Views on History, Politics & Religions

HEAL THIS LAND

2010-03-10T07:02:00.000-08:00

Of late, I have seen many billboards, yard signs, youTube spots, emails and heard conversations and sermons – all on 2 Chronicles 7:14 – begging Americans to pray for this country…

Having seen and read a lot on this - it strikes me that a key component of this request is missing... This is a PROMISE. God's promises are conditional.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New International Version)

"…if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

IF "...WILL HUMBLE THEMSELVES" - am I humble in the eyes of God?

"and pray" - that is fairly easy.

"and seek my face" - what am I doing to 'seek' the face of GOD - to be closer to Him - to have a better relationship with Him?

"AND turn from their wicked ways" - what sin in my life is not given to God - what idolatry (money or job) or wickedness (porno, boozing, drugs - immoral behavior) am I not willing to give up?

"THEN will I hear from heaven and FORGIVE THEIR sin (not the Government's) AND will heal their land."

In other words - we need to make sure our relationship with God is right - before we expect Him to keep His Promise...

Imagine - THIS: 25 to 5th power is 9,765,625 - WHAT would happen if 10,000,000 Americans were on FIRE for God...

It starts with ONE.

Americans need to make a stand BEFORE praying 2 Chronicles 7:14

Joshua 24:15 (New International Version)

"But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

That is my prayer - "That I can be as brave as Joshua - and I will turn from my wickedness - then show me how to reach others, and please Lord heal this land..."

stethoscope

2009-03-27T13:59:00.001-07:00

Of Christian Duty!

2009-03-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Do not always agree with the Catholic Church. However, there are some things that come about that can be fully supported.

First, there is this: The Connecticut State Legislature has introduced a bill that would restructure the Catholic Church in that state. Yes you read correctly, the state is deciding to change the way the Catholic Church is organized.

While this is a clear infringement of the ‘Establishment Clauses’ of the 1^st and 14^th Amendments to the Constitution, they are still doing it.

How they are doing it is rather simple. Each Catholic Church Parish is incorporated. That is not something new. What the state is doing is changing the law that governs the Church’s incorporation.

Check here for a complete rundown and the text of the bill. Updates as well as possible ways to become involved are there.

Now, this is important. There are even some atheists that understand the consequences of destroying the 1^st and 14^th Amendments.

What does that mean to Christians as a whole? Consider what that would mean to your own congregation.

Some would argue that Christians should not be involved in politics. That is not true, here is an eloquent argument.

It is long, but it is a worthwhile read. In this case, the term Catholic should be taken in its truest form: that is ‘Universal’. Wherever the word Catholic appears, one should read ‘a believer in Jesus Christ as Lord and personal savior’.

Archbishop Charles Chaput the Denver Prelate on the Catholic Political Vocation

"Tolerance Is Not a Christian Virtue"

TORONTO, FEBRUARY. 24, 2009. Here is the text of an address delivered by Archbishop Charles Chaput of Denver, Colorado, at the University of Toronto.

* * *

I want to do three things with my time tonight. First, Father Rosica asked me to talk about some of the themes from my book, "Render Unto Caesar: Serving the Nation by Living Our Catholic Beliefs in Political Life." I’m happy to do that. Second, I want to talk about some of the lessons we can draw from the recent U.S. election. And third, I want to talk about the meaning of hope.

As I begin, I need to mention a couple of caveats. Here’s the first caveat.

Canada and the United States have a long and close friendship as neighbors. It’s so long and so close that Americans often forget that our histories, our political structures and the ways we look at the world are, in some respects, very different. Obviously I’ll be speaking tonight as an American, a Catholic and a bishop -- though not necessarily in that order. Some of what I say may not be useful to a Canadian audience, especially those who aren't Catholic. But I do believe that the heart of the Catholic political vocation remains the same for every believer in every country. The details of our political life change from nation to nation. But the mission of public Christian discipleship remains

the same, because we all share the same baptism.

Here's the second caveat. Not much of what I say tonight will be new. In fact, I've been saying pretty much the same thing about faith and politics again and again, every year, for the past 12 years. So if you've heard it all before, please feel free to snooze. I've learned from experience, though, that Henry Ford was right when he said that "Two percent of the people think; three percent think they think, and 95 percent would rather die than think."

Ford had a pretty dark view of humanity, which I don't share. Most of the people I meet as a pastor have the brains and the talent to live very fulfilling lives. But Ford was right in one unintended way: American consumer culture is a very powerful narcotic. Moral reasoning can be hard, and TV is a great painkiller. This has political implications. Real freedom demands an ability to think, and a great deal of modern life -- not just in the United States, but all over the developed world -- seems deliberately designed to discourage that. So talking about God and Caesar, even if it wakes up just one Christian mind in an audience, is always worth the effort.

The most important fact to remember about our discussion tonight is this: As adults, each of us needs to form a strong and genuinely Catholic conscience. Then we need to follow that conscience when we vote. And then we need to take responsibility for the consequences of our vote. Nobody can do that for us. That's why really knowing, living and submitting ourselves to our Catholic faith are so important. It's the only reliable guide we have for acting in the public square as disciples of Jesus Christ.

So let's talk for a few minutes about "Render Unto Caesar." When people ask me about the book, the questions usually fall into three categories. Why did I write it? What does the book say? And what does the book mean for each of us as individual Catholics? This last question will be a good doorway into talking about the U.S. election last year, but let's start at the beginning first. Why did I write this book, now?

One answer is simple. A friend asked me to do it. Back in 2004, a young attorney I know ran for public office in Colorado as a pro-life Democrat. He nearly won in a heavily Republican district. But he also discovered how hard it can be to raise money, run a campaign and stay true to your Catholic convictions, all at the same time. After the election he asked me to put my thoughts about faith and politics into a form that other young Catholics could use who were thinking about a political vocation -- and it really is a "vocation."

That's where the idea started. But I also had another reason for doing the book. Frankly, I just got tired of hearing outsiders and insiders tell Catholics to keep quiet about our religious and moral views in the big public debates that involve all of us as a society. That's a kind of bullying. I don't think Catholics should accept it.

Another reason for writing the book is that when I looked around for a single source that explains the Catholic political vocation in a simple way, it just didn't exist. I found that very strange. Public life is a demanding vocation, but it's not voodoo or advanced physics. As citizens, we can never afford to abdicate our shared civic life to a political or economic elite. A nation's political life, like Christianity itself, is meant for everyone, and everyone has a duty to contribute to it. A democracy depends on the active involvement of all its citizens, not just lobbyists, experts, think tanks and the mass media. For Catholics, politics -- the pursuit of justice and the common good in the public square -- is part of the history of salvation. No one is a minor actor in that drama. Each person is important.

So what does the book say? I think the message of "Render Unto Caesar" can be condensed into a few basic points.

Here's the first point. For many years, studies have shown that Americans have a very poor sense of history. That's very dangerous, because as Thucydides and Machiavelli and Thomas Jefferson have all said, history matters. It matters because the past shapes the present, and the present shapes the future. If Catholics don't know history and especially their own history as Catholics, then somebody else -- and usually somebody not very friendly -- will create their history for them.

Let me put it another way. A man with amnesia has no future and no present because he can't remember his past. The past is a man's anchor in experience and reality. Without it, he may as well be floating in space. In like manner, if we Catholics don't remember and defend our religious history as a believing people, nobody else will, and then we won't have a future because we won't have a past. If we don't know how the Church worked with or struggled against political rulers in the past, then we can't think clearly about the relations between Church and state today.

Here's the second point, and it's a place where the Canadian and American experiences may diverge. America is not a secular state. As historian Paul Johnson once said, America was "born Protestant." It has uniquely and deeply religious roots. Obviously it has no established Church, and it has non-sectarian public institutions. It also has plenty of room for both believers and non-believers. But the United States was never intended to be a "secular" country in the radical modern sense. Nearly all the Founders were either Christian or at least religion-friendly. And all of our public institutions and all of our ideas about the human person are based in a religiously shaped vocabulary. So if we cut God out of our public life, we also cut the foundation out from under our national ideals.

Here's the third point. We need to be very forceful in clarifying what the words in our political vocabulary really mean. Words are important because they shape our thinking, and our thinking drives our actions. When we subvert the meaning of words like "the common good" or "conscience" or "community" or "family," we undermine the language that sustains our thinking about the law. Dishonest language leads to dishonest debate and bad laws.

Here's an example. We need to remember that tolerance is not a Christian virtue. Charity, justice, mercy, prudence, honesty -- these are Christian virtues. And obviously, in a diverse community, tolerance is an important working principle. But it's never an end itself. In fact, tolerating grave evil within a society is itself a form of serious evil. Likewise, democratic pluralism does not mean that Catholics should be quiet in public about serious moral issues because of some misguided sense of good manners. A healthy democracy requires vigorous moral debate to survive. Real pluralism demands that people of strong beliefs will advance their convictions in the public square -- peacefully, legally and respectfully, but energetically and without embarrassment. Anything less is bad citizenship and a form of theft from the public conversation.

Here's the fourth point. When Jesus tells the Pharisees and Herodians in the Gospel of Matthew (22:21) to "render unto the Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's," he sets the framework for how we should think about religion and the state even today. Caesar does have rights. We owe civil authority our respect and appropriate obedience. But that obedience is limited by what belongs to God. Caesar is not God. Only God is God, and the state is subordinate and accountable to God for its treatment of human persons, all of whom were created by God. Our job as believers is to figure out what things belong to Caesar, and what things belong to God – and then put those things in right order in our own lives, and in our relations with others.

So having said all this, what does a book like "Render Unto Caesar" mean, in practice, for each of us as individual Catholics? It means that we each have a duty to study and grow in our faith, guided by the teaching of the Church. It also means that we have a duty to be politically engaged. Why? Because politics is the exercise of power, and the use of power always has moral content and human consequences.

As Christians, we can't claim to love God and then ignore the needs of our neighbors. Loving God is like loving a spouse. A husband may tell his wife that he loves her, and of course that's very beautiful. But she'll still want to see the proof in his actions. Likewise if we claim to be "Catholic," we need to prove it by our behavior. And serving other people by working for justice, charity and truth in our nation's political life is one of the very important ways we do that.

The "separation of Church and state" does not mean -- and it can never mean -- separating our Catholic faith from our public witness, our political choices and our political actions. That kind of separation would require Christians to deny who we are; to repudiate Jesus when he commands us to be "leaven in the world" and to "make disciples of all nations." That kind of radical separation steals the moral content of a society. It's the equivalent of telling a married man that he can't act married in public. Of course, he can certainly do that, but he won't stay married for long.

Partly because I'm a bishop and partly because I'm older and a little bit wiser, I don't belong to any political party. As a young priest I worked on Bobby Kennedy's campaign. Later I volunteered with the 1976 and 1980 campaigns for Jimmy Carter. So if I have any partisan roots, they're in the Democratic Party. But as I say in the book, one of the lessons we need to learn from the last 50 years is that a "preferred" Catholic political party usually doesn't exist. The sooner Catholics feel at home in any political party, the sooner that party takes them for granted and then ignores their concerns. Party loyalty for the sake of habit, or family tradition, or ethnic or class interest is a form of tribalism. It's a lethal kind of moral laziness. Issues matter. Character matters. Acting on principle matters. But party loyalty for the sake of party loyalty is a dead end.

I wrote "Render Unto Caesar" with no interest in supporting or attacking any candidate or any political party. The goal of "Render Unto Caesar" was simply to describe what an authentic Catholic approach to political life looks like, and then to encourage American Catholics to live it. And that brings us to the 2008 election and its aftermath.

Three weeks before last November's election, I wrote the following words:

"I believe that Senator Obama, whatever his other talents, is the most committed 'abortion-rights' presidential candidate of either major party since the Roe v. Wade abortion decision in 1973. [T]he party platform Senator Obama runs on this year is not only aggressively 'pro-choice;' it has also removed any suggestion that killing an unborn child might be a regrettable thing. On the question of homicide against the unborn child -- and let's remember that the great Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer explicitly called abortion 'murder' -- the Democratic platform that emerged from Denver in August 2008 is clearly anti-life."

I added that, "To suggest -- as some Catholics do -- that Senator Obama is this year's 'real' pro-life candidate requires a peculiar kind of self-hypnosis, or moral confusion, or worse. To portray the 2008 Democratic Party presidential ticket as the preferred 'pro-life' option is to subvert what the word 'pro-life' means."

I like clarity, and there's a reason why. I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor.

President Obama is a man of intelligence and some remarkable gifts. He has a great ability to inspire, as we saw from his very popular visit to Canada just this past week. But whatever his strengths, there's no way to reinvent his record on abortion and related issues with rosy marketing about unity, hope and change. Of course, that can change. Some things really do change when a person reaches the White House. Power ennobles some men. It diminishes others. Bad policy ideas can be improved. Good policy ideas can find a way to flourish. But as Catholics, we at least need to be honest with ourselves and each other about the political facts we start with.

Unfortunately when it comes to the current administration that will be very hard for Catholics in the United States, and here's why. A spirit of adulation bordering on servility already exists among some of the same Democratic-friendly Catholic writers, scholars, editors and activists who once accused pro-lifers of being too cozy with Republicans. It turns out that Caesar is an equal opportunity employer.

I think Catholics -- and I mean here mainly American Catholics -- need to remember four simple things in the months ahead.

First, all political leaders draw their authority from God. We owe no leader any submission or cooperation in the pursuit of grave evil. In fact, we have the duty to change bad laws and resist grave evil in our public life, both by our words and our non-violent actions. The truest respect we can show to civil authority is the witness of our Catholic faith and our moral convictions, without excuses or apologies.

Second, in democracies, we elect public servants, not messiahs. It's worth recalling that despite two ugly wars, an unpopular Republican president, a fractured Republican party, the support of most of the American news media and massively out-spending his opponent, our new president actually trailed in the election polls the week before the economic meltdown. This subtracts nothing from the legitimacy of his office. It also takes nothing away from our obligation to respect the president's leadership.

But it does place some of today's talk about a "new American mandate" in perspective. Americans, including many Catholics, elected a gifted man to fix an economic crisis. That's the mandate. They gave nobody a mandate to retool American culture on the issues of marriage and the family, sexuality, bioethics, religion in public life and abortion. That retooling could easily happen, and it clearly will happen -- but only if Catholics and other religious believers allow it. It's instructive to note that the one lesson many activists on the American cultural left learned from their loss in the 2004 election -- and then applied in 2008 -- was how to use a religious vocabulary while ignoring some of the key beliefs and values that religious people actually hold dear.

Here's the third thing to remember. It doesn't matter what we claim to believe if we're unwilling to act on our beliefs. What we say about our Catholic faith is the easy part. What we do with it shapes who we really are. Many good Catholics voted for President Obama. Many voted for Senator McCain. Both parties have plenty of decent people in their ranks.

But when we hear that 54 percent of American Catholics voted for President Obama last November, and that this somehow shows a sea change in their social thinking, we can reasonably ask: How many of them practice their faith on a regular basis? And when we do that, we learn that most practicing Catholics actually voted for Senator McCain. Of course, that doesn't really tell us whether anyone voted for either candidate for the right reasons. Nobody can do a survey of the secret places of the human heart. But it does tell us that numbers can be used to prove just about anything. We won't be judged on our knowledge of poll data. We'll be judged on whether we proved it by our actions when we said "I am a Catholic, and Jesus Christ is Lord."

Here's the fourth and final thing to remember, and there's no easy way to say it. The Church in the United States has done a poor job of forming the faith and conscience of Catholics for more than 40 years. And now we're harvesting the results -- in the public square, in our families and in the confusion of our personal lives. I could name many good people and programs that seem to disprove what I just said. But I could name many more that do prove it, and some of them work in Washington.

The problem with mistakes in our past is that they compound themselves geometrically into the future unless we face them and fix them. The truth is, the American electorate is changing, both ethnically and in age. And unless Catholics have a conversion of heart that helps us see what we've become -- that we haven't just "assimilated" to American culture, but that we've also been absorbed and bleached and digested by it -- then we'll fail in our duties to a new generation and a new electorate. And a real Catholic presence in American life will continue to weaken and disappear.

Every new election cycle I hear from unhappy, self-described Catholics who complain that abortion is too much of a litmus test. But isn't that exactly what it should be? One of the defining things that set early Christians apart from the pagan culture around them was their respect for human life; and specifically their rejection of abortion and infanticide. We can't be Catholic and be evasive or indulgent about the killing of unborn life. We can't claim to be "Catholic" and "pro-choice" at the same time without owning the responsibility for where the choice leads -- to a dead unborn child. We can't talk piously about programs to reduce the abortion body count without also working vigorously to change the laws that make the killing possible. If we're Catholic, then we believe in the sanctity of developing human life. And if we don't really believe in the humanity of the unborn child from the moment life begins, then we should stop lying to ourselves and others, and even to God, by claiming we're something we're not.

Catholic social teaching goes well beyond abortion. In America we have many urgent issues that beg for our attention, from immigration reform to health care to poverty to homelessness. The Church in Denver and throughout the United States is committed to all these issues. We need to do a much better job of helping women who face problem pregnancies, and American bishops have been pressing our public leaders for that for more than 30 years. But we don't "help" anyone by allowing or funding an intimate, lethal act of violence. We can't build a just society with the blood of unborn children. The right to life is the foundation of every other human right -- and if we ignore it, sooner or later every other right becomes politically contingent.

One of the words we heard endlessly in the last U.S. election was "hope." I think "hope" is the only word in the English language more badly misused than "love." It's our go-to anxiety word -- as in, "I sure hope I don't say anything stupid tonight." But for

Christians, hope is a virtue, not an emotional crutch or a political slogan. Virtus, the Latin root of virtue, means strength or courage. Real hope is unsentimental. It has nothing to do with the cheesy optimism of election campaigns. Hope assumes and demands a spine in believers. And that's why – at least for a Christian - hope sustains us when the real answer to the problems or hard choices in life is "no, we can't," instead of "yes, we can."

Seventy years ago the great French writer Georges Bernanos published a little essay called "Sermon of an Agnostic on the Feast of St. Théresè." Bernanos had a deep distrust for politics and an equally deep love for the Catholic Church. He could be brutally candid. He disliked both the right and the left. He also had a piercing sense of irony about the comfortable, the self-satisfied and the lukewarm who postured themselves as Catholic – whether they were laypeople or clergy.

In his essay he imagined "what any decent agnostic of average intelligence might say, if by some impossible chance the [pastor] were to let him stand awhile in the pulpit [on] the day consecrated to St. Théresè of Lisieux."

"Dear brothers," says the agnostic from the pulpit, "many unbelievers are not as hardened as you imagine. … [But when] we seek [Christ] now, in this world, it is you we find, and only you. … It is you Christians who participate in divinity, as your liturgy proclaims; it is you ‘divine men' who ever since [Christ's] ascension have been his representatives on earth. … You are the salt of the earth. [So if] the world loses its flavor, who is it I should blame? … The New Testament is eternally young. It is you who are so old. … Because you do not live your faith, your faith has ceased to be a living thing." Bernanos had little use for the learned, the proud or the superficially religious. He believed instead in the little flowers -- the Thérèse of Lisieuxs -- that sustain the Church and convert the world by the purity, simplicity, innocence and zeal of their faith. That kind of faith is a gift. But it's a gift each of us can ask for, and each of us will receive, if we just have the courage to choose it and then act on it. The only people who ever really change the world are saints. Each of us can be one of them. But we need to want it, and then follow the path that comes with it.

Bernanos once wrote that the optimism of the modern world, including its "politics of hope," is like whistling past a graveyard. It's a cheap substitute for real hope and "a sly form of selfishness, a method of isolating [ourselves] from the unhappiness of others" by thinking progressive thoughts. Real hope "must be won. [We] can only attain hope through truth, at the cost of great effort and long patience. … Hope is a virtue, virtus, strength; an heroic determination of the soul. [And] the highest form of hope is despair overcome."

Anyone who hasn't noticed the despair in the world should probably go back to sleep. The word "hope" on a campaign poster may give us a little thrill of righteousness, but the world will still be a wreck when the drug wears off. We can only attain hope through truth. And what that means is this: From the moment Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life," the most important political statement anyone can make is "Jesus Christ is

Lord."

We serve Caesar best by serving God first. We honor our nation best by living our Catholic faith honestly and vigorously, and bringing it without apology into the public square and its debates. We're citizens of heaven first. But just as God so loved the world that he sent his only son, so the glory and irony of the Christian life is this: The more faithfully we love God, the more truly we serve the world.

Amen

Palin vs. The Bible

2008-09-14T20:10:00.000-07:00

Alternatively, should I vote for a woman?

A brother-in-law recently stated, “I see three jurisdictions that God has ordained in this world: the family, the church, and civil government. All three must act in obedience to God's law to function correctly within themselves and in relationship to one another.” ^[1]

Unfortunately we live in a fallen world (corrupted by sin) ruled by imperfect leaders (corrupted by sin). Fortunately, we have a Sovereign God whose plans come to fruition as He dictates regardless, in spite of, or because of the actions of fallen men. Romans 13:1-5 tells us this if fact. “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil. Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.”

In conservative Christian circles, there are (at least) two schools of thought.

One believes that it is the ordinance of God is that a woman’s place is in the home. She has no business out in the world, working. This is especially true concerning work in a position where she has authority over men. Feminists will rail at this thought, calling it ‘religious misogyny’. ^[2]Far from misogynistic, these individuals believe it is demeaning to women for them to be other than what God intended. They generally care very much about the personhood of the women in their households and related to them.

Additionally, they believe that the Bible clearly states the requirements that an elected official must have. Deuteronomy 1:13 Moses said, “Choose wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men from among your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.” Additional examples, Deut 16:18-20; 17:14-20; 2 Sam 23:3; 2 Chron 19:6-7; Neh 7:2; Prov. 29:2

This school of thought is quick to point out that ALL of these passages refer specifically to men.

The other school of thought (sometimes called complimentarians) ^[3]believe it is acceptable for a woman to work outside the home. Additionally, to various degrees they can have authority over men. They point to Lydia, a business woman in Acts 16, ‘The Virtuous Wife’ of Proverbs 31: 10-31, and the Biblical example of Queen Esther.

There is a prelude to Sarah Palin’s arrival on the national scene. There have been (not a few - many) concerned, godly people praying constantly for this country and her leaders. They pray diligently, churches hold ‘Days of Prayer’, and we have students in the news gather around the flagpole to pray for this country and its leaders. This has been ongoing for many years.

When Sarah Palin arrived on the scene, complete with video of her addressing a church as Governor of Alaska, a cry of praise went up. There was also a groan.

For many, the thought that God had a raised an Esther for the United States was a welcome relief. Here is an apparently human but godly woman, thrust from nowhere into the national spotlight. Here she was a potential future leader of this country. Praise God.

There was also a groan from another camp of godly people. Oh, how this country has fallen. First, Sarah Palin is no Esther. Esther was the WIFE of the king. There is no evidence she had any authority over anything but the women’s house. Her use by God was restricted to her influencing the decisions of the King. If America is looking for an Esther, they should be looking to Michelle Obama or Cindy McCain. Additionally, they look to Isaiah 3 to further emphasize that it is a sign that a country has abandoned God when a woman rules.

Indeed, what seemed like a Godsend has become a controversy even within the church.

Personally, reading Isaiah 3, it sounds a lot like the USA today. Perhaps a woman should be in charge. However, Esther was not the Biblical example that came to mind.

Consider this:

“When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who dwelt in Harosheth Hagoyim. And the children of Israel cried out to the LORD; for Jabin had nine hundred chariots of iron, and for twenty years he had harshly oppressed the children of Israel.” ^[4]

Consider this description. Has America, as a nation done evil in the sight of the Lord? Is there an ongoing sale of conservative America to liberal anti-Christians? Are both internal and external forces harshly oppressing America? Consider that the ‘War on Terror’ is against representatives of the largest religion on earth. Russia’s tense reemergence on the world scene is no little thing. Are there not COUNTRIES vowing the destruction of the USA?

God did something for Israel.

The Israelites doing evil in the sight of the Lord was nothing new.

God’s solution was new. It was unheard of. It was a precedent in the Bible, never repeated.

“Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, was judging Israel at that time.” ^[5]

This is very interesting. It does not say, “Deborah was judging Israel at this time.”

Remember the beginning of the article, there are three jurisdictions in this world: the family, the church, and civil government.

The significance of the sentence provides that Deborah was a Wife (family), Prophetess (church) and Judge (civil law). God provided a woman to act in obedience to God’s law to function in the highest position in the land of Israel.

There is no doubt she was unique in every aspect.

Sarah Palin certainly has a unique background. Her meteoric rise to the national spotlight eclipses even Barack Obama’s rise. Is Sarah Palin a new Deborah for a country in dire circumstances? Only God knows the answer to that.

“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

A thing known is that if Sarah Palin ascends to the second highest position in the land, knowledge of Deborah certainly encourages.

One is certainly encouraged to vote responsibly. Using the criteria from the Bible [Deut 1:13; Deut 16:18-20; 17:14-20; 2 Sam 23:3; 2 Chron 19:6-7; Neh 7:2; Prov. 29:2 et.al.]

Some have said they cannot cast a vote because, of the candidates, none meets the Biblical criteria. That is for you to consider prayerfully.

[1] Certainly, this is the ideal, but it will not happen until Christ is on His Throne in Jerusalem ruling over all the earth.

[2] Misogyny is the hatred of women.

[3] Complimentarians are a tough crowd. There are varying degrees of complimentarians, and bitter discourse between them. The major discord is between a woman’s place in secular society and a woman’s place in the church. One group claims that a woman may have authority over men outside the home and outside the church. One group claims that a woman may have authority over men outside the home (hence the ordination of women as Pastors). A third group claims that a woman may have authority over a man - in any situation. There are bitter rivalries here and church denominations have split over these arguments.

[4] Judges 4:1-3

[5] Judges 4:4

Big Things, Small Packages

2008-03-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Bible is replete with epic stories that show the power, purpose, and majesty of God. Stories like ‘Jonah and the Whale’, ‘Noah’s Ark’, ‘The Ten Commandments’, and ‘Sampson and Delilah’. Sometimes these stories take whole chapters or even whole books of the Bible, like the story of Job.

Additionally, though, there are places where true treasures are obvious (and not so obvious) in one or two verses.

John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Then there are some not so obvious treasures. Consider Acts 17:10-12. These three verses show us a great treasure. Verse 10 simply tells us where Paul and Silas where, a town called Berea (it is the only place in the Bible it is mentioned - Acts 20 mentions by name a missionary from Berea). Verse 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.”

First, who is ‘they’? They were the Jewish religious (and some Greeks). We know from verse 12 that study of the Scriptures led many to become Christians, “Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.”

Acts 17:11 is memorized and posted on the sidebar of this blog.

What a shock it was to realize one simple thing. The New Testament did not exist yet. Jewish religious leaders would not read it, even if it had. They certainly would not have been searching the New Testament to determine whether Jesus of Nazareth was THEIR Messiah! They went to ‘their’ Bible - the Old Testament.

Having read the account of the meeting on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-32, Mark 16:12 & 13). The subject has always been “Christ appeared to them in the Flesh”. Repeatedly have missed verse 27, “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” Again, the Scriptures here relates to the Old Testament.

That one not so obvious treasure is simply that the primary purpose of the Old Testament is not to provide us with a history lesson of the Jews. The primary purpose is to ‘prove’ that Jesus of Nazareth was who He said He was the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of God, the means of Salvation. There are 109 specific Messianic prophecies in The Old Testament, a document that spans 5000+ years of history and whose manuscripts predate Christ by hundreds of years. There are prophecies as specific as the place and manner of His birth to manner of His death. The odds of all those prophecies fulfilled in one person are astronomical. (The estimate is that the number is somewhere approximately 10 to 157^th power. To get an idea of how big that number is; 10 to the 100^th power is the largest number we have a name for - a googol.)

How fitting it is that this is the Easter Season. How fitting it is that one of the first, best introductions of harmonizing the Old Testament and the New Testament into a cohesive whole is “The Sufferings and the Glory”. This is an account of the betrayal, arrest and crucifixion of Christ as recorded in the New Testament and prophesied in the Old, as well as the intimate thoughts of Christ as recorded in the Old Testament hundreds of years before He became flesh and died for our sins.

Jesus was made flesh, lived and died and was resurrected for one purpose. The Bible has one primary purpose. John 20:31, “but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.”

I encourage you to read the “Sufferings and the Glory”, whether you are Christian or not, it is one of the best ‘books’ I’ve ever read and always wrenches my heart.

An odd note I knew but it never sank in before today: Loren Bishop at Pulpit of the Last Days compiled the accounts in “The Sufferings and the Glory”. He sometimes uses the blogger name ‘Cleopas’. Of the two men on the road to Emmaus to whom Christ revealed Himself in The Old Testament, one’s name was Cleopas.

TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2008*

2007-11-26T07:09:00.000-08:00

(Guaranteed to come true!)

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

God whispers in your soul and speaks to your mind. Sometimes when you don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at you. It's your choice: Listen to the whisper, or wait for the brick.

(Personally, quite often it is the brick)

*Received this as an email, author unknown - but still poignant and eloquent.

How Simple Is That?

2007-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

[This is an edit of an article originally Posted Monday 26 September 2005, titled: “What Was His Name? or How Simple Is That?]

‘Learned’ people, in religious circles, like to throw around 'big' words. Words like justification, sanctification, imputed, imparted, dogma, doctrine, and propitiation are just a few… That is fine, but these words often confuse. Sometimes when these types of conversations start, one feels like “a hog looking at a wrist watch”.

It gets murky quickly. The ‘gospel made simple’ becomes a confusingly litany of do and do not. [†] After re-reading this quote, “Any clear presentation of the gospel of grace would include the following in some measure:” followed by a list of twelve ‘necessary’ requirements. The ‘response’ to the gospel is a list of nine evidentiary requirements. In other words, to ‘present the gospel’ requires twelve elements - someone responding to the gospel would require nine elements of ‘evidence’. I decided to ‘re-post’ this (edited) article.

I am a K.I.S.S. person. K.I.S.S. is the acronym Keep It Simple I am Stupid. So let us K.I.S.S. this whole salvation ‘thing’, (with its 12 & 9 requirements) with a little Bible history lesson.

What was the name of the first person to die a ‘believer’? Who was it that first died believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and only through His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, one could receive salvation instead of being condemned and sent to hell?

Many people will say, “That is easy, it was Steven in Acts 7:60-8:2.” Um, wrong, Steven was the first recorded martyr, that is the first person executed for believing it, and teaching it. However, he was not the first one to die believing.

No, the first ‘believer’ to die was a thief. We do not even know his name. The Bible does not record his name… Just that he was the first.

Who was he and why is he important to us?

When Jesus was crucified (hung on a cross), He was crucified with two other men. The Bible tells us that they were thieves (convicted criminals). We read ‘their story’ in Luke 23:39-43.

One of the thieves reviled and mocked Jesus.

The other did not, in Luke 23:40-41, he defends Jesus, “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

He goes on in verse 42, “Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

This in the simplest terms is the ‘gospel of salvation’!

Was this some kind of ‘special’ salvation (as some religions claim)? Alternatively, was this the entire ‘gospel’ message in the K.I.S.S. format?

This is the K.I.S.S. ‘gospel’.

Let us look the ‘elements’ of the thief’s declaration.
The thief admitted that he deserved to be condemned, that he deserved to die for his own crimes (vs. 40 & 41).
The thief recognized Jesus’ was blameless (vs. 41).
The thief recognized that Jesus was ‘his’ master by using the title ‘Lord’ (vs. 42).
The thief recognized Jesus was more than just a man and in fact ‘The King’ (which meant The Messiah) (vs. 42).
The thief asked to be ‘remembered’ (vs. 42).

The thief admitted that he was getting ‘what he deserved’. The thief ‘knew’ because of his own actions, there was nothing but a guilty verdict and death. The thief ‘knew’ that the only way ‘out’ of his condemnation was Jesus Christ. That is, nothing the thief could do was worth anything, only Jesus’ actions could save him.

How did Jesus Christ answer this thief?

“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”” Luke 23:43.

Jesus Christ saved the thief. This unnamed thief was the first person to die ‘believing’ the ‘whole’ “gospel of Jesus Christ the power of God for salvation”. He was the first ‘Christian’ to die. Ephesians 2:8-9, tells us it is not of ourselves, it is a gift. Jesus Christ did not ‘owe’ the thief anything; He gave the thief a place in ‘Paradise’.

That is the Promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ - believe and you will be saved!

This unnamed thief is important to us because his ‘profession and belief’ is the definition of salvation made simple.

It really is that simple…

[†] 2 Corinthians 11:3 reminds us that the gospel is simple. Here is simple - the entire “gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation” in one verse: Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” WE deserve death, God is willing to gift us eternal life, the way is through Christ.

Again, it really is that simple…

Commitment to Conviction Part 2

2007-06-21T08:54:00.000-07:00

Part one of this article discussed the torture and murder of three men, Tilman Ekkehart Geske, Pastor Necati Aydin, Ugur Yuksel. They were tortured and murdered because they were Christians who were not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The “Comments” section attempted to clear up what we know about these men.

These were men of God. They were doing God’s work. They KNEW that they were targets of persecution. [Muslim leaders in Turkey and elsewhere have accused Christians of “stealing the souls of our babies”.]

They were still emboldened by the Holy Spirit not to be ashamed to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Their faith sustained them to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, even though they KNEW that it could cost them their lives.

They are shining examples of what it means to proclaim, “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” [Romans 1:16]

Part 2 was supposed to be a look at this heinous act from another point of view.

Five young men (19 and 20 year olds) carried out the premeditated torture and murder of these three men. They did it in the name of ‘Allah’. However, their commitment to their conviction failed them. Their plan was supposed to be - torture and murder these three Christian men - then die ‘in a blaze of glory’ martyrs - in a ‘suicide by cop’ pact. Their faith failed. Three surrendered, one was hiding, and the fifth (the ringleader) injured himself falling off a drainpipe as he tried to get away.

The real question we should ask is, “Are we like the three missionaries or are we like their attackers?”

Pointedly - How committed to our conviction that Jesus Christ DIED on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead and gave us the ORDER to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ are we?

Every day in this world, Christians die for simply being Christians. Every day in this world, Christians die for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We hear their stories and we cry, we feel sad, maybe we even send an ‘extra’ monetary gift to a mission project.

As Elisabeth Eliot quotes L.E. Maxwell, “O Lord, deliver us from our sad, sweet, stinking selves!” [1]

We do not have to die to prove we are committed to our conviction. We do not have to be, as Loren Bishop said, “…part of the 'martyr' crowd who could hardly wait to show their zeal. We were often 'persecuted for righteousness' sake'…” [2] Seeking persecution for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

What we do need to do is evidence our commitment to our conviction by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as it is our command to do. [3]

Are we taking every opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we making opportunities to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we following the example of these men who were tortured and killed because of their commitment? Alternatively, are we following the example of the murders, when it comes to sharing the Gospel - do we balk sometimes?

Are we following the example of Mr. Genor, a man who for 40 years on the streets of Sydney, Australia, handed out gospel tracts with the question, “If you die tonight will you go to heaven?” [4] Are we following the example of Fred Server - of whom it was said, “Every one who has met Fred has heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ!” [5]

If we are not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, are we ashamed that OUR conduct is not always evidence of that commitment to a conviction. Once while driving with Fred (who was a safe, considerate, defensive driver), he noticed an ‘Icthus’ (Fish emblem) on the back of a car. Fred remarked he would never put one on his own car - because he did not want people to equate his driving with his Christianity…

Are there people that we are ASHAMED to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with because they have seen our conduct? How often is that the case? We do not want to share the Gospel, not because of the Gospel but because of our own example. It is not a matter of persecution; instead, it becomes a matter of embarrassment. Do we say to ourselves, “If my life is ‘The only Bible some people will ever read’, then there are some people I do not want to read it?”

We need to remember - The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for sinners. It saves sinners from the penalty of sin - it does not make them (us) perfect. As it says in “One Liners” - God does not call the qualified He qualifies the called. If He only called the qualified - Jesus would be the only person in Heaven. The bottom line is that none of us is perfect. While the God calls us to godliness - He commands us to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. One of the lessons learned from Fred and others is that the more energy spent on sharing the Gospel, the less energy one has to pursue sin. [6]

[1] Elisabeth Elliot, Through Gates Of Splendor, Epilogue 2, pages 270-271

[2] see the ‘Comments’ from “Commitment to Conviction Part 1” Loren does point out that sometimes what we call ‘persecution’ is instead others unwillingness to tolerate our attitude.

[3] Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8

[4] Thanks to Brian Hedrick for sharing Mr. Genor’s testimony - it is in a video [here] posted on Brian’s Blog, “Only Look to Christ”. One amazing thing about Mr. Genor is that he faithfully ministered on the streets of Sydney for some 40 years - and it was only a few weeks before he died that he EVER heard that someone became a Christian because he shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them. A commitment to a conviction evidenced by conduct - to share the Gospel for 40 years without knowing that anyone responded!

[5] One of the celebrants at Fred’s memorial service made the comment and it was affirmed by many others - Fred lived a life dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

[6] I can confidently say with Paul, 1 Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

One Liners

2007-06-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

[At a future date (soon), we will post the article “Commitment to Conviction Part 2”]

Meanwhile here are some pithy, not so pithy, funny and not so funny ‘one liners’ collected over the years - original authors unknown.

Do not let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is to live one.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The good Lord did not create anything without a purpose, but mosquitoes come close.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

When you get to your wit's end, you will find God lives there.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

People are funny; they want the front of the bus, the middle of the road, and the back of the church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your front door forever.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Quit griping about your church, if it was perfect, you could not belong.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If the church wants a better pastor, it only needs to pray for the one it has.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God Himself does not propose to judge a man until he is dead. So why should you?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Some minds are like concrete, thoroughly mixed up and permanently set.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Why do some people change churches; what difference does it make which one you stay home from?

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Many church members who are singing "Standing on the Promises" are just sitting on the premises.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Our call is to be witnesses, not lawyers or judges.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Be ye fishers of men. You catch them - He will clean them.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Do not put a question mark where God put a period.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Do not wait for 6 strong men to take you to church.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Forbidden fruits create many jams.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God does not call the qualified He qualifies the called.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God grades on the cross, not the curve.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God loves everyone, but probably prefers "fruits of the spirit" over "religious nuts!"

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The person that angers you controls you!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

If God is your Co-pilot - swap seats!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

Prayer: Do not give God instructions -- just report for duty!

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The task ahead of us is never as great as the Power behind us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The Will of God never takes you to where the Grace of God will not protect you.

*+*+*+ *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

We do not change the message the message changes us.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

You can tell how big a person is by what it takes to discourage him.

*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*

The best mathematical equation ever seen:

1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given.

Commitment to Conviction Part 1

2007-05-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

Previously, we defined faith as a commitment to a conviction evidenced by conduct [1].

Let us turn our attention to the 18th of April and three men.

Tilman Ekkehart Geske
Pastor Necati Aydin
Ugur Yuksel

These three men may not be familiar to you. News of their deaths was not “Front Page News”. One may have heard about them vaguely. They were three Christian men (missionaries and pastors) murdered in Turkey.

The Associated Press records their murders as “with their hands and legs bound and their throats slit”. [I have] read other reports of their gruesome three hour torture that would make the most horrific horror movie seem tame by comparison.

We do not know if there was an attempt to make these men recant their faith [2].

We do know that these men were tortured and executed for one reason. They were tortured and murdered because they were Christians who were not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ [3]. They daily shared the gospel in a predominately Muslim country with a history of violence towards Christians.

Simply put, these men were martyrs for their faith in Christ.

Think about that for a minute. These men died. They were tortured. Even without their throats slit, they would have died from the wounds they received. All their suffering and ultimately their deaths happened simply for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We do know they were men of God, by the example of their families afterward. “Susanne Geske (Tilman Geske’s widow) in a television interview [in Turkey] expressed her forgiveness. She did not want revenge, she told reporters. “Oh God, forgive them for they know not what they do,” she said, wholeheartedly agreeing with the words of Christ on Calvary (Luke 23:34)” [4].

This was a terrible thing. It should sadden us.

Now, consider the challenge. How often do we hesitate to share the gospel because of what others might think? We rationalize, justify, and hesitate because we might lose face. Maybe we are afraid we might lose our jobs, or we may lose ‘friends’ because we are telling them the ‘Good News’. The next time the opportunity presents itself and one finds one’s self hesitating - think. Think about Geske, Aydin, and Yuksel. Then think about the ETERNAL consequences of NOT sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the listener [5].

[1] Conversations with Fred part 4 [March 12, 2007]

[2] We have heard reports the torture was recorded on cell phones (and possibly video) but those have not been released (Thankfully).

[3] Romans 1:16, “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.”

[4] Excerpted from “A letter to the Global Church from The Protestant Church of Smyrna” Reported by Darlene N. Bocek -contact information:
izmirprotestan@gmail.com http://www.izmirprotestan.org
* There is a graphic report of the torture of these men in this letter. If the above link fails the letter can be found by a “Google” search.

[5] 1 John 2:15-17 [The Message]

The Final Word From Fred Server

2007-03-28T11:27:00.000-07:00

Fred’s memorial service was quite an event. Held in his church home, people gathered. His siblings, children, step-children and children’s children -four generations account for only forty of the hundreds gathered. Many countries and four continents had representatives there.

It is not a huge church, but modern with two large audio-visual screens used to project hymns instead of using traditional hymnals.

The pastor led the invocation, followed by the choir and audience singing uplifting songs. Fred was reintroduced to those present with a slide show, “This is your life” created for his birthday last year - showing Fred through the years of his life.

The slide show was significant events in his life - his birth, graduation, jobs, children, etc. What it shows is that Fred was a sportsman and family man. It was for Fred a keepsake and for others a kind of ordinary obituary. It did not tell one much about the ‘heart’ of the man.

A few more songs sung. Then nothing - the screens went black, the lights dimmed. Then with a startled gasp from the audience, Fred appeared on the video screen and this is what he had to say:

“Greetings!

I suppose I’m the last person you
expected to hear from today. I just
had to thank you for praying for me.
Almost 5 years ago, you learned I
had cancer. You prayed for my
healing. You watched me lose 5
inches in height; my bones grow too
weak to hold my body up straight-
and you prayed for my healing. You
watched my muscles dissolve and
my flesh disappear. Actually, you
watched the outer man perish and
you prayed for my healing. Thank
you! Thank you. Your prayers have
been answered. I AM HEALED! I
AM HEALED! HALLELUJIAH!
HALLELUJIAH! The pain is gone.
Thank you for praying.

The best part about being here in
heaven is Jesus. Remember He
promised, “I go to prepare a place for
you and if I go I will come again and
receive you unto myself.” He did!
He did! He did! I’ve just seen Jesus
and I tell you He is alive!

I had this hope of coming to heaven
to be with Jesus while I was with
you. I’ll tell you how I KNEW. The
Bible says we can Know, not think
or hope but KNOW. I had just
returned from the navy and was in
my first year of college when I
noticed several students my age that
really impressed me. They all went
to the same church youth group so I
decided to visit. It was there I
learned that God loved me. Me,
Fred Server. I also learned the things
had done wrong separated me from

God. I was fearful of dying and
spending an eternity separated from
God in a place called hell. Do you
know how long eternity is? Forever!
God said my sin demanded a
payment-death. Here is the good
news; God loved me so much He
was willing to do something about
my sin and separation. He sent His
own Son to die in my place. Jesus
Christ died for my sins so He could
bring me to God. No more
separation. I believed this. I asked
Jesus to forgive my sin, come into
my heart, and be the Lord of my life.
He came! I began to read my Bible.
I believed every promise He made.

I know some people think they can
work themselves into heaven. Think
about it. If you could work your way
into heaven then God had His Son
die a horrible death on the cross for
nothing.

Everyone has to decide whether to
believe Jesus or not. There is no
reason for anyone to walk out of this
room and not know that your sins are
forgiven and that you are going to
spend all eternity in heaven. You
can pray this prayer right where you
are sitting. Bow your head and pray,
“Lord, Jesus, please forgive my sin
and come into my heart and be the
Lord of my life. I believe you.
Thank you for coming. Thank you
for giving me eternal life.” If you
prayed that prayer tell our Pastor or
someone about the decision you have
made. Many will rejoice with you
and you can share it with me when
you arrive here in heaven. I’ll be
waiting for you.

Friends please don’t talk about my
spirit being with you. My spirit is
with Jesus. Why would you want
my spirit with you when you have
the Spirit of the Living God living in
you? He will never leave you. The
Holy Spirit will lead you along the
best pathway for your life, to
comfort, encourage, protect, pray for,
teach, enable, and pour out his loving
favor and mercy. You don’t want
my spirit when you can have all that
just by asking Christ into your heart.

My challenge to all of you, family
and friends is to get involved in
telling others about Jesus. Help them
grow. Make an eternal difference in
the lives of other people. Everyone
is going to spend an eternity in
heaven or hell. God will use you to
be a part in their choice. So go tell
the good news.

Bye for now. Jesus is waiting to
welcome each and every one of you.
I’ll be waiting too. Look on my
death just the way Jesus does. He
says, “Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of his saints.” You
know why it’s so precious? It’s
because He gets to finally welcome
another one that He came here to die
for, another one who believes Him.
That delights His heart. He calls it
precious. That means you can look
at my death as precious. See you.
Bye for now.” [*]

I do not know about you, but that tells me a lot about the heart of the man it was my privilege to know and call my step-dad. Like someone remarked, “Leave it to Fred to get the last word and that word was the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He died like he lived, sharing the Gospel, a servant of God.”

Fred M. Server
June 15, 1927 - March 14, 2007
The Godliest man I have ever known!
I pray that I can be half the man, the servant of God that he was.

[*] Fred recorded this video a few months ago (January 12, 2007), to ensure that he had the strength to do it well.

- Special thanks to my sister-in-law Robin for putting together the slide show (from all the family’s pictures) and recording and editing Fred’s final message.

Graduated to Glory!

2007-03-19T06:15:00.000-07:00

Fred, my step-dad, has ended his fight with cancer. He has died. The conversations we had at New Years were the last face to face in depth conversations that he and I shared. We did talk on the phone during the intervening months and I was able to make it across the country be with him at the end. We (my mom, one of my brothers, and my step-sister) were with him, surrounding him and lifting him in prayer. His long battle ended with a gentle sigh. The last words he spoke in this world were, “I love you (all).”

His obituary as published, is:
--

Fredrick M. Server
Fred Server’s pilgrimage on earth ended Wednesday, March 14, 2007. His Father called him home. A celebration of his life and death will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 24, 2007 at Village Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be made to the Village Baptist missions programs.
--
The newspaper uses a whopping eleven lines, four sentences to declare the end of Fred’s life. The obituary before his is 33 lines, the one after is 45 lines for a family-less indigent hospice patient. Some of the obituaries are more than 100 lines.
Why is this important? There have been some ‘complaints’ that Fred’s obituary did not do him ‘justice’. Never mind the fact that Fred wrote it himself. A careful look at his obituary comparatively tells one everything they need to know about Fred.

You see, the other obituaries tell us what jobs the people had, where they lived, where they were born, how they died, who they left behind, who in their families were already gone and a myriad of mundane details.

There is nothing that tells us of the ‘heart’ of the person. Fred’s obituary tells us where his heart was. He knew he was a ‘pilgrim’ (Hebrews 11:13-16, 1 Peter 2:11). This world was not Fred’s home (and home is where the heart is). Fred knew who his Father was (Romans 8:14-16, Galatians 4:4-6). Finally, we know by his request to support missions that Fred continues earnestly to want to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone.

What more do we need to know about Fred?

Okay, today I will tell you one more thing about Fred.

Fred spent time studying the Word daily (Acts 17:11). He recorded his ‘Quiet Time’ in a journal. He was studying the book of Job – an upright man stricken as a testament to God. The last words Fred wrote, “‘I know that my Redeemer lives... one day I will see him face to face’ [1]– The hand of God has put this cancer upon me. I don’t understand why and I don’t have to. I want to say with Job, ‘Tho he slay me, yet will I trust HIM!’” [2]

[1] Job 19:25-27
[2] Job 13:15

Conversations with Fred cont 4

2007-03-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

part 4

“I am truly blessed…”

This again, is coming from a man that knows with certainty he is dying. He knows that it will be a painful and unpleasant death. Why does he feel so blessed?

He started ‘counting his blessings’. [This list is not complete; it is a partial list of the salient points. It is also an incomplete list of verses he quoted supporting each blessing.]

“I have gotten to live the promises of the risen Christ.”

-“Every step of the way I have been comforted.”

John 14:16-18, “And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4, “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.”

-“Every day I have been given the strength to carry on - even when tempted to have a bad attitude, or rail against God, or just give up.”

1 Corinthians 10:13, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”

-“God has blessed me by giving me the opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with so many. They see my ‘hope’ and want to know why.”

Romans 1:16, “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.”

1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;”

- Fred is a humble man. He had a hard time expressing this blessing. He cried tears of joy as he relates how blessed he feels to know some of the fruit of labor. Fred knows John 4:36-37, “And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’” However, God’s gift to Fred has been to often share in the effects of his ministry. In other words, Fred is constantly told by others how his life, testimony, faith, and his sharing of his faith has affected others positively for Christ.
Back in the beginning of 2006, (Running Out of Time) Fred challenged ‘us’ to reach one person positively for Christ. What Fred never expected was how many people would come to him and tell him how HE had influenced them for Christ. He cries for joy every time someone tells him that - he cries a lot. [Fred understands the eternal implications of just one person coming into the family. In Luke 15:10, Jesus tells us, “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

What a joy it is to share in that joy with Fred.

-Fred concluded counting his blessings with a passage Loren shared in the comments of “Conversations with Fred part 3”

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure 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 Tim 4:6-8)

Fred’s final thoughts in that conversation were simple.

“While I am here, I will continue in earnest. But, my bags are packed, I am ready to go whenever He calls.”

That is our challenge - Fred’s godly life, Christ-like attitude, commitment to a conviction evidenced by conduct (faith) - are examples we can emulate.

The question we need to ask ourselves is, “Can we make the same claim: ‘While I am here, I will continue in earnest. But, my bags are packed, I am ready to go whenever He calls’?”

Conversations with Fred cont. 3

2007-03-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

Part 3

Fred continued with, “The coming days are filled with hope.” Now that is an odd statement for one that has exhausted every medical option and is dying. What on Earth, could Fred possibly be hoping or hopeful about?

Merriam Webster online dictionary defines hope as:

1: to desire with expectation of obtainment

2: to expect with confidence

Jack Terry told us (previously) hope is expectations from experience.

1 Peter 3:15, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the HOPE that is in you with meekness and fear.” What is this ‘hope’ that Fred has (and we should have)?

Fred looks with the expectation of obtainment and expects with confidence what comes next.

James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”

Fred expects with confidence that his trials, perseverance, and patience is making him more Christ-like. He knows the ‘good’ has resulted in more names in the book of life because of his testimony.

That is not the end of Fred’s hope. He expects deliverance from a cancer ridden body. No, he does expect a miraculous cure. Fred’s conduct shows his commitment to the unshakeable faith he has that the promises of the Bible are true.

How does he know? 1 John 5:11-13, “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life…”

Fred KNOWS he has eternal life and more, 1 Corinthians 15:52-54 tells him, “…the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.””

Fred knows that he will be, in that moment changed. His body corrupted by cancer, will change into a body that will never know sickness, will never know cancer, and will never again know death. Fred expects with confidence - Hopes - for that day. He has faith.

He is committed to the conviction that he will one day be removed from this world into a place where he will NEVER experience those things he lives with everyday, again.

Fred finished our conversation with one more gem, “I am truly blessed.”

A Mother Asks…

2007-02-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Receiving this anonymous author email, it is an ‘interlude’.

It is very simple…

“A mother asked President GW Bush, "Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

A mother asked President Clinton, "Why did my son have to die in Saudi Arabia?"

A mother asked President GHW Bush, "Why did my son have to die in Kuwait?"

Another mother asked President Johnson, "Why did my son have to die in Vietnam?"

Another mother asked President Truman, "Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Another mother asked President FD Roosevelt, "Why did my son have to die on Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson, "Why did my son have to die on a battlefield in France?"

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln, "Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President Washington, "Why did my son have to die on a frozen field near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked..."Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answer is the same --"So that others may have life, peace, happiness, and freedom."”

---
Here is the difference:

The offer from 2000 years ago is still available today...

Life: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

That is the offer of the cross - everlasting life.

Peace: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

“Peace of God”, it says is beyond understanding - but it is capable of GUARDING our hearts and minds.

Happiness: Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 15:11

Jesus offered us HIS joy.

Freedom: “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.” Romans 6:16-18

It says we are free from sin that leads to death - both its power and its penalty.

Conversations with Fred -cont.

2007-02-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Part 2

Fred’s faith leads to his recent remark, “Everything that has happened to me has been for the good.”

One could easily ask, “How can terminal cancer be for the good?” Let us start by recognizing that the cancer itself is not ‘good’. However, Fred is all about furthering Christ’s kingdom. He explains the good that comes from his affliction (cancer) means there are more people in the Kingdom of Heaven. [See “What Good?” and see Romans 8:28-29]

The driving force in Fred is the question, “How can my life and my death influence others for Christ?” That is faith’s conduct in Fred’s life. He lives Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Fred shares the gospel of Jesus Christ with everybody - he challenges everyone that believes to share the gospel with others. He understands the ETERNAL importance of being about ‘His Father’s Business’.

Last year in “Running Out of Time” we talked about the family reunion where Fred challenged each of us to ‘influence someone for Christ’ in the coming year. He regularly checked up on us during the year, asking for ‘progress reports’. At Christmas this year, he called each of us to account, in front of the rest of the family. He did not do that to embarrass anyone, but to encourage all of us.

The reality is, Fred embarrasses all of us. He really is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Fred lives in a world where sharing the gospel is one of the single most important things one can do. A week does not pass that Fred does not share the gospel with someone. (I would say a day does not go by, but there are some days when his illness keeps him house-bound - even so, there is not a ‘Hospice’ worker that has met him that has not heard.)

His conduct is evidence of his commitment to his conviction that ‘The Good’ of reaching others for Christ is his duty, and privilege.

Fred has stated (and it is in other articles), that his life, his cancer and his death have been worth it if just one person comes to know Jesus Christ. Fred is not boastful, but I know of a few people that have made Fred’s cancer ‘worth it’ because they believe. Mom, being more pragmatic, will only say, “More than a few.” When I ask Fred if it is worth it, with a shy smile and a glint in his eye, he says, “Yes.”

Fred continued with, “The coming days are filled with hope.”

Conversations with Fred

2007-01-30T10:57:00.000-08:00

Part 1

For those of you that do not know:
Fred is my step-father (the widower that married my widowed mother over 25 years ago).
Fred is dying. He has terminal cancer.
Fred is the godliest man I know.

We have talked about Fred before. The articles about him (and my mother) are all HERE.

As recently mentioned, it is a tough time. Fred has exhausted his treatment options. He has done chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, as well as a host of ‘alternative’ treatment options. He is done. There are no more options currently available. ‘Hospice’ has entered the picture. For those unfamiliar with ‘Hospice’ it means the end of Fred’s long fight is near. Hospice’s job is to give Fred the highest quality of life with the least amount of pain from now until he dies. They are not offering him any treatment alternatives, just making whatever time he has left, the best it can be.

That is hard for me. I dearly love Fred and I am selfish, I do not want to lose a friend, mentor, advisor and example. For over twenty-five years, Fred has been an inspiration and comfort to me. Even writing this is disconcerting because it puts in print an inevitable conclusion, Fred will be gone soon. Although the term ‘soon’ is ambiguous, as he told the family on Christmas Eve, this was his last Christmas.

Fred knows that he is dying. He knows that he has seen some of us for the last time in this life. Fred has given some his last sage advice. Do understand. As stated, Fred has been an advisor and mentor for years, but now what he has to say has taken on additional meaning. He is telling us the most important things that his 79+ years and his fight with cancer have taught him.

Again, a clarification, Fred is the godliest man I know. He loves God. Throughout these last few years, he has never asked one question. The question is, “Why me God?” He has not bothered. God answers THAT question in the last chapters of the Book of Job in the Bible, (starting in chapter 38 through the end of the book). Fred has trusted that everything that he has gone through has a reason.

That leaves us with an interesting conversation.

Fred has based his life, especially the last few years on Faith and Hope.

Jack Terry writes, “My grandson Jordon recently celebrated his fourth birthday. For many days preceding the joyful event, he anticipated with great excitement all of the presents he would receive from friends and family… Jordan was certain what was going to happen.

Although he did not visibly see the gifts before the party, he was confident that he was soon going to open lots of presents, just like he did at last year’s celebration. His faith was strong because his previous experience had been a very real one. He was sure of what he hope for and certain of what he did not see. This is a wonderful picture of the simple, childlike faith that God desires for all of us to have.” [*]

Fred and I like my mother’s definition of Faith: “A commitment to a conviction evidenced by conduct.” This definition is straightforward, concise, packed with meaning and true. Fred is convinced what he believes is truth. He is so convinced that his commitment shows his belief in his everyday conduct. He believes, strongly, and acts like it. I can not always say that my conduct shows what I say I believe, Fred can. [That is what makes him such a godly man].

Fred’s faith leads to his recent remark, “Everything that has happened to me has been for the good.”

[*] Jack Terry, A Cowboy’s Faith (Eugene, OR: Harvest House P, 2001) 7.

This Day

2007-01-22T12:41:00.000-08:00

As I wrestle with a personally painful truth and the best way to present it, we will take an interlude.
This may seem trite at first, but if one considers these things as ‘instructions’ - they make a difference.

Interlude:

1. Wake Up!
“Today is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalms 118:24
Decide to have a good day. You choose whether you will have a good day or you will let the stress, and problems of the day depress you.

2. Dress Up!
“The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance; but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;” How does someone know if you have hope unless they see the inner heart in the outward appearance?

3. Shut Up!
“He who guards his lips guards his soul.” Proverbs 13:3 Say nice things and learn to listen. God gave us two ears and one mouth, so He must have meant for us to do twice as much listening as talking. How many times have you heard, “If you can not say something nice, do not say anything at all”? How about this, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...” Proverbs 18:21a

4. Stand Up!
“Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good...” Galatians 6:9-10 Stand up for what you believe in. Stand for the ‘Word’ (again 1 Peter 3:15). We have talked in previous articles about what the ‘good’ is. See “What Good?”

5. Look Up!
“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“I will lift up my eyes to the hills— From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2

6. Reach Up!
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, And He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6 Always reach up first. “If you think God is far away, guess who moved.”

7. Lift Up!
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 How about, “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:18. Additionally, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

God answers Knee-Mail.

Great Gift Idea

2006-12-22T09:40:00.000-08:00

‘Tis the Season

A harried woman with two small children and armloads of packages squeezes her way onto the crowded elevator at the mall. To no one in particular she remarks, “Whoever came up with this Christmas idea ought to be taken out and executed.” A quiet voice from the back of the elevator responded, “Don’t worry they already crucified Him!”

Why do we give presents at Christmas time anyway? Some will respond ‘tis the season’. Some might remind us of the pagan rituals surrounding the birth of the New Year at Winter Solstice.

‘Christians’ might respond with various replies. We are commemorating the birth of Christ. We are emulating the ‘Wise Men’ from the Bible who brought gifts to Christ. Some will relate the Christmas story of the birth of Christ and the angels, and the manger.

All of these are ‘correct’ answers. The truth is we DID co-opt ‘Christmas’ from pagan rituals. There have for many generations been peoples that celebrated the Winter Solstice, and rebirth of the New Year. The ‘Wise Men’ did bring gifts to the baby Jesus. God did give us a great gift in giving His Son to live among us.

We find the real ‘gift’ of Christmas in Luke 2:11, “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

God gave us a Savior. The Savior, in turn gave us a great gift in His death, burial and resurrection.

Jesus Christ is our Savior. John 3:16 explains, “For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Hebrews 10:10 & 12 tells us, “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God,”

We rejoice at Christmas, that God gave us His Son to live among us… That was an awesome gift. Jesus Christ was a great teacher and philosopher. More than that, His death on the cross was the sacrifice for all our sins - forever.

While celebrating the birth of Christ, we should also recognize His greatest gift to us, eternal life for all who believe.

The true ‘PRICELESS’ gift of Christmas is the Gospel of Jesus Christ
How cool is that? The best gift one can give another this holiday is to share with them the gift of life everlasting…
Christmas is an opportunity to receive the greatest gift ever given, and to share that gift freely with all our family and loved ones…
MERRY CHRISTMAS!

1. This is an edited reprint of an article posted last year around this time.

2. And for all you Scrooges out their - calling all the trappings of Christmas ‘stolen pagan rituals’ - check out this page - “The True Meaning of Christmas”
Which came first the chicken or the egg? As in, are they co-opted from pagans or given meanings pagans then made corrupt?? Does it matter if you assign it a Godly meaning? Here is a thought - God named the constellations (check Genesis and Job) - Astrologers co-opted God’s design…]

A Couple of Christmas Poems...

2006-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

This poem has been around for a while. It makes the rounds every Christmas. We often see the author as ‘A soldier stationed in Okinawa’ or ‘A soldier stationed in Afghanistan’.

We have seen it change (creative edits) over the years to represent each of the different services.
Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt’s original version was printed in “Pass In Review” in 1987…

He is a Marine. The poem is about Marines. We do not have to change or edit the words for its sentiments to apply to all the armed services.

Merry Christmas, My Friend

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster & stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I'd seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I'd heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps."

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night's chill.

So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.

And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.
I didn't want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.

But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas Day, all secure."
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

-------

Recently “A Different Christmas Poem” started making the rounds (again). It has been around for a while too, and again reminds us about our soldiers.

It’s real title is “A Soldier’s Christmas” © Michael Marks December 7, 2000.

“A Soldier’s Christmas”

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts…
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

"My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.

Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

--------

Thanksgiving for Soldiers - And The Unsung Heroes

2006-11-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

Thursday we celebrate Thanksgiving. It is a day of over indulgence in food and football - two of America’s favorite pastimes.

Traditionally, many gatherings include a round-robin of “What are you Thankful FOR?”
Why not start with, “I am thankful to be free”?

Today be thankful for the all the members of our armed forces, whether deployed or at home. Their service and sacrifice allow us to enjoy this day.
Freedom is not free.
It is the soldiers sacrificing their freedom (and their lives) that preserve our freedom.

That is a ‘nice’ sentiment - being thankful to service members for their sacrifice to this country… [Veteran’s Day is a holiday to thank those that have served - not those that are serving - they do not have a holiday.]

Soldiers have it rough, especially those deployed around the world (not just Iraq and Afghanistan).

However, the toughest job in the military is spouse.
The families are the real unsung heroes.
While their service member is on deployment - they fight their own battles, daily. Not only is there the constant wondering about their loved ones, life goes on.
Someone still has to pay the bills.
Someone still has to balance the budget.
Someone still has to mow the yard and take out the trash.
Someone still has to get the kids off to school and back home safely.
Someone still has to answer the kids question about his or her absent parent.
Someone still has to do upkeep on the car.
On and on with all the ‘divided’ chores and responsibilities still being done.

The military spouse has suddenly, with little notice become a one parent family. Even the spouses without children have to take on additional work loads, simply because they are alone.

So while we gather with friends and families to enjoy the day - remember the families of the service members that set an empty place for a loved one far away…
And remember the families that set an empty place at their table for a loved who will never sit there again.

Be thankful for them and their loved ones far away - without them, this would be just another day - without freedom.

January 2006 the article “Maligned Military” we were reminded that soldiers do not send themselves into harm’s way. Politicians do that. If one is concerned about Iraq, one is encouraged to contact their congressional representative in the House and Senate and take it up with them.

This is about service members and their families - Active, Reserve, National Guard - from all branches not politics.

Confession’s Consequences 1

2006-09-30T12:01:00.000-07:00

Pastor Joe Wright delivered this prayer (written by Pastor Bob Russell) January 23, 1996 to open the Kansas House of Representatives session.

“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask Your forgiveness and to seek Your direction and guidance.
-We know Your Word says 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done.
-We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values.
-We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of Your Word and called it moral pluralism.
-We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism.
-We have endorsed perversion and called it alternative lifestyle.
-We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
-We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation.
-We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
-We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
-We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
-We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self-esteem.
-We have abused power and called it political savvy.
-We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
-We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression.
-We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment.

Search us O God and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by You, to govern this great state.

Grant them Your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of Your will. I ask it in the name of Your Son, the living Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen”

When presented by Pastor Wright, this prayer caused uproar. Repeated by Paul Harvey twice, it gained further attention, and notoriety (generating the most mail in his program’s history - 98% positive). A search of the internet finds over a thousand copies of the prayer. Urban Legends (Snopes.com) has articles about it, as does ‘About.com’. This month it is in “Lamplighter”, the magazine from Lamb & Lion Ministries.

This prayer is a decade old.

Think about it, this prayer is a decade old. Over ten years have passed since Joe Wright prayed in the Kansas Congress.

What has changed since then? This prayer makes the email circuit at least once a year with admonitions to ‘keep it going’ or ‘send this to your elected officials’.

Sorry, but this is a NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) prayer. This prayer will have no affect - as long as it is traveling around the Internet.

God’s Ultimate Purpose for Christians we now know (from previous articles). That we become more Christ-like so our example brings more into the family.

How about this: Are WE willing to pray this prayer for our own lives? Are WE willing to look deeply into our own hearts:
-are we calling evil good
-have we inverted our values
-have we compromised moral absolutes
-do we worship other gods (like money)
-are we nodding to perversion, unwilling to call ‘alternative lifestyles’ sin
-do we ignore those in need
-have we endorsed welfare as bad, but ‘someone else’s problem’
-do we turn away from a stand on abortion
-are we mitigating evil as a social responsibility
-are we neglecting our children period - not just their discipline
-do we abuse power, what little we have - at home or in the work place
-do we envy our neighbors, are we ‘keeping up with the Jones’
-are we profane (do we cuss) or ‘secretly’ look at pornography
-do we embrace the ideals of today and forget the values of yesterday?

Are we really willing to pray, “Search ME O God and know MY heart today; TRY ME and see if there be some wicked way in ME; cleanse ME from every sin and set ME free”?

“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3

This prayer will never affect America, our society, our government local, state, and federal - UNTIL it affects OUR LIVES.

Confession…

2006-09-18T16:18:00.000-07:00

Understand, the epiphany that accompanied the revelation that we ‘KNOW’ what the Ultimate Will of God for Christians “IS” “is making all the difference…”
(“What Good” & “What Good Revisited”) That is my confession, that until I discovered that truth, I was walking around in the dark.

I can not begin to count how many times I have followed Job and asked God ‘Why’ this or that happened in my life. I have frequently fallen back on the old standby, “God is sovereign, and He has a plan…” Or resigned with, “I do not know why, but I accept this as His will.” Alternatively, when I thought I was more ‘mature’, “I do not need to know why, but accept this as His will.”

Now clarity shines like the Son… There is no more wandering around in the shadowy ethereal mystery of “God’s will for my life…” God revealed His Ultimate Will. He wants us to be more like Christ (Romans 8:28, 29). Everything that happens today, tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year - is to that purpose.

Jesus tells us, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:31-34.

There is an instruction, “Seek first the kingdom of God”. Following it is an admonition, “do not worry about tomorrow.” Thinking about this passage in relation to Romans 8:28, 29 deepens the meaning.

If one is seeking God, recognizing that God’s intent is to make one more Christ-like, what is there to worry about? Even the ‘age old’ ‘mature Christian’ axiom of ‘discovering God’s will for one’s life’ seems a little weak.

If God’s Ultimate Will is that one be more Christ-like, then we can lay it at His feet…
How many times have we prayed a prayer like, “God I need discernment to make a wise decision.” It IS a valid prayer. At the same time, have we done (here is a secular but truly appropriate phrase) due diligence? Have we searched the scriptures (Acts 17:11)? Have we sought wise counsel (Proverbs 11:14)? Are we seeking “first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33)? Are we being obedient to what we already know to do (John 2:5)? Are we trying to bring God glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)? Have we asked for wisdom (James 1:5)?
Most importantly, are we open to learning to be more Christ-like (Romans 8:29)? That is true discernment - being open to whatever God wants to make us more Christ-like.

That is the bottom line - God’s leading, God’s ‘will’ for our lives is all about that one principle: That we become more like Christ.

To adapt a quote from a Robert Frost poem, “That is making ALL the Difference.”

A Blessing...

2006-09-08T14:30:00.000-07:00

How wonderful is our God.

I have been really blessed and overwhelmed over the last few weeks.

The testimony of my parents (Fred and Ruth) and their Christ-like attitude, as presented here, has been tremendous. God has used their chronicles to further His Kingdom - true evidence of the promise of Romans 8:28, “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.” Knowing that the ‘Good’ is that we “…be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29

This response has been a blessing to me - to know that God is using something I posted for His glory… I take no credit for that, it is the work of the Holy Spirit, but I appreciate the blessing.

At the same time, it has caused a little bit of confusion. People have come here looking for the postings about Fred and Ruth, seen other posts and become a little disoriented.

To counter that ‘problem’, the articles about Fred and Ruth have been put in chronological order and copied to the “Views: Christian Studies & Perspectives” blog.

Hope that helps…

In Christ,

What Good? Revisited -‘A Friend’s Business’

2006-08-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

The previous article, “What Good?” details some of Fred’s, hardships and his attitude. I wanted to revisit it.

Whenever someone suffers tragedy or loss, many are the ‘well-wishers’. Christians, non-Christians, friends even strangers telling them that, “The Bible says, “All things work together for good…”” A reference to Romans 8:28.

How often is that verse misquoted, and not an encouragement as much as a discouragement. Sorry, but telling a person that just lost a loved one ‘everything works for good’ can evoke all manner of negative feelings. Unless, one uses that verse for what it says, not what we ‘want’ it to say it can be more hurtful than helpful.

That begs the question, “Then what does that verse say?”
“Everything works together for good.” Is that what it says? Is that all it says?

Romans 8:28a, “And we know that all things work together for good”.

Romans 8:28b says, “…to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” There appears to be a discrepancy with the flippancy we use this verse.
Look at it more closely.

1. All things work together for good.
2. Condition: ‘to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose’. Study reveals this is means ‘Christians’, not ‘everybody’.

The conclusion is then, “All things work together for good for Christians.”

However, we still have not defined “Good”. What is the “Good”? What Good is there in dying a long painful death? What Good is there in a terrible tragedy?
We need to look at the next verse to understand its meaning and promise.

Romans 8:29, “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.”

Take out the parts that ‘identify’ that this verse is written to Christians. Two phrases remain, “to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” What does that mean? We know that brethren means - Christians, and we know ‘His Son’ and ‘He’ is - Jesus. “To be conformed to the image of Jesus, that Jesus might be the firstborn among many Christians.” ‘The Firstborn’ used in conjunction with Jesus, is an adjective ‘honorific’ - the first to be resurrected to glory, the highest, the greatest, the Christ.
“To be conformed to the image of Jesus, that Jesus, will be the Christ of many
Christians ‘in the family’.” That would be, “To be conformed to the image of Jesus, that Jesus, The Christ, will have many ‘in HIS family’”.

What does it mean then “to be conformed to the image of His Son”? That is straightforward, it means what it says, to become literally a ‘Christian’ a ‘little Christ’ not just a believer. There is a promise here. “To become like Christ so that Jesus, will be THE Christ of many ‘in the family’. Our becoming ‘like Christ’ results in ‘many brethren’.

There is the old saying, “You are the only Bible some people will ever read”. The promise is that our becoming ‘Christ-like’ will present an ‘example’ that will result in ‘many in the family’. That is a responsibility, and a privilege.

Verse 29 then says, “Christians are to become like Jesus Christ so that we result in Jesus being the Christ of ‘many in the family’”.

We take Verse 28: All things work together for good for Christians. Add to it Verse 29: To become like Christ so that Jesus will be the Christ of ‘many in the family’.
We now have a very pertinent promise and admonition:
Promise: All things work together for Good.
Condition: For Christians
Reason/Result: to be (made/become) more like Christ.
God’s Ultimate Purpose for everything that happens to Christians: So that Jesus will be the Christ of ‘many in the family’.

We now have a definition of the “Good”. The “Good” is so that Christians become more Christ-like, and in so doing, others come to know the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It does not mean that bad things will not happen to us. It does not mean that we fatalistically and blindly accept things. We no longer have to wonder why things happen; the answer is right there.

We have, in these two verses the ENTIRE purpose of the Christian life… Everything that happens to a Christian is for one purpose - to mold us into the image of Christ. That purpose is to set an example for others, so that they too may come to know Christ.

That is it - the entire Christian life - God’s Ultimate Purpose Revealed!

THAT is Good!

Friends, whatever happens - whether heartbreak or blessings - everything that happens, happens with that purpose. With that in mind, constantly seek to grow to be more Christ-like, to further the Kingdom of Heaven…

Jesus Christ tells us in John 15:15, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

These verses in Romans tell us exactly what our ultimate purpose IS.

One of Jesus’ first statements sets the stage, “…Did you not know I must be about My Father’s business?” Luke 2:49

Jesus Christ set the example - “Father, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39a

That is our Friend’s instructions for us…

Wild Weekend

2006-08-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, it is Wednesday. This has been a tumultuous week.

Friday last, my best friend, D.L. went to the hospital for a ‘routine outpatient surgical procedure’. Arriving home from my own doctor appointment, I saw his and his wife’s trucks outside their house (they are my best friends and next door neighbors - makes things convenient). Calling to check on him, received the disturbing news that, “Something is not right!”

Later Friday night, he was an admit to the telemetry ward (one step below I.C.U.). It seems the ‘routine’ part of the surgical procedure was not.
He is bleeding internally. It is a dangerous and extremely painful situation. The doctors are trying to get the bleeding under control without emergency surgery, and seriously concerned about infection.
So there he is Saturday morning hooked up to every machine the hospital has got - looking like he is at death’s door - doped up - crying he is in so much pain.

First visitor Saturday, hoping, praying and willing for his recovery, I waited and watched, the only thing truly helpful I can do is pray.

Later in the day, he seems to be stabilizing. Taking a break to make room for the numerous other friends and family there to see him - and tired of seeing the serious concern on my face mirrored on theirs - I went to the hospital lobby.
Running headlong into a crowd, it was obvious someone had died. Not just someone, from the size of the group, someone well loved with many family and friends. The group extended outside; there were easily more than twenty people there. All of them deep in sorrow, tears flowed from just about every face, men, women and children.

Two thoughts struck in quick succession. The first was that I had not really thought about the ‘if’ of eternity when I was with D.L. I thought about the loss to Linda, his son, his family and to me, but I had not even considered the consequences of D.L.’s death and eternity. Simply because I know that D.L. is a Christian. I know he knows that Jesus Christ died on the cross for his sins and to cleanse him from all unrighteousness [1 John 1:9]. The thought never occurred to me to be concerned for his eternal welfare - because I already know.

The second thought that struck me was that the family that had just suffered the loss of a loved one was doing it without hope. It was obvious from every face that all they felt was pain, loss, helplessness and hopelessness. There was no one there even trying to offer solace that the deceased was ‘in a better place’. These people were lost and there was no comfort.

How sad. I am sure that at some huge memorial service someone will try to intimate that since the deceased was a ‘good person’, or a ‘good parent’, or a ‘good child’ or an ‘outstanding member of the community’ that the person is now ‘in a better place’. That by some virtue of their own they are somehow deserving of heaven… Sadly, some of the family and friends will take comfort in that thought. Sadly, few will consider the truth.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

D.L. is recovering and is now recuperating at home.
I am not.
Running into that family was a poignant reminder that there are people, our neighbors, friends, relatives or just acquaintances that have not heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Moreover, all of us are running out of time - to share it - to hear it…

New Diet

2006-08-14T12:22:00.000-07:00

Doctors tell us that Americans do not eat right. We need to eat healthier foods and exercise. It is good advice, given to improve our health and quality of life.

What about Christians, do we need to do that? Romans 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.”

Eating healthy and getting exercise is then a “reasonable service”. However, in context, that verse continues, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

How about Psalm 1:1-3:
“Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
But his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.”

Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Psalm 119:9, 47 “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word.” “And I will delight myself in Your commandments, Which I love.”

How about this, “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”” [1]

The point is simple, if we eat healthy, and exercise - we get healthier… What diet are we feeding our minds?

Put it another way. No one would argue that eating junk food six days a week, then eating one healthy meal while watching someone else exercise is a healthy diet. By the same reasoning, watching an hour of sex and violence on television a day then listening to a half hour sermon on Sunday is not a healthy mental diet. Thirty minutes of someone else’s exercise is not going to counter the effects of the garbage one has been filling their minds with the rest of the week.

To be “transformed by the renewing of your mind”, “delight in the Law of the Lord”, and living by “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” cannot be achieved in thirty minutes on Sunday.

Psalm 119:72,
“The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of coins of gold and silver.”

How valuable is the Word of God? The old saying, “put your money where your mouth is,” comes to mind. The value of the Word (to us) is directly proportional to the amount of time we spend in it. “Time is money.” Is the TV actually twelve times more valuable than the Word? [2] If it is then here is some bad news - one is on a starvation diet - starved for the Word. That is not remotely healthy.

The Apostle Paul said, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ” Philippians 3:8.

Is the Word more valuable than “coins of gold and silver”? Here is a thought, if one had to pay to watch TV in cash; in increments (like Pay-Per-View for every show), how much TV would one watch?

Compare that to having to pay to spend time in the Word. If one had to pay in cash to read the Bible - how much of the Bible would one read?

Oops…

[1] Jesus is quoting Deuteronomy 8:3

[2]Simple math: 1 hour of TV per day for 6 days = 6 hours (12 1/2 hours) of TV a week. VS. 1/2 hour of time in the Word during a church service (considering that while most church services average an hour, the sermon is only 30 minutes of that time). Of course that presumes that one only watches ONE hour of TV a day, and none on Sunday...

What about me?

2006-08-07T11:57:00.000-07:00

Recently I have been telling you about the two godliest people I know, my mother and step-father. I have been relating their hearts for God, and how each of them are continuing to persevere in being about our “Father’s business”.

I ended the article “What Good?” with this paragraph, “Friends, the next time you are faced with pain, heartbreak, or grief; the next time you are faced with trying to comfort someone going through a difficult time - think about these verses. Then ask how you grow to be more Christ-like, to further the Kingdom of Heaven…”

Jesus Christ set the example - “Father, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39a

Loren, a beloved brother in Christ, and author of the POLD blog has constantly been an encouragement in word and prayer… Last week he gently chastised me (deservedly so) for worrying about what is going to happen to my mom and step-dad with this verse, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34

The Message Bible (Remix) puts it like this, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”

I went back and reread “What Good?” Something occurred to me. Romans 8:28 starts with this phrase, “And we know that all things…” We have already discussed what the “Good” is.

However, here is a thought that I am not sure I communicated…
I see how God is moving in Fred, my step-dad’s life. I see him as a godly inspiration on persevering to further the Kingdom of Heaven… Mom, also, her godliness, her spirit, her perseverance are inspirations. Their example humbles me.

But Loren, when he chastised me, pointed out a little simple something…
If “all things” is true - then what about me? What effect is “what God is doing right now” having on me? I have to look in the mirror and ask myself, “How is their experience making ME more Christ-like?” “How am I growing to be more Christ-like because of what they are teaching me?”

In other words, I have to stop ‘watching’ their inspiring story, and start living the lessons they are teaching. I have to stop asking myself if I could be as perseverant (NOT) and start becoming - so that I learn what God is teaching me. Yes, my folks are godly, but am I? Am I becoming more Christ-like, learning, and living their example and testimony?

In “Unbelievable” I wrote, “I just pray I have that kind of heart for God, and Christ-like attitude…” The truth is I will not if I do not start doing instead of watching. In “Unsung”, I wrote, “Every time I talk to her [my mom]; she tells me about something NEW she has learned from it. [The Bible]” Can she say the same thing when she talks to me?

An inspiration is only as good as it inspires… That is, if I do not change, becoming more Christ-like, then I am not truly inspired.

Developing a Christ-like attitude is not about watching, it is about doing…

Unsung

2006-07-31T10:30:00.000-07:00

Recently the articles chronicle the Christ-like attitude of my step-father Fred. His godliness is an inspiration. However, it would be negligent if we did not discuss the other godliest person I know, his wife, my mother.

Let me start with a quote[1]. “When I first met Ruth, I was so awed I decided I had to get to know her better. [She] was one of the most godly women I had ever met. I got so excited with what I found I married her. I can confirm that Ruth is indeed a very choice woman of God. Her outward life is truly an expression of the living God she has in her heart. She lives what she speaks…”

Fred wrote that more than 20 years ago. Has she changed since then? Yes, she has grown godlier. Two things really stand out to me about the woman it is my privilege to call, “Mom”.
Fred says, “She lives what she speaks.” That is more than difficult for most of us. However, since Mom has been a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study teacher, seminar and conference speaker and lecturer for 40 plus years, to live what she speaks takes on another added dimension. Why do people keep asking her to teach? To quote Fred again, “She is one of the most gifted teachers I know.” That is only part of it. One can be the greatest teacher in world but if the subject is not worthwhile, the teaching is wasted.

The woman knows the Bible. It is not just that she reads it cover to cover every year (for as long as I can remember). It is not just that she has committed more of it to memory than anyone has I know. She understands what the Bible says and she lives it. We talk about Acts 17:11 here a lot, the verse about studying the Scriptures daily. She does that. It AMAZES me. Every time I talk to her (once or twice a week); she tells me about something NEW she has learned from it. This woman has read the Bible cover to cover at least 40 times. She has literally hundreds, if not thousands of verses memorized - (if she does not have a passage memorized she can find it faster in her Bible than I can using a computerized concordance) and every time she opens the Bible, she learns something new!

Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” [2]

Psalm 1:2, “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.”

The entirety of Psalm 119 is about meditating on Scripture. This woman lives that way. She meditates on the Word. (There is a quote, “If you know how to worry you know how to meditate - the only difference is the subject matter.”)

Therefore, the first thing that stands out about the godly character of this woman is the simple fact that she loves spending time studying scripture (and sharing what she discovers). I know I can not say that - I cannot always honestly say, “There nothing I would rather be doing than studying and sharing scripture.” [I can say that I know that is what I should be doing.]

The second thing that amazes me about my Mom is her servant attitude. About a month before Fred had his back surgery - between his ongoing cancer treatment, Mom had to have back surgery… It was a not rocket science, she had to have the surgery or else she would lose the use of her leg. The first question out of her mouth was, “Who is going to take care of Fred?”
I could list a thousand and one ways to exemplify her servant attitude. Her focus is caring for Fred - but that does not stop her from serving others. Some of our family members went to help with Fred and to visit. What did Mom do? Before they arrived, she went grocery shopping for them. There is a small problem with that. My parent’s house has a ‘guest apartment’ on the second floor. It is self contained - people can live there, it has its own entrance, bath and kitchenette. Mom had back surgery a month ago. She can not lift a lot of weight at one time. What did she do? After grocery shopping to stock the ‘apartment’, she took the groceries upstairs. She did not think about it, she did it. More than ten trips, a gallon of milk or half a bag of groceries at a time. Think about that. The next time you are out, stop at a five story building and take the stairs up to the fifth floor. Me, I would have left the groceries downstairs. When they arrived said, “Hey, come get your groceries.” A month after serious back surgery, I certainly would not be making trips up or down stairs unless the house was on fire…

Recently, when I told Mom she was the godliest woman I know, she said, “Don’t say that, I have a long way to go!” If she has a long way to go, I am in serious trouble…
She is living proof of the old saying, “The more I know, the more I know I do not know.” It occurred to me that her knowledge of the scriptures and her heart for God is so strong, she understands much more about what is pleasing to God and what is sin. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,”

For her (and Fred), the ‘sins of the flesh’ are not the issue… It is the sins of the mind (“bringing every thought into captivity”)… Things like that instant flash of anger when someone cuts us off in traffic. Things like being annoyed at the screaming baby in the restaurant. Complaining which is criticizing God, instead of recognizing our own opportunity for growth and faith. Things like being disappointed when things do not go ‘our way’. Things like that flash of anger when someone corrects us. Things like envy or bitterness that someone else gets a promotion, a new car, house or toy.

Most importantly, they are aware when they miss an opportunity to minister to others…
Like previously stated, “What we do in this life effects eternity. Every opportunity we have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is an opportunity that has everlasting consequences…”

Unsung, yes, unappreciated never. Just as Fred is the godliest man I know, Mom is the godliest woman I know. It is somewhat humorous and at the same time humbling. I call home and talk to Mom, and she tells me the impact, the ‘good’ Fred is having in the lives of others… I call home and talk to Fred, and he tells me the impact, the ‘good’ Mom is having in the lives of others. [2]

[1] Edited for brevity.

[2] We talked about ‘the good’ and what that means in “What Good?”

Unbelievable

2006-07-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Last article I talked about my step-father and his Christ-like attitude.

A couple of months ago in the article “Running Out of Time” I told you about how my step-father had one prayer request for coming year. It was not that he have a miraculous healing - it was that each of his kids (natural, step-children, and their spouses) along with each of his grand-children and every Christian he knows would ‘reach’ at least one person for Christ (this year).

The last couple of weeks have been terrible for him…

He has had a geometric increase in pain. Doctors’ reports have been more negative than positive. He needed to have some surgical procedures done to repair his cancer ravaged bones…

The days before he found out about the surgical procedure were especially painful - his vertebrae are literally disintegrating, crushed by just the weight of his own body… The surgical procedure (vertebral-plasty) is supposed to help that…

It was under these circumstances that I was surprised to receive a handwritten letter from him. It was not a form letter. It was not a typed and reprinted ‘mass mailing’. It was personal. It was also one of at least twenty-five personal letters written to family members. It amazes me that he took the time and energy to write one, much less more than twenty-five letters. Think about this. He is terminal. He is in terrible pain. He is barely able to sleep, the pain is that bad, and he writes letters to all his kids, grandkids, their families - each individual.

More amazing, bordering on the unbelievable was the subject matter. It is not a farewell letter. It is not a letter begging for prayers of divine intercession. He reminds again that NONE of us knows how much longer we have to accomplish God’s mission for us, to be the person God wants us to be… Then he goes on to interrogate. He reminds that he had one prayer request and one ‘mission’ for each of us to accomplish. The prayer request and mission for the New Year was that we reach just one person for Christ this year. He then asks two questions. The year is half over, have I accomplished the mission? If the answer is yes, have I moved on to make it two or three or four? If, no, then I need to get busy being about my Father’s business…

He knows the answers (we talk at least once a week). However, here he is, in his position, encouraging each of us to persevere… Unbelievable, but true.

I just pray I have that kind of heart for God, and Christ-like attitude…

My step father gets it - what we do in this life effects eternity. Every opportunity we have to share the gospel of Jesus Christ is an opportunity that has everlasting consequences…

What Good?

2006-07-13T09:12:00.000-07:00

I have been going through a rough time…
Fred, my step-father’s health has taken a downturn. This grieves mom, and the rest of the family. He has bone cancer. He is dying. It is a trying time. We know that soon he will be with our Savior, and that is cause for joy. However, the journey, for him is becoming extremely difficult.
[I am selfish. I love Fred. I value Fred. He is the godliest man I know. His insight, encouragement, and heart for God inspire me. I am not ready to lose him yet.]

Fred sees it a little differently. Fred’s attitude is found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [1] “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.”
His illness has been a tool he has used to continue to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and build up the body of believers.

However, his condition brings up a situation. Many are the ‘well-wishers’. Christians, non-Christians, friends even strangers continue to tell us (the family) that, “The Bible says, “All things work together for good…”” They are referring to Romans 8:28.

I wonder sometimes how many times we hear it. What I wonder about more often is how many times that verse has been misquoted, and not been an encouragement as much as a discouragement… Sorry, but telling a person that just lost a loved one ‘everything works for good’ can evoke all manner of negative feelings. Unless, one uses that verse for what it says, not what we ‘want’ it to say it can be more hurtful than helpful.

For your sake, friends, let us look at the verse and its context…
“Everything works together for good.” Is that what it says in context? Is that all it says?

Romans 8:28a, “And we know that all things work together for good”.

It sounds good so far. What does the rest of the verse say, “to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Okay, there appears to be a discrepancy with the flippancy we use this verse.
Look at it more closely.
1. All things work together for good.
2. Condition: ‘to those who love God to those who are called according to His purpose’. A strange phrase but further study will reveal that is a ‘Christian’.

Conclusion: All things work together for good for Christians.

However, we do not know what the “Good” is and we are not sure yet this is conditional for Christians.
It is not sound just to say, “All things work together for good.” It is not even sound to say, “All things work together for good for Christians…”

What is the “Good”? Using Fred as an example, what GOOD is there in dying a long painful death?
We need to look at the next verse. The Conclusion takes on additional meaning and promise.

Romans 8:29, “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.”

First we have to ‘verify' our assertion that the verse is addressed to Christians: “to those who love God” 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” John 5:42-43 Tells us that those who do not love God, do not have Christ in them (are not Christians). Romans chapter 1 gives a description of non-believers, even stating they ‘hate God’ (verse 30).

Continuing:
“whom He foreknew, predestined, brethren”. ‘He foreknew’ appears four times in the New Testament (in use by Peter and Paul) - in reference to believers (Christians). ‘Predestined’ appears five times in the New Testament (in use by Paul) - always in reference to believers. ‘Brethren’ Paul uses over 100 times in his letters. Only once does it not mean the 'family' of believers (it refers members of ‘the’ family of Christ - that is Christ’s literal physical (½) brothers [2]). Back to verse 28, “the called” is in use nine times by Paul, Jude, and John to mean believers. We show our ‘Condition’ is a ‘proven’ interpretation that this verse refers to Christians. [The 8th Chapter of Romans begins with this phrase: “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,”] By looking at the verse, the surrounding verses, the book, other books, and the rest of the New Testament, we find this ‘promise’ of “Good” is for Christians.

We know now that the Conclusion is valid, “All things work together for good for Christians.”

WE still have not defined “Good”.

Continue with the text of verse 29, “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.”

Take out the parts we know, that make sense. What remains? The two phrases, “to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” What does that mean? Let us work backwards. We know what brethren means, and we know who He is. “To be conformed to the image of His Son, that Jesus might be the firstborn among many Christians.” ‘The Firstborn’ used in conjunction with Jesus, is an adjective ‘honorific’ - the first to be resurrected to glory, the highest, the greatest, the Christ.
“To be conformed to the image of His Son, that Jesus, will be the Christ of many
Christians ‘in the family’ ” (remember Christian means little Christ). That would be, “To be conformed to the image of His Son, that Jesus, The Christ, will have many ‘in the family’.

What does it mean then “to be conformed to the image of His Son”? That is straightforward, it means what it says, to become literally a ‘Christian’ a ‘little Christ’ not just a believer. There is a condition here. “To become like Christ so that Jesus, will be THE Christ of many ‘in the family’. Our becoming ‘like Christ’ results in ‘many brethren’.

There is the old saying, “You are the only Bible some people will ever read”. The condition is that our becoming ‘Christ-like’ will present an ‘example’ that will result in ‘many in the family’. What a responsibility, and a privilege.

Verse 29 then says, “Christians are to become like Christ so that we result in Jesus being the Christ of ‘many in the family’”.

We take Verse 28: All things work together for good for Christians. Add to it Verse 29: To become like Christ so that Jesus will be the Christ of ‘many in the family’.
We now have a very pertinent promise and admonition:
Promise: All things work together for good.
Condition: For Christians
Reason/Result: to be (made/become) more like Christ.
Ultimate ‘revealed’ purpose of God: So that Jesus will be the Christ of ‘many in the family’.

In other words, we have a definition of the “Good”. The “Good” is so that Christians become more Christ-like, and in so doing, others are saved by their example.

It does not mean what we often want it to mean, that bad things will not happen to us… It does not mean that we fatalistically and blindly accept this verse. “I do not know why it happened. However, I know this terrible thing will work out for good somehow.” We do not have to wander around in the dark wondering what that ‘somehow’ is; the answer is right there.

Now, does the rest of Scripture tell us that we are to be (and be made) more Christ-like?
Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

Philippians 1:6, “…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”

Philippians 1:9-11, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (John 8:12 Jesus tells us that HE is the Light of the world, “…“I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”” - it says now to let our light (Him in us) shine.)

1 John 2:5-6, “But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”

Fred has ‘run the race with perseverance’. There is no doubt, when he is through, that a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) is waiting for him. There is no doubt he continues to live for Christ… While it grieves me to see him suffer, I am humbled by his steadfast commitment to furthering the Gospel of Jesus Christ…

I know that Fred is becoming more Christ-like. I know in the last couple of months that he has seen others become members of the family of Christ.

I know that the ‘Good’ of all that is happening to Fred is that Fred, every Christian near him becomes more Christ-like, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ spreads so others come into the family…

I have not asked him, but I am certain that if I did ask, Fred would tell me that if just one person comes to know Christ as Savior because of his example in facing death, then all he has gone through has been worth it.

Now THAT is Good!

Friends, the next time you are faced with pain, heartbreak, or grief; the next time you are faced with trying to comfort someone going through a difficult time - think about these verses. Then ask how you grow to be more Christ-like, to further the Kingdom of Heaven…

Jesus Christ set the example - “Father, not as I will, but as You will.” Matthew 26:39a

[1] Notice that the rest of that paragraph (Verses 5-7) has the same ‘purpose’ revealed. Verse 6a Paul writes, “Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation...”
Paul’s sufferings are so others might be saved.
[2] 1 Corinthians 9:5 is the specific reference. Paul is addressing the topic of marriage. We say Jesus' ½ brothers because they are the children of Joseph & Mary, Not formed by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary. In other words, they have the same mother, but different fathers.

He will not ask.

2006-07-06T09:16:00.000-07:00

(This was excerpted and edited from an anonymous email)

Some Questions God will and will not ask when we get to Heaven…

1. God will not ask what kind of car we drove… He will ask how many people we gave rides to that did not have transportation.

2. God will not ask the square footage of our houses… He will ask how often we opened our home to others.

3. God will not ask where we bought our clothes or how many we had… He will ask how many people we helped to clothe.

4. God will not ask what our highest salary was… He will ask what we compromised to obtain it, how much we gave back to Him, and whether we were a good steward of the rest.

5. God will not ask our job title… He will ask whether we did it to the best of our ability, and if we did it as if we were working directly for Him.

6. God will not ask how many people we called friends… He will ask how many people we befriended.

7. God will not ask what neighborhood we lived in… He will ask how much we loved our neighbors.

8. God will not ask the color of our skin or our religious denomination… He will ask about the content of our character.

9. God will not ask how many, and good parties we threw for events of our lives… He will ask how often we celebrated Him.

10. God will not ask how many people we told about our new marriage, kids, new job, new house, new toy… He will ask how many people we told about Him…

11. He will not ask if we are good enough to get into Heaven… He will ask if we are clothed in the Blood of the Lamb…

"Independence Day"

2006-06-28T11:47:00.000-07:00

On the 4th of July, we Americans celebrate our independence. We celebrate Freedom.

Let us take a moment to remember:

"Freedom Has a Price...

the protected will never know."

How much more so the Freedom we have from the penalty of Sin?

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

The Price of Donuts

2006-06-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Often, there are others than can tell a story better than I can. There are some that can express my heart’s desires for you better than I can myself… This is one of those cases. I received this gift from a friend and want to share it with you. Both of us have tried to no avail to find the author and give them proper credit. So, I’m posting this as ‘by anonymous’, and off to eat my donut…

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States.

Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course his or her freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know… I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts.

No, these were not the normal kinds of donut, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure." Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups so Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten pushups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own pushups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten pushups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience, Steve started to do ten pushups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." He put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?" Steve did ten… Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say "No" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these pushups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten pushups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person, the next, and the next.

Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your pushups, you are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." Then, Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason did not know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christianson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten pushups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut"

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"
Steve did ten pushups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr. Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a donut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow pushups for Linda.

Then Dr Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr. Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone, I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?" As Steve very slowly finished his last pushup, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 pushups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said.

"And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten."

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not His only Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

"Wouldn't you be foolish and ungrateful to leave it lying on the desk?"

Amen

Back Door To HeavenJudged 3

2006-06-13T09:35:00.000-07:00

In “Dead and Judged”, we concluded that everyone faces judgement. Because there is a judgement, with a judgement, comes a verdict. There are no ‘hung juries’, God alone will judge.
In “Escape Condemnation”, we learned that God loves us so much, He gave us an escape - Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ can provide us with a ‘not guilty verdict’.

The question then becomes, is there another way? Is there something else we can do to get ‘into heaven’? Is there a Back Door?

The answer is NO!

Listen to what He said:
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" John 14:6

“No one comes to the Father except through ME!” Jesus Christ said it Himself. This verse is so important because it DEFINES the simple truth - Christ ALONE is the way to escape condemnation.

What about the Back Door?
We live in a world that wants to believe there is a way to ‘escape’ judgement. Or, better yet, something other than the simple truth, “I am the way”, is good enough to get us into heaven. We are taught ‘trying to live a good life’ is enough. We are taught following some ‘path’ of living is enough. We are taught some ‘magic formula’ is enough. Some believe that wearing a ‘necklace’ is enough…

It is hard to read the inscription - it says, “Whosover dies wearing this Scapular shall be saved”… Wearing a ‘magic necklace’ is NOT going to save anyone… Sadly - there are people that actually believe this.

We are taught, in some cases, that just believing the simple truth is NOT enough - in addition to believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins, we have ‘follow’ some pre-defined formula.

Again, what did He say, "Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" This sentence ends with a period not a comma.

IT sounds like we are beating a dead horse. Think about this:
Crucifixion is probably one of the Most Painful ways to die that there is. First, the pre-crucifixion rituals physically exhaust one (the beatings, the chains, the carrying of the crossbar through a city and up a hill). Then there comes the pain of literally nailing one to the wood. If one has ever stepped on nail or hit one’s thumb with a hammer - think about how much more painful it would be to actually drive a spike through the hands and feet. Then one is ‘gently’ (as if anyone is going to be gentle with a condemned criminal) hoisted onto a pillar. In that position, tremendous pressure on the chest makes breathing difficult, and often dislocates the shoulders. In order to breathe, one has to pull up with arms, wrenching at the nails through the hands, and push downward with legs, wrenching those nails… Every breath is searing agony. That continues, until one suffocates. It gives new meaning to the phrase “cruel and unusual punishment”.

Jesus was fully God and fully man. He KNEW what was about to happen to Him. He knew that He was going to be beaten. He knew people were going to curse, ridicule, insult, and humiliate Him. He knew He was going to be crucified¹…

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, knowing His own future. Here is what happened, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”” Matthew 26:39, and a second time in verse 42, “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”” It says, He prayed a third time in verse 44, “So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”²

Pay Attention: Three times Jesus Christ asked God if there was ANY OTHER WAY!
Mark 14:36 records Him as saying, “…Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.”

Three times Jesus begged not to have to bear the burden of the world’s sins. Can one honestly believe that God would not have provided Him a ‘Back Door’ into Salvation if one existed? If there was anything humanity could do to ‘merit’ salvation - a ‘not guilty’ verdict, why would God require His Son to go through that agony and torture? Paul tells us in Galatians 2:12, “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” In other words, a back door through man's efforts makes Christ's sacrifice worthless. Is it possible to honestly believe that if wearing a ‘magic necklace’ or following some ‘magic formula’ would get one into heaven, that God would have required such a sacrifice?

The bottom line is this:
"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" John 14:6

If there were a ‘Back Door’, Jesus would never have had to suffer and die on the Cross³. It is that obvious. If there were another way - God would have provided it for His own Son!

There is No Back Door! The ONLY door is through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

¹ [This point bears consideration - Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be - The Christ, The Son of God - OR He was the stupidest man that ever lived. Crucifixion was the ‘Roman’ form of execution. Jesus was not the first person be crucified. He probably witnessed it many times and knew its horror. At any point during His trials He could have simply said, “No, I am not the Christ.” Had He done so, the worst thing that could happen is a quick death by stoning or at best, freedom.]

² Full text is Matthew 26:36-46 cross referenced to Mark 14:32-42 & Luke 22:39-46.

³ See ‘The Sufferings and the Glory’ for a full account of the ‘Passion of Christ’ (His betrayal, sufferings, trials, death, and resurrection).

COMMENT (from previous posting)

loren said...

Hi David,

This was a great posting, I really liked the case you made by using Jesus Himself as the example!

I'm not sure if most people know this, but the English word 'excruciate' comes from 'crucify'. It really is the most brutal form of death imagineable. Through this, Jesus is able to succor anyone who is facing any other form of death.

Blessings in Christ.

ADDENDUM (Why Do Good Works)
We have learned that Christians are already judged righteous (Judged 2). From this article we have learned that Nothing man can do can 'get them into heaven'. There is no back door...

So why do good works as a Christian?
Simply, there are five reasons why ‘Christians’ do ‘good works’ with the full and certain knowledge that works will not get us into heaven…

Obedience: Colossians 3:23, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men,”. Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Titus 2:14)

Glorify God: We have quoted 1 Corinthians 10:31 repeatedly as a foundational verse.
Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Share the Gospel: “You are the only Bible some people will ever read.” This continues to be true statement. Doing good works in the Name of Jesus Christ is an avenue to sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Romans 8:28-29 tells us to be ‘Christ like’ with the INTENT of sharing the Gospel. (see "Views: Doctrine 101.1" for an explanation of this abused passage.)
We are to be Christ like. Ephesians 1:6 tell us, “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;”
If the Holy Spirit is doing a good work in us, we should also be doing good works.

“They Will Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” a song by Peter Scholtes (© 1966) is a very good song. 1 Corinthians 13 talks about all the things we can “DO”, but reminds us that without love they are meaningless. That love is for God, the sinner, and the saint.

Know the Gospel: 1 Corinthians 3:16 says, “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” If the Spirit of God dwells in us how can we NOT show it in the things we do. (Psalm 119)
Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Treasures in heaven:
Lastly, our works determine many things in heaven (and the next life). Our position and stewardship is determined (2 Timothy 2:12, Revelation 5:10, Luke 19:11-27). We have available a crown of righteousness, a crown of glory, a crown of life, a crown of joy, and a crown which is imperishable (2 Tim. 4:7-8; 1 Peter 5:4; James 1:12; 1 Thess. 2:19; 1 Cor. 9:25). All because of what WE, as Christians, do (our works) in this life.

Escape CondemnationJudged Part 2

2006-06-06T09:13:00.000-07:00

In “Dead and Judged”, we concluded that everyone faces judgement. There is a judgement and with a judgement, comes a verdict. There are no ‘hung juries’, God alone will judge. That means there are two alternatives - ‘not guilty’ and ‘guilty’.

“God is a God of Love - He would not sentence me to damnation!” It is an Absolute Truth - God is Love! That statement is definitive, but incomplete. God IS Love, He is also righteous, and perfect. God will judge everyone by the same standard - His. The ‘evidence’ God will use in judgement is the life one has lived. He will not sentence one to damnation, unless they have damned themselves. “For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.”” (Romans 14:11) God’s judgement of each individual is purely dependent on what that individual has done.

“I’ve lived a pretty good life and tried to do the right thing, so I’m okay!” Unfortunately, living a good life is not ‘good enough’. Romans 3:23 tells us, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” That means, no matter how ‘good’ a life one has led, one has fallen short somewhere. The tiniest infraction, no matter how small, is enough to damn one. Go ahead, look in the mirror - look yourself square in the eye. Can you honestly say that you have NEVER done ANYTHING wrong - never told a ‘white lie’, never disobeyed an authority figure or law, never been unkind to someone? Do not ‘rationalize’ it; just remember everything you have ever done. Can you honestly say, “I have NEVER done ANYTHING wrong?”

He explains very clearly that the ONLY way into His House is through righteousness. No one that has ever done anything wrong is righteous. God will most certainly condemn anyone that is not righteous to eternal separation from Him - He will only allow righteousness in His House.

“But He’s the God of Love - how can He sentence me to condemnation?”
Again, God is Love, and He proves it:
John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

Romans 5:7 puts it in a little better perspective, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die.”
That is a good definition of love - sacrificing one’s self for one’s friends or sacrifice for a ‘good man’.

God shows us how much greater His love for us is by this definition.
Many have heard and quoted John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
That gets a better handle on God’s love for us…He gave His own Son to die for ‘the world’.

Get an even better understanding.
Let us take a closer look at that sacrifice:
“For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.” Romans 5:6

Wait a minute, not for a friend, or a righteous man, “for the ungodly”.

Make it even clearer:
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8.
Again, He did not die for a ‘good man’, a ‘friend’, or a righteous man, but for “sinners”. We know from Romans 3:23 that includes everyone.

“But He is love, He will not really condemn me!”
GOD DOES NOT WANT TO CONDEMN ANYONE!
John 3:17 tells us that, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.”
God does love you. God does not want to condemn. He provided a way to be ‘righteous’ so the curse of Romans 3:23 “all have sinned” can be lifted.

However, understand this, there is only ONE way to lift that curse - the blood of Jesus Christ!
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief." 1 Timothy 1:15

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life." John 5:24

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23

"And he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved,” Acts 16:30-31

Fall on to your knees, and face the facts:
You will be judged.
There are only two possible outcomes - Communion with God or Separation from God.
God loves you and does not want to condemn you!
He has to condemn you if you have ever done anything wrong.
He has provided the means to escape that condemnation - Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.

All it takes to be judged righteous is belief, acknowledgement, repentance (confession), trust, and acceptance!
We believe that God’s promises are true, that we need His redemption.
We acknowledge that Jesus Christ is God; that He came to earth as a man in order to live the sinless life that we cannot live; that He died in our place, so that we would not have to pay the penalty we deserve.
We confess our past life of sin -- living for ourselves and not obeying God.
We admit we are ready to trust Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
We ask Jesus to come into our heart, take up residence there, and begin living through us.

A simple prayer (talk to God) for salvation*:
“Dear God, Thank you for hearing my call. I believe your Word is true and I need redemption. I acknowledge Jesus Christ, your Son died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. I know I have sinned, that in your eyes I am unworthy. I ask you now, to forgive my sins, because you promise that your Son’s sacrifice is able to do that. Jesus Christ, I ask you save me, I cannot save myself. I accept your sacrifice in my place, and having cleansed me from sin, enter my life, make me new, help me to abide in You, serve You, and worship You. Be Lord of my life. Thank you for your wonderful gift.”

Even simpler*:
“Dear Lord Jesus I am a sinner. I believe that you died for my sins. Forgive my sins. Right now I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and life. I receive you as my personal Lord and Savior. Through the help of the Holy Spirit I will serve you all the days of my life.”

*There is no ‘magic formula’ prayer that guarantees ‘Salvation’ -a verdict of ‘not guilty’. The words of the prayer themselves are not important, it is their meaning… It is in your heart: You acknowledge you are guilty. You believe God promises to relieve that guilt. You believe that Jesus Christ already paid the price to make you righteous. You ask Him to forgive you for your sins. You ask Him to make you righteous. You ask Him to accept you as you accept Him. You trust His word is true.

Do a ‘Google’ search “Prayer of Salvation” - there are hundreds of ‘prayers’ listed - most acknowledge the same thing: - Believe in the sacrifice of Christ because without it there is only condemnation.

COMMENTS (from previous posting)

Mark 1:17 said...

Awesome Post!
God is Love, but He is also Just!
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, no one comes to the Father, but through Him!

Thanks,
David

Unchained Slave said...

Mark 1:17 is Correct,
God is Love
God is Righeous
God is Perfect
& Among other attributes,
GOD IS JUST

loren said...

Hi David,

I think some people have a hard time accepting the fact that even one sin is enough to condemn them. They don't understand that God's purpose in doing it this way is to have mercy on all.

To illustrate this point, we need only focus on the opposite. Okay, go ahead and live that perfect life if you can, since you want the chance to prove yourself. One sin? Let's get real!

By confiding all under sin in this way, God has actually removed the burden of utter merit from our lives. Instead He placed that burden on one Man, Jesus Christ, who alone was able to live so perfectly.

When we believe in Jesus, our life is joined with Him in the death that He died for us all; and in the likeness of His resurrection we will live again through Him.

This is a very great mercy. Those who are reluctant should understand God's love and generosity in doing it this way. But how will they escape if the neglect so great a salvation?

I hope this helps your readers.

ADDENDUM (Already Judged)

Those who have accepted the Gift of Life from Jesus Christ are already judged righteous!
We will NEVER have to ‘be judged’ righteous again! Not at death, not at the ‘Rapture’, not at the ‘White Throne Judgement’

“and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.” Acts 13:39

“For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.” Romans 8:2

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),” Galatians 3:13

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” John 5:24

“In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,” Ephesians 1:13 (Ephesians 4:30).

Let us try to be 'true' to the spirit of this blog - Let us keep it simple; “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” Romans 11:29 (Romans 11:25-33)
It does not get much simpler than that...

(Psalm 37:28; Matthew 19:29; John 1:12-13; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:37; John 10:27-28; John 14:16-17; John 17:11; Acts 13:39; Romans 4:6-7; Romans 6:2 -7, 18, 22; Romans 8:2-4, 30, 38-39; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 21; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 1:13; Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 4:30; Colossians 3:3; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:17; Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 1:4-5, 23; 1 John 3:2; 1 John 5:13; Jude 24)

Thanks to “Mark 1:17”, David Blissett at "Get Out of The Boat" for this excellent link: "50 Reason why a Saved person can never be Lost!"

Stay tuned. In "Judged - Part 3 Addendum we address why, if Christians are already judged 'NOT GUILTY' why we do 'Good Works'.

Dead and Judged Judged Part 1

2006-05-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

[Please Note this is an edited reprint of this three part article originally published in August 2005. In the coming weeks we will reprint all three parts. Having presented the need for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and a 'One Verse' Evangelism tool - let us remember 'why' we need to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.]

Friends,
The Bible contains many truths. One is very important. Specifically, after death, comes judgement. The Bible is quite clear about that fact: Everyone faces judgement.
Actually, almost every religion agrees there is a ‘judgement’. Muslims believe Allah will judge. Buddhists and Hindus believe that if they have not found ‘enlightenment’ they will continue the cycle (someone or something has to decide if they have found ‘enlightenment’ - that is a form of judgement). Christians and Jews believe that God will judge them. About the only people in the world that believe there will not be a judgement of some kind are atheists and agnostics. [Regardless of what the media tells us, true atheists and agnostics are a serious minority.]

The Bible tells us everyone faces judgement.
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:12

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” Hebrews 9:27

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:10

“All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.” Matthew 25:32

“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10

[Matthew 25:31-32, Matthew 12:36, Matt. 16:27, Acts 10:42, Romans 2:16, Galatians 6:5, 2 Timothy 4:1, 1 Peter 4:5]

Each of us will stand before Christ and be judged.
There are only two possible outcomes of this judgement: 1. Salvation - eternal communion WITH God. 2. Condemnation - that is permanent separation FROM God.

No matter what religion one believes, there are two possible outcomes from judgement - one ‘good’ and one ‘bad’. Christians, Jews, and Muslims are very specific - Heaven or Hell. It is going to be one or the other.

The question then is, “Which place am I going to?”

We want to believe that we (our loved ones and ourselves) are going to the ‘GOOD’ place. That is what we tell ourselves we are trying to ‘achieve’. The question is can we KNOW which way we are going?

No matter how fast we live our lives, Eternity is a Long, Long time - It would be nice to know where we will spend it!

COMMENTS (from previous posting)
loren said...

Hi David,

As I was reading this, it struck me just how signifiganet it is for us to know, in relation to the judgment, that Jesus died and rose from the dead.

As the firstborn from the dead, Jesus represents all that we really need to understand about the judgment. (I could quote Scriptures for this, but I'm trying to keep the concept open to others besides Chrisians.)

As the firstborn, He is the pattern; in Him is the assurance, if we are joined with Him; through Him is the leadership and the breakthrough itself. Clinging to Him is our life, even through death. And as He reigns we shall reign with Him. Life is not an end, but a new beginning through the One who loved us and gae Himself for us.

Also, a very interesting insight into the karma folks. Lots of people believe things without even knowing it.

Unarmed? Never!

2006-05-24T15:30:00.000-07:00

At least one reader says that some of these articles read like a gospel tract. I take that as a compliment. I do not think I have the ‘gift’ of evangelism (Ephesians 4:11). I do think I, as all Christians, have a duty to evangelize (2 Timothy 4:5). We cannot bypass the instructions of the Risen Christ to share the gospel… (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 24:46-47; John 20:21; Acts 1:8)

One should always be ‘armed’ and ready to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“But I don’t know HOW to share the gospel!” I have heard this sentence more than once. Start with the basics. “Have you accepted Jesus Christ as Your personal savior?” May not be the best way to start a conversation about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Although IT is interesting how it affects telemarketers. Try it and find out.)

Four things we should look at when considering being armed and the ‘how to’ of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The first is God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 tells us to ‘honor God’ in whatever we do. Ephesians 6:18 appears at the end of the listing of the Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17). It tells us to pray. Honor God; present yourself and your petition Him in prayer. Romans 1:16 and 2 Timothy 1:7 tell us not to fear, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The Second is attitude. 1 Peter 3:15 says, “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (Amplified Bible) Notice the ‘attitude’ that Peter instructs us to have, “courteously and respectfully.” In other words, hitting someone over the head with a Bible big enough to choke a mule may not be the best approach.

The Third is opportunity. As discussed in ““The DaVinci Code” VS The Book”, Paul the apostle was an expert at using ‘objects of convenience’ (Acts 17:16-34) to share the Gospel. That is, starting or steering a conversation towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ based on circumstance. (Do NOT misunderstand, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is not ‘situational ethics’ or anything other than morally absolute. The discussion is situational.) If one is talking about a movie, use movie topics to direct the conversation, not switch the topic to safety belts in cars. I am not sure I am explaining this well. The point is, try to make use of the circumstance to direct the conversation to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, instead of ‘interjecting’ a foreign topic.
Here is a real world kind of analogy. They say that there are more than a hundred weapons in any given room of any house. Anything can be used as a weapon. We know our ‘weapon’ is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). Start looking around the room, the house, your everyday life to find opportunities (that already exist) to use the weapon. [I have known people to use movies, books, golf, car safety, coffee cups, buying a DVD, a toothbrush, road conditions, food, the weather and others, all as opportunities to steer a conversation to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.] One has to practice the Boy Scout Motto, “Be Prepared”. Opportunities abound, casually, everyday if one looks.

The Fourth dovetails from the third. One can have all the opportunities in the world to share the Gospel. However, if one is ‘unarmed’ it does no good. Part of knowing how to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We talked (“The DaVinci Code” VS The Book) about John 14:26 and the Holy Spirit bringing to remembrance the things we know. As stated then, one cannot remember something one has never learned.

One can honor God, pray, have the right attitude, and have abundant opportunities, but if one is still unarmed it is fruitless. So, let us learn the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Navigators [1] teach “one verse evangelism”. I like this approach - it is easier to be always armed. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is in one verse. While John 3:16 is always a good verse, not to mention Ephesians 2:8-9, the question is can we encapsulate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in one verse or passage that is easy to remember and share? (Watch how the verses mentioned ‘fit’ into one verse.)

The answer is Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

For the wages (Payment, Recompense, Reward) [2]

of sin (an offense against religious or moral law; transgression of the law; Romans 3:23)

is Death (,) (the end of life; Hebrews 9:27)

BUT (I love the comma in this verse, followed by the exception conjunction - it is The Hope of 1 Peter 3:15)

the gift (something voluntarily transferred without compensation; cannot be earned by rules, paths, dogmas, etc. ad nauseam; it is free to accept; John 3:16)

of God (as is instigated by God [in mercy] for humankind; Ephesians 2:8-9)

is eternal life (life without termination as opposed to damnation Revelation 20:15)

in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Life comes through Christ. John 14:6, 1 John 5:12)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

That is a verse to read, study, memorize, bring to remembrance, and use… While I strongly advocate learning as much scripture as possible, knowing this verse will ensure one is never unarmed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [3]

Pray, have the right attitude, use every opportunity, and be armed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
I would have it said of me when I am gone, “That guy drove me nuts - no matter what we talked about we always ended up talking about the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”
Rather than, “I didn’t even know he was a Christian.”

How about you - are you going to be unarmed again?

[1] "The Navigators" is a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization.

[2] Merriam Webster online dictionary uses Romans 6:23 as an example of the definition of "wage"

[3] The Navigators have a page titled “One Verse Evangelism” where they not only use Romans 6:23, but show a step by step example of how to illustrate it, and use it share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (There is no telling - until we get to heaven - how many people came into the family from the use of this simple, effective tool scribbled on a napkin, pizza box, note pad, or whatever.)

“The DaVinci Code” VS The Book

2006-05-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

This is not a comparison between the movie and the book. This is a challenge about “The DaVinci Code” [1] and THE Book - The Bible.

Recently, with the advent of the movie release, there has been renewed interest in the book and its topics. The plethora of articles, blogs, and sermons on the topic has been overwhelming. There are no less than seven books addressing the conflicts between the DaVinci Code and the Bible… (Three different organizations have solicited to buy their different products. One just offered four different products.)

The tone of all of these is the same, “Read/See the DaVinci Code (or better yet buy our products so Dan Brown does not profit from you) so one is prepared to address the heresies it contains!” This has been the overwhelming position of Pastors, the ‘Christian Community’, and book sellers. This is not the only case. There has been a trend over the last couple of years, growing stronger and stronger. “Let us have knowledge of this book/movie/movement so we can confront its heresies…” [2]
Sorry, indelicately that is manure.

Where in the entire Bible does it tell us to learn the ways of evil, have knowledge of evil, or pursue evil so we can combat it? Where in the entire Bible does it tell us to learn heresies, know heresies, or pursue heresies to combat them? [3] The biggest argument heard is from Acts 17:16-34. Paul was in Athens. Paul preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ at the Areopagus (a hill in Athens where the supreme tribunal of Athens met). Many call this evidence of a call to pursue this type of argument. [4] That answer is a wrong answer.

First, look at verse 19, “And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak?” Notice two things in this verse. One, THEY (the Athenians) took Paul to their ‘court’. Paul did not seek them out. In fact, in verse 17 it tells us that Paul was preaching the Gospel in the synagogue. Two, Paul has opportunity to explain HIS doctrine (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) not to argue against their heresies, requested BY the Athenians. (If Dan Brown calls and asks what ‘your’ doctrine is - go tell him.)

Second, look at verse 23, “for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you:”
Notice two things in this verse. One, as Paul was ‘passing through’ he considered the objects of their worship. He did not seek out their objects of worship or knowledge of them. Two, Paul used ‘an object of convenience’ as an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus. He did not engage in any of their heresies.

Look at the life of Jesus Christ. The RELIGIOUS LEADERS (Pharisees and Sadducees) constantly confronted Him with hypocrisy and heresies. In the preponderance of cases, how did He react? He responded with the Scriptures. Notice that in all the cases (except one [5]) they came to Him, He did not go to them. We see that Jesus condemns the Pharisees for honoring the ‘Traditions of Men’ instead of obedience to God. [6]

One could make a sound argument that many of these well meaning people wanting to ‘engage’ and address heresies are actually engaging in the ‘Traditions of Men’. We live (in the USA) in a culture where ‘politically correct’ people form Political Action Committees and push reform through vociferous protest and belligerent confrontation. It appears that the ‘Christian Community’ in this and other instances is doing the same thing. [7]

Another very prevalent argument is that it is the ‘duty’ of Pastors to equip their flocks with knowledge of the heresies presented so that they will be able to present a defense. This is another, indelicately put, load of manure.

WHAT does the Bible Teach?
First, consider this: Wanting the knowledge of Good and Evil is part of the origin of the FIRST SIN… [Genesis 2:16-17; 3:1-6]

For Pastors: 1 Timothy 6:3-5 “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, (vs. 5) useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.”
Please take a good look at verse 5 - Paul is telling the PASTOR Timothy to STAY AWAY from this. While this is primarily addressing teachers that are using the gospel to get rich, it still addresses the fundamentals of staying away from argumentations, and heresies.

Paul, again to the PASTOR Timothy “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:12-16

Paul tells Timothy, Timothy’s ‘success’ personally, as a Pastor, and for the flock is based on the ‘right’ things, not his knowledge of the wrong things.

What about the flock, what should we do?
Start with ‘defense’. 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully.” (Amplified Bible) Notice that a defense starts with having our hearts set on Christ, not knowledge of evil. We are to be ready to give a defense - not to go on the offense. We are to do it ‘courteously and respectfully’ not belligerently. Moreover, it is about our hope not their condemnation (heresy)!

“But we need a defense against heresies!” That is agreed. Where do find this defense? Is it in the pursuit of the knowledge of evil? NO - it is not.
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” 2 Peter 1:2-7

No again, Ephesians 6:10-17 tells us to put on the whole armor of God. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;”
Pay attention to a couple of things. First, nowhere in the ‘whole armor of God’ is there knowledge of evil! Second, the armor of God is so that we can “stand against” evil. It does not say to hunt down evil. Third, we have a weapon - verse 17b ‘The sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD of God’!
Hebrews 4:12 tells us how dangerous this weapon is, “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

If one wants a weapon to combat heresies, knowledge of the heresies is not the answer. The Word of God is the weapon to use… John 14:26 tells us, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” Jesus promises the Holy Spirit “will bring to remembrance” what we know, when we need it. REALITY CHECK: How does one bring to remembrance something that is not there to remember? In other words, if you do not read it, study it, learn it, and know it in the first place you can not remember it! Acts 17:11b “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 2 Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Hebrews 13:9 “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” Here the author proffers “be established by grace, not occupied with strange doctrines…” “Not occupied with strange doctrines” sounds like “do not pursue knowledge of heresies”.

James 4:7-8, “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Resist, does not sound like pursue to defend. Do not be double-minded - concentrate on the One Thing - God, not the enemy.

Another reality check, one could spend their entire life hunting down heresies, confronting them, and one would never run out of opportunities. That is not ‘being about Our Father’s business’. Nowhere is there an instruction to do this thing. ‘Our Father’s business’ is about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, not the latest heresy to hit the market.

Here are some examples: Does one have to commit adultery to know it is wrong? Does one have to practice witchcraft or know witchcraft to know it is wrong? Does one have to look at pornography to know it is wrong? Does one have (name your evil) to know it is wrong? No, why not, because it something you know first from your conscience (Romans 1:18-20) and second from study of - well - THE Word.
Does one have to study a heresy to know it is wrong? No, why, because is it is something you know first from your conscience and second from The Word.

One does not have to search out evil and sin… It will come looking for us.
Consider this: Romans 12:2, “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” If one is chasing down every lie men speak about the Gospel of Jesus, how does one ‘renew their mind’ away from “conformity to this world”?

How about this, Philippians 4:8 in the RSV “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

“Whatever is true” - The DaVinci Code is Fiction; it is not even ‘Historical Fiction’. [8]

“Whatever is honorable” - we know from the publicity it does not honor God.

“Whatever is just” - how can it be ‘just’ if it is fiction and not honorable?

“Whatever is pure” - Does this even need a comment - if it is not THE Truth how can it be?

“Whatever is lovely” - What can be lovely about dishonoring God?

“Whatever is gracious” - If it is causing such a ‘violent’ outburst where is the grace?

“If there is any excellence” - The knowledge of Christ is excellence (Philippians 1:10;3:8).

“If there is anything worthy of praise” - What could there possibly be?

“Think about these things” - In other words do not think about The DaVinci Code, think about Christ, His Word, His Gospel…

Psalm 119, all 176 verses (read it) talks about specifically The Word, knowing, meditating, taking comfort in The Word. Want to read a good book - start there.

Finally,
I REGRET I know as much about sin and evil as I do...
There is a line in a movie (I wish I had never seen) that sums it up; “When you dance with the devil, you do not change the devil, he changes you…”
“A wise man fears and departs from evil, But a fool rages and is self-confident.” Proverbs 14:16

My prayer for you is 1 Corinthians 14:20, “Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; be babes in evil, but in thinking be mature.” (Revised Standard Version) (Romans 16:19)

“Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (John 17:15)

Continue to be babes in evil, abstaining from evil.

In other words - There is absolutely no reason to see/read The DaVinci Code (or any arguments against it). There are in fact many Scriptural imperatives NOT TO.

In Christ,
Unchained Slave

[1] “The DaVinci Code Copyright © 2003 by Dan Brown

[2] I publicly admit to (since I publicly committed) this sin. I publicly confess as I have confessed to God (1 John 1:9). I have on numerous occasions (as is evident from previous articles) to studying ‘wrong’ doctrines (other religions specifically) to present an argument or ‘disprove’ them. This knowledge has never won any argument - it only increased hostility. I will not do that anymore. (Proverbs 28:13) The only things that ever won this type of argument [4] were the Holy Spirit, and the ‘Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God’. (Eph 6:17, He 4:12) Never have I ever been blessed as the instrument that brought a member into the family by ‘disproving’ their religious heresies. It has ALWAYS been by the presentation of the Truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

[3] There is ONE exception to this. That is we are to confront sin as a matter of church discipline. There are specific guidelines to dealing with a believer in the church that has a sin problem. Even then, the rules start with love. It continues with a private approach only escalating IF they are unrepentant. It is never initially a public spectacle. (Matthew 18:15-18; 2 Thess 3:15; James 5:19-20 and Galatians 6:1 “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.”

[4] For a definition of the use of ‘argue/argument’ please see the article “Love To Argue”.

[5] Jesus, in righteous anger threw people out of the Temple. He directly confronted those who were defiling the Temple. Even as He did so, He quoted the scriptures that supported His action. This was not a matter of heresy - it was directly defiling the Temple in Jerusalem. (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46)

[6] Traditions of Men - Pharisees: Mark 7:8-9, 13, ““For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men— the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.” He said to them, “All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.”” ““…making the word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.””
NOW HERE IS THE ADMONITION TO THE CHURCH: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:8-10 Sounds like an admonition NOT to pursue heresies and their rebuttals.

[7] Here is a blog quote from a PASTOR, “I will research in detail the truth of those topics, and, when the movie comes out on DVD, I will show it as a Movie Night (at my church), in order that I can have the gleeful opportunity to trounce and correct every error that it espouses.” Does anyone see a problem with that attitude (Proverbs 14:16)? Where is God’s glory? (1 Cor 10:31) Where is the ‘courtesy and respect’? (1 Peter 3:15) Can anyone tell me where we are to revel in unrighteousness - whether we are correcting or not? (Proverbs 24:17; Luke 6:27-28) Moreover, where is the love? (1 Cor 13:2)

[8] I do not have anything particular against fictional entertainment (books or movies). At the same time, when I KNOW that a fiction purposes to denigrate God - Then it is no longer ‘just fiction’. I have dodged this issue before - the bottom line is this: Would you invite Jesus to see the movie/read the book with you? He IS.

See Comments for additional observations

Dead Faith

2006-05-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

Cleopas noted in the ‘comments’ of “How Simple Is That”, the unnamed thief is the only person who could literally say, “I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20a.

Here we talk about the four basics of Christianity, obey, glorify (worship), share the Gospel, and study the scriptures. [*]

Notice that all these things are actions. Obey, glorify, share, study are all verbs they require that we ‘do’ something. Christianity is not couch potato belief. Is your definition of Christianity is dusting off your Bible once a week, sitting for an hour in church? If so, there is a problem.

James 2:26 tells us, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Read that again, “faith without works is dead”.

Do not; do not equate salvation with works. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

However, the very next verse (10) says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”

Titus 3:1 & 8,
“Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to obey, to be ready for every good work,” “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men.”

Matthew 7:15-20, ““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them.”

“And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10

Does that mean one can lose salvation? No. Good works are evidence of life. That is a person that says, “I am a Christian” yet shows no evidence by works may not be truly a Christian.

It is not a judgement made here. God will judge. This is a reminder that the fruit we bear and the works we do know us, and show us to be what we are. Christianity is not a passive proposition. It is an active living relationship.

In fact, consider this; Christians are the only people in the world that are alive!
“...even when we were dead in trespasses (sin), made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),” Ephesians 2:5 [Romans 3:23; Romans 6:23; 1 Cor 15:56; James 1:15]

We should act like it.

What greater of evidence of life is there than performing C.P.R. on the dead by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

[*] John 2:5; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 1:16; Acts 17:11

How Simple Is That?

2006-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

[This is an edit of an article originally Posted Monday 26 September 2005, titled: “What Was His Name? or How Simple Is That?]

‘Learned’ people, in religious circles, like to throw around 'big' words. Words like justification, sanctification, imputed, imparted, dogma, doctrine, and propitiation are just a few… That is fine, but these words often confuse. Sometimes when these types of conversations start, one feels like “a hog looking at a wrist watch”.

It gets murky quickly. The ‘gospel made simple’ becomes a confusingly litany of do and do not. [†] After re-reading this quote, “Any clear presentation of the gospel of grace would include the following in some measure:” followed by a list of twelve ‘necessary’ requirements. The ‘response’ to the gospel is a list of nine evidentiary requirements. In other words, to ‘present the gospel’ requires twelve elements - someone responding to the gospel would require nine elements of ‘evidence’. I decided to ‘re-post’ this (edited) article.

I am a K.I.S.S. person. K.I.S.S. is the acronym Keep It Simple I am Stupid. So let us K.I.S.S. this whole salvation ‘thing’, (with its 12 & 9 requirements) with a little Bible history lesson.

What was the name of the first person to die a ‘believer’? Who was it that first died believing that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, and only through His crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection, one could receive salvation instead of being condemned and sent to hell?

Many people will say, “That is easy, it was Steven in Acts 7:60-8:2.” Um, wrong, Steven was the first recorded martyr, that is the first person executed for believing it, and teaching it. However, he was not the first one to die believing.

No, the first ‘believer’ to die was a thief. We do not even know his name. The Bible does not record his name… Just that he was the first.

Who was he and why is he important to us?

When Jesus was crucified (hung on a cross), He was crucified with two other men. The Bible tells us that they were thieves (convicted criminals). We read ‘their story’ in Luke 23:39-43.

One of the thieves reviled and mocked Jesus.

The other did not, in Luke 23:40-41, he defends Jesus, “But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.”

He goes on in verse 42, “Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.”

This in the simplest terms is the ‘gospel of salvation’!

Was this some kind of ‘special’ salvation (as some religions claim)? Alternatively, was this the entire ‘gospel’ message in the K.I.S.S. format?

This is the K.I.S.S. ‘gospel’.

Let us look the ‘elements’ of the thief’s declaration.
The thief admitted that he deserved to be condemned, that he deserved to die for his own crimes (vs. 40 & 41).
The thief recognized Jesus’ was blameless (vs. 41).
The thief recognized that Jesus was ‘his’ master by using the title ‘Lord’ (vs. 42).
The thief recognized Jesus was more than just a man and in fact ‘The King’ (which meant The Messiah) (vs. 42).
The thief asked to be ‘remembered’ (vs. 42).

The thief admitted that he was getting ‘what he deserved’. The thief ‘knew’ because of his own actions, there was nothing but a guilty verdict and death. The thief ‘knew’ that the only way ‘out’ of his condemnation was Jesus Christ. That is, nothing the thief could do was worth anything, only Jesus’ actions could save him.

How did Jesus Christ answer this thief?

“And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”” Luke 23:43.

Jesus Christ saved the thief. This unnamed thief was the first person to die ‘believing’ the ‘whole’ “gospel of Jesus Christ the power of God for salvation”. He was the first ‘Christian’ to die. Ephesians 2:8-9, tells us it is not of ourselves, it is a gift. Jesus Christ did not ‘owe’ the thief anything; He gave the thief a place in ‘Paradise’.

That is the Promise of the gospel of Jesus Christ - believe and you will be saved!

This unnamed thief is important to us because his ‘profession and belief’ is the definition of salvation made simple.

It really is that simple…

[†] 2 Corinthians 11:3 reminds us that the gospel is simple. Here is simple - the entire “gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation” in one verse: Romans 6:23. “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” WE deserve death, God is willing to gift us eternal life, the way is through Christ.

Again, it really is that simple…

Idle Words

2006-04-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

A Logical Conclusion

“Pulpit of the Last Days” just finished a module on the ‘End Times Church’. At the end of the module is an article “Musings on the End Time Church Module” which is a sort of conclusion to the module. In that article, Loren brought up Matthew 12:36. We discussed that in more detail in the comments.

In Matthew 12:36 Jesus says, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.”

We know Jesus was sinless. [1] From the content and context of the verse, ‘idle words’ are sin.
The conclusion, logically, is that Jesus spoke no idle words. What does that mean to us? It means that whatever Jesus said is important.

John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” There are no idle words here.

John 11:25, “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”” There are no idle words here.

We can go on, quoting every passage where Jesus states unequivocally, that He IS Salvation. That is not idle words.

Let us focus on a point in time later. Jesus spoke no idle words. He was tried, crucified, died - then buried and Resurrected, sitting at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1).
What did the Risen Christ have to say?

After the Resurrection, this is what He had to say:

Mark 16:15-16, “And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.””

John 20:21, “So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.””

“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Matt. 28:18-20

Luke 24:46-47, “Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

Acts 1:8 Jesus says, “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

THERE ARE NO IDLE WORDS IN THESE VERSES.

The most important thing the Risen Lord Jesus Christ had to say, “Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of God for Salvation.”

It is THE “Mission Statement” for Christians: Spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Each of us should be eager, prepared and equipped to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yes, eager, we have the greatest gift in the world to share. What a treasure we have. A treasure that does not diminish with each added ‘share’. That, is, by adding to the family we in no way diminish ‘our’ share. Why would we want to keep that a secret?

Look in the mirror and ask the tough questions. “Why am I not EAGER to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ?” “Why would I rather engage in idle words than spread the Gospel?”

There are three logical conclusions why many Christians will not share the gospel.
1. We are ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Romans 1:16, Acts 18:9)
2. Our own behavior is nothing resembling ‘Christ-like’ so we are ashamed of ourselves. [2]
3. We do not know ‘how’ to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. [3]

Convincing one’s self one is a ‘good Christian’ without a willingness to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is nothing more than Idle Words.

[1] Hebrews 4:14-15, “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”

[2] 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

[3] The ‘comments’ section of “Claiming Rights” lists a number of effective tools for sharing the gospel.

Claiming Rights

2006-04-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of talk these days about “Rights”. Human Rights, The Bill of Rights, Civil Rights, Voting Rights, and even Illegal Immigrants’ Rights are all in the news. There is also talk about privileges that ‘should’ be Rights, like a driver’s license. One Right is not in the news and really should be.

With all these “Rights”, there are ‘conditions’.

Human Rights: one has to extend the same to others, and in many cases (Internationally) must fight to gain them.

The Bill of Rights: The ten original Amendments to the Constitution, one must be a citizen of the United States of America to claim these rights.

Civil Rights: Again, one has to claim them legally and extend the same to others without regard.

Voting Rights: One must be qualified to vote.

Illegal Immigrants’ Rights: (I was going to leave this one alone, but hey,) Illegal Immigrants are hypocrites. They are claiming rights under laws that they themselves are breaking. IT is like burglars demanding the ‘right’ to keep what they are stealing because they broke into your house.

Step on a person’s rights and watch them rebel, especially in the United States. Step on peoples rights, and watch them, riot, protest, form political action committees, organizations, and groups to demand their rights (Amnesty International, ACLU, NRA, La Raza Unida, and on and on…).

The one right one hears little about and very few people claiming or demanding:
“...He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name...”
John 1:12

What, we have the right to become children of God? It says, “…those who believe in His name” have “the right to become children of God”.

“Wait a minute, what is the catch?”

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” James 2:19

It says even demons believe, does that mean they are the children of God?

No, read what it says, “…the right tobecome”.
It does not say just because you believe you get an ‘automatic’ pass. It says, “TO become”. It does not say one automatically is. As the other rights mentioned, it is conditional.

It says one has the right to become, not “one is” already there…
Just believing Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, part of the Triune entity that is God, is not enough. Even demons believe that.

Why do demons believe that and tremble? Because they know what He is, He is “the Power of God for Salvation” (Romans 1:16). (Not to mention the fact that He has a special place for them. (Matthew 25:41))

We stated that with rights come conditions. What are the conditions to claim this right? “…that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:8-10

“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23

To claim that ‘Right’ to be a child of God is in fact simple.
Acknowledge you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23)

*Note this - demons tremble at the name of God. Knowing who God is, and who Jesus is, would a demon call God a liar? Before one resists acknowledging they have sinned, read this: “If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.” 1 John 1:10. Is one REALLY so bold or depraved that one will call God a liar? [1]

Acknowledge that there is no other way to stand before God, blameless except cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 1:9). [Notice back in John 1:12, “He GAVE…” The 'right' is a gift, and salvation is a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9).]

Believe, confess and accept…

[Mark 1:17 (David) over at “Get Out of the Boat” has two pieces that really address this. The first title is, “He Is Risen, He Has Risen Indeed!” -Relating the story of Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Christ - and her response, - this should be our response… Additionally, for all those that ‘think’ Heaven is a boring, stuffy, place where people have nothing better to do than play harps and sit on clouds - the series “5 Surprises In Heaven” is a good overview of an exciting place I want to be (and will be one day).]

[If one is already ‘committed’ to the Risen Lord, Pulpit of the Last Days has aa very good multi-part course “Foundational Modules and Basic Modules” dedicated to ‘building up a ‘disciple’. Proverbs 22:6 tells us that if we train right, we will stick with it…]

[‘Risen-Soul’ at “To Die is Gain” not only is an excellent site for expository teaching, by following Jacob’s example, one can learn to study the Bible the same way. Read a passage, understand the passage, and then have real-world applications for the lessons in the passage.]

[1] From John 1:10-12, Romans 1:18-32, John 6:44, we know; Yes, man is depraved enough to deny God and call Him a liar, unless drawn to Him.

Deny LoveNo Compromise - No Excuse

2006-04-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

This is Easter Week… A Time to Contemplate Love…

Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
Jesus then said, “Love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:39

1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Denying Love…
…Christian do you love yourself enough to embrace God’s gift of salvation? If so, you need to love your neighbor enough to share it with them (there is plenty of salvation to go around). If you do not, you are denying love.

We have an order to love God and our neighbor. We have a duty, showing our love of God (by obedience) and our love of our neighbor to share the gospel. (Mark 16:15-16 , Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47) Otherwise, we deny love.

IF we truly want to be ‘Christ-like’, if we are truly ‘Christian’ then we have to share the gospel boldly Romans 1:16. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Here it is.
No Compromise… No Excuses…

I love this verse John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

That verse ends with a period. There is no conjunction. There is no ‘and’. There is no ‘or’. There is no ‘but’. Every time we (our churches, our denominations, our ‘leaders’) compromise that period, we deny love. That verse IS the “Gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of God for Salvation”.

If we do not tell people that, “for the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23) we are denying love. However, notice in Romans 6:23 after the word death there is a comma.
The rest of the verse says, “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

…Do you (Christian) really believe that you love someone by NOT telling him or her there is no other way? Do you (Christian) really believe you are committing a loving act to let someone believe he or she can earn his or her salvation? Do you (Christian) really believe it is love to let someone believe that there is another way into heaven?
What is it when ‘our’ “Christian Leaders” get on national television, and get the direct question, “Are devout followers of Islam (Buddhism & the Dali Lama, Hinduism, New Age Mysticism, or whatever-ism) going to hell?” Is it a loving act for them to say, “I do not know, it is not my place to judge.” [†]

Wake up, one is not judging. How hard is it for an obedient person filled with Christ’s love to say, ““Jesus said, I am the way, …” so if these people do not turn to Jesus Christ, no matter how devout they are to their ‘convictions’ or their ‘religion’, the Bible says, YES they are condemned to hell!” That is not judging that is obedience. That is Love.

How much Love does God have for you? Do you KNOW what Christ went through for you? In “Passion…” God’s love was a brief topic. Earlier, in the article, "The Back Door to Heaven" we talked about just the pain and agony of the Garden of Gethsemane. Loren at the L4C-T site POLD has an article, “The Sufferings and the Glory”. If you REALLY want to get an understanding of what Christ went through because He loved you - I dare you to read it. (I have read it numerous times, and I cannot get through it without balling my eyes out… This is not a Mel Gibson movie - this is the real deal - THE account of Christ’s Last Week before His resurrection and ascension to Glory - written in a way you have never read it before.)

How much love did God show us? How much love do WE show (our neighbors) the lost?

If we compromise the “Gospel of Christ the power of God for Salvation”, we deny love. If we remain silent - we deny love.

AT the "To Die Is Gain" blog is an article on Luke 1:39-45. ‘Risen Soul’ says in the ‘application’ section, “It’s one thing to believe God’s promises. It’s another thing to act on those promises and rejoice in them with others. When Jesus promises that "..whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." It’s one thing to believe that for ourselves and be saved, it’s another to believe that and share that truth with others so that they might be saved also and rejoice with those who have believed in the truth already.”

How much love are we willing to show God by obedience? How much love are we willing to show our neighbors by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
Think about that as you get dressed up to go to ‘Good Friday’ services, special music extravaganzas, and Easter Services.

-----
We are welcoming “To Die Is Gain” to the L4C-T Blog Ring. Risen Soul is an excellent expository teacher (he reads the Word. He explains the verses he reads. He gives a practical application from the verses - ‘old fashioned - out of vogue - expository teaching’)
Welcome to the L4C-T blog ring.

[†] ‘Christian Leaders’ on national television are not the only ‘guilty’ leaders. See the Comments section… For a LONG comment about our love, and committing MURDER.

Passion…

2006-04-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

We are entering ‘Passion Week’. The week starts with Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem) and ends with Easter Sunday.

Get this people; Easter Sunday is not about a bunny. It is not about chocolates. It is not about the perpetuation of pagan rituals heralding the beginning of spring and fertility.

It IS about the RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ from the DEAD!

“For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures,” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Why call it ‘Passion Week’? Passion is one of those overused words. If we look at the dictionary definition we find something interesting. Well before we get to ‘bumping uglies in a one night stand’ (sexual desire) we have other definitions. The first is, “the sufferings of Christ between the night of the Last Supper and his death”. Then there is “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction”. This second definition is how we get the first - the conviction driving the willingness to suffer.

Jesus Christ’s “intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction” of the necessity to save the world.

Most are familiar with John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

Jesus’ passion was exemplified by His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus prayed, knowing His own future. Here is what happened, “He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”” Matthew 26:39, and a second time in verse 42, “Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.”” It says, He prayed a third time in verse 44, “So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.” (Full text is Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42 & Luke 22:39-46.)

He was passionate about what He had to do…
He died an excruciatingly painful death on the cross (crucify is the root for the word excruciate - thanks Loren).

We know what John 3:16 says. What does John 3:17-18 say? “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”

How important is (how passionate is God about) salvation? “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9

There is a catch to God’s passion and promise, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Galatians 2:21

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”Ephesians 2:8-9

Dear one, what are you passionate about? God wants you! Do you want Him? Think about it, the creator of the universe is so passionate about loving you, He sent His Son to die for you! He is offering a priceless gift to you, LIFE.

How do you respond to a gift like that? Accept it.

If you already have it - foster the same passion, as Christ had to ‘Be about My Father’s business’ ready to do whatever He requires with the simple attitude, “not as I will, but as You will”

“Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.”” Luke 24:46-48*

“And we are witnesses of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins.” Acts 10:39-43

* Notice “The Great Commission” - Mark 16:15-16, Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47 - was given to the Disciples by the Risen Christ. They were eyewitnesses (Luke 24:48)! We count them blessed because they saw, believed and preached. John 20:29 tells us something different, “Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.””

We’ve talked about ‘the fundamentals’ of developing a “Christ-like” attitude. The fourth is studying the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). One of L4C-T sites, Get Out of the Boat has an excellent article this week titled, “This Is My Bible”. Read it and get a better understanding why studying the Bible is so important…

A New 'Gimmick' Because Satan Was Laughing!

2006-03-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

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?

2006-03-27T11:00:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-16T11:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2006-03-06T09:37:00.000-08:00

“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.

How Should I Know!?

2006-02-23T14:10:00.000-08:00

Who has the right answer?
Take a look around, which church is the right church? Which televangelist has the right message? Which ‘purpose’ is the right purpose? “What Would Jesus Do? ®” [1]

The Barna Group (barna.org) recently issued a report that questions Americans’ understanding of ‘holiness’. One of the interesting things in the article is the quote, “…the implications of these perspectives for individual spirituality and the health of the Church.” The health of which Church is in question?

Many years ago, Dave Michaux, a Bible teacher (and current Chaplain of Colorado Springs Christian School), asked a question of his students. “If Jesus Christ were to visit earth on Saturday or Sunday, which church would he attend?” It is an interesting question. Dr. Michaux’s answer was a sort of epiphany. “His Church would go to Him.” Think about that for a moment. How many televangelists, preachers, teachers, church members, and parishioners would recognize Jesus Christ, much less drop everything to sit at His feet?

We live in a world of “agendas”. Individuals, communities, churches, and nations are all seeking goals. How do we KNOW which goals are the right goals?

It is an assertion, in previous articles, that a number of ‘truths’ ‘should’ be perceived, pursued, and lived.
Absolute moral Truth exists and the Bible defines that Truth. [2]

The chief purpose of our lives is to be “conformed to the image of His Son”. [3]

The first step to ‘conformity’ is salvation, something all of us need. [4]

While the primary purpose is to be “Christ-like”, the primary ‘mission’ is to spread the gospel of salvation (the ‘Great Commission’). Mark 16:15, crf. Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47

How do we know which bandwagon is the ‘right’ bandwagon? Which church, televangelist, or movement has the ‘right’ agenda?

“You’ve got to stand for something or you’ll fall for anything,” is a line from a Country Western song. It is ‘borrowed’.
Matthew 7: 24-27 tells us, ““Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.””

How do we know what we are ‘hearing’ are Christ’s sayings and not a twisted version to meet someone else’s agenda? In “Messianic Mixed Messages” we talked about the Bereans from Acts 17:11, “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 implication is clear. The Bereans did not accept ANYTHING preached to them at face value. We should do likewise. We are not to be just a passive audience accepting anyone’s word for the scriptures just because of their ‘credentials’. Whether it is church, television, or this blog, search the scriptures to see if it is Truth. Notice the Bereans, they were questioning THE evangelist. Paul is credited with starting more churches than any of the apostles did. He wrote more books of the New Testament than anyone else did. Yet, here, the Bereans receive commendation for challenging his testimony.

That does not mean ‘reject everything’. It means what it says; search the scriptures to determine “whether these things were so”. Christians are not ‘supposed’ to exist in a vacuum. Hebrews 10:24 - 25 tell us TO help each other do and understand what the scriptures teach. (“And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”) The Holy Spirit guides us in understanding the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 2:13, “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”) We follow the example of the Bereans, “they searched”, and the command from Hebrews to “exhort one another”. [Like Trent in the last article corrected the use of eternal instead of everlasting (and the article was edited to reflect the correction).] Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.”

The bottom line then is to question what one hears. Search the scriptures to determine if it is true. Use and be used by other Christians to determine sound teaching. If it is not sound, reject it. The only way actually to accomplish this is to spend time in the Bible. Do not just dust off the Bible to carry to church so you ‘look’ like you are spiritual. Open it. Read it. Study it. Not occasionally, do it regularly. Again, what does it say about the Bereans? It says they searched the scriptures daily!

If one wants to know which bandwagon is the right bandwagon or which agenda is the right agenda - one has to become a Berean. Search “the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.”

[1] “What Would Jesus Do” is a registered trademark of What Would Jesus Do? LLC
Image that - someone has actually registered that question as a trademark.

[2] Seeing Black & White in a World of Shades of Grey

[3] New Year - New Resolutions - New Perspective

[4] Dead and Judged - Judged Part 1
Escape Condemnation - Judged Part 2
Back Door to Heaven - Judged Part 3

A Journey… A Destination…

2006-02-14T13:30:00.000-08:00

“Life is a journey, not a destination.”

If that is true, what IS the destination? Most people (and religions) recognize that there is something after this life. Otherwise, the journey is simply from birth to death, with the destination being death. If death is not the ‘end’, then the answer must be ‘eternity’.

People ask, “What is the meaning of life?” This question has dogged humankind since the dawn of time. Before Plato, Aristotle and Socrates, and before the word ‘philosophy’ had been invented, people asked this question. It is still a popular question. Witness the popularity of Rick Warren’s “Purpose Driven Life”, or walk through the stacks at library looking at the thousands of books written on the subject.

There are only three people in history that truly understood their “meaning of life”. The first two were Adam and Eve. The third was Jesus Christ.

According to the Bible, until Adam sinned, every evening Adam and Eve walked in the Garden of Eden with God. They had the privilege every day of walking and talking with God. For them, the meaning of life was simple, God told them what He wanted them to do. Their mission was an everlasting* mission. When God created Adam and Eve, there was no such thing as death. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned,” Romans 5:17 (crf. Gen. 2:17, Ro. 3:23).

Jesus Christ understood the meaning of life. He knew what He had to do and why. He had to live a sinless life and die as a sacrifice for our sins. He had to do that to restore the everlasting* bond between humankind and God, and to conquer death. Romans 5:10-11 & 21, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.” “…so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:10 “…but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”

Originally, humankind was to last forever and in fellowship with God forever. Humans are still ‘designed’ for eternity. However, because of Adam’s sin, death entered the world. Along with Adam’s sin, each of us has sinned. “…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23. That means we must face death. We also face separation from God because of sin.

Life is a journey; eternity is the destination. There is a conundrum. We know, both intuitively and Biblically that there is “something after”. That is because the human spirit is everlasting*. We know that there is something beyond death. We know that there are two possible destinations, the rest of eternity* with God and the rest of eternity* separated from God. Knowing that, we have a choice to be reconciled with God or not.

Going back to the ‘original’ statement, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” The question is not, “What is the meaning of life?” The question is, “Which destination will you choose?”

That is a true definition of free will. Will one accept the gift of God - Salvation, and the rest of eternity* with Him? Alternatively, will one reject the gift, and spend the rest of eternity* separated from Him?

* edited Feb 16 2006 in response to Trent's correct assertion that the human soul has a definate start point, and therefore cannot, by definition be eternal, just everlasting.

Messianic Mixed Messages

2006-02-02T11:08:00.000-08:00

Messianic: “of or relating to a messiah the expected king and deliverer of the Jews b. Jesus”

Home from a recent adventure, contemplating well meaning misguided attempts at seeking Truth.

The scene was a dinner party. An acquaintance queried, “Have you seen the new movie, ‘such and such’?” “I thought it had such strong messianic overtones that one should really see it!”

What wait a minute? There is something wrong here. The movie in question is not a morality play. It is not an allegory or simile like C.S. Lewis’s “Narnia” [1]. It is a Hollywood blockbuster. A film rated PG PG-13 for frightening violence and disturbing images. A ‘Christian’ professional with a Masters degree in Christian Counseling is explaining messianic messages in a box office movie not even remotely ‘Christian’ in intent. As stated, there is something wrong here.

Hollywood is not in the business of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Hollywood is in the business of making money. That is what they do. Hollywood makes movies to entertain to make money.

There is a disturbing trend here. The Lord of the Rings and Narnia sparked all kinds of ‘devotional’ and pseudo-spiritual guides designed to ‘appeal’ to wide audiences to explain Biblical Truth. Now there are people out there looking for messianic messages in any ‘blockbuster’. Understand the use of everyday anecdotes, stories, or movies, as a starting point to spread the gospel of salvation is not only smart; it is making use of available resources to fulfill the ‘Great Commission’ (Mark 16:15, crf. Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47) [2]. However, looking for spiritual messages in mainline movies is inherently dangerous.

Here is the problem, how biblically grounded is the ‘messianic overtone’ in a movie? Two examples come to mind. First, consider an apple. An apple is an apple. Take a picture of an apple, and it looks like an apple. Have an artist draw a picture of the picture of an apple. Have another artist draw a picture of the apple in the first artist’s rendition, etc. Eventually and not very far removed, it no longer looks like an apple (or it looks like an apple but all kinds of things have been ‘added’, like the matte, frame, and background as each ‘artist’ adds their own unique touch).
Second, there is a ‘party’ game used in communication courses called ‘gossip’. The way it works is the first person in a group tells the second person a simple sentence. The sentence goes orally from one person to the next. The last person relates ‘their’ version of the sentence, and compares it to the original. Even among professional ‘communicators’ the ‘end’ version bears no resemblance to the original.

Here, the original is the Bible. The further we get from the Bible, the further from the Truth. The Bible is the original. We have it available. We do not need to look at a picture of it, or an artist’s rendition of an artist’s rendition of it. If we are searching for messianic messages, messianic overtones and Truth, go to the source.
In the book of Acts (17:10-12), we learn of the Bereans. Luke (the author) tells us some interesting things about the Bereans. “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (Verse 11) 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.” We quote Verse 11 to encourage Christians to search the Bible to make sure the doctrine they are hearing (or in this case seeing) is the Truth. It is a good verse. Notice it commends the Bereans for searching and making sure what they were hearing is true. Verse 12 tells us what the end result of searching the scripture is, “Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the Greeks, prominent women as well as men.” Plainly, searching the Bible to verify Truth leads to belief in the Truth, not belief in someone’s rendition of truth.

Looking for ‘messianic overtones’ in a movie is not where to find Truth. This is not a debate about what movies one should see [3]. This is simply an admonition to seek the Truth where the Truth is. If a theme in a movie, play, or anecdote is a place to open a dialog to share the gospel - share the gospel. Do not fall prey to the ever increasing trend that searches for the Truth about Jesus Christ and salvation in pop-culture [4].

John 8:32, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Search for the Truth where the Truth is - in the Word of God.

[1] There has been heated debate all over the internet about C.S. Lewis’s works. One of the raging debates is whether the Narnia works are allegorical. Let us put that to rest here: “In an oft-quoted letter to a fifth-grade class in Maryland, Lewis wrote, "You are mistaken when you think that everything in the books 'represents' something in this world. Things do that in The Pilgrim's Progress but . . . I did not say to myself, 'Let us represent Jesus as He really is in our world by a Lion in Narnia': I said, 'Let us suppose that there were a land like Narnia and that the Son of God, as he became a Man in our world, became a Lion there, and then imagine what would happen.'" -- World Magazine, December 5, 2005

[2] A friend, at the same party remarked, “There are Biblical similes everywhere. Putting on a seatbelt in a car to be protected is like putting on the whole “Armor of God”!” (Referring to Ephesians 6:10-18) There are endless starting points to remind one’s self or start a conversation about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The problem is when we start looking at these not as reminders, but to ‘build’ our doctrine or beliefs on.

[3] The conversation about appropriate viewing, reading, or listening materials can spark a debate that will last until Christ’s return. When considering appropriateness the recommendation goes to the fundamentals of a ‘Christ-like’ attitude discussed in previous articles. One could simply ask, “Would I be viewing, reading, or listening to this if Jesus Christ was sitting next to me?” Oops, He is.

[4] This blog while it looks at history, politics, and current events is STILL trying to focus on the gospel of Salvation. There is an excellent place for both new and old Christians to build their fundamentals and foundational Truths of God. The "Pulpit of the Last Days" blog contains a lot of good material (to be sifted through and studied - as a Berean Christian). They present their material in ‘modular’ Bible Study format. While stressing the need for fundamental and foundational knowledge of doctrine, they also stress the need for a ‘Berean’ approach.

Running Out of Time…

2006-01-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

We are running out of time. There are numerous pundits claiming the ‘end is near’. The end is near. What do we do about it?

"Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."" John 14:6

“And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.””
Mark 16:15 (crf. Matt. 28:18-20, Luke 24:46-47).

There are numerous ‘Christians’ claiming that the Biblical prophecy about the end of the World is drawing closer. Many, across the board, are laying hold of current events and telling us that the ‘End of the World’ is imminent. They claim that the events unfolding in the world are significant signs of the fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. In other words, they are claiming the World is getting ready to end.

So what? Some making this claim, as they have in the past, are getting rid of their possessions and going to a ‘mountaintop’ to wait for Christ’s return. Some are much more conservative, and just claiming that the ‘signs of the times’ point to His pending return. Regardless of their bent, radical or conservative, they are preaching the ‘End of Time’.

Again, I say, so what?

Let us put this in perspective. Luke 12 tells the story of a man storing riches. Verse 20 says, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?’”. Basically, God tells the man he is going to die. The article, “New Year - New Resolutions - New Perspective” quotes a similar passage in James 4:13-15.

The bottom line is either the world is going to end or we are going to die. My step-father, Fred, is a godly man. Fred has a ‘Christ-like’ attitude as described in the article mentioned, “New Year - New Resolutions - New Perspective”. There is a difference. Fred has terminal bone cancer. He is dying. He knows he is dying. He does not know if he has a week, a month, or a year. Nevertheless, he knows he is dying - he can feel it.

New Years Eve, he shared something. Fred told a few of us at a small gathering that he had ONE major prayer request for the New Year. Now most would be thinking he was praying for a ‘miraculous’ cure. That is not Fred. As stated, Fred is a godly man with a ‘Christ-like’ attitude. Fred’s one prayer request for the New Year was that each of his kids (natural, step-children, and their spouses) along with each of his grand-children and every Christian he knows would ‘reach’ at least one person for Christ. Fred is praying that each member of his extended family shares the gospel of salvation with someone this year… That is a dying man’s request! [Fred is ALL about doing “His Father’s Business”!]

Now here is the revelation. Fred has an edge over most of us. He recognizes every day that he is dying. The truth is each of us is dying. None of us knows when “our souls will be required of us”. Just as importantly, none of us knows when another’s life will end. The reality is that we live in denial. The truth is that tragedy strikes each of our lives. It may be something as mind numbing as the terrorist attacks of September 11, or a plane crash. It may also be a car accident, a heart attack, or simply death in our sleep. The bottom line is still the same. Whether the world is coming to a screeching halt, or we simply die, we are running out of time.

We do not know how much time we have left. We do not know how many more opportunities each of us has to share the gospel of salvation. Just as importantly, we have no idea how much that ‘friend’ we have been ‘meaning’ to share the gospel with has left either… For whatever reason, today could be the last time we have the opportunity.

We need to be about our “Father’s business”. We need to embrace Fred’s attitude - knowing that we are ‘Running Out of Time’. Do not wait to share the Truth. Eternity is at stake. Luke 15:10 tells us, “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.””. Let us be about ‘Our Father’s Business’ and cause a party riot in heaven!

We are all running out of time. For Christians, the opportunities to share the gospel are limited. Let us make the best use of the time we have.

--

If you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you may be wondering about the fuss. Here is the bottom line - Eternity is a long time. You have a choice. You can spend it with God, at the biggest celebration in the Universe. On the other hand, you can spend it alone, separate from God, in a place filled with despair (separate from everyone else - contrary to popular belief, you do not get to share your eternity with all the people that say, “I’ll be too busy partying in hell with my friends to care!”).

The choice is yours - all it takes is simple acceptance of a few facts. 1. You are sinner. 2. The only way into Heaven is have your sins paid for. 3. Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sins. 4. Confessing your sins (to Him) and accepting His forgiveness is the only way. [Scroll down to the three part series “Judged” - there are a number of ‘examples’ and some help there - or email me.]

Maligned MilitaryA Public Service Announcement

2006-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

As stated in the previous article, I just spent a number of days traveling around the country. Due to a variety of circumstances, I spent about four days in various airports (not counting flight time) going to and from my destination. During this time, there were many military personnel traveling.

I talked to a few of these soldiers, but more importantly, I listened as they talked with ‘civilians’. I was notably proud and impressed with two very distinct things.

First, I do not recall a single soldier that was not thanked by someone for his or her service. I am very grateful for that. Too often we forget about the individual sacrifices of the soldiers, because we are too busy looking at the ‘big picture’ of politics. The old saying “Can’t see the forest for the trees” comes to mind - only in reverse - We are too busy looking at the forest to SEE the individual trees… The ‘trees’ in this case are mothers, fathers, sons, daughters and friends, individual soldiers voluntarily placing themselves under tremendous hardship - for us. Seeing individual soldiers thanked for their service by total strangers warmed my heart. Reality check, it brought tear or two to my eyes. Many times in the past, soldiers have done their duty without thanks - and in some cases receiving scorn and insults.

[Writer request to Americans - the next time, every time, you see a soldier - just say, “Thank you for your service!” You will be surprised at the gratitude you see in that soldier’s eyes. It does not cost a cent.]

Secondly, I was impressed with the professionalism of the soldiers. They were honest, genuine, polite, interested, and interesting. These were professional soldiers conducting themselves in a disciplined manner. However, all of them evidenced a ‘nagging’ sorrow, in some cases bordering on anger. I was curious about this, so I listened harder, and tried to find out what they were sorry and angry about.

They were not sorry that they are sent thousands of miles away from home.
They were not sorry that they were on ‘short’ rotations home with extended tours overseas.
They were not sorry that they were in hazardous situations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
They were not angry at the ‘Chain of Command’ for sending them into combat.

No, almost every one I heard ‘voice’ their sorrow and anger, it was the SAME theme.

These soldiers were sorry and angry that the PRESS in the United States was NOT accurately reporting their morale, their successes, their willingness to persevere until the job is done, and their belief that what they are doing is not only right, and necessary, it is important. Just about every one of those soldiers complained that we, the American people are not getting the ‘real’ story… That things are getting better, that we (they) are making a difference, and that they are making the world safer.

By now, most have heard or read the comments by Sgt Mark Seavey to his ‘Congressional Representatives’. A version of the story (and a link to the video) is at Michelle Malkin’s website.

The bottom lines are these:
1. Soldiers do not make policy. They do not determine when, where or why they are sent to combat or any other missions. They take an oath to obey the ORDERS of the officers appointed over them and the President of the United States. Therefore, if you have a problem with the policy - take it up with, and out on the politicians…

2. Thank the soldier for being willing to defend you. No country in history has survived for any period without a military to defend it. So, just thank a soldier - it is easy and rewarding.

3. When you read or hear about how the ‘war’ is going - do a little investigating. There are easily verifiable facts about the ‘inroads’ being made in Iraq and Afghanistan. (Not so easily determinable is the impact of deterrence that the ‘firmness’ of our soldiers is propagating.)
[Here is a little ‘reference’ piece from Snopes.com - the ‘Urban Legends’ people…]

To all U.S. Service member reading this - THANK YOU!
You know, “Peace has a price the protected will never know!”