Friday, December 30, 2011
Abounding as Needs are Met
In Philippians chapter 4, the Apostle Paul showed that he understood what it meant to abound and to suffer need. We are so blessed in this country that few people here really know what it means to “need” food. Sure we might have times when we are hungry because we cannot find a drive thru restaurant, but few have to worry about starving to death. - Still, most of us know what it means to live on a budget. In other words, we do not have a limitless supply of money to buy whatever we want to. That is actually a good thing, because it teaches self control and responsible stewardship. - Part of our stewardship as a family involves keeping a small emergency fund set aside. This fall we were grateful that we had it because both vehicles ended up needing repairs, a couple of us visited the hospital for minor issues, and a new baby was added to our family. In spite of all these challenges, by God’s grace, we have been able to pay all our bills. - Our story probably sounds quite familiar to many of you who are going through similar times in your home, but our story took an interesting turn about a week before Christmas. Our new baby had a slight tongue tie. It was not serious enough for the local doctor to even be concerned about it, but it was causing serious problems with his nursing. - We found a specialist in Lincoln, NE that could do a minor surgery, but it would cost $250 plus the expense of driving out there. After talking it over, we decided that even though finances were tight, we should go ahead with the procedure and trust God with the rest. As we made that decision, we received a gift of $50 in Bancroft Bucks. Then while we were gone to Lincoln, a couple of men stopped by with another $50 in Bancroft Bucks. Then the next day a lady stopped by with a bunch of groceries and a $150 gift card. The Bancroft Bucks and gift card replaced the $250 we spent on the surgery. - We were overjoyed that our only expense for the procedure was our cost to drive out to Lincoln which came close to $100 in gas. Then the next day we received an envelope with our typed address and no return address with a $100 gift card to Fairway. - We were praising God for His provision through the loving charity of others, but it did not stop. We also received another $50 gift certificate for gas and another Johnson’s Grocery gift card. Further, we also received gifts from other individuals. What a wonderful Christmas it has been. The Miller family knows what it means to abound. - Philippians 4:12-20 says, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now unto God and our Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” - I want to thank God and all those He used to help us abound.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
The Best Gift
When I was a child we would get a couple of huge toy catalogs. We would go through and pick out our favorite items so that we could pass a list on to Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa with hopes that they might fulfill our desires. Recently our little boys found one of the small toy catalogs that came in the mail. They were enjoying looking at all the pictures but had not get grasped the idea of asking to have the items they saw. For now the catalog itself is a satisfying gift for them. - When it comes to Christmas shopping, I must buy for young and old alike. It is easy to find gifts for little boys who get excited about looking at bright pictures on pieces of junk mail, but it is much harder to find a gift for my mother who already has almost everything she needs and doesn’t really want a lot of extras. - You see my mother has reached the contentment that comes with maturity. When I say that I do not just mean the physical maturity of aging, but the spiritual maturity of godliness. The Apostle Paul had reached such a place in Philippians 4:11 when he said, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” - My little boys are pleased with almost any gift and my mom doesn’t really want much more than time with family. Both are easily satisfied. On the other hand, so many people are so preoccupied with what others have that it can end up ruining what could be an otherwise joyous holiday. - Rather than coveting the possessions of others we are to covet the best gifts. “But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.” (1 Corinthians 12:31) The next chapter makes clear what those best gifts are. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) - The word here translated “charity” is “agape“- the wonderful Greek word for selfless love that gives to others. Jesus Christ set the perfect example of this love when He died on the cross to pay for our sins. “Greater love (agape) hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) - His death provided the means for us to have the best gift of all- a gift that is completely free- the gift of eternal life after death by having our sins forgiven. “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come. But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Romans 5:14-15) - When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ alone as our Savior, we get the free gift of salvation. It is far better than anything in the Christmas catalog or anything our neighbor has. When we accept His free gift we should realize that we are getting something really special. Once we have Jesus as our Savior, we never have to worry about Him leaving us. Other gifts will get broken or lost. Other gifts will lose the excitement as they age. If we put our hope in other things we will quickly lose our contentment and want something better, but when we receive Christ, we get the best. His gift is one we can really be content with. “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Friday, December 16, 2011
The Truth About Christmas
A few weeks ago our little boys looked out the front window and saw the beautiful Christmas lights in and on our neighbor’s house across the street. One of them got all excited and said, “they have Christmas!”
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Not long after that we went to the open house at our local bank and the boys got free coloring books. One of them saw a picture of Rudolf the red nosed reindeer, and since he is young enough that he doesn’t know all his animals well, he asked if it was a horsey. When I told him it was a deer, his older brother asked, “we shoot him?”
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Now before you start to think that we have been training our children to kill Rudolf, understand that we come from a family of deer hunters. Although I have not hunted for a few years, my brother did this year and my boys heard me talking to him about it. Furthermore, when they pretend that their sticks are guns, we often tell them to shoot deer instead of people. Thus our boys are much more familiar with the pursuit of the whitetail than they are with the legend of Santa and his reindeer.
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We do not emphasize Santa much in our home. For our boys, he is the man at the bank open house who gave them their candy canes. The same boy who wanted to shoot Rudolf saw a figurine of Santa and said, “he give me candy.”
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I want our boys to view Santa for who he really is- a local man who dresses up in a funny outfit with a fake beard because he likes kids. I do not want them to think that he really lives up at the north pole or actually has a sleigh that flies through the air. I want them to know that the gifts they got at Christmas time came from Grandma, not that man who gave them candy. I want them to know that the man who was dressed up did give them a candy cane and that they should say thank you.
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In other words, I want my kids to know the truth about Santa Claus instead of trying to deceive them. I want my kids to know that they can trust what I tell them and that I am honest with them. I want them to be excited when they see reindeer at the zoo, but not expect them to land on our roof.
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As they hear stories from make believe I want them to know the difference between fun and real. I want them to believe the real stories from the Bible. I want them to know that Jonah really was swallowed by a whale, but that Paul Bunyan is just for fun. I want them to know that Samson did have super human strength, but Super Man is just comic book fiction. I want them to know that the Apostle Paul really did survive a shipwreck and was stranded on an Island for a time, but that Gilligan is just a funny made up character.
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I do not just want my children to know that I will not lie to them, I want them to know the difference between truth and fiction. Then I want them to understand the important truth- that God sent His only begotten son into the world so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I want them to know that Jesus came into this world to die for our sins. That really is the true meaning of Christmas.
-
Not long after that we went to the open house at our local bank and the boys got free coloring books. One of them saw a picture of Rudolf the red nosed reindeer, and since he is young enough that he doesn’t know all his animals well, he asked if it was a horsey. When I told him it was a deer, his older brother asked, “we shoot him?”
-
Now before you start to think that we have been training our children to kill Rudolf, understand that we come from a family of deer hunters. Although I have not hunted for a few years, my brother did this year and my boys heard me talking to him about it. Furthermore, when they pretend that their sticks are guns, we often tell them to shoot deer instead of people. Thus our boys are much more familiar with the pursuit of the whitetail than they are with the legend of Santa and his reindeer.
-
We do not emphasize Santa much in our home. For our boys, he is the man at the bank open house who gave them their candy canes. The same boy who wanted to shoot Rudolf saw a figurine of Santa and said, “he give me candy.”
-
I want our boys to view Santa for who he really is- a local man who dresses up in a funny outfit with a fake beard because he likes kids. I do not want them to think that he really lives up at the north pole or actually has a sleigh that flies through the air. I want them to know that the gifts they got at Christmas time came from Grandma, not that man who gave them candy. I want them to know that the man who was dressed up did give them a candy cane and that they should say thank you.
-
In other words, I want my kids to know the truth about Santa Claus instead of trying to deceive them. I want my kids to know that they can trust what I tell them and that I am honest with them. I want them to be excited when they see reindeer at the zoo, but not expect them to land on our roof.
-
As they hear stories from make believe I want them to know the difference between fun and real. I want them to believe the real stories from the Bible. I want them to know that Jonah really was swallowed by a whale, but that Paul Bunyan is just for fun. I want them to know that Samson did have super human strength, but Super Man is just comic book fiction. I want them to know that the Apostle Paul really did survive a shipwreck and was stranded on an Island for a time, but that Gilligan is just a funny made up character.
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I do not just want my children to know that I will not lie to them, I want them to know the difference between truth and fiction. Then I want them to understand the important truth- that God sent His only begotten son into the world so that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. I want them to know that Jesus came into this world to die for our sins. That really is the true meaning of Christmas.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Hypocrisy or True Morality?
Our family continues to grow. We just had another baby boy. He was welcomed home by three older brothers and a couple of aunties who helped care for him the first week of his life as mommy recovered. He was also welcomed home by a daddy who not only lived with his mommy, but was married to her.
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I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how the moral values of our society have degraded farther than we could have imagined. I recently read how few teenagers have both a mom and dad in the same house. Parents separating or divorcing is just part of the problem. According to the CDC, 41% of all births in the USA are to unwed mothers.
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Such statistics should break our hearts, but instead they have become the new “normal”. It is not my intent to single out unwed mothers. They did not reach that state alone. There was a father as well. If he can be found he will be forced to pay to support his child and that support will be a huge financial burden on him. At the same time the mother trying to raise the child herself will face challenges that are almost unimaginable.
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As a father of little boys, I cannot imagine trying to raise them without my wife’s help or her raising them without mine. My heart breaks for those trying to go it alone. At the same time I am so grateful that so many unwed mothers are choosing to let their babies live. I am definitely a strong advocate of adoption, but recognize it is not as common as raising a child alone.
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I bring all this up to show that this is one more area of our society where moral values have changed. The family structure has definitely broken down. My mother talks about when she was in high school in the early 1960’s and how girls were “sent away”. What often happened is that an unwed mother would be sent to live with relatives a long way away so no one would know she was pregnant and then the baby was put up for adoption.
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I fear the stigma ended up making the pregnancy itself look like a sin when there is nothing sinful about being pregnant. On the other hand, the behavior that results in pregnancy is to be reserved for marriage. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Fornication is the idea of sinful sexual relations. Hebrews 13:4 tells us, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
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Today the values of our nation have changed much from what they were a century ago. Too many have forgotten or do not even care about God’s way. When everyone does what is right in his own eyes regarding sex, why are we surprised when there are so many sex scandals?
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Premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, pedophilia, and bestiality are not wrong because I say they are wrong, they are wrong because God says so. If we condemn homosexuality and participate in premarital sex are we not hypocrites? If we condemn pedophilia but commit adultery are we not showing a double standard? The point is not that we should accept other sins because of our own sins. The point is that all sin is wrong, including the ones we are involved in.
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The truth is that we are all sinners and that is why Christ came to die for our sins. “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20b). “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
-
I wrote a couple of weeks ago about how the moral values of our society have degraded farther than we could have imagined. I recently read how few teenagers have both a mom and dad in the same house. Parents separating or divorcing is just part of the problem. According to the CDC, 41% of all births in the USA are to unwed mothers.
-
Such statistics should break our hearts, but instead they have become the new “normal”. It is not my intent to single out unwed mothers. They did not reach that state alone. There was a father as well. If he can be found he will be forced to pay to support his child and that support will be a huge financial burden on him. At the same time the mother trying to raise the child herself will face challenges that are almost unimaginable.
-
As a father of little boys, I cannot imagine trying to raise them without my wife’s help or her raising them without mine. My heart breaks for those trying to go it alone. At the same time I am so grateful that so many unwed mothers are choosing to let their babies live. I am definitely a strong advocate of adoption, but recognize it is not as common as raising a child alone.
-
I bring all this up to show that this is one more area of our society where moral values have changed. The family structure has definitely broken down. My mother talks about when she was in high school in the early 1960’s and how girls were “sent away”. What often happened is that an unwed mother would be sent to live with relatives a long way away so no one would know she was pregnant and then the baby was put up for adoption.
-
I fear the stigma ended up making the pregnancy itself look like a sin when there is nothing sinful about being pregnant. On the other hand, the behavior that results in pregnancy is to be reserved for marriage. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.” Fornication is the idea of sinful sexual relations. Hebrews 13:4 tells us, “Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.”
-
Today the values of our nation have changed much from what they were a century ago. Too many have forgotten or do not even care about God’s way. When everyone does what is right in his own eyes regarding sex, why are we surprised when there are so many sex scandals?
-
Premarital sex, adultery, homosexuality, pedophilia, and bestiality are not wrong because I say they are wrong, they are wrong because God says so. If we condemn homosexuality and participate in premarital sex are we not hypocrites? If we condemn pedophilia but commit adultery are we not showing a double standard? The point is not that we should accept other sins because of our own sins. The point is that all sin is wrong, including the ones we are involved in.
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The truth is that we are all sinners and that is why Christ came to die for our sins. “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20b). “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
Monday, November 28, 2011
Santa
With Christmas coming up, I decided to post a program that we put on a couple of years ago. It shows some interesting things about Santa Claus that you may not have known before.
THE IMPOSTER
Pastor’s Introduction: With all the commercialization of Christmas it is sad how many have completely lost the true meaning of this special holiday. It seems in our society that Jesus has been replaced by Santa. This is actually quite a clever deception, for Santa has not only displaced our Lord, as we will find out tonight, but he has actually turned into an evil imposter. Tonight we will be reminded of who the true Lord really is.
Pray
Piano playing Christmas hymns.
Scene opens with Santa sitting in a large chair with Shopper and Mother beside him and the son on his lap. Mother then takes picture
Grandparents walk up with grandchildren.
Amanda: Grandma, can we get our picture taken with Santa Claus?
Grandma: No, I do not think that is a good idea
Daniel: Why not?
Grandpa: Well, Santa is not real.
Amanda: But I can see him, he is right there.
Grandma: What grandpa means is that he is actually an imposter
At this time Elijah pulls Santa’s beard off as Policeman walks up
Policeman: Ah. An imposter you say. It looks like your right.
Santa sits there looking embarrassed without his beard.
Mother: (looking embarrassed herself) Elijah, you come and stand by me for a while.
Elijah goes and stands by mother
Policeman: So can someone explain what’s going on here?
Grandpa: Sure. We were just explaining to our grandchildren that Santa is an imposter when that little wipper snapper pulled his beard off.
Policeman: (turning to Santa) Ok, so what’s your name?
Santa: Chris Cringle
Shopper: I heard that Chris Cringle meant Christ Child.
Santa: That’s correct- in fact, you can verify it by looking it up in Webster’s 7th Collegiate Dictionary. It calls me the religious and holiday spirit of Christmas personified, Father Christmas, the Christmas Gift, or the Christ Child.
Mother: (Rolling her eyes at Santa) He sure doesn’t look like the Christ Child to me.
Grandma: He’s not. That is why he’s an imposter.
Mother: How do you mean?
Grandpa: Actually there are a lot of ways. Jesus Christ is the true Christmas gift, not Santa Claus.
Daniel: Doesn’t Santa give kids gifts?
Elijah: I want a toy truck.
Grandpa: James 1:17 says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Amanda: Then that means they come from God, not Santa.
Grandma: That’s right dear.
Shopper: I find it interesting that the perfect gifts come from God, yet we tell our kids to ask Santa for stuff.
Mother: So we should have them write letters to God instead of letters to Santa?
Grandma: We could just tell them to pray.
Mother: Yah, and God knows who has been naughty or nice.
Santa: Hey, you better be nice or I won’t give you any presents.
Grandpa: Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, not Santa and He knows all our secrets. Romans 2:16 says, “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
Grandma: Have you noticed that Santa only rewards us according to our works, but Christ saves us based on the grace of God? “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8&9.
Santa: Okay, if I’m supposed to be an imposter of Christ, why am I dressed up in this red and white outfit.
Grandpa: When Christ returns He will be dressed in red and white as well. Daniel 7:9 says, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.”
Santa: See, His clothes are white, mine are red.
Grandpa: His white robe will be stained red by blood when He returns. Revelation 19:13 tells us, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”
Amanda: Grandpa, why was it stained with blood.
Grandpa: He shed his blood for us, Amanda. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Shopper: I noticed you mentioned something about His hair being like pure wool. Would that mean that Christ might have white hair like this imposter?
Grandpa: That’s right. Revelation 1:14 explains, “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;”
Amanda: I didn’t know Jesus would have white hair.
Grandma: Yes, even whiter than Grandpa’s. Like wool and white as snow.
Policeman: Okay, Mr. Cringle, why don’t you tell me how you got here.
Santa: In my sleigh with 8 tiny reindeer.
Mother: So Santa, why are you just sitting here? Shouldn’t you be flying around delivering gifts or something?
Santa: Oh, I don’t have to do that until Christmas eve.
Shopper: You probably should get started now. There are billions of people on this planet and if you only visited 1 billion houses in 24 hours, that would mean you would have to go to over 11,000 per second. You could not be that omnipresent unless you were God.
Grandpa: Correct again. Furthermore, Christ is able to be present in more places that one. Daniel can you share that verse you just learned?
Daniel: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
Mother: Yah, that whole thing about Santa flying around with reindeer and giving gifts is obviously fake.
Shopper: Yes, but the idea of Jesus doing so is not. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” That is found in Eph. 4:7 & 8. You see the gifts Jesus gives are even better than toys.
Santa: Okay, I’ll agree the reindeer and sleigh thing is a little far fetched, but did you know that some stories have me on a horse instead?
Grandpa: I am not waiting for you to come on your horse, but I am waiting for Christ to come on His. Let me read from Revelation 19, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Grandma: That tells me we should be waiting for Jesus, not for Santa. Amanda can you share the verse you just learned.
Amanda: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20
Mother: That Christ you were reading about- He sounds really powerful- even more powerful than Santa Claus.
Grandpa: Yes, way more powerful. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18
The similarities between Christ and Santa are astounding. I believe they were both considered carpenters who made things. If it were not for the fact that Santa replaces and takes attention away from Christ, he could be a great reminder of who Christ is, but I want to be reminded by the real thing not some counterfeit who sits on his throne in the shopping center receiving worship that only belongs to God.
Mother: Yah, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” and that comes from 2 Corinthians 11:14.
Shopper: As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember who is really the one with power and judgment at Christmas time. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, not Santa. Let us pray to Him, worship Him, and think of Him during this time, not the imposter.
Policeman: Yep, I’m convinced. This guy is an imposter. You’d better come with me.
Santa: Wait. I’m not really Santa. They’re right, he’s just a fake. I’m just a teenage kid with a side job here. Besides, I want to know the true Christ. I don’t want anything more to do with this counterfeiter. pulls hat and fake hair and beard off.
Amanda: Grandpa, thank you for telling us the truth about Santa and not lying to us and telling us he is real. I know I can believe you when you tell me that Jesus is real because you never lie to us.
Daniel: I don’t like Santa anymore because he is a fake, but I love Jesus because he is real.
Santa: Me too
Elijah: Me too
Pastor: Perhaps you are here today and once believed in Santa as a child and realized he was a lie and no longer believe in him. Perhaps you have taken a similar approach with Christ. There is one big difference. Jesus Christ is real. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Jesus was born into this world to pay the penalty so that you could be forgiven when that judgment comes. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
You may have been lied to about Santa Claus, but God will not, and has not lied to you, and He gives us hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” So trust Christ if you have not do so already.
THE IMPOSTER
Pastor’s Introduction: With all the commercialization of Christmas it is sad how many have completely lost the true meaning of this special holiday. It seems in our society that Jesus has been replaced by Santa. This is actually quite a clever deception, for Santa has not only displaced our Lord, as we will find out tonight, but he has actually turned into an evil imposter. Tonight we will be reminded of who the true Lord really is.
Pray
Piano playing Christmas hymns.
Scene opens with Santa sitting in a large chair with Shopper and Mother beside him and the son on his lap. Mother then takes picture
Grandparents walk up with grandchildren.
Amanda: Grandma, can we get our picture taken with Santa Claus?
Grandma: No, I do not think that is a good idea
Daniel: Why not?
Grandpa: Well, Santa is not real.
Amanda: But I can see him, he is right there.
Grandma: What grandpa means is that he is actually an imposter
At this time Elijah pulls Santa’s beard off as Policeman walks up
Policeman: Ah. An imposter you say. It looks like your right.
Santa sits there looking embarrassed without his beard.
Mother: (looking embarrassed herself) Elijah, you come and stand by me for a while.
Elijah goes and stands by mother
Policeman: So can someone explain what’s going on here?
Grandpa: Sure. We were just explaining to our grandchildren that Santa is an imposter when that little wipper snapper pulled his beard off.
Policeman: (turning to Santa) Ok, so what’s your name?
Santa: Chris Cringle
Shopper: I heard that Chris Cringle meant Christ Child.
Santa: That’s correct- in fact, you can verify it by looking it up in Webster’s 7th Collegiate Dictionary. It calls me the religious and holiday spirit of Christmas personified, Father Christmas, the Christmas Gift, or the Christ Child.
Mother: (Rolling her eyes at Santa) He sure doesn’t look like the Christ Child to me.
Grandma: He’s not. That is why he’s an imposter.
Mother: How do you mean?
Grandpa: Actually there are a lot of ways. Jesus Christ is the true Christmas gift, not Santa Claus.
Daniel: Doesn’t Santa give kids gifts?
Elijah: I want a toy truck.
Grandpa: James 1:17 says, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Amanda: Then that means they come from God, not Santa.
Grandma: That’s right dear.
Shopper: I find it interesting that the perfect gifts come from God, yet we tell our kids to ask Santa for stuff.
Mother: So we should have them write letters to God instead of letters to Santa?
Grandma: We could just tell them to pray.
Mother: Yah, and God knows who has been naughty or nice.
Santa: Hey, you better be nice or I won’t give you any presents.
Grandpa: Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, not Santa and He knows all our secrets. Romans 2:16 says, “In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.”
Grandma: Have you noticed that Santa only rewards us according to our works, but Christ saves us based on the grace of God? “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8&9.
Santa: Okay, if I’m supposed to be an imposter of Christ, why am I dressed up in this red and white outfit.
Grandpa: When Christ returns He will be dressed in red and white as well. Daniel 7:9 says, “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire.”
Santa: See, His clothes are white, mine are red.
Grandpa: His white robe will be stained red by blood when He returns. Revelation 19:13 tells us, “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”
Amanda: Grandpa, why was it stained with blood.
Grandpa: He shed his blood for us, Amanda. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;
Shopper: I noticed you mentioned something about His hair being like pure wool. Would that mean that Christ might have white hair like this imposter?
Grandpa: That’s right. Revelation 1:14 explains, “His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;”
Amanda: I didn’t know Jesus would have white hair.
Grandma: Yes, even whiter than Grandpa’s. Like wool and white as snow.
Policeman: Okay, Mr. Cringle, why don’t you tell me how you got here.
Santa: In my sleigh with 8 tiny reindeer.
Mother: So Santa, why are you just sitting here? Shouldn’t you be flying around delivering gifts or something?
Santa: Oh, I don’t have to do that until Christmas eve.
Shopper: You probably should get started now. There are billions of people on this planet and if you only visited 1 billion houses in 24 hours, that would mean you would have to go to over 11,000 per second. You could not be that omnipresent unless you were God.
Grandpa: Correct again. Furthermore, Christ is able to be present in more places that one. Daniel can you share that verse you just learned?
Daniel: For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20
Mother: Yah, that whole thing about Santa flying around with reindeer and giving gifts is obviously fake.
Shopper: Yes, but the idea of Jesus doing so is not. “But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” That is found in Eph. 4:7 & 8. You see the gifts Jesus gives are even better than toys.
Santa: Okay, I’ll agree the reindeer and sleigh thing is a little far fetched, but did you know that some stories have me on a horse instead?
Grandpa: I am not waiting for you to come on your horse, but I am waiting for Christ to come on His. Let me read from Revelation 19, “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”
Grandma: That tells me we should be waiting for Jesus, not for Santa. Amanda can you share the verse you just learned.
Amanda: “He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20
Mother: That Christ you were reading about- He sounds really powerful- even more powerful than Santa Claus.
Grandpa: Yes, way more powerful. “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18
The similarities between Christ and Santa are astounding. I believe they were both considered carpenters who made things. If it were not for the fact that Santa replaces and takes attention away from Christ, he could be a great reminder of who Christ is, but I want to be reminded by the real thing not some counterfeit who sits on his throne in the shopping center receiving worship that only belongs to God.
Mother: Yah, “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” and that comes from 2 Corinthians 11:14.
Shopper: As we celebrate this holiday season, let us remember who is really the one with power and judgment at Christmas time. It is the Lord Jesus Christ, not Santa. Let us pray to Him, worship Him, and think of Him during this time, not the imposter.
Policeman: Yep, I’m convinced. This guy is an imposter. You’d better come with me.
Santa: Wait. I’m not really Santa. They’re right, he’s just a fake. I’m just a teenage kid with a side job here. Besides, I want to know the true Christ. I don’t want anything more to do with this counterfeiter. pulls hat and fake hair and beard off.
Amanda: Grandpa, thank you for telling us the truth about Santa and not lying to us and telling us he is real. I know I can believe you when you tell me that Jesus is real because you never lie to us.
Daniel: I don’t like Santa anymore because he is a fake, but I love Jesus because he is real.
Santa: Me too
Elijah: Me too
Pastor: Perhaps you are here today and once believed in Santa as a child and realized he was a lie and no longer believe in him. Perhaps you have taken a similar approach with Christ. There is one big difference. Jesus Christ is real. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:” Jesus was born into this world to pay the penalty so that you could be forgiven when that judgment comes. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
You may have been lied to about Santa Claus, but God will not, and has not lied to you, and He gives us hope of eternal life. Titus 1:2 “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;” So trust Christ if you have not do so already.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Penn State and Morality
As I write this article, the country is reeling over the news of one of the worst scandals to have ever hit college football. The scandal is so bad that a famous head football couch has stepped down from his position. I do not want to go into all the disgusting details surrounding the terrible events that happened at Penn State. For those who may not know about this incident, it involved a high ranking assistant couch raping young boys who were around 10-12 years of age. What made it worse is that many people knew about it yet did little or nothing to stop it.
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Today many are speculating about what went wrong at Penn State. Why did so many turn a blind eye? No doubt the success and popularity of the football program was a factor. Further the perpetrator, Sandusky, was running a program to “help” underprivileged boys. Of course what he was doing was hurting them more than helping them.
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Part of the problem is that not everyone in our country believes that what Sandusky was doing was wrong. There is actually an organization that is attempting to legalize the sort of behavior this coach had with minors as long as it is consensual. Fortunately most people are still appalled at such an idea, but how long before that changes. Just a few decades ago, most people were appalled at the idea of homosexuality, now it is simply considered an alternative lifestyle choice. How long before pedophilia falls into that same category?
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You may ask how I could even suggest such a thing. Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” In other words, man can justify any sin in his own eyes, but God is the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong.
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Here is the problem. If we leave God out of the equation, who gets to decide what is right or wrong? Does the football coach get to decide because he is popular? Does Hollywood get to decide because they are able to use their influence to make deviant behavior acceptable and even popular? Does the government get to decide because political campaigns and politicians are influenced by the money given by pedophiles and homosexuals? Right and wrong should not be based on any of these factors. Instead it should be based on the moral absolutes of an unchanging God.
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No doubt college campuses have played a role in the changing moral ethic of our nation as well. Students are told that they need to accept the choices of others and promote those choices even if they believe those choices are wrong. At the same time those who believe in God and commit to following Him are mocked. Essentially there is tolerance for every deviant behavior, but no tolerance for Christ. Should we then be surprised that such sin would occur at a college campus like Penn State?
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Isaiah 2:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” It is time that we stop making excuses for evil and stand up for what is right. It is time that we stop trying to determine for ourselves what is right and wrong. It is time we stop letting other people tell us what is right an wrong. It is time we listen to God and let Him tell us what is right and wrong.
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Today many are speculating about what went wrong at Penn State. Why did so many turn a blind eye? No doubt the success and popularity of the football program was a factor. Further the perpetrator, Sandusky, was running a program to “help” underprivileged boys. Of course what he was doing was hurting them more than helping them.
-
Part of the problem is that not everyone in our country believes that what Sandusky was doing was wrong. There is actually an organization that is attempting to legalize the sort of behavior this coach had with minors as long as it is consensual. Fortunately most people are still appalled at such an idea, but how long before that changes. Just a few decades ago, most people were appalled at the idea of homosexuality, now it is simply considered an alternative lifestyle choice. How long before pedophilia falls into that same category?
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You may ask how I could even suggest such a thing. Proverbs 21:2 says, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” In other words, man can justify any sin in his own eyes, but God is the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong.
-
Here is the problem. If we leave God out of the equation, who gets to decide what is right or wrong? Does the football coach get to decide because he is popular? Does Hollywood get to decide because they are able to use their influence to make deviant behavior acceptable and even popular? Does the government get to decide because political campaigns and politicians are influenced by the money given by pedophiles and homosexuals? Right and wrong should not be based on any of these factors. Instead it should be based on the moral absolutes of an unchanging God.
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No doubt college campuses have played a role in the changing moral ethic of our nation as well. Students are told that they need to accept the choices of others and promote those choices even if they believe those choices are wrong. At the same time those who believe in God and commit to following Him are mocked. Essentially there is tolerance for every deviant behavior, but no tolerance for Christ. Should we then be surprised that such sin would occur at a college campus like Penn State?
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Isaiah 2:20 says, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” It is time that we stop making excuses for evil and stand up for what is right. It is time that we stop trying to determine for ourselves what is right and wrong. It is time we stop letting other people tell us what is right an wrong. It is time we listen to God and let Him tell us what is right and wrong.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Those Cold Blanket Wars
The blanket wars have resumed in the Miller household. There had been a cease fire in the battle for quite awhile. Through the summer months blankets were not such a prized commodity, but now that fall has set in and the temperatures have gone down we had our first skirmish in a long time last night.
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Now before you feel sorry for our family and start donating bedding, realize that we have cedar chests full of blankets. The problem occurs with the tug of war that can occur during the middle of the night.
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Again, do not feel sorry for us. Our bed was piled with 3 nice quilts last night, but by morning I only had the slim edge of a sheet and the thinnest of the quilts. I sensed that all it would take was for my wife to roll over and I would have no blanket at all, so I said something to her. Her response, “I know, I don’t have any either.” Incredulously, I responded, “sit up and look how much I have!”
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She did look, and then informed me that the rest of the blankets were all on my side- on the floor. It is amazing the difference a little perspective can make.
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Crystal and I were able to laugh about what happened, but it is sad how often conflict arises between two people simply because we do not have the complete picture of what has actually happened. We may think someone has wronged us when in fact we had unintentionally wronged them.
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Proverbs 10:12 advises, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Fortunately the love between my wife and I is strong enough that we were able to see the humor in the event rather than inciting strife. That strife was diverted as our loving relationship was informed about what had actually happened.
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Too often people who should be getting along with each other are at odds simply because they do not understand each other. This is especially true in a husband and wife situation. I might be upset because dinner is not ready and my wife is already upset because the crock pot quit working. It was not her fault that dinner wasn’t ready and she already feels bad that she needs a new crock pot. The last thing she needs at such a time is a bitter attitude from me.
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At the same time she should not expect me to understand why dinner is late and the extra stress she is under if she does not tell me. Really what it comes down to is dwelling with one another according to understanding. In fact Peter gave specific instruction to husbands to do just that. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
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Understanding one another so we get along better is not just limited to the marriage relationship. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
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Let us take time to see the bigger picture so that we understand what the other person is going through. Then hopefully our blanket wars will be something we can look back and laugh at instead of adding tension to our relationships.
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Now before you feel sorry for our family and start donating bedding, realize that we have cedar chests full of blankets. The problem occurs with the tug of war that can occur during the middle of the night.
-
Again, do not feel sorry for us. Our bed was piled with 3 nice quilts last night, but by morning I only had the slim edge of a sheet and the thinnest of the quilts. I sensed that all it would take was for my wife to roll over and I would have no blanket at all, so I said something to her. Her response, “I know, I don’t have any either.” Incredulously, I responded, “sit up and look how much I have!”
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She did look, and then informed me that the rest of the blankets were all on my side- on the floor. It is amazing the difference a little perspective can make.
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Crystal and I were able to laugh about what happened, but it is sad how often conflict arises between two people simply because we do not have the complete picture of what has actually happened. We may think someone has wronged us when in fact we had unintentionally wronged them.
-
Proverbs 10:12 advises, “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.” Fortunately the love between my wife and I is strong enough that we were able to see the humor in the event rather than inciting strife. That strife was diverted as our loving relationship was informed about what had actually happened.
-
Too often people who should be getting along with each other are at odds simply because they do not understand each other. This is especially true in a husband and wife situation. I might be upset because dinner is not ready and my wife is already upset because the crock pot quit working. It was not her fault that dinner wasn’t ready and she already feels bad that she needs a new crock pot. The last thing she needs at such a time is a bitter attitude from me.
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At the same time she should not expect me to understand why dinner is late and the extra stress she is under if she does not tell me. Really what it comes down to is dwelling with one another according to understanding. In fact Peter gave specific instruction to husbands to do just that. “Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7)
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Understanding one another so we get along better is not just limited to the marriage relationship. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalms 133:1)
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Let us take time to see the bigger picture so that we understand what the other person is going through. Then hopefully our blanket wars will be something we can look back and laugh at instead of adding tension to our relationships.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Mystery in the Lake Bottom
My brother and I recently went out to the family farm and dug up some field tile. These were lines that had been in the ground for many years. We were amazed to find that the cement tile looked like they had just been installed. We found something even more amazing as we were digging on the other end of the field. There was a hole in the ground that looked like it had been caused by a tile washout (often when there is a large break in the tile it will wash away the dirt above it causing a small sink hole). What puzzled us was that we did not even know there was a tile in that spot.
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As my brother ran the backhoe, I probed the ground to show him how much farther he had to dig before reaching what we thought was the tile. As I watched for little pieces of cement that might indicate he had hit the tile, instead I saw pieces of wood. Soon the digging revealed whole timbers. As he maneuvered the backhoe and moved one of the timbers, we found a hollow cavity below them.
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Suddenly we had a mystery on our hands. I do not recall any trees being buried in this area during my lifetime and in the year 1900 that area was actually the bottom of what was then called Crooked Lake. It was not until 1915 when a floating dredge dug a ditch that the area was drained.
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We took a flashlight and shined it into the open area below the timbers and were able to make out tree trunks, large slabs of bark and twisted branches. It was hard to imagine that these trees had been buried for nearly a century and had only rotted as if it had been a few years. Then we remembered that this was a low area with a typically high water table. Was it possible that the water table had stayed as high as their three foot burying depth for much of that time period, thus keeping out the air that would allow for rot?
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What makes this story so interesting is that we expect things to rot away. We do not expect them to stay intact. Though the trees were largely unchanged, they had begun to rot some, and I do not expect the drain tile to last forever either. I think of the old chicken house at the farm site. The sill has rotted off the north wall and it is only being held up by plywood sheeting and the roof is being propped up by old wooden fence posts.
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I think of my own body as I age. Some people age at a slower rate than others. They may be more like the trees in the lake bottom than like the chicken house. Others age quickly. Regardless aging and death are inevitable.
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Consider as well, so much of what you have thrown away recently because it had worn out. Christ showed His followers that because of the decaying process and the uncertainty of being able to keep what we have in this life, we need to be focused on the next life instead. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
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It is so easy to focus on the things of this life that seem so exciting now, but will soon end up in the trash heap. Instead, let us focus on God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him so that we can spend our eternity where nothing will rot away.
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As my brother ran the backhoe, I probed the ground to show him how much farther he had to dig before reaching what we thought was the tile. As I watched for little pieces of cement that might indicate he had hit the tile, instead I saw pieces of wood. Soon the digging revealed whole timbers. As he maneuvered the backhoe and moved one of the timbers, we found a hollow cavity below them.
-
Suddenly we had a mystery on our hands. I do not recall any trees being buried in this area during my lifetime and in the year 1900 that area was actually the bottom of what was then called Crooked Lake. It was not until 1915 when a floating dredge dug a ditch that the area was drained.
-
We took a flashlight and shined it into the open area below the timbers and were able to make out tree trunks, large slabs of bark and twisted branches. It was hard to imagine that these trees had been buried for nearly a century and had only rotted as if it had been a few years. Then we remembered that this was a low area with a typically high water table. Was it possible that the water table had stayed as high as their three foot burying depth for much of that time period, thus keeping out the air that would allow for rot?
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What makes this story so interesting is that we expect things to rot away. We do not expect them to stay intact. Though the trees were largely unchanged, they had begun to rot some, and I do not expect the drain tile to last forever either. I think of the old chicken house at the farm site. The sill has rotted off the north wall and it is only being held up by plywood sheeting and the roof is being propped up by old wooden fence posts.
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I think of my own body as I age. Some people age at a slower rate than others. They may be more like the trees in the lake bottom than like the chicken house. Others age quickly. Regardless aging and death are inevitable.
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Consider as well, so much of what you have thrown away recently because it had worn out. Christ showed His followers that because of the decaying process and the uncertainty of being able to keep what we have in this life, we need to be focused on the next life instead. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19-21)
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It is so easy to focus on the things of this life that seem so exciting now, but will soon end up in the trash heap. Instead, let us focus on God and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting Him so that we can spend our eternity where nothing will rot away.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Are You Known as a Hater?
I recently watched multiple interviews with members of the Westboro Baptist Church. This is the group that goes around to protest military funerals. I was struck with the hatred that those being interviewed had for others. Since we both share the title “Baptist”, I felt it was important to respond.
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Though First Baptist in Bancroft, and Westboro Baptist, both have “Baptist” in our names we have no common affiliations. In order to call itself a Baptist church, an organization does not have to join any other group, conference, synod, or association. In other words, just because Westboro calls itself a Baptist Church, does not mean they are representative of Baptist beliefs.
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Rather than being identified with traditional Baptist doctrine, Westboro has become identified with hate. Their focus is on God‘s hatred, but let us not forget that “God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son.” It is true that there are things that God hates: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) I do not believe it is a stretch to suggest that multiple things on that list characterize Westboro.
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It would be easy to focus this article on the sins of Westboro, but instead let us look at the scripture and see if Christians should really be focused on hate, and then examine our own hearts to see if we really have the fruits of the Spirit.
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“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
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“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
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“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
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“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
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The works of the flesh involve hate and other such things, while the fruit of the Spirit involves love. No doubt a Christian’s life is to be characterized by love rather than hate. What characterizes your life?
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Though First Baptist in Bancroft, and Westboro Baptist, both have “Baptist” in our names we have no common affiliations. In order to call itself a Baptist church, an organization does not have to join any other group, conference, synod, or association. In other words, just because Westboro calls itself a Baptist Church, does not mean they are representative of Baptist beliefs.
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Rather than being identified with traditional Baptist doctrine, Westboro has become identified with hate. Their focus is on God‘s hatred, but let us not forget that “God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten son.” It is true that there are things that God hates: “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” (Proverbs 6:16-19) I do not believe it is a stretch to suggest that multiple things on that list characterize Westboro.
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It would be easy to focus this article on the sins of Westboro, but instead let us look at the scripture and see if Christians should really be focused on hate, and then examine our own hearts to see if we really have the fruits of the Spirit.
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“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5:44-45)
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“But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” (Luke 6:35)
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“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
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“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
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The works of the flesh involve hate and other such things, while the fruit of the Spirit involves love. No doubt a Christian’s life is to be characterized by love rather than hate. What characterizes your life?
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A New Outlook on Revival
I decided to write this article because I have some concerns about revival. Now before I go farther, please let me state that I am not opposed to revival. In fact, I am praying that this country would have a revival. When I say that, I mean a REAL revival, not just worldly sorrow over the consequences of sin.
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My thoughts about revival have changed somewhat since preaching through the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, and then Judges. As the children of Israel were led out of the promised land, they needed to learn much about God. God had revealed Himself to them in supernatural ways, but they still did not have the proper relationship with Him.
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Even after the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, they still did not believe God enough to enter the promised land and were cursed to wander the wilderness for 40 years. That brings us to the book of Numbers. To a large extent, it is a book about a backslidden people in need of revival.
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Then we get to the book of Joshua. The unbelievers who would not enter the promised land have passed away and the book of Joshua is characterized by an obedient people who are serving the Lord.
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Next is the book of Judges. There is a major contrast between Judges and Joshua. Whereas Joshua was characterized by “we will serve the Lord“, Judges is characterized by the backsliding of Israel as, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
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As I preached through the book of Judges I was also struck by another depiction- revival. Essentially the book is a repeating cycle of backsliding and revival. Things would get really bad, God would chasten, and then there would be a revival, but what stuck out was that the revivals did not last.
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I believe much of the reason that the revivals did not last is because of the depravity of man, but I think there is another important reason. During the time of Judges, the backslidden people turned to God when they wanted something from Him. During the time of Joshua they were actually walking close to Him.
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Revivalism is generally directed at a backslidden people and calls for them to make huge changes. I would rather see people consistently walking with God so that those HUGE changes are not needed. For example in the book of Judges, Gideon did a good thing and tore down an idol on his father’s property, but wouldn’t it have been better if that idol had never been built?
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One of the characteristics of revival is big changes instead of consistent incremental growth. As pastors we need to be training our people about who God is and what it means to walk with Him so that the incremental growth is occurring so that we do not have to call on a Gideon to tear down the idol.
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I do not want to live in the book of Judges, even with all it’s revivals. I’d rather live in the book of Joshua, and consistently walk with God in a way where sin is regularly recognized and corrected rather than waiting for the backsliding to get so bad that a major revival is needed.
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My thoughts about revival have changed somewhat since preaching through the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, Joshua, and then Judges. As the children of Israel were led out of the promised land, they needed to learn much about God. God had revealed Himself to them in supernatural ways, but they still did not have the proper relationship with Him.
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Even after the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, they still did not believe God enough to enter the promised land and were cursed to wander the wilderness for 40 years. That brings us to the book of Numbers. To a large extent, it is a book about a backslidden people in need of revival.
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Then we get to the book of Joshua. The unbelievers who would not enter the promised land have passed away and the book of Joshua is characterized by an obedient people who are serving the Lord.
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Next is the book of Judges. There is a major contrast between Judges and Joshua. Whereas Joshua was characterized by “we will serve the Lord“, Judges is characterized by the backsliding of Israel as, “every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
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As I preached through the book of Judges I was also struck by another depiction- revival. Essentially the book is a repeating cycle of backsliding and revival. Things would get really bad, God would chasten, and then there would be a revival, but what stuck out was that the revivals did not last.
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I believe much of the reason that the revivals did not last is because of the depravity of man, but I think there is another important reason. During the time of Judges, the backslidden people turned to God when they wanted something from Him. During the time of Joshua they were actually walking close to Him.
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Revivalism is generally directed at a backslidden people and calls for them to make huge changes. I would rather see people consistently walking with God so that those HUGE changes are not needed. For example in the book of Judges, Gideon did a good thing and tore down an idol on his father’s property, but wouldn’t it have been better if that idol had never been built?
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One of the characteristics of revival is big changes instead of consistent incremental growth. As pastors we need to be training our people about who God is and what it means to walk with Him so that the incremental growth is occurring so that we do not have to call on a Gideon to tear down the idol.
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I do not want to live in the book of Judges, even with all it’s revivals. I’d rather live in the book of Joshua, and consistently walk with God in a way where sin is regularly recognized and corrected rather than waiting for the backsliding to get so bad that a major revival is needed.
Friday, September 23, 2011
God’s Glory in The Gospel
I grew up in a Christian home. As far as I know, none of my forefathers called themselves anything other than Christian. Other than a few agnostics here and there, most of the people I know would call themselves Christians. Still I have met people from other religions.
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There are about 20 different major religions in the world. Even the religions at the bottom of that list have over ½ million followers. This does not count many smaller religions that do not fit into the other 20 categories. Surprisingly, Christianity is still the most popular religion in the world, but even amongst Christianity, there are many sects and a wide variety of beliefs. That raises the question, “what does it even mean to be a Christian.” In order to answer that we need to understand what the good news of the gospel message really is, because just calling oneself a Christian is not the same thing as believing the gospel of Christ. In fact, we will learn from Paul that even 2000 years ago some were already departing from the truth. Let us examine what the true gospel is and make sure we have a real Christian belief.
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The book of Galatians was a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. In that letter, Paul reminds us about what Christ did for us and the importance of the proper gospel. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” (Galatians 1:4).
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Notice that Christ delivered us- HE took care of our sins, not we ourselves. That is why He gets the glory, not us. The next verse makes that very clear. “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:5)
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Though Christ will change lives, our salvation comes through what He did, not what we do. Consider the following verses:
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Romans 3:25-27 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
II Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
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Salvation is by grace not works, but it is also important for us to understand that the grace comes only through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that any other gospel message is not the real gospel but a perversion. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)
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So what does it mean to really be a Christian? Believe on Christ, trusting Him alone and give all the glory to Him for your salvation.
-
There are about 20 different major religions in the world. Even the religions at the bottom of that list have over ½ million followers. This does not count many smaller religions that do not fit into the other 20 categories. Surprisingly, Christianity is still the most popular religion in the world, but even amongst Christianity, there are many sects and a wide variety of beliefs. That raises the question, “what does it even mean to be a Christian.” In order to answer that we need to understand what the good news of the gospel message really is, because just calling oneself a Christian is not the same thing as believing the gospel of Christ. In fact, we will learn from Paul that even 2000 years ago some were already departing from the truth. Let us examine what the true gospel is and make sure we have a real Christian belief.
-
The book of Galatians was a letter written by Paul to a group of churches in the region of Galatia. In that letter, Paul reminds us about what Christ did for us and the importance of the proper gospel. “Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:” (Galatians 1:4).
-
Notice that Christ delivered us- HE took care of our sins, not we ourselves. That is why He gets the glory, not us. The next verse makes that very clear. “To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (Galatians 1:5)
-
Though Christ will change lives, our salvation comes through what He did, not what we do. Consider the following verses:
-
Romans 3:25-27 “Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
II Timothy 1:9 “Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”
Romans 11:6 “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
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Salvation is by grace not works, but it is also important for us to understand that the grace comes only through Jesus Christ. Paul makes it clear in Galatians that any other gospel message is not the real gospel but a perversion. “I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-8)
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So what does it mean to really be a Christian? Believe on Christ, trusting Him alone and give all the glory to Him for your salvation.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Godly Pleasure All Around
Our little boys are at an age when the simplest of pleasures are still exciting for them. I didn’t realize how easy it was to entertain them until a recent trip to a Pizza Ranch. We happened to be seated in a place where the boys were able to see the arcade games. There was a hunting game with deer, elk, and moose. The boys did not know it was a game but instead thought they were getting to watch a movie while they ate dinner.
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The best part came after we were done eating. We went back to the video games and they were able to see another game that had been hidden from their view earlier. They were then able to watch a race care “movie” and best of all, they got to sit in the drivers seat and turn the steering wheel and shift the gears while the watched the screen. They had no idea that most kids put a quarter into it. They are actually still young enough that they wouldn’t be able to make it go where they wanted anyway and they had a blast just pretending to drive. As I tucked them into bed that night, our oldest was still talking about driving the car.
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As I thought about our little boys I suddenly realized how people often miss out on what should be bringing them pleasure. When I was ten years old, I looked forward to getting a quarter to drive the race car game, but now the fun has wore off. Instead I find pleasure in little things like seeing my boys having fun.
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Too many miss the basic pleasure in life and become so preoccupied with trying to find pleasure that they miss out on the joy that is right in front of them. If they are not able to look forward to the next party, or the big game, or the exciting vacation, they become discouraged.
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But for someone who has put their trust in Christ, godly pleasures are all around us. For example we are to take pleasure in the beauty of nature that God has created. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
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For example, there can be more joy in watching a sunset with an understanding that God made it than going on an all expense paid vacation if you are burdened by guilt the whole trip. Once our relationship with God is right, we are able to find pleasure in the simplest of places. We no longer have to seek it, we find out that it is all around us.
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Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not suggesting that you become religious just so you can find pleasure. That is not what being a Christian is about. It is about believing in Christ whether you ever get any benefit or not. The point is that joy and rejoicing are a natural result of walking with Christ and when you are close to Him you are able to see the pleasures that you might not have even recognized before.
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Consider these Psalms that show the result of rejoicing once God’s mercy and salvation are understood. “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
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If you are missing out on the simple pleasures of life because you have not believed on Jesus Christ, trust Him now. Often people lack joy because of guilt and they try to cover it by seeking pleasure. Rather than trying to cover up the guilt, believe in Christ for forgiveness and find that true pleasures are as close as the nearest sunset once you believe His promise of forgiveness.
-
The best part came after we were done eating. We went back to the video games and they were able to see another game that had been hidden from their view earlier. They were then able to watch a race care “movie” and best of all, they got to sit in the drivers seat and turn the steering wheel and shift the gears while the watched the screen. They had no idea that most kids put a quarter into it. They are actually still young enough that they wouldn’t be able to make it go where they wanted anyway and they had a blast just pretending to drive. As I tucked them into bed that night, our oldest was still talking about driving the car.
-
As I thought about our little boys I suddenly realized how people often miss out on what should be bringing them pleasure. When I was ten years old, I looked forward to getting a quarter to drive the race car game, but now the fun has wore off. Instead I find pleasure in little things like seeing my boys having fun.
-
Too many miss the basic pleasure in life and become so preoccupied with trying to find pleasure that they miss out on the joy that is right in front of them. If they are not able to look forward to the next party, or the big game, or the exciting vacation, they become discouraged.
-
But for someone who has put their trust in Christ, godly pleasures are all around us. For example we are to take pleasure in the beauty of nature that God has created. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1)
-
For example, there can be more joy in watching a sunset with an understanding that God made it than going on an all expense paid vacation if you are burdened by guilt the whole trip. Once our relationship with God is right, we are able to find pleasure in the simplest of places. We no longer have to seek it, we find out that it is all around us.
-
Please do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am not suggesting that you become religious just so you can find pleasure. That is not what being a Christian is about. It is about believing in Christ whether you ever get any benefit or not. The point is that joy and rejoicing are a natural result of walking with Christ and when you are close to Him you are able to see the pleasures that you might not have even recognized before.
-
Consider these Psalms that show the result of rejoicing once God’s mercy and salvation are understood. “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) “And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation.” (Psalm 35:9)
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If you are missing out on the simple pleasures of life because you have not believed on Jesus Christ, trust Him now. Often people lack joy because of guilt and they try to cover it by seeking pleasure. Rather than trying to cover up the guilt, believe in Christ for forgiveness and find that true pleasures are as close as the nearest sunset once you believe His promise of forgiveness.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Converting that Ugly Rust
The other day I had to fix some rust on the minivan. It actually surprised me, because I had not noticed a rust problem until I took a closer look. The metal on the bottom insides of the doors was starting to deteriorate and the culprit- rust.
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Rust is a lot like sin in our own lives. We might not recognize it at first, but it is still there. I am reminded of Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
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Because of the deceitfulness of our hearts we often hide our sins from ourselves like the rust hid on the inside of the van doors. But like the rust, if sin is not dealt with, it will eventually spread.
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I could have just taken a can of spray paint and painted over the rust. The rough surface of the deteriorated metal would still be there, but the rust would be hidden- for a while. That is kind of like what the Old Testament sacrifices did. They temporarily covered the sin though the consequences of the sin were still there. They did not really take care of the sin problem though, it just covered it over until Christ could come to take care of it in full.
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Simply painting over the rust would not solve the problem, it would just hide it for a time. Eventually the paint would bubble and the rust would come back through worse than ever. I decided to try something different on the van. I purchased a chemical rust converter that is supposed to actually chemically alter the rust so that it can be painted over and not spread. I have never used it before so I am not sure it will work, but I do know about something that will work for treating sin.
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Though the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4) Jesus sacrifice did sanctify us (Hebrews 10:10). But just like the rust, the consequences of the sin are still left behind yet now we are forgiven if we believe on Jesus Christ.
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If the rust converter really did work on the van, does that mean that new rust will not start in another area? Of course not. In a similar way we should not expect that we will never again sin just because we have trusted Christ, but the difference is that now we have something to apply to our sin- His finished payment. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)
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This whole concept is clearly explained in the little book of First John. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (I John 1:8-2:2)
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Sin is a much more serious problem than rust, for the wages of sin is death, but Jesus Christ is far better than rust converter for it is through Him that we get God’s gift of eternal life. Therefore, believe on Jesus Christ and have your sins converted.
-
Rust is a lot like sin in our own lives. We might not recognize it at first, but it is still there. I am reminded of Jeremiah 17:9, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”
-
Because of the deceitfulness of our hearts we often hide our sins from ourselves like the rust hid on the inside of the van doors. But like the rust, if sin is not dealt with, it will eventually spread.
-
I could have just taken a can of spray paint and painted over the rust. The rough surface of the deteriorated metal would still be there, but the rust would be hidden- for a while. That is kind of like what the Old Testament sacrifices did. They temporarily covered the sin though the consequences of the sin were still there. They did not really take care of the sin problem though, it just covered it over until Christ could come to take care of it in full.
-
Simply painting over the rust would not solve the problem, it would just hide it for a time. Eventually the paint would bubble and the rust would come back through worse than ever. I decided to try something different on the van. I purchased a chemical rust converter that is supposed to actually chemically alter the rust so that it can be painted over and not spread. I have never used it before so I am not sure it will work, but I do know about something that will work for treating sin.
-
Though the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sins (Hebrews 10:4) Jesus sacrifice did sanctify us (Hebrews 10:10). But just like the rust, the consequences of the sin are still left behind yet now we are forgiven if we believe on Jesus Christ.
-
If the rust converter really did work on the van, does that mean that new rust will not start in another area? Of course not. In a similar way we should not expect that we will never again sin just because we have trusted Christ, but the difference is that now we have something to apply to our sin- His finished payment. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)
-
This whole concept is clearly explained in the little book of First John. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (I John 1:8-2:2)
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Sin is a much more serious problem than rust, for the wages of sin is death, but Jesus Christ is far better than rust converter for it is through Him that we get God’s gift of eternal life. Therefore, believe on Jesus Christ and have your sins converted.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
It’s Good to Save Ahead
We recently updated one of our vehicles. The pickup had a lot of miles and with our growing family, we needed more room, so we ended up trading for the behemoth of SUV’s, a GM Suburban. With the higher gas prices, the seller was motivated, and we were able to trade off the pickup.
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We had been looking for a while and were not overly anxious to buy unless we found the right deal. We were actually at an advantage, because we had the finances set aside for the purchase. By doing much of the mechanical work myself, we were able to build up a bit of an emergency fund in case we ever needed a major repair like an engine or transmission, or if we decided to trade.
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I had always considered having savings set aside as a virtue, yet in my reading, I recently discovered that some people actually consider savings a lack of trust in God. Luke 9 is cited where God sent out the disciples and all their needs were provided even though they had taken no bread or money with them.
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Yet in order to condemn saving for future needs many other scriptures must be ignored. When Jesus sent out His followers in Luke 9, it was a special group of people at a special time in history. In fact, later in the Gospel of Luke, Christ tells them to make preparation ahead of time for their journey. “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” (Luke 22:36)
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The sword Jesus was talking about was likely a long knife that could serve many utilitarian purposes. It could obviously be used for defense, but more importantly, it could be used for getting and preparing food and many other incidentals that would take place in a camp site for those traveling and spreading the good news.
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It is not strange that Jesus would instruct His followers to prepare for the future. This is a principle that was clearly taught in the Biblical Proverbs. “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” (Proverbs 21:5) In other words, those who show diligence will have extra, but those who hastily spend what they have instead of saving will not be able to meet their needs.
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That principle of being diligent and saving is illustrated by the ant. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) The ant was working hard to save up for a future need and we are told to do the same. May we never use the hope of God’s provision as an excuse for laziness.
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Proverbs 21:20 clearly shows that saving is wise, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
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We must also be careful that we not save up so much that we become greedy for savings. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matthew 6:20) At the same time we must not condemn what the scripture clearly teaches (savings). I fear the confusion comes when believers have a zeal for being spiritual without studying all the word of God so they can better understand how to put their spirituality into practice in a Biblical way. In other words, show responsibility in saving, but do not make your savings into an idol.
-
We had been looking for a while and were not overly anxious to buy unless we found the right deal. We were actually at an advantage, because we had the finances set aside for the purchase. By doing much of the mechanical work myself, we were able to build up a bit of an emergency fund in case we ever needed a major repair like an engine or transmission, or if we decided to trade.
-
I had always considered having savings set aside as a virtue, yet in my reading, I recently discovered that some people actually consider savings a lack of trust in God. Luke 9 is cited where God sent out the disciples and all their needs were provided even though they had taken no bread or money with them.
-
Yet in order to condemn saving for future needs many other scriptures must be ignored. When Jesus sent out His followers in Luke 9, it was a special group of people at a special time in history. In fact, later in the Gospel of Luke, Christ tells them to make preparation ahead of time for their journey. “Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.” (Luke 22:36)
-
The sword Jesus was talking about was likely a long knife that could serve many utilitarian purposes. It could obviously be used for defense, but more importantly, it could be used for getting and preparing food and many other incidentals that would take place in a camp site for those traveling and spreading the good news.
-
It is not strange that Jesus would instruct His followers to prepare for the future. This is a principle that was clearly taught in the Biblical Proverbs. “The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want.” (Proverbs 21:5) In other words, those who show diligence will have extra, but those who hastily spend what they have instead of saving will not be able to meet their needs.
-
That principle of being diligent and saving is illustrated by the ant. “Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise: Which having no guide, overseer, or ruler, Provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth her food in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) The ant was working hard to save up for a future need and we are told to do the same. May we never use the hope of God’s provision as an excuse for laziness.
-
Proverbs 21:20 clearly shows that saving is wise, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.”
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We must also be careful that we not save up so much that we become greedy for savings. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” (Matthew 6:20) At the same time we must not condemn what the scripture clearly teaches (savings). I fear the confusion comes when believers have a zeal for being spiritual without studying all the word of God so they can better understand how to put their spirituality into practice in a Biblical way. In other words, show responsibility in saving, but do not make your savings into an idol.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Windows and True Holiness
I have been installing new windows in the parsonage. We replaced the windows in the living room, dining room, kitchen, and bathroom with plans to replace the bedroom and office windows next year. Of course our little boys were all excited about the project. They got to watch daddy work and they even got to crawl up and down the ladder outside.
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They definitely noticed the change as our house was renewed by having the old windows taken out and the new ones put in. It reminds me of Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
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We could see a difference between the old windows and the new ones just by how they looked, but the real difference is in how they perform. The new windows open and shut easily whereas the old ones did not. Then come next winter we expect them to be much less drafty than the old ones.
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The Ephesians passage is not about windows, but about believers in Christ. Like the windows, righteousness and true holiness is not as much about how it looks on the outside as how it actually performs.
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Consider the differences listed in the Ephesians passage: In the next verses we are told not to lie but instead to speak the truth. Then we are told not to lose control when angry, but instead let the go of wrath at the end of the day. It comes down to following God instead of doing what the devil wants us to do. That means not stealing, but instead working so that you can earn extra to give to others in need. True righteousness and holiness means being careful that bad things don’t come out of your mouth but instead giving words of encouragement and grace. Finally Ephesians 4 ends by instructing that instead of bitterness wrath and anger, the believer should be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving.
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Chapter 5 of Ephesians then goes on to talk about the importance of love and thanksgiving. It also shows how fornication, impurity, covetousness, filthy vulgar foolish talking, prostitution and idolatry are definitely not part of righteousness and true holiness.
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These comments may be stating the obvious, but too often man tries to come up with his own list as to what righteousness and true holiness looks like while forgetting what God has already told us about it. Fruit naturally grows on a healthy plant.
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A spiritually healthy Christian who is living a life close to God will naturally have fruits of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:9 says, “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” Paul further elaborates in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
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Set aside pride for a moment and honestly evaluate if you have the fruit of the Spirit in your life. If not, ask yourself if you are really trusting in Christ. If you are but the fruits are still not there, then ask yourself what your focus has been. Have you been so focused on yourself and trying to look good to others that you have actually missed out on glorifying God through natural fruit?
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They definitely noticed the change as our house was renewed by having the old windows taken out and the new ones put in. It reminds me of Ephesians 4:22-24, “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”
-
We could see a difference between the old windows and the new ones just by how they looked, but the real difference is in how they perform. The new windows open and shut easily whereas the old ones did not. Then come next winter we expect them to be much less drafty than the old ones.
-
The Ephesians passage is not about windows, but about believers in Christ. Like the windows, righteousness and true holiness is not as much about how it looks on the outside as how it actually performs.
-
Consider the differences listed in the Ephesians passage: In the next verses we are told not to lie but instead to speak the truth. Then we are told not to lose control when angry, but instead let the go of wrath at the end of the day. It comes down to following God instead of doing what the devil wants us to do. That means not stealing, but instead working so that you can earn extra to give to others in need. True righteousness and holiness means being careful that bad things don’t come out of your mouth but instead giving words of encouragement and grace. Finally Ephesians 4 ends by instructing that instead of bitterness wrath and anger, the believer should be kind, tenderhearted and forgiving.
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Chapter 5 of Ephesians then goes on to talk about the importance of love and thanksgiving. It also shows how fornication, impurity, covetousness, filthy vulgar foolish talking, prostitution and idolatry are definitely not part of righteousness and true holiness.
-
These comments may be stating the obvious, but too often man tries to come up with his own list as to what righteousness and true holiness looks like while forgetting what God has already told us about it. Fruit naturally grows on a healthy plant.
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A spiritually healthy Christian who is living a life close to God will naturally have fruits of the Spirit. Ephesians 5:9 says, “(For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)” Paul further elaborates in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
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Set aside pride for a moment and honestly evaluate if you have the fruit of the Spirit in your life. If not, ask yourself if you are really trusting in Christ. If you are but the fruits are still not there, then ask yourself what your focus has been. Have you been so focused on yourself and trying to look good to others that you have actually missed out on glorifying God through natural fruit?
Friday, July 15, 2011
God Became Man for Sinners
Have you ever wished you could be in two places at once. We had that challenge a few weeks ago. A wedding and a graduation were scheduled on the same day, so my wife and I had to split up. She and the boys went to the graduation, and I went to the wedding. It would’ve been nice if I could’ve just duplicated myself and sent one of me to each place.
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It is impossible for me to do such a thing, but it is not impossible for God. He can be in more places than one. Further, although He is a single God, He is composed of three separate distinctions: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
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All three parts of the trinity are one God each with a separate purpose. Consider that our hand does not have the same purpose as our head, but they are still both part of a single body. The body illustration is insufficient to describe God though. Apart from the Son, who took on human flesh, God is Spirit.
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This brings us to a very important concept. Who is Jesus Christ, the man who was born in Bethlehem and died on the cross? Was He a man who stove hard to be sinless so that He might attain the right to be included in the trinity, or was He always God who took on the job of coming to earth as a man to die for our sins?
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The answer is clear. Jesus always has been God- even before He was born in Bethlehem. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) As God, Jesus was even involved in the creation of the earth. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
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Many other verses show Jesus is God and show that He always has been God. He did not have to attain that position by living a good life. So what are some of the implications of thinking that Jesus attained Godhood, rather than always possessing it? Some people think that they as well can attain Godhood. This is the grave error of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons). It is also the error of some holiness teachers who think that if Jesus could attain sinlessness, then so can other men.
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Jesus DID become a real human man, but He was able to remain sinless because He always has been God. Mere men do not have the same ability, that is why we are so dependant upon Christ. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
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Harry A. Ironsides tried to obtain sinless perfection and quickly realized it was a losing battle. He finally realized that he needed to strive to do right and trust Christ’s forgiveness when he could not. He went on to bring great comfort to others in the same struggle by writing the book, Holiness: The False and The True. What a reminder of I John 1:9- 2:2, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
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It is impossible for me to do such a thing, but it is not impossible for God. He can be in more places than one. Further, although He is a single God, He is composed of three separate distinctions: Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
-
All three parts of the trinity are one God each with a separate purpose. Consider that our hand does not have the same purpose as our head, but they are still both part of a single body. The body illustration is insufficient to describe God though. Apart from the Son, who took on human flesh, God is Spirit.
-
This brings us to a very important concept. Who is Jesus Christ, the man who was born in Bethlehem and died on the cross? Was He a man who stove hard to be sinless so that He might attain the right to be included in the trinity, or was He always God who took on the job of coming to earth as a man to die for our sins?
-
The answer is clear. Jesus always has been God- even before He was born in Bethlehem. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) As God, Jesus was even involved in the creation of the earth. “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
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Many other verses show Jesus is God and show that He always has been God. He did not have to attain that position by living a good life. So what are some of the implications of thinking that Jesus attained Godhood, rather than always possessing it? Some people think that they as well can attain Godhood. This is the grave error of the Latter Day Saints (Mormons). It is also the error of some holiness teachers who think that if Jesus could attain sinlessness, then so can other men.
-
Jesus DID become a real human man, but He was able to remain sinless because He always has been God. Mere men do not have the same ability, that is why we are so dependant upon Christ. “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8)
-
Harry A. Ironsides tried to obtain sinless perfection and quickly realized it was a losing battle. He finally realized that he needed to strive to do right and trust Christ’s forgiveness when he could not. He went on to bring great comfort to others in the same struggle by writing the book, Holiness: The False and The True. What a reminder of I John 1:9- 2:2, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Don’t Pull up New Believers
Early this spring, my oldest son helped us plant the garden. As he saw us hoeing the ground, he wanted to do the same, but we warned him not to hoe the ground we had already planted. Once the plants started to grow, we had a whole new problem- weeds. As I started to pull weeds, my young helper saw what I was doing and like so many little boys, he copied his father. Unfortunately, instead of pulling a weed, he pulled a newly sprouted zucchini.
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Sometimes we as Christians are like little boys in the garden. We end up digging up seeds before they have started to grow, or we stop growth before the plant even gets solid roots. In other words, our actions may end up discouraging unbelievers from wanting to learn more about Christ or they may hinder new believers from growing more faithful to Him.
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Paul dealt with the issue of immature believers in Romans 14. There were some who thought that they couldn’t eat certain meats, but mature believers understood the truth of I Timothy 4:4, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving”. Even though there was nothing wrong with eating meat, Paul showed that it was good to avoid it so that the immature brother would not stumble (Romans 14:21).
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Imagine if all the men in your church decided to grow beards for a centennial celebration and at that same time an Amish man trusted Christ and started to attend. Since married Amish men are expected to have beards, the men of the church might decide to apply the principles of Romans 14 and keep their beards as not to offend their new brothers weak conscience.
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Suddenly the church has a new challenge. Should wearing beards become a new requirement for the assembly? If that is made a requirement, what will be the next issue that comes up? Soon there will be a whole list of things that have to be done so that someone’s weak conscience is not offended. Soon the things on the list will contradict each other and even scripture.
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A closer reading of Romans 14 solves the problem. First of all, verse 3 shows that with the original issue of eating meat, the person that was offended by eating meat should not despise the one who ate it, nor was the one who ate it to despise the one who didn’t. In other words, don’t nit pick each others behavior in things which the scripture does not require or forbid.
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Then we find a very important follow up in Romans 16 where Paul clearly states, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). In other words, if someone becomes divisive over an issue that is not commanded or forbidden by scripture, we are to mark them and avoid them.
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Romans 14 was addressed to those who were dealing with someone who was weak in the faith- an immature believer. They were to be given time to get their roots and grow in maturity, but during that time they were to be taught proper doctrine. If the new believer thought eating meat was wrong, and they saw other Christians doing that, it would’ve stunted their early spiritual growth. Because they were still immature in the faith, they were not ready to take that all in, but as they grew they needed to learn what was and what was not expected of them. They needed to learn Bible doctrine so they could teach others rather than dividing the body. Have you been studying the Word, so you can understand what God really does expect?
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Sometimes we as Christians are like little boys in the garden. We end up digging up seeds before they have started to grow, or we stop growth before the plant even gets solid roots. In other words, our actions may end up discouraging unbelievers from wanting to learn more about Christ or they may hinder new believers from growing more faithful to Him.
-
Paul dealt with the issue of immature believers in Romans 14. There were some who thought that they couldn’t eat certain meats, but mature believers understood the truth of I Timothy 4:4, “For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving”. Even though there was nothing wrong with eating meat, Paul showed that it was good to avoid it so that the immature brother would not stumble (Romans 14:21).
-
Imagine if all the men in your church decided to grow beards for a centennial celebration and at that same time an Amish man trusted Christ and started to attend. Since married Amish men are expected to have beards, the men of the church might decide to apply the principles of Romans 14 and keep their beards as not to offend their new brothers weak conscience.
-
Suddenly the church has a new challenge. Should wearing beards become a new requirement for the assembly? If that is made a requirement, what will be the next issue that comes up? Soon there will be a whole list of things that have to be done so that someone’s weak conscience is not offended. Soon the things on the list will contradict each other and even scripture.
-
A closer reading of Romans 14 solves the problem. First of all, verse 3 shows that with the original issue of eating meat, the person that was offended by eating meat should not despise the one who ate it, nor was the one who ate it to despise the one who didn’t. In other words, don’t nit pick each others behavior in things which the scripture does not require or forbid.
-
Then we find a very important follow up in Romans 16 where Paul clearly states, “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). In other words, if someone becomes divisive over an issue that is not commanded or forbidden by scripture, we are to mark them and avoid them.
-
Romans 14 was addressed to those who were dealing with someone who was weak in the faith- an immature believer. They were to be given time to get their roots and grow in maturity, but during that time they were to be taught proper doctrine. If the new believer thought eating meat was wrong, and they saw other Christians doing that, it would’ve stunted their early spiritual growth. Because they were still immature in the faith, they were not ready to take that all in, but as they grew they needed to learn what was and what was not expected of them. They needed to learn Bible doctrine so they could teach others rather than dividing the body. Have you been studying the Word, so you can understand what God really does expect?
Friday, June 17, 2011
An Object Lesson to Remember
When we lived in Albert Lea, my friend Steve would open the Sunday School with intriguing object lessons. He might brings some kitchen utensils or other items to drive home important Biblical truth. I do not have Steve’s talent for such things. I once did an object lesson with a flashlight for a group, but more often my object lessons are impromptu. For example, my boys might come up to me with their toys and I will use the toys to teach them some lesson, or I might be on a job site and use what we are working with as a conversation starter. As we consider the Last Supper, we should understand that Christ used a very important object lesson that we still repeat today.
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As Christ and His disciples gathered in the upper room they observed a very significant meal. Understand that this was the evening right before Jesus would be crucified the next afternoon. Further this was the time of the Passover celebration when the Hebrews would commemorate their deliverance from Egypt and the protection of their firstborn by God. During that time no leaven was allowed and a special lamb would be killed.
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The Passover time actually lasted over a week, with the main meal observed after the lamb was killed, but all leaven disposed of the day before. The Lord’s Supper seems to have occurred on the first meal after all that leaven was gone. It is in such a setting that He brings forth a powerful object lesson, using items that He has right there before Him.
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“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20)
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Christ had been teaching that He would die, but I don’t believe His disciples had really come to grips with that truth- that He would die as the ultimate Passover lamb- so He brings forth this very vivid object lesson. He tells them at the beginning that He will not be eating the Passover with them again until He suffers. Then He shows that His body and blood will be given for us.
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Notice that He also gives a clear command. That command is to repeat this object lesson and to remember Christ. When He died that next day and rose again three days later, He provided forgiveness. When He gave that object lesson, He was looking ahead to the cross, as we repeat it, we look back to what He has already done.
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What He did on the cross was completed, it does not have to be redone each time we observe Communion. We are simply repeating an object lesson to remind us of what He already did. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once.” (Hebrews 10:10) Therefore, the Lord’s Supper does not forgive our sins, it is an illustration that helps us to remember that He forgave our sins.
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In Luke 22:19, we are told that Christ gave thanks. That Greek word for “thanks” is “eucharisteo.” I fear many observe Eucharist without even knowing what the word means. May the meaning of the word remind us that we have much to be thankful for as we remember that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins as He willingly went to the cross. If you have not trusted Him as your Savior, do so today, and understand why this repeated object lesson is so precious to His followers.
-
As Christ and His disciples gathered in the upper room they observed a very significant meal. Understand that this was the evening right before Jesus would be crucified the next afternoon. Further this was the time of the Passover celebration when the Hebrews would commemorate their deliverance from Egypt and the protection of their firstborn by God. During that time no leaven was allowed and a special lamb would be killed.
-
The Passover time actually lasted over a week, with the main meal observed after the lamb was killed, but all leaven disposed of the day before. The Lord’s Supper seems to have occurred on the first meal after all that leaven was gone. It is in such a setting that He brings forth a powerful object lesson, using items that He has right there before Him.
-
“And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20)
-
Christ had been teaching that He would die, but I don’t believe His disciples had really come to grips with that truth- that He would die as the ultimate Passover lamb- so He brings forth this very vivid object lesson. He tells them at the beginning that He will not be eating the Passover with them again until He suffers. Then He shows that His body and blood will be given for us.
-
Notice that He also gives a clear command. That command is to repeat this object lesson and to remember Christ. When He died that next day and rose again three days later, He provided forgiveness. When He gave that object lesson, He was looking ahead to the cross, as we repeat it, we look back to what He has already done.
-
What He did on the cross was completed, it does not have to be redone each time we observe Communion. We are simply repeating an object lesson to remind us of what He already did. “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once.” (Hebrews 10:10) Therefore, the Lord’s Supper does not forgive our sins, it is an illustration that helps us to remember that He forgave our sins.
-
In Luke 22:19, we are told that Christ gave thanks. That Greek word for “thanks” is “eucharisteo.” I fear many observe Eucharist without even knowing what the word means. May the meaning of the word remind us that we have much to be thankful for as we remember that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sins as He willingly went to the cross. If you have not trusted Him as your Savior, do so today, and understand why this repeated object lesson is so precious to His followers.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A True Love Relationship
Through the years, I have watched other couples. It seemed like so many relationships were forced. It was like the two people didn’t even like each other, but they stayed together because they figured the other person could advance their popularity. Then I saw other couples where it was as if God had placed them together (I believe He did) and no one could pull them apart. That is what I found when I met my wife.
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As I reflect on relationships, it seems that so many of them are based on personal advancement. Gals strive to look just right so that they can get the most popular guy, and guys strive to be popular so they can get the best looking girl and then become even more popular. It is as if relationships become nothing more than stepping stones in a cosmic popularity contest.
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When I met Crystal, it wasn’t about how popular she could make me. It was about two people who fell in love and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together no matter what anyone else thought.
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What about your relationship with God? Which kind of relationship is that? Do you simply call yourself a Christian because it is popular, or do you really want to live your life in a close relationship to Him? Would you be a Christian, no matter what anyone around you thought?
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Relationships that are based on popularity so often become performance driven. In other words, they are based on what the other person in the relationship can do for you. Once the other person does not measure up to your expectations, or you to theirs, the relationship starts to fall apart.
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True love is much different. There is a lifelong commitment regardless of performance. We had lunch with such a couple recently. She suffered from a stoke and was not the woman she used to be, but her faithful husband was right there with her day by day, showing his true love.
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I fear too many Christians approach their relationship with God on a performance basis. If they pray and God does not give them what they want, they draw away from Him. Further many think that if they do not do everything perfectly, that God will abandon them. They have missed the truth of Romans 5:20, Romans 5:20b, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” We should never use that as an excuse to sin, but rather to remind us of 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
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Once we trust Christ, we have a loving dedicated relationship with God that will last forever. We do not have to worry about Him divorcing us simply because of our sin. At the same time, once we see that love, we should return it. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
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There will be performance of loving deeds and obedience in a true love relationship, but what a contrast they are to a performance driven relationship that simply does things for ones own benefit. No wonder those who have a true love relationship with God are more interested in His glory than their own.
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As I reflect on relationships, it seems that so many of them are based on personal advancement. Gals strive to look just right so that they can get the most popular guy, and guys strive to be popular so they can get the best looking girl and then become even more popular. It is as if relationships become nothing more than stepping stones in a cosmic popularity contest.
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When I met Crystal, it wasn’t about how popular she could make me. It was about two people who fell in love and wanted to spend the rest of their lives together no matter what anyone else thought.
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What about your relationship with God? Which kind of relationship is that? Do you simply call yourself a Christian because it is popular, or do you really want to live your life in a close relationship to Him? Would you be a Christian, no matter what anyone around you thought?
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Relationships that are based on popularity so often become performance driven. In other words, they are based on what the other person in the relationship can do for you. Once the other person does not measure up to your expectations, or you to theirs, the relationship starts to fall apart.
-
True love is much different. There is a lifelong commitment regardless of performance. We had lunch with such a couple recently. She suffered from a stoke and was not the woman she used to be, but her faithful husband was right there with her day by day, showing his true love.
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I fear too many Christians approach their relationship with God on a performance basis. If they pray and God does not give them what they want, they draw away from Him. Further many think that if they do not do everything perfectly, that God will abandon them. They have missed the truth of Romans 5:20, Romans 5:20b, “But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” We should never use that as an excuse to sin, but rather to remind us of 1 John 2:1, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”
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Once we trust Christ, we have a loving dedicated relationship with God that will last forever. We do not have to worry about Him divorcing us simply because of our sin. At the same time, once we see that love, we should return it. “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37) “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
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There will be performance of loving deeds and obedience in a true love relationship, but what a contrast they are to a performance driven relationship that simply does things for ones own benefit. No wonder those who have a true love relationship with God are more interested in His glory than their own.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day 2011
As we consider the lost lives of our soldiers today, I cannot help but think of a great milestone in our recent military conflicts. Less than a month ago, the major target of our soldiers, Osama Bin Laden, was killed
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Though few like to contemplate the eternal destiny of a US soldier who rejects Christ, there is little argument about Osama‘s fate in Hell.
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Since Bin Laden was also a warrior, the question must be asked, “Why do we consider our own soldiers heroes and Osama a villain?”
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The answer is simple. There is a difference between good and evil. Good and evil are not based on ones perspective, but are based on the unchanging character of a holy God. I will not suggest that our country has always done what God has expected- though we should have. But Mr. Bin Laden clearly violated the principles and teachings of our God and creator. Osama justified killing innocent people, whereas our Bible teaches that innocents should be protected.
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Some have called our brave soldiers and the politicians who gave them their orders murderers because they must kill in battle. The Apostle Paul clarified that rather than murderers, rulers and the soldiers under them are ministers of justice to restrain evil.
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Romans 13:3-4 KJV 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
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God uses rulers and soldiers to restrain evil. As we consider that many of our soldiers have given their lives for this ministry of service, we should be thankful to both them and God that evil men do not go unchallenged in this wicked world.
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I do not celebrate Osama Bin Laden’s eternity in the Lake of Fire. I wish that instead he had repented and been the recipient of God’s grace in spite of all the evil he did. But I am glad that our God does not leave evil unchecked either in this life or in the next.
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Let us also be somber as we remember that many of our countrymen have crossed from this life to the next as they were used in God’s eternal plan, and that the battles fought were more than flesh and blood, more than gun and sword, but were for the holding back of the spread of true evil.
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Today we remember- we reflect on those soldiers who gave their lives for our good. May we also remember that there is a difference between good and evil, between truth and error, and between a hero and a villain. Let us remember the heroes as we honor their sacrifice of life for what is good.
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As we consider the battle for good and evil, let us not forget that Jesus Christ gave His life in order to defeat sin and death. Because He died, our evil (our individual sin) can be atoned for if we believe and trust Him.
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Though few like to contemplate the eternal destiny of a US soldier who rejects Christ, there is little argument about Osama‘s fate in Hell.
-
Since Bin Laden was also a warrior, the question must be asked, “Why do we consider our own soldiers heroes and Osama a villain?”
-
The answer is simple. There is a difference between good and evil. Good and evil are not based on ones perspective, but are based on the unchanging character of a holy God. I will not suggest that our country has always done what God has expected- though we should have. But Mr. Bin Laden clearly violated the principles and teachings of our God and creator. Osama justified killing innocent people, whereas our Bible teaches that innocents should be protected.
-
Some have called our brave soldiers and the politicians who gave them their orders murderers because they must kill in battle. The Apostle Paul clarified that rather than murderers, rulers and the soldiers under them are ministers of justice to restrain evil.
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Romans 13:3-4 KJV 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
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God uses rulers and soldiers to restrain evil. As we consider that many of our soldiers have given their lives for this ministry of service, we should be thankful to both them and God that evil men do not go unchallenged in this wicked world.
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I do not celebrate Osama Bin Laden’s eternity in the Lake of Fire. I wish that instead he had repented and been the recipient of God’s grace in spite of all the evil he did. But I am glad that our God does not leave evil unchecked either in this life or in the next.
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Let us also be somber as we remember that many of our countrymen have crossed from this life to the next as they were used in God’s eternal plan, and that the battles fought were more than flesh and blood, more than gun and sword, but were for the holding back of the spread of true evil.
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Today we remember- we reflect on those soldiers who gave their lives for our good. May we also remember that there is a difference between good and evil, between truth and error, and between a hero and a villain. Let us remember the heroes as we honor their sacrifice of life for what is good.
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As we consider the battle for good and evil, let us not forget that Jesus Christ gave His life in order to defeat sin and death. Because He died, our evil (our individual sin) can be atoned for if we believe and trust Him.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
When Will Jesus Return?
By the time many of you read this, May 21st will have come and gone. For some of you that date has little significance. For the Millers, it is quite important, for it is the first birthday of our youngest son.
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The date also has some significance for those who have been listening to Family Radio. I personally am not a listener, for they have promoted many unbiblical doctrines. Among them is the idea that we can know the date of the Lord’s return. Harold Camping, the president of Family Radio set the date of God’s judgment and the rapture of the elect as May 21st, 2011. So what should our response be to those who set such dates?
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Christ was very clear in teaching that only God the Father knows the timing. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
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It is tempting to think that Camping and his teaching will become irrelevant after May 21st, but as we look at the history of past date setters, that might not necessarily be the case. In the 1800’s William Miller taught the 2nd coming would be between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. When it didn’t happen, a new date of Oct 22, 1844 was set.
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After that date came and went, some followers left, but many just tried to find a new explanation. Out of this came Ellen G White (founder of 7th day Adventism). They decided that Jesus was moving in heaven on that date, not coming to earth. (Notice the extreme they went to to defend the false teaching)
Another group, led by Jonas Swendahl taught that 1844 was just the beginning of the last generation and that meant the 1844 date was 30yrs off. He set the date at 1874. When that date came and went, one of his followers, Charles Taze Russell decided 30yrs wasn’t long enough for a generation and so he added 70 yrs to 1844 to bring the date to 1914 and founded Zion’s Watchtower Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses). The date was later changed to 1925, 1941, and 1975.
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Harold Camping himself has a history of date speculation. In 1992, he published the book 1994? 1994 has come and gone, yet Camping has now predicted 2011. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 gave those in Old Testament times a way to test the prophets. If their predictions did not come true, they were to be rejected. We shall see if Camping and Family Radio are rejected, or if their followers will come up with some sort of excuse.
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Much of Camping’s errors come about because he applies a spiritual meaning to the text instead of just reading it with the normal use of language. This is a dangerous interpretation method. It allows the individual teacher to decide what the hidden meaning is. All kinds of ideas can then be created with no real Biblical support.
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May we, instead, study the clear meaning of scripture rather than being led astray by every wind of doctrine that comes along. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15).
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The date also has some significance for those who have been listening to Family Radio. I personally am not a listener, for they have promoted many unbiblical doctrines. Among them is the idea that we can know the date of the Lord’s return. Harold Camping, the president of Family Radio set the date of God’s judgment and the rapture of the elect as May 21st, 2011. So what should our response be to those who set such dates?
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Christ was very clear in teaching that only God the Father knows the timing. “But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.” (Mark 13:32)
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It is tempting to think that Camping and his teaching will become irrelevant after May 21st, but as we look at the history of past date setters, that might not necessarily be the case. In the 1800’s William Miller taught the 2nd coming would be between March 21, 1843 and March 21, 1844. When it didn’t happen, a new date of Oct 22, 1844 was set.
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After that date came and went, some followers left, but many just tried to find a new explanation. Out of this came Ellen G White (founder of 7th day Adventism). They decided that Jesus was moving in heaven on that date, not coming to earth. (Notice the extreme they went to to defend the false teaching)
Another group, led by Jonas Swendahl taught that 1844 was just the beginning of the last generation and that meant the 1844 date was 30yrs off. He set the date at 1874. When that date came and went, one of his followers, Charles Taze Russell decided 30yrs wasn’t long enough for a generation and so he added 70 yrs to 1844 to bring the date to 1914 and founded Zion’s Watchtower Tract Society (Jehovah’s Witnesses). The date was later changed to 1925, 1941, and 1975.
-
Harold Camping himself has a history of date speculation. In 1992, he published the book 1994? 1994 has come and gone, yet Camping has now predicted 2011. Deuteronomy 18:20-22 gave those in Old Testament times a way to test the prophets. If their predictions did not come true, they were to be rejected. We shall see if Camping and Family Radio are rejected, or if their followers will come up with some sort of excuse.
-
Much of Camping’s errors come about because he applies a spiritual meaning to the text instead of just reading it with the normal use of language. This is a dangerous interpretation method. It allows the individual teacher to decide what the hidden meaning is. All kinds of ideas can then be created with no real Biblical support.
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May we, instead, study the clear meaning of scripture rather than being led astray by every wind of doctrine that comes along. “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:” (Ephesians 4:14-15).
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Who Is In Charge Anyway?
I once helped with some carpentry work for a family who had a little boy who was about six years old. He was quite a talker and would come out and watch us work and try to “help.” Our job was to build a small landing with steps leading up to that landing. A fairly simple job, except they wanted the steps to come up from three sides with a diagonal. What made the task even more challenging was that the ground was not level leading up to the steps. Thus I was measuring and remeasuring before I started to build. The little guy who was “helping” finally asked, “do you know what your doing?”
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I had to admit to him that the reason I was doing all the measuring was because I didn’t know what I was doing until I had all the information I needed to plan the design, but before explaining that I said, “not really.” He said, “I thought so.” His dad who was helping me was a bit embarrassed, but it left the question: who was really in charge- the dad who owned the house, his friend who was helping figure out how to build the steps, or the little six year old kid?”
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Figuring out who is in charge on the job site can be funny when a six year old wants to lead, but it isn’t quite as funny in the church. So who is in charge in a church setting? For those with a Presbyterian or Centralized governing body, the church simply looks to their synod or headquarters for decisions. Most evangelical churches, however are independent of such bodies and fall into either a congregational or pastoral rule.
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Ephesians 5:23 and Col 1:18 make it clear that Christ is the one who is in charge of the church. Still decisions must be made, and because we are all sinful humans, each form of church government has it’s challenges. One of the dangers of a centralized structure is that if just a few leaders stray from the faith, they can influence a large number of congregations. On the other hand, I fear the worst danger of congregational and elder rule is selfishness.
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Paul actually gave a warning of what would happen when congregations followed their own selfish desires rather than keeping Christ as their head. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3). I fear that is what has happened in some of the extremes of the seeker sensitive movement.
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In order to counter that tendency, some churches have moved to elder rule. That also has problems. Often there is elder rule without elder accountability. Because pastors are sinful, they too are prone to selfishness. Thus Peter warned, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) Hebrews 13 and I Timothy 5, show that pastors are to rule, but Peter has made it clear that it is to be by example. Further they are to be held accountable for their actions. When Paul told Timothy, “them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear“ (I Timothy 5:20), he was talking about rebuking the pastors ( if 2 or 3 witnesses).
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Ironically, one of the reasons why some congregations tolerate tyrannical pastors is because they tickle their ears. Thus you have a situation of selfishness on the part of both the pastor and the congregation. May we remember that Christ is to have the preeminence in the church, not the congregation or the pastor. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Col 1:18) Therefore, both pastors and congregations must set aside their selfish desires and put Christ first.
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I had to admit to him that the reason I was doing all the measuring was because I didn’t know what I was doing until I had all the information I needed to plan the design, but before explaining that I said, “not really.” He said, “I thought so.” His dad who was helping me was a bit embarrassed, but it left the question: who was really in charge- the dad who owned the house, his friend who was helping figure out how to build the steps, or the little six year old kid?”
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Figuring out who is in charge on the job site can be funny when a six year old wants to lead, but it isn’t quite as funny in the church. So who is in charge in a church setting? For those with a Presbyterian or Centralized governing body, the church simply looks to their synod or headquarters for decisions. Most evangelical churches, however are independent of such bodies and fall into either a congregational or pastoral rule.
-
Ephesians 5:23 and Col 1:18 make it clear that Christ is the one who is in charge of the church. Still decisions must be made, and because we are all sinful humans, each form of church government has it’s challenges. One of the dangers of a centralized structure is that if just a few leaders stray from the faith, they can influence a large number of congregations. On the other hand, I fear the worst danger of congregational and elder rule is selfishness.
-
Paul actually gave a warning of what would happen when congregations followed their own selfish desires rather than keeping Christ as their head. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears” (2 Timothy 4:3). I fear that is what has happened in some of the extremes of the seeker sensitive movement.
-
In order to counter that tendency, some churches have moved to elder rule. That also has problems. Often there is elder rule without elder accountability. Because pastors are sinful, they too are prone to selfishness. Thus Peter warned, “Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:3) Hebrews 13 and I Timothy 5, show that pastors are to rule, but Peter has made it clear that it is to be by example. Further they are to be held accountable for their actions. When Paul told Timothy, “them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear“ (I Timothy 5:20), he was talking about rebuking the pastors ( if 2 or 3 witnesses).
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Ironically, one of the reasons why some congregations tolerate tyrannical pastors is because they tickle their ears. Thus you have a situation of selfishness on the part of both the pastor and the congregation. May we remember that Christ is to have the preeminence in the church, not the congregation or the pastor. “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” (Col 1:18) Therefore, both pastors and congregations must set aside their selfish desires and put Christ first.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wow, Our New Baby Pictures
Medical technology is amazing. Today, surgery that used to be done with a scalpel is now done with a laser. My little brother recently had laser eye surgery and is very satisfied with the results. All the technology has actually created a few ethical dilemmas for end of life care as families and doctors try to determine how much to intervene to keep a terminal patient alive.
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Although ethical dilemmas at the end of life have increased, the new technology has helped to answer many questions about the beginning of life. Our family has been growing quickly and my wife is expecting again. Medical technology helped us to see a beautiful ultrasound of our new child even though he or she is only 12 weeks old. We could have actually seen our baby even sooner, but it was amazing how detailed this little person already is. We watched the legs kick and the arms wave. The head was clearly visible. The picture looked like a totally formed baby, just smaller. It looked like a baby because this person is a baby. Though we already have our hands full with our other three boys, we are excited to welcome this new child into our home soon.
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If for some reason we were not able to care for this child, there are many couples who would love to have a new baby but are unable to. My cousin and his wife were such a couple and now they have both a son and a daughter because two biological mothers chose life and adoption.
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We are not considering putting our new baby up for adoption, but my wife’s grandmother did. My mother in law was adopted by a loving couple after her teenage mother gave her up for adoption. She was able to benefit from the love of a mother who carried her to term and then gave her to another loving mother who raised her. Because Grandma Pam chose life so many years ago, we were able to see her great-grandchild on a 12 week ultrasound.
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Luke chapter 1 talks about Elisabeth being six months along in her pregnancy and in vs. 41 it says the baby leaped in her womb. The Bible is clear that what is in the womb is a life, not just tissue. Psalm 51:5 and 139:13-14, Exodus 21:22-25, and Job 31:15 all show that a pregnancy is a human life.
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As I write this, I understand that not all readers will share my views or even the Bible’s views on this matter. I do have one request though. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed with the news of a pregnancy, please get an ultrasound from a doctor who regularly does them so that he is able to get the sort of quality images that we saw. Take a look at what is growing inside of you and see how wonderfully amazing that little life really is.
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Then if you are still overwhelmed, do not feel ashamed of giving a baby up for adoption if you are unable or just too busy to care for him/her. We should not view adoption as a selfish choice at all. It gives childless couples the opportunity to be parents and it gives babies life. It gave my mother-in-law life. Thank you grandma Pam.
-
Although ethical dilemmas at the end of life have increased, the new technology has helped to answer many questions about the beginning of life. Our family has been growing quickly and my wife is expecting again. Medical technology helped us to see a beautiful ultrasound of our new child even though he or she is only 12 weeks old. We could have actually seen our baby even sooner, but it was amazing how detailed this little person already is. We watched the legs kick and the arms wave. The head was clearly visible. The picture looked like a totally formed baby, just smaller. It looked like a baby because this person is a baby. Though we already have our hands full with our other three boys, we are excited to welcome this new child into our home soon.
-
If for some reason we were not able to care for this child, there are many couples who would love to have a new baby but are unable to. My cousin and his wife were such a couple and now they have both a son and a daughter because two biological mothers chose life and adoption.
-
We are not considering putting our new baby up for adoption, but my wife’s grandmother did. My mother in law was adopted by a loving couple after her teenage mother gave her up for adoption. She was able to benefit from the love of a mother who carried her to term and then gave her to another loving mother who raised her. Because Grandma Pam chose life so many years ago, we were able to see her great-grandchild on a 12 week ultrasound.
-
Luke chapter 1 talks about Elisabeth being six months along in her pregnancy and in vs. 41 it says the baby leaped in her womb. The Bible is clear that what is in the womb is a life, not just tissue. Psalm 51:5 and 139:13-14, Exodus 21:22-25, and Job 31:15 all show that a pregnancy is a human life.
-
As I write this, I understand that not all readers will share my views or even the Bible’s views on this matter. I do have one request though. If you ever find yourself overwhelmed with the news of a pregnancy, please get an ultrasound from a doctor who regularly does them so that he is able to get the sort of quality images that we saw. Take a look at what is growing inside of you and see how wonderfully amazing that little life really is.
-
Then if you are still overwhelmed, do not feel ashamed of giving a baby up for adoption if you are unable or just too busy to care for him/her. We should not view adoption as a selfish choice at all. It gives childless couples the opportunity to be parents and it gives babies life. It gave my mother-in-law life. Thank you grandma Pam.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Grace For The Mess of Sin
We have three little boys who all share one room. That means that not only do all three sleep there, but there are also three dressers and clothes for three boys all in one room. The two oldest ones are just learning how to dress themselves, so as they search for clothes, they can often create a lot of disarray. Further they often drag things into their room that don’t belong there. Lets face it, the nursery becomes a mess.
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Well, my wife decided to tackle that mess. She put everything back in its place and the nursery once again looked neat and orderly. In the process though, she took aome things that did not belong there and temporarily moved them to the dining room until they could be sorted. Because the dining room was now a mess, I did not even notice how nice the nursery looked.
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My wife had worked hard and had gotten the nursery really nice, but because that mess had simply been transferred to another room, her hard work went largely unnoticed.
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Man often does the same sort of thing with sin. We might gain victory in one area, simply to realize that other sins have gotten worse. We then clean up those areas and find the first area is dirty again. Suddenly we realize that the battle against sin is like trying to keep every last leaf out of our yard in the fall while the wind in blowing.
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The apostle Paul understood that struggle when he wrote in Romans 7:15, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” He is admitting that he ends up doing some of the things that he preaches against and ends up sinning even though he hates sin. The passage continues as the Apostle shares very personal thoughts about his inward struggle with sin. You can almost feel his frustration as you read his writing. I know I feel it myself as I examine my own life and my struggles with the sin nature.
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After understanding that apostles and pastors still struggle with sin, what kind of hope do any of us have? Paul himself seemed to ask that same question before answering it himself. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24) The answer comes in the very next chapter of Romans as he finally writes: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
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The point is, we cannot be sinless. Our only hope is in Christ, and as we trust Him and walk in His Spirit, we no longer have to worry about condemnation even though we are sinners. Of course Paul was not saying that this gives us license to sin. Consider his earlier clarification on this, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
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God’s grace is not an excuse to sin, but it is a wonderful hope to all of us as we inevitably fall into sin even after we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As we walk in submission to the Spirit of God, let us remember the wonderful hope of His grace. “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” (Romans 5:20)
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Well, my wife decided to tackle that mess. She put everything back in its place and the nursery once again looked neat and orderly. In the process though, she took aome things that did not belong there and temporarily moved them to the dining room until they could be sorted. Because the dining room was now a mess, I did not even notice how nice the nursery looked.
-
My wife had worked hard and had gotten the nursery really nice, but because that mess had simply been transferred to another room, her hard work went largely unnoticed.
-
Man often does the same sort of thing with sin. We might gain victory in one area, simply to realize that other sins have gotten worse. We then clean up those areas and find the first area is dirty again. Suddenly we realize that the battle against sin is like trying to keep every last leaf out of our yard in the fall while the wind in blowing.
-
The apostle Paul understood that struggle when he wrote in Romans 7:15, “For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.” He is admitting that he ends up doing some of the things that he preaches against and ends up sinning even though he hates sin. The passage continues as the Apostle shares very personal thoughts about his inward struggle with sin. You can almost feel his frustration as you read his writing. I know I feel it myself as I examine my own life and my struggles with the sin nature.
-
After understanding that apostles and pastors still struggle with sin, what kind of hope do any of us have? Paul himself seemed to ask that same question before answering it himself. “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24) The answer comes in the very next chapter of Romans as he finally writes: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)
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The point is, we cannot be sinless. Our only hope is in Christ, and as we trust Him and walk in His Spirit, we no longer have to worry about condemnation even though we are sinners. Of course Paul was not saying that this gives us license to sin. Consider his earlier clarification on this, “What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Romans 6:1-2)
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God’s grace is not an excuse to sin, but it is a wonderful hope to all of us as we inevitably fall into sin even after we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. As we walk in submission to the Spirit of God, let us remember the wonderful hope of His grace. “Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:” (Romans 5:20)
Friday, March 25, 2011
How to Finance God’s Work
Palm Sunday is just a few weeks away. As Jesus came to Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday, many believed that He was riding into the capital city to set up His Kingdom and to reign as a king. They likely expected Him to drive the Romans out, but instead He went to the Temple and drove out those who bought and sold. As He did so, He quoted part of Isaiah 56:7, “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.”
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Notice that God had said in Isaiah that the Temple would be a house of prayer for all people. The context of Isaiah 56:7 is that the stranger- the Gentile/non-Jew, would have the joy of praying and worshipping in the Temple. There was actually a special court set apart in the Temple just for the Gentiles. It is believed that this court was the place where the moneychangers and sellers of animals had set up shop.
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Imagine a Gentile traveling from a far country to worship the true God coming into the Temple. He would find the place that was to be set apart for him to pray looking like crazy days on Main Street. No wonder Jesus drove out those who bought and sold.
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I was recently asked how churches justify fundraising activities in their building in light of what Jesus did in the Temple. Since we do not do fundraisers (bakes sales, raffles, etc) I hesitate to say how others justify it, but let me point out that the church building is not the same as the Old Testament Temple. Since the cross of Christ, we no longer have to bring burnt offerings and sacrifices to God’s special house of prayer.
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Some believe that our modern church buildings have actually replaced the Temple but it is actually the believer’s human body that is now God’s special dwelling place. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)
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The church building is definitely different than the temple, but this brings up another issue. How should the church be financed? Paul said that on the first day of the week (Sunday) God’s people should bring in an offering based on what they had earned throughout the week. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (I Corinthians 16:2). If Christians would faithfully and consistently bring in a portion of what they earned then the church wouldn‘t need to fundraise. (10% is the literal definition of the word “tithe” and offerings are above that). Malachi 3:8 says, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”
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Consider the classic bake sale. After you figure the time and ingredients for the cake, is the church really making much more than if the baker had just given her money? As I consider that many look at these activities for their social, rather than monetary value, let us be reminded that tithes and offerings have effectively financed God’s work for thousands of years. We need not be dependant on fundraisers.
-
Notice that God had said in Isaiah that the Temple would be a house of prayer for all people. The context of Isaiah 56:7 is that the stranger- the Gentile/non-Jew, would have the joy of praying and worshipping in the Temple. There was actually a special court set apart in the Temple just for the Gentiles. It is believed that this court was the place where the moneychangers and sellers of animals had set up shop.
-
Imagine a Gentile traveling from a far country to worship the true God coming into the Temple. He would find the place that was to be set apart for him to pray looking like crazy days on Main Street. No wonder Jesus drove out those who bought and sold.
-
I was recently asked how churches justify fundraising activities in their building in light of what Jesus did in the Temple. Since we do not do fundraisers (bakes sales, raffles, etc) I hesitate to say how others justify it, but let me point out that the church building is not the same as the Old Testament Temple. Since the cross of Christ, we no longer have to bring burnt offerings and sacrifices to God’s special house of prayer.
-
Some believe that our modern church buildings have actually replaced the Temple but it is actually the believer’s human body that is now God’s special dwelling place. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” (I Corinthians 3:16)
-
The church building is definitely different than the temple, but this brings up another issue. How should the church be financed? Paul said that on the first day of the week (Sunday) God’s people should bring in an offering based on what they had earned throughout the week. “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (I Corinthians 16:2). If Christians would faithfully and consistently bring in a portion of what they earned then the church wouldn‘t need to fundraise. (10% is the literal definition of the word “tithe” and offerings are above that). Malachi 3:8 says, “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”
-
Consider the classic bake sale. After you figure the time and ingredients for the cake, is the church really making much more than if the baker had just given her money? As I consider that many look at these activities for their social, rather than monetary value, let us be reminded that tithes and offerings have effectively financed God’s work for thousands of years. We need not be dependant on fundraisers.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Making Decisions in Marriage
Ephesians 5:21 teaches mutual submission, yet the verses following teach that a wife is to submit to her husband. How can both be obeyed?
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I love to drive down roads I’ve never been on before. Often if we are not pressed for time, I will turn down a road that takes me in the direction I want to go, even though I have no idea where it goes.
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Often my wife is with me and if I ask her if she thinks it’s a good idea, she will say that she would have stayed on the main road. Even though she would prefer the main road, she calmly accepts my decision, understanding that I will take total responsibility if we get lost.
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My little driving excursions provide an illustration for a healthy marriage relationship. Ephesians 5 gives instruction to both husbands and wives. Wives are told that they are to submit to their husbands, and husbands are told that they are to love their wives. Some have balked at that teaching, claiming that it is overtly sexist.
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Though the teaching does deal with issues along gender lines, we should not think of it as oppressive. Within a husband and wife relationship decisions must be made. Since there are two people in the marriage the vote will either be 100% or split 50/50. This could present a huge problem, but in our marriage, I get the tie breaking vote because Ephesians 5:22 gives me that right.
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Now this is great for me, because I get to drive down any road I want to even if I don’t know where I’m going. For my wife, its really not that big of deal what road we go down unless she needs to get home quickly for something special she has planned.
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So what if I always exercised my right to cast the tie breaking vote, but never consulted my wife first? For example my wife may want to get home quickly because she is not feeling well. If I did not even allow her input before casting the tie breaking vote, I would not be aware of that. So what should I do with my tie breaking vote once I have that information? Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” As a loving husband, if I am to obey Ephesians 5:25, I must cast my tie breaking vote in her favor instead of mine in such a situation.
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In order for this to work, I also have to trust that my wife is telling the truth and not just lying about how she feels in order to get her way. You see, love and submission are not the only important elements in a relationship, there must also be trust and communication.
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Whenever an issue comes up where I must cast the tie breaking vote, we first communicate so that I have all the information that she has so that I can make a loving decision as I cast that vote. Then, my wife has the understanding that all the consequences of that decision will fall on my shoulders. That takes a lot of pressure off of her as she submits to the decision and it allows me to make the decision with love. My love does not mean that I always let her have her way nor does her submission mean I always decide to do what I want to do. In this way we are truly submitting one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21).
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“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
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I love to drive down roads I’ve never been on before. Often if we are not pressed for time, I will turn down a road that takes me in the direction I want to go, even though I have no idea where it goes.
-
Often my wife is with me and if I ask her if she thinks it’s a good idea, she will say that she would have stayed on the main road. Even though she would prefer the main road, she calmly accepts my decision, understanding that I will take total responsibility if we get lost.
-
My little driving excursions provide an illustration for a healthy marriage relationship. Ephesians 5 gives instruction to both husbands and wives. Wives are told that they are to submit to their husbands, and husbands are told that they are to love their wives. Some have balked at that teaching, claiming that it is overtly sexist.
-
Though the teaching does deal with issues along gender lines, we should not think of it as oppressive. Within a husband and wife relationship decisions must be made. Since there are two people in the marriage the vote will either be 100% or split 50/50. This could present a huge problem, but in our marriage, I get the tie breaking vote because Ephesians 5:22 gives me that right.
-
Now this is great for me, because I get to drive down any road I want to even if I don’t know where I’m going. For my wife, its really not that big of deal what road we go down unless she needs to get home quickly for something special she has planned.
-
So what if I always exercised my right to cast the tie breaking vote, but never consulted my wife first? For example my wife may want to get home quickly because she is not feeling well. If I did not even allow her input before casting the tie breaking vote, I would not be aware of that. So what should I do with my tie breaking vote once I have that information? Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” As a loving husband, if I am to obey Ephesians 5:25, I must cast my tie breaking vote in her favor instead of mine in such a situation.
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In order for this to work, I also have to trust that my wife is telling the truth and not just lying about how she feels in order to get her way. You see, love and submission are not the only important elements in a relationship, there must also be trust and communication.
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Whenever an issue comes up where I must cast the tie breaking vote, we first communicate so that I have all the information that she has so that I can make a loving decision as I cast that vote. Then, my wife has the understanding that all the consequences of that decision will fall on my shoulders. That takes a lot of pressure off of her as she submits to the decision and it allows me to make the decision with love. My love does not mean that I always let her have her way nor does her submission mean I always decide to do what I want to do. In this way we are truly submitting one to another in the fear of God (Ephesians 5:21).
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“Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (Ephesians 5:33)
Friday, February 25, 2011
Proclaiming Christian Bias
I love science. It was in my high school science class that I learned to use pulleys to lift heavy objects. When I farmed I used the scientific research of others to determine the proper amounts of fertilizer to apply to the crops.
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Science is quite helpful, but I realize it has limits as well. Often a new product will come out that promotes higher yields, but I have my doubts. If I’m going to try it, I want independent data from someone other than the guy who is trying to sell it. The oil of a garter snake may or may not improve corn yield, but I want the data from the University, not the snake oil salesman.
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You see, I figure the salesman is too prone to bias. But what if I learned that the snake oil producers had all gotten together and given a donation to the University. Suddenly I would be suspect of their data as well.
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The issue is not that I mistrust science, it is that I mistrust the interpretation of data. I realize that it is impossible to keep bias out when coming to conclusions no matter how well intentioned a scientist may be.
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Actually this is true in any study, not just science. Our bias tends to direct our conclusions regardless of the data we are given. Now as a Christian who believes in the authority and accuracy of the Bible, I come to every issue with a bias toward the scripture. Now we may be inclined to think that all bias is bad, but if I were to try to ignore my scriptural bias, I would have to replace it with an anti-biblical bias. The point is that it is impossible to completely escape our biases.
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Since it is inevitable that I will have some sort of a bias anyway, I will make no apologies for agreeing with God on whatever issue comes up. By doing that I am actually putting my personal bias aside and simply agreeing with God. Not everyone agrees with God, but that doesn’t change the fact that He is right. “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4)
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If I depart from scripture, I let human bias get in the way. Yet, because I trust God, I have no fear that His Word is true, and I know that the position I hold will be justified in the end as long as it comes from Him.
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Some theologians have had such little faith in God’s Word that they rejected parts of it because the “scientific data” did not seem to support it. When we realize that bias affects all sorts of data, its not surprising that some would be able to come up with data that refutes the Bible. Lets face it, someone could come up with data to refute gravity. All you have to do is throw a ball in the air and ignore the data of it coming back down and you have given evidence that gravity doesn’t exist. So much of the data that “refutes” the Bible does just that sort of thing.
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It is not surprising that avowed atheists would stoop to such levels, but it should sadden us that even clergy would do the same. The Apostle Paul warned, “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:30) Let us not be disciples of man’s bias, but rather followers of God through His Word.
-
Science is quite helpful, but I realize it has limits as well. Often a new product will come out that promotes higher yields, but I have my doubts. If I’m going to try it, I want independent data from someone other than the guy who is trying to sell it. The oil of a garter snake may or may not improve corn yield, but I want the data from the University, not the snake oil salesman.
-
You see, I figure the salesman is too prone to bias. But what if I learned that the snake oil producers had all gotten together and given a donation to the University. Suddenly I would be suspect of their data as well.
-
The issue is not that I mistrust science, it is that I mistrust the interpretation of data. I realize that it is impossible to keep bias out when coming to conclusions no matter how well intentioned a scientist may be.
-
Actually this is true in any study, not just science. Our bias tends to direct our conclusions regardless of the data we are given. Now as a Christian who believes in the authority and accuracy of the Bible, I come to every issue with a bias toward the scripture. Now we may be inclined to think that all bias is bad, but if I were to try to ignore my scriptural bias, I would have to replace it with an anti-biblical bias. The point is that it is impossible to completely escape our biases.
-
Since it is inevitable that I will have some sort of a bias anyway, I will make no apologies for agreeing with God on whatever issue comes up. By doing that I am actually putting my personal bias aside and simply agreeing with God. Not everyone agrees with God, but that doesn’t change the fact that He is right. “For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect? God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.” (Romans 3:3-4)
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If I depart from scripture, I let human bias get in the way. Yet, because I trust God, I have no fear that His Word is true, and I know that the position I hold will be justified in the end as long as it comes from Him.
-
Some theologians have had such little faith in God’s Word that they rejected parts of it because the “scientific data” did not seem to support it. When we realize that bias affects all sorts of data, its not surprising that some would be able to come up with data that refutes the Bible. Lets face it, someone could come up with data to refute gravity. All you have to do is throw a ball in the air and ignore the data of it coming back down and you have given evidence that gravity doesn’t exist. So much of the data that “refutes” the Bible does just that sort of thing.
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It is not surprising that avowed atheists would stoop to such levels, but it should sadden us that even clergy would do the same. The Apostle Paul warned, “Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” (Acts 20:30) Let us not be disciples of man’s bias, but rather followers of God through His Word.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Faith for God’s Glory Not Mine
It is amazing how much courage we can come up with when we want to show off. I recall the time I was knee boarding behind a boat many years ago. I was much younger, more reckless, and more interested in preserving my pride than my health. One of my best friends was driving the boat when one of my other best friends said, “lets drown Jerry.”
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I could tell by the look on their faces that something was up. Soon the boat turned and headed for the wake it had just created. It was fun to jump that wake and show how “good” I was even though I really wasn’t all that “good.” Well, I had shown them that I could jump it without wiping out, so he went around again, this time hitting the double wake. I should have been thinking, “pride goes before a fall,” but instead I was thinking, “no guts no glory.” I should have just let go of the rope, but instead I crested a huge wave and landed right in front of another huge wave that caught the front of the knee board pulling it under water and putting me in a jackknife position.
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The first thing I did when I surfaced was to wiggle my toes to see if they still moved. By God’s grace they did, and after a few chiropractor visits I was alright. My friends felt really bad. They had expected that I would have just let go when I saw the big waves. They had not factored in my selfish pride.
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I fear that sometimes Christians take a similar approach to faith by confusing arrogant confidence with faithful courage. I recently heard of a pastor in a city of less than 3,000 in an area with declining population, suggesting that they should build a 70,000 seat auditorium. No doubt he had confidence, but is that the same as faith? Is it also possible that we could lack confidence and be afraid and still have faith?
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We have been studying Gideon on Sunday nights at First Baptist. He is a great example of a man who was not overly confident, and who was even scared at times, yet he was considered faithful. The book of Hebrews was written many years after Gideon, yet Hebrews 11:32 lists Gideon among those with faith.
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Gideon is such a wonderful example of faith, because he was not trusting in his own ability, but recognized that he could only have victory if God was there to help him. When he was told to go down to the enemy camp, he went even though he was afraid. You see faith is not about a lack of fear, it is about doing God’s will even when we are afraid.
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Going back to my kneeboard example, how many times don’t we go forward even when we are afraid because we think it will help us to look good? Just look at how many guys will do something scary to try to impress a cute girl. As Christians, we should have even more zeal to do things for God and His glory than we do for our own glory. We should go forward and serve Him and do what is right, even if it is scary.
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What if serving God did not improve your standing? What if doing right did not make you look better? Would you still do what God expected? As Christians we need to get out of the rut of being so focused on ourselves and our own improvement- our own pride- and focus instead on God’s glory and His will regardless of what it does for us personally.
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If you are serving God simply so you can look good, that isn’t courageous at all. But if you go forward and do what is right even if it is scary and no one notices, that is true faithfulness. Are you motivated by pride or faithfulness? Will you be found faithful?
-
I could tell by the look on their faces that something was up. Soon the boat turned and headed for the wake it had just created. It was fun to jump that wake and show how “good” I was even though I really wasn’t all that “good.” Well, I had shown them that I could jump it without wiping out, so he went around again, this time hitting the double wake. I should have been thinking, “pride goes before a fall,” but instead I was thinking, “no guts no glory.” I should have just let go of the rope, but instead I crested a huge wave and landed right in front of another huge wave that caught the front of the knee board pulling it under water and putting me in a jackknife position.
-
The first thing I did when I surfaced was to wiggle my toes to see if they still moved. By God’s grace they did, and after a few chiropractor visits I was alright. My friends felt really bad. They had expected that I would have just let go when I saw the big waves. They had not factored in my selfish pride.
-
I fear that sometimes Christians take a similar approach to faith by confusing arrogant confidence with faithful courage. I recently heard of a pastor in a city of less than 3,000 in an area with declining population, suggesting that they should build a 70,000 seat auditorium. No doubt he had confidence, but is that the same as faith? Is it also possible that we could lack confidence and be afraid and still have faith?
-
We have been studying Gideon on Sunday nights at First Baptist. He is a great example of a man who was not overly confident, and who was even scared at times, yet he was considered faithful. The book of Hebrews was written many years after Gideon, yet Hebrews 11:32 lists Gideon among those with faith.
-
Gideon is such a wonderful example of faith, because he was not trusting in his own ability, but recognized that he could only have victory if God was there to help him. When he was told to go down to the enemy camp, he went even though he was afraid. You see faith is not about a lack of fear, it is about doing God’s will even when we are afraid.
-
Going back to my kneeboard example, how many times don’t we go forward even when we are afraid because we think it will help us to look good? Just look at how many guys will do something scary to try to impress a cute girl. As Christians, we should have even more zeal to do things for God and His glory than we do for our own glory. We should go forward and serve Him and do what is right, even if it is scary.
-
What if serving God did not improve your standing? What if doing right did not make you look better? Would you still do what God expected? As Christians we need to get out of the rut of being so focused on ourselves and our own improvement- our own pride- and focus instead on God’s glory and His will regardless of what it does for us personally.
-
If you are serving God simply so you can look good, that isn’t courageous at all. But if you go forward and do what is right even if it is scary and no one notices, that is true faithfulness. Are you motivated by pride or faithfulness? Will you be found faithful?
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