“And this is the judgment, that the light is come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” John 3:19-20
C.H. Spurgeon tells of a missionary in India who encountered a primitive Hindu whose religion consisted of not eating food that required the destruction of life. The missionary took his microscope and made a slide with a drop of water from the shaman’s cup. The man looked and saw clearly the dozens of microscopic creatures swimming in his water.
But instead of abandoning his false religion, he grew very angry at the microscope. He took a club and beat it to smithereens, then he threatened the missionary.
It’s amazing how often people being exposed as sinners seek to take their anger out on the messenger, when their quarrel is really with God.
People always get angry with the messenger and not the message. But the truth is, they don’t like the messenger because of the message. The message we proclaim is a message that divides. To those who are perishing, it is foolishness. To those who are saved, it is the power of God.
May we be found faithful to always tell the truth, no matter what the response.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Faith - Continued
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
And this brings us to the third verse - quoted above. “Faith” is not mentioned, but it is all about faith. “Seek ye first...” All our natural instincts cry out to us that we are to seek first our well-being, our physical needs, and those of our families. Service to the Lord is well and good, but only after we’ve seen to basic needs. Not so, answers our heavenly Father: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and then all these physical needs will be supplied.
We’re not talking about “heroes of the faith” here; nor are we speaking only about the youthful adventurers who have only themselves to look after. God put no such limitations in that passage. He was speaking to everyone, and saying in effect: “If you will commit yourself to meeting the needs of My Kingdom, I will commit myself to meeting your needs” - first commitment, based solely on faith; then God’s abundant response. This is the only way Matt. 6:33 can be properly understood, and it should be the bedrock on which committed Christians stand.
I like to call this level of faith “childlike faith.” It literally is the faith of a young child - old enough to be fully aware that there are bogey-men and dangers in the world, but young enough to rest easy in her mind, as long as her little hand is securely clasped by Daddy’s strong hand. She fears nothing, as long as her father is standing beside her. And we should know, to the depths of our souls, that we have nothing to fear as long as the Everlasting Arms support us - regardless of outward circumstances.
And this brings us to the third verse - quoted above. “Faith” is not mentioned, but it is all about faith. “Seek ye first...” All our natural instincts cry out to us that we are to seek first our well-being, our physical needs, and those of our families. Service to the Lord is well and good, but only after we’ve seen to basic needs. Not so, answers our heavenly Father: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” and then all these physical needs will be supplied.
We’re not talking about “heroes of the faith” here; nor are we speaking only about the youthful adventurers who have only themselves to look after. God put no such limitations in that passage. He was speaking to everyone, and saying in effect: “If you will commit yourself to meeting the needs of My Kingdom, I will commit myself to meeting your needs” - first commitment, based solely on faith; then God’s abundant response. This is the only way Matt. 6:33 can be properly understood, and it should be the bedrock on which committed Christians stand.
I like to call this level of faith “childlike faith.” It literally is the faith of a young child - old enough to be fully aware that there are bogey-men and dangers in the world, but young enough to rest easy in her mind, as long as her little hand is securely clasped by Daddy’s strong hand. She fears nothing, as long as her father is standing beside her. And we should know, to the depths of our souls, that we have nothing to fear as long as the Everlasting Arms support us - regardless of outward circumstances.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Bedrock Faith
“But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:17
“...for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The first verse recorded above tells us that we live by faith - that is, it is to be mixed inextricably into our lives, so that without it, we would not be who we are. It influences and colors everything we do, from least to greatest. We are to be creatures of faith.
The second verse adds motion - forward motion. Our faith is not to be a stand-pat fortress: it is to carry us forward, under God’s banner. Unanswered is our question, “Where, Lord?” Simply, “Forward!”’
Though we may have our preferences, and even our plans, God does not divulge our “tomorrows.” And this has been His pattern from the beginning - at least, after our first parents were driven out of Eden. Adam and Eve were not forgotten by God, but their relationship with God was radically altered - and it has remained so with their descendants down through the ages.
Ever since the Fall, man’s tomorrows have been for God to know, and man to speculate on. Why is it so? I believe it is because God has long been looking for men and women who will simply trust their futures to the Lord. Thus it is that Abram and his wife, Sarai, packed up their household and all their belongings and left Haran for an unknown destinations. Many years later, Abram, now Abraham, obediently obeyed God’s command to sacrifice his son, Isaac. He was not to know until the fatal knife stroke was beginning its plunge toward Isaac’s breast that God did not intend for Isaac to die on the crude stone altar on Mount Moriah.
There have been many such blind departures into the unknown - some recorded in the Bible, some told of in later history, but a great many known only to God and individuals called upon to make these new beginnings. God is still seeking men and women who will simply follow where He leads.
“...for we walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Cor. 5:7
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
The first verse recorded above tells us that we live by faith - that is, it is to be mixed inextricably into our lives, so that without it, we would not be who we are. It influences and colors everything we do, from least to greatest. We are to be creatures of faith.
The second verse adds motion - forward motion. Our faith is not to be a stand-pat fortress: it is to carry us forward, under God’s banner. Unanswered is our question, “Where, Lord?” Simply, “Forward!”’
Though we may have our preferences, and even our plans, God does not divulge our “tomorrows.” And this has been His pattern from the beginning - at least, after our first parents were driven out of Eden. Adam and Eve were not forgotten by God, but their relationship with God was radically altered - and it has remained so with their descendants down through the ages.
Ever since the Fall, man’s tomorrows have been for God to know, and man to speculate on. Why is it so? I believe it is because God has long been looking for men and women who will simply trust their futures to the Lord. Thus it is that Abram and his wife, Sarai, packed up their household and all their belongings and left Haran for an unknown destinations. Many years later, Abram, now Abraham, obediently obeyed God’s command to sacrifice his son, Isaac. He was not to know until the fatal knife stroke was beginning its plunge toward Isaac’s breast that God did not intend for Isaac to die on the crude stone altar on Mount Moriah.
There have been many such blind departures into the unknown - some recorded in the Bible, some told of in later history, but a great many known only to God and individuals called upon to make these new beginnings. God is still seeking men and women who will simply follow where He leads.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Truth Ignored
“And, although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:32
Adding to the strength of Hansen’s conclusion from yesterday’s blog, is the criteria for which she conducted her research. Hansen explains that she “conducted a review of all the studies I could locate which assessed sexual preference in homosexually parented children.”
He two main criteria for studies to include in her review were:
1) The authors of the study had to be pro-homosexual researchers, “Why?” Otherwise, she “was concerned that critics would simple disregard the results.”
2) She “only sought studies that utilized subjects 18 years of age or older, since many individuals don’t self-identify as non-heterosexual until after that age.”
Unfortunately, she said, “few students met the minimum 18 years of age criteria. “So, in order to maximize the number of studies in my survey, I included studies with subjects as young as 14. Because of the inclusion of studies with such young subjects, the reported percentages of non-heterosexual children may be under-estimates.”
Hansen also found that pro-homosexual researchers that did discover “sexual preference differences between homosexuality and heterosexuality parented children, nonetheless declared in their research summaries that no differences were found.”
I find it unconscionable that a researcher would skew his or her findings in order to promote a sociopolitical agenda, especially when that research would affect the lives and futures of children. However, according to Hansen’s findings, that is exactly what has occurred.
Sadly, too many in the world of politics and media accept without question the false findings of pro-homosexuality researchers. As a result, some states allow homosexual couples to not only provide foster care but to also adopt children. In each and every case, the lives of children are being adversely affected.
“Findings from the best and most recent twin studies have found that homosexuality , unlike eye color, is not genetically - caused,” Hansen writes. “But there are a number of non-genetic mechanisms through which homosexuality could be transmitted form one generation to the next. Those mechanisms include role-modeling, social learning and differential reinforcement, as well as outright encouragement of non-heterosexuality by parents or others.”
Hansen’s research has only confirmed what is readily accepted as common sense in other areas of life. Studies indicate that children reared by parents that imbibe alcohol, smoke cigarettes and abuse their spouse are likely to follow their parent’s examples.
By ignoring Hansen’s findings the media is being derelict in its duty.
Lawmakers, citizens, judges and policy makers all need to be aware that when they vote in favor of homosexual parenting they are skewing the odds that children will choose an unnatural and unhealthy lifestyle.
Adding to the strength of Hansen’s conclusion from yesterday’s blog, is the criteria for which she conducted her research. Hansen explains that she “conducted a review of all the studies I could locate which assessed sexual preference in homosexually parented children.”
He two main criteria for studies to include in her review were:
1) The authors of the study had to be pro-homosexual researchers, “Why?” Otherwise, she “was concerned that critics would simple disregard the results.”
2) She “only sought studies that utilized subjects 18 years of age or older, since many individuals don’t self-identify as non-heterosexual until after that age.”
Unfortunately, she said, “few students met the minimum 18 years of age criteria. “So, in order to maximize the number of studies in my survey, I included studies with subjects as young as 14. Because of the inclusion of studies with such young subjects, the reported percentages of non-heterosexual children may be under-estimates.”
Hansen also found that pro-homosexual researchers that did discover “sexual preference differences between homosexuality and heterosexuality parented children, nonetheless declared in their research summaries that no differences were found.”
I find it unconscionable that a researcher would skew his or her findings in order to promote a sociopolitical agenda, especially when that research would affect the lives and futures of children. However, according to Hansen’s findings, that is exactly what has occurred.
Sadly, too many in the world of politics and media accept without question the false findings of pro-homosexuality researchers. As a result, some states allow homosexual couples to not only provide foster care but to also adopt children. In each and every case, the lives of children are being adversely affected.
“Findings from the best and most recent twin studies have found that homosexuality , unlike eye color, is not genetically - caused,” Hansen writes. “But there are a number of non-genetic mechanisms through which homosexuality could be transmitted form one generation to the next. Those mechanisms include role-modeling, social learning and differential reinforcement, as well as outright encouragement of non-heterosexuality by parents or others.”
Hansen’s research has only confirmed what is readily accepted as common sense in other areas of life. Studies indicate that children reared by parents that imbibe alcohol, smoke cigarettes and abuse their spouse are likely to follow their parent’s examples.
By ignoring Hansen’s findings the media is being derelict in its duty.
Lawmakers, citizens, judges and policy makers all need to be aware that when they vote in favor of homosexual parenting they are skewing the odds that children will choose an unnatural and unhealthy lifestyle.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Gay Parents...Gay Children?
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths." II Tim. 4:3-4
The results of a recently released study by a California psychologist are being all but ignored by the mainstream media. One possible motive for the lack of media attention is that psychologist Trayce L. Hansen's research discovered that "children reared by openly homosexual parents are more likely to engage in homosexual behavior than children raised by others."
According to Hansen, "Studies thus far find between 8% and 21% of homosexually parented children ultimately identify as non-heterosexual." The most reliable studies indicate that approximately 2 percent of the population is non-heterosexual." Thus Hansen's research has concluded, "If these percentages continue to hold true, children of homosexuals have a 4 to 10 times greater likelihood of developing non-heterosexual preferences than other children."
Hansen is a licensed psychologist with a clinic and forensic practice. She earned a Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology located in San Diego.
While Hansen makes it clear that the research is not definitive, she indicates that it does suggest the conclusions concerning homosexual parenting are accurate.
It is worth noting that past studies suggesting possible "support" for a genetic or biological basis for homosexuality always indicated that the research was anything but definitive. That said, the media never questioned the veracity of the findings and, more times than not, reported them as factual. As a result, the theory that homosexuality is genetic is widely accepted as fact.
Hansen's research seriously calls into question the theoretical conclusions of a genetic component being the cause for homosexuality.
If homosexual behavior was rooted in biology, one would expect the percentage of homosexuals in the general population, which is around 2 percent, to be reflected across the board in families. In other words, the incident of non-heterosexual children should be the same coming from a home with homosexual parents as it is in a home with heterosexual parents.
According to Hansen's finding, that is not the case.
.....more tomorrow.
The results of a recently released study by a California psychologist are being all but ignored by the mainstream media. One possible motive for the lack of media attention is that psychologist Trayce L. Hansen's research discovered that "children reared by openly homosexual parents are more likely to engage in homosexual behavior than children raised by others."
According to Hansen, "Studies thus far find between 8% and 21% of homosexually parented children ultimately identify as non-heterosexual." The most reliable studies indicate that approximately 2 percent of the population is non-heterosexual." Thus Hansen's research has concluded, "If these percentages continue to hold true, children of homosexuals have a 4 to 10 times greater likelihood of developing non-heterosexual preferences than other children."
Hansen is a licensed psychologist with a clinic and forensic practice. She earned a Ph.D. from the California School of Professional Psychology located in San Diego.
While Hansen makes it clear that the research is not definitive, she indicates that it does suggest the conclusions concerning homosexual parenting are accurate.
It is worth noting that past studies suggesting possible "support" for a genetic or biological basis for homosexuality always indicated that the research was anything but definitive. That said, the media never questioned the veracity of the findings and, more times than not, reported them as factual. As a result, the theory that homosexuality is genetic is widely accepted as fact.
Hansen's research seriously calls into question the theoretical conclusions of a genetic component being the cause for homosexuality.
If homosexual behavior was rooted in biology, one would expect the percentage of homosexuals in the general population, which is around 2 percent, to be reflected across the board in families. In other words, the incident of non-heterosexual children should be the same coming from a home with homosexual parents as it is in a home with heterosexual parents.
According to Hansen's finding, that is not the case.
.....more tomorrow.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Heaven's Grocery Store
"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God,and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.." Romans 8:16, 17a
This has been in my file quite awhile, hope you enjoy -
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read 'HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE.'
As I got a little closer the door came open wide!
And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere!
One handed me a basket and said, "My child shop with care."
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store.
And all you couldn't carry, you could back for more.
First I got some patience. Love was in the same row.
Further down was understanding.
You need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith.
I just couldn't miss the Holy Spirit for He was all over the place.
I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me run this race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace.
I didn't forget salvation, for salvation, that was free.
So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill;
For I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and I just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right in to sin.
Peace and joy were plentiful. They were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the Angel, "Now How much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I smiled at him and said, "How much now do I owe?"
He smiled again and said,
"My child Jesus paid your bill a long time ago!!!"
This has been in my file quite awhile, hope you enjoy -
I was walking down life's highway a long time ago.
One day I saw a sign that read 'HEAVEN'S GROCERY STORE.'
As I got a little closer the door came open wide!
And when I came to myself, I was standing inside.
I saw a host of angels, they were standing everywhere!
One handed me a basket and said, "My child shop with care."
Everything a Christian needed was in that grocery store.
And all you couldn't carry, you could back for more.
First I got some patience. Love was in the same row.
Further down was understanding.
You need that everywhere you go.
I got a box or two of wisdom, a bag or two of faith.
I just couldn't miss the Holy Spirit for He was all over the place.
I stopped to get some strength and courage to help me run this race.
By then my basket was getting full, but I remembered I needed some grace.
I didn't forget salvation, for salvation, that was free.
So I tried to get enough of that to save both you and me.
Then I started up to the counter to pay my grocery bill;
For I thought I had everything to do my Master's will.
As I went up the aisle, I saw prayer and I just had to put that in.
For I knew when I stepped outside, I would run right in to sin.
Peace and joy were plentiful. They were on the last shelf.
Song and Praises were hanging near, so I just helped myself.
Then I said to the Angel, "Now How much do I owe?"
He just smiled and said, "Just take them everywhere you go."
Again, I smiled at him and said, "How much now do I owe?"
He smiled again and said,
"My child Jesus paid your bill a long time ago!!!"
Friday, July 24, 2009
Humility and Glory
“These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, "Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. "I glorified Thee on the earth, having accomplished the work which Thou hast given Me to do. "And now, glorify Thou Me together with Thyself, Father, with the glory which I had with Thee before the world was. John 17:1-5
Wherever in our Lord’s earthly life any incident indicates more emphatically than usual the lowliness of His humiliation, there, side by side of it, you get something that indicates the majesty of His glory. For instance –
• He is born a weak infant, but angels herald His birth.
• He lies in a manger, but a star hangs trembling above it, and leads sages from afar with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
• He sits weary on the stone wall of a well, and asks for water from a peasant woman, but He gives her the water of life.
• He lies down to sleep from pure exhaustion in the stern of the little fishing boat, but He wakes to command the storm, and it is still.
• He weeps beside the grave of Lazarus, but He flings His voice into its inmost recesses, and the sheeted dead come forth.
He came to glorify the Father and He did!!! And the Father in turn glorified the Son.
Our response, likewise, is to live in such a way that we bring glory and honor to our Lord. Sometimes the way to glorify God is to be humble. Humility is not weakness it is simply realizing that it’s not about us, but Him! Let Him live through you today and watch what God will do.
Wherever in our Lord’s earthly life any incident indicates more emphatically than usual the lowliness of His humiliation, there, side by side of it, you get something that indicates the majesty of His glory. For instance –
• He is born a weak infant, but angels herald His birth.
• He lies in a manger, but a star hangs trembling above it, and leads sages from afar with gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
• He sits weary on the stone wall of a well, and asks for water from a peasant woman, but He gives her the water of life.
• He lies down to sleep from pure exhaustion in the stern of the little fishing boat, but He wakes to command the storm, and it is still.
• He weeps beside the grave of Lazarus, but He flings His voice into its inmost recesses, and the sheeted dead come forth.
He came to glorify the Father and He did!!! And the Father in turn glorified the Son.
Our response, likewise, is to live in such a way that we bring glory and honor to our Lord. Sometimes the way to glorify God is to be humble. Humility is not weakness it is simply realizing that it’s not about us, but Him! Let Him live through you today and watch what God will do.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Out of Step
“But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble." Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” James 4:6, 10
As the Local National Guard unit marched in the small town parade, one of the marchers’ mothers stood in the crowd, watching her son with joy and pride.
As the troop marched by, however, her son was out of step with the rest of the soldiers. She remarked to those standing nearby, “Look, every one of them is out of step except for my son.”
There are many like this mother – everyone is wrong except for them. They are quick to see the mistakes of others, but not their own.
What keeps us from seeing our mistakes? It is most often a lack of humility and a lack of dedication to God. Unless one is humble, they will blame their faults and failures on others, not seeing their own mistakes. With humility, however, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are no better than others and leads us to confess our own sins before confronting others about theirs. Matt 7:5
As the Local National Guard unit marched in the small town parade, one of the marchers’ mothers stood in the crowd, watching her son with joy and pride.
As the troop marched by, however, her son was out of step with the rest of the soldiers. She remarked to those standing nearby, “Look, every one of them is out of step except for my son.”
There are many like this mother – everyone is wrong except for them. They are quick to see the mistakes of others, but not their own.
What keeps us from seeing our mistakes? It is most often a lack of humility and a lack of dedication to God. Unless one is humble, they will blame their faults and failures on others, not seeing their own mistakes. With humility, however, the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are no better than others and leads us to confess our own sins before confronting others about theirs. Matt 7:5
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Doing the Best Things
“... and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Phil 3:9-10
Sometimes our days are filled with a lot of good things, yet we often neglect to do the best things.
Filmmaker Walt Disney was ruthless in cutting any material from his movies that got in the way of a story’s pacing. Ward Kimball, one of the animators for ‘Snow White’, recalls working for 240 days on a 4 1/2 minute sequence in which the dwarves made soup for Snow White and almost destroyed the kitchen in the process. Disney thought it was funny, but he decided that the scene stopped the flow of the picture - so out it went.
The Lord has a plan for His glory through our lives. While the things we attempt to fill up our time with may be good in and of themselves... God often has to “cut scenes” from our lives in order that we won’t be distracted from His purpose.
Let me ask you the question - what good thing are you holding on to, that are keeping you from doing God’s, Best? Paul had a goal to know Him. Do you have the same goal? It all comes down to what your priorities are. If your priorities are wrong, you’re wasting a lot of precious time.
Sometimes our days are filled with a lot of good things, yet we often neglect to do the best things.
Filmmaker Walt Disney was ruthless in cutting any material from his movies that got in the way of a story’s pacing. Ward Kimball, one of the animators for ‘Snow White’, recalls working for 240 days on a 4 1/2 minute sequence in which the dwarves made soup for Snow White and almost destroyed the kitchen in the process. Disney thought it was funny, but he decided that the scene stopped the flow of the picture - so out it went.
The Lord has a plan for His glory through our lives. While the things we attempt to fill up our time with may be good in and of themselves... God often has to “cut scenes” from our lives in order that we won’t be distracted from His purpose.
Let me ask you the question - what good thing are you holding on to, that are keeping you from doing God’s, Best? Paul had a goal to know Him. Do you have the same goal? It all comes down to what your priorities are. If your priorities are wrong, you’re wasting a lot of precious time.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Bubbles
"...and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY Him; For those WHOM THE Lord loves He disciplines,And He scourges every son whom He receives." It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?" Hebrews 12:5-7
A visitor to a famous pottery establishment was puzzled by an operation that seemed aimless. In one room, there was a mass of clay beside a workman. Every now and then, he took up a large mallet and struck several hard blows on the surface of the lump.
Curiosity led the visitor to ask, "Why do you do that?"
"Wait a bit, sir, and watch it," came the potter's answer. The visitor obeyed, and soon the top of the mass began to heave and swell. Bubbles formed on the surface of the lump.
"Now, sir, you see," said the potter with a smile, "I could never shape the clay into a vase if these air bubbles were in it. Therefore, I gradually beat them out."
Isn't the discipline of life just a beating out of the bubbles of pride and self-will - so the Master may form a vessel of the earth to hold heavenly treasures?
A visitor to a famous pottery establishment was puzzled by an operation that seemed aimless. In one room, there was a mass of clay beside a workman. Every now and then, he took up a large mallet and struck several hard blows on the surface of the lump.
Curiosity led the visitor to ask, "Why do you do that?"
"Wait a bit, sir, and watch it," came the potter's answer. The visitor obeyed, and soon the top of the mass began to heave and swell. Bubbles formed on the surface of the lump.
"Now, sir, you see," said the potter with a smile, "I could never shape the clay into a vase if these air bubbles were in it. Therefore, I gradually beat them out."
Isn't the discipline of life just a beating out of the bubbles of pride and self-will - so the Master may form a vessel of the earth to hold heavenly treasures?
Monday, July 20, 2009
In God We Trust
"In God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?" Psalm 56:11
The familiar motto, "In God We Trust," which appears on America's currency - has a somewhat odd and interesting history.
Its appearance is due directly to a Maryland farmer who, in November 1861, wrote to the then Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, stating that since the country claimed to be a God-fearing, Christian people, they might make at least some recognition of the Lord on their coinage.
Chase referred the letter to James Pollock, director of the U.S. Mint, for serious consideration and immediately proposed two mottos, "Our Country, Our God" - and "God Our Trust".
Chase had the matter presented to the Congress at their next session, which was in 1862, but nothing was done about it. Again the following year it was brought up, but still nothing was done.
The country, at that time, was wracked by civil war. The national spirit was slowly ebbing and nearing a crisis. Realizing this, Chase made one last appeal in 1864. He offered the motto "God Our Trust" as his chief argument.
"It is taken from our national hymn, "The Star Spangled Banner," he said, "and is a sentiment familiar to every citizen of our country - it has thrilled millions of American freemen. The time is propitious. Now in this time of national peril, our strength and salvation must be of God."
Secretary Chase won his plea. The Congress authorized the coining of a two-cent piece upon which was to be stamped the motto "In God We Trust" in place of the "E Pluribus Unum" (both mottos are now included). The following year, on March 3, 1865, the Director of the mint was further authorized to place the new motto on all gold and silver coins, thus fulfilling the words of Francis Scott Key in his poem:
"Then conquer we must,
when our cause it is just,
and this be our motto,
'In God is our trust."
The familiar motto, "In God We Trust," which appears on America's currency - has a somewhat odd and interesting history.
Its appearance is due directly to a Maryland farmer who, in November 1861, wrote to the then Secretary of the Treasury, Salmon P. Chase, stating that since the country claimed to be a God-fearing, Christian people, they might make at least some recognition of the Lord on their coinage.
Chase referred the letter to James Pollock, director of the U.S. Mint, for serious consideration and immediately proposed two mottos, "Our Country, Our God" - and "God Our Trust".
Chase had the matter presented to the Congress at their next session, which was in 1862, but nothing was done about it. Again the following year it was brought up, but still nothing was done.
The country, at that time, was wracked by civil war. The national spirit was slowly ebbing and nearing a crisis. Realizing this, Chase made one last appeal in 1864. He offered the motto "God Our Trust" as his chief argument.
"It is taken from our national hymn, "The Star Spangled Banner," he said, "and is a sentiment familiar to every citizen of our country - it has thrilled millions of American freemen. The time is propitious. Now in this time of national peril, our strength and salvation must be of God."
Secretary Chase won his plea. The Congress authorized the coining of a two-cent piece upon which was to be stamped the motto "In God We Trust" in place of the "E Pluribus Unum" (both mottos are now included). The following year, on March 3, 1865, the Director of the mint was further authorized to place the new motto on all gold and silver coins, thus fulfilling the words of Francis Scott Key in his poem:
"Then conquer we must,
when our cause it is just,
and this be our motto,
'In God is our trust."
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Privately Teaching Public Morality
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. “And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Deut. 6:5-7
Moral absolutes have been replaced by moral pluralism, and ‘little’ sins are no longer difficult to justify.
Our private lives are no longer relevant to our public lives - or so we are told.
Unfortunately, these are lies. How we live in private, our honesty and integrity in unseen instances - defines our character. Additionally, small compromises of truth have led to rampant teen pregnancy, crime, and drug abuse in our society. These are the rewards of individual rights bereft of responsibility.
As parents, we must teach our children the value of the moral life and that righteousness has intrinsic value. If we teach them that doing the right thing is appropriate because it’s the smart thing to do, they won’t need many lessons before they learn that acts of virtue can sometimes be costly. Even so, we can communicate the fact that ‘godly decision making is the most intelligent and least destructive way to live.”
Each of us needs a foundation for our moral values. For Christians, that basis is - that our system of rights and wrongs is not of human origin, but divine. This essential truth, however, is not learned as a simple academic fact. It is grasped by children as they observe it in their parents.
The adage rings true - “More is caught than taught.”
Moral absolutes have been replaced by moral pluralism, and ‘little’ sins are no longer difficult to justify.
Our private lives are no longer relevant to our public lives - or so we are told.
Unfortunately, these are lies. How we live in private, our honesty and integrity in unseen instances - defines our character. Additionally, small compromises of truth have led to rampant teen pregnancy, crime, and drug abuse in our society. These are the rewards of individual rights bereft of responsibility.
As parents, we must teach our children the value of the moral life and that righteousness has intrinsic value. If we teach them that doing the right thing is appropriate because it’s the smart thing to do, they won’t need many lessons before they learn that acts of virtue can sometimes be costly. Even so, we can communicate the fact that ‘godly decision making is the most intelligent and least destructive way to live.”
Each of us needs a foundation for our moral values. For Christians, that basis is - that our system of rights and wrongs is not of human origin, but divine. This essential truth, however, is not learned as a simple academic fact. It is grasped by children as they observe it in their parents.
The adage rings true - “More is caught than taught.”
Friday, July 17, 2009
Revive Us Again
“Wilt Thou not Thyself revive us again, That Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” Psalm 85:6
As we think about revival, I am reminded of something David Jeremiah wrote:
Only a revival of biblical proportions can restore America to moral decency and spiritual strength. Don’t think that such a revival is impossible - it has happened before and it can happen again. God often sends revival when rimes are at their worst.
The mood of America was grim during the mid-1850's. In New York City, a layman named Jeremiah C. Lamphier announced a series of noontime prayer meetings to begin September 23, 1857, at the Old Dutch Church on Fulton Street. When the hour came. Lanphier found himself alone. Finally one man showed up, then a few others.
The next week, twenty came. The third week, forty. Other churches opened their doors. The revival spread to other cities. Offices and stores closed for prayer at noon. Newspapers spread the story and even telegraph companies set aside certain hours during which businessmen could wire one another with news of the revival.
The revival, sometimes called the Third Great Awakening, lasted nearly two years, and between five hundred thousand and one million people were said to have been converted.
Ask God to revive us again, and let it begin with you.
As we think about revival, I am reminded of something David Jeremiah wrote:
Only a revival of biblical proportions can restore America to moral decency and spiritual strength. Don’t think that such a revival is impossible - it has happened before and it can happen again. God often sends revival when rimes are at their worst.
The mood of America was grim during the mid-1850's. In New York City, a layman named Jeremiah C. Lamphier announced a series of noontime prayer meetings to begin September 23, 1857, at the Old Dutch Church on Fulton Street. When the hour came. Lanphier found himself alone. Finally one man showed up, then a few others.
The next week, twenty came. The third week, forty. Other churches opened their doors. The revival spread to other cities. Offices and stores closed for prayer at noon. Newspapers spread the story and even telegraph companies set aside certain hours during which businessmen could wire one another with news of the revival.
The revival, sometimes called the Third Great Awakening, lasted nearly two years, and between five hundred thousand and one million people were said to have been converted.
Ask God to revive us again, and let it begin with you.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Bottom Line Truth
7 July 16 Rom 1 19 20
“...because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20
Now, we have spent almost three weeks looking at our text. When you look at the verses that are before us today, here is the bottom line truth -
No matter where one may travel on this planet or what kind of people on may encounter, the Bible tells us that there is absolutely no one who does not know that God exists. To deny a living God is to deny creation because God put the creation before us, and we have only to look up, down, and around us to know there is a God.
Man is utterly without excuse. God has never left Himself without a witness. No man can truly ask, “Who is God? What is God? What does God want?” The creation round about us is witness that there is a supreme Being.
And who holds all of this together?
Col. 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
God’s wrath is not being poured out, because men have not had the truth, but on the contrary, because they do have the truth.
But in their sin, suppress it -
And in that sin they rebel against a holy God - Rom. 1:21-22. Which leads to religion - Rom. 1:23, and the consequences are tremendous - Rom. 1:24-28. What we need is revival! Revival begins in the heart of a believer. God helps us to see with our hearts what is going on around us.
“...because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19-20
Now, we have spent almost three weeks looking at our text. When you look at the verses that are before us today, here is the bottom line truth -
No matter where one may travel on this planet or what kind of people on may encounter, the Bible tells us that there is absolutely no one who does not know that God exists. To deny a living God is to deny creation because God put the creation before us, and we have only to look up, down, and around us to know there is a God.
Man is utterly without excuse. God has never left Himself without a witness. No man can truly ask, “Who is God? What is God? What does God want?” The creation round about us is witness that there is a supreme Being.
And who holds all of this together?
Col. 1:16-17 “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
God’s wrath is not being poured out, because men have not had the truth, but on the contrary, because they do have the truth.
But in their sin, suppress it -
And in that sin they rebel against a holy God - Rom. 1:21-22. Which leads to religion - Rom. 1:23, and the consequences are tremendous - Rom. 1:24-28. What we need is revival! Revival begins in the heart of a believer. God helps us to see with our hearts what is going on around us.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
How Small is Creation?
“For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities-- all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” Col. 1:16-17
If that is not unique to God, let us see how small creation is. One of the smallest particles known to science is a proton. It would take 25 trillion protons laid side by side to span a complete linear inch. There are as many proton in two cubic inches of copper as there are drops of water in the Atlantic Ocean. God is not only a big God - He can create small, He can create complete, and He can create in order because He is the creator.
The earth - Our planet is 25,000 miles in circumference and, weighing 6 septillion, 588 sextillion tons, hangs in space. Spinning at 1,000 miles per hour with perfect precision so that time is kept to the split second, the earth careens through space around the sun in an orbit of 580 million miles at over 1,000 miles per minute.
Comets - The head of a comet may be from 10,000 to 1,000,000 miles long and the tail as long as 100,000,000 miles. It travels at a speed of 350 miles per second. Now where is the force for all of this?
The sun - If you could convert the energy the sun gives off into horsepower, you would wind up with 500 million, million, billion horsepower, as each second it burns up to 4 million tons of matter.
The Milky Way - If you were to travel across the galaxy in which our solar system is located, at the speed of 186,000 miles per second, it would take you 125,000 years to cross the Milky Way. Yet, it’s amazing to think that our galaxy is only one of millions.
And you really want to tell me that you think this just happened? Evolution is not science - it is a religion of atheism that says there is no God! The truth is one has to get educated to believe there is no God, because in his heart, he knows there is!
If that is not unique to God, let us see how small creation is. One of the smallest particles known to science is a proton. It would take 25 trillion protons laid side by side to span a complete linear inch. There are as many proton in two cubic inches of copper as there are drops of water in the Atlantic Ocean. God is not only a big God - He can create small, He can create complete, and He can create in order because He is the creator.
The earth - Our planet is 25,000 miles in circumference and, weighing 6 septillion, 588 sextillion tons, hangs in space. Spinning at 1,000 miles per hour with perfect precision so that time is kept to the split second, the earth careens through space around the sun in an orbit of 580 million miles at over 1,000 miles per minute.
Comets - The head of a comet may be from 10,000 to 1,000,000 miles long and the tail as long as 100,000,000 miles. It travels at a speed of 350 miles per second. Now where is the force for all of this?
The sun - If you could convert the energy the sun gives off into horsepower, you would wind up with 500 million, million, billion horsepower, as each second it burns up to 4 million tons of matter.
The Milky Way - If you were to travel across the galaxy in which our solar system is located, at the speed of 186,000 miles per second, it would take you 125,000 years to cross the Milky Way. Yet, it’s amazing to think that our galaxy is only one of millions.
And you really want to tell me that you think this just happened? Evolution is not science - it is a religion of atheism that says there is no God! The truth is one has to get educated to believe there is no God, because in his heart, he knows there is!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Think of How Big Our Universe Is
“O Lord, our Lord, How majestic is Thy name in all the earth, Who hast displayed Thy splendor above the heavens! From the mouth of infants and nursing babes Thou hast established strength, Because of Thine adversaries, To make the enemy and the revengeful cease. When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, The moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; What is man, that Thou dost take thought of him?” Psalm 8:1-4a
When we attempt to measure the universe we have to disregard the inch, the foot, and the mile completely for God’s universe is too big for that. The term science uses to measure the universe is “light years.” Light moves at a speed of 186,000 miles per second. Therefore, a light year is 186,000 miles times the number of seconds in one year. That multiplies to roughly six trillion miles. Six trillion miles equals one light year.
In our universe we have galaxies. A galaxy is made up of a group of stars and planets in our local system. We live in the galaxy that has been termed the “Milky Way.” The Milky Way is 100,000 light years in diameter. Now, to compute that - six trillion miles is one light year and the Milky Way in which we exist is 100,000 light years wide. That is six hundred thousand trillion miles. Bang! That was a big explosion!
Astronomers, those people who look at the stars, estimate that there are one trillion galaxies that can be seen with our largest telescopes. Our galaxy is 100,000 light years in diameter and there are another trillion galaxies that we know of.
To explain this another way, let a single sheet of paper represent 93,000,000 miles, which is the distance from our earth to the sun. Using that criterion, it would take a stack of paper seventy-one feet high to represent the distance between earth and the nearest star which is 4 and 1/3 light years away. If we were to cover the diameter of the Milky Way, we would require a stack of paper 310 miles high. In addition to that, if we were to reach the edge of the known universe, it would demand a pile of paper sheets 31 million miles high. All this and evolutionists want to tell us there was a big ball that went “bang,” and it traveled for trillions of miles in a space of that did not even exist.
Another illustration of the size of our universe would be our sun. If the sun were hollow 1,300,000 earths could fit inside. A star named Antares could hold 64,000,000 of our suns. The constellation of Hercules has a star which could contain 100,000,000 Antares. The largest known star is called Epsilon which could easily swallow 27 billion of our suns. That is how big creation is!
When we attempt to measure the universe we have to disregard the inch, the foot, and the mile completely for God’s universe is too big for that. The term science uses to measure the universe is “light years.” Light moves at a speed of 186,000 miles per second. Therefore, a light year is 186,000 miles times the number of seconds in one year. That multiplies to roughly six trillion miles. Six trillion miles equals one light year.
In our universe we have galaxies. A galaxy is made up of a group of stars and planets in our local system. We live in the galaxy that has been termed the “Milky Way.” The Milky Way is 100,000 light years in diameter. Now, to compute that - six trillion miles is one light year and the Milky Way in which we exist is 100,000 light years wide. That is six hundred thousand trillion miles. Bang! That was a big explosion!
Astronomers, those people who look at the stars, estimate that there are one trillion galaxies that can be seen with our largest telescopes. Our galaxy is 100,000 light years in diameter and there are another trillion galaxies that we know of.
To explain this another way, let a single sheet of paper represent 93,000,000 miles, which is the distance from our earth to the sun. Using that criterion, it would take a stack of paper seventy-one feet high to represent the distance between earth and the nearest star which is 4 and 1/3 light years away. If we were to cover the diameter of the Milky Way, we would require a stack of paper 310 miles high. In addition to that, if we were to reach the edge of the known universe, it would demand a pile of paper sheets 31 million miles high. All this and evolutionists want to tell us there was a big ball that went “bang,” and it traveled for trillions of miles in a space of that did not even exist.
Another illustration of the size of our universe would be our sun. If the sun were hollow 1,300,000 earths could fit inside. A star named Antares could hold 64,000,000 of our suns. The constellation of Hercules has a star which could contain 100,000,000 Antares. The largest known star is called Epsilon which could easily swallow 27 billion of our suns. That is how big creation is!
Monday, July 13, 2009
The Master Designer Acts
“And Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, "Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. "For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. "The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands.” Acts 17:22-24
Men have known from the beginning that there was a God. Men know instinctively there is a God. To look at creation and not know there is a God is UTTER SIN. You suppress the truth and lie to yourself.
In Acts 17:22-24, Paul is preaching to the philosophers on Mars’ Hill in Athens about the identity of the unknown God whom they worship in ignorance. This was reflective of their understanding of the true God - though they didn’t know His name. Paul says, to them, you know He exists, and you already worship Him, so I’m going to tell you who He is.
Even entirely apart from special revelation through the gospel, which ever so many Gentiles have never heard, God has made Himself known and continues to do so by means of His general revelation in nature, history and conscience.
Many scientists have tried to attribute the creation of the universe to the theoretical process of evolution. They have led most people to believe that chance was the cause of the beginning of the universe - rather than a personal and powerful God.
However, science is unable to explain how the initial matter and energy came to exist.
Robert Jastrow, an astrophysicist and director of NASA’s Goddard for Space Studies says,
“Now we see how the astronomical evidence supports the biblical view of the origin of the world. The essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same. Consider the enormousness of the problem.
Science has proved that the universe exploded into being at a certain moment. It asks, what cause produced this effect? Who or what put the matter and energy into the universe? And science cannot answer these questions....
‘For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been there for centuries.’”
In other words, when you scientifically study the evidence and the problems involved in bringing the universe into existence, the ultimate conclusion is that God is responsible for creation. His ‘eternal power and Godhead’ are put on display in the things He has created.
Men have known from the beginning that there was a God. Men know instinctively there is a God. To look at creation and not know there is a God is UTTER SIN. You suppress the truth and lie to yourself.
In Acts 17:22-24, Paul is preaching to the philosophers on Mars’ Hill in Athens about the identity of the unknown God whom they worship in ignorance. This was reflective of their understanding of the true God - though they didn’t know His name. Paul says, to them, you know He exists, and you already worship Him, so I’m going to tell you who He is.
Even entirely apart from special revelation through the gospel, which ever so many Gentiles have never heard, God has made Himself known and continues to do so by means of His general revelation in nature, history and conscience.
Many scientists have tried to attribute the creation of the universe to the theoretical process of evolution. They have led most people to believe that chance was the cause of the beginning of the universe - rather than a personal and powerful God.
However, science is unable to explain how the initial matter and energy came to exist.
Robert Jastrow, an astrophysicist and director of NASA’s Goddard for Space Studies says,
“Now we see how the astronomical evidence supports the biblical view of the origin of the world. The essential elements in the astronomical and biblical accounts of Genesis are the same. Consider the enormousness of the problem.
Science has proved that the universe exploded into being at a certain moment. It asks, what cause produced this effect? Who or what put the matter and energy into the universe? And science cannot answer these questions....
‘For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been there for centuries.’”
In other words, when you scientifically study the evidence and the problems involved in bringing the universe into existence, the ultimate conclusion is that God is responsible for creation. His ‘eternal power and Godhead’ are put on display in the things He has created.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Heaven’s Entrance Exam
“...being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” Romans 3:24
A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St Peter meets him at the pearly gates.
St Peter says, “Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points - you get in.”
“Okay,” the man says, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.”
“That’s wonderful,” says St. Peter, “that’s worth three points!” “Three points?” he says. “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.” “Terrific!” says St. Peter. “That’s certainly worth a point.”
“One point? I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.”
“Fantastic, that’s good for two more points,” he says. “Two points!” the man cries. “At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God.”
“Come on in!”
I am amazed at how many people think the way to heaven is through works! The only way to heaven is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It comes as a gift provided by the grace of God. Have you received God’s gift of life?
A man dies and goes to heaven. Of course, St Peter meets him at the pearly gates.
St Peter says, “Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points - you get in.”
“Okay,” the man says, “I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart.”
“That’s wonderful,” says St. Peter, “that’s worth three points!” “Three points?” he says. “Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service.” “Terrific!” says St. Peter. “That’s certainly worth a point.”
“One point? I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans.”
“Fantastic, that’s good for two more points,” he says. “Two points!” the man cries. “At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God.”
“Come on in!”
I am amazed at how many people think the way to heaven is through works! The only way to heaven is by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It comes as a gift provided by the grace of God. Have you received God’s gift of life?
Friday, July 10, 2009
Revelation
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1
Revelation is one reason God reveals His wrath against men. Men have been given the truth of God regardless of who they are or where they live. If man is “without God” Eph. 2:12, it is not because God has not revealed Himself to man, but because man will not receive God and therefore God forsakes him.
When Paul is referring to God’s revelations, he is not referring to God’s spiritual revelation of His word - but of a general revelation through nature.
Look at Rom. 1:18 - "suppress the truth." The truth is not the gospel, for all men do not possess a knowledge of it. The truth is found in the context, the face of a supreme Being, with divine attributes, to Whom worship and obedience are due, this truth being seen by all men through their observation of the created universe, the latter demanding a Creator to answer for its existence. The human race, possessing this truth, yet holds it down, in the sense of refusing to acknowledge its moral implications, and goes on in its sin.
Paul is saying that all men can know there is a God, not because they have read the Bible, or heard the gospel - but because God has revealed Himself to their conscience through His creation.
Tertullian, the great early church Father, said, “It was not the pen of Moses that initiated the knowledge of the Creator. The vast majority of mankind, though they had never heard the name of Moses - to say nothing of his new book - know the God of Moses nonetheless. Nature is the teacher, the soul is the pupil.”
The great story of Helen Keller illustrates the truth that, even without the ability to perceive creation, God can be known by man, “because that which is known about God is evident within them” Rom. 1:19a.
As a deaf, mute, and blind girl, Helen Keller had absolutely no capacity to communicate until Anne Sullivan spent endless hours, days, and months with her to unlock communication. When Anne attempted to tell Helen about God, Helen’s response was, “I already know about Him - I just didn’t know His name.
Revelation is one reason God reveals His wrath against men. Men have been given the truth of God regardless of who they are or where they live. If man is “without God” Eph. 2:12, it is not because God has not revealed Himself to man, but because man will not receive God and therefore God forsakes him.
When Paul is referring to God’s revelations, he is not referring to God’s spiritual revelation of His word - but of a general revelation through nature.
Look at Rom. 1:18 - "suppress the truth." The truth is not the gospel, for all men do not possess a knowledge of it. The truth is found in the context, the face of a supreme Being, with divine attributes, to Whom worship and obedience are due, this truth being seen by all men through their observation of the created universe, the latter demanding a Creator to answer for its existence. The human race, possessing this truth, yet holds it down, in the sense of refusing to acknowledge its moral implications, and goes on in its sin.
Paul is saying that all men can know there is a God, not because they have read the Bible, or heard the gospel - but because God has revealed Himself to their conscience through His creation.
Tertullian, the great early church Father, said, “It was not the pen of Moses that initiated the knowledge of the Creator. The vast majority of mankind, though they had never heard the name of Moses - to say nothing of his new book - know the God of Moses nonetheless. Nature is the teacher, the soul is the pupil.”
The great story of Helen Keller illustrates the truth that, even without the ability to perceive creation, God can be known by man, “because that which is known about God is evident within them” Rom. 1:19a.
As a deaf, mute, and blind girl, Helen Keller had absolutely no capacity to communicate until Anne Sullivan spent endless hours, days, and months with her to unlock communication. When Anne attempted to tell Helen about God, Helen’s response was, “I already know about Him - I just didn’t know His name.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Why is Man Responsible?
“...because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures.”
Romans 1:19-23
But as we looked last week, Paul says to us “That the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
“Wrath” is “Orge” (Greek). The word is used of God’s wrath in Matt. 3:7; Rom 1:17; 12:19 and is defined by Trench as “A wrath of God Who would not love good unless He hated evil, the two being inseparable, that He must do both or neither.” It is used of our Lord when, after healing the man with the withered hand, He observed the hardness of the heart of the Pharisees, and looked upon them with anger. Mark 3:5
Vincent describes orge as God’s personal emotion with regard to sin. It represents God’s abhorrence and hatred of sin. The same authority notes that orge is not punishment of sin but God’s attitude toward it.
God’s wrath is His settled indignation. It differs from fury, which generally points in the direction of rage, sudden outbursts of anger.
God’s wrath is being poured out of the sinfulness of man. Questions are often asked - How can man be held responsible for his sin? How can God’s wrath be deserved, especially when its recipients have never been told the truth concerning God?
God never judges unless judgment is deserved. He’s a God of absolute justice, and if He judges and pours out wrath, then there is every confidence in my heart that such divine action is exactly what is right and proper in that situation.
Paul says to us here, that the wrath of God is deserved in Rom. 19-23.
Paul gives us three reasons -
1. Revelation - Rom. 19-20
2. Rebellion - Rom. 21-22
3. Religion - Rom. 23
Romans 1:19-23
But as we looked last week, Paul says to us “That the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”
“Wrath” is “Orge” (Greek). The word is used of God’s wrath in Matt. 3:7; Rom 1:17; 12:19 and is defined by Trench as “A wrath of God Who would not love good unless He hated evil, the two being inseparable, that He must do both or neither.” It is used of our Lord when, after healing the man with the withered hand, He observed the hardness of the heart of the Pharisees, and looked upon them with anger. Mark 3:5
Vincent describes orge as God’s personal emotion with regard to sin. It represents God’s abhorrence and hatred of sin. The same authority notes that orge is not punishment of sin but God’s attitude toward it.
God’s wrath is His settled indignation. It differs from fury, which generally points in the direction of rage, sudden outbursts of anger.
God’s wrath is being poured out of the sinfulness of man. Questions are often asked - How can man be held responsible for his sin? How can God’s wrath be deserved, especially when its recipients have never been told the truth concerning God?
God never judges unless judgment is deserved. He’s a God of absolute justice, and if He judges and pours out wrath, then there is every confidence in my heart that such divine action is exactly what is right and proper in that situation.
Paul says to us here, that the wrath of God is deserved in Rom. 19-23.
Paul gives us three reasons -
1. Revelation - Rom. 19-20
2. Rebellion - Rom. 21-22
3. Religion - Rom. 23
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Beware of False Doctrine
“...preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.”
2 Tim. 4:2-4
The question is - how do false teachers deny the doctrine of God’s wrath? Basically three ways.
1. Soul sleep. The first denial comes in the form of a doctrine that teaches that when you die, if you are condemned, you just go into an eternal sleep and never suffer anything. Mark 9:42-48; Luke 16:19-31
2. Universal salvation. The second denial is the doctrine that teaches that everyone will be saved.
3. The third way is just to deny the Scripture, but you need to be cautious -
▸ Beware of the powerful, natural appeal of universalism and soul sleep - they ignore the reality of eternal torment.
▸ Beware of the pervasive influence of theological liberalism - it distorts the character of Christ.
▸ Beware that such doctrines are cultic - they are not in agreement with the Bible.
▸ Beware of the denial of the existence of hell - it will result in the loss of zeal for winning souls because the motivation for speaking God’s truth will be drastically crippled.
R.A. Torrey provides for us the causes of, and solutions to, such erroneous views: “Shallow views of sin and of God’s holiness, and of the glory of Jesus Christ and His claims upon us, lie at the bottom of weak theories of the doom of the impenitent. When we see sin in all its hideousness and enormity, the holiness of God in all its perfection, and the glory of Jesus Christ in all its infinity, nothing but a doctrine that those who persist in the choice of sin, who love darkness rather than light, and who persist in the rejection of the Son of God, shall endure everlasting anguish, will satisfy the demands of our own moral intuitions. The more closely men walk with God and the more devoted they become to His service, the more likely they are to believe this doctrine.”
2 Tim. 4:2-4
The question is - how do false teachers deny the doctrine of God’s wrath? Basically three ways.
1. Soul sleep. The first denial comes in the form of a doctrine that teaches that when you die, if you are condemned, you just go into an eternal sleep and never suffer anything. Mark 9:42-48; Luke 16:19-31
2. Universal salvation. The second denial is the doctrine that teaches that everyone will be saved.
3. The third way is just to deny the Scripture, but you need to be cautious -
▸ Beware of the powerful, natural appeal of universalism and soul sleep - they ignore the reality of eternal torment.
▸ Beware of the pervasive influence of theological liberalism - it distorts the character of Christ.
▸ Beware that such doctrines are cultic - they are not in agreement with the Bible.
▸ Beware of the denial of the existence of hell - it will result in the loss of zeal for winning souls because the motivation for speaking God’s truth will be drastically crippled.
R.A. Torrey provides for us the causes of, and solutions to, such erroneous views: “Shallow views of sin and of God’s holiness, and of the glory of Jesus Christ and His claims upon us, lie at the bottom of weak theories of the doom of the impenitent. When we see sin in all its hideousness and enormity, the holiness of God in all its perfection, and the glory of Jesus Christ in all its infinity, nothing but a doctrine that those who persist in the choice of sin, who love darkness rather than light, and who persist in the rejection of the Son of God, shall endure everlasting anguish, will satisfy the demands of our own moral intuitions. The more closely men walk with God and the more devoted they become to His service, the more likely they are to believe this doctrine.”
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Reality of Hell
“If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life crippled, than, having your two hands, to go into hell, into the unquenchable fire, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off; it is better for you to enter life lame, than, having your two feet, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched. If your eye causes you to stumble, throw it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell, where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." Mark 9:43-48
The reality of man’s lostness is an eternal Hell, not Hades as in death, but Gehenna as in eternal hell fire.
Hell is eternal....Mark 9
Hell is fire....Mark 9
Hell is darkness....Matthew 25:30
Hell is agony.....Luke 16:24
Hell is eternal separation....Luke 16:26
This has always been understood, that’s why Jesus came - to seek and save the lost. That’s why He told us to go into all the world! That’s why we preach.
The Apostle Paul said, “ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” II Cor 5:11.
In other words, it is because of the terror of God’s judgment that we should be motivated to evangelize.
It is the knowledge of the coming wrath and judgment of the human race that motivated the great missionary movements –
• John Knox, 16th century Scottish reformer - On his knees for lost souls in Scotland, he plead with God, “Give me Scotland or I die.”
• Hudson Taylor, 19th century English founder of the China Inland Mission - As a young man he looked across the thousands of miles to the unreached multitudes of Chins and cried out to God, “I feel that I cannot go on living unless I do something for the lost in China.”
• Henry Martyn, 18th century English missionary to India and Persia - After landing in India he said, “Here I am in the midst of heathen midnight and savage oppression. Now, my dear Lord, let me burn out for Thee.”
The entire Bible is supportive of the truth that God is a God of wrath. However, many are denying this today, and in an attempt to escape accountability to a holy God, many deny God’s wrath.
The reality of man’s lostness is an eternal Hell, not Hades as in death, but Gehenna as in eternal hell fire.
Hell is eternal....Mark 9
Hell is fire....Mark 9
Hell is darkness....Matthew 25:30
Hell is agony.....Luke 16:24
Hell is eternal separation....Luke 16:26
This has always been understood, that’s why Jesus came - to seek and save the lost. That’s why He told us to go into all the world! That’s why we preach.
The Apostle Paul said, “ Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” II Cor 5:11.
In other words, it is because of the terror of God’s judgment that we should be motivated to evangelize.
It is the knowledge of the coming wrath and judgment of the human race that motivated the great missionary movements –
• John Knox, 16th century Scottish reformer - On his knees for lost souls in Scotland, he plead with God, “Give me Scotland or I die.”
• Hudson Taylor, 19th century English founder of the China Inland Mission - As a young man he looked across the thousands of miles to the unreached multitudes of Chins and cried out to God, “I feel that I cannot go on living unless I do something for the lost in China.”
• Henry Martyn, 18th century English missionary to India and Persia - After landing in India he said, “Here I am in the midst of heathen midnight and savage oppression. Now, my dear Lord, let me burn out for Thee.”
The entire Bible is supportive of the truth that God is a God of wrath. However, many are denying this today, and in an attempt to escape accountability to a holy God, many deny God’s wrath.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Understanding God’s Wrath
“Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:19,20
Today in Christianity there is a rising trend in what is called “universalism.” This is the belief that ultimately everybody will be saved because God is too kind, too gracious and too good to cast people into an eternal hell.
Universalism would have us believe that we shouldn’t be concerned about judgement or hell, and that consequently we needn’t worry about Christ’s command, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible talks about a Great Day of Judgement that is coming upon the world - where God will judge it for it’s sin, wickedness and rebellion.
In the Old Testament - Isa 13:9-13; Joel 3:1,2, 14-16; Nahum 1:2,3,6
In the New Testament - Matthew 3:7 “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Matthew 3:12 “He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey they Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Eph 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
Jesus knew nothing about a universal salvation.
Though our Lord was filled with compassion and concern, He nevertheless spoke frequently of :
Judgment............Matthew 10:15
Perdition...........Matthew 16:26
Hell................Matthew 5:29-30
Eternal Punishment..Matthew 18:6-8
- And other aspects of the grim reality of God’s wrath.
Today in Christianity there is a rising trend in what is called “universalism.” This is the belief that ultimately everybody will be saved because God is too kind, too gracious and too good to cast people into an eternal hell.
Universalism would have us believe that we shouldn’t be concerned about judgement or hell, and that consequently we needn’t worry about Christ’s command, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” But that is not what the Bible teaches. The Bible talks about a Great Day of Judgement that is coming upon the world - where God will judge it for it’s sin, wickedness and rebellion.
In the Old Testament - Isa 13:9-13; Joel 3:1,2, 14-16; Nahum 1:2,3,6
In the New Testament - Matthew 3:7 “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
Matthew 3:12 “He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
John 3:36 “He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey they Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
Eph 5:6 “Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.”
Jesus knew nothing about a universal salvation.
Though our Lord was filled with compassion and concern, He nevertheless spoke frequently of :
Judgment............Matthew 10:15
Perdition...........Matthew 16:26
Hell................Matthew 5:29-30
Eternal Punishment..Matthew 18:6-8
- And other aspects of the grim reality of God’s wrath.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Redeeming or Rotting?
"...making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Eph 5:16-17
J. Kenneth Bassett writes-
On July 4, 1776, the American Colonists' Declaration of Independence from Britain was adopted. If had been 442 days since the first shots of their revolution were fired. It would be another seven years and 65 days before the Treaty of Paris would be signed, formally acknowledging the United States of America as a nation. Talk about no respect!
Of all the signers of that venerable document, only one was a preacher - John Witherspoon, a representative from New Jersey. When John Adams brought up the idea of a declaration, Witherspoon shouted, "New Jersey is plump for independence!"
In no mood for a protracted fight, New York's John Aslop complacently interrupted, "Oratory is fine, but we are not ripe for it." The quick-witted Witherspoon retorted, "We are more than ripe for it. Some of us are in danger of rotting for want of it!"
Witherspoon was probably motivated by an ingrained verse he had so often used in his sermons, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph 5:16
"In the course of human events..." It was necessary for these patriots to seize the moment.
In the spiritual battle of the ages, are you waiting for some more opportune moment to go to battle, or even just enlist in the Lord's army? The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes to seize the moment for God.
J. Kenneth Bassett writes-
On July 4, 1776, the American Colonists' Declaration of Independence from Britain was adopted. If had been 442 days since the first shots of their revolution were fired. It would be another seven years and 65 days before the Treaty of Paris would be signed, formally acknowledging the United States of America as a nation. Talk about no respect!
Of all the signers of that venerable document, only one was a preacher - John Witherspoon, a representative from New Jersey. When John Adams brought up the idea of a declaration, Witherspoon shouted, "New Jersey is plump for independence!"
In no mood for a protracted fight, New York's John Aslop complacently interrupted, "Oratory is fine, but we are not ripe for it." The quick-witted Witherspoon retorted, "We are more than ripe for it. Some of us are in danger of rotting for want of it!"
Witherspoon was probably motivated by an ingrained verse he had so often used in his sermons, "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil." Eph 5:16
"In the course of human events..." It was necessary for these patriots to seize the moment.
In the spiritual battle of the ages, are you waiting for some more opportune moment to go to battle, or even just enlist in the Lord's army? The longer you put it off, the more difficult it becomes to seize the moment for God.
Friday, July 3, 2009
The Essential of God’s Wrath
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness...” Romans 1:18
How can God hold the whole world responsible, you ask? Because men have the truth, but suppress it by their sins. All men have the truth of God, but in His sin, man does everything he can do to put a lid on top of it.
There is no one who cannot find God...
Because He can’t be found?
No! Because man is not looking.
Man loves sin so much, he doesn’t want to find God.
The reason a man can’t find God is the same reason a thief can’t find a policeman. They are not looking.
Scripture says “seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Matt. 7:7
To acknowledge God is to make yourself accountable to a Holy God
(John 3:19-21). This is where the Gospel begins.
But there is good news - Christ has taken the wrath for us!
How can God hold the whole world responsible, you ask? Because men have the truth, but suppress it by their sins. All men have the truth of God, but in His sin, man does everything he can do to put a lid on top of it.
There is no one who cannot find God...
Because He can’t be found?
No! Because man is not looking.
Man loves sin so much, he doesn’t want to find God.
The reason a man can’t find God is the same reason a thief can’t find a policeman. They are not looking.
Scripture says “seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” Matt. 7:7
To acknowledge God is to make yourself accountable to a Holy God
(John 3:19-21). This is where the Gospel begins.
But there is good news - Christ has taken the wrath for us!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Extent of Wrath
"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness..." Romans 1:18
All - For all have sinned. Some may be worse than others, but all fall short of God's glory. There is no one who escapes, who has an ounce of ungodliness in his life.
Take a minute and just reflect on where we are today as a culture. We are literally calling 'holy' what God says is 'unholy.' We are trying to redefine morality, marriage and family. We are trying to redefine life style choices and make them civil rights issues. We will go to court to protect rights of whales, dogs and kangaroo rats. Yet, we abort over 1,000,000 innocent babies a year. We are trying to rewrite history.
Our schools, while telling us they have no money to educate our children, in the last year have given over $4,000,000.00 to defeat Proposition 8 and push through five propositions which would have raised taxes beyond anyone's imagination. Hollywood has become a moral cesspool and the voice of the liberal left. And yet, people say what do you mean God's judgement?
People who keep saying, when do you think it's coming? May find it's not coming - we're in it!
All - For all have sinned. Some may be worse than others, but all fall short of God's glory. There is no one who escapes, who has an ounce of ungodliness in his life.
Take a minute and just reflect on where we are today as a culture. We are literally calling 'holy' what God says is 'unholy.' We are trying to redefine morality, marriage and family. We are trying to redefine life style choices and make them civil rights issues. We will go to court to protect rights of whales, dogs and kangaroo rats. Yet, we abort over 1,000,000 innocent babies a year. We are trying to rewrite history.
Our schools, while telling us they have no money to educate our children, in the last year have given over $4,000,000.00 to defeat Proposition 8 and push through five propositions which would have raised taxes beyond anyone's imagination. Hollywood has become a moral cesspool and the voice of the liberal left. And yet, people say what do you mean God's judgement?
People who keep saying, when do you think it's coming? May find it's not coming - we're in it!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Explanation of God’s Wrath
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men...” Romans 1:18
Against sin - it’s not uncontrolled...it is carefully pointed at the sinfulness of men. God Hates sin. God hates ungodliness. God hates the unrighteousness of men. God’s hatred is poured against all those who are not rightly related to Him.
What is sin?
▸ Sin is the transgression of the law - lawlessness. 1 John 3:4
▸ A grievous malady, contaminating the whole of man’s being. Isa. 1:4-5; Rom 3:10-18
▸ An obscuring cloud, which hides the face of God’s blessing. Isa. 59:2
▸ A binding cord, which holds man in its power. Prov. 5:22
▸ A tyrannical owner, who embitters the lives of slaves. Neh. 9:37
▸ A disturber of rest, which causes disorder and anxiety. Psalm 38:3
▸ A robber of blessing, which strips and starves the soul. Jer. 5:25
▸ A terrible devastation, which brings untold desolation. Micah 6:13
▸ A tripper-up, which continually overthrows the sinner to his hurt. Prov 13:6
▸ A record writer, which leaves its indelible mark upon the committer. Jer. 17:1
▸ A betraying presence, which will “out” no matter what pains are taken to hide it. Ex. 21:24
▸ A sure detective, which turns upon the sinner and finds him out. Num. 32:23
▸ An accusing witness, which points its condemning finger at the prisoner in bondage of sin. Isa 59:12
▸ A sum of addition which accumulates its weight to the condemnation of the sinner. Isa. 30:1
All sin attacks God’s majesty and then His law. You want to understand why man treats his fellow man so bad - look how he relates to God!
Against sin - it’s not uncontrolled...it is carefully pointed at the sinfulness of men. God Hates sin. God hates ungodliness. God hates the unrighteousness of men. God’s hatred is poured against all those who are not rightly related to Him.
What is sin?
▸ Sin is the transgression of the law - lawlessness. 1 John 3:4
▸ A grievous malady, contaminating the whole of man’s being. Isa. 1:4-5; Rom 3:10-18
▸ An obscuring cloud, which hides the face of God’s blessing. Isa. 59:2
▸ A binding cord, which holds man in its power. Prov. 5:22
▸ A tyrannical owner, who embitters the lives of slaves. Neh. 9:37
▸ A disturber of rest, which causes disorder and anxiety. Psalm 38:3
▸ A robber of blessing, which strips and starves the soul. Jer. 5:25
▸ A terrible devastation, which brings untold desolation. Micah 6:13
▸ A tripper-up, which continually overthrows the sinner to his hurt. Prov 13:6
▸ A record writer, which leaves its indelible mark upon the committer. Jer. 17:1
▸ A betraying presence, which will “out” no matter what pains are taken to hide it. Ex. 21:24
▸ A sure detective, which turns upon the sinner and finds him out. Num. 32:23
▸ An accusing witness, which points its condemning finger at the prisoner in bondage of sin. Isa 59:12
▸ A sum of addition which accumulates its weight to the condemnation of the sinner. Isa. 30:1
All sin attacks God’s majesty and then His law. You want to understand why man treats his fellow man so bad - look how he relates to God!
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