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!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Are You Rapture Ready?
I visited a web site the other day called “Rapture Ready.” It is a site devoted to its author’s passion - the rapture. It even comes complete with an index giving the likelihood that the rapture is imminent. By the way, index numbers are high right now. The present reading is 166. The record was set on September 24, 2001 when the index peaked at 182! Of course, you can make a donation of money (not tax deductible) at the website.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
So, are you rapture ready? Probably the best way to be prepared for the rapture is to find out what the Bible says about it. Use a concordance, perhaps the one in the back of your Bible and look up the word rapture. Find all the scriptures that use the word and study them carefully.
To make it easier for you, especially since the little concordances in the backs of Bibles are not very complete, I will list the verses for you. Here they are.
...
Now that the list is complete…, well, I was going to suggest that we study the passages, but it appears there are no verses that use the word rapture. In fact, the word is not even in the word of God. How can we be rapture ready if the Bible does not even use the word?
The idea of the rapture is that Jesus will return and “catch away” all Christians from the earth leaving behind confusion and a seven-year tribulation. You may recall the bumper sticker declaring, “In case of rapture this car will be unmanned.” Another one jokingly said, “In case of rapture, can I have your car?”
The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, does speak of Christians being “caught up” in the clouds with the dead who are raised and “so we shall ever be with the Lord.” The rapture is supposed to be a sudden event that is secret except for the fact that lots of folks have disappeared. No warning. Just “poof” and they’re all gone.
The problem with using this text to prove the rapture is verse 16. “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The archangel is going to shout and the trumpet of God is going to sound, yet no one is going to hear them? Keep in mind that Paul is trying to help the Thessalonians understand that their brethren who have died did not miss heaven. They will be raised, then those who are alive will be changed, and all will be caught up and be with the Lord forever. He is addressing only what will happen to Christians. To get the full picture, we must read other passages.
“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.” (John 5:28,29). Observe that the good and the evil are raised at the same time! Jesus said that “all who are in the graves” will come forth. Not just the good folks - all of them. This passage presents great problems for the teaching of the rapture in which only the good are raised. Remember, the word rapture does not appear in the scriptures.
Combine John 5:28, 29 with Matthew 25 and we get even more of the picture. John 5 tells us that the good and bad are raised at the same time and go either to the resurrection of life or the resurrection of condemnation. Matthew 25:31-46 says that Jesus is coming and will gather all nations before him. Jesus will separate the people into two groups, those who have done good and those who have done bad. According to verse 46, the good receive “eternal life” and the wicked receive “everlasting punishment.” Once again, this presents serious problems for the idea of a rapture that includes only the good folks.
Someone may say, “What about Matthew 24 where it says that one will be taken and one will be left?” Let’s examine the passage. The context is Jesus’ prediction of the destruction of Jerusalem which occurred in 70 AD. He is warning the faithful to be prepared for the destruction that is coming as it did in the days of Noah. In verses 37-41 He says, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left.” The “coming” of the Son of Man is a phrase used many times in the Bible to describe God’s “coming” in judgment on a nation. The nation under consideration here is Israel, specifically Jerusalem. Notice that in the days of Noah the flood came and “took them all away.” In the same way two men will be in a field and one will be “taken,” two women at a grindstone and one will be “taken.” Those who are taken are taken in destruction just like those in Noah’s day were taken in destruction. The “taking” is not the rapture.
The rapture is not Biblical. The idea does not fit with clear teaching in God’s word. As always, you should abandon the teachings of men and follow only what God says in His word.
Are you rapture ready? Don’t worry about the rapture. It won’t catch you or anyone else off guard. However, the second coming of Jesus might. You need to be prepared for that. There is no second chance as taught by many rapture theorists. Your opportunity to prepare is now. Hebrews 9:27 says, “...it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Can I help you be prepared? Send me an email letting me know how I can help.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Man Sues Church Due To Holy Spirit Injury
According to an AP report a Knoxville, Tennessee man is suing a church because of injuries he sustained when the Holy Spirit knocked him down and no one at the church bothered to catch him. Several things about this story strike me as interesting.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
When members of a church give their money on Sunday, to whom are they giving it? Is it not an offering to the Lord? If so, then isn't a law suit against a church a law suit against God? So this guy goes to church, gets worked up and according to the article was wanting a Holy Spirit experience, received it and is suing God for providing it. That's strange.
Next there is the action of the church. This guy was injured and went to the hospital for treatment. The suit is to recover medical costs as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Surely the church knew he was injured. If this church truly cares for its members, surely they knew he went to the hospital and perhaps even sent folks to visit him. So why didn't some of their Holy Spirit filled members simply go to his house or to the hospital and heal him? That would have saved the church, as well as this man, a lot of "pain and suffering." He is still hurting today. Why don't they help him even now?
In Acts 20 we read that the apostle Paul was preaching one night and continued until midnight. Eutychus, a young man who was present that evening, fell two stories out of a window and died. Eutychus did not fall because he was filled with the Holy Spirit. He actually had gone to sleep. Acts 20:10 says, "But Paul went down, fell on him, and embracing him said, "Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him." Paul raised this fellow from the dead and gave him back his life. The Knoxville church should have done something similar for this man who was merely injured, if indeed they are filled with the same Holy Spirit as the apostle Paul.
A careful study of the Scriptures makes it very evident that the supposed miracles claimed in churches today are not miracles at all. In New Testament days people's withered hands were made whole in an instant (Luke 6:6ff). In Bible times the dead were raised up (Acts 9:36ff). In the time of the apostles people who had never walked jumped up and began to leap and run (Acts 3:1ff). Whole cities were coming out for healing because people that they knew were actually healed - not gradually over time, but instantly. Why aren't whole cities going to these churches for such healing today? Why isn't the news media covering one amazing story after another on the TV each night? The reason is because Bible miracles are not being performed by these folks today.
The reason Bible miracles are not being performed today is because God didn't intend for those types of miracles to continue. They had a purpose (Mark 16:19,20; Hebrews 2:1-4) and that purpose was served and they are no longer needed. God even intended that they they cease (1 Corinthians 13: 8-10).
Have you been disillusioned by the claims of modern day healers? Contact me if you would like more information about what God really wants to do in your life. He can heal your broken spirit, forgive your sins, and set you on a path to a place where there are no tears, no pain, and no suffering. Email me at the link on this page.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
From Worms to Butterflies
Nature has always amazed me. I watch with interest all the things around me and thoroughly enjoy being outdoors. Several years back when my boys were much younger, they collected some caterpillars from the churchyard and were just dying to bring them home. I consented.
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
When we arrived home, as all boys do, our guys found a jar and put the caterpillars inside with a stick and some leaves. Our house rule for bug prisoners is that they must be turned loose the next morning. Much to my surprise the caterpillars had turned into cocoons by morning. Once again I consented to the begging and we kept a watchful eye on the cocoons for several days.
Coming home from work one evening my very excited boys ran to the car to inform me that the cocoons had turned into butterflies. Actually they were moths, but the technicality seemed to go over their heads. It was indeed quite amazing to see the transformation from worm to butterfly, or rather, moth. Science calls this process of change metamorphosis.
In Romans 12:2 Paul said, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” The word transformed in the original language is “metamorphoo.” Look familiar? Yes, Paul is telling Christians to change their lives.
Just like moths and butterflies, this change is a process. It is accomplished by the “renewing” or renovation of our minds. Everyone understands what it means to renovate a home. You take a run-down place and fix it up. You make it into livable space again.
Paul warns us not to conform ourselves to the world. When we conform ourselves to the world we become like the world. Many have conformed themselves to the world through inappropriate attire such as beachwear or clothing designed to draw attention to the sensual part of our bodies. As the world’s standards have gone down so have the standards of Christians. It was not uncommon just 30 years ago to hear preachers teach against mixed swimming. Who has heard a sermon on that recently? Who takes it seriously any more?
Others conform by becoming covetous in the pursuit of this world’s goods. The quantity of their “things” increases year after year and they lay up treasures for this life. Their happiness begins to come from abundance of things and the quest for more grows greater.
Many conform by adopting the errant attitude that it really doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are a sincere person. Careful attention to the word of God has given way to a “spoon fed” religion where whatever the preacher says must be right. Look around at church. How many open Bibles do you see? Better yet, how often does your preacher reference passages of scripture or open his Bible as he teaches? Does he avoid passages?
Paul warns us to not conform but to be transformed. How is that accomplished? Does God change our lives in a miraculous way?
The process comes through studying God’s word and putting into practice what we find in it. Change comes through examining the life of our Lord Jesus and trying to be what we see in Him. Isn’t that what Paul said in verse 2? “...proving what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” A person cannot know how God’s word can change their lives until they spend time with it.
Paul talks about the process in another passage. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” The context of this passage is the revealing of the New Testament scriptures. Using the word of God (given by the Spirit) as a mirror, we can see the Lord. We also see ourselves and recognize how we differ from the Lord. As we transform those areas of our life that are out of line, we begin to look more and more like Him. We can be like Him!
Paul told the Colossians, “To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27) Paul isn’t talking about Christ literally being in our body. He is talking about the change that occurs when we let Jesus transform our lives from worms to butterflies. Are you allowing that transformation to take place in your life?
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
He Was Gathered To His People
In the books of Genesis and Exodus the phrase “gathered to his people” is used in connection with the deaths of Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and Aaron. Genesis 25:8 says, “Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people.” When I ponder that phrase I picture the spirits of these men leaving their bodies and making their way to the spirits of those who have gone on before them.
My dad passed away two days ago. He, too, was gathered to his people. Dad’s “people” (his parents) were Christians and I am told that they were fine people. They passed away early in dad’s life. To me they are just faces on a picture that go with a few stories dad told about them. I envision dad being gathered to his mom and dad and becoming acquainted in a way that dad was never privileged to share in this life. There will be no separation this time. Eternity is their’s to share and enjoy.
Two Groups of People
The book of Revelation paints a picture of two groups of people: those faithful to the Lord and those who follow after Satan.
Each group is pictured in two different settings, one while living on earth and one after this life is over. Those faithful to the Lord are represented in various ways such as the 144,000, a great multitude, the bride of Christ, those having the seal of God in their foreheads, and the great city, holy Jerusalem. Those serving Satan are pictured as those in league with a beast, having his mark on their hand or forehead, following a great serpent and performing abominable deeds with the great harlot. All people are pictured as in either one or the other group. No one has a question mark on their forehead. They wear either the seal of God or the mark of Satan, indicating their allegiance.
Each group has a different destiny. The faithful of the Lord live forever in paradise where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). The followers of Satan are those of whom it is said, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
To Whom Will You Be Gathered?
Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Those who are not Christians are “people of this world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).
When you and I die we will be gathered to our people. Who have we made “our people” in this life? Those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ or the people of this world? Since the ultimate destiny of every person is one of these two groups, you need to decide who you want to be gathered with. If you love this life and its sin and pleasures, then do nothing. However, if you want an eternity of peace and comfort with the best people who lived this life, then you need to be following Christ. You'll be gathered to your people in the end so be certain that the people you call friends are the people of God.
Dad’s death is a sad event for me. I will miss him so very much. However, I have a hope that I will be gathered to my people, the people of God. When that happens I will be with dad throughout the ages, no longer separated by the pain of death. Knowing how much my dad loved me and desired to be with me in this life, I’m confident that he’ll be the first to greet me when I arrive.
My dad passed away two days ago. He, too, was gathered to his people. Dad’s “people” (his parents) were Christians and I am told that they were fine people. They passed away early in dad’s life. To me they are just faces on a picture that go with a few stories dad told about them. I envision dad being gathered to his mom and dad and becoming acquainted in a way that dad was never privileged to share in this life. There will be no separation this time. Eternity is their’s to share and enjoy.
Two Groups of People
The book of Revelation paints a picture of two groups of people: those faithful to the Lord and those who follow after Satan.
Each group is pictured in two different settings, one while living on earth and one after this life is over. Those faithful to the Lord are represented in various ways such as the 144,000, a great multitude, the bride of Christ, those having the seal of God in their foreheads, and the great city, holy Jerusalem. Those serving Satan are pictured as those in league with a beast, having his mark on their hand or forehead, following a great serpent and performing abominable deeds with the great harlot. All people are pictured as in either one or the other group. No one has a question mark on their forehead. They wear either the seal of God or the mark of Satan, indicating their allegiance.
Each group has a different destiny. The faithful of the Lord live forever in paradise where “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4). The followers of Satan are those of whom it is said, “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
To Whom Will You Be Gathered?
Christians are the “people of God” (1 Peter 2:10). Those who are not Christians are “people of this world” (1 Corinthians 5:10).
When you and I die we will be gathered to our people. Who have we made “our people” in this life? Those who serve the Lord Jesus Christ or the people of this world? Since the ultimate destiny of every person is one of these two groups, you need to decide who you want to be gathered with. If you love this life and its sin and pleasures, then do nothing. However, if you want an eternity of peace and comfort with the best people who lived this life, then you need to be following Christ. You'll be gathered to your people in the end so be certain that the people you call friends are the people of God.
Dad’s death is a sad event for me. I will miss him so very much. However, I have a hope that I will be gathered to my people, the people of God. When that happens I will be with dad throughout the ages, no longer separated by the pain of death. Knowing how much my dad loved me and desired to be with me in this life, I’m confident that he’ll be the first to greet me when I arrive.
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, November 09, 2007
Imagination and Salvation
When I was about five years old we lived in Mississippi. Sherry lived across the street and we played together a lot. As it is with most children, much of our playing involved considerable imagination. Once during a storm a tree fell in our yard. For several days it became our home while we were stranded on a deserted island. It provided our shelter, the way to cross high waters and our weapons to ward off dangerous animals. For most of a day we really believed we were on that island.
On another day I was sitting in Sherry's carport. It was a very hot day. Sherry asked me if I wanted some flavored ice cubes. That sounded wonderful and I asked, “What flavor?” She told me she had several flavors and that she would bring me lemon. After that piece she brought me grape. When I asked for another grape flavored piece Sherry began to laugh. “Can you really taste the grape?” she asked. “Of course” I said. She laughed even harder and told me the ice was plain and had no flavor at all.
Often we are told things which are incorrect but because we either trust the source or want to believe them, we accept those things as truth. In the 1800’s doctors often did not have a pain killer to administer before surgery. They would give a patient a placebo (“sugar pill”) telling them that it was a powerful pain killer. Often they could perform the surgery while the patient was awake and still, feeling no pain.
Could it be that there are those who think they are saved because they believe the message of a preacher who is actually teaching error? In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Did these people believe they were saved? Yes, they did. Were they? Not at all. Jesus said to them, “I never knew you.” These were religious people who felt they were saved and expected to be in heaven, but Jesus said, “Depart from me…”
If it is possible to think we are saved only to find out that it is not so, can we be certain of salvation? Yes, we can. We can have confidence. The key is to depend upon the written word of God, not the spoken word of a preacher or the teaching handed down from our parents.
What does Jesus say about salvation and freedom from sin? In John 8:32 He said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” In His prayer to God Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17). So truth makes us free and the source of truth is God’s word.
In regard to salvation, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). He also said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16. Which of those statements do you believe? Your preacher may preach John 3:16 to you and tell you that all that is necessary for salvation is to believe in Jesus and say the sinners prayer. Has your preacher ever preached on Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21?
The truth on any subject is the sum of all the information from a reliable source. The Scriptures are certainly a reliable source. One must believe (have faith) that Jesus lived, was crucified and was raised from the dead as proof that He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4). However, faith alone will not save (James 2:24). One must also repent (turn away) from the sin in his life and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Baptism is “for the remission of sins” and is the point at which God removes sin from the penitent believer (Colossians 2:11,12). One must have faith in God’s working at baptism or his baptism accomplishes nothing. To put it plainly, if you believed that you were saved before you were baptized, then you were not baptized scripturally and are still in your sins.
I really believed that those ice cubes were flavored lemon and grape. However it was my desire to believe an unreliable source that led me to an incorrect conclusion. A practical joke played by a little girl is very different from incorrect teaching by a man who claims to preach the word of God. Carefully examine the Scriptures above. Contact me to discuss this further. Whatever you do, don’t just imagine you are saved, be confident of it. Examine the word of God. “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160).
On another day I was sitting in Sherry's carport. It was a very hot day. Sherry asked me if I wanted some flavored ice cubes. That sounded wonderful and I asked, “What flavor?” She told me she had several flavors and that she would bring me lemon. After that piece she brought me grape. When I asked for another grape flavored piece Sherry began to laugh. “Can you really taste the grape?” she asked. “Of course” I said. She laughed even harder and told me the ice was plain and had no flavor at all.
Often we are told things which are incorrect but because we either trust the source or want to believe them, we accept those things as truth. In the 1800’s doctors often did not have a pain killer to administer before surgery. They would give a patient a placebo (“sugar pill”) telling them that it was a powerful pain killer. Often they could perform the surgery while the patient was awake and still, feeling no pain.
Could it be that there are those who think they are saved because they believe the message of a preacher who is actually teaching error? In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Did these people believe they were saved? Yes, they did. Were they? Not at all. Jesus said to them, “I never knew you.” These were religious people who felt they were saved and expected to be in heaven, but Jesus said, “Depart from me…”
If it is possible to think we are saved only to find out that it is not so, can we be certain of salvation? Yes, we can. We can have confidence. The key is to depend upon the written word of God, not the spoken word of a preacher or the teaching handed down from our parents.
What does Jesus say about salvation and freedom from sin? In John 8:32 He said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” In His prayer to God Jesus said, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17). So truth makes us free and the source of truth is God’s word.
In regard to salvation, Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). He also said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:16. Which of those statements do you believe? Your preacher may preach John 3:16 to you and tell you that all that is necessary for salvation is to believe in Jesus and say the sinners prayer. Has your preacher ever preached on Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, 1 Peter 3:21?
The truth on any subject is the sum of all the information from a reliable source. The Scriptures are certainly a reliable source. One must believe (have faith) that Jesus lived, was crucified and was raised from the dead as proof that He is the Son of God (Romans 1:4). However, faith alone will not save (James 2:24). One must also repent (turn away) from the sin in his life and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Baptism is “for the remission of sins” and is the point at which God removes sin from the penitent believer (Colossians 2:11,12). One must have faith in God’s working at baptism or his baptism accomplishes nothing. To put it plainly, if you believed that you were saved before you were baptized, then you were not baptized scripturally and are still in your sins.
I really believed that those ice cubes were flavored lemon and grape. However it was my desire to believe an unreliable source that led me to an incorrect conclusion. A practical joke played by a little girl is very different from incorrect teaching by a man who claims to preach the word of God. Carefully examine the Scriptures above. Contact me to discuss this further. Whatever you do, don’t just imagine you are saved, be confident of it. Examine the word of God. “The entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160).
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Dyslexai, AADD, and Serving the Lord
Some time back one of my doctors quizzed me after I complained about a couple of problems. After answering his questions (did you test well in school? are you disorganized?) he concluded that I probably suffer from dyslexia and adult ADD. He suggested I go have some tests run. When I found out the main purpose of testing was to see if I needed to be on drugs, I decided to skip the test. After all, I don’t test well!
One of the many tale-tell signs of both dyslexia and AADD is counting stuff and seeing life through numbers, even if they do come up backwards at times. It occurred to me that I do tend to see life through numbers.
For example, a few years ago I hit 250 pounds. A quick calculation revealed that I was half way to 500, a place I did not want to go. Now, at 270, I’m pleased because I generally see the number as 207.
A more serious set of numbers that I began to focus on a few years ago was my age. Again, doubling the number I soon realized that at 45, I am half way to 90, an age I seriously doubt I will live to see.
That got me thinking about just what I have accomplished and how many more years I will have to do what I feel is important to do, especially in the Lord’s service.
Nan and I used to talk about going to a city where no church of the Lord exists and spending 5 years there working intensively to start a faithful group. Assuming that we were successful, we would move on and start the process again in another city. Five years doesn’t seem like a long time and we ought to be able to do this multiple times. But at age 50 (coming up next), if I have 25 more good years ahead of me, I can only affect 5 cities. Wow! That’s not many. And besides, I am not going to be in a position to make that transition anytime soon – maybe not until 60. Now I am down to 3 cities.
My point here is that we all need to be thinking about how we can have the most impact right now, where we are, not way off into the future in some other place. If we are not thinking in that way, we don’t understand our vocation! (Ephesians 4:1 – see the KJV). The new Christians in Bible days, being persecuted for their faith, went everywhere “preaching the word.” Acts 8:4. The Thessalonians were very busy people in the kingdom. “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” 1 Thess 1:8. Paul was not writing to paid evangelists. He wrote that letter to individual church goers like you and me. Are we so busy that the preachers need not preach?
How old are you? How many more good years do you have in you to spread the news? When was the last time you said, “I need to get busy because my life racing by quickly,” only to let a few more years slip by? We cannot wait for retirement! We can’t wait until we have the money! When those things come we will either have too many aches and pains or our affections will have been drawn away to other matters by our wealth. Today is the day that we must start the Lord’s work in our lives.
One of the many tale-tell signs of both dyslexia and AADD is counting stuff and seeing life through numbers, even if they do come up backwards at times. It occurred to me that I do tend to see life through numbers.
For example, a few years ago I hit 250 pounds. A quick calculation revealed that I was half way to 500, a place I did not want to go. Now, at 270, I’m pleased because I generally see the number as 207.
A more serious set of numbers that I began to focus on a few years ago was my age. Again, doubling the number I soon realized that at 45, I am half way to 90, an age I seriously doubt I will live to see.
That got me thinking about just what I have accomplished and how many more years I will have to do what I feel is important to do, especially in the Lord’s service.
Nan and I used to talk about going to a city where no church of the Lord exists and spending 5 years there working intensively to start a faithful group. Assuming that we were successful, we would move on and start the process again in another city. Five years doesn’t seem like a long time and we ought to be able to do this multiple times. But at age 50 (coming up next), if I have 25 more good years ahead of me, I can only affect 5 cities. Wow! That’s not many. And besides, I am not going to be in a position to make that transition anytime soon – maybe not until 60. Now I am down to 3 cities.
My point here is that we all need to be thinking about how we can have the most impact right now, where we are, not way off into the future in some other place. If we are not thinking in that way, we don’t understand our vocation! (Ephesians 4:1 – see the KJV). The new Christians in Bible days, being persecuted for their faith, went everywhere “preaching the word.” Acts 8:4. The Thessalonians were very busy people in the kingdom. “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” 1 Thess 1:8. Paul was not writing to paid evangelists. He wrote that letter to individual church goers like you and me. Are we so busy that the preachers need not preach?
How old are you? How many more good years do you have in you to spread the news? When was the last time you said, “I need to get busy because my life racing by quickly,” only to let a few more years slip by? We cannot wait for retirement! We can’t wait until we have the money! When those things come we will either have too many aches and pains or our affections will have been drawn away to other matters by our wealth. Today is the day that we must start the Lord’s work in our lives.
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.”
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