As the pastor of a Church that is a cooperating member of the Tennessee Baptist Convention, I thought that I would give a report on the convention meeting that was held last week. Overall, it was a good meeting. The preaching was inspiring and the congregational worship that occurred throughout the meeting was excellent. There was very little controversy, but what little there was is worthy of note. Once again the point of contention centered upon the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message (http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp).
Since the original 1925 edition was written, the Baptist Faith and Message has been for the purpose of explaining what Southern Baptists generally believe that Scripture teaches. Over the years, Southern Baptists saw it necessary to revise this basic statement of faith, in order to clarify what we believe Scripture to be saying. The latest edition, that was adopted during the year 2000 Southern Baptist Convention, reflects a far more conservative, literal interpretation of Scripture than its predecessors. Despite this fact, the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message (BF&M) once again came under attack during this year's Tennessee Baptist Convention meeting, but it came with an unexpected twist.
During one of the last business sessions, questions arose as to why there were people being put into offices within the convention who had openly said, "No" to the question of whether or not they affirm the 2000 BF&M. I was thankful that someone asked the question, because it bothered me as well. I want to know what our leadership believes about the Bible and asking them about the 2000 BF&M provides the answers that I need in that regard. The questionnaire that is filled out by each potential nominee should be for the purpose of providing as much information as possible for determining who is selected. The one who raised this concern said that he "would feel better if there was some doctrinal accountability." That is the whole reason for asking whether or not the nominee affirms the 2000 BF&M, because we should want to know what they believe the Bible says and not just simply whether or not they believe the Bible! Apparently that doesn't matter in the current selection process, as illustrated by Earl Wilson, chairman of the Committee on Boards, who said that "...whatever answer they gave did not disqualify them from service." In other words, it does not matter what they believe if they are willing to serve, but I doubt that most Tennessee Baptists would agree with that statement.
It was at this point that the attack on the 2000 BF&M occurred from a new angle than I had heard before. When the concern was raised over the questionnaire answers, another messenger took the occasion to attack the one who raised the concern as well as the 2000 BF&M, saying that it is "too liberal" for him to support. He illustrated this statement, saying that, in comparison with the 1963 BF&M, the 2000 BF&M "...leaves out that Jesus Christ is the criteria by which we interpret Scripture." That statement is only partially correct. In reality, the 1963 BF&M says, "The criterion by which the Bible is to be interpreted is Jesus Christ." Instead of leaving this statement out, as was said from the floor of the convention, the 2000 BF&M clarifies the meaning of that statement, by changing it to say, "All Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is Himself the focus of divine revelation." This man neglected to mention the much more theologically conservative change that was made concerning Scripture between the 1963 and 2000 editions. For example, the 1963 BF&M says, "The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is the record of God's revelation of Himself to man." This statement was changed in the 2000 BF&M to say, "The Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is God's revelation of Himself to man." On the surface, the change appears to be insignificant, but by saying that the Bible "is God's revelation" rather than "the record of God's revelation," the 2000 BF&M is confronting the view that the Bible contains the Word of God rather than that it is entirely the Word of God. The 2000 BF&M also added a logical conclusion concerning Scripture, saying, "Therefore, all Scripture is totally true and trustworthy."
To say that the 2000 BF&M is "liberal" is to not understand what being theologically liberal is. To be liberal theologically is to deny and undermine the authority of the entire Bible by questioning the accuracy and truthfulness of some of the Bible. To be conservative theologically is to affirm and defend the authority of the entire Bible through believing in the accuracy and truthfulness of the entire Bible. Under close examination of both documents, the 1963 BF&M is clearly the more liberal document overall, no matter what someone rants from the floor of the convention about the 2000 BF&M. If someone has a problem with the 2000 BF&M it is usually because they are liberal theologically, whether they will admit it or not. That should matter to us all and should make a difference in who we select to lead us in this convention!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
1TIM6_12 Christian Gaming Tag
Many people my age, and especially computer geeks like me, love to play computer games. If done with moderation and without making moral compromises, this can be a very enjoyable and stress-relieving thing to do. There is just something about entering a fictional world where you are able to do amazing things that you never could do on your own in real life. For example, as a kid, I used to play war games in the woods around my parents' house with my friends. We would fight historical conflicts from the Middle Ages to World War II, as well as fictional conflicts from a war with the Soviet Union (that thankfully never really happened) to a war in that galaxy far, far away (that is Star Wars to those few who are not fans). The action of these pretend fights, whether using water guns, pine cones, or sticks, excited my heart as a boy, not to mention gave me quite a few cuts, scrapes, and bruises. I think that is why as an adult, I love to play those action games on the computer so much. I avoid the ones that have bad language and bloody violence, instead playing the ones that offer that kind of action that I filled my time with as a boy, except now I can avoid getting hurt (unless the structural integrity of my computer desk fails).
Through the availability of high speed internet where I live now, I have gotten into playing online multiplayer games such as Star Wars Battlefront II and especially Battlefield 2142. Playing these games is like getting together with my young friends all over again, except this time I am playing war games with people from all over the country and sometimes the world. While playing these games, I have seen that many people join online fighting clans and add that clan's label (a.k.a. tag) to their player name in the games. These people fight as a team, supporting one another and enjoying one another's company online. I have been asked many times to join this clan or that, but I simply do not have the time to get that involved. Recently, though, I was struck by an idea that the clans gave me. I had the idea to create a generic clan tag to identify Christian gamers, a tag that doesn't have to require clan membership or some such, but rather something that any Bible-believer could wear proudly to point to their faith in Jesus Christ.
The clan tag that I created and now play under is simply 1TIM6_12. This is a Bible reference to a challenge that the Apostle Paul gave, saying, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12, NKJV). I chose this verse because every true Christian has taken up "the good fight of faith." It is not always easy to have faith in God in this world of skepticism and sin. That is why Paul described the Christian life as a "fight," but he emphasized that "faith" is a "good fight."
It is worth having faith in God and His Word. Paul gave the greatest reason why the "fight of faith" is "good" when he mentioned "eternal life." The Bible explains that it is only through having faith in Jesus Christ that we can "lay hold on eternal life." The world says that there are many paths to assuring your eternal future, but Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NKJV). The only way to go Jesus' way and find truth and life is through having faith in Him. Faith is all about believing in what you cannot see and cannot completely prove, but trusting your life on it anyway. It is about taking God at His Word, as Jesus explained, saying, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24, NKJV). Trust me, when I began to have real faith in Jesus Christ my life was changed and I knew that I had taken hold of the kind of life that will never end, even if my body fails me!
Part of fighting "the good fight of faith" is confessing a "good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Paul emphasized this to remind us that, if you are a Christian, you should be telling others what Jesus Christ has done for you and what He can do for them. And so using the 1TIM6_12 tag when I play online serves to remind me that even there I can be a witness for Him with my behavior and my words. It reminds me to behave in a Christian way even when I am playing a game, but it also points others to the Word of God and my faith. My hope is that more Christians will begin to use this tag and that people will take notice and ask about it in the games. It could be another way that Christians can open a door to witness for Jesus Christ.
If you would like to use the 1TIM6_12 Christian gaming tag, you don't have to join a clan or anything; you simply have to be a Christian who wants to be a witness online. I would like to hear about it if you decide to start using it. Just simply leave a comment with this blog post or email me at preacherwitt@gmail.com. May God richly bless you offline and online, to be His child and His witness!
Through the availability of high speed internet where I live now, I have gotten into playing online multiplayer games such as Star Wars Battlefront II and especially Battlefield 2142. Playing these games is like getting together with my young friends all over again, except this time I am playing war games with people from all over the country and sometimes the world. While playing these games, I have seen that many people join online fighting clans and add that clan's label (a.k.a. tag) to their player name in the games. These people fight as a team, supporting one another and enjoying one another's company online. I have been asked many times to join this clan or that, but I simply do not have the time to get that involved. Recently, though, I was struck by an idea that the clans gave me. I had the idea to create a generic clan tag to identify Christian gamers, a tag that doesn't have to require clan membership or some such, but rather something that any Bible-believer could wear proudly to point to their faith in Jesus Christ.
The clan tag that I created and now play under is simply 1TIM6_12. This is a Bible reference to a challenge that the Apostle Paul gave, saying, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses" (1 Timothy 6:12, NKJV). I chose this verse because every true Christian has taken up "the good fight of faith." It is not always easy to have faith in God in this world of skepticism and sin. That is why Paul described the Christian life as a "fight," but he emphasized that "faith" is a "good fight."
It is worth having faith in God and His Word. Paul gave the greatest reason why the "fight of faith" is "good" when he mentioned "eternal life." The Bible explains that it is only through having faith in Jesus Christ that we can "lay hold on eternal life." The world says that there are many paths to assuring your eternal future, but Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6, NKJV). The only way to go Jesus' way and find truth and life is through having faith in Him. Faith is all about believing in what you cannot see and cannot completely prove, but trusting your life on it anyway. It is about taking God at His Word, as Jesus explained, saying, "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life" (John 5:24, NKJV). Trust me, when I began to have real faith in Jesus Christ my life was changed and I knew that I had taken hold of the kind of life that will never end, even if my body fails me!
Part of fighting "the good fight of faith" is confessing a "good confession in the presence of many witnesses." Paul emphasized this to remind us that, if you are a Christian, you should be telling others what Jesus Christ has done for you and what He can do for them. And so using the 1TIM6_12 tag when I play online serves to remind me that even there I can be a witness for Him with my behavior and my words. It reminds me to behave in a Christian way even when I am playing a game, but it also points others to the Word of God and my faith. My hope is that more Christians will begin to use this tag and that people will take notice and ask about it in the games. It could be another way that Christians can open a door to witness for Jesus Christ.
If you would like to use the 1TIM6_12 Christian gaming tag, you don't have to join a clan or anything; you simply have to be a Christian who wants to be a witness online. I would like to hear about it if you decide to start using it. Just simply leave a comment with this blog post or email me at preacherwitt@gmail.com. May God richly bless you offline and online, to be His child and His witness!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Must-Read Election Article!
The following article is a must-read for all Christians who are committed to voting based on Biblical values and morals: http://www.falwell.com/index.cfm?PID=17819
I want to warn you that the article does directly talk about what the presidential candidates have said and done concerning the issue of abortion. Frankly, I am glad to hear about the issues that the news media primarily ignores in favor of discussing economics and foreign policy. It is for that reason that the information in this article needs to be spread.
Remember, God is not going to judge our nation over our economics or foreign policy; God is going to judge our nation over our morals and values! That is why I am praying that you will vote your values and that your values will be God's!
I actually preached a sermon about this recently that you can download here: http://www.mcewenfbc.com/recordings/2008_09-24_Romans_13_1-7.mp3
I want to warn you that the article does directly talk about what the presidential candidates have said and done concerning the issue of abortion. Frankly, I am glad to hear about the issues that the news media primarily ignores in favor of discussing economics and foreign policy. It is for that reason that the information in this article needs to be spread.
Remember, God is not going to judge our nation over our economics or foreign policy; God is going to judge our nation over our morals and values! That is why I am praying that you will vote your values and that your values will be God's!
I actually preached a sermon about this recently that you can download here: http://www.mcewenfbc.com/recordings/2008_09-24_Romans_13_1-7.mp3
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Looking to the Maker
In Isaiah 22, we hear about one of the many times when the inhabitants of Jerusalem were being besieged by a terrible foe. But instead of hearing how God miraculously delivered them, we hear how God punished them with His absence. At this point, some might ask why God would do such a thing to His chosen people, but the answer is clearly given in the text. God did not carelessly abandon them, they carelessly abandoned God! They were caught looking to themselves for their own feeble ideas of salvation, rather than to the One True God and His greater solution.
That is why Isaiah declared, saying, "He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; You also saw the damage to the city of David, that it was great; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses you broke down to fortify the wall. You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago" (Isaiah 22:8-11, NKJV).
When they saw their enemies surrounding the city, the defenders of Jerusalem were stirred into action. First of all, they "looked to," or "depended on," the "armor of the House of the Forest." This "house" was one of Jerusalem's royal palaces and it was equipped with an armory. To envision this scene gets the blood pumping in every action lover, as we picture them running to the armory for a sword, spear, and shield, just like in the movies. At the same time, it is easy to picture others working to shore up the city walls that were taking damage from the enemy onslaught. They even ingeniously ensured that they had a source of water within the walls of the city.
You would think that they had acted bravely and wisely in the face of an overwhelming attack, but they actually behaved carelessly. Despite all of their preparations, they forgot the most important one of all. They did not "look to," or "depend on," the "Maker" of the water and the true founder of their nation. They did not bother depending upon God in the midst of their desperate fight, they depended upon themselves.
To make matters worse, Isaiah noted, saying, "And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sackcloth. But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!' Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts, 'Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, even to your death,' says the Lord GOD of hosts" (Isaiah 22:12-14, NKJV). Instead of repenting and mourning over their sin, they had one last party! When faced with such reckless abandonment of His principles and His ways by His own people, God simply said that no solution would be provided for their trouble. And with that, the city was as good as taken. A city or a nation is only as resilient as it is dependant upon God. When Judah and Jerusalem abandoned God, God eventually stopped protecting and prospering both.
This makes me think of my own nation, the United States of America. Ours is a nation that was miraculously founded and has since been miraculously preserved. Our founding fathers recognized that the miracle that is the United States is solely one that has been done by God. For example, in the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers said, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." They were depending upon the Maker, who created them to be independent of human tyranny, but dependant upon God's divine sovereignty!
That is why this country declared itself to be independent from the British Empire and then stood up to fight for its "unalienable rights" that God has given. The war that would begin after this declaration of independence was issued was also a miracle of divine providence. Against all odds, the Americans beat the greatest military force in the world at that time. George Washington was the general who lead the fight for the Americans and then later became the country's first president. It was President George Washington that would declare that Americans should have a special day each year to give thanks to God for what He had provided. He said, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks..." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)).
With such a glorious beginning, one would think that we are still offering up that humble thanks to the One who founded our nation and has blessed our nation since, but sadly that is not the case. This country has reached a point where murder has become a legal choice and abomination has become a socially acceptable practice. The innocence of our children is being eroded away at earlier ages than ever before, while the examples being left for future generations are getting worse and worse. We have enemies around every corner of our borders and yet most want to keep on partying like nothing is wrong. Though there are countless millions of believers in this country, most of the population does not use His name for anything other than cursing. The time has come to look to our "Maker" and seek His forgiveness and His help!
Just like God gave Judah the opportunity to repent, He is still giving America the opportunity to turn from the way we are going to go His way. I cling to the hope of 2 Chronicles 7:14 for America and any other nation where God's people can be found, because in that verse God said, "...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV). The alternative is to meet the same fate that Judah did at that point in its history, when God said, "Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, even to your death" (Isaiah 22:14, NKJV). My hope and prayer is that America will not reach that point of no return, when God says that there is no more solution for our salvation!
"LORD God, You are the Maker of the Heavens and the Earth. You are the One who has saw fit to give us this great nation and bless us with great prosperity. Please help us all to see how much we need to depend upon You. Please help us to be humble before You and to turn from our wicked ways. Please help us to stop the killing of the unborn, the tolerance of aberrant sexual behavior, and the neglect of Your Will. Most of all, LORD, please heal our land. In Jesus' name, Amen."
That is why Isaiah declared, saying, "He removed the protection of Judah. You looked in that day to the armor of the House of the Forest; You also saw the damage to the city of David, that it was great; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses you broke down to fortify the wall. You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you did not look to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago" (Isaiah 22:8-11, NKJV).
When they saw their enemies surrounding the city, the defenders of Jerusalem were stirred into action. First of all, they "looked to," or "depended on," the "armor of the House of the Forest." This "house" was one of Jerusalem's royal palaces and it was equipped with an armory. To envision this scene gets the blood pumping in every action lover, as we picture them running to the armory for a sword, spear, and shield, just like in the movies. At the same time, it is easy to picture others working to shore up the city walls that were taking damage from the enemy onslaught. They even ingeniously ensured that they had a source of water within the walls of the city.
You would think that they had acted bravely and wisely in the face of an overwhelming attack, but they actually behaved carelessly. Despite all of their preparations, they forgot the most important one of all. They did not "look to," or "depend on," the "Maker" of the water and the true founder of their nation. They did not bother depending upon God in the midst of their desperate fight, they depended upon themselves.
To make matters worse, Isaiah noted, saying, "And in that day the Lord GOD of hosts Called for weeping and for mourning, for baldness and for girding with sackcloth. But instead, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: 'Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!' Then it was revealed in my hearing by the LORD of hosts, 'Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, even to your death,' says the Lord GOD of hosts" (Isaiah 22:12-14, NKJV). Instead of repenting and mourning over their sin, they had one last party! When faced with such reckless abandonment of His principles and His ways by His own people, God simply said that no solution would be provided for their trouble. And with that, the city was as good as taken. A city or a nation is only as resilient as it is dependant upon God. When Judah and Jerusalem abandoned God, God eventually stopped protecting and prospering both.
This makes me think of my own nation, the United States of America. Ours is a nation that was miraculously founded and has since been miraculously preserved. Our founding fathers recognized that the miracle that is the United States is solely one that has been done by God. For example, in the preamble of the Declaration of Independence, our founding fathers said, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." They were depending upon the Maker, who created them to be independent of human tyranny, but dependant upon God's divine sovereignty!
That is why this country declared itself to be independent from the British Empire and then stood up to fight for its "unalienable rights" that God has given. The war that would begin after this declaration of independence was issued was also a miracle of divine providence. Against all odds, the Americans beat the greatest military force in the world at that time. George Washington was the general who lead the fight for the Americans and then later became the country's first president. It was President George Washington that would declare that Americans should have a special day each year to give thanks to God for what He had provided. He said, "Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be. That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks..." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving_(United_States)).
With such a glorious beginning, one would think that we are still offering up that humble thanks to the One who founded our nation and has blessed our nation since, but sadly that is not the case. This country has reached a point where murder has become a legal choice and abomination has become a socially acceptable practice. The innocence of our children is being eroded away at earlier ages than ever before, while the examples being left for future generations are getting worse and worse. We have enemies around every corner of our borders and yet most want to keep on partying like nothing is wrong. Though there are countless millions of believers in this country, most of the population does not use His name for anything other than cursing. The time has come to look to our "Maker" and seek His forgiveness and His help!
Just like God gave Judah the opportunity to repent, He is still giving America the opportunity to turn from the way we are going to go His way. I cling to the hope of 2 Chronicles 7:14 for America and any other nation where God's people can be found, because in that verse God said, "...if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, NKJV). The alternative is to meet the same fate that Judah did at that point in its history, when God said, "Surely for this iniquity there will be no atonement for you, even to your death" (Isaiah 22:14, NKJV). My hope and prayer is that America will not reach that point of no return, when God says that there is no more solution for our salvation!
"LORD God, You are the Maker of the Heavens and the Earth. You are the One who has saw fit to give us this great nation and bless us with great prosperity. Please help us all to see how much we need to depend upon You. Please help us to be humble before You and to turn from our wicked ways. Please help us to stop the killing of the unborn, the tolerance of aberrant sexual behavior, and the neglect of Your Will. Most of all, LORD, please heal our land. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
The Rapture and the Second Coming
I thought that I would take time to address some questions that I have received about when the Rapture of the Church will occur, as well as when the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus will occur. One thing that helps in understanding more about what Scripture says about the timing of the Rapture and the timing of the Second Coming is to understand that they are two separate events. Most of the theologians that think they can narrow it down to a specific time frame also believe that the Rapture is a part of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I have had friends and professors that disagree with me over this, but that's okay. It's not a fundamental issue to divide over, but I think that it is an important issue for every Christian to decide upon, one way or another because it affects how you intepret much of the Bible's prophecy. Let me explain my position and why I believe it.
The Bible calls for two events to occur in the last days that cannot be one and the same. The Rapture cannot be a part of the Second Coming and the Second Coming cannot be a part of the Rapture. These are two separate events that occur and we must therefore be careful to separately explain their prophecies.
I believe that the Rapture is a pre-Tribulation event, or in other words, I believe that the Rapture will occur before the seven year Tribulation period, and also that the Rapture will usher in that time of judgment on this world. Jesus was referring to the Rapture rather than His Second Coming when He said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:36-42, NKJV). Jesus emphasized two things about the Rapture here: first, that it will come just before God's judgment on the world (like in "the days of Noah"), and second, that it will come unexpectedly.
To emphasize that last point, Jesus went on to give this illustration, saying, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:43-44, NKJV). This provides the symbolism that is used in the rest of the New Testament concerning the Rapture, namely that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, like someone who slips in and takes what He wants without being seen. The Apostle Paul used this imagery with the Rapture, saying, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2, NKJV). The Apostle Peter also used this same imagery with the initiation of God's judgment on the world, saying, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:9-10, NKJV). Though Peter clearly summed up the final result of that judgment, he also pointed to the fact that Jesus will usher in that judgment in an unexpected way. What will be a time of grace and glory for Christians, will usher in a time of death and destruction for the rest of humanity still on Earth.
On a more positive note, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will occur in a very public and expected way at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. That is what Jesus was referring to when He said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-30, NKJV). The Apostle John excitedly praises the Lord with this event in mind, saying, "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen" (Revelation 1:7, NKJV)! Clearly, Jesus will not be returning at this point like "a thief in the night," but rather as the rightful King who is returning to claim His Kingdom!
If Jesus was referring to His Second Coming when He said, "But of that day and hour no one knows..." (Matthew 24:36a, NKJV), then Jesus would have to visibly return before the Tribulation period, because once the Tribulation period began, His return could be predicted to the day seven years later. The same is true if Jesus was referring to a post-Tribulation Rapture, because it could easily be predicted once the Tribulation started. Jesus could have only been referring to the Rapture of the Church, which Scripture clearly teaches will happen before the seven year Tribulation period. The only good part to the Tribulation period is that it is a seven year countdown to when the Lord will visibly return to stay!
So when will the Rapture occur? Scripture simply tells us that it could happen at any time and that it will happen at an unexpected time. That is why we are also told to live a life that is clearly prepared for that moment. The Apostle Paul put it best, saying, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13, NKJV). I personally believe and hope that it will happen soon! That's why I have got to say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!"
The Bible calls for two events to occur in the last days that cannot be one and the same. The Rapture cannot be a part of the Second Coming and the Second Coming cannot be a part of the Rapture. These are two separate events that occur and we must therefore be careful to separately explain their prophecies.
I believe that the Rapture is a pre-Tribulation event, or in other words, I believe that the Rapture will occur before the seven year Tribulation period, and also that the Rapture will usher in that time of judgment on this world. Jesus was referring to the Rapture rather than His Second Coming when He said, "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:36-42, NKJV). Jesus emphasized two things about the Rapture here: first, that it will come just before God's judgment on the world (like in "the days of Noah"), and second, that it will come unexpectedly.
To emphasize that last point, Jesus went on to give this illustration, saying, "But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect" (Matthew 24:43-44, NKJV). This provides the symbolism that is used in the rest of the New Testament concerning the Rapture, namely that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, like someone who slips in and takes what He wants without being seen. The Apostle Paul used this imagery with the Rapture, saying, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:2, NKJV). The Apostle Peter also used this same imagery with the initiation of God's judgment on the world, saying, "The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up" (2 Peter 3:9-10, NKJV). Though Peter clearly summed up the final result of that judgment, he also pointed to the fact that Jesus will usher in that judgment in an unexpected way. What will be a time of grace and glory for Christians, will usher in a time of death and destruction for the rest of humanity still on Earth.
On a more positive note, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will occur in a very public and expected way at the end of the seven year Tribulation period. That is what Jesus was referring to when He said, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory" (Matthew 24:29-30, NKJV). The Apostle John excitedly praises the Lord with this event in mind, saying, "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen" (Revelation 1:7, NKJV)! Clearly, Jesus will not be returning at this point like "a thief in the night," but rather as the rightful King who is returning to claim His Kingdom!
If Jesus was referring to His Second Coming when He said, "But of that day and hour no one knows..." (Matthew 24:36a, NKJV), then Jesus would have to visibly return before the Tribulation period, because once the Tribulation period began, His return could be predicted to the day seven years later. The same is true if Jesus was referring to a post-Tribulation Rapture, because it could easily be predicted once the Tribulation started. Jesus could have only been referring to the Rapture of the Church, which Scripture clearly teaches will happen before the seven year Tribulation period. The only good part to the Tribulation period is that it is a seven year countdown to when the Lord will visibly return to stay!
So when will the Rapture occur? Scripture simply tells us that it could happen at any time and that it will happen at an unexpected time. That is why we are also told to live a life that is clearly prepared for that moment. The Apostle Paul put it best, saying, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:11-13, NKJV). I personally believe and hope that it will happen soon! That's why I have got to say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come!"
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
The Cross Tree
Hello everyone! I am sorry that I have not updated my blog lately. It has been extremely busy here at McEwen First Baptist Church, which is not a bad thing at all. God is at work!
I once was told that when you go on an extended vacation, you will work twice as hard when you get back than you did before you left. When we went on vacation for a couple of weeks in June, I discovered that to be true. It may even be a direct quote from the second book of Hezekiah or something (just kidding).
I thought that I would post one of my favorite pictures from our trip out West. This picture is obviously from the Grand Canyon. It was one of those pictures that I took on a whim as we passed by, because it was simply a breath-taking scene. I like to call it the Cross Tree.
To me the beauty of this tree is obvious. Its cross-like shape stands out in my mind, firing my imagination with thoughts of what Jesus Christ did for me and every human being on Earth. Just beyond this tree is a sheer drop of hundreds of feet into the canyon below. To go beyond this tree would mean certain death for anyone foolish enough to try it. In a way this tree is standing like a sentry, guarding those that pass that way from an ugly end. It is in this that the tree not only resembles the cross, it also illustrates what Jesus did on the cross.
Like those born blind, all humanity was wondering at the edge of a precipice, facing a fall and a death that none of us could avoid on our own, until Jesus came to open our eyes to the danger. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12, NKJV).
But Jesus did even more than that for us. You see, we deserved to wander off that precipice and die, because we have sinned against God. God does not have more than one punishment for sin, depending on the variety. God has one punishment for sin and that is death, as the Bible explains saying, "...the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a, NKJV). This is not simply physical death, but the personal separation that sin causes between God and humanity. If this separation does not end in life, it will become permanent in death, resulting in a person spending the rest of eternity separated from God in Hell. This is where the cross comes in. Though the Bible did say that "...the wages of sin is death," it goes on to say, "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NKJV). That gift of never-ending life was provided through what Jesus did on the cross. The Bible says that "...Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8b, NKJV), which can be literally translated as "...Christ died in our place!" God made a statement with that cross, saying that because Jesus took your place, the punishment has been carried out and so you don't have to die!
Like the tree that stands guard at the edge of the Grand Canyon, the cross of Jesus Christ is standing there to say, "Stop here and live!" The Bible says that "...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, NKJV). Like those who foolishly pass the cross tree and fall to their death in the canyon, much of humanity foolishly ignores the cross of Jesus Christ and its message. But for those of us who have chosen to see the truth, the cross has become a beautiful symbol of never-ending life and salvation from death. That is why the cross tree is so beautiful to me, though some may never see it.
"LORD God, thank-you for the cross. Thank-you for the price that You paid for me, Lord Jesus. Your sacrifice on Calvary, has truly made the mighty cross a tree of life to me. Amen!!"
I once was told that when you go on an extended vacation, you will work twice as hard when you get back than you did before you left. When we went on vacation for a couple of weeks in June, I discovered that to be true. It may even be a direct quote from the second book of Hezekiah or something (just kidding).
I thought that I would post one of my favorite pictures from our trip out West. This picture is obviously from the Grand Canyon. It was one of those pictures that I took on a whim as we passed by, because it was simply a breath-taking scene. I like to call it the Cross Tree.
To me the beauty of this tree is obvious. Its cross-like shape stands out in my mind, firing my imagination with thoughts of what Jesus Christ did for me and every human being on Earth. Just beyond this tree is a sheer drop of hundreds of feet into the canyon below. To go beyond this tree would mean certain death for anyone foolish enough to try it. In a way this tree is standing like a sentry, guarding those that pass that way from an ugly end. It is in this that the tree not only resembles the cross, it also illustrates what Jesus did on the cross.
Like those born blind, all humanity was wondering at the edge of a precipice, facing a fall and a death that none of us could avoid on our own, until Jesus came to open our eyes to the danger. Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life" (John 8:12, NKJV).
But Jesus did even more than that for us. You see, we deserved to wander off that precipice and die, because we have sinned against God. God does not have more than one punishment for sin, depending on the variety. God has one punishment for sin and that is death, as the Bible explains saying, "...the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23a, NKJV). This is not simply physical death, but the personal separation that sin causes between God and humanity. If this separation does not end in life, it will become permanent in death, resulting in a person spending the rest of eternity separated from God in Hell. This is where the cross comes in. Though the Bible did say that "...the wages of sin is death," it goes on to say, "...but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23, NKJV). That gift of never-ending life was provided through what Jesus did on the cross. The Bible says that "...Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8b, NKJV), which can be literally translated as "...Christ died in our place!" God made a statement with that cross, saying that because Jesus took your place, the punishment has been carried out and so you don't have to die!
Like the tree that stands guard at the edge of the Grand Canyon, the cross of Jesus Christ is standing there to say, "Stop here and live!" The Bible says that "...the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18, NKJV). Like those who foolishly pass the cross tree and fall to their death in the canyon, much of humanity foolishly ignores the cross of Jesus Christ and its message. But for those of us who have chosen to see the truth, the cross has become a beautiful symbol of never-ending life and salvation from death. That is why the cross tree is so beautiful to me, though some may never see it.
"LORD God, thank-you for the cross. Thank-you for the price that You paid for me, Lord Jesus. Your sacrifice on Calvary, has truly made the mighty cross a tree of life to me. Amen!!"
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
The Paradox of Election and Free Will
I recently had to articulate my position on the subjects of election and free will. Some who read what I had to say will try to place one theological label or another on me, but I do not fit into the two main sides on this issue. I am neither a Calvinist, nor an Arminianist. Like one of my professors said during my seminary days, I am a Calvimenianist. More importantly, I strive to be a Biblicist on any subject, grounding my beliefs solely on the Word of God rather than any man's opinion on it. I agree with some of what John Calvin had to say and I agree with some of what Jacob Arminius had to say concerning election and free will, but only in those areas of their arguments when they are both being Biblical.
For example, both Calvin and Arminius declared what Scripture declares, saying that all mankind is "totally depraved," being incapable of doing good by God's standard and having been judged guilty of sin before God. But while Calvin said that Jesus died for some people, Arminius simply repeated what Scripture says, saying that Jesus died for all people. But then Arminius also wrongly concluded that a person can fall from God's grace, losing their salvation. Calvin got it right, saying on the basis of Scripture that "saints will persevere," or in other words saying that Christians cannot fall from the grace that saved them. Both men came to these conclusions through the process of grappling with the subjects of election and free will. While both used Scripture to make their arguments, their conclusions on Scripture were not always Biblical. A person needs to have as Biblical a position as possible, but that is not an easy thing to discover when it comes to tackling the subjects of election and free will. The following position that I came to illustrates that fact.
When there seems to be a contradiction between two equally valid arguments, that contradiction is called a paradox. Because the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, no individual teaching within it should contradict another individual teaching within it. But when the subjects of election and free will come up in Scripture, Scripture seems to argue against itself, creating a paradox. On the one hand, Scripture teaches that God chooses those who are saved through election; while on the other hand, Scripture also teaches that everyone may freely choose to receive God’s salvation through faith.
In light of this apparent paradox, some have questioned the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture itself, saying that the individual writers clearly expressed differing theological opinions, rather than being guided by the Holy Spirit in producing a unified argument on the matter. But this theory is not reflected in Scripture, where this paradox is seen within the writings of individual authors. It would be highly unusual for a person to take time to argue against their own arguments, and yet this paradox is seen in the teachings of Jesus, the historical narratives of Luke, and the theological arguments of Paul.
For example, in one of the most beautiful and well known passages of the Bible, Jesus summarized both God’s provision of salvation, saying, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). It is the word “whoever” that presents the greatest theological difficulty for those who believe that only a chosen few are offered salvation, because the meaning is inclusive and without limit. In other words, Jesus was saying that the salvation God freely provided can be received by anyone through believing in His Son, no matter who they are.
On the other hand, Jesus also stressed God’s sovereign control over who comes to Him for salvation, saying, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37, NKJV). Along the same lines, Jesus later continued, saying, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44, NKJV). Though this highlights the necessary work that only God can do to bring a person to the Savior, it does not exclude anyone from God’s plan of salvation. There are two reasons why this is true. First of all, the Bible says that “all things” have been placed in the “hands” of Jesus by God the Father (see John 13:3), which most certainly includes all of mankind. Secondly, the Bible says that God is commanding “…all men everywhere to repent…” (Acts 17:30, NKJV), which is certainly a part of God’s method to “draw” people to Jesus Christ. But despite this attempt at an explanation, the paradox remains.
This paradox is also seen in the writings of Luke. Luke dutifully recorded the words of Peter, when he was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles for the first time, saying, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43, NKJV). Once again, that word “whoever” emerges to explain that God’s invitation to salvation is available to all who will believe in Jesus Christ. But then later on when another group of Gentiles responded to the Gospel in faith, Luke explained, saying, “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48, NASB). This gives the opposite impression that the word “whoever” gave. Instead of all being invited to be saved, it appears that only those who have an appointment may receive that gift. With this thought in mind, the paradox becomes more obvious than before.
One might hope to see light at the end of the theological tunnel when the Apostle Paul discusses this subject, but he also demonstrates this paradox between election and free will. Paul clearly presents the open invitation for all to receive God’s salvation through faith, saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16, NKJV). But then later Paul seems to narrow that invitation, saying, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30, ESV). For many, Paul’s statement in Romans 8:30 settles the matter in favor of the viewpoint that God only planned to call some people to salvation rather than all people. From this arises the logical conclusion that Jesus only died for those who will choose to believe and that God therefore planned for some to go to Heaven and the rest to go to Hell. But this extreme conclusion fails to factor in the rest of what Paul had to say about predestination and being “called.”
The best explanation that bridges the paradox of election and free will is found in the immediate context of Romans 8:30, and its impact on how that verse is interpreted. Romans 8:30 was only part of what Paul explained, saying, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30, NKJV). Notice that being "foreknown" is an integral part of being "predestined," which is in turn followed by being "called," by being “justified,” and finally by being “glorified.” The answer to the paradox is to be found in these words that Paul linked together.
God “predestined,” which literally means to "plan ahead of time," to conform all those that He “foreknew” to “the image of His Son.” God’s pre-determined plan is further explained by Paul in Ephesians, when he says, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:4-6, NKJV). Remember that Paul already explained who God’s wonderful plan was made for, saying that “…those He foreknew, He also predestined.” Since the sovereign God knows all, there is no-one that He did not know in eternity past; therefore, God’s pre-determined plan is for all of humanity rather than a selected few.
Those “whom He predestined” have by necessity to be “called,” before God’s plan can be fulfilled in their lives. The Greek word that is translated as “called” (kaleo) can also be translated as “invited.” This helps in rightly determining what Paul is saying in this verse. God is not in the business of forcing His salvation plan upon anyone, whether they want it or not. Instead, God desires that everyone willingly choose His plan for their lives. That is why He has made such an effort to deliver that invitation for all to believe and be saved through Jesus Christ. If God did not want to save everyone, Paul would not have challenged Christians to be praying for the salvation of those around them, saying, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NKJV). In His omniscient sovereignty, God knows who will reject and who will accept His plan for their lives, but in His great love and patience for all, God is still inviting everyone to receive His salvation.
Before a person can begin to have God’s pre-determined plan unfold in their lives, they must accept His invitation and be “justified.” Being “justified” is clearly not something that happens apart from what Jesus Christ did on the cross, nor apart from a conscious decision to have faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Paul explained God’s justifying work, saying that “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:8-9, NKJV). But Paul also explained what a person must do before that justification can be applied to their life, saying that “…a man is justified by faith” (Romans 3:28, NKJV). Justification is not something that is applied to a person in eternity past, but rather when and only when a person chooses to believe, although that has always been a part of God’s plan for each and every person.
Paul concludes this chain of events surrounding a person’s salvation, by saying that those who are “justified” are also to be “glorified.” This is the hope and ultimate goal for every Christian, but one that will only be achieved when their final destination is reached in Heaven. Paul explained that “…we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2, NKJV). The Apostle John further described this hope, saying, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2, NKJV). To be “like Him” is to be glorified, as Jesus was glorified in His resurrection. But one must not miss the prerequisite event that leads up to being “glorified,” which is being “justified” through faith in Jesus Christ. Once again, it is clear that God has sovereignly put the decision in the hands of individuals.
In light of Paul’s complete argument in Romans 8:29-30, this paradox between election and free will becomes a little less hazy and divisive. God has not given Christians all of the answers that are needed to solve this theological brain-teaser; instead, God has given the answers that should prevent Christians from picking one Biblical side over another equally, Biblical side. The Bible itself presents Christians with the common ground that is needed in order to work together to exalt the sovereign God who has acted to save mankind, as well as to reach out to a sinful humanity who needs the opportunity to freely choose God’s salvation.
For example, both Calvin and Arminius declared what Scripture declares, saying that all mankind is "totally depraved," being incapable of doing good by God's standard and having been judged guilty of sin before God. But while Calvin said that Jesus died for some people, Arminius simply repeated what Scripture says, saying that Jesus died for all people. But then Arminius also wrongly concluded that a person can fall from God's grace, losing their salvation. Calvin got it right, saying on the basis of Scripture that "saints will persevere," or in other words saying that Christians cannot fall from the grace that saved them. Both men came to these conclusions through the process of grappling with the subjects of election and free will. While both used Scripture to make their arguments, their conclusions on Scripture were not always Biblical. A person needs to have as Biblical a position as possible, but that is not an easy thing to discover when it comes to tackling the subjects of election and free will. The following position that I came to illustrates that fact.
When there seems to be a contradiction between two equally valid arguments, that contradiction is called a paradox. Because the Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God, no individual teaching within it should contradict another individual teaching within it. But when the subjects of election and free will come up in Scripture, Scripture seems to argue against itself, creating a paradox. On the one hand, Scripture teaches that God chooses those who are saved through election; while on the other hand, Scripture also teaches that everyone may freely choose to receive God’s salvation through faith.
In light of this apparent paradox, some have questioned the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture itself, saying that the individual writers clearly expressed differing theological opinions, rather than being guided by the Holy Spirit in producing a unified argument on the matter. But this theory is not reflected in Scripture, where this paradox is seen within the writings of individual authors. It would be highly unusual for a person to take time to argue against their own arguments, and yet this paradox is seen in the teachings of Jesus, the historical narratives of Luke, and the theological arguments of Paul.
For example, in one of the most beautiful and well known passages of the Bible, Jesus summarized both God’s provision of salvation, saying, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16, NKJV). It is the word “whoever” that presents the greatest theological difficulty for those who believe that only a chosen few are offered salvation, because the meaning is inclusive and without limit. In other words, Jesus was saying that the salvation God freely provided can be received by anyone through believing in His Son, no matter who they are.
On the other hand, Jesus also stressed God’s sovereign control over who comes to Him for salvation, saying, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (John 6:37, NKJV). Along the same lines, Jesus later continued, saying, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44, NKJV). Though this highlights the necessary work that only God can do to bring a person to the Savior, it does not exclude anyone from God’s plan of salvation. There are two reasons why this is true. First of all, the Bible says that “all things” have been placed in the “hands” of Jesus by God the Father (see John 13:3), which most certainly includes all of mankind. Secondly, the Bible says that God is commanding “…all men everywhere to repent…” (Acts 17:30, NKJV), which is certainly a part of God’s method to “draw” people to Jesus Christ. But despite this attempt at an explanation, the paradox remains.
This paradox is also seen in the writings of Luke. Luke dutifully recorded the words of Peter, when he was preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles for the first time, saying, “To Him all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in Him will receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:43, NKJV). Once again, that word “whoever” emerges to explain that God’s invitation to salvation is available to all who will believe in Jesus Christ. But then later on when another group of Gentiles responded to the Gospel in faith, Luke explained, saying, “When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed” (Acts 13:48, NASB). This gives the opposite impression that the word “whoever” gave. Instead of all being invited to be saved, it appears that only those who have an appointment may receive that gift. With this thought in mind, the paradox becomes more obvious than before.
One might hope to see light at the end of the theological tunnel when the Apostle Paul discusses this subject, but he also demonstrates this paradox between election and free will. Paul clearly presents the open invitation for all to receive God’s salvation through faith, saying, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16, NKJV). But then later Paul seems to narrow that invitation, saying, “And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified” (Romans 8:30, ESV). For many, Paul’s statement in Romans 8:30 settles the matter in favor of the viewpoint that God only planned to call some people to salvation rather than all people. From this arises the logical conclusion that Jesus only died for those who will choose to believe and that God therefore planned for some to go to Heaven and the rest to go to Hell. But this extreme conclusion fails to factor in the rest of what Paul had to say about predestination and being “called.”
The best explanation that bridges the paradox of election and free will is found in the immediate context of Romans 8:30, and its impact on how that verse is interpreted. Romans 8:30 was only part of what Paul explained, saying, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified” (Romans 8:29-30, NKJV). Notice that being "foreknown" is an integral part of being "predestined," which is in turn followed by being "called," by being “justified,” and finally by being “glorified.” The answer to the paradox is to be found in these words that Paul linked together.
God “predestined,” which literally means to "plan ahead of time," to conform all those that He “foreknew” to “the image of His Son.” God’s pre-determined plan is further explained by Paul in Ephesians, when he says, “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He has made us accepted in the Beloved” (Ephesians 1:4-6, NKJV). Remember that Paul already explained who God’s wonderful plan was made for, saying that “…those He foreknew, He also predestined.” Since the sovereign God knows all, there is no-one that He did not know in eternity past; therefore, God’s pre-determined plan is for all of humanity rather than a selected few.
Those “whom He predestined” have by necessity to be “called,” before God’s plan can be fulfilled in their lives. The Greek word that is translated as “called” (kaleo) can also be translated as “invited.” This helps in rightly determining what Paul is saying in this verse. God is not in the business of forcing His salvation plan upon anyone, whether they want it or not. Instead, God desires that everyone willingly choose His plan for their lives. That is why He has made such an effort to deliver that invitation for all to believe and be saved through Jesus Christ. If God did not want to save everyone, Paul would not have challenged Christians to be praying for the salvation of those around them, saying, “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4, NKJV). In His omniscient sovereignty, God knows who will reject and who will accept His plan for their lives, but in His great love and patience for all, God is still inviting everyone to receive His salvation.
Before a person can begin to have God’s pre-determined plan unfold in their lives, they must accept His invitation and be “justified.” Being “justified” is clearly not something that happens apart from what Jesus Christ did on the cross, nor apart from a conscious decision to have faith in what Jesus Christ did on the cross. Paul explained God’s justifying work, saying that “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him” (Romans 5:8-9, NKJV). But Paul also explained what a person must do before that justification can be applied to their life, saying that “…a man is justified by faith” (Romans 3:28, NKJV). Justification is not something that is applied to a person in eternity past, but rather when and only when a person chooses to believe, although that has always been a part of God’s plan for each and every person.
Paul concludes this chain of events surrounding a person’s salvation, by saying that those who are “justified” are also to be “glorified.” This is the hope and ultimate goal for every Christian, but one that will only be achieved when their final destination is reached in Heaven. Paul explained that “…we rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2, NKJV). The Apostle John further described this hope, saying, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2, NKJV). To be “like Him” is to be glorified, as Jesus was glorified in His resurrection. But one must not miss the prerequisite event that leads up to being “glorified,” which is being “justified” through faith in Jesus Christ. Once again, it is clear that God has sovereignly put the decision in the hands of individuals.
In light of Paul’s complete argument in Romans 8:29-30, this paradox between election and free will becomes a little less hazy and divisive. God has not given Christians all of the answers that are needed to solve this theological brain-teaser; instead, God has given the answers that should prevent Christians from picking one Biblical side over another equally, Biblical side. The Bible itself presents Christians with the common ground that is needed in order to work together to exalt the sovereign God who has acted to save mankind, as well as to reach out to a sinful humanity who needs the opportunity to freely choose God’s salvation.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
The Good News of Christ
I believe that Romans 1:16 brings up the most important topic of the entire Bible. In this verse, Paul declared, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek" (Romans 1:16, NKJV). This one verse summarizes the missionary passion of the believer, the greatness of the message concerning Christ, the ability that God has to save the lost, and the availability of that salvation for everyone.
Paul first declared that he was "not ashamed." His Godly example validates his words. Paul never backed down and never backed up from the calling of telling the world that Jesus died and rose again to save those who believe. From being beaten to being stoned, from being imprisoned to being executed, Paul proved that he was "not ashamed."
And there was nothing for Paul to be "ashamed" of when it came to the message that he preached. He told the known world about "the gospel of Christ," which is literally "the good news of Christ." The story of Jesus is the good news of what God did to save a lost humanity from the certain death that we all deserve. That "good news" involves the virgin birth, the sinless life, the substitutional sacrifice, and the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ. No other news could ever be so good!
The best part of the "good news of Christ" is who it is for. Paul said that this "good news" is "the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes!" Paul is voicing the invitation of eternity here for "whosoever" to accept God's salvation through faith. This echoes the words of Jesus in John 3:16, when He said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, NKJV). God's power to save is wrapped up in a person's willingness to believe the "good news" about Jesus Christ. God uses the truth of His Word and the sincerity of our faith to change and save our lives. It's no wonder that Paul was "not ashamed!"
I believe that this is not only the key message of Romans, but the basis for everything Paul did. When I embraced the meaning of that verse, it rearranged my goals in life and my perspective on ministry. As a pastor, I am called to do many things for the Lord and His Church, but my main job is to proclaim the life-changing, soul-saving "good news" of Jesus Christ, without shame and without compromise. I believe that every Christian should get up each day with the message of that verse in their minds. We are here primarily to tell people about Jesus, otherwise we would already be in Heaven. If we cultivate the same passion which drove Paul to put these words to pen, we will see it impact everyone around us for the better. In fact, it is a matter of life and death!
Paul first declared that he was "not ashamed." His Godly example validates his words. Paul never backed down and never backed up from the calling of telling the world that Jesus died and rose again to save those who believe. From being beaten to being stoned, from being imprisoned to being executed, Paul proved that he was "not ashamed."
And there was nothing for Paul to be "ashamed" of when it came to the message that he preached. He told the known world about "the gospel of Christ," which is literally "the good news of Christ." The story of Jesus is the good news of what God did to save a lost humanity from the certain death that we all deserve. That "good news" involves the virgin birth, the sinless life, the substitutional sacrifice, and the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ. No other news could ever be so good!
The best part of the "good news of Christ" is who it is for. Paul said that this "good news" is "the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes!" Paul is voicing the invitation of eternity here for "whosoever" to accept God's salvation through faith. This echoes the words of Jesus in John 3:16, when He said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16, NKJV). God's power to save is wrapped up in a person's willingness to believe the "good news" about Jesus Christ. God uses the truth of His Word and the sincerity of our faith to change and save our lives. It's no wonder that Paul was "not ashamed!"
I believe that this is not only the key message of Romans, but the basis for everything Paul did. When I embraced the meaning of that verse, it rearranged my goals in life and my perspective on ministry. As a pastor, I am called to do many things for the Lord and His Church, but my main job is to proclaim the life-changing, soul-saving "good news" of Jesus Christ, without shame and without compromise. I believe that every Christian should get up each day with the message of that verse in their minds. We are here primarily to tell people about Jesus, otherwise we would already be in Heaven. If we cultivate the same passion which drove Paul to put these words to pen, we will see it impact everyone around us for the better. In fact, it is a matter of life and death!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Hope for Your Hereafter
Easter in America today has become increasingly focused on the wrong things. Most American children hear stories of a mythical bunny bearing colorful eggs, candy, and even gifts. If asked about the title for the holiday, most parents simply say that "Easter" is about celebrating the beginning of Spring. But Christians know better, or at least we should know better. Easter was not meant to be a springtime festival, nor does it have anything to do with rabbits, no matter how cute they may be. Easter is about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Though our culture in general wants to forget that fact and have a holiday anyway, Easter is a Christian memorial to the greatest event in human history, namely that Jesus Christ arose from the dead to new life. The problem with the Church and with the culture is that many people have simply forgotten why Christians celebrate Easter, or they have never known to begin with. This may explain why our culture has tried to replace the point of Easter with its own imaginings.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate Christian hope. This hope is not meant to be something uncertain, but rather something that is very assuring in its certainty, because of who and what this hope is placed in. The Bible reminded me of this when I was reading the other night. The writer of Proverbs said, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:17-18, NKJV). The point is basically that we who believe in and follow God have no reason to be envious of those who do not know God, because we have something far better than anything that they could have: "hope" in the "hereafter." While the rest of humanity faces hopelessness or uncertainty concerning their eventual deaths, we have nothing to fear and everything to hope for after our deaths! This is precisely why the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is called "Good News!"
When David prophesied of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he said, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol (the grave), nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:9-11, NKJV). David gave voice to the Christian hope in this passage. Our hope is not built upon anything that we have done for our future, but rather what God's "Holy One" has done. Jesus arose from the dead in order to make it possible for us to do the same! The night before the crucifixion, as Jesus warned His disciples that He would be leaving them soon, Jesus said, "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19, NKJV). Jesus was saying that when His disciples saw Him alive after His obvious death, they would know that they would "live also" after death. Jesus had already made this fact clear earlier, when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, NKJV).
Belief is truly the key to finding hope for your hereafter. I recently heard that a leading clergyman in England said that it was not important whether or not the resurrection actually happened or not, because it is a matter of faith. I strongly disagree with this statement, because if the resurrection did not happen, then to believe in it and Jesus would be to believe in a lie. It would also leave me and the rest of humanity with no real hope for the hereafter. That is why the Apostle Paul said, "...if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty" (1 Corinthians 15:14, NKJV). Paul went on to say, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable" (1 Corinthians 15:19, NKJV).
Don't miss the promise that the Bible makes to those of you who "fear" the Lord, who believe in and follow Him. Concerning your hereafter, the writer of Proverbs said that "...your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:18, NKJV). In other words, the hope that you have for your hereafter will not die, when your hope is in Jesus Christ. Those around you may question the hope that you have, but your hope will not die! Those around you may die without hope, but your hope will not die! You yourself will one day die, but your hope will not die! Your hope for the hereafter will live on and be fulfilled because Jesus Christ is not dead! But you can only have that kind of hope for your hereafter, when you believe that Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead. Believing that is what Easter is all about.
"Dear Lord God, I praise You this Easter for the gift that You gave. Father, You gave Your Son to die so that we might live. Lord Jesus, You rose from the dead to give us a new life like Your own. Holy Spirit, You have confirmed in our hearts that this Good News is true. Help us to tell others what and why we celebrate this Easter. Amen."
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate Christian hope. This hope is not meant to be something uncertain, but rather something that is very assuring in its certainty, because of who and what this hope is placed in. The Bible reminded me of this when I was reading the other night. The writer of Proverbs said, "Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the LORD all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:17-18, NKJV). The point is basically that we who believe in and follow God have no reason to be envious of those who do not know God, because we have something far better than anything that they could have: "hope" in the "hereafter." While the rest of humanity faces hopelessness or uncertainty concerning their eventual deaths, we have nothing to fear and everything to hope for after our deaths! This is precisely why the story of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is called "Good News!"
When David prophesied of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, he said, "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices; my flesh also will rest in hope. For You will not leave my soul in Sheol (the grave), nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore" (Psalm 16:9-11, NKJV). David gave voice to the Christian hope in this passage. Our hope is not built upon anything that we have done for our future, but rather what God's "Holy One" has done. Jesus arose from the dead in order to make it possible for us to do the same! The night before the crucifixion, as Jesus warned His disciples that He would be leaving them soon, Jesus said, "A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also" (John 14:19, NKJV). Jesus was saying that when His disciples saw Him alive after His obvious death, they would know that they would "live also" after death. Jesus had already made this fact clear earlier, when He said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26, NKJV).
Belief is truly the key to finding hope for your hereafter. I recently heard that a leading clergyman in England said that it was not important whether or not the resurrection actually happened or not, because it is a matter of faith. I strongly disagree with this statement, because if the resurrection did not happen, then to believe in it and Jesus would be to believe in a lie. It would also leave me and the rest of humanity with no real hope for the hereafter. That is why the Apostle Paul said, "...if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty" (1 Corinthians 15:14, NKJV). Paul went on to say, "If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable" (1 Corinthians 15:19, NKJV).
Don't miss the promise that the Bible makes to those of you who "fear" the Lord, who believe in and follow Him. Concerning your hereafter, the writer of Proverbs said that "...your hope will not be cut off" (Proverbs 23:18, NKJV). In other words, the hope that you have for your hereafter will not die, when your hope is in Jesus Christ. Those around you may question the hope that you have, but your hope will not die! Those around you may die without hope, but your hope will not die! You yourself will one day die, but your hope will not die! Your hope for the hereafter will live on and be fulfilled because Jesus Christ is not dead! But you can only have that kind of hope for your hereafter, when you believe that Jesus Christ truly rose from the dead. Believing that is what Easter is all about.
"Dear Lord God, I praise You this Easter for the gift that You gave. Father, You gave Your Son to die so that we might live. Lord Jesus, You rose from the dead to give us a new life like Your own. Holy Spirit, You have confirmed in our hearts that this Good News is true. Help us to tell others what and why we celebrate this Easter. Amen."
Two Must-Read Articles!
I have provided the links to two articles that were of great interest to me and that I believe should be read by all Christians who have a concern for the future of this country.
The first is an extremely encouraging article about a revival in a small town in Louisiana. This revival is occurring in the town of Jena, which was recently in the national news for its outbreak of racial violence. As you read this article, please pray that God will do the same where you live!
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27604
The second article is on more of a negative event that occurred recently. It concerns what a leading presidential candidate shared about his beliefs on homosexuality and what he believes the Bible says about that subject. This article is as infuriating as the first one was encouraging, but if Christians are to be informed before the next election, articles like this must be read. As you read this article, please pray for our country and for God's will to be done!
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=27532
The first is an extremely encouraging article about a revival in a small town in Louisiana. This revival is occurring in the town of Jena, which was recently in the national news for its outbreak of racial violence. As you read this article, please pray that God will do the same where you live!
http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27604
The second article is on more of a negative event that occurred recently. It concerns what a leading presidential candidate shared about his beliefs on homosexuality and what he believes the Bible says about that subject. This article is as infuriating as the first one was encouraging, but if Christians are to be informed before the next election, articles like this must be read. As you read this article, please pray for our country and for God's will to be done!
http://www.bpnews.net/bpnews.asp?id=27532
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The Words of the Wise
When I come to the Word of God with the right attitude, I always come away having learned something truly wise. That is because in the Bible is found wisdom that is beyond the capability of man to invent or even to improve upon. After all, the Bible says, "...the world through wisdom did not know God..." (1 Corinthians 1:21a, NKJV) Human wisdom falls ever so short of the wisdom that God wishes to impart to us. It is through God's wisdom that we come to "know God," in a personal relationship that is not only life-changing, but also soul-saving! That is why the Apostle Paul advised his young protege Timothy to "...continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:14-15, NKJV). Obviously, the key for learning God's wisdom is in His Word, the Holy Scriptures.
Through the writer of Proverbs, God spoke long ago about the importance of hearing His words of wisdom. The writer of Proverbs says for God, "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?" (Proverbs 22:17-21, NKJV)
There are three things that you must do to know "the words of the wise." First, you must "incline your ear and hear" what God has said. Let's not make this too complicated. He is simply saying to listen to Him, in order to consider what He has to say. Next, you must "apply your heart" to God's "knowledge." To do that you must simply take what you have heard from God and "apply" it to your life, through letting His Word be your guide in life. Finally, you must let God's Word "be fixed upon your lips." This does not mean that you are to strap a Bible over your mouth, but rather that the words of the Bible should regularly be coming out of your mouth. This could mean quoting Scripture or simply saying things that are in agreement with Scripture. The point is, if you are seeking to know God's wisdom, you will be listening to His Word, applying His Word to your life, and using His Word as a standard for your own words.
Knowing "the words of the wise," will result in three basic benefits. First, you will know that truly "it is a pleasant thing" to have God's wisdom "within you." Anyone who has weathered trying times as a Christian, knows the power of what has been previously learned from God's word to bring peace, assurance, and courage when it is needed most. Second, through knowing God's wisdom, you will have placed "your trust" in the right place, namely "in the LORD." Salvation only comes through trusting the LORD by faith, and that faith comes through hearing and believing God's Word. Finally, having God's wisdom ready at hand in your life will enable you to "...answer words of truth to those who send to you." There will come a time when someone will approach you for advice for their life. Maybe it will be because they have seen you living by God's wisdom and have begun to desire to be able to do the same. Whatever the case may be, you can be ready for them, if you truly know God's wisdom. In short, to know God's wisdom is to be fortified with his strength, assured in your faith in Him, and equipped by Him to help others in finding His wisdom.
God has given a word to the unwise (to all of us): "...hear the words of the wise..."
"Thank-you, Lord, for Your Word. I pray that more will read the Bible today and every day. I know that Your Word has the power to change and save lives. I am living proof of that. May there be others that discover that too! In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen."
Through the writer of Proverbs, God spoke long ago about the importance of hearing His words of wisdom. The writer of Proverbs says for God, "Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge; for it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; let them all be fixed upon your lips, so that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you. Have I not written to you excellent things of counsels and knowledge, that I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you may answer words of truth to those who send to you?" (Proverbs 22:17-21, NKJV)
There are three things that you must do to know "the words of the wise." First, you must "incline your ear and hear" what God has said. Let's not make this too complicated. He is simply saying to listen to Him, in order to consider what He has to say. Next, you must "apply your heart" to God's "knowledge." To do that you must simply take what you have heard from God and "apply" it to your life, through letting His Word be your guide in life. Finally, you must let God's Word "be fixed upon your lips." This does not mean that you are to strap a Bible over your mouth, but rather that the words of the Bible should regularly be coming out of your mouth. This could mean quoting Scripture or simply saying things that are in agreement with Scripture. The point is, if you are seeking to know God's wisdom, you will be listening to His Word, applying His Word to your life, and using His Word as a standard for your own words.
Knowing "the words of the wise," will result in three basic benefits. First, you will know that truly "it is a pleasant thing" to have God's wisdom "within you." Anyone who has weathered trying times as a Christian, knows the power of what has been previously learned from God's word to bring peace, assurance, and courage when it is needed most. Second, through knowing God's wisdom, you will have placed "your trust" in the right place, namely "in the LORD." Salvation only comes through trusting the LORD by faith, and that faith comes through hearing and believing God's Word. Finally, having God's wisdom ready at hand in your life will enable you to "...answer words of truth to those who send to you." There will come a time when someone will approach you for advice for their life. Maybe it will be because they have seen you living by God's wisdom and have begun to desire to be able to do the same. Whatever the case may be, you can be ready for them, if you truly know God's wisdom. In short, to know God's wisdom is to be fortified with his strength, assured in your faith in Him, and equipped by Him to help others in finding His wisdom.
God has given a word to the unwise (to all of us): "...hear the words of the wise..."
"Thank-you, Lord, for Your Word. I pray that more will read the Bible today and every day. I know that Your Word has the power to change and save lives. I am living proof of that. May there be others that discover that too! In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen."
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
IMPORTANT ARTICLE!
The following Baptist Press article is a must read for Southern Baptists who are increasingly called "intolerant" and "unkind" over their position on Scripture and salvation. This article illustrates the reasons why we have made the stand that we have.
Here is the link: http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27331
Here is the link: http://www.bpnews.net/BPFirstPerson.asp?ID=27331
Friday, January 25, 2008
A New Year for Life
2008 has begun with the promise of great things to come. Our family is in a new home, I will soon graduate (finally), and the Church is having an impact on the community of McEwen, Tennessee. There is much to be excited about and to look forward to, but there are also things to be concerned about.
2008 is obviously a presidential election year and the political scene appears to be heating up more than ever. Candidates are struggling to win the nomination of their party with intensity and passion. Over and over again these men and women try to make their point of view stand out to be embraced above the others, with mixed and varying success. Sometimes it is hard to know where a person stands on anything, but it can be found out, if you listen closely enough.
Most of what has been talked about so far revolves around "the economy" and "the war," while other equally important issues concerning the future of our country have barely been mentioned. But that was not the case this past weekend. Sunday (January 20) was a special emphasis day in Churches across the country concerning "the Sanctity of Human Life." Each year this day coincides with the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, which is the court decision that legalized abortion in the United States of America on January 22, 1973. The Tuesday following "Sanctity of Life Sunday" marked the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. The body count has added up into the multiple millions since that day, leaving a stain of innocent blood on our country that God cannot ignore.
This week, each of the presidential candidates, except one whose position is already clear on the matter, released statements either in support of or in opposition to Roe vs. Wade. These statements leave no doubt as to where these candidates stand one way or another. There was no middle ground and there can be no middle ground on this issue. You are either "Pro-Life" or you are "Pro-Death!" No candidate said that they are "Pro-Death," but several of them said that they are "Pro-Choice." "Pro-Choice" is far too general a statement to be used for what they refer to. Hopefully every American is for freedom, which at its most basic is the freedom to make your own decisions, but that does not include the freedom to commit a crime and get away with it! Through the rule of law, we work to prevent and punish crime. For example, we lock murderers up in prison once we catch them, try them, and convict them. It is unthinkable that anyone would condone and approve of the murder of unborn children and call it a legal "choice," but that is exactly what many of those who want to lead this country have done. When it comes to abortion, to be "Pro-Choice" is to be "Pro-Death," having fully approved and condoned a person's decision to kill unborn, human life.
For Christians this is not a political issue; it is a values issue! Do we value human life or not? As this year progresses ever closer toward November, every candidate should be examined carefully to see where they stand on those things that should concern Christians, especially the issue of abortion. To read a concise report on what each candidate said this past week concerning Roe vs. Wade and abortion, go to this link at Baptist Press: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27247.
I would like for you to consider a few verses from the Sunday School lesson that we had on Sanctity of Life Sunday. When David felt defenseless and feared for his own survival, he prayed to God, saying, "O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver" (Psalm 7:1-2, NKJV). As we discussed these verses Sunday, a thought struck me. If an unborn child was able to pray and knew who to pray to, would it pray this way if it was threatened with the prospect of being aborted? For thousands of unborn children each day, this threat becomes very real as it is being carried out, often resulting in that child literally being torn to pieces. Much like David, that child's only hope is God. I believe that God's answer to the prayer for the unborn to be delivered from being torn "in pieces" is the faithful response of His servants in this world. If we say and do nothing to help the unborn, there truly will be "none to deliver!"
Let's make a difference this year! If you value what God values, then live your values, spread your values, and vote your values for the sake of God, family, and country!
"Dear Lord, help us to be wise in our decisions, faithful in our conduct, and influential in all things. Help us to stand in Your strength and make a difference for those who have no other hope. Forgive us for what we have done and what we have not done concerning abortion. Please hear from Heaven and heal our land! Amen."
2008 is obviously a presidential election year and the political scene appears to be heating up more than ever. Candidates are struggling to win the nomination of their party with intensity and passion. Over and over again these men and women try to make their point of view stand out to be embraced above the others, with mixed and varying success. Sometimes it is hard to know where a person stands on anything, but it can be found out, if you listen closely enough.
Most of what has been talked about so far revolves around "the economy" and "the war," while other equally important issues concerning the future of our country have barely been mentioned. But that was not the case this past weekend. Sunday (January 20) was a special emphasis day in Churches across the country concerning "the Sanctity of Human Life." Each year this day coincides with the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, which is the court decision that legalized abortion in the United States of America on January 22, 1973. The Tuesday following "Sanctity of Life Sunday" marked the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. The body count has added up into the multiple millions since that day, leaving a stain of innocent blood on our country that God cannot ignore.
This week, each of the presidential candidates, except one whose position is already clear on the matter, released statements either in support of or in opposition to Roe vs. Wade. These statements leave no doubt as to where these candidates stand one way or another. There was no middle ground and there can be no middle ground on this issue. You are either "Pro-Life" or you are "Pro-Death!" No candidate said that they are "Pro-Death," but several of them said that they are "Pro-Choice." "Pro-Choice" is far too general a statement to be used for what they refer to. Hopefully every American is for freedom, which at its most basic is the freedom to make your own decisions, but that does not include the freedom to commit a crime and get away with it! Through the rule of law, we work to prevent and punish crime. For example, we lock murderers up in prison once we catch them, try them, and convict them. It is unthinkable that anyone would condone and approve of the murder of unborn children and call it a legal "choice," but that is exactly what many of those who want to lead this country have done. When it comes to abortion, to be "Pro-Choice" is to be "Pro-Death," having fully approved and condoned a person's decision to kill unborn, human life.
For Christians this is not a political issue; it is a values issue! Do we value human life or not? As this year progresses ever closer toward November, every candidate should be examined carefully to see where they stand on those things that should concern Christians, especially the issue of abortion. To read a concise report on what each candidate said this past week concerning Roe vs. Wade and abortion, go to this link at Baptist Press: http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=27247.
I would like for you to consider a few verses from the Sunday School lesson that we had on Sanctity of Life Sunday. When David felt defenseless and feared for his own survival, he prayed to God, saying, "O LORD my God, in You I put my trust; save me from all those who persecute me; and deliver me, lest they tear me like a lion, rending me in pieces, while there is none to deliver" (Psalm 7:1-2, NKJV). As we discussed these verses Sunday, a thought struck me. If an unborn child was able to pray and knew who to pray to, would it pray this way if it was threatened with the prospect of being aborted? For thousands of unborn children each day, this threat becomes very real as it is being carried out, often resulting in that child literally being torn to pieces. Much like David, that child's only hope is God. I believe that God's answer to the prayer for the unborn to be delivered from being torn "in pieces" is the faithful response of His servants in this world. If we say and do nothing to help the unborn, there truly will be "none to deliver!"
Let's make a difference this year! If you value what God values, then live your values, spread your values, and vote your values for the sake of God, family, and country!
"Dear Lord, help us to be wise in our decisions, faithful in our conduct, and influential in all things. Help us to stand in Your strength and make a difference for those who have no other hope. Forgive us for what we have done and what we have not done concerning abortion. Please hear from Heaven and heal our land! Amen."
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