“It's the hard-knock life for us! It's the hard-knock life for us! 'Steada treated,We get tricked! 'Steada kisses, We get kicked! It's the hard-knock life! Got no folks to speak of, so, It's the hard-knock row we hoe!” ~ Little Orphan Annie
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” ~ Romans 8:18
It would be hard to argue that beyond the Lord Jesus Christ, the most influential character in the 1st Century church was the Apostle Paul. If you do not include the book of Hebrews, Paul was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write 13 of the 27 books of the New Testament. That is over 30% of the text. Without a doubt, Paul is one of my heroes and I have many books on my shelves that are devoted to the first missionary of Christianity. As an aside; one of my favorite books about Paul is “Paul the Apostle: An Illustrated Handbook of His Life & Travels” by Robert T. Boyd.
Paul should give hope for all that the long suffering, grace and mercy of God can be extended and is available to everyone no matter how heinous and troubling our past may be. Before his conversion on the road to Damascus as recorded in Acts chapter 9, Paul was an accessory to murder. In Acts 7:58 as Stephen was being stoned for preaching about the resurrection of Jesus Christ those participating brought his belongings and laid them at the feet of Paul, then known as Saul.
By his own testimony in Galatians 1:13-14 as well as before King Agrippa in Acts 26:10-19 he persecuted the church and tried to destroy it. This was not just a simple verbal harassment or tongue lashing that we might experience for identification with Jesus Christ. Paul and his cronies invaded homes, dragged entire families off to prison, tortured and killed people in an effort to make them recant or blaspheme Jesus Christ and make them rue the day that they became professing Christians. How this pales in comparison to any hardship or “trials” we face today within the modern church.
After Saul became Paul on the road to Damascus his life was hardly a bowl of cherries. He was completely ostracized by his former collegeagues and actually they sought to kill him. In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33 he shares the hard-knocks he endured to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On five separate occasions he was given 39 lashes with a whip. This was not just the whip you see in an Indiana Jones movie; this was a cat of nine tails or Roman flagrum that included glass, bone and nails in the tips. He was beaten with rods five times and stoned and left for dead. In the 1st Century stoning was not as simple as picking up a baseball sized rock and pitching at someone, although that would be painful and could cause major damage. The process of stoning entailed taking someone to the edge of some high place, pushing them off and then have two people pick up a large boulder and try to crush the victim. If that did not kill them the mob would then pick up any available stone and throw them until the victim was dead.
If these hardships were not enough to discourage someone from practicing their faith consider that Paul was also put in prison, shipwrecked, stranded on an island, bit by a snake and adrift at sea for a day and night. Paul’s courage and hope in Jesus Christ in the face of real trials and persecution served as a great source of encouragement to these early converts who also were martyred for their faith. Robert Boyd states; “It is not only doubtful but asinine to suppose that all these believers would have experienced such deaths just to promote a hoax. These people were for real.”
Paul invested his life in the church and into his protégé Timothy for the cause of Christ no matter what. In 2 Timothy 4:2 he told Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” When Paul is talking about in or out of season he is not talking about the time of the year but whether we feel like it or not we need to share the good news of Jesus Christ. If anyone had ever had a bad day or earned the right to take some time off, it would be the Apostle Paul.
Oswald Chambers puts it this way; “If we do only what we feel inclined to do, some of us would never do anything. There are some people who are totally unemployable in the spiritual realm. They are spiritually feeble and weak, and they refuse to do anything unless they are supernaturally inspired. The proof that our relationship is right with God is that we do our best whether we feel inspired or not.”
Chambers continues; “One of the worst traps a Christian worker can fall into is to become obsessed with his own exceptional moments of inspiration. When the Spirit of God gives you a time of inspiration and insight, you tend to say, “Now that I’ve experienced this moment, I will always be like this for God.” No, you will not, and God will make sure of that. Those times are entirely the gift of God. You cannot give them to yourself when you choose. If you say you will only be at your best for God, as during those exceptional times, you actually become an intolerable burden on Him. You will never do anything unless God keeps you consciously aware of His inspiration to you at all times.”
In Philippians chapter 3 Paul can truthfully and boldly say that he suffered loss of all things to know the surpassing worth of the knowledge of Jesus Christ. The tenth verse can be read like a prayer; “that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” Paul found his complete identity and worth in his risen Savior and any hardship he endured on His behalf paled in comparison to the future glory that awaits.
“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” ~ Titus 2:13-15
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Who is He?
"Christianity will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than Jesus now; I don't know which will go first - rock 'n' roll or Christianity. Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary." ~ John Lennon
"Many people entertain the idea that Christianity, like almost any other religion, is basically a system of beliefs-you know, a set of doctrines or a code of behavior, a philosophy, an ideology. But that's a myth. Christianity is not at all like Buddhism or Islam or Confucianism. The founders of those religions said (in effect), 'Here is what I teach. Believe my teachings. Follow my philosophy.' Jesus said, 'Follow me'(Matthew 9:9). Leaders of the world's religions said, 'What do you think about what I teach?' Jesus said, 'Who do you say I am?'(Luke 9:20)” ~ Josh McDowell
One of the common misconceptions is that Jesus Christ was/is just a good moral teacher. The view is often held that He never claimed deity or that His words are simply pleasant suggestions and quaint ideas. Yet three of the gospels in the New Testament record where God Himself called Jesus His "beloved Son". On these occasions God stated that He was "well pleased" with His Son, and also told those with Him to "hear him" or listen up, (Luke 9:35 and Mark 9:7).
John Lennon stated that the disciples of Jesus were thick and ordinary, and at times the Bible bears this out. While they may have exhibited this trait Peter acknowledged in Matthew 16:13-17 who Jesus was and is; "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." This knowledge and the resurrection of Jesus Christ caused Peter and his fellow disciples to literally change the world, and Christianity shows no signs of vanishing from the scene.
What did Jesus say about Himself? In John 12:44-50 He states; "And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
Whether you are religious or not you likely know or have heard John 3:16, but have you ever read the verses that follow? "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, to have the same authority of God and God claimed Him as His one and only Son.
Author, speaker and Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias penned these words about Jesus. This was first published on his blog "A Slice of Infinity" on May 15,2000
"One of the recurring elements in the Bible, especially in encounters involving Jesus, is the element of surprise. That surprise is not only contained in what Jesus said, but more often it is to whom He said the words that brings the surprise.
Consider Jesus' claim in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." These words of Jesus certainly establish what we would call exclusivity. Jesus is saying here, "I am the only way to God. There is no other religious practice or guru or prophet that can lead you to God." Now no doubt, such a claim provokes a strong response and perhaps you yourself find it difficult to believe. But friend, let us be honest here: Every major religion in the world claims exclusivity and has a point of exclusion. And truth by definition is exclusive. Everything cannot be true. If everything is true, then nothing is false.
But back to this element of surprise. Yes, Jesus did say that no one could come to God except through him alone. But have you ever noticed to whom Jesus said these words? He said them to Thomas, the apostle whose name, even after two millennia, is synonymous with doubt. Thomas was the last to believe in the resurrection of Jesus because he did not want to trust such a magnificent claim secondhand. He needed to see and feel before he would bend his knee to the Christ he knew had been crucified. Ironically, Thomas went on to preach the gospel in India, my homeland, a land of over 330 million deities and innumerable "ways to God." Ultimately he gave his life for the exclusive claims of Christ.
Another example of the Gospel's apparent irony is found in Jesus' question to his disciple Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus patiently waited for Peter's response—"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"—knowing later that three times Peter would eventually deny knowing Jesus. Yet, Peter recovered from that painful moment and spent the rest of his life striving for the gospel and in the end, he himself was crucified upside down.
What surprises us in these instances is Jesus' ability to understand our weaknesses and to touch our hearts and minds where each of us needs it most. You see, He knew of Thomas' doubt before it was spoken. He knew of Peter's denial before the act. And He knows you and me and can still surprise us today wherever we are and meet us in our weakness."
Today's Slice: Ironic Surprise by Ravi Zacharias
The Gospel of John has a primary focus; to firmly establish the deity of Jesus Christ and His divine Sonship. Verse after verse unequivocally point to His authority and exclusivity. Read it for yourself and determine just who is this Jesus.
"Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” ~ John 14:5-7
"Many people entertain the idea that Christianity, like almost any other religion, is basically a system of beliefs-you know, a set of doctrines or a code of behavior, a philosophy, an ideology. But that's a myth. Christianity is not at all like Buddhism or Islam or Confucianism. The founders of those religions said (in effect), 'Here is what I teach. Believe my teachings. Follow my philosophy.' Jesus said, 'Follow me'(Matthew 9:9). Leaders of the world's religions said, 'What do you think about what I teach?' Jesus said, 'Who do you say I am?'(Luke 9:20)” ~ Josh McDowell
One of the common misconceptions is that Jesus Christ was/is just a good moral teacher. The view is often held that He never claimed deity or that His words are simply pleasant suggestions and quaint ideas. Yet three of the gospels in the New Testament record where God Himself called Jesus His "beloved Son". On these occasions God stated that He was "well pleased" with His Son, and also told those with Him to "hear him" or listen up, (Luke 9:35 and Mark 9:7).
John Lennon stated that the disciples of Jesus were thick and ordinary, and at times the Bible bears this out. While they may have exhibited this trait Peter acknowledged in Matthew 16:13-17 who Jesus was and is; "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven." This knowledge and the resurrection of Jesus Christ caused Peter and his fellow disciples to literally change the world, and Christianity shows no signs of vanishing from the scene.
What did Jesus say about Himself? In John 12:44-50 He states; "And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world. The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day. For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak. And I know that his commandment is eternal life. What I say, therefore, I say as the Father has told me.”
Whether you are religious or not you likely know or have heard John 3:16, but have you ever read the verses that follow? "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, to have the same authority of God and God claimed Him as His one and only Son.
Author, speaker and Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias penned these words about Jesus. This was first published on his blog "A Slice of Infinity" on May 15,2000
"One of the recurring elements in the Bible, especially in encounters involving Jesus, is the element of surprise. That surprise is not only contained in what Jesus said, but more often it is to whom He said the words that brings the surprise.
Consider Jesus' claim in John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." These words of Jesus certainly establish what we would call exclusivity. Jesus is saying here, "I am the only way to God. There is no other religious practice or guru or prophet that can lead you to God." Now no doubt, such a claim provokes a strong response and perhaps you yourself find it difficult to believe. But friend, let us be honest here: Every major religion in the world claims exclusivity and has a point of exclusion. And truth by definition is exclusive. Everything cannot be true. If everything is true, then nothing is false.
But back to this element of surprise. Yes, Jesus did say that no one could come to God except through him alone. But have you ever noticed to whom Jesus said these words? He said them to Thomas, the apostle whose name, even after two millennia, is synonymous with doubt. Thomas was the last to believe in the resurrection of Jesus because he did not want to trust such a magnificent claim secondhand. He needed to see and feel before he would bend his knee to the Christ he knew had been crucified. Ironically, Thomas went on to preach the gospel in India, my homeland, a land of over 330 million deities and innumerable "ways to God." Ultimately he gave his life for the exclusive claims of Christ.
Another example of the Gospel's apparent irony is found in Jesus' question to his disciple Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus patiently waited for Peter's response—"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"—knowing later that three times Peter would eventually deny knowing Jesus. Yet, Peter recovered from that painful moment and spent the rest of his life striving for the gospel and in the end, he himself was crucified upside down.
What surprises us in these instances is Jesus' ability to understand our weaknesses and to touch our hearts and minds where each of us needs it most. You see, He knew of Thomas' doubt before it was spoken. He knew of Peter's denial before the act. And He knows you and me and can still surprise us today wherever we are and meet us in our weakness."
Today's Slice: Ironic Surprise by Ravi Zacharias
The Gospel of John has a primary focus; to firmly establish the deity of Jesus Christ and His divine Sonship. Verse after verse unequivocally point to His authority and exclusivity. Read it for yourself and determine just who is this Jesus.
"Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” ~ John 14:5-7
Monday, April 26, 2010
One of these things...
“One of these things is not like the others, One of these things just doesn't belong, Can you tell which thing is not like the others, By the time I finish my song? ~ Sesame Street
“The word “heaven” has been appropriated for many purposes, and used in connection with dreams, loves, lyrics, and fiction, until now it has been deprived of meaning for much of society.” ~ Ralph E. Knudsen
Most of us enjoy going on vacation. I say most because there are some that truly enjoy the actual vacation itself, but they tend to dread the preparation and planning required to make it truly an enjoyable, successful and fulfilling event. Think about your last big vacation and the planning that went into it. You likely checked out a couple of different destinations before settling on the one you wanted to go to. Getting vacation advice from friends and family can be a mixed bag, so if you are like me you are risk adverse and do not want to take any chances on well meaning, but faulty suggestions. After deciding your destination you then checked out your options for lodging, activities and entertainment. You calculated the cost, made your reservations and then impatiently waited for the time of your departure. Once you actually got to go on this long awaited trip you realized that all of that planning and toil to get ready were worth it all.
If we put that much thought and effort into an earthly destination, why do we not devote the same if not greater effort to determining our future destination once our life has ended? Think about it; depending on your age, country of residence and financial situation the average vacation lasts one to three weeks. When our time on earth ends and we breathe our last breath we have all of eternity to spend in one of two places; heaven or hell. If, as the Bible teaches, those are our only two options it would seem that we would want to devote a little time understanding how the two compare, and also determine how we can know for sure which place we are destined for.
Through out the ages Heaven and Hell have captured the imaginations of poets, painters and writers. Employing allegory various authors have attempted to describe both places. John Milton wrote “Paradise Lost” describing the fall of man and how Satan was cast into hell. In his “Divine Comedy” Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote about both but in “The Inferno” he gives a vivid yet futile attempt to describe hell. Even John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” attempts to describe Heaven or as he calls it “The Celestial City” or “The Desired Country.” While these are at best shadows of the two final destinations for all of mankind, the prose should make us all stop and consider where we want to spend our eternity.
The Apostle John provides the most details about Heaven in the book of Revelation in chapters 21 and 22. What is interesting is that he repeatedly employs the word “like” when trying to describe the dwelling place of God, for even though he was physically there he could not fully capture it's majesty. John provides the measurements, the beauty, the radiance and the materials that make up God’s abode. Heaven is a literal place, and not just a state of mind. Throughout the New Testament it is mentioned in this literal sense. Jesus tells us He goes to prepare a place for us, (John 14:2-3), the angels proclaim that in Acts 1:11 that Jesus has been taken up into heaven, and when Stephen was stoned in Acts 7:55-56 he looked up and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His father’s right hand in heaven. It is the place where God most fully makes known His presence to bless and where His glory is most fully on display. No brochure or travel guide can adequately describe the dwelling place of God, but it is the source of hope for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. One author has described it as “A prepared place for a prepared people.” The key question for us all is have we determined what God says about heaven and how we can have assurance that we will have it as our home?
More has been written by Christian authors about Hell. Some would deny its existence but the Bible describes it as a literal place. It is described three times in Mark chapter 9 as a place where the worm never dies and the fire is never extinguished. What is interesting is that people that do not believe it exists are quick to tell others to "go" there, or think those that conceive and carry out the most heinous acts possible are deserving of it. But when pressed on the basis for who is going there no one wants to think about whether or not there is objective criteria or standard to determine that.
In the King James translation of the Bible the word hell is used 31 times in the Old Testament and some 21 times in various forms in the New Testament. It described as a place of torment, isolation, and never ending punishment. It is complete separation from God, and it is not going to be a party with all your friends, and contrary to modern culture they won’t be serving beer. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus described the torment of the Rich Man who begged for just a drop of water to sooth his tongue. Throughout the four gospels Jesus very clearly and emphatically taught that hell existed and our knowledge of it almost comes exclusively from His teachings.
Without a doubt writing or contemplating heaven is far more enjoyable than thinking about hell. Its typically something we prefer to put out of our mind and it is hardly an idyllic topic. One of these things is not like the other and the vast majority of us would far rather think about spending eternity with God than the alternative. If you have not spent any time comparing the two or determining how you can receive one over the other, I would encourage you to do so. God sent His Son Jesus Christ so none would perish but have everlasting life, (John 3:16). God does not desire that we go to hell, and has provided a means of escape, but sadly some will not accept His gift of salvation. Don’t take my word, your family's, your Pastor, Priest's or your church word for it. Pick up God’s Word and see what He says about it. He promises in I John 5:13 that "these things" or His Word was written so you can know for sure if you have eternal life.
For those who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ you have the assurance and hope of heaven. But has this weigh of glory, (II Corinthians 4:17), inspired you to tell others about God’s mercy and grace? God is not willing that any should perish…are we?
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.” ~ II Corinthians 5:10-11
“The word “heaven” has been appropriated for many purposes, and used in connection with dreams, loves, lyrics, and fiction, until now it has been deprived of meaning for much of society.” ~ Ralph E. Knudsen
Most of us enjoy going on vacation. I say most because there are some that truly enjoy the actual vacation itself, but they tend to dread the preparation and planning required to make it truly an enjoyable, successful and fulfilling event. Think about your last big vacation and the planning that went into it. You likely checked out a couple of different destinations before settling on the one you wanted to go to. Getting vacation advice from friends and family can be a mixed bag, so if you are like me you are risk adverse and do not want to take any chances on well meaning, but faulty suggestions. After deciding your destination you then checked out your options for lodging, activities and entertainment. You calculated the cost, made your reservations and then impatiently waited for the time of your departure. Once you actually got to go on this long awaited trip you realized that all of that planning and toil to get ready were worth it all.
If we put that much thought and effort into an earthly destination, why do we not devote the same if not greater effort to determining our future destination once our life has ended? Think about it; depending on your age, country of residence and financial situation the average vacation lasts one to three weeks. When our time on earth ends and we breathe our last breath we have all of eternity to spend in one of two places; heaven or hell. If, as the Bible teaches, those are our only two options it would seem that we would want to devote a little time understanding how the two compare, and also determine how we can know for sure which place we are destined for.
Through out the ages Heaven and Hell have captured the imaginations of poets, painters and writers. Employing allegory various authors have attempted to describe both places. John Milton wrote “Paradise Lost” describing the fall of man and how Satan was cast into hell. In his “Divine Comedy” Italian poet Dante Alighieri wrote about both but in “The Inferno” he gives a vivid yet futile attempt to describe hell. Even John Bunyan’s “Pilgrim’s Progress” attempts to describe Heaven or as he calls it “The Celestial City” or “The Desired Country.” While these are at best shadows of the two final destinations for all of mankind, the prose should make us all stop and consider where we want to spend our eternity.
The Apostle John provides the most details about Heaven in the book of Revelation in chapters 21 and 22. What is interesting is that he repeatedly employs the word “like” when trying to describe the dwelling place of God, for even though he was physically there he could not fully capture it's majesty. John provides the measurements, the beauty, the radiance and the materials that make up God’s abode. Heaven is a literal place, and not just a state of mind. Throughout the New Testament it is mentioned in this literal sense. Jesus tells us He goes to prepare a place for us, (John 14:2-3), the angels proclaim that in Acts 1:11 that Jesus has been taken up into heaven, and when Stephen was stoned in Acts 7:55-56 he looked up and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at His father’s right hand in heaven. It is the place where God most fully makes known His presence to bless and where His glory is most fully on display. No brochure or travel guide can adequately describe the dwelling place of God, but it is the source of hope for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. One author has described it as “A prepared place for a prepared people.” The key question for us all is have we determined what God says about heaven and how we can have assurance that we will have it as our home?
More has been written by Christian authors about Hell. Some would deny its existence but the Bible describes it as a literal place. It is described three times in Mark chapter 9 as a place where the worm never dies and the fire is never extinguished. What is interesting is that people that do not believe it exists are quick to tell others to "go" there, or think those that conceive and carry out the most heinous acts possible are deserving of it. But when pressed on the basis for who is going there no one wants to think about whether or not there is objective criteria or standard to determine that.
In the King James translation of the Bible the word hell is used 31 times in the Old Testament and some 21 times in various forms in the New Testament. It described as a place of torment, isolation, and never ending punishment. It is complete separation from God, and it is not going to be a party with all your friends, and contrary to modern culture they won’t be serving beer. In Luke 16:19-31 Jesus described the torment of the Rich Man who begged for just a drop of water to sooth his tongue. Throughout the four gospels Jesus very clearly and emphatically taught that hell existed and our knowledge of it almost comes exclusively from His teachings.
Without a doubt writing or contemplating heaven is far more enjoyable than thinking about hell. Its typically something we prefer to put out of our mind and it is hardly an idyllic topic. One of these things is not like the other and the vast majority of us would far rather think about spending eternity with God than the alternative. If you have not spent any time comparing the two or determining how you can receive one over the other, I would encourage you to do so. God sent His Son Jesus Christ so none would perish but have everlasting life, (John 3:16). God does not desire that we go to hell, and has provided a means of escape, but sadly some will not accept His gift of salvation. Don’t take my word, your family's, your Pastor, Priest's or your church word for it. Pick up God’s Word and see what He says about it. He promises in I John 5:13 that "these things" or His Word was written so you can know for sure if you have eternal life.
For those who have accepted God’s free gift of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ you have the assurance and hope of heaven. But has this weigh of glory, (II Corinthians 4:17), inspired you to tell others about God’s mercy and grace? God is not willing that any should perish…are we?
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience.” ~ II Corinthians 5:10-11
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The problem of evil
“The Bible is the Chief moral cause of all that is good, and the best corrector of all that is evil, in human society; the best book for regulating the temporal concerns of men, and the only book that can serve as an infallible guide.” ~ Noah Webster
One of the most challenging questions any Christian has to face when sharing the Gospel with someone is the problem of evil. Much has been written on the topic and I would encourage anyone perplexed by this question to pick up a copy of Timothy Keller's book "The Reason for God". The very problem of evil came to the ultimate intersection at the Cross of Calvary. If mankind could have been reconciled to God by any other means than Jesus Christ suffering and death to pay for sin and evil couldn't God have found another solution? If God can make sense out of the suffering of Jesus Christ what makes us think He cannot make sense of suffering and evil in the present world? What follows is a post by Christian author and apologist Ravi Zacharias.
" Some time ago I was speaking at a university in England, when a rather exasperated person in the audience made his attack upon God.
“There cannot possibly be a God,” he said, “with all the evil and suffering that exists in the world!”
I asked, “When you say there is such a thing as evil, are you not assuming that there is such a thing as good?”
“Of course,” he retorted.
“But when you assume there is such a thing as good, are you not also assuming that there is such a thing as a moral law on the basis of which to distinguish between good and evil?”
“I suppose so,” came the hesitant and much softer reply.
“If, then, there is a moral law,” I said, “you must also posit a moral law giver. But that is who you are trying to disprove and not prove. If there is no transcendent moral law giver, there is no absolute moral law. If there is no moral law, there really is no good. If there is no good there is no evil. I am not sure what your question is!”
There was silence and then he said, “What, then, am I asking you?”
He was visibly jolted that at the heart of his question lay an assumption that contradicted his own conclusion.
You see friends, the skeptic not only has to give an answer to his or her own question, but also has to justify the question itself. And even as the laughter subsided I reminded him that his question was indeed reasonable, but that his question justified my assumption that this was a moral universe. For if God is not the author of life, neither good nor bad are meaningful terms.
This seems to constantly elude the critic who thinks that by raising the question of evil, a trap has been sprung to destroy theism. When in fact, the very raising of the question ensnares the skeptic who raised the question. A hidden assumption comes into the open. Moreover, as C. S. Lewis reminds us, the moment we acknowledge something as being “better”, we are committing ourselves to an objective point of reference.
The disorienting reality to those who raise the problem of evil is that the Christian can be consistent when he or she talks about the problem of evil, while the skeptic is hard-pressed to respond to the question of good in an amoral universe. In short, the problem of evil is not solved by doing away with the existence of God; the problem of evil and suffering must be resolved while keeping God in the picture."
Zacharias continued to address this dilemma; "As we have been discussing the theme of evil, we see how the presence of evil raises the question of the goodness of God. I have yet to hear a skeptic who failed to raise this as a major reason for his or her skepticism. The question is without doubt one of the most daunting questions raised of the Christian faith, which talks of a loving God who is in control of all things.
Unfortunately, glib and incoherent answers to such heart cries have resulted in a breakdown of communication between honest skeptics seeking the truth and those who claim to know it. But if the Christian can be charged with ignoring the force of the question, then the questioner must also face the indicting possibility that he or she has often not thought through the question itself fairly. We have already seen how the question does not disprove the existence of God, now we see how the skeptic answers his own question about good and evil.
In a landmark debate between the agnostic philosopher Bertrand Russell and the Christian philosopher Frederick Copleston, Copleston asked Russell if he believed in good and bad. Russell admitted that he did. Copleston then asked him how he differentiated between the two. Russell said that he differentiated between good and bad in the same way that he distinguished between colors. “But you distinguish between colors by seeing, don’t you? How then, do you judge between good and bad?” “On the basis of feeling, what else?” came Russell’s sharp reply.
Somebody should have told Russell that in some cultures people love their neighbors while in other cultures they eat them--both on the basis of feeling! Did Mr. Russell have a personal preference?
How can we possibly justify differentiating between good and bad merely on the basis of feeling? Whose feeling? Hitler’s or Mother Theresa’s? There must be a transcendent moral law, a standard by which to determine good and bad. Without such a point of reference, the question of evil is no longer coherent. Removing God, the giver of the moral law, from the question of evil, in essence, blunts the force of the question.
Yes, the “why” of evil must be spoken to and in fact, in the Bible God has. At the heart of evil is the will of man to resist the love of God. In response to an article entitled What’s wrong with the world, G.K.Chesterton replied : “I am, yours truly, G.K.Chesterton.” He was right. We can all reply the same way. Only when we grasp this can the problem of evil begin towards a solution."
Today's Slice: The Polemic Shot In the Foot by Ravi Zacharias
One of the most challenging questions any Christian has to face when sharing the Gospel with someone is the problem of evil. Much has been written on the topic and I would encourage anyone perplexed by this question to pick up a copy of Timothy Keller's book "The Reason for God". The very problem of evil came to the ultimate intersection at the Cross of Calvary. If mankind could have been reconciled to God by any other means than Jesus Christ suffering and death to pay for sin and evil couldn't God have found another solution? If God can make sense out of the suffering of Jesus Christ what makes us think He cannot make sense of suffering and evil in the present world? What follows is a post by Christian author and apologist Ravi Zacharias.
" Some time ago I was speaking at a university in England, when a rather exasperated person in the audience made his attack upon God.
“There cannot possibly be a God,” he said, “with all the evil and suffering that exists in the world!”
I asked, “When you say there is such a thing as evil, are you not assuming that there is such a thing as good?”
“Of course,” he retorted.
“But when you assume there is such a thing as good, are you not also assuming that there is such a thing as a moral law on the basis of which to distinguish between good and evil?”
“I suppose so,” came the hesitant and much softer reply.
“If, then, there is a moral law,” I said, “you must also posit a moral law giver. But that is who you are trying to disprove and not prove. If there is no transcendent moral law giver, there is no absolute moral law. If there is no moral law, there really is no good. If there is no good there is no evil. I am not sure what your question is!”
There was silence and then he said, “What, then, am I asking you?”
He was visibly jolted that at the heart of his question lay an assumption that contradicted his own conclusion.
You see friends, the skeptic not only has to give an answer to his or her own question, but also has to justify the question itself. And even as the laughter subsided I reminded him that his question was indeed reasonable, but that his question justified my assumption that this was a moral universe. For if God is not the author of life, neither good nor bad are meaningful terms.
This seems to constantly elude the critic who thinks that by raising the question of evil, a trap has been sprung to destroy theism. When in fact, the very raising of the question ensnares the skeptic who raised the question. A hidden assumption comes into the open. Moreover, as C. S. Lewis reminds us, the moment we acknowledge something as being “better”, we are committing ourselves to an objective point of reference.
The disorienting reality to those who raise the problem of evil is that the Christian can be consistent when he or she talks about the problem of evil, while the skeptic is hard-pressed to respond to the question of good in an amoral universe. In short, the problem of evil is not solved by doing away with the existence of God; the problem of evil and suffering must be resolved while keeping God in the picture."
Zacharias continued to address this dilemma; "As we have been discussing the theme of evil, we see how the presence of evil raises the question of the goodness of God. I have yet to hear a skeptic who failed to raise this as a major reason for his or her skepticism. The question is without doubt one of the most daunting questions raised of the Christian faith, which talks of a loving God who is in control of all things.
Unfortunately, glib and incoherent answers to such heart cries have resulted in a breakdown of communication between honest skeptics seeking the truth and those who claim to know it. But if the Christian can be charged with ignoring the force of the question, then the questioner must also face the indicting possibility that he or she has often not thought through the question itself fairly. We have already seen how the question does not disprove the existence of God, now we see how the skeptic answers his own question about good and evil.
In a landmark debate between the agnostic philosopher Bertrand Russell and the Christian philosopher Frederick Copleston, Copleston asked Russell if he believed in good and bad. Russell admitted that he did. Copleston then asked him how he differentiated between the two. Russell said that he differentiated between good and bad in the same way that he distinguished between colors. “But you distinguish between colors by seeing, don’t you? How then, do you judge between good and bad?” “On the basis of feeling, what else?” came Russell’s sharp reply.
Somebody should have told Russell that in some cultures people love their neighbors while in other cultures they eat them--both on the basis of feeling! Did Mr. Russell have a personal preference?
How can we possibly justify differentiating between good and bad merely on the basis of feeling? Whose feeling? Hitler’s or Mother Theresa’s? There must be a transcendent moral law, a standard by which to determine good and bad. Without such a point of reference, the question of evil is no longer coherent. Removing God, the giver of the moral law, from the question of evil, in essence, blunts the force of the question.
Yes, the “why” of evil must be spoken to and in fact, in the Bible God has. At the heart of evil is the will of man to resist the love of God. In response to an article entitled What’s wrong with the world, G.K.Chesterton replied : “I am, yours truly, G.K.Chesterton.” He was right. We can all reply the same way. Only when we grasp this can the problem of evil begin towards a solution."
Today's Slice: The Polemic Shot In the Foot by Ravi Zacharias
Saturday, April 24, 2010
That's not fair
“Despite what they tell you, there are simply no moral absolutes in a complex world.” ~ Berkeley Breathed
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10
One of the most difficult concepts for both the Christian and the non-Christian is the question of how can a loving God send people to hell? Much has already been written on the question so I wanted to pass along some articles by some leading Christian Apologists. This post was written by Ravi Zacharias on April 15, 2002.
"During the 2002 Winter Olympics, a major publication had a headline that read, “Crybaby Olympics.” The article highlighted the refrain of complaints launched by several competitors who felt they had been duped out of their legitimate attainment by some unscrupulous judge. Now, I have no doubt that in any competition there is always the possibility that someone has been cheated out of winning. Anyone who has ever competed knows the feeling of suspicion when medals are awarded on an inexact basis of measurement. Judging is a hazardous task, but so is judging the judges.
However legitimate one’s complaint might be, the fearful thing is that the winners of the award never seem to stop by the judge’s desk and say, “Excuse me, but I really do not think I deserved that.” Winning seldom questions the validity of the judge’s decision. Losing often does.
Whatever else all this displeasure proves, it proves two things. One, that we expect a judge to be objective and fair. But secondly, there is a more serious concern. How does a Judge judge if there are no absolutes by which to do the judging? You see, it is one thing to measure how far an object has been thrown and another thing to say which was more beautiful a performance on ice. The latter demands an aesthetic measure, which is not always exact.
But you see, deep inside all of us are both of these moral realities. We affirm the need to be right and fair, and we somehow believe that even in beauty there are some misjudgments that reveal prejudice. What this tells us is that life must have absolutes. This itself reveals the fact that we are born as moral agents and when that moral agency is violated, deep inside we cry.
The Bible makes it clear that God is a judge and He is fair. One of the most telling passages is in the book of Genesis when God is judging the cities of Sodom and Gommorah. Abraham asks God if He is going to wipe out both the righteous and the unrighteous. God assures Abraham that He sees everything and then says this: “Shall not the judge of the earth do that which is right?”
You and I may not have been robbed of a medal in the Olympics. But we do know that when destiny-defining decisions are made, the Judge of all the earth will do right. He knows the absolutes, and He will not make a mistake. That is both comforting and daunting."
More from Dr. Zacharias:
"Yesterday I spoke of the disappointment of some of the competitors in the Winter Olympics who thought that poor judging had denied them their rightful victory. If their assessment is correct, one can sympathize with their hurt. After all the effort and the pain that goes into preparing to become the world’s best, I cannot imagine the anguish that would well up if dishonesty robbed the rightful one of his or her reward.
Although such a loss is merely that in athletic competition, it points up to the greater need of how important being just is. That truth is one of the most pertinent in any civilized society. Was it not Plato who said that Justice is the firmest pillar of good government? His student Aristotle went even further. Aristotle said that justice is not just part of virtue, it is virtue entire; nor is the contrary injustice a part of vice but vice entire.
One does not have to fully agree to note the power of what is being said. Justice is virtue entire? That being just is the sum and substance of good morality? But think about this. Suppose you say you love somebody, but you are unjust in your dealings with them. How would that person respond to your words, “Ah, but I love you”? Or if you tell somebody that you will always speak the truth but that there are times you will be unjust in dealing with the truth. How would they respond? You see the point, don’t you? Justice is an intrinsic part of virtue.
That is why God in His nature is pure and just. His justice meets the demands of the law that must be met if you and I are to be the recipients of His mercy.
To the Christian, Good Friday is a very special day, because on that day two thousand years ago, a pure and just God paid the penalty for our separation from Him and made the way to be forgiven and live in a loving relationship with Him.
You know, friends, there is one verse in the Bible that occurs three times: once in the book of Hebrews to the Hebrew church, once in the Book of Galatians to the Asian church, and once in the Book of Romans to the European church. All of this from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. The verse just says this: “…the just shall live by faith.”
What that really means is that our perfection cannot get us into heaven. But our faith in the Perfect One can. His justice comes hand in hand with His perfect love. Neither ever violates the other."
Today's Slice: Judging the Judges-Part 1 by Ravi Zacharias
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:10
One of the most difficult concepts for both the Christian and the non-Christian is the question of how can a loving God send people to hell? Much has already been written on the question so I wanted to pass along some articles by some leading Christian Apologists. This post was written by Ravi Zacharias on April 15, 2002.
"During the 2002 Winter Olympics, a major publication had a headline that read, “Crybaby Olympics.” The article highlighted the refrain of complaints launched by several competitors who felt they had been duped out of their legitimate attainment by some unscrupulous judge. Now, I have no doubt that in any competition there is always the possibility that someone has been cheated out of winning. Anyone who has ever competed knows the feeling of suspicion when medals are awarded on an inexact basis of measurement. Judging is a hazardous task, but so is judging the judges.
However legitimate one’s complaint might be, the fearful thing is that the winners of the award never seem to stop by the judge’s desk and say, “Excuse me, but I really do not think I deserved that.” Winning seldom questions the validity of the judge’s decision. Losing often does.
Whatever else all this displeasure proves, it proves two things. One, that we expect a judge to be objective and fair. But secondly, there is a more serious concern. How does a Judge judge if there are no absolutes by which to do the judging? You see, it is one thing to measure how far an object has been thrown and another thing to say which was more beautiful a performance on ice. The latter demands an aesthetic measure, which is not always exact.
But you see, deep inside all of us are both of these moral realities. We affirm the need to be right and fair, and we somehow believe that even in beauty there are some misjudgments that reveal prejudice. What this tells us is that life must have absolutes. This itself reveals the fact that we are born as moral agents and when that moral agency is violated, deep inside we cry.
The Bible makes it clear that God is a judge and He is fair. One of the most telling passages is in the book of Genesis when God is judging the cities of Sodom and Gommorah. Abraham asks God if He is going to wipe out both the righteous and the unrighteous. God assures Abraham that He sees everything and then says this: “Shall not the judge of the earth do that which is right?”
You and I may not have been robbed of a medal in the Olympics. But we do know that when destiny-defining decisions are made, the Judge of all the earth will do right. He knows the absolutes, and He will not make a mistake. That is both comforting and daunting."
More from Dr. Zacharias:
"Yesterday I spoke of the disappointment of some of the competitors in the Winter Olympics who thought that poor judging had denied them their rightful victory. If their assessment is correct, one can sympathize with their hurt. After all the effort and the pain that goes into preparing to become the world’s best, I cannot imagine the anguish that would well up if dishonesty robbed the rightful one of his or her reward.
Although such a loss is merely that in athletic competition, it points up to the greater need of how important being just is. That truth is one of the most pertinent in any civilized society. Was it not Plato who said that Justice is the firmest pillar of good government? His student Aristotle went even further. Aristotle said that justice is not just part of virtue, it is virtue entire; nor is the contrary injustice a part of vice but vice entire.
One does not have to fully agree to note the power of what is being said. Justice is virtue entire? That being just is the sum and substance of good morality? But think about this. Suppose you say you love somebody, but you are unjust in your dealings with them. How would that person respond to your words, “Ah, but I love you”? Or if you tell somebody that you will always speak the truth but that there are times you will be unjust in dealing with the truth. How would they respond? You see the point, don’t you? Justice is an intrinsic part of virtue.
That is why God in His nature is pure and just. His justice meets the demands of the law that must be met if you and I are to be the recipients of His mercy.
To the Christian, Good Friday is a very special day, because on that day two thousand years ago, a pure and just God paid the penalty for our separation from Him and made the way to be forgiven and live in a loving relationship with Him.
You know, friends, there is one verse in the Bible that occurs three times: once in the book of Hebrews to the Hebrew church, once in the Book of Galatians to the Asian church, and once in the Book of Romans to the European church. All of this from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk. The verse just says this: “…the just shall live by faith.”
What that really means is that our perfection cannot get us into heaven. But our faith in the Perfect One can. His justice comes hand in hand with His perfect love. Neither ever violates the other."
Today's Slice: Judging the Judges-Part 1 by Ravi Zacharias
Friday, April 23, 2010
To tell the truth
“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them” ~ Galileo
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ John 8:32
What parent has not watched with dismay as their child takes a course of action or embarks on a path that you know is only going to lead to frustration? When our kids are small it is easy to jump in and try to do it for them, but as they grow older they want to show their independence. So you hear them say; “I know that” or “I will do it myself” or “Let me figure it out for myself.” Most parents try to find a balance between encouraging their children to be independent, rational and decisive thinkers and trying to help them avoid the many pitfalls and perils of life. We can foresee these problems usually based on our experience, knowledge and maybe even the fact we once tried the same thing only to recognize its futility.
Picture if you will an individual you know or maybe even yourself being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It has been something that has been there all along but had gone unnoticed for years. Somebody brings it to your attention but you try not to think about it. Something or somebody occasionally reminds you that you have this condition but you are in denial. When you do think about it you try to slow down the sickness or search for cures, but everything you try is fruitless. This terminal illness worsens each passing day, but you just do not want to face up to the reality of your condition.
You are not alone in this terminal condition and there is actually hope and a cure for your plight. You have a friend who also suffers from this same problem and he also is looking for a means to correct the problem. He has studied, researched and pursued a cure and miraculously it has been revealed to him how to end the suffering. He has discovered the answer to his problem and yours and he is overjoyed at the prospect.
This friend approaches you and shares with you the symptoms you both have experienced. He shows you that you too have this terminal condition and wants to tell you about the cure. But you react with surprise that he would attempt to tell you that you are ill. You tell him there is nothing wrong with you and that you have no interest in what he has to share with you. After all, how does he know for sure that he is right? What gives him the right to tell you that you have a terminal condition? He tells you how many others have found this cure and thrived because of it, yet you tell him to leave you alone.
Picture this same friend who knows about this cure, yet rather than tell you he keeps it to himself. He is thriving and blissfully enjoying himself and watches your condition get worse by the day, yet he stays silent. He watches you slowly fade away and even when you appear willing to hear about the cure he still says nothing. Eventually he watches as you die and only then is he remorseful that he didn’t share with you the cure for your plight. Of these two individuals which one of these is showing compassion? Which one loves you more and is truly merciful?
The illness we all suffer is the terminal problem of sin, and according to Romans 3:23 that problem is universal; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Just one sin is one too many for a holy God who cannot tolerate sin, (Isaiah 59:1-2). The result or wage we earn through our sin is death, (Romans 6:23). But God’s justice and mercy intersected at the Cross and He provided a way for all the world to be free from the terminal nature of sin, (John 3:16). What is your reaction when someone shares this message with you? Are you the patient who tells his loving friend to leave you alone, or do you recognize that your friend is trying to show you the same mercy and compassion he has received at the nailed scarred hands of Jesus Christ?
Penn Gillette is a magician and comedian who is part of the duo of Penn and Teller. He is an atheist and believes that there is no God. If you visit YouTube you can watch Penn in a video called “The Gift of the Bible” and this is an excerpt of what he says; “I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there is a heaven and hell, and that people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and that you think that it is not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward, and atheists who think that people shouldn’t proselytize, just leave me alone and keep your religion to yourself; how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
Do we care enough about others to tell them about Jesus Christ? Do we care enough to share it in a thoughtful and loving manner that leaves people with the impression it is because we care? Or do we appear to think we are somehow better than them because we have received what was freely given? Do we forget that we too were once dead in our trespasses and sin, (Ephesians 2:1)?
In his famous message “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” Jonathan Edwards states; “All wicked men's pains and contrivance they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, don't secure 'em from hell one moment. Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is now doing, or what he intends to do; everyone lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes won't fail. They hear indeed that there are but few saved, and that the bigger part of men that have died heretofore are gone to hell; but each one imagines that he lays out matters better for his own escape than others have done: he doesn't intend to come to that place of torment; he says within himself, that he intends to take care that shall be effectual, and to order matters so for himself as not to fail. But the foolish children of men do miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in their confidence in their own strength and wisdom; they trust to nothing but a shadow. The bigger part of those that heretofore have lived under the same means of grace, and are now dead, are undoubtedly gone to hell: and it was not because they were not as wise as those that are now alive; it was not because they did not lay out matters as well for themselves to secure their own escape.”
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ and you have a friend or relative that is telling you about the free gift of salvation try to keep in mind that they are only doing so because they love you and care about you. If you are a Christian and you aren’t telling others then why not? Mercy is rescuing someone from their deplorable state. Are we showing mercy by remaining silent?
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy" ~ Titus 3:5a
“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.” ~ Hebrews 2:3
"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." ~ John 8:32
What parent has not watched with dismay as their child takes a course of action or embarks on a path that you know is only going to lead to frustration? When our kids are small it is easy to jump in and try to do it for them, but as they grow older they want to show their independence. So you hear them say; “I know that” or “I will do it myself” or “Let me figure it out for myself.” Most parents try to find a balance between encouraging their children to be independent, rational and decisive thinkers and trying to help them avoid the many pitfalls and perils of life. We can foresee these problems usually based on our experience, knowledge and maybe even the fact we once tried the same thing only to recognize its futility.
Picture if you will an individual you know or maybe even yourself being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It has been something that has been there all along but had gone unnoticed for years. Somebody brings it to your attention but you try not to think about it. Something or somebody occasionally reminds you that you have this condition but you are in denial. When you do think about it you try to slow down the sickness or search for cures, but everything you try is fruitless. This terminal illness worsens each passing day, but you just do not want to face up to the reality of your condition.
You are not alone in this terminal condition and there is actually hope and a cure for your plight. You have a friend who also suffers from this same problem and he also is looking for a means to correct the problem. He has studied, researched and pursued a cure and miraculously it has been revealed to him how to end the suffering. He has discovered the answer to his problem and yours and he is overjoyed at the prospect.
This friend approaches you and shares with you the symptoms you both have experienced. He shows you that you too have this terminal condition and wants to tell you about the cure. But you react with surprise that he would attempt to tell you that you are ill. You tell him there is nothing wrong with you and that you have no interest in what he has to share with you. After all, how does he know for sure that he is right? What gives him the right to tell you that you have a terminal condition? He tells you how many others have found this cure and thrived because of it, yet you tell him to leave you alone.
Picture this same friend who knows about this cure, yet rather than tell you he keeps it to himself. He is thriving and blissfully enjoying himself and watches your condition get worse by the day, yet he stays silent. He watches you slowly fade away and even when you appear willing to hear about the cure he still says nothing. Eventually he watches as you die and only then is he remorseful that he didn’t share with you the cure for your plight. Of these two individuals which one of these is showing compassion? Which one loves you more and is truly merciful?
The illness we all suffer is the terminal problem of sin, and according to Romans 3:23 that problem is universal; “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Just one sin is one too many for a holy God who cannot tolerate sin, (Isaiah 59:1-2). The result or wage we earn through our sin is death, (Romans 6:23). But God’s justice and mercy intersected at the Cross and He provided a way for all the world to be free from the terminal nature of sin, (John 3:16). What is your reaction when someone shares this message with you? Are you the patient who tells his loving friend to leave you alone, or do you recognize that your friend is trying to show you the same mercy and compassion he has received at the nailed scarred hands of Jesus Christ?
Penn Gillette is a magician and comedian who is part of the duo of Penn and Teller. He is an atheist and believes that there is no God. If you visit YouTube you can watch Penn in a video called “The Gift of the Bible” and this is an excerpt of what he says; “I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there is a heaven and hell, and that people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and that you think that it is not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward, and atheists who think that people shouldn’t proselytize, just leave me alone and keep your religion to yourself; how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
Do we care enough about others to tell them about Jesus Christ? Do we care enough to share it in a thoughtful and loving manner that leaves people with the impression it is because we care? Or do we appear to think we are somehow better than them because we have received what was freely given? Do we forget that we too were once dead in our trespasses and sin, (Ephesians 2:1)?
In his famous message “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” Jonathan Edwards states; “All wicked men's pains and contrivance they use to escape hell, while they continue to reject Christ, and so remain wicked men, don't secure 'em from hell one moment. Almost every natural man that hears of hell, flatters himself that he shall escape it; he depends upon himself for his own security; he flatters himself in what he has done, in what he is now doing, or what he intends to do; everyone lays out matters in his own mind how he shall avoid damnation, and flatters himself that he contrives well for himself, and that his schemes won't fail. They hear indeed that there are but few saved, and that the bigger part of men that have died heretofore are gone to hell; but each one imagines that he lays out matters better for his own escape than others have done: he doesn't intend to come to that place of torment; he says within himself, that he intends to take care that shall be effectual, and to order matters so for himself as not to fail. But the foolish children of men do miserably delude themselves in their own schemes, and in their confidence in their own strength and wisdom; they trust to nothing but a shadow. The bigger part of those that heretofore have lived under the same means of grace, and are now dead, are undoubtedly gone to hell: and it was not because they were not as wise as those that are now alive; it was not because they did not lay out matters as well for themselves to secure their own escape.”
If you have not yet accepted Jesus Christ and you have a friend or relative that is telling you about the free gift of salvation try to keep in mind that they are only doing so because they love you and care about you. If you are a Christian and you aren’t telling others then why not? Mercy is rescuing someone from their deplorable state. Are we showing mercy by remaining silent?
"He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy" ~ Titus 3:5a
“How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.” ~ Hebrews 2:3
Thursday, April 22, 2010
There must be some misunderstanding
“Ya see, me and the Lord have an understanding.” ~ Joliet Jake Blues
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” ~ 1 John 5:13
Picture if you will a couple that decides to get married. On the surface they appear to love one another so they take the next logical step of making a commitment before friends and family and they “tie the knot.” They enjoy the reception and the words of good luck from well-wishers, but immediately after the ceremony the groom turns to the bride and says; thanks for a great day. Take care and I will check in with you from time to time. Maybe we will get together on the holidays. If I need you I will give you a call. Have a great life.
Sounds pretty ridiculous, right? What bride in her right mind would want to continue on in a relationship like that? Her spouse is disinterested in a committed and mutually beneficial co-habitation. He is totally detached or does not see the need of showing her any devotion, honor, love or respect. He will call on her when the mood strikes, and expect all of his needs to be met and all of his demands answered on his time table. If she asks for any help or on-going attention he bristles that she dares to place any demands on him for time, money or consideration. She is simply there to his advantage, and is to him a commodity to be used. In such a relationship there might come a day when he shows up and she tells him to shove off because their “partnership” is meaningless since they never truly got to know one another or stayed together.
Is this how we view our relationship with God? Do we treat God as a commodity or as our Creator? Often we see Him as a cosmic genie in the bottle; we say prayers like they are three wishes to be granted. We expect God to answer our prayers to our specifications and He better not expect anything from us in return other than a cursory acknowledgement. We get into dire straits and we cry out to Him, but when things are going our way we ignore Him completely.
Maybe we treat or view salvation like a commodity. It is our “fire insurance” and we only dust it off after disaster strikes. We can live life as we please and play with fire never concerned for how this puts us in jeopardy or the likely end result. Then when the flames of problems and the trials of life singe us we want to rely on that old policy that we have let lapse or have misplaced.
When God comes into an individual’s life, through placing our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, He does not come in as a co-equal partner. He is the Creator, Sustainer and Sovereign Lord and we need to acknowledge Him as King. It is not simply “add God” and then go on with the mindset of “its just business as usual”. The Gospel changes everything. Like the American Express tag line, “Membership has its privileges”, so does being a child of God. But with privilege comes responsibility and some requirements. Requirements that are not burdensome or tedious if we truly grasp how fortunate we are to receive the gift of salvation that we never could earn or deserve.
A relationship with God is not “an understanding” with the “Big Guy Upstairs”. He inspired men to write the Bible so we could have a better understanding of who He is, what are His attributes and what He expects and desires from us. Our relationship with Him is pictured in the New Testament as a marriage. The believer who professes their love for Jesus Christ is the bridegroom that is totally devoted to that relationship. Though at times we are an imperfect mate that is prone to forgetfulness, fickleness and on occasion outright disdain, our groom never waivers in His love or commitment to us. Someone who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus is the bride of Christ and we are complete in Him. He is the source of our total satisfaction, joy and identity. This is not meant to be a lackadaisical or shallow relationship that we jump in and out of when it is convenient or when we are in need.
In John 15:1-25 the key word that is used to describe our relationship with God is the word “abide”. This has with it the idea that a relationship with God is lasting, enduring, ever present and it always remains. God always keeps up His end of the bargain and is constantly abiding, never changing and never failing. We are more like the groom I described earlier and want all of the benefits and none of the responsibilities. We have responsibilities as believers in Christ and in this same passage we are expected to bear fruit. Bearing fruit can be, but is not limited to, desiring to consistently attend church, reading our Bibles and actually living out what it says. It is also seen in godly attitudes (Gal 5:22-23), righteous behavior (Phil 1:11), praise (Heb 13:15) and especially by sharing your faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of God (Rom 1:13-16).
Don’t delude yourself into thinking the total definition of your Creator is “God is love” and that He simply winks at our sin. God is love but He is also Holy and He cannot tolerate sin. He poured out His wrath on His Son on the cross because of our sin. He will “by no means clear the guilty” (Exodus 34:7). Just like the relationship of a couple should be forever changed when they get married, so too does the dynamic change between man and God after true repentance unto salvation.
If we view God as having no authority or that He has no right to place any expectations on our life then maybe we truly do not have a relationship of saving faith. There is a very sobering passage in Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus tells His audience that at the final judgment that many people will cry out to Him and say that they did all of these good things in His name. Just like the relationship I described at the onset that is all just a sham, Jesus tells these people in verse 23 to go away, I never knew you and you never truly knew me.
Are we constantly abiding in Christ and are we bearing fruit? Is our relationship with God deep and meaningful or is it just a commodity called on when the mood strikes? If not then maybe we need to reevaluate whether or not we are the devoted spouse or the uncommitted groom. God did not send His Son to die a painful and humiliating death for anything less than our all. There was no lack of commitment on His part when He died on the cross for you and I; we owe Him no less than our best.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ~ John 10:10b
“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” ~ 1 John 5:13
Picture if you will a couple that decides to get married. On the surface they appear to love one another so they take the next logical step of making a commitment before friends and family and they “tie the knot.” They enjoy the reception and the words of good luck from well-wishers, but immediately after the ceremony the groom turns to the bride and says; thanks for a great day. Take care and I will check in with you from time to time. Maybe we will get together on the holidays. If I need you I will give you a call. Have a great life.
Sounds pretty ridiculous, right? What bride in her right mind would want to continue on in a relationship like that? Her spouse is disinterested in a committed and mutually beneficial co-habitation. He is totally detached or does not see the need of showing her any devotion, honor, love or respect. He will call on her when the mood strikes, and expect all of his needs to be met and all of his demands answered on his time table. If she asks for any help or on-going attention he bristles that she dares to place any demands on him for time, money or consideration. She is simply there to his advantage, and is to him a commodity to be used. In such a relationship there might come a day when he shows up and she tells him to shove off because their “partnership” is meaningless since they never truly got to know one another or stayed together.
Is this how we view our relationship with God? Do we treat God as a commodity or as our Creator? Often we see Him as a cosmic genie in the bottle; we say prayers like they are three wishes to be granted. We expect God to answer our prayers to our specifications and He better not expect anything from us in return other than a cursory acknowledgement. We get into dire straits and we cry out to Him, but when things are going our way we ignore Him completely.
Maybe we treat or view salvation like a commodity. It is our “fire insurance” and we only dust it off after disaster strikes. We can live life as we please and play with fire never concerned for how this puts us in jeopardy or the likely end result. Then when the flames of problems and the trials of life singe us we want to rely on that old policy that we have let lapse or have misplaced.
When God comes into an individual’s life, through placing our faith and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ, He does not come in as a co-equal partner. He is the Creator, Sustainer and Sovereign Lord and we need to acknowledge Him as King. It is not simply “add God” and then go on with the mindset of “its just business as usual”. The Gospel changes everything. Like the American Express tag line, “Membership has its privileges”, so does being a child of God. But with privilege comes responsibility and some requirements. Requirements that are not burdensome or tedious if we truly grasp how fortunate we are to receive the gift of salvation that we never could earn or deserve.
A relationship with God is not “an understanding” with the “Big Guy Upstairs”. He inspired men to write the Bible so we could have a better understanding of who He is, what are His attributes and what He expects and desires from us. Our relationship with Him is pictured in the New Testament as a marriage. The believer who professes their love for Jesus Christ is the bridegroom that is totally devoted to that relationship. Though at times we are an imperfect mate that is prone to forgetfulness, fickleness and on occasion outright disdain, our groom never waivers in His love or commitment to us. Someone who has placed their faith and trust in Jesus is the bride of Christ and we are complete in Him. He is the source of our total satisfaction, joy and identity. This is not meant to be a lackadaisical or shallow relationship that we jump in and out of when it is convenient or when we are in need.
In John 15:1-25 the key word that is used to describe our relationship with God is the word “abide”. This has with it the idea that a relationship with God is lasting, enduring, ever present and it always remains. God always keeps up His end of the bargain and is constantly abiding, never changing and never failing. We are more like the groom I described earlier and want all of the benefits and none of the responsibilities. We have responsibilities as believers in Christ and in this same passage we are expected to bear fruit. Bearing fruit can be, but is not limited to, desiring to consistently attend church, reading our Bibles and actually living out what it says. It is also seen in godly attitudes (Gal 5:22-23), righteous behavior (Phil 1:11), praise (Heb 13:15) and especially by sharing your faith in Jesus Christ as Messiah and Son of God (Rom 1:13-16).
Don’t delude yourself into thinking the total definition of your Creator is “God is love” and that He simply winks at our sin. God is love but He is also Holy and He cannot tolerate sin. He poured out His wrath on His Son on the cross because of our sin. He will “by no means clear the guilty” (Exodus 34:7). Just like the relationship of a couple should be forever changed when they get married, so too does the dynamic change between man and God after true repentance unto salvation.
If we view God as having no authority or that He has no right to place any expectations on our life then maybe we truly do not have a relationship of saving faith. There is a very sobering passage in Matthew 7:21-23 where Jesus tells His audience that at the final judgment that many people will cry out to Him and say that they did all of these good things in His name. Just like the relationship I described at the onset that is all just a sham, Jesus tells these people in verse 23 to go away, I never knew you and you never truly knew me.
Are we constantly abiding in Christ and are we bearing fruit? Is our relationship with God deep and meaningful or is it just a commodity called on when the mood strikes? If not then maybe we need to reevaluate whether or not we are the devoted spouse or the uncommitted groom. God did not send His Son to die a painful and humiliating death for anything less than our all. There was no lack of commitment on His part when He died on the cross for you and I; we owe Him no less than our best.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” ~ John 10:10b
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