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I got to thinking about this topic because of something that happened today. Spouse and I had talked a couple of weeks ago about something, and I had pointedly stated that if we made the purchase we were talking about, there was a certain brand which I liked, and that the other brands I wasn't so keen on. So what happened today? Spouse, intending to be nice, makes the purchase - but purchases a brand I said not to purchase. And when I was displeased, suddenly I was the "ungrateful" person. It was a difficult moment, and the purchase as ultimately returned unopened.
But how often do we do this with God? He has given us the Holy Scriptures in which his will is recorded. The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our reading of these scriptures. Yet how often do we go directly against what God has told us, and still expect him to be pleased?
Here's a verse which can be troubling if one thinks about it and applies it their own life.
I have said all this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. John 16:1-2 Revised Standard Version
In the past I have read this verse as referring solely to people seeking to kill me. Terrorists who bomb public places. Vigilantes who don't like my faith. And so on.
But could the reverse be true? What is my attitude about the killing of terrorists? Vigilantes? And so on? Am I happy about this? Do I think God is pleased? The answer is in the Bible.
But if a wicked man turns away from all his sins which he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness which he has done he shall live. Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:21-23 Revised Standard Version
God is NOT pleased when the wicked die. So we shouldn't be either. And we need to be careful about ourselves. It is entirely possible to do things - believing we are pleasing God - that actually displease God very much.
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's Will. Show all posts
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
What is it About Gays Anyway
Fairyhedgehog posted about a serious matter on her blog. The title of her post is: Death Penalty for Gays.
She is citing a New York Times article about Uganda possibly passing a law which institutes the death penalty for gay and lesbian people.
The issue of being gay/lesbian - or one of the other labels attached to people of sexual preference - is a serious one. It's one the world has to deal with. Historically, Uganda's proposed solution is not far from the way the people of the world have dealt with the issue.
The Bible seems to speak against it. And yet there are those who say the verses used to support this claim are being taken out of context. It is certainly true that Jesus is never recorded voicing an opinion one way or the other regarding homosexuality. Apparently, whether it was sin or not sin, he did not consider it worthy of his time.
And yet how many of us Christians invest tremendous emotion and activity regarding it? We openly condemn the gay community. We seek to pass legislation to inhibit gay rights, or revoke legislation which supports it.
We invest so much of ourselves in matters of sex - whether we admit it or not. We descry the unwed mother, unmarried live-in couples, and a host of other sexual related acts and attitudes.
I'm not saying the things we descry are not sin. What I am saying is this: Why don't we invest the same energy crying out against injustice? Intolerance? Stealing? Slander? Ignoring the poor? Speeding? Or anything else which constitutes sin? Why pick out sexual things as though they were the worst sin one could commit?
There is ONE sin, and ONE sin only which cannot be forgiven: Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
"And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And every one who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." Luke 12:8-10 Revised Standard Version
Can a gay man or lesbian woman be a Christian?
Many Christian talk as though that were impossible. They're wrong.
What makes a Christian? Our behavior? Are we Christians because of how we behave? Or do we behave because we are Christians? This is an important question. Are we saved by faith, or by works?
O foolish Galations! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 Revised Standard Version
Are you a Christian? Have you committed adultery? Fornication? Theft? Have you been prideful, intolerant, unloving, drunk with alcohol or high on drugs? Have you idolized someone, or something? Have you been disobedient to your parents?
The world is filled with sins. And Christians commit all of them. No Christian commits all of them, but all Christians commit some. And here what the Bible says about ANY sin.
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. James 2:10 Revised Standard Version
We are ALL guilty. NO ONE is going to get to heaven without first being forgiven for who they are, what they are, and what they have said, done, and felt in their heart.
So how should Christians treat gay and lesbian people? How should we treat anybody?
I find that as I grow older I am less concerned with what is and is not sin. What matters is forgiveness. And treating others the way Jesus wants them to be treated. We were never called to punish those we believed to be "sinners". If we were, we should begin with ourselves and not move on to others until we are sinless.
In the meantime, we should raise voices in oppostion to what Uganda wants to do with the same righteous indignation that we have in condemning gays and lesbians. Leave them alone.
She is citing a New York Times article about Uganda possibly passing a law which institutes the death penalty for gay and lesbian people.
The issue of being gay/lesbian - or one of the other labels attached to people of sexual preference - is a serious one. It's one the world has to deal with. Historically, Uganda's proposed solution is not far from the way the people of the world have dealt with the issue.
The Bible seems to speak against it. And yet there are those who say the verses used to support this claim are being taken out of context. It is certainly true that Jesus is never recorded voicing an opinion one way or the other regarding homosexuality. Apparently, whether it was sin or not sin, he did not consider it worthy of his time.
And yet how many of us Christians invest tremendous emotion and activity regarding it? We openly condemn the gay community. We seek to pass legislation to inhibit gay rights, or revoke legislation which supports it.
We invest so much of ourselves in matters of sex - whether we admit it or not. We descry the unwed mother, unmarried live-in couples, and a host of other sexual related acts and attitudes.
I'm not saying the things we descry are not sin. What I am saying is this: Why don't we invest the same energy crying out against injustice? Intolerance? Stealing? Slander? Ignoring the poor? Speeding? Or anything else which constitutes sin? Why pick out sexual things as though they were the worst sin one could commit?
There is ONE sin, and ONE sin only which cannot be forgiven: Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.
"And I tell you, every one who acknowledges me before men, the Son of man also will acknowledge before the angels of God; but he who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And every one who speaks a word against the Son of man will be forgiven; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven." Luke 12:8-10 Revised Standard Version
Can a gay man or lesbian woman be a Christian?
Many Christian talk as though that were impossible. They're wrong.
What makes a Christian? Our behavior? Are we Christians because of how we behave? Or do we behave because we are Christians? This is an important question. Are we saved by faith, or by works?
O foolish Galations! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified? Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun with the Spirit, are you now ending with the flesh? Galatians 3:1-3 Revised Standard Version
Are you a Christian? Have you committed adultery? Fornication? Theft? Have you been prideful, intolerant, unloving, drunk with alcohol or high on drugs? Have you idolized someone, or something? Have you been disobedient to your parents?
The world is filled with sins. And Christians commit all of them. No Christian commits all of them, but all Christians commit some. And here what the Bible says about ANY sin.
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. James 2:10 Revised Standard Version
We are ALL guilty. NO ONE is going to get to heaven without first being forgiven for who they are, what they are, and what they have said, done, and felt in their heart.
So how should Christians treat gay and lesbian people? How should we treat anybody?
I find that as I grow older I am less concerned with what is and is not sin. What matters is forgiveness. And treating others the way Jesus wants them to be treated. We were never called to punish those we believed to be "sinners". If we were, we should begin with ourselves and not move on to others until we are sinless.
In the meantime, we should raise voices in oppostion to what Uganda wants to do with the same righteous indignation that we have in condemning gays and lesbians. Leave them alone.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
We are all Fools, And We Continue to Go Astray
It's been a while since I've posted. Posting here has become difficult. As much because this blog gets so few hits as because of weariness. But I just read something this morning which bothers me to no end, and I have to post about it. What is it? What else?
Religious Intolerance acting in the name of Christ.
If you are curious about what I read you may find it here. The blog is maintained by Lee Wind. It is a blog supporting the Gay->Bi-sexual->Lesbian->Transgender segments of society.
This hatred in the name of Christ has to be the most disgusting thing on the planet. It's worse than pedephilia, terrorism, murder, rape, or any other crime you can think of. Why? Because if you accept this kind of hatred - hatred in the name of God - then you are capable of ALL of those crimes - and much more.
Who in the Bible did Christ hate?
NOBODY!
He didn't even hate the Pharisees and Sadduces who plotted to kill him. He wept for them because of the horrors which were coming.
So how can anyone who claims to have Christ's spirit in them hate so much?
I was reading in Romans today.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 Revised Standard Version
When we focus our attention on banning books, or withholding social rights to others are we not focusing on the flesh?
When we create entire political action organizations using the name of Christ, have we not set our minds on the things of the flesh?
We do these things and we claim we are doing them for God. We claim we are representing God.
THAT IS A LIE!
Read what Jesus Christ himself said about governments and politics.
He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Luke 20:25 Revised Standard Version
The laws of our society are NOT Christ's concern. How much, or even whether, we pay taxes. Where should speed limits be set? What books should be allowed here or there? These are the things of the flesh. They are NOT Christ's concern.
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. That slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put you rsword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup with the Father has given me?" John 18:10-11 Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 18:36 Revised Standard Version
We are NOT to fight. That is a direct order from Jesus himself. If he refused to allow it when he went to the cross, how much more will he refuse to allow it over the matter of books?
This is what Paul says.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blashpemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version
I hilighted the portions which come to mind when I see and hear people who talk and act like Christian Conservatives.
I can't think of a single person on the planet who associtates Christian Conservatism with love.
What did Jesus say to the church of Ephaesus?
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left you first love.Revelation 2:2-4 New King James Version
God does not want us wasting our time hating other people who are different from us. Not even if we are absolutely convinced they are horrible, sinful, people. Because is that not what we are without Christ? Nobody is holy and pure except that God, through Christ, forgives their sins. There is no degree of sin to get in or be excluded from heaven. One sin. Any sin. Keeps us out. And we have all sinned. God says so.
You worried about worldly influences on yourself, your family, your children? Don't be. Hear what God has to say.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Revised Standard Version
Spend less time worrying about the "don't" and more time on the "do's".
The "do's" of God are love and forgiveness.
Please, Please, Please remember that. I wish I could only make the Political Religious understand this.
Religious Intolerance acting in the name of Christ.
If you are curious about what I read you may find it here. The blog is maintained by Lee Wind. It is a blog supporting the Gay->Bi-sexual->Lesbian->Transgender segments of society.
This hatred in the name of Christ has to be the most disgusting thing on the planet. It's worse than pedephilia, terrorism, murder, rape, or any other crime you can think of. Why? Because if you accept this kind of hatred - hatred in the name of God - then you are capable of ALL of those crimes - and much more.
Who in the Bible did Christ hate?
NOBODY!
He didn't even hate the Pharisees and Sadduces who plotted to kill him. He wept for them because of the horrors which were coming.
So how can anyone who claims to have Christ's spirit in them hate so much?
I was reading in Romans today.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. Romans 8:5 Revised Standard Version
When we focus our attention on banning books, or withholding social rights to others are we not focusing on the flesh?
When we create entire political action organizations using the name of Christ, have we not set our minds on the things of the flesh?
We do these things and we claim we are doing them for God. We claim we are representing God.
THAT IS A LIE!
Read what Jesus Christ himself said about governments and politics.
He said to them, "Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." Luke 20:25 Revised Standard Version
The laws of our society are NOT Christ's concern. How much, or even whether, we pay taxes. Where should speed limits be set? What books should be allowed here or there? These are the things of the flesh. They are NOT Christ's concern.
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. That slave's name was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, "Put you rsword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup with the Father has given me?" John 18:10-11 Revised Standard Version
Jesus answered, "My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 18:36 Revised Standard Version
We are NOT to fight. That is a direct order from Jesus himself. If he refused to allow it when he went to the cross, how much more will he refuse to allow it over the matter of books?
This is what Paul says.
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blashpemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 2 Timothy 3:1-5 New King James Version
I hilighted the portions which come to mind when I see and hear people who talk and act like Christian Conservatives.
I can't think of a single person on the planet who associtates Christian Conservatism with love.
What did Jesus say to the church of Ephaesus?
I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left you first love.Revelation 2:2-4 New King James Version
God does not want us wasting our time hating other people who are different from us. Not even if we are absolutely convinced they are horrible, sinful, people. Because is that not what we are without Christ? Nobody is holy and pure except that God, through Christ, forgives their sins. There is no degree of sin to get in or be excluded from heaven. One sin. Any sin. Keeps us out. And we have all sinned. God says so.
You worried about worldly influences on yourself, your family, your children? Don't be. Hear what God has to say.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Revised Standard Version
Spend less time worrying about the "don't" and more time on the "do's".
The "do's" of God are love and forgiveness.
Please, Please, Please remember that. I wish I could only make the Political Religious understand this.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Which Master Do You Serve
"No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon." Matthew 6:24
The principal is true, and it doesn't only hold for God and money. It's true any time two or more priorities come into conflict. Sooner or later, in everything, you will be forced to choose one over the other. Spaghetti or roast beef for supper. Go to this movie or that. Go swimming or go to the zoo.
Those are minor decisions and the consequences of choosing one over the other seldom matter. But what happens when important things come into conflict?
Do I buy groceries or get my prescription filled? Do I go to daughter's soccer game over here, or son's soccer game on the other side of town?
At any given time we may find ourselves alternating between what is more important, but at any given moment one is more important than the other.
So what's my point?
Rules (laws) and people.
Which is more important to you? To me?
The Bible is replete with things identified by God as holy and as sinful. God cannot tolerate sin. He just can't. By definition sin is what is against God. The constant theme of scripture is that God loves people. People are sinners. All of us.
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:21-25
So what about the law? I'm talking Biblical law. This is what Paul tells us in the first chapter of Romans.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth.
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
20 Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse;
21 for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling moral man or birds or animals or reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
25 because they exchanged the truth about god for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen.
26 For this reason god gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural,
27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct.
29 They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them.
Powerful words. Even frightening. But do you know what follows immediately after these words? Read on in chapter two.
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.
Are you guilty of the entire list? No. Of course not. Who is? Hmm. Let's read what James has to say about that.
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. James 2:10
How can this be? Is it fair? Think of it this way.
There is a figure of a Bengal tiger on top of my computer monitor. Suppose I actually have two. Now suppose you come along and break off the ear of one. Someone else comes along and smashes the other into tiny pieces. How many of my tigers are broken? And who broke them?
Our tendency is to look at what someone else did and declare our offense wasn't nearly so bad. After all, we just broke off an ear. But we still broke it. Our error is ceasing to compare the tiger we broke with a perfect model. Paul talks about this.
But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12
So what do we say about people and the law? And what should our own attitude be?
We cannot love people and the law equally. God himself tells us this. So if we say we do we are liars. What should we do?
This is my opinion. I base it on Christ's forgiveness. God's forgiveness. I base it on warnings all through scripture, but particularly in the New Testament, about judging others without mercy.
I think the correct behavior is to love people and not worry about the law. God is not challenged by anything anyone does or say. His law will remain intact no matter what happens, and he will remain in charge. We need not fear for God or his law.
Our concern should be about people. We need to love them. Accept them as we hope to be accepted. I don't want to be punished for the things I am guilty of. That's why I rely on the forgiveness of God. Why should I wish for punishment for others. Especially when God keeps telling me that such an attitude will only guarantee my own punishment.
Let us not worry about who the sinners are. God has already told us they are us. All of us.
Which master will you serve? How about love? God is love. Let's serve him and not worry about the sins of others.
The principal is true, and it doesn't only hold for God and money. It's true any time two or more priorities come into conflict. Sooner or later, in everything, you will be forced to choose one over the other. Spaghetti or roast beef for supper. Go to this movie or that. Go swimming or go to the zoo.
Those are minor decisions and the consequences of choosing one over the other seldom matter. But what happens when important things come into conflict?
Do I buy groceries or get my prescription filled? Do I go to daughter's soccer game over here, or son's soccer game on the other side of town?
At any given time we may find ourselves alternating between what is more important, but at any given moment one is more important than the other.
So what's my point?
Rules (laws) and people.
Which is more important to you? To me?
The Bible is replete with things identified by God as holy and as sinful. God cannot tolerate sin. He just can't. By definition sin is what is against God. The constant theme of scripture is that God loves people. People are sinners. All of us.
But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it, the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:21-25
So what about the law? I'm talking Biblical law. This is what Paul tells us in the first chapter of Romans.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth.
19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.
20 Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity, has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse;
21 for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.
22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools,
23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling moral man or birds or animals or reptiles.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves,
25 because they exchanged the truth about god for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever! Amen.
26 For this reason god gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural,
27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error.
28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct.
29 They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips,
30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,
31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless.
32 Though they know God's decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them.
Powerful words. Even frightening. But do you know what follows immediately after these words? Read on in chapter two.
1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another; for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things.
Are you guilty of the entire list? No. Of course not. Who is? Hmm. Let's read what James has to say about that.
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it. James 2:10
How can this be? Is it fair? Think of it this way.
There is a figure of a Bengal tiger on top of my computer monitor. Suppose I actually have two. Now suppose you come along and break off the ear of one. Someone else comes along and smashes the other into tiny pieces. How many of my tigers are broken? And who broke them?
Our tendency is to look at what someone else did and declare our offense wasn't nearly so bad. After all, we just broke off an ear. But we still broke it. Our error is ceasing to compare the tiger we broke with a perfect model. Paul talks about this.
But when they measure themselves by one another, and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding. 2 Corinthians 10:12
So what do we say about people and the law? And what should our own attitude be?
We cannot love people and the law equally. God himself tells us this. So if we say we do we are liars. What should we do?
This is my opinion. I base it on Christ's forgiveness. God's forgiveness. I base it on warnings all through scripture, but particularly in the New Testament, about judging others without mercy.
I think the correct behavior is to love people and not worry about the law. God is not challenged by anything anyone does or say. His law will remain intact no matter what happens, and he will remain in charge. We need not fear for God or his law.
Our concern should be about people. We need to love them. Accept them as we hope to be accepted. I don't want to be punished for the things I am guilty of. That's why I rely on the forgiveness of God. Why should I wish for punishment for others. Especially when God keeps telling me that such an attitude will only guarantee my own punishment.
Let us not worry about who the sinners are. God has already told us they are us. All of us.
Which master will you serve? How about love? God is love. Let's serve him and not worry about the sins of others.
Monday, October 12, 2009
It Turns Out God Made Them After All
There are many divisive issues confronting us today. They range from race relations to religion to matters of law and even sexuality. For a person who grew up with very precise definitions of sex and sexuality I am a Johnny-come-lately to the discussion. There was a time I held a stance and was quite dogmatic about it. I wasn't willing to hear anything which didn't agree with what I had already decided.
But my decision was not based on my own knowledge, experience, or investigation.
The question of gay rights has been around for several decades now, and it seems to be heating up. Not seems to be. It is heating up. There was a march of some kind in Washington yesterday or today in which gay activists and supporters of gay rights are calling out a reminder to President Obama that he promised to bring positive resolution in at least some areas.
I am not a model Christian, and for many that immediately excludes my opinion from counting for anything. For others, the fact that I now stand against them on certain points is the reason to no longer listen to anything I have to say. But I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ is God himself, known to us as The Son of God (which is a confusing term to us in this society - but probably not to those in an older society which no longer exists). I believe he died on the cross in order that God could forgive us our sins and accept us back to himself. I believe he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where he poured his blood on the alter as payment.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 Revised Standard Version
I believe this faith I own makes me a Christian. Not my lifestyle. Lifestyle cannot make anyone a Christian. Only forgiveness.
Now, that being said, I want also to say that I believe the answers to the sex and sexuality questions can be found in the Bible: but only for those who are willing to have faith in it.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 6:7-12 Revised Standard Version
So, I have been gaining knowledge and experience through my own investigation. Others have done a much better job, and with that thought in mind I would like to direct you to the blog of one Sarah L. Specifically, this post here. In it, Sarah discusses scientific fact about the number of people born as a-typical males and females. In some cases they are both. Even the chromosomes do not distinguish, as the combinations are just too diverse to say certain people are male or female.
So where does that leave us with regard to God?
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 Revised Standard Version
Do you see it? It's there, although I confess I'm nervous about interpreting it. God created man - as male and female.
How does that relate to the questions of gay rights which confront us today? I must confess I am not sure. But I do believe we must be careful. The Bible is not just one verse, and God's will and purpose is found in the entire Bible. What is the constant message?
Today, while searching for answers in scripture about hermaphrodites, I came across someone else's scripture reference. I will surround the verse they referenced so that it shows more in context. But I find it most interesting.
Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, though faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:23-29 Revised Standard Version
Again, I hesitate to make an explicit interpretation of this reference, but it does raise a question in my mind. Why are we concerning ourselves so much over this question?
That people are born without being solely male or solely female is a documented fact, and has been for hundreds of years. According to the information Sarah L found, it isn't nearly so rare an occurrance as some wish to believe. Do you realize that there are more people in the United States alone with this condition than live in Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont - COMBINED?
But even if it WAS only one person. Did not God make that person? Everyone who is born is born according to God's will. People cannot exist unless God creates them. Only God can create a spirit.
So did God make more than three million mistakes in the United States? I don't think so. God doesn't make mistakes. These people were created according to God's will. So did God create people just to hate them? No. God loves these people. They were created exactly according to his plan. Why do we feel this insane need to oppress them?
I think we in the Christian Community are in great danger of becoming the servant who lost the grace given to him by the king.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imporing him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servatns who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience wit hme, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed ,and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you; if you do not forgive you brother from your heart. Matthew 18:23-35 Revised Standard Version
People, we need to be careful with how we view other people.
But my decision was not based on my own knowledge, experience, or investigation.
The question of gay rights has been around for several decades now, and it seems to be heating up. Not seems to be. It is heating up. There was a march of some kind in Washington yesterday or today in which gay activists and supporters of gay rights are calling out a reminder to President Obama that he promised to bring positive resolution in at least some areas.
I am not a model Christian, and for many that immediately excludes my opinion from counting for anything. For others, the fact that I now stand against them on certain points is the reason to no longer listen to anything I have to say. But I am a Christian. I believe Jesus Christ is God himself, known to us as The Son of God (which is a confusing term to us in this society - but probably not to those in an older society which no longer exists). I believe he died on the cross in order that God could forgive us our sins and accept us back to himself. I believe he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, where he poured his blood on the alter as payment.
Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. Hebrews 9:22 Revised Standard Version
I believe this faith I own makes me a Christian. Not my lifestyle. Lifestyle cannot make anyone a Christian. Only forgiveness.
Now, that being said, I want also to say that I believe the answers to the sex and sexuality questions can be found in the Bible: but only for those who are willing to have faith in it.
Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 6:7-12 Revised Standard Version
So, I have been gaining knowledge and experience through my own investigation. Others have done a much better job, and with that thought in mind I would like to direct you to the blog of one Sarah L. Specifically, this post here. In it, Sarah discusses scientific fact about the number of people born as a-typical males and females. In some cases they are both. Even the chromosomes do not distinguish, as the combinations are just too diverse to say certain people are male or female.
So where does that leave us with regard to God?
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 Revised Standard Version
Do you see it? It's there, although I confess I'm nervous about interpreting it. God created man - as male and female.
How does that relate to the questions of gay rights which confront us today? I must confess I am not sure. But I do believe we must be careful. The Bible is not just one verse, and God's will and purpose is found in the entire Bible. What is the constant message?
Today, while searching for answers in scripture about hermaphrodites, I came across someone else's scripture reference. I will surround the verse they referenced so that it shows more in context. But I find it most interesting.
Now before faith came, we were confined under the law, kept under restraint until faith should be revealed. So that the law was our custodian until Christ came, that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a custodian; for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, though faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3:23-29 Revised Standard Version
Again, I hesitate to make an explicit interpretation of this reference, but it does raise a question in my mind. Why are we concerning ourselves so much over this question?
That people are born without being solely male or solely female is a documented fact, and has been for hundreds of years. According to the information Sarah L found, it isn't nearly so rare an occurrance as some wish to believe. Do you realize that there are more people in the United States alone with this condition than live in Wyoming, Vermont, North Dakota, Alaska, and Vermont - COMBINED?
But even if it WAS only one person. Did not God make that person? Everyone who is born is born according to God's will. People cannot exist unless God creates them. Only God can create a spirit.
So did God make more than three million mistakes in the United States? I don't think so. God doesn't make mistakes. These people were created according to God's will. So did God create people just to hate them? No. God loves these people. They were created exactly according to his plan. Why do we feel this insane need to oppress them?
I think we in the Christian Community are in great danger of becoming the servant who lost the grace given to him by the king.
Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the reckoning, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents; and as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imporing him, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' And out of pity for him the lord of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But that same servant, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow servatns who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat he said, 'Pay what you owe.' So his fellow servant fell down and besought him, 'Have patience wit hme, and I will pay you.' He refused and went and put him in prison till he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed ,and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you besought me; and should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' And in anger his lord delivered him to the jailers, till he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you; if you do not forgive you brother from your heart. Matthew 18:23-35 Revised Standard Version
People, we need to be careful with how we view other people.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
We Are the Reason We Should Be Ashamed
Yesterday I brought my son to Northwestern College in St. Paul, MN, for his saxophone lesson. While there I found a copy of the July, 2009, edition of Minnesota Christian Chronicle. On page 4 I found a short editorial by Carl Nelson who, as it is explained at the end of the editorial, is president and CEO of the Greater Minnesota Association of Evangelicals.
I won't take word-for-word excerpts from the paper (as I would probably find myself sued for copyright infringement), but I will give the gist of what Mr. Nelson wrote.
Apparently, Pew Research did a national survey and found that "62 percent of white evangelical Protestants believe 'the use of torture against suspected terrorists to gain important information' to be often or sometimes justified." The greater frequency of church attendance and the more likely this was true.
Now, Mr. Nelson is against this trend. In fact, he writes that he added his name to the National Religious Campaign to Ban Torture, and participated in a speaking event at the Center for Victims of Torture. He gives a web address: www.evangelicalsforhumanrights.org. Good for Mr. Nelson.
So many of us Christians get self-righteous about the fact the the world hates us so much. And let's be honest - the world does hate us. But when we support torture, hatred, intolerance, exclusionism, imperialism, and a host of other evil practices, I don't think we have much to be proud of. In fact, we are in danger of hell fire.
One of the main biblical themes God gives us in Holy Scripture is the the concept of sowing and reaping. "As a man soweth, so shall he reap." Spew out hatred, and that is what you will get in return.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
If you are in favor of torturing suspected terrorists in order to gain information, think about what it is you are in favor of. What if someone - anyone - suspects you of something? What you are saying is that they should torture you in order to find out about it. This is true whether you know anything or not.
You say these people would not be in custody if they weren't guilty? What are you saying? Think about it. This means if anyone thinks you are guilty they should put you in prison and torture you.
Carry your thoughts through, people! Don't base your actions on fear. We live in a culture of fear. We are constantly being told by all kinds of people that we should be afraid. Politicians want us afraid so we will vote for them. Merchants want us afraid so we will buy their products. News and weather people want us afraid so we will watch/listen to/read their reports. Preachers want us afraid so we will come to them for guidance.
People. God is NOT about fear.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:6-7 New King James Version
Jesus set us the example when he was here. How did he react to sinners? And I mean real sinners, and not just people who were different, or hated him. The woman caught in adultery is probably the finest example Jesus gave. (I still find it amazing that only the woman was brought. It takes two people to be caught in the act of adultery.)
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7 Revised Standard Version
So, what am I saying? We should do nothing with these suspected terrorists? Yes. I guess so. Without proof, we are as evil as the evil we purport to fight if we hold them. With proof, we should deal with them according to the law - the real law and not invented law based on fear. Real law forbids torture.
People, the saying is true. God started it, but it has been modernized. "What goes around, comes around." Whatever we unleash on others will eventually come back to us. It's a boomerang.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Revised Standard Version
We live in a world of fear. Jesus told us it would be so. Let us learn to relax in God's will and in the truth that God is in control. It is a learning experience, and it takes effort as well as time.
Luke Chapter 21 (emphasis mine)
[8] And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.
[9] But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immeidately."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and tehere will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
[12] But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to th synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake.
[13] But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
[14] Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
[15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
[16] You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
[17] And you will be hatd by all for My name's sake.
[18] But not a hair of your head shall be lost.
[19] By your patience possess your souls.
[20] But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
[21] Then let those who are in Judea flee t othe mountains, let those who are i nthe midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
[22] For thse are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
[23] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
[24] And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
[26] men's hearts failing them from fear and the expecation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the hevens will be shaken.
I won't take word-for-word excerpts from the paper (as I would probably find myself sued for copyright infringement), but I will give the gist of what Mr. Nelson wrote.
Apparently, Pew Research did a national survey and found that "62 percent of white evangelical Protestants believe 'the use of torture against suspected terrorists to gain important information' to be often or sometimes justified." The greater frequency of church attendance and the more likely this was true.
Now, Mr. Nelson is against this trend. In fact, he writes that he added his name to the National Religious Campaign to Ban Torture, and participated in a speaking event at the Center for Victims of Torture. He gives a web address: www.evangelicalsforhumanrights.org. Good for Mr. Nelson.
So many of us Christians get self-righteous about the fact the the world hates us so much. And let's be honest - the world does hate us. But when we support torture, hatred, intolerance, exclusionism, imperialism, and a host of other evil practices, I don't think we have much to be proud of. In fact, we are in danger of hell fire.
One of the main biblical themes God gives us in Holy Scripture is the the concept of sowing and reaping. "As a man soweth, so shall he reap." Spew out hatred, and that is what you will get in return.
So whatever you wish that men would do to you, do so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:12 Revised Standard Version
If you are in favor of torturing suspected terrorists in order to gain information, think about what it is you are in favor of. What if someone - anyone - suspects you of something? What you are saying is that they should torture you in order to find out about it. This is true whether you know anything or not.
You say these people would not be in custody if they weren't guilty? What are you saying? Think about it. This means if anyone thinks you are guilty they should put you in prison and torture you.
Carry your thoughts through, people! Don't base your actions on fear. We live in a culture of fear. We are constantly being told by all kinds of people that we should be afraid. Politicians want us afraid so we will vote for them. Merchants want us afraid so we will buy their products. News and weather people want us afraid so we will watch/listen to/read their reports. Preachers want us afraid so we will come to them for guidance.
People. God is NOT about fear.
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:6-7 New King James Version
Jesus set us the example when he was here. How did he react to sinners? And I mean real sinners, and not just people who were different, or hated him. The woman caught in adultery is probably the finest example Jesus gave. (I still find it amazing that only the woman was brought. It takes two people to be caught in the act of adultery.)
So when they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first." John 8:7 Revised Standard Version
So, what am I saying? We should do nothing with these suspected terrorists? Yes. I guess so. Without proof, we are as evil as the evil we purport to fight if we hold them. With proof, we should deal with them according to the law - the real law and not invented law based on fear. Real law forbids torture.
People, the saying is true. God started it, but it has been modernized. "What goes around, comes around." Whatever we unleash on others will eventually come back to us. It's a boomerang.
Cast your bread upon the waters, for you will find it after many days. Ecclesiastes 11:1 Revised Standard Version
We live in a world of fear. Jesus told us it would be so. Let us learn to relax in God's will and in the truth that God is in control. It is a learning experience, and it takes effort as well as time.
Luke Chapter 21 (emphasis mine)
[8] And He said: "Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am He,' and, 'The time has drawn near.' Therefore do not go after them.
[9] But when you hear of wars and commotions, do not be terrified; for these things must come to pass first, but the end will not come immeidately."
[10] Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
[11] And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and tehere will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
[12] But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to th synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake.
[13] But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony.
[14] Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer;
[15] for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.
[16] You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death.
[17] And you will be hatd by all for My name's sake.
[18] But not a hair of your head shall be lost.
[19] By your patience possess your souls.
[20] But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
[21] Then let those who are in Judea flee t othe mountains, let those who are i nthe midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
[22] For thse are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
[23] But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
[24] And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
[25] And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring;
[26] men's hearts failing them from fear and the expecation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the hevens will be shaken.
Friday, July 3, 2009
So, When Do We Fight
One thing I come across, or am confronted by, on a regular basis when talking/listening to Christians talk is this concept that we need to "get angry". People are advocating laws which go against Biblical teaching. People are trying to remove God from schools, city offices, and anything else they can think of. We need to get "angry". We should be grossly indignant.
Wrong.
The Roman Empire was hardly a godly civilization, and yet that was the civilization in in place where Jesus walked the earth. So what did Jesus have to say about the godless nation in which he lived? I'm only aware of Jesus making one reference to the government.
"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's". Matthew 22:21 Revised Standard Version
Jesus did not concern himself with the government. He obeyed the government, but he did not try to influence policy. Even when he stood before Pilate he made no arguments. When asked if he is a king.
"My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 19:36 Revised Standard Version
Too often we humans get to thinking God somehow needs our help in matters he has told us to leave alone. God does not need our help. What is more, he does not want us trying to help. Certainly, he does not want us getting angry and acting out in anger.
You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with is brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire." Matthew 5:21-22 Revised Standard Version
Personally, I think there are several things going on. Take your choice where you fall, if you are one who is prone to get angry at those who behave other than you think they should.
First, there are people in power who seek to use religion and religious zeal and fervor to further their selfish aims. Get people worked up. Get them afraid. Such people are easy to manipulate, for they are not thinking.
Second, there are people who are worked up and afraid. They desperately want to serve God, but they're afraid they're not doing enough. They're so afraid God is angry with them for not doing enough they are willing to follow any charismatic leader, even if those leaders lead them into anger, hatred, and murder.
Third, there are people who aren't sure they really believe. These people react angrily, and even violently when anything happens which threatens their well-being. They're afraid they can be made to cease believing because they aren't even sure they believe in the first place. These people do not understand what faith is. They think it's how they feel about things. It's what our society teaches. Our preachers don't say it, but so many imply it with the words they use. They keep talking about the senses. Faith has nothing to do with the senses. Faith is a decision. It's an act of will. That's why someone who is completely terrified can act in faith.
Allow me to try and explain.
My son used to be terrified of thunderstorms. He would become so frightened he would physically shake. He wanted to run, but I told him to relax and trust me. I would take him in my arms and he would hang on to me tightly. He trusted me - but he was still afraid. Acting in faith will banish fear - eventually. Just as acting in fear will banish faith - right away. The two are mutually incompatible.
Sometimes, we are like the father who sought Jesus' help when the disciples were not able.
And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24 Revised Standard Version
Sometimes that's all we have: faith in the midst of fear. Sometimes, to act in faith is to do nothing at all. God is not violence. We are taught from our youth that he is. But God is not violence. Read what happened with Elijah.
And there he came to a cave, and lodge there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the people of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thy altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him, sand said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9-13 Revised Standard Version
We like to say that God is in nature. According to the Holy Scriptures, that is not true. God is not in earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, firestorms, and other forms of destruction. God is quiet and gentle. Those other things are tools in God's hands. They are not God.
Do not fear because there are powerful elements seeking to remove God from existence. They cannot succeed. For one thing, as long as you believe God will have people here. Right? So you keep believing. Do you not understand that NO ONE can make anyone believe - or not believe - in God? Only the Holy Spirit can touch someone's heart.
So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and yo do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand." (emphasis mine) John 10:24-28 Revised Standard Version
No matter what happens, you cannot be made to not believe. So do not fret over what others are doing. Just continue believing. Do not get angry. That only confirms in the minds of others that you are a hypocrite. And it takes away your reward in heaven.
Keep the faith. Keep the peace. Let God deal with those who would try to get rid of him.
PSALM 2
[1] Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and teh rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
[3] "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."
[4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.
[5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
[6] "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
Wrong.
The Roman Empire was hardly a godly civilization, and yet that was the civilization in in place where Jesus walked the earth. So what did Jesus have to say about the godless nation in which he lived? I'm only aware of Jesus making one reference to the government.
"Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's". Matthew 22:21 Revised Standard Version
Jesus did not concern himself with the government. He obeyed the government, but he did not try to influence policy. Even when he stood before Pilate he made no arguments. When asked if he is a king.
"My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world." John 19:36 Revised Standard Version
Too often we humans get to thinking God somehow needs our help in matters he has told us to leave alone. God does not need our help. What is more, he does not want us trying to help. Certainly, he does not want us getting angry and acting out in anger.
You have heard that it was said to the men of old, 'You shall not kill; and whoever kills shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that every one who is angry with is brother shall be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother shall be liable to the council, and whoever says, 'You fool!' shall be liable to the hell of fire." Matthew 5:21-22 Revised Standard Version
Personally, I think there are several things going on. Take your choice where you fall, if you are one who is prone to get angry at those who behave other than you think they should.
First, there are people in power who seek to use religion and religious zeal and fervor to further their selfish aims. Get people worked up. Get them afraid. Such people are easy to manipulate, for they are not thinking.
Second, there are people who are worked up and afraid. They desperately want to serve God, but they're afraid they're not doing enough. They're so afraid God is angry with them for not doing enough they are willing to follow any charismatic leader, even if those leaders lead them into anger, hatred, and murder.
Third, there are people who aren't sure they really believe. These people react angrily, and even violently when anything happens which threatens their well-being. They're afraid they can be made to cease believing because they aren't even sure they believe in the first place. These people do not understand what faith is. They think it's how they feel about things. It's what our society teaches. Our preachers don't say it, but so many imply it with the words they use. They keep talking about the senses. Faith has nothing to do with the senses. Faith is a decision. It's an act of will. That's why someone who is completely terrified can act in faith.
Allow me to try and explain.
My son used to be terrified of thunderstorms. He would become so frightened he would physically shake. He wanted to run, but I told him to relax and trust me. I would take him in my arms and he would hang on to me tightly. He trusted me - but he was still afraid. Acting in faith will banish fear - eventually. Just as acting in fear will banish faith - right away. The two are mutually incompatible.
Sometimes, we are like the father who sought Jesus' help when the disciples were not able.
And Jesus said to him, "If you can! All things are possible to him who believes." Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Mark 9:23-24 Revised Standard Version
Sometimes that's all we have: faith in the midst of fear. Sometimes, to act in faith is to do nothing at all. God is not violence. We are taught from our youth that he is. But God is not violence. Read what happened with Elijah.
And there he came to a cave, and lodge there; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" He said, "I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the people of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thy altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away." And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord." And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind and earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him, sand said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9-13 Revised Standard Version
We like to say that God is in nature. According to the Holy Scriptures, that is not true. God is not in earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, firestorms, and other forms of destruction. God is quiet and gentle. Those other things are tools in God's hands. They are not God.
Do not fear because there are powerful elements seeking to remove God from existence. They cannot succeed. For one thing, as long as you believe God will have people here. Right? So you keep believing. Do you not understand that NO ONE can make anyone believe - or not believe - in God? Only the Holy Spirit can touch someone's heart.
So the Jews gathered round him and said to him, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered them, "I told you, and yo do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness to me; but you do not believe, because you do not belong to my sheep. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand." (emphasis mine) John 10:24-28 Revised Standard Version
No matter what happens, you cannot be made to not believe. So do not fret over what others are doing. Just continue believing. Do not get angry. That only confirms in the minds of others that you are a hypocrite. And it takes away your reward in heaven.
Keep the faith. Keep the peace. Let God deal with those who would try to get rid of him.
PSALM 2
[1] Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?
[2] The kings of the earth set themselves, and teh rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
[3] "Let us burst their bonds asunder, and cast their cords from us."
[4] He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord has them in derision.
[5] Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying,
[6] "I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill."
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Absolutely
Our human lives seem geared to thinking in absolutes. When we say something is "good", the implication seems to be there is nothing whatsoever wrong with it. When we say it is "bad", the opposite is true.
My in-laws are very much this way when referencing those they love. They simply cannot acknowledge the wrong-doing of those who fall within their love. They will not admit it. To admit those they love have broken some law is to say they don't love them.
At the same time, those who they acknowledge as "wrong-doers" don't get a lot of love. It's an extremist way of thinking, and it is shared by millions of people around the world.
Why?
Do we not acknowledge our own sins? Does this mean we hate ourselves? God doesn't want that anymore than he wants us hating others. And speaking of God, do we not agree that God loves us? All of us? And yet what does he say about us?
To Peter, when Peter tried to talk him out of doing God's will: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but men." This is recorded immediately after Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ!
Again, in Matthew: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your hildren, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good thins t othose who ask him!"
"You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil?"
But God showed his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
God tells us we are saved by grace. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - not because of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Revised Standard Version
God also tells us that there are behaviors and attitudes he expects from us. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 Revised Standard Version
And we are given a list of behaviors and attitudes to avoid. Now the works of the flesh are plain; fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Revised Standard Version
For centuries people have argued heatedly over what it means to be "saved by grace". Some erroneously believe that those who hold that salvation is through grace, and grace alone, are advocating some sort of lip service to God which frees them to commit any horrible act they choose.
At the same time, the "grace holders" accuse the others of being works orientated, ignoring God's gift of forgiveness.
It is confusing only when we think in terms of absolutes. The truth is, there is no conflict in the statements. One simply must understand just what it is God is telling us.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18 Revised Standard Version
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14-17 Revised Standard Version
Let us consider four (4) scenarios. They each represent a kind of person. When I speak of "acknowledging God" I am talking of accepting forgiveness which was given through Jesus Christ.
Person 1: Does not acknowledge God and does all of the things God says not to do and virtually none of the things God requires.
Person 2: Does not acknowledge God and does some of the things God says not to do and tries to do all of the things God requires.
Person 3: Acknowledges God but does a lot of the things God says not to do and virtually none of the things God requires.
Person 4: Acknowledges God and does some of the things God says not to do and tries to do all of the things God requires.
If all four people were truly as they are described, which two will go to heaven and which two will be excluded? The answer is that Persons 3 and 4 go to heaven - by virtue of having accepted God's forgiveness. Persons 1 and 2 are excluded for rejecting God's forgiveness.
But James seems to be telling us something. What?
It has to do with Persons 2 and 3. Let us first consider Person 3.
Supposedly, Person 3 has accepted God's forgiveness. But have they? There is certainly no evidence of it. When a person accepts God's forgiveness they are "baptized" into God's family. The Holy Spirit enters their body and dwells inside them with their own spirit. This gives them both the power and the (growing) will to behave like God. So why isn't this person desiring to behave like God? Why are they behaving like Person 1? What James is telling us is that it is very likely that Person 3 is a liar, seeking to create a false image in the minds of the other Persons. But God is not deceived. He knows where his Spirit resides and where it has been excluded. Person 3 will NOT go to heaven because Person 3 is lying when they say they have accepted God's forgiveness.
Now let's look at Person 2. Person 2 is behaving a lot like Person 4, except Person 2 seems to be having trouble acknowledging Jesus. On the surface, it would seem they are a pitiful case because without God's forgiveness they cannot go to heaven. But what does Jesus himself say about these people?
"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the lease of these my brethren, you did it to me.'" Matthew 25:31-40 Revised Standard Version
To the Person 3 types he says the opposite.
So what is going on? Works or faith?
Both.
You see, if you have true, God-forgiving, faith, your life will change. You won't do this in order to achieve grace and forgiveness, you will do this because you have grace and forgiveness.
What Jesus is saying is that it is possible to have faith in him and not even realize it. Just as it is possible to say you have faith and not. God knows. He is not fooled. Some do things out of pride and confidence in their own ability. This excludes faith in God. Some do things out of faith in God. This, by definition, includes Jesus, for Jesus is God. But some people don't like the name and use another. There is only one God, so if the faith is real, we are worshiping the same God.
It seems a paradox, but it isn't.
My son helps me around the house because he is my son. When his friends come by and help him with helping me that does not make them my children. In order for them to become my children I must adopt them. It is not their choice, although I would certainly not adopt a child who did not want me to adopt them. That's the way it is with God. He adopts us into his family. Not because we do things, but because he wants to and we said yes.
My in-laws are very much this way when referencing those they love. They simply cannot acknowledge the wrong-doing of those who fall within their love. They will not admit it. To admit those they love have broken some law is to say they don't love them.
At the same time, those who they acknowledge as "wrong-doers" don't get a lot of love. It's an extremist way of thinking, and it is shared by millions of people around the world.
Why?
Do we not acknowledge our own sins? Does this mean we hate ourselves? God doesn't want that anymore than he wants us hating others. And speaking of God, do we not agree that God loves us? All of us? And yet what does he say about us?
To Peter, when Peter tried to talk him out of doing God's will: "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me; for you are not on the side of God, but men." This is recorded immediately after Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Christ!
Again, in Matthew: "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your hildren, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good thins t othose who ask him!"
"You brood of vipers! how can you speak good, when you are evil?"
But God showed his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
God tells us we are saved by grace. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God - not because of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 Revised Standard Version
God also tells us that there are behaviors and attitudes he expects from us. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-24 Revised Standard Version
And we are given a list of behaviors and attitudes to avoid. Now the works of the flesh are plain; fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 Revised Standard Version
For centuries people have argued heatedly over what it means to be "saved by grace". Some erroneously believe that those who hold that salvation is through grace, and grace alone, are advocating some sort of lip service to God which frees them to commit any horrible act they choose.
At the same time, the "grace holders" accuse the others of being works orientated, ignoring God's gift of forgiveness.
It is confusing only when we think in terms of absolutes. The truth is, there is no conflict in the statements. One simply must understand just what it is God is telling us.
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you would. But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law. Galatians 5:16-18 Revised Standard Version
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14-17 Revised Standard Version
Let us consider four (4) scenarios. They each represent a kind of person. When I speak of "acknowledging God" I am talking of accepting forgiveness which was given through Jesus Christ.
Person 1: Does not acknowledge God and does all of the things God says not to do and virtually none of the things God requires.
Person 2: Does not acknowledge God and does some of the things God says not to do and tries to do all of the things God requires.
Person 3: Acknowledges God but does a lot of the things God says not to do and virtually none of the things God requires.
Person 4: Acknowledges God and does some of the things God says not to do and tries to do all of the things God requires.
If all four people were truly as they are described, which two will go to heaven and which two will be excluded? The answer is that Persons 3 and 4 go to heaven - by virtue of having accepted God's forgiveness. Persons 1 and 2 are excluded for rejecting God's forgiveness.
But James seems to be telling us something. What?
It has to do with Persons 2 and 3. Let us first consider Person 3.
Supposedly, Person 3 has accepted God's forgiveness. But have they? There is certainly no evidence of it. When a person accepts God's forgiveness they are "baptized" into God's family. The Holy Spirit enters their body and dwells inside them with their own spirit. This gives them both the power and the (growing) will to behave like God. So why isn't this person desiring to behave like God? Why are they behaving like Person 1? What James is telling us is that it is very likely that Person 3 is a liar, seeking to create a false image in the minds of the other Persons. But God is not deceived. He knows where his Spirit resides and where it has been excluded. Person 3 will NOT go to heaven because Person 3 is lying when they say they have accepted God's forgiveness.
Now let's look at Person 2. Person 2 is behaving a lot like Person 4, except Person 2 seems to be having trouble acknowledging Jesus. On the surface, it would seem they are a pitiful case because without God's forgiveness they cannot go to heaven. But what does Jesus himself say about these people?
"When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the lease of these my brethren, you did it to me.'" Matthew 25:31-40 Revised Standard Version
To the Person 3 types he says the opposite.
So what is going on? Works or faith?
Both.
You see, if you have true, God-forgiving, faith, your life will change. You won't do this in order to achieve grace and forgiveness, you will do this because you have grace and forgiveness.
What Jesus is saying is that it is possible to have faith in him and not even realize it. Just as it is possible to say you have faith and not. God knows. He is not fooled. Some do things out of pride and confidence in their own ability. This excludes faith in God. Some do things out of faith in God. This, by definition, includes Jesus, for Jesus is God. But some people don't like the name and use another. There is only one God, so if the faith is real, we are worshiping the same God.
It seems a paradox, but it isn't.
My son helps me around the house because he is my son. When his friends come by and help him with helping me that does not make them my children. In order for them to become my children I must adopt them. It is not their choice, although I would certainly not adopt a child who did not want me to adopt them. That's the way it is with God. He adopts us into his family. Not because we do things, but because he wants to and we said yes.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
The Power of Love and Faith
I read something interesting in the book of John this morning.
John Chapter Twenty (Revised Standard Version)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
verses 19-25
I bolded the portion which struck me. It is similar to something else I've read in the Gospels.
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:1-5 Revised Standard Version
Again, I bolded the portion of concern.
There is great power in love. The greatest power is the power of forgiveness. For with the power of forgiveness people can live with God.
Who are the greatest missionaries? The greatest are those who love the most. Their love is seen in their actions, and so people believe God.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 Revised Standard Version
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my nam,e I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you aks anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:12-15 Revised Standard Version
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14-17 Revised Standard Version
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:23-24 Revised Standard Version
John Chapter Twenty (Revised Standard Version)
On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you." When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you." And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
verses 19-25
I bolded the portion which struck me. It is similar to something else I've read in the Gospels.
And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room for them, not even about the door; and he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him; and when they had made an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "My son, your sins are forgiven." Mark 2:1-5 Revised Standard Version
Again, I bolded the portion of concern.
There is great power in love. The greatest power is the power of forgiveness. For with the power of forgiveness people can live with God.
Who are the greatest missionaries? The greatest are those who love the most. Their love is seen in their actions, and so people believe God.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 Revised Standard Version
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in my nam,e I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son; if you aks anything in my name, I will do it. If you love me, you will keep my commandments. John 14:12-15 Revised Standard Version
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. James 2:14-17 Revised Standard Version
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:23-24 Revised Standard Version
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Something Real From My Life
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 Revised Standard Version
I don't often write about what's going on in my daily life on this blog. Tried to view things from a "bigger picture". But the verse above came to me just now as I sent out my query for the book I've written, "Swords of Fire: Traitor".
God gives each of us talent. Each of us is free to use it as we will. In Matthew, Chapter Twenty-Five, we read Jesus' parable of the man who gave talents to his servants. He did not disburse the talents equally. Some were given more than others. Those who were given more were able to increase it more. But the servant to did nothing with his talent lost it, and was cast away.
I was given the ability to tell stories. This came from God. The stories I tell are told at my discretion. (The spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:32 Revised Standard Version. This means we choose what we say to others.) I have chosen to devote most of my storytelling to fantasy stories. That many conservative Christians believe fantasy to be of the devil is true. I do not share this belief. It is no more sinful to write about make-believe evils than it is to write about real ones, a.k.a. Holy Scriptures. God gave me a vivid imagination. I have used it all my life, and now it is even larger than ever before. In at least a way, I believe this glorifies God, for the imagination came from him. And I like my stories.
Now I am trying to get my epic series represented by an agent. This is the next step to seeing the book in publication. Not into self-publishing. Not going to say there is anything wrong with self-publishing, but it isn't what I'm after. But it all comes back to God's blessing - or his withholding of it.
I have done my part. I wrote a good story. I edited it. I rewrote it. Edited it again. And again. and again. Wrote a query. Edited it. Submitted it for critique. Edited it. Found an agent to submit to. Edited the query again. Sent it with a prayer to God.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 Revised Standard Version
Unless the LORD blesses the query, he who sends it sends it in vain.
I don't often write about what's going on in my daily life on this blog. Tried to view things from a "bigger picture". But the verse above came to me just now as I sent out my query for the book I've written, "Swords of Fire: Traitor".
God gives each of us talent. Each of us is free to use it as we will. In Matthew, Chapter Twenty-Five, we read Jesus' parable of the man who gave talents to his servants. He did not disburse the talents equally. Some were given more than others. Those who were given more were able to increase it more. But the servant to did nothing with his talent lost it, and was cast away.
I was given the ability to tell stories. This came from God. The stories I tell are told at my discretion. (The spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets. 1 Corinthians 14:32 Revised Standard Version. This means we choose what we say to others.) I have chosen to devote most of my storytelling to fantasy stories. That many conservative Christians believe fantasy to be of the devil is true. I do not share this belief. It is no more sinful to write about make-believe evils than it is to write about real ones, a.k.a. Holy Scriptures. God gave me a vivid imagination. I have used it all my life, and now it is even larger than ever before. In at least a way, I believe this glorifies God, for the imagination came from him. And I like my stories.
Now I am trying to get my epic series represented by an agent. This is the next step to seeing the book in publication. Not into self-publishing. Not going to say there is anything wrong with self-publishing, but it isn't what I'm after. But it all comes back to God's blessing - or his withholding of it.
I have done my part. I wrote a good story. I edited it. I rewrote it. Edited it again. And again. and again. Wrote a query. Edited it. Submitted it for critique. Edited it. Found an agent to submit to. Edited the query again. Sent it with a prayer to God.
Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1 Revised Standard Version
Unless the LORD blesses the query, he who sends it sends it in vain.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
What is God's Will
"I have said all of this to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues; indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God." John 16:1-2 Revised Standard Version
What a horrible thought. To commit crimes against God and believe we are acting in God's interests. And yet it goes on every day. We read and hear about it over the news.
A man kills an abortion doctor. Bombs are exploded. People beheaded. Shots fired. All in the name of pleasing God. And yet God is not pleased at all.
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:23 Revised Standard Version
"For I have no pleasure in the death of any one," says the Lord God; "so turn, and live." Ezekiel 18:32 Revised Standard Version
Sometimes it is hard to know what God would have us do. Sometimes it's easy. Generally, it gets harder when we allow our own desires to get in our way. It's hard to get quiet before God. But it's what needs to be done in order to communicate well with him.
And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9-13 Revised Standard Version
Where was God? In the quiet. Using the earth, and the things of earth and space, God can wreck tremendous violence. But God is a quiet spirit. He speaks to us quietly and persistently, seeking our attention via our will, not our senses.
Remember, God is love. That should be our starting point in determining God's will.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever! Psalm 111:10 Revised Standard Version
What a horrible thought. To commit crimes against God and believe we are acting in God's interests. And yet it goes on every day. We read and hear about it over the news.
A man kills an abortion doctor. Bombs are exploded. People beheaded. Shots fired. All in the name of pleasing God. And yet God is not pleased at all.
Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, says the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live? Ezekiel 18:23 Revised Standard Version
"For I have no pleasure in the death of any one," says the Lord God; "so turn, and live." Ezekiel 18:32 Revised Standard Version
Sometimes it is hard to know what God would have us do. Sometimes it's easy. Generally, it gets harder when we allow our own desires to get in our way. It's hard to get quiet before God. But it's what needs to be done in order to communicate well with him.
And he said, "Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice to him, and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" 1 Kings 19:9-13 Revised Standard Version
Where was God? In the quiet. Using the earth, and the things of earth and space, God can wreck tremendous violence. But God is a quiet spirit. He speaks to us quietly and persistently, seeking our attention via our will, not our senses.
Remember, God is love. That should be our starting point in determining God's will.
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those who practice it. His praise endures for ever! Psalm 111:10 Revised Standard Version
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