This is just a thought. Nobody actually reads this, so it'll be just a quick note.
Why does a Church need different genres of services? The answer you'll get from the preacherette whose Church does this is something like: Well people like to worship in different ways.
Who is the worship service about, again? If it's all about Christ, why does how an attendee feels have any bearing whatsoever?
Can you show me a verse or passage that even seems to say God likes variety in worship? Read Isaiah 6. What Isaiah sees happening in Heaven is the same thing John sees hundreds of years later when he received the Revelation. That's not variety, that's God being the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Well if the variety is not for Him, who is it for?
Obviously it's for those in attendance. This makes these extra and varied services about the attendee, not Christ. You choose the contemporary service because YOU like it, not because God likes it.
Every justification you offer will be centered around the word "I" when your worship should center around GOD.
That makes your worship as useless as that of the Samarians. Jesus told the woman at the well that they didn't even know who they worshipped.
If you require a specific style of service in order to worship Christ, it's not Christ that you are worshipping. Your worship is in vain.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Living By Faith
Habakkuk 2:1-4 I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We often hear that we are saved by faith, but the Bible says several times that we LIVE by faith.
When a non-believer keeps pushing me to prove God exists, I eventually have to rely on faith. God makes no point of proving He exists, yet He uses Paul (in Rom 1:20) to say that the evidences of God are clearly seen in the creation of this big rock we call Earth. Not hidden, but clearly seen.
If I may use today's vernacular: any idiot can see that God exists. But when pressed, we rely on faith. In my own heart God is real, but only God sees my heart. The challenge in salvation is to get the unbeliever to "believe," not to prove anything.
If I prove to you that God exists, your faith is in your own knowledge. God is not pleased by knowledge. God is pleased by faith.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I almost said we "fall back" on faith, but it is not a fall back position. It is the position by which we live.
So here is my assertion:
If I am not required to prove God to the non-believer, I also do not have to prove righteous living to a believer.
Let me explain:
Many things are clear as being right or wrong because God makes them clear in His Word. But, as we know, some things are clear to one saint, and not the next.
I'm not getting into specifics, but let's get personal:
If you KNOW you are going to Heaven when you die based on faith. You are willing to bank your eternal destination, a choice between Heaven or Hell, on simple faith. Then why, oh why, do you require absolute proof of what God sees as unrighteous?
John 7:17- If any man will do his (God's) will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Do you really need me to post a study comparing the few times "liberty" is mentioned in the Bible compared to the hundreds of times "law" "command" and "obey" are mentioned? In the sermon on the mount did Christ speak of being lenient about laws, or did he confirm the spirit of the law to be much stricter than the letter?
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Yes, we have liberty, in that we are justified as righteous before God, but sin still displeases God.
If we have a desire to do anything for God, would we not want his blessing. Would we not fear that some overlooked sin would separate us from God's blessing and hinder our ministry?
Ask yourself this question: With all the distractions we have today, are we closer to God than the men of God from 100 years ago? If you said yes, then your problem is foolish pride. Again, without specifics, look at every preacher you know of from early last century. What did they say about holiness?
Knowing they didn't have TV, radio, internet, and video games to distract them, I trust their view of what holiness was.
I will get specific in an issue I myself had. I'm not real clear on why Independent Baptists preach against movie theaters. Certain movies I can understand their disdain, but they preach against the actual practice of attending the theater. I know most of their claims, one simple one being that all movies put money in the hands of the guys who make the bad movies. Well, in our day, so does buying a product promoted in the movie, even though we never saw the movie. We pickup a bag of M&M's with the candies dressed as Harry Potter without hesitation and we just helped fund the witchcraft indoctrination of our youth.
But here is what I have settled in my heart. Those who came before me were much closer to God than I may ever be. So when I doubt their stance on holiness, I will choose principle over liberty. If my own standard is already higher, I will not let them drag me away from God.
Let me give the best, yet simplest, illustration:
A Wal-mart HVAC tech was attempting to explain to my coworker and I how a giant dehumidifier transferred heat between evaporator and condenser coils without a compressor. To him, it made perfect sense, but to two filtration techs with only a working knowledge of the units we cleaned, it was ancient Greek. He finally just smiled, pressed his forefinger into his chest, and said,"Sometimes you just have to press the 'I Believe' button." WOW! You ever wanted to run shouting through a Wal-mart? My coworker was an Apostolic Pentecostal, so the analogy was not lost on him, either.
We spend so much time looking for absolutes, and we should. But some absolutes are known only to God. For those God has provided a big red button on our heart, emblazoned with "FAITH" on it's face. Instead of looking for ways to pridefully avoid the teaching of our spiritual fathers, why not just press our fingers into our chest, and say, "I believe!"
Hebrews 11:6a But without faith it is impossible to please him:
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We often hear that we are saved by faith, but the Bible says several times that we LIVE by faith.
When a non-believer keeps pushing me to prove God exists, I eventually have to rely on faith. God makes no point of proving He exists, yet He uses Paul (in Rom 1:20) to say that the evidences of God are clearly seen in the creation of this big rock we call Earth. Not hidden, but clearly seen.
If I may use today's vernacular: any idiot can see that God exists. But when pressed, we rely on faith. In my own heart God is real, but only God sees my heart. The challenge in salvation is to get the unbeliever to "believe," not to prove anything.
If I prove to you that God exists, your faith is in your own knowledge. God is not pleased by knowledge. God is pleased by faith.
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
I almost said we "fall back" on faith, but it is not a fall back position. It is the position by which we live.
So here is my assertion:
If I am not required to prove God to the non-believer, I also do not have to prove righteous living to a believer.
Let me explain:
Many things are clear as being right or wrong because God makes them clear in His Word. But, as we know, some things are clear to one saint, and not the next.
I'm not getting into specifics, but let's get personal:
If you KNOW you are going to Heaven when you die based on faith. You are willing to bank your eternal destination, a choice between Heaven or Hell, on simple faith. Then why, oh why, do you require absolute proof of what God sees as unrighteous?
John 7:17- If any man will do his (God's) will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
1 Samuel 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
Do you really need me to post a study comparing the few times "liberty" is mentioned in the Bible compared to the hundreds of times "law" "command" and "obey" are mentioned? In the sermon on the mount did Christ speak of being lenient about laws, or did he confirm the spirit of the law to be much stricter than the letter?
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Yes, we have liberty, in that we are justified as righteous before God, but sin still displeases God.
If we have a desire to do anything for God, would we not want his blessing. Would we not fear that some overlooked sin would separate us from God's blessing and hinder our ministry?
Ask yourself this question: With all the distractions we have today, are we closer to God than the men of God from 100 years ago? If you said yes, then your problem is foolish pride. Again, without specifics, look at every preacher you know of from early last century. What did they say about holiness?
Knowing they didn't have TV, radio, internet, and video games to distract them, I trust their view of what holiness was.
I will get specific in an issue I myself had. I'm not real clear on why Independent Baptists preach against movie theaters. Certain movies I can understand their disdain, but they preach against the actual practice of attending the theater. I know most of their claims, one simple one being that all movies put money in the hands of the guys who make the bad movies. Well, in our day, so does buying a product promoted in the movie, even though we never saw the movie. We pickup a bag of M&M's with the candies dressed as Harry Potter without hesitation and we just helped fund the witchcraft indoctrination of our youth.
But here is what I have settled in my heart. Those who came before me were much closer to God than I may ever be. So when I doubt their stance on holiness, I will choose principle over liberty. If my own standard is already higher, I will not let them drag me away from God.
Let me give the best, yet simplest, illustration:
A Wal-mart HVAC tech was attempting to explain to my coworker and I how a giant dehumidifier transferred heat between evaporator and condenser coils without a compressor. To him, it made perfect sense, but to two filtration techs with only a working knowledge of the units we cleaned, it was ancient Greek. He finally just smiled, pressed his forefinger into his chest, and said,"Sometimes you just have to press the 'I Believe' button." WOW! You ever wanted to run shouting through a Wal-mart? My coworker was an Apostolic Pentecostal, so the analogy was not lost on him, either.
We spend so much time looking for absolutes, and we should. But some absolutes are known only to God. For those God has provided a big red button on our heart, emblazoned with "FAITH" on it's face. Instead of looking for ways to pridefully avoid the teaching of our spiritual fathers, why not just press our fingers into our chest, and say, "I believe!"
Hebrews 11:6a But without faith it is impossible to please him:
Monday, July 4, 2011
A Wise Son
Proverbs 15:20a A wise son maketh a glad father:
Jakie's future plans have always been to be in law enforcement. I assume it is because I was a military policeman for a while. I did not want him spending three years idle waiting to turn 21, so I suggested he join the Army Reserve and start college.
We were already discussing him joining ROTC and earning his commission. We were thinking he might have to attend Vanderbilt and commute each day.
While on vacation we visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame/Museum. Jakie was very interested in their history, as was I. I had told him that with a four year degree, he could apply for federal law enforcement jobs, so jobs on the level of the Rangers were interesting to him. I was looking forward to having a son in law enforcement. It would be my vicarious return to the field.
But all of that has changed. I talked to him on Friday night after the kids returned from youth camp. I will not go into most of his story. I want him to be able to share it himself after he returns from working at the Bill Rice Ranch.
But what I will share is that he said he has spent the last six months debating with himself on God's call on his life. Some things happened at camp, and upon returning from camp that sealed the deal. Jakie has surrendered to preach.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
I was perfectly fine with him being a cop and an officer in the Army. I never pushed him to anything. I only wanted him to continue to be faithful to God in whatever he chose as a profession.
Pray for him as he begins to prepare for the ministry. He still has a few years left in school, then he'll begin Bible College.
I am overjoyed at his decision. I am definitely a "glad father."
Jakie's future plans have always been to be in law enforcement. I assume it is because I was a military policeman for a while. I did not want him spending three years idle waiting to turn 21, so I suggested he join the Army Reserve and start college.
We were already discussing him joining ROTC and earning his commission. We were thinking he might have to attend Vanderbilt and commute each day.
While on vacation we visited the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame/Museum. Jakie was very interested in their history, as was I. I had told him that with a four year degree, he could apply for federal law enforcement jobs, so jobs on the level of the Rangers were interesting to him. I was looking forward to having a son in law enforcement. It would be my vicarious return to the field.
But all of that has changed. I talked to him on Friday night after the kids returned from youth camp. I will not go into most of his story. I want him to be able to share it himself after he returns from working at the Bill Rice Ranch.
But what I will share is that he said he has spent the last six months debating with himself on God's call on his life. Some things happened at camp, and upon returning from camp that sealed the deal. Jakie has surrendered to preach.
3 John 1:4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
I was perfectly fine with him being a cop and an officer in the Army. I never pushed him to anything. I only wanted him to continue to be faithful to God in whatever he chose as a profession.
Pray for him as he begins to prepare for the ministry. He still has a few years left in school, then he'll begin Bible College.
I am overjoyed at his decision. I am definitely a "glad father."
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Are You A Man?
"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;" Eph 5:25.
Anything less, makes you a boy, not a man!
Notice it doesn't say kind wife, pretty wife, obedient wife, loving wife, smart wife, etc. It just says love your wife.
If you follow that simple command, she becomes all the above, and so much more.
When you "give yourself" for her, you become not just a real man, but the man of her dreams.
But when you put yourself first, you're nothing more than an immature little boy.
When did King David mess up?
"At a time when kings went out to battle."
He was supposed to be out in the battle, laying himself on the line for his kingdom. He chose instead to rest on prior accomplishments, and enjoy what was "due" him as king.
A man is king of his castle. His family is his kingdom. He is "due" the respect and honor of his wife and kids.
But if he fails to put them first in everything, he fails as a man, and failure becomes his constant companion.
Bathsheeba is only attractive to a boy.
The man nevers gives her a second look because his focus is on the battle, and the preservation of his kingdom.
BE A MAN!
Anything less, makes you a boy, not a man!
Notice it doesn't say kind wife, pretty wife, obedient wife, loving wife, smart wife, etc. It just says love your wife.
If you follow that simple command, she becomes all the above, and so much more.
When you "give yourself" for her, you become not just a real man, but the man of her dreams.
But when you put yourself first, you're nothing more than an immature little boy.
When did King David mess up?
"At a time when kings went out to battle."
He was supposed to be out in the battle, laying himself on the line for his kingdom. He chose instead to rest on prior accomplishments, and enjoy what was "due" him as king.
A man is king of his castle. His family is his kingdom. He is "due" the respect and honor of his wife and kids.
But if he fails to put them first in everything, he fails as a man, and failure becomes his constant companion.
Bathsheeba is only attractive to a boy.
The man nevers gives her a second look because his focus is on the battle, and the preservation of his kingdom.
BE A MAN!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Repent or Perish
"...Except ye REPENT, ye shall ALL likewise PERISH." Jesus Christ from Luke 13, verses 3 & 5.
Believe it, or not, I've been accused of "forcing" my religion on others. My response: I sincerely wish I could. But it doesn't work that way.
If God's plan was to apply "holy water" I'd raid the pool at the Vatican, load a water cannon, and it would look like 1960's Birmingham everywhere I went.
But God's plan is personal salvation. So, regardless of anyone's consent, I must show and tell.
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14 (King James Version)
I show the Gospel by the choices I make in life, my testimony.
I tell the Gospel by sharing the fact that if you do not put you faith in Christ and in his death, burial,and ressurection for the atonement of man's sin, you WILL spend eternity in a very real Hell.
I often fail at both. Thank God for grace!
But your unbelief will never change God's plan, and His plan, simply stated, is Repent or Perish.
I pray you choose the former.
btw- preacher in the above verse means a "proclaimer." Proclaiming the Gospel is the duty of all Christians.
(this is something I posted on facebook, today)
Believe it, or not, I've been accused of "forcing" my religion on others. My response: I sincerely wish I could. But it doesn't work that way.
If God's plan was to apply "holy water" I'd raid the pool at the Vatican, load a water cannon, and it would look like 1960's Birmingham everywhere I went.
But God's plan is personal salvation. So, regardless of anyone's consent, I must show and tell.
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?" Romans 10:14 (King James Version)
I show the Gospel by the choices I make in life, my testimony.
I tell the Gospel by sharing the fact that if you do not put you faith in Christ and in his death, burial,and ressurection for the atonement of man's sin, you WILL spend eternity in a very real Hell.
I often fail at both. Thank God for grace!
But your unbelief will never change God's plan, and His plan, simply stated, is Repent or Perish.
I pray you choose the former.
btw- preacher in the above verse means a "proclaimer." Proclaiming the Gospel is the duty of all Christians.
(this is something I posted on facebook, today)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
God is not surprised
Psalms 139
1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
My doctor has been trying to get me to take medication for pre-diabetes for several years now. I resisted because my highest level was 126.
Last month, I was at 145 with an A1C of 8.5. I started taking ONE of the pills, although she said take two a day.
About two weeks ago, I started having frequent bathroom trips, and was always thirsty. I figured it was a bug, and would pass.
Sunday night, my brother stopped by our church on his way home from the Smokies. I told him about my symptoms. He suggested I check my blood sugar.
I tested the next morning and I was at 388. I took my medicine, scheduled a Dr's appt, and went to work.
I told my employer about my appt, and they sent me home. They said I cannot drive until I get my blood sugar under control. They want to see an A1C under 8.
That means no income for my family. I get my last check on Friday.
I have no idea what to do. I'm not sure I can draw unemployment. My short-term disability doesn't start until the 15th day off work, and it will only be 45% of my usual pay, if I can even draw it for this reason.
So, my life is full of uncertainties, right now. But isn't it always?
I had an A1C done on Tuesday. The nurse couldn't tell me the results. I have to see the doctor to get them, but she did say it was higher than before.
I am eating better, taking my meds, and I even went walking, today. Although my fasting level was 252, my two hour after lunch level was 177. That 177 is the lowest I have seen it recently. I'm praying it remains that low.
My manager said he is trying to get the company doctor to let me return to work if my level is under 200 when I go to the Dr on Monday. This is what I need everyone to pray for.
God knew this was happening. I am very scared about what this will mean, financially, but I know God has a plan.
1 O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
19 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
20 For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
21 Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
22 I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
My doctor has been trying to get me to take medication for pre-diabetes for several years now. I resisted because my highest level was 126.
Last month, I was at 145 with an A1C of 8.5. I started taking ONE of the pills, although she said take two a day.
About two weeks ago, I started having frequent bathroom trips, and was always thirsty. I figured it was a bug, and would pass.
Sunday night, my brother stopped by our church on his way home from the Smokies. I told him about my symptoms. He suggested I check my blood sugar.
I tested the next morning and I was at 388. I took my medicine, scheduled a Dr's appt, and went to work.
I told my employer about my appt, and they sent me home. They said I cannot drive until I get my blood sugar under control. They want to see an A1C under 8.
That means no income for my family. I get my last check on Friday.
I have no idea what to do. I'm not sure I can draw unemployment. My short-term disability doesn't start until the 15th day off work, and it will only be 45% of my usual pay, if I can even draw it for this reason.
So, my life is full of uncertainties, right now. But isn't it always?
I had an A1C done on Tuesday. The nurse couldn't tell me the results. I have to see the doctor to get them, but she did say it was higher than before.
I am eating better, taking my meds, and I even went walking, today. Although my fasting level was 252, my two hour after lunch level was 177. That 177 is the lowest I have seen it recently. I'm praying it remains that low.
My manager said he is trying to get the company doctor to let me return to work if my level is under 200 when I go to the Dr on Monday. This is what I need everyone to pray for.
God knew this was happening. I am very scared about what this will mean, financially, but I know God has a plan.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Is it sometimes God's will for us to be sick?
Is it sometimes God's will for us to be sick? I read something about this today in The Sword of the Lord paper. This began as a facebook post, then I went back and expounded on it a little.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul was inspired to write about 2/3 of the New Testament. I like to write, and for God to use me, and call my writings, scripture, is something I cannot even fathom. But Paul was used by God in such a way that we don't see today. Yet, he clearly declares that his illness, or deformity was not only God's will, but God-given.
One of the best passages on God-ordered troubles is in Isaiah 10.
Isaiah 10:5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
The Assyrians conquered the northern tribes, or Israel. God calls the Assyrians, "the rod of mine anger."
In II Samuel 12, we find God willing that a baby should die due to David's sin. And we fuss about such trivial things as depression, or headaches. God still loved David, and the baby is now in Heaven, so why do we start doubting God when something doesn't go our way?
How many souls can a Christian cancer patient affect through their treatment?
A friend's son was killed with several others in a fiery car crash while serving God several years ago. I have read of many salvations and surrenders to service that came of those young men's deaths.
So we have a choice: let our problems and imfirmities stop us from serving God, or see them as a VEHICLE to serve God. When others see us work through difficulty, it shows God's power. That is what Paul realized.
Moses complained to God about his speech problems, so God gave him Aaron as a help. Yet, who do we find boldly speaking to Pharaoh? Moses. I'm sure around the Israelites, he was still sometimes a stuttering fool, but when they saw how boldly he made God's demands to Pharaoh, they knew it was all God, not Moses. Moses worked through his difficulty, and let God's power shine through.
Paul nevers says we shouldn't ask for healing. God does still heal, and sometimes against His own perfect will.
But which would we rather have: a body free of infirmity, or a successful personal ministry?
After my original Facebook post, Bro Gerald Myers, Missionary to South Africa and a personal friend, preached on a similar topic tonight. I guess I really needed this.
2 Corinthians 12:1-10
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
5 Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
6 For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Paul was inspired to write about 2/3 of the New Testament. I like to write, and for God to use me, and call my writings, scripture, is something I cannot even fathom. But Paul was used by God in such a way that we don't see today. Yet, he clearly declares that his illness, or deformity was not only God's will, but God-given.
One of the best passages on God-ordered troubles is in Isaiah 10.
Isaiah 10:5 O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation.
The Assyrians conquered the northern tribes, or Israel. God calls the Assyrians, "the rod of mine anger."
In II Samuel 12, we find God willing that a baby should die due to David's sin. And we fuss about such trivial things as depression, or headaches. God still loved David, and the baby is now in Heaven, so why do we start doubting God when something doesn't go our way?
How many souls can a Christian cancer patient affect through their treatment?
A friend's son was killed with several others in a fiery car crash while serving God several years ago. I have read of many salvations and surrenders to service that came of those young men's deaths.
So we have a choice: let our problems and imfirmities stop us from serving God, or see them as a VEHICLE to serve God. When others see us work through difficulty, it shows God's power. That is what Paul realized.
Moses complained to God about his speech problems, so God gave him Aaron as a help. Yet, who do we find boldly speaking to Pharaoh? Moses. I'm sure around the Israelites, he was still sometimes a stuttering fool, but when they saw how boldly he made God's demands to Pharaoh, they knew it was all God, not Moses. Moses worked through his difficulty, and let God's power shine through.
Paul nevers says we shouldn't ask for healing. God does still heal, and sometimes against His own perfect will.
But which would we rather have: a body free of infirmity, or a successful personal ministry?
After my original Facebook post, Bro Gerald Myers, Missionary to South Africa and a personal friend, preached on a similar topic tonight. I guess I really needed this.
Friday, November 19, 2010
He is...
A song I heard gave me this idea. For a good personal devotion, search a concise concordance for a word that begins with each letter of the alphabet. Then find a verse that represents what God is to you. If you do this, some will jump off the page, and put a tear in your eye, and a song in your heart.
What is God to me?
He is:
my Anchor- Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
my Balance- Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
my Council- Psalms 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
my Dayspring- Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
my Earnest- 2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
my Family- (this one got to me) 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(think on this one. God calls me son. Hallelujah!)
my Guide- Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
my Happiness- 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
my Immortality- 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
my Jawbone- Judges 15:15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. (whatever he provides is all I need)
my Keeper- Psalms 121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
my Longing- Psalms 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
my Master- John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
my Name- Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (bearing His name brings great responsibility)
my Omnipotent Father- Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
my Precious Cornerstone- 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
my Quietness- Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
my Ram in the thicket- Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. (and I have to add Abraham's statement of faith)
Genesis 22:8a And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
my Saviour- Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
my Testimony- Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
(oh, how often I fail, but I long for this, for God to be my testimony)
my Unction- 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
my Virtue- Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
my Waterspring_ Psalms 107:35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
my X-ray- Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. (I bet you've been wondering what I would put for X)
my Yearning- Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
my Zeal- Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
I loved this study. I had to expose myself to many scriptures to pick the ones I wanted to use. That's never a bad thing.
Don't go for the easy one. Saviour and anchor are the only ones I chose without searching.
What is God to me?
He is:
my Anchor- Hebrews 6:19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
my Balance- Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.
my Council- Psalms 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
my Dayspring- Luke 1:78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,
my Earnest- 2 Corinthians 1:22 Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.
my Family- (this one got to me) 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
(think on this one. God calls me son. Hallelujah!)
my Guide- Psalms 48:14 For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.
my Happiness- 1 Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.
my Immortality- 2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
my Jawbone- Judges 15:15 And he found a new jawbone of an ass, and put forth his hand, and took it, and slew a thousand men therewith. (whatever he provides is all I need)
my Keeper- Psalms 121:5 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand.
my Longing- Psalms 107:9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
my Master- John 13:13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
my Name- Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. (bearing His name brings great responsibility)
my Omnipotent Father- Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
my Precious Cornerstone- 1 Peter 2:7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,
my Quietness- Job 34:29 When he giveth quietness, who then can make trouble? and when he hideth his face, who then can behold him? whether it be done against a nation, or against a man only:
my Ram in the thicket- Genesis 22:13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. (and I have to add Abraham's statement of faith)
Genesis 22:8a And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering:
my Saviour- Isaiah 43:11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
my Testimony- Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
(oh, how often I fail, but I long for this, for God to be my testimony)
my Unction- 1 John 2:20 But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.
my Virtue- Luke 6:19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.
my Waterspring_ Psalms 107:35 He turneth the wilderness into a standing water, and dry ground into watersprings.
my X-ray- Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man is the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly. (I bet you've been wondering what I would put for X)
my Yearning- Psalms 73:25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
my Zeal- Galatians 4:18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
I loved this study. I had to expose myself to many scriptures to pick the ones I wanted to use. That's never a bad thing.
Don't go for the easy one. Saviour and anchor are the only ones I chose without searching.
Monday, November 15, 2010
August 8th, 1993
I mentioned not long ago on Facebook how oft God must redirect our lives in order to keep us alive.
Let me share a few things:
1) A short time prior to this date, my Dad talked with his pastor. He informed his pastor that he had begun praying that if it took his own death for me to come to Christ, he was ready to go.
2) In early July, I had reported for duty at Ft Riley, KS after a 45 day leave at home in Alabama. My first weekend in Kansas, I set up a video camera in a hotel room to send a video greeting to my friends back in Berlin, Germany.
I just rewatched that video a few weeks ago. On that tape I make mention of an operation that the general public knew nothing of, at the time.
My orders to Ft Riley were not for the 1st MP Co. I was to be assigned to the SEP company. They were primarily Law Enforcement and did not deploy with 1st Infantry. That sounded appealing to me.
But on my arrival, they were a few weeks into preparing to deploy to Somalia. They had filled my slot with another MP prior to my arrival, so I was reassigned to 1st MP Co.
3) On August 6th, I was taken from a training mission, given $100 of Red Cross loan money, and sent home. My Dad had suffered his first heart attack. I got home on the 7th. He met his Saviour face to face on the 8th of August, 1993.
4) On the same day, in far away Somalia, the unit I was supposed to be with arrived in Somalia, and lost four men on the first day. The Humvee they were riding in hit an anti-tank landmine.
Two of those soldiers were the same rank as me. It's not guaranteed I would've been in that Humvee, but that was supposed to be MY unit.
This was the early stages of the conflict portrayed in the movie/book Blackhawk Down.
Coincidence? I don't think so. I believe God intervened and redirected my life in order to keep his promise to my Daddy. The rest of that promise was fulfilled on Feb 26th, 1997.
Let me share a few things:
1) A short time prior to this date, my Dad talked with his pastor. He informed his pastor that he had begun praying that if it took his own death for me to come to Christ, he was ready to go.
2) In early July, I had reported for duty at Ft Riley, KS after a 45 day leave at home in Alabama. My first weekend in Kansas, I set up a video camera in a hotel room to send a video greeting to my friends back in Berlin, Germany.
I just rewatched that video a few weeks ago. On that tape I make mention of an operation that the general public knew nothing of, at the time.
My orders to Ft Riley were not for the 1st MP Co. I was to be assigned to the SEP company. They were primarily Law Enforcement and did not deploy with 1st Infantry. That sounded appealing to me.
But on my arrival, they were a few weeks into preparing to deploy to Somalia. They had filled my slot with another MP prior to my arrival, so I was reassigned to 1st MP Co.
3) On August 6th, I was taken from a training mission, given $100 of Red Cross loan money, and sent home. My Dad had suffered his first heart attack. I got home on the 7th. He met his Saviour face to face on the 8th of August, 1993.
4) On the same day, in far away Somalia, the unit I was supposed to be with arrived in Somalia, and lost four men on the first day. The Humvee they were riding in hit an anti-tank landmine.
Two of those soldiers were the same rank as me. It's not guaranteed I would've been in that Humvee, but that was supposed to be MY unit.
This was the early stages of the conflict portrayed in the movie/book Blackhawk Down.
Coincidence? I don't think so. I believe God intervened and redirected my life in order to keep his promise to my Daddy. The rest of that promise was fulfilled on Feb 26th, 1997.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Pride and Arrogance
I recently heard Glenn Beck ask a group of soldiers what is the difference between pride and arrogance. I went to my Bible, Noah Webster 1828, Merriam-Webster online dictionary and Strong's Concordance to see if Glenn's comparison held up in a study of the above books.
First, I want to illuminate a fact about Bible study.
We use the KJV 1611 for many reasons. It is not my desire to go over those at this time. But I will state emphatically that I am a KJV man. I don't use, study, or refer to other versions. I have evaluated several of them, just for confirmation of their errors.
But we must realize that the KJV uses an English language that has changed a little. This is not the fault of the KJV. It is society's error. Many books written on the subject point out how much better 17th century English was.
I will give two examples of changed words:
1 Thessalonians 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
Websters defines prevent as:
transitive verb
1 archaic
: to hold or keep back : hinder, stop
a : to be in readiness for (as an occasion)
b : to meet or satisfy in advance
c : to act ahead of
d : to go or arrive before
2 : to deprive of power or hope of acting or succeeding
3 : to keep from happening or existing prevent war>
4
: to hold or keep back : hinder, stop
Most people don't even know the "archaic" definition. That was the definition in 1611.
Noah Webster's 1828 dictionary defines it as "To go before; to precede." That is the definition that matches the Greek word used in the original text.
Not knowing the proper definition changes the whole verse.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
Noah Webster 1828 says Let- "5. To retard; to hinder; to impede; to interpose obstructions."
Notice it is definition #5, but correctly matches the Greek in the verse and is true to the context of the passage. This verse better illustrates the changing of words, because Webster adds that this usage is nearly obsolete, only 200 years after the translating of the KJV.
Today we know this word to mean allow, but in 1611, it also meant to disallow or restrain.
There are others:
1. advertise means tell (kinda obvious, but a little different)
2. allege means prove
3. conversation means behavior or life
And there are many more.
These in NO WAY take away from the authority of the King James Bible. It is OUR fault that our language has been degraded. Our college grads have nowhere near the vocabulary of young teens from even 200 years ago in our own country, much less when compared to someone from 17th Century England.
So, what of pride?
Webster's 1828 defines pride as: Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable conceit of one's own superiority in talents, beauty, wealth, accomplishments, rank or elevation in office, which manifests itself in lofty airs, distance, reserve, and often in contempt of others.
It's first usage in the KJV is in Leviticus 26:19. It's meaning in the original text is "from 1342; the same as 1346:--arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride,
proud, swelling."
In subsequent usage, one word dominates the Strong's definitions of the original tongues: arrogance.
The modern webster dictionary defines pride as such:
1 : the quality or state of being proud: as
a : inordinate self-esteem : conceit
b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship (parental pride)
2 : proud or disdainful behavior or treatment : disdain
3 a : ostentatious display
b : highest pitch : prime
4 : a source of pride : the best in a group or class
5 : a company of lions
6 : a showy or impressive group
Similar to "prevent," pride has more meanings today than in 1828/1611. However, neither meaning is considered archaic.
Notice the two meanings I underlined and made bold.
When God says "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) is he saying " a reasonable or justifiable self-respect" brings destruction? What is a "reasonable or justifiable self-respect?" This is what is meant when someone is declared to "take pride" in themselves, usually in their manner of grooming. An unshaven, filthy man who appears that way daily, regardless of whether he just worked, is said to take no pride in himself. So is God saying that having enough pride in one's self to shower daily will lead to destruction? I don't think so. That type of pride is reasonable and justifiable, and should be encouraged.
It's similar to the carpenter telling his apprentice to take pride in his work. He's not saying "be lifted up and conceited" about your work. He's saying do a good job, have a little pride.
It's similar to the carpenter telling his apprentice to take pride in his work. He's not saying "be lifted up and conceited" about your work. He's saying do a good job, have a little pride.
Let's look at the original text to see what God was referring to. The word translated as pride is:
ga'own gaw-ohn'
from 1342; the same as 1346:--arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride,
proud, swelling.
This greek word appears twice in the KJV, not as "pride" but as "arrogancy."
While the modern word "pride" has both good and bad connotations, arrogance has only BAD connotations.
arrogance: an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions
Remember the lesson taught about the letter and spirit of the law in Matthew chapter five. Jesus kept giving the letter, but expanding it to the spirit of the law. So don't take the modern meaning as necessarily what God is saying. Which also means don't apply what God clearly means to all modern definitions.
The words God uses for pride are all of a bad connotation. But our English word "pride" has good connotations, as well as bad.
If I say I am proud of my accomplishments, I am merely saying I am elated at the outcome. My testimony should already speak to others that I am grateful to God, but it also helps to add that.
But which is more important: showing my thankfulness to God, or to man?
God knows my heart. He knows that I humbly acknowledge him as the source of all good in my life. Were he capable of forgetting it, I remind him daily.
I couldn't care less if someone is offended by me saying I have pride in my children. God knows that when I say that, I am not vaunting myself, or being arrogant. I am boasting, or glorying, in my child's accomplishments.
If another Christian deems me to be arrogant for bragging on someone else, he is not only ignorant of the definition of pride, but is judging me with unrighteous judgment. that creates a problem between he and God, not me.
Every condemnation of pride in God's Word is interchangeable with the word arrogance. When God speaks against pride, he is speaking against arrogance, or hautiness. He is not speaking against every future meaning of the word pride.
Why would God condemn a family of lions? That may sound silly, but so does applying God's condemnation of arrogancy to every modern usage of the word pride.
Take the following statement: I am proud of our nation and grateful to God that i was born in the USA.
Is that a contradiction? Pride and humility in the same sentence?
No contradiction exists. God is against arrogance, not pride in others. The true opposite of humility is arrogance, nor pride. Only some definitions of pride contradict humility, not every meaning.
I love my Noah Webster 1828, but it must be compared to newer dictionaries so we do not condemn practices which are pure, but use newer definitions.
Here is the absolute simplest illustration of meanings of words changing: In 1611, if a man built a wagon with all the latest gadgets installed, and his friend exclaimed, "That's bad!" upon first sight of the wagon, the builder would know he did something wrong. But in 1975 if another man made his Gran Torino look like the Starsky and Hutch car, and his friend exclaimed, "That's bad!" upon first sight of the car, the builder would know he did something right. Simple? Yes. Silly? Not really.
If we ran these two men together, and the 1975 man told the 1611 man that the wagon looked "groovy," the 1611 man would think he needed to sand the wood some more.
That is no different than a 2010 man thinking that every time his contemporary uses the word pride, he must be meaning arrogance, as the Bible does.
When I say "prevent" you can be assured that I mean "to stop" not to "go before." The exception is if I am quoting or describing I Thessalonians 4.
Here is the absolute simplest illustration of meanings of words changing: In 1611, if a man built a wagon with all the latest gadgets installed, and his friend exclaimed, "That's bad!" upon first sight of the wagon, the builder would know he did something wrong. But in 1975 if another man made his Gran Torino look like the Starsky and Hutch car, and his friend exclaimed, "That's bad!" upon first sight of the car, the builder would know he did something right. Simple? Yes. Silly? Not really.
If we ran these two men together, and the 1975 man told the 1611 man that the wagon looked "groovy," the 1611 man would think he needed to sand the wood some more.
That is no different than a 2010 man thinking that every time his contemporary uses the word pride, he must be meaning arrogance, as the Bible does.
When I say "prevent" you can be assured that I mean "to stop" not to "go before." The exception is if I am quoting or describing I Thessalonians 4.
Glenn, or one of the soldiers, illustrated the difference between pride and arrogance in the following way: "Arrogance is pride without humility." I concur.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)