A New 'Gimmick' Because Satan Was Laughing!

For the past couple of days I watched a debate rage at what I consider a serious Christ centered site. The debate raged from last Thursday through at least this Wednesday.

The debate covers two 9 page posts (18 pages), with, at last count, 200+ comments. These comments are not your fly by three line comments. The comments themselves are 140+ pages (in MS-Word using wide margins). Here is where it gets strange. The first 9 page document is a “Doctrinal Statement” written and signed in 1999. Yes, seven years ago the writers and signatories signed, sealed, and delivered it. The document ends with a set of declarations. The debate centers on one phrase in one sentence of one declaration. (Arguably, an important sentence, however; I found the other declarations ‘clarified’ the point as to make the argument moot - obviously not so to others.) The second 9 page post was a 'clarification' of the 'one phrase'!

We are supposed to be ‘faithful Bereans’ (Acts 17:11) and study ‘declarations of man’ to determine if they are Scriptural. One could ask if the document presented ‘Another Gospel’ (2 Peter 2:1-3, Gal. 1:6-8, 2 Cor 11:3-4), which to some, was the ‘heart’ of the argument based on one phrase! Do not mistake me - if that one phrase did indeed ‘change’ the Gospel of Christ (which to me it did not), then one should (at least) discard it.

What bothered and bothers me, is:
A. The document is seven years old, so it is not subject to change (only subject to discard by those that disagree with it - or edited under their own signatures).
B. The document in question is not the ‘Doctrinal Statement’ of any specific denomination or organization - it was an interdenominational effort signed by members of numerous denominations and organizations (as such - not a ‘binding’ document).
C. The REALLY big one, I could not help but think that Satan was laughing as these very genuine, learned, dedicated, and godly people argued the point.

Why was Satan laughing? Here were 10+ active contributors (and who knows how many passive readers - like myself) that were distracted from the basics of Christianity for a week! While arguing the point, there was certainly a lack of ‘obey’ & ‘glorify’. Some of the comments bordered on unrighteous anger. While busily responding to this ‘overriding’ argument, there was very little sharing the Gospel of Christ. The ‘prima facie’ evidence of my claim of distraction is in phrases (among others) like, “I have to go; my wife is telling me I’m blogging to much.” “I’m logging in from the church office between services.” (As far as I can tell, the issue remains unresolved.) The bottom line is where is the ‘Christ-like’ attitude and being about “My Father’s Business”?

Where is the balance? The article here, “Simply Seeking Simplicity” talks about the four basic elements of Christianity. Obedience, glorifying God, spreading the gospel, and searching the Scriptures as the foundation by which we live for Christ.

So, here is the “NEW GIMMICK”. I am starting the L4C-T Blog Ring. It is the “Living 4 Christ - Today” blog ring. What is the L4C-T and what is its purpose? The L4C-T blog ring is a list of sites that I have found that are primarily concerned with the ‘nuts and bolts’ of living every day for Christ. Theologians are fine; they are in many respects necessary. However, I return to a verse I referenced above, 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”& another, “For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you.” 2 Corinthians 1:12

The focus on this blog primarily is ‘spreading the gospel’. That is what we try to do here. It is one of the four ‘by the numbers’ requisites to developing a Christ-like attitude, and being about “My Father’s Business”

We are linking (initially) to two other blogs (they do not know it yet) here in this article and in the sidebar under the “L4C-T Blog Ring” heading. (Some I.E. users have to scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the side bar).

The first is “Pulpit of the Last Days” (POLD). POLD has a ‘Basic Discipleship’ Course set up in modules to take one through many of the fundamentals of basic Bible/Christian doctrine, theology, and the pursuit of a Christ-like attitude by getting to know Christ better from the Scriptures.

The second is “Get Out of the Boat” (GOTB). GOTB is down and dirty basic encouragement. It is very practical encouragement, reminders, and lessons for living every day for Christ.

We will add sites (with an explanation) when they come to our attention. If you have a site suggestion, you can always email me (link in the sidebar) or post a comment.

I will leave the theological, exegetical, lexicographical, hermeneutical, linguistical 200 page debates to those more suited to it. I am a simple man, trying simply to live for Christ.

If you want to know what (I consider) the ‘fundamental doctrines’ of faith and a world view based on the Bible looks like visit my Views: Christian Studies & Principles August Archives. If you want to write 200 pages of debate on a phrase that you find to be ‘questionable’ Biblically, go ahead; just do not expect me to participate. If you do see something that you do not think is Biblical or needs re-wording for clarity - address it simply and I will respond to it, by editing it, clarifying it, or changing it (as I have done posts in the past).

Trying to K.I.S.S. what it means to be a Christian… To develop a ‘Christ-like’ attitude and Be about “My Father’s Business”

Unchained Slave
Please see the ‘Comments’ section for an important note.

How Much Money Is Too Much Money?

A visitor to "Pulpit of the Last Days" presented this question…

“Do you believe that the Lord really meant it's easier for a rich man to get into heaven that for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle? Because I'm rich, and I don't think I should be punished for it. And I also wonder if you're still considered a rich man after you die, because technically you're broke and your beneficiaries have your inheritance.”

Here is the (edited) response was given to questioner (by me via email).

The context of the verse is important. The passage is in Luke 18:18-27 (crf. Matt. 19:16–26; Mark 10:17–27). Verses 18-25 ““Now a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” So Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’ ” And he said, “All these things I have kept from my youth.” So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” But when he heard this, he became very sorrowful, for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he became very sorrowful, He said, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”” [1]

Situation: A rich man, who had followed ‘Mosaic Law’, questions Jesus on what was required for salvation (entry into the ‘Kingdom of Heaven’). Jesus responded that he needed to sell all that he owned and give it to the poor. The rich ruler left disappointed because he was very rich.

“Do you believe that the Lord really meant it's easier for a rich man to get into heaven than for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle?”

No, but why? It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle than a rich man to get into heaven.

What was the point? There is an old saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Loren (one of POLD’s authors) quotes 1 Timothy 6:10 that says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

The rich young ruler had a problem - his heart was in his money. “Because I'm rich, and I don't think I should be punished for it.”

One does not face punishment for being rich. Wealth is a handicap. It is hard to serve God when one is wealthy, because the ‘love of money’ is a tough competitor. In fact, in the four gospels there are more verses about money than any other subject! Specifically, Luke 16:13 (crf. Matthew 6:24) addresses the subject very pointedly, ““No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [riches].”” Jesus was speaking here.

There is hope. At the end of the story of the “Rich Young Ruler”, the disciples asked Jesus about His declaration. Verse 26, “And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?”” Obviously, the disciples were having as much trouble with the concept as you are. Jesus answered in verse 27, “But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.””

The question is where are you willing to put your heart? It is not the suggestion one has to divest themselves of all wealth. It is obvious though, from your (the questioner’s) blog, that ‘Money’ has been your ‘Master’ for the greater part of your life. Salvation requires a little more than lip service - it means changing your ‘Master’. It does not mean you can not keep your wealth. The New Testament talks a great deal about ‘Stewardship’. That is faithfully caring for ‘everything’ that has been entrusted to one. [2] A wealthy person must therefore faithfully care for the wealth they have been entrusted.
Again, it goes back to the ‘heart’ - Caring for great wealth as a duty to God, is different from caring for great wealth as a god.

There is a story in the New Testament about a rich man that did get into heaven. There was a person that was more than rich. He had material wealth. More than wealthy, he was powerful. He was effectively more powerful than any President (of the United States) or any CEO. This man had ‘diplomatic credentials’, he was legally ‘untouchable. He was also a Jurist. Not like a justice in today’s society, this man was prosecutor, judge, jury, and executioner. He literally had the power of life and death - at his word. There was no trial, and no appeals. If he accused someone - that person died. He was infamous. He could give the order for people to die. It was Christians he accused, and executed. How hard would it be for him to get into heaven?
As Paul Harvey would say, “Now for the rest of the story.” He was not only ‘saved’, he became one of the most important figures in Christianity (always pointing to Jesus - not himself). His name was Saul of Tarsus. After he became a ‘Christian’, his name was changed to Paul. He wrote more than half of the New Testament. He started more churches than all the other disciples combined did.

Of his own life, he wrote, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure [death] is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4-6-8

It is obvious where this rich man’s heart was. The question again is where is your heart?

As to, “And I also wonder if you're still considered a rich man after you die, because technically you're broke and you beneficiaries have your inheritance.”

A couple of verses instantly come to mind: Hebrews 9:27, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” After you die - it is a little late to try to get into heaven. Matthew 6:20-21, “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” You can not take it with you, but you can send it on ahead - so technically one does not have to be broke…

The title asks this question, “How much money is too much money?” The answer is $1. If $1 is where one’s heart is - if it is one’s god it is too much. In fact, the lack of money can make things almost as difficult. [2]


Two (of my) articles I recommend:
First
What Was His Name or How Simple is That?

Second the three part article ‘Judged’
Dead and Judged - Judged Part 1
Escape Condemnation - Judged Part 2
Back Door to Heaven - Judged Part 3

(All articles are in the archive links from this page)

[1] Over the years, there have been commentaries that say, “The Eye of the Needle” was a colloquialism referring to a geographical location (a gate in the wall of Jerusalem, a passage through the mountains near Petra, etc.). Each of these alleged places were extraordinarily difficult for a camel to pass through, but possible. Looking at the context of the verse, verse 27, “But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”” Jesus did not say, “things which are extremely difficult for men” He said, “impossible”. The context makes it plain that Jesus was not talking about some difficult task or colloquially understood place. He was talking about the difference between man’s abilities versus God’s abilities.

[2] On the Unchained Slave - Free To Serve blog is a great deal about stewardship, money and debt (the lack of money - and slavery).

Simply Seeking Simplicity

As a veteran and a simple man, all of life needs to be simple (to me). The military life has simplicity to it. Everything is done ‘by the numbers’. There is a manual for everything and everything is broken down into simple numbered steps. Many years of that have left an indelible imprint. Life’s daily routines are broken down ‘by the numbers’.

(Instant) Coffee is a simple example.
Step one: heat water.
Step two: add cream.
Step three: add sugar.
Step four: add instant coffee.
Step five: stir.
Step six: drink. (Some may question the order one adds the ingredients, but years of practice have determined that this order results in less clumping of powdered cream.)

Like following a recipe, things are simplest when done in an orderly (by the numbers) fashion. Recently we have done a number of articles about developing a Christ-like attitude. The question is, “Is it possible to ‘reduce’ this into a numbered sequence like a recipe?” The answer is yes. Bear in mind that life is not a recipe. Life is a journey to be lived. What we are really asking, “Are there steps that one can practice to become more Christ-like.” The answer again is yes. Keeping in mind that it is an attitude followed by an action. Like proficiency in anything, it requires dedication, disciple and practice.

There is the old phrase, “It is like riding a bike. Once learned, never forgotten.” Reality is a little harsher. The fact is many skills are perishable. That is, if there is no practice, proficiency suffers. Developing a Christ-like attitude is a perishable skill. If one does not practice it daily, then one unlearns how to do it. Alternatively, the more one practices, the better one becomes at it.

So what are the numbers? To figure that out, we need to look at the characteristics of a Christ-like attitude. Previous articles talked about “Being about my Father’s business.” [1]

The first step is simple obedience. John 2:5 “His [Jesus’] mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.”” Whatever Jesus tells us to do, that is what we need to do. There is an exclamation to that. Obedience is proactive. It says, “Whatever He says -do.” It does not say, “Watch, read, think, allow” - it says, “DO!”

We must obey, yes, but how must we obey? The second step is understanding how to be obedient. Jesus, in the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ (Matt. 6-19) uses the phrase “Hallowed be your Name” in reference to God. Hank Hanegraaff, in his book, “The Prayer of Jesus” tells us what that means. “To pray ‘Hallowed be your Name’ is to put the emphasis on God first, exactly where it belongs.” “…is to pray that God be given the unique reverence His holiness demands;” God deserves that our obedience be reverent. 1 Corinthians 10:31 sums it up, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Think that through. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God. One could easily ask, “How do I eat to the glory of God?” Ask yourself, if God were sitting at the dinner table with you, how would you eat? There would be a blessing; people would be polite and generous, ‘minding their manners’. No one would overeat or drink too much. Conversation would edify. “How was the day, dear?” “I tell you my boss was a real a--!” Think again. “God tested me at work today with a really uncomfortable position with my boss. I did not handle it well.” Alternatively, “God tested me today with my boss, and I remembered, ‘A soft answer turns away wrath’, what a blessing.” There is a real difference in adopting a Christ-like attitude when one tries to do everything “to the Glory of God.” (Try it sometime - consciously invite God to dinner. Presupposing one has invited Him into their heart; why not invite Him into the house for dinner? (He will not eat much.))

The third step is duty. Before He left, Jesus gave us our ‘marching orders’. Mark 16:15-16, Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47 all contain the same command. Preach the Gospel. Again, being obedient, and doing all to the glory of God, how do we preach the Gospel? Paul tells us what our attitude should be in doing our duty. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16. Is one ashamed to preach the gospel? One could ask that question differently. Is one willing to preach the gospel - anywhere they happen to be? There have certainly been places and times when embarrassment would keep this voice silent. There have been occasions when applying the title ‘Christian’ would have been cause to climb under the table and hide.

A person, obedient, giving glory to God in everything, would not be in a position to be ashamed. If one would be ashamed to look at the person next to them and share the gospel of salvation - they have the wrong attitude, they are behaving inappropriately, or they are in the wrong place (All of the above?). After reacting to the person that just cut one off in traffic, would one share the gospel with them? Why not? Preaching the gospel is our duty, but it is also our privilege. Try to think of it like this, the rest of eternity may be uncertain for the person next to us, and it is our privilege possibly to make a difference.

Knowing to be obedient, trying to do all to the glory of God, and spreading the gospel message are the three key elements of what it means to have a Christ-like attitude. How do we know how to be obedient, glorify, and share? Acts 17:11 says, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” The key here is ‘searched the Scriptures daily’. The fourth step is simply to study the Word. The last part of Ecclesiastes 1:9 says, “And there is nothing new under the sun.” There is an answer in the Bible for any situation one can face. It does not matter whether it is politics to finance to romance to indigestion. There is an answer for all of life in the Book. By studying the scriptures daily, one not only learns those answers, but also can begin to live them.

That is the Christ-like attitude of being ‘about my Father’s business’ ‘by the numbers’. (1) Obediently, (2) glorifying God, (3) sharing the Gospel and (4) studying the Word to get better at obediently glorifying and sharing. Practice makes ‘perfect’.




[1] The verses here are in some previous articles. It is quite simple; this is the essence of developing a Christ-like attitude. These four verses tell us how to be Christ-like and how to be ‘on fire’ for Him - driven with a passion that humbly accepts any assignment and to live a life pleasing to God.

Going to the Dogs!

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

We all face difficulties in life. Sometimes our troubles are as simple as a momentary annoyance, like someone cutting us off in the grocery store line. Sometimes it is much more serious, like a tragedy, illness or debilitating injury. How we deal with it is the real test. [See New Year - New Resolutions - New Perspective Tuesday, January 10, 2006]

A friend is fond of this Cherie Scott-Carter quote, “Lessons are repeated until they are learned.”

Sometimes life’s lessons come from the most common sources.

Here we turn to a dog’s wisdom for understanding. Dogs ‘understand’ a very basic principle of a ‘Christ-like’ attitude. Lack of this attitude constantly causes us to stumble and sin. We can learn this attitude and in turn help others. Dogs, like many things can teach us Godly wisdom. [1] [2]

Consider dogs. Dogs have the right attitude. When a dog is out in the yard and a thunderstorm hits, what does the dog do? Simply, the dog seeks its master and stays close by as the rain falls and the thunder rocks. The dog understands it can be dry in the house and comforted by its master.

Our lack of a ‘dog’s’ attitude gets us into trouble. What do we do when the thunderstorms of adversity hit our lives? We stand out in the rain and thunder complaining to God. We question God. “Why me Lord?” “What did I do to deserve this?” “Why are you punishing me?” On our worst days, we may even curse and hate God. The fact is, this is wrong and it is sin. Additionally, we already know why.

Job was the original “Master of Disaster”. (If one is unfamiliar with Job’s story - he is a ‘Man of God’ that faces tremendous adversity - simply because he is called by God “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil.” [Read Job's Story*]) In the story of Job, Job asks God why. God answers him first through Elihu in Job 33:12-13, “Look, in this you are not righteous. I will answer you, For God is greater than man. Why do you contend with Him? For He does not give an accounting of any of His words.” Simple - who are we to ask God for an accounting of His actions? Notice that Elihu tells Job that he is “not righteous” in asking God “Why”. (He is sinning by asking.) God, Himself answers Job in chapters 38 - 41. God asks Job who he is to question God. Point blank - again who are we to question God about His actions?

However, God, in His own Wisdom, has seen fit to answer that question. Two pertinent passages tell us specifically why we face difficulties in life. From these passages, we can learn what the right attitude is and how to help others. Romans 8:28-29, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” The first reason why we face difficulties in life is that we have the opportunity to learn to be more Christ-like. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Therefore, the second reason that we face difficulties is so that we can be comforted by God. After facing the difficulties, we can share them and comfort others.

Notice what is says, “who comforts us in all our tribulation”. Each of us at one time or another has refused comfort from a friend. We want to be mad or hurt, so we ‘shrug off’ the well-meaning comfort of family or friends. How bad is it when we ‘shrug-off’ the comfort of God? How much worse is it when we ‘rail’ or curse against God?

We need to learn from dogs. When the thunderstorms of life strike, we need to forget about questioning or complaining. What we need to do is simple - seek the comfort of our ‘Master’. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Matthew 6:26 says, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” [3]

God's promise is to comfort us and to conform us to the image of His Son. Allowing Him to keep His promise is the lesson we can learn from dogs.

[1] Thanks to my brother, a retired US Army Chaplain, for being the first to challenge me to “learn from the dogs”.

[2] Psalm 19 (crf Romans 1:18-21) tells us the ‘world’ proclaims the attributes of God. While we can learn from these, ‘the source book’ is still the Bible. [See Messianic Mixed Messages Thursday, February 02, 2006]

[3] The verse in Matthew (6:26) is in the “Worry Passage” Matthew 6:25-33* (crf. Luke 12:22-34*). It is Jesus’ sermon about worry and things we have no control over.

*Links are to the "Blue Letter Bible" (King James Version) an online Bible with excellent resources, commentaries and study tools.