I'm glad scripture says in Romans 10:9-10 that we only need to declare/confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that God raised Jesus from the dead to be saved. If it had involved a relationship like I have with Him now, I'd have been up a creek without a paddle. Many who have been "saved" (in other words, they have decided to believe by faith that Jesus Christ is indeed the very Son of God, and that His death on the cross and resurrection that followed paid the sin debt of death for them) would say that making that decision is the same as having a relationship with Jesus. While it does, in fact, introduce you to Jesus, and open the door for relationship, you don't automatically just "know" your Savior in all His glory. That would be like jumping from being introduced to the person who will be your spouse, to being married with a family a few seconds later. No relationship works like that. Jesus is no different.
Maybe this disagrees with your theology some, but hang with me. I really believe that we will end up in the same place if you will continue with me here. If you're one of those that has tried to have a relationship with Jesus, or you're just wondering what one looks like, read on too.
The absolute first step in having any relationship, as described above, is being introduced to the person with whom you desire relationship. This happens at the point in your life where you make the decision to follow Jesus by confessing that decision with your mouth, and believing in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead. At that decision crossroads, you change your eternal destination to heaven in the presence of God, forever and ever and ever (per Romans 10:9-10 listed above). But what about the relationship that follows? Let's look.
The Bible speaks primarily in the Old Testament of God audibly speaking to mankind. He used judges and prophets to do this most of the time. It normally wasn't to everyone who said they believed in God. Let me bring you some comfort right now and know that in my relationship with Jesus, I have never audibly heard His voice. You do not need to worry that someone will put you on an episode of Dr. Phil because you are hearing voices inside or outside your head. This is not some spiritually induced schizophrenia.
Growing up in the church, as I did, I used to believe that a relationship with Jesus was dedicated on what I did to instigate it, or to keep it going once it started. The things I thought I had to do was, of course, go to church, serve others, worship, read my Bible, etc. My list of things was probably no different than yours in most ways. I heard the scripture quoted many times, which is true, "come near to God and He will come near to you." (James 4:8) The only things that I could think of to draw near to God were the things in my list. I determined to get busy doing what I thought God would be doing or would want me to do, and surely He would then come near to me. I was wrong.
It wasn't until my life fell apart in 2011 and God started putting me back together again in 2012, that I realized what a relationship with Jesus/God really meant. What does it look like? Not much different than any of m other relationships. Let me explain.
I remember being in the altar in early 2012 and I was extremely broken. I was pouring out my heart to God and asking Him what was going to happen to me. I'd made some terrible choices, gotten involved in sin, and was reaping the benefits of my stupidity. Then in an altar in Texas, not audibly, yet clear as day, I heard the voice of God. It was more of a thought than anything. I knew the thought wasn't mine, though, because it wasn't saying anything to myself that I believed to be either true or possible. God only said, "Let me love you." Here I was crying and blubbering and trying to give Him a list of all the reasons why that couldn't happen. After all, because of what I had done, I viewed myself as unloveable. But love me He did and does.
I have an app on my iPhone called the Bible App. It posts a "Verse of the Day" each night at midnight. I have no way to properly explain it, but I chose to read those verses almost every day, and almost every day each one seemed as though God was speaking directly into my heart. Sometimes, it even got almost to the eerie point because the verse would be so on target. Those verses still say something to me most of the time. I have come to believe that it is simply because I make myself available to hear what God has to say. I tune out the noise of my day, and allow God to speak. There's no magical time of day to do it. Actually, I enjoy keeping the conversation going throughout the whole day.
See, here's the thing. All my lists of things that I thought I needed to do to draw near to God were actually things I was supposed to do because I had already drawn near to God. The list was supposed to be a result of my relationship, not the relationship itself. The lists, the details, the commandments, the rituals, were never intended to be my relationship with God. Yet, I had made them such. But what I've found is that God, the Creator of the universe, desires to sit down and talk with me all the time--daily. The biggest change in my prayer life if that I'm still and quiet long enough for God to talk back. Before, my prayers were my lists to God in response to the lists of things I brought to Him through my actions. It was a very warped way to have a conversation. Now, it's not like that at all.
Through reading those verses, I've learned more of the character of God. I've learned to discern His voice among all the other thoughts in my head. On top of that, I've seen the things He's told me revealed in my life. If not for revelation, I might consider contacting my straight jacket tailor and setting up a fitting. Where at first, most of His communication to me was through the Bible, now it's as much in my thoughts as it is reading scripture. Sometimes He even speaks to me through others who are also Christians and I recognize His voice in their words.
There is indeed a relationship to be had. It is God's wish for all mankind. But now do you see the difference I was speaking about in the first couple of paragraphs? Our confession and belief changes the eternal destination, but it's the relationship that changes the journey getting there. Try it. Make yourself available. It may seem awkward at first, but that's ok. The benefits of your perseverance will be absolutely amazing!
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Showing posts with label answer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label answer. Show all posts
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Friday, September 5, 2014
My Answer: How involved/uninvolved should grassroots Christians and Christian leaders be in politics?
Opening paragraph is at the beginning of every "My Answer" blog:
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
For me, when I posted this question on Facebook, I honestly did not have a WHY for me on any "side" of this question. As an American, I believe in the rights granted to us by the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other governing documents. I am of the opinion that we have gotten some things terribly wrong in our interpretation of those documents.
An example of bed interpretation would be the "Separation of Church and State." Most Americans do not know or realize that this "right" is NEVER MENTIONED in ANY governing document! Here is what the First Amendment actually says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
The phrase "Separation of Church and State" comes from a letter by a man named Jefferson that was cited by the Supreme Court and was originally used and intended to keep Christian principles a part of American government. For more information about this letter and the origin of the phrase, I would strongly encourage you to take a moment and read the article found by clicking here.
One must also remember their history lessons from school. One of the things England did that drove our founding fathers crazy was the imposition of the Church of England! There was only one denomination that was allowed and it was controlled by the English government. So the free exercise of religion was taken away. The founding fathers left and came here to escape this among many other things. So when they sat down to write our first documents, these things were still fresh in the minds of the authors, thus included in the documents. Given this information, I HAVE to come to the conclusion that the original intent of the founding fathers was to keep the government out of the church, not the church out of the government!
I've found, however, that any organization's greatest strength is also it's greatest weakness. Our strength is our freedom. We fight and die for it, and live it out with every passing day. But we see that enemies, including our main adversary the devil, conjures ways to expose and pervert that strength away from its original intent. It's a "what's good for the goose is good for the gander" problem. If Christians have those freedoms, then by using the governing documents alone to define our freedoms, so does every other religion. That can be a problem when it comes to such "religions" as ISIS.
My personal weakness in recent election seasons has been magnified on social media. And I've noticed that I'm not the only one. There is a need in us as Christians to jump on the defensive when we feel that Christ is being threatened. It's natural. The disciple, Peter, felt the same urge when he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the Roman soldier as he was about to arrest Jesus. But just as Peter was admonished for his actions by Jesus, so I think I would be...and you would too if you've spoken out as I have in the past.
In order to arrive at where I believe the truth lies to this question, let's first start with what scripture says in a couple of places regarding our reaction to and role in our government as believers:
"1Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority." Romans 13:1-7 NLT
"1I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity." I Timothy 2:1-2 NLT
"Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king." 1 Peter 2:17 NLT
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
For me, when I posted this question on Facebook, I honestly did not have a WHY for me on any "side" of this question. As an American, I believe in the rights granted to us by the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and other governing documents. I am of the opinion that we have gotten some things terribly wrong in our interpretation of those documents.
An example of bed interpretation would be the "Separation of Church and State." Most Americans do not know or realize that this "right" is NEVER MENTIONED in ANY governing document! Here is what the First Amendment actually says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances."
The phrase "Separation of Church and State" comes from a letter by a man named Jefferson that was cited by the Supreme Court and was originally used and intended to keep Christian principles a part of American government. For more information about this letter and the origin of the phrase, I would strongly encourage you to take a moment and read the article found by clicking here.
One must also remember their history lessons from school. One of the things England did that drove our founding fathers crazy was the imposition of the Church of England! There was only one denomination that was allowed and it was controlled by the English government. So the free exercise of religion was taken away. The founding fathers left and came here to escape this among many other things. So when they sat down to write our first documents, these things were still fresh in the minds of the authors, thus included in the documents. Given this information, I HAVE to come to the conclusion that the original intent of the founding fathers was to keep the government out of the church, not the church out of the government!
I've found, however, that any organization's greatest strength is also it's greatest weakness. Our strength is our freedom. We fight and die for it, and live it out with every passing day. But we see that enemies, including our main adversary the devil, conjures ways to expose and pervert that strength away from its original intent. It's a "what's good for the goose is good for the gander" problem. If Christians have those freedoms, then by using the governing documents alone to define our freedoms, so does every other religion. That can be a problem when it comes to such "religions" as ISIS.
My personal weakness in recent election seasons has been magnified on social media. And I've noticed that I'm not the only one. There is a need in us as Christians to jump on the defensive when we feel that Christ is being threatened. It's natural. The disciple, Peter, felt the same urge when he drew his sword and cut off the ear of the Roman soldier as he was about to arrest Jesus. But just as Peter was admonished for his actions by Jesus, so I think I would be...and you would too if you've spoken out as I have in the past.
In order to arrive at where I believe the truth lies to this question, let's first start with what scripture says in a couple of places regarding our reaction to and role in our government as believers:
"1Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience. 6Pay your taxes, too, for these same reasons. For government workers need to be paid. They are serving God in what they do. 7Give to everyone what you owe them: Pay your taxes and government fees to those who collect them, and give respect and honor to those who are in authority." Romans 13:1-7 NLT
The way that I read this passage tells me that whoever is in authority, whoever is President, is instituted by God. Even those who are "men of God?" Yup. Remember Saul? He was Israel's first king. Rebellious to the core, lazy, insecure, attempted to murder David out of jealous anger more times than I can count, was basically not someone would not want to be your mentor in the area of Godliness. Yet he was ordained of God. Even David, the man who was the target of Saul's jealous anger, admonished his men when David returned with a piece of Saul's garment in a very crappy cave. :-)
Our submission to authority does not lie on the person, but in the office. Don't get mad at me! I didn't say it, God did. Let's look further.
God tells us here to pray for those who are in authority. And God threw in that pesky little word, "all." That means that our prayers are not to be slanted one way toward some, and another way toward others, but that we should pray the same for all. He even says to "give thanks." Oh no. Really? That's a hard one, especially in today's economy and leadership. (Just keeping it real here, people.)
And finally...
Notice that Paul did not get instruction from God to add the words "as long as he's a godly king or a Republican. Though someone from the Tea Party might could squeeze by too. Just leave those Democrats alone!" God didn't tell Paul to add that. He just said, "respect the king." You may not agree with what I'm saying to you, I'm just telling you what the Bible says. You can do with that what you will. Just know that what you post on Facebook and other social media is a reflection of what's in your heart. So when I and others read it, we see where your heart is in regard to following the guidelines laid out in scripture. NOT ONE TIME does scripture say we have to AGREE with our king! But it DOES say we have to respect him and pray for him. Why? Look again at 1 Timothy 2, "...so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity."
I've not found one place in scripture where it says anything against Christians taking an active role in political matters. But if we do, the roles should be taken with the guidelines expressed here and not vindictiveness, anger, vengeful hearts, fear, or malice toward anyone. Notice I included "fear." If God is in control, who have we to fear? No one. Not Al Qaeda, ISIS, or anyone else. Government is a God-instituted entity. It is ordained by Him. And we must honor God by respecting that entity and its authority over us.
My opinion is that our country has indeed gone away from God. Do I like it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! But our role as Christians is ill focused. We rant and we rave about the President and how Godliness is gone from America and its government. We do this blindly thinking that a Godly person in the White House will get us back on the right track. Yet everywhere in scripture, I see God telling us to honor those in authority over us. He knew there would be those in authority over us who would not honor Him. Again, remember Saul? But with all my heart I believe that God Almighty is MUCH more interested with who is God in OUR HOUSE than who is God in the WHITE HOUSE!
If we get OUR HOUSE right, the WHITE HOUSE takes care of itself. That's the way God taught us to handle things in scripture. Get YOUR heart right, YOUR house in order, YOUR priorities straight, and He will take care of the rest. We have a history of thinking we have a better plan than God. But He laid out the plan long ago: "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT. So why do we keep aiming at the government when the fault is our own? We didn't do what God asked to have the result we say we want. It's an obedience issue. A heart issue. Not a President issue.
If we get OUR HOUSE right, the WHITE HOUSE takes care of itself. That's the way God taught us to handle things in scripture. Get YOUR heart right, YOUR house in order, YOUR priorities straight, and He will take care of the rest. We have a history of thinking we have a better plan than God. But He laid out the plan long ago: "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT. So why do we keep aiming at the government when the fault is our own? We didn't do what God asked to have the result we say we want. It's an obedience issue. A heart issue. Not a President issue.
In my book that will be released before too long (hopefully), I talk about the fact that Christians have begun using the Bible as a window more than a mirror. Sure, we are to be fruit inspectors of others, but when we focus on the fruit more than the reflection, we have become judges rather than inspectors. And at that point, we are way out of line!
Friday, August 29, 2014
My Answer: If someone commits suicide, are they automatically condemned to hell?
Opening paragraph is at the beginning of every "My Answer" blog:
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
There is no gray area to me in determining suicide is sin. It is self murder. The Bible is very clear on murder even to the point that it is one of the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20:13. To always start from a point of truth is the best way to arrive at a conclusion. So suicide is a sin.
There are seven known suicides in the Bible: Abimilech (Judges 9:54), Samson (Judges 16:29-31), Saul and his armor bearer (1 Samuel 31:3-6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). While most of these characters were in situations of disobedience at the time of their suicides, Samson was not. Some view him as a martyr even. There's no way you could use his life as a model for righteous living, but what he did was quite remarkable! He is even listed in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11.
To look at this properly, we must first look at what "saves" a person. Jesus set Himself apart from the pack in John 14:6. He is the only way to heaven and our salvation comes solely from His death and resurrection - His redeeming (buying us back) work on the cross where He paid our sin debt. And scripture teaches, I believe, that nothing can take away what He has given. Look at Romans 8:35-39. God didn't put the word "except" after the words "nothing can separate." In the original Greek the word "nothing" means NOTHING! To me, that includes suicide. To say that having sin that has not been confessed sends someone to hell, though a person has confessed belief in Christ as their Savior, says to me that sin trumps the blood of Christ. No sir! The blood trumps it ALL!
There are also those who have said that suicide must be the unpardonable sin, or unforgivable sin, spoken about in Matthew 12:31-32. Actually, if you read all of Matthew 12, you'll see that Jesus was directing His speech at the Pharisees. This was not a simple teaching moment where he was teaching the disciples or other followers! Jesus had been doing miracles in front of the Pharisees. But instead of seeing the truth, they said that Jesus was possessed by Beelzebub, a demon. They had spoken directly against Jesus, His Spirit, and the work He had just done before them. The unpardonable sin has nothing to do with suicide.
So no, though suicide is a sin, I don't believe it automatically condemns someone to hell. But read on. There's more to this answer than where we've arrived so far.
I must also say here that the saying "Go won't give you more than you can handle" is a LIE!!! The Bible NEVER says that! While that may be a comforting thought, it has no Biblical merit. The closest thing that scripture says to this comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13. In this passage, the Bible is addressing temptation to sin and saying that God will not allow us to be tempted in ways that He will not provide a way out. But this verse, nor any other verse, says anything about mental stress, depression, or anxiety. Actually, scripture is very clear that there WILL be trouble and trials in life! But it also says, to not fear because Jesus has overcome the world and in Him, we too are overcomers!
Suicide is indeed a sin. Depression, stress, and anxiety are also indeed real. People get to the point where they feel they can't take any more. I'm one of them. In November of 2011, I had a loaded gun to my head and was locked in our master bedroom with my wife praying for me on the other side of the door. I know what that's like. But I will tell you that, no matter who you are, you are here for a God-given purpose that is designed specifically for you by God. YOU MATTER! Your life is extremely important to God's plan. But to fulfill that plan, you need to be alive. Scripture says that it is appointed for man to die. But that appointment is not our to set for ourselves. It is God's and God's alone. If things get tough, talk to someone. There IS hope!
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
There is no gray area to me in determining suicide is sin. It is self murder. The Bible is very clear on murder even to the point that it is one of the Ten Commandments listed in Exodus 20:13. To always start from a point of truth is the best way to arrive at a conclusion. So suicide is a sin.
There are seven known suicides in the Bible: Abimilech (Judges 9:54), Samson (Judges 16:29-31), Saul and his armor bearer (1 Samuel 31:3-6), Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23), Zimri (1 Kings 16:18), and Judas (Matthew 27:5). While most of these characters were in situations of disobedience at the time of their suicides, Samson was not. Some view him as a martyr even. There's no way you could use his life as a model for righteous living, but what he did was quite remarkable! He is even listed in the "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11.
To look at this properly, we must first look at what "saves" a person. Jesus set Himself apart from the pack in John 14:6. He is the only way to heaven and our salvation comes solely from His death and resurrection - His redeeming (buying us back) work on the cross where He paid our sin debt. And scripture teaches, I believe, that nothing can take away what He has given. Look at Romans 8:35-39. God didn't put the word "except" after the words "nothing can separate." In the original Greek the word "nothing" means NOTHING! To me, that includes suicide. To say that having sin that has not been confessed sends someone to hell, though a person has confessed belief in Christ as their Savior, says to me that sin trumps the blood of Christ. No sir! The blood trumps it ALL!
There are also those who have said that suicide must be the unpardonable sin, or unforgivable sin, spoken about in Matthew 12:31-32. Actually, if you read all of Matthew 12, you'll see that Jesus was directing His speech at the Pharisees. This was not a simple teaching moment where he was teaching the disciples or other followers! Jesus had been doing miracles in front of the Pharisees. But instead of seeing the truth, they said that Jesus was possessed by Beelzebub, a demon. They had spoken directly against Jesus, His Spirit, and the work He had just done before them. The unpardonable sin has nothing to do with suicide.
So no, though suicide is a sin, I don't believe it automatically condemns someone to hell. But read on. There's more to this answer than where we've arrived so far.
I must also say here that the saying "Go won't give you more than you can handle" is a LIE!!! The Bible NEVER says that! While that may be a comforting thought, it has no Biblical merit. The closest thing that scripture says to this comes from 1 Corinthians 10:13. In this passage, the Bible is addressing temptation to sin and saying that God will not allow us to be tempted in ways that He will not provide a way out. But this verse, nor any other verse, says anything about mental stress, depression, or anxiety. Actually, scripture is very clear that there WILL be trouble and trials in life! But it also says, to not fear because Jesus has overcome the world and in Him, we too are overcomers!
Suicide is indeed a sin. Depression, stress, and anxiety are also indeed real. People get to the point where they feel they can't take any more. I'm one of them. In November of 2011, I had a loaded gun to my head and was locked in our master bedroom with my wife praying for me on the other side of the door. I know what that's like. But I will tell you that, no matter who you are, you are here for a God-given purpose that is designed specifically for you by God. YOU MATTER! Your life is extremely important to God's plan. But to fulfill that plan, you need to be alive. Scripture says that it is appointed for man to die. But that appointment is not our to set for ourselves. It is God's and God's alone. If things get tough, talk to someone. There IS hope!
Monday, August 18, 2014
My Answer: Is it ok for a Christian to be cremated?
Opening paragraph is at the beginning of every "My Answer" blog:
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
Again, as in before questions, does this act go against what is taught in scripture? As I look through scripture, I can find no mention of cremation. But neither can I find any mention of instruction on "acceptable burial practices" of any kind where Christians are concerned! There is no mention whatsoever about curses or punishment of any kind in regard to burial practices. There are people in scripture who were burned to death as a punishment for some act while living. But the act of burning carried no distinction in and of itself as to any eternal meaning at all.
Scripture tells us that one day the graves will burst open and give up their dead and that those of us who are Christians will have a new "resurrected body" that will be glorified in nature. Granted, in our minds, putting a body back together again seems much easier when there are identifiable pieces - much like putting a puzzle together. In our minds it may be impossible for a body to come back together and come out of a grave when it is only dust, especially if it was scattered from a mountain top or poured into a river. But do we really think that gathering every single minute particle of dust is too difficult for the God who spoke the world into existence? I can't put the God I serve in that small of a box.
People have lost their lives to fire down through the ages. Just this week, here in Nashville, a poor tanker driver, for reasons unknown, swerved in the middle of the night and hit a bridge with a tanker full of unleaded gasoline. The tanker exploded and the driver was killed. The fire burned so hot that it melted some of the steel in the bridge that passed overhead. Think back to 9/11. The plane that went down in Pennsylvania was practically pulverized with the lives of innocent people - heroes - on board. When events like this happen, are these people, if they are Christians, simply out of luck because their bodies were burned into ash at death? I can't make sense out of a theology that would say that when scripture says clearly that "nothing can separate us" from the love of Jesus. So as to the first analysis question, I would have to arrive at the answer being: No. There is no evidence that cremation goes against anything in scripture.
So what about it being the wise thing to do? Though sentimental reasons do exist and people want their ashes spread over certain areas or kept in an urn in a home or special place, the most frequent answer given when asked why someone would choose cremation is the fact that being cremated is much cheaper than a full burial. So if a family isn't prepared with resources to pay for a full burial, then cremation for them would indeed be the wiser choice, in my opinion. If resources are available for both, then it comes down to just personal preference.
Based on my own conviction for the reasons listed above, I see nothing wrong with a Christian choosing to be cremated after death, or for that decision to be made by authoritative legal parties for the deceased.
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
Again, as in before questions, does this act go against what is taught in scripture? As I look through scripture, I can find no mention of cremation. But neither can I find any mention of instruction on "acceptable burial practices" of any kind where Christians are concerned! There is no mention whatsoever about curses or punishment of any kind in regard to burial practices. There are people in scripture who were burned to death as a punishment for some act while living. But the act of burning carried no distinction in and of itself as to any eternal meaning at all.
Scripture tells us that one day the graves will burst open and give up their dead and that those of us who are Christians will have a new "resurrected body" that will be glorified in nature. Granted, in our minds, putting a body back together again seems much easier when there are identifiable pieces - much like putting a puzzle together. In our minds it may be impossible for a body to come back together and come out of a grave when it is only dust, especially if it was scattered from a mountain top or poured into a river. But do we really think that gathering every single minute particle of dust is too difficult for the God who spoke the world into existence? I can't put the God I serve in that small of a box.
People have lost their lives to fire down through the ages. Just this week, here in Nashville, a poor tanker driver, for reasons unknown, swerved in the middle of the night and hit a bridge with a tanker full of unleaded gasoline. The tanker exploded and the driver was killed. The fire burned so hot that it melted some of the steel in the bridge that passed overhead. Think back to 9/11. The plane that went down in Pennsylvania was practically pulverized with the lives of innocent people - heroes - on board. When events like this happen, are these people, if they are Christians, simply out of luck because their bodies were burned into ash at death? I can't make sense out of a theology that would say that when scripture says clearly that "nothing can separate us" from the love of Jesus. So as to the first analysis question, I would have to arrive at the answer being: No. There is no evidence that cremation goes against anything in scripture.
So what about it being the wise thing to do? Though sentimental reasons do exist and people want their ashes spread over certain areas or kept in an urn in a home or special place, the most frequent answer given when asked why someone would choose cremation is the fact that being cremated is much cheaper than a full burial. So if a family isn't prepared with resources to pay for a full burial, then cremation for them would indeed be the wiser choice, in my opinion. If resources are available for both, then it comes down to just personal preference.
Based on my own conviction for the reasons listed above, I see nothing wrong with a Christian choosing to be cremated after death, or for that decision to be made by authoritative legal parties for the deceased.
Saturday, August 16, 2014
My Answer: Is it ok for a Christian to get a tattoo?
Opening paragraph is at the beginning of every "My Answer" blog:
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
I must say that I was VERY surprised when I posted this question! There were some very hard feelings on both sides of this issue! After the subject of a Christian drinking alcohol, I thought I would ask a relatively light question in theme. But there was nothing "light" about the responses that I read from those who answered. As a matter of fact, it was BY FAR the most debated topic of any question asked. Following this posted question, I actually had to list "NO DEBATING" as a "rule" for responding to the posts. Some didn't like that. That's fine with me. You have your own Facebook page and you can post anything you want. :-)
This also became the one exception when I actually posted an answer to my own question on my Facebook page. That was never my intention to do. However, given the heated discussion that had occurred, I felt that I needed to weigh in. I'm still not sure if that was the best thing to do, but it's what I did. What follows is the skeleton of the way I responded with a few added thoughts.
So here's my take on the whole tattoo thing. The only time I can find in scripture where tattoos are actually mentioned is here: Leviticus 19:28. Please understand that I am NOT one of those guys who claim that the Old Testament of the Bible is no longer valid because we are under grace now and not the old law. While there are parts of the old law that have gone the way of the Dodo Bird, there are still parts that are valid today. Let me explain briefly.
There are three different types of law in our Old Testament canon that we use today. They are Cultural Law, Ceremonial Law, and Moral Law. Cultural and Ceremonial Laws are indeed no longer valid. Moral Law is still very much valid and is alive and well today. It transcends the Old and New Testaments. The Moral Law states that death is the only payment for sin. When Jesus died on the cross, He became that death payment for our sin: past, present, and future. By fulfilling the debt requirement for our sin, Jesus said, "I haven't come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it." Moral Law still stands! It is the standard by which our actions are measured. It, along with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, is the main way that we know when we are in dangerous proximity to, or have committed a sin. And there was no angry God in the OT and a loving God in the NT. He says in Malachi 3, "I am the Lord, I do not change."
This passage in Leviticus is a part of Ceremonial or Cultural Law, not Moral. If you read the verses surrounding 28, you will see that in those days, tattoos were given to worshipers of pagan gods. Back then, they marked to which god they were loyal and gave them a form of identity in that regard. Today, that's not always the case. And besides, if we are going to use this verse, then that makes the verse about men shaving just as valid an issue with God! If you shaved today, guys, you're in trouble! Or look a few verses down where it talks about lying in reference to weight and measures. Some of us would be in BIG TIME trouble on Facebook lying about weight! No, this is not a valid argument, in my opinion, for not having a tattoo. It's fine to not like them! But don't start throwing God into the mix by making Him say something He didn't say by using verses out of context.
Next question deals with cremation. Later, guys.
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
I must say that I was VERY surprised when I posted this question! There were some very hard feelings on both sides of this issue! After the subject of a Christian drinking alcohol, I thought I would ask a relatively light question in theme. But there was nothing "light" about the responses that I read from those who answered. As a matter of fact, it was BY FAR the most debated topic of any question asked. Following this posted question, I actually had to list "NO DEBATING" as a "rule" for responding to the posts. Some didn't like that. That's fine with me. You have your own Facebook page and you can post anything you want. :-)
This also became the one exception when I actually posted an answer to my own question on my Facebook page. That was never my intention to do. However, given the heated discussion that had occurred, I felt that I needed to weigh in. I'm still not sure if that was the best thing to do, but it's what I did. What follows is the skeleton of the way I responded with a few added thoughts.
So here's my take on the whole tattoo thing. The only time I can find in scripture where tattoos are actually mentioned is here: Leviticus 19:28. Please understand that I am NOT one of those guys who claim that the Old Testament of the Bible is no longer valid because we are under grace now and not the old law. While there are parts of the old law that have gone the way of the Dodo Bird, there are still parts that are valid today. Let me explain briefly.
There are three different types of law in our Old Testament canon that we use today. They are Cultural Law, Ceremonial Law, and Moral Law. Cultural and Ceremonial Laws are indeed no longer valid. Moral Law is still very much valid and is alive and well today. It transcends the Old and New Testaments. The Moral Law states that death is the only payment for sin. When Jesus died on the cross, He became that death payment for our sin: past, present, and future. By fulfilling the debt requirement for our sin, Jesus said, "I haven't come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it." Moral Law still stands! It is the standard by which our actions are measured. It, along with the conviction of the Holy Spirit, is the main way that we know when we are in dangerous proximity to, or have committed a sin. And there was no angry God in the OT and a loving God in the NT. He says in Malachi 3, "I am the Lord, I do not change."
This passage in Leviticus is a part of Ceremonial or Cultural Law, not Moral. If you read the verses surrounding 28, you will see that in those days, tattoos were given to worshipers of pagan gods. Back then, they marked to which god they were loyal and gave them a form of identity in that regard. Today, that's not always the case. And besides, if we are going to use this verse, then that makes the verse about men shaving just as valid an issue with God! If you shaved today, guys, you're in trouble! Or look a few verses down where it talks about lying in reference to weight and measures. Some of us would be in BIG TIME trouble on Facebook lying about weight! No, this is not a valid argument, in my opinion, for not having a tattoo. It's fine to not like them! But don't start throwing God into the mix by making Him say something He didn't say by using verses out of context.
Next question deals with cremation. Later, guys.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
My Answer: Is it ok for a Christian to drink alcohol?
Opening paragraph is at the beginning of every "My Answer" blog:
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
The first question you need to ask yourself really isn't the one posted in the title. The first question you need to ask is, "WHY am I asking this question?" When my parents told me not to go touch or do something, there'd be times I would get as close as I could to doing it, but not! Now my parents didn't let me get away with that kind of thing hardly ever, but many of you reading this, if you were told not to touch something, you'd put your finger so close to it that you couldn't wedge a frog's hair between your finger and the object, BUT YOU WOULDN'T BE TOUCHING IT! Right?
Growing up as the son of a preacher, I was never further than a question to my parents, as well as a variety of other Godly influences, from what I thought I was supposed to believe about any spiritual matter. But as time passed, I studied God's word for myself and was challenged by all of them to do so. On some questions, my personal study only reinforced what I'd heard as a child. On others, I found that I differed somewhat from what I'd been taught along the way and that my understanding of scripture lead me to a few different places. (I'm not going to tell you whether my parents and I disagree on any of these questions. If you want to know that, you've TOTALLY missed the reason for the blog series or the challenge to you behind it!) I read 1 Peter 3:15, which says, "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." I felt that this directive was calling me farther past just my hope of salvation, but about anything for which I felt a conviction within my faith. So I posted a series of questions on Facebook recently, challenging Christians to not debate issues, but to search for the WHY behind their convictions to these answers. I purposefully never posted my answers till now. This blog is not THE answer. It is MY answer according to my personal Bible study. I challenge you to find yours.
The first question you need to ask yourself really isn't the one posted in the title. The first question you need to ask is, "WHY am I asking this question?" When my parents told me not to go touch or do something, there'd be times I would get as close as I could to doing it, but not! Now my parents didn't let me get away with that kind of thing hardly ever, but many of you reading this, if you were told not to touch something, you'd put your finger so close to it that you couldn't wedge a frog's hair between your finger and the object, BUT YOU WOULDN'T BE TOUCHING IT! Right?
We Christians are the same way. We know we're not supposed to sin, but we want to know just how close we can get to sin and not cross that line in the sand. We think we can sneak up on sin and get our thrill fix before we call it a day. I've been there. I feel ya! But then asking the question from the title COULD (not does) show a heart issue where you want to tap into your inner "bad boy" and get it out. That issue needs to be resolved prior to this one. That's an integrity/character issue that you need to be honest with God about and move past before ever dealing with this question.
I stated yesterday that I run everything through two filters: scripture & wisdom. We'll get to the scripture part in a moment. But as for wisdom, let me say that if there has ever been a time in your life when you have abused alcohol, then this answer is a DEFINITIVE NO! There is no circumstance where you should put your health, testimony, your life on the line for a sip of an alcoholic beverage. Remember the question: "In light of my past failures, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, is this the wise thing to do?" For you sir/ma'am, the answer is no.
Godly Christians are on both sides of this issue. I must say that I even disagree with my father, whom I love and respect dearly, on this issue. The important thing to remember is that on whichever side you choose to come down, there are those who are to be just as respected and and acknowledged that their relationship with Jesus is just as valid as yours.
I stated yesterday that I run everything through two filters: scripture & wisdom. We'll get to the scripture part in a moment. But as for wisdom, let me say that if there has ever been a time in your life when you have abused alcohol, then this answer is a DEFINITIVE NO! There is no circumstance where you should put your health, testimony, your life on the line for a sip of an alcoholic beverage. Remember the question: "In light of my past failures, my present circumstances, and my future hopes and dreams, is this the wise thing to do?" For you sir/ma'am, the answer is no.
Godly Christians are on both sides of this issue. I must say that I even disagree with my father, whom I love and respect dearly, on this issue. The important thing to remember is that on whichever side you choose to come down, there are those who are to be just as respected and and acknowledged that their relationship with Jesus is just as valid as yours.
Now to the question at hand. Wine is mentioned throughout the Bible. I'm not going to list all the verses for you. That would be something that, at some point, you need to do for yourself. That was the whole purpose behind the Facebook exercise to begin with. From Noah getting drunk in Genesis 9, all the way throughout scripture, wine makes occasional appearances. The first recorded miracle of Jesus, Himself, was when He turned the water into wine at the wedding.
I've heard people say that they've researched the original Greek and Hebrew words and that wine, as it is referenced many times in scripture including the wedding miracle, was not wine as we know it today. That according to the original languages, it was three parts water and one part grape juice. Ok. Continuing, those on that side of the argument will say that different Greek or Hebrew words are used when referencing wine at other parts of the Bible when it admonishes us about getting drunk with wine. Again, ok. I can see how you've arrived at your conclusion.
My only issue is that no matter if it was three parts water or just one whole part wine, the Bible says we can get drunk off of it. There is no getting drunk without alcohol in the mix. There's getting FAT from too much grape juice! There's getting a bad case of the runs (diarrhea for you northern folk), but there's no getting drunk without alcohol.
And what about the wine at the wedding? Again, I have to reference scripture for this one. Those in attendance claimed that the wine, that up until seconds ago had been water, was the best wine. See, normally hosts would serve the best wine up front. Why? Because once people get alcohol moving through their system, not only does the band sound better, but the wine tastes better too! That's why I believe, and my conviction remains, that the wine that resulted from Jesus' wedding miracle was fermented. People who were drunk and shouldn't know any better said that it was the best. At that point, grape Kool-Aid would have tasted fermented to them. But they could distinguish this as the best.
What about the stumbling bock verse? Again, if we're going to cite that verse as the foundation for our convictions, in my opinion, we need to push away the Carnegie Deli Cheesecake, my dad's banana pudding, or the peach cobbler. Not that these things within themselves are bad, but sometimes the waistline gives evidence of possible gluttony in one's life. One is just as serious as the other. You can run the gamut with things that could be equally a stumbling block: speeding, movies, tv (soap operas?), gambling, you name it.
And know this. I've had an uncle that was a severe alcoholic. He chased my grandmother through her home with a baseball bat one time. He was beaten close to death and left naked in the snow. I've heard the stories and know well the potential. Yes, alcoholism can be dangerous! That is why I said above that if you've shown any form of addictive tendencies toward alcohol, your answer is always NO!
But for the rest of us, if we're going to look at it for its possible troubles it could cause, does that mean we need to cut out sex too? Over 50% of marriages end in divorce with many of them due to infidelity. We have teenage pregnancies, abortions, STD's, pornography, human sex trafficking. So do we say that we can't have sex due to the damage it can cause? Of course not! The issue is what our enemy has done in perverting a God-given gift into something twisted and sick.
My interpretation of scripture and my conviction tells me that scripture (except in cases of addiction stated above) does not speak against the consumption of alcohol, but rather the abuse of it and getting drunk from it. Drunkenness is against scripture. But I cannot arrive at total abstinence.
I've heard people say that they've researched the original Greek and Hebrew words and that wine, as it is referenced many times in scripture including the wedding miracle, was not wine as we know it today. That according to the original languages, it was three parts water and one part grape juice. Ok. Continuing, those on that side of the argument will say that different Greek or Hebrew words are used when referencing wine at other parts of the Bible when it admonishes us about getting drunk with wine. Again, ok. I can see how you've arrived at your conclusion.
My only issue is that no matter if it was three parts water or just one whole part wine, the Bible says we can get drunk off of it. There is no getting drunk without alcohol in the mix. There's getting FAT from too much grape juice! There's getting a bad case of the runs (diarrhea for you northern folk), but there's no getting drunk without alcohol.
And what about the wine at the wedding? Again, I have to reference scripture for this one. Those in attendance claimed that the wine, that up until seconds ago had been water, was the best wine. See, normally hosts would serve the best wine up front. Why? Because once people get alcohol moving through their system, not only does the band sound better, but the wine tastes better too! That's why I believe, and my conviction remains, that the wine that resulted from Jesus' wedding miracle was fermented. People who were drunk and shouldn't know any better said that it was the best. At that point, grape Kool-Aid would have tasted fermented to them. But they could distinguish this as the best.
What about the stumbling bock verse? Again, if we're going to cite that verse as the foundation for our convictions, in my opinion, we need to push away the Carnegie Deli Cheesecake, my dad's banana pudding, or the peach cobbler. Not that these things within themselves are bad, but sometimes the waistline gives evidence of possible gluttony in one's life. One is just as serious as the other. You can run the gamut with things that could be equally a stumbling block: speeding, movies, tv (soap operas?), gambling, you name it.
And know this. I've had an uncle that was a severe alcoholic. He chased my grandmother through her home with a baseball bat one time. He was beaten close to death and left naked in the snow. I've heard the stories and know well the potential. Yes, alcoholism can be dangerous! That is why I said above that if you've shown any form of addictive tendencies toward alcohol, your answer is always NO!
But for the rest of us, if we're going to look at it for its possible troubles it could cause, does that mean we need to cut out sex too? Over 50% of marriages end in divorce with many of them due to infidelity. We have teenage pregnancies, abortions, STD's, pornography, human sex trafficking. So do we say that we can't have sex due to the damage it can cause? Of course not! The issue is what our enemy has done in perverting a God-given gift into something twisted and sick.
My interpretation of scripture and my conviction tells me that scripture (except in cases of addiction stated above) does not speak against the consumption of alcohol, but rather the abuse of it and getting drunk from it. Drunkenness is against scripture. But I cannot arrive at total abstinence.
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Questions & Purpose
COULD IT BE
Michael Mushok, Aaron Lewis, Jonathan Wysocki, & John April
Recorded by: Michael Card
CHORUS:
Could it be You make Your presence known so often by Your absence
Could it be that questions tell us more than answers ever do
Could it be that You would really rather die than live without us
Could it be the only answer that means anything is You
When Michael Card was cool, I didn't know who he was. Quite frankly, aside from knowing him as one of the icons of Contemporary Christian Music, I still don't, really. But the first time I heard him sing this lyric, which hasn't been but about 6-7 years ago (the song is much older), Michael Card became a part of that list of artists who brought us songs that changed our lives. The verses are ok, but it was this chorus that really hit me! And this week, years after hearing the song, God may have, for the first time, shown me why.
For my entire life, I've heard the old phrase, "Ye have not because ye ask not." Scripture says, "Ask and you will receive." Click on this scripture reference and see it again from the very mouth of Jesus! These words would be in red letters of a red letter edition Bible. Read John 14:13-14. See the recurring theme? This week, as I was doing my Bible study, I came across one other verse I want you to read. Click this scripture reference: Ephesians 3:20. So not only is God telling us to "ask," but He's also showing us in the latter verse that He can accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine!
Ok. Great! God can and wants to do that for each of us! But how many of you know that it don't always happen like that?!? I've made the bad choices! I've been to the bottom! I've been the guy with the gun to his head vowing to take his life because I'd messed up, lost it all, and didn't know what came next! And in that moment, when I was wanting the answers to those questions of what comes next, I ASKED!!! Nothing. No next step was given. No trust building, faith building answer that I expected after all those sermons I heard about "asking God" and the "answer is already on the way." BS!!! (To be quite frank.) It wasn't! I felt just as alone as I was before I ever asked the question!
Then...this past week...it finally hit me. I didn't need the answer. I already had it! Not to be cliché or steal an old lyric from André Crouch, but JESUS IS THE ANSWER! In Exodus 3:13-14 (click on the reference to read it), Moses was being sent by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. So Moses asks God to give him God's name so that the Israelites will know that it really is God who is sending him. "What's your name, God?" "I AM." God was the way out back then. He parted the sea, took care of the pursuing army, the whole nine! He made the way!
This happens throughout scripture. He made a way for Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery. He made a way for Daniel in the lion's den, Noah on the ark, 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, Jonah in the belly of a whale, David when facing the wrath of both Goliath and Saul, Paul when he was facing stoning, fed 5 thousand men and their families with 5 loaves and 2 fish, calmed the storm when fear overtook His disciples, died on a cross for the sins of the world, and conquered death and the grave when He rose again! God makes the impossible possible, and the impassable passable. THERE IS A WAY AND HIS NAME IS 'I AM'!!!
So then, if we know the answer, why ask the question? And here is the precious gem of a lesson that God taught me this week: because we learn not just from asking the question, but asking the right question! Think about it this way. Remember algebra class? I HATED algebra!!! Almost failed it both years I had to take it! They give you some ridiculous thing like: a + b/c = 32. Then they'd want me to solve it! I'm like, DUDE! The answer is 32!!! That's what the "=" thingy means!!! DONE!! Move on!! But we learn more in algebra many times from what's on the left of the equals sign!
I know so many people that hit their faith ceiling at God granting them a close parking space at Walmart! They get out and claim, "I must be living RIGHT!" Hey God gives me those kinds of spaces too, but I don't know about YOU, but I want to be known for more when I die than the fact i was consistently getting the best parking spaces at Wallyworld!!! Here's the new math that I've learned for my life: my giftings and talents + my desire to seek the heart of God in all I do ÷ my willingness to obey = God's response and blessing in my life. Now honestly, maybe not EVERYTHING can be boiled down to a formula! God will not be bound by those!!! But if you use this as a general rule of thumb...
See we spend our time asking things like:
"Which job...?"
"Who will I marry...?"
"Should I go out to eat tonight...?"
It's not that questions like that don't matter to God, THEY DO!!! But God doesn't stop there! Think past that!!!
So I hear you saying, "Alright, Mr. Smarty Jeans, what would YOU suggest I ask?!? WHERE DO I START?!?" Thank you for asking. Let me tell you a short story and then I'll give you A place (not THE place) where you can start.
Alfred Nobel. His last name is probably best known for being the namesake of the Nobel Peace Prize. But it wasn't always that way. Alfred made his money as an inventor. Know what he invented that made him so wealthy? DYNAMITE! One day, Alfred's brother died. The local newspaper made a mistake and posted that it had indeed been Alfred who had passed! So the next morning, Alfred got the chance to do what I dare say few ever have, he read his own obituary! A French newspaper titled it: The Merchant of Death Is Dead. Upon reading it, he just couldn't let death be that for which his legacy would mark him, so he instead promoted peace and the Nobel Peace Prize was born. (Thanks, Jamie Brandenburg, for sharing this story with me!)
I'm going to ask you to start by taking a lesson from Nobel. I want you to write your own obituary and your own epitaph (that small phrase on your tombstone that will tell generations following you who you were: "loving husband," "devoted father," "gracious, kind and forgiving"). I don't think any of these would be your first choice:
"Always got front parking spaces at Walmart"
"#1 Manager in this district"
"Had 3 houses and 10 cars...they're not here, by the way"
NO! We want to know we left a legacy that made the world better than we found it! It doesn't have to be global! As a matter of fact, the very first place we're commanded to make a difference is in our immediate spheres of influence: families, friends, children, work places. See? Once you have what's on the right side of the equals sign (=), there are only so many problems/questions that can lead to that answer. The answer dictates the question! It's not just that we ask, it's what we ask! Is it in line with God's heart for the world? For YOU?!?
To find that answer, pray. Ask God to let you see you through His eyes. Give up your pride and your preconceived notions about you and just trust. Look at the ways He has gifted you--spiritually. I'm not talking about talents here. Sometimes they're involved, but I'm speaking of your Spiritual Gifts. Are you a giver? Compassionate? A Helper? Teacher? Pastor/Shepherd? Leader? Prophet? Evangelist? And the list goes on. Those core gifts will be at the core of the purpose for which God has placed you here. Those are the very DNA of God that marks who you are on this earth.
Remember our song that we started with? "Could it be the questions tell us more than answers ever do... Could it be the only answer that means anything is You?" YES! They do! And yes, He is.
Don't forget to use the social media just below here to share to your Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ accounts directly. I welcome your comments! PLEASE leave one!!! Here's how:
1. Click on the words "No Comment" or " (#) Comment" (whichever is listed just to the right of the posting time directly below this paragraph)
2. Write your comment in the box provided.
3. You must also choose a selection from the COMMENT AS drop down list. If you have a Google+ ID, AIM, or other you wish to use, choose that. Most of you should choose the NAME/URL option and leave your name in the space provided. You do NOT need to leave a URL unless you wish.
4. Click the PUBLISH button. THAT'S IT!!!
THANK YOU for stopping by! Till next time...
Michael Mushok, Aaron Lewis, Jonathan Wysocki, & John April
Recorded by: Michael Card
CHORUS:
Could it be You make Your presence known so often by Your absence
Could it be that questions tell us more than answers ever do
Could it be that You would really rather die than live without us
Could it be the only answer that means anything is You
When Michael Card was cool, I didn't know who he was. Quite frankly, aside from knowing him as one of the icons of Contemporary Christian Music, I still don't, really. But the first time I heard him sing this lyric, which hasn't been but about 6-7 years ago (the song is much older), Michael Card became a part of that list of artists who brought us songs that changed our lives. The verses are ok, but it was this chorus that really hit me! And this week, years after hearing the song, God may have, for the first time, shown me why.
For my entire life, I've heard the old phrase, "Ye have not because ye ask not." Scripture says, "Ask and you will receive." Click on this scripture reference and see it again from the very mouth of Jesus! These words would be in red letters of a red letter edition Bible. Read John 14:13-14. See the recurring theme? This week, as I was doing my Bible study, I came across one other verse I want you to read. Click this scripture reference: Ephesians 3:20. So not only is God telling us to "ask," but He's also showing us in the latter verse that He can accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or imagine!
Ok. Great! God can and wants to do that for each of us! But how many of you know that it don't always happen like that?!? I've made the bad choices! I've been to the bottom! I've been the guy with the gun to his head vowing to take his life because I'd messed up, lost it all, and didn't know what came next! And in that moment, when I was wanting the answers to those questions of what comes next, I ASKED!!! Nothing. No next step was given. No trust building, faith building answer that I expected after all those sermons I heard about "asking God" and the "answer is already on the way." BS!!! (To be quite frank.) It wasn't! I felt just as alone as I was before I ever asked the question!
Then...this past week...it finally hit me. I didn't need the answer. I already had it! Not to be cliché or steal an old lyric from André Crouch, but JESUS IS THE ANSWER! In Exodus 3:13-14 (click on the reference to read it), Moses was being sent by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. So Moses asks God to give him God's name so that the Israelites will know that it really is God who is sending him. "What's your name, God?" "I AM." God was the way out back then. He parted the sea, took care of the pursuing army, the whole nine! He made the way!
This happens throughout scripture. He made a way for Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery. He made a way for Daniel in the lion's den, Noah on the ark, 3 Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, Jonah in the belly of a whale, David when facing the wrath of both Goliath and Saul, Paul when he was facing stoning, fed 5 thousand men and their families with 5 loaves and 2 fish, calmed the storm when fear overtook His disciples, died on a cross for the sins of the world, and conquered death and the grave when He rose again! God makes the impossible possible, and the impassable passable. THERE IS A WAY AND HIS NAME IS 'I AM'!!!
So then, if we know the answer, why ask the question? And here is the precious gem of a lesson that God taught me this week: because we learn not just from asking the question, but asking the right question! Think about it this way. Remember algebra class? I HATED algebra!!! Almost failed it both years I had to take it! They give you some ridiculous thing like: a + b/c = 32. Then they'd want me to solve it! I'm like, DUDE! The answer is 32!!! That's what the "=" thingy means!!! DONE!! Move on!! But we learn more in algebra many times from what's on the left of the equals sign!
I know so many people that hit their faith ceiling at God granting them a close parking space at Walmart! They get out and claim, "I must be living RIGHT!" Hey God gives me those kinds of spaces too, but I don't know about YOU, but I want to be known for more when I die than the fact i was consistently getting the best parking spaces at Wallyworld!!! Here's the new math that I've learned for my life: my giftings and talents + my desire to seek the heart of God in all I do ÷ my willingness to obey = God's response and blessing in my life. Now honestly, maybe not EVERYTHING can be boiled down to a formula! God will not be bound by those!!! But if you use this as a general rule of thumb...
See we spend our time asking things like:
"Which job...?"
"Who will I marry...?"
"Should I go out to eat tonight...?"
It's not that questions like that don't matter to God, THEY DO!!! But God doesn't stop there! Think past that!!!
So I hear you saying, "Alright, Mr. Smarty Jeans, what would YOU suggest I ask?!? WHERE DO I START?!?" Thank you for asking. Let me tell you a short story and then I'll give you A place (not THE place) where you can start.
Alfred Nobel. His last name is probably best known for being the namesake of the Nobel Peace Prize. But it wasn't always that way. Alfred made his money as an inventor. Know what he invented that made him so wealthy? DYNAMITE! One day, Alfred's brother died. The local newspaper made a mistake and posted that it had indeed been Alfred who had passed! So the next morning, Alfred got the chance to do what I dare say few ever have, he read his own obituary! A French newspaper titled it: The Merchant of Death Is Dead. Upon reading it, he just couldn't let death be that for which his legacy would mark him, so he instead promoted peace and the Nobel Peace Prize was born. (Thanks, Jamie Brandenburg, for sharing this story with me!)
I'm going to ask you to start by taking a lesson from Nobel. I want you to write your own obituary and your own epitaph (that small phrase on your tombstone that will tell generations following you who you were: "loving husband," "devoted father," "gracious, kind and forgiving"). I don't think any of these would be your first choice:
"Always got front parking spaces at Walmart"
"#1 Manager in this district"
"Had 3 houses and 10 cars...they're not here, by the way"
NO! We want to know we left a legacy that made the world better than we found it! It doesn't have to be global! As a matter of fact, the very first place we're commanded to make a difference is in our immediate spheres of influence: families, friends, children, work places. See? Once you have what's on the right side of the equals sign (=), there are only so many problems/questions that can lead to that answer. The answer dictates the question! It's not just that we ask, it's what we ask! Is it in line with God's heart for the world? For YOU?!?
To find that answer, pray. Ask God to let you see you through His eyes. Give up your pride and your preconceived notions about you and just trust. Look at the ways He has gifted you--spiritually. I'm not talking about talents here. Sometimes they're involved, but I'm speaking of your Spiritual Gifts. Are you a giver? Compassionate? A Helper? Teacher? Pastor/Shepherd? Leader? Prophet? Evangelist? And the list goes on. Those core gifts will be at the core of the purpose for which God has placed you here. Those are the very DNA of God that marks who you are on this earth.
Remember our song that we started with? "Could it be the questions tell us more than answers ever do... Could it be the only answer that means anything is You?" YES! They do! And yes, He is.
Don't forget to use the social media just below here to share to your Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ accounts directly. I welcome your comments! PLEASE leave one!!! Here's how:
1. Click on the words "No Comment" or " (#) Comment" (whichever is listed just to the right of the posting time directly below this paragraph)
2. Write your comment in the box provided.
3. You must also choose a selection from the COMMENT AS drop down list. If you have a Google+ ID, AIM, or other you wish to use, choose that. Most of you should choose the NAME/URL option and leave your name in the space provided. You do NOT need to leave a URL unless you wish.
4. Click the PUBLISH button. THAT'S IT!!!
THANK YOU for stopping by! Till next time...
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