Recently a co-worker asked me about reconciling Genesis and the conventional scientific view of the origin of the universe. I have to admit this can be a challenging subject for one who takes the Bible seriously. Should I accept the evidence and theories presented by secular scientists and moderate my views of Genesis? Does the language of Genesis chapter one allow for an allegorical or symbolic interpretation? Or should I accept Genesis as a literal description of events and reject the findings of the scientific community? Or, perhaps, should I embrace the "alternative science" of the creation science community?
Evidence-based Faith
I believe than any faith worth having is one based on reason and evidence. I believe in the Bible because I believe there is abundant evidence that it is the revealed word of God. I believe in many (most) scientific theories because I believe they accurately and predictably describe the world we live in. If we are going to be honest with ourselves and with the facts, we can't ignore any evidence. We have to consider everything and continue to strive to understand the truth. If we allow ourselves to be biased or blind to one thing, how can we be sure what we believe is true?
The Problem
The biggest problem I see in the Bible versus conventional science is the age of the universe. Many people focus on the theory of evolution. I think evolution is a straw man and easily defeated. There are so many problems with that theory it is fairly straightforward to destroy it. To me the more difficult question relates to the age of the universe. If the Bible is to be taken literally, the universe is 5-10 thousand years old. How can the universe possibly be less than 10,000 years old? According to astronomers (and I have no reason to doubt their figures) we are receiving light from galaxies so far away it would have taken over 10 billion years for the light to travel that far. By observing the current state of the universe and projecting backward using the laws of physics that we know, astronomers and physicists estimate that the universe is at least 13 billion years old. Given the evidence they present, it certainly does look very old
How then should a person of faith proceed? One possible course of action is to interpret Genesis 1 differently. If the language of the Bible allowed it, this would be reasonable. However, I don't believe that interpreting Genesis 1 in that way is being honest with the text. Would I have been inclined to see this chapter as allegorical or symbolic had I not been motivated by external influences?
What do we do in other matters when we are presented with conflicting testimony or evidence? During a trial many times witness testimony does not agree. What should the jury do? They have to go with the most reliable and most credible accounts. When circumstantial evidence is in conflict with credible eye-witness testimony, the witness that was on the scene should prevail. He was there. He actually saw what happened. He didn't have to piece a story together later.
I assert that God's testimony represents the only reliable eye-witness account of creation. He was there. He is the creator. He knows what happened and how. Man is very ingenious in learning and working out the laws of the universe, but no man was present at the creation. Like a clever lawyer, he is merely presenting a plausible and sometimes very convincing story. He doesn't really know, but he can be persuasive.
So I am reluctant to trust in a man's story of how the universe came to be. In the same way I am very reluctant to accept everything the creation science community has to say. They stand on the same ground that the conventional scientists stand on. They are men trying to piece together a convincing story. I cannot accept everything they have to say just because I agree with their conclusions. They are still only men.
One Possible Solution
How can I reconcile the apparent age of the universe with the Biblical age? Here is one possible solution.
Have you ever wondered how old Adam appeared to be on the day he was created? I know he wasn't created an infant. He was old enough to walk and talk. He was old enough to marry. I always assumed he was "in his 20s". Whatever apparent age he was, he was fully grown when he was moments old. How about the garden of Eden? Was the garden a bare patch of land with all the seeds of the trees and plants lying just under the soil, or was it a fully-grown garden? I'm convinced that the garden was fully grown. There were trees and bushes at all stages of life from little saplings to towering (apparently) aged cedars. I believe there were dead things decaying in the soil. Biology involves many cycles to sustain a healthy ecosystem. I believe these cycles were created fully formed with plants and animals at every stage of life. The description of Adam and Eve and their interaction with the garden seems to bear this out. On the seventh day the garden would have appeared much older than one week.
If that is true of biological cycles, could it not also be true of the heavens? There are cycles in the universe as well -- much longer cycles. Could God have also created a mature universe, with cycles fully formed? Did He need to wait billions of years to get the light to the Earth for man to marvel at His magnificent creation? The garden appeared older than it was. Adam appeared older than he was. Perhaps, for the same reason, the universe appears far older than it actually is.
The Answer of Faith
In the end my answer is that I trust the Bible and I interpret it in a way I feel is consistent with the text. I don't have all the answers and I can't pretend that I do. But I'm ok with that. I know that man's understanding is limited. I know that man's reasoning can easily lead him down blind alleys. All I can do is believe what I'm convinced is the most reliable testimony.
- PG
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Monday, August 15, 2011
Life is a Vapor
I miss my Dad. My father died about two years ago. He was 78 years old and, up until the week of his death, he was in apparently good health. He was preparing for a trip back to Kansas. He was looking forward to a week or so of hanging out with my uncles on his beloved "hill" -- an acre of land left from the old family farm where he grew up. He started feeling poorly early in the week. He went to the doctor on Wednesday. I received a voice-mail message at noon on Friday. I caught a flight to El Paso and got to my parents' house at 6pm about an hour before my Dad died.
I stayed in Las Cruces for a week doing what I could to help my Mom. Little things stick in my mind about that time -- a half-finished book that we had given Dad for his birthday, e-mail correspondence with the American Mathematical Society about publishing one of his textbooks, tax documents nearly ready to go to the accountant.
That time reminded me of a number of important lessons about life.
Life is a vapor
Life is short and uncertain. James says it is like a vapor that appears for a short time, then vanishes away (James 4:14). Life can end at any time. We spend a great deal of energy thinking about and planning for the future. James warns us to keep in mind that the future you are planning for on this earth may not come. Instead you aught to say, "If the Lord wills", I will do this or that. Life is short. There is no guarantee of tomorrow.
Unfinished things
The things that most struck me the week after my Dad died were the unfinished things. My Dad was in his 70's, but he still had plans. He was going to go on a trip the following week that he never got to take. He was reading a book he didn't get to finish. He was working to get a book edition published that he didn't see through to completion. He had a to-do list.
This article isn't really about my Dad, its about us.
The things I mentioned above are fairly trivial in the eternal scheme of things. But the truth is that anyone who dies unexpectedly is going to have a similar list of unfinished things. What would your list look like? If you died tonight, what things would you leave unfinished? If you had a few days left, what would you try to accomplish?
Perhaps you would tell your family one last time how much you loved them.
Maybe you'd to apologize to a friend for a quarrel that hadn't been resolved.
Perhaps you would finally find the time to speak to a friend about the gospel.
Or, perhaps you'd recognize your own need to be reconciled to God, confessing your faith in Christ Jesus, submitting your life to him in baptism.
Perhaps you'd honestly examine yourself and find sin. You'd pray fervently to God for forgiveness and repent of your rebellion from a sincere heart.
If you'd do these things in the face of eminent death, why don't you do them today? Today may be your last day. What will you leave unfinished?
- PG
I stayed in Las Cruces for a week doing what I could to help my Mom. Little things stick in my mind about that time -- a half-finished book that we had given Dad for his birthday, e-mail correspondence with the American Mathematical Society about publishing one of his textbooks, tax documents nearly ready to go to the accountant.
That time reminded me of a number of important lessons about life.
Life is a vapor
Life is short and uncertain. James says it is like a vapor that appears for a short time, then vanishes away (James 4:14). Life can end at any time. We spend a great deal of energy thinking about and planning for the future. James warns us to keep in mind that the future you are planning for on this earth may not come. Instead you aught to say, "If the Lord wills", I will do this or that. Life is short. There is no guarantee of tomorrow.
Unfinished things
The things that most struck me the week after my Dad died were the unfinished things. My Dad was in his 70's, but he still had plans. He was going to go on a trip the following week that he never got to take. He was reading a book he didn't get to finish. He was working to get a book edition published that he didn't see through to completion. He had a to-do list.
This article isn't really about my Dad, its about us.
The things I mentioned above are fairly trivial in the eternal scheme of things. But the truth is that anyone who dies unexpectedly is going to have a similar list of unfinished things. What would your list look like? If you died tonight, what things would you leave unfinished? If you had a few days left, what would you try to accomplish?
Perhaps you would tell your family one last time how much you loved them.
Maybe you'd to apologize to a friend for a quarrel that hadn't been resolved.
Perhaps you would finally find the time to speak to a friend about the gospel.
Or, perhaps you'd recognize your own need to be reconciled to God, confessing your faith in Christ Jesus, submitting your life to him in baptism.
Perhaps you'd honestly examine yourself and find sin. You'd pray fervently to God for forgiveness and repent of your rebellion from a sincere heart.
If you'd do these things in the face of eminent death, why don't you do them today? Today may be your last day. What will you leave unfinished?
- PG
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Before Almighty God
I'm working on an adult Bible class on attitudes. One of our lessons has to do with God. A question I pose in the lesson is "How should my knowledge of God affect my attitude toward myself?" In a time of quiet reflection, I composed my answer below:
Who am I, Lord? Who am I that you should notice me? Who am I that you should bestow upon me grace and favor? Who am I that you should listen to my voice or care if I serve you?I am nothing, less than nothing. I am an unprofitable servant, incapable of doing more than my duty to an eternal and holy Creator.
I am proud and arrogant. In my foolish imagination, I believe myself wise. I think I have discovered much, but I know precious little. I have considered myself at the center of the universe. I am arrogant, insolent, and foolish.
I am a sinner. In ten thousand ways I have defied my God. By every willful act, selfish intent, or unholy thought I have rebelled against Him. I have lied, stolen, cursed, and hated. I have murdered and committed innumerable other sins in thought, if not in deed. I have doubted and ignored the sovereign Master of the universe.
Standing before the Almighty Creator, the Just and Righteous Judge, the Sovereign Master of the Universe, I have nothing to say in my defense. There is no defense. “Woe is me, for I am undone. I am a man of unclean lips in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” I stand in shame and in fear, without strength, without defiance, with only a broken spirit, owning my guilt.
But, in Christ I am blessed. In Christ I have received the gift of repentance. Repentance without forgiveness is empty and without hope. In Jesus Christ I have received grace, pardon and mercy. I am confident, wise, strong, and hopeful – not of myself, but of Jesus Christ who gives me wisdom, strength, confidence and hope.
All that I have, I have received from my God. I have been bountifully blest, far more than I need and certainly more than I deserve. I have achieved nothing on my own. He deserves my very best, although He needs nothing from me. Any service I render, any souls I save, any good deeds I do are not for my glory, but for His. He works through me, a weak and often unreliable servant.
I am broken, humble, and submissive. I have given myself to my Lord because He cares for me and loves me. There is no room for boasting or pride. There is simply humble gratitude and submission.
-PG
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Rejoice!
(A bit long, but I felt it was important. -PG)
In Philippians 4 Paul tells his audience, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice!" Christians are to be a joyful people. Given the blessings and hope we have in Christ, we have every reason to be overflowing with joy. But sometimes it isn't that simple. Joy can prove elusive. What is the secret to living life joyfully every day? I think Paul gives the answer in this chapter.
Joy killers
Sometimes I find it instructive to consider the opposite of ideas an author is presenting. In this chapter Paul gives positive exhortations that will naturally lead his readers to more joyful living. When you consider the results of not doing what Paul advises you'll see how these behaviors can kill joy in our lives.
Joy killer #1 -- A Contentious Spirit
In verse 5 Paul exhorts, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." The term gentle here includes the idea of "sweetness of disposition" and "unwillingness to litigate or contend". The opposite of gentleness, then is a contentious spirit. The contentious spirit is always looking for a fight. It is quick to take offense, quick to defend its rights, quick to criticize and condemn others, slow to forgive and slow to forget. A contentious spirit will lead to a smoldering, discontented anger which will surely rob its owner (and many others) of joy.
Joy killer #2 -- Anxiety and worry
In verse 6 Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing". How can we do that? In the rest of the verse he explains, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." There are so many things in life we cannot control. Anxiety and worry can easily rob us of your joy. The child of God can take great comfort in the fact that God is in control. We can trust that He cares. He will provide. He sees and understands. If I have a home in heaven, what is there to worry about? In God we can have peace and serenity that transcends our physical circumstances (vs. 7).
Too often our worry is a result of our desire to control things we cannot. I cannot control all the circumstances of life. I cannot control the free-will of others. I cannot determine what tomorrow may bring. I need to cast my cares upon Him and let go of my worry. (I love the superlatives in verse 6 -- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication...let your requests be made known to God.".)
Joy killer #3 -- Ingratitude
In verse 6 Paul adds a very short parenthetical phrase, "with thanksgiving". This phrase is not an afterthought, but a key to enduring joy. One of the primary keys to joy is contentment and a primary key to contentment is gratitude. Happy people are grateful people. Contented people are grateful people. When we go to God in prayer, we must not merely provide a list of requests, but a list of "thank you's".
Ronald Reagan used to say that he preferred to "view the glass as half-full rather than half-empty". I used to think this was a contrast between optimists and pessimists, and perhaps it is. But I really think it has more to do with gratitude. The person who views his glass as "half-full" is grateful for the blessings he has, rather than focusing on what he does not have. Toward the end of this chapter Paul says he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself (vs. 10-13). Contentment is not primarily a function of what you have. Rich people can be contented or discontented. Poor people can be contented or discontented. And it isn't just money. A man can be discontented about his talents, his opportunities, his job, his spouse, his church, his brethren, etc. The discontented man is always saying, "If only..." The discontented man is always looking at what others have that he does not. Someone will always have a nicer car, a nicer house, or a better job. For such a man, joy is ever elusive, always just another unfulfilled desire away.
The solution is contentment in and gratitude for what you do have. Do you appreciate the gifts God has given you? If you don't you'll never be happy.
Joy killer #4 -- Negative thinking
In verse 8 and 9 Paul encourages the Philippians to be positive in their thoughts. Focusing on the negative brings about negative attitudes and, ultimately, negative behaviors. We live in a sinful world. Many are spiritually lost and dying. Many have set themselves against the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not careful we can fall into the trap of negative thinking like Elijah did (1 Kings 19). We can begin to think "woe is me", "no one cares about God", "no one loves the truth", or "no one will listen to the gospel". Or worse, we can begin to think like the world thinks. We can begin to take on the worldly attitudes of cynicism, greed, envy, jealousy, lust, pride, and strife. We can start to laugh at the world's jokes and start to think sin isn't so bad. These things don't bring peace, contentment or joy.
Focus on the good. Instead of noticing what is wrong, actively look for what is right! When I lived in Atlanta, I was impressed by a habit that Sewell and Caneta Hall had. Whenever they saw something good someone had done they would say, "I appreciate that." They would go out of their way to point it out to others. It was incredibly encouraging. Everybody has flaws, but we can choose to look for their good qualities. We need to make it a habit.
It is probably also a good idea to take a break from the news. One day I was reading vs. 8 and I wondered what the opposite would sound like. It goes something like this,
One last comment since I'm on this subject: Preaching the gospel involves convicting the world of sin. We need to teach about the evils of sinful behavior and warn the ungodly of the righteous judgment of God. We can't neglect that part of our preaching and teaching in the name of "being positive". But we need to remember that the gospel of Christ is good news. It is not a gospel of condemnation, but a gospel of grace and peace. Our purpose is to save souls. Protesting the evils of homosexuality at the funerals of fallen soldiers is not going to win a single soul. Insensitively attributing natural disasters to the wrath of God upon a sinful America is not going to save a single soul. Engaging in bitter political protests with inflammatory signs is not consistent with the spirit of Christ. Burning the Koran and other such behaviors is not going to help to reach the lost. God is not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Action plan
Do you want joy? Develop a gentle spirit. Be anxious for nothing. Develop an appreciation and a sincere gratitude for the gifts God has blessed you with. Be content with what you have. Have a positive attitude, looking for the good around you.
Do you want eternal joy? Place your trust in God. Seek Him with your whole heart, search the scriptures, and submit completely to His will. Although we can have joy here on earth, that joy will always be tinged with pain and disappointment. When we reach heaven we will have pure joy without limit and without end.
-PG
In Philippians 4 Paul tells his audience, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice!" Christians are to be a joyful people. Given the blessings and hope we have in Christ, we have every reason to be overflowing with joy. But sometimes it isn't that simple. Joy can prove elusive. What is the secret to living life joyfully every day? I think Paul gives the answer in this chapter.
Joy killers
Sometimes I find it instructive to consider the opposite of ideas an author is presenting. In this chapter Paul gives positive exhortations that will naturally lead his readers to more joyful living. When you consider the results of not doing what Paul advises you'll see how these behaviors can kill joy in our lives.
Joy killer #1 -- A Contentious Spirit
In verse 5 Paul exhorts, "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." The term gentle here includes the idea of "sweetness of disposition" and "unwillingness to litigate or contend". The opposite of gentleness, then is a contentious spirit. The contentious spirit is always looking for a fight. It is quick to take offense, quick to defend its rights, quick to criticize and condemn others, slow to forgive and slow to forget. A contentious spirit will lead to a smoldering, discontented anger which will surely rob its owner (and many others) of joy.
Joy killer #2 -- Anxiety and worry
In verse 6 Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing". How can we do that? In the rest of the verse he explains, "but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." There are so many things in life we cannot control. Anxiety and worry can easily rob us of your joy. The child of God can take great comfort in the fact that God is in control. We can trust that He cares. He will provide. He sees and understands. If I have a home in heaven, what is there to worry about? In God we can have peace and serenity that transcends our physical circumstances (vs. 7).
Too often our worry is a result of our desire to control things we cannot. I cannot control all the circumstances of life. I cannot control the free-will of others. I cannot determine what tomorrow may bring. I need to cast my cares upon Him and let go of my worry. (I love the superlatives in verse 6 -- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication...let your requests be made known to God.".)
Joy killer #3 -- Ingratitude
In verse 6 Paul adds a very short parenthetical phrase, "with thanksgiving". This phrase is not an afterthought, but a key to enduring joy. One of the primary keys to joy is contentment and a primary key to contentment is gratitude. Happy people are grateful people. Contented people are grateful people. When we go to God in prayer, we must not merely provide a list of requests, but a list of "thank you's".
Ronald Reagan used to say that he preferred to "view the glass as half-full rather than half-empty". I used to think this was a contrast between optimists and pessimists, and perhaps it is. But I really think it has more to do with gratitude. The person who views his glass as "half-full" is grateful for the blessings he has, rather than focusing on what he does not have. Toward the end of this chapter Paul says he had learned to be content in whatever state he found himself (vs. 10-13). Contentment is not primarily a function of what you have. Rich people can be contented or discontented. Poor people can be contented or discontented. And it isn't just money. A man can be discontented about his talents, his opportunities, his job, his spouse, his church, his brethren, etc. The discontented man is always saying, "If only..." The discontented man is always looking at what others have that he does not. Someone will always have a nicer car, a nicer house, or a better job. For such a man, joy is ever elusive, always just another unfulfilled desire away.
The solution is contentment in and gratitude for what you do have. Do you appreciate the gifts God has given you? If you don't you'll never be happy.
Joy killer #4 -- Negative thinking
In verse 8 and 9 Paul encourages the Philippians to be positive in their thoughts. Focusing on the negative brings about negative attitudes and, ultimately, negative behaviors. We live in a sinful world. Many are spiritually lost and dying. Many have set themselves against the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not careful we can fall into the trap of negative thinking like Elijah did (1 Kings 19). We can begin to think "woe is me", "no one cares about God", "no one loves the truth", or "no one will listen to the gospel". Or worse, we can begin to think like the world thinks. We can begin to take on the worldly attitudes of cynicism, greed, envy, jealousy, lust, pride, and strife. We can start to laugh at the world's jokes and start to think sin isn't so bad. These things don't bring peace, contentment or joy.
Focus on the good. Instead of noticing what is wrong, actively look for what is right! When I lived in Atlanta, I was impressed by a habit that Sewell and Caneta Hall had. Whenever they saw something good someone had done they would say, "I appreciate that." They would go out of their way to point it out to others. It was incredibly encouraging. Everybody has flaws, but we can choose to look for their good qualities. We need to make it a habit.
It is probably also a good idea to take a break from the news. One day I was reading vs. 8 and I wondered what the opposite would sound like. It goes something like this,
Finally, brethren, whatever things are false, whatever things are dishonorable, whatever things are wrong, whatever things are perverse, whatever things are ugly, whatever things are of ill repute, if there is any vice, and if there is anything reprehensible -- think on these things.It occurred to me that this is a disturbingly accurate description of most of the content of news broadcasts. For some reason people tend to focus on what is wrong instead of looking for what is right. Paul says we must think on the good. Meditate on it. "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7).
One last comment since I'm on this subject: Preaching the gospel involves convicting the world of sin. We need to teach about the evils of sinful behavior and warn the ungodly of the righteous judgment of God. We can't neglect that part of our preaching and teaching in the name of "being positive". But we need to remember that the gospel of Christ is good news. It is not a gospel of condemnation, but a gospel of grace and peace. Our purpose is to save souls. Protesting the evils of homosexuality at the funerals of fallen soldiers is not going to win a single soul. Insensitively attributing natural disasters to the wrath of God upon a sinful America is not going to save a single soul. Engaging in bitter political protests with inflammatory signs is not consistent with the spirit of Christ. Burning the Koran and other such behaviors is not going to help to reach the lost. God is not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
Action plan
Do you want joy? Develop a gentle spirit. Be anxious for nothing. Develop an appreciation and a sincere gratitude for the gifts God has blessed you with. Be content with what you have. Have a positive attitude, looking for the good around you.
Do you want eternal joy? Place your trust in God. Seek Him with your whole heart, search the scriptures, and submit completely to His will. Although we can have joy here on earth, that joy will always be tinged with pain and disappointment. When we reach heaven we will have pure joy without limit and without end.
-PG
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Of No Effect
In 1 Corinthians 1:17 the apostle Paul says, "For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel; not in wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. " That last phrase captures my attention -- "lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect". What did Paul mean by that statement?
Throughout the book it is evident that the Corinthians were enamored of human wisdom. In chapter 1 they are quoted as saying, "I am of Paul, and I am of Apollos, and I am of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12), as though the different apostles and preachers of the gospel were different camps of philosophical thought. In vs 20, Paul chides them, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" He continues his theme in chapter 2. In 2:1 he says, "And I, brothers, when I came to you, did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. " In 2:4 he says, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. "
I think that statement in 2:4-5 clarifies Paul's comment in 1:17. If Paul had come to the Corinthians with "words of [human] wisdom" their faith might "stand in the wisdom of men" rather than in the "power of God". Paul had "determined not to know anything among [them] except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (2:2). Why? Lest their faith should stand on anything other than the bedrock of the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the draw?
Considering Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, we ought to ask ourselves, when converting others, what are we using to draw converts? What are we teaching them to build their faith on? What is my faith built on?
Are we drawing people, as so many churches do, with free coffee and donuts or lunch following services? Do we advertise active sports leagues and gymnasium facilities? Are we offering day-care, aerobics, or even Salsa dance classes? Is this the way Paul drew souls to Christ? I, for one, see no authority for such practices in scripture.
Or, are we hoping people will be attracted to a lively, up-beat worship service? Are we hoping people will be impressed by the skill, dynamic delivery and erudition of our preacher? Are we drawing people with our modern facilities, variety of Bible classes, or friendly atmosphere? Do we attract them with a vibrant youth, singles, or young couples ministry? I do think there is authority for these things. I certainly appreciate joyful, up-beat worship, a skillful preacher, modern facilities, friendly brethren, and active work among the young. But is that the primary focus? Is that the basis upon which to draw people to the church?
What about us? How do we choose where we will work and worship? Are we drawn to a compelling, entertaining preacher with a dynamic personality? Are we drawn to a fun-filled social circle? Is it all about what services the church can offer to us? Do we seek out a church that offers much, and requires little?
The Corinthian church had a problem with human wisdom -- they prized it more highly than was appropriate. Our society can suffer from that failing as well, but we usually have a different problem. We often suffer from the "cult of consumerism". We ask what can the church do for me? Is the preacher entertaining to me? Does he make me feel good about myself? Does the church entertain my teenagers? Is it cool? Or, am I going to be put on a guilt-trip? We look around and seem to have so many choices. Why not pick the church we like best? "Are ye not carnal and thinking as mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Paul determined not to know anything among them but "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified", lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. The draw must be the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, preaching the gospel will make people uncomfortable. Many will be driven away by the scriptural demands of discipleship. Condemnation of sin and the worldly standards of our society will be considered old-fashioned and uncool by many. But, I submit to you there is only one thing matters in selecting a church -- do they preach and practice from the heart the true gospel of Jesus Christ? All too often that question is lost in the superficial appeals of modern, consumer-driven churches.
-PG
Throughout the book it is evident that the Corinthians were enamored of human wisdom. In chapter 1 they are quoted as saying, "I am of Paul, and I am of Apollos, and I am of Cephas" (1 Corinthians 1:12), as though the different apostles and preachers of the gospel were different camps of philosophical thought. In vs 20, Paul chides them, "Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?" He continues his theme in chapter 2. In 2:1 he says, "And I, brothers, when I came to you, did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring to you the testimony of God. " In 2:4 he says, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. "
I think that statement in 2:4-5 clarifies Paul's comment in 1:17. If Paul had come to the Corinthians with "words of [human] wisdom" their faith might "stand in the wisdom of men" rather than in the "power of God". Paul had "determined not to know anything among [them] except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (2:2). Why? Lest their faith should stand on anything other than the bedrock of the person of Jesus Christ.
What is the draw?
Considering Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians, we ought to ask ourselves, when converting others, what are we using to draw converts? What are we teaching them to build their faith on? What is my faith built on?
Are we drawing people, as so many churches do, with free coffee and donuts or lunch following services? Do we advertise active sports leagues and gymnasium facilities? Are we offering day-care, aerobics, or even Salsa dance classes? Is this the way Paul drew souls to Christ? I, for one, see no authority for such practices in scripture.
Or, are we hoping people will be attracted to a lively, up-beat worship service? Are we hoping people will be impressed by the skill, dynamic delivery and erudition of our preacher? Are we drawing people with our modern facilities, variety of Bible classes, or friendly atmosphere? Do we attract them with a vibrant youth, singles, or young couples ministry? I do think there is authority for these things. I certainly appreciate joyful, up-beat worship, a skillful preacher, modern facilities, friendly brethren, and active work among the young. But is that the primary focus? Is that the basis upon which to draw people to the church?
What about us? How do we choose where we will work and worship? Are we drawn to a compelling, entertaining preacher with a dynamic personality? Are we drawn to a fun-filled social circle? Is it all about what services the church can offer to us? Do we seek out a church that offers much, and requires little?
The Corinthian church had a problem with human wisdom -- they prized it more highly than was appropriate. Our society can suffer from that failing as well, but we usually have a different problem. We often suffer from the "cult of consumerism". We ask what can the church do for me? Is the preacher entertaining to me? Does he make me feel good about myself? Does the church entertain my teenagers? Is it cool? Or, am I going to be put on a guilt-trip? We look around and seem to have so many choices. Why not pick the church we like best? "Are ye not carnal and thinking as mere men?" (1 Corinthians 3:3)
Paul determined not to know anything among them but "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified", lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. The draw must be the gospel of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, preaching the gospel will make people uncomfortable. Many will be driven away by the scriptural demands of discipleship. Condemnation of sin and the worldly standards of our society will be considered old-fashioned and uncool by many. But, I submit to you there is only one thing matters in selecting a church -- do they preach and practice from the heart the true gospel of Jesus Christ? All too often that question is lost in the superficial appeals of modern, consumer-driven churches.
-PG
You Never Know
I have a scripture quoted in my e-mail signature at work: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding", Proverbs 3:5. I put it there some 13 years ago. It has been so long, and I am so accustomed to seeing it that I hardly think about it any more.
Last week I received this instant message from a co-worker:
Sometimes you can influence people in ways you don't even realize. The quote from my e-mail signature is a prime example. I put it there specifically to reminding others of a spiritual perspective in a highly secular professional world. Even though I had nearly forgotten it, others still saw it. You never know who is watching. You never know who might be influenced by your words and actions.
Lest this sound like I'm patting myself on the back, I will touch on the other side of this as well. On another occasion I was reminded of that verse when someone felt my tone in an e-mail was at odds with that profession of faith. I'm ashamed to say that he was probably right. If we proclaim our faith publicly, we had better back it up with how we live. We must beware, lest "The name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you" (Romans 2:24).
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven" Matthew 5:16. You may never see the fruit of that example, but it will have an influence on someone. And be assured that your Father in Heaven will see it.
-PG
Last week I received this instant message from a co-worker:
Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate you including Proverbs 3:5 in all your e-mails. I really needed that today... more than you will ever know.Naturally, that made my day. It also made me think. When I am tempted to ask myself (usually after having done or said something really stupid), "What do people think of me?", I comfort myself with the thought, "probably they don't". That is, most people probably don't spare many thoughts on me since they have their own lives and troubles to deal with. I think that is usually true, but not always.
Sometimes you can influence people in ways you don't even realize. The quote from my e-mail signature is a prime example. I put it there specifically to reminding others of a spiritual perspective in a highly secular professional world. Even though I had nearly forgotten it, others still saw it. You never know who is watching. You never know who might be influenced by your words and actions.
Lest this sound like I'm patting myself on the back, I will touch on the other side of this as well. On another occasion I was reminded of that verse when someone felt my tone in an e-mail was at odds with that profession of faith. I'm ashamed to say that he was probably right. If we proclaim our faith publicly, we had better back it up with how we live. We must beware, lest "The name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you" (Romans 2:24).
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in Heaven" Matthew 5:16. You may never see the fruit of that example, but it will have an influence on someone. And be assured that your Father in Heaven will see it.
-PG
Friday, February 18, 2011
Look Up
Teaching my girls to drive I have to remind them to look up. Too often they get preoccupied with the speedometer, cruise control, mirrors, or other things inside the car. Invariably this causes the car to start drifting out of its lane. I have to remind them to look up. Their attention needs to be primarily on the road ahead. They can glance briefly at other things, but they can't take their eyes off the road ahead for very long.
I think we can learn a valuable spiritual lesson from that. We have many day-to-day concerns and activities that can distract us. There are many joys of life that can capture our attention. We can begin to focus on our lives here-and-now. And I'm not even talking about sinful things, just things that are temporal, physical. Spiritually we can become distracted, take our eyes off of the road ahead and even forget where we are trying to go.
In 2 Peter 1:2-9 the apostle exhorts his readers to give diligence to growing in the faith. He lists virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love as character traits we are to be adding to our faith. In verse 9 he says,
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul says that the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. Spiritually we need to see through the physical to the eternal. We need to keep our eyes on the eternal goal and on the path God has laid out for us to follow. We can afford an occasional glance at the scenery of the journey, but we can't afford to take our eyes off our road for long.
-PG
I think we can learn a valuable spiritual lesson from that. We have many day-to-day concerns and activities that can distract us. There are many joys of life that can capture our attention. We can begin to focus on our lives here-and-now. And I'm not even talking about sinful things, just things that are temporal, physical. Spiritually we can become distracted, take our eyes off of the road ahead and even forget where we are trying to go.
In 2 Peter 1:2-9 the apostle exhorts his readers to give diligence to growing in the faith. He lists virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love as character traits we are to be adding to our faith. In verse 9 he says,
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 2 Peter 2:9Peter said that those who lacked the virtues he had listed were short-sighted, even to the point of blindness. Such a man has lost sight of his goal. Having "received great and precious promises" and having "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" (v 4) he isn't giving diligence to "make [his] calling and election sure" (v 10). He has forgotten he was cleansed of his old sins (v 8). He is ignoring the warning in Hebrews 2:3, "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"
In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Paul says that the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. Spiritually we need to see through the physical to the eternal. We need to keep our eyes on the eternal goal and on the path God has laid out for us to follow. We can afford an occasional glance at the scenery of the journey, but we can't afford to take our eyes off our road for long.
-PG
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