The Bullet of Reckoning: Am I Soft on Sin
Through the years I’ve taken a lot of hits from people because, they said, I was too positive. Comments would run like this, “You talk great about love, but you need to say more about sin.” Or again, “You’re soft on sin!”
Just for the record I hate sin, both for what it does to people and what it’s done to me. Every bit of hurt, agony, loss, suffering and despair any of us experience comes from sin. My failures, depressions and regrets all trace back to that little word that is the source of so much havoc!
My bottom line definition of sin, if you will excuse the expression, is telling God, “He can go to hell, because you are quite capable of living in His universe without bothering with Him or His desires.” People do this either passively or aggressively. In either case, the Bible calls them fools.
American Christians desperately need a greater conviction about the horror and tragedy of sin. My heart breaks at the hundreds of folks I know where sin is wrecking the lives of wonderful people with so much potential.
The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.” (Psalm 14:1)
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Bullet of Compassion: A Ministry Open to All
We resist, if not resent, anyone who tries to penetrate the fog of our private world, our self-centered thoughts and activities. The apostle could not have been more accurate when he said, “In the last days … men shall be lovers of their own selves” (II Timothy 3:2a).
What will we tell God on Judgment Day? I can hear us now, “… When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked or sick, or in prison and did not minister unto thee?” Then shall He say, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the lease of these, ye did it not to me” (Matthew 25:44-45).
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister … but whosoever will be chief (the greatest, the most respected and admire), let him (or her) be your minister. (Matthew 20:28 and Matthew 20:26)
We resist, if not resent, anyone who tries to penetrate the fog of our private world, our self-centered thoughts and activities. The apostle could not have been more accurate when he said, “In the last days … men shall be lovers of their own selves” (II Timothy 3:2a).
What will we tell God on Judgment Day? I can hear us now, “… When saw we thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked or sick, or in prison and did not minister unto thee?” Then shall He say, “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the lease of these, ye did it not to me” (Matthew 25:44-45).
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister … but whosoever will be chief (the greatest, the most respected and admire), let him (or her) be your minister. (Matthew 20:28 and Matthew 20:26)
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The Bullet of Compassion: A Modern Day Good Samaritan?
Have you heard the true story of an experiment a small band of seminary students carried out on the fellow members of their class? The class was given an assignment on Luke 10:30-37, the familiar account of the Good Samaritan. The assignment was due the next day. Most of the men in the class traveled along the same pathway leading to the classroom the next morning. One of the seminarians wore old, torn clothing, disguised himself as though he had been beaten and bruised and placed himself along the path, clearly in view of all the young students making their way back to class. With their assignments neatly written, carefully documented and tucked under their arms, not one seminarian so much as paused to come to his assistance or wipe the catsup off his neck and chest.
Intellectually, the assignment on love and caring was completed. But personally had they really learned the lesson Jesus was teaching in Luke 10? Well, you decide. What’s happening? How can we explain the gross lack of involvement in other people’s lives? We well-taught Christians know (intellectually) Bible truth, but why are there so few “ministers”? Why so little application of truth we’ve “known” for years?
Have you heard the true story of an experiment a small band of seminary students carried out on the fellow members of their class? The class was given an assignment on Luke 10:30-37, the familiar account of the Good Samaritan. The assignment was due the next day. Most of the men in the class traveled along the same pathway leading to the classroom the next morning. One of the seminarians wore old, torn clothing, disguised himself as though he had been beaten and bruised and placed himself along the path, clearly in view of all the young students making their way back to class. With their assignments neatly written, carefully documented and tucked under their arms, not one seminarian so much as paused to come to his assistance or wipe the catsup off his neck and chest.
Intellectually, the assignment on love and caring was completed. But personally had they really learned the lesson Jesus was teaching in Luke 10? Well, you decide. What’s happening? How can we explain the gross lack of involvement in other people’s lives? We well-taught Christians know (intellectually) Bible truth, but why are there so few “ministers”? Why so little application of truth we’ve “known” for years?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Bullet of Choice: Becoming God’s Champions
All of us are adding and subtracting things, ideas, directions, etc. from our lives every day. The choices of what we keep or discard make us what we are.
The definition of sin I like most is, “refusing to accept the good gifts of God.” The Heavenly Father wants us to experience joy, meaning, satisfaction and worth. As Joshua put it, “Chose today Who you will serve.” The Bible is filled with God’s choices. Not to know God’s options leaves one in the dark walking down a dead end street.
Pursuing the essentials and rejecting the refuse of life brings strength for living. It is a shame so many have it reversed. We cling to the choices that make us losers. We seem to be blind to the power that produces champions. I pray you and I will choose well.
All of us are adding and subtracting things, ideas, directions, etc. from our lives every day. The choices of what we keep or discard make us what we are.
The definition of sin I like most is, “refusing to accept the good gifts of God.” The Heavenly Father wants us to experience joy, meaning, satisfaction and worth. As Joshua put it, “Chose today Who you will serve.” The Bible is filled with God’s choices. Not to know God’s options leaves one in the dark walking down a dead end street.
Pursuing the essentials and rejecting the refuse of life brings strength for living. It is a shame so many have it reversed. We cling to the choices that make us losers. We seem to be blind to the power that produces champions. I pray you and I will choose well.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
The Bullet of Choice: Strength Through Gain and Loss
During his tenure as Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Lou Holtz made a great statement at one of his daily practice talks to the football team. I’d like to pass it on.
He said, “Men, you grow stronger in two ways. You gain strength by adding something you need or getting rid of something that is hurting you. Understanding that distinction marks the difference between a champion and a loser.”
Exactly! What a man or woman chooses to get rid of or to add to his or her life determines in the long run what he or she becomes. Surrounding yourself with “weak” friends contributes to your weakness. Choosing “strong” friends, “strong” ideas, “good” options, “moral” alternatives and “God” goals can only make a person stronger.
During his tenure as Head Coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks, Lou Holtz made a great statement at one of his daily practice talks to the football team. I’d like to pass it on.
He said, “Men, you grow stronger in two ways. You gain strength by adding something you need or getting rid of something that is hurting you. Understanding that distinction marks the difference between a champion and a loser.”
Exactly! What a man or woman chooses to get rid of or to add to his or her life determines in the long run what he or she becomes. Surrounding yourself with “weak” friends contributes to your weakness. Choosing “strong” friends, “strong” ideas, “good” options, “moral” alternatives and “God” goals can only make a person stronger.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
The Bullet of Thanksgiving: The Glorious Word of God
When I stop to count my blessings one of my top items for gratitude is the opportunity I have to possess, study and hear the Father’s Voice through the Scripture.
Written by over forty authors, about many subjects, in three languages, over a period of 1,500 years … the wonder is that the Bible exists at all! Yet for centuries it has been recognized as one book with a central theme beginning with Genesis 1:1 and consummating with Revelation 22:21! These chapter and verse distinctions were not even added until much later. The current system we know so well first appeared in the Sixteenth Century A.D.!
The Bible has existed, as it is now, for 1,600 years with relatively few changes despite being translated into more than 18,000 languages and dialects as well as many English revisions. Every revision, incidentally, strives to more accurately reflect the original language texts and the intention of the authors. We must also mention the relentless efforts of the Bible’s critics and antagonists through the centuries. Their aim has been to destroy it literally … or to discredit it totally … a task which has preoccupied some of the finest non-believing intellects from generation to generation!
In spite of everything the Bible remains today, as it has for centuries, the best annual seller year after year! More copies are sold in any one year than all the other best sellers put together! Some time ago, one publisher indicated that more than five hundred million copies of the Bible are sold annually in the world. Its timelessness … its perseverance … its popularity … its perennial relevance … its universal influence … is the unmatched phenomenon in the history of all book publishing.
The Bible contains the Mind of God … His reasons, His desires, His attitude, His thoughts … for His creation. It is His “love letter” to all who know they need love to survive and thrive in a fallen world of hurt! I believe I’m as grateful for this Book as almost anything else on earth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17, RSV)
Let me paraphrase the Greek: “Every word of Scripture has in it the breath, energy and life of God. We can experience this reality if we are hungry for His Presence. Every word will be of benefit to us … profit us in any circumstance … and give us the advantage no matter what our situation might be. These words from the Father’s Heart tell us what to do, what not to do, what to do better and what to do that’s best. These words of Scripture are essential and critical … needed in large doses … if you truly plan on the Father putting your life together in such a way that you most perfectly look like Him and become a complete human being … a man or woman of God. Only then will you be in shape to achieve and finish the Lord’s purpose for your life!”
When I stop to count my blessings one of my top items for gratitude is the opportunity I have to possess, study and hear the Father’s Voice through the Scripture.
Written by over forty authors, about many subjects, in three languages, over a period of 1,500 years … the wonder is that the Bible exists at all! Yet for centuries it has been recognized as one book with a central theme beginning with Genesis 1:1 and consummating with Revelation 22:21! These chapter and verse distinctions were not even added until much later. The current system we know so well first appeared in the Sixteenth Century A.D.!
The Bible has existed, as it is now, for 1,600 years with relatively few changes despite being translated into more than 18,000 languages and dialects as well as many English revisions. Every revision, incidentally, strives to more accurately reflect the original language texts and the intention of the authors. We must also mention the relentless efforts of the Bible’s critics and antagonists through the centuries. Their aim has been to destroy it literally … or to discredit it totally … a task which has preoccupied some of the finest non-believing intellects from generation to generation!
In spite of everything the Bible remains today, as it has for centuries, the best annual seller year after year! More copies are sold in any one year than all the other best sellers put together! Some time ago, one publisher indicated that more than five hundred million copies of the Bible are sold annually in the world. Its timelessness … its perseverance … its popularity … its perennial relevance … its universal influence … is the unmatched phenomenon in the history of all book publishing.
The Bible contains the Mind of God … His reasons, His desires, His attitude, His thoughts … for His creation. It is His “love letter” to all who know they need love to survive and thrive in a fallen world of hurt! I believe I’m as grateful for this Book as almost anything else on earth.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:16-17, RSV)
Let me paraphrase the Greek: “Every word of Scripture has in it the breath, energy and life of God. We can experience this reality if we are hungry for His Presence. Every word will be of benefit to us … profit us in any circumstance … and give us the advantage no matter what our situation might be. These words from the Father’s Heart tell us what to do, what not to do, what to do better and what to do that’s best. These words of Scripture are essential and critical … needed in large doses … if you truly plan on the Father putting your life together in such a way that you most perfectly look like Him and become a complete human being … a man or woman of God. Only then will you be in shape to achieve and finish the Lord’s purpose for your life!”
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: Freedom in God’s Limits
While He was on the earth, Christ Jesus could have done it all! He could have done everything possible for a human to do – but He didn’t! This is even more true of us! We can’t begin to do it all … even think it all … and we shouldn’t even try. Let’s leave that to the religious fanatics and/or the self-acclaimed political saviors. For me, and I pray for my house, we will pursue only God’s "everything" that is specifically for us. I have determined that the "everythings" of the world are going to have to make it without me! And I hope without you!
"… don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (Romans 12:3). Likewise, don’t think of yourself more lowly than you ought! Think right … think His thoughts … about who and what you are. Note our Lord’s pattern, "I do only what the Father tells Me to do!" (John 5:19, paraphrased).
The greatest Life ever lived on this planet was "gloriously limited" to doing only the "everything" that the Father wanted Him to do. Looking at how Jesus lived, you and I would be fools to try it any other way. Hence, our primary life decision should be to strive to do and be only the "everything" that He desires of us! Nothing more and nothing less. In my book that’s the truth and, frankly, that is life as our Lord intended life for us to be! The amazing "grace truth" here is that yielding to our limits will result in finding our liberation. "If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36).
While He was on the earth, Christ Jesus could have done it all! He could have done everything possible for a human to do – but He didn’t! This is even more true of us! We can’t begin to do it all … even think it all … and we shouldn’t even try. Let’s leave that to the religious fanatics and/or the self-acclaimed political saviors. For me, and I pray for my house, we will pursue only God’s "everything" that is specifically for us. I have determined that the "everythings" of the world are going to have to make it without me! And I hope without you!
"… don’t think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you" (Romans 12:3). Likewise, don’t think of yourself more lowly than you ought! Think right … think His thoughts … about who and what you are. Note our Lord’s pattern, "I do only what the Father tells Me to do!" (John 5:19, paraphrased).
The greatest Life ever lived on this planet was "gloriously limited" to doing only the "everything" that the Father wanted Him to do. Looking at how Jesus lived, you and I would be fools to try it any other way. Hence, our primary life decision should be to strive to do and be only the "everything" that He desires of us! Nothing more and nothing less. In my book that’s the truth and, frankly, that is life as our Lord intended life for us to be! The amazing "grace truth" here is that yielding to our limits will result in finding our liberation. "If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed!" (John 8:36).
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: Know It, Live It
I am committed to doing as much as I can about all the issues facing our world but only inasmuch as I determine God is leading me to respond. Although I know my life is to be the answer to many problems, I also know my life isn’t the answer to all problems. I go with King David here when he said in Psalm 131:1, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me." What a relief! Knowing my limitations is my first great step to liberation; that is why I once entitled one of my sermons "The Liberation of Our Limitations."
On this earth I am the Master’s willing slave, His joyful servant and His obedient follower. My entire existence should be measured and standardized around what He knows is best for me to think and do. Our passion for daily living should no longer be determined by the "everythings" of the world, but by the "everythings" of God. It’s a thrilling way to live! One soldier cannot win the whole war. His is too limited. Yet he is unlimited when it comes to fighting his own battle. That is the only fight the Commander has ordered you to win!
I am committed to doing as much as I can about all the issues facing our world but only inasmuch as I determine God is leading me to respond. Although I know my life is to be the answer to many problems, I also know my life isn’t the answer to all problems. I go with King David here when he said in Psalm 131:1, "Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor my eyes lofty; neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me." What a relief! Knowing my limitations is my first great step to liberation; that is why I once entitled one of my sermons "The Liberation of Our Limitations."
On this earth I am the Master’s willing slave, His joyful servant and His obedient follower. My entire existence should be measured and standardized around what He knows is best for me to think and do. Our passion for daily living should no longer be determined by the "everythings" of the world, but by the "everythings" of God. It’s a thrilling way to live! One soldier cannot win the whole war. His is too limited. Yet he is unlimited when it comes to fighting his own battle. That is the only fight the Commander has ordered you to win!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: "What Can I Do?"
We live the best life possible when we base our decisions only on what is authentic – the truth. We live the worst life possible when we base our thoughts and actions on what is false – the lie. The person who experiences the maximum positive meaning for these years on earth is the one with the most earnest and unrelenting passion for truth … Christ’s truth. The following is one of my most exciting finds in God’s treasury of truth.
Sometimes I tend to despair over all the tensions and problems of life that bombard my mind. If you love living, love people and love our world like I do, I’m sure you share my sense of being "overwhelmed." I’ve often asked myself, in light of the world’s dilemmas, "What can I do? I’m just one little man!" I mentioned that to the Lord one morning in my prayer time, and His answer nearly blew me away!
"What can you do?" I sensed Him saying as He threw the question back to me. Then, as clearly as I’ve ever felt the Lord tell me something, a new liberating message began to wash through my mind. "H.D., you can do everything I want you to do. Nothing more and nothing less!" The Greek puts it clearly and emphatically to Peter and to each of us in John 21:22: You Me Follow!
My heart was suddenly captured with a new exhilaration for contented action and an overwhelming peace for whatever was ahead of me. Terrorism, the national economic crisis, continued unrest in the Middle East, nations in revolution, the culture war, the church, politics, the terror of AIDS or the American tragedy of abortion, etc., etc. are no longer the biggest issues in my life. Neither are some of the less dramatic and smaller demands and duties which seemed to dominate so much of my time and thinking. Mowing the yard, paying the IRS, taking out the garbage, changing the oil in the car, mailing in the monthly bills, making a run to the grocery store and post office, the honey dos, or keeping up with my modest little investments, etc., etc. are just some of the "everythings" that the Father is pleased for me to accomplish. Seeing the Father’s purpose in it all can easily be missed. That purpose is to use every event in your life … big or small … as a microphone for His Voice. To hear and yield to His Voice is the biggest thing little people can do and it covers all the bases!
We live the best life possible when we base our decisions only on what is authentic – the truth. We live the worst life possible when we base our thoughts and actions on what is false – the lie. The person who experiences the maximum positive meaning for these years on earth is the one with the most earnest and unrelenting passion for truth … Christ’s truth. The following is one of my most exciting finds in God’s treasury of truth.
Sometimes I tend to despair over all the tensions and problems of life that bombard my mind. If you love living, love people and love our world like I do, I’m sure you share my sense of being "overwhelmed." I’ve often asked myself, in light of the world’s dilemmas, "What can I do? I’m just one little man!" I mentioned that to the Lord one morning in my prayer time, and His answer nearly blew me away!
"What can you do?" I sensed Him saying as He threw the question back to me. Then, as clearly as I’ve ever felt the Lord tell me something, a new liberating message began to wash through my mind. "H.D., you can do everything I want you to do. Nothing more and nothing less!" The Greek puts it clearly and emphatically to Peter and to each of us in John 21:22: You Me Follow!
My heart was suddenly captured with a new exhilaration for contented action and an overwhelming peace for whatever was ahead of me. Terrorism, the national economic crisis, continued unrest in the Middle East, nations in revolution, the culture war, the church, politics, the terror of AIDS or the American tragedy of abortion, etc., etc. are no longer the biggest issues in my life. Neither are some of the less dramatic and smaller demands and duties which seemed to dominate so much of my time and thinking. Mowing the yard, paying the IRS, taking out the garbage, changing the oil in the car, mailing in the monthly bills, making a run to the grocery store and post office, the honey dos, or keeping up with my modest little investments, etc., etc. are just some of the "everythings" that the Father is pleased for me to accomplish. Seeing the Father’s purpose in it all can easily be missed. That purpose is to use every event in your life … big or small … as a microphone for His Voice. To hear and yield to His Voice is the biggest thing little people can do and it covers all the bases!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Bullet of Satisfaction: True Fulfillment
The world in which we live judges almost everything by the dollar sign and by what one possesses. This subtle spirit has permeated the Christian world as well. We need to radically heed the warning of our Lord and beware of greed, of always wanting “more.” But for many of us, resisting this temptation is difficult because we don’t want to discourage it completely. God has promised to provide an avenue of escape as we confront areas of weakness in life but it won’t help if we keep leaving a forwarding address!
The solution? Stop comparing yourself with those around you and realize that God accepts you as you are. In addition, realize that all you own is a loan from God – it really belongs to Him anyway. As stewards we own nothing but are responsible for everything entrusted to our care. Everything we have is a gift so be grateful and humble. Only then will we understand true satisfaction in life. Only then do we learn the lesson of trusting Christ – not ourselves. Otherwise, we will be like the man in Dallas who had a Rolls Royce with a telephone in it. His friend saw it and decided he needed one too, so he saved and saved and finally bought one. He called his friend and said, “Bob, this is Bill calling from my Rolls Royce.” Bob said, “Can you hold a minute? The other phone is ringing.” The most powerful six letter word in our language to create peace is the word “enough.” To truly yield all things to Christ creates “enough in you” to handle everything else. Remember, noting is enough unless you are enough.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do it all through Him who gives me strength. Paul in Philippians 4:12-13 (my adaptation based on the NIV)
The world in which we live judges almost everything by the dollar sign and by what one possesses. This subtle spirit has permeated the Christian world as well. We need to radically heed the warning of our Lord and beware of greed, of always wanting “more.” But for many of us, resisting this temptation is difficult because we don’t want to discourage it completely. God has promised to provide an avenue of escape as we confront areas of weakness in life but it won’t help if we keep leaving a forwarding address!
The solution? Stop comparing yourself with those around you and realize that God accepts you as you are. In addition, realize that all you own is a loan from God – it really belongs to Him anyway. As stewards we own nothing but are responsible for everything entrusted to our care. Everything we have is a gift so be grateful and humble. Only then will we understand true satisfaction in life. Only then do we learn the lesson of trusting Christ – not ourselves. Otherwise, we will be like the man in Dallas who had a Rolls Royce with a telephone in it. His friend saw it and decided he needed one too, so he saved and saved and finally bought one. He called his friend and said, “Bob, this is Bill calling from my Rolls Royce.” Bob said, “Can you hold a minute? The other phone is ringing.” The most powerful six letter word in our language to create peace is the word “enough.” To truly yield all things to Christ creates “enough in you” to handle everything else. Remember, noting is enough unless you are enough.
I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do it all through Him who gives me strength. Paul in Philippians 4:12-13 (my adaptation based on the NIV)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Bullet of Satisfaction: Insidious Greed
A certain Quaker, in order to impress a lesson upon his neighbors, put up a sign on a vacant piece of ground next to his house which read, “I will give this lot to anyone who is really satisfied.” A wealthy farmer read the sign and said to himself, “Since my Quaker friend is going to give this piece of land away, I might as well have it as anyone one else. I am rich. I have all I need, so I am well able to qualify.” He went up to the door and explained to the aged Quaker why he had come. “And is thee really satisfied?” asked the owner of the lot. “I surely am,” was the reply. “I have all I need, and I am well satisfied.” “Friend,” said the other, “if thee is satisfied, then what does thee want with my lot?”
Jesus addressed the problem of greed many times during His three and a half year ministry. In fact, it was a major issue in His teachings. In Luke 12:15, the apostle records our Lord’s words, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist (hold together, adhere, stick firmly, subsist) in the abundance of his possessions.” Our rule should be to want nothing more and expect noting more except what our Lord desires of us or gives to us. Only that kind of Disciple knows satisfaction in its fullness.
A certain Quaker, in order to impress a lesson upon his neighbors, put up a sign on a vacant piece of ground next to his house which read, “I will give this lot to anyone who is really satisfied.” A wealthy farmer read the sign and said to himself, “Since my Quaker friend is going to give this piece of land away, I might as well have it as anyone one else. I am rich. I have all I need, so I am well able to qualify.” He went up to the door and explained to the aged Quaker why he had come. “And is thee really satisfied?” asked the owner of the lot. “I surely am,” was the reply. “I have all I need, and I am well satisfied.” “Friend,” said the other, “if thee is satisfied, then what does thee want with my lot?”
Jesus addressed the problem of greed many times during His three and a half year ministry. In fact, it was a major issue in His teachings. In Luke 12:15, the apostle records our Lord’s words, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist (hold together, adhere, stick firmly, subsist) in the abundance of his possessions.” Our rule should be to want nothing more and expect noting more except what our Lord desires of us or gives to us. Only that kind of Disciple knows satisfaction in its fullness.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: The Perfect Model – Jesus
If our source of knowledge is a “satanic lie,” then we faith-act on illusion, that, ultimately, with the passage of time, diminishes and destroys us. If our source is “human wisdom” that reflects only our culture, we experience a mixture of good and bad consequences. Even if one’s earth experience is mostly good, there remains a growing spiritual emptiness. Natural living at its best is ultimately powerless to fill a person’s spiritual void and hunger! Without Christ the older we get the hungrier we become for significance and meaning.
Believing satanic lies leads a person into a life of deception, fantasy and waste. Although commitment to human wisdom is often flawed, it can bring temporary good; yet it offers no final solution to our deepest human problems and real needs.
Biblical truth produces “godliness which is profitable for all things” (I Timothy 4:8). The most significant life ever lived was that of the Lord Jesus. He faith-acted on His knowledge of the Father’s will and lived the most magnificent life earth has ever seen and time has ever known. A true Jesus Disciple creates eternal significant in proportion to his or her intake of Truth. Sorry spiritual nutrition and discipleship diets produce weak Christians. Mature Christians have healthy appetites for the Scriptures and for truth everywhere and anywhere they can find it! Massive doses of truth allow them to experience the joy of abundant living. It’s the only way to stay fresh in a world of fatigue! Only Truth as seen in Jesus and truth as grasped in the world will make one godly in a fallen world.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. I Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
If our source of knowledge is a “satanic lie,” then we faith-act on illusion, that, ultimately, with the passage of time, diminishes and destroys us. If our source is “human wisdom” that reflects only our culture, we experience a mixture of good and bad consequences. Even if one’s earth experience is mostly good, there remains a growing spiritual emptiness. Natural living at its best is ultimately powerless to fill a person’s spiritual void and hunger! Without Christ the older we get the hungrier we become for significance and meaning.
Believing satanic lies leads a person into a life of deception, fantasy and waste. Although commitment to human wisdom is often flawed, it can bring temporary good; yet it offers no final solution to our deepest human problems and real needs.
Biblical truth produces “godliness which is profitable for all things” (I Timothy 4:8). The most significant life ever lived was that of the Lord Jesus. He faith-acted on His knowledge of the Father’s will and lived the most magnificent life earth has ever seen and time has ever known. A true Jesus Disciple creates eternal significant in proportion to his or her intake of Truth. Sorry spiritual nutrition and discipleship diets produce weak Christians. Mature Christians have healthy appetites for the Scriptures and for truth everywhere and anywhere they can find it! Massive doses of truth allow them to experience the joy of abundant living. It’s the only way to stay fresh in a world of fatigue! Only Truth as seen in Jesus and truth as grasped in the world will make one godly in a fallen world.
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. I Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: Sources of Knowledge
Scripture seems to indicate three sources of knowledge. First are the lies of Satan; second, the fruit of human wisdom; and third, the truth of a living God. Only these three choices are open to us. They alone are the sources that feed the knowledge banks of our minds.
It is readily apparent why we become what we think. It’s because we can faith-act only in response to what we know … or think we know! These responses and reactions over a period of time mold our character, our contributions, our desires and our destinies.
A beginning pianist learns notes and music (knowledge). She practices vigorously (faith-acts) and becomes (in time) an accomplished musician. Or a discouraged teenager hears that drugs bring release and happiness. He faith-acts on this knowledge and in time becomes a powerless addict! Options are endless for good or bad as we faith-act on our knowledge and face the consequences in time. The more of Christ, Who is the truth of all truth, that I can fill my mind with the more my faith-acts cannot help but increase my conquering in the future!
But solid food (a maximum truth diet) is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV with my annotation)
Scripture seems to indicate three sources of knowledge. First are the lies of Satan; second, the fruit of human wisdom; and third, the truth of a living God. Only these three choices are open to us. They alone are the sources that feed the knowledge banks of our minds.
It is readily apparent why we become what we think. It’s because we can faith-act only in response to what we know … or think we know! These responses and reactions over a period of time mold our character, our contributions, our desires and our destinies.
A beginning pianist learns notes and music (knowledge). She practices vigorously (faith-acts) and becomes (in time) an accomplished musician. Or a discouraged teenager hears that drugs bring release and happiness. He faith-acts on this knowledge and in time becomes a powerless addict! Options are endless for good or bad as we faith-act on our knowledge and face the consequences in time. The more of Christ, Who is the truth of all truth, that I can fill my mind with the more my faith-acts cannot help but increase my conquering in the future!
But solid food (a maximum truth diet) is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 (NIV with my annotation)
Thursday, January 08, 2009
The Bullet of Truth: The Groundwork of Growth
Several years ago I was speaking to a group of pastors on “Staying Fresh in the Ministry.” The committee evidently viewed my thirty-five years, no-quit, non-surrender ministry at one church a valid credential. Certainly, to endure, to persist, to keep playing in spite of pain is one of the most powerful attributes of living. The Greek word for endure in my view means to “stay under the weight of truth.” Don’t run from the pressure of obedience.
It is my conviction that the ability to stay fresh while enduring is totally dependent on massive doses of truth! Increasing your capacity for the knowledge of TRUTH is the first essential in the triad of growth. Authority and significance for living come only through the three essentials of growth in the expansion and discovery of the wonders of the Lord:
1) Knowledge – intake of truth or lie
2) Faith Acts – applications of and response to our level of knowledge
3) Time – reaping the consequences of choices
Of these three, knowledge is the one which primarily separates qualities of living. We all “faith-act” … respond to choices put before us in accordance with our faith (confidence, values). We all have the same amount of “time” … twenty-four hours a day. Yet we do not all possess the same “God-knowledge.” Hence, it is the source of one’s “knowledge” that differentiates the greatness or mediocrity of life. Will our most authentic source be from our own limited conscience, our culture or our Christ?
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Several years ago I was speaking to a group of pastors on “Staying Fresh in the Ministry.” The committee evidently viewed my thirty-five years, no-quit, non-surrender ministry at one church a valid credential. Certainly, to endure, to persist, to keep playing in spite of pain is one of the most powerful attributes of living. The Greek word for endure in my view means to “stay under the weight of truth.” Don’t run from the pressure of obedience.
It is my conviction that the ability to stay fresh while enduring is totally dependent on massive doses of truth! Increasing your capacity for the knowledge of TRUTH is the first essential in the triad of growth. Authority and significance for living come only through the three essentials of growth in the expansion and discovery of the wonders of the Lord:
1) Knowledge – intake of truth or lie
2) Faith Acts – applications of and response to our level of knowledge
3) Time – reaping the consequences of choices
Of these three, knowledge is the one which primarily separates qualities of living. We all “faith-act” … respond to choices put before us in accordance with our faith (confidence, values). We all have the same amount of “time” … twenty-four hours a day. Yet we do not all possess the same “God-knowledge.” Hence, it is the source of one’s “knowledge” that differentiates the greatness or mediocrity of life. Will our most authentic source be from our own limited conscience, our culture or our Christ?
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6 (NIV)
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Three Christmas Angles: The Third Angel
Augustus Creaser was a canny man. He came into power out of the civil war following the assignation of Julius Creaser, his great-uncle and adoptive father. Carefully and intentionally he laid the foundation of an Empire out of the crumbling Republic. Being a strong administrator, he conducted a census in what was to become the birth year of Mary’s Son. In Judea that meant each family went to its tribal center to register. For Joseph and his pregnant wife the long journey to Bethlehem, the home of his ancestors and King David, must have been grueling. Imagine a cold ninety mile trip over rough roads with a pregnant woman on the back of a donkey! At its end, they found the city crowded to overflowing. “No Vacancy” signs were out all over town. Finally, an inn keeper allowed the couple “space in the stable,” out among the animals. It is here that Mary delivered her Son and laid Him in His “bassinet,” a manger … a feeding trough!
This Baby was unique, of the line of kings in a human sense, since his parents were of the House of David, He was also the Son of God, the King of kings … but no one recognized Him as such or even cared. Such a birth had to be announced with fanfare. And it was, but not in the way a royal birth is usually announced. No, this was even more monumental, more exciting, more overwhelming. The heralds to this royal birth were not ordinary men but angels. The crowd they drew was not the rich and famous of Judaea but the smelly and lower class shepherds drawn in from their fields and a motley collection of townsfolk and visitors from far and wide. This crowd foretold the kind of people the King of kings would seek and find. They were all humble enough to respond to His call.
Can you imagine the absolute astonishment and fear that must have overawed the first recipients of the herald’s cry? Put yourself in their place. You are out in the fields doing your job … keeping a night watch over your flocks … sitting by the fire, gossiping with your friends, nodding off for a few winks before you went out to patrol the sleeping animal’s bed ground to be sure no predator, beast or human, was lurking about. Suddenly you are confronted with an unbelievable sight … so glorious and terrifying you fall to your knees as the blaze of glory and sound of revelation surrounded you and your friends. An angel stood right there in front of you:
…. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Luke 2:8-14 (The Message)
When the angels were gone, what would you do? These shepherds discussed their options coolly and collectedly, right? No, they quickly decided this good news had to be shared and off they ran to Bethlehem to confirm for themselves the wonder they had been told. Of course they fond the Baby and his parents just as they had been promised. This glorious conformation set their tongues wagging all the harder and they TOLD everyone they met, all over town, what they had experienced. The town was agog with the news in no time. Human voices now heralded the coming of the King … and they still do!
Three angels! Three different audiences! Three different messages. To a young woman (little more than a girl). To a man. And to a group. Each message was a part of a whole. Each message was what was needed at the time. The first message told a loved one what the Father is doing! I Am in you! The second message told a loved one what to do. I Am with you! The third message told loved ones WHAT TO SEEK. I will save you!
Thank God we have heard Him speak to us the same message. May our voices also join the human chorus!
From all of us at Ventures for Christ, the very warmest Christmas wishes. Bullets for the Battle will not post during the Christmas/New Years Holiday (we will return January 6th). We look forward to a prosperous New Year with you, or valued readers.
Augustus Creaser was a canny man. He came into power out of the civil war following the assignation of Julius Creaser, his great-uncle and adoptive father. Carefully and intentionally he laid the foundation of an Empire out of the crumbling Republic. Being a strong administrator, he conducted a census in what was to become the birth year of Mary’s Son. In Judea that meant each family went to its tribal center to register. For Joseph and his pregnant wife the long journey to Bethlehem, the home of his ancestors and King David, must have been grueling. Imagine a cold ninety mile trip over rough roads with a pregnant woman on the back of a donkey! At its end, they found the city crowded to overflowing. “No Vacancy” signs were out all over town. Finally, an inn keeper allowed the couple “space in the stable,” out among the animals. It is here that Mary delivered her Son and laid Him in His “bassinet,” a manger … a feeding trough!
This Baby was unique, of the line of kings in a human sense, since his parents were of the House of David, He was also the Son of God, the King of kings … but no one recognized Him as such or even cared. Such a birth had to be announced with fanfare. And it was, but not in the way a royal birth is usually announced. No, this was even more monumental, more exciting, more overwhelming. The heralds to this royal birth were not ordinary men but angels. The crowd they drew was not the rich and famous of Judaea but the smelly and lower class shepherds drawn in from their fields and a motley collection of townsfolk and visitors from far and wide. This crowd foretold the kind of people the King of kings would seek and find. They were all humble enough to respond to His call.
Can you imagine the absolute astonishment and fear that must have overawed the first recipients of the herald’s cry? Put yourself in their place. You are out in the fields doing your job … keeping a night watch over your flocks … sitting by the fire, gossiping with your friends, nodding off for a few winks before you went out to patrol the sleeping animal’s bed ground to be sure no predator, beast or human, was lurking about. Suddenly you are confronted with an unbelievable sight … so glorious and terrifying you fall to your knees as the blaze of glory and sound of revelation surrounded you and your friends. An angel stood right there in front of you:
…. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights, Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Luke 2:8-14 (The Message)
When the angels were gone, what would you do? These shepherds discussed their options coolly and collectedly, right? No, they quickly decided this good news had to be shared and off they ran to Bethlehem to confirm for themselves the wonder they had been told. Of course they fond the Baby and his parents just as they had been promised. This glorious conformation set their tongues wagging all the harder and they TOLD everyone they met, all over town, what they had experienced. The town was agog with the news in no time. Human voices now heralded the coming of the King … and they still do!
Three angels! Three different audiences! Three different messages. To a young woman (little more than a girl). To a man. And to a group. Each message was a part of a whole. Each message was what was needed at the time. The first message told a loved one what the Father is doing! I Am in you! The second message told a loved one what to do. I Am with you! The third message told loved ones WHAT TO SEEK. I will save you!
Thank God we have heard Him speak to us the same message. May our voices also join the human chorus!
From all of us at Ventures for Christ, the very warmest Christmas wishes. Bullets for the Battle will not post during the Christmas/New Years Holiday (we will return January 6th). We look forward to a prosperous New Year with you, or valued readers.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Three Christmas Angles: The Second Angel
Time passed. It became apparent that Mary was “with child” (pregnant). Now, everyone knew Mary was a “good girl” but she was also a married woman and apparently she and Joseph had anticipated their wedding a little. What a shame; young people were much too impetuous these days; no respect for tradition, that is what it is, these and similar opinions must have circulated among the neighbors. The problem was, Joseph knew better! He was 100% sure the child his Mary carried was not his.
As we speculate about the character of Joseph we have two solid facts to go on: Scripture calls him a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) and he had been chosen to be the earthly father (stepfather) of the Heavenly Father’s only Son. Joseph must have loved his young wife. The fact that he did not want to disgrace her in public but was contemplating a quiet divorce shows his concern. Consider some of the thoughts that might have run through his mind:
What should he do? He took marriage seriously. It was a solemn promise that affected a family far beyond the partners to the marriage contract. There was a heritage to consider. There was honor to uphold. There was the law that must not be disgraced. On the other hand there was his sweet Mary. He had no desire to hurt her, to cause undue disgrace and punishment. But how could he complete his marriage commitment with another man in the picture? Could he accept another’s child as his own and not let resentment grow toward both the child and its mother? Above all, how could he deal with his deep pain of betrayal? How he wished the answer was simple!
It would be best, surely, to quietly divorce Mary. Then she could turn to her child’s father and they could marry and be the family they should be. It would break his heart to let her go but better to distance himself from her, her folly and the liaison she had contracted that had brought them to this point.
Mary, his good name, Mary, his responsibilities, Mary, what the village would think, Mary, what is right and what is compassionate, Mary … it made his head ache. He wouldn’t disgrace her, no, but he couldn’t stay married to her. There couldn’t be a foundation of trust between them after this. He had to do what was right in God’s sight. He must follow the law but he couldn’t make a mockery of the woman he had loved … no, did love. There had to be an end … for the good of them all, for conscience sake … yes, breaking the marriage contract was the best answer. He would do it, no matter how it hurt; this lesser hurt was preferable to the disgrace of an unfaithful wife.
So Joseph drifted off into a troubled sleep … and into his own encounter with an angel.
… God's angel spoke in (a) dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
Matthew 1:20-21 (The Message)
Joseph, too, found his own encounter with a heavenly messenger persuasive. He shared his own vision with Mary and she must have been even more relieved and overjoyed! He went through with the wedding and brought his Mary home. They both knew that the child she bore was special, so very special, and Joseph determined to wait until He was born before he and this lovely wife consummated their marriage. When “his son” was born he named the baby … JESUS!
Time passed. It became apparent that Mary was “with child” (pregnant). Now, everyone knew Mary was a “good girl” but she was also a married woman and apparently she and Joseph had anticipated their wedding a little. What a shame; young people were much too impetuous these days; no respect for tradition, that is what it is, these and similar opinions must have circulated among the neighbors. The problem was, Joseph knew better! He was 100% sure the child his Mary carried was not his.
As we speculate about the character of Joseph we have two solid facts to go on: Scripture calls him a righteous man (Matthew 1:19) and he had been chosen to be the earthly father (stepfather) of the Heavenly Father’s only Son. Joseph must have loved his young wife. The fact that he did not want to disgrace her in public but was contemplating a quiet divorce shows his concern. Consider some of the thoughts that might have run through his mind:
What should he do? He took marriage seriously. It was a solemn promise that affected a family far beyond the partners to the marriage contract. There was a heritage to consider. There was honor to uphold. There was the law that must not be disgraced. On the other hand there was his sweet Mary. He had no desire to hurt her, to cause undue disgrace and punishment. But how could he complete his marriage commitment with another man in the picture? Could he accept another’s child as his own and not let resentment grow toward both the child and its mother? Above all, how could he deal with his deep pain of betrayal? How he wished the answer was simple!
It would be best, surely, to quietly divorce Mary. Then she could turn to her child’s father and they could marry and be the family they should be. It would break his heart to let her go but better to distance himself from her, her folly and the liaison she had contracted that had brought them to this point.
Mary, his good name, Mary, his responsibilities, Mary, what the village would think, Mary, what is right and what is compassionate, Mary … it made his head ache. He wouldn’t disgrace her, no, but he couldn’t stay married to her. There couldn’t be a foundation of trust between them after this. He had to do what was right in God’s sight. He must follow the law but he couldn’t make a mockery of the woman he had loved … no, did love. There had to be an end … for the good of them all, for conscience sake … yes, breaking the marriage contract was the best answer. He would do it, no matter how it hurt; this lesser hurt was preferable to the disgrace of an unfaithful wife.
So Joseph drifted off into a troubled sleep … and into his own encounter with an angel.
… God's angel spoke in (a) dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term:
Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son;
They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
Matthew 1:20-21 (The Message)
Joseph, too, found his own encounter with a heavenly messenger persuasive. He shared his own vision with Mary and she must have been even more relieved and overjoyed! He went through with the wedding and brought his Mary home. They both knew that the child she bore was special, so very special, and Joseph determined to wait until He was born before he and this lovely wife consummated their marriage. When “his son” was born he named the baby … JESUS!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Three Christmas Angles: The First Angel
In today’s world a marriage is made when the officiating minister or clerk pronounces a man and woman husband and wife. That was not so in the first century in the land of Israel. When a woman entered into a marriage arrangement, a betrothal, she was OFFICIALLY married even before she was claimed by the bridegroom and the dowry paid to her family. In modern terms, she was married before the wedding.
Rome ruled the land that God had given Israel at the beginning of our current era (A.D.). A king, Herod Antipas, sat on the throne but he was a puppet of this distant super power. Unrest and rebellion were always just under the surface in this troubled land but the Pax Romana extended even here. People still went about their business more or less normally.
The map of the land of Israel changed several times as the Roman Empire brought the area firmly under its control. In general it was called first Judea then Palestine. At the end of the era before Christ (B.C.), a large political unit of the northern part of Judea was called Galilee. Less than ten miles from the lake of the same name was the village of Nazareth. A hill town, situated at the southern end of the Lebanon Mountains, it was home to a young woman named Mary. She was married (betrothed) to a man, Joseph, but the wedding had yet to take place. Like most other young women, Mary must have anticipated her wedding with both trepidation and delight. Things were going well until an astonishing thing happened. An angel from God, Gabriel, appeared to her and greeted her with an incredible announcement. It is hard to imagine which Mary found the most amazing … the angel or his message.
Good morning!
In today’s world a marriage is made when the officiating minister or clerk pronounces a man and woman husband and wife. That was not so in the first century in the land of Israel. When a woman entered into a marriage arrangement, a betrothal, she was OFFICIALLY married even before she was claimed by the bridegroom and the dowry paid to her family. In modern terms, she was married before the wedding.
Rome ruled the land that God had given Israel at the beginning of our current era (A.D.). A king, Herod Antipas, sat on the throne but he was a puppet of this distant super power. Unrest and rebellion were always just under the surface in this troubled land but the Pax Romana extended even here. People still went about their business more or less normally.
The map of the land of Israel changed several times as the Roman Empire brought the area firmly under its control. In general it was called first Judea then Palestine. At the end of the era before Christ (B.C.), a large political unit of the northern part of Judea was called Galilee. Less than ten miles from the lake of the same name was the village of Nazareth. A hill town, situated at the southern end of the Lebanon Mountains, it was home to a young woman named Mary. She was married (betrothed) to a man, Joseph, but the wedding had yet to take place. Like most other young women, Mary must have anticipated her wedding with both trepidation and delight. Things were going well until an astonishing thing happened. An angel from God, Gabriel, appeared to her and greeted her with an incredible announcement. It is hard to imagine which Mary found the most amazing … the angel or his message.
Good morning!
You're beautiful with God's beauty,
Beautiful inside and out!
God be with you.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
She was thoroughly shaken, wondering what was behind a greeting like that. But the angel assured her, "Mary, you have nothing to fear. God has a surprise for you: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son and call his name Jesus.
He will be great,
be called 'Son of the Highest.'
The Lord God will give him
the throne of his father David;
He will rule Jacob's house forever—
no end, ever, to his kingdom."
Mary said to the angel, "But how? I've never slept with a man."
The angel answered,
Mary said to the angel, "But how? I've never slept with a man."
The angel answered,
The Holy Spirit will come upon you,
the power of the Highest hover over you;
Therefore, the child you bring to birth
will be called Holy, Son of God.
will be called Holy, Son of God.
“And did you know that your cousin Elizabeth conceived a son, old as she is? Everyone called her barren, and here she is six months pregnant! Nothing, you see, is impossible with God."
And Mary said, Yes, I see it all now:
I'm the Lord's maid, ready to serve.
Let it be with me just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Let it be with me just as you say.
Then the angel left her.
Mary hurried off to her cousin’s house where she found everything just as the Angel had said. Elizabeth was expecting … and so was she! How her heart must have burned and churned with the wonder and the dread of it! There was one duty, though, that must have weighed heavily on her. Joseph must be told of her condition very soon. She must have wondered … what would he do?
Image of Nazereth from The Holy Land Book (1842) by David Roberts
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The Bullet of Marriage: A Powerful Solution to Relationship Woes
Just living together evidently doesn’t free one from legal responsibilities either. The California Supreme Court famously ordered actor Lee Marvin to pay “alimony” to the woman he had lived with for six years. Couples who live together “as though married” may be asked to divide their property “as though divorcing.”
Lacking a ceremony to define the relationship, couples usually move into an apartment together without ever stating their goals. One twenty-three year old woman stated that their relationship seemed to jump between, “I’m unhappy” to, “Who gets the cat?” They were afraid to be honest because they feared rejection if real angers, fears, needs and problems were brought up!
Score another one for Jesus, folks! His plan of how a man and woman can best handle their nature and the gift of sex can’t be improved upon or escaped. Just because people … both inside and outside the church … don’t heed God’s law of love and sex doesn’t put His idea of marriage out of date.
Marriage as God intended it to be is a permanent love arrangement symbolized by a ceremony (social) and sex (spiritual). Real marriage is a commitment to the community as well as to one another. It won’t work any other way! Thousands of men and women who mock God’s intentions for marriage are finding out that you don’t have to be married to suffer!
Just living together evidently doesn’t free one from legal responsibilities either. The California Supreme Court famously ordered actor Lee Marvin to pay “alimony” to the woman he had lived with for six years. Couples who live together “as though married” may be asked to divide their property “as though divorcing.”
Lacking a ceremony to define the relationship, couples usually move into an apartment together without ever stating their goals. One twenty-three year old woman stated that their relationship seemed to jump between, “I’m unhappy” to, “Who gets the cat?” They were afraid to be honest because they feared rejection if real angers, fears, needs and problems were brought up!
Score another one for Jesus, folks! His plan of how a man and woman can best handle their nature and the gift of sex can’t be improved upon or escaped. Just because people … both inside and outside the church … don’t heed God’s law of love and sex doesn’t put His idea of marriage out of date.
Marriage as God intended it to be is a permanent love arrangement symbolized by a ceremony (social) and sex (spiritual). Real marriage is a commitment to the community as well as to one another. It won’t work any other way! Thousands of men and women who mock God’s intentions for marriage are finding out that you don’t have to be married to suffer!
Thursday, December 04, 2008
The Bullet of Marriage: More Than Living Together
Two things must be made clear about the Biblical teaching on sex and marriage. First, marriage is the general will for most men and women but many are called to a single state, equally blessed by God (I Corinthians 7:7). Second, sex is intended for pleasure and not procreation only (I Corinthians 7:2).
The Bible view of marriage is being lightly taken by millions of Americans. The militants are advocating alternate life styles of homosexuality and lesbianism as well as free (or no contract) marriages. Just “living together” has been the gospel of the “free sex” prophets since the 1960s. Marriage was “out.” Come and go was “in.” (Incidentally, true sex isn’t free … it costs!)
But the truth has reared up and slapped the “just living together” folks in the face. Today, marriage counselors and family therapists report a marked increase in their caseloads of “unmarried couples”!
One co-habiting couple having serious problems were advised to just break up, split and find someone else. To this, the distraught female member answered, “I couldn’t bear to go through a divorce, married or not!”
One counselor analyzes such couple’s difficulty by saying they experience “fear of abandonment” and “fear of closeness.” Real marriage, the symbol of a permanent love commitment, eliminates both. Real love says to each partner, “I want to know all about you and I’ll never leave you.” Or as the Scripture put it, “… and the man and his wife were both naked (total closeness and openness) and they were not ashamed (no fear of being rejected)” (Genesis 2:25).
Two things must be made clear about the Biblical teaching on sex and marriage. First, marriage is the general will for most men and women but many are called to a single state, equally blessed by God (I Corinthians 7:7). Second, sex is intended for pleasure and not procreation only (I Corinthians 7:2).
The Bible view of marriage is being lightly taken by millions of Americans. The militants are advocating alternate life styles of homosexuality and lesbianism as well as free (or no contract) marriages. Just “living together” has been the gospel of the “free sex” prophets since the 1960s. Marriage was “out.” Come and go was “in.” (Incidentally, true sex isn’t free … it costs!)
But the truth has reared up and slapped the “just living together” folks in the face. Today, marriage counselors and family therapists report a marked increase in their caseloads of “unmarried couples”!
One co-habiting couple having serious problems were advised to just break up, split and find someone else. To this, the distraught female member answered, “I couldn’t bear to go through a divorce, married or not!”
One counselor analyzes such couple’s difficulty by saying they experience “fear of abandonment” and “fear of closeness.” Real marriage, the symbol of a permanent love commitment, eliminates both. Real love says to each partner, “I want to know all about you and I’ll never leave you.” Or as the Scripture put it, “… and the man and his wife were both naked (total closeness and openness) and they were not ashamed (no fear of being rejected)” (Genesis 2:25).
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
The Bullet of Marriage: One Man and One Woman
Jesus Christ said, “A man should leave father and mother, cleave (be permanently faithful) to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. What God joins together let no man separate!” (Matthew 19:5-6).
Clearly, God’s major purpose with the sexes is for one man and one woman to become one. Two men can’t become one! Two women can’t become one! Ultimately, sex is but a symbol of “love unity” between a man and woman who have been given the capacity to create life in their own image. Homosexual or lesbian relationships can never create life.
One of the cutest expressions I’ve heard along this line is that if God had intended homosexuality to be right and to fulfill His intentions He would have put Adam and Bruce in the Garden of Eden rather than Adam and Eve!
Jesus Christ said, “A man should leave father and mother, cleave (be permanently faithful) to his wife and the two shall become one flesh. What God joins together let no man separate!” (Matthew 19:5-6).
Clearly, God’s major purpose with the sexes is for one man and one woman to become one. Two men can’t become one! Two women can’t become one! Ultimately, sex is but a symbol of “love unity” between a man and woman who have been given the capacity to create life in their own image. Homosexual or lesbian relationships can never create life.
One of the cutest expressions I’ve heard along this line is that if God had intended homosexuality to be right and to fulfill His intentions He would have put Adam and Bruce in the Garden of Eden rather than Adam and Eve!
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