Friday, April 30, 2010

No Phone Friday!

If you need something to take the place of your phone today, take your Bible! God would love to speak to you!

Monday, April 26, 2010

Just wondering?

Do you ever feel like you are making a difference? Nothing weird or anything. But do you ever wonder if you are accomplishing what God wants you to accomplish? Of course, the good thing is that the results are in God's hands. We are told to be obedient and let Him handle the rest!

Monday, April 19, 2010

How About Some Change?

Many times when speaking to people about the Bible, etc., they will give an argument that the Bible contradicts itself and cannot be trusted. Of course, as believers, we know the truth, but for many of those we come in contact with, they whole-heartedly believe such an argument to be true. How are we to handle such situations? According to the words of the Apostle Peter, we are to know what we believe and give an answer to anyone that asks. So, let’s look at a few short answers concerning the argument about whether or not God repents (i.e., changes His mind, will, etc.).

Scriptures that seem to teach that God changes His mind:
Genesis 6:6 – And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
Exodus 32:14 – And the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people.

Scriptures that seem to teach that God does not change His mind:
Malachi 3:6 – For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
James 1:17 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

(All Scriptures were taken from the KJV.)

First, let me quote from the logic book (“Come, Let Us Reason” by Geisler and Brooks) that I use in my Logic and Argumentation class at Seminary pertaining to this issue. The book gives an argument followed by a refutation of said argument: (Argument) “When men repent, they make a real change, so when the Bible says that God repents, that means He must change too.” (Refutation) “Is it right to assume that God is like men in all respects? It is always possible
that the Bible sometimes uses language that men can relate to even if it isn’t theologically precise (like when it says that God has hands, wings, loins, etc.). If God is immutable (unchanging),
why would we think that this suggestion of change should be understood without metaphor?” (pages 109-110)

Second, the “Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments” by Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown states the following:
“God cannot change; but, by language suited to our nature and experience, He is described as about to alter His visible procedure towards mankind – from being merciful and long-suffering, He was about to show Himself a God of judgment; and, as that impious race had filled up the measure of their iniquities, He was about to introduce a terrible display of His justice.”

Finally, consider this quote taken from "Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary":
"This language is what theologians call anthropopathic; that is, the Lord is described as having human emotions.”

One more verse (Numbers 23:19): God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? (KJV)

So, what does all this mean for us today? Well, we have security in knowing that our Heavenly Father does not change. He has always been, is, and always will be holy, righteous, loving, and kind! While the world around us changes...He never does! And you can take that to the bank!

Wednesday, April 07, 2010

A Little Political Humor?

Thanks to Brian Jones for the following bit of humor: (don't take it too seriously...it's just a joke!)

Sen. Reid goes to a local GM dealer in Washington, D.C. with the intention of buying a brand new vehicle. He looks around and finds one he likes. After going back and forth with the salesman, he settles on a price of $45,000.
Sen. Reid and the salesman go back to the office to complete the paperwork. Sen. Reid works out a 4-year payment plan, and signs on the bottom line. The salesman shakes his hand and says, “Thanks Senator Reid, the car will be ready for pickup in 4 years.”
Sen. Reid says, “What are you talking about? Where are the keys to my new car?” The salesman replies, “No, you don’t understand Senator. You make payments for 4 years… THEN we give you the car. You know, just like your health plan.”
Sen. Reid, with a choking voice, says to the salesman, “But that’s not fair.”
The salesman replies, "Duh!"

While we sometimes are instructed to wait on the Lord, at least we know, whether it be 4 or 40 years, He will do as He says and provide all we need!