One place that is near and dear to my heart is called Audubon Acres, located in Chattanooga, TN at the end of Gunbarrel Road in East Brainerd. Many of you may think that I like this sanctuary because of my bird watching hobby. Actually, this place is special for another reason -- its history.
Audubon Acres is the old home place of a man named Robert Sparks Walker. He was born and raised in the log cabin that still stands on the property. His family moved into this cabin after purchasing the land it sat on. The cabin was abandoned by the Cherokee Indians when they were removed from Tennessee during what is now known as the Trail of Tears. Recently I was on the property and stepped into the visitors center. Their bookstore had a book by written by Mr. Walker called Torchlights to the Cherokees. The book chronicles the history of the Brainerd Mission, whose purpose it was to teach the Cherokees Christianity.
As a side note for you Chattanooga area readers, the areas known as Brainerd and East Brainerd take their names from this mission. There is a cemetery located to the right of Eastgate toward the creek, the only portion of the Mission site that is left.
Chapter two records some interesting information that I felt was applicable to our day. Mr. Walker discusses the founding of the Chickamauga Mission (later renamed Brainerd to avoid confusion with the town of Chickamauga) and its purpose to bring Christianity to the natives. Until the mission had been formed there was very little opportunity to influence the Cherokees with the gospel. The following paragraph from the book explains why.
"The natural criterion by which one judges the efficacy of any religion is its visible effects on the character and behavior of its adherents. Many of the Indian's most brutal, selfish and thievish white neighbors claimed to be Christians. It was natural that the Cherokees should judge the value of this new religion by the character of the people who were steadily encroaching upon their property and many of whom had introduced whiskey into their tribes. To them, Christianity was something that they might do well to avoid."
Then he tells of an Indian Chief who would not permit any literature to be distributed among his tribe until he had first read it and approved of it. Mr. Walker continues, "After listening earnestly to a portion of St. Matthew, the old chief dryly, but seriously remarked, "Well, it seems to be a good book, but it is strange that the white people are not better for having had it so long!"
What about our day? What sort of influence do we have on the world due to the influence the Word has on us? How do people view the religion of Christ based upon what they see in my life? Has God's word had a profound impact on me so that my character speaks positively about God and His word?
Fewer and fewer Christians look different from the world. We dress like the world, talk like the world, and there are even those among us who compromise with the world and even attempt to justify the behavior of the world.
For example, women professing to be Christians wear clothing that reveals their cleavage and showing from under their narrow tops are their bra straps. I hear Christians talking about seeing movies that are rated R. The language and certain scenes in those movies are not content that Christians should either see or approve of. Some young men get up and lead in worship yet in their seats it appears they would rather be anywhere than at worship. The language of Christians is getting worse and worse with more use of euphemisms, speech not becoming a child of God, and even text message abbreviations that take the Lord's name in vain.
In His sermon on the mountain Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16).
Just as the Cherokees were not influenced by the Christians among them who did not exhibit the character of Christ, so we cannot influence our generation if we are flavorless salt or if we hide our light in shame, afraid to be recognized as different. Christians who conform to the world and cannot be distinguished from it bring no glory to God.
We need to take a long look at our lives and be certain that we are truly what Jesus wants us to be. It is highly unlikely that we will be what Jesus wants us to be and still be like the people of this world. It will probably be the case that "they think it strange that" you are different and start "speaking evil of you." (1 Peter 4:4). Examine your clothes, your language, what you watch on TV or movies, your interest in the worship of the Lord, your work habits, your attitude, your charity toward others, your willingness to take the gospel to others, how much you think about heaven, your study habits in regard to the word, etc.
Let's make it our aim that if our history is written 100 years from now that it will not be said of us that we failed to influence our peers because our religion had no "visible effects on [our] character and behavior" as Mr. Walker wrote.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
'Foul' Speech
From the way the woman was yelling, one might have guessed that the man being yelled at had just insulted her child. The woman accused the man of being ignorant, blind, a poor excuse for a human being, and a myriad of other accusations too numerous to list. The tirade continued, off and on, for about an hour, and when the man would not apologize for what had happened, the woman stormed out of the building muttering her disgust. What had the man done to deserve such treatment? Well, among other things, he had failed to call a few fouls, he had called a few fouls that “should not have been called,” and had “been the reason the [insert sports team here] had lost the basketball game.” Who was the woman? Unfortunately, she was a Christian whose child was on the losing team.
It is alarming how that in some Christian’s minds sporting events have become acceptable venues for all kinds of ungodly behavior. Is it true that we are to “put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouth” in every area of our life except in the sporting arena (Col. 3:8)? Does taking our seat in the bleachers relieve us of our responsibility to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29)? Surely we are to maintain our “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” even when we attend sporting events (1 Tim. 2:2).
Not only do some Christians forget their godly behavior when they attend the games, they also excuse themselves from righteousness whenever the topic of sports comes up. How can two Christians be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” when they refuse to speak to each other for a week (or longer) after the annual in-state rivalry football game (Eph. 4:3)? If two Christians cannot sit together and discuss something as eternally irrelevant as a sports rivalry without becoming irritated or angry at each other, have they really learned what it means to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19)? Are they not allowing a mere game to divide two people who should be one in the Lord (John 17:21)?
We can hear the objections now. “Sports officials aren’t bothered by the comments of the fans – they expect to hear those things.” Obviously officials do expect to hear insults during games, but does the fact that one is prepared to hear insulting speech make it acceptable for a Christian to use it? “I may look worked up, but I know deep down it’s just a game.” Christians need to know the difference between enthusiasm and a lack of self-control. It is one thing to cheer loudly, and even to express disapproval of a call in a respectful way, but it is something completely different for Christians to say degrading things and leave the impression to all standing around that they cannot control their tempers. “I was just kidding; don’t think I really meant what I said or did.” It is one thing to give a good-natured ribbing to a rival fan, and it is another to push them to the point of anger. It is one thing for Christians to fake disgust when someone teases them about their team; it is another to allow something so trivial to actually arouse their anger or even to destroy their relationships with others.
A teenager yelling from the bleachers at the high school basketball game had no idea how embarrassed he was about to be. After very angrily yelling some insults at the referee, and making his disgust known to everyone around him, he looked two rows behind him, and to his horror, saw a fellow Christian listening to every word he said. (That man would go on to become an elder in a few years later.) Seeing the man sobered the young man’s attitude quickly, and he spent the rest of the game cheering on his team in a much more civil manner. You see, the reason we have come down so hard on Christians behaving this way is because the author of this article knows first hand how easy it is to forget godliness when it comes to sports – I was that embarrassed teenager. Christian living requires that we make no exceptions when it comes to godly behavior. We cannot be a Christian “most of the time.” It is a full time job, even at sporting events, to “Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)
It is alarming how that in some Christian’s minds sporting events have become acceptable venues for all kinds of ungodly behavior. Is it true that we are to “put away anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from our mouth” in every area of our life except in the sporting arena (Col. 3:8)? Does taking our seat in the bleachers relieve us of our responsibility to, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification…so that it will give grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29)? Surely we are to maintain our “tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity” even when we attend sporting events (1 Tim. 2:2).
Not only do some Christians forget their godly behavior when they attend the games, they also excuse themselves from righteousness whenever the topic of sports comes up. How can two Christians be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” when they refuse to speak to each other for a week (or longer) after the annual in-state rivalry football game (Eph. 4:3)? If two Christians cannot sit together and discuss something as eternally irrelevant as a sports rivalry without becoming irritated or angry at each other, have they really learned what it means to be “slow to anger” (James 1:19)? Are they not allowing a mere game to divide two people who should be one in the Lord (John 17:21)?
We can hear the objections now. “Sports officials aren’t bothered by the comments of the fans – they expect to hear those things.” Obviously officials do expect to hear insults during games, but does the fact that one is prepared to hear insulting speech make it acceptable for a Christian to use it? “I may look worked up, but I know deep down it’s just a game.” Christians need to know the difference between enthusiasm and a lack of self-control. It is one thing to cheer loudly, and even to express disapproval of a call in a respectful way, but it is something completely different for Christians to say degrading things and leave the impression to all standing around that they cannot control their tempers. “I was just kidding; don’t think I really meant what I said or did.” It is one thing to give a good-natured ribbing to a rival fan, and it is another to push them to the point of anger. It is one thing for Christians to fake disgust when someone teases them about their team; it is another to allow something so trivial to actually arouse their anger or even to destroy their relationships with others.
A teenager yelling from the bleachers at the high school basketball game had no idea how embarrassed he was about to be. After very angrily yelling some insults at the referee, and making his disgust known to everyone around him, he looked two rows behind him, and to his horror, saw a fellow Christian listening to every word he said. (That man would go on to become an elder in a few years later.) Seeing the man sobered the young man’s attitude quickly, and he spent the rest of the game cheering on his team in a much more civil manner. You see, the reason we have come down so hard on Christians behaving this way is because the author of this article knows first hand how easy it is to forget godliness when it comes to sports – I was that embarrassed teenager. Christian living requires that we make no exceptions when it comes to godly behavior. We cannot be a Christian “most of the time.” It is a full time job, even at sporting events, to “Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.” (Mt. 5:48)
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!
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Are You Rapture Ready?
I visited a web site the other day called “Rapture Ready.” It is a site devoted to its author’s passion - the rapture. It even comes complete with an index giving the likelihood that the rapture is imminent. By the way, index numbers are high right now. The present reading is 166. The record was set on September 24, 2001 when the index peaked at 182! Of course, you can make a donation of money (not tax deductible) at the website.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
...
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Man Sues Church Due To Holy Spirit Injury
According to an AP report a Knoxville, Tennessee man is suing a church because of injuries he sustained when the Holy Spirit knocked him down and no one at the church bothered to catch him. Several things about this story strike me as interesting.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
From Worms to Butterflies
Nature has always amazed me. I watch with interest all the things around me and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. Several years back when my boys were much younger, they collected some caterpillars from the churchyard and were just dying to bring them home. I consented.
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
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