Sunday, September 11, will be the tenth anniversary of a tragic day in American history. It was a day that showed that we are not as safe and secure as we once thought. A day when the unthinkable happened, we were attacked.
After the planes hit the towers, the pentagon, and the field in Pennsylvania, many questions were being asked. One primary question was, “Why did God allow this to happen?”
We must understand that God did not make the plans of the attack. He did not hijack the planes. He did not fly the planes into their final destinations. Man did. Nevertheless, that does not satisfactorily answer the question.
The Bible gives accounts of many instances where people suffered at the hands of others and one wonders why did this happen to them.
Joseph was loved by his father, so much that it caused a rift in the family. His brothers sold him into slavery, and he was eventually wrongfully imprisoned. Later, when he had a chance to meet his brothers, he said to them, "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 NASB)
These terrorists wanted to destroy America. They wanted evil to reign from that day forward. As the towers were falling, the Pentagon smoldering, and a plane crashed in Pennsylvania, the media (secular as it is) kept announcing for people to pray. The newscasters, the leaders of America, and people on the streets, were turning to God for the answers. The terrorists wanted evil, but God used it for good.
Job was a man of great wealth. He had every material thing imaginable. He had a wonderful wife, many children, and a massive homestead. In one horrible day, it all was taken away. His homestead destroyed, his children killed, and he was covered with debilitating sores. During his struggles, Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10 NASB)
While we tend to think that only good can bring about a blessing, it is also through the trials that blessings will occur. In order to receive the blessing, we must accept the trial that we are going through. How less treasured is the blessing, if there is no struggle to get it? It is through the trials that we will be immensely blessed.
Paul was an enthusiastic witness for God. He traveled all over the Mediterranean. He was beaten, imprisoned, stoned, and shipwrecked. However, he wrote, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18 NASB)
Paul was focused in eternity. He knew whatever happened today, was not going to take away from the joys of eternity. He knew that one day, he would be in his Saviors arms. He suffered through many trials while spreading the message of Jesus Christ. While suffering he did not waver from his duty. He knew it was going to be rough. He knew it was going to be hard. However, he continued even through the trials, for his focus was not on today, but on eternity.
While each one had various trials in their lives, they all knew God was working. God allowed each one to go through their trials; each one had the proper response to their trial.
God allows things to happen to show how He is working and to bring good into every circumstance. While certain people may intentionally try to do evil things, God will work things out for the good of people. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,” (Romans 8:23 NASB) These “all things” includes the evil actions of other people.
By persevering through the trials that we are able to understand the blessings that will come. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12 NASB)
God allows things to happen to bring us closer to Him. September 16, 2001 saw a significant increase in church attendance. One study showed that Over 90% of churches had an increase in attendance from the previous weeks. Of those churches, over 70% was an increase of ten or more. People were turning to God for the answers.
Ten years later, let us not forget what happened, and what we did: We turned to God. Let us persevere through this trial and any other that comes our way and continue to lean on God, for then, we can be found approved and will receive the crown of life.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Our Own Attitude
I admit it; I have been suffering from some massive writers block lately. I get an idea in my brain and for some reason I have been unable to formulate it into anything that would be considered readable. It has been a struggle for me lately. Not only do I try to maintain this online blog, but I also contribute to the newspaper. Both have pretty much been neglected of late.
Therefore, this past week, I have been pondering what to write. Do I write about attitude? Do I write about overcoming obstacles? Do I write about the softball team? Do I write about my childhood and how we used to throw Frisbees at each other, not to catch, but with the purpose of actually hitting the other person? Much like the Frisbees of my youth, I was sitting at my computer and it hit me. I can write about the softball team overcoming obstacles with our attitude.
We are in the middle of our softball season. While some may not be impressed with our 3-8 record, I really like it. Before the season began, I had a rotten attitude. My attitude was so bad; it rubbed off onto the rest of the team. A few of us would spend an hour or so after a practice complaining about the way the league would end up. I was the loudest complainer.
Before our first game, I recognized that I had created a monster of negativity. As the coach, I had to come up with something to change our attitudes. Our modern notions of an attitude do not seem to show up very much in Scripture. Bible versions only have a handful of references to words that are translated as "attitude." The most familiar is the Greek word, “phroneo” which means “being like minded” and is used in Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NASB). In order to overcome the obstacle of negativity, we had to change our attitude.
As a Christian, we are representations of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must carry the same attitude that he carried. Not only were we representing the Outlaws on the softball field, we were representatives of Jesus Christ. What we did, and how we acted was going to reflect back to Jesus.
One thing that we can control is our own attitude. On the softball field, when things did not go our way, we were faced with a decision. Do we throw our glove on the ground and kick it across the field, or do we smile and do our best to change the situation? Do we blame our teammates or do we pick them up? Is our attitude going to be positive or negative?
Without boring you with the exploits of our first two games (we did win one of them) our attitude greatly changed. What was once considered a lost season before we began, is now a positive season. While we may have come out on the wrong end of the score on most of our games so far, we are no longer consumed with the negativity. At the end of each night, I give the players a chance to talk about the game. The encouraging thing is that they do not discuss the negative, or the reasons we lost. They discuss the positive things, how we encouraged or helped one another.
When the season began, we made the choice as a team, that we will control our own attitude. Whatever obstacles arise, we will face them as a team, with the positive attitude that can only come through Jesus Christ.
Therefore, this past week, I have been pondering what to write. Do I write about attitude? Do I write about overcoming obstacles? Do I write about the softball team? Do I write about my childhood and how we used to throw Frisbees at each other, not to catch, but with the purpose of actually hitting the other person? Much like the Frisbees of my youth, I was sitting at my computer and it hit me. I can write about the softball team overcoming obstacles with our attitude.
We are in the middle of our softball season. While some may not be impressed with our 3-8 record, I really like it. Before the season began, I had a rotten attitude. My attitude was so bad; it rubbed off onto the rest of the team. A few of us would spend an hour or so after a practice complaining about the way the league would end up. I was the loudest complainer.
Before our first game, I recognized that I had created a monster of negativity. As the coach, I had to come up with something to change our attitudes. Our modern notions of an attitude do not seem to show up very much in Scripture. Bible versions only have a handful of references to words that are translated as "attitude." The most familiar is the Greek word, “phroneo” which means “being like minded” and is used in Philippians 2:5, “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (NASB). In order to overcome the obstacle of negativity, we had to change our attitude.
As a Christian, we are representations of Jesus Christ. Therefore, we must carry the same attitude that he carried. Not only were we representing the Outlaws on the softball field, we were representatives of Jesus Christ. What we did, and how we acted was going to reflect back to Jesus.
One thing that we can control is our own attitude. On the softball field, when things did not go our way, we were faced with a decision. Do we throw our glove on the ground and kick it across the field, or do we smile and do our best to change the situation? Do we blame our teammates or do we pick them up? Is our attitude going to be positive or negative?
Without boring you with the exploits of our first two games (we did win one of them) our attitude greatly changed. What was once considered a lost season before we began, is now a positive season. While we may have come out on the wrong end of the score on most of our games so far, we are no longer consumed with the negativity. At the end of each night, I give the players a chance to talk about the game. The encouraging thing is that they do not discuss the negative, or the reasons we lost. They discuss the positive things, how we encouraged or helped one another.
When the season began, we made the choice as a team, that we will control our own attitude. Whatever obstacles arise, we will face them as a team, with the positive attitude that can only come through Jesus Christ.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Another Adversary
Unless you have completely isolated yourself from society by not watching television, reading a newspaper, been connected to any online website, not answered your phone, or had any contact with any person able to communicate, you have undoubtedly heard the big news of the week. Prince William got married to now Princess Catherine. From Thursday night until Sunday night, that was the big news. Until. . . Sunday evening when it was announced during the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies baseball game that Osama (Usama) Bin Laden was killed.
Yes, Bin Laden has been killed, but do not be fooled, there is another adversary in the world. We must not let our guard down and we must continue to be vigilant and be on the alert for him, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)
Recently, there have been books and articles written that attempt to make the statement that the devil does not exist. That is a tactic used to gain a foothold. If a person is not prepared for an adversary, because they believe the adversary does not exist, they will not be able to overcome the adversary, for they will not be prepared. Just like a thief in someone’s home. They lock the doors and protect their possessions, not because they have been robbed, but because the existence of thieves. If thieves did not exist, then people would not lock their doors, for there would be no reason to lock the doors.
The devil is real. If you want, go ahead and read that sentence again, I will wait. I will also retype it if you do not want to reread it: The devil is real. 1 John 3:8 states, “for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” He was made holy like the other angels, he introduced sin into the universe, and that he has continued to practice it ever since, for he not only sinned by rebelling against God himself, but also by tempting man, to sin against God. He did not commit one act of sin and then reform; but he has continued, and still continues, his course of sin. The devil tempted Adam and Eve into sin. He attempted to tempt Jesus into sin. He continues to lead humanity into sin.
Do not let your guard down for a second. There is another adversary in the world. He is the devil. He will seek to destroy you. When people do not acknowledge the existence of the devil, his work becomes much easier. Be on the alert, be ever vigilant, be ever prayerful. The devil exists, and he wants you to believe he does not.
Yes, Bin Laden has been killed, but do not be fooled, there is another adversary in the world. We must not let our guard down and we must continue to be vigilant and be on the alert for him, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NASB)
Recently, there have been books and articles written that attempt to make the statement that the devil does not exist. That is a tactic used to gain a foothold. If a person is not prepared for an adversary, because they believe the adversary does not exist, they will not be able to overcome the adversary, for they will not be prepared. Just like a thief in someone’s home. They lock the doors and protect their possessions, not because they have been robbed, but because the existence of thieves. If thieves did not exist, then people would not lock their doors, for there would be no reason to lock the doors.
The devil is real. If you want, go ahead and read that sentence again, I will wait. I will also retype it if you do not want to reread it: The devil is real. 1 John 3:8 states, “for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” He was made holy like the other angels, he introduced sin into the universe, and that he has continued to practice it ever since, for he not only sinned by rebelling against God himself, but also by tempting man, to sin against God. He did not commit one act of sin and then reform; but he has continued, and still continues, his course of sin. The devil tempted Adam and Eve into sin. He attempted to tempt Jesus into sin. He continues to lead humanity into sin.
Do not let your guard down for a second. There is another adversary in the world. He is the devil. He will seek to destroy you. When people do not acknowledge the existence of the devil, his work becomes much easier. Be on the alert, be ever vigilant, be ever prayerful. The devil exists, and he wants you to believe he does not.
Thursday, May 05, 2011
The Voice of Prayer
Three Pastors were deep in a discussion of the best positions for praying. “Kneeling is definitely the best,” claimed the first one.
“No,” another contended. “I get the best results standing with my arms outstretched towards heaven.”
“You’re both wrong,” the third argued. “The most effective prayer position is laying on the floor facedown.”
“Excuse me,” interjected a telephone repairman, “I’ve been listening to your conversation and I have to tell you, the best praying I ever did was hanging upside down from a telephone pole.”
Prayer is possibly the single most important duty a Christian can do. Everything done by a Christian must begin with prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool. Yet, it is something that is lacking in today’s church.
A recent study, conducted by the Pew Research Center, had highlighted this lack of prayer in the church. 58% of churchgoers say they pray at least once a day, a little over half of the church. Of those that pray, 73% say they pray less than fifteen minutes. The numbers really drop when it comes to having a ‘prayer meeting”, a meeting specifically set aside just for prayer. On the average, when a church holds a “prayer meeting”, less than 3% of the congregation will show up. It is no wonder why the nonbeliever does not believe in prayer when the believer does not utilize it.
Praying is a tough duty. Recognizing the struggles of the flesh, especially with prayer, we are exhorted to pray diligently and fervently, "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18 NASB) Note the ALLS: "with ALL prayer," "at ALL times," "in ALL perseverance," "for ALL the saints." When we stop to weigh the meaning of these words, and then note the connection in which they are found, the believer is driven to say, "I must pray, pray, pray. I must put all my energy and all my heart into prayer. Whatever else I do, I must pray."
The history of the church has always been a history of grave difficulties to overcome. The devil hates the church and seeks in every way to block its progress; now by false doctrine, again by division, again by inward corruption of life. But by prayer, a clear way can be made through everything. Prayer will root out heresy, allay misunderstanding, sweep away jealousies and animosities, obliterate immoralities, and bring in the full tide of God's reviving grace. History abundantly proves this. In the hour of darkest portent, when the case of the church, local or universal, has seemed beyond hope, believing men and believing women have met together and cried to God and the answer has come.
It was so in the early days of our colonization with Bradford and Edwards. It was so in the days of our nations founding with Wesley and Witherspoon. And so it is with today. It is now a dark day, BUT― now it is time for God to work, “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14,15 NASB) And He is getting ready to work, and now He is listening for the voice of prayer. Will He hear it? Will He hear it from you? Will He hear it from the church as a body?
“No,” another contended. “I get the best results standing with my arms outstretched towards heaven.”
“You’re both wrong,” the third argued. “The most effective prayer position is laying on the floor facedown.”
“Excuse me,” interjected a telephone repairman, “I’ve been listening to your conversation and I have to tell you, the best praying I ever did was hanging upside down from a telephone pole.”
Prayer is possibly the single most important duty a Christian can do. Everything done by a Christian must begin with prayer. Prayer is a powerful tool. Yet, it is something that is lacking in today’s church.
A recent study, conducted by the Pew Research Center, had highlighted this lack of prayer in the church. 58% of churchgoers say they pray at least once a day, a little over half of the church. Of those that pray, 73% say they pray less than fifteen minutes. The numbers really drop when it comes to having a ‘prayer meeting”, a meeting specifically set aside just for prayer. On the average, when a church holds a “prayer meeting”, less than 3% of the congregation will show up. It is no wonder why the nonbeliever does not believe in prayer when the believer does not utilize it.
Praying is a tough duty. Recognizing the struggles of the flesh, especially with prayer, we are exhorted to pray diligently and fervently, "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18 NASB) Note the ALLS: "with ALL prayer," "at ALL times," "in ALL perseverance," "for ALL the saints." When we stop to weigh the meaning of these words, and then note the connection in which they are found, the believer is driven to say, "I must pray, pray, pray. I must put all my energy and all my heart into prayer. Whatever else I do, I must pray."
The history of the church has always been a history of grave difficulties to overcome. The devil hates the church and seeks in every way to block its progress; now by false doctrine, again by division, again by inward corruption of life. But by prayer, a clear way can be made through everything. Prayer will root out heresy, allay misunderstanding, sweep away jealousies and animosities, obliterate immoralities, and bring in the full tide of God's reviving grace. History abundantly proves this. In the hour of darkest portent, when the case of the church, local or universal, has seemed beyond hope, believing men and believing women have met together and cried to God and the answer has come.
It was so in the early days of our colonization with Bradford and Edwards. It was so in the days of our nations founding with Wesley and Witherspoon. And so it is with today. It is now a dark day, BUT― now it is time for God to work, “and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.” (2 Chronicles 7:14,15 NASB) And He is getting ready to work, and now He is listening for the voice of prayer. Will He hear it? Will He hear it from you? Will He hear it from the church as a body?
Friday, April 22, 2011
What Is So Good About It
Good Friday. When I was much younger than I am today, I had often wondered why it was called Good Friday. I remember asking people why was it called Good Friday because what is so good about death. I cannot remember many of the answers, but suffice it to say, most were the standard, “That’s what they call it,” assuming that I knew who the mystical “they” were. Nevertheless, the question was never really answered to my young curiosity. So what is so good about it?
It is with utmost importance that Jesus died. Without death, there can be no resurrection. In order to be resurrected, there must be death. No death = no resurrection. Why did Jesus have to die? It was part of God’s eternal plan.
From the first sin, there was a blood sacrifice. Many people, when reading the account of Adam’s sin in Genesis, glance over the part of the sin sacrifice. “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21 NASB) Where did these garments of skin come from? The word in the Hebrew that is commonly translated into skin is a term for leather. What is leather? The hide of an animal. Upon their transgression, God sacrificed an animal to show that he was covering, not only their bodies, but that the blood of the animal was covering their sin. The first sin sacrifice.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many instances of animal sacrifices. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, among many more of the forefathers of the faith. Moses was given strict rules for the proper way and purpose of the sin sacrifice. The most important aspect is that it had to be an animal without spot or blemish.
However, these sacrifices served only as a reminder of their sin. It did not cover nor erase their sin. “If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:2-4 NASB)
There had to be a sacrifice that would take away and forever remove the sins of mankind. That type of sacrifice had to be the perfect unblemished spotless SINLESS sacrifice. “since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21b-24 NASB)
This sacrifice involved Jesus’ death. It is so important that Paul listed as a matter of first importance, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4 NASB)
Jesus’ death covered the sins of all mankind. It is of utmost importance that Jesus died. Because of the death of Jesus, we all have the opportunity for eternal life. That is why it is good.
It is with utmost importance that Jesus died. Without death, there can be no resurrection. In order to be resurrected, there must be death. No death = no resurrection. Why did Jesus have to die? It was part of God’s eternal plan.
From the first sin, there was a blood sacrifice. Many people, when reading the account of Adam’s sin in Genesis, glance over the part of the sin sacrifice. “The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” (Genesis 3:21 NASB) Where did these garments of skin come from? The word in the Hebrew that is commonly translated into skin is a term for leather. What is leather? The hide of an animal. Upon their transgression, God sacrificed an animal to show that he was covering, not only their bodies, but that the blood of the animal was covering their sin. The first sin sacrifice.
Throughout the Old Testament, there are many instances of animal sacrifices. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, among many more of the forefathers of the faith. Moses was given strict rules for the proper way and purpose of the sin sacrifice. The most important aspect is that it had to be an animal without spot or blemish.
However, these sacrifices served only as a reminder of their sin. It did not cover nor erase their sin. “If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.” (Hebrews 10:2-4 NASB)
There had to be a sacrifice that would take away and forever remove the sins of mankind. That type of sacrifice had to be the perfect unblemished spotless SINLESS sacrifice. “since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, WHO COMMITTED NO SIN, NOR WAS ANY DECEIT FOUND IN HIS MOUTH; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.” (1 Peter 2:21b-24 NASB)
This sacrifice involved Jesus’ death. It is so important that Paul listed as a matter of first importance, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4 NASB)
Jesus’ death covered the sins of all mankind. It is of utmost importance that Jesus died. Because of the death of Jesus, we all have the opportunity for eternal life. That is why it is good.
Friday, April 08, 2011
What Is Required of You
At some point in our lives, most people will ask the all familiar question, “What does God require me to do?” While those who ask this question are typically looking for some specific answer about some specific issue or decision — the answer God gives tends to be more generalized yet very comprehensive.
For some we look to do the minimum. What is the most basic thing that can be done? Does God just require that I be in church? Will that make him happy? Will it please him if I teach a Sunday school class? What about giving the full 10% of my weekly income to the offering today? What is the minimum that I need to do?
Many years ago there was a movie titled, “Office Space.” One of the main characters worked at a restaurant where they are required to wear a certain amount of “flair”, buttons that were used to accessorize their uniforms. There was a minimum requirement to wear, and the character got into an argument with the boss about the amount she was wearing. She was wearing the minimum, and the boss was not too happy, but there was not much recourse for him, as it was the minimum. The argument was simple: He asked her, “Are you content with just doing the minimum and getting by“. He was not happy with it but she was all too content to do the minimum. Sometimes that is what Christians do: Just the minimum.
Many others take to the other extreme. Would God be satisfied if I became a hermit, and wore black, scratchy clothes? Would he be satisfied if I took a trip to a holy site, crawling all the way? Would he be pleased if I sold my house, and gave all the money to the pastor? Do I need to memorize the whole Bible?
Which brings the question, “What is required of you?” Micah then answers, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NIV) In other words — whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you - be sure it contains these three things: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
To act justly is to ensure that all things are done with fairness and equality. Many times to act justly takes years to accomplish. Throughout American history, there are many instances where Christians were prompted to act justly and did not live to see their goals accomplished, but through their actions, these goals were accomplished. Thomas Jefferson originally had written into the Declaration of Independence emancipation of the slaves, citing that if all men are created equal, then that included the slaves. While he did not see the emancipation of slaves, he did release his own, and pushed for stronger anti-slavery laws. Less than one hundred years from the signing of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was illegal, and all humans were considered to be free people.
Throughout American history, it is evident how the church influenced justice for all people. The pilgrims sought freedom of worship, a way to worship God in any manner. All worship was to be considered equal, with no specific denomination receiving superior or inferior treatment from the land. The suffrage movement began in a church in Ithaca New York, seeking equality for women to vote. The civil rights movement, being led by Martin Luther King Jr, who not only having a doctorate, but he was an ordained Pastor.
Christians throughout history have grasped this first concept of acting justly.
Love mercy. A common adage says that grace gives what we do not deserve, while mercy withholds what we do deserve. To me, it is a bit clunky at best, especially if we do not fully understand grace and mercy. A generalized example would be; we deserve eternal punishment for our sins, yet we receive eternal life. Grace gives us eternal life (It is by grace through faith that you have been saved . . . Ephesians 2:8 NIV), mercy withholds eternal punishment. (For the wages of sin is death . . . Romans 6:23 NIV)
To love mercy is to show mercy. To show mercy is to receive mercy. Showing mercy to others is a prayer that is prayed to God for us to be treated in the same manner. Jesus states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7 NIV) Jesus also states, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2 NIV) When mercy is shown, used, and measured, it will be shown, used and measured towards us.
The final aspect is to walk humbly with your God. Our basic problem as humans is we put ourselves in the center of our lives. We say these things: My job first even if it means sacrificing family. My happiness first, even if it means divorce. My success first, even if I have to stab someone else in the back. My self-esteem first, even if I have to cut someone down with my words. My plan for my life first, even if it means ignoring God.
The best definition of humility is found in the Scriptures, Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (NIV) Andrew Murray, a Christian writer, Pastor, and missionary to South Africa, said, "The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him. He can bear to hear others praised while he is forgotten because ... he has received the spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor. Therefore, in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ he has put on the heart of compassion, kindness, meekness, longsuffering, and humility."
Pride has no place in the presence of the Lord, nor in the service we render unto His name. Pride will never do justice, for it only seeks its own. Pride will never show mercy, because it delights in oppression. Pride will never walk with God, for it sees itself to be equal to the Most High. Thus, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Humility is the God-given self-assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do. It is the freedom to be yourself before God, and before others.
If you will agree with God and submit to His will for your life, He will make you a man or woman of justice and mercy; clothed with humility! Whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you — be sure that these three things are true of you in every place and situation — you do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God
For some we look to do the minimum. What is the most basic thing that can be done? Does God just require that I be in church? Will that make him happy? Will it please him if I teach a Sunday school class? What about giving the full 10% of my weekly income to the offering today? What is the minimum that I need to do?
Many years ago there was a movie titled, “Office Space.” One of the main characters worked at a restaurant where they are required to wear a certain amount of “flair”, buttons that were used to accessorize their uniforms. There was a minimum requirement to wear, and the character got into an argument with the boss about the amount she was wearing. She was wearing the minimum, and the boss was not too happy, but there was not much recourse for him, as it was the minimum. The argument was simple: He asked her, “Are you content with just doing the minimum and getting by“. He was not happy with it but she was all too content to do the minimum. Sometimes that is what Christians do: Just the minimum.
Many others take to the other extreme. Would God be satisfied if I became a hermit, and wore black, scratchy clothes? Would he be satisfied if I took a trip to a holy site, crawling all the way? Would he be pleased if I sold my house, and gave all the money to the pastor? Do I need to memorize the whole Bible?
Which brings the question, “What is required of you?” Micah then answers, "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8 NIV) In other words — whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you - be sure it contains these three things: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.
To act justly is to ensure that all things are done with fairness and equality. Many times to act justly takes years to accomplish. Throughout American history, there are many instances where Christians were prompted to act justly and did not live to see their goals accomplished, but through their actions, these goals were accomplished. Thomas Jefferson originally had written into the Declaration of Independence emancipation of the slaves, citing that if all men are created equal, then that included the slaves. While he did not see the emancipation of slaves, he did release his own, and pushed for stronger anti-slavery laws. Less than one hundred years from the signing of the Declaration of Independence, slavery was illegal, and all humans were considered to be free people.
Throughout American history, it is evident how the church influenced justice for all people. The pilgrims sought freedom of worship, a way to worship God in any manner. All worship was to be considered equal, with no specific denomination receiving superior or inferior treatment from the land. The suffrage movement began in a church in Ithaca New York, seeking equality for women to vote. The civil rights movement, being led by Martin Luther King Jr, who not only having a doctorate, but he was an ordained Pastor.
Christians throughout history have grasped this first concept of acting justly.
Love mercy. A common adage says that grace gives what we do not deserve, while mercy withholds what we do deserve. To me, it is a bit clunky at best, especially if we do not fully understand grace and mercy. A generalized example would be; we deserve eternal punishment for our sins, yet we receive eternal life. Grace gives us eternal life (It is by grace through faith that you have been saved . . . Ephesians 2:8 NIV), mercy withholds eternal punishment. (For the wages of sin is death . . . Romans 6:23 NIV)
To love mercy is to show mercy. To show mercy is to receive mercy. Showing mercy to others is a prayer that is prayed to God for us to be treated in the same manner. Jesus states, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7 NIV) Jesus also states, “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:2 NIV) When mercy is shown, used, and measured, it will be shown, used and measured towards us.
The final aspect is to walk humbly with your God. Our basic problem as humans is we put ourselves in the center of our lives. We say these things: My job first even if it means sacrificing family. My happiness first, even if it means divorce. My success first, even if I have to stab someone else in the back. My self-esteem first, even if I have to cut someone down with my words. My plan for my life first, even if it means ignoring God.
The best definition of humility is found in the Scriptures, Philippians 2:3 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (NIV) Andrew Murray, a Christian writer, Pastor, and missionary to South Africa, said, "The humble man feels no jealousy or envy. He can praise God when others are preferred and blessed before him. He can bear to hear others praised while he is forgotten because ... he has received the spirit of Jesus, who pleased not Himself, and who sought not His own honor. Therefore, in putting on the Lord Jesus Christ he has put on the heart of compassion, kindness, meekness, longsuffering, and humility."
Pride has no place in the presence of the Lord, nor in the service we render unto His name. Pride will never do justice, for it only seeks its own. Pride will never show mercy, because it delights in oppression. Pride will never walk with God, for it sees itself to be equal to the Most High. Thus, God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
Humility is the God-given self-assurance that eliminates the need to prove to others the worth of who you are, and the rightness of what you do. It is the freedom to be yourself before God, and before others.
If you will agree with God and submit to His will for your life, He will make you a man or woman of justice and mercy; clothed with humility! Whatever you decide to do with your life, and wherever that decision may take you — be sure that these three things are true of you in every place and situation — you do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Be Prepared and To Prepare Others
Within the last few years there have been many movies centered on the “end of days”. Whether it is the movie “End of Days” to last years “2012”, society as a whole is interested in how the world will end. Will the world end in a nuclear war, the sun becoming a supernova, or with the return of Jesus Christ?
Due to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami off the coast of Japan, internet searches for “end of days” and “return of Christ” have increased by over 5000%. Some sites claim we are in the final days and we need to stock up on foods and items. Others make the bold assertion as to when the last day will be, whether it is by total annihilation of the world, or a specific day Jesus will return.
What is a Christian to do with this dearth of information? Should Christians run around squawking like chickens, “Repent the end is near!” Should Christians converge and huddle in their churches and homes waiting for Jesus’ return? Should Christians disregard everything and go about living their lives as they always have? The simplistic answer to those questions is no. Christians should not run around squawking like chickens, they should not huddle in their churches, nor should they disregard everything and go about living their lives as they always have done. Bob Beaty, Pastor of Zion Brethren in Christ church, summed it up best, “Christians need to continue to do the Master’s work.”
One day, Jesus stood with his disciples near a field. He pointed to the field and told his disciples that the field was ready for harvest, but there were not enough workers in it. At the same time, there was a crowd of people gathering around. The analogy being that there are many people thirsting and hungering for God’s truth, but not enough people to do the work. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2 NIV)
Paul warned the Thessalonian church about becoming complacent and idle. They were content in their own salvation, but did not do anything to spread the Gospel of Christ. Idleness is not something Christians should be striving to attain. Too many Christians feel the time for Jesus to return is imminent, so they begin to become complacent in their own salvation. Regardless of the time of day, we must never stop working.
Too often Christians have become complacent. They see the “signs” of Christ’s return. They become more concerned with looking for the “signs” and not looking for the “signs” of the non-believer. God desires that all people come to a saving relationship with Him. It is His desire that all be saved, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3,4 NIV)
While Christians do need to be aware of what is going on in the world. They do not need to be focusing on the “signs” of his return, because we know he will. Christians do need to be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the present. It is not a Christian’s responsibility to know when Jesus will return, but to be prepared, and to prepare others for when he does return.
Due to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami off the coast of Japan, internet searches for “end of days” and “return of Christ” have increased by over 5000%. Some sites claim we are in the final days and we need to stock up on foods and items. Others make the bold assertion as to when the last day will be, whether it is by total annihilation of the world, or a specific day Jesus will return.
What is a Christian to do with this dearth of information? Should Christians run around squawking like chickens, “Repent the end is near!” Should Christians converge and huddle in their churches and homes waiting for Jesus’ return? Should Christians disregard everything and go about living their lives as they always have? The simplistic answer to those questions is no. Christians should not run around squawking like chickens, they should not huddle in their churches, nor should they disregard everything and go about living their lives as they always have done. Bob Beaty, Pastor of Zion Brethren in Christ church, summed it up best, “Christians need to continue to do the Master’s work.”
One day, Jesus stood with his disciples near a field. He pointed to the field and told his disciples that the field was ready for harvest, but there were not enough workers in it. At the same time, there was a crowd of people gathering around. The analogy being that there are many people thirsting and hungering for God’s truth, but not enough people to do the work. “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Luke 10:2 NIV)
Paul warned the Thessalonian church about becoming complacent and idle. They were content in their own salvation, but did not do anything to spread the Gospel of Christ. Idleness is not something Christians should be striving to attain. Too many Christians feel the time for Jesus to return is imminent, so they begin to become complacent in their own salvation. Regardless of the time of day, we must never stop working.
Too often Christians have become complacent. They see the “signs” of Christ’s return. They become more concerned with looking for the “signs” and not looking for the “signs” of the non-believer. God desires that all people come to a saving relationship with Him. It is His desire that all be saved, “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3,4 NIV)
While Christians do need to be aware of what is going on in the world. They do not need to be focusing on the “signs” of his return, because we know he will. Christians do need to be mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the present. It is not a Christian’s responsibility to know when Jesus will return, but to be prepared, and to prepare others for when he does return.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Tolerance Myth
Tolerance. What a unique word. I claim it is a unique word, not because it is rarely used, but unique in that the meaning is only one sided. The word is mostly used by people who disagree with what someone has to say, while they themselves are not being tolerant of others.
How many times has someone given a speech or an interview on tolerance, only to give away how intolerant they are? They use words like “open minded” and “accepting” while speaking of tolerance. Then when speaking of people who are intolerant, they use words like “close minded”, “narrow minded” and “bigoted.” Does that sound like a tolerant person?
There are two primary myths that have been perpetuated by those who preach tolerance. The first myth is that love equals tolerance. That if you claim to love someone, or even everyone, that you would be tolerant of their behavior and beliefs. That myth gets shattered once a person has children.
Imagine your two children are playing together and you are in another room. You hear a loud smack and one child starts crying. You rush into the room to see what is going on when the older child confesses, “I hit her, but you must be tolerant of my behavior because I was born this way. I was born to hit her and if you love me, you will not try to change my behavior.” Absurd, but the child would be right if you equate being tolerant with love. Yet, love states that you would want to change that illicit behavior, because it is not a good behavior. Love does not equal tolerance, but love equals intolerance.
The second myth that is being perpetuated is that Jesus was tolerant. Those who preach this point to John 8 and the account of the adulterous woman. After the accusers fled, he states, “I do not condemn you, either.” (v 11 NASB) They use that phrase to show that Jesus was tolerant of the woman and did not condemn her. That he accepted her lifestyle and did not tell her to change her life. They are partly correct. However, while he did not condemn her, he was far from tolerant. He followed that statement up with another statement, “Go. From now on sin no more.” (v 11 NASB) He specifically told her to change her behavior, from that point on, to sin no more. Jesus was being intolerant because he wanted her to change her life. To change her life for the better.
Another thing Jesus was not tolerant about was salvation. He never preached that there are multiple ways to God or that “all roads lead to Heaven.” He spoke of false teachers and false prophets that would lead people astray. He specifically said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6 NASB) There is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. That is not a very tolerant thing to say.
He was not accepting of other people’s beliefs. He did not accept the gods of the Greeks or Romans. He did not accept the gods of the Babylonians. He did not accept the god of the Ishmaelites. He told some groups that they could not claim God as their Father for their father was the devil, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44 NASB) Claiming that someone’s beliefs are wrong. That is not very tolerant.
Jesus was not very tolerant. It is Jesus’ way or no way. Jesus destroys the tolerance myth.
How many times has someone given a speech or an interview on tolerance, only to give away how intolerant they are? They use words like “open minded” and “accepting” while speaking of tolerance. Then when speaking of people who are intolerant, they use words like “close minded”, “narrow minded” and “bigoted.” Does that sound like a tolerant person?
There are two primary myths that have been perpetuated by those who preach tolerance. The first myth is that love equals tolerance. That if you claim to love someone, or even everyone, that you would be tolerant of their behavior and beliefs. That myth gets shattered once a person has children.
Imagine your two children are playing together and you are in another room. You hear a loud smack and one child starts crying. You rush into the room to see what is going on when the older child confesses, “I hit her, but you must be tolerant of my behavior because I was born this way. I was born to hit her and if you love me, you will not try to change my behavior.” Absurd, but the child would be right if you equate being tolerant with love. Yet, love states that you would want to change that illicit behavior, because it is not a good behavior. Love does not equal tolerance, but love equals intolerance.
The second myth that is being perpetuated is that Jesus was tolerant. Those who preach this point to John 8 and the account of the adulterous woman. After the accusers fled, he states, “I do not condemn you, either.” (v 11 NASB) They use that phrase to show that Jesus was tolerant of the woman and did not condemn her. That he accepted her lifestyle and did not tell her to change her life. They are partly correct. However, while he did not condemn her, he was far from tolerant. He followed that statement up with another statement, “Go. From now on sin no more.” (v 11 NASB) He specifically told her to change her behavior, from that point on, to sin no more. Jesus was being intolerant because he wanted her to change her life. To change her life for the better.
Another thing Jesus was not tolerant about was salvation. He never preached that there are multiple ways to God or that “all roads lead to Heaven.” He spoke of false teachers and false prophets that would lead people astray. He specifically said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6 NASB) There is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. That is not a very tolerant thing to say.
He was not accepting of other people’s beliefs. He did not accept the gods of the Greeks or Romans. He did not accept the gods of the Babylonians. He did not accept the god of the Ishmaelites. He told some groups that they could not claim God as their Father for their father was the devil, “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44 NASB) Claiming that someone’s beliefs are wrong. That is not very tolerant.
Jesus was not very tolerant. It is Jesus’ way or no way. Jesus destroys the tolerance myth.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Natural Enemy
In the animal kingdom, all species have a natural enemy, a predator. A natural enemy is a species that is determined to kill and destroy the other species. The most common, or at least as seen on Saturday morning cartoons, are cats to mice and dogs to cats. Another set of natural enemies are the wolf and the sheep. Then there is the well-known natural enemy to chickens: Colonel Sanders.
Each one knows what their enemy looks like. Mice know what a cat looks like. Cats know what a dog looks like. Sheep know what a wolf looks like. Chickens know to run and hide when a man in a white tuxedo and goatee approaches them with a butcher knife.
Humans also have a natural enemy. An enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. This enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour. This enemies name is Satan.
Satan has made it his purpose to bring about the destruction of mankind. He does it primarily through enticing mankind to sin. Satan has been sinning from the beginning and wants humans to sin, “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8a NIV)
Satan has been described like a lion, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) Like a lion, one of Satan’s tactics is to get the prey alone. When a lion chooses its prey to devour, it does so by trying to separate it from the herd. One of Satan’s tactics is to get someone to believe that they do not need to be around other believers. Whether it is through deceitful tactics, fear, or even ignorance of the Scriptures, Satan does not want people to be gathered together. When people are gathered together in Jesus’ name, he is with them, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV)
It is never good for anyone to be alone. God stated it from the beginning and it has been reinforced throughout the Bible. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV) Do not allow Satan to separate anyone from the group.
Another tactic that Satan uses is to deceive mankind into thinking something is not sinful or as harmful as it actually is. To an insect, the Venus Flytrap looks safe and inviting. The insect will land on it and then the plant will close and consume the insect. Satan acts the same way, appear to be harmless and safe, but thoroughly deadly. He does it by planting a sinful desire and making it seem good and pleasing, just like he did in the Garden of Eden, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” (Genesis 3:5,6 NIV). Satan used something that was pleasing and desirable, yet they were told by God, not to eat of the tree.
Satan is the natural enemy to mankind. Learn to recognize who he is and what he does, much like the chickens that have recognized Colonel Sanders.
Each one knows what their enemy looks like. Mice know what a cat looks like. Cats know what a dog looks like. Sheep know what a wolf looks like. Chickens know to run and hide when a man in a white tuxedo and goatee approaches them with a butcher knife.
Humans also have a natural enemy. An enemy that seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. This enemy prowls around like a lion, looking for someone to devour. This enemies name is Satan.
Satan has made it his purpose to bring about the destruction of mankind. He does it primarily through enticing mankind to sin. Satan has been sinning from the beginning and wants humans to sin, “He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” (1 John 3:8a NIV)
Satan has been described like a lion, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) Like a lion, one of Satan’s tactics is to get the prey alone. When a lion chooses its prey to devour, it does so by trying to separate it from the herd. One of Satan’s tactics is to get someone to believe that they do not need to be around other believers. Whether it is through deceitful tactics, fear, or even ignorance of the Scriptures, Satan does not want people to be gathered together. When people are gathered together in Jesus’ name, he is with them, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20 NIV)
It is never good for anyone to be alone. God stated it from the beginning and it has been reinforced throughout the Bible. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12 NIV) Do not allow Satan to separate anyone from the group.
Another tactic that Satan uses is to deceive mankind into thinking something is not sinful or as harmful as it actually is. To an insect, the Venus Flytrap looks safe and inviting. The insect will land on it and then the plant will close and consume the insect. Satan acts the same way, appear to be harmless and safe, but thoroughly deadly. He does it by planting a sinful desire and making it seem good and pleasing, just like he did in the Garden of Eden, “When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.” (Genesis 3:5,6 NIV). Satan used something that was pleasing and desirable, yet they were told by God, not to eat of the tree.
Satan is the natural enemy to mankind. Learn to recognize who he is and what he does, much like the chickens that have recognized Colonel Sanders.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Forgotten Book Pt II
Trivia time again! What do the following phrases have in common?
“The Lord (or God) helps those who help themselves.”
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“Pride comes (or goes) before a fall.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“Austin 3:16.”
If you answered, “They are quotes from the Bible.” You, along with roughly 70% of those studied by the Barna Institute, would be incorrect.
Some of these quotes are not even close to being in the Bible. “Austin 3:16” was used as a slogan from a WWE wrestler, Steve Austin.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” while attributed as an ancient proverb, the quote has its English origins in a sermon by John Wesley in which he states; “Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.”
Some of these quotes state almost the opposite of what is found in the Bible. “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” is almost contradictory to what the Bible teaches. We receive help in our times of weakness, a time we can not help ourselves, whether it is about prayer, or overcoming a trial, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness,” (Romans 8:26 NIV).
Then there are those that actually have a base in the Bible, but not quite as it is stated. “Pride comes before a fall,” is a contraction of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
“Money is the root of all evil,” while close to what the Bible states, it leaves out an important phrase, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV). It is not that money is the root of all evil, but the “love of money.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.” This is more of an adaptation of at least 6 various verses found in the book of Proverbs, the closest is found in 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (NIV)
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.” This is also an adaptation of various verses. It is attributed to a hymn written by William Cowper in which the opening line is,
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.” Some can look at Psalm 77:19, “Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known.” (NIV) There is also certain verses from the book of Job which state the lack of understanding on what God does, “Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?” (Job 36:29 NIV). While these verses can speak of God’s doing things are mysterious, for they are not known or even our own understanding, the phrase “God moves in mysterious ways,” is not in the Bible.
It is of important for believers to know what is and is not in the Bible. The Bible gives the basis for our faith in Christ. It is the standard to be used when teaching, rebuking, and training, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV)
Christians must also be prepared to give an answer for their hope, and that answer can come from the Bible, so that you will not be ashamed, and can correctly handle the word of truth “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) and “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
The Bible is an important tool in the workings and the lives of Christians. It should be read, studied, and applied. Do not let the Bible become a forgotten book in your life.
“The Lord (or God) helps those who help themselves.”
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.”
“Money is the root of all evil.”
“Pride comes (or goes) before a fall.”
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
“Austin 3:16.”
If you answered, “They are quotes from the Bible.” You, along with roughly 70% of those studied by the Barna Institute, would be incorrect.
Some of these quotes are not even close to being in the Bible. “Austin 3:16” was used as a slogan from a WWE wrestler, Steve Austin.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness,” while attributed as an ancient proverb, the quote has its English origins in a sermon by John Wesley in which he states; “Slovenliness is no part of religion. Cleanliness is indeed next to Godliness.”
Some of these quotes state almost the opposite of what is found in the Bible. “The Lord helps those who help themselves,” is almost contradictory to what the Bible teaches. We receive help in our times of weakness, a time we can not help ourselves, whether it is about prayer, or overcoming a trial, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness,” (Romans 8:26 NIV).
Then there are those that actually have a base in the Bible, but not quite as it is stated. “Pride comes before a fall,” is a contraction of Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
“Money is the root of all evil,” while close to what the Bible states, it leaves out an important phrase, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10 NIV). It is not that money is the root of all evil, but the “love of money.”
“Spare the rod and spoil the child.” This is more of an adaptation of at least 6 various verses found in the book of Proverbs, the closest is found in 13:24, “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.” (NIV)
“The Lord (or God) moves in mysterious ways.” This is also an adaptation of various verses. It is attributed to a hymn written by William Cowper in which the opening line is,
“God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform.” Some can look at Psalm 77:19, “Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known.” (NIV) There is also certain verses from the book of Job which state the lack of understanding on what God does, “Who can understand how he spreads out the clouds, how he thunders from his pavilion?” (Job 36:29 NIV). While these verses can speak of God’s doing things are mysterious, for they are not known or even our own understanding, the phrase “God moves in mysterious ways,” is not in the Bible.
It is of important for believers to know what is and is not in the Bible. The Bible gives the basis for our faith in Christ. It is the standard to be used when teaching, rebuking, and training, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (1 Timothy 3:16,17 NIV)
Christians must also be prepared to give an answer for their hope, and that answer can come from the Bible, so that you will not be ashamed, and can correctly handle the word of truth “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV) and “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV)
The Bible is an important tool in the workings and the lives of Christians. It should be read, studied, and applied. Do not let the Bible become a forgotten book in your life.
Friday, February 18, 2011
The Forgotten Book Pt I
Trivia Time! What book is found in 90% of American homes? In these homes, there is, on the average, six copies of this book. It is the most quoted from book and at the same time has quotes attributed to it that are not found in it. Some parts of this book have been translated into over 2,300 languages. This book was the first book printed on a movable type printing press. This book was very instrumental in the establishment of this nation and is the “rock in which our entire republic rests.” If you answered, “Dr Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham!” you would be just a little incorrect. If you answered, “The Bible,” move to the front as you are correct.
President Andrew Jackson, upon hearing a person berate and bash the Bible said, “That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests.” Monday we celebrate Presidents Day, a holiday created to celebrate the birthday of all the Presidents. February was picked by the Committee of Naming Holidays because the two most influential and possibly greatest Presidents were born in February: William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan. All right, many people do not agree with Ronald Reagan being one of the greatest Presidents. Naturally, this day was primarily set up because it falls between the births of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Both Presidents united a nation. Washington saw the formation and the uniting of various independent states into one sovereign nation. Lincoln saw the dividing of the nation only to fight to keep it as one nation united.
Both knew of the importance of the Bible in their daily lives. George Washington spent a couple hours a day in prayer and in Bible study. In one speech he noted, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” In his farewell address he stated, “And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Where does one learn of religious principle? It comes from the Bible.
Abraham Lincoln quoted the Bible more than any other works of his time. He once remarked to Lucius Chittenden, “Now, let us treat the Bible fairly. If we had a witness on the stand whose general story we knew was true, we would believe him when he asserted facts of which we had no other evidence. We ought to treat the bible with equal fairness. I decided a long time ago that it was less difficult to believe that the Bible was what it claimed to be than to disbelieve it. It is a good book for us to obey – it contains the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and many other rules which ought to be followed. No man was ever the worse for living according to the directions of the Bible.”
In Lincoln’s proclamation for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting said, “It is the duty of nations as well as men to recognize the truth announced in Holy Scripture and proven by all of history that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” This in itself is a quote from the Bible, “How blessed are the people who are so situated; How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15 NASB)
The Bible was the most important book in the lives of these two men. Is it the most important book in your life or is it mostly a forgotten book.
President Andrew Jackson, upon hearing a person berate and bash the Bible said, “That book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests.” Monday we celebrate Presidents Day, a holiday created to celebrate the birthday of all the Presidents. February was picked by the Committee of Naming Holidays because the two most influential and possibly greatest Presidents were born in February: William Henry Harrison and Ronald Reagan. All right, many people do not agree with Ronald Reagan being one of the greatest Presidents. Naturally, this day was primarily set up because it falls between the births of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Both Presidents united a nation. Washington saw the formation and the uniting of various independent states into one sovereign nation. Lincoln saw the dividing of the nation only to fight to keep it as one nation united.
Both knew of the importance of the Bible in their daily lives. George Washington spent a couple hours a day in prayer and in Bible study. In one speech he noted, “It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible.” In his farewell address he stated, “And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle.” Where does one learn of religious principle? It comes from the Bible.
Abraham Lincoln quoted the Bible more than any other works of his time. He once remarked to Lucius Chittenden, “Now, let us treat the Bible fairly. If we had a witness on the stand whose general story we knew was true, we would believe him when he asserted facts of which we had no other evidence. We ought to treat the bible with equal fairness. I decided a long time ago that it was less difficult to believe that the Bible was what it claimed to be than to disbelieve it. It is a good book for us to obey – it contains the Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and many other rules which ought to be followed. No man was ever the worse for living according to the directions of the Bible.”
In Lincoln’s proclamation for a National Day of Prayer and Fasting said, “It is the duty of nations as well as men to recognize the truth announced in Holy Scripture and proven by all of history that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.” This in itself is a quote from the Bible, “How blessed are the people who are so situated; How blessed are the people whose God is the LORD!” (Psalm 144:15 NASB)
The Bible was the most important book in the lives of these two men. Is it the most important book in your life or is it mostly a forgotten book.
Friday, January 28, 2011
These Signs Never Change
Stop the press! The world as we know it has changed. According to various news sources, the stars have moved. (While some have moved, as all hurdle through space, the primary reason is that the earth has rotated a little on its axis). The zodiac signs have changed. You may no longer be the sign that you once were. The shift is almost by an entire month. It even added an extra sign shortening Scorpio to only six days.
This news has had a great impact on many people. Some are irate that they are no longer the sign they once were. They have gone to great lengths to post their dissatisfaction rather angrily with the changes on various websites.
For the Christian, there are three signs that are important: The cross, the empty tomb, and the towel.
The cross is the sign of reconciliation and sacrifice. God sacrificed His Son to reconcile mankind to Him. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19,20 NIV)
The empty tomb is the sign of eternal life. Through the resurrection, we have a new birth and an inheritance that will be kept in heaven for us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3,4 NIV)
Then there is the towel. Not too many people see the towel as a sign for Christians, yet it is, and possibly one of the most important signs for Christians. The towel is the sign for servanthood. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, giving them an example to use for future generations. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14,15 NIV)
Servanthood is one of the most important things a Christian can do. Serve others as Jesus has served his disciples. Serve others with meekness, humility, and grace. In doing so, you will be showing the love of Jesus to all you meet.
Whenever someone asks me what sign I am born under, this is what I tell them, “I was born under the sign of the cross, the empty tomb and the towel. These signs never change.”
This news has had a great impact on many people. Some are irate that they are no longer the sign they once were. They have gone to great lengths to post their dissatisfaction rather angrily with the changes on various websites.
For the Christian, there are three signs that are important: The cross, the empty tomb, and the towel.
The cross is the sign of reconciliation and sacrifice. God sacrificed His Son to reconcile mankind to Him. “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” (Colossians 1:19,20 NIV)
The empty tomb is the sign of eternal life. Through the resurrection, we have a new birth and an inheritance that will be kept in heaven for us, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3,4 NIV)
Then there is the towel. Not too many people see the towel as a sign for Christians, yet it is, and possibly one of the most important signs for Christians. The towel is the sign for servanthood. Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, giving them an example to use for future generations. “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 13:14,15 NIV)
Servanthood is one of the most important things a Christian can do. Serve others as Jesus has served his disciples. Serve others with meekness, humility, and grace. In doing so, you will be showing the love of Jesus to all you meet.
Whenever someone asks me what sign I am born under, this is what I tell them, “I was born under the sign of the cross, the empty tomb and the towel. These signs never change.”
Friday, January 07, 2011
It's Not Fair
It’s not fair! How many times have parents heard that line before? Whether your child is complaining about a punishment they have received for something they have done. They do not have the same “hot” item that their friends have. They do not have the same privileges that their older sibling has. There are a myriad of reasons a child would feel they are not being treated fairly.
Yet, this phrase is not limited to children. Adults have often yelled the same thing. It’s not fair that I get my mail at three in the afternoon and my brother can have his mail by 10 in the morning. It’s not fair that I did not receive the promotion. It’s not fair that I got a speeding ticket. Mention taxes to people and the rants about being fair will multiply greatly.
What really is being fair about? In most cases, it is not about equality, or even fairness, it is about a perceived slight against the person. One aspect of fairness is the complaint that others receive a benefit that you do not.
Imagine you work for a company, unlike most companies that give you a check at the end of the week, this company pays you at the end of the day. You show up at six in the morning and begin work. You notice other people show up at noon and others show up at five in the evening. At the end of the work shift at six you go through the line to receive your pay. You notice that those who show up at noon and at five receive that exact same pay that you receive for working the whole day. “It’s not fair!” you cry out. However, is it fair?
In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable using this exact scenario. While the workers screamed, “It’s not fair!” Jesus opened their eyes to what is and is not fair, “Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? . . .Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:13,15 NIV). That explanation reaches the heart of fairness. We cry “It’s not fair” because of envy. Something good happens to someone else, we become envious, and we cry, “It’s not fair.”
To be fair, what about discipline. What about that speeding ticket that you rightfully received. You did break the law and you did receive the proper punishment. Now imagine the punishment is not a few hundred dollars, but a life sentence in prison. Now the sentence may not seem fair, but that is the sentence, and the sentence is equal to everyone, therefore it is fair.
What is not fair, is that when it is time for you to go to prison, someone comes forward who never received a speeding ticket, and says, “I will take the punishment for this person.” You know you have committed the crime. You know the sentence is fair and just. What do you do? Do you accept the gesture from the person, or do you scream, “It’s not fair, I did the crime, I must do the time!”
That has been done. The Bible states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV) and “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a NIV). Because of our sin, death is our punishment. Yet, Jesus came and bore the punishment for mankind, so that we can have eternal life, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NIV)
The next time you feel slighted and want to scream out, “It’s not fair!” think about Jesus. What would it have been like had Jesus said, “I’m not going to do that, it’s not fair.”
Yet, this phrase is not limited to children. Adults have often yelled the same thing. It’s not fair that I get my mail at three in the afternoon and my brother can have his mail by 10 in the morning. It’s not fair that I did not receive the promotion. It’s not fair that I got a speeding ticket. Mention taxes to people and the rants about being fair will multiply greatly.
What really is being fair about? In most cases, it is not about equality, or even fairness, it is about a perceived slight against the person. One aspect of fairness is the complaint that others receive a benefit that you do not.
Imagine you work for a company, unlike most companies that give you a check at the end of the week, this company pays you at the end of the day. You show up at six in the morning and begin work. You notice other people show up at noon and others show up at five in the evening. At the end of the work shift at six you go through the line to receive your pay. You notice that those who show up at noon and at five receive that exact same pay that you receive for working the whole day. “It’s not fair!” you cry out. However, is it fair?
In Matthew 20, Jesus tells a parable using this exact scenario. While the workers screamed, “It’s not fair!” Jesus opened their eyes to what is and is not fair, “Friend, I am not being unfair to you. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? . . .Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?” (Matthew 20:13,15 NIV). That explanation reaches the heart of fairness. We cry “It’s not fair” because of envy. Something good happens to someone else, we become envious, and we cry, “It’s not fair.”
To be fair, what about discipline. What about that speeding ticket that you rightfully received. You did break the law and you did receive the proper punishment. Now imagine the punishment is not a few hundred dollars, but a life sentence in prison. Now the sentence may not seem fair, but that is the sentence, and the sentence is equal to everyone, therefore it is fair.
What is not fair, is that when it is time for you to go to prison, someone comes forward who never received a speeding ticket, and says, “I will take the punishment for this person.” You know you have committed the crime. You know the sentence is fair and just. What do you do? Do you accept the gesture from the person, or do you scream, “It’s not fair, I did the crime, I must do the time!”
That has been done. The Bible states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV) and “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a NIV). Because of our sin, death is our punishment. Yet, Jesus came and bore the punishment for mankind, so that we can have eternal life, “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 NIV)
The next time you feel slighted and want to scream out, “It’s not fair!” think about Jesus. What would it have been like had Jesus said, “I’m not going to do that, it’s not fair.”
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