The Bullet of Scripture: Story Telling, Old and New
Let’s travel back in our imagination a couple of thousand years. You are one of the followers of Messiah Jesus. It is a clear evening. The sun has just set and you and your friends make yourselves comfortable around a brightly flickering camp fire. It’s been a long day. You’ve had a good meal. Everyone is ready to relax for awhile before going to sleep. You are enjoying a well deserved rest after a fatiguing day of walking, healing, ministering and listening to the Word of God spoken by the Master. Everyone quiets as the Savior begins to tell a story. This is a good one even though He has told it before: “There was a man who was a beggar. His name was Lazarus …”
This “Man,” Jesus, Who tells Lazarus’ story (Luke 16:19-31) never wrote a book. In fact, this well-loved account was not written down until after His death. It was at that time transferred from memory to “paper.” There were options even then. Writing could be done on parchment with a bamboo “fountain pen” invented by the Romans. Another common way of writing was to use wooden tablets covered in wax. Writing was created by incising the wax with a stylus. This was a pencil-sized instrument of iron (as noted in ancient Roman texts on writing) or bone or wood or other hard materials that could leave an impression in the wax. A stylus could even have an “eraser” end to smooth away errors or unwanted text.
The years passed. The text was copied over and over again by different hands using a variety of papers and writing instruments. From somewhere around 700 A.D. onward, the quill pen was commonly used to make these handwritten books. By the year 1424, the library of the great university of Cambridge, England, had a total of 122 parchment books, each worth the price of a farm or vineyard!
Then there was a revolution; spurred by the increasing demand for reasonably priced books by a growing, educated middle class. This new technology of the printing press was as earthshaking as the gift of writing itself. At the forefront of this technological revolution was a German goldsmith by the name of Johannes Gutenberg. He is credited with inventing the first European printing press with moveable type in the year 1440. His first substantive project … the famous Gutenberg Bible … included the story of the beggar Lazarus!
Just over a half-a-millennium later a new revolution is changing the way people interact with this ancient story. In preparing this article, we searched for and then read the text of Luke off a computer screen. The experience of receiving the story of Lazarus and his rich neighbor has changed. There are several fascinating implications in this change but, above and beyond all other considerations, is the fact that after some 2,000 years his bit of history is still being told. The stunning revelation of this story is not so much in its content. It is the fact that when God in flesh walked the earth He took the time to select this particular story and tell it instead of thousands of other options! That the Messiah Himself should use such an illustration of poverty, hopelessness, sores and dogs is as astonishing and remarkable as the story itself! What a wonder is the Mind of God!
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores…” Luke 16: 19-21
The point of this great piece of biography is that no matter how bad things are for you on earth they are temporary. They cannot keep you from spending eternity in the Presence of God. Quit complaining. Have no pity parties. The depth of your poverty and suffering could be the very instruments that opened up your eternity to the Lord of Life. Read the Scriptures … this one from Luke and the hundreds of other verses where the Lord has spoken clearly! Put your hope in God’s Voice, not miracles, not circumstances, not the temporary. Lazarus listened, evidently sought to obey, even in his poverty, and waited! For 2,000 years now millions have heard his story. It is the story of a nobody who became somebody because Jesus called his name! Our Lord is saying this is the destiny of all who will listen and think the way Lazarus did!
“The Father said that if people won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets (the Scripture), they won’t listen to someone even if he comes back from the dead!” … “When Lazarus died the angels took him into the Presence …” Luke 16:22, 31
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
The 4th of July: Freedom, Independence and Interdependence for All
“It is no small thing to build a new world, Gentlemen.” These are Benjamin Franklin’s words in John Adams, the powerful historical mini-series chronicling the birth and infancy of our nation. Truly it was no small thing when the members of the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Knowing they were about to embark on an adventure that would cost them dearly, they concluded the document with these words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
The new world these men pledged to build would be birthed in “blood, sweat and tears.” With agony, frustration, doubt, bickering, disagreement, anger, fear, worry, pain, betrayal, courage, bravery and sheer determination the leaders of our nation set about giving form to “their ideal government” of free men. The liberated and independent country they envisioned had never before been known on earth! To their advantage, the American Colonies were well endowed with rich farms and prosperous communities, even cities; in comparison with much of the rest of the world, including England, Americans were becoming rich. On the other hand, they were facing the supreme military power in the world at that time, Great Britain. In defiance of the odds, this militarily insignificant group of colonies demanded more than just equality under British law … they demanded Independence! That July day they had no army, no navy, no government, no allies, no unanimous loyalty, no proven national leaders, no facilities, no financial reserves, etc. … yet they took on the most powerful nation in the world … and won! Even more amazing, a large portion of the American population didn’t want it to happen. Thousands declared themselves to be loyalists to the British government, or Tories, and actually fought with the English against the vision of the Founders!
Being men of reality and understanding, they realized that this dream could only come about if they covenanted together, fought and died together, sacrificed together and overcame their differences together. As much as they wanted independence from England they needed interdependence among themselves to achieve it. Their wonderful blend of freedom and dependence is magnificently stated in the Declaration of Independence and our American Constitution. The roots of these revolutionary documents are a balance of secular “enlightenment” thought and the truth realities expressed in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Our Lord Himself tells us that He came to make mankind free, free to be part of the Father’s family and to break free from the world’s tyranny of idols and illusions: “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:35-36). The same thought is echoed in the words of the Apostle Paul: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Let me confidently state that the United States would never have come into being had our Founding Fathers sought to have built it on the Koran rather than the Scriptures of Moses and Jesus!
Just as the colonists set about building a nation of free men, the Lord Jesus preceded them by coming to earth to build a worldwide family of free human beings. Their gender, color, employment, heritage, nationality or any other distinction created by human thinking or natural consequences was a secondary consideration! Think about another “Declaration” of our Lord’s purpose in the story of another seeker after Truth. This man, named Nicodemus, was a religious leader yet still did not comprehend the relationship of the natural and the supernatural!
One thing you can be sure of, controversy always sprang up easily when Jesus spoke out against the legalistic leaders of the Jews. But not all those leaders were indifferent to His words. One man who was eager to know more was Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a member of the ruling Jewish council. He came under the cover of night to the Master to ask the questions that had pricked his mind for a long time. He understood that the miracles Jesus performed could only be done by a Man of God. Yet he was confused and unsure of the message and the Man Who delivered it. This was not the teaching of the established experts. Jesus spoke, not with “degreed learning” but with “convicting authority.” He made statements, like “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus’ mind refused to step outside the box and see the point the Teacher was making. At the end of the interview Jesus gave him, and us, His own “Declaration of Independence”:
These words and their full meaning are too exalted and deep for our tiny minds and hearts. Yet we do comprehend enough of their truth to be compelled to seek the hope of greater things. We too, like our Founding Fathers, can see the great beginning and hope of a still unrealized America … and we too “still press on!” The Founders of our country had this great “Declaration of True Freedom” to undergird their understanding and commitment as they crafted a new nation that would “… establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity …” (preamble of The Constitution of the United States).
We are exceedingly blessed to live in the United States, the country that came out of the Declaration of Independence presented to its citizens that July of 1776. We enjoy and prosper from the benefits of our heritage of freedom as Americans. As we celebrate the birth of our nation this coming weekend, our major emotions should be reflection and gratitude. Let us recall again the words of The Signers and join afresh in their resolve! “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
No nation on earth has ever brought more peace, prosperity, liberty and opportunity to its people than the United States of America. Our system of government, freedom, power and benefits is the most successful in history for the maximum number of its citizens. Truly, our Founding Fathers and our Founding Generation have been our greatest friends in giving us our way of life. If our hearts are noble, the choices before us are clear. We, too, must mutually pledge anew in our current crisis our reliance on God. We, too, must mutually pledge to others our fortunes, our honor and, if necessary, our lives!
“… greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends!” The Lord Christ in John 15:13
“It is no small thing to build a new world, Gentlemen.” These are Benjamin Franklin’s words in John Adams, the powerful historical mini-series chronicling the birth and infancy of our nation. Truly it was no small thing when the members of the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Knowing they were about to embark on an adventure that would cost them dearly, they concluded the document with these words, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
The new world these men pledged to build would be birthed in “blood, sweat and tears.” With agony, frustration, doubt, bickering, disagreement, anger, fear, worry, pain, betrayal, courage, bravery and sheer determination the leaders of our nation set about giving form to “their ideal government” of free men. The liberated and independent country they envisioned had never before been known on earth! To their advantage, the American Colonies were well endowed with rich farms and prosperous communities, even cities; in comparison with much of the rest of the world, including England, Americans were becoming rich. On the other hand, they were facing the supreme military power in the world at that time, Great Britain. In defiance of the odds, this militarily insignificant group of colonies demanded more than just equality under British law … they demanded Independence! That July day they had no army, no navy, no government, no allies, no unanimous loyalty, no proven national leaders, no facilities, no financial reserves, etc. … yet they took on the most powerful nation in the world … and won! Even more amazing, a large portion of the American population didn’t want it to happen. Thousands declared themselves to be loyalists to the British government, or Tories, and actually fought with the English against the vision of the Founders!
Being men of reality and understanding, they realized that this dream could only come about if they covenanted together, fought and died together, sacrificed together and overcame their differences together. As much as they wanted independence from England they needed interdependence among themselves to achieve it. Their wonderful blend of freedom and dependence is magnificently stated in the Declaration of Independence and our American Constitution. The roots of these revolutionary documents are a balance of secular “enlightenment” thought and the truth realities expressed in the Judeo-Christian tradition.
Our Lord Himself tells us that He came to make mankind free, free to be part of the Father’s family and to break free from the world’s tyranny of idols and illusions: “Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:35-36). The same thought is echoed in the words of the Apostle Paul: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Let me confidently state that the United States would never have come into being had our Founding Fathers sought to have built it on the Koran rather than the Scriptures of Moses and Jesus!
Just as the colonists set about building a nation of free men, the Lord Jesus preceded them by coming to earth to build a worldwide family of free human beings. Their gender, color, employment, heritage, nationality or any other distinction created by human thinking or natural consequences was a secondary consideration! Think about another “Declaration” of our Lord’s purpose in the story of another seeker after Truth. This man, named Nicodemus, was a religious leader yet still did not comprehend the relationship of the natural and the supernatural!
One thing you can be sure of, controversy always sprang up easily when Jesus spoke out against the legalistic leaders of the Jews. But not all those leaders were indifferent to His words. One man who was eager to know more was Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a member of the ruling Jewish council. He came under the cover of night to the Master to ask the questions that had pricked his mind for a long time. He understood that the miracles Jesus performed could only be done by a Man of God. Yet he was confused and unsure of the message and the Man Who delivered it. This was not the teaching of the established experts. Jesus spoke, not with “degreed learning” but with “convicting authority.” He made statements, like “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus’ mind refused to step outside the box and see the point the Teacher was making. At the end of the interview Jesus gave him, and us, His own “Declaration of Independence”:
“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze snake in the wilderness, (for the people to look and be healed) so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not waste away to nothing but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the Name of God's one and only Son. This is the final verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:12-21
These words and their full meaning are too exalted and deep for our tiny minds and hearts. Yet we do comprehend enough of their truth to be compelled to seek the hope of greater things. We too, like our Founding Fathers, can see the great beginning and hope of a still unrealized America … and we too “still press on!” The Founders of our country had this great “Declaration of True Freedom” to undergird their understanding and commitment as they crafted a new nation that would “… establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity …” (preamble of The Constitution of the United States).
We are exceedingly blessed to live in the United States, the country that came out of the Declaration of Independence presented to its citizens that July of 1776. We enjoy and prosper from the benefits of our heritage of freedom as Americans. As we celebrate the birth of our nation this coming weekend, our major emotions should be reflection and gratitude. Let us recall again the words of The Signers and join afresh in their resolve! “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
No nation on earth has ever brought more peace, prosperity, liberty and opportunity to its people than the United States of America. Our system of government, freedom, power and benefits is the most successful in history for the maximum number of its citizens. Truly, our Founding Fathers and our Founding Generation have been our greatest friends in giving us our way of life. If our hearts are noble, the choices before us are clear. We, too, must mutually pledge anew in our current crisis our reliance on God. We, too, must mutually pledge to others our fortunes, our honor and, if necessary, our lives!
“… greater love has no one than this; that he lay down his life for his friends!” The Lord Christ in John 15:13
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Bullet of New Life in Christ: Our Great Testimony
We should welcome all of our little “death circumstances.” “We who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake” (II Cor. 4:11). The Father wants us aware enough of death (despairs) so we will wake up to our life (delights) in Jesus. See every job loss, broken relationship, family crisis, personal rejection, depressed moment, wasted opportunity, sick regret, financial fear, hopeless expectation, honest emptiness, political agony, health concern, enduring sadness, tough time and, yes, even your secret besetting sin(s), etc. as a revealed death for Jesus’ sake. Learning to “put” each of these existential events, wounds, frustrations, disappointments and thoughts “in Christ” turns them eventually into “doors of deliverance.” All other doors are dead ends.
It is in honestly seeing the utter tragic reality of DEATH, but then handling its cruel hopelessness the way Jesus handled it, that you “feed yourself” with the triumphant hope of the Savior’s kind of LIFE! Blessed are those who “work out” this kind of transition from all of their inevitable “death situations.” To do so is to learn the sweet meaning of our whole and complete salvation! (Phil. 2:12). None of us will ever grasp salvation’s fullness, but we are increasingly assured that there is a fullness there to be grasped.
Remember, it is the Lord Who “puts” us on the death path so that, for Jesus’ sake, we can discover the life path (II Cor. 2:11). Death to my lower, pygmy agenda enables me to live for the Savior’s higher, giant agenda for my life.
It is for our good and deliverance that we taste death just as Jesus did on the cross. Read Isaiah 53 with this thought in mind! Being human without the Presence of God is death. All who truly experience this death reality, so evident in this world, hunger to find or create a path to life. The Lord Christ has shown us that path. He walked through death to the cross on His way to life … resurrection. This is our path as well. If we pursue walking “in His steps” we will find it.
“ONLY GREAT TESTING ENABLES ONE TO GIVE A GREAT TESTIMONY.” And the Lord Jesus said, “I Am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I Am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of absolute control over death and the powers of Hell” (Rev. 1:18).
To learn the details of our dying for Jesus sake is to find our life in Christ for our own sake! This is “the hidden life” that in Him will keep on increasing and that will last forever!
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, makes Himself real at His coming, then the significance of all He has done for you will also be made real for all to see!” Colossians 3:3-4
We should welcome all of our little “death circumstances.” “We who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake” (II Cor. 4:11). The Father wants us aware enough of death (despairs) so we will wake up to our life (delights) in Jesus. See every job loss, broken relationship, family crisis, personal rejection, depressed moment, wasted opportunity, sick regret, financial fear, hopeless expectation, honest emptiness, political agony, health concern, enduring sadness, tough time and, yes, even your secret besetting sin(s), etc. as a revealed death for Jesus’ sake. Learning to “put” each of these existential events, wounds, frustrations, disappointments and thoughts “in Christ” turns them eventually into “doors of deliverance.” All other doors are dead ends.
It is in honestly seeing the utter tragic reality of DEATH, but then handling its cruel hopelessness the way Jesus handled it, that you “feed yourself” with the triumphant hope of the Savior’s kind of LIFE! Blessed are those who “work out” this kind of transition from all of their inevitable “death situations.” To do so is to learn the sweet meaning of our whole and complete salvation! (Phil. 2:12). None of us will ever grasp salvation’s fullness, but we are increasingly assured that there is a fullness there to be grasped.
Remember, it is the Lord Who “puts” us on the death path so that, for Jesus’ sake, we can discover the life path (II Cor. 2:11). Death to my lower, pygmy agenda enables me to live for the Savior’s higher, giant agenda for my life.
It is for our good and deliverance that we taste death just as Jesus did on the cross. Read Isaiah 53 with this thought in mind! Being human without the Presence of God is death. All who truly experience this death reality, so evident in this world, hunger to find or create a path to life. The Lord Christ has shown us that path. He walked through death to the cross on His way to life … resurrection. This is our path as well. If we pursue walking “in His steps” we will find it.
“ONLY GREAT TESTING ENABLES ONE TO GIVE A GREAT TESTIMONY.” And the Lord Jesus said, “I Am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I Am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of absolute control over death and the powers of Hell” (Rev. 1:18).
To learn the details of our dying for Jesus sake is to find our life in Christ for our own sake! This is “the hidden life” that in Him will keep on increasing and that will last forever!
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, makes Himself real at His coming, then the significance of all He has done for you will also be made real for all to see!” Colossians 3:3-4
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
The Bullet of New Life in Christ: LIFE in His Presence
“I am always being delivered from everything” are some of Paul’s greatest words! (II Cor. 2:14). They describe how the Christ Life is possessed, experienced and expressed by the Cross Disciple who keeps on seeking, asking, knocking, thinking, praying, studying and finding his or her death to “the self life.” It is a tragedy to live the kind of life that is void of the presence, power, promises and pleasures of the Godhead! Only when the old self life is continually put to death in our thinking does our new Christ Life self increasingly come alive in our awareness. My “self” does not cease to exist but becomes its “true self” as I “put” or place “myself” into the purposes and aspirations of the high ambitions the Father has for me in Christ Jesus! (II Cor. 2:14-17). Paul goes on to describe some of these specifics in II Corinthians four:
“But we have this treasure (our possession of Christ Life potential) in jars of clay (our sinful earth bodies) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; knocked down, but never knocked out. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” II Corinthians 4:7-12
This fallen world, dominated by its illusions, delusions and confusions, is destined for diminishment, death and destruction. Cross Disciples must be vigilant to see the truth of this hopelessness in an authentic and vigorous way! This means we must learn to accept this crippled, blind and helpless culture just as the Father says it is! We must all taste in different degrees the desperate despair and the deadening habits of spiritual emptiness. This comes on us, of course, from pursuing life without the Presence of God. We must learn to “carry the weight” of this struggle with us throughout our daily pressures. Our hope for deliverance is to take up (add) more cross … not less! Only then are we increasingly freed from our bondage to dullness and insignificance by the “praise realities” of Jesus, Who we sense more fully is vitally alive within us. This is what it means to be “in Christ” … to experience that He really is the Truth about everything! Our hearts are then flooded with a growing joy by that discovery! (John 14:6 and 15:11).
The more we recognize the disaster of sin around us and within us the more eagerly and “abandonly” do we seek the depths of Christ’s Voice. The weight of knowing He had to die drives us to His solutions for ourselves and for this fallen and conflicted world. Our hearts find a newer and higher burden for existence. It is then that the Father uses our personal cross death to what isn’t to show through us to others how we are alive to what is! We are Christ’s agents to floundering people! We are “standing by the door” to the Kingdom of Messiah Love. Our goal is to reveal the Savior’s invitation to life over death to all who will “risk” believing He loves them and wants them. Our goal is to let them smell the fragrance of Christ upon us and want it for themselves (II Cor. 2:14-17). We know experientially that they will not be disappointed. The story of our own floundering and how we are escaping from it is too exciting to be quiet about!
“… and who is equal to such a task? … we are certainly not competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as servants of His new promise (covenant).” II Corinthians 2:16b; 3:3-6
“I am always being delivered from everything” are some of Paul’s greatest words! (II Cor. 2:14). They describe how the Christ Life is possessed, experienced and expressed by the Cross Disciple who keeps on seeking, asking, knocking, thinking, praying, studying and finding his or her death to “the self life.” It is a tragedy to live the kind of life that is void of the presence, power, promises and pleasures of the Godhead! Only when the old self life is continually put to death in our thinking does our new Christ Life self increasingly come alive in our awareness. My “self” does not cease to exist but becomes its “true self” as I “put” or place “myself” into the purposes and aspirations of the high ambitions the Father has for me in Christ Jesus! (II Cor. 2:14-17). Paul goes on to describe some of these specifics in II Corinthians four:
“But we have this treasure (our possession of Christ Life potential) in jars of clay (our sinful earth bodies) to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; knocked down, but never knocked out. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that his life may be revealed in our mortal body. So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you.” II Corinthians 4:7-12
This fallen world, dominated by its illusions, delusions and confusions, is destined for diminishment, death and destruction. Cross Disciples must be vigilant to see the truth of this hopelessness in an authentic and vigorous way! This means we must learn to accept this crippled, blind and helpless culture just as the Father says it is! We must all taste in different degrees the desperate despair and the deadening habits of spiritual emptiness. This comes on us, of course, from pursuing life without the Presence of God. We must learn to “carry the weight” of this struggle with us throughout our daily pressures. Our hope for deliverance is to take up (add) more cross … not less! Only then are we increasingly freed from our bondage to dullness and insignificance by the “praise realities” of Jesus, Who we sense more fully is vitally alive within us. This is what it means to be “in Christ” … to experience that He really is the Truth about everything! Our hearts are then flooded with a growing joy by that discovery! (John 14:6 and 15:11).
The more we recognize the disaster of sin around us and within us the more eagerly and “abandonly” do we seek the depths of Christ’s Voice. The weight of knowing He had to die drives us to His solutions for ourselves and for this fallen and conflicted world. Our hearts find a newer and higher burden for existence. It is then that the Father uses our personal cross death to what isn’t to show through us to others how we are alive to what is! We are Christ’s agents to floundering people! We are “standing by the door” to the Kingdom of Messiah Love. Our goal is to reveal the Savior’s invitation to life over death to all who will “risk” believing He loves them and wants them. Our goal is to let them smell the fragrance of Christ upon us and want it for themselves (II Cor. 2:14-17). We know experientially that they will not be disappointed. The story of our own floundering and how we are escaping from it is too exciting to be quiet about!
“… and who is equal to such a task? … we are certainly not competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as servants of His new promise (covenant).” II Corinthians 2:16b; 3:3-6
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
The Bullet of New Life in Christ: Eating the Meal that Lasts Forever
When we eat from the Lord’s Table we experience the joy of increasing strength even though the process of “digesting” spiritual energy is too complex to fully understand. Very few people come even close to comprehending all that constantly goes on in the human body. Even fewer rarely recognize the complexities of our spiritual assimilation as we merge our hearts with the Spirit of God. If we get our sleep and do it in a healthy way, our body wakes refreshed! Likewise, if we keep yielding our spirit to the prompting of His Spirit, all that needs to happen to us will happen, whether we comprehend it or not. As we experience the presence of the Savior’s spiritual provision and renewal, we hunger for more. Healthy Cross Disciples are always ready for more of the delicious, exotic and nourishing truth meals (as well as revelation snacks) that constantly satisfy their hunger for the God Picture of reality. Blessed is the Disciple who delights in eating both sustaining physical meals as well as transforming spiritual meals! That’s how the Father designed it! He intends for us to participate in both processes so we might be built up and complete human beings who reflect His wondrous intentions. As our Lord so clearly put it, “A body Thou hast prepared for Me … ” and “Lo, I have come to do Thy will, oh God” (Heb. 10:5-7). The Master had a body to care for physically and a heart to yield spiritually to the Father! So do we!
Learning how “to eat the bread and drink the blood of our Lord” is no light thing. Here are my exploratory thoughts in response to these words of the Master’s in John 6:52-59. To misunderstand this teaching is to miss the experience of the nourished spiritual life.
If we strive to live a continuously enlightened existence from faithful “cross taking,” we will come to recognize and more rightly respond to the sources of destruction and the sources of delight. These two options constantly press upon us. Only two “path choices” for our “being” are before us:
I. There is a Life Path that Leads to Death: Destruction
“There is no rest for the wicked” (Those who ignore God) (Is. 57:20)
A. My Path is Self Illusion = Deception by my Foolishness …
When we eat from the Lord’s Table we experience the joy of increasing strength even though the process of “digesting” spiritual energy is too complex to fully understand. Very few people come even close to comprehending all that constantly goes on in the human body. Even fewer rarely recognize the complexities of our spiritual assimilation as we merge our hearts with the Spirit of God. If we get our sleep and do it in a healthy way, our body wakes refreshed! Likewise, if we keep yielding our spirit to the prompting of His Spirit, all that needs to happen to us will happen, whether we comprehend it or not. As we experience the presence of the Savior’s spiritual provision and renewal, we hunger for more. Healthy Cross Disciples are always ready for more of the delicious, exotic and nourishing truth meals (as well as revelation snacks) that constantly satisfy their hunger for the God Picture of reality. Blessed is the Disciple who delights in eating both sustaining physical meals as well as transforming spiritual meals! That’s how the Father designed it! He intends for us to participate in both processes so we might be built up and complete human beings who reflect His wondrous intentions. As our Lord so clearly put it, “A body Thou hast prepared for Me … ” and “Lo, I have come to do Thy will, oh God” (Heb. 10:5-7). The Master had a body to care for physically and a heart to yield spiritually to the Father! So do we!
Learning how “to eat the bread and drink the blood of our Lord” is no light thing. Here are my exploratory thoughts in response to these words of the Master’s in John 6:52-59. To misunderstand this teaching is to miss the experience of the nourished spiritual life.
If we strive to live a continuously enlightened existence from faithful “cross taking,” we will come to recognize and more rightly respond to the sources of destruction and the sources of delight. These two options constantly press upon us. Only two “path choices” for our “being” are before us:
I. There is a Life Path that Leads to Death: Destruction
“There is no rest for the wicked” (Those who ignore God) (Is. 57:20)
A. My Path is Self Illusion = Deception by my Foolishness …
“The lust of the flesh controls me”
B. My Path is Culture Delusion = Diminishment with their Trivia …
“Lust of the eyes controls me"
C. My Path is Satanic Confusion = Destruction from his Hatred …
“My pride in life will control me”
Based on I John 2:15-17
II. There is a Death Path that Leads to Life: Delight
“I die daily,” Paul in I Corinthians 15:31
A. My Path Receives the Father’s Intrusion = A New Creation
( the Creator)He sent the Son of God
B. My Path Seeks the Son’s Infusion = A Full Redemption
(the Redeemer)He is the Son of God
C. My Path Accepts the Spirit’s Conclusions = An Ultimate Perfection
(the Perfecter)He reveals the Son of God
Based on II Corinthians 5:11-21
If you live to “eat” the destructions of self, culture and the demonic, you die! If you are dying to “eat” the truth of creation, redemption and perfection, you live! To drink the water the world has is to thirst again and eventually die. To drink Christ’s blood is to satisfy your thirst and never die!
“So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in yourselves … the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me … and will live forever.’” John 6:53-58
Much could be said about the various interpretations of this difficult passage. My sum of it theologically would have the verse read thusly: “It is certain that unless you radically believe that My body was crucified for you and that My blood flowed for your sins, you will never discover the incredible and abundant life I desire to give you. It is by your own cross that you take the deeper meanings of My Body and Blood into your own existence. In following Me and increasingly dying for the Father’s mission, you live. If you do as I tell you, then you will discover what I mean. I promise! You will come alive with the wonder of what I have done and still intend to do for you and all others who live to trust Me!”
“You have made known to me the path of life … in Your Presence is fullness of joy … at Your Right Hand are pleasures evermore!” Psalm 16:11
Thursday, June 04, 2009
The Bullet of New Life in Christ: Learn How to Eat – Digestion is Automatic
One of the necessities of our physical existence is eating. A person who does not eat will die … it may take some time but it is inevitable. Eating is essential for energy, joy and health! How wonderful that one of the things it pleased the Creator to do was to make eating pleasurable. Think of some of the great meals you have enjoyed and thank Him for that gift. Physical eating also provides us with new and deeper insights into the process necessary to properly nourish our spirits. The Creator made us with spiritual appetites as well as physical ones. It is His good pleasure that both are responded to and properly satisfied! “We are to desire the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word that we may grow …” (I Peter 2:2). “Take and eat, this is My Body (Mt. 26:26; Jn. 6:53), “… the right to eat from the tree of life …” (Rev. 2:7).
Who else but our Lord prepares our spiritual meals as well as plans our menus! Think of Israel in the wilderness and Jehovah choosing quail and manna to feed them. He also showed them how hitting “certain rocks” would give water to quench their thirst. For us to worry about where or what to eat spiritually is ridiculous. Trust Him to feed you on time, with a meal that is always enough (sometimes basic and sometimes gourmet). All we need to do is eat and then move on in “that” energy. Our part is to catch the quail, pick-up the manna and hit the rock. That sounds a little like “ask, seek and knock” doesn’t it? (Mt. 7:7-8). The Lord always does His part to provide the resource, but it’s ours to assimilate! As food is the power miracle that renews our body, so truth is the power miracle that renews our hearts!
Quit chasing and worrying about what verses to study, what books to read, what speakers to hear, what courses to take, what TV program to watch, what CD to buy, what events to attend! There are thousands of “truth menus” served daily by the Creator to millions of His people. You can’t eat all that’s being served nor do you need to! A little each day, so long as He is “the Chef,” is enough to sustain you to do His will. He will “put” you where you need to be. He will “put” before you what you need to eat! He has prepared and will always prepare your next spiritual meal. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes fresh, sometimes leftovers! All we have to do is to EAT DAILY from His world wide table of nourishment. There is always enough whether we think so or not! Some days might provide 2,500 truth calories, other days only 1,000. We should just eat what’s there without complaint or worry. This enables us to live satisfied and relaxed … not stuffed but not starving! We know the Savior will distribute His Truth throughout our “spiritual digestive system” according to His design and purpose. Obedience to His processes will work His purposeswhether we understand it or not!
Whatever “the food of experience brings to us in irrelevant. It can be better or worse, good or bad, delicious or so-so! As long as we eat it, the Lord will convert it into spiritual energy. Our job is to choose the best responses possible to our options for a “diet of Jesus reality.” The better we eat … both physically and spiritually … the better we live!
“… ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'" The LORD God speaking to Israel, Exodus 16:12
“You are free to eat of any tree of the Garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:16-17
“Whatever you eat … do it all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31
“The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise Him … all the rich of the earth will feast and worship …” Psalm 22:26, 29
One of the necessities of our physical existence is eating. A person who does not eat will die … it may take some time but it is inevitable. Eating is essential for energy, joy and health! How wonderful that one of the things it pleased the Creator to do was to make eating pleasurable. Think of some of the great meals you have enjoyed and thank Him for that gift. Physical eating also provides us with new and deeper insights into the process necessary to properly nourish our spirits. The Creator made us with spiritual appetites as well as physical ones. It is His good pleasure that both are responded to and properly satisfied! “We are to desire the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word that we may grow …” (I Peter 2:2). “Take and eat, this is My Body (Mt. 26:26; Jn. 6:53), “… the right to eat from the tree of life …” (Rev. 2:7).
Who else but our Lord prepares our spiritual meals as well as plans our menus! Think of Israel in the wilderness and Jehovah choosing quail and manna to feed them. He also showed them how hitting “certain rocks” would give water to quench their thirst. For us to worry about where or what to eat spiritually is ridiculous. Trust Him to feed you on time, with a meal that is always enough (sometimes basic and sometimes gourmet). All we need to do is eat and then move on in “that” energy. Our part is to catch the quail, pick-up the manna and hit the rock. That sounds a little like “ask, seek and knock” doesn’t it? (Mt. 7:7-8). The Lord always does His part to provide the resource, but it’s ours to assimilate! As food is the power miracle that renews our body, so truth is the power miracle that renews our hearts!
Quit chasing and worrying about what verses to study, what books to read, what speakers to hear, what courses to take, what TV program to watch, what CD to buy, what events to attend! There are thousands of “truth menus” served daily by the Creator to millions of His people. You can’t eat all that’s being served nor do you need to! A little each day, so long as He is “the Chef,” is enough to sustain you to do His will. He will “put” you where you need to be. He will “put” before you what you need to eat! He has prepared and will always prepare your next spiritual meal. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Sometimes fresh, sometimes leftovers! All we have to do is to EAT DAILY from His world wide table of nourishment. There is always enough whether we think so or not! Some days might provide 2,500 truth calories, other days only 1,000. We should just eat what’s there without complaint or worry. This enables us to live satisfied and relaxed … not stuffed but not starving! We know the Savior will distribute His Truth throughout our “spiritual digestive system” according to His design and purpose. Obedience to His processes will work His purposeswhether we understand it or not!
Whatever “the food of experience brings to us in irrelevant. It can be better or worse, good or bad, delicious or so-so! As long as we eat it, the Lord will convert it into spiritual energy. Our job is to choose the best responses possible to our options for a “diet of Jesus reality.” The better we eat … both physically and spiritually … the better we live!
“… ‘At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'" The LORD God speaking to Israel, Exodus 16:12
“You are free to eat of any tree of the Garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” Genesis 2:16-17
“Whatever you eat … do it all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:31
“The poor will eat and be satisfied; they who seek the Lord will praise Him … all the rich of the earth will feast and worship …” Psalm 22:26, 29
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
The Bullet of Peace: The Peace that Counts Most
Isaiah’s response to the loss of his leader, King Uzziah, should pave the path for our own losses of strong principled leaders! “In that year I saw the Lord!” testified Isaiah. He also confessed the reality that he was “… a man of unclean lips living in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Is. 6:5). In other words, the world is a hopeless mess!
In memory of Anwar Sadat … the Egyptian, the humanitarian, the leader, the God fearer, the friend of Israel … let us remember two things. First, the world’s attention is increasingly focused on the Middle East. The stage is continuously being set according to Scripture, preparing that area to be the center of the climax of history. The Lord will use the most unlikely people to accomplish his purposes!
Second, even the most noble human leadership in the final analysis is inadequate to bring a final peace. Four thousand years of wars, promises, tyranny, genocide, brutality, governments and failures should prove that. We confidently await the coming from heaven of The Only Leader Who can establish, prosper and keep what all men seek!
But, while we wait for the outer Kingdom of God to be realized by all, we don’t have to wait for our own personal inner kingdom of the Messiah to begin! It is ours to see, taste and touch as we learn “our present cross.” We can still have inward peace when war, hate, foolishness and conflicts are raging outwardly. Let us make it our ambition in our deepest losses to always “see the Lord.” Jesus assures us that our quest shall be satisfied if we listen to Him, “These things I have told you so that in Me you might have peace” (John 16:33).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
Isaiah’s response to the loss of his leader, King Uzziah, should pave the path for our own losses of strong principled leaders! “In that year I saw the Lord!” testified Isaiah. He also confessed the reality that he was “… a man of unclean lips living in the midst of a people of unclean lips” (Is. 6:5). In other words, the world is a hopeless mess!
In memory of Anwar Sadat … the Egyptian, the humanitarian, the leader, the God fearer, the friend of Israel … let us remember two things. First, the world’s attention is increasingly focused on the Middle East. The stage is continuously being set according to Scripture, preparing that area to be the center of the climax of history. The Lord will use the most unlikely people to accomplish his purposes!
Second, even the most noble human leadership in the final analysis is inadequate to bring a final peace. Four thousand years of wars, promises, tyranny, genocide, brutality, governments and failures should prove that. We confidently await the coming from heaven of The Only Leader Who can establish, prosper and keep what all men seek!
But, while we wait for the outer Kingdom of God to be realized by all, we don’t have to wait for our own personal inner kingdom of the Messiah to begin! It is ours to see, taste and touch as we learn “our present cross.” We can still have inward peace when war, hate, foolishness and conflicts are raging outwardly. Let us make it our ambition in our deepest losses to always “see the Lord.” Jesus assures us that our quest shall be satisfied if we listen to Him, “These things I have told you so that in Me you might have peace” (John 16:33).
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God.” Matthew 5:9
Thursday, May 28, 2009
The Bullet of Peace: The Vision and Courage of the Peacemakers
In the Eighth Century B.C. Isaiah, the prince of the prophets, spoke of the death of Israel’s great leader, King Uzziah (Isaiah 6). Two thousand eight-hundred years later another great leader died not many miles away in Egypt, Anwar Sadat.
One leader died from natural causes and the other by assassination. All leaders die one way or another. Losing our great ones especially increases the pain to those who recognize our desperate need for principled leadership. President Sadat had risen to be a truly great leader and statesman. His assassination by the fools of hate and war grieved the world.
This Memorial Weekend just past is a reminder to remember this man as one of our outstanding examples of courage and vision. There have been too few like him. He stood against millions of Islamic Arabs when he personally went to Jerusalem to embrace the “enemy” called Israel! His winsome ways, his moderation, his humor and compassion, his frequent references to God’s will, all this and more endeared him to millions.
On his tombstone he said we could write the words, “He has lived for peace. He has died for principle.” So he did. Anwar Sadat was a military general who knew war but his higher vision led him to be one of the finest and most superb peacemakers of the Middle East.
King David’s words could summarize the life of this splendid leader. “I am for peace, but when I seek peace, they are for war” (Psalm 120:7). To look for peace alone is not enough. We must also be peacemakers! According to our Lord those are the ones who will be blessed (Mt. 5:9).
In the Eighth Century B.C. Isaiah, the prince of the prophets, spoke of the death of Israel’s great leader, King Uzziah (Isaiah 6). Two thousand eight-hundred years later another great leader died not many miles away in Egypt, Anwar Sadat.
One leader died from natural causes and the other by assassination. All leaders die one way or another. Losing our great ones especially increases the pain to those who recognize our desperate need for principled leadership. President Sadat had risen to be a truly great leader and statesman. His assassination by the fools of hate and war grieved the world.
This Memorial Weekend just past is a reminder to remember this man as one of our outstanding examples of courage and vision. There have been too few like him. He stood against millions of Islamic Arabs when he personally went to Jerusalem to embrace the “enemy” called Israel! His winsome ways, his moderation, his humor and compassion, his frequent references to God’s will, all this and more endeared him to millions.
On his tombstone he said we could write the words, “He has lived for peace. He has died for principle.” So he did. Anwar Sadat was a military general who knew war but his higher vision led him to be one of the finest and most superb peacemakers of the Middle East.
King David’s words could summarize the life of this splendid leader. “I am for peace, but when I seek peace, they are for war” (Psalm 120:7). To look for peace alone is not enough. We must also be peacemakers! According to our Lord those are the ones who will be blessed (Mt. 5:9).
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Memorial Day 2009: Heroes Carry the Stain
King David was a man after God’s Own heart; the Lord Himself selected him to rule Israel. The Lord approved of David and sustained him. But the King was a man of war. That left the stain of blood and combat on David’s hands, a necessity for anyone who is called to fight for his country and his people. When the day arrived that his throne was securely established, his palace erected and his nation prospering, David began to imagine a great dwelling place for his God, a Temple! It was to be a tribute to the Lord of all the earth Who had granted Israel their success.
Through Nathan the prophet, God stopped David from building this temple of his dreams! The Lord assured His warrior-king that a time would come when David’s son would build the House of God. The King obeyed. He began laying by supplies. He instructed his son, Solomon, in his vision of the Temple and gave him his plans. In I Chronicles 22:8 the old King tells his successor son why he was denied the pleasure of building the Temple: "But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me.’”
Yet David is still one of the great “Christ figures” of Biblical history … even though he paid a sacrificial price to play his part in his own generation. We all have our individual roles to play and we must seek to play them. David’s role was partial and temporary but necessary. He was a man of war and of bloody hands. It was too late for his reputation to be redeemed enough to make the Lord’s point of peace with His people Israel. Hence, David’s son of peace, Solomon, was chosen to build a Dwelling Place for his God. There is a great and continual price to be paid for keeping a nation free. It is wise to count the depth of that cost for those who will risk the most! It is good to ask questions about the goals, methods and strategies we use to fight a war, lest we forget that building the House of God requires clean hands. As we honor our fallen and living heroes this Memorial Day, let us keep in mind the cost to the spirit, soul and body every warrior must pay! These are men and women who served us by waging war and having to endure bloody hands! They have paid a price that their own generation is slow to appreciate and may never appreciate. Yet those who have paid the price of battle experience a wisdom, camaraderie, vision and glory that others “behind the lines” can never understand. True warriors find their own satisfaction and contentment in knowing they have done their proper duty and will be vindicated by earth and heaven’s highest truth.
Remember, even when the Lord denied David the privilege of building the Temple, He told him, “You do well to have the building of it in your heart!” (I Kings 8:18; II Chronicles 6:8). The Scriptures tell us David wanted peace but those who surrounded him wanted war (Psalm 28:3). The true God warriors may have to fight bloody battles but in their hearts, while they fight them, is a passion for peace. So it was for Israel’s greatest King, David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). So let it be with us!
“Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” The Lord to David in II Samuel 7:16
King David was a man after God’s Own heart; the Lord Himself selected him to rule Israel. The Lord approved of David and sustained him. But the King was a man of war. That left the stain of blood and combat on David’s hands, a necessity for anyone who is called to fight for his country and his people. When the day arrived that his throne was securely established, his palace erected and his nation prospering, David began to imagine a great dwelling place for his God, a Temple! It was to be a tribute to the Lord of all the earth Who had granted Israel their success.
Through Nathan the prophet, God stopped David from building this temple of his dreams! The Lord assured His warrior-king that a time would come when David’s son would build the House of God. The King obeyed. He began laying by supplies. He instructed his son, Solomon, in his vision of the Temple and gave him his plans. In I Chronicles 22:8 the old King tells his successor son why he was denied the pleasure of building the Temple: "But the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ‘You have shed much blood and have waged great wars; you shall not build a house to My name, because you have shed so much blood on the earth before Me.’”
Yet David is still one of the great “Christ figures” of Biblical history … even though he paid a sacrificial price to play his part in his own generation. We all have our individual roles to play and we must seek to play them. David’s role was partial and temporary but necessary. He was a man of war and of bloody hands. It was too late for his reputation to be redeemed enough to make the Lord’s point of peace with His people Israel. Hence, David’s son of peace, Solomon, was chosen to build a Dwelling Place for his God. There is a great and continual price to be paid for keeping a nation free. It is wise to count the depth of that cost for those who will risk the most! It is good to ask questions about the goals, methods and strategies we use to fight a war, lest we forget that building the House of God requires clean hands. As we honor our fallen and living heroes this Memorial Day, let us keep in mind the cost to the spirit, soul and body every warrior must pay! These are men and women who served us by waging war and having to endure bloody hands! They have paid a price that their own generation is slow to appreciate and may never appreciate. Yet those who have paid the price of battle experience a wisdom, camaraderie, vision and glory that others “behind the lines” can never understand. True warriors find their own satisfaction and contentment in knowing they have done their proper duty and will be vindicated by earth and heaven’s highest truth.
Remember, even when the Lord denied David the privilege of building the Temple, He told him, “You do well to have the building of it in your heart!” (I Kings 8:18; II Chronicles 6:8). The Scriptures tell us David wanted peace but those who surrounded him wanted war (Psalm 28:3). The true God warriors may have to fight bloody battles but in their hearts, while they fight them, is a passion for peace. So it was for Israel’s greatest King, David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22). So let it be with us!
“Your house and your kingdom shall endure before Me forever; your throne shall be established forever.” The Lord to David in II Samuel 7:16
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Memorial Day 2009: The Price We Pay
With the election of Barrak Obama as President of the United States, the CIA, FBI and other agencies found they were under scrutiny over the issue of torture as a means of extracting information from the “bad guys.” One of the key discussions in this debate is the degree to which torture can be “morally” extended and is effective in eliciting information. Even within the intelligence community, opinions differ. A case in point:
Another side of the question would concern “regular,” “light” or “enhanced’ torture that brings only temporary pain verses long range brokenness for life. Are “lasting” effects mental or physical or both?
The debate goes back and forth … does torture really work effectively to extract what we need to know from our enemies? Is it legal or, more importantly, is it right? Who should be allowed to decide? Yet one of the most important aspects of the issue of torture never seems to make it to the table … what does torture do to the person (and by extension, nation) that employs it? Given that military intelligence is vital to keeping America safe from her enemies and the brave and sacrificing warriors of our armed forces in the field deserve the best information available, what do we forfeit of our character when we employ torture to extract it? A question of equal importance is what do we forfeit if we don’t? What is the Mind of the Father Who would allow His anointed Son to be tortured on a cross?
Let us ask further what the difference is in torturing our enemy to defeat his cause or seriously wounding him in battle? A wounded enemy soldier crying in pain as the two units clash is far less of a threat to our people than a terrorist planning in secret to blow up a 1,000 of our citizens, including women and children. What is the moral difference between killing a man to protect our country or torturing him?
“I did not come to bring peace but a sword,” said Jesus (Matt. 10:34). Mary, the mother of our Lord, was promised by the prophet that because of Jesus’ destiny, “… a sword will pierce your own heart also” (Luke 2:34-35). And David praised God and said, “I love you, O Lord, my strength … you train my hands for battle … and I destroy my enemies … the Lord gives His king great victories … exalted be God, my Savior” (Psalm 18:1, 34,40,46,50).
“‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’” Matthew 26:52
With the election of Barrak Obama as President of the United States, the CIA, FBI and other agencies found they were under scrutiny over the issue of torture as a means of extracting information from the “bad guys.” One of the key discussions in this debate is the degree to which torture can be “morally” extended and is effective in eliciting information. Even within the intelligence community, opinions differ. A case in point:
Consider … the interrogation of Khalid Shaikh Mohammed. He was waterboarded six times a day for a month. He provided information, but he certainly didn't do so quickly.
"What I get most out of the waterboarding of Khalid Shaikh Mohamed is that any approach — I don't care what it is — if you have to do it 183 times, it is not working," says Matthew Alexander. He was the military interrogator in charge of the team that ended up finding al-Qaida's No. 1 man in Iraq, without resorting to torture.
Another side of the question would concern “regular,” “light” or “enhanced’ torture that brings only temporary pain verses long range brokenness for life. Are “lasting” effects mental or physical or both?
The debate goes back and forth … does torture really work effectively to extract what we need to know from our enemies? Is it legal or, more importantly, is it right? Who should be allowed to decide? Yet one of the most important aspects of the issue of torture never seems to make it to the table … what does torture do to the person (and by extension, nation) that employs it? Given that military intelligence is vital to keeping America safe from her enemies and the brave and sacrificing warriors of our armed forces in the field deserve the best information available, what do we forfeit of our character when we employ torture to extract it? A question of equal importance is what do we forfeit if we don’t? What is the Mind of the Father Who would allow His anointed Son to be tortured on a cross?
Let us ask further what the difference is in torturing our enemy to defeat his cause or seriously wounding him in battle? A wounded enemy soldier crying in pain as the two units clash is far less of a threat to our people than a terrorist planning in secret to blow up a 1,000 of our citizens, including women and children. What is the moral difference between killing a man to protect our country or torturing him?
“I did not come to bring peace but a sword,” said Jesus (Matt. 10:34). Mary, the mother of our Lord, was promised by the prophet that because of Jesus’ destiny, “… a sword will pierce your own heart also” (Luke 2:34-35). And David praised God and said, “I love you, O Lord, my strength … you train my hands for battle … and I destroy my enemies … the Lord gives His king great victories … exalted be God, my Savior” (Psalm 18:1, 34,40,46,50).
“‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said to him, ‘for all who draw the sword will die by the sword.’” Matthew 26:52
Thursday, May 14, 2009
The Bullet of Purpose: His Mission for Us All
The courage and determination of Seyi, the young Nigerian believer I recounted in my last post inspired me to think about all the kinds of purposes the Father has for His children. It makes no difference if you are a young Nigerian beaten and left for dead by persecutors of Christ or an American unseasoned by violence against Believers. The Lord has a special, unique purpose and task for each one of us. As we follow Him more exactly, we will live out that purpose more precisely and powerfully.
As a Pastor I must have heard at least a 1,000 people tell me that they knew God has a purpose for what happened to them … whether it was a blessing or a buffeting. The trouble with that response, however, is most of them did not know exactly what that purpose was! They knew in a vague way that it had to do with the future and that they were grateful. This kind of thinking is not wrong but it is only partial, fragmented and woefully immature! Of course God has a purpose for everything and we are called to find out what it is. We should think of not only long range purpose but also, and more importantly, of immediate, precise short range purpose. This latter purpose should be instantly pursued. There are three considerations for the short range will of God.
Let’s look more closely at these three great purposes:
Purpose 1: We are to learn the satisfaction and mystery of being alone with Christ, listening to His Word and focusing on the joy that produces praise! Praise is never independent of joy. It is not faith, or even love that authenticates one as a true follower of Jesus, but joy! “These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be full (not faith or love!)” (John 15:11). Joy in Jesus creates praise in the heart! Our first purpose is to be a person of unquenchable praise.
Purpose 2: We are to turn all of our experiences into light from Christ (revelation) and food from heaven (strength) so that our heart burns for more of Jesus (worship). This “obedience” “puts” us in the place of provision, perception and praise. “… All things work for good to those who keep on loving God …” (Rom. 8:28). Everything that happens is a window to more of Christ’s mind. Purpose two is to discern your next step to learn His path.
Purpose 3: We are to earn the authority by self-discipleship to communicate to others the message of truth and grace. As persons of Messiah Love, we are empowered to fulfill the great commission because we know and adore the Great Commissioner! Our third purpose is to demonstrate and testify to others what the Lord has done for us! “The Mighty One has done great things for me …” (Luke 1:49) … the Virgin Mary.
We should always move as quickly as possible from “some purpose” to “the immediate purpose!” Praise His worth! Do His will! Share His wonder! And do all three specifically … NOW!
“He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.” Ephesians 1:9
The courage and determination of Seyi, the young Nigerian believer I recounted in my last post inspired me to think about all the kinds of purposes the Father has for His children. It makes no difference if you are a young Nigerian beaten and left for dead by persecutors of Christ or an American unseasoned by violence against Believers. The Lord has a special, unique purpose and task for each one of us. As we follow Him more exactly, we will live out that purpose more precisely and powerfully.
As a Pastor I must have heard at least a 1,000 people tell me that they knew God has a purpose for what happened to them … whether it was a blessing or a buffeting. The trouble with that response, however, is most of them did not know exactly what that purpose was! They knew in a vague way that it had to do with the future and that they were grateful. This kind of thinking is not wrong but it is only partial, fragmented and woefully immature! Of course God has a purpose for everything and we are called to find out what it is. We should think of not only long range purpose but also, and more importantly, of immediate, precise short range purpose. This latter purpose should be instantly pursued. There are three considerations for the short range will of God.
Let’s look more closely at these three great purposes:
Purpose 1: We are to learn the satisfaction and mystery of being alone with Christ, listening to His Word and focusing on the joy that produces praise! Praise is never independent of joy. It is not faith, or even love that authenticates one as a true follower of Jesus, but joy! “These things have I spoken unto you, that your joy may be full (not faith or love!)” (John 15:11). Joy in Jesus creates praise in the heart! Our first purpose is to be a person of unquenchable praise.
Purpose 2: We are to turn all of our experiences into light from Christ (revelation) and food from heaven (strength) so that our heart burns for more of Jesus (worship). This “obedience” “puts” us in the place of provision, perception and praise. “… All things work for good to those who keep on loving God …” (Rom. 8:28). Everything that happens is a window to more of Christ’s mind. Purpose two is to discern your next step to learn His path.
Purpose 3: We are to earn the authority by self-discipleship to communicate to others the message of truth and grace. As persons of Messiah Love, we are empowered to fulfill the great commission because we know and adore the Great Commissioner! Our third purpose is to demonstrate and testify to others what the Lord has done for us! “The Mighty One has done great things for me …” (Luke 1:49) … the Virgin Mary.
We should always move as quickly as possible from “some purpose” to “the immediate purpose!” Praise His worth! Do His will! Share His wonder! And do all three specifically … NOW!
“He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him.” Ephesians 1:9
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
The Bullet of Purpose: Bravery to Suffer for Christ
Fear of a gang of thugs roaming our streets looking for Christians to beat up, maim, even kill is thoroughly foreign to Disciples in America. Not so in other parts of the world. A Voice of the Martyrs publication tells the story of Seyi, a 22 year-old Christian who lives in Jos, a city of northern Nigeria. In November of 2008, a riot broke out in his city. Ostensibly, the result of local elections, it soon became clear that Muslim insurgents were using the riot as a pretense to attack Believers in Christ.
With VOM’s financial help, Seyi spent 11 days in the hospital before being released to finish his recuperation. His family lost everything in the fire! Thank God their church stepped in to provide them with a place to stay. In the face of this tragedy, Seyi confessed that he “… sometimes feels afraid, but he trusts God to protect him and prevent other attacks. His favorite verse, Psalm 91:7, is about God’s protection.” This young man is convinced the Lord spared his life for a special mission. Great is his rejoicing that he has been counted worthy to share in the Lord’s suffering. Seyi “… plans to use his experiences as an opportunity to share Christ.” He commented that he knew the Lord had a higher purpose for all that happened to him.
“A thousand may fall at your side; And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:7
Fear of a gang of thugs roaming our streets looking for Christians to beat up, maim, even kill is thoroughly foreign to Disciples in America. Not so in other parts of the world. A Voice of the Martyrs publication tells the story of Seyi, a 22 year-old Christian who lives in Jos, a city of northern Nigeria. In November of 2008, a riot broke out in his city. Ostensibly, the result of local elections, it soon became clear that Muslim insurgents were using the riot as a pretense to attack Believers in Christ.
“Groups of Muslim warriors roamed the city with machetes. More than 100 Christians were killed, and thousands more were beaten, shot or cut. The Muslims also burned the homes and cars of Christians. Many more were wounded, and about 25,000 people were displaced. Nigerian security officers used extreme force to quell the two-day uprising.”One mob broke into Seyi’s family home. The rest of Seyi’s family, his parents and four siblings, fled but “… the mob grabbed Seyi before he could get out. They struck him with machetes, slicing a deep gash in his head. The mob set the house on fire and left him for dead. His family managed to drag his unconscious body from the house and saved his life.” This young Believer had been attacked for no other discernable reason than that he was a Christian.
With VOM’s financial help, Seyi spent 11 days in the hospital before being released to finish his recuperation. His family lost everything in the fire! Thank God their church stepped in to provide them with a place to stay. In the face of this tragedy, Seyi confessed that he “… sometimes feels afraid, but he trusts God to protect him and prevent other attacks. His favorite verse, Psalm 91:7, is about God’s protection.” This young man is convinced the Lord spared his life for a special mission. Great is his rejoicing that he has been counted worthy to share in the Lord’s suffering. Seyi “… plans to use his experiences as an opportunity to share Christ.” He commented that he knew the Lord had a higher purpose for all that happened to him.
“A thousand may fall at your side; And ten thousand at your right hand, But it shall not approach you.” Psalm 91:7
Thursday, May 07, 2009
The Bullet of Forgiveness: ENOUGH
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’" Luke 23:39-43
Notice first that the prayer was offered by one who was hanging on a cross with Jesus! He knew what the Lord was having to endure as no other could conceive. Christians talk much of the cross but I have seen few who really want to hang on it! (At this point I confess my own lack of Cross Discipleship and ask His help!) This “crucified partner” with Jesus knew His agony and identified with His position more than anyone else on earth. It was “their” hour! The other criminal also suffered terribly, as all humans do, but he drew no redemptive conclusion from the experience. Most Christians refuse to invest the time and diligence it takes to plumb the great wealth of cross theology. They drift in the shallows of “Churchianity” and bring no redemption precision to their daily life. Hence, they are woefully deficient in “Cross Discipleship.” They are too dense to seek and/or lose appreciation for the radiant distinctions of the wonder of the gospel! Only by incarnating the truth of our Lord’s “good news” will we be set free from our blind pursuit of the insignificant! “If the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36).
This “confessor criminal on the cross” didn’t know the theology of Jesus like the disciples or the wonder of His miracles like the women, but he saw the power, the force, the authority of Christ’s life and words. This wise thief, even in his own excruciating pain, saw how the Lord hung there and knew that somehow … beyond all his ignorance and confusion, beyond all his panic, hopelessness, failures and regrets … that Jesus was God! That Jesus was his only hope! And that was “enough.”
The other thief, the one enslaved to the lie, could do nothing but shout his bitterness to the world and throw accusations at Jesus. Many people still choose that response to life!
The Master’s promises are always enough for us regardless of our circumstances. In fact we are usually driven to our most earnest prayers by our worst circumstances. We all have them … those agony hits … even right now! Yet even our most hopeless circumstances mixed with the reality of Father, Forgiveness and Fools can be solved, resolved and overcome. It makes no difference how torturing the crucifying situation might be.
Admit you are basically a fool! Create a relationship with the Father! Learn the magnificence of forgiveness! To the degree you do, you will be with Him in a spiritual paradise … today! It is only while you hang that you truly “hear” Jesus talk to the Father about you! It is then that you are truly and purely prepared to talk to Jesus about you! Experiencing those two realities will make you enough for anything!
And remember … “Nothing is enough unless you are enough.” (Author unknown)
“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!’
But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’
Jesus answered him, ‘I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.’" Luke 23:39-43
Notice first that the prayer was offered by one who was hanging on a cross with Jesus! He knew what the Lord was having to endure as no other could conceive. Christians talk much of the cross but I have seen few who really want to hang on it! (At this point I confess my own lack of Cross Discipleship and ask His help!) This “crucified partner” with Jesus knew His agony and identified with His position more than anyone else on earth. It was “their” hour! The other criminal also suffered terribly, as all humans do, but he drew no redemptive conclusion from the experience. Most Christians refuse to invest the time and diligence it takes to plumb the great wealth of cross theology. They drift in the shallows of “Churchianity” and bring no redemption precision to their daily life. Hence, they are woefully deficient in “Cross Discipleship.” They are too dense to seek and/or lose appreciation for the radiant distinctions of the wonder of the gospel! Only by incarnating the truth of our Lord’s “good news” will we be set free from our blind pursuit of the insignificant! “If the Son makes you free you shall be free indeed!” (John 8:36).
This “confessor criminal on the cross” didn’t know the theology of Jesus like the disciples or the wonder of His miracles like the women, but he saw the power, the force, the authority of Christ’s life and words. This wise thief, even in his own excruciating pain, saw how the Lord hung there and knew that somehow … beyond all his ignorance and confusion, beyond all his panic, hopelessness, failures and regrets … that Jesus was God! That Jesus was his only hope! And that was “enough.”
The other thief, the one enslaved to the lie, could do nothing but shout his bitterness to the world and throw accusations at Jesus. Many people still choose that response to life!
The Master’s promises are always enough for us regardless of our circumstances. In fact we are usually driven to our most earnest prayers by our worst circumstances. We all have them … those agony hits … even right now! Yet even our most hopeless circumstances mixed with the reality of Father, Forgiveness and Fools can be solved, resolved and overcome. It makes no difference how torturing the crucifying situation might be.
Admit you are basically a fool! Create a relationship with the Father! Learn the magnificence of forgiveness! To the degree you do, you will be with Him in a spiritual paradise … today! It is only while you hang that you truly “hear” Jesus talk to the Father about you! It is then that you are truly and purely prepared to talk to Jesus about you! Experiencing those two realities will make you enough for anything!
And remember … “Nothing is enough unless you are enough.” (Author unknown)
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
The Bullet of Forgiveness: The Dying Thief
“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’…" Luke 23:34
Let us all recognize with proper sobriety and humility that we, too, “don’t know what we are really doing”! We squander our resources, abuse our privileges, exalt the trivial, chase the easy, hurt others, diminish our communities, destroy our own self-worth and wound God’s heart. We are ALL fools! But in the horrible reality of our dense blindness, the Lord Jesus shows us the Father’s Heart! He promises to connect us to Himself by forgiving us!
These three words … Father, Forgive and Fools … contain the essence of all the issues that will ever concern each one of us while we walk the earth! To understand and respond to those three concepts with a full and eager heart will open the door to your highest possibilities as a human being. “Put” these three realities into your daily life God’s way and your discipleship will soar! It is then that only Christ will matter. Only then will His desires be your desires. Only then will you live among people as a reflector and agent of Messiah Love! Only then will you taste, drink and eat of the food that is from heaven … Jesus (John 6:26-40). Only when the Savior matters most to you will anything and everything else matter as it should.
To begin and continue this wondrous process is reserved for the one who lives with a passion and obsession to yield more of self to the Lord Jesus. To begin our journey we must say to Him … as did that wise criminal hanging with Him … “Lord, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” The confessing thief comprehended that he and the other crucified criminal were fools. He comprehended Jesus could talk to God as His Father. He comprehended the possibility that he could be forgiven! This repentant, crucified man didn’t know much but he did know enough! Once we comprehend the “God meaning” of these three words … Father, Forgive and Fools … we begin to comprehend life in all of its complexities and mysteries.
“Lord, remember me” … is a prayer the wise Disciple has often in the heart and on the lips!
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” Luke 23:42
“But Jesus was saying, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing’…" Luke 23:34
Let us all recognize with proper sobriety and humility that we, too, “don’t know what we are really doing”! We squander our resources, abuse our privileges, exalt the trivial, chase the easy, hurt others, diminish our communities, destroy our own self-worth and wound God’s heart. We are ALL fools! But in the horrible reality of our dense blindness, the Lord Jesus shows us the Father’s Heart! He promises to connect us to Himself by forgiving us!
These three words … Father, Forgive and Fools … contain the essence of all the issues that will ever concern each one of us while we walk the earth! To understand and respond to those three concepts with a full and eager heart will open the door to your highest possibilities as a human being. “Put” these three realities into your daily life God’s way and your discipleship will soar! It is then that only Christ will matter. Only then will His desires be your desires. Only then will you live among people as a reflector and agent of Messiah Love! Only then will you taste, drink and eat of the food that is from heaven … Jesus (John 6:26-40). Only when the Savior matters most to you will anything and everything else matter as it should.
To begin and continue this wondrous process is reserved for the one who lives with a passion and obsession to yield more of self to the Lord Jesus. To begin our journey we must say to Him … as did that wise criminal hanging with Him … “Lord, remember me, when you come into your kingdom.” The confessing thief comprehended that he and the other crucified criminal were fools. He comprehended Jesus could talk to God as His Father. He comprehended the possibility that he could be forgiven! This repentant, crucified man didn’t know much but he did know enough! Once we comprehend the “God meaning” of these three words … Father, Forgive and Fools … we begin to comprehend life in all of its complexities and mysteries.
“Lord, remember me” … is a prayer the wise Disciple has often in the heart and on the lips!
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’” Luke 23:42
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Bullet of Scripture: Certitude is More Than Enough
Those of us who have experienced the reality of knowing Christ through “re-creation” have found that the Scriptures are simply His “love letter” to us through His chosen writers. Although God’s truth passed through the small capacities of these flawed, partial people, who cannot give us “certainty,” and because of our own ignorance, denseness and limitations to grasp “certainty,” the Lord chose … and still chooses … other people to help give us “certitude.”
The Scriptures have met the test of 3500 years of attack and vilification yet have given more evidence of certitude than any other philosophical, scientific or theological option available to mankind. Once a person reads the Book, the Holy Spirit will use the opportunity to open his or her eyes to the glorious truth it holds. Such is the joint witness of millions over the centuries who have found their certitude in Jesus Christ! They claim enough “certitude” to be as “certain” as a person can be!
What is your certitude? It’s being as certain as you can be about a matter without being able to prove it as certain. There is no way I can prove to anyone that the love I have for my wife, children and grandchildren is “certain.” I may resent them all in my heart and no one but me will know how I truly feel.
However! If you examine all the positive things I say about them, do for them, give to them, seek to be with them and sacrifice for them, etc. you will find enough “certitudes” to conclude that it is almost “certain” that I love my family! And that is enough to build a life on!
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Those of us who have experienced the reality of knowing Christ through “re-creation” have found that the Scriptures are simply His “love letter” to us through His chosen writers. Although God’s truth passed through the small capacities of these flawed, partial people, who cannot give us “certainty,” and because of our own ignorance, denseness and limitations to grasp “certainty,” the Lord chose … and still chooses … other people to help give us “certitude.”
The Scriptures have met the test of 3500 years of attack and vilification yet have given more evidence of certitude than any other philosophical, scientific or theological option available to mankind. Once a person reads the Book, the Holy Spirit will use the opportunity to open his or her eyes to the glorious truth it holds. Such is the joint witness of millions over the centuries who have found their certitude in Jesus Christ! They claim enough “certitude” to be as “certain” as a person can be!
What is your certitude? It’s being as certain as you can be about a matter without being able to prove it as certain. There is no way I can prove to anyone that the love I have for my wife, children and grandchildren is “certain.” I may resent them all in my heart and no one but me will know how I truly feel.
However! If you examine all the positive things I say about them, do for them, give to them, seek to be with them and sacrifice for them, etc. you will find enough “certitudes” to conclude that it is almost “certain” that I love my family! And that is enough to build a life on!
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The Bullet of Scripture: The Preponderance of Evidence
It is impossible to be completely certain about life’s most significant questions … especially the big ones! Is God real? What is the purpose of life? How do I find and give meaning to my life? We have more certainty when dealing with factual data: the boiling point of water at sea level on planet earth is 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic chart, etc. Yet even when dealing with natural facts that are measurable and quantifiable, it is not always possible to be certain. Consider the problem of the deepest point in the ocean and the highest point on earth … the Marianas Trench in the Western Pacific and Mount Everest in the Himalayas respectively. Refined measurements and the changing nature of earth features make true exactitude only a short lived thing; thus, a quick search for answers to just these two questions will bring about varying results from different, trustworthy sources. None-the-less, for general use we have a figure for each. (In case you wondered, the deepest point in the ocean is more than 36,000 feet down and the highest mountain is slightly more than 29,000 feet up.)
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about the reliability of the Bible. The question posed was how do we convince skeptics that the Bible as true? I contend that the nuances between certainty and certitude should form the basis of our conclusion. Certainty demands a decision based on complete knowledge, something very few situations in life offer; we know the boiling point of water but we can not say with absolute certainty the depth of the ocean. On the other hand, certitude demands a decision based on the preponderance of facts. Most situations allow us to come close to a truthful decision because there are many sources of evidence. We teach in our universities as fact that General Julius Caesar wrote a book about his Gallic Wars in the first century B.C. We do this even though the oldest extant copy (still in existence) of the manuscript we have in our possession follows his death by some 1,000 years! This gives 900 plus years for it to be written by a forger! Can we be “certain” this did not happen? Still the preponderance of evidence favors Caesar as the author of this work and that the Gallic Wars by the Roman army against the Gauls did take place in what is today called France! There is far more “certitude” that Caesar wrote it than that he didn’t!
Our job in answering the question my friends and I discussed is not to present absolute proof that the Bible is “certain” but to present a preponderance of “certitude” evidence that the skeptic should consider before making an informed judgment. In short we should offer our skeptic friend the only sane choices that can be made … as certainty is impossible for flawed human beings to declare their remains only one intelligent option – certitude! We must consider mankind’s vastly limited power to know completely about anything, especially those issues dealing with the why of creation, purpose and the beyond. Hence, we are bound to live our lives out in certitude and not certainty. Our job as “witnesses to Christ” is to get others to take the chance of discovering what they are missing, not to convince them to give up their questions.
I have never met the author of a single Bible book nor a single translator for the first 3500 to 2000 years of its existence. I can’t “prove” the Bible with “certainty” … how can a limited little man like me sum up the last 3500 with authority? … but I can prove the Scriptures with “certitude.” The words I find there have been radically changing my life for over 60 years … and there are millions like me who would say the same.
The Savior the Scriptures tell of and promise to me is real to my heart and a powerful Presence in my life. In fact, I’ve experienced so many “certitudes” with Jesus that I am as “certain” about Him as anything on earth!
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
It is impossible to be completely certain about life’s most significant questions … especially the big ones! Is God real? What is the purpose of life? How do I find and give meaning to my life? We have more certainty when dealing with factual data: the boiling point of water at sea level on planet earth is 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit, or hydrogen is the lightest element on the periodic chart, etc. Yet even when dealing with natural facts that are measurable and quantifiable, it is not always possible to be certain. Consider the problem of the deepest point in the ocean and the highest point on earth … the Marianas Trench in the Western Pacific and Mount Everest in the Himalayas respectively. Refined measurements and the changing nature of earth features make true exactitude only a short lived thing; thus, a quick search for answers to just these two questions will bring about varying results from different, trustworthy sources. None-the-less, for general use we have a figure for each. (In case you wondered, the deepest point in the ocean is more than 36,000 feet down and the highest mountain is slightly more than 29,000 feet up.)
Not long ago I was involved in a discussion about the reliability of the Bible. The question posed was how do we convince skeptics that the Bible as true? I contend that the nuances between certainty and certitude should form the basis of our conclusion. Certainty demands a decision based on complete knowledge, something very few situations in life offer; we know the boiling point of water but we can not say with absolute certainty the depth of the ocean. On the other hand, certitude demands a decision based on the preponderance of facts. Most situations allow us to come close to a truthful decision because there are many sources of evidence. We teach in our universities as fact that General Julius Caesar wrote a book about his Gallic Wars in the first century B.C. We do this even though the oldest extant copy (still in existence) of the manuscript we have in our possession follows his death by some 1,000 years! This gives 900 plus years for it to be written by a forger! Can we be “certain” this did not happen? Still the preponderance of evidence favors Caesar as the author of this work and that the Gallic Wars by the Roman army against the Gauls did take place in what is today called France! There is far more “certitude” that Caesar wrote it than that he didn’t!
Our job in answering the question my friends and I discussed is not to present absolute proof that the Bible is “certain” but to present a preponderance of “certitude” evidence that the skeptic should consider before making an informed judgment. In short we should offer our skeptic friend the only sane choices that can be made … as certainty is impossible for flawed human beings to declare their remains only one intelligent option – certitude! We must consider mankind’s vastly limited power to know completely about anything, especially those issues dealing with the why of creation, purpose and the beyond. Hence, we are bound to live our lives out in certitude and not certainty. Our job as “witnesses to Christ” is to get others to take the chance of discovering what they are missing, not to convince them to give up their questions.
I have never met the author of a single Bible book nor a single translator for the first 3500 to 2000 years of its existence. I can’t “prove” the Bible with “certainty” … how can a limited little man like me sum up the last 3500 with authority? … but I can prove the Scriptures with “certitude.” The words I find there have been radically changing my life for over 60 years … and there are millions like me who would say the same.
The Savior the Scriptures tell of and promise to me is real to my heart and a powerful Presence in my life. In fact, I’ve experienced so many “certitudes” with Jesus that I am as “certain” about Him as anything on earth!
“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Bullet of Direction: The Complex Confusion of Mankind’s Language!
When we consider how God has revealed Himself in language, using the complex and amazing skills He created for humanity, we began to grasp why the Holy Spirit’s Presence is so critical to guide and teach us what true revelation means. Almost all words, depending on context, can have a multitude of meanings. People can speak thousands of words yet find at the end of all their talking they have only “built bridges to nowhere”! But not our Lord! All of His words to us are bridges to our heart that have an assured destiny! Every word He spoke while on earth and speaks to us now is a “bridge word” that we can walk on in our journey to His Presence, which is life! “The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63).
Read carefully the Apostle Paul’s insights into how our Lord’s words are life:
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:10-14 (Emphasis added)
The Lord Jesus is well aware that humanity has a desperate problem understanding correctly what they hear and see. He quoted the prophet Isaiah when He explained the Parable of the Sower to His Disciples. The seed Jesus throws on the field of earth are His words! Some nourish the seed but most people don’t. "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND” (Luke 8:10, emphasis added). The Savior’s seed is the truth that is within every one of His words! “The Words I (Jesus) speak to you are life!” (John 6:63).
Without revelation about words we are blind and mute. Only when we establish and nurture a relationship to our Creator-Redeemer-Perfector God do we discover how to “put” the “in Christ” seed into our lives. We then begin to gain His “power answers” for living. Our Lord’s words alone, authentically understood, will sustain us and enable us to reign on planet earth! His words are our material and equipment with which we can build our “bridge over all the troubled waters of mankind’s mess.” The Savior’s Words are intended to become our bridge to His Presence! How is your bridge building coming along?
When we consider how God has revealed Himself in language, using the complex and amazing skills He created for humanity, we began to grasp why the Holy Spirit’s Presence is so critical to guide and teach us what true revelation means. Almost all words, depending on context, can have a multitude of meanings. People can speak thousands of words yet find at the end of all their talking they have only “built bridges to nowhere”! But not our Lord! All of His words to us are bridges to our heart that have an assured destiny! Every word He spoke while on earth and speaks to us now is a “bridge word” that we can walk on in our journey to His Presence, which is life! “The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life” (John 6:63).
Read carefully the Apostle Paul’s insights into how our Lord’s words are life:
“The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:10-14 (Emphasis added)
The Lord Jesus is well aware that humanity has a desperate problem understanding correctly what they hear and see. He quoted the prophet Isaiah when He explained the Parable of the Sower to His Disciples. The seed Jesus throws on the field of earth are His words! Some nourish the seed but most people don’t. "To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to the rest it is in parables, so that SEEING THEY MAY NOT SEE, AND HEARING THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND” (Luke 8:10, emphasis added). The Savior’s seed is the truth that is within every one of His words! “The Words I (Jesus) speak to you are life!” (John 6:63).
Without revelation about words we are blind and mute. Only when we establish and nurture a relationship to our Creator-Redeemer-Perfector God do we discover how to “put” the “in Christ” seed into our lives. We then begin to gain His “power answers” for living. Our Lord’s words alone, authentically understood, will sustain us and enable us to reign on planet earth! His words are our material and equipment with which we can build our “bridge over all the troubled waters of mankind’s mess.” The Savior’s Words are intended to become our bridge to His Presence! How is your bridge building coming along?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Bullet of Direction: Describe That Bridge!
The more scientists study language the more we discover the complexities of thinking involved in just one single word. Furthermore, language makes a startling impact on our selves and our culture. One recent study explored the relationship between the gender of a word in different languages and the descriptions assigned to the object the word represents. One such object and word pair is “bridge.”
Both German and Spanish are languages using gender case for words; a simple example is the Spanish word for boy and girl. The word for boy is Niño and is in the masculine case. Niña, the word for girl, is in the feminine case. In German the word for bridge has feminine gender. Words used to describe a bridge by German speakers tended toward beautiful, elegant, slender, etc. In Spanish, bridge is masculine. The words used to describe a bridge in Spanish tended toward strong, dangerous, sturdy, etc. In short, the researchers discovered, the way we think about gender influences the way we think about and describe an object based on the gender given to a word by its mother tongue.
The researchers discovered this to be true even when they “made up” a language and assigned gender to various objects. They concluded that their findings “… suggest that the grammar we learn from our parents, whether we realize it or not, affects our sensual experience of the world. Spaniards and Germans can see the same things, wear the same cloths, eat the same foods and use the same machines. But deep down, they have very different feelings and perceptions about the world around them.” We are so familiar with and unreflective about our language, we usually fail to understand how much it shapes us. Depending on a person’s culture and education, words can be a bridge, a detour or even a dead end!
These new findings only make it more evident that we need “big help” to understand the reality and meaning of our world, ourselves and the words we use to interpret both. Thank God we have a Helper Whose job it is to teach us what we need to know! A Helper Who will guide us through our rapid complexities of experience. A Helper Who will interpret for us the mysteries of life. A Helper Who will enable a person to build a bridge between “where I am” and “where I need to go” in order to become “what I need to be”! A Helper Who will translate the words I read and hear so that I can appropriate truth … the truth from people and the truth from God.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26 (Emphasis added)
The more scientists study language the more we discover the complexities of thinking involved in just one single word. Furthermore, language makes a startling impact on our selves and our culture. One recent study explored the relationship between the gender of a word in different languages and the descriptions assigned to the object the word represents. One such object and word pair is “bridge.”
Both German and Spanish are languages using gender case for words; a simple example is the Spanish word for boy and girl. The word for boy is Niño and is in the masculine case. Niña, the word for girl, is in the feminine case. In German the word for bridge has feminine gender. Words used to describe a bridge by German speakers tended toward beautiful, elegant, slender, etc. In Spanish, bridge is masculine. The words used to describe a bridge in Spanish tended toward strong, dangerous, sturdy, etc. In short, the researchers discovered, the way we think about gender influences the way we think about and describe an object based on the gender given to a word by its mother tongue.
The researchers discovered this to be true even when they “made up” a language and assigned gender to various objects. They concluded that their findings “… suggest that the grammar we learn from our parents, whether we realize it or not, affects our sensual experience of the world. Spaniards and Germans can see the same things, wear the same cloths, eat the same foods and use the same machines. But deep down, they have very different feelings and perceptions about the world around them.” We are so familiar with and unreflective about our language, we usually fail to understand how much it shapes us. Depending on a person’s culture and education, words can be a bridge, a detour or even a dead end!
These new findings only make it more evident that we need “big help” to understand the reality and meaning of our world, ourselves and the words we use to interpret both. Thank God we have a Helper Whose job it is to teach us what we need to know! A Helper Who will guide us through our rapid complexities of experience. A Helper Who will interpret for us the mysteries of life. A Helper Who will enable a person to build a bridge between “where I am” and “where I need to go” in order to become “what I need to be”! A Helper Who will translate the words I read and hear so that I can appropriate truth … the truth from people and the truth from God.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” John 14:26 (Emphasis added)
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Bullet of Repentance: Don’t Judge the Message by the Sign
As a college student I can still vividly recall being lost on the mountain roads of Colorado. None of us in the car knew the way. We were running late and it was getting dark. The map of how to reach the retreat center was so clear when we first read it in Texas. Now, we were confused! The panic of lostness and the frustration of wasted time began to take their toll.
At last … after retracing routs and kicking up mountain road dust someone noticed the sign we had all previously missed. The words had been heavily weathered. Part of the sign was broken off. It had been nailed on a fence post low to the ground. In addition, the left mount had broken loose and the sign hung more vertically than horizontally.
In short, everything that could be wrong with a sign was wrong! So it is with all people, preachers included. They are signposts to those of us who have their eyes open to read them. Some point us to what’s right by their good example. Others point us away from what’s wrong by their bad example.
Read the “signs” folks! They can lead us to the truth. What they are in themselves makes little difference if you use them to point you in the right direction. Don’t fret! It’s God’s business to handle the maintenance of “the signs.” It’s our business to read them and to move in the right direction.
As a college student I can still vividly recall being lost on the mountain roads of Colorado. None of us in the car knew the way. We were running late and it was getting dark. The map of how to reach the retreat center was so clear when we first read it in Texas. Now, we were confused! The panic of lostness and the frustration of wasted time began to take their toll.
At last … after retracing routs and kicking up mountain road dust someone noticed the sign we had all previously missed. The words had been heavily weathered. Part of the sign was broken off. It had been nailed on a fence post low to the ground. In addition, the left mount had broken loose and the sign hung more vertically than horizontally.
In short, everything that could be wrong with a sign was wrong! So it is with all people, preachers included. They are signposts to those of us who have their eyes open to read them. Some point us to what’s right by their good example. Others point us away from what’s wrong by their bad example.
Read the “signs” folks! They can lead us to the truth. What they are in themselves makes little difference if you use them to point you in the right direction. Don’t fret! It’s God’s business to handle the maintenance of “the signs.” It’s our business to read them and to move in the right direction.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Bullet of Repentance: Treasure Among the Shards
When we give judgment into God’s hands, what remains for the rest of us is simple. Quit focusing on the other person’s obnoxiousness and failures and start seeking the lesson of truth for yourself. I recall watching a televangelist on TV one morning some years ago I had a hard time accepting. As I watched him again for a few minutes, I was repulsed and dismayed. His manner, his arrogance, his manipulative appeal to send your “seed money” to him, his affectedness, his delivery, his expressions, etc., left me amazed that he had developed such a following. His promise that you can “command” all you want for yourself from God is, in my view, a sick kind of theology.
I must confess, however, that in spite of all that was objectionable to me in this brother, there were a few principles, centered in Scripture, that spoke to my heart and mind. I didn’t need to believe God for the “goodies” he urged, but I knew I needed to believe God in a bigger way for other things.
When we give judgment into God’s hands, what remains for the rest of us is simple. Quit focusing on the other person’s obnoxiousness and failures and start seeking the lesson of truth for yourself. I recall watching a televangelist on TV one morning some years ago I had a hard time accepting. As I watched him again for a few minutes, I was repulsed and dismayed. His manner, his arrogance, his manipulative appeal to send your “seed money” to him, his affectedness, his delivery, his expressions, etc., left me amazed that he had developed such a following. His promise that you can “command” all you want for yourself from God is, in my view, a sick kind of theology.
I must confess, however, that in spite of all that was objectionable to me in this brother, there were a few principles, centered in Scripture, that spoke to my heart and mind. I didn’t need to believe God for the “goodies” he urged, but I knew I needed to believe God in a bigger way for other things.
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