The last week in June, First Baptist Church in Bancroft will be hosting Vacation Bible School for grade school children. The theme this year is “Bug Zone: Transformed By Our Big God!” Just as a caterpillar is transformed into a butterfly, so are we transformed when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
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Though I like the theme for our Bible School this year I do not necessarily like bugs. That word “bug” has multiple definitions. It can mean an insect or even an arachnid. It can also mean to pester or annoy. Both these definitions fit quite well with what we call bugs.
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A while ago our two year old woke up crying and pointing to the corner of his crib and saying “bug!” Evidently a fly had bit him and he was scared. A few weeks after that we were outside in the evening and ended up being bugged by mosquitoes. No doubt about it, bugs bug people.
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We even have examples of bugs bugging people in the Bible. God sent bugs as one of the plagues upon the Egyptians during the time of Moses. “And the LORD did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants' houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies.” (Exodus 8:24) God later sent hornets against Israel’s enemies to drive them off the land. “And I sent the hornet before you, which drave them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites; but not with thy sword, nor with thy bow.” (Joshua 24:12)
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Bugs are small, but they can do a lot of damage. Grasshoppers, or locusts as they are often called, can destroy crops. “The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands;” (Proverbs 30:27) The moth and worm can do much damage even in small numbers. “For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool: but my righteousness shall be for ever, and my salvation from generation to generation.” (Isaiah 51:8)
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The next time a bug bugs you, realize that no one is immune from the effects of bugs. “The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.” (Proverbs 30:28)
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Though bugs are terribly annoying, we can learn valuable lessons from their persistence. “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)
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Let’s face it, bugs are not the only things that bug us. We face many annoyances in life, but as we do, we need to learn and grow through those annoyances rather than letting them be an excuse for sin. In other words we need to trust God’s power to transform us through our trials just as he transforms a caterpillar into a butterfly. James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
Friday, June 15, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Friendship Shouldn't Excuse Sin
When I was in High School I had a friend who was a perpetual liar. He had such a reputation for going far beyond exaggeration that people who know him well knew that his word could not be trusted.
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After completing High School my lying friend went to work for a farmer who farmed right across the road from one of the fields I farmed. During the fall of the year one of the farm radio shows would ask farmers to call in with yield reports. Since this man had been a friend of mine for years I recognized his voice when he called in and I also knew that I could expect him to lie. He was running my neighbor’s combine right across the road from where I was harvesting and as I listened to the radio, I could see how full his combine got in the same distance I had traveled. By comparing the level of corn in his combine and mine, I had a pretty good estimate of how well the field was yielding, and sure enough, he lied.
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If you were to call my friend a liar, I could not argue with you. Further, I would not try to convince you that lying is okay simply because I have a friend who lies. Sadly, some people try to convince us that certain sins are okay simply because they have friends and family involved in those sins. This is especially true of homosexuality.
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A lot of things are sinful. That is why Jesus died and rose again- because we are all sinners whether gay or straight. What makes the discussion on homosexuality so difficult is that most people are willing to admit that lying, stealing, slandering, murder and so many other things are wrong, but want to ignore what the Bible says about homosexuality.
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At the same time, we must never forget that just like any other sin, if a person trusts Christ and really repents, it will be forgiven. We must also remember that we all struggle with sin. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Some people struggle with pornography, others struggle with alcoholism (drunkenness), others struggle with covetousness (greed), and some struggle with homosexual desires.
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Think of it this way, if a married man has a desire for a woman other than his wife, does it make it okay for him to sleep with her? No! It is wrong because it is adultery and God makes it clear that adultery is a sin. Some would argue that this is only wrong because the wife could be hurt in this situation, but even if the husband was able to do it without the wife ever finding out, it would still be wrong! The point is, it is wrong because it is sin. The same is true of homosexuality.
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Now if a person has homosexual temptations, but admits that acting on them is a sin, then I see no reason to treat it different than other sins people are tempted with. But if the person has the temptation and says there is nothing wrong with acting on it, then they are denying the scripture.
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I understand that not everyone is a Christian. For some of you my arguments really are not applicable unless you eventually come to the point to finally agree with what God has said, but for those of you who believe on Christ, you should believe the Bible, and it is very clear on this specific sin. That doesn’t mean we do not care about friends who are sinners, but let us not make excuses for their sin no matter what it is. Let us also recognize that we are all sinners and not make excuses for our own sins either.
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After completing High School my lying friend went to work for a farmer who farmed right across the road from one of the fields I farmed. During the fall of the year one of the farm radio shows would ask farmers to call in with yield reports. Since this man had been a friend of mine for years I recognized his voice when he called in and I also knew that I could expect him to lie. He was running my neighbor’s combine right across the road from where I was harvesting and as I listened to the radio, I could see how full his combine got in the same distance I had traveled. By comparing the level of corn in his combine and mine, I had a pretty good estimate of how well the field was yielding, and sure enough, he lied.
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If you were to call my friend a liar, I could not argue with you. Further, I would not try to convince you that lying is okay simply because I have a friend who lies. Sadly, some people try to convince us that certain sins are okay simply because they have friends and family involved in those sins. This is especially true of homosexuality.
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A lot of things are sinful. That is why Jesus died and rose again- because we are all sinners whether gay or straight. What makes the discussion on homosexuality so difficult is that most people are willing to admit that lying, stealing, slandering, murder and so many other things are wrong, but want to ignore what the Bible says about homosexuality.
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At the same time, we must never forget that just like any other sin, if a person trusts Christ and really repents, it will be forgiven. We must also remember that we all struggle with sin. “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Some people struggle with pornography, others struggle with alcoholism (drunkenness), others struggle with covetousness (greed), and some struggle with homosexual desires.
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Think of it this way, if a married man has a desire for a woman other than his wife, does it make it okay for him to sleep with her? No! It is wrong because it is adultery and God makes it clear that adultery is a sin. Some would argue that this is only wrong because the wife could be hurt in this situation, but even if the husband was able to do it without the wife ever finding out, it would still be wrong! The point is, it is wrong because it is sin. The same is true of homosexuality.
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Now if a person has homosexual temptations, but admits that acting on them is a sin, then I see no reason to treat it different than other sins people are tempted with. But if the person has the temptation and says there is nothing wrong with acting on it, then they are denying the scripture.
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I understand that not everyone is a Christian. For some of you my arguments really are not applicable unless you eventually come to the point to finally agree with what God has said, but for those of you who believe on Christ, you should believe the Bible, and it is very clear on this specific sin. That doesn’t mean we do not care about friends who are sinners, but let us not make excuses for their sin no matter what it is. Let us also recognize that we are all sinners and not make excuses for our own sins either.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day 2012
If I have my history right, the United States has not formally declared war since World War II. It seems the last formal declaration of war took place nearly 70 years ago on June 5, 1942 when Bulgaria, Hungry, and Romania were added as opponents in our war with Japan, Germany, and Italy.
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Numerous military engagements have been authorized by congress since that time however. Whether or not you call those activities wars, police actions, skirmishes, or national security ventures people have died for our country.
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Though there has never been a formal declaration of war in my lifetime, many have given their lives over the past 70 years and many gave their lives long before that. We are here today to remember and to honor those who are no longer with us because they fought for the cause of a free nation under God.
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Today we honor them. That word “Honor” is quite significant. It means to value, to respect, to hold in high regard. It means to exalt, esteem, dignify and to pay tribute to. I pray that we do all those things today as we gather to remember those who no longer live among us, but are definitely worthy of tribute because they died for us.
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Willingly giving your life for another person is an act of great humility. Pride would say that you are too important to die and that someone else must die for you instead, but humility says that the lives of others are so significant that you are willing to sacrifice your own life.
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Proverbs 22:4 says, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” We looked at honor as a verb as we spoke of the action of bestowing honor on those who gave their lives, but this verse from the scripture shows honor as a noun- a thing- that is possessed by those who are humble and fear the Lord.
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As we consider the definition of honor as a noun, we come up with words like personal integrity, dignity, reputation, mark of distinction, great privilege, & high position. Though those we are honoring today no longer possess life in this world, they do possess dignity, reputation, mark of distinction, great privilege, and a high position in our estimation as we bestow honor upon them.
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As we consider those who gave their lives for others, I cannot help but reflect upon one who was slain and is definitely worthy of honor-in fact the greatest honor of all.
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Revelation 5:11-12 says, "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
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Jesus Christ is God and He gave his life for others and is definitely worthy of honor above all others, but His Holy Bible reminds us that others are worthy of honor as well.
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Romans 13:7 states, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
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Today let us honor our fallen soldiers with a respect and a value for their dignity and service as we bestow upon them a mark of distinction for their humble sacrifice- as we give them the honor that is due them- the honor they deserve.
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Numerous military engagements have been authorized by congress since that time however. Whether or not you call those activities wars, police actions, skirmishes, or national security ventures people have died for our country.
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Though there has never been a formal declaration of war in my lifetime, many have given their lives over the past 70 years and many gave their lives long before that. We are here today to remember and to honor those who are no longer with us because they fought for the cause of a free nation under God.
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Today we honor them. That word “Honor” is quite significant. It means to value, to respect, to hold in high regard. It means to exalt, esteem, dignify and to pay tribute to. I pray that we do all those things today as we gather to remember those who no longer live among us, but are definitely worthy of tribute because they died for us.
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Willingly giving your life for another person is an act of great humility. Pride would say that you are too important to die and that someone else must die for you instead, but humility says that the lives of others are so significant that you are willing to sacrifice your own life.
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Proverbs 22:4 says, “By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” We looked at honor as a verb as we spoke of the action of bestowing honor on those who gave their lives, but this verse from the scripture shows honor as a noun- a thing- that is possessed by those who are humble and fear the Lord.
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As we consider the definition of honor as a noun, we come up with words like personal integrity, dignity, reputation, mark of distinction, great privilege, & high position. Though those we are honoring today no longer possess life in this world, they do possess dignity, reputation, mark of distinction, great privilege, and a high position in our estimation as we bestow honor upon them.
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As we consider those who gave their lives for others, I cannot help but reflect upon one who was slain and is definitely worthy of honor-in fact the greatest honor of all.
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Revelation 5:11-12 says, "And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing."
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Jesus Christ is God and He gave his life for others and is definitely worthy of honor above all others, but His Holy Bible reminds us that others are worthy of honor as well.
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Romans 13:7 states, "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour."
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Today let us honor our fallen soldiers with a respect and a value for their dignity and service as we bestow upon them a mark of distinction for their humble sacrifice- as we give them the honor that is due them- the honor they deserve.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Prayer, Rain, and Thankfulness
Last fall was really dry. I heard of farmers having extra wear and tear on their tractors and tillage equipment because the dry ground made pulling really hard. Then several weeks ago, I heard about a farmer who was concerned about planting into dry dirt and having uneven emergence. It is amazing how quickly things can changed once we got a 4“ rain.
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This reminds me of a dry spell we went through during my childhood. My dad was a farmer and he was concerned that the crops get some rain. Not only was dad concerned, he was literally praying for rain. My little brother was not very old at the time, but he too began to pray for rain and he was actually quite persistent in his prayer.
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Soon it began to rain and as it kept raining, but my little brother kept praying for rain. Finally my parents had to tell him that since our prayers had been answered, he no longer needed to keep repeating that particular prayer.
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My little brothers prayers and the spring rains in Bancroft are a reminder that God can send rain whenever he chooses. Psalm 147:7-8 says, “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” Let those who have received rain in the midst of a dry spell not forget to thank God for it.
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The habitual prayers of a child are also a reminder to the rest of us concerning the issue of prayer. Too often our prayers become vain repetition- just saying what we have said before- rather than real vital communication with God. Jesus warned, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7)
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I do not know if my brother’s prayers were vain repetition or the innocent persistence of a child. Persistence in prayer is not condemned but rather it is encouraged. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Luke 18:7) My little brother was definitely persistent and we did get rain.
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The passage in Psalm 147 reminds us that God prepares the rain for the earth, but it also reminds us that we should thank and praise God. Prayer should not be something we do only when we need help from God. Prayers should also be used to praise and thank God. Think of the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer where He taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name.” That line is praising and exalting God, as does the closing of that same prayer, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.”
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When we pray and ask for something we are admitting how dependant we are on God. When we praise and thank Him, we are recognizing His power. I like the acronym A.C.T.S. that reminds us of the components that should be involved in prayer. A= Adoration. We should praise and adore God. C= Confession. We should admit our sin and ask for forgiveness and forgive others. T= Thanksgiving. We should show our thankfulness toward God. S= Supplication. Because we are so dependant on God we should bring our needs before Him.
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With all these reasons to pray, no wonder I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”
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This reminds me of a dry spell we went through during my childhood. My dad was a farmer and he was concerned that the crops get some rain. Not only was dad concerned, he was literally praying for rain. My little brother was not very old at the time, but he too began to pray for rain and he was actually quite persistent in his prayer.
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Soon it began to rain and as it kept raining, but my little brother kept praying for rain. Finally my parents had to tell him that since our prayers had been answered, he no longer needed to keep repeating that particular prayer.
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My little brothers prayers and the spring rains in Bancroft are a reminder that God can send rain whenever he chooses. Psalm 147:7-8 says, “Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God: Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.” Let those who have received rain in the midst of a dry spell not forget to thank God for it.
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The habitual prayers of a child are also a reminder to the rest of us concerning the issue of prayer. Too often our prayers become vain repetition- just saying what we have said before- rather than real vital communication with God. Jesus warned, “But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.” (Matthew 6:7)
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I do not know if my brother’s prayers were vain repetition or the innocent persistence of a child. Persistence in prayer is not condemned but rather it is encouraged. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?” (Luke 18:7) My little brother was definitely persistent and we did get rain.
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The passage in Psalm 147 reminds us that God prepares the rain for the earth, but it also reminds us that we should thank and praise God. Prayer should not be something we do only when we need help from God. Prayers should also be used to praise and thank God. Think of the opening line of the Lord’s Prayer where He taught us to pray, “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be they name.” That line is praising and exalting God, as does the closing of that same prayer, “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory for ever. Amen.”
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When we pray and ask for something we are admitting how dependant we are on God. When we praise and thank Him, we are recognizing His power. I like the acronym A.C.T.S. that reminds us of the components that should be involved in prayer. A= Adoration. We should praise and adore God. C= Confession. We should admit our sin and ask for forgiveness and forgive others. T= Thanksgiving. We should show our thankfulness toward God. S= Supplication. Because we are so dependant on God we should bring our needs before Him.
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With all these reasons to pray, no wonder I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.”
Friday, May 4, 2012
Will There Be Pets In Heaven
We have a German Shepherd. They are amazing dogs. They were bred to be rugged working dogs. Our dog loves to do her work of watching the neighborhood and letting us know what is happening with her well timed bark. The only time that the church was ever broken into was when she was away on vacation at my in-law’s farm.
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She loves going to the farm because she loves being able to run outside at her leisure. When Crystal and I were first married we tried having her in the house with us, but she became very agitated because she felt cooped up. Not all dogs like the same surroundings, but our dog loves the outdoors.
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We devised a cable system for her to run on and installed a heated pad in her dog house so she could stay comfortable in the cold winter months. Considering that German Shepherds are made for the cold with their rich double coat, we may not have needed the heated pad, but we wanted our pet to be comfortable. Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” That is why we make sure she has a warm place to sleep and plenty of food. In fact, after taking her for a checkup at the vet a few years ago we found out we were feeding her too much food and he recommended we slim her down a bit.
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Some people neglect their pets and others seem to spoil them. I would rather see a pet spoiled a bit than neglected, but we must also be careful not to idolize them. I have been reading recently about the debate in Christian circles about whether or not our pets will go to heaven.
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Instead of an answer about our pets eternal destiny, I have a question. How much of the discussion about pets in heaven is motivated by idolatry of pets? I'm not saying pets are wrong. I have had wonderful pets, but when we get to heaven I cannot imagine worrying about our pets when we get to see our Savior. The whole discussion about getting to have our own pets in heaven sounds like saving up treasure to bring with us. I do not want to sound calloused, but shouldn‘t we be focused on seeing Jesus Christ face to face rather than on seeing our pets? How would you answer a person who asked, "If I restore a '57 Chevy will I get to have that in heaven?" Or "if I buy a Rolex will I get to have that in heaven?" Not all people idolize pets, but for those who do, why is idolatry of pets more acceptable than idolatry of other things?
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Romans 1:25 gives us a warning that we must consider as we reflect on our pets, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
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If you have animals, make sure you take care of them. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that we are to have regard for our beasts. At the same time, make sure that you do not turn your pet into an idol. There is a joke that says that dogs worship their masters and cats expect their masters to worship them, but let us not forget that we are to worship God. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10)
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She loves going to the farm because she loves being able to run outside at her leisure. When Crystal and I were first married we tried having her in the house with us, but she became very agitated because she felt cooped up. Not all dogs like the same surroundings, but our dog loves the outdoors.
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We devised a cable system for her to run on and installed a heated pad in her dog house so she could stay comfortable in the cold winter months. Considering that German Shepherds are made for the cold with their rich double coat, we may not have needed the heated pad, but we wanted our pet to be comfortable. Proverbs 12:10 says, “A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” That is why we make sure she has a warm place to sleep and plenty of food. In fact, after taking her for a checkup at the vet a few years ago we found out we were feeding her too much food and he recommended we slim her down a bit.
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Some people neglect their pets and others seem to spoil them. I would rather see a pet spoiled a bit than neglected, but we must also be careful not to idolize them. I have been reading recently about the debate in Christian circles about whether or not our pets will go to heaven.
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Instead of an answer about our pets eternal destiny, I have a question. How much of the discussion about pets in heaven is motivated by idolatry of pets? I'm not saying pets are wrong. I have had wonderful pets, but when we get to heaven I cannot imagine worrying about our pets when we get to see our Savior. The whole discussion about getting to have our own pets in heaven sounds like saving up treasure to bring with us. I do not want to sound calloused, but shouldn‘t we be focused on seeing Jesus Christ face to face rather than on seeing our pets? How would you answer a person who asked, "If I restore a '57 Chevy will I get to have that in heaven?" Or "if I buy a Rolex will I get to have that in heaven?" Not all people idolize pets, but for those who do, why is idolatry of pets more acceptable than idolatry of other things?
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Romans 1:25 gives us a warning that we must consider as we reflect on our pets, “Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.”
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If you have animals, make sure you take care of them. Proverbs 12:10 reminds us that we are to have regard for our beasts. At the same time, make sure that you do not turn your pet into an idol. There is a joke that says that dogs worship their masters and cats expect their masters to worship them, but let us not forget that we are to worship God. “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matthew 4:10)
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
I Shouldn't Get Even
Imagine if you came out of a store and saw a huge dent in your car. Another driver is sheepishly waiting for you as he stands beside the police officer filling out the accident report. What will be your response?
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In such a situation the Christian response should be to act with meekness and understanding. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
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Imagine however if after the police report is filed, you find out that the other driver’s insurance will not cover the damage. You get upset and decide that since you have a dent in your car, the other driver should have a dent in his car too, so with the help of a baseball bat, you place a dent in his fender. If you took such an action, not only would you have broken the law, but you would’ve also shown your lack of forgiveness.
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Romans 12 shows how ungodly a ‘get even’ attitude really is. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)
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Does this mean that our laws should not hold evil doer’s accountable, but that instead we should just let criminals do what they want to and wait for God to punish them? Of course not. God actually uses human governments and the power they have to hold evil doers accountable and God even uses these governments as a means to carry out His vengeance.
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For example, in I Samuel 15, God used King Saul and his army to punish the evil Amalekites. During the time of the Apostle Paul, God used the Roman government to hold criminals responsible. We are told in Romans 13 (right after what we just read in Romans 12) that this is an important function of government and that God uses governments specifically as revengers. “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: 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.” (Romans 13:3-4)
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By saying that vengeance belongs to God, the scripture is not saying that justice should not be served. It is telling us that the function of bringing vengeance belongs to God and those He has appointed to bring about vengeance. That leaves no room for us to take actions simply to get even.
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Actions of self defense are not taken in order to get even. They are actions taken to protect life and limb of self or others, but actions taken because of anger over past actions are not actions of self defense. They are actions of vengeance.
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We can trust God to take vengeance. He may use others to bring justice in our lifetimes or He may wait until the day of judgment to hold the evil doer accountable. Regardless, God will be just and we can trust Him. “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.” (Nahum 1:2)
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Perhaps you are the one who is deserving of God’s vengeance. If so, trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins so God’s wrath will turn from you.
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In such a situation the Christian response should be to act with meekness and understanding. “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
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Imagine however if after the police report is filed, you find out that the other driver’s insurance will not cover the damage. You get upset and decide that since you have a dent in your car, the other driver should have a dent in his car too, so with the help of a baseball bat, you place a dent in his fender. If you took such an action, not only would you have broken the law, but you would’ve also shown your lack of forgiveness.
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Romans 12 shows how ungodly a ‘get even’ attitude really is. “Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)
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Does this mean that our laws should not hold evil doer’s accountable, but that instead we should just let criminals do what they want to and wait for God to punish them? Of course not. God actually uses human governments and the power they have to hold evil doers accountable and God even uses these governments as a means to carry out His vengeance.
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For example, in I Samuel 15, God used King Saul and his army to punish the evil Amalekites. During the time of the Apostle Paul, God used the Roman government to hold criminals responsible. We are told in Romans 13 (right after what we just read in Romans 12) that this is an important function of government and that God uses governments specifically as revengers. “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: 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.” (Romans 13:3-4)
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By saying that vengeance belongs to God, the scripture is not saying that justice should not be served. It is telling us that the function of bringing vengeance belongs to God and those He has appointed to bring about vengeance. That leaves no room for us to take actions simply to get even.
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Actions of self defense are not taken in order to get even. They are actions taken to protect life and limb of self or others, but actions taken because of anger over past actions are not actions of self defense. They are actions of vengeance.
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We can trust God to take vengeance. He may use others to bring justice in our lifetimes or He may wait until the day of judgment to hold the evil doer accountable. Regardless, God will be just and we can trust Him. “God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.” (Nahum 1:2)
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Perhaps you are the one who is deserving of God’s vengeance. If so, trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins so God’s wrath will turn from you.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Christ is Risen From the Dead
Is it possible to like a Hershey’s candy bar and not like chocolate? Is it possible to eat a cheeseburger without cheese? Sure, you can order a cheeseburger without cheese, but then it is not really a cheeseburger, it is just a hamburger. Christianity without the resurrection of Jesus Christ is worse than a cheeseburger without cheese, because without the resurrection of Christ it is not even Christianity.
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The Apostle Paul actually gave us the definition of the gospel message (the good news of how Jesus paid for our sins). That definition is found in I Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
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Sin is a serious problem, but Jesus paid for our sins when He died on the cross. He did not stay dead though. He rose form the dead after He paid for your sins and mine. The good news of the gospel is that if you believe that Jesus alone paid for your sins when He died and that He rose from the dead, then you are saved. On the other hand, if you do not believe that, then God’s wrath still abides on you because of your sin and you are not saved. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
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By believing in the resurrection, we are believing that Jesus rose from the dead and that we too will rise from the dead to live forever with Him. Consider the promise of eternal life that comes with belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:15-16)
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Our sins have already condemned us, but Jesus came to save us when He died and rose from the dead. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:17-19)
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By believing in Christ, we are given eternal life- we will be made alive forever after we are resurrected. The reason people die is because of sin and that sin started back in the garden of Eden with the first man Adam. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
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As you remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ, realize that His death and resurrection make possible your resurrection to eternal life after you die if you believe in Him alone to save you from your sins..
-
The Apostle Paul actually gave us the definition of the gospel message (the good news of how Jesus paid for our sins). That definition is found in I Corinthians 15:1-4: “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
-
Sin is a serious problem, but Jesus paid for our sins when He died on the cross. He did not stay dead though. He rose form the dead after He paid for your sins and mine. The good news of the gospel is that if you believe that Jesus alone paid for your sins when He died and that He rose from the dead, then you are saved. On the other hand, if you do not believe that, then God’s wrath still abides on you because of your sin and you are not saved. “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36)
-
By believing in the resurrection, we are believing that Jesus rose from the dead and that we too will rise from the dead to live forever with Him. Consider the promise of eternal life that comes with belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:15-16)
-
Our sins have already condemned us, but Jesus came to save us when He died and rose from the dead. “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” (John 3:17-19)
-
By believing in Christ, we are given eternal life- we will be made alive forever after we are resurrected. The reason people die is because of sin and that sin started back in the garden of Eden with the first man Adam. “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)
-
As you remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ, realize that His death and resurrection make possible your resurrection to eternal life after you die if you believe in Him alone to save you from your sins..
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