Lord and unfaithfulness. Those cycles were pretty much timed with their poverty (reliance upon God) and their wealth (their periods unfaithfulness). Twice in the book of Judges we read this statement, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes." (Judges 17:6; 21:25). That statement characterises several events throughout Bible history. The fact that such a statement is recorded in Scripture is evidence that doing things "our own way" is not acceptable before God.
I'm sure that the Oakwood church and the church in Weymouth, Ma believes they are doing what is right. The problem is, they are doing what is right in their own eyes. Our attitude should be like Jesus' regarding what He could and could not do. "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak." (John 12:49). And, "I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me." (John 5:30). You see, unless God has instructed us to do a given thing, then that thing is not authorized and we had better not do it. He told us to "preach the gospel to every creature" and we see how his disciples did that. Not with Wild Game Expos or Woof 'n' Worship services which as designed to appeal to the desires of those participating, but through diligent teaching of His word. No gimmicks, no fleshly appeal - and no charge!
You might want to refer to another post of mine called Noah Was A Failure. You can also click on the tag below called "authority" for more posts related to doing things in God's ways. I would also appreciate your comments. May we all examine our efforts before the Lord and be certain that we are not guilty of doing what is right in our own sight.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Public Opinion and a Christian's Work
A recent Gallup poll indicated that for the first time in 15 years a majority of Americans, 51%, considered themselves pro-life. Fearing an anomaly, Gallup conducted two additional polls and came up with the same results. Also, two corresponding FOX News polls revealed that 49% of Americans considered themselves pro-life, while 43% considered themselves pro-choice. So, the facts are in for this year – more Americans object to abortion than are for it.
From a Christian’s perspective that’s good, so far as it goes. It turns out that last year the same Gallup poll revealed that 50% of Americans considered themselves pro-choice, while 44% considered themselves to be pro-life.
I would like to think that the change is due to the fact that large numbers of people have looked into the issue and have come to the conclusion that life begins at conception, and that abortion is murder. Even better would be if large numbers of people began caring what God’s word teaches about abortion. Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” God obviously felt that Jeremiah was “somebody” before he reached the third trimester. (see also Isaiah 49:1) John the Baptist is called a “baby” in Luke 1:44 prior to his birth while Jesus is called the same thing after He was born, Luke 2:16. Obviously, then, the Bible teaches that a fetus, though undeveloped and unborn, is a child – a person. So, to kill an unborn fetus is to kill a person according to the Scriptures, and therefore it is murder (Romans 1:28-32).
But while it would be wonderful to think that those might be the reasons the majority opinion has shifted on this issue, my gut tells me otherwise. Crowds are easily swayed, and often the majority opinion is determined by how big a push certain propaganda (good or bad) gets. When public opinion on an issue like this changes so drastically in just a year, it smacks of people who make up their minds about moral issues the way divas choose clothes – whatever is in style that season is what gets picked.
This fickleness is not new. Some of the same people who worshiped Jesus as he entered Jerusalem to die (Matthew 21:1-11) mocked Him and demanded His execution a week later (Matthew 27:20-25). The difference? They were stirred up by different people, and got caught up in the moment both times. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil.” Doing wrong because it is the majority opinion does not justify the wrong, but in a similar way, rejoicing because the right choice has been picked by a majority does not necessarily mean that righteousness on an issue is prevailing. Truth is sometimes “in season” and sometimes “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Fortunately, on this issue, it may be somewhat more “in season” than it has been in the past, but that doesn’t mean it won’t change for the worse in another year’s time.
The main point Christians need to see in this is that we don’t need to take relief in the fact that the majority is now on “our side.” The majority of people were on “Jesus side” too, early in His ministry,” and He lamented that they were like “sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Just because people are following the right way on an issue does not mean they always fully understand why they have made that choice. Our job is to educate them about the true reason to believe killing unborn babies is wrong – because God’s word says it is – and then to bring them knowledge of the rest of God’s truths. As Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2), we are to continue preaching the word when it is “in season” – not take the opportunity to rest because most people are accepting it (or accepting parts of it).
God’s success does not depend on entire nations believing or disbelieving His word – it depends on individuals believing and doing what is right, sometimes in spite of the nation they live in. We need to fight the good fight now more than ever, and if it is the case that public opinion has partially torn down a barrier to some people accepting the truth, then we need to take full advantage by bringing them the rest of the saving plan of God.
--Joel Holt
From a Christian’s perspective that’s good, so far as it goes. It turns out that last year the same Gallup poll revealed that 50% of Americans considered themselves pro-choice, while 44% considered themselves to be pro-life.
I would like to think that the change is due to the fact that large numbers of people have looked into the issue and have come to the conclusion that life begins at conception, and that abortion is murder. Even better would be if large numbers of people began caring what God’s word teaches about abortion. Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” God obviously felt that Jeremiah was “somebody” before he reached the third trimester. (see also Isaiah 49:1) John the Baptist is called a “baby” in Luke 1:44 prior to his birth while Jesus is called the same thing after He was born, Luke 2:16. Obviously, then, the Bible teaches that a fetus, though undeveloped and unborn, is a child – a person. So, to kill an unborn fetus is to kill a person according to the Scriptures, and therefore it is murder (Romans 1:28-32).
But while it would be wonderful to think that those might be the reasons the majority opinion has shifted on this issue, my gut tells me otherwise. Crowds are easily swayed, and often the majority opinion is determined by how big a push certain propaganda (good or bad) gets. When public opinion on an issue like this changes so drastically in just a year, it smacks of people who make up their minds about moral issues the way divas choose clothes – whatever is in style that season is what gets picked.
This fickleness is not new. Some of the same people who worshiped Jesus as he entered Jerusalem to die (Matthew 21:1-11) mocked Him and demanded His execution a week later (Matthew 27:20-25). The difference? They were stirred up by different people, and got caught up in the moment both times. Exodus 23:2 says, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil.” Doing wrong because it is the majority opinion does not justify the wrong, but in a similar way, rejoicing because the right choice has been picked by a majority does not necessarily mean that righteousness on an issue is prevailing. Truth is sometimes “in season” and sometimes “out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2). Fortunately, on this issue, it may be somewhat more “in season” than it has been in the past, but that doesn’t mean it won’t change for the worse in another year’s time.
The main point Christians need to see in this is that we don’t need to take relief in the fact that the majority is now on “our side.” The majority of people were on “Jesus side” too, early in His ministry,” and He lamented that they were like “sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Just because people are following the right way on an issue does not mean they always fully understand why they have made that choice. Our job is to educate them about the true reason to believe killing unborn babies is wrong – because God’s word says it is – and then to bring them knowledge of the rest of God’s truths. As Paul told Timothy (2 Timothy 4:2), we are to continue preaching the word when it is “in season” – not take the opportunity to rest because most people are accepting it (or accepting parts of it).
God’s success does not depend on entire nations believing or disbelieving His word – it depends on individuals believing and doing what is right, sometimes in spite of the nation they live in. We need to fight the good fight now more than ever, and if it is the case that public opinion has partially torn down a barrier to some people accepting the truth, then we need to take full advantage by bringing them the rest of the saving plan of God.
--Joel Holt
Monday, December 08, 2008
Proposition 8: The Musical
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.
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.
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!
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, November 13, 2007
Are You A Martian?
On November 13, 2007, the Fox News website headline read, “Life On Earth May Have Come From Mars.” It seems that scientists performed a test to see if life molecules embedded in rock could survive in space and through the fiery entry into earth’s atmosphere. Strapping a rock full of fossilized microbes onto a rocket launched into space and returning it a few days later, some of the microbes survived the ride.
This test was conducted to see if there might be any validity to the theory known as Panspermia, the concept that Earth was “seeded” by life from outer space. Apparently the belief is that a rock from Mars (thrown?) with some life forms onboard made it to Earth, fell into a pool of water where the little creatures began to swim, grow and thrive. Over billions of years those little Martians developed gills, legs, and the desire to breathe with lungs and walk on dirt. After billions of years we Martians invented radio so that H. G. Wells could scare us all to death by tricking us into thinking that our ancestors had come for a visit.
Actually, I believe the Panspermia theory has a basis in fact. Life on Earth was seeded from outer space. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth…Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1: 1 and 26). Which explanation is more plausible?
This test was conducted to see if there might be any validity to the theory known as Panspermia, the concept that Earth was “seeded” by life from outer space. Apparently the belief is that a rock from Mars (thrown?) with some life forms onboard made it to Earth, fell into a pool of water where the little creatures began to swim, grow and thrive. Over billions of years those little Martians developed gills, legs, and the desire to breathe with lungs and walk on dirt. After billions of years we Martians invented radio so that H. G. Wells could scare us all to death by tricking us into thinking that our ancestors had come for a visit.
Actually, I believe the Panspermia theory has a basis in fact. Life on Earth was seeded from outer space. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the Earth…Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” (Genesis 1: 1 and 26). Which explanation is more plausible?
Friday, September 14, 2007
What Will You Do With 37 Extra Days?
“Life Expectancy in US rises” blazed the headline. It’s true. According to US statistics our life expectancy rose from 77.8 in 2004 to 77.9 in 2005. That means you may get an extra 37 days on this earth. What are you going to do with your extra days?
Time management. The way we use our days is important. The Scriptures emphasize this again and again. Paul said, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Once we wise up and begin following the Lord, there is much to do. We must redeem, or buy back, the time we wasted living for the world and its pleasures. Perhaps you’ll have an extra 37 days to live righteously instead of sinfully.
Evangelism. Jesus’ disciples were trying to get Him to eat some food they had brought. He replied, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” He was in the process of teaching a whole town about the salvation God was bringing them through His life. He referred to that effort as “my food,” meaning that what really energized and sustained Him was taking care of God’s business. Do we have that same appetite for the will of God? Will your extra 37 days be spent telling others about His saving grace?
Child rearing. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The investment we make in our children’s lives, molding and shaping them into godly people, is worth every minute we spend. Placing other pursuits ahead of their spiritual well-being may insure that they will never follow after the Lord’s ways when they grow up. Your last 37 days may be spent contemplating the wonderful lives of your righteous children and their godly families. Neglecting your duty as a parent may mean that your extra 37 days will be spent wringing your hands in despair because your children will not listen to your pleas for their return to the Lord.
Eternity. We may eek out another 37 days in this life by eating right, exercising, etc. While there is nothing wrong with being healthy, we need to be certain that we put bulk of our effort on taking care of those things that lead to eternal life. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
Time management. The way we use our days is important. The Scriptures emphasize this again and again. Paul said, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Once we wise up and begin following the Lord, there is much to do. We must redeem, or buy back, the time we wasted living for the world and its pleasures. Perhaps you’ll have an extra 37 days to live righteously instead of sinfully.
Evangelism. Jesus’ disciples were trying to get Him to eat some food they had brought. He replied, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” He was in the process of teaching a whole town about the salvation God was bringing them through His life. He referred to that effort as “my food,” meaning that what really energized and sustained Him was taking care of God’s business. Do we have that same appetite for the will of God? Will your extra 37 days be spent telling others about His saving grace?
Child rearing. Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” The investment we make in our children’s lives, molding and shaping them into godly people, is worth every minute we spend. Placing other pursuits ahead of their spiritual well-being may insure that they will never follow after the Lord’s ways when they grow up. Your last 37 days may be spent contemplating the wonderful lives of your righteous children and their godly families. Neglecting your duty as a parent may mean that your extra 37 days will be spent wringing your hands in despair because your children will not listen to your pleas for their return to the Lord.
Eternity. We may eek out another 37 days in this life by eating right, exercising, etc. While there is nothing wrong with being healthy, we need to be certain that we put bulk of our effort on taking care of those things that lead to eternal life. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26
Saturday, September 01, 2007
What's A Christian to Do?
I read an article today about a proposed crackdown by the Venezuelan government on parents who name their children unusual names or names that may expose the child to ridicule. The government is even proposing to develop a list of “no fewer than 100 names” from which parents may choose.
I must admit that my first thought was, why can’t we adopt such a law in the United States? As an employer I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t know how to pronounce many of the names of those applying for employment at my company. Some names are just silly, in my humble opinion, and I feel sorry for the child who has to type it on a resume.
Then I thought about freedom. It really is nice to live in a country where parents are free to be total jerks and embarrass their children for the rest of their lives. While unfortunate, it is after all, freedom. Remember the story about the inventor of the Lear jet naming his daughter Chanda? It’s true. Click here. What a great country we live in!
But then I thought about the many Christians in Venezuela. What if a nice couple has a new baby boy and wants to name him Sewell because of their great appreciation and admiration for Sewell Hall? Sewell will not likely be on the official list and yet I see very good reasons for wanting to name a child after a godly man like Sewell Hall. Should they defy Venezuelan law, claiming their “right” to name their child whatever they wish?
Because we have submitted ourselves to the will of God, we must let God answer that question. Peter addressed this question in 1 Peter 2:13-16 where he says, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
You see, Christians in any country don’t decide what laws to follow based on the convenience, logic, or even fairness of the law itself. They submit to all laws simply because God says to submit. The only exceptions are those laws that oppose the very will of God. In Acts 5:29, when Peter was told by the authorities to cease preaching in Jesus’ name, he said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Living in a country like ours it is easy to get the idea that we are free to do pretty much whatever we want. That attitude is prevalent in our culture. If a law is passed that we don’t like, we can demonstrate and exercise civil disobedience to make our position known. While that freedom may be afforded to Americans, it is not afforded to Christians. The people of God are to obey all laws that do not conflict with the law of God. If our countrymen demonstrate and remove an unfair law from the books – great! But Christians are not to take part in civil disobedience.
Resisting the government’s laws is tantamount to resisting God. Romans 13:1,2 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
I must admit that my first thought was, why can’t we adopt such a law in the United States? As an employer I’ve gotten to the point that I don’t know how to pronounce many of the names of those applying for employment at my company. Some names are just silly, in my humble opinion, and I feel sorry for the child who has to type it on a resume.
Then I thought about freedom. It really is nice to live in a country where parents are free to be total jerks and embarrass their children for the rest of their lives. While unfortunate, it is after all, freedom. Remember the story about the inventor of the Lear jet naming his daughter Chanda? It’s true. Click here. What a great country we live in!
But then I thought about the many Christians in Venezuela. What if a nice couple has a new baby boy and wants to name him Sewell because of their great appreciation and admiration for Sewell Hall? Sewell will not likely be on the official list and yet I see very good reasons for wanting to name a child after a godly man like Sewell Hall. Should they defy Venezuelan law, claiming their “right” to name their child whatever they wish?
Because we have submitted ourselves to the will of God, we must let God answer that question. Peter addressed this question in 1 Peter 2:13-16 where he says, “Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men-- as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God.”
You see, Christians in any country don’t decide what laws to follow based on the convenience, logic, or even fairness of the law itself. They submit to all laws simply because God says to submit. The only exceptions are those laws that oppose the very will of God. In Acts 5:29, when Peter was told by the authorities to cease preaching in Jesus’ name, he said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Living in a country like ours it is easy to get the idea that we are free to do pretty much whatever we want. That attitude is prevalent in our culture. If a law is passed that we don’t like, we can demonstrate and exercise civil disobedience to make our position known. While that freedom may be afforded to Americans, it is not afforded to Christians. The people of God are to obey all laws that do not conflict with the law of God. If our countrymen demonstrate and remove an unfair law from the books – great! But Christians are not to take part in civil disobedience.
Resisting the government’s laws is tantamount to resisting God. Romans 13:1,2 “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves.”
Thursday, March 08, 2007
What About Global Warming?
With all the current “hot air” (pardon the pun) regarding global warming, I thought it appropriate to write on the subject. The fears promoted by the global warming crowd express a lack of faith in God. Let me be more plain spoken. A Christian cannot accept the ultimate conclusions of global warming theories which are, if man doesn’t change his ways he will bring about the end of his own existence and perhaps even the end of the world as we know it.
Global Destruction Will Occur. God has reserved for Himself the ultimate destruction of the planet. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. Man will not destroy the earth. The Lord will at a time when He sees fit.
Human Destruction Will Occur. Man’s environmental actions today will not result in the destruction of human existence as some claim. God tells us that man will be around to witness the return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The destruction of the earth occurs “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8. Mankind will witness this return right here from the earth. “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 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. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
Lack of Faith. Christians who buy into the idea that mankind will somehow destroy the earth or his own existence have either forgotten the words of the Lord or they do not have faith in Him. Such thinking is similar to those scoffers in the New Testament days who said, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4. Do we believe His words or not? If so, then we cannot accept the conclusions of the global warming crowd.
Teach Your Children. One of the groups targeted by global warming proponents is school children. Pictures of stranded polar bears have been shown in classes to play upon children’s sympathies for animals and create a belief in global warming and in the dreaded future if we do not act. Parents, we must teach our children about the promises of God. They must know and believe that Jehovah is in control of this world and that man cannot usurp, even through neglect, the authority that God has placed in Himself to destroy both mankind and this earth. While our schools may be promoting the fear of man, we need to teach our children a healthy dose of fear in the One of whom it is said, “in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NASB.
Environmentally Unfriendly. If we reject the hysterical conclusions of the global warming crowd, does that mean we should not be concerned? I don’t believe so. This creation is the home the Lord gave us to live in. Just as we are to care for our bodies (Ephesians 5:29) and be humane to animals (several Old Testament passages come to mind), we need to be conscious of how we treat the earth, which is one of many gifts the Lord has given us to enjoy. However, we need not lose sight of our ultimate responsibility – to love and care for our eternal soul, and be concerned about the eternal soul of others. After all, Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.
Global Destruction Will Occur. God has reserved for Himself the ultimate destruction of the planet. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.” 2 Peter 3:10. Man will not destroy the earth. The Lord will at a time when He sees fit.
Human Destruction Will Occur. Man’s environmental actions today will not result in the destruction of human existence as some claim. God tells us that man will be around to witness the return of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The destruction of the earth occurs “…when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8. Mankind will witness this return right here from the earth. “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 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. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.
Lack of Faith. Christians who buy into the idea that mankind will somehow destroy the earth or his own existence have either forgotten the words of the Lord or they do not have faith in Him. Such thinking is similar to those scoffers in the New Testament days who said, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:4. Do we believe His words or not? If so, then we cannot accept the conclusions of the global warming crowd.
Teach Your Children. One of the groups targeted by global warming proponents is school children. Pictures of stranded polar bears have been shown in classes to play upon children’s sympathies for animals and create a belief in global warming and in the dreaded future if we do not act. Parents, we must teach our children about the promises of God. They must know and believe that Jehovah is in control of this world and that man cannot usurp, even through neglect, the authority that God has placed in Himself to destroy both mankind and this earth. While our schools may be promoting the fear of man, we need to teach our children a healthy dose of fear in the One of whom it is said, “in Him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 NASB.
Environmentally Unfriendly. If we reject the hysterical conclusions of the global warming crowd, does that mean we should not be concerned? I don’t believe so. This creation is the home the Lord gave us to live in. Just as we are to care for our bodies (Ephesians 5:29) and be humane to animals (several Old Testament passages come to mind), we need to be conscious of how we treat the earth, which is one of many gifts the Lord has given us to enjoy. However, we need not lose sight of our ultimate responsibility – to love and care for our eternal soul, and be concerned about the eternal soul of others. After all, Jesus came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
The Death of Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein is dead; hanged by his countrymen for one of many crimes against his own people. Under Saddam, Iraq continually threatened neighboring countries, shook its fist in the face of the world, and killed many of its own citizens. Now the murderer has paid for his crimes with his own life.
His death by capital punishment is supported by the teaching of Scripture. Romans 13 is written in the context of a citizen’s responsibility to obey the government. In God’s plan the government’s role, in part, is to execute justice on evil doers. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he [government – bh] does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Romans 13:4. Several other passages could be cited but such proof is not the purpose of this post.
As I looked at pictures of Saddam on the Internet I felt disturbed by his pending death. It isn’t that I felt that it was wrong for Saddam to die for his evil. I feel quite the opposite. Such punishment is fair and correct, especially in light of his crimes.
The reason I feel disturbed is because even though Saddam was an evil man, Saddam has a soul. He will be ultimately judged by God and will spend eternity dealing with the consequences of that judgment.
Death is very final. Upon death our opportunity for course correction is over. Our chance to right wrongs is gone. The chance for someone to influence a spiritual change in us is past. That disturbs me.
In a way, Saddam’s death sentence could have been a favor to him. He knew his death was eminent. He could make some final preparations and changes. Our own death may well come without any early warning such as in a car crash, a heart attack or a fatal gun shot.
Some say that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime. Each time I hear of a death sentence being carried out, I shudder a bit as I think about my own death. Am I ready? Are there things I need to resolve in my life? Have I adequately taught my children the important, spiritual lessons they need? Have I said what needs to be said to those around me who need encouragement to make some course correction themselves?
For me, capital punishment is a very sober reminder that we will never get out of this world alive. Death is certain and we must be prepared.
“…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
His death by capital punishment is supported by the teaching of Scripture. Romans 13 is written in the context of a citizen’s responsibility to obey the government. In God’s plan the government’s role, in part, is to execute justice on evil doers. “But if you do evil, be afraid; for he [government – bh] does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.” Romans 13:4. Several other passages could be cited but such proof is not the purpose of this post.
As I looked at pictures of Saddam on the Internet I felt disturbed by his pending death. It isn’t that I felt that it was wrong for Saddam to die for his evil. I feel quite the opposite. Such punishment is fair and correct, especially in light of his crimes.
The reason I feel disturbed is because even though Saddam was an evil man, Saddam has a soul. He will be ultimately judged by God and will spend eternity dealing with the consequences of that judgment.
Death is very final. Upon death our opportunity for course correction is over. Our chance to right wrongs is gone. The chance for someone to influence a spiritual change in us is past. That disturbs me.
In a way, Saddam’s death sentence could have been a favor to him. He knew his death was eminent. He could make some final preparations and changes. Our own death may well come without any early warning such as in a car crash, a heart attack or a fatal gun shot.
Some say that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime. Each time I hear of a death sentence being carried out, I shudder a bit as I think about my own death. Am I ready? Are there things I need to resolve in my life? Have I adequately taught my children the important, spiritual lessons they need? Have I said what needs to be said to those around me who need encouragement to make some course correction themselves?
For me, capital punishment is a very sober reminder that we will never get out of this world alive. Death is certain and we must be prepared.
“…it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Hebrews 9:27
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Wealth
The United Nations recently released (2006) its study called, “The World Distribution of Household Wealth.” As best I can determine, household wealth is measured by summing up one’s total assets. That means adding together the value of your house, your cars, your savings accounts, retirement, etc.
Here are some conclusions I draw from the report. Since you are reading this blog, you are probably in the top 50% of the world’s wealthy people. That isn’t hard considering that you only need assets of $2,200 to qualify. Most reading this blog are in the top 10% of the worlds wealthy. To qualify for that rank your assets must total $61,000 or more. Some reading this blog are the top 1% of the world’s wealthy, having assets of $500,000 or more.
Since this blog attempts to address spiritual matters, what should we take away from this survey?
Be Thankful. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11). The Lord has tremendously blessed each of us. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Share. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul exhorts the rich, “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.” By using our blessing to help others we bring glory to God, the source of our wealth.
Have Humility. Our wealth can create distractions that become stumbling blocks in our service to God. The rich young ruler turned away from Jesus after being told to go and sell his goods and give to the poor. Jesus then said, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Luke 18:25
Recognize God as the source of our wealth. “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.” 1 Timothy 6:17. Such recognition will help us have a proper attitude in regard to our things.
To Those With Less. To those who do not have so much wealth, the Lord says, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:9,10.
To All. The conclusion of Paul’s admonition regarding wealth, or the desire for it, is “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11,12.
Here are some conclusions I draw from the report. Since you are reading this blog, you are probably in the top 50% of the world’s wealthy people. That isn’t hard considering that you only need assets of $2,200 to qualify. Most reading this blog are in the top 10% of the worlds wealthy. To qualify for that rank your assets must total $61,000 or more. Some reading this blog are the top 1% of the world’s wealthy, having assets of $500,000 or more.
Since this blog attempts to address spiritual matters, what should we take away from this survey?
Be Thankful. “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11). The Lord has tremendously blessed each of us. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Share. “But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.” Hebrews 13:16. In 1 Timothy 6:18-19, Paul exhorts the rich, “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.” By using our blessing to help others we bring glory to God, the source of our wealth.
Have Humility. Our wealth can create distractions that become stumbling blocks in our service to God. The rich young ruler turned away from Jesus after being told to go and sell his goods and give to the poor. Jesus then said, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Luke 18:25
Recognize God as the source of our wealth. “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.” 1 Timothy 6:17. Such recognition will help us have a proper attitude in regard to our things.
To Those With Less. To those who do not have so much wealth, the Lord says, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Timothy 6:9,10.
To All. The conclusion of Paul’s admonition regarding wealth, or the desire for it, is “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:11,12.
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Christians Bring Down America
So says a recent study of people’s view in several countries, including the United States. You can read the article here on FoxNews.
According to the article, Christians who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible have blackened the eye of this country, causing us to have the next to lowest score when it comes to belief in the theories of evolution. Only Turkey scored lower and that was attributed to their large population of “Islamic fundamentalists.” Do you see the apparent attempt? Equating Bible believing Christians with Islamic fundamentalists. The next thing you know, they will be calling us terrorists.
I thought it interesting that the article states that the Roman Catholic Church and “mainstream Protestants” do not hold a literal view of the Scriptures. The co-author of the study suggests that “professional clergy and theologians” need to speak up in order to educate the poor, Bible believing common folks.
Perhaps the Pope would like to weigh in on whether or not he believes the heavens and earth were created in 7 days like the Scriptures teach. I do wonder what he believes on that subject. Of course, it doesn’t matter what the Pope believes on the subject, nor is it of any concern what any other man believes.
The Berean people in Acts 17:11 did not consult with their professional rabbis when Paul preached to them about the resurrection of Jesus. Rather, they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” I recommend their approach.
When Jesus was asked about marriage and divorce, He appealed to Scriptures. Listen to what He said.
Matthew 19:4-6 “And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Mark 10:6-9 “But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
What? Jesus believes in creation? That is what He said. He stated that God “made them male and female” and in Mark’s account He called it “creation.” Surely His audience was just a bunch of unlearned fools, meaning that He must speak to them on their lower level of understanding, but didn’t really believe it Himself. Actually, those who posed the question were the Pharisees, some of the most learned men of the day.
Jesus could have corrected the Genesis account. In fact, this was a great opportunity for Jesus to set the record straight and fix all the problems with the Jewish Scriptures. Instead, Jesus gives full support to those Scriptures, telling the Pharisees that all they had to do was read it for themselves. “Have you not read…” He said.
You see, Christians (meaning those who follow Jesus Christ) are disciples (meaning learners of Jesus). Jesus believed in the Genesis account. That is a pretty good reason for me to believe in creation, instead of the ever-changing theories of the so-called “learned” among us. As for those “professional clergy and theologians” who do not believe the Genesis account… “Have you not read…”
According to the article, Christians who believe in a literal interpretation of the Bible have blackened the eye of this country, causing us to have the next to lowest score when it comes to belief in the theories of evolution. Only Turkey scored lower and that was attributed to their large population of “Islamic fundamentalists.” Do you see the apparent attempt? Equating Bible believing Christians with Islamic fundamentalists. The next thing you know, they will be calling us terrorists.
I thought it interesting that the article states that the Roman Catholic Church and “mainstream Protestants” do not hold a literal view of the Scriptures. The co-author of the study suggests that “professional clergy and theologians” need to speak up in order to educate the poor, Bible believing common folks.
Perhaps the Pope would like to weigh in on whether or not he believes the heavens and earth were created in 7 days like the Scriptures teach. I do wonder what he believes on that subject. Of course, it doesn’t matter what the Pope believes on the subject, nor is it of any concern what any other man believes.
The Berean people in Acts 17:11 did not consult with their professional rabbis when Paul preached to them about the resurrection of Jesus. Rather, they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” I recommend their approach.
When Jesus was asked about marriage and divorce, He appealed to Scriptures. Listen to what He said.
Matthew 19:4-6 “And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female, and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
Mark 10:6-9 “But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate."
What? Jesus believes in creation? That is what He said. He stated that God “made them male and female” and in Mark’s account He called it “creation.” Surely His audience was just a bunch of unlearned fools, meaning that He must speak to them on their lower level of understanding, but didn’t really believe it Himself. Actually, those who posed the question were the Pharisees, some of the most learned men of the day.
Jesus could have corrected the Genesis account. In fact, this was a great opportunity for Jesus to set the record straight and fix all the problems with the Jewish Scriptures. Instead, Jesus gives full support to those Scriptures, telling the Pharisees that all they had to do was read it for themselves. “Have you not read…” He said.
You see, Christians (meaning those who follow Jesus Christ) are disciples (meaning learners of Jesus). Jesus believed in the Genesis account. That is a pretty good reason for me to believe in creation, instead of the ever-changing theories of the so-called “learned” among us. As for those “professional clergy and theologians” who do not believe the Genesis account… “Have you not read…”
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Our Mother Who Art in Heaven?
My son Joel wrote this article. I include it for your consideration.
The Presbyterian National Assembly recently agreed to allow references to the Trinity to be changed from Father, Son and Holy Spirit to less “sexist” language. There apparently has been some concern in some Presbyterian circles that the masculine reference to the Trinity promotes men as superior to women. Fox News reported that suggestions for alternative phrases were “Mother, Child, and Womb,” “Rock, Redeemer, and Friend,” and “Lover, Beloved, and Love.” It seems that soon we may be hearing some Presbyterians praying, “Our Mother who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…”
Are we to alter what God has said based on our own politically correct worldviews? Nancy Olthoff, the Presbyterian Legislative Committee chair said that the decision doesn’t alter the church’s theological position, but merely “provides an educational resource to enhance the spiritual life of our membership.” One can clearly see in the alternatives that were suggested that the committee carefully tried to pick alternatives that corresponded well to the “Father, Son, Holy Spirit” model, so what is wrong with the change? Let me list several things:
Searching the Scriptures makes answering questions such as these easy and it also helps to maintain unity. Life in general, and spiritual life too, is much more simple when we all follow one standard. The Presbyterians may be unified on this teaching but it is likely that the church will divide over the issue. Churches divided over manmade issues, not Biblical issues. -Bill
The Presbyterian National Assembly recently agreed to allow references to the Trinity to be changed from Father, Son and Holy Spirit to less “sexist” language. There apparently has been some concern in some Presbyterian circles that the masculine reference to the Trinity promotes men as superior to women. Fox News reported that suggestions for alternative phrases were “Mother, Child, and Womb,” “Rock, Redeemer, and Friend,” and “Lover, Beloved, and Love.” It seems that soon we may be hearing some Presbyterians praying, “Our Mother who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…”
Are we to alter what God has said based on our own politically correct worldviews? Nancy Olthoff, the Presbyterian Legislative Committee chair said that the decision doesn’t alter the church’s theological position, but merely “provides an educational resource to enhance the spiritual life of our membership.” One can clearly see in the alternatives that were suggested that the committee carefully tried to pick alternatives that corresponded well to the “Father, Son, Holy Spirit” model, so what is wrong with the change? Let me list several things:
- The decision to allow alternative designations shows a clear disregard for the belief that every word of Scripture is inspired. When Jesus was challenged to prove the resurrection in Matthew 22, He responded in verses 31-32 by quoting, “I AM the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” He then pointed out that God was not the God of the dead, but the God of the living. How could He conclude that? Because of the present tense of the verb “to be.” God said, “I AM,” not, “I was,” or, “I will be.” In other words, Jesus believed that not only was every word of Scripture inspired, but even the verb tenses were inspired. Does the Presbyterian National Assembly truly believe that every word of Scripture is inspired (2 Tim. 3:16)? If so, why the change? If not, why bother following anything the Bible says? Did God not have the alternative of choosing some feminine names/pronouns/etc.? Why did He not, if gender was such a non-issue to His character?
- The decision also throws Jesus’ humanity quite a curve ball. Surely a God with foreknowledge would understand that some women might not be able to relate to a male Savior. Why did He not come as a woman, or better yet, just as an “it” so that everyone could relate? Of course if He came as an “it,” who could relate? Hmmm…quite a problem! Why don’t we just stick with Him being a man, as the Scriptures say?
- Finally, though we could go on, the decision gives culture more credence than God. Did Paul or the other New Testament writers cater to Roman culture? If so, why did they not go soft on issues like homosexuality, other kinds of sexual sins, stealing, lying, drunkenness, and all other issues that might offend a group of people? What we see is that cultural concerns did not influence their writings then, nor would they if the inspired men were writing today.
Searching the Scriptures makes answering questions such as these easy and it also helps to maintain unity. Life in general, and spiritual life too, is much more simple when we all follow one standard. The Presbyterians may be unified on this teaching but it is likely that the church will divide over the issue. Churches divided over manmade issues, not Biblical issues. -Bill
Sunday, June 18, 2006
The Episcopalian's New Female Bishop
On June 18, 2006 the Episcopal Church chose Katharine Jefferts Schori as the first female “chief pastor” or bishop. Let’s apply the attitude and practice of the Bereans, who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things” that the apostle Paul taught them were “so.” In other words, if the Bereans were able to discover that Paul taught them something other than what can be supported by the Scriptures, then they would not believe the teaching nor follow it. So what does the Bible say, if anything, about Bishop selection?
There are two passages in the Bible that provide the church with qualifications for the office referred to as bishop, elder or presbyter. Those passages are 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Let's look at the qualifications pertinent to the discussion.
1 Timothy 3: 1,2 reads:
“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife…”
Titus 1: 5 – 7 reads:
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-- if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God…”
Notice the wording in both passages. “If a man desires the position of a bishop…” and “If a man is blameless…” Paul used the word “man.” Could it be that Paul is using the word “man” to represent a generic “person”? That question is answered by reading further. In both passages Paul says that this man is to be “the husband of one wife.” It is apparent that Paul is not referring to “men” in general but that he has in mind a male who is married to a wife.
If it is acceptable to set aside this qualification so that a woman may be appointed, then any of the qualifications can be set aside. Are we willing to appoint as bishops those who are “quick tempered” or “unjust” or “unholy” or “violent”, all contrary to the qualifications delivered to us?
No. To approach the question in the same manner as the Bereans, whose attitude is recorded in the Scriptures as an example to all, we must search the Scriptures. In this case we find that the Scriptures show us that the Episcopal Church has not followed the revealed will of God in the appointment of Schori.
Do you have the attitude of the Bereans? Are you willing to let the Scriptures mold and shape your thinking on this subject?
There are two passages in the Bible that provide the church with qualifications for the office referred to as bishop, elder or presbyter. Those passages are 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Let's look at the qualifications pertinent to the discussion.
1 Timothy 3: 1,2 reads:
“This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife…”
Titus 1: 5 – 7 reads:
“For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you-- if a man is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of dissipation or insubordination. For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God…”
Notice the wording in both passages. “If a man desires the position of a bishop…” and “If a man is blameless…” Paul used the word “man.” Could it be that Paul is using the word “man” to represent a generic “person”? That question is answered by reading further. In both passages Paul says that this man is to be “the husband of one wife.” It is apparent that Paul is not referring to “men” in general but that he has in mind a male who is married to a wife.
If it is acceptable to set aside this qualification so that a woman may be appointed, then any of the qualifications can be set aside. Are we willing to appoint as bishops those who are “quick tempered” or “unjust” or “unholy” or “violent”, all contrary to the qualifications delivered to us?
No. To approach the question in the same manner as the Bereans, whose attitude is recorded in the Scriptures as an example to all, we must search the Scriptures. In this case we find that the Scriptures show us that the Episcopal Church has not followed the revealed will of God in the appointment of Schori.
Do you have the attitude of the Bereans? Are you willing to let the Scriptures mold and shape your thinking on this subject?
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