Dear friends, I am not writing you a new command but an old one, which you have had since the beginning. This old command is the message you have heard. Yet I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him. (1 John 2:7-11)
The above passage is part of a letter the apostle John, in his later years, wrote to a church. Just prior to this passage John repeats what Jesus Himself said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” Then, John references an “old command.” What is the old command John is referring to? I believe it’s what Jesus said in Matthew 22:37 – 39. Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”
In his letter, John is reminding his brothers and sisters in Christ that all of the law (the Ten Commandments) can be summed up in these two commands. If we have perfect love of God and perfect love of our neighbors, then we’ll be able to adhere to the Ten Commandments. This is the old command, one that every Christian should be familiar with.
So what is the new command that God, through John, is giving us? Later in the chapter, John talks about antichrists coming. An antichrist is anyone who denies that Jesus is the Christ. And the church that John is writing to is under attack by those that would undermine Jesus as the Christ. He writes, “I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray” (1 John 2:26). In that day, it was the Gnostics who were trying to lead the Christians astray. I’ll not go into Gnosticism. I’ll leave that as an exercise for the reader. But the new command that John is issuing, I believe, is not really a new command in the sense that his readers had never heard it before. It’s not a new command in the sense that it’s not something that fits under the first two commands issued by Jesus. But, it’s called a “new” command because John is emphasizing it. He’s calling it out. He’s reinforcing that then, more than ever, and now, by the way, it’s important to follow this “new” command. What is the new command? It’s a call to Christian unity. A call to go out of the way to love our Christian brothers and sisters.
The apostle Paul issued a similar decree in Galatians 6:10. He says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Emphasis mine). John is saying the same thing. In 1 John 2:9-11 he uses the term “brother”. Generally, in the New Testament, when we see the term “brother” it means fellow Christian. John is saying that if we hate our own, our brothers and sisters in Christ, then we are walking in darkness, we are not walking with God. Because of the attack by unbelievers the church is under, John is rallying his troops and imploring them to unify. And the grand unifier is love for one another. Yes, we must love our neighbor, John is saying, but most of all, we must love each other.
In the Christian church today, we have a similar problem. There are many forces, many false prophets, and many dangerous philosophies trying to lead Christians astray. And what is the Christian’s reaction? We complain about the type of music being played in church. We fight and bicker amongst ourselves. We pick nits. And rather than following the commands of Christ we try to see how close to the edge of sin we can get. And when people within the church cross that line and stumble into sin, our reaction isn’t forgiveness and love, trying to restore them as we’re commanded to do, but it’s judgment and gossip and self-righteousness. Again, let’s look at what Paul said in Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.” Paul again uses the term “Brother”. He is addressing those of us who know Christ as Lord and Savior. And what’s he telling us? To not just love our neighbor, but to especially love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
John’s rallying cry needs to be heard today more than ever. We need unity in the Christian church. And that unity must cross denominational bounds. By the way, there are no denominations in the Bible. Yes, we must love our neighbors, but we must love most of all our Christian brothers and sisters.
What does this mean? It means when someone within The Church is down and out, we pull together to lift them up. It means when someone within The Church sins, we come alongside them to gently restore them, not judge them or shun them. It means that we care more about others than we do about ourselves. It means that we humble ourselves so that others may be exalted.
And here is something really radical. It means that we support fellow Christians monetarily by patronizing Christian businesses and using Christian tradesmen, even if it means paying a little more or waiting a little longer. We support Christian artists by buying their music even if it isn’t what we normally listen to. It means we go and see, rent, and buy Christian movies or at least movies that present a Christian worldview. Basically, we need to go out of our way to support those who are trying to win the world back to Christ and who are trying to live for Christ. It’s the least we can do since most of us wrap ourselves in our Christian bubble, secure in our salvation, but never telling anyone else about Christ, never going on mission trips, and rarely stepping out of our comfort zone to help someone in need.
The lost world is watching us. And when the church of Christ acts like those watching, there is nothing appealing to draw the lost to us. We need to clean our own house before we can expect to help the lost clean theirs. Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is the first step toward showing the lost world what Christ is all about.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
False Prophets
This is a follow up of sorts on the previous blog about ignoring the Bible. Only, this time, I’m going to discuss false prophets who twist the Bible. I’ve heard preachers say that today’s modern day prophets are preachers who expound upon the Bible. In a way, this makes sense, as they are delivering God’s Word to the people, much like the prophets of old did. I do wonder, though, why there are not still prophets receiving God’s revelation and telling us what is on God’s mind.
We could interpret Revelation 22:18-19 to be God’s last words to us: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
However, we could also interpret these verses as applying strictly to the prophesies in Revelation.
We can also look to Proverbs 30:5 – 6 for a possible answer: “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
But, the point of this blog is not to discuss why there aren’t modern day prophets. There are many websites out there claiming there are. You can read those at your own leisure.
And over the years, there have been those who have proclaimed themselves to be prophets of God. Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, and others have tried to rewrite the Bible to their own ends. More recently, people like Jim Jones (Guyana and spiked Koolaid) and Marshall Applewhite (Heaven’s Gate – mass suicide and the comet Hale-Bopp) have proclaimed themselves prophets of God. These are the obvious examples.
But what about the not so obvious?
I’m reading through the book of Ezekiel and in Ezekiel 13, God addresses false prophets.
God says to Ezekiel, “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:2-3)
He goes on to say, “Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ‘The LORD declares,’ though I have not spoken?” (Ezekiel 13:6-7)
Let’s assume that the only revelation of God we now receive is the Bible. Therefore, if anyone proclaims something is from God, but it does not agree with the Bible, they are a false prophet. Incorrect interpretation of the Bible, intentional or not, is false prophecy. And there are many, many so-called evangelists today that twist and misinterpret the Bible. There may be, for that matter, many many preachers in obscure or not so obscure churches doing the same thing.
So, what’s my point? Two key concepts.
First, we have a responsibility to read and know the Bible ourselves so that we can discern when someone else is preaching something that is not truly from God.
Back in the days shortly following Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, the book of Acts records something we should all take to heart:
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11).
Consider what this is saying. The Bereans are listening to the Apostle Paul, the greatest evangelist ever. We know via the modern day Bible that Paul’s words were inspired by God, but God shows us that even when Paul preached, the Bereans checked the Old Testament to make sure what he said lined up with what God had said. Therefore, we cannot accept at face value every word that comes from the mouths of preachers. It doesn’t matter if it’s your local congregation preacher, Billy Graham or the Pope. They are human, and thus fallible. We need to know the Bible so that we can discern when the Word of God is being misapplied or misinterpreted.
Second point. For those of us who teach the Bible, we have a great responsibility to understand what the Bible says before we try to teach others. If we’re not sure, we’re better off saying we’re not sure. And when we put our own interpretation into something, we need to make sure our audience understands that it is our interpretation and that it could be wrong. We need to encourage our audience to read the Bible for themselves and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them to understanding. We should never become so arrogant as to think we know all the answers and that our interpretation of the Bible is THE interpretation.
James 3:1 warns us “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Teachers of God’s Word will be held to a higher standard.
And for those that willingly falsify God’s Word, attempting to lead others astray, there is a fate for them that I cringe every time I read about it.
2 Peter talks about such people and I believe that today there are many of these people masquerading as preachers of the truth (especially on television).
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2Peter 2:1-3).
For these people, a fate worse than hell awaits. 2Peter 2:17 says, “These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.”
Peter goes on to say that, “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” (2Peter 2:21).
Christians have two responsibilities. Know the Word of God so that we may discern the truth when other people are supposedly speaking God’s Word. And be sure when we speak God’s Word, that we speak it truthfully.
Bottom line. Read the Bible, know the Bible, and tell others about the Bible.
We could interpret Revelation 22:18-19 to be God’s last words to us: “I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
However, we could also interpret these verses as applying strictly to the prophesies in Revelation.
We can also look to Proverbs 30:5 – 6 for a possible answer: “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar.”
But, the point of this blog is not to discuss why there aren’t modern day prophets. There are many websites out there claiming there are. You can read those at your own leisure.
And over the years, there have been those who have proclaimed themselves to be prophets of God. Mohammed, Joseph Smith, Mary Baker Eddy, and others have tried to rewrite the Bible to their own ends. More recently, people like Jim Jones (Guyana and spiked Koolaid) and Marshall Applewhite (Heaven’s Gate – mass suicide and the comet Hale-Bopp) have proclaimed themselves prophets of God. These are the obvious examples.
But what about the not so obvious?
I’m reading through the book of Ezekiel and in Ezekiel 13, God addresses false prophets.
God says to Ezekiel, “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who are now prophesying. Say to those who prophesy out of their own imagination: ‘Hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!” (Ezekiel 13:2-3)
He goes on to say, “Their visions are false and their divinations a lie. They say, ‘The LORD declares,’ when the LORD has not sent them; yet they expect their words to be fulfilled. Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, ‘The LORD declares,’ though I have not spoken?” (Ezekiel 13:6-7)
Let’s assume that the only revelation of God we now receive is the Bible. Therefore, if anyone proclaims something is from God, but it does not agree with the Bible, they are a false prophet. Incorrect interpretation of the Bible, intentional or not, is false prophecy. And there are many, many so-called evangelists today that twist and misinterpret the Bible. There may be, for that matter, many many preachers in obscure or not so obscure churches doing the same thing.
So, what’s my point? Two key concepts.
First, we have a responsibility to read and know the Bible ourselves so that we can discern when someone else is preaching something that is not truly from God.
Back in the days shortly following Christ’s crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, the book of Acts records something we should all take to heart:
“Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11).
Consider what this is saying. The Bereans are listening to the Apostle Paul, the greatest evangelist ever. We know via the modern day Bible that Paul’s words were inspired by God, but God shows us that even when Paul preached, the Bereans checked the Old Testament to make sure what he said lined up with what God had said. Therefore, we cannot accept at face value every word that comes from the mouths of preachers. It doesn’t matter if it’s your local congregation preacher, Billy Graham or the Pope. They are human, and thus fallible. We need to know the Bible so that we can discern when the Word of God is being misapplied or misinterpreted.
Second point. For those of us who teach the Bible, we have a great responsibility to understand what the Bible says before we try to teach others. If we’re not sure, we’re better off saying we’re not sure. And when we put our own interpretation into something, we need to make sure our audience understands that it is our interpretation and that it could be wrong. We need to encourage our audience to read the Bible for themselves and to allow the Holy Spirit to lead them to understanding. We should never become so arrogant as to think we know all the answers and that our interpretation of the Bible is THE interpretation.
James 3:1 warns us “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Teachers of God’s Word will be held to a higher standard.
And for those that willingly falsify God’s Word, attempting to lead others astray, there is a fate for them that I cringe every time I read about it.
2 Peter talks about such people and I believe that today there are many of these people masquerading as preachers of the truth (especially on television).
“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.” (2Peter 2:1-3).
For these people, a fate worse than hell awaits. 2Peter 2:17 says, “These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.”
Peter goes on to say that, “It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them.” (2Peter 2:21).
Christians have two responsibilities. Know the Word of God so that we may discern the truth when other people are supposedly speaking God’s Word. And be sure when we speak God’s Word, that we speak it truthfully.
Bottom line. Read the Bible, know the Bible, and tell others about the Bible.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Whole Bible and Nothing but the Bible
I recently finished reading the book of Jeremiah. And chapter 36 struck a chord with me. It’s interesting that each time I read through a book in the Bible, something new catches my eye. This is why we need to read the Bible and keep re-reading it. God will lay different things on our heart when we do, and through this process we’ll continue to grow in God’s wisdom that comes from His word.
Anyway, here’s the situation in chapter 36. Jeremiah is told by God to dictate to Baruch His words and Baruch is to write them down on a scroll. Jeremiah does this and Baruch reads the scroll in the temple. Some officials of the king of Judah hear the words that God has said to Jeremiah and insist that Baruch read the scroll to King Jehoiakim.
The scroll has some pretty harsh words from God. Basically it says that if Judah doesn’t repent of its ways and return to God, then he will send Babylon to destroy them. (Which God eventually does because both Judah and Israel do not repent and turn back to God).
Here is the passage when Jehoiakim hears the scroll.
Jeremiah 36:20-26 - After they put the scroll in the room of Elishama the secretary, they went to the king in the courtyard and reported everything to him. The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and Jehudi brought it from the room of Elishama the secretary and read it to the king and all the officials standing beside him. It was the ninth month and the king was sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning in the firepot in front of him. Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them.
Basically, the king ignored God’s word. His burning of the scroll made no difference. God had Jeremiah dictate a new one and then did what He said He’d do anyway, plus made things even worse for Jehoiakim.
It’s easy for us to read this and think, “what an idiot, you can’t just ignore the words of God and think what He says will not be.” But don’t we do the same? Aren’t we often selective about which parts of the Bible we believe? Don’t we often ignore other parts of the Bible that we don’t want to accept as truth?
Though we probably don’t tear out the pages we dislike and burn them, like Jehoiakim we often brush aside or read certain passages and show no fear. It’s easy for us to embrace things like, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8). But when we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3) we ignore that and when trials come, we complain and cry, “oh woe is me” and wonder how God can be so cruel to make us go through this stuff.
Guess what! We don’t get to choose which parts of the Bible apply to our lives. All of it does and all of it is The Truth. Therefore, we need to read the entire Bible, we need to ask God for understanding and wisdom, and we need to realize that all of it is relevant to us and all of it is God’s word, and all of it must be followed. We can choose to ignore bad news, but that does not make that news go away. And we can choose to ignore those scriptures we don’t like, but our ignoring them will not make them go away.
Read the Bible. Embrace God’s word. Live the Truth.
Anyway, here’s the situation in chapter 36. Jeremiah is told by God to dictate to Baruch His words and Baruch is to write them down on a scroll. Jeremiah does this and Baruch reads the scroll in the temple. Some officials of the king of Judah hear the words that God has said to Jeremiah and insist that Baruch read the scroll to King Jehoiakim.
The scroll has some pretty harsh words from God. Basically it says that if Judah doesn’t repent of its ways and return to God, then he will send Babylon to destroy them. (Which God eventually does because both Judah and Israel do not repent and turn back to God).
Here is the passage when Jehoiakim hears the scroll.
Jeremiah 36:20-26 - After they put the scroll in the room of Elishama the secretary, they went to the king in the courtyard and reported everything to him. The king sent Jehudi to get the scroll, and Jehudi brought it from the room of Elishama the secretary and read it to the king and all the officials standing beside him. It was the ninth month and the king was sitting in the winter apartment, with a fire burning in the firepot in front of him. Whenever Jehudi had read three or four columns of the scroll, the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the firepot, until the entire scroll was burned in the fire. The king and all his attendants who heard all these words showed no fear, nor did they tear their clothes. Even though Elnathan, Delaiah and Gemariah urged the king not to burn the scroll, he would not listen to them. Instead, the king commanded Jerahmeel, a son of the king, Seraiah son of Azriel and Shelemiah son of Abdeel to arrest Baruch the scribe and Jeremiah the prophet. But the LORD had hidden them.
Basically, the king ignored God’s word. His burning of the scroll made no difference. God had Jeremiah dictate a new one and then did what He said He’d do anyway, plus made things even worse for Jehoiakim.
It’s easy for us to read this and think, “what an idiot, you can’t just ignore the words of God and think what He says will not be.” But don’t we do the same? Aren’t we often selective about which parts of the Bible we believe? Don’t we often ignore other parts of the Bible that we don’t want to accept as truth?
Though we probably don’t tear out the pages we dislike and burn them, like Jehoiakim we often brush aside or read certain passages and show no fear. It’s easy for us to embrace things like, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. (Matthew 7:7-8). But when we read, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3) we ignore that and when trials come, we complain and cry, “oh woe is me” and wonder how God can be so cruel to make us go through this stuff.
Guess what! We don’t get to choose which parts of the Bible apply to our lives. All of it does and all of it is The Truth. Therefore, we need to read the entire Bible, we need to ask God for understanding and wisdom, and we need to realize that all of it is relevant to us and all of it is God’s word, and all of it must be followed. We can choose to ignore bad news, but that does not make that news go away. And we can choose to ignore those scriptures we don’t like, but our ignoring them will not make them go away.
Read the Bible. Embrace God’s word. Live the Truth.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Dan Brown's Conspiracies
Since "Angels and Demons" is in the theaters, I thought I'd re-post this blog of mine from 2006. I had originally posted it on MySpace.
“Those who truly understand their faith, understand the stories are metaphorical.” Robert Langdon in “The Da Vinci Code.”
“Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better people.” Robert Langdon in “The Da Vinci Code.”
The statements above are but two of the idiotic things that issue from the misinformed, pseudo-intellectual mouth of Dan Brown’s character, historian Robert Langdon, in the FICTIONAL book, “The Da Vinci Code.” I don’t know about anyone else reading this, but I don’t believe in a metaphor. I believe in a living, physical God. The apostle Thomas didn’t believe in a metaphor, either. And he didn’t put his hand in the wound of a metaphor. He put his hand in the wound of the resurrected, and very real Jesus Christ.
Just because we don’t see something, doesn’t make it a metaphor. But, to cut unbelievers a break, this is the way they must explain things like true faith. You see, in their pseudo-logical and falsely rational minds, they just can’t believe that anyone would be gullible enough to believe that a man violated the laws of nature and walked on water. Or that a woman had a baby without having had sex. Therefore, they conclude, these things must be metaphors or allegories or stories to represent what we want to believe since we can’t face the harsh reality that we are all nothing but biological entities that live by instincts and then die into nothingness.
Hmm. Actually, the ones that believe in metaphors are those that chase after money, power, fame. These are metaphors, allegories, fables. For they never satisfy. They are ever elusive and never fully obtained. No matter how high a person climbs in wealth, power, or fame, they always want to climb higher. The top of the ladder is truly a metaphor.
But again, I have to cut atheists and agnostics a break because I was once where they are. I used to believe that religion, all religion, and yes, especially Christianity was nothing but a crutch for those who needed something to believe in, who needed a reason for their miserable, pathetic lives. The simple seeking of pleasure and self-centeredness that I had apparently wasn’t enough for some people, so they believed in fables, in a mythical God.
Or, those who had strong faith were those who had troubles in their lives that they just couldn’t explain or wouldn’t take responsibility for, so they “blamed” a supernatural power and clung to the myth that God had everything in control.
That was then, this is now. So, what happened? Did I have one of those experiences? Did tragedy strike and I needed a lifeline to cling to? Did I wake up one day and realize the pointlessness of my life? Sorry, Mr. Atheist, no such deal. The meaninglessness of my previous life only occurred to me after I realized that Jesus Christ was and is real and that He is who He says He is. My selfishness, my living only for myself didn’t drive me to Christ. No, Christ made me realize that’s who I was. There was no reason, other than the Bible is the truth, that I gave my life to Christ. Sorry, Mr. Pseudo-intellectual, but it was through rational, logical thought and study that I came to Christ.
It’s really sad to read a book like “The Da Vinci Code” and realize the world is populated with people like Robert Langdon, so anchored in what they think is reality that anything outside their pseudo-rational thought is simply fable, allegory, myth, or legend.
Our God is a rational God. He is a logical God. And when one studies the Bible and other historical documents, one can only come to this conclusion.
There’s a reason why the conspiracy in “The Da Vinci Code” has never come to light and never held any water. It’s not because the church is all-powerful and has squashed those who supposedly know the truth. No, it’s because The Truth is Jesus Christ and the conspiracy within Dan Brown’s mind is nothing but that, a fictional conspiracy.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Tradition
“Tradition, tradition! Tradition!” Thus sings Tevye in Fiddler On The Roof, one of my favorite musicals.
The Christian church is filled with traditions. Is this a good thing? Let’s take a look at some of the traditions we have and see if there is a Biblical basis for those traditions.
Let’s start with one that is in my church, and that is the invitation. Usually at the end of the service, our pastor as do many pastors in the nation, invite people who may have just realized their need for a Savior to come forward. We then have counselors talk to them and help them with their decision. The person is then presented to the congregation.
Is this Biblical?
In Matthew 10:32 Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” This is public confession and an invitation is a way to publicly acknowledge Christ.
Is there any danger in this tradition? No, as long as we realize that there are other places to be saved other than in a church. And that acknowledgement before others can also take other forms. Just telling your family or friends of your decision is acknowledgement before others. And for many churches, it’s not even a membership requirement to walk the aisle, just encouraged.
Okay, here’s an easy one. Doing the Lord’s supper in church. This is definitely Biblical. Luke 22 is one of the Gospel chapters describing the last supper with his disciples. And in it, Christ commands us to remember him by breaking bread and drinking wine (we now use grape juice). And you can see in 1Corinthians 11 that this is an ordinance to be followed. The Bible does not tell us when we should do this or how often, just that we should. Oh, and it doesn’t have to be done in church. You can do the Lord’s supper in your own home.
Now let’s look at some that are a little more controversial as far as their Biblical basis.
Baptism. This is another command. It is the first command that we should follow after confessing Christ.
Acts 2:37-38 says, When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
I’m not going to get into the order of things or the causality of things, that’s a blog for another time, but you can see that baptism is commanded after salvation. The end of Acts chapter 8 shows the same thing. And other places throughout Acts shows that baptism is a command to be followed after salvation.
How are we to be baptized?
Matthew 3 implies full body immersion, as John was baptizing people, including Christ Himself, in the river. But that’s not the important aspect of baptism. The important part is that baptism must FOLLOW salvation. And salvation is a conscious decision on our part. Therefore, baby baptism is not Biblical. And not only is it not Biblical, it is dangerous.
Why? Because if a person grows up thinking that they are saved because they were baptized as a child and never commits their life to Christ, they are in danger of going to hell when they die. Baby baptism can lull someone into a false sense of salvation.
One final thing about baptism. It does not save a person. Again, baptism is an act we are to do AFTER salvation. It is an act of obedience. It does not save a person. It could be argued, as seen in Acts 2, that one does not receive the Holy Spirit until they are baptized, but that’s still not the same as salvation. Luke 23:40-43 is our evidence that baptism is not necessary for salvation.
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The thief on the cross was not baptized, but Jesus says he will join Him in paradise after they die. Baptism does not save.
What about baby dedication? This is different that baby baptism. And this is Biblical.
Exodus 13:2 says, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal.”
Baby dedication extends this to not only the firstborn male, but every child. As parents, we should vow to raise up our children in the Lord.
Proverb 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
What about speaking in tongues? This one has been twisted and corrupted over the ages. One thing to remember about speaking in tongues, there should always be an interpreter as well. See 1Corinthians 12,13, and 14. The other thing to beware of with speaking in tongues is that no where in the Bible does it say that as proof of salvation, you will speak in tongues. Paul calls this a spiritual gift and each of us has different spiritual gifts. Acts 2 is often misinterpreted. Here, tongues is actually languages. There are people from all over the world visiting Jerusalem and the disciples are given the power by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel of Christ in the languages of all the people visiting. This is a one-time event. Personally, I believe many missionaries that go to foreign lands have the gift of tongues (or languages) as they are able to pick up the language of the people group they work with quickly.
I’m sure there are many other traditions we could discuss. The important thing to remember about any tradition, whether based on Biblical principles or not, is that tradition cannot take the place of a relationship with Christ. We must guard against doing things of tradition and checking them off of our to-do list. Even going to church can become this way.
The last tradition I’d like to mention is singing songs of worship. This is definitely Biblically based – the Psalms are songs – but again, we must guard against thinking this is THE way we worship God. Everything we do should be an act of worship to God. Singing songs is just one small thing we do. And again, guard against this just being something you do on Sunday morning. Think about the words your singing and make it a true time of worship.
Tradition is good, but a living, dynamic relationship with Christ is better. Think of Jesus as a friend. Do you just tick things off a list for your friends?
In John 15:13-15, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Don’t let tradition replace relationship.
The Christian church is filled with traditions. Is this a good thing? Let’s take a look at some of the traditions we have and see if there is a Biblical basis for those traditions.
Let’s start with one that is in my church, and that is the invitation. Usually at the end of the service, our pastor as do many pastors in the nation, invite people who may have just realized their need for a Savior to come forward. We then have counselors talk to them and help them with their decision. The person is then presented to the congregation.
Is this Biblical?
In Matthew 10:32 Jesus says, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” This is public confession and an invitation is a way to publicly acknowledge Christ.
Is there any danger in this tradition? No, as long as we realize that there are other places to be saved other than in a church. And that acknowledgement before others can also take other forms. Just telling your family or friends of your decision is acknowledgement before others. And for many churches, it’s not even a membership requirement to walk the aisle, just encouraged.
Okay, here’s an easy one. Doing the Lord’s supper in church. This is definitely Biblical. Luke 22 is one of the Gospel chapters describing the last supper with his disciples. And in it, Christ commands us to remember him by breaking bread and drinking wine (we now use grape juice). And you can see in 1Corinthians 11 that this is an ordinance to be followed. The Bible does not tell us when we should do this or how often, just that we should. Oh, and it doesn’t have to be done in church. You can do the Lord’s supper in your own home.
Now let’s look at some that are a little more controversial as far as their Biblical basis.
Baptism. This is another command. It is the first command that we should follow after confessing Christ.
Acts 2:37-38 says, When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
I’m not going to get into the order of things or the causality of things, that’s a blog for another time, but you can see that baptism is commanded after salvation. The end of Acts chapter 8 shows the same thing. And other places throughout Acts shows that baptism is a command to be followed after salvation.
How are we to be baptized?
Matthew 3 implies full body immersion, as John was baptizing people, including Christ Himself, in the river. But that’s not the important aspect of baptism. The important part is that baptism must FOLLOW salvation. And salvation is a conscious decision on our part. Therefore, baby baptism is not Biblical. And not only is it not Biblical, it is dangerous.
Why? Because if a person grows up thinking that they are saved because they were baptized as a child and never commits their life to Christ, they are in danger of going to hell when they die. Baby baptism can lull someone into a false sense of salvation.
One final thing about baptism. It does not save a person. Again, baptism is an act we are to do AFTER salvation. It is an act of obedience. It does not save a person. It could be argued, as seen in Acts 2, that one does not receive the Holy Spirit until they are baptized, but that’s still not the same as salvation. Luke 23:40-43 is our evidence that baptism is not necessary for salvation.
But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.”
The thief on the cross was not baptized, but Jesus says he will join Him in paradise after they die. Baptism does not save.
What about baby dedication? This is different that baby baptism. And this is Biblical.
Exodus 13:2 says, “Consecrate to me every firstborn male. The first offspring of every womb among the Israelites belongs to me, whether man or animal.”
Baby dedication extends this to not only the firstborn male, but every child. As parents, we should vow to raise up our children in the Lord.
Proverb 22:6 - Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.
What about speaking in tongues? This one has been twisted and corrupted over the ages. One thing to remember about speaking in tongues, there should always be an interpreter as well. See 1Corinthians 12,13, and 14. The other thing to beware of with speaking in tongues is that no where in the Bible does it say that as proof of salvation, you will speak in tongues. Paul calls this a spiritual gift and each of us has different spiritual gifts. Acts 2 is often misinterpreted. Here, tongues is actually languages. There are people from all over the world visiting Jerusalem and the disciples are given the power by the Holy Spirit to share the Gospel of Christ in the languages of all the people visiting. This is a one-time event. Personally, I believe many missionaries that go to foreign lands have the gift of tongues (or languages) as they are able to pick up the language of the people group they work with quickly.
I’m sure there are many other traditions we could discuss. The important thing to remember about any tradition, whether based on Biblical principles or not, is that tradition cannot take the place of a relationship with Christ. We must guard against doing things of tradition and checking them off of our to-do list. Even going to church can become this way.
The last tradition I’d like to mention is singing songs of worship. This is definitely Biblically based – the Psalms are songs – but again, we must guard against thinking this is THE way we worship God. Everything we do should be an act of worship to God. Singing songs is just one small thing we do. And again, guard against this just being something you do on Sunday morning. Think about the words your singing and make it a true time of worship.
Tradition is good, but a living, dynamic relationship with Christ is better. Think of Jesus as a friend. Do you just tick things off a list for your friends?
In John 15:13-15, Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”
Don’t let tradition replace relationship.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Christian Hypocrites
Dictionary.com has an interesting definition of a hypocrite: a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.
That’s right, according to this definition, everyone who claims to be a Christian is a hypocrite.
Why do I say that?
The definition states “especially a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.” And the Bible says in Romans 3:23 – All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Even the apostle Paul said in Romans
And if Paul struggled to do the right thing and to avoid doing the wrong thing, then the rest of us are in trouble.
And the world, those that are not Christians, love to call us hypocrites. And in the sense they mean (the definition above), they are actually right. We profess to follow Christ. We want to follow Christ. We want to “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” as Matthew
But let’s look at God's definition of a hypocrite.
In the first instance, Christ uses hypocrite as someone who judges others for the same thing they are guilty of themselves.
Matthew 7:1-5 says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Again, this passage is a subject for an entire other blog, but in short, when we look down upon other Christians for stuff they do wrong, this is pride and arrogance, and true Christian hypocrisy. We mess up. Our brothers and sisters in Christ mess up. We should not exalt ourselves above others and judge them for their actions.
Romans 2:1 sums it up: You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
The next use of hypocrite we’ll look at is in Matthew 6, versus 2, 5, and 16. They say:
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Here Christ is saying that a hypocrite is someone that does the things God tells us to do, tithe, pray, and fast, not because we love God, but because we want to appear righteous in front of other people. Again, this boils down to arrogance and pride. We are being hypocritical when we do something supposedly for God, but then claim the glory for ourselves.
Matthew 23 also shows Jesus using the term “hypocrite” as He accuses the Pharisees of being hypocrites because on the outside they appear to be righteous and doing the things of God, but their hearts are dark and, like the above examples, are trying to glorify themselves.
Matthew
This is the person who is more concerned with their outward appearance to other people than their heart toward God.
The last type of hypocrite I’d like to suggest is one that is covered by Matthew 7 and Matthew 23. This is the Christian who is quick to recognize sin in others but will not admit their own iniquity. This is the person who always justifies their own actions, even when those actions are wrong. It is the Christian that may be confessing to God, but will not confess or apologize to others when they have done wrong. It is the Christian more concerned about how they appear to other people than how they appear to God and will go to great lengths to protect their reputation.
James
To me, this last type of Christian is the worst. More than likely, we will mess up. And when we do, we need to confess to God and ask for His forgiveness. But, when we mess up and it affects someone else, we should also confess to that person, apologize, and ask for their forgiveness.
Matthew 5:23-24 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.
We should not approach God until we’ve settled things with each other.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Christians, Boycott!
How can Christians bring about change in our world? Should we try to bring about change? Well, to that second one, I say yes, we should. For too long Christians have sat back and allowed institutions like education, the entertainment industry, and the media be dominated by non-Christians who perpetuate non-Christian values and mores. We have the ability to make change in this world and it is our obligation to exercise that ability.
However, we must do it within the bounds of the laws of our country. Those who blow up abortion clinics are not only violating civic law, but they are also going against God.
Romans 13:1-2 says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.”
In this country, one of the best ways to bring about change is to vote with our pocketbooks.
75% of all Americans claim to be Christians. If only half of those, 37.5% of all Americans, boycotted a product because they wanted something changed, you can bet the company would change.
Okay, so who should Christians boycott? Well, for starters, I think Christians should boycott Hardees and PepsiCo.
Why Hardees? For several years now, Hardees has run advertisements that are blatantly sexually explicit and advertisements that demean, demoralize, and denigrate women. I’m sure you’ve seen the latest one. Sure, the target market is adult men. But, the ads are watched by children, teenagers, and young adults. What message is Hardees sending to these demographics? If their hamburgers are so good, do they really need such filthy ads to push them? Actually, I’m surprised some of the liberals haven’t raised more of a cry on this one. I would think the feminists would be having fits. I guess it just shows their hypocrisy as well.
PepsiCo is a harder one. This means no more Pepsi soda products, no more Pizza Hut (Ouch! That one hurts.) and no more Taco Bell, among other things. I’m struggling with this myself to the point where I forget. Last night I purchased a Cherry Pepsi from a vending machine without even thinking.
So, why PepsiCo? They give large amounts of money to homosexual advocacy groups. And Christian groups have repeatedly lobbied them to stop and instead they’ve increased their support. Therefore, when you purchase something from PepsiCo, you are indirectly supporting homosexuality, something that God detests.
By now you’re probably wondering what the Scriptural support for this is.
Let’s start with Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
And move onto 1John
In the passages above and the one below, “the world” means the world’s system. Things of man, not of God.
James 4:4 says “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”
Here are some more verses directly referencing immorality.
1 Corinthians
Ephesians 5:3 - But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.
And here is God’s command regarding sexual immorality and impurity: Colossians 3:5 - Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
If you think sexual immorality only applies to adultery, fornication or physical sexual sin, think about these words from Jesus: Matthew 5:27 - You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.
Jesus never said living the Christian life would be easy. Everyday we have to make a choice. Do I live for myself or do I live for God? As best as I can, I’m going to try and live for God. What about you?
By the way, don't just boycott, but send them a letter telling them why.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Conversation on Tolerance
Below is a conversation I recently had with someone that was spurred by my blog on tolerance. I repeat it because I think it was a great conversation and allowed both of us to bring up many points and two different viewpoints. My friend is a Christian. No commentary on my part, just what we said to each other. Please comment or react as you see fit.
My friend said,
"This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:
Romans
I agree with your definition. I agree that Christian churches should not accept homosexual marriage. If Christians wish to live at peace with everyone without having to accept everyone's beliefs as valid, churches should refuse to give out marriage licenses to homosexuals; however, they shouldn't give the State authority to define marriage. If Christians attempt to give the state the authority to regulate marriage, they delegitimize the church's own licensing authority.
Brian said,
Good points. I agree with your conclusion, though the state already regulates marriage. Many people are married outside the church and without any church involvement. All that is needed is a justice of the peace and a witness. I agree, though, that the church should refuse to marry homosexual couples.
My friend said,
Then, I think that gay marriage is a matter of tolerance. For moral purposes, isn't any marriage license that the state gives out illegitimate whether it is for a straight or gay couple? If Christians wish to live at peace with homosexuals, they should promote equality under the law. There is no moral reason to oppose state marriage equality because it has nothing to do with religious marriage.
Brian said,
I agree. But, as Christians, we still can, under the limits of the law, make our opinions known. Homosexuality is a moral offense to God. Therefore, we should avoid participating in it (no duh!) and we can, under the constitution of this country, campaign for laws against it. Personally, I like the Dr. Dobbs approach, and that is trying to lead gays to Jesus. Then let the Holy Spirit do His work. But, we have a civic duty to vote. Therefore, if gay marriage laws are proposed, we're within our rights and obligations to vote against them. Does that make sense? I just don't believe in publicly bashing gays or anyone else who lives an immoral lifestyle.
My friend said,
I don't see how it's tolerant (as you have defined) to campaign for laws that oppress a group of people. I see no reason no moral reason to oppose state marriage equality because it has nothing to do with religious marriage.
Brian said,
If one believes that whatever one thinks is right, thus everyone is right, it's called relativism, and denies absolute truth. This denies that there is a right and a wrong. However, I believe in absolute truth. There is a right and a wrong, and that right and wrong is defined by God. If a "group" of people, as you say is doing wrong, to institute controls (laws) to restrict that activity is not oppression. Oppression is denying a group of people who are that way due to no fault of their own the same rights as other groups of people are given. For example, denying education to blacks or denying equal job opportunities to women. Gays are the way they are by choice. It is a lifestyle they have selected. To extend your argument, one would have to include pedophiles, serial killers, bank robbers, drug addicts, and neo-Nazis. These are all "groups" of people. What you're saying is that any law or rule restricting these groups from doing what they feel is okay is oppression. Again, this is relativism. And it denies God's truth, not to mention makes civilized society impossible.
My friend said,
I don't depend on moral relativism to support my views on marriage equality. I depend on the principle of equality under the law. Homosexuals should be treated the same as heterosexuals under the law. The government should not promote homosexuality, I agree; but they should certainly not promote heterosexuality either. The government needs to stay out of the social arena just as it needs to stay out of the economic arena. If there is reason to be restrictive in one, there is reason to be equally restrictive in the other. If Christians support interference into the social arena to restrict what other people can do on their own property, it is certainly not an attempt to "live at peace with everyone."
Brian said,
I would agree with you at the Federal level, as that is the way our Constitution is constructed. However, I don't agree at the local or state level. The people of the state / local community have a right to fashion their laws as they see fit as long as they are not unconstitutional at the federal level. Also, remember, much of our civil law is based on Biblical law. That is the foundation, especially for "moral" laws, though I would argue that most laws are moral. There's a good book you might want to pick up. They argue this much better than I ever could. It's called Legislating Morality.
My friend said,
I'm not saying that people don't have a "right to fashion their laws as they see fit as long as they are not unconstitutional at the federal level." I'm saying that Christians can't support restrictive marriage laws and claim that they are following the Bible's lead, since legislating such restrictions is the opposite of an attempt to "live at peace with everyone."
Brian said,
We support and fashion the laws so that we can live at peace with everyone. Pro gay marriage laws support something that God condemns. How can we be living at peace with people if we're allowing something that God condemns?
My friend said,
Just because you're allowing an individual to make a decision that is bad for themselves doesn't mean that you're supporting that decision. If you wish to help individuals, it is more efficient to persuade them that their decisions are harmful to themselves rather than forcing them to live by your position. Telling others that you know what is best for them, and using the state as your means to enforce that, certainly doesn't lead to a conservative-oriented government. Giving the state the power to restrict that which the majority thinks is immoral is liberalism. And Liberalism is certainly not an attempt to live at peace with everyone.
Brian said,
Not sure what you're using as your definition of liberalism and conservatism. The philosophy of state's rights is conservative. Liberals want a strong and big Federal government and want the government to run our lives. Conservatives believe we as a people should be able to determine our own laws, within the bounds of the constitution.
Let me back up a minute. First of all, the verse live at peace with everyone is a command to the individual and should be taken that way. We as Christians should live at peace with other individuals, as well as we can, no matter what they believe or how they live. Of course, this is within reason and not to the danger of others. So, if someone is a serial killer (extreme example) and we know it, we should turn them into the police.
Homosexuality is both a danger to an individual and to a society. It led to the downfall of both
And actually, complacency is acceptance. Let's use another example. If you allow an alcoholic to keep on drinking and do nothing to help, you are supporting that person's alcoholism. By doing nothing, you are "accepting" alcoholism as being okay. Actions show what we really believe and accept more than words. You may say you don't accept alcoholism, but if you do nothing to help out your friend, you're accepting it by doing nothing about it.
Instituting laws that the majority of people support is not liberalism, it is democracy. Trusting the government to determine what is best for people is liberalism, especially when that goes against the wishes of the majority.
My friend said,
I'm not advocating that you do nothing to help homosexuals, as you suggest in your example. I'm suggesting that you do everything within your power except use force. Do you think that it would be appropriate to lock your alcoholic friend in your basement and take care of him without his consent? I think that it would be much more compassionate to persistently attempt to persuade an alcoholic that his lifestyle is detrimental to himself.
Brian said,
There are times when the alcoholic friend may need to be put in detox or a rehab center against his will.
My friend said,
I don't see force as peaceful. Forcing your friend into rehab against his will, in my opinion, isn't an attempt to live at peace with everyone.
And what do you say?
Friday, April 17, 2009
Tolerance
Tolerance. This is a common word today. I believe it’s also a misunderstood concept. What is the definition of “tolerance”? According to Dictionary.com, citing the 2009 Random House Dictionary, the definition is:
“a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”
This definition bothered me. So, I looked up the word in my Random House Dictionary from 1975. And here is the definition back in 1975:
“a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”
Notice the difference? The word “permissive” is not part of the 1975 definition. And this makes all the difference in the world.
The concept of tolerance has been co-opted by relativists, those that don’t want rules, who reject morality, and who want all beliefs and practices validated.
But consider what the postmodern definition is saying. We’re to have a permissive attitude toward all practices? Where does the line get drawn, then?
So, what is the definition of tolerance a Christian should follow?
The word “tolerance” shows up only once in the Bible, in the NIV translation:
Romans 2:1-4 - You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
The original Greek word translated in the NIV as “tolerance” is “anoche” and actually translates to the word “forbearance” which is defined as “a holding back, a delay of punishment. It represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts God’s conditions” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).
There’s nothing permissive about this word at all.
This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:
Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
One thing that tolerance does NOT mean, is acceptance.
What does it mean for a Christian to show tolerance? We are to respect the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions from our own. We are to respect people as people. We are not allowed to discriminate, judge, nor show any contempt toward someone who has different beliefs and opinions, even practices than us. However, it does not mean we have to accept their beliefs, practices, or opinions as valid.
For example, if someone is a homosexual, we must respect that person, and as the verse above says, do all we can to live at peace with them. And like my previous blog stated, love them and share the Gospel with them. However, we do NOT have to acknowledge that homosexuality is okay. We can lovingly tell them we disagree with their lifestyle.
If someone is a Muslim, we must respect that person, love that person, not discriminate against that person, but we do NOT have to acknowledge that Islam is valid or correct. We are obligated to share the truth with them and that means telling them that Jesus Christ is THE way, THE truth, and THE life and no one comes to God but through Christ.
Tolerance is not abandoning our own beliefs.
And the ironic thing is, any devout Muslim would agree.
Watch out for relativism. As you can see by the new Random House Dictionary definition of tolerance, it is pervasive.
We are to respect and love everyone, but we do not have to accept or acknowledge as valid every belief and practice.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2Timothy 4:2).
And it bears repeating:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18).
“a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”
This definition bothered me. So, I looked up the word in my Random House Dictionary from 1975. And here is the definition back in 1975:
“a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one's own; freedom from bigotry.”
Notice the difference? The word “permissive” is not part of the 1975 definition. And this makes all the difference in the world.
The concept of tolerance has been co-opted by relativists, those that don’t want rules, who reject morality, and who want all beliefs and practices validated.
But consider what the postmodern definition is saying. We’re to have a permissive attitude toward all practices? Where does the line get drawn, then?
So, what is the definition of tolerance a Christian should follow?
The word “tolerance” shows up only once in the Bible, in the NIV translation:
Romans 2:1-4 - You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
The original Greek word translated in the NIV as “tolerance” is “anoche” and actually translates to the word “forbearance” which is defined as “a holding back, a delay of punishment. It represents a suspense of wrath which must eventually be exercised unless the sinner accepts God’s conditions” (Vine’s Expository Dictionary).
There’s nothing permissive about this word at all.
This is what I believe the Christian definition of tolerance is:
Romans 12:18 - If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
One thing that tolerance does NOT mean, is acceptance.
What does it mean for a Christian to show tolerance? We are to respect the right of others to have different beliefs and opinions from our own. We are to respect people as people. We are not allowed to discriminate, judge, nor show any contempt toward someone who has different beliefs and opinions, even practices than us. However, it does not mean we have to accept their beliefs, practices, or opinions as valid.
For example, if someone is a homosexual, we must respect that person, and as the verse above says, do all we can to live at peace with them. And like my previous blog stated, love them and share the Gospel with them. However, we do NOT have to acknowledge that homosexuality is okay. We can lovingly tell them we disagree with their lifestyle.
If someone is a Muslim, we must respect that person, love that person, not discriminate against that person, but we do NOT have to acknowledge that Islam is valid or correct. We are obligated to share the truth with them and that means telling them that Jesus Christ is THE way, THE truth, and THE life and no one comes to God but through Christ.
Tolerance is not abandoning our own beliefs.
And the ironic thing is, any devout Muslim would agree.
Watch out for relativism. As you can see by the new Random House Dictionary definition of tolerance, it is pervasive.
We are to respect and love everyone, but we do not have to accept or acknowledge as valid every belief and practice.
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2Timothy 4:2).
And it bears repeating:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18).
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Christians and Homosexuals
Yesterday the Iowa state supreme court ruled that a law to ban homosexual marriage was unconstitutional.
I could write a long spiel about how the judicial branch once again overstepped its authority. I could write about how Christians should write our congressmen long scathing letters about the immorality of homosexuality. Or I could write my own long scathing blog about how we should condemn homosexuals and their lifestyle and how we should boycott Pepsi because of their support of the gay lobby, blah, blah, blah.
You’re welcome to do any of these things yourself, but as for me, I’m not so sure this is how Jesus would handle the situation. And since my goal, though I’m far from it, is to be as much like Christ as I can, I’m going to write about how I believe we should treat homosexuals and those that support homosexuality.
First, here are some versus from the Bible about homosexuality.
Leviticus 18:22 - Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
Leviticus 20:13 - If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
Romans 1:26-27 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
The first two verses are commands from God and are in the same chapters that condemn adultery, incest, and bestiality. These are all sexual sins. One thing to note, though, is that these commands are given to God’s people.
All of these sexual sins are all lifestyle choices. Let’s get one thing straight, people are not born homosexuals. It is their choice to become one. Yes, there may be social circumstances that push someone toward that lifestyle, but like adultery, bestiality, and incest, homosexuality is a choice.
So, what should our response be to homosexuals and those that support homosexuality?
Here are a couple verses that should give us serious pause. Paul, in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In case you’re unclear, “inherit the kingdom of God” means go to heaven when they die. Therefore, our response to homosexuals and people who support homosexuality or any other sexual sin should be to tell them the Gospel of Christ. We should not condemn them for their lifestyle or for their beliefs. We should not put them down, judge them, or argue with them. We should love them, show them kindness, and tell them what Jesus has done in our life. Then, let God change their hearts and their lifestyles.
1John 3:9 says, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
While we cannot judge the heart, and only God truly knows if someone is saved, if someone persists in a sin, it’s likely they do not have a relationship with Christ. And even if they do, they’ve wandered far from that relationship. So, loving them either to or back to Christ is what we should do. And telling someone the Gospel is never wasted breath.
Isaiah 55:11 - so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We cannot tell unbelievers how to live.
Paul, in 1Corinthians 5, verses 12 and 13 is addressing sexual immorality within the church. He says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.”
This is clear. We are not to judge those who are not believers. Only God can do that. We need to clean up our own house, live our own lives for Christ, and tell others about Christ.
Remember Jesus’ example.
Matthew 9:10 - While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
Jesus hung out with the “sinners”. He didn’t condemn them, put them down, or argue with them. He loved them and showed them the kingdom of heaven. We’re to do the same.
2Timothy 2:23 - Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
There’s a whole blog in the above passage, but for now, just read it and apply it to those who are unbelievers living a type of life you don’t agree with.
Finally, for those of you clinging to your judgmental attitudes, adultery, like homosexuality is a sexual sin. And what did Jesus say when the men dragged the adulterous woman out to Him saying they should stone her to death as the religious law said to do?
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:5).
Jesus’ response to the woman was then this:
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11).
So, I’ll say the same to you regarding homosexuality. Those of you who want to condemn them, if any one of you is without sin, go ahead and cast the first stone.
But if you’re not willing to cast that stone, maybe you could invite a homosexual couple over to dinner and show them the joy of knowing Christ.
I could write a long spiel about how the judicial branch once again overstepped its authority. I could write about how Christians should write our congressmen long scathing letters about the immorality of homosexuality. Or I could write my own long scathing blog about how we should condemn homosexuals and their lifestyle and how we should boycott Pepsi because of their support of the gay lobby, blah, blah, blah.
You’re welcome to do any of these things yourself, but as for me, I’m not so sure this is how Jesus would handle the situation. And since my goal, though I’m far from it, is to be as much like Christ as I can, I’m going to write about how I believe we should treat homosexuals and those that support homosexuality.
First, here are some versus from the Bible about homosexuality.
Leviticus 18:22 - Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.
Leviticus 20:13 - If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
Romans 1:26-27 - Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.
The first two verses are commands from God and are in the same chapters that condemn adultery, incest, and bestiality. These are all sexual sins. One thing to note, though, is that these commands are given to God’s people.
All of these sexual sins are all lifestyle choices. Let’s get one thing straight, people are not born homosexuals. It is their choice to become one. Yes, there may be social circumstances that push someone toward that lifestyle, but like adultery, bestiality, and incest, homosexuality is a choice.
So, what should our response be to homosexuals and those that support homosexuality?
Here are a couple verses that should give us serious pause. Paul, in 1Corinthians 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.”
In case you’re unclear, “inherit the kingdom of God” means go to heaven when they die. Therefore, our response to homosexuals and people who support homosexuality or any other sexual sin should be to tell them the Gospel of Christ. We should not condemn them for their lifestyle or for their beliefs. We should not put them down, judge them, or argue with them. We should love them, show them kindness, and tell them what Jesus has done in our life. Then, let God change their hearts and their lifestyles.
1John 3:9 says, “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God.”
While we cannot judge the heart, and only God truly knows if someone is saved, if someone persists in a sin, it’s likely they do not have a relationship with Christ. And even if they do, they’ve wandered far from that relationship. So, loving them either to or back to Christ is what we should do. And telling someone the Gospel is never wasted breath.
Isaiah 55:11 - so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
We cannot tell unbelievers how to live.
Paul, in 1Corinthians 5, verses 12 and 13 is addressing sexual immorality within the church. He says, “What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.”
This is clear. We are not to judge those who are not believers. Only God can do that. We need to clean up our own house, live our own lives for Christ, and tell others about Christ.
Remember Jesus’ example.
Matthew 9:10 - While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” came and ate with him and his disciples.
Jesus hung out with the “sinners”. He didn’t condemn them, put them down, or argue with them. He loved them and showed them the kingdom of heaven. We’re to do the same.
2Timothy 2:23 - Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
There’s a whole blog in the above passage, but for now, just read it and apply it to those who are unbelievers living a type of life you don’t agree with.
Finally, for those of you clinging to your judgmental attitudes, adultery, like homosexuality is a sexual sin. And what did Jesus say when the men dragged the adulterous woman out to Him saying they should stone her to death as the religious law said to do?
When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:5).
Jesus’ response to the woman was then this:
Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11).
So, I’ll say the same to you regarding homosexuality. Those of you who want to condemn them, if any one of you is without sin, go ahead and cast the first stone.
But if you’re not willing to cast that stone, maybe you could invite a homosexual couple over to dinner and show them the joy of knowing Christ.
Friday, March 27, 2009
It's a Conspiracy!
James 3:14-16 - But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
There is a major conspiracy in the US. It is a conspiracy to brainwash us into devaluing human life.
In Oregon, physician assisted suicide is legal. I read a story about two people who both had terminal cancer and their insurance company refused to pay for their treatment. However, the insurance company was willing to pay for the assisted suicide and even suggested it.
There is a professor at Yale University who believes it should be okay for parents to terminate the life of their child up until the age of 1.
There is a new commercial on for Direct TV where a mock cable company comes up with the slogan to “Youthenize” America. This is made to look funny.
50 million unborn children have been murdered through abortion since Roe Vs. Wade.
Nihilism is rampant in movies. Life is cheap. Count the people killed in movies such as The Dark Knight, The Punisher, No Country for Old Men, any Bond flick, and nearly every other action / suspense / horror movie in the past twenty years.
Even though adult stem cell research is far ahead of embryonic stem cell research and adult stem cell research has actually shown results, there is a major push for embryonic stem cell research. Scientists want to pay women to create embryos so they can kill them and harvest the stem cells. Human life reduced to a commodity crop.
Even though there is little to no real evidence for macro evolution, this “theory” continues to be pushed in public schools as fact. Man is just a higher form of the ape.
An all of this is made to appear “righteous” and good.
This conspiracy, for once, does not originate from our government. Instead, this conspiracy originates with the chief conspirator himself.
2Corinthians 11:14-15 - And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Our enemy, the devil, is waging a war in this world, to get us to view human life as cheap, dispensable. Why?
Jesus said, “He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning” John 8:44b
Hebrews 2:14 says that the devil holds the power of death.
If the devil can get us to devalue temporal life – life on this world, we (and I mean us Christians especially) will have no urgency to worry about eternal life. Nihilism says that when we die, nothing. The more the devil can get people to believe this, the less people that will enter a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the more souls the devil will feast upon in hell. And the more he can get Christians to devalue life, the less we’ll worry about telling our lost friends about Christ.
So, what can we do?
Support filmmakers who make films with a good moral message and that value human life.
Support television shows by supporting advertisers who advertise on television shows that value human life and have a good message.
Support authors who write about the value of human life.
Support politicians who vote pro life.
And tell your friends, co-workers, neighbors, about the saving power of Jesus Christ.
And watch out behind you, for “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8). But there’s good news. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1Peter 5:9-10).
There is a major conspiracy in the US. It is a conspiracy to brainwash us into devaluing human life.
In Oregon, physician assisted suicide is legal. I read a story about two people who both had terminal cancer and their insurance company refused to pay for their treatment. However, the insurance company was willing to pay for the assisted suicide and even suggested it.
There is a professor at Yale University who believes it should be okay for parents to terminate the life of their child up until the age of 1.
There is a new commercial on for Direct TV where a mock cable company comes up with the slogan to “Youthenize” America. This is made to look funny.
50 million unborn children have been murdered through abortion since Roe Vs. Wade.
Nihilism is rampant in movies. Life is cheap. Count the people killed in movies such as The Dark Knight, The Punisher, No Country for Old Men, any Bond flick, and nearly every other action / suspense / horror movie in the past twenty years.
Even though adult stem cell research is far ahead of embryonic stem cell research and adult stem cell research has actually shown results, there is a major push for embryonic stem cell research. Scientists want to pay women to create embryos so they can kill them and harvest the stem cells. Human life reduced to a commodity crop.
Even though there is little to no real evidence for macro evolution, this “theory” continues to be pushed in public schools as fact. Man is just a higher form of the ape.
An all of this is made to appear “righteous” and good.
This conspiracy, for once, does not originate from our government. Instead, this conspiracy originates with the chief conspirator himself.
2Corinthians 11:14-15 - And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.
Our enemy, the devil, is waging a war in this world, to get us to view human life as cheap, dispensable. Why?
Jesus said, “He (the devil) was a murderer from the beginning” John 8:44b
Hebrews 2:14 says that the devil holds the power of death.
If the devil can get us to devalue temporal life – life on this world, we (and I mean us Christians especially) will have no urgency to worry about eternal life. Nihilism says that when we die, nothing. The more the devil can get people to believe this, the less people that will enter a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and the more souls the devil will feast upon in hell. And the more he can get Christians to devalue life, the less we’ll worry about telling our lost friends about Christ.
So, what can we do?
Support filmmakers who make films with a good moral message and that value human life.
Support television shows by supporting advertisers who advertise on television shows that value human life and have a good message.
Support authors who write about the value of human life.
Support politicians who vote pro life.
And tell your friends, co-workers, neighbors, about the saving power of Jesus Christ.
And watch out behind you, for “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8). But there’s good news. “Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” (1Peter 5:9-10).
Friday, March 13, 2009
Shootings and drownings and demons? Oh my!
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12
Sunday, a man walked into 1st Baptist Church of Maryville (IL) and shot and killed the pastor of that church. He then tried to shoot himself, but was wrestled to the ground by men attending the church service.
A day after that, a man in Alabama shot and killed ten people, then killed himself.
A day later, a teenager in Germany killed fifteen students at his former high school, and when wounded by the police, shot and killed himself.
This scenario has happened time and time again since Columbine and it seems that the frequency of these attacks are increasing. The reason for these killings, so says the media, is always the same. The gunman was mentally unstable.
Or was he spiritually unstable?
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons," 1 Timothy 4:1
What makes a person "snap" and go on a sudden killing rampage, usually ending with suicide? Is it the stresses of modern society? What makes a woman systematically drown her five children in a bathtub showing absolutely no emotion while doing so? Was this post-partum depression, as the press claimed?
Or is the cause of these acts something much more insidious that has existed for as long as man and longer?
I wonder how many of us who call ourselves Christians truly believe in the existence of the enemy, and in the existence of the enemy's legion of demons. Do you, Christian, believe in demon possession? Or do you think this no longer happens? Is it just "schizophrenia" as so many would want you to believe? It is depression? Is it snapping under pressure?
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. Matthew 8:16
Jesus and his disciples often cast out demons. In Matthew alone, there are eight separate references to demon-possessed individuals.
When I was in India in 2005, I witnessed an exorcism.
In St. Louis, a young boy was exorcised. This was the basis for the book and movie The Exorcist.
There is no reason to believe that the demons of Jesus' day aren't still around. Ephesians 6:12 is clear - our battle on this earth is a spiritual one. The enemy wages war with his legion of demons.
When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. Mark 8:28.
Demons are violent, evil, denizens of the supernatural realm.
While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. Luke 9:42
Demons take control of humans and make the person act against their will.
And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. Luke 11:14
And if you examine closely the "motives" behind the shootings and killings, they are often jealousy, rage, anger, envy.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:14-16
No, this isn't some horror movie script. This is real. Demons exist and they are increasing in power as has been prophesied in the Bible.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you don't have to worry about yourself. Demons cannot reside where the Holy Spirit resides. If you're not a believer in Christ, call on Jesus today. And tell your friends about the wonderful saving power of Christ.
The solution to this problem isn't stiffer gun laws. The answer isn't more psychological counseling or better medications. The answer is Jesus Christ and Christ alone.
Sunday, a man walked into 1st Baptist Church of Maryville (IL) and shot and killed the pastor of that church. He then tried to shoot himself, but was wrestled to the ground by men attending the church service.
A day after that, a man in Alabama shot and killed ten people, then killed himself.
A day later, a teenager in Germany killed fifteen students at his former high school, and when wounded by the police, shot and killed himself.
This scenario has happened time and time again since Columbine and it seems that the frequency of these attacks are increasing. The reason for these killings, so says the media, is always the same. The gunman was mentally unstable.
Or was he spiritually unstable?
"But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons," 1 Timothy 4:1
What makes a person "snap" and go on a sudden killing rampage, usually ending with suicide? Is it the stresses of modern society? What makes a woman systematically drown her five children in a bathtub showing absolutely no emotion while doing so? Was this post-partum depression, as the press claimed?
Or is the cause of these acts something much more insidious that has existed for as long as man and longer?
I wonder how many of us who call ourselves Christians truly believe in the existence of the enemy, and in the existence of the enemy's legion of demons. Do you, Christian, believe in demon possession? Or do you think this no longer happens? Is it just "schizophrenia" as so many would want you to believe? It is depression? Is it snapping under pressure?
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. Matthew 8:16
Jesus and his disciples often cast out demons. In Matthew alone, there are eight separate references to demon-possessed individuals.
When I was in India in 2005, I witnessed an exorcism.
In St. Louis, a young boy was exorcised. This was the basis for the book and movie The Exorcist.
There is no reason to believe that the demons of Jesus' day aren't still around. Ephesians 6:12 is clear - our battle on this earth is a spiritual one. The enemy wages war with his legion of demons.
When He came to the other side into the country of the Gadarenes, two men who were demon-possessed met Him as they were coming out of the tombs. They were so extremely violent that no one could pass by that way. Mark 8:28.
Demons are violent, evil, denizens of the supernatural realm.
While he was still approaching, the demon slammed him to the ground and threw him into a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the boy and gave him back to his father. Luke 9:42
Demons take control of humans and make the person act against their will.
And He was casting out a demon, and it was mute; when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke; and the crowds were amazed. Luke 11:14
And if you examine closely the "motives" behind the shootings and killings, they are often jealousy, rage, anger, envy.
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:14-16
No, this isn't some horror movie script. This is real. Demons exist and they are increasing in power as has been prophesied in the Bible.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you don't have to worry about yourself. Demons cannot reside where the Holy Spirit resides. If you're not a believer in Christ, call on Jesus today. And tell your friends about the wonderful saving power of Christ.
The solution to this problem isn't stiffer gun laws. The answer isn't more psychological counseling or better medications. The answer is Jesus Christ and Christ alone.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Christian Advertising
My wife's clock radio is set for 91.5 - Bott Radio Network. So every morning I hear some of the preaching that comes over the airwaves. But I also hear advertisements for businesses in the St. Louis area. Occasionally, I'll hear one of these business claim to be a Christ-centered, or Christian run business. I wonder, is this a good idea?
Why would a business promote itself as a Christ-centered business? Since these ads are on a Christian radio show, they may assume that Christians would trust that business more and be more inclined to do business with them. Okay. Maybe. Do we need them to claim this or is their presence on the station enough? Also, does this same business promote itself as a Christ-centered business when they advertise on a secular radio station?
Many Christian-owned businesses put the fish symbol on billboards or print advertisements. I think even most non-Christians in the US know what this symbol means. Is this a wise move?
What if it turns away non-Christians? That is a missed opportunity to witness and show the love of Christ by being a trustworthy business to a non-Christian.
And what about follow-through?. I've done business with one company that advertised on Bott Radio Network and I won't do business with them again. It's not that they displayed non-Christian behavior, but they just weren't that good at what they did. Was my expectation too high? Was my assumption that if this is a Christian run business I should expect high quality a bad one?
And what about that business who advertises as a Christ-centered business and not all their employees exhibit Christ-like behavior? What does this say to the non-Christian?
Here are some verses that tangentially address the vague point I'm trying to make.
Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 15:27 - He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.
These two are pretty obvious. If someone is advertising as a "Christ-centered" business just to get Christian business, but they don't really live up to those values, then may God have mercy on them.
1Corinthians 9:14-15 - So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. But I have used none of these things And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
These verses are a more subtle, but where I would apply this to business is if a business advertises themselves as a Christ-centered business, they better deliver, both in terms of quality and behavior of their employees. Otherwise, it becomes an empty boast and the Gospel message is corrupted. So, why boast at all? A good quality product and Christ-like service / behavior will be blessed by God and thus they should not have to promote themselves as "serving the Master" (one way I've heard it). It should be obvious to anyone that does business with them.
But on the other hand...
Philippians 1:18 - What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments.
Why would a business promote itself as a Christ-centered business? Since these ads are on a Christian radio show, they may assume that Christians would trust that business more and be more inclined to do business with them. Okay. Maybe. Do we need them to claim this or is their presence on the station enough? Also, does this same business promote itself as a Christ-centered business when they advertise on a secular radio station?
Many Christian-owned businesses put the fish symbol on billboards or print advertisements. I think even most non-Christians in the US know what this symbol means. Is this a wise move?
What if it turns away non-Christians? That is a missed opportunity to witness and show the love of Christ by being a trustworthy business to a non-Christian.
And what about follow-through?. I've done business with one company that advertised on Bott Radio Network and I won't do business with them again. It's not that they displayed non-Christian behavior, but they just weren't that good at what they did. Was my expectation too high? Was my assumption that if this is a Christian run business I should expect high quality a bad one?
And what about that business who advertises as a Christ-centered business and not all their employees exhibit Christ-like behavior? What does this say to the non-Christian?
Here are some verses that tangentially address the vague point I'm trying to make.
Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-gotten gains do not profit, But righteousness delivers from death.
Proverbs 15:27 - He who profits illicitly troubles his own house, But he who hates bribes will live.
These two are pretty obvious. If someone is advertising as a "Christ-centered" business just to get Christian business, but they don't really live up to those values, then may God have mercy on them.
1Corinthians 9:14-15 - So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. But I have used none of these things And I am not writing these things so that it will be done so in my case; for it would be better for me to die than have any man make my boast an empty one.
These verses are a more subtle, but where I would apply this to business is if a business advertises themselves as a Christ-centered business, they better deliver, both in terms of quality and behavior of their employees. Otherwise, it becomes an empty boast and the Gospel message is corrupted. So, why boast at all? A good quality product and Christ-like service / behavior will be blessed by God and thus they should not have to promote themselves as "serving the Master" (one way I've heard it). It should be obvious to anyone that does business with them.
But on the other hand...
Philippians 1:18 - What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,
What do you think? I'd love to hear your comments.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Social Gospel
For my mother's birthday, we bought her a brood of chicks. No, she won't actually take physical possession of these baby chickens. Instead, we purchased them through Heifer International in her name to be given to a poor family in a developing nation. This family will raise the chicks and eat and/or sell the eggs from them.
This was actually a small gift to an organization that exists to help equip the world's poor with ways to produce food. A noble cause and worthy of a Christian's support. Right?
Let me tell you another story. When I was a new Christian, I went on a mission trip to a Central American country with an organization that called themselves a Christian organization. Their mission is to help families build houses and to feed children at the schools. The mission trip was pretty much a tour of what they do, though we did spend one day in the mountains delivering food to starving people.
We were able to give the Gospel in several of the schools we visited. But when we asked the president of this organization why they were not more evangelistic, his reply was that he had agreed not to be evangelistic so that they would not offend anyone.
Wait a minute! Offend someone? This supposed Christian organization is giving people new houses and food and they are afraid to offend someone by telling them about Jesus Christ.
This group has bought into the concept of the social gospel. They hang their hat on Matthew 25:34-40. But they ignore the five times, once in each Gospel letter and once in Acts, that Jesus tells his followers to go into all the nations and preach the Gospel.
This organization believes that by doing good, or in their words, "modeling the actions of Jesus" they will win souls to Christ.
One big problem. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." People need to hear the Gospel.
for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:13-15).
People must hear the Gospel. Our question to this organization was what good is it to give them temporary earthly relief, but to allow them to suffer for all eternity in hell. That's not being a responsible Christian.
The point of all this? As a Christian, you need to be aware of where your money is going and what the mission of the organization is that you're donating to. There are some great organizations out there that combine physical comfort with spreading the Gospel - telling people about Christ. Organizations such as World Vision and Samaritan's Purse are two great examples.
People are not saved by what we do. What we do may earn us the right to tell someone about Jesus. But, we must tell them.
Therefore, go and tell.
This was actually a small gift to an organization that exists to help equip the world's poor with ways to produce food. A noble cause and worthy of a Christian's support. Right?
Let me tell you another story. When I was a new Christian, I went on a mission trip to a Central American country with an organization that called themselves a Christian organization. Their mission is to help families build houses and to feed children at the schools. The mission trip was pretty much a tour of what they do, though we did spend one day in the mountains delivering food to starving people.
We were able to give the Gospel in several of the schools we visited. But when we asked the president of this organization why they were not more evangelistic, his reply was that he had agreed not to be evangelistic so that they would not offend anyone.
Wait a minute! Offend someone? This supposed Christian organization is giving people new houses and food and they are afraid to offend someone by telling them about Jesus Christ.
This group has bought into the concept of the social gospel. They hang their hat on Matthew 25:34-40. But they ignore the five times, once in each Gospel letter and once in Acts, that Jesus tells his followers to go into all the nations and preach the Gospel.
This organization believes that by doing good, or in their words, "modeling the actions of Jesus" they will win souls to Christ.
One big problem. Romans 10:17 says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." People need to hear the Gospel.
for "WHOEVER WILL CALL ON THE NAME OF THE LORD WILL BE SAVED." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:13-15).
People must hear the Gospel. Our question to this organization was what good is it to give them temporary earthly relief, but to allow them to suffer for all eternity in hell. That's not being a responsible Christian.
The point of all this? As a Christian, you need to be aware of where your money is going and what the mission of the organization is that you're donating to. There are some great organizations out there that combine physical comfort with spreading the Gospel - telling people about Christ. Organizations such as World Vision and Samaritan's Purse are two great examples.
People are not saved by what we do. What we do may earn us the right to tell someone about Jesus. But, we must tell them.
Therefore, go and tell.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What Does Christianity Look Like?
To answer that question, first read this: http://sports.espn.go.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3789373
Then, read this: http://deltackett.com/2009/01/08/cheering-for-the-underdog/.
"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" Matthew 25:35-40
Any questions?
Then, read this: http://deltackett.com/2009/01/08/cheering-for-the-underdog/.
"For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me. Then the righteous will answer Him, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'" Matthew 25:35-40
Any questions?
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Can You Be a Liberal and Be a Christian?
Last night someone said that she is a Christian, but her family calls her the unchristian Christian in their family because she is liberal. She did not detail her liberalness, but left it at that.
If someone claims to be a liberal and believe what liberal's believe, can they be a Christian?
First of all, let’s clarify what it takes to be a Christian.
Romans 10:9-10 says, That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
The only “criteria” for being a Christian is surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. It’s not who we are, what we’ve done, or how we think that allows us to be a Christian. It’s who Jesus is.
Okay, so becoming a Christian definitely has nothing to do with our politics. Once we are a Christian, we’re instantly changed to a conservative, right? I was, in many ways. But not everyone is going to have the same experience.
I’m a conservative. For me, this means I believe in limited government. I don’t believe in government entitlements (the church should support the poor). I believe in state’s rights, unless explicitly the Federal government’s domain as defined in the US Constitution. I believe in the right to bear arms – individuals can own guns. I believe in lower taxes. But, I pay my taxes and believe there is a need for taxes (I’m a flat tax proponent, myself, but that’s outside our scope here).
No where that I know of in the Bible does it say that the above list of beliefs are necessary for a Christian. You can believe in big government – David’s and Solomon’s governments were big. You can believe in entitlements – “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.’” (Leviticus 23:22). You can believe in a stronger Federal government and a weaker state government (Caesar versus Herod). You can believe in high taxes. You should not believe in not paying taxes. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Romans 13:6. And you can be against individuals owning guns.
So far, doesn’t really matter.
There are two issues, though, that bear mentioning. Abortion and homosexual marriage. Can you support abortion and / or homosexual marriage and be a Christian?
Doing so doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, but doing so also means that you don’t believe all of God’s Word is true.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Psalm 22:10.
God recognizes us as human beings from conception, not from birth. Therefore, killing an unborn child is murder. You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13.
“‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.’” Leviticus 18:22.
“‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” Leviticus 20:13.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Romans 1:26-27.
God considers homosexuality indecent and He detests it.
There are many more versus against these two issues.
But again, back to our original thought. Okay, so if one supports abortion and one supports homosexuality, does that mean they are not a Christian?
No, no, and no. It may mean they are in rebellion to God. It may mean they are a weak and still growing (aren’t we all) Christian. They may be an ignorant Christian.
Now, I believe that over time, the Holy Spirit will work on our thoughts and bring us around to seeing as God sees. But because someone, at the moment, doesn’t believe something WE believe, does not give us the right to judge their salvation. Actually, nothing ever gives us the right to judge someone’s salvation. Only God knows our heart.
In nearly all issues, we can disagree, but we should do so lovingly. We should accept anyone as a fellow person. We can reject their ideas, but we can’t reject them. And, we should not judge another unless we know we’re pure ourselves.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. " Matthew 7:1-5.
I’d love to hear what you think.
If someone claims to be a liberal and believe what liberal's believe, can they be a Christian?
First of all, let’s clarify what it takes to be a Christian.
Romans 10:9-10 says, That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
The only “criteria” for being a Christian is surrendering to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast. It’s not who we are, what we’ve done, or how we think that allows us to be a Christian. It’s who Jesus is.
Okay, so becoming a Christian definitely has nothing to do with our politics. Once we are a Christian, we’re instantly changed to a conservative, right? I was, in many ways. But not everyone is going to have the same experience.
I’m a conservative. For me, this means I believe in limited government. I don’t believe in government entitlements (the church should support the poor). I believe in state’s rights, unless explicitly the Federal government’s domain as defined in the US Constitution. I believe in the right to bear arms – individuals can own guns. I believe in lower taxes. But, I pay my taxes and believe there is a need for taxes (I’m a flat tax proponent, myself, but that’s outside our scope here).
No where that I know of in the Bible does it say that the above list of beliefs are necessary for a Christian. You can believe in big government – David’s and Solomon’s governments were big. You can believe in entitlements – “‘When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.’” (Leviticus 23:22). You can believe in a stronger Federal government and a weaker state government (Caesar versus Herod). You can believe in high taxes. You should not believe in not paying taxes. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Romans 13:6. And you can be against individuals owning guns.
So far, doesn’t really matter.
There are two issues, though, that bear mentioning. Abortion and homosexual marriage. Can you support abortion and / or homosexual marriage and be a Christian?
Doing so doesn’t mean you’re not a Christian, but doing so also means that you don’t believe all of God’s Word is true.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God. Psalm 22:10.
God recognizes us as human beings from conception, not from birth. Therefore, killing an unborn child is murder. You shall not murder. Exodus 20:13.
“‘Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable.’” Leviticus 18:22.
“‘If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.’” Leviticus 20:13.
Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Romans 1:26-27.
God considers homosexuality indecent and He detests it.
There are many more versus against these two issues.
But again, back to our original thought. Okay, so if one supports abortion and one supports homosexuality, does that mean they are not a Christian?
No, no, and no. It may mean they are in rebellion to God. It may mean they are a weak and still growing (aren’t we all) Christian. They may be an ignorant Christian.
Now, I believe that over time, the Holy Spirit will work on our thoughts and bring us around to seeing as God sees. But because someone, at the moment, doesn’t believe something WE believe, does not give us the right to judge their salvation. Actually, nothing ever gives us the right to judge someone’s salvation. Only God knows our heart.
In nearly all issues, we can disagree, but we should do so lovingly. We should accept anyone as a fellow person. We can reject their ideas, but we can’t reject them. And, we should not judge another unless we know we’re pure ourselves.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. " Matthew 7:1-5.
I’d love to hear what you think.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Is Speeding a Sin?
"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves." Romans 13:1-2
This is a question I've wrestled with since surrendering to Christ. I still have not totally resolved this issue. Is speeding a sin or would it be a sin if I am caught speeding and get upset or argue about the ticket?
What is speeding? If the posted speed limit is 60 and I go 61, is that speeding? Or do we rationalize and say that the cops really won't pull me over unless I'm going X (I've heard 4, 5, 7, 8) over the limit? Therefore, I'm only speeding if I've exceeded some mythical speed at which, if a cop were monitoring, I'd be pulled over.
Is it speeding if I go along with traffic? After all, if I'm slower than everyone else, isn't that a traffic hazard, thus causing a more dangerous situation than if I stay with everyone else? The Apostle Paul said, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1Corinthians 10:23. Could speeding in this situation be profitable, as it causes a less dangerous situation?
If I'm speeding, am I resisting authority, as in the verse above? Or does the resistance to authority only come if I'm pulled over and argue with the trooper?
Colossians 3:25 says, "For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality."
Therefore, if I speed, knowing that if I get caught, I'll have to pay a ticket, and I accept that consequence, is that okay?
As you can see, I have lots of questions, but no answers. Not even an opinion. When I owned my RX/8, this was a much more burning question. Now that I have a crossover, it's still and issue, but my foot doesn't seem quite as heavy.
But, I will end with this, Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,"
Let me know what you think.
This is a question I've wrestled with since surrendering to Christ. I still have not totally resolved this issue. Is speeding a sin or would it be a sin if I am caught speeding and get upset or argue about the ticket?
What is speeding? If the posted speed limit is 60 and I go 61, is that speeding? Or do we rationalize and say that the cops really won't pull me over unless I'm going X (I've heard 4, 5, 7, 8) over the limit? Therefore, I'm only speeding if I've exceeded some mythical speed at which, if a cop were monitoring, I'd be pulled over.
Is it speeding if I go along with traffic? After all, if I'm slower than everyone else, isn't that a traffic hazard, thus causing a more dangerous situation than if I stay with everyone else? The Apostle Paul said, "All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable All things are lawful, but not all things edify." 1Corinthians 10:23. Could speeding in this situation be profitable, as it causes a less dangerous situation?
If I'm speeding, am I resisting authority, as in the verse above? Or does the resistance to authority only come if I'm pulled over and argue with the trooper?
Colossians 3:25 says, "For he who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality."
Therefore, if I speed, knowing that if I get caught, I'll have to pay a ticket, and I accept that consequence, is that okay?
As you can see, I have lots of questions, but no answers. Not even an opinion. When I owned my RX/8, this was a much more burning question. Now that I have a crossover, it's still and issue, but my foot doesn't seem quite as heavy.
But, I will end with this, Colossians 3:23 says, "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,"
Let me know what you think.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Peace in the Middle East?
Yesterday, Jimmy Carter was in town promoting his new book about achieving peace in the Middle East. President Carter is a good-hearted man. He’s done much good in this world. But is he on a hopeless mission?
The problem with Carter’s goal is it’s not Biblical for in the Middle East, there are two “nations” descended from two half-brothers. The nation of Israel is descended from Isaac. And the nation of Islam is descended from Ishmael. From the beginning, God told Abraham that Ishmael would be a “wild donkey of a man” and that “his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers” (Genesis 16:11-12). Later, in Genesis 25:18, this is reiterated about Ishmael’s descendents. So, from the beginning, Islam and the Jews were enemies. There can be no peace between them.
Stack on top of the struggle between the Jews and the Arabs man’s fallen condition. We are born sinners and without Christ, we are slaves to that sin nature. Those who do not serve Christ, serve the enemy, whether consciously or not. And the enemy thrives upon chaos, rebellion, and strife. He will do everything in his power to pit man against man. Ephesians 2 shows us that those who do not follow Christ, follow the ways of the “ruler of the kingdom of the air,” who is satan. All of us, prior to Christ, gratified our sinful cravings. Without Christ we are slaves to lust, power, self-centeredness. Even with Christ, we constantly battle the temptation to fall back to our sinful selves (see Romans 7). Man, on his own, creates strife by his very nature.
Finally, with the first coming of Christ, further division came to the earth. And because not everyone will accept Christ (Matthew 7:13) there will always be that division. Christ Himself said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Matthew 10:34-36). Because Christianity is diametrically opposed to the world, satan will do all he can to make Christian’s lives miserable. There will be no peace as long as there are Christians and non-Christians.
What can be done? Can we, at least temporarily, achieve peace in the Middle East. The only hope for true peace is the love of the one and only God. Our job is to love the Arabs and love the Jews and lead them to Christ. The more Christians in the Middle East, the more likely there will be peace. Unfortunately, this too is stacked against us. For the Bible is clear that the Jews will continue, for the most part, to reject Christ as Savior until the 144,000 witnesses, which is after the rapture. (See Revelation 7 and 14).
This doesn’t change our mandate, though. Christ commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. All the world includes the Middle East. So, either go and tell, or support those who do.
Peace between nations in the Middle East may not be achievable until Christ returns. But, peace in the heart of a believer is very much achievable. Pray for the Arabs and the Jews. Love them to Christ.
What do you think?
The problem with Carter’s goal is it’s not Biblical for in the Middle East, there are two “nations” descended from two half-brothers. The nation of Israel is descended from Isaac. And the nation of Islam is descended from Ishmael. From the beginning, God told Abraham that Ishmael would be a “wild donkey of a man” and that “his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers” (Genesis 16:11-12). Later, in Genesis 25:18, this is reiterated about Ishmael’s descendents. So, from the beginning, Islam and the Jews were enemies. There can be no peace between them.
Stack on top of the struggle between the Jews and the Arabs man’s fallen condition. We are born sinners and without Christ, we are slaves to that sin nature. Those who do not serve Christ, serve the enemy, whether consciously or not. And the enemy thrives upon chaos, rebellion, and strife. He will do everything in his power to pit man against man. Ephesians 2 shows us that those who do not follow Christ, follow the ways of the “ruler of the kingdom of the air,” who is satan. All of us, prior to Christ, gratified our sinful cravings. Without Christ we are slaves to lust, power, self-centeredness. Even with Christ, we constantly battle the temptation to fall back to our sinful selves (see Romans 7). Man, on his own, creates strife by his very nature.
Finally, with the first coming of Christ, further division came to the earth. And because not everyone will accept Christ (Matthew 7:13) there will always be that division. Christ Himself said, “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law—a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household’” (Matthew 10:34-36). Because Christianity is diametrically opposed to the world, satan will do all he can to make Christian’s lives miserable. There will be no peace as long as there are Christians and non-Christians.
What can be done? Can we, at least temporarily, achieve peace in the Middle East. The only hope for true peace is the love of the one and only God. Our job is to love the Arabs and love the Jews and lead them to Christ. The more Christians in the Middle East, the more likely there will be peace. Unfortunately, this too is stacked against us. For the Bible is clear that the Jews will continue, for the most part, to reject Christ as Savior until the 144,000 witnesses, which is after the rapture. (See Revelation 7 and 14).
This doesn’t change our mandate, though. Christ commanded us to go into all the world and preach the Gospel. All the world includes the Middle East. So, either go and tell, or support those who do.
Peace between nations in the Middle East may not be achievable until Christ returns. But, peace in the heart of a believer is very much achievable. Pray for the Arabs and the Jews. Love them to Christ.
What do you think?
Monday, February 9, 2009
Who Owns God's Word?
The other day, I was working on something that required a scripture verse. In my browser, I clicked on Favorites and found the link to the online version of the Revised Standard Edition Bible, hosted by the University of Virginia Library. But instead of getting the online Bible, a message was displayed that says:
"We regret that we are unable to host the Revised Standard Version of the Bible on our website any longer. We were recently contacted by the National Council of Churches of Christ (http://www.ncccusa.org/), who own the copyright for the Revised Standard Version of the Bible in the USA. They have asked us to remove the text from our website, and we have complied with their request. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."
Hmmm.
The National Council of Churches of Christ. Certainly sounds like an organization that would be interested in spreading the Gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. But because they "own" the copyright to a certain translation of the Bible, they don't want a public university to make available an electronic version.
What's wrong with this picture?
I poked around a bit on the website of the National Council of Churches USA and could not find an electronic version of the New Revised Standard Version. But you can certainly purchase a hard copy.
At the risk of violating their copyright on their website, here is part of the mission statement for the RSV and NRSV Bible translations:
"The purpose of this program ministry is to provide contemporary, ecumenical, accurate English translations of the Bible, and to promote the use of the Bible in public worship and education, and in private study and devotion."
To promote the use of the Bible in public worship and education, and in private study and devotion. However, only to do so if the NCC USA can make a profit.
Later in their mission statement they say: "to encourage the widest possible use of the NRSV and RSV in their various editions," Again, this is only true if those using "their" version of the Bible are paying for it.
The University of Virginia is a public university. It is not a Christian university. And they had an electronic Bible available. Wonderful! So, wouldn't you think an organization devoted to wide use of the Bible would applaud this university for going to the work of converting it into electronic form and making it available?
You should read the NCC's statement of faith. Does this jive with their actions?
Those on the board of the NCC should strive to be like Paul:
1Corinthians 10:33 - just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved
Apparently, they are deriving a different meaning from 2Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
This action by the NCC seems counter-productive to Jesus' words, when he said, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14).
Our Lord told us to take the Word of God into all the nations. He didn't say we were to make a buck doing so.
What do you think? Am I overreacting?
"We regret that we are unable to host the Revised Standard Version of the Bible on our website any longer. We were recently contacted by the National Council of Churches of Christ (http://www.ncccusa.org/), who own the copyright for the Revised Standard Version of the Bible in the USA. They have asked us to remove the text from our website, and we have complied with their request. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause."
Hmmm.
The National Council of Churches of Christ. Certainly sounds like an organization that would be interested in spreading the Gospel of Jesus to as many people as possible. But because they "own" the copyright to a certain translation of the Bible, they don't want a public university to make available an electronic version.
What's wrong with this picture?
I poked around a bit on the website of the National Council of Churches USA and could not find an electronic version of the New Revised Standard Version. But you can certainly purchase a hard copy.
At the risk of violating their copyright on their website, here is part of the mission statement for the RSV and NRSV Bible translations:
"The purpose of this program ministry is to provide contemporary, ecumenical, accurate English translations of the Bible, and to promote the use of the Bible in public worship and education, and in private study and devotion."
To promote the use of the Bible in public worship and education, and in private study and devotion. However, only to do so if the NCC USA can make a profit.
Later in their mission statement they say: "to encourage the widest possible use of the NRSV and RSV in their various editions," Again, this is only true if those using "their" version of the Bible are paying for it.
The University of Virginia is a public university. It is not a Christian university. And they had an electronic Bible available. Wonderful! So, wouldn't you think an organization devoted to wide use of the Bible would applaud this university for going to the work of converting it into electronic form and making it available?
You should read the NCC's statement of faith. Does this jive with their actions?
Those on the board of the NCC should strive to be like Paul:
1Corinthians 10:33 - just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved
Apparently, they are deriving a different meaning from 2Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;
This action by the NCC seems counter-productive to Jesus' words, when he said, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14).
Our Lord told us to take the Word of God into all the nations. He didn't say we were to make a buck doing so.
What do you think? Am I overreacting?
Friday, February 6, 2009
Religious discrimination once again
Please read / watch the following statement from Senator Jim DeMint, a Republican from South Carolina:
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=48bc4c72-c5d9-b14f-1de2-2178c89792da
Then, you can go to http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00047 to see how your senator voted on this amendment.
Here is the letter I wrote to Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri. I'd encourage you, if you oppose religious discrimination, to do the same.
Dear Senator McCaskill,
I am appalled that you would vote against Senator DeMint's amendment to remove religious discrimination from the economic stimulus bill. You live in a state that faith is extremly important and yet you spit in the face of those of faith.
You once again prove yourself an enemy of the state of Missouri.
You and so many other senators and representatives are using these difficult economic times to drive government spending through the roof and further endanger our country, putting us farther into debt as well as pushing a radical left agenda that most of this country does not agree with. Keep it up so that just like after Clinton's first two years, we can vote the democrats out of office.
If you truly want to stimulate the economy, then lower the taxes on businesses and provide other incentives for business to invest. That adds jobs.
The ACLU agenda in the stimulus is not only discriminatory and unconstitutional (by the way, have you ever read the constitution? Can you point me to the separation of church and state clause?) but is also anti-stimulus, as it might actually curtail further spending by a university to rennovate.
You don't represent this state. You represent those who would destroy our great state.
Sincerely,
Brian Lawrence.
http://demint.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=48bc4c72-c5d9-b14f-1de2-2178c89792da
Then, you can go to http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=111&session=1&vote=00047 to see how your senator voted on this amendment.
Here is the letter I wrote to Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri. I'd encourage you, if you oppose religious discrimination, to do the same.
Dear Senator McCaskill,
I am appalled that you would vote against Senator DeMint's amendment to remove religious discrimination from the economic stimulus bill. You live in a state that faith is extremly important and yet you spit in the face of those of faith.
You once again prove yourself an enemy of the state of Missouri.
You and so many other senators and representatives are using these difficult economic times to drive government spending through the roof and further endanger our country, putting us farther into debt as well as pushing a radical left agenda that most of this country does not agree with. Keep it up so that just like after Clinton's first two years, we can vote the democrats out of office.
If you truly want to stimulate the economy, then lower the taxes on businesses and provide other incentives for business to invest. That adds jobs.
The ACLU agenda in the stimulus is not only discriminatory and unconstitutional (by the way, have you ever read the constitution? Can you point me to the separation of church and state clause?) but is also anti-stimulus, as it might actually curtail further spending by a university to rennovate.
You don't represent this state. You represent those who would destroy our great state.
Sincerely,
Brian Lawrence.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Hate our neighbors?
First, watch this video (about 5 minutes): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JHS8adO3hM
Last night we started our GIC - Global Encounter Celebration, which is our church's missions conference. This video was shown last night. It's a powerful statement. But the one line he says that really pierced my heart was the one about how much do we hate someone that we would not tell them about Christ.
While this is a convicting question, I don't think we Christians, when we don't share the Gospel, hate our neighbor. That's not the problem. The problem is, we love ourselves more than God.
We are commanded in Matthew 22:37 - to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Then, Jesus says, "This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
Thus, this is the crux of our problem. First, we don't love God with all of ourselves. Second, we don't love our neighbor as much as ourselves.
It comes down to pride and vanity, manifested in fear. We are afraid of being bold, of looking like a Jesus freak to someone else. This fear is rooted in vanity and vanity is a form of pride.
Jesus said in John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will obey what I command."
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. And He repeatedly told us to spread the Gospel. Therefore, we disobey God when we don't tell others about Christ. Disobedience is bad enough.
But, fear rooted in vanity stemming from pride doesn't get any worse.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
Notice #1 on God's hate list. Haughty eyes. AKA pride.
It's bad enough that we disobey God, but then we do it because of the #1 thing He hates. Ouch!
Don't think I'm preaching at you. This is really written for me. Conviction coursed through me last night during that video and during the sermon by Dr. John Avant. I have to do better at telling people about Christ. I can't let vanity / pride / fear stand in my way. That's not acceptible. It's not going to be easy for me. But I have to do it.
Penn was wrong. I don't hate someone because I don't tell them about Christ. I suffer from weak faith and I suffer from strong pride. What about you?
Last night we started our GIC - Global Encounter Celebration, which is our church's missions conference. This video was shown last night. It's a powerful statement. But the one line he says that really pierced my heart was the one about how much do we hate someone that we would not tell them about Christ.
While this is a convicting question, I don't think we Christians, when we don't share the Gospel, hate our neighbor. That's not the problem. The problem is, we love ourselves more than God.
We are commanded in Matthew 22:37 - to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."
Then, Jesus says, "This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’"
Thus, this is the crux of our problem. First, we don't love God with all of ourselves. Second, we don't love our neighbor as much as ourselves.
It comes down to pride and vanity, manifested in fear. We are afraid of being bold, of looking like a Jesus freak to someone else. This fear is rooted in vanity and vanity is a form of pride.
Jesus said in John 14:15 - "If you love me, you will obey what I command."
Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. And He repeatedly told us to spread the Gospel. Therefore, we disobey God when we don't tell others about Christ. Disobedience is bad enough.
But, fear rooted in vanity stemming from pride doesn't get any worse.
Proverbs 6:16-19 says "There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."
Notice #1 on God's hate list. Haughty eyes. AKA pride.
It's bad enough that we disobey God, but then we do it because of the #1 thing He hates. Ouch!
Don't think I'm preaching at you. This is really written for me. Conviction coursed through me last night during that video and during the sermon by Dr. John Avant. I have to do better at telling people about Christ. I can't let vanity / pride / fear stand in my way. That's not acceptible. It's not going to be easy for me. But I have to do it.
Penn was wrong. I don't hate someone because I don't tell them about Christ. I suffer from weak faith and I suffer from strong pride. What about you?
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