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!

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!

10 Words

Well, I will finish my series on the Ten Commandments (10 words) this coming Sunday, Lord willing. It has been an exciting series...though, not always an easy one! However, preaching through this passage (Exodus 20), has made me think about some things, and I would like some input. I would like to know what you think about our society and its adherence to God's principles found in the 10 Commandments and other parts of the Bible. I really do not want another discussion about whether we are to keep the 10 Commandments or not; I really want to talk about our nation and its adherence to God's principles as set forth in Scripture. Should we preach about such things? Should we expect our nation to change? Should we judge our nation? Should we repent (as Daniel and others did) for our nation? Etc. (I know the answers to some of these questions are quite obvious, but I just wanted to spur your thoughts. Feel free to add more questions and thoughts.)

What God Can't Do

Logically speaking, there are some things God can't do. Would you care to name one?

God Is Good!

I love to hear the testimony of a child of God who has seen God work in their life. It encourages others and reassures them of God's provision and care for them. So, I would like for all of you to post a comment sharing one time that God truly blessed you (it can be sad, funny, hopeful, etc.). And no, I don't mean a blessing as the world takes it, I mean a blessing as the Bible defines it. So share your stories, and let's glorify God!

7/07/07

If you believe in luck, then today is your lucky day! More people are getting married today than on any other day in a long time. The Live Earth concerts are lamenting the "fact" that we are destroying our world (more or less, Live Earth is useless except for one or two bands - the rest were horrible). People are taking chances because today is their lucky day. But we must realize that luck has nothing to do with anything. It is not good luck when you get that new job. It is not good luck when you are not severely injured in a car wreck. It is not bad luck when you hear that you have some disease. Luck, per se, does not exist. God has His hand in your life and while He allows you certain freedoms, He orchestrates and uses things to help you grow in the Lord (assuming you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior). So thank God and not your good luck next time something good happens. After all, He is a loving God that loves to bless His children.

Way To Go SCOTUS!

Finally, the Supreme Court of the U.S. (SCOTUS) ruled in a proper way. They upheld the ban on partial birth abortion. Kudos to the 5 individuals brave enough to say that this act is not only barbaric but ungodly. (Unfortunately, 4 individuals did not think that way...what a sad state our country is in.) Now, if all abortion was banned what a blessing that would be. I mean, we are supposed to be a "civilized" nation, but then we kill our young? That is absolutely crazy - not to mention immoral and ungodly! I pray that God will bless this nation and that we may continue to turn from our wicked ways and seek Him in all that we do.

What's Wrong With People?

This is a question that is often asked concerning the world we live in, especially after attacks like the one yesterday at Virginia Tech. What is wrong with people? Often we try to soothe our emotions by looking at someone's past and blaming societal problems, etc. for what happened (and there may be some truth to that), but we must realize that there is a much deeper problem that needs to be addressed. You see, we are dealing with a world-wide epidemic. There is a disease that affects every human and drives many people to do the things such as the massacre that occured yesterday. The problem is sin. We are corrupt creatures. We have a depraved nature that is inherently evil. There is no good in us, so what can we expect from flawed creatures? What's wrong with people? Sin! However, there is a solution. God sent His only Son to die on the cross in our place. Jesus Christ was our substitute. He is perfect. We are not. He is love. We are not. He is God. We are not. He can save us. We can not. Will you admit that you have a problem and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Repent of your sins , believe in Jesus Christ, and He will save you.

To the students, parents, professors, workers, colleagues, families, friends, neighbors, etc. of those students injured and killed in this horrible act of violence:
Our prayers are with you. We pray that God will give you strength during this time of need. Remember, He loves you and will never forsake you. If there is anything we can do to assist you, please contact us at (903)655-0164 or email us at info@ebenezermbc.com.

May God Bless You