None of the Gospel writers tell us much of Jesus’ 30 years in Nazareth—except Luke, who tells us a story of Jesus at age 12. When Jesus’ family was returning from their annual “Passover” trip to Jerusalem, they lost Jesus! Upon returning to the City they found Him in the Temple, astonishing everyone with his insight. But after that, there is an 18 year period of silence. What was Jesus doing?
First, we know He submitted to the authority of his parents (Luke 2:51). It could not have been easy to submit to the will of his parents whose understanding of His mission on earth was very limited (Luke 2:50). Second, we know He worked in His father’s carpentry business. And since people did not have household furniture as we do today, He probably made yokes, ploughs, & ox carts.
For 18 years, the Son of God made yokes, ploughs & ox carts. Don’t you think there were times when Jesus was tempted to break out—to be free of the dull life in Nazareth? I know I would have been. And the Bible says He was “tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15).
Yet it was His obedience to those who could not possibly have understood Him that prepared him for His ministry to come. For 18 years in Nazareth, “He learned obedience through the things He suffered.” (Heb. 5:8-9). Making yokes, ploughs, & oxcarts may seem like an awful waste of time for the Son of God. But in such cicumstances, Jesus was perfected” (Heb. 2:10). Likewise, you and I will be perfected in our faith. What are your yokes, ploughs, & oxcarts?
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Wanted: People of Vision
This semester at SUM Bible College, I am teaching a “College Success” course—a class to prepare incoming freshmen for the academical challenges ahead. One of the objectives of the course is to make them better managers of their time. Last week, after showing them how to set up tracking systems for their assignments, I asked them to make a list of their short and long-term goals. What I received was a plethora of desires and wishes that were not only un-measureable, but probably unattainable. It looks like we’ll be taking a second stab this week at how to establish specific, realistic and measurable goals.
But most of you reading this have already learned that clear vision and good planning is an essential part of success—right? Those who reach their goals in this life are those who have a clear vision of who God is, who they are, and what is His calling (2 Peter 1:10). They follow His vision—not their desires.
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV) or “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild” (NLT). The Hebrew word “vision” refers not to man-made goals, but to divine vision. We all know of pastors, missionaries and leaders who have left ministry, disillusioned and discouraged, by their lack of success. I wonder how many mistook their goals and desires for God’s vision. Perhaps there’s a “freshmen class” lesson, or reminder, here for all of us.
But most of you reading this have already learned that clear vision and good planning is an essential part of success—right? Those who reach their goals in this life are those who have a clear vision of who God is, who they are, and what is His calling (2 Peter 1:10). They follow His vision—not their desires.
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (KJV) or “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild” (NLT). The Hebrew word “vision” refers not to man-made goals, but to divine vision. We all know of pastors, missionaries and leaders who have left ministry, disillusioned and discouraged, by their lack of success. I wonder how many mistook their goals and desires for God’s vision. Perhaps there’s a “freshmen class” lesson, or reminder, here for all of us.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Do Born Again Christians Have Smaller Brains?
The phrase right winger is a belittling term for political conservatives that seems to be interchangeable with born-again Christians. An editorial in this morning’s paper captures the essence of this anti-Christian sentiment: “right wing denial of evolution is a disastrous embrace of ignorance and superstition in the face of fact-based science.” Surprisingly, "evolution" has surfaced in this year’s presidential debates. The other day, I came across a blog posting titled, “Born Again Christians Have Smaller Brains.” It was a satire on creationist Christians' inability to comprehend college level science.
Well, quite frankly, maybe we do have smaller brains. Maybe as the human spirit takes on its greater capacity for comprehending the things of God, things that are hidden from the world’s brainiest, a part of our brain atrophies. Maybe that part of the brain that makes men proud and boastful actually shrinks. Maybe that part of the brain that Paul calls “foolish wisdom” recedes.
Paul calls the wisdom of this world “foolishness.” “God has revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets… But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it… But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 1-2). Isn't that better than a big brain!?
Well, quite frankly, maybe we do have smaller brains. Maybe as the human spirit takes on its greater capacity for comprehending the things of God, things that are hidden from the world’s brainiest, a part of our brain atrophies. Maybe that part of the brain that makes men proud and boastful actually shrinks. Maybe that part of the brain that Paul calls “foolish wisdom” recedes.
Paul calls the wisdom of this world “foolishness.” “God has revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God's deep secrets… But people who aren't spiritual can't receive these truths from God's Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can't understand it… But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 1-2). Isn't that better than a big brain!?
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Are We in the Red Zone?
In President Obama’s speech at the United Nations last week, he made this defining statement, “Something is happening in our world. The way things have been is not the way they will be.” (This is what might be called an understatement!) The entire world’s attention is focused on economic and political destabilization not seen since 1930. It has all the drama of anxious coastal residents waiting to see where an Atlantic hurricane will land as it appears to be taking on all the qualities of a perfect storm.
The chief of the World Trade Organization said yesterday: “We are in a red zone. We are at a risk of repeating what happened in 2008—when market upheaval shook the global economy.” Unfamiliar with the term “red zone,” I went googling. The term was first used to describe a region of France that was decimated during World War I. More recently “red zone” was used to designate unsafe areas in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. A “red zone” is a place to avoid. Are we in the Red Zone?
But an even more alarming statement was made this week by the chief executive of one of the world’s largest investment banks. In describing the inability of world leaders to solve this crisis, he said: “It’s like an orchestra with 2 sides playing different music and looking to the conductor—but there is no conductor.” The bible foretells a time when the world will look for a great leader: a man of peace, a messiah. But the Bible says shortly thereafter, the entire system of government and religion on earth will be brought to its end when Jesus takes the world stage to establish His kingdom. How close is it? Well, I think it's pretty close when people start looking for a leader to get us out of the “red zone.”
The chief of the World Trade Organization said yesterday: “We are in a red zone. We are at a risk of repeating what happened in 2008—when market upheaval shook the global economy.” Unfamiliar with the term “red zone,” I went googling. The term was first used to describe a region of France that was decimated during World War I. More recently “red zone” was used to designate unsafe areas in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. A “red zone” is a place to avoid. Are we in the Red Zone?
But an even more alarming statement was made this week by the chief executive of one of the world’s largest investment banks. In describing the inability of world leaders to solve this crisis, he said: “It’s like an orchestra with 2 sides playing different music and looking to the conductor—but there is no conductor.” The bible foretells a time when the world will look for a great leader: a man of peace, a messiah. But the Bible says shortly thereafter, the entire system of government and religion on earth will be brought to its end when Jesus takes the world stage to establish His kingdom. How close is it? Well, I think it's pretty close when people start looking for a leader to get us out of the “red zone.”
Friday, September 23, 2011
Are there any Fleeing Felons out There?
For more than 20 years, I was an administrator of federal welfare programs. During Clinton's administration, Congress passed legislation that no fleeing felon could receive welfare benefits. [a ‘fleeing felon’ is one who has a warrant out for his arrest because he has committed a crime.] So every welfare application in America had to include this question: “Are you a fleeing felon?” In the years that followed, I don’t know of any fleeing felons, in all 50 states, that ever answered that question “yes.”
Last week, I wrote about Paul’s command to “flee” temptation (1 Tim 2:22). Today it occurred to me that we were all, at one time, felons—having committed ‘crimes’ against God. And at one time we were all “fleeing” from the punishment for our sin. But God loved us while we were yet felons. Jesus became a felon like us and ‘did the time’, so we would no longer need to flee; thus, we are now free & forgiven felons.
In the just-mentioned passage, Paul says we should “flee” temptation and “follow” Jesus. But of course, before you can “follow” Jesus, you must be a forgiven felon. And after you follow Jesus, you must flee your former felonious acts. So while we were once “fleeing felons,” we have become “faithful followers” who are now fleeing from anything that made us felons in the first place.
Last week, I wrote about Paul’s command to “flee” temptation (1 Tim 2:22). Today it occurred to me that we were all, at one time, felons—having committed ‘crimes’ against God. And at one time we were all “fleeing” from the punishment for our sin. But God loved us while we were yet felons. Jesus became a felon like us and ‘did the time’, so we would no longer need to flee; thus, we are now free & forgiven felons.
In the just-mentioned passage, Paul says we should “flee” temptation and “follow” Jesus. But of course, before you can “follow” Jesus, you must be a forgiven felon. And after you follow Jesus, you must flee your former felonious acts. So while we were once “fleeing felons,” we have become “faithful followers” who are now fleeing from anything that made us felons in the first place.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
"It's the End of the World as We Know It"
R.E.M., allegedly one of the greatest rock bands of all time, announced yesterday they are ending their 31-year career. The reason this news item caught my attention is because of the “eye-grabbing” title of the article in today’s Mercury News: “The end of the world as we know it” (the title of one of their most well known songs). Apparently, the author was trying to make the not-so-subtle connection that the world will never be the same without R.E.M.
The title holds more meaning than you might imagine at first. Our world is constantly changing. People change jobs or schools; people get married or divorced; people’s morals change; people get old; people die and people are born! Every day it is the end of the world as we know it.
But through our ever-changing world, God is at work behind the scene to break us of our addictions to people and possessions. Through the normal course of life, we are increasingly aware that we can only truly possess that which is eternal. But in all honesty, most of us are afraid of losing our people and possessions—these are the things that define us.
In his book “The Pursuit of God,” A. W. Tozer has a chapter called, “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing.” What is the secret of obtaining this blessing? It is this: “having everything, but possessing nothing” and “having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (John 17:10; 2 Cor. 6:10).
The title holds more meaning than you might imagine at first. Our world is constantly changing. People change jobs or schools; people get married or divorced; people’s morals change; people get old; people die and people are born! Every day it is the end of the world as we know it.
But through our ever-changing world, God is at work behind the scene to break us of our addictions to people and possessions. Through the normal course of life, we are increasingly aware that we can only truly possess that which is eternal. But in all honesty, most of us are afraid of losing our people and possessions—these are the things that define us.
In his book “The Pursuit of God,” A. W. Tozer has a chapter called, “The Blessedness of Possessing Nothing.” What is the secret of obtaining this blessing? It is this: “having everything, but possessing nothing” and “having nothing, and yet possessing all things” (John 17:10; 2 Cor. 6:10).
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Are you Unprofitable?
It occurred to me the other day how ironic it is that churches are called “non-profit" organizations. What a gross mis-characterization! If there is any place on earth that is profitable, it is a good Bible-teaching church. I guess it all depends on how you define "profit!"
Paul said “All Scripture is inspired by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And as if to underscore the materialistic, inside-out, upside-down values of our culture, Paul says: “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Then, the third (and only other) time this word is used, Paul says believers “will devote themselves to doing good [because] these things are profitable…” (Tit. 3:8).
What greater indication is there of a maligned Christian culture: even the sovereign USA characterizes our churches as "non-profits"—unprofitable! Wow! Do they have it wrong!
Paul said “All Scripture is inspired by God and [is] profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And as if to underscore the materialistic, inside-out, upside-down values of our culture, Paul says: “godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). Then, the third (and only other) time this word is used, Paul says believers “will devote themselves to doing good [because] these things are profitable…” (Tit. 3:8).
What greater indication is there of a maligned Christian culture: even the sovereign USA characterizes our churches as "non-profits"—unprofitable! Wow! Do they have it wrong!
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
In These Confusing Times
Are you confused about the economy? You should be. On the front page of today’s financial section, a bold headline declared: “Job Market Expected to Expand.” Then on page two, another bold headline shouted: “Worries about More Job Layoffs.” There you have it: one day, unemployment is coming down more slowly than expected, and the next, the pace appears to be quickening. Confusion reigns!
But, our “God is not a God of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Confusion comes of the devil, because there is no truth in him. He is a liar, and will always try to confuse, deceive, and mislead us. We must be alert to his strategy. You can be sure that in this financially worrisome season, Satan is working overtime to get us to focus on troubling situations, so to keep us from remembering that God is greater than our circumstances, and forgetting Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
In these confusing times, you can be sure that there is no unemployment among Satan and his minions. Yes, they are fully employed in stirring up confusion and unbelief. Let us, therefore, make it our occupation to be fully employed in things above (Col. 3:2).
But, our “God is not a God of confusion, but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Confusion comes of the devil, because there is no truth in him. He is a liar, and will always try to confuse, deceive, and mislead us. We must be alert to his strategy. You can be sure that in this financially worrisome season, Satan is working overtime to get us to focus on troubling situations, so to keep us from remembering that God is greater than our circumstances, and forgetting Jesus’ words: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)
In these confusing times, you can be sure that there is no unemployment among Satan and his minions. Yes, they are fully employed in stirring up confusion and unbelief. Let us, therefore, make it our occupation to be fully employed in things above (Col. 3:2).
Monday, September 19, 2011
Comfort Food
The most basic of human needs is nourishment, i.e., food and water. And a vast majority of Earth’s population struggle every day to get enough of it to stay alive. All the while, obesity in the U.S. has become an increasingly large problem (pun intended). According to a recent report, the amount of food Americans eat has been increasing since the 1970s. Why? Simply this: ‘wealthy’ (relatively speaking) Americans eat for comfort, not for nourishment. Comfort eating has always been one of the greatest saboteurs of well-being!
Why? Paul rebuked people “whose god is their appetite” as those who “set their mind on earthly things” (Phil. 3:19). In other words, Paul points out the eating connection between those whose focus is more on earthly than heavenly. The temptation for comfort and pleasure (or burgers, fries, and milkshakes) is the bane of fallen humanity.
The writer of Hebrews calls Esau “profane” (common or earthly) because he “traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal” (12:16). Think about this. Just as eating lost Esau his birthright, so it was eating that lost Adam His. And when Satan tempted Jesus to eat, it was Jesus’ refusal to eat that won back the kingdom! Metaphorically speaking, it isn’t eating, per se, but forfeiting our relationship with God for immediate gratification of comfort and pleasure (or fast food).
Why? Paul rebuked people “whose god is their appetite” as those who “set their mind on earthly things” (Phil. 3:19). In other words, Paul points out the eating connection between those whose focus is more on earthly than heavenly. The temptation for comfort and pleasure (or burgers, fries, and milkshakes) is the bane of fallen humanity.
The writer of Hebrews calls Esau “profane” (common or earthly) because he “traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal” (12:16). Think about this. Just as eating lost Esau his birthright, so it was eating that lost Adam His. And when Satan tempted Jesus to eat, it was Jesus’ refusal to eat that won back the kingdom! Metaphorically speaking, it isn’t eating, per se, but forfeiting our relationship with God for immediate gratification of comfort and pleasure (or fast food).
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Can you see the other side of suffering?
Unfortunately, many Christians see suffering as a sign that they're out of God's will—that something is wrong. But because we live in a ‘fallen’ world, we suffer. (That’s not to say that we don’t bring suffering on ourselves by our own bad choices.) But Paul gives us this principle of correlation: “All those who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
Not understanding this, many Christians try to avoid anything that causes them discomfort, even when it could be that God wants them to endure some distress for His sake. It would seem that God is more concerned with our eternal rewards than we are. “If we suffer with Him we will reign with Him;” and to do that, we have “need of endurance” (2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 10:36).
Now you will probably never be thrown to the lions for your faith or have your head chopped off and put on a platter, but you may be ridiculed by unbelievers. Or, surprisingly, because of your single-mindedness, you may even be misunderstood and maligned by less ardent Christians. But one thing is sure: if you seek to live a godly life, you will become familiar with suffering.
Nevertheless, when you endure, you will share in the same glorious reward as Daniel or John the Baptist or Paul. The Bible assures us that our present sufferings are “producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17).
Not understanding this, many Christians try to avoid anything that causes them discomfort, even when it could be that God wants them to endure some distress for His sake. It would seem that God is more concerned with our eternal rewards than we are. “If we suffer with Him we will reign with Him;” and to do that, we have “need of endurance” (2 Tim. 4:7; Heb. 10:36).
Now you will probably never be thrown to the lions for your faith or have your head chopped off and put on a platter, but you may be ridiculed by unbelievers. Or, surprisingly, because of your single-mindedness, you may even be misunderstood and maligned by less ardent Christians. But one thing is sure: if you seek to live a godly life, you will become familiar with suffering.
Nevertheless, when you endure, you will share in the same glorious reward as Daniel or John the Baptist or Paul. The Bible assures us that our present sufferings are “producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17).
Friday, September 16, 2011
Frequent Flyers (aka Fleers)
“God knows that Satan is going to be loosed on the earth for his last hour of warfare. And the Lord is going to need well-trained warriors who will prevail over all the powers of hell!” (David Wilkerson)
As Paul’s life was nearing the end, his final words were: “I have fought the good fight” (1 Timothy 4:6-7). No doubt Paul was a well-trained warrior. Years earlier, he explained to the Corinthians that he “disciplined [his] body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Cor. 9:27). Paul's military strategy is worth taking note of.
Now what I am about to say may seem counter-intuitive to the natural warrior’s battle strategy. But in the same breath, Paul tells Timothy to “flee [run, fly away] the evil desires of youth, and pursue [run, fly to] righteousness, faith, love and peace” (1 Timothy 2:22). Notably, the command to “flee” precedes the command to “fight.” Paul’s strategy: fly away from temptation as fast as you can and fly to the heavenlies from where you will have a proper fighting stance against the enemy.
The next time you are facing severe trials and temptations that threaten to destroy you, remember that God has given you the wings of a dove to fly away! (Ps. 55:6) God is training up warriors who are also frequent flyers, aka fleers.
As Paul’s life was nearing the end, his final words were: “I have fought the good fight” (1 Timothy 4:6-7). No doubt Paul was a well-trained warrior. Years earlier, he explained to the Corinthians that he “disciplined [his] body like an athlete, training it to do what it should” (1 Cor. 9:27). Paul's military strategy is worth taking note of.
Now what I am about to say may seem counter-intuitive to the natural warrior’s battle strategy. But in the same breath, Paul tells Timothy to “flee [run, fly away] the evil desires of youth, and pursue [run, fly to] righteousness, faith, love and peace” (1 Timothy 2:22). Notably, the command to “flee” precedes the command to “fight.” Paul’s strategy: fly away from temptation as fast as you can and fly to the heavenlies from where you will have a proper fighting stance against the enemy.
The next time you are facing severe trials and temptations that threaten to destroy you, remember that God has given you the wings of a dove to fly away! (Ps. 55:6) God is training up warriors who are also frequent flyers, aka fleers.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
If your life was a movie, would it be worth watching?
While my employment with the Federal government may have been my occupation for 25 years, it was never my avocation. So, on the very first day I was eligible to retire (my 60th birthday), I did. Some well-intentioned friends tried to disuade me—“the economy is not doing well,” they reminded me, “and if you stay a few more years, you will have a bigger pension.” But I was convinced there was a better use of my waning years. I knew God was re-writing the Script.
I thought of the dramatic, action-filled life of David, who died full of years, confident he had done everything God called him to do—a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). I thought of the suffering and triumph of Paul, who in his last years, said “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Tim 4:6 NLT).
Every day of our lives on earth, God has a plan, a script. Though I am currently investing my time in the lives of my students, I know it is not the final Script. No doubt there are many new adventures ahead of me. May I remind us all that as we look at the life choices ahead of us that we remember the Jesus is not only the author but the finisher of our life of faith (Heb. 12:2)? He has already written the Script. But one day, time will run out, and your life will "flash" before your eyes. Will it be worth watching?
I thought of the dramatic, action-filled life of David, who died full of years, confident he had done everything God called him to do—a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22). I thought of the suffering and triumph of Paul, who in his last years, said “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful” (2 Tim 4:6 NLT).
Every day of our lives on earth, God has a plan, a script. Though I am currently investing my time in the lives of my students, I know it is not the final Script. No doubt there are many new adventures ahead of me. May I remind us all that as we look at the life choices ahead of us that we remember the Jesus is not only the author but the finisher of our life of faith (Heb. 12:2)? He has already written the Script. But one day, time will run out, and your life will "flash" before your eyes. Will it be worth watching?
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
What do PCs, Typewriters, and Dinosaurs have in Common?
Things are moving too fast. Every year newer, faster digital devices replace the old ones. Sitting at Starbucks, with my 3-year old laptop, next to young people with I-Pads and Tablets makes me feel self-conscious. I imagine they must be thinking, “He’s just an old man; what do you expect?”
The first personal computer I ever bought sits on the book shelf in my library. I just can’t bring myself to throw it out—after all, it's an antique—an original Apple Macintosh (circa, 1984). It’s now a dinosaur, of course. But undoubtedly, the laptop from which I am writing at this very moment will also be a dinosaur in twenty-seven years. It’s only a matter of time before the PC goes the way of typewriters, cassette recorders, and 8-tracks, as the sale of hand-held mobile devices already outpaces them. And you can bet the PC's days are numbered by the invention of “gizmos” that Steve Jobs and the like haven’t even dreamed up yet!
So what is my point? Everything in the world is passing away (John 2:17). Everything has a limited existence on this Earth. Nothing lasts forever. Our life on earth is a temporary assignment. “Our days are numbered… we are here on earth for just a little while” (Psalm 39:4; 119:19). Let us, then, “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
The first personal computer I ever bought sits on the book shelf in my library. I just can’t bring myself to throw it out—after all, it's an antique—an original Apple Macintosh (circa, 1984). It’s now a dinosaur, of course. But undoubtedly, the laptop from which I am writing at this very moment will also be a dinosaur in twenty-seven years. It’s only a matter of time before the PC goes the way of typewriters, cassette recorders, and 8-tracks, as the sale of hand-held mobile devices already outpaces them. And you can bet the PC's days are numbered by the invention of “gizmos” that Steve Jobs and the like haven’t even dreamed up yet!
So what is my point? Everything in the world is passing away (John 2:17). Everything has a limited existence on this Earth. Nothing lasts forever. Our life on earth is a temporary assignment. “Our days are numbered… we are here on earth for just a little while” (Psalm 39:4; 119:19). Let us, then, “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen; for what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18).
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Customizing Christianity
“I believe in God. I believe the Bible is a good book. And then I believe whatever I want.” And this is how Christian pollster George Barna describes the American religious ethic in his latest book “Futurecast.” From 1991 to the present, the percentage of self-proclaimed, born-again Christians who are “unchurched” has gone from 24% to a whopping 37%. One woman who still calls herself a Christian tells how she drifted away from a mainline Protestant church and found peace in the Baha’i tradition along with Native American healing practices.
The bottom line is captured in Barna’s statement, “America is headed for 310 million people with 310 million religions”—customizing Christianity to fit our personal needs. It appears that the state of Christianity in America is not unlike that of Israel during the time of the judges. “In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Or worse, like Israel’s response to Jeremiah’s cry for repentance: "Don't waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to…" (18:12). Can such an attitude come from a true believer? Let the Bible speak for itself.
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused… Even though there is a path before each person that seems right [the way of a fool seems right to him], it ends in death” (Romans 1:21; Proverbs 12:15; 14:12).
The bottom line is captured in Barna’s statement, “America is headed for 310 million people with 310 million religions”—customizing Christianity to fit our personal needs. It appears that the state of Christianity in America is not unlike that of Israel during the time of the judges. “In those days there was no king in Israel but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 17:6). Or worse, like Israel’s response to Jeremiah’s cry for repentance: "Don't waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to…" (18:12). Can such an attitude come from a true believer? Let the Bible speak for itself.
“Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused… Even though there is a path before each person that seems right [the way of a fool seems right to him], it ends in death” (Romans 1:21; Proverbs 12:15; 14:12).
Monday, September 12, 2011
No More Unhappy Anniversaries
In yesterday’s Sunday newspaper, the phrase “Unhappy Anniversary” grabbed my attention. Not an article about our 9/11 commemoration, it was about Japan’s 3/11 half-year unhappy anniversary of the tsunami that killed 24,000. Immediately I thought of all the unhappy events this year that will be forever annually commemorated: the Joplin, Missouri Tornado; the senseless mass murder of 84 teenagers in Norway. “Unhappy Anniversaries"... those dates we hate to remember—untimely deaths; floods, fires—events that changed lives forever.
But Paul’s assuring words remind us that we are not defined by unhappy histories. Rather, our co-death and co-resurrection with Jesus brings us into the ‘newness’ of life (Rom. 6:4). It seems to me that the “newness of life”—a word, by the way, that defies logic—demands that we live in a new reality where God causes all things to work together for good, where history does not control us, and where the hope of a new heaven and a new earth is more real to us than the unhappy one we’re living in.
In fact, when we live in the new reality, outside of time and earthly 'dates', we live in the promise of endless “days” of “goodness, peace, joy” (Rom. 14:17). And finally, reflect on this: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past, for I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (Is. 43:18-19)
But Paul’s assuring words remind us that we are not defined by unhappy histories. Rather, our co-death and co-resurrection with Jesus brings us into the ‘newness’ of life (Rom. 6:4). It seems to me that the “newness of life”—a word, by the way, that defies logic—demands that we live in a new reality where God causes all things to work together for good, where history does not control us, and where the hope of a new heaven and a new earth is more real to us than the unhappy one we’re living in.
In fact, when we live in the new reality, outside of time and earthly 'dates', we live in the promise of endless “days” of “goodness, peace, joy” (Rom. 14:17). And finally, reflect on this: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past, for I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (Is. 43:18-19)
Friday, September 9, 2011
Remembering 9/11, But Forgetting God
In a few days, Americans all over our country will be commemorating the tenth anniversary of 9/11. In the emotional aftermath of that day, people flocked to religious services like never before, responding to calls for prayer throughout the Nations’ churches, including one at Yankee Stadium attended by thousands. But within a year, church attendance had returned to pre-attack numbers. And now, ten years later, religious apathy is again the norm.
Last week it was announced that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had decided not to invite clergy of any faith to commemorate the anniversary Sunday at Ground Zero. As of yesterday, his decision remains unchanged despite a letter signed by thousands of Americans urging the Mayor to change his mind.
Here we are commemorating an event that brought the nation closer to God through prayer, but ten years later, in the City where it happened, a prayerless event. So what is going on here? You already know the answer. When things are going bad people turn to God to try to get right with Him. They go back to church. But when things pass, they forget and drift away. Only God knows what it is going to take to bring our Nation to a lasting repentance and genuine return to Jesus.
Last week it was announced that New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg had decided not to invite clergy of any faith to commemorate the anniversary Sunday at Ground Zero. As of yesterday, his decision remains unchanged despite a letter signed by thousands of Americans urging the Mayor to change his mind.
Here we are commemorating an event that brought the nation closer to God through prayer, but ten years later, in the City where it happened, a prayerless event. So what is going on here? You already know the answer. When things are going bad people turn to God to try to get right with Him. They go back to church. But when things pass, they forget and drift away. Only God knows what it is going to take to bring our Nation to a lasting repentance and genuine return to Jesus.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
I Can't Imagine
I’ve been thinking a lot lately—not just randomly, but deliberately—about what God may be calling me to do in the future. It has occurred to me that I have to think out of the box (“my” box), that is, not limited by my own imagination. Shelly Lazarus, former CEO of one of the most prestigious New York advertising firms, says, "If you can think it, you can do it." Normal Vincent Peale said, “Change your thoughts and you change your world.” Is that biblical? On the other hand, Henry Ford said, “Whether you think that you can, or that you can't, you are usually right.” Well, I don’t want to think more highly of myself than I should, nor be limited by whether “I” think I can. I want to be thinking what God can do.
The apostle Paul said, God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20). Though Jesus defied the laws of nature, cast out demons, restored crippled limbs, healed the blind and deaf, and raised the dead, he proclaimed “whoever believes in me will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12). I don’t know about you, but I can hardly imagine doing greater things than Jesus did. But that’s my problem. I’m limited by “my” thoughts and “my” imagination.
The likely interpretation of Jesus’ words is that while He was limited by time and space, we would take the Gospel to the entire world and where the spiritual realm, called the kingdom of God, would have no end. No limitations. Jesus knew the power of God would work through us to accomplish these “greater things” and the “good works” He Himself created us to do (Eph. 2:10), We must be vigilant with ourselves not to be limited by what we can think or imagine. We must have higher thoughts (Col. 3:2-3).
The apostle Paul said, God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Eph. 3:20). Though Jesus defied the laws of nature, cast out demons, restored crippled limbs, healed the blind and deaf, and raised the dead, he proclaimed “whoever believes in me will do even greater things than these” (John 14:12). I don’t know about you, but I can hardly imagine doing greater things than Jesus did. But that’s my problem. I’m limited by “my” thoughts and “my” imagination.
The likely interpretation of Jesus’ words is that while He was limited by time and space, we would take the Gospel to the entire world and where the spiritual realm, called the kingdom of God, would have no end. No limitations. Jesus knew the power of God would work through us to accomplish these “greater things” and the “good works” He Himself created us to do (Eph. 2:10), We must be vigilant with ourselves not to be limited by what we can think or imagine. We must have higher thoughts (Col. 3:2-3).
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Unpeace of Irene
If I had opportunity to do so last week, I would have commented more timely on the incongruity of a hurricane named “Irene.” Derived from the Greek word for peace (as is the name “Iran”) Irene really is a timely icon for the unpeace of our times.
Every human effort fails to produce ‘world peace.’ We cannot control mankind (genocide, homicide, suicide) anymore than we can control the weather (hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, flooding). Our world is characterized by job insecurity, financial uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.
In the wake of Irene's terrible unpeace, the phrase “peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14) has never seemed more relevant. It is in the midst of such turmoil that Jesus says, “I bring peace, not as the world gives…” You see, the peace that Jesus offers is independent of external circumstances. It is, in fact, even more fully appreciated and enjoyed in times of trouble. And it is, therefore, said to "pass understanding." That is, no one can comprehend that anyone can possess such peace in this world.
Paul was able to 'weather' his own afflictions by fixing his thoughts on God's reality and setting his mind on things above where Jesus is (Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1-2); thus telling us two important things. First, peace is not a place but a Person. And second, peace is an altogether different reality.
Every human effort fails to produce ‘world peace.’ We cannot control mankind (genocide, homicide, suicide) anymore than we can control the weather (hurricanes, tornados, wildfires, earthquakes, flooding). Our world is characterized by job insecurity, financial uncertainty, and geopolitical instability.
In the wake of Irene's terrible unpeace, the phrase “peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14) has never seemed more relevant. It is in the midst of such turmoil that Jesus says, “I bring peace, not as the world gives…” You see, the peace that Jesus offers is independent of external circumstances. It is, in fact, even more fully appreciated and enjoyed in times of trouble. And it is, therefore, said to "pass understanding." That is, no one can comprehend that anyone can possess such peace in this world.
Paul was able to 'weather' his own afflictions by fixing his thoughts on God's reality and setting his mind on things above where Jesus is (Phil. 4:8; Col. 3:1-2); thus telling us two important things. First, peace is not a place but a Person. And second, peace is an altogether different reality.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Is My Generation the One?
Yesterday, I mentioned that Jesus’ words “this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place” in Matthew 24:34 are very personal to me because my generation ushered in the rebirth of the nation Israel and that my birthday is Israel’s Independence Day, May 14, 1948.
Most scholars believe that Israel’s re-birth was the first major end times sign. If this is so, then people born in 1948 will still be alive when He returns (Matt. 24:34). But sharp Bible students know that one of the other events that must take place before the Lord’s return is the restoration of active Temple worship (Matt. 24:15). And this has not yet happened in “this generation.”
So how close is Israel to building a new Temple and restoring Temple worship? Well, it may be closer than you think. In what is called the “Six days War” of 1967, Israel regained control over Jerusalem. And ever since that time, Orthodox Jews have been praying for the rebuilding of the Temple. And they are so sure this will happen that a number of schools in Israel are already training priests for conducting Temple worship.
Given the prophetic fulfillment of Israel’s restoration, and the increasing labor pains on earth today, it is not unbelievable that the stage is now being set, and if so, the end of the age may be very near. My generation may indeed be the one that sees all this come to pass.
Most scholars believe that Israel’s re-birth was the first major end times sign. If this is so, then people born in 1948 will still be alive when He returns (Matt. 24:34). But sharp Bible students know that one of the other events that must take place before the Lord’s return is the restoration of active Temple worship (Matt. 24:15). And this has not yet happened in “this generation.”
So how close is Israel to building a new Temple and restoring Temple worship? Well, it may be closer than you think. In what is called the “Six days War” of 1967, Israel regained control over Jerusalem. And ever since that time, Orthodox Jews have been praying for the rebuilding of the Temple. And they are so sure this will happen that a number of schools in Israel are already training priests for conducting Temple worship.
Given the prophetic fulfillment of Israel’s restoration, and the increasing labor pains on earth today, it is not unbelievable that the stage is now being set, and if so, the end of the age may be very near. My generation may indeed be the one that sees all this come to pass.
Monday, September 5, 2011
"Labor" Day
Jesus’ words “this generation will not pass from the scene until all these things take place” in Matthew 24:34 have always felt very personal to me. The rebirth of the nation Israel is one of the end-time events that would take place before His return. And my generation is one to see this prophecy fulfilled. What’s more personal is that I was born on Israel’s Independence Day, May 14, 1948.
Less personal, but very relevant to the fact the end time may occur in “my generation” is the increase of labor pains (Matt. 24:6-8). Although these labor pains do characterize the entire Church age, Jesus said they would become more frequent, more intense as the end approaches—in other words, full head-on labor.
Given the remarkable labor pains on the earth today, is it so unbelievable that the stage is now being set, and the end of the age is near? Whether my generation is the one that sees all this come to pass or not, I can’t be sure. But I do know this: labor pains are on the rise. Labor Day is here, and the "due date" may be closer than we think.
Less personal, but very relevant to the fact the end time may occur in “my generation” is the increase of labor pains (Matt. 24:6-8). Although these labor pains do characterize the entire Church age, Jesus said they would become more frequent, more intense as the end approaches—in other words, full head-on labor.
Given the remarkable labor pains on the earth today, is it so unbelievable that the stage is now being set, and the end of the age is near? Whether my generation is the one that sees all this come to pass or not, I can’t be sure. But I do know this: labor pains are on the rise. Labor Day is here, and the "due date" may be closer than we think.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Does Time Fly?
Altha and I have some out-of-state friends coming over on Saturday. I looked on my calendar to see when they were here last. It was over a year ago—Wow! I would have guessed it was only a few months ago! It is a universal adage that, "The older you get, the faster time seems to go." But why?
I went “Googling” for an answer. This is the best explanation I found. When you're five years old, a year is one fifth of your life. Waiting for Christmas, as an example, seems forever. In comparison, when you're 20, a year is only one twentieth of your life, and while the days don't exactly fly by, a year doesn't seem like the eternity it was at five. And by the time you're 50, a year is only one fiftieth of the time you've experienced—thus, a year whips by rapidly. By the way, I’m 63, and since time is going by so fast, I wonder if I will have enough time left to do all the things I would like to do.
Consider Jesus, who only had about three years of ministry on earth—He was never in a hurry. He was enormously busy and often exhausted at the end of a day. But He always seemed to have time to love and minister to people, often spending an extended time with just one person. He saw interruptions in His schedule as God’s opportunities. And at the end of His life on earth, though the world was still full of people with needs, He could pray, “I completed the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). All that mattered is that Jesus did everything God called Him to do in the time allotted to Him. No matter how fast times seems to be moving, all that matters is that God is giving us all we need of it to do the things HE wants us to do.
I went “Googling” for an answer. This is the best explanation I found. When you're five years old, a year is one fifth of your life. Waiting for Christmas, as an example, seems forever. In comparison, when you're 20, a year is only one twentieth of your life, and while the days don't exactly fly by, a year doesn't seem like the eternity it was at five. And by the time you're 50, a year is only one fiftieth of the time you've experienced—thus, a year whips by rapidly. By the way, I’m 63, and since time is going by so fast, I wonder if I will have enough time left to do all the things I would like to do.
Consider Jesus, who only had about three years of ministry on earth—He was never in a hurry. He was enormously busy and often exhausted at the end of a day. But He always seemed to have time to love and minister to people, often spending an extended time with just one person. He saw interruptions in His schedule as God’s opportunities. And at the end of His life on earth, though the world was still full of people with needs, He could pray, “I completed the work You gave me to do” (John 17:4). All that mattered is that Jesus did everything God called Him to do in the time allotted to Him. No matter how fast times seems to be moving, all that matters is that God is giving us all we need of it to do the things HE wants us to do.
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