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If ye love me, keep my commandments John 14:15 UPDATED 01/05/2012 ADD T0 THE BOTTOM
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He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me
scattereth abroad.
Matthew
12:30
As part of the Scripture warns us about false prophets and false Christs. (Matt. 24:24) Today, we must also be aware of false pastors and false Christians. Just as in his day, Peter had to counsel that, there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, (2 Pet. 2:1) we must be aware of the same warnings. Unlike in Biblical times, the "damnable heresies" of today aren’t as obvious as Asherah’s pole (2 Kings 21:7) or offering one’s children as sacrifices, (2 Kings 3:27) but they are just as detestable. What is most frightening is the scope of today’s heresies many of which are found under the rubric of what is called the "emerging church." Those most dangerous are the ones that appear almost innocuous and even palatable to Gospel teachings. Among these is the "Fence Sitting" heresy sometimes referred to as the "Can’t We All Just Get Along?" Whatever it is called, its core values attempt to make Christianity "politically correct" so as to offend no one or any group, religious or secular. Most often, "Fence Sitting Christianity" defends its position by allusion to 1 John 4:16 which says, in part, God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him and similar passages alluding another passage by John in which it is recorded that Jesus said, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another (John 13:34) and a number of related passages found in various parts of the New Testament. Also brought to its defense is the statement in Paul’s first letter to the saints at Corinth in which he said, Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend , I will eat no flesh while the world standeth , lest I make my brother to offend (1 Cor. 8:13) as well as Romans 14:21, other passages from his first letter and second letters (1 Cor. 9:19-23, 10:33, 2 Cor. 11:29) and to the saints at Thessalonica. (2 Thess. 3:8-9) Under this umbrella, "FS Christianity" wants to be all things to all people at all times thus, in their eyes fulfilling Christ’s command to go into all the world and preach the gospel. In so many ways, "FS Christianity" is a domestic version of "the camel method of evangelism" currently being used in attempts to "convert" Muslims. It takes the bits and pieces of the Gospel story that seems to agree with some of the teachings in the Koran while ignoring those parts are contrary or would discredit its position . In so doing, Greeson, author of the Camel Training Manual, also treats the Koran as an authoritative source. Shouldn’t we like Paul Proctor be asking ourselves, "How can the truth set you free if it begins with a lie?" It’s a question we should ask ourselves whenever we stray from the Truth. Instead, on such "hot potato issues as divorce, the role of women in the "church," homosexuality, the ability of those who are not "seminary trained" to participate in "church" services and administer the sacraments, we seem content with playing ostrich hoping they’ll go away. The "fear" that taking a stand on such issues might offend some and drive others away from the Faith seems to be of greater importance than sidelining biblical Truths. The down side of trying to be all things to all people at all times is that we are nothing to everyone all the time. The intriguing question is when the Truth will come out. We know it will ultimately prevail. In so many ways Christianity is becoming more and more like the church at Laodicea; lukewarm. While there was such a "church," perhaps started by Paul, there are some who view it (as well as the other 6 churches mentioned in Revelation) as the church in its historical stages. They see Laodicea as representing the "end-times church" being neither hot nor cold, but lethargic; in a spiritual coma. The door Jesus is knocking at is the Laodicea-like church, Behold , I stand at the door, and knock : if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. (Rev. 3:20) The church of today is spiritually blind. It has been bitten by the bug of complacency. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16
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So often, all too often, we think Jesus only came to save us. He did, but that’s only part of the story, half of the Truth. We often say, “He came to reconcile us with God, to cleanse us from our sins.” Again, this is only part of the story - only part of the Gospel. The focus is on the big “I,” “me” - each one of us, individually. We get so wrapped up and confused by our personal aspirations that we believe the Gospel reflects these same values. Thus, in our warped little minds, we come to believe, because it suits our life-styles, that the so-called “positive” and “prosperity” heresies are at the very core of Christianity. God has become Big Daddy Warbucks and Jesus is now Santa Claus with the Christmas tree serving as the cross. We cast ourselves in the role of Little Orphan Annie whom God protects and shields from every bump in the road while His “Santa-Son” showers us with gifts galore. There are “Christians” who believe in a “God wants me to be rich” theology. After all, since they have been adopted into the Royal Family of God, they should be treated accordingly. They believe it is their moral obligation to act as royalty and stop running around in rags, living in the projects and eating porridge. Others, equally deluded, champion a “social agenda” theology with campaigns against infectious diseases and defeating what they call “global giants.” They parade the items of these agendas around as “missions.” As if this world could be cleansed and reformed by their personal efforts as if human hands are enough to solve the world’s problems. They have been deluded into thinking the cares and woes of this world could be eradicated through human effort. Sadly, these aberrations exist because our spiritual lives started without a sound foundation in the Biblical Gospel and deteriorated down into oblivion from there, more and more such heresies as these have been mistaken for the Christian message. There is nothing new about any of this. There were those in Jesus’ day pursuing their own “social agendas.” Then, many of the Jews thought that He, the Messiah, came to restore the Kingdom of Israel to what they thought was its “rightful place.” In fact, several times, His own disciples asked Him when He was going to take over, drive the invaders out and reestablish the throne of David (Acts 1:6) and, without saying as much, place them in positions of high honor in this new “kingdom on earth.” Paul observed the same thing, noting in a letter to the Corinthian congregation, For the Jews require a sign, and the Greek seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. (1 Cr. 1:22-23) Jesus got so distressed over such shenanigans, He jumped into a boat and sailed out to sea. It is recorded in Mark 8:12-13, And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doeth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. Well, OK, so it was a lake, but it was called the Sea of Galilee. He was real popular as long as He met their expectations. A little later, He became considerably less popular. Not fulfilling his fantasies and expectations of “their” Messiah was possibly have been one of the reasons why Judas squealed on Him. Because these doctrines and practices that are contrary to the Truth, are not new, ancient in fact, does not make them any less erroneous. The sons of Zebedee were probably shocked when He told them to “buzz off when they had their mommy asked to receive preferential treatment in the seating arrangements in Heaven. (Mark 10:35-40) When the other disciples became indignant when they heard what James and John had asked for, Jesus said to them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10:42-44) So much for the “Prosperity Gospel.” That was a lesson they evidently hadn’t yet learned and one that we choose to ignore in our mad rush to fame, fortune and glorying in our own good deeds. The “rags to riches” sermons may draw in the throngs and “heal the world” missionology may draw in those feeling guilty about their social status and do good deeds to slave their consciences but, regardless of how appealing and soothing, these aren’t the Gospel message. “Faith” without works may be dead, surely works without the correct “faith” is just as dead. Each errs by exaggeration and exclusion. Finally, we are rich already, even if we are blind invalids without two nickels to rub together. What more could we ask for than what we have been already given? What grater miracle could we ask for than that upon the Cross which saved our very souls? What greater works can possibly trump His? It is said that our greatest and best efforts are like filthy rages in comparison. Greed and self-satisfying egoism are the tools of the devil. And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say,
This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and
there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
Luke 11:29 |
For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor. When Jesus understood it, he said unto them, Why trouble ye the woman? For she hat wrought a good work upon me. For ye have the poor always with you: but me ye have not always. Matthew 26:9-11Return to the page directory A preacher, said that less than a third (although the figure given was 26%, several other sources have the figure ranging from 28.3 to 33.0%) of the world’s population professes Christianity, he proceeded to tell us that Christians own most of the world’s land, control most of its money and other such material things. He went on to contend that if we Christians so desired, we could solve these problems of such disparity. His statements are both right and wrong. He never specifically stated what he perceived to be the world’s greatest problems; but the rest of his sermon primarily dealt with solving the issues of health and poverty found among the world’s poorer populations. Given the fact that some two thirds of the world’s population is still non-Christian, with all that implies, one would have thought that this missionary would have spent his time speaking on that rather than economic and health issues. And, just in passing, he could have addressed the matter that something is seriously wrong with our “missionary” endeavors if after some 2,000 years so much of the world remains unsaved. He’s not alone in overlooking this failure of the missionary paradigm. Nor is he when it comes to focusing upon geo-political social and economic issues. More and more “contemporary” churches have as their “outreach” programs designed address such issues. Their missions agenda focuses on poverty, starvation, disease and disaster recovery by providing everything from money and food to providing housing. Many such endeavors are grandiose enough to undertake creating or rebuilding the infrastructures of impoverished or devastated regions. The theme of one such program is “creating a better world for the child of tomorrow” with the meaning of “better” defined by program goals focusing on economic and social issues. Churches with such programs proudly consider themselves to be very “mission minded.” Increasing, this is the model being used to “spread the Gospel.” They firmly believe that the provision of such goods and services are, indeed, “missional.” They firmly believe that such an “active desire to alleviate suffering” is “being like Jesus.” No, our preacher is not alone in his idea of evangelism. Who would argue with such compassion and concern for the welfare of others? Certainly this sympathetic response to the suffering of others efforts is “good press” for the church. In turn, this just might open the door for “genuine proselytizing.” Nonetheless, we might justifiably question just how much time, energy and financial resources a church should devote to such humanitarian undertakings. This public relations scheme, if that is what it is, just might turn out to be a fatal distraction. Fatal because such undertakings invariably involve the dedication of a “pastoral” staff to coordinate. oversee and manage the various programs. With the budget constraints most churches face, this will invariably siphon monetary and personnel resources away from other programs. Further, those with a zeal for such “missionology,” seldom take into consideration that these church-based initiatives are invariably in competition with other private and governmental organizations specifically designed and dedicated to addressing such issues. Nor do they ever ask themselves if this is really the purpose (the mission) of the church. Even if a church “partners up” with an established charitable or relief agency such as the Red Cross, Children’s Disaster Services, Action Against Hunger, Doctors Without Borders, Habitat for Humanity or a myriad of others, churches may lessen the resource drain from other programs, but that drain cannot be significantly reduced, let alone eliminated. Just like the fact that “special Mission Sunday” collections will invariably take monies away from other programs. Thus, the value of the “good press” generated by such endeavors must be balanced with how much they detract from the true purpose of the church which is not “missionology” in any form. More fundamentally, the church must ask if it wants to be know as a relief agency or the House of God before it proceeds much further down this road. If there were no costs involved, no siphoning of resources from other church programs, no competition with outside agencies, there are two fundamental questions remaining. Before proceeding, let us be as emphatic as possible on one point. All charitable work is most pleasing, most laudable and commendable. Now, having said that, back to those two fundamental questions. They are: First, we (the church) must ask what does the world need most.. About which, there should be no doubt or trepidation. The one need of all humanity overshadowing all else is to come to know God through Jesus the Christ His only begotten Son. The entire world’ population so desperately needs to make Him, Jesus the Christ the Lord and Master of their lives; to become adopted children in the family of God. All else pales in comparison. Rather than as some who believe it is better to die than live as an infidel, Christianity believes it is best not to die as an infidel. The second question, is who is uniquely equipped to meet that need? Once again, there can be no equivocation on the answer. We the church, collectively and individually; we who call ourselves Christian are they who are (or should be) uniquely equipped to meet that need. If it is not it should be, the purpose that drives us, individually and collectively, through words and action, to bring the world’s people to glorify God through His one and only Son. We are, we must be soldiers in a salvation army. That is what Jesus calls us to saying, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15). Instead, churches are increasingly becoming what the Salvation Army has already become - a charitable organization. Isn’t this a redefinition of the purpose Christ sent His disciples into the world to accomplish? “Being like Jesus in our world today” is no different than it was in Biblical times. We need to return to our roots, doing what we should be able to do best - preaching and living the Gospel of Jesus the Christ as much as is humanly possible. That command is also heralded in Matthew 28:19 in which He said, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the nme of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. This is restated once more in Luke 24:47. The Apostle John wrote, And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world (1 John 4:14). This is what makes us so uniquely qualified to do His work of “charity;” His impartial love.Nowhere in Scripture does He say or are we told to re-make the world into well fed, happy, comfortable and contented infidels. Quite the contrary, He said I ame come to send fire on the earth. (Luke 12:49) It is the gospel of the Kingdom of God that we, the church is to take to all peoples (Matt. 24:14) not a social welfare/peace program. Charitable work is praiseworthy until it becomes a distraction and/or a substitute for the Biblically defined work assigned to the church. We aren’t to be loved and recognized for our kindness, we are to be hated because of the Gospel message - JUST LIKE JESUS!Think not that I am come to send peace on earth. I am come not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34
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Concerning the Sabbath, Jesus makes an interesting statement that is recorded in the Book of Mark, And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. (Mark 2:27-28) The wording is such that some have been confused into thinking He is saying the Sabbath is just another day of the week with which we may do as we please. It is quite correct that the Law and the “Rabbinic laws” establishing the Sabbath did come after the creation of mankind. However, to say that there is no Scripture setting that day apart from the rest of the week does not seem to be entirely accurate. Notwithstanding the apparent foolishness of some of the myriad of regulations Judaism later attached to the Law, a cursory cruise through the Books of Exodus (ie. Ex 16:23-29, 20:10-11, 31:15-16, 35:2) and Leviticus (ie. Lev. 16:31, 23:3, 24:8, 25:2-6, 26:34) would cause us to reject such a thesis without even having to consider the Books of Numbers and Deuteronomy. With Exodus traditionally know as “The Second Book of Moses” and Leviticus as “The Third Book of Moses” the credential of the author, Moses, are unimpeachable and rarely, if ever challenged. He, Moses, under the direction of God, who wrote these passages that emphatically spell out the parameters of the Sabbath. Not some unknown scribe or disputable Pharisee. The adjectives he used with the Sabbath include intermission, cease, desist, rest, consecrated, dedicated, hallowed, sanctuary. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament suggests that it means “to server, put an end to, to desist, to come to and end. This may possibly indicate that the Sappath is the day which “puts a stop to the week’s work.” (Strong #s 7676/7673) The Strong’s Greek/Hebrew Definitions suggest, “day of weekly repose from secular avocations.” (#4521) Scripturally, it doesn’t appear that “keeping the Sabbath” is either an option or one of those “church traditions that might get in the way of ministering to people’s needs.” We might be excused for moving to Sabbath from Saturday (the Biblically prescribed day) to Sunday under the pretense of remembering and honoring Christ’s resurrection. That remains to be seen. The Scriptural edict is clear, however, Saturday or Sunday, we are to keep the Sabbath Holy. Some might think that Christians choosing neither to operate or frequent “businesses” (including bars, “entertainment centers,” gambling establishments and the like) on Sunday might “get in the way of ministering to people’s needs but, that depends upon what kind of needs we’re taking about as well as what we mean by and to whom we are ministering what. If the people we have in mind for this “ministering” are Gentiles (non-believers) some-avant-garde neo-Christian groups are way ahead of the game by actually holding so-called “services” in pubs and bars so they may, presumably, “meet people where they are. After all, as they eagerly point out, Jesus ate with sinners and tax-collectors. However, it’s doubtful that such gatherings do more than minister suds. Regardless, of what replaces the holiness of the Sabbath or where it takes place, evangelizing is not the intent of the Sabbath. It is a day of rest from “secular avocations” a day to be set aside from our worldly interests for the express purpose of praising and worshipping our God and to fellowship with our brothers and sisters in the Family of God. One expression of this was the traditional, Christian practice of celebrating communion every single Sunday. Today, Orthodox Jews and Muslims don’t seem to be inclined to restrict their prescribed religious observances in order to “fit in” or meet non-Jews/Muslims in their milieu. Rather, they expect the secular world to accommodate them and adjust to their religious customs. For we Christians to do this does not require reinstituting the so-called “blue-laws” or engage in mass boycotts or sit-ins as in decades past. It just requires that each Follower of the Way to enhance his/her commitment to the Christian faith. In so doing, think what a testimony such abstinence from secular avocations would be. Witness what Chick-fil-A has done. This in not withstanding the fact that we are the “temple” of the Holy Spirit (1 Cr. 3:16) and that we should strive to keep every day, every hour, every second “holy.” (1Pet. 1:16) A goal we should strive for while, at the same time, knowing that keeping ourselves “pure,” “perfect,” “innocent” and “morally blameless” (which is what “holy” implies - Strong #40) are not humanly possible to achieve. To believe otherwise is to make ourselves equals with the Lord Jesus the Christ. The unattainability of such goals do not preclude us from striving for holiness every day as well as keeping the Sabbath. We should relish the opportunity to set aside an entire day from the cares, worries and distraction of worldly woes and as a community of Christians, be able to worship and praise God together; share in partaking of the Holy Eucharist in remembrance of Him, His sacrifice, resurrection and ascension untainted and without the distraction of worldly desires and anguish that confront us every other day of the week. The suggestion from the Theological Wordbook that the Sabbath is a day in which we “put a stop the week’s work,” seems like a reasonable summary, not only of what we can glean from Scripture, but the way most Bible scholars interpret the word. Certainly, it is in line with Hebrew/Greek/English translations that use such words as “intermission,’ “rest” and most interestingly, “repose from secular avocations.” Instead, while declaring our passion for the Master, and our desire to be holy seven days a week, we reject setting aside just one day. Who do we think we are kidding? What kind of a model does such stinginess show to the world - those to whom we so loudly proclaim our interest in taking the “Message” to them; that is as long as it is in some far away place with a strange sounding name (and good food and lodging)? Well, rest assured, we are not kidding God nor anyone else. Besides, we have shopping to do and money to make. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt
thou labor, and do all thy work:
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 All Faith Is Blind And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith? Mark 4:40 Return to the page directory How often are Christian’s accused that their faith is blind, little more than made up garbage that makes no sense at all, that it’s no more than superstition?" Another on the top ten of challenges is, the idea that, "No reasonable intelligent person could possible believe such stuff. Among the Ivy League professors, to scoff at our faith is a mark of intellectually superiority. Skeptics charge Christianity with being full of contradictions. How many of us have been asked to explain how can a so-called ‘God of love’ commit genocide, which they rightly or wrongly back up with Scriptures in which God orders the total destruction of ancient cities and entire nations/races of people. This contrasted with verses such as 1 John 4:8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (see also 1 John 4:16) They point out that we are told to love God, one another, our neighbors, those who curse us our enemies. Then, we are told, that we can’t serve two masters because we’ll wind up loving one but hating the other – all of this within the confines of the Gospels. Scientific evidence is presented demonstrating the great age of the earth; evolution which stands in stark contradiction to our story of creation These, and other like them, are tough questions and theories demanding to be answered. Lee Strobel has made something of a career "defending the faith," as it were, in five books (The Case For Christ, The Case For Faith, The Case For A Creator, The Case for The Real Jesus, and last but not least, The Case For Christmas) in which he attempts to do just that. He claims to "supply scientific evidence," "solid answers," "dismantle (objections and criticisms) with facts, logic and evidence." He even goes so far as to claim, "science and biblical teaching support each other." One enthusiastic reviewer writes, "Whatever intellectual or emotional objections one has to the Christian faith are directly refuted by Strobel's honest and thorough discoveries." If the Gospel could be totally proven to the "inquiring mind," substantiated by scientific evidence, would we need faith to accept it? If every knit and twitter, of Jesus’ ministry, death, resurrection and ascension could be satisfied to the human intellect through intellectual and scientific investigation, do we even need to resort to faith at all? Turn thing around a bit and consider the possibility of throwing everything out of Christianity that cannot be so verified or substantiated. The new Postmodern Christian slogan could become, "If it ain’t reasonable, it ain’t Gospel" or "I gotta see it to believe it." Jesus got a little impatient with this sort of belief. In His day, there were many who believed in Him only because of the evidence provided by His miracles (see miracles) so many that at one point, in exasperation, He said, Why doth this generation seek after a sign? verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. (Mark 8:12) Doesn’t this cause one to wonder what would have happened if there had been no miracles, no such proof? What is faith anyway? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as, "belief and trust in and loyalty to God," and more basically as a, "firm belief in something for which there is no proof. That’s seems to be what Paul is referring to when he writes to the saints at Corinth, For we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:7) The author of Hebrews reinforces this position writing, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1) John Gill describes this faith as, "a firm persuasion of the power, faithfulness, and love of God in Christ." In the 1700’s, Samuel Medley wrote the hymn, "I Know that My Redeemer Lives." That is "true faith," a sure and certain confidence, knowledge; in and about things we can’t see and don’t understand. Remember the occasion when Jesus was questioning the disciples about who He was, and to what Peter’s said Jesus replied, Blessed art thou , Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 16:17) That’s faith. It comes to those who have been able to slough off the shackles of "flesh and blood," to unquestioningly submit their will to our Heavenly Father without any assurance or guarantees other than His Word. How firm is our belief in God, how much trust and loyalty, if we are constantly seeking reassurance? Mightn’t someone rightly question the "firmness of our persuasion about the faithfulness and love of God in Christ if we are constantly looking for evidence? If scientists could verify the objective, factual nature of every single syllable in the Bible, would any faith be required? (Just as an aside, science can’t verify any of it, because it is in the realm of the supernatural and science can only deal with natural phenomena.) Our faith is weak if we are constantly seeking reassurance. We have no faith if we are constantly seeking evidence from human resources. There are no signs, miracles, wonders or token. Consider this, Jesus answered them and said , Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (John 6:26) All faith, by its very nature, is blind. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
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Once Upon A Christian To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. John 18:37b Return to the page directory Once upon a time, a Christian was offered a well-paying position as a Systems Administrator at the company’s national corporate offices located in Hollywood, California, just across the street and up 27 stories from Mann’s Chinese Theatre. In that position, this Christian young fellow would be responsible for the entire Unix based computer network. Along with the company’s national chain of "retail outlets" were vigorous internet and print catalog sales departments offering an extensive number of products as well as five magazines robust with sales featuring the company’s line of products. Much of the responsibility for these sales outlets would fall upon this young Christian fellow’s shoulders. High on the corporate ladder, he would report directly to the Board of Directors. The compensation package was in proportion with the level of skill and responsibility required. The starting salary was $157,000 with 10% over COL annual raises tied to performance, and a complete fringe benefit/retirement package. Before accepting the position, this young Christian fellow was interviewed by the full Board of Directors and, in addition to being informed about the scope of his responsibilities and his remuneration; he was given a full panoramic view of the company’s line of products. Simply put, the company was the Nation’s leading distributor of pornography and owner/operator of a national chain of "adult entertainment" clubs. The series of pornographic internet sites and its dozen or more print catalogs offered what the Chairman politely described as "the appropriate type of toys," were international in scope. After hearing all of this and briefly considering what he had just learned about the true nature of the company’s products, he accepted. But the real story is the "reasoning" he used in his decision to accept the company’s most lucrative offer. He was troubled; his Christian upbringing had taught him that pornography and prostitution were totally immoral. He asked himself how could he, a "practicing" Christian be involved with such sinful enterprises? He reasoned that he wouldn’t be directly responsible for the production, procurement, or marketing of pornography. In his mind, he was simply the director/supervisor responsible for providing and maintaining computer services, the same as with any other company he would accept a position with – plain and simple. In his mind, this would be no different than the same position in a governmental agency, a college or university or any number of large companies he had interviewed with already. He saw himself as "flying under the Radar" as it were – not really involved with or responsible for the pornography and prostitution that was the company’s bread and butter. With that decision behind him, with a grateful heart, the very next Sunday morning he dropped a $100.00 bill in the collection plate and filled out a form committing him to pay 15% of his salary in tithing. Needless to say, the news of his generosity spread throughout his church as his continuing generous donations to the offertory and his tithing commitment became known to the ministerial staff. He felt blessed. As the years passed, he became convinced that God had opened the doors of opportunity for him so that his abundance could bless and help sustain the ministry of his church. Whenever the shadows of doubt momentarily troubled him, he was able to push them away by assuring himself that he had no direct responsibility for what the company was doing. He was only going to be the company’s "computer geek." The "Flying under the radar" (being unobtrusive, hidden) no one will notice, excuse as well as the "brass monkey syndrome" (hear, see, speak no evil) do well for multitudes of Christians living and working in businesses with questionable moral and ethical standards ranging from Wall Street to the used car lot. How else do Christians justify working for organizations large or small that cheat or short-change their customers; engage in illicit and immoral activities? However, aren’t we compelled to ask if tithing on one’s gambling winnings or ignoring the depravity and corruption; the fraud and vice surrounding us where we work really cancels the debt? Can we, by looking the other way, excuse the evil we are immersed in? Does pretending it doesn’t exist make it go away any more than protesting our innocence absolves us of our Christian responsibilities? There’s a third popular excuse for ignoring evil, "I didn’t do it, not me, I had nothing to do with it, I just work here." Edmund Burke once said "It is necessary only for the good man to do nothing for evil to triumph." Shouldn’t we ask ourselves, if we do nothing to stop the evil, are we good men? Is it enough to play like Pontius Pilate washing our hands of any involvement or responsibility? The Catholic Encyclopedia writes, "Pilate is a type of the worldly man, knowing the right and anxious to do it so far as it can be done without personal sacrifice of any kind, but yielding easily to pressure from those whose interest it is that he should act otherwise." Is that how we choose to be remembered? Or unlike the young Christian fellow can we say as Paul,But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: Acts 24:14
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And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Luke 10:18Return to the page directory The event surrounding Jesus saying He witnessed Satan’s fall was His sending disciples, two by two, into all the towns and cities of Judea and the Northern Kingdom which He would later visit. He knew there would be opposition to the Gospel. He warned them that they were being sent as lambs among wolves. Generally, wolves devour sheep, let alone totally helpless little lambs which these guys were. Talk about being green, Jesus was calling these disciples babies. They might have been given authority to heal the sick and proclaim the Gospel. They may have been wet behind the ears, but they knew enough to know how they were able to do so, And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. (Luke 10:17) We would do well to remember that lesson as well.There are a number of other lessons we also need to keep in mind. We must not forget that Satan, Lucifer, the Devil (by whatever name we choose to call him) is not a lamb or even a sheep. He is well traveled going to and fro in the earth and walking up and down in it. (Job 1:7) He is a practiced ravenous wolf; a dragon; a serpent, rather than a lamb dumb before his shearer. (Acts 8:32) Among other reprehensible personal traits, he is prideful, a deceiver, an accuser, and a tempter. In so many fundamental respects, he is responsible for the worst of what we are. He is not to be reckoned with. We must constantly remind ourselves that he is a master of his trade; not to be lightly reckoned with. Among his adversaries were Michael and his angels. (Rev. 12:7) Remember, later on, he snookered David (1 Chron. 21:1) to take a census of Israel going against specific instructions from God to the contrary? This "guy" could sell refrigerators to Eskimos.Against such an adversary, the outcome of his meeting with Eve was "a sure bet;" (Gen. 3:1-6) she was "easy pickings" (pun intended) no competition; none at all. In this encounter, the evil one is described as subtle (Strong’s #06175) which can be translated as, subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly; even sensible, and prudent. This is well worth remembering too. At times Satan may appear prudent and even present himself as sensible. He isn’t always as readily recognizable as a seven headed red dragon with ten horns and wearing ten crowns. If you please, he may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (Matt. 7:15) False prophets and teachers don’t always wear the mark of the beast (Rev. 19:20) emblazoned across their foreheads nor does their preaching always reek of brimstone. Most often, it does not. Rather, false prophets will be beguiling and their teaching will appear sensible and prudent. That’s how Eve was conned. Keep in mind, until this encounter, serpents weren’t ghastly, unsavory creatures; rather they were undoubtedly rather charming in appearance. And, the lesson this pleasant being presented to Eve was just as pleasing and alluring as his appearance; just what she wanted to hear because it was what she really longed to do.Satan tempted Eve who, in turn, charmed Adam into disobeying God. One might say that stamped the human race with the "sin gene." It’s been "in our blood ever since." That’s why Jesus had to descend to earth. But, Satan’s defiance of God didn’t start in the Garden. No, that has been going on for who knows how long. We could even say that such defiance is "in the blood of the entire universe," put there by this disgruntled fallen angel bent upon setting up his own kingdom in conflict with God’s kingdom. This is the conflict. It is between the "Gospel" and the "Followers of the Way" (Jesus) on one side. On the other is Satan, the antichrist, and his followers who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7) Jesus, the Son of the Living God came to destroy Satan’s power on this earth. (see Dan. 7:21-28 & Rev. 12:12) They are "immortal enemies." Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (John 12:31, John 14:30) Cast out of heaven, to be cast out of earth, his next stop being the "fiery furnace."That is what Satan has been opposing and will continue to oppose until the end of the world. (Matt. 13:39) And, let there be no doubt, this world is going to end. There is going to be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Thus, to make peace with the world is to make peace with the Devil. (Matt. 10:34, Luke 12:51) We must accept the lesson; regardless of how much we might fight against the idea, the Gospel is confrontational. It has been since that fateful Heavenly event when Lucifer fell. Because of this, whenever, however, by whomever it is proclaimed (even when we have to resort to using words) the Gospel will be opposed. The truth of this statement shouldn’t take much to corroborate. Look at what is taking place all around us. Opposition to God, didn’t begin in Eden; human opposition did. Both angelic and human will continue until –And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: |
Some Bible Teachers would like us to believe that the Bible is so bound up in the Jewish culture of the first century that it cannot be taken literally – in short, it is not a reliable source for the Truth. Rather to fully understand what it says, we need contemporary, scholarly intelligentsia to help us understand the Bible. It can’t be taken at face value. Frequently, they refer to a number of characteristics of Jewish culture that biases the writers of the New Testament. Number one on the list that by implication seriously weakens the reliability of the Bible is the “fact” that Jewish Culture was “patriarchal;” next that Jewish culture was “monarchial” and, finally, that it was “a slave culture.” According to some teachers, these account for a number of “controversial” positions found in Scripture such as banning the ordination of women and the indictment of homosexuality. The others will be dealt with in other articles. In a number of places in the NT it is written that women are to be subordinate to men (1Cor. 11:3) and that wives are to be submissive to their husbands (Eph 5:22; Col 3:18 and 1 Peter 3:1). We are told, these illustrate the “sexist milieu” of the Jewish culture of that day upon what is written in the Bible. What is particularly odious to so many, and the focus here, is presumably the outright ban on the ordination of women expressed in 1Timothy 2:12. (also 1Corinthians. 14:34) The first line of attack designed nullify this passage of Scripture is the overused and threadbare argument that, in general, this reflects the Jewish patriarchal culture and, in peculiar, circumstances Timothy had to confront in Ephesus in rather than the Word of God. After all the Temple of the Greek goddess Artemis (the City of Ephesus goddess Diana) was there. The reason the goddess of the Temple in Ephesus has two names is that when Ephesus fell to the Romans, the goddess Diana was merged with the Greek goddess Artemis. To further complicate matters, she was known to the Israelites as Ashtoreth (1Kings 11:5; 11:33; 2 Kings 23:13). By whatever name, she was (they were) the goddess of fertility regarded as the "Divine Virgin" and "Mother of All." Her claim was that "No one has lifted my veil. I am the Mother without spouse, the Original Mother.” Reason enough to silence women in the new religion with its own “virgin” story.” Quite possibly Paul’s position about women’s role in the “church” might have arisen out of concern that some women might have been “former priestesses” to this “Mother of All” goddess. A second line of attack on Paul’s sanctions against women in positions of authority over men takes the bizarre tack of attacking Paul’s credentials as a rabbinic scholar having studied under Gamaliel, one of the greatest teachers in Judaism. If this is true, how could Paul be mistaken on something as fundamental as “original sin?” Some attack Paul’s credentials by saying he is wrong when he justifies his sanction against essentially the ordaining of women by saying, And Adam was not deceived , but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. (1Tim. 2:7-15) According to this view, Adam was right there with Eve so it was they, not just Eve whom the serpent led astray – simultaneously. He bases his argument on Genesis 3:6 which says, And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat , and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. Accordingly, since he was there, he bears equal responsibility. The fact that Genesis records God told Adam that, “because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree.” (Gen. 3:17) Who does this suggest was the one tempted? What was Adam’s sin, listening to the serpent or to his wife? Apparently this passage is irrelevant – or is it ignored because it dilutes the argument? Adam’s transgression was neither ignored nor excused. He was following Eve’s lead lending support for Paul’s sanction against giving women authority over men. Isn’t it pitiful that our God is so impotent He is incapable of overcoming cultural influences and the personal biases of those He chose to write the Bible – or is He? We have yet to consider this well-known passage, And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy , and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams : And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy. (Acts 2:17-18) Nor have the women who played prominent roles in the NT been considered. In the writing of Paul we find Priscilla; (1Cor. 16:19) Phoebe; (Ro. 16:1) Mary; (Ro. 16:6) Tryphena and Tryphosa and Persis; (Ro. 16:12) the mother of Rufus; (Ro 16:13) Julia and Nereus; (Ro 16:15) four prophetesses; (Acts 21:9) Lunia and Lydia. (Acts 16:14) Looking at the whole of Scripture we see men and women with equally necessary but different gifts. Possibly both men and women need reminded that washing feet is more honorable than a seat at the head table. Maybe, just maybe, Paul’s “controversial” statements and Scriptural “mistakes” weren’t the seeming sexist biases and stupidity slumps they were made out to be. Another of Paul’s sayings comes to mind here, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (2 Tim. 4:3) As well as this OT saying but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD (Josh. 24:15c) Howbeit when he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: John 16:13a
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While Bible scholars generally consider Isaiah 14:12 a reference to the dead King of Babylon, most agree that it also alludes to the evil influence behind his throne. Without question, the single most cataclysmic event ever recorded in all history and before is not as some would imagine the so-called “Big Bang Theory” or the mythological sinking of Atlantis and Lemuria. Not at all. THE catastrophic event was Satan’s (et cetera) fall as recorded in Revelation 12:7-10. What happened to precipitate this is recorded in Isaiah 14:13-14 where it is reported that Satan made five “I will” statements: I will ascend into heaven. I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds. I will be like the most High. This, according to Scofield, “marks the beginning of sin in the universe. When Lucifer said, ‘I will,’ sin began.” That produced the fall of the angel called Satan, Beelzebub, Devil, Lucifer, Beelzebub. (etc.) It was his self-centered arrogance that got him expelled. That, apart from all else, should serve as a dire warning to all of us. Generally the how, when, where and why questions concerning Satan are matters of curiosity that are actually of little real consequence. However, the Fourth Lateran Council of the Roman Catholic Church does satisfy some of that curiosity by decreeing, “the Devil and the other demons were created by God good in their nature but they by themselves have made themselves evil.” This is also the view taken by most of Christianity. The important matters are that “Satan” does exist, he continues to rebel against God and has been cast out of heaven. Beyond these, we may be sure that: (1) Evil did not always (however long that might be) exist. (2) Evil was not created or caused by God. (3) Evil came into existence through the exercise of free-will by Satan. (4) Evil's final end is everlasting torment. Since this “Great Cataclysm,” there exists in the world a gargantuan struggle between good represented by Jesus the Christ and Satan the great deceiver. It is a temporary condition. We are so steeped in worldliness (a euphemism for sin) it is virtually impossible to think how drastically different the world will be without sin, imagine that garden planted by God in Eden. Just as well, imagine heaven. Yet in this morass nothing is more dominating in our personal lives, in Nations dealings or the affairs of the world. Were there only “five global giants of spiritual emptiness.” Rather, this satanic contaminant infects every aspect of our lives – including that of the “church.” In actuality, it isn’t just five, it is “five to the nth-degree” we are steeped in. Furthermore it takes more than “living a life of purpose” to extract humanity out of this quagmire of sin. Isn’t it obvious that the worst heathens that ever lived, such as Hitler, lived purpose driven lives? No, that won’t fill the spiritual void; it takes more than that. It isn’t that our lives are without purpose as much as it is the purpose(s) that fill(s) our lives. To rather poorly paraphrase Shakespeare, “Aye, there’s the rub, for in that purpose, however unintended, Satan may dwell. It is written that the first thing the Holy Spirit will do upon arrival after the Ascension of Jesus is to Convict (that is engrave upon the conscience) the world of its sinfulness. (John 16:8) That is, none of us since the day of Pentecost may truthfully say we were unaware of our sinful condition. Therefore, we sin knowingly. Just like Satan, because it is he we are emulating, we are pitting our will against our Father’s will. Our actions are boldly proclaiming, I will to fame, I will to glory, I will to honor, I will to power, I will to fortune. Not withstand our gold stars for church attendance, our “daily devotionals,” or how long and loudly we pray as long as our actions and our words stridently declare “my will be done, not thy will,” we are not followers of Him. It takes more than a “daily dose of Scripture,” “praying in color,” giving to the poor or other “good works” to extract us from the morass of our sinful nature. Such outward displays may more closely emulate the affected piety of the Pharisees than the heart of a servant. (Matt. 20:26-28) As such they are manifestations of our self-centeredness disguised in the robes of saintliness. That lesson is what is to be gleaned from Matthew 23:1-11 which in part says, all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi. (vs. 5-7) without that kind of heart, we are like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. It takes a life consecrated and committed to Jesus the Christ which starts by an immeasurable sense of gratitude for His sacrifice on the Cross and a submission to God’s way, rather than our way which usually is like the request of the mother of Zebedee’s children. (Matt. 20:20-22)
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me;
Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of
judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
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