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
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Saturday, May 12, 2012
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
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Course Corrections
Have you ever watched a small boy pretend to drive? Invariably he puts his little hands on his pretend steering wheel and moves the wheel back and forth continually. This has always struck me a strange. Why does he do that?
Surprisingly, he does that because that is exactly what he sees when he watches adults drive. We may think that we hold the wheel steady as we drive, but really we are continually making small adjustments to the wheel. Even on a relatively straight road we make little adjustments to keep the car in the right lane position, adjust to slight curvature in the road, or to correct for slight errors in direction -- I am particularly aware of this right now, teaching two teenage daughters to drive.
If you don't believe it, just try closing your eyes on a "straight" road for 20 seconds. As straight as the road may seem, we can't afford to neglect steering. Even a very slight deviation will cause your car to leave the road before very long.
Obviously, my aim here has little to do with driving instruction.
Where are you? Are you keeping it between the lines? Are you still on course, or have you become side-tracked? What course corrections do you need to make?
-PG
Surprisingly, he does that because that is exactly what he sees when he watches adults drive. We may think that we hold the wheel steady as we drive, but really we are continually making small adjustments to the wheel. Even on a relatively straight road we make little adjustments to keep the car in the right lane position, adjust to slight curvature in the road, or to correct for slight errors in direction -- I am particularly aware of this right now, teaching two teenage daughters to drive.
If you don't believe it, just try closing your eyes on a "straight" road for 20 seconds. As straight as the road may seem, we can't afford to neglect steering. Even a very slight deviation will cause your car to leave the road before very long.
Obviously, my aim here has little to do with driving instruction.
Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:1-3 (emphasis is mine)Just as with driving, we need to give diligence to our spiritual direction. We need to make corrections to stay on course. We can't afford to neglect the direction of our spiritual journey. If we do so we are sure to drift. The rhetorical question, "How shall we escape?", has an obvious answer. We won't. How tragic it would be if, after having received God's grace and the gift of salvation, we lost it through neglect.
Where are you? Are you keeping it between the lines? Are you still on course, or have you become side-tracked? What course corrections do you need to make?
-PG
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Lo, I Thought
In 2 Kings 5 the text describes how Elisha healed Naaman of leprosy. Although he was a leper, Naaman was the commander of the Syrian armies. When Naaman came to Elisha's home, Elisha didn't even come out to see him, but sent a messenger who told him, "Go and wash in the Jordan seven times and you will be healed."
I don't know why God through Elisha chose this method of healing. Perhaps Naaman needed humbling, so instead of actually seeing and speaking with the prophet a servant was sent to him. In any event, Naaman didn't appreciate it. He was furious, clearly taking offense at the lack of respect the prophet displayed toward him.
Besides, this just wasn't the way this was supposed to happen. Naaman said, "Lo, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.'" Naaman was looking for some ceremony, some demonstration of miraculous power on the part of the prophet. He was so put off he nearly went home without following the prophet's instructions.
Naaman's attitude is not unusual. So many turned away from Jesus during his earthly ministry because He didn't fit what they had in mind for a Messiah. When His teachings were hard to understand or difficult to accept, they "walked no more with Him" (John 6:66). We should know better. Isaiah 55:8-9 states the obvious, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways, says the Lord." But we seem intent on fashioning a God after our image. We need to remember, "Know that Jehovah, He is God. He has made us, not we ourselves."
An obvious parallel with Naaman's situation is the New Testament doctrine of baptism. In Acts 2:38 Peter told those assembled to "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." In Acts 22:16 Paul was told, "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins." In Mark 16:16 we are told, "Those who believe and are baptized will be saved." The New Testament clearly teaches that water baptism (immersion) into Christ is the point at which we are cleansed of our sins -- saved.
But many stumble on baptism. They immediately start in with "Lo, I thought..." "I don't see what baptism has to do with the forgiveness of my sins." "Why baptism?" "I feel that I'm already saved, but I haven't been baptized." I could attempt to answer these questions, but the bottom line is this: God chose baptism. Are you going to submit, obey and be saved, or not?
If Naaman had packed up and gone back to Syria the story would have ended tragically. But, with some good advice from his servants, Naaman did eventually wash in the Jordan as he was told. He was healed as promised. What will you do?
-PG
I don't know why God through Elisha chose this method of healing. Perhaps Naaman needed humbling, so instead of actually seeing and speaking with the prophet a servant was sent to him. In any event, Naaman didn't appreciate it. He was furious, clearly taking offense at the lack of respect the prophet displayed toward him.
Besides, this just wasn't the way this was supposed to happen. Naaman said, "Lo, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and heal the leprosy.'" Naaman was looking for some ceremony, some demonstration of miraculous power on the part of the prophet. He was so put off he nearly went home without following the prophet's instructions.
Naaman's attitude is not unusual. So many turned away from Jesus during his earthly ministry because He didn't fit what they had in mind for a Messiah. When His teachings were hard to understand or difficult to accept, they "walked no more with Him" (John 6:66). We should know better. Isaiah 55:8-9 states the obvious, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways, says the Lord." But we seem intent on fashioning a God after our image. We need to remember, "Know that Jehovah, He is God. He has made us, not we ourselves."
An obvious parallel with Naaman's situation is the New Testament doctrine of baptism. In Acts 2:38 Peter told those assembled to "Repent and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." In Acts 22:16 Paul was told, "Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins." In Mark 16:16 we are told, "Those who believe and are baptized will be saved." The New Testament clearly teaches that water baptism (immersion) into Christ is the point at which we are cleansed of our sins -- saved.
But many stumble on baptism. They immediately start in with "Lo, I thought..." "I don't see what baptism has to do with the forgiveness of my sins." "Why baptism?" "I feel that I'm already saved, but I haven't been baptized." I could attempt to answer these questions, but the bottom line is this: God chose baptism. Are you going to submit, obey and be saved, or not?
If Naaman had packed up and gone back to Syria the story would have ended tragically. But, with some good advice from his servants, Naaman did eventually wash in the Jordan as he was told. He was healed as promised. What will you do?
-PG
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Double minds
What do you want to do? On the surface that is a straightforward question and ought to have a straightforward answer. But when we start to dig into it we realize that the answer isn't always simple.
If I ask my wife if she wants a piece of cake, she might answer, "Yes and no". Yes, I'd love to enjoy the sugary, creamy, fattening goodness of that piece of cake. But, no, I don't want one because I'm trying to control my weight. Similarly, someone might ask me, "Do you want to lose 10 pounds?" I'd answer "sure", but my actions indicate that I'm not willing to make the sacrifice necessary to make it happen. I want both, but I can't have them both. I have a double-mind.
We understand the struggle of being double-minded. On the one hand we want some long-term objective. On the other hand we want some short-term, immediate satisfaction. Do I take immediate gratification now, or do I defer that gratification to achieve a longer-term goal?
In many respects the struggle between the flesh and the spirit is similar to this struggle between immediate and long-term physical gratification. The flesh, this body, desires things. Many of these desires have wholesome means of satisfaction, but the body doesn't really care. The flesh just desires satisfaction, regardless of how it comes. If we are ruled by this carnal, this fleshly body, if our mind is a carnal mind, then we will live "according to the flesh" (Romans 8:13) and we will die. "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption" (Galatians 6:8). A carnal mind is selfish, self-willed, and uncontrolled.
One who is led by the spirit seeks different goals. The spiritual mind seeks to please God, to be morally pure, to love and to serve others. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual mind is in submission to God. The spiritual man sees beyond the immediate pleasures of life to the goal of eternal life with God.
The fruits of the Spirit are almost universally acknowledged as good, yet too often we see instead hatred, anger, sadness, strife, impatience, cruelty, and selfishness. Surely we realize that these behaviors won't lead to happiness. "The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Galatians 5:17). We are double-minded. We know what is good, but we give in to what gives our flesh immediate satisfaction.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ..., envy, murders, drunkeness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).
Let us, therefore, live according to the Spirit, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize.
-PG
If I ask my wife if she wants a piece of cake, she might answer, "Yes and no". Yes, I'd love to enjoy the sugary, creamy, fattening goodness of that piece of cake. But, no, I don't want one because I'm trying to control my weight. Similarly, someone might ask me, "Do you want to lose 10 pounds?" I'd answer "sure", but my actions indicate that I'm not willing to make the sacrifice necessary to make it happen. I want both, but I can't have them both. I have a double-mind.
We understand the struggle of being double-minded. On the one hand we want some long-term objective. On the other hand we want some short-term, immediate satisfaction. Do I take immediate gratification now, or do I defer that gratification to achieve a longer-term goal?
In many respects the struggle between the flesh and the spirit is similar to this struggle between immediate and long-term physical gratification. The flesh, this body, desires things. Many of these desires have wholesome means of satisfaction, but the body doesn't really care. The flesh just desires satisfaction, regardless of how it comes. If we are ruled by this carnal, this fleshly body, if our mind is a carnal mind, then we will live "according to the flesh" (Romans 8:13) and we will die. "For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption" (Galatians 6:8). A carnal mind is selfish, self-willed, and uncontrolled.
One who is led by the spirit seeks different goals. The spiritual mind seeks to please God, to be morally pure, to love and to serve others. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). The spiritual mind is in submission to God. The spiritual man sees beyond the immediate pleasures of life to the goal of eternal life with God.
The fruits of the Spirit are almost universally acknowledged as good, yet too often we see instead hatred, anger, sadness, strife, impatience, cruelty, and selfishness. Surely we realize that these behaviors won't lead to happiness. "The flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish" (Galatians 5:17). We are double-minded. We know what is good, but we give in to what gives our flesh immediate satisfaction.
"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, ..., envy, murders, drunkeness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God" (Galatians 5:19-21).
Let us, therefore, live according to the Spirit, keeping our eyes on the eternal prize.
-PG
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Lost and Found
In Matthew 16 Jesus tells his disciples,
Have you already died for your faith?
I'm convinced that Jesus is not presenting us with a hypothetical, maybe-someday situation. Dying for your faith in Christ is not optional, it is mandatory.
"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." The loss of life here is not a physical death, but a figurative (though very real) death to self and sin. Our conversion, expressed beautifully in baptism, is a spiritual death and rebirth. In Romans 6 we read
I am not my own. I have been bought at a price. I've been redeemed, purchased by the blood of Christ. I belong to Him. Am I reflecting that in the way I live each day?
-PG
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?This passage presents a great challenge. Naturally, passages such as this one call to mind the many martyrs throughout the centuries who have died for their faith. Do you desire eternal life enough to give up your life now in order to obtain it? Are you ready and willing to die for your faith?
Matthew 16:24-26
Have you already died for your faith?
I'm convinced that Jesus is not presenting us with a hypothetical, maybe-someday situation. Dying for your faith in Christ is not optional, it is mandatory.
"Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." The loss of life here is not a physical death, but a figurative (though very real) death to self and sin. Our conversion, expressed beautifully in baptism, is a spiritual death and rebirth. In Romans 6 we read
How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?Paul expresses this change of life in Galatians 2:20
Romans 6:2-3
I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.Also in 2 Corinthians 5, Paul writes
For the love of Christ constrains us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.When a martyr faces the sword of persecution, he is not giving up his life for his faith. He is refusing to hold on to what he has already surrendered to Christ. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's."
I am not my own. I have been bought at a price. I've been redeemed, purchased by the blood of Christ. I belong to Him. Am I reflecting that in the way I live each day?
-PG
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Hard to be Humble
As a teenager I heard a song by country music singer Mac Davis, "It's Hard to be Humble". The lyrics featured the phrase "it's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way". The song was a humorous view of a man with a very high opinion of himself, but it also provides some insight into a common view of humility.
Often when I think of humility I focus on my view of myself. I am humbled when I consider my short-comings. I am humbled when I realize all the mistakes I've made. I am humbled by the foolish things I have said. I am humbled when I compare myself with others who are smarter, kinder, more accomplished or more talented than I am. I am humbled when I consider the many blessings I have received that I realize I don't deserve. I am humbled when I consider my sins and my weaknesses. I realize I am far from perfect, so I have every reason to be humble.
But, have you ever considered that someone can be humble even if they are perfect in every way?
For Jesus humility was not about His view of Himself, but about His view of others. Jesus was humble because we needed Him to be. Jesus emptied himself and took on the form of a servant not because that was His natural position, but because that was the position we needed Him to take. Humility in this case has less to do with what He thought of Himself than with how much and how often He thought of others.
Jesus was Almighty God incarnate. He was worthy of all glory, honor and praise. He never denied that was His rightful position. He accepted worship. He acknowledged that He was the Master. Yet, He came as one who serves. He was obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. He served God in doing so, but ultimately He served us. The Creator humbled Himself to serve the creature.
If ever you are in the extremely unlikely position where you undoubtedly are the smartest, the most talented, the most experienced, the most gifted, or just the best looking person in the room, consider. For the true servant of God humility isn't about you. It's about others.
-PG
Often when I think of humility I focus on my view of myself. I am humbled when I consider my short-comings. I am humbled when I realize all the mistakes I've made. I am humbled by the foolish things I have said. I am humbled when I compare myself with others who are smarter, kinder, more accomplished or more talented than I am. I am humbled when I consider the many blessings I have received that I realize I don't deserve. I am humbled when I consider my sins and my weaknesses. I realize I am far from perfect, so I have every reason to be humble.
But, have you ever considered that someone can be humble even if they are perfect in every way?
For let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be held on to, but emptied Himself, and took on the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in the form of a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross -- Philippians 2:5-8Jesus was humble, but he had no short-comings or imperfections to be humble about. Why should He, of all people, be humble?
For Jesus humility was not about His view of Himself, but about His view of others. Jesus was humble because we needed Him to be. Jesus emptied himself and took on the form of a servant not because that was His natural position, but because that was the position we needed Him to take. Humility in this case has less to do with what He thought of Himself than with how much and how often He thought of others.
Jesus was Almighty God incarnate. He was worthy of all glory, honor and praise. He never denied that was His rightful position. He accepted worship. He acknowledged that He was the Master. Yet, He came as one who serves. He was obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. He served God in doing so, but ultimately He served us. The Creator humbled Himself to serve the creature.
If ever you are in the extremely unlikely position where you undoubtedly are the smartest, the most talented, the most experienced, the most gifted, or just the best looking person in the room, consider. For the true servant of God humility isn't about you. It's about others.
-PG
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Camping
In 2 Corinthians 5:1 we read,
You arrive at the camp ground in mid-afternoon. The first order of business is to arrange the camp site before darkness falls. There is plenty of time and you quickly layout and put up your tent. While you are busy erecting your tent you notice that there is another camper in the next camp site also putting up his tent. You wave, then head off to gather some firewood.
On your way back from getting the firewood you notice that your neighbor is spending more time putting up his tent that you did. He seems to have a bunch of stuff to put into his tent. You don't think much about it and decide you have time for a hike before dinner.
Returning to your camp site an hour later you look up and -- but no, it can't be. Is that guy actually laying sod? What on earth would possess him to do that at a camp site? So, with horrified fascination you settle down in your camp chair to watch this guy. For the next several hours and well into the next day your neighbor works ceaselessly. He installs a lawn (with tiny little sprinkler system), bushes, a tree and a six-foot privacy fence. He also works inside the tent itself, making all sorts of "improvements".
Now you know that this particular camp site does not allow camping for more than three consecutive nights. Why on earth would anyone spend so much money and effort on such a temporary dwelling? Doesn't this man know that he can't keep it? In just a few days he will have to leave. All his work and property will be left behind. What is he thinking?
The illustration is, of course, ridiculous. But the parallel is more sobering. Do we realize that we are living in a very temporary dwelling? Do we know that we can't keep all the stuff we spend so much effort to accumulate? Are we aware that in just a few days we will have to leave our tent and move on?
1 Peter 2:11 describes Christians as "strangers and pilgrims". We are to live in this world, but not be of this world. This world is not our home, we are just passing through.
How do you spend your time? Are you preparing for the journey, looking ahead to your eternal destination, or are you still fixing up the camp site?
--PG
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.Paul describes a man's "earthly house" -- his body -- as a tent. That is, our bodies are temporary dwelling places. When I think of tents, I think of camping. Come with me as we take an imaginary camping trip.
You arrive at the camp ground in mid-afternoon. The first order of business is to arrange the camp site before darkness falls. There is plenty of time and you quickly layout and put up your tent. While you are busy erecting your tent you notice that there is another camper in the next camp site also putting up his tent. You wave, then head off to gather some firewood.
On your way back from getting the firewood you notice that your neighbor is spending more time putting up his tent that you did. He seems to have a bunch of stuff to put into his tent. You don't think much about it and decide you have time for a hike before dinner.
Returning to your camp site an hour later you look up and -- but no, it can't be. Is that guy actually laying sod? What on earth would possess him to do that at a camp site? So, with horrified fascination you settle down in your camp chair to watch this guy. For the next several hours and well into the next day your neighbor works ceaselessly. He installs a lawn (with tiny little sprinkler system), bushes, a tree and a six-foot privacy fence. He also works inside the tent itself, making all sorts of "improvements".
Now you know that this particular camp site does not allow camping for more than three consecutive nights. Why on earth would anyone spend so much money and effort on such a temporary dwelling? Doesn't this man know that he can't keep it? In just a few days he will have to leave. All his work and property will be left behind. What is he thinking?
The illustration is, of course, ridiculous. But the parallel is more sobering. Do we realize that we are living in a very temporary dwelling? Do we know that we can't keep all the stuff we spend so much effort to accumulate? Are we aware that in just a few days we will have to leave our tent and move on?
1 Peter 2:11 describes Christians as "strangers and pilgrims". We are to live in this world, but not be of this world. This world is not our home, we are just passing through.
How do you spend your time? Are you preparing for the journey, looking ahead to your eternal destination, or are you still fixing up the camp site?
--PG
Monday, June 21, 2010
Knowledge Puffs Up, But Love Edifies
The scriptures clearly teach that knowledge is vitally important for our spiritual survival. Hosea 4:6 says of rebellious Israel,
However, with knowledge comes a peculiar temptation -- pride. There is a natural temptation for those that have gained some level of knowledge of the scriptures to be critical of those that have not. Those that have their "senses trained to discern both good and evil" can become frustrated with the worldliness of others less attuned to the principles of God's word. Righteous indignation directed toward sinful practices can easily turn to contempt for those still struggling to free themselves from such practices. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states it very concisely,
I think we can easily mistake knowledge for spiritual maturity. We can think we are "spiritually mature" if we have a thorough understanding of scripture and we abstain from a particular set of worldly practices. Spiritual maturity is much more than that. It also includes embracing the principle of love and forbearance. When we fail to understand this we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees who "trusted in themselves and despised others".
In the context of 1 Corinthians 8 Paul was addressing the problem of eating meat that had been part of an idolatrous sacrifice. In principle there was no problem with buying and eating such meat. However, some of the "weaker" brethren didn't understand that. Eating such meat would violate their consciences and seeing other Christians do it was a stumbling block to them. Even worse, some might be emboldened to participate in idol worship after seeing the example of their "stronger" brethren.
Paul's teaching here is clear. The strong often need to yield to the weak. They need to forbear and sacrifice lest they cause others to stumble. We all need to have patience with one another. Not everyone has the same knowledge, the same understanding, the same level of maturity. We have to allow for these differences as we all grow up in Christ.
--PG
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest to Me. Since you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your sons, even I."We must know and understand God's will. Many have been and will be destroyed because of a lack of knowledge.
However, with knowledge comes a peculiar temptation -- pride. There is a natural temptation for those that have gained some level of knowledge of the scriptures to be critical of those that have not. Those that have their "senses trained to discern both good and evil" can become frustrated with the worldliness of others less attuned to the principles of God's word. Righteous indignation directed toward sinful practices can easily turn to contempt for those still struggling to free themselves from such practices. 1 Corinthians 8:1 states it very concisely,
"Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies"Knowledge and understanding has a way of "puffing up" -- of exalting the spirit and creating a prideful attitude. Knowledge must be tempered with love.
I think we can easily mistake knowledge for spiritual maturity. We can think we are "spiritually mature" if we have a thorough understanding of scripture and we abstain from a particular set of worldly practices. Spiritual maturity is much more than that. It also includes embracing the principle of love and forbearance. When we fail to understand this we are in danger of becoming like the Pharisees who "trusted in themselves and despised others".
In the context of 1 Corinthians 8 Paul was addressing the problem of eating meat that had been part of an idolatrous sacrifice. In principle there was no problem with buying and eating such meat. However, some of the "weaker" brethren didn't understand that. Eating such meat would violate their consciences and seeing other Christians do it was a stumbling block to them. Even worse, some might be emboldened to participate in idol worship after seeing the example of their "stronger" brethren.
Paul's teaching here is clear. The strong often need to yield to the weak. They need to forbear and sacrifice lest they cause others to stumble. We all need to have patience with one another. Not everyone has the same knowledge, the same understanding, the same level of maturity. We have to allow for these differences as we all grow up in Christ.
--PG
Monday, May 10, 2010
Where is Your Treasure?
In just a few words in Matthew 6 Jesus provides clear teaching and profound insight into human nature. He says,
Is Jesus teaching that by our good works, we are making deposits in some "eternal bank account"? Not at all. I think He is teaching a lesson about human nature. Your treasure is where your heart is. Your treasure is where your passion is. We "lay up" treasure in heaven by placing our hopes, our dreams, our efforts, our love, our trust in our relationship with God.
I fear that sometimes the way we live indicates we are trying to have two hoards -- one here and one in heaven. You can't do it. "No man can serve two masters. He will either hate the one and love the other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches" (Matthew 6:24). You can't give your whole heart to two different masters.
Where is your treasure? The best way to answer that question is to ask "where is your passion?" What do you love to do? What motivates you? How do you spend your time? What are the most important factors you consider when making decisions about how you will live, where you will live, what you will do with your life?
Is my passion my job? Is it money? I understand that we all spend time doing necessary things. We have to earn a living for ourselves and our families. But often our jobs go way beyond that. Am I laying up treasure on this earth through my career? Do I derive my sense of security from my 401k balance?
Is my passion my family? Is it my social network? Earthly relationships are a great blessing. But without being rooted in a relationship with God they are really just earthly treasures we will leave behind at death.
Is my passion politics? Do I burn with the need to correct social ills? Do I place huge importance on making the country (or the world) a better place? Some have a passion for eliminating racism, or sexism, or environmental destruction, or economic inequity. Others burn with indignation over the erosion of our civil liberties, our national sovereignty, and our constitutional form of government. These are all earthly treasures. The political battles won today may be lost tomorrow. The political leaders we choose may be corrupted and betray our causes.
Is my passion me? Am I just in it for me? I'm convinced this is the most common and biggest problem any of us have -- selfishness. My passion in life is maximizing my pleasure and my satisfaction in life. I want to do what pleases me. In the end selfishness is short-sighted and destructive. With your heart firmly planted in this life, your treasure will be destroyed well before death. Selfishness inevitably destroys one relationship after another and robs the owner of the joy he so earnestly seeks.
Is my passion heaven? Do I earnestly seek to please God and be like Him? Am I longing to hear Him say "well done, good and faithful servant"? Am I repulsed by that which is evil and sinful? Do I earnestly wish to seek and save the lost? Do I realize that I am a just a traveler, passing through this life? Do I recognize that the "stuff" and joys of this life are temporary blessings God has granted to make my journey better. Do I see that the journey is not the destination? Do I have my eyes fixed on the goal? Do I have the determination that nothing will turn me from it? Am I on my way home to see my Savior? Is my treasure laid up in heaven?
--PG
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but rather lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.Jesus is telling us to get our priorities straight and understand what is most important in life. He points out that laying up physical riches does not provide lasting wealth. There is no security in such wealth. Even if you can hold it, you'll only surrender it all at death. It has no enduring value. Treasure laid up in heaven, however, has eternal value. No one can take it from you. Not even death can rob you of that wealth. Those are the true riches.
-- Matthew 6:19-20
Is Jesus teaching that by our good works, we are making deposits in some "eternal bank account"? Not at all. I think He is teaching a lesson about human nature. Your treasure is where your heart is. Your treasure is where your passion is. We "lay up" treasure in heaven by placing our hopes, our dreams, our efforts, our love, our trust in our relationship with God.
I fear that sometimes the way we live indicates we are trying to have two hoards -- one here and one in heaven. You can't do it. "No man can serve two masters. He will either hate the one and love the other or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches" (Matthew 6:24). You can't give your whole heart to two different masters.
Where is your treasure? The best way to answer that question is to ask "where is your passion?" What do you love to do? What motivates you? How do you spend your time? What are the most important factors you consider when making decisions about how you will live, where you will live, what you will do with your life?
Is my passion my job? Is it money? I understand that we all spend time doing necessary things. We have to earn a living for ourselves and our families. But often our jobs go way beyond that. Am I laying up treasure on this earth through my career? Do I derive my sense of security from my 401k balance?
Is my passion my family? Is it my social network? Earthly relationships are a great blessing. But without being rooted in a relationship with God they are really just earthly treasures we will leave behind at death.
Is my passion politics? Do I burn with the need to correct social ills? Do I place huge importance on making the country (or the world) a better place? Some have a passion for eliminating racism, or sexism, or environmental destruction, or economic inequity. Others burn with indignation over the erosion of our civil liberties, our national sovereignty, and our constitutional form of government. These are all earthly treasures. The political battles won today may be lost tomorrow. The political leaders we choose may be corrupted and betray our causes.
Is my passion me? Am I just in it for me? I'm convinced this is the most common and biggest problem any of us have -- selfishness. My passion in life is maximizing my pleasure and my satisfaction in life. I want to do what pleases me. In the end selfishness is short-sighted and destructive. With your heart firmly planted in this life, your treasure will be destroyed well before death. Selfishness inevitably destroys one relationship after another and robs the owner of the joy he so earnestly seeks.
Is my passion heaven? Do I earnestly seek to please God and be like Him? Am I longing to hear Him say "well done, good and faithful servant"? Am I repulsed by that which is evil and sinful? Do I earnestly wish to seek and save the lost? Do I realize that I am a just a traveler, passing through this life? Do I recognize that the "stuff" and joys of this life are temporary blessings God has granted to make my journey better. Do I see that the journey is not the destination? Do I have my eyes fixed on the goal? Do I have the determination that nothing will turn me from it? Am I on my way home to see my Savior? Is my treasure laid up in heaven?
--PG
Monday, February 1, 2010
Baptism (What shall we do? Part 4)
Baptism necessary for salvation? Really? This teaching is not popular in contemporary Christianity. But what do the scriptures say?
Gospels
Objections
There are many objections to the idea that water baptism (immersion) is necessary for salvation.
A prominent objection is "baptism is a work and salvation is not of works". Interestingly, baptism is not a work done by the believer. Baptism is something that is done to the believer. As Martin Luther said, baptism is a work, but it is a work of God. The real "work" in baptism is the spiritual resurrection and sanctification done by the Holy Spirit. The only thing the believer does is submit and allow it to happen.
Another objection is "I just don't see what immersion in water has to do with forgiveness of sins. I have repented. I have expressed my faith in Jesus. Why isn't that enough? I just don't get it. I don't understand why I have to be baptized." My answer to those questions is, "I don't know why, but I know that is what the scriptures say." Perhaps the Lord asks us to submit to baptism precisely because we won't understand it. If you only obey when you understand why, is that faith?
Another classic objection is "what about the thief on the cross?" The Lord said to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise." It is often asserted that since the thief wasn't baptized, then baptism is unnecessary. Exceptional circumstances do not invalidate the rule. What does the thief's circumstance have to do with you? If you ever find yourself on a cross next to Jesus, then this passage may have some relevance. But that is not your circumstance. The scriptures still say "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins."
-PG
Gospels
Mat 28:19 Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit:
Mat 28:20 teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.
Mar 16:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
Mar 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.
Joh 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.Acts
Joh 3:4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter a second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
Joh 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God!
Act 2:37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do?Epistles
Act 2:38 And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Act 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.
Rom 6:1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
Rom 6:2 God forbid. We who died to sin, how shall we any longer live therein?
Rom 6:3 Or are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
Rom 6:4 We were buried therefore with him through baptism unto death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
Rom 6:5 For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
1Co 12:13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all made to drink of one Spirit.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
1Pe 3:20 that aforetime were disobedient, when the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water:These passages, taken together paint a pretty clear picture. Baptism is a washing and it is a burial. Romans 6 describes it as a death. In baptism we are dying to our old way of life and being raised by the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit to walk in newness of life. It is clear from Acts 2 and Acts 22 it is during baptism that our sins are first washed away. Peter says that baptism now saves us, not because we are physically washed by the water, but because our consciences are cleansed through the power of Christ's resurrection.
1Pe 3:21 which also after a true likeness doth now save you, even baptism, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the interrogation of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ;
Objections
There are many objections to the idea that water baptism (immersion) is necessary for salvation.
A prominent objection is "baptism is a work and salvation is not of works". Interestingly, baptism is not a work done by the believer. Baptism is something that is done to the believer. As Martin Luther said, baptism is a work, but it is a work of God. The real "work" in baptism is the spiritual resurrection and sanctification done by the Holy Spirit. The only thing the believer does is submit and allow it to happen.
Another objection is "I just don't see what immersion in water has to do with forgiveness of sins. I have repented. I have expressed my faith in Jesus. Why isn't that enough? I just don't get it. I don't understand why I have to be baptized." My answer to those questions is, "I don't know why, but I know that is what the scriptures say." Perhaps the Lord asks us to submit to baptism precisely because we won't understand it. If you only obey when you understand why, is that faith?
Another classic objection is "what about the thief on the cross?" The Lord said to the thief on the cross, "Today you will be with me in paradise." It is often asserted that since the thief wasn't baptized, then baptism is unnecessary. Exceptional circumstances do not invalidate the rule. What does the thief's circumstance have to do with you? If you ever find yourself on a cross next to Jesus, then this passage may have some relevance. But that is not your circumstance. The scriptures still say "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of your sins."
-PG
Thursday, December 31, 2009
What shall we do? (Part 2 -- Faith)
It really should be sufficient to say "You must believe" or "You must have faith". The only problem is that the biblical concept of faith has been so distorted and so surrounded with misconceptions that we can't just leave it at that.
I want to make the point strongly up front that we are saved "by grace through faith, ... not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:8,9). We need to understand that our salvation is a gift of God. It is a gift that none of us deserve. There is no way that we could earn it by anything that we do. God gives us this grace on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ. The work of salvation was done by Jesus Christ and all glory goes to Him. Our part is simply the choice of accepting that grace through faith or rejecting it through unbelief.
But what is faith? Specifically, we need to understand what the New Testament writers meant when they talked about faith.
Faith is conviction
In Hebrews 11:1 the writer says "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (NKJV). Perhaps the NIV words it more clearly, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." One who has faith regards something he cannot see as though he could see it. He regards the thing he cannot touch as though he held it in his hands. In fact, he is more sure of those things that he cannot see, but believes in, than he is of those things he can see (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). How else could Christians throughout the ages have faced certain death to obtain an invisible, yet imperishable crown?
This conviction is not based on fantasy, or wishful thinking, but upon the solid evidences God has provided in His word. Christ proved Himself to be the Son of God through many "infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3; 2:22). So faith is conviction, based on evidence, of the truth of things we cannot directly see or feel. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him."
Faith is trust
Biblical faith is not just the conviction of the truth of facts, but it is trust in a person. It is one thing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, it is another to put your faith in Him (John 12:42-43). James 2:19 says, "Even the demons believe -- and tremble!" Paul expresses this trust well in 2 Timothy 1:12, "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
Faith requires a change of life
We can talk about skydiving in the comfort of my living room all day. But nothing answers the question, "Do you trust the parachute?" like jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. If you don't trust that your parachute was properly packed, or if you don't think your sky diving instructor know what he is doing, you won't jump. The same thing is true about your faith in Christ Jesus. We talk about believing in Christ, about trusting in Him, and about making Him Lord. But when it comes to daily living, do we "jump" or do we stay in the plane?
Christ said, "But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things that I say?" James put it this way, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). Later he says of Abraham's faith, "Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?" (James 2:22).
Some may object that I'm contradicting myself. On the one hand we are not saved by works, yet on the other we we must work! If time permits, I'll address this issue in more detail in a later post. For now I'll just note two things. First, I'm saying no more or less than what scripture says. Ephesians 2 clearly states we are saved by grace not by our works, yet James 2 says we cannot be saved by faith without works. The second point is that I don't believe these passages are contradictory. I believe Ephesians is pointing out we cannot earn our salvation on our own. James is pointing out that we cannot profess faith without the accompanying change of life.
Biblical faith is life-changing. Conversion to Christ isn't something you do one weekend, and then go on with the rest of your life. Conversion to Christ becomes your life. Too often we decouple faith from godly living. Too commonly we decouple our hearts from our actions. How can we say we have faith if we continue to live in sin? How can we say "I'm not perfect, but God knows my heart" when we make no effort to change? It is like the man who claims to be a skydiver who has never gone up in the plane! We cannot give God our hearts without giving him our lives. We cannot put our faith in Jesus, yet continue to live for ourselves.
--PG
I want to make the point strongly up front that we are saved "by grace through faith, ... not of works, lest anyone should boast" (Eph 2:8,9). We need to understand that our salvation is a gift of God. It is a gift that none of us deserve. There is no way that we could earn it by anything that we do. God gives us this grace on the basis of our faith in Jesus Christ. The work of salvation was done by Jesus Christ and all glory goes to Him. Our part is simply the choice of accepting that grace through faith or rejecting it through unbelief.
But what is faith? Specifically, we need to understand what the New Testament writers meant when they talked about faith.
Faith is conviction
In Hebrews 11:1 the writer says "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (NKJV). Perhaps the NIV words it more clearly, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." One who has faith regards something he cannot see as though he could see it. He regards the thing he cannot touch as though he held it in his hands. In fact, he is more sure of those things that he cannot see, but believes in, than he is of those things he can see (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). How else could Christians throughout the ages have faced certain death to obtain an invisible, yet imperishable crown?
This conviction is not based on fantasy, or wishful thinking, but upon the solid evidences God has provided in His word. Christ proved Himself to be the Son of God through many "infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3; 2:22). So faith is conviction, based on evidence, of the truth of things we cannot directly see or feel. Hebrews 11:6 says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he that comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him."
Faith is trust
Biblical faith is not just the conviction of the truth of facts, but it is trust in a person. It is one thing to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, it is another to put your faith in Him (John 12:42-43). James 2:19 says, "Even the demons believe -- and tremble!" Paul expresses this trust well in 2 Timothy 1:12, "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."
Faith requires a change of life
We can talk about skydiving in the comfort of my living room all day. But nothing answers the question, "Do you trust the parachute?" like jumping out of a plane at 10,000 feet. If you don't trust that your parachute was properly packed, or if you don't think your sky diving instructor know what he is doing, you won't jump. The same thing is true about your faith in Christ Jesus. We talk about believing in Christ, about trusting in Him, and about making Him Lord. But when it comes to daily living, do we "jump" or do we stay in the plane?
Christ said, "But why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things that I say?" James put it this way, "Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). Later he says of Abraham's faith, "Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect?" (James 2:22).
Some may object that I'm contradicting myself. On the one hand we are not saved by works, yet on the other we we must work! If time permits, I'll address this issue in more detail in a later post. For now I'll just note two things. First, I'm saying no more or less than what scripture says. Ephesians 2 clearly states we are saved by grace not by our works, yet James 2 says we cannot be saved by faith without works. The second point is that I don't believe these passages are contradictory. I believe Ephesians is pointing out we cannot earn our salvation on our own. James is pointing out that we cannot profess faith without the accompanying change of life.
Biblical faith is life-changing. Conversion to Christ isn't something you do one weekend, and then go on with the rest of your life. Conversion to Christ becomes your life. Too often we decouple faith from godly living. Too commonly we decouple our hearts from our actions. How can we say we have faith if we continue to live in sin? How can we say "I'm not perfect, but God knows my heart" when we make no effort to change? It is like the man who claims to be a skydiver who has never gone up in the plane! We cannot give God our hearts without giving him our lives. We cannot put our faith in Jesus, yet continue to live for ourselves.
--PG
Sunday, December 13, 2009
What shall we do? (Part 1)
In Acts 2, when the men of Israel came to the realization that they had put to death the Son of God, the cried out, "What shall we do?" Similarly, the Philippian jailer in Acts 16 asked, "What must I do to be saved?" This is one of the most important questions in scripture -- what does a man need to do to be saved?
In our increasingly secular, yet loosely "Christian", society the answer seems to be "not much". When a public figure dies, if anything is said at all about the home of their eternal spirit, everyone seems to assume the departed has gone to heaven. Have they? I don't mean to be heartless about this, but the question is too important to trust to presumption and wishful thinking. In this series of posts I want to examine what the scriptures say about this subject. This first post will explore some common ideas about the subject. In the following posts we will look at what the scriptures have to say.
Many hold the idea that if you live a good moral life, God, who is merciful, will welcome you into heaven. Hell is reserved for the truly evil, like Hitler or Osama Bin Laden (maybe). But we face the problem that we are all guilty of evil according to God's standard (see post Good People). None of us will be saved by our own righteousness. So if we are all evil, how will God decide who is saved and who is lost?
Another view is that, while we have all sinned, God is merciful. God is love. How could a loving God send souls to eternal torment? So then, God will forgive. Yes, God is love, but God is also just. And yes, God will forgive. But we need to understand the basis and conditions upon which that forgiveness is given.
Finally, many have the understanding that the question "What must I do to be saved?" is misguided. You can't do anything to be saved. Salvation is a gift of God. It is done entirely on God's part. You have nothing to do with it. God chooses who will be saved and the Holy Spirit comes upon them and saves them. Once they are saved, there is nothing they can do to change that unalterable act of God. They are saved no matter what they do. Yes, believers are to live sanctified lives, in gratitude to the God who saved them. But such behavior is not strictly necessary for salvation. Is this what scripture teaches?
Stay tuned.
- PG
In our increasingly secular, yet loosely "Christian", society the answer seems to be "not much". When a public figure dies, if anything is said at all about the home of their eternal spirit, everyone seems to assume the departed has gone to heaven. Have they? I don't mean to be heartless about this, but the question is too important to trust to presumption and wishful thinking. In this series of posts I want to examine what the scriptures say about this subject. This first post will explore some common ideas about the subject. In the following posts we will look at what the scriptures have to say.
Many hold the idea that if you live a good moral life, God, who is merciful, will welcome you into heaven. Hell is reserved for the truly evil, like Hitler or Osama Bin Laden (maybe). But we face the problem that we are all guilty of evil according to God's standard (see post Good People). None of us will be saved by our own righteousness. So if we are all evil, how will God decide who is saved and who is lost?
Another view is that, while we have all sinned, God is merciful. God is love. How could a loving God send souls to eternal torment? So then, God will forgive. Yes, God is love, but God is also just. And yes, God will forgive. But we need to understand the basis and conditions upon which that forgiveness is given.
Finally, many have the understanding that the question "What must I do to be saved?" is misguided. You can't do anything to be saved. Salvation is a gift of God. It is done entirely on God's part. You have nothing to do with it. God chooses who will be saved and the Holy Spirit comes upon them and saves them. Once they are saved, there is nothing they can do to change that unalterable act of God. They are saved no matter what they do. Yes, believers are to live sanctified lives, in gratitude to the God who saved them. But such behavior is not strictly necessary for salvation. Is this what scripture teaches?
Stay tuned.
- PG
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Picking and Choosing
Christians are committed to complete obedience to God. Unfortunately, we can fall into the habit of being selective in our obedience. There are many examples that I could cite, and our "selectivity" is very personal. For the purposes of illustration I'd like to address one command that I've been guilty of de-emphasizing.
In the sermon on the mount Jesus taught,
I think there are several things that can help us in doing what Jesus commands. First, we need to realize that loving our enemies does not mean accepting them as they are or approving of their behavior. Indignation over evil and desire for justice is natural. A well-ordered society will punish evil-doers and it is God's will that the governing authorities mete out such punishment ("for it does not bear the sword in vain" Romans 13:3). But that vengeance does not belong to the individual. Nor does the need for such vengeance mean we must hate the criminal. Evil works will have their own consequences, which should be meted out with calm, dispassionate justice. Don't let others' evil create an evil, hateful heart in you.
The first step in loving my enemy is to understand the wrath of God that abides upon them with compassion, rather than satisfaction. I don't want anyone to feel the flames of hell for eternity. They need my prayers. I can pray that they will change. I can pray that they will see the evil they are committing. I can pray that something will lead them to repent and seek God's mercy. There will be justice served in the flames of hell, but God would rather (and so would I) that everyone repent and receive pardon through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
The second step is the realization that God loved me when I was His enemy. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus died to provide the redeeming sacrifice for us while we were enemies of God in our sinful rebellion (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:1-5). If God had compassion for us, can we not have compassion for others?
There are, of course, other things we can be selective about. Let us continue to meditate on the word, and be honest with ourselves that we might bring "into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
--PG
In the sermon on the mount Jesus taught,
Christ's teaching here is profound. It is simple and easy to understand, but difficult to practice. I have to admit, that since 9/11/2001 it has been more difficult than ever. We live in a world where we are opposed by a radical, violent, hateful enemy. Women, children, and unarmed civilians are their chosen prey. How could anyone love an enemy like that?
You have heard that it was said, "You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy." But I say to you, Love you enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those that hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, so that you may become sons of your Father in Heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
-- Matthew 5:38-45
I think there are several things that can help us in doing what Jesus commands. First, we need to realize that loving our enemies does not mean accepting them as they are or approving of their behavior. Indignation over evil and desire for justice is natural. A well-ordered society will punish evil-doers and it is God's will that the governing authorities mete out such punishment ("for it does not bear the sword in vain" Romans 13:3). But that vengeance does not belong to the individual. Nor does the need for such vengeance mean we must hate the criminal. Evil works will have their own consequences, which should be meted out with calm, dispassionate justice. Don't let others' evil create an evil, hateful heart in you.
The first step in loving my enemy is to understand the wrath of God that abides upon them with compassion, rather than satisfaction. I don't want anyone to feel the flames of hell for eternity. They need my prayers. I can pray that they will change. I can pray that they will see the evil they are committing. I can pray that something will lead them to repent and seek God's mercy. There will be justice served in the flames of hell, but God would rather (and so would I) that everyone repent and receive pardon through Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:3-4).
The second step is the realization that God loved me when I was His enemy. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Jesus died to provide the redeeming sacrifice for us while we were enemies of God in our sinful rebellion (Romans 5:10; Ephesians 2:1-5). If God had compassion for us, can we not have compassion for others?
There are, of course, other things we can be selective about. Let us continue to meditate on the word, and be honest with ourselves that we might bring "into captivity every thought into the obedience of Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5).
--PG
Monday, November 16, 2009
Go And Sin No More
Sometimes there are phrases in scripture that we gloss over. We read them, but we don't fully consider their implications. I think one such phrase is found in John 8:11. In this instance Jesus is speaking to the woman taken in adultery. Jesus has mercy on her and tells her, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more". Have you ever really considered what that means? What did Jesus expect of this woman? Was He actually asking her to live the rest of her life without sin? Is that reasonable? Is it even possible?
We often state that no man is without sin (Romans 3:23). We know that all who have reached an accountable age are guilty of sin before God. 1 John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." We understand that we have all sinned. None of us is perfect. No one can stand before God on the basis of his own righteousness.
But we go further. We convince ourselves that a man cannot live without sin from day to day. We expect to fail. We forfeit the battle before it is fought. This idea is so ingrained in our thinking that it sounds arrogant to say, "I'm going to live without sin". Yet that is exactly what Jesus is asking the adulterous woman to do. He makes the same request of a man whom he healed in John 5:14 -- "Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you." John wrote "My little children, I write these things to you that you may not sin" (1 John 2:1). That is God's standard. We can't afford to lower it.
Can you live without sin for the rest of your life? That sounds pretty intimidating! What if I told you that the Lord would return in the next 10 minutes? Could you live without sin for the next 10 minutes? How about the next half hour? Could you make it an hour?
If you can live without sin for an hour, then just take it one hour at a time. Put your trust in God and go to Him for the strength you need to make it happen. As preacher Mark Dunagan once put it, "Satan may trip me up again one of these days, but it doesn't have to be today." You can live without sin today.
Go and sin no more.
- PG
We often state that no man is without sin (Romans 3:23). We know that all who have reached an accountable age are guilty of sin before God. 1 John 1:8 says, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." We understand that we have all sinned. None of us is perfect. No one can stand before God on the basis of his own righteousness.
But we go further. We convince ourselves that a man cannot live without sin from day to day. We expect to fail. We forfeit the battle before it is fought. This idea is so ingrained in our thinking that it sounds arrogant to say, "I'm going to live without sin". Yet that is exactly what Jesus is asking the adulterous woman to do. He makes the same request of a man whom he healed in John 5:14 -- "Sin no more lest a worse thing come upon you." John wrote "My little children, I write these things to you that you may not sin" (1 John 2:1). That is God's standard. We can't afford to lower it.
Can you live without sin for the rest of your life? That sounds pretty intimidating! What if I told you that the Lord would return in the next 10 minutes? Could you live without sin for the next 10 minutes? How about the next half hour? Could you make it an hour?
If you can live without sin for an hour, then just take it one hour at a time. Put your trust in God and go to Him for the strength you need to make it happen. As preacher Mark Dunagan once put it, "Satan may trip me up again one of these days, but it doesn't have to be today." You can live without sin today.
Go and sin no more.
- PG
Monday, November 9, 2009
Good People
Are you a good person? I don't think we often ask this question. We rarely ask it of ourselves and certainly not of others. Perhaps we don't ask because the answer is assumed. I'm convinced that most people believe themselves to be basically good. The human conscience requires that we justify our own actions to ourselves, lest we deal with the discomfort of self-condemnation. The scriptures certainly agree with this sentiment,
Q: Have you ever told a lie?
A: No, I don't lie.
Q: Any lie? At any time in your life?
A: Ok, yes, if you put it that way, I have told a lie.
Q: Have you ever stolen anything?
A: No.
Q: Really? Come on. You just told me you are a liar. Have you ever stolen anything, even something others might consider small?
A: Well, yes, I guess I have.
Q: Ok, so we have established that you are a liar and a thief. Have you ever looked on another (not your spouse) to stir up lust in your heart?
A: Yes, I suppose I have.
Q: In Matthew 5, Jesus says that you have committed adultery in your heart. Have you ever felt hatred for anyone?
A: I'm ashamed to say I have.
Q: 1 John 3:15 indicates that one who hates his brother is a murderer.
So, we have established that you (and I) are a lying, thieving, adulterous, and murderous fellow in heart if not in deed. Does that sound good to you? If God judged you today, based on these admissions, would you be innocent or guilty?
At this point we usually start in with the objections.
Objection, your honor: Everyone is guilty of these things!
Overruled: To say that all men are guilty is not to say that you are innocent. It is true that all accountable people are guilty of some, if not all, of these sins. Pointing out that all are guilty is not a defense. God does not grade on some cosmic curve. We are not judged relative to others, but based on God's universal standard.
Objection, your honor: While it is true that I used to do those things, I don't anymore. It's been hours since I last lied, stole, lusted or felt hatred.
Overruled: It doesn't matter if it has been be 2 minutes or 20 years since you last sinned. There is no statute of limitations on sin. Once you have sinned, you are a sinner and are condemned by God's just law.
Objection, your honor: But what about grace? Isn't there forgiveness?
Overruled: The question before the court is "Are you good" and "Would you be judged innocent or guilty if judged based on your own actions". Grace is not germane to the question.
The conclusion of the court then, is that based on my own actions, I am a sinner and stand condemned. This should be no surprise to any of us. If we understand the gospel of Christ, we should know this. This fact is one of the first things anyone learning the gospel of Christ must come to grips with. Without the firm conviction that we are sinners and are condemned to eternal hell-fire, we cannot appreciate the grace of God, nor can we feel the remorse that is so essential to repentance. Repentance is not possible until we are brought to our knees in the knowledge of our own sinfulness before a just God.
Thanks and praise be to God that there is forgiveness and grace in Christ Jesus. We cannot stand before God on our own merits. But, through faith in Christ Jesus and obedient trust in Him, we have redemption and forgiveness. God can declare us justified and, yes, good based on the righteousness that comes through faith (Romans 4:3).
-PG
All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Jehovah weighs the spirits.But, I return to the question, "Are you a good person?" How would you answer that question? Most people, faced with this question, would answer "Yes, I think so". Perhaps the more thoughtful would hedge a bit with "For the most part". I'd like to probe a bit deeper than just to settle for that level of self-evaluation. Let's ask a few more questions.
Proverbs 16:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but Jehovah ponders the hearts.
Proverbs 21:2
Q: Have you ever told a lie?
A: No, I don't lie.
Q: Any lie? At any time in your life?
A: Ok, yes, if you put it that way, I have told a lie.
Q: Have you ever stolen anything?
A: No.
Q: Really? Come on. You just told me you are a liar. Have you ever stolen anything, even something others might consider small?
A: Well, yes, I guess I have.
Q: Ok, so we have established that you are a liar and a thief. Have you ever looked on another (not your spouse) to stir up lust in your heart?
A: Yes, I suppose I have.
Q: In Matthew 5, Jesus says that you have committed adultery in your heart. Have you ever felt hatred for anyone?
A: I'm ashamed to say I have.
Q: 1 John 3:15 indicates that one who hates his brother is a murderer.
So, we have established that you (and I) are a lying, thieving, adulterous, and murderous fellow in heart if not in deed. Does that sound good to you? If God judged you today, based on these admissions, would you be innocent or guilty?
At this point we usually start in with the objections.
Objection, your honor: Everyone is guilty of these things!
Overruled: To say that all men are guilty is not to say that you are innocent. It is true that all accountable people are guilty of some, if not all, of these sins. Pointing out that all are guilty is not a defense. God does not grade on some cosmic curve. We are not judged relative to others, but based on God's universal standard.
Objection, your honor: While it is true that I used to do those things, I don't anymore. It's been hours since I last lied, stole, lusted or felt hatred.
Overruled: It doesn't matter if it has been be 2 minutes or 20 years since you last sinned. There is no statute of limitations on sin. Once you have sinned, you are a sinner and are condemned by God's just law.
Objection, your honor: But what about grace? Isn't there forgiveness?
Overruled: The question before the court is "Are you good" and "Would you be judged innocent or guilty if judged based on your own actions". Grace is not germane to the question.
The conclusion of the court then, is that based on my own actions, I am a sinner and stand condemned. This should be no surprise to any of us. If we understand the gospel of Christ, we should know this. This fact is one of the first things anyone learning the gospel of Christ must come to grips with. Without the firm conviction that we are sinners and are condemned to eternal hell-fire, we cannot appreciate the grace of God, nor can we feel the remorse that is so essential to repentance. Repentance is not possible until we are brought to our knees in the knowledge of our own sinfulness before a just God.
Thanks and praise be to God that there is forgiveness and grace in Christ Jesus. We cannot stand before God on our own merits. But, through faith in Christ Jesus and obedient trust in Him, we have redemption and forgiveness. God can declare us justified and, yes, good based on the righteousness that comes through faith (Romans 4:3).
-PG
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)