Do not change your thoughts to meet anyone else's thoughts or you will lose your integrity. What price will you pay for that integrity? You have a right to your own thoughts and the expression of them. Never change what you said under pressure or you will lose you, and that is the only thing you have. Your words are you, unless they are dollar signs. If you are writing for dollar signs, you do not have any place in the defense of the faith." - Walter Martin (The Kingdom of the Occult, pg. 674)As Christians, integrity is of paramount importance. Our walk must match our talk or we lose all credibility. God has committed to men the task of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world, and we are called to be faithful. We are called to unabashedly, without reservation or apology, speak the truth in love even as Jesus our Messiah does. Is it politically or culturally correct to claim that there is absolute right and wrong? No. Is it popular to say you are convinced that the only way to forgiveness and eternal salvation is through Jesus Christ who rose from the dead? No! But as God is my witness it is true, and therefore must be said. We must hold fast to our integrity as Job, who when tempted to curse God held true his confession and would not charge God with wrong. It is easier to curse than bless, isn't it? Let us be strong in the LORD and keep our integrity.
31 October 2011
Walter Martin Quote
I came across this statement about integrity in a book I'm reading titled The Kingdom of the Occult by Walter Martin, Jill martin Rische, and Kurt Van Gorden. The final chapter is called, "Evangelism: Reaching the hearts of People." It is an excellent conclusion to an informative book. We live in a day where all kinds of things are peddled for profit and gain. A couple things which should never be for sale are the Gospel or a man's integrity. After emphasising the need to speak when the situation presents itself instead of backing down because the Gospel truth might not be received, Dr. Martin writes this:
30 October 2011
The Seduction of Sin
This morning I was treated to a series of object lessons on the theme of sin. As I spent a couple hours mowing, weeding, and trimming, the LORD continued to impress the danger sin poses to our lives. A characteristic of sin is how seductive it is. With a tantalizing appearance it beckons, but there is always an incredibly high cost: separation from God. For those who refuse to repent and trust in Christ for salvation, this separation will be eternal.
In the corner of our back yard grows a stunted, sad lemon tree. The sparse, bumpy fruit and wrinkled leaves reveal a sick condition. But today the tree flourished with colour! Round, flat insects of vibrant red, orange, green, and yellow clustered on the end of each branch. These were not bugs I was familiar with, coming from San Diego! A quick online search revealed these insects as destructive pests called "stinkbugs." My eyes widened as I read how they leech the sap from the blossoms and tender shoots, destroying new growth. Had I not known this, I would have allowed the bugs to stay. Their colours were beautiful but their effects deadly. So it is with sin: Eve looked upon the forbidden fruit and saw it was beautiful to behold and very appetizing. She ate and shared with Adam, her husband. The world has never been the same.
Our front yard has several plants adorned with the blooms of spring. One plant in particular has gorgeous flowers of a deep red hue. I am not familiar with the variety, but it is a type of plant which spreads as a flowering ground cover. Though it is surrounded by soft soil, for some time the size of the plant has not increased. Upon closer examination, I found that under the blooms the plant was matted with weeds. The foreign clover was robbing the beautiful plant of water and restricting its growth. Again, this is a picture of how sin and the cares of this world can choke out God's influence in our lives. We are constantly faced with things (perhaps not even bad or wrong in themselves) which compete for our thoughts, money, time, effort, and desires. Like the Parable of the Sower Jesus told, the cares of the world can choke out the good seed of God's Word and render it fruitless.
As I cleaned up, my wife gave me a call. She was at the shops picking up some things when she was approached by a man selling a versatile automotive product. After listening to his spiel, she called me for my opinion on whether she should consider such a purchase. "Not interested," I said. I wondered why she had listened to his pitch in the first place. When she came home she told me the whole story. "He was really nice, not pushy," she explained. "And it seemed like quality stuff. But even with 40% more for free it was $80 for two bottles." "What? If you knew it was that expensive why did you even bother calling me?" I asked in surprise. "He didn't tell me that until the end." And isn't that always the way with the temptations of the world? Sin comes in flashy packages and seems to meet our needs. It comes highly recommended. But we never hear about the cost until we've been sucked in. Just like a drug dealer knows it is in his best interest to give free dope so he can hook people, Satan knows how to lure people to their destruction.
To sum up: sin is often attractive, subversive, deadly, and always has a hefty cost. Praise God that He has given us His unchanging Word so we might know truth from error. Thank God that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World who has come to break the chains of sin's captives so they might be free indeed. Let us be sober and watchful, knowing that the enemy of our souls is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. May we endeavour to keep our lives free from sin that we might maintain close communion with our Heavenly Father and glorify Him always!
In the corner of our back yard grows a stunted, sad lemon tree. The sparse, bumpy fruit and wrinkled leaves reveal a sick condition. But today the tree flourished with colour! Round, flat insects of vibrant red, orange, green, and yellow clustered on the end of each branch. These were not bugs I was familiar with, coming from San Diego! A quick online search revealed these insects as destructive pests called "stinkbugs." My eyes widened as I read how they leech the sap from the blossoms and tender shoots, destroying new growth. Had I not known this, I would have allowed the bugs to stay. Their colours were beautiful but their effects deadly. So it is with sin: Eve looked upon the forbidden fruit and saw it was beautiful to behold and very appetizing. She ate and shared with Adam, her husband. The world has never been the same.
Our front yard has several plants adorned with the blooms of spring. One plant in particular has gorgeous flowers of a deep red hue. I am not familiar with the variety, but it is a type of plant which spreads as a flowering ground cover. Though it is surrounded by soft soil, for some time the size of the plant has not increased. Upon closer examination, I found that under the blooms the plant was matted with weeds. The foreign clover was robbing the beautiful plant of water and restricting its growth. Again, this is a picture of how sin and the cares of this world can choke out God's influence in our lives. We are constantly faced with things (perhaps not even bad or wrong in themselves) which compete for our thoughts, money, time, effort, and desires. Like the Parable of the Sower Jesus told, the cares of the world can choke out the good seed of God's Word and render it fruitless.
As I cleaned up, my wife gave me a call. She was at the shops picking up some things when she was approached by a man selling a versatile automotive product. After listening to his spiel, she called me for my opinion on whether she should consider such a purchase. "Not interested," I said. I wondered why she had listened to his pitch in the first place. When she came home she told me the whole story. "He was really nice, not pushy," she explained. "And it seemed like quality stuff. But even with 40% more for free it was $80 for two bottles." "What? If you knew it was that expensive why did you even bother calling me?" I asked in surprise. "He didn't tell me that until the end." And isn't that always the way with the temptations of the world? Sin comes in flashy packages and seems to meet our needs. It comes highly recommended. But we never hear about the cost until we've been sucked in. Just like a drug dealer knows it is in his best interest to give free dope so he can hook people, Satan knows how to lure people to their destruction.
To sum up: sin is often attractive, subversive, deadly, and always has a hefty cost. Praise God that He has given us His unchanging Word so we might know truth from error. Thank God that Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World who has come to break the chains of sin's captives so they might be free indeed. Let us be sober and watchful, knowing that the enemy of our souls is as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. May we endeavour to keep our lives free from sin that we might maintain close communion with our Heavenly Father and glorify Him always!
Let Us Reason
We live in a day which encourages the exploration and practice of cultural traditions. Native Americans continue the traditions of their ancestors through dance, songs, native dress, and rituals. Indigenous cultures at one time were under the threat of extinction through systematic eradication or amalgamation with other beliefs. Because of the diversity of cultures and traditions, some have sought to embrace the beliefs and practices of their forefathers. People find identity, security, and a source of pride as they revel in their ethnic and cultural background.
While the embracing of cultural traditions can provide many positive aspects, it is not without great danger. A danger exists when people assume that anything which is ancient or traditional is good. From a biblical perspective, this pursuit and propagation of pagan culture is nothing short of disastrous. The same thing can be said of religion. If your faith rests in appeasing the gods through sacrifice or prostration, chants, your earthly heritage, meditation, the practice of family traditions, even in your denial of God's existence, you build on a foundation of sand.
When Jesus came to earth, He confronted people with His claim of being God made flesh. He said in Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth," a claim of deity. He walked among the religious Jews and the Romans with their pagan idols and mythology. In revealing Himself as the Messiah, He has proved all other ways to "enlightenment" and "salvation" as fraudulent and useless - no matter how long people had pursued them. People have long sought after power through the occult (with legitimate paranormal manifestations), but it is a cheap substitute for the power of God. After Christ's resurrection and ascension, Paul addressed the intellectuals in Athens with this argument in Acts 17:22-34:
Are you a mocker, procrastinator, or a believer? God has given us all the evidence we need in the Holy Bible. Truth can bear examination. I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ, use the faculties of reasoning God has given you to make an educated decision about Christ. Isaiah 1:18 reads, "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." God is a God of reason, order, and infinite wisdom and intelligence. If you seek Him you will find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart (Deut. 4:29).
While the embracing of cultural traditions can provide many positive aspects, it is not without great danger. A danger exists when people assume that anything which is ancient or traditional is good. From a biblical perspective, this pursuit and propagation of pagan culture is nothing short of disastrous. The same thing can be said of religion. If your faith rests in appeasing the gods through sacrifice or prostration, chants, your earthly heritage, meditation, the practice of family traditions, even in your denial of God's existence, you build on a foundation of sand.
When Jesus came to earth, He confronted people with His claim of being God made flesh. He said in Matthew 28:18, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth," a claim of deity. He walked among the religious Jews and the Romans with their pagan idols and mythology. In revealing Himself as the Messiah, He has proved all other ways to "enlightenment" and "salvation" as fraudulent and useless - no matter how long people had pursued them. People have long sought after power through the occult (with legitimate paranormal manifestations), but it is a cheap substitute for the power of God. After Christ's resurrection and ascension, Paul addressed the intellectuals in Athens with this argument in Acts 17:22-34:
"Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; 23 for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. 26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' 29 Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. 30 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, while others said, "We will hear you again on this matter." 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However, some men joined him and believed, among them Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them."God overlooked for many years the ignorance of man, who groped as in the dark to find Him. But now all men are without excuse, for God has revealed Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and the Life through His sinless life, crucifixion, and resurrection. God has also appointed a day in which every man will face judgment based upon the perfect standard of God's righteousness. When people heard Paul's speech 2,000 years ago there were three basic responses: some mocked, many procrastinated, and some believed. For the Greeks who believed, they were compelled to leave the traditional superstitions to follow the One True God, Jesus Christ. This was a heavy cost, but Christ's yoke is easy and His burden light. Instead of having to bear the crushing weight of sin, God gives great joy which buoys the soul.
Are you a mocker, procrastinator, or a believer? God has given us all the evidence we need in the Holy Bible. Truth can bear examination. I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ, use the faculties of reasoning God has given you to make an educated decision about Christ. Isaiah 1:18 reads, "Come now, and let us reason together," says the LORD, "though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool." God is a God of reason, order, and infinite wisdom and intelligence. If you seek Him you will find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart (Deut. 4:29).
26 October 2011
Sick of Your Life?
The world is packed with substitutes for Jesus Christ, but every one of them is useless. Jesus forgives, frees, and gives life through repentance and faith. All false saviours and gods lead to disillusion, enslavement, and death. Satan works tirelessly to deceive people to think they are fine without God and can save themselves. Or he will convince them that God does not even exist: there is no heaven, no hell, no right or wrong, no purpose or meaning to this life, no absolute truth, no free will.
How many people have poured out their lives in pursuits of obtaining fame, wealth, and the accolades of men only to remain empty and devoid of life! People are caught in addictions, gangs, the occult, and destructive cycles of violence out of fear, depression, and hopelessness. Satan is a master at showing the alluring side of sin. Commercials for beer commonly employ humour and most of them show fit, attractive, young people having fun partying. But what you don't see is the dead people carted off the highways from drink driving, you don't smell the stench of vomit, you don't hear children crying themselves to sleep after being beaten, or feel the regret the next morning for things said or done while drunk. Not everyone who drinks beer is irresponsible. But that doesn't undo the pain, shame, regret, and addiction that many experience.
Partying and recreational drug use isn't the only things glamorized by the world contrary to scripture. Fornication and adultery are seen as made safe by a thin film of rubber. The potential damage to the soul of a human being through sex outside of marriage is greater than any virus to the body. Movies and television portray the lie that hooking up is all about fun, conquest, and feeding desires. What is not seen or discussed is pregnancy, the pressure a woman can feel to have an abortion she doesn't want to have when she falls pregnant, regret, embarrassment, and the fact you give a little bit of yourself away every time you have sex outside of marriage. Porn reduces women and men to objects which exist solely to gratify lust and degrades them to a unfeeling, soulless participant who has zero value. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." So people run from relationship to another, have one night stands without number, hoping to satisfy the thirst for significance and love.
People kill themselves every single day. Some do it with a bullet, a drug overdose, hang themselves, or jump off a bridge. For others people enslaved in sin, they kill themselves a little every day as they rebel from God and swallow the lies of Satan that significance and satisfaction can be found pursuing pleasure, fun, fame, and wealth. The wise king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10-11: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?" Whatever you desire the most apart from God, that thing cannot satisfy you. If you love money, no amount of money will satisfy you. If you love sex, you will never get your fill. Many have killed themselves trying. As King Saul fell on his own sword, millions have been impaled by their own lusts. The Bible reveals that our satisfaction and salvation is only found in knowing God and trusting in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 3:23 says, "Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel." Jesus says in John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
Of course Satan lies about Christians too. He perpetrates the moronic notion that "Christians never have any fun" and "All Christians are hypocrites." The greatest fun a person can have is to be completely free of all shame, guilt, hate, addictions, and fear. Christians can look Death in the face because of Christ's sacrifice and say, "You are a defeated enemy. Christ, my King, has vanquished you. Eternity for me has already begun." Fun is knowing the truth, and the Truth has set us free indeed. All the darkness, demons, and deceptions are revealed and crushed through the True Light who is Christ. The fact remains that every person, at some level, is a hypocrite. Satan is the greatest hypocrite of all! If you cheat on your girlfriend and are mad when she talks to an ex, you are a hypocrite. A hypocrite is an actor. Every human being is born with this acting gene because of our sin nature. We have all played the hypocrite. It is actually Christ who frees us from being hypocritical. No Christian I have met (myself included) has claimed sinless perfection. I have no right to point the finger at anyone. Christians, more than anyone, should be aware of their sins against God. That is why we have sought salvation in a Saviour!
Are you sick of dying a little more every day on a frantic search for real life? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God has saved me from myself and the eternal damnation I deserve by His grace. Time is short! Isaiah 55:6-7 says, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon ." What do you have to lose? Give God the ashes of your ruined life and He will give you beauty. Give Him your mourning and He will give you the oil of gladness. He will give you gladness in place of the spirit of heaviness. (Is. 61:3) Confess your sin, repent, and trust in Jesus Christ. It is only in Christ man's joy can be full.
If you actually read this far and would like to know more, message me! :) God bless you!
How many people have poured out their lives in pursuits of obtaining fame, wealth, and the accolades of men only to remain empty and devoid of life! People are caught in addictions, gangs, the occult, and destructive cycles of violence out of fear, depression, and hopelessness. Satan is a master at showing the alluring side of sin. Commercials for beer commonly employ humour and most of them show fit, attractive, young people having fun partying. But what you don't see is the dead people carted off the highways from drink driving, you don't smell the stench of vomit, you don't hear children crying themselves to sleep after being beaten, or feel the regret the next morning for things said or done while drunk. Not everyone who drinks beer is irresponsible. But that doesn't undo the pain, shame, regret, and addiction that many experience.
Partying and recreational drug use isn't the only things glamorized by the world contrary to scripture. Fornication and adultery are seen as made safe by a thin film of rubber. The potential damage to the soul of a human being through sex outside of marriage is greater than any virus to the body. Movies and television portray the lie that hooking up is all about fun, conquest, and feeding desires. What is not seen or discussed is pregnancy, the pressure a woman can feel to have an abortion she doesn't want to have when she falls pregnant, regret, embarrassment, and the fact you give a little bit of yourself away every time you have sex outside of marriage. Porn reduces women and men to objects which exist solely to gratify lust and degrades them to a unfeeling, soulless participant who has zero value. 1 Corinthians 6:18 says, "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." So people run from relationship to another, have one night stands without number, hoping to satisfy the thirst for significance and love.
People kill themselves every single day. Some do it with a bullet, a drug overdose, hang themselves, or jump off a bridge. For others people enslaved in sin, they kill themselves a little every day as they rebel from God and swallow the lies of Satan that significance and satisfaction can be found pursuing pleasure, fun, fame, and wealth. The wise king Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10-11: "He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. 11 When goods increase, they increase who eat them; so what profit have the owners except to see them with their eyes?" Whatever you desire the most apart from God, that thing cannot satisfy you. If you love money, no amount of money will satisfy you. If you love sex, you will never get your fill. Many have killed themselves trying. As King Saul fell on his own sword, millions have been impaled by their own lusts. The Bible reveals that our satisfaction and salvation is only found in knowing God and trusting in Jesus Christ. Jeremiah 3:23 says, "Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel." Jesus says in John 11:25-26: "Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?
Of course Satan lies about Christians too. He perpetrates the moronic notion that "Christians never have any fun" and "All Christians are hypocrites." The greatest fun a person can have is to be completely free of all shame, guilt, hate, addictions, and fear. Christians can look Death in the face because of Christ's sacrifice and say, "You are a defeated enemy. Christ, my King, has vanquished you. Eternity for me has already begun." Fun is knowing the truth, and the Truth has set us free indeed. All the darkness, demons, and deceptions are revealed and crushed through the True Light who is Christ. The fact remains that every person, at some level, is a hypocrite. Satan is the greatest hypocrite of all! If you cheat on your girlfriend and are mad when she talks to an ex, you are a hypocrite. A hypocrite is an actor. Every human being is born with this acting gene because of our sin nature. We have all played the hypocrite. It is actually Christ who frees us from being hypocritical. No Christian I have met (myself included) has claimed sinless perfection. I have no right to point the finger at anyone. Christians, more than anyone, should be aware of their sins against God. That is why we have sought salvation in a Saviour!
Are you sick of dying a little more every day on a frantic search for real life? Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. God has saved me from myself and the eternal damnation I deserve by His grace. Time is short! Isaiah 55:6-7 says, "Seek the LORD while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon ." What do you have to lose? Give God the ashes of your ruined life and He will give you beauty. Give Him your mourning and He will give you the oil of gladness. He will give you gladness in place of the spirit of heaviness. (Is. 61:3) Confess your sin, repent, and trust in Jesus Christ. It is only in Christ man's joy can be full.
If you actually read this far and would like to know more, message me! :) God bless you!
25 October 2011
Through Christ's Eyes
I am amazed at the way God changes people, most of all when that person is me! God has a way of transforming everything about my life: my thoughts, reactions, desires, and pursuits. During my late teens, I experienced what I can only describe as a very dry time spiritually. I had such callouses on my conscience. Or perhaps my conscience had not been made tender by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Things that never used to bother me certainly disgust me now.
Case in point: I used to be a huge James Bond fan. In the mid 90's when the films made a resurgence, I collected nearly all of them. I had over 20 VHS tapes of Bond films starring Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and even George Lazenby! When James Bond seduced a girl, it was something to laugh about. Instead of "Boys will be boys!" it was "James will be James!" The gadgets, cheesy and over-the-top special effects, weird villains, and amusing recurring characters were all part of the fun. The newer movies have little similarity to the hokey style of the older films with their trademark mink gloves, vodka martinis, caviar and quail eggs, sharks, and fast-motion fighting sequences.
The other night I switched the channel on the TV to see Roger Moore in a suit talking to M acting in "The Man with the Golden Gun." It was nostalgic to watch Bond banter back and forth with Moneypenny. I left the room and returned when Bond was interrogating Scaramanga's lady friend. He started talking with her, and suddenly slapped her without warning. Then after breaking her down by force, he was given the information he wanted. Then, of course, James was James. Before the scene was over, I turned it off because the scene turned my stomach. It totally disgusted me to see Bond's treatment of that woman. As I poured a glass of water to head upstairs, it struck me that I had never been disgusted by Bond, though over the years he had given me plenty of reasons to be. I was always able to distance myself from the characters and the people in the films. It was only just a dumb movie, right? Why did something bother me now that had never bothered me before?
I do not stand in judgment of people who enjoy or own Bond movies. I am not even saying I will never watch one again. But what I am saying is that I discovered that I have increased awareness and sensitivity where before was deadness. A dead man cannot feel anything. In stark contrast, a healthy man has nerves which conduct feelings of pain for the protection of the body. I praise God that He is giving me a greater sensitivity to what is right and wrong to put before my eyes. My definition of a "clean" movie used to be limited to the amount of cursing or nudity. But what message does the film send concerning the treatment of women? That never used to be on my list. By God's grace, it is now. That's a change only God can make. The closer we are to Christ in relationship, we will begin to see things more as He sees them.
Case in point: I used to be a huge James Bond fan. In the mid 90's when the films made a resurgence, I collected nearly all of them. I had over 20 VHS tapes of Bond films starring Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Timothy Dalton, Pierce Brosnan, and even George Lazenby! When James Bond seduced a girl, it was something to laugh about. Instead of "Boys will be boys!" it was "James will be James!" The gadgets, cheesy and over-the-top special effects, weird villains, and amusing recurring characters were all part of the fun. The newer movies have little similarity to the hokey style of the older films with their trademark mink gloves, vodka martinis, caviar and quail eggs, sharks, and fast-motion fighting sequences.
The other night I switched the channel on the TV to see Roger Moore in a suit talking to M acting in "The Man with the Golden Gun." It was nostalgic to watch Bond banter back and forth with Moneypenny. I left the room and returned when Bond was interrogating Scaramanga's lady friend. He started talking with her, and suddenly slapped her without warning. Then after breaking her down by force, he was given the information he wanted. Then, of course, James was James. Before the scene was over, I turned it off because the scene turned my stomach. It totally disgusted me to see Bond's treatment of that woman. As I poured a glass of water to head upstairs, it struck me that I had never been disgusted by Bond, though over the years he had given me plenty of reasons to be. I was always able to distance myself from the characters and the people in the films. It was only just a dumb movie, right? Why did something bother me now that had never bothered me before?
I do not stand in judgment of people who enjoy or own Bond movies. I am not even saying I will never watch one again. But what I am saying is that I discovered that I have increased awareness and sensitivity where before was deadness. A dead man cannot feel anything. In stark contrast, a healthy man has nerves which conduct feelings of pain for the protection of the body. I praise God that He is giving me a greater sensitivity to what is right and wrong to put before my eyes. My definition of a "clean" movie used to be limited to the amount of cursing or nudity. But what message does the film send concerning the treatment of women? That never used to be on my list. By God's grace, it is now. That's a change only God can make. The closer we are to Christ in relationship, we will begin to see things more as He sees them.
23 October 2011
Do You Love Like God?
God's love displays itself through sacrifice of self. Men and women greatly used of God are receivers and givers of this love. Moses was a man God called to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. When they transgressed Moses said in Exodus 32:32, "Yet now, if You will forgive their sin--but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written." If it would ensure the forgiveness of the people, Moses would take all the blame along with separation and damnation. Paul was a man called and sent to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. His heart was so burdened concerning the Jew's rejection of Jesus Christ that he said in Romans 9:3: "For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh..." That is a heart of compassion and love, a love that only springs from Jesus Christ.
It is hard enough for me to imagine physically dying for someone: how much greater a sacrifice to be eternally damned to hell for the sins of others! Paul was so broken for unbelievers and enemies of Christ that he wished to be sent to hell - if that would mean their salvation. He would give not only his body but his soul. This has shown me my great lack. I am convinced that if an opportunity was presented for me to risk my body to save another, even an enemy, God would give me the compassion, courage, and strength to do so. But to give my eternal soul for anything I am hard-pressed. It is not so much a question of ability but willingness. The testimony of other believers is clear: as a Christian, I ought to love with such fervency that I wish I would to be accursed and blotted out of God's book so others might be forgiven and saved. But I confess that I have not yet gladly offered my soul for the lives of others. Help me Jesus!
The Bible teaches that man will be judged according to his own sin. God said to Moses in Exodus 32:33: "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book." Deuteronomy 24:16 states, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin." But there is one unique time in history when grace, love, justice, and mercy collided in the death of a righteous man. Jesus, who is called Christ, became a curse for us sinners. He knew no sin but became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Galatians 3:13-14 explains it well: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Jesus laid His life down on the cross, and then took it up again three days later as the risen and glorified LORD of All.
It would have been futile for Moses or Paul to die to save others because they could not meet the righteous requirements of God's Law in life or death. But God, who is rich in mercy, sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world, to seek and save the lost. All who repent and trust in Christ will be washed pure from sin, and clothed with Christ's righteousness. When I look at the love of Jesus, I see my love is lacking. How costly is true love! Yet God gives it without money or price. It has more power to do good than nuclear bombs have to destroy. May we continually grow in this love.
May the truth of Romans 5:1-10 be impressed continually upon my heart and made evident in my life through the Holy Spirit: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
It is hard enough for me to imagine physically dying for someone: how much greater a sacrifice to be eternally damned to hell for the sins of others! Paul was so broken for unbelievers and enemies of Christ that he wished to be sent to hell - if that would mean their salvation. He would give not only his body but his soul. This has shown me my great lack. I am convinced that if an opportunity was presented for me to risk my body to save another, even an enemy, God would give me the compassion, courage, and strength to do so. But to give my eternal soul for anything I am hard-pressed. It is not so much a question of ability but willingness. The testimony of other believers is clear: as a Christian, I ought to love with such fervency that I wish I would to be accursed and blotted out of God's book so others might be forgiven and saved. But I confess that I have not yet gladly offered my soul for the lives of others. Help me Jesus!
The Bible teaches that man will be judged according to his own sin. God said to Moses in Exodus 32:33: "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book." Deuteronomy 24:16 states, "Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor shall the children be put to death for their fathers; a person shall be put to death for his own sin." But there is one unique time in history when grace, love, justice, and mercy collided in the death of a righteous man. Jesus, who is called Christ, became a curse for us sinners. He knew no sin but became sin for us (2 Cor. 5:21). Galatians 3:13-14 explains it well: "Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith." Jesus laid His life down on the cross, and then took it up again three days later as the risen and glorified LORD of All.
It would have been futile for Moses or Paul to die to save others because they could not meet the righteous requirements of God's Law in life or death. But God, who is rich in mercy, sent His Son to be the Saviour of the world, to seek and save the lost. All who repent and trust in Christ will be washed pure from sin, and clothed with Christ's righteousness. When I look at the love of Jesus, I see my love is lacking. How costly is true love! Yet God gives it without money or price. It has more power to do good than nuclear bombs have to destroy. May we continually grow in this love.
May the truth of Romans 5:1-10 be impressed continually upon my heart and made evident in my life through the Holy Spirit: "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life."
Freely Give
Here is an untitled poem attributed to Archbishop Alexander, as quoted by G. Campbell Morgan in the Westminster Pulpit, Volume 2, pages 175-176:
‘If I have eaten my morsel alone,’
The patriarch spoke in scorn;
What would he think of the Church, were he shown
Heathendom, huge, forlorn,
Godless, Christless, with soul unfed,
While the Church’s ailment is fulness of bread,
Eating her morsel alone?
The patriarch spoke in scorn;
What would he think of the Church, were he shown
Heathendom, huge, forlorn,
Godless, Christless, with soul unfed,
While the Church’s ailment is fulness of bread,
Eating her morsel alone?
‘I am debtor alike to the Jew and the Greek,’
The mighty Apostle cried,
Traversing continents, souls to seek,
For love of the Crucified.
Centuries, centuries since have sped,
Millions are famishing, we have bread,
The mighty Apostle cried,
Traversing continents, souls to seek,
For love of the Crucified.
Centuries, centuries since have sped,
Millions are famishing, we have bread,
But we eat our morsel alone.
Ever of them who have larger dower,
Shall Heaven require the more.
Ours is influence, knowledge, power,
Ocean from shore to shore;
Shall Heaven require the more.
Ours is influence, knowledge, power,
Ocean from shore to shore;
And East and West in our ears have said,
‘Give us, give us your Living Bread,’
Yet we eat our morsel alone.
‘Give us, give us your Living Bread,’
Yet we eat our morsel alone.
‘Freely ye have received, so give,’
He bade, Who has given us all;
How shall the soul in us longer live,
Deaf to their starving call,
For whom the Blood of the Lord was shed,
And His body broken to give them bread,
If we eat our morsel alone?”
He bade, Who has given us all;
How shall the soul in us longer live,
Deaf to their starving call,
For whom the Blood of the Lord was shed,
And His body broken to give them bread,
If we eat our morsel alone?”
19 October 2011
What God Wants is You
I love it when a God changes my whole perspective with words spoken with that small, still voice to my heart. During a time of prayer last night at church, considered my commitment to God. Had I surrendered all to Him, or was I holding back? In my heart I prayed, "LORD, I give you my hobbies, money, and my time. I commit all my possessions and even my desires and dreams to you." Immediately He spoke to my heart: "Forget those things. All I want is you."
God spoke this word of encouragement to me, but I believe it is for all people. Sometimes we think that it is our sacrifices that please God. We think if we give more, serve more, and deny our flesh from food or certain activities God will be satisfied with us. I realized that God wants me to give things to Him - not because He desires them or because I must prove myself - but because those things draw me away from Him. It is me who God treasures. He is a jealous God who wants all my loyalty and affection. It is for the sake of sinful mankind that Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost.
Do you realize that all God wants is you? He loves you just as you are, not for any benefits, devotion, or gain you may provide. Forget trying to offer God things unless you are first willing to offer yourself without strings attached. It is only then your offering will be acceptable in God's sight. Then you will not be looking to your works, but be walking by faith in Jesus Christ as LORD, Saviour, and Lover of your soul as you surrender to Him. Malachi 3:16-17 reads, "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." As a man treasures jewels, so God treasures those who fear Him.
God spoke this word of encouragement to me, but I believe it is for all people. Sometimes we think that it is our sacrifices that please God. We think if we give more, serve more, and deny our flesh from food or certain activities God will be satisfied with us. I realized that God wants me to give things to Him - not because He desires them or because I must prove myself - but because those things draw me away from Him. It is me who God treasures. He is a jealous God who wants all my loyalty and affection. It is for the sake of sinful mankind that Jesus came to earth to seek and save the lost.
Do you realize that all God wants is you? He loves you just as you are, not for any benefits, devotion, or gain you may provide. Forget trying to offer God things unless you are first willing to offer yourself without strings attached. It is only then your offering will be acceptable in God's sight. Then you will not be looking to your works, but be walking by faith in Jesus Christ as LORD, Saviour, and Lover of your soul as you surrender to Him. Malachi 3:16-17 reads, "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." As a man treasures jewels, so God treasures those who fear Him.
17 October 2011
Tefillin without Torah
When I traveled to Israel in 2005, I noticed small metal boxes permanently affixed to the door jambs. The metal box and parchment is called the "mezuzah." A qualified scribe uses special ink and a writing implement to copy selected verses from the Torah. One of the utilized passages is likely Deuteronomy 6:4-9: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! 5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." This has been a long-standing tradition observed by Jewish people both in Israel and around the world.
During my trip to Israel I spent several days in Jerusalem, in the walled area commonly called the "Old City" as a point of reference. It was common to see male Orthodox Jews wearing tefillin (small leather boxes which also contain parts of the Torah) on their forehead and left arm. Coming from an American background, it was amazing to see people devoted to their religious beliefs and traditions. I greatly respect those who out of love for God and His word make great sacrifices to honour and obey Him. Indeed, no sacrifice is too great when you serve the greatest God! While my Christian theology may be repulsive to some Orthodox Jews because of fundamental differences (I believe Jesus Christ has been revealed as the Messiah and Son of God), I love and highly respect them.
As I looked at the mezuzah in our hostel, I considered the Spirit behind the letter of the Law of Moses. Hidden under the metal cover were scriptures from the Torah, the Word of God. But because of the case it could not be read. Other than meeting the requirement of the Law, what function could the words of truth serve if they remained hidden and unseen? I read that the parchment is to be inspected by a professional scribe twice during a seven year period. The same question could be posed concerning the tefillin: what profit is it to carry the Word of God so no one can see it? When I read the Deuteronomy passage, I am reminded how God has said that He will write His law upon our hearts. I ought to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength, and continually teach my children to do the same at all times. Just like a man would tie a string around his finger to remind and signal him of a task to perform, or how a woman wears a jeweled frontlet between her eyes for beautification, in like manner the Word of God must be valuable and precious to me. God's Word provides instructions and signs to follow. The doorposts and gates of a home or city provide security and strength. As a Christian, my faith is founded on the truth as revealed through the Holy Scriptures.
It is possible that a man may obey all the traditions of men from his youth and still not enjoy a relationship with God. He might rise early and go to bed late because of much praying, purchase tefillin from revered scribes at great cost, and recite the Torah verbatim daily from memory and still not know God or be known by God. Jesus has been revealed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the Living Bread which has been sent from heaven, and the True Light which has come into the world. Unless a man knows Christ, He cannot know God. Jesus said He is the Resurrection and the Life: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes unto the Father except through Him. Traditions are good when they cause us to remember and honour God, but they can be empty as tefillin without the Torah when we simply "go through the motions."
Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" As a young person, I thought this verse meant I was supposed to memorize passages from the Bible. But what good is the memorization of scripture unless I heed it? Jesus Christ is the Word become flesh. When the Spirit of God dwells within my heart, His presence will be evidenced by a life lived for the glory of God through His power. The truths of God's Word keep me from sin. All people ought to treasure and continually bring to remembrance the true sayings of God as revealed in the Bible. Christians are called by some, "people of the Book." May we invest our time in the mastery of God's Word so He might have full mastery over us. What good is a Bible unless it is opened? And what is the purpose of reading without understanding? What will knowledge without wisdom profit?
Jesus says in John 16:12-15: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." Jesus still has much to teach us. No matter how many works we have performed for God's glory, there are many left undone. May our traditions and practices draw us into closer communion with our LORD and Saviour, and may others be drawn to the beauty of His holiness! May Christ Himself be as a sign on our hands and as frontlets between our eyes!
During my trip to Israel I spent several days in Jerusalem, in the walled area commonly called the "Old City" as a point of reference. It was common to see male Orthodox Jews wearing tefillin (small leather boxes which also contain parts of the Torah) on their forehead and left arm. Coming from an American background, it was amazing to see people devoted to their religious beliefs and traditions. I greatly respect those who out of love for God and His word make great sacrifices to honour and obey Him. Indeed, no sacrifice is too great when you serve the greatest God! While my Christian theology may be repulsive to some Orthodox Jews because of fundamental differences (I believe Jesus Christ has been revealed as the Messiah and Son of God), I love and highly respect them.
As I looked at the mezuzah in our hostel, I considered the Spirit behind the letter of the Law of Moses. Hidden under the metal cover were scriptures from the Torah, the Word of God. But because of the case it could not be read. Other than meeting the requirement of the Law, what function could the words of truth serve if they remained hidden and unseen? I read that the parchment is to be inspected by a professional scribe twice during a seven year period. The same question could be posed concerning the tefillin: what profit is it to carry the Word of God so no one can see it? When I read the Deuteronomy passage, I am reminded how God has said that He will write His law upon our hearts. I ought to love God with all my heart, soul, and strength, and continually teach my children to do the same at all times. Just like a man would tie a string around his finger to remind and signal him of a task to perform, or how a woman wears a jeweled frontlet between her eyes for beautification, in like manner the Word of God must be valuable and precious to me. God's Word provides instructions and signs to follow. The doorposts and gates of a home or city provide security and strength. As a Christian, my faith is founded on the truth as revealed through the Holy Scriptures.
It is possible that a man may obey all the traditions of men from his youth and still not enjoy a relationship with God. He might rise early and go to bed late because of much praying, purchase tefillin from revered scribes at great cost, and recite the Torah verbatim daily from memory and still not know God or be known by God. Jesus has been revealed as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, the Living Bread which has been sent from heaven, and the True Light which has come into the world. Unless a man knows Christ, He cannot know God. Jesus said He is the Resurrection and the Life: the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes unto the Father except through Him. Traditions are good when they cause us to remember and honour God, but they can be empty as tefillin without the Torah when we simply "go through the motions."
Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" As a young person, I thought this verse meant I was supposed to memorize passages from the Bible. But what good is the memorization of scripture unless I heed it? Jesus Christ is the Word become flesh. When the Spirit of God dwells within my heart, His presence will be evidenced by a life lived for the glory of God through His power. The truths of God's Word keep me from sin. All people ought to treasure and continually bring to remembrance the true sayings of God as revealed in the Bible. Christians are called by some, "people of the Book." May we invest our time in the mastery of God's Word so He might have full mastery over us. What good is a Bible unless it is opened? And what is the purpose of reading without understanding? What will knowledge without wisdom profit?
Jesus says in John 16:12-15: "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you." Jesus still has much to teach us. No matter how many works we have performed for God's glory, there are many left undone. May our traditions and practices draw us into closer communion with our LORD and Saviour, and may others be drawn to the beauty of His holiness! May Christ Himself be as a sign on our hands and as frontlets between our eyes!
16 October 2011
Train Up a Child
I think it was pastor Bill Wilson whom I first heard say, "The teacher has not taught until the student has learned." This concept can be applied to the training of children by parents as well. Proverbs 22:6 says, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This is an inspired statement of truth. Parents can feel content with the fact their child attends church, memorizes scripture and doctrine, has been baptised, or makes a profession of faith. But this does not mean the child is being trained. If we would have our children follow the steps of Christ even as we follow Him, parents have a responsibility to train their children.
Speaking as a parent, our mistake is often made because we misunderstand what it means to "train." Many parents (me included!) tend to "tell" our children rather than to "train" them. When a soldier embarks to "basic training," he is not merely addressed verbally by his superiors in a classroom setting. Basic training is training for the body, mind, and will for a specific purpose: each soldier is trained for his role in combat. He suffers deprivation of sleep, food, is worked to utter exhaustion in extreme environments to enable him to endure the battlefield and be a viable member of his support team. Can you imagine what kind of soldier has never actually run in his boots, cleaned or fired his gun, or faced moments of difficult decisions in the face of enemy fire? No one is born a soldier: they are made through training. The tragic day of moral and spiritual decay in which we live is a testimony that many parents "tell" their children rather than training them. You cannot train your children without a goal in sight. If a man is trained as a soldier so he may effectively fight for his country and comrades, for what purpose are you training your children? To be moral citizens? To succeed in a high-paying career? To be tough? To follow their hearts? As Christians, we are to train our children to become men and women of God as they grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. All morality, a vigorous work ethic, all godly qualities of character, and goodness spring only from this single Living Source.
Notice that the text does not say, "Train up your children..." but keeps child in the singular tense. This is of great importance. Every child must be trained differently because they have unique temperaments, inclinations, and personalities. What may be effective training for one child may not be adequate for another. Therefore, one difficult job of parents is to intimately know their children and continually initiate communication with them. We must intimately know their character, current stage of life, goals, loves, concerns, fears, and cares. The training of children requires their parents to love and take a personal interest in each one. When we create a false reality where no true freedom nor responsibility exists, we do our children a disservice. We must encourage their obedience and good choices, while administering appropriate discipline, enforcing consequences, and boundaries. Instead of sowing discord through ambiguity or outright hypocrisy, we are to be clear and consistent. This means that we must apologize when we are out of order, even as we tell them to apologize when they do wrong. That is when the telling becomes training.
It is good for me to continually remind myself that my children measure my words against my life with the precision of a surgeon and the tenacity of a wolverine. Even a small child has strong views of what is fair and unjust. My children will not tell me when they see me playing the hypocrite, but their behaviour will often reflect what I do. For instance, let's say I tell my boys they need to wash their hands with soap before they sit down to eat dinner. They will watch me to see if I do the same. If I sit down to the table without washing on a regular basis, they will wonder why they must do something I do not. In their minds, it is an unjust to demand that they wash their hands when the lawgiver of the house will not submit to his own rule. Even something as simple as hand washing slowly can erode the ability of a parent to train their children through hypocrisy. If I place limits upon their screen time or deem what is appropriate or inappropriate based upon content or ratings, I ought to apply limits to myself as well. A parent may maintain outer compliance through threats and intimidation, but rebellion in the heart of the child will grow.
What is the way our children should go? Jesus says in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus did not simply tell His disciples what they should do, but He was a living model for them to see. He did not say "You must be the servant of all" and wait to be served by others: Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as a pattern for them to follow. Jesus did not admonish His disciples to love one another and act selfishly: He humbled Himself to become flesh and died sacrificially on the cross for the sins of the world. His Words carried great meaning: "Love one another as I have loved you." How did Jesus love us? While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Training is not just the exercise of a mind to consider, but a change in the heart to will and do. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit in the lives of believers who empowers us to live as we ought as it is written in Philippians 2:13, "...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Every parent wants their children to excel in every facet of life on earth as God should tarry. But unless we are training our children according to God's Word and Way, we hinder them from the success they should enjoy if we were faithful to our calling. God has a way of making up for all our deficiencies, but that does not mean we are free from the responsibility to obey Him and pray earnestly for our kids. Praise God that He has given us the perfect example of being a good Father. We can look to Him and He will direct us in the way we should go!
Speaking as a parent, our mistake is often made because we misunderstand what it means to "train." Many parents (me included!) tend to "tell" our children rather than to "train" them. When a soldier embarks to "basic training," he is not merely addressed verbally by his superiors in a classroom setting. Basic training is training for the body, mind, and will for a specific purpose: each soldier is trained for his role in combat. He suffers deprivation of sleep, food, is worked to utter exhaustion in extreme environments to enable him to endure the battlefield and be a viable member of his support team. Can you imagine what kind of soldier has never actually run in his boots, cleaned or fired his gun, or faced moments of difficult decisions in the face of enemy fire? No one is born a soldier: they are made through training. The tragic day of moral and spiritual decay in which we live is a testimony that many parents "tell" their children rather than training them. You cannot train your children without a goal in sight. If a man is trained as a soldier so he may effectively fight for his country and comrades, for what purpose are you training your children? To be moral citizens? To succeed in a high-paying career? To be tough? To follow their hearts? As Christians, we are to train our children to become men and women of God as they grow in a relationship with Jesus Christ. All morality, a vigorous work ethic, all godly qualities of character, and goodness spring only from this single Living Source.
Notice that the text does not say, "Train up your children..." but keeps child in the singular tense. This is of great importance. Every child must be trained differently because they have unique temperaments, inclinations, and personalities. What may be effective training for one child may not be adequate for another. Therefore, one difficult job of parents is to intimately know their children and continually initiate communication with them. We must intimately know their character, current stage of life, goals, loves, concerns, fears, and cares. The training of children requires their parents to love and take a personal interest in each one. When we create a false reality where no true freedom nor responsibility exists, we do our children a disservice. We must encourage their obedience and good choices, while administering appropriate discipline, enforcing consequences, and boundaries. Instead of sowing discord through ambiguity or outright hypocrisy, we are to be clear and consistent. This means that we must apologize when we are out of order, even as we tell them to apologize when they do wrong. That is when the telling becomes training.
It is good for me to continually remind myself that my children measure my words against my life with the precision of a surgeon and the tenacity of a wolverine. Even a small child has strong views of what is fair and unjust. My children will not tell me when they see me playing the hypocrite, but their behaviour will often reflect what I do. For instance, let's say I tell my boys they need to wash their hands with soap before they sit down to eat dinner. They will watch me to see if I do the same. If I sit down to the table without washing on a regular basis, they will wonder why they must do something I do not. In their minds, it is an unjust to demand that they wash their hands when the lawgiver of the house will not submit to his own rule. Even something as simple as hand washing slowly can erode the ability of a parent to train their children through hypocrisy. If I place limits upon their screen time or deem what is appropriate or inappropriate based upon content or ratings, I ought to apply limits to myself as well. A parent may maintain outer compliance through threats and intimidation, but rebellion in the heart of the child will grow.
What is the way our children should go? Jesus says in John 14:6: "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." Jesus did not simply tell His disciples what they should do, but He was a living model for them to see. He did not say "You must be the servant of all" and wait to be served by others: Jesus washed the feet of the disciples as a pattern for them to follow. Jesus did not admonish His disciples to love one another and act selfishly: He humbled Himself to become flesh and died sacrificially on the cross for the sins of the world. His Words carried great meaning: "Love one another as I have loved you." How did Jesus love us? While we were still sinners, Jesus died for us. Training is not just the exercise of a mind to consider, but a change in the heart to will and do. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit in the lives of believers who empowers us to live as we ought as it is written in Philippians 2:13, "...for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure."
Every parent wants their children to excel in every facet of life on earth as God should tarry. But unless we are training our children according to God's Word and Way, we hinder them from the success they should enjoy if we were faithful to our calling. God has a way of making up for all our deficiencies, but that does not mean we are free from the responsibility to obey Him and pray earnestly for our kids. Praise God that He has given us the perfect example of being a good Father. We can look to Him and He will direct us in the way we should go!
13 October 2011
True Worship
There is always a danger that the Christian life will be compartmentalized into set activities rather than a complete lifestyle. Worship of God does not occur after we pack into the car on a Sunday morning and gather in a building to sing songs of praise or listen to the Word of God preached. The song should be in our hearts from the moment we rise, a song of thanksgiving unto God. Our lives are intended to be an continual spring of worship, a life of obedience lived unto God for His glory. Consider a paragraph from a message delivered by G. Campbell Morgan on the subject of worship (The Westminster Pulpit, Vol. 2, pg. 98):
In the most simple terms, worship is obedience. How many times does it say in scripture, "Praise the LORD?" Many, many times! We are told to pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks. We are told not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and the joy of the LORD will be our strength. When we are obedient to Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and has baptized His followers with the Holy Spirit and with fire. How fulfilling it is to worship God! It is so amazing how God has made the eagle and hummingbird so different, but with the same purpose - to bring honor and glory unto their Creator! The eagle is girded with strength and amazing eyesight, while the hummingbird is lightning quick and has dazzling plumage. One eats meat while the other drinks nectar, yet they are both birds with distinct beauty and inspire awe even in casual observers.
God has made people in like fashion. You might be a carpenter, doctor, lawyer, fisherman, salesman, or work in the retail industry. Perhaps you enjoy sports, music, dancing, collecting, traveling, or reading. But you are not to be defined by any of these activities because you are a human being created in the image of the Everlasting God for the purpose of worshiping Him forever. I close with a description of worship found in Colossians 3:12-17: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
"I do not worship God by going to China as a missionary if God wants me to stay at home and do the work of a carpenter. I do not worship God by aspiring to some mighty and heroic thing for Him if the capacity He has given me is for doing the quiet thing, and the simple thing, and the hidden thing, and the unknown thing. It would be very foolish for the hummingbird, instead of entering the tulip, to try to beat back the air and combat with the eagle. It worships by staying where God puts it. It would be very wicked for the eagle to cultivate a mock modesty, and say that it preferred to remain among the tulips when it ought to be soaring sunwards."There is something in the heart of every person that desires greatness. I believe all Christians with any depth of faith waxes warm at the prospect of doing something great for God. To put it in a different way, we want to see God do great things and would be thrilled to be an instrument He uses to further His kingdom. The question is, will I be content to play guitar and sing songs on a city street for His glory if the opportunity presents itself, or will I limit my gift for use in the most prestigious music halls? A life of worship is not one lived in the spotlight, but behind the scenes. If you reserve your service unto God until you have a grand task which suits your ambitions, you waste the talents and life God has given you. Compelled by the love of Christ, it is adoration for God which motivates and moves us to live a life which fully pleases Him.
In the most simple terms, worship is obedience. How many times does it say in scripture, "Praise the LORD?" Many, many times! We are told to pray without ceasing and in everything give thanks. We are told not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, and the joy of the LORD will be our strength. When we are obedient to Jesus and the leading of the Holy Spirit, we worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and has baptized His followers with the Holy Spirit and with fire. How fulfilling it is to worship God! It is so amazing how God has made the eagle and hummingbird so different, but with the same purpose - to bring honor and glory unto their Creator! The eagle is girded with strength and amazing eyesight, while the hummingbird is lightning quick and has dazzling plumage. One eats meat while the other drinks nectar, yet they are both birds with distinct beauty and inspire awe even in casual observers.
God has made people in like fashion. You might be a carpenter, doctor, lawyer, fisherman, salesman, or work in the retail industry. Perhaps you enjoy sports, music, dancing, collecting, traveling, or reading. But you are not to be defined by any of these activities because you are a human being created in the image of the Everlasting God for the purpose of worshiping Him forever. I close with a description of worship found in Colossians 3:12-17: "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
12 October 2011
Life has Purpose
After my sons and I arrived at their bus stop yesterday, Zed picked this up off the ground. I tried to convince him that over many years this small piece of metal had been formed by random, natural processes. The letters "BIC" had stamped themselves into what appeared to be red plastic. He looked at me as if I claimed to have swallowed the moon. "But what is it for, Dad?" he asked. "What does it do?" No one in our family smokes, so Zed would have no clue that this little piece of metal and plastic is part of a cigarette lighter.
I appreciated Zed's insight into the lighter piece because without even knowing what it was, he instantly recognized it had been made by an intelligent source for a specific purpose. I did not need to explain this to him: it was as obvious as the sun in the sky. Man invents and manufactures products to perform functions which make life easier to be sold for financial profit. Zed knew this assemblage of metal and plastic did not just happen, but it exists for a purpose. In its current state, it looked worthless. We then turned our attention to the trees, the flowers, and even our fingers. All these living things have been created by God for a purpose too: the glory of God!
What is more remarkable: the little inanimate part of the lighter made by man, or the living, growing tissue of my fingers which nimbly plucked it from the ground? The answer is so elementary I need not answer. But I am deeply shamed and embarrassed that men who have been crafted in the wombs of their mothers can look at the trees, birds, flowers, and even their own bodies and believe they have simply occurred through the random processes in nature without any intelligence behind it. Can intelligence and information come from nothing? There must be a source of wisdom and intelligence, even as the mechanical part of the lighter could be traced back to a manufacturing plant. The raw materials came from somewhere, the design was carefully engineered, and was produced by professionals in massive quantities who invented machines to extrude plastic and form the metal in the proper shape. I don't know a single one of those people who made this little part. But I know the all wise and intelligent Being who has created the heavens, the earth and all that is within them both living and inanimate: God!
The Bible speaks of Jesus Christ as the "Word" who became flesh. John 1:1-3 reads, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." When we see the beauty and splendour of the world and universe, it exists to teach us of God and glorify Him. Psalm 19:1-3 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. 2 Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard." God is the one who has placed the DNA in each one of your self-replicating cells. He is the one who formed you and breathed into you a living soul. Therefore it is God who has designed you with a purpose to honor and glorify Him too. When we are separated from God because of our sins, we're like that lighter part all alone: it cannot fulfill the function for which it was designed.
Don't buy the lie that everything around you is the result of some cosmic accident or alien encounter. Realize the purpose for which you have been created. As it says in the Westminster catechism, "Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever." The way to do that is to repent, trust in Jesus Christ, and honor Him with obedience. God has given us the Bible so we might know Him better and grow in our relationship with Him. Never forget that your life has a purpose, the sole purpose to live for God!
09 October 2011
Pure Motives?
"So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."
Luke 17:10
This morning in church we talked about how Jesus has provided a pattern of being the servant of all. Greatness in the kingdom of God comes through humble service and sacrifice motivated by the love of God. Sometimes we aren't motivated to act by pure motives. On the outside we might look like a servant, but in honesty we are serving ourselves.
After our monthly BBQ at church, I started breaking down the tables to clean up. As I collapsed each leg, I considered how many different motivations I could have in packing up the tables. Perhaps I had seen someone starting to do it and because of my pride - unwilling to be outdone - jumped in. I could have started to work on the tables because I want to race home to watch a game on TV. Maybe I just wanted to make a good impression on someone. Because of the message preached this morning, maybe I wanted to show the pastor I was listening AND putting it into practice. Or maybe as the pastor I want to make a point that I'm going to practice what I preach! With the help of others, the clean tables were stacked neatly in short order. Funny how I'm still thinking about it.
It occurred to me that throughout my life, my motivation in service has not always been pure. How good we can look on the outside and have our hearts in the wrong place! It is so easy to neglect to examine our motives in doing what we do. Indeed, it is a wise practice to examine our hearts - but even better still to ask God to examine them and see what He finds. He is the righteous Judge, and it is what He says that counts. Jesus says that to be great in God's kingdom we must be the servant of all. It is obedience compelled by the love of Jesus Christ which should motivate us: not a desire to be seen, to build a reputation for ourselves, to receive praise or recognition, or out of guilt.
Praise God for the light of His Word and the penetrating insight of the Holy Spirit! How good He is to expose our faults that we might repent so He can rectify them and free us from the rut of sin. Instead of living in the past in shame and regret, we can look to Jesus now and into eternity with joy and steadfast love. Thank you God for purifying my heart, and may all service I perform for you be truly unto you with honesty, always motivated by your love. I am unprofitable, and you have done wondrous things to use me to transform menial tasks into an act of worship.
06 October 2011
Jesus Is Life
As I stopped at a red light today, a banner featuring Bear Grylls adorned a fence outside an Anglican church. It read, "My Christian faith is the backbone of my life." It is wonderful when famous people freely proclaim they follow of Jesus Christ. Being a born-again Christian myself, it made me think. Is my Christian faith the backbone of my life?
The backbone (or spine) is the central part of the skeletal system. Through the center of the spine runs the spinal cord which connects to the brain and together comprise the nervous system. For human beings, the spine and spinal cord are a fundamental necessity of life. The term "backbone" does not only relate to anatomy, but is used to describe someone who is true to their principles. For me, Jesus is my life. Without Him, I would be dead in sins and doomed to eternity separated from God in hell. I agree with Bear Grylls: Jesus has given me life, principles, and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk uprightly. Christianity is not rules, but the personal experience of repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus, and receiving His love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness.
It is faith in Christ which makes Christians, but my faith is not the central "backbone" of my life: it is Christ. To prevent this misunderstanding if I was printing posters, I would say Christ is the backbone of my life - or even simpler, Jesus Christ is my life. This is not to say that I am perfect, or that I don't make mistakes. Sometimes my faith falters and I forget to focus on Jesus. But the only reason why I am alive in this body and born again with the Holy Spirit is because of Jesus. It is His shed blood which has cleansed me, and by grace His righteousness has been imputed to my account.
Keep following Jesus, Bear Grylls. Thank you for using your voice to promote your LORD and Saviour who has died so all might live through Him!
The backbone (or spine) is the central part of the skeletal system. Through the center of the spine runs the spinal cord which connects to the brain and together comprise the nervous system. For human beings, the spine and spinal cord are a fundamental necessity of life. The term "backbone" does not only relate to anatomy, but is used to describe someone who is true to their principles. For me, Jesus is my life. Without Him, I would be dead in sins and doomed to eternity separated from God in hell. I agree with Bear Grylls: Jesus has given me life, principles, and the power of the Holy Spirit to walk uprightly. Christianity is not rules, but the personal experience of repenting from sin, trusting in Jesus, and receiving His love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness.
It is faith in Christ which makes Christians, but my faith is not the central "backbone" of my life: it is Christ. To prevent this misunderstanding if I was printing posters, I would say Christ is the backbone of my life - or even simpler, Jesus Christ is my life. This is not to say that I am perfect, or that I don't make mistakes. Sometimes my faith falters and I forget to focus on Jesus. But the only reason why I am alive in this body and born again with the Holy Spirit is because of Jesus. It is His shed blood which has cleansed me, and by grace His righteousness has been imputed to my account.
Keep following Jesus, Bear Grylls. Thank you for using your voice to promote your LORD and Saviour who has died so all might live through Him!
04 October 2011
More than a Clergyman
I was perusing a quote on brainyquote.com and I wondered if Jesus would be listed. To my surprise I did not find Jesus listed among the "J's." Then it occurred to me that they might have placed Jesus under the "C's" not understanding that "Christ" is not the last name of Jesus: it is His title. Mary was told by the Angel Gabriel to name the the child conceived within her "JESUS" (Luke 1:31). "Christ" is the title of the Messiah promised to the Jews, meaning "anointed one." I suspect the folks at brainyquote.com are ignorant of this fact.
On the same page with Chevy Chase, Dick Cheney, Cher, and Linford Christie I found "Jesus Christ." He is listed along with actors, musicians, entertainers, philosophers, and athletes. And what "type" of "author" is Jesus Christ? He is listed as a "clergyman." I'm thinking that is selling Him short - ridiculously short. How about changing it to "Son of God," "Saviour," "Redeemer," "Lamb of God," "Immanuel - God with us," "Prince of Peace," "Messiah," "I AM," "Bread of Life," "The Good Shepherd," "Anointed One," or "Faithful and True," "KING OF KINGS" or "All of the above?" A clergyman? That's like calling a man a molecule.
How about using Philippians 2:5-11 as an example description: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
I would also be happy to use Revelation 19:11-16: "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
That sounds like no clergyman I know, but like a Clergyman I want to be like! I bow before you, LORD JESUS, Maker of Heaven and Earth. You are God, and there is no other. I will love and worship you forever. Glory to God in the highest!
On the same page with Chevy Chase, Dick Cheney, Cher, and Linford Christie I found "Jesus Christ." He is listed along with actors, musicians, entertainers, philosophers, and athletes. And what "type" of "author" is Jesus Christ? He is listed as a "clergyman." I'm thinking that is selling Him short - ridiculously short. How about changing it to "Son of God," "Saviour," "Redeemer," "Lamb of God," "Immanuel - God with us," "Prince of Peace," "Messiah," "I AM," "Bread of Life," "The Good Shepherd," "Anointed One," or "Faithful and True," "KING OF KINGS" or "All of the above?" A clergyman? That's like calling a man a molecule.
How about using Philippians 2:5-11 as an example description: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
I would also be happy to use Revelation 19:11-16: "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. 13 He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
That sounds like no clergyman I know, but like a Clergyman I want to be like! I bow before you, LORD JESUS, Maker of Heaven and Earth. You are God, and there is no other. I will love and worship you forever. Glory to God in the highest!
03 October 2011
What Distinguishes You?
Every person on earth has been created by God to be unique. Twins may have the same genetic code, but their personalities can be worlds apart. It is the soul of man which distinguishes him from all other living things. God has breathed into each human being a living soul.
Though human beings have the same basic anatomy, we can be easily distinguished by appearance. Silver hair is said to give a "distinguished" look. Some people wear fine clothes which distinguish through elegance. Being an American living in Australia, my accent is easily distinguished as foreign. When I met with people on the west coast of Australia who had not yet spoken to me (aside from email), one of the first things said to me in conversation was, "Huh! Another Yank!" I had been distinguished as not Australian, and automatically grouped in with this man's perception of what an American is. From the sound of it, it was a negative impression. Thanks be to God, for He had prepared me years before for such a response.
When I was in third grade, I smashed my front teeth against the sidewalk while riding my skateboard on my knees. My folks took me to the dentist and my teeth were adorned with temporary caps. It was intended to be a temporary fix until permanent veneers could be made. For whatever reason, I never made it back to the dentist for that procedure. It was not until I attended university that the were caps replaced. But for many years I wore those temporary caps which were composed of a porous material and turned rather yellow. In high school it seemed only a matter of time before someone would ask, "Don't you brush your teeth? Why are your teeth yellow?" I was never self-conscious about my teeth. I laughed and smiled just the same. But my teeth were a distinguishing feature that seemed to be quite the conversation starter. I don't think anyone wants to be distinguished by their bad teeth!
Yesterday I spent some time thinking about Jesus and what distinguished Him from other men. We do not read that Jesus was a towering specimen of a man, that He had a beautiful voice, nor was He remarkably handsome. He appeared ordinary in every sense. Jesus was not deathly somber or giddy with happiness. He was not quick to cry or wore an unshakably stoic countenance. What distinguished Christ from other men?
The fact Jesus was born of a virgin distinguishes Him from all other men (Matt. 1:20). Only Adam and Eve were made without the use of both man and woman - Adam made from the dust of the ground, and Eve made from a rib from Adam's side. Another distinguishing characteristic people discovered early in His life was the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus (Luke 2:46-47). Even as a pre-teen Jesus asked questions and gave answers to masters of the law which made all marvel. When Jesus was baptized and transfigured (Luke 3:22, 9:35), the voice of God the Father spoke from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" Such a ringing endorsement from the heavens certainly distinguishes Christ from other men! Another distinguishing mark upon the life of Christ is His love. He loves all people, and it was the love of Christ which compelled Him to embrace the cross. Romans 5:8 reads, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
If Jesus had remained dead, He would have been like all other men before Him. But He is distinguished even in death, for after three days Jesus rose from the dead as the Conqueror of Death! He was seen by over 500 people in His glorified bodily form before He ascended to heaven in the sight of many. 1 Corinthians 15:20-21 states, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead." Of all the distinguishing characteristics of Christ, this may be the most unconventional and unexpected of them all - though Jesus actually predicted it over and over again: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:22 confirms the account: "Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said."
Every person alive has the choice of what will distinguish them from others. The important thing is not "what" distinguishes a person, but "Who" distinguishes you! The term "Christian" was once used to distinguish people who actually acted like Jesus Christ. Unfortunately much of the weight and power of the term has dissipated over the years. We can be such poor ambassadors for Christ that only a fool would want to "have what we have." In this we do our Saviour a grave disservice. I say it is time for Christians to be distinguished from the world by the love, power, forgiveness, wisdom, generosity, and sacrifice revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. May it be Christ Himself who distinguishes Christians from all others for the glory of God.
It doesn't matter if you have yellow teeth, a wild shock of hair, or employ your own tailor: let Jesus and His love, grace, and forgiveness be what distinguishes you. May you experience the life Paul describes in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
Though human beings have the same basic anatomy, we can be easily distinguished by appearance. Silver hair is said to give a "distinguished" look. Some people wear fine clothes which distinguish through elegance. Being an American living in Australia, my accent is easily distinguished as foreign. When I met with people on the west coast of Australia who had not yet spoken to me (aside from email), one of the first things said to me in conversation was, "Huh! Another Yank!" I had been distinguished as not Australian, and automatically grouped in with this man's perception of what an American is. From the sound of it, it was a negative impression. Thanks be to God, for He had prepared me years before for such a response.
When I was in third grade, I smashed my front teeth against the sidewalk while riding my skateboard on my knees. My folks took me to the dentist and my teeth were adorned with temporary caps. It was intended to be a temporary fix until permanent veneers could be made. For whatever reason, I never made it back to the dentist for that procedure. It was not until I attended university that the were caps replaced. But for many years I wore those temporary caps which were composed of a porous material and turned rather yellow. In high school it seemed only a matter of time before someone would ask, "Don't you brush your teeth? Why are your teeth yellow?" I was never self-conscious about my teeth. I laughed and smiled just the same. But my teeth were a distinguishing feature that seemed to be quite the conversation starter. I don't think anyone wants to be distinguished by their bad teeth!
Yesterday I spent some time thinking about Jesus and what distinguished Him from other men. We do not read that Jesus was a towering specimen of a man, that He had a beautiful voice, nor was He remarkably handsome. He appeared ordinary in every sense. Jesus was not deathly somber or giddy with happiness. He was not quick to cry or wore an unshakably stoic countenance. What distinguished Christ from other men?
The fact Jesus was born of a virgin distinguishes Him from all other men (Matt. 1:20). Only Adam and Eve were made without the use of both man and woman - Adam made from the dust of the ground, and Eve made from a rib from Adam's side. Another distinguishing characteristic people discovered early in His life was the wisdom and knowledge of Jesus (Luke 2:46-47). Even as a pre-teen Jesus asked questions and gave answers to masters of the law which made all marvel. When Jesus was baptized and transfigured (Luke 3:22, 9:35), the voice of God the Father spoke from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!" Such a ringing endorsement from the heavens certainly distinguishes Christ from other men! Another distinguishing mark upon the life of Christ is His love. He loves all people, and it was the love of Christ which compelled Him to embrace the cross. Romans 5:8 reads, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
If Jesus had remained dead, He would have been like all other men before Him. But He is distinguished even in death, for after three days Jesus rose from the dead as the Conqueror of Death! He was seen by over 500 people in His glorified bodily form before He ascended to heaven in the sight of many. 1 Corinthians 15:20-21 states, "But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead." Of all the distinguishing characteristics of Christ, this may be the most unconventional and unexpected of them all - though Jesus actually predicted it over and over again: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:22 confirms the account: "Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said."
Every person alive has the choice of what will distinguish them from others. The important thing is not "what" distinguishes a person, but "Who" distinguishes you! The term "Christian" was once used to distinguish people who actually acted like Jesus Christ. Unfortunately much of the weight and power of the term has dissipated over the years. We can be such poor ambassadors for Christ that only a fool would want to "have what we have." In this we do our Saviour a grave disservice. I say it is time for Christians to be distinguished from the world by the love, power, forgiveness, wisdom, generosity, and sacrifice revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. May it be Christ Himself who distinguishes Christians from all others for the glory of God.
It doesn't matter if you have yellow teeth, a wild shock of hair, or employ your own tailor: let Jesus and His love, grace, and forgiveness be what distinguishes you. May you experience the life Paul describes in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
02 October 2011
Bringing or Taken?
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, 5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ..."
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
Much warfare in the life of a Christian takes place in the mind. It is in the mind where the battle is often won or lost. By subtle suggestion or by unceasing assault, Christians can be tempted away from Christ and into all manner of sin. The world offers its dainties, Satan attacks our weaknesses, and a undisciplined mind wavering from the onslaught without looking to Jesus is doomed to failure. All have been in this place. Unbelievers relish the pursuit of their sin until it destroys them. But my focus is primarily on Christians who know they are supposed to have victory in Christ but have fallen short of realising it. Because of continual failure their minds are beaten and their bodies cave into temptation. It is as if they lie on the ground hogtied in sin, and have given up bothering to resist. The freedom Christ has promises seems a vain fantasy better left for others to obtain.
I draw your attention to the phrase Paul uses to describe how Christians are to confront everything contrary to Christ in their minds: "...bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ." Memories or visual suggestion can lead our minds down the path towards bondage. When we embark on an evil train of thought, we give the enemy of our souls a foothold in our minds. Christians can give Satan the opportunity (which he is happy to oblige) to place us into sinful bondage. Jesus is the Good Shepherd, but that does not mean His sheep cannot chose to willfully wander. Wandering sheep are sheep which place themselves at great risk. They can be attacked and killed by predators, or be trapped in sharp brambles, tumble over precipices, and be caught in deadly currents of fast-moving streams.
2 Timothy 2:24-26 reads, "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will." All can be taken by the snare of the devil "having been taken captive by him to do his will." When we are not faithful to bring sinful thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ, we are taken captive into all manner of sin. The first rule of taking captives is you must first be free! If I am in bondage to sin, how can I begin to take thoughts captive? Freedom is found only through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. It is only when I repent, flee from temptation, and submit to God trusting in Him that I can be made free. Then I must use my freedom not as an opportunity for the flesh, but to obey God. Even my thoughts I should carefully monitor. Every thought which is not obedient to Christ must be brought into captivity to rot and the key turned over to Jesus.
We can be duped into focusing on our physical sin as the problem. When we stumble by fornicating, telling lies, being drunk, or judging others, we feel guilty when we act out in these areas. Our conscience makes us painfully aware of our transgression. We know we are wrong. Therefore we say, "I will not fornicate, I will not tell lies." We may even take extra steps to reduce our opportunity to repeat the sinful act. But in the end, we will fall again and again. Why? It is because we have not addressed the core issues: the divided allegiance of our hearts, and the corruption and bondage of our minds. When the mind is brought into bondage, the body will eventually follow. And during all the time outward sin is abstained, the pride of our flesh grows. "It's been three months since I fornicated or got drunk!" Then comes the inevitable fall. We start over at zero and realize our confidence was sadly misplaced in ourselves rather than God.
Take courage in Christ! Let me remind you: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds..." Carnal weapons are corruptible. Guns rust and jam, and even nuclear warheads have a limited shelf-life. But the weapons Jesus Christ gives to Christians are incorruptible, might for pulling down strongholds of all kinds. A fortress in the mind built of hell's strongest stuff can be pulled down by Christ's nail-pierced hands in an instant. Demons cannot stand against Jesus Christ, and all the lies of Satan are vanquished with the truth of God's Word. It is time for us to come to our senses and appropriate the victory and power God has given us to free our hearts, minds, and bodies from the snare of the devil. Jesus came to set the captives free, and His hand is not shortened that He cannot save. Repent and trust in Him and be free, o man and woman of God! Let us decide in Christ's strength to bring all thoughts into captivity to the obedience of Christ and aid others in doing the same.
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