The Truth About Climate Change

During my lifetime there has been much debate and discussion over "climate change."  This is not a reference to the changes in weather throughout a day, but a observable pattern which points to global warming.  It seems to be a consensus these days the world is warming up, and have the science to affirm their position.  Anyone who thinks otherwise is viewed as a the proverbial ostrich with his head in the sand, despite any evidence they interpret to counter the prevailing view.

To be honest, I do not see a need to hold tightly any particular view concerning the ever-morphing science of any side.  Since the experts cannot agree, I don't know that even a careful examination of the science behind it can convince me to hold to a rigid view.  Can my opinions outweigh peer-reviewed papers, politicians, or even the man on the street?  Science is a business, and let us not be naive to think the motives of researchers are not without bias or agenda.  Man can prove any point he wants through cherry-picked statistics, so it becomes belief in one expert's interpretation over another just as qualified.  On a unseasonably hot day confirmation bias kicks in:  it must be true.  The reality is, people do what they want, and they believe what they want when it suits them.  Nothing has changed from the beginning.

I am no expert on global climate change, but I can say with absolute certainty climate change is a reality.  Whether we are experiencing climate change now I do not know, but the Bible tells us the entire world will experience a global catastrophe of unprecedented proportion.  No amount of scientific study, monetary investment, energy conservation, or "going green" will stop the inevitable advance of scriptural fulfillment.  What God has said will surely come to pass.  Some will mock this, believing humans through science will provide a lasting solution.  Please.  Science nor medicine has the capacity to stop the advance of death in this world due to sin.  Doctors can prolong lives, but they cannot defeat death.  Only Jesus can do that.  No united group of human beings is capable of stopping the eventual end of the age, the ultimate destruction of the earth, and the creation of new heavens and earth where only righteousness dwells.

With the tragic events unfolding in Nepal following the devastating earthquake, it brings to mind the words of Jesus who predicted earthquakes in various places.  Quoting Jesus in Matthew 24:6-8, "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. ⁷ For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. ⁸ All these are the beginning of sorrows."  Some shrug off earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, disease, and famine as merely circumstantial because they are nothing new.  For those who believe the words of Jesus, these tragedies point to the reality of the end of this earth - even as labour pangs precede the birth of a child.  Consider what Peter says in 2 Peter 3:1-8:  "Beloved, I now write to you this second epistle (in both of which I stir up your pure minds by way of reminder), ² that you may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, ³ knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, ⁴ and saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." ⁵ For this they willfully forget: that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, ⁶ by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. ⁷ But the heavens and the earth which are now preserved by the same word, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."  We are in the last days, and this world is not going to last forever.

During a future period called in scripture the "Great Tribulation," many instances are cited of massive changes of climate.  Being divinely ordained, there will be no scientific answer or hope to counter them.  Revelation 8:7 says, "The first angel sounded: And hail and fire followed, mingled with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. And a third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up."  A bit later we read in Revelation 16:8-9:  "Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and power was given to him to scorch men with fire. ⁹ And men were scorched with great heat, and they blasphemed the name of God who has power over these plagues; and they did not repent and give Him glory."  The term "global warming" puts it too lightly!  While humans do impact the earth through good or poor management, God remains in control.  The end of the chapter says in Revelation 16:18-21:  "And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. ¹⁹ Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. ²⁰ Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. ²¹ And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great."  God is going to shake this universe, and no one will escape.

From a biblical perspective, if global climate change isn't happening, it most certainly will.  This world which had a beginning will most certainly have an end.  It was birthed out of water, and it will be consumed in fire.  God has ordained men to be the caretakers of this earth, and we ought to be good stewards of all God has given us.  Worse than contaminated seas from radiation is the sin which has doomed this world to destruction.  The only reason why the earth has continued this long is the grace and goodness of God towards people He loves.  He is gracious to give generations ample time to repent from sin and trust in Him.  Continuing with the 2 Peter 3:8-13, "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. ¹¹ Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, ¹² looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? ¹³ Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells."  This world will pass away and everything in it, but those who repent and trust in Jesus are granted eternal life.

Looking at the state of the world, there is cause for concern.  But even if every single person on the globe dedicated themselves to saving the planet, convinced of global climate change, it will not stop the grim events predicted in biblical prophecy.  Purify the oceans, replace the ice pack, and plug that dastardly hole in the ozone for good measure, but that will not avert the end.  Man's only hope for salvation is not found in himself, but through faith in Jesus Christ.  Christians do not need to fret over the state of the world without hope, for our confidence and security is found in God alone.  All who fear the LORD can echo the words of the psalmist in Psalm 46:1-3:  "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. ² Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; ³ though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah."  Scorching sun?  Rising oceans?  Earthquakes which rip the earth into pieces?  We will not fear, for God is our refuge and strength.

Clean Vessels

"Depart! Depart! Go out from there, touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of her, be clean, you who bear the vessels of the LORD."

Isaiah 52:11

The prophet emphatically reminded those tasked with carrying the sanctified vessels of the LORD's house of their privileged role.  Men born to the tribe of Levi had roles as priests and ministers unto a holy God.  They were God's inheritance, and He was theirs.  Their identity was to be found in the righteous God who had chosen, called, and sanctified them.  They served a holy God who spoke to His people:  "Be ye holy, for I am holy."  For this reason the priests and Levites were to be consecrated and set apart for the service of the LORD, ensuring they lived a life free of defilement.

Under the Law, guidelines were given to ceremonially cleanse and sanctify priests and Levites.  They were to offer sacrifice, wash with clean water, and wear the approved clothing.  Much effort was employed to maintain external purity.  But under the New Covenant in Christ's blood, there are none who "bear" the vessels of the LORD in the same way today.  When the curtain was rent in the Temple during Christ's crucifixion, worship under the Law in a Temple made with hands was wound up.  Jesus had once for all become a sacrifice for the sins of the world.  The Bible tells us that Christians are now the Temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells within the heart of every believer.  Our bodies are the vessels God has seen fit to place His glory within.  The focus of Christ during His ministry on earth was not the keeping of outward tradition - carefully washing the outside of the vessel whilst ignoring defilement within - but the cleansing of the inner man of sin through faith in Jesus.  Spiritual regeneration gives a man a new heart and renewed mind through the washing of the water of the Word.  Once our hearts are cleansed of sin, our lives should reflect that transformation.

One of the consequences of focusing on our need for a purified heart and mind can be a neglect of intentional practice to be pure from sinful practices.  Because Jesus remained pure and holy in a world filled with sin, perhaps we think we can entertain unclean thoughts or bring sinful deeds into our lives without negative consequences.  The fact God has forgiven and cleansed us from sin does not provide license for us to dabble in it.  The practice of "toeing the line" leads to stumbling and falls.  The inner man can be affected by the things we do and dwell upon in our thinking.  Our vessels can be polluted and disqualified for service.  A Levite was a Levite, whether or not he was sanctified to perform his God-given duty and calling.  We too can be genuine Christians by faith and spiritual rebirth, but be unfit for service unto our God because we have not kept our minds and hearts pure.

Only God can cleanse minds and hearts of men, but we are told to take action ourselves in obedience to God.  Hosea 10:12 lays forth our personal responsibilities:  "Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground, for it is time to seek the LORD, till He comes and rains righteousness on you."  God has said when we draw near to Him, He will draw near to us.  Jesus came to earth as a man to demonstrate God's love for sinners, and Hebrews 10:22 exhorts us to respond:  "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."  Instead of nurturing affections for this world, Colossians 3:2 says to "Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth."  James 1:27 puts it this way:  "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."

Christians are in this world, but we are not of this world.  We have been sanctified, set apart for God and His service.  Through God's power we are also commanded to sanctify ourselves, separating ourselves from unholy influences and defilement for the LORD's use.  Let us not be tricked to think Christianity is just an inner work.  Because of our new spiritual birth and heritage given by a Holy God as His adopted children, we are to take seriously this command to bring our inner and outer man into alignment with our Father in heaven.  I have heard it said "the part of your life God cares most about is the part no one else sees," but He also cares about what other people and we see.  He cares about the things we set before our eyes and allow into our lives, minds, and homes.  The God who cleanses the inside of the cup thinks the outside should match.  Being clean on the inside but remaining filthy on the outside is hypocrisy too, right?

Master Or Messiah?

During last night's discipleship course at Calvary Chapel Sydney, we had an interesting conversation about the contrast between the rich young rulers and blind Bartimaeus in Mark chapter 10.  The only similarities between the two is they were both men, and Jesus made an impression on them.  What that impression was and how they responded to Jesus were completely opposite.

As Jesus walked, a rich man ran up to Jesus and said, "Good Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?"  Jesus answered, "Why do you call me good?  There is none good but one, who is God."  This was a veiled claim to deity:  Jesus is either good and God, or He is not good.  Jesus said, "You know the commandments."  He then proceeded to list five commands which the man claimed to have kept.  Despite having riches and keeping commands, the man still recognised his lack.  Mark 10:21-22 reads, "Then Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me." ²² But he was sad at this word, and went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions."  Wealth was the god of this young rich man, and he proved unwilling to part with his idol - even with eternal life at stake.

On the way to Jericho, James and John approached Jesus.  Mark 10:35-37 describes the interaction:  "Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, "Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask." ³⁶ And He said to them, "What do you want Me to do for you?" ³⁷ They said to Him, "Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory."  The disciples pulled no punches with Jesus.  They shamelessly told Jesus to His face they wanted Him to do for them whatever they asked.  Isn't this a common thread of many who come to Jesus?  Jesus, graciously and patiently, offered His ear to these ambitious followers.  The rich man wanted to know what he needed to do to gain, and these disciples wanted Jesus to do whatever they wanted for them.

As they came to Jericho, a blind man named Bartimaeus heard it was Jesus who passed by.  He cried out loudly, "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"  In saying this, Bartimaeus displayed his belief Jesus was the promised Messiah.  When told by others to quiet down, Bartimaeus only screamed louder:  "Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!"  Jesus stopped and asked the man to come before him.  Mark 10:50-52 says, "And throwing aside his garment, he rose and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ So Jesus answered and said to him, "What do you want Me to do for you?" The blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, that I may receive my sight." ⁵² Then Jesus said to him, "Go your way; your faith has made you well." And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road."  Bartimaeus begged for mercy, and Jesus asked Bartimaeus:  "What do you want Me to do for you?"  He asked to received his sight.  Jesus acknowledged the man's faith, and suddenly he could see!  We do not read of Bartimaeus even going back for his garment, but followed Jesus on the way.

The rich man called Jesus Master, but Bartimaeus called Jesus Messiah.  The rich man asked "What must I do?" and Bartimaeus begged for mercy.  Only after Jesus asked the blind man did he venture to ask for healing.  The rich man went away sorrowful, but the once blind man who now could see followed Jesus rejoicing.  Our eternal destiny depends on faith in Jesus Christ.  When we cling to the wealth of this world, we embrace sorrow now and forever.  Only when Jesus becomes our way can we be healed and obtain eternal life!

The Power of Parables

"All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable He did not speak to them, ³⁵ that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: "I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world."

Matthew 13:34-35

When Jesus spoke in parables it was to reveal, not conceal.  To the unbelieving and careless the words of Jesus were little more than stories, but to those who trusted in Jesus His parables revealed deep spiritual truths unknown from the beginning.  They have continued to remain an unceasing sources of truths both old and new to this day.  The same thing can be said of the Bible.  Unbelievers without spiritual discernment mock and scorn as they pick it apart, but those who rely upon God find sustenance and balm for their souls.

It's amazing how God opens the eyes of believers to discover deep truth in simple things.  As I prepared for teaching scripture yesterday, I used a couple of strange household items to teach about faith:  an eraser (rubber) and a tube of anti-fungal cream.  Now what spiritual truth could possibly be seen in those things?  The LORD helped me with those items to illustrate the object of our faith matters.  All people demonstrate faith based upon their beliefs:  atheists, agnostics, cults, and Christians alike.  Much of the faith exercised in the world is misplaced in all sorts of false guides and supports.  It is not if you have faith but where your faith is placed that matters.

If I placed my faith in a rubber to remove fungus from the skin between my toes, it would be misplaced faith.  I could rub my skin until it bleeds, but it will do nothing to solve my problem.  I could carry that eraser around in my pocket as a talisman or believe with all my heart it can help me, but it remains powerless to supply the cure I desire.  Yet if I believe the anti-fungal cream will alleviate my condition and follow the directions, I place my faith in something designed to deal with my problem.  Putting my faith in the cream leads to action on my part which in time will lead to restoration of clear skin.  The spiritual connection is we can place our faith in things powerless to help us, where faith in Jesus is the only Way to forgiveness, peace, and eternal life.  You can fight against the example if you want, but those with open ears and willing hearts understand the truth I have spoken.  The Holy Spirit will apply this truth to softened hearts individually and personally.

Illustrations have unique power to illuminate, like glass windows allow light into a room.  Whilst object lessons are useful, it is good to recognise their limits.  My point in using this example was to show how it is possible and even foolish to place our faith in things which have no power to help or save us.  The scriptures have been provided to reveal God to man He created in His own image.  The Bible is God-breathed, having been inspired by the Holy Spirit, and is compared to a light which illuminates our steps so we will not veer from the course of God's highway of holiness.  People in the shadows can laugh and mock all they want, but we Christians know where we are going and how we are going to arrive safely to our final destination in heaven.  Have you placed your faith in what is able to forgive, deliver, and save you?  He who has ears to hear, let him hear!