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The Bible Made Them Baptists
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Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Is It Lawful?
I have recently researched a plethora of subjects and realized that while there are many straightforward teachings in the Bible, there are just as many areas that are either misunderstood by us or limited in information. (Just look at the previous posts!) So, now we come to the issue at hand - tithing. Tithing is taught by many to be an Old Testament decree that falls under the Law, and, therefore, it is no longer to be taught. Such teachings now emphasize the giving of offerings. There is of course the other side that teaches tithing is not just an Old Testament decree that falls under the Law but a directive that stands alone (before and after the Law). They of course also teach offerings but such offerings are in addition to tithes. Now, there are probably variations of these two (and maybe some totally different teachings), but for sake of space, I will not try to worry about that. While I teach that tithing was demonstrated before the Law and not necessarily bound to the Law, it would be nice to receive some input from all of you (and you know who you are!!!) so that "iron might sharpen iron." So what about...is tithing lawful?!?
I have recently researched a plethora of subjects and realized that while there are many straightforward teachings in the Bible, there are just as many areas that are either misunderstood by us or limited in information. (Just look at the previous posts!) So, now we come to the issue at hand - tithing. Tithing is taught by many to be an Old Testament decree that falls under the Law, and, therefore, it is no longer to be taught. Such teachings now emphasize the giving of offerings. There is of course the other side that teaches tithing is not just an Old Testament decree that falls under the Law but a directive that stands alone (before and after the Law). They of course also teach offerings but such offerings are in addition to tithes. Now, there are probably variations of these two (and maybe some totally different teachings), but for sake of space, I will not try to worry about that. While I teach that tithing was demonstrated before the Law and not necessarily bound to the Law, it would be nice to receive some input from all of you (and you know who you are!!!) so that "iron might sharpen iron." So what about...is tithing lawful?!?
Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Lord's Supper
Tonight, the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church observed the Lord's Supper, and it was very moving. We started our service at 6 pm with the lights dimmed and did not have the regular sermon before the Lord's Supper. Instead, I read a passage out of Luke concerning the observance of the Passover, etc. Then we went through the verses concerning the Lord's Supper as we observed this beautiful, picturesque ordinance. After having observed the Lord's Supper, we sang one verse of Amazing Grace and exited the building in total silence. When leaving, you could really feel the Spirit of God working on the people even though His Word had not been preached (yet, it had been in picture form).
Thank you God for a wonderful service and a great opportunity to remember the sacrifice that Christ freely made in our place.
Tonight, the members of Ebenezer Baptist Church observed the Lord's Supper, and it was very moving. We started our service at 6 pm with the lights dimmed and did not have the regular sermon before the Lord's Supper. Instead, I read a passage out of Luke concerning the observance of the Passover, etc. Then we went through the verses concerning the Lord's Supper as we observed this beautiful, picturesque ordinance. After having observed the Lord's Supper, we sang one verse of Amazing Grace and exited the building in total silence. When leaving, you could really feel the Spirit of God working on the people even though His Word had not been preached (yet, it had been in picture form).
Thank you God for a wonderful service and a great opportunity to remember the sacrifice that Christ freely made in our place.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Truth Or Dead?
To most Americans, questioning the truthfulness of another person's religious view is showing intolerance. While intolerance in the past dealt with bigotry or prejudice, the postmodern usage of the word has come to mean simply disagreeing with anyone else's beliefs. In other words, according to postmodernists, to question another's view is to invade and pillage a different cultural context - or a different "reality" - than our own. Strangely, though, postmodernists grant one exception to this universal prohibition against intolerance. They teach that it is okay to question and even denounce the religious views pejoratively labeled "fundamentalism." They argue that those they label fundamentalists are unacceptable because they subscribe to universal truth claims. {Excerpts taken from The Death Of Truth by Dennis McCallum.}
While I will not get into a debate concerning the "logic" (if that is what you want to call what postmodernists do...) that is used to defend such teachings, we, as believers, need to be aware that such thinking has permeated our society. In fact, many churches have fallen prey to such teachings. For example, many "Christians" think that it does not matter what you believe concerning salvation, just so long as you are sincere or a good person. Well, that is incorrect. After all, you can be "sincerely" wrong! The Bible does not allow for such ideas in the area of salvation. Jesus taught that salvation is through faith (repentance and belief/trust in Jesus Christ), and there is no other way. There are many other examples, but for the sake of time, I will not dare try to list them all. And while there are areas we have freedom to debate and strive to understand, there are certain universal truths that we cannot change, no matter how hard we try.
So, I say it's time we stop backpedaling and start fighting for the truth. We need to fight for the truth in our families, communities, and churches. We need to fight for the faith against such pompous teachings as that of postmodernism. We must fight the good fight and be found faithful. Yet, how do we fight the fight without being hypocritical and condemning? We love others as God loves them, sacrifice for others as Christ sacrificed for all, and be faithful to God's calling in our life.
To most Americans, questioning the truthfulness of another person's religious view is showing intolerance. While intolerance in the past dealt with bigotry or prejudice, the postmodern usage of the word has come to mean simply disagreeing with anyone else's beliefs. In other words, according to postmodernists, to question another's view is to invade and pillage a different cultural context - or a different "reality" - than our own. Strangely, though, postmodernists grant one exception to this universal prohibition against intolerance. They teach that it is okay to question and even denounce the religious views pejoratively labeled "fundamentalism." They argue that those they label fundamentalists are unacceptable because they subscribe to universal truth claims. {Excerpts taken from The Death Of Truth by Dennis McCallum.}
While I will not get into a debate concerning the "logic" (if that is what you want to call what postmodernists do...) that is used to defend such teachings, we, as believers, need to be aware that such thinking has permeated our society. In fact, many churches have fallen prey to such teachings. For example, many "Christians" think that it does not matter what you believe concerning salvation, just so long as you are sincere or a good person. Well, that is incorrect. After all, you can be "sincerely" wrong! The Bible does not allow for such ideas in the area of salvation. Jesus taught that salvation is through faith (repentance and belief/trust in Jesus Christ), and there is no other way. There are many other examples, but for the sake of time, I will not dare try to list them all. And while there are areas we have freedom to debate and strive to understand, there are certain universal truths that we cannot change, no matter how hard we try.
So, I say it's time we stop backpedaling and start fighting for the truth. We need to fight for the truth in our families, communities, and churches. We need to fight for the faith against such pompous teachings as that of postmodernism. We must fight the good fight and be found faithful. Yet, how do we fight the fight without being hypocritical and condemning? We love others as God loves them, sacrifice for others as Christ sacrificed for all, and be faithful to God's calling in our life.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Marriage, Divorce, And The Reconciliation / Discipline Dynamic
The following is an excerpt from The Christian Counselors Manual by Jay Adams (pgs. 60-62):
"...Let us consider the growing problem of divorce among Christians. This is a problem with which every Christian pastor increasingly will find himself confronted...however, the addition of one further factor...will enable the counselors to bring every case to a successful conclusion. This factor is the reconciliation / discipline dynamic.
The argument begins in I Corinthians 7...Paul has first reiterates Christ's word concerning two believers, namely that there is no reason short of adultery for dissolving their marriage (I Corinthians 7:10-11). But then he takes up another question about which the Lord did not speak directly while on earth (vs. 12). By the Spirit's inspiration the Lord's Word on that new matter is now about to be written by the apostle himself. That Word deals with the additional question of the marriage of a believer to an unbeliever. The believer is to continue the marriage if the unbeliever so desires. However, because his partner has now become a Christian, the unbeliever may no longer wish to continue living with him. In such cases the believer is to let him (or her) go (vs. 15). Whenever this happens, Paul says, the believer is no longer "in bondage" (vs. 15). Murray argues successfully that this means that the Christian is free of his marriage bonds, may obtain a divorce and remarry. [Footnote: The right of remarriage is inherent in the biblical concept of divorce (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-2).]
The problem remains, however, as to what must be done when two professing Christians fail to keep their marriage together and reconciliation does not take place. Let us say that a husband who is a professing Christian refuses to be reconciled to his wife. Perhaps he has even left her. Reconciliation has been attempted by the wife. Perhaps he has even left her. Reconciliation has been attempted by the wife. If she continues to insist upon reconciliation (according to Matthew 18), but fails in her attempts at private confrontation, she must take one or two others from the church and confront her husband. Suppose she does and that he also refuses to hear them. In that case she is required to submit the problem officially to the church, which ultimately may be forced, by his adamant refusal to be reconciled, to excommunicate him for contumacy. Excommunication, Christ says, changes his status to that of a heathen and a publican, i.e., someone outside of the church (Matthew 18:17). Now he must be treated "as a heathen and a publican." That means, for instance, that after reasonable attempts to reconcile him to the church and to his wife, he may be taken to court (I Corinthians 6:1-8 forbids brethren to go to law against one another) to sue for a divorce (only, of course, if the excommunicated one deserts his partner).
By following the reconciliation dynamic, hopefully there will be reconciliation in most cases. Whenever the principles of biblical reconciliation are followed faithfully, discipline rarely reaches the highest level of excommunication. Most marriages not only can be saved, but by proper help may be changed radically for good. But in those few cases where reconciliation is refused, the believer who seeks it is not left in a state of limbo. He has a course of action to pursue, and if it leads to excommunication and desertion he is no longer obligated to remain married indefinitely. This is true only if the believer's marriage partner during the whole process of discipline has failed to demonstrate evidence of repentance and faith, if that partner has been excommunicated, and if he (or she) wishes to dissolve the marriage. Continued rejection of the help and authority of Christ and His church finally leads to excommunication.
An excommunicated party who continues to be unrepentant must be looked upon and treated as a heathen and publican. He shows no signs of a work of grace. When he has been put outside of the church and still evidences no signs of salvation, the believing partner may deal with him as an unbeliever. This means that if he leaves the believer under those circumstances, the latter is no longer under "bondage." The word in I Corinthians 7:21 ff. governing the relationship of a believer to an unbelieving marriage partner then comes into effect. By plugging in the reconciliation / discipline dynamic to the marriage-divorce-remarriage problem, the solution to ninety-nine percent of these cases that heretofore may have seemed unsolvable immediately may be seen. Most parties hopefully will come to reconciliation, but those who will not repent and be reconciled should be disciplined. Either way, matters are not left at loose ends."
The following is an excerpt from The Christian Counselors Manual by Jay Adams (pgs. 60-62):
"...Let us consider the growing problem of divorce among Christians. This is a problem with which every Christian pastor increasingly will find himself confronted...however, the addition of one further factor...will enable the counselors to bring every case to a successful conclusion. This factor is the reconciliation / discipline dynamic.
The argument begins in I Corinthians 7...Paul has first reiterates Christ's word concerning two believers, namely that there is no reason short of adultery for dissolving their marriage (I Corinthians 7:10-11). But then he takes up another question about which the Lord did not speak directly while on earth (vs. 12). By the Spirit's inspiration the Lord's Word on that new matter is now about to be written by the apostle himself. That Word deals with the additional question of the marriage of a believer to an unbeliever. The believer is to continue the marriage if the unbeliever so desires. However, because his partner has now become a Christian, the unbeliever may no longer wish to continue living with him. In such cases the believer is to let him (or her) go (vs. 15). Whenever this happens, Paul says, the believer is no longer "in bondage" (vs. 15). Murray argues successfully that this means that the Christian is free of his marriage bonds, may obtain a divorce and remarry. [Footnote: The right of remarriage is inherent in the biblical concept of divorce (cf. Deuteronomy 24:1-2).]
The problem remains, however, as to what must be done when two professing Christians fail to keep their marriage together and reconciliation does not take place. Let us say that a husband who is a professing Christian refuses to be reconciled to his wife. Perhaps he has even left her. Reconciliation has been attempted by the wife. Perhaps he has even left her. Reconciliation has been attempted by the wife. If she continues to insist upon reconciliation (according to Matthew 18), but fails in her attempts at private confrontation, she must take one or two others from the church and confront her husband. Suppose she does and that he also refuses to hear them. In that case she is required to submit the problem officially to the church, which ultimately may be forced, by his adamant refusal to be reconciled, to excommunicate him for contumacy. Excommunication, Christ says, changes his status to that of a heathen and a publican, i.e., someone outside of the church (Matthew 18:17). Now he must be treated "as a heathen and a publican." That means, for instance, that after reasonable attempts to reconcile him to the church and to his wife, he may be taken to court (I Corinthians 6:1-8 forbids brethren to go to law against one another) to sue for a divorce (only, of course, if the excommunicated one deserts his partner).
By following the reconciliation dynamic, hopefully there will be reconciliation in most cases. Whenever the principles of biblical reconciliation are followed faithfully, discipline rarely reaches the highest level of excommunication. Most marriages not only can be saved, but by proper help may be changed radically for good. But in those few cases where reconciliation is refused, the believer who seeks it is not left in a state of limbo. He has a course of action to pursue, and if it leads to excommunication and desertion he is no longer obligated to remain married indefinitely. This is true only if the believer's marriage partner during the whole process of discipline has failed to demonstrate evidence of repentance and faith, if that partner has been excommunicated, and if he (or she) wishes to dissolve the marriage. Continued rejection of the help and authority of Christ and His church finally leads to excommunication.
An excommunicated party who continues to be unrepentant must be looked upon and treated as a heathen and publican. He shows no signs of a work of grace. When he has been put outside of the church and still evidences no signs of salvation, the believing partner may deal with him as an unbeliever. This means that if he leaves the believer under those circumstances, the latter is no longer under "bondage." The word in I Corinthians 7:21 ff. governing the relationship of a believer to an unbelieving marriage partner then comes into effect. By plugging in the reconciliation / discipline dynamic to the marriage-divorce-remarriage problem, the solution to ninety-nine percent of these cases that heretofore may have seemed unsolvable immediately may be seen. Most parties hopefully will come to reconciliation, but those who will not repent and be reconciled should be disciplined. Either way, matters are not left at loose ends."
Monday, August 06, 2007
Just A Question
Since I have several people that read this blog that are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, I would like to ask a question and see what you think. So here we go...
There is much debate concerning who the author of the book of Hebrews is. At this time, I hold to the traditional view (well, according to whom you ask) that Paul is the author of Hebrews. Who do you think is the author of Hebrews and why? I would really like to see if someone differs on this, or if you agree, why you believe Paul to be the author.
Since I have several people that read this blog that are knowledgeable in the Scriptures, I would like to ask a question and see what you think. So here we go...
There is much debate concerning who the author of the book of Hebrews is. At this time, I hold to the traditional view (well, according to whom you ask) that Paul is the author of Hebrews. Who do you think is the author of Hebrews and why? I would really like to see if someone differs on this, or if you agree, why you believe Paul to be the author.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Happy Birthday Savannah!
Savannah is 8 today. She is so excited about her Luau party. The kids are going to swim (hopefully...there are rain clouds out there), eat "luau" food, play games, and of course have cake and open presents.
I'm so proud of Savannah. She is a child of God (almost a 1 year old there!), she is smart, pretty, funny, and of course, a daddy's girl. So, why is it that I'm somewhat sad? Probably because 8 years has gone by way too fast. I hope and pray that the next several years will be "slower," and I hope I'll be a better dad.
Anyway...
Happy Birthday Savannah!
Savannah is 8 today. She is so excited about her Luau party. The kids are going to swim (hopefully...there are rain clouds out there), eat "luau" food, play games, and of course have cake and open presents.
I'm so proud of Savannah. She is a child of God (almost a 1 year old there!), she is smart, pretty, funny, and of course, a daddy's girl. So, why is it that I'm somewhat sad? Probably because 8 years has gone by way too fast. I hope and pray that the next several years will be "slower," and I hope I'll be a better dad.
Anyway...
Happy Birthday Savannah!
Salvation is...
Salvation is by grace through faith based upon the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all mankind in His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead provides the hope to all who believe. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God.
Salvation is by grace through faith based upon the redemptive work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus took upon Himself the sins of all mankind in His death on the cross, and His resurrection from the dead provides the hope to all who believe. All who receive the Lord Jesus Christ through faith are born again of the Holy Spirit and thereby become the children of God.
Here We Go Again...
Well, I have spent quite a bit of time studying the Calvinism-Arminianism debate and would like to report back to you.
The more I study Calvinism the more unbiblical it becomes to me. Calvinism and Scripture do not "line up." Calvinism is one man's (okay, two men...Augustine & Calvin) distorted view and misapplication of Scripture. However, don't think that I believe the Arminianists are 100% correct either. There are some problems they have concerning being biblical. So, here's my thoughts on the "TULIP."
Total Depravity - It's half-right according to the Bible.
Unconditional Election - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Limited Atonement - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Irresistable Grace - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Perseverance Of The Saints - It's half-right according to the Bible.
Now, I know some of you will not understand exactly where I stand (especially when I say it's half-right). But, just so, I believe it is important for you to know that I cannot condone the Calvinistic view of salvation especially when it contradicts Scripture. Having said that, I do not condone the Arminian view of salvation because it also does not answer questions or it contradicts Scripture as well. So, why follow two men...who are after all men? Let's go by what the Bible says and not what some man has taught as systematic theology.
Well, I have spent quite a bit of time studying the Calvinism-Arminianism debate and would like to report back to you.
The more I study Calvinism the more unbiblical it becomes to me. Calvinism and Scripture do not "line up." Calvinism is one man's (okay, two men...Augustine & Calvin) distorted view and misapplication of Scripture. However, don't think that I believe the Arminianists are 100% correct either. There are some problems they have concerning being biblical. So, here's my thoughts on the "TULIP."
Total Depravity - It's half-right according to the Bible.
Unconditional Election - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Limited Atonement - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Irresistable Grace - Totally wrong according to the Bible.
Perseverance Of The Saints - It's half-right according to the Bible.
Now, I know some of you will not understand exactly where I stand (especially when I say it's half-right). But, just so, I believe it is important for you to know that I cannot condone the Calvinistic view of salvation especially when it contradicts Scripture. Having said that, I do not condone the Arminian view of salvation because it also does not answer questions or it contradicts Scripture as well. So, why follow two men...who are after all men? Let's go by what the Bible says and not what some man has taught as systematic theology.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Welcome To "1984" In This "Brave New World"
What a crazy world in which we live, for we now are faced with crimes that are truly hateful. Before this "enlightened" period of human civilization, there were no hate crimes. You see, before now, when someone killed someone else, it was not in hate...it was just murder. Before now, when someone flushed someone else's book down the toilet, it was not in hate...you just didn't like the book. Before now, when someone beat someone else up, it was not in hate...you just didn't like the person. But fortunately now, we have people who are "enlightened" enough to realize that flushing the Quran (or Koran) is a hate "crime." And what a crime it is! I mean, stopping someone's toilet up is despicable. What if that person has irritable bowel syndrome and needs to use the restroom? What are they to do then? I'm so "glad" that we now have "laws" that protect people against "hate." In fact, those same laws protect me and my blog...don't they! So, if you don't like what I type, then obviously, you are "hating" on me and that's a crime! In fact, I'm going to call the police...so, don't go anywhere...they'll be here shortly to arrest you - you hate monger! Oh, and by the way, welcome to this "new brave world."
What a crazy world in which we live, for we now are faced with crimes that are truly hateful. Before this "enlightened" period of human civilization, there were no hate crimes. You see, before now, when someone killed someone else, it was not in hate...it was just murder. Before now, when someone flushed someone else's book down the toilet, it was not in hate...you just didn't like the book. Before now, when someone beat someone else up, it was not in hate...you just didn't like the person. But fortunately now, we have people who are "enlightened" enough to realize that flushing the Quran (or Koran) is a hate "crime." And what a crime it is! I mean, stopping someone's toilet up is despicable. What if that person has irritable bowel syndrome and needs to use the restroom? What are they to do then? I'm so "glad" that we now have "laws" that protect people against "hate." In fact, those same laws protect me and my blog...don't they! So, if you don't like what I type, then obviously, you are "hating" on me and that's a crime! In fact, I'm going to call the police...so, don't go anywhere...they'll be here shortly to arrest you - you hate monger! Oh, and by the way, welcome to this "new brave world."
Monday, July 30, 2007
Creation vs. Evolution
In today's world, it seems that Christianity will compromise with almost anything in order to just "fit in." This is even true concerning the debate of creation versus evolution. There are "so-called" Christians who "believe" the Bible, yet they do not accept the Genesis account of creation. They either believe evolution or theistic evolution, though neither can be accepted, according to biblical teachings! How can a "Christian" say that they believe in God and His Word and then not accept what it plainly states in the first parts of Genesis. God made this world, universe, man, etc. in six days and rested on the seventh day. The earth is young (approximately 6,000 years old). Science and the Bible back this up. So, stop worrying about what others think and stick with what the Bible says. Besides...I don't want to be a monkey's uncle!!!
In today's world, it seems that Christianity will compromise with almost anything in order to just "fit in." This is even true concerning the debate of creation versus evolution. There are "so-called" Christians who "believe" the Bible, yet they do not accept the Genesis account of creation. They either believe evolution or theistic evolution, though neither can be accepted, according to biblical teachings! How can a "Christian" say that they believe in God and His Word and then not accept what it plainly states in the first parts of Genesis. God made this world, universe, man, etc. in six days and rested on the seventh day. The earth is young (approximately 6,000 years old). Science and the Bible back this up. So, stop worrying about what others think and stick with what the Bible says. Besides...I don't want to be a monkey's uncle!!!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Pass The Dr. Pepper...I Need The Caffeine!
I'm exhausted, and I'm not sure why. I think maybe it's because I got up much earlier than normal this morning and have worked extra hard today to get a lot of things accomplished. I'm not complaining...I just need a quick nap. Oh well, it's lunch time, so I'm sure the food sitting in my stomach will not help wake me up one bit (of course, if I was healthy like Sheff and eating at Panera Bread all the time, then I wouldn't have this problem!). Anyway, here's to tonight's sleep!
I'm exhausted, and I'm not sure why. I think maybe it's because I got up much earlier than normal this morning and have worked extra hard today to get a lot of things accomplished. I'm not complaining...I just need a quick nap. Oh well, it's lunch time, so I'm sure the food sitting in my stomach will not help wake me up one bit (of course, if I was healthy like Sheff and eating at Panera Bread all the time, then I wouldn't have this problem!). Anyway, here's to tonight's sleep!
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Get Out Of My Way!
Tonight I am teaching at the Guy's Night Out at The Journey (a teen camp we attend). I hope to keep the lesson light-hearted, but the subject is serious. I, along with some other men, are hoping to encourage these young guys to be courteous to their dates, respectful of their parents, and overall gentlemen. However, I know many of them will "roll their eyes" with this advice from some "old guys."
I'm afraid that this is not just a problem with young men but with our society as a whole. We are no longer worried about the Golden Rule. Instead of doing unto others what we would want them to do unto us, we are now doing unto others before they can do unto us. Why?!? Well, as the Bible accurately teaches, this is how it will be in the last days (personally, I think we are in the last days...but who knows?). The Bible teaches us that "men will be lovers of themselves." How true this is today!
Having said all of this, let's be careful to treat others how Christ would treat them. Let's treat them the way we would want to be treated. Through such actions, I pray they might see God's love for them.
Tonight I am teaching at the Guy's Night Out at The Journey (a teen camp we attend). I hope to keep the lesson light-hearted, but the subject is serious. I, along with some other men, are hoping to encourage these young guys to be courteous to their dates, respectful of their parents, and overall gentlemen. However, I know many of them will "roll their eyes" with this advice from some "old guys."
I'm afraid that this is not just a problem with young men but with our society as a whole. We are no longer worried about the Golden Rule. Instead of doing unto others what we would want them to do unto us, we are now doing unto others before they can do unto us. Why?!? Well, as the Bible accurately teaches, this is how it will be in the last days (personally, I think we are in the last days...but who knows?). The Bible teaches us that "men will be lovers of themselves." How true this is today!
Having said all of this, let's be careful to treat others how Christ would treat them. Let's treat them the way we would want to be treated. Through such actions, I pray they might see God's love for them.
Friday, July 13, 2007
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!
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!
Saturday, July 07, 2007
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Quit Straddling The Fence!
We should want all people to be saved and to be a part of the family of God. We probably even hope that our encounters with unbelievers and heresy-believers are peaceful and pleasant, and when they hear the truth of the Gospel from us they will believe. However, such a hope is not very realistic.
In the first place, people do not often ask you to share the Gospel with them, for the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an offer of forgiveness. Such an offer presupposes that a person is guilty of something that they need forgiveness for. In this case, it is an offer which presupposes that all people are sinners against God and deserve His wrath.
When people are confronted with the claims of the Gospel, they may respond by saying that it is not true, or they say it is an interesting hypothesis which might be true. It is at this point that the child of God may be most tempted to compromise the claims of Christ and not offer a ready defense. One may do this by trying to prove that Christianity is true. People must "reason" in order to believe. However, if we are not careful, we may promote the false idea that the lost person is a neutral observer who has the "right" to evaluate and judge the claims of Christ and any decision he/she comes to is both understandable and acceptable. As sinners, they are anything but neutral regarding the truth of God's Word. They are lost! Despite the popularity of books such as Evidence That Demands A Verdict, it is not Jesus who stands awaiting the judgement of any man, it is man who must be cleared.
The fact is that all people everywhere already know of the existence of God. Furthermore, they understand the overall meaning of that testimony. Consider Romans 1:18-21: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
"hold" = katecho = hold down, retain.
"manifest" = phanerro = to render apparent, to make clear
There is no excuse for not believing because of the evidence which God has implanted within man. Still, people rebel against God. They do this by not only disbelieving the Bible, but by denying God's general revelation (in nature and history) and coming up with rationalizations to justify themselves. Such rationalizations we know as false prophecies and false religions.
Therefore, according to God's Word, can anyone who has reached a place of spiritual accountability in his life truly be classified as legitimately ignorant? No! When we argue as if an unbeliever is legitimately ignorant as to whether Christianity is true or by treating him as a "neutral" seeker of truth, we are denying the real situation. We are implicitly agreeing that reality (of God being God and man being a sinner) is not a personal revelation of God, but an impersonal environment or emotion, which is not true. Even the fact that some seemingly sincere people deny the truth makes sense because the Bible explains that people practice self-deception in spiritual matters (James 1:22).
What lost sinners need is not new evidence but a desire to stop suppressing the evidence they have already. They are working against God. We must be working for God and not "beat around the bush." We must be bold and unrelenting in our sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This is one issue where we can not sit on the fence!
(Thanks to Bro. Mike Rice for putting together most of this material.)
We should want all people to be saved and to be a part of the family of God. We probably even hope that our encounters with unbelievers and heresy-believers are peaceful and pleasant, and when they hear the truth of the Gospel from us they will believe. However, such a hope is not very realistic.
In the first place, people do not often ask you to share the Gospel with them, for the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is an offer of forgiveness. Such an offer presupposes that a person is guilty of something that they need forgiveness for. In this case, it is an offer which presupposes that all people are sinners against God and deserve His wrath.
When people are confronted with the claims of the Gospel, they may respond by saying that it is not true, or they say it is an interesting hypothesis which might be true. It is at this point that the child of God may be most tempted to compromise the claims of Christ and not offer a ready defense. One may do this by trying to prove that Christianity is true. People must "reason" in order to believe. However, if we are not careful, we may promote the false idea that the lost person is a neutral observer who has the "right" to evaluate and judge the claims of Christ and any decision he/she comes to is both understandable and acceptable. As sinners, they are anything but neutral regarding the truth of God's Word. They are lost! Despite the popularity of books such as Evidence That Demands A Verdict, it is not Jesus who stands awaiting the judgement of any man, it is man who must be cleared.
The fact is that all people everywhere already know of the existence of God. Furthermore, they understand the overall meaning of that testimony. Consider Romans 1:18-21: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
"hold" = katecho = hold down, retain.
"manifest" = phanerro = to render apparent, to make clear
There is no excuse for not believing because of the evidence which God has implanted within man. Still, people rebel against God. They do this by not only disbelieving the Bible, but by denying God's general revelation (in nature and history) and coming up with rationalizations to justify themselves. Such rationalizations we know as false prophecies and false religions.
Therefore, according to God's Word, can anyone who has reached a place of spiritual accountability in his life truly be classified as legitimately ignorant? No! When we argue as if an unbeliever is legitimately ignorant as to whether Christianity is true or by treating him as a "neutral" seeker of truth, we are denying the real situation. We are implicitly agreeing that reality (of God being God and man being a sinner) is not a personal revelation of God, but an impersonal environment or emotion, which is not true. Even the fact that some seemingly sincere people deny the truth makes sense because the Bible explains that people practice self-deception in spiritual matters (James 1:22).
What lost sinners need is not new evidence but a desire to stop suppressing the evidence they have already. They are working against God. We must be working for God and not "beat around the bush." We must be bold and unrelenting in our sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. This is one issue where we can not sit on the fence!
(Thanks to Bro. Mike Rice for putting together most of this material.)
Friday, June 29, 2007
All-Time Greatest
Well, here's a fun post for you. I've been listening to Sirius Radio as I've been posting, etc. (and yes Philip, I'm a "punkrocker"!), so I've been able to hear some great music. Now since this is my post, I will start with four of my favorite bands and of course those of you who know me, know who #1 is!!!
1. U2
2. Newsboys
3. Depeche Mode
4. Coldplay
Now, add some bands to this list. The band can be any genre, but let's keep all band names clean please!
Well, here's a fun post for you. I've been listening to Sirius Radio as I've been posting, etc. (and yes Philip, I'm a "punkrocker"!), so I've been able to hear some great music. Now since this is my post, I will start with four of my favorite bands and of course those of you who know me, know who #1 is!!!
1. U2
2. Newsboys
3. Depeche Mode
4. Coldplay
Now, add some bands to this list. The band can be any genre, but let's keep all band names clean please!
Is That Your Final Answer?
In case you have not watched the news for the last year, several items of interest have occurred that should show us that we are closer than ever to the Lord's Second Coming (which is true by default...because today is one day closer than yesterday, but you know what I mean!). Anyway, I was thinking about some things and I thought it would be interesting to know where you stood on the rapture, Second Coming, etc. So let me know when you think the Rapture will occur, what you believe about Christ's Second Coming, and how you interpret Revelation. You can add anything else you want to, as long as it pertains to this issue. (Oh, throw some Scripture in there to show why you believe a certain idea...of course, that should go without saying.)
In case you have not watched the news for the last year, several items of interest have occurred that should show us that we are closer than ever to the Lord's Second Coming (which is true by default...because today is one day closer than yesterday, but you know what I mean!). Anyway, I was thinking about some things and I thought it would be interesting to know where you stood on the rapture, Second Coming, etc. So let me know when you think the Rapture will occur, what you believe about Christ's Second Coming, and how you interpret Revelation. You can add anything else you want to, as long as it pertains to this issue. (Oh, throw some Scripture in there to show why you believe a certain idea...of course, that should go without saying.)
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