The Temple of God
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not,
neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. John 14:17
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First there were the pillars of smoke and fire guiding God’s people on their rough journey through a new life – a life in the desert. They were a visible presence of the divine. In spite of this obvious presence, how often the people strayed. Yet God remained faithful, He took not away the pillar of the cloud by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, from before the people. Exodus 13:22 Later in their journey Later in the account of the Exodus, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle. Within it was the Ark of the Covenant and to serve within it, a separate and distinct priesthood. After the "occupation" of the Holy Land, Solomon’s Temple was constructed replacing the Tabernacle as the house for the Ark. After it’s destruction and the disappearance of the Ark of the Covenant, sometime later a second temple was built by Zerubbabel and upgraded by Herod. This "Herodic" temple was the one in existence during Jesus’ earthly ministry.

From the pillars of smoke and fire through to Herod’s Temple, God was visibly present to guide, bless and comfort His people. All of this is just as much a part of the Old Covenant as the Ten Commandments and the stones on which they were written. Please note how little attention the people of Israel paid to these visible symbols of our invisible God. Note how little they were influenced by such discernible presence to the point that somewhere, somehow (no one knows for sure) the Ark was lost. When we look at the history of the people of Israel, the buildings, the priesthood, the very seat of our Lord had little effect upon their behavior. Incessantly they disobeyed Him. The Promised Land was lost as a result.

It is only useless speculation to ask if things had been different, would the sacrifice of Jesus the Christ have been necessary. It is not speculation that there is a new order in place, a New Covenant brought to men by Him and sanctified by His life, His death, His resurrection and His ascension. All of this is essential to our New Testament. Still, we are provided with just as much help and guidance as provided Israel. There is a temple, not in stone but in our hearts – in our very being. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? There is priesthood with all Christians as a priesthood of believers (But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood) and with Jesus the Christ as our Chief Priest. It is written, But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; and those waiting for a new tabernacle will be waiting for a long time – for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are our temple.

Yes, Jesus’ miraculous life is proof of God’s love for us. His ministry affirms the Word afresh. His death cleanses our sins away and His resurrection is proof of His and our triumph over death. Praise God. But there is one item frequently overlooked from the pulpit, His ascension. Yet He said this was absolutely essential, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. (John 16:7) He says His ascension was "expedient." That means it is "immediately advantageous" – absolutely necessary. Without His ascension we are deprived of the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He who lives within us for ever, who shows us God’s love, gives us hope, teaches us the Truth. From the International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia (Biblesoft) we are taught that the Holy Spirit, "guides into all truth; brings to memory Christ's teachings; shows things to come; glorifies Christ; bears witness to Christ; enables Christians to do greater works than those of Christ." The Scripture to which the last of this quotation alludes is John 14:12. It is Jesus saying, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. That promise is breath taking, staggering, almost incomprehensible. Even so, it is the promise each believer is given. It is without exception, unequivocal.

Yet here we sit for an hour or so listening to a learned preacher pontificating on his reading of the Word. We may even do some off-handed volunteer work "for the church." Afterward, we will go about our business pretty much as before wondering when the Second Coming will take place when we will receive our rewards and rule earth and heaven as sovereign lords with the Trinity. If this sound familiar, it is intended. How much different are we than the generations of the children of Abraham who waited and waited for the Messiah to save their miserable lives and rescue them from their bondage only to reject Him when He came into their midst? O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you?

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Scriptural Errancy
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them,
He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. John 8:7
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A National Christian Magazine, Christianity Today, recently ran an article titled, "Is 'Let Him Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone' Biblical?" It states, "Scholars are cautious about the story of the woman caught in adultery," what is known as Pericope adulterae the text cited above. There are other passages also questioned. The Book of Mark supposedly ends with 16:8 leaving out verses 9-20 that includes one of the best known verses, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Invariably, the "reason" given is that, "Many scholars agree that the verses are not original to John's Gospel, pointing out that the story interrupts the flow of the verses that come before and after. The style is also noticeably different from that of John's usual writing." Luther, we must remember, disputed the validity of the Book of James although it remains in their Bible. The New Advent declares, "these texts," speaking of the New Testament, "on the whole, date back to the second half of the first century; consequently they are the work of a generation that counted a good number of direct witnesses of the life of Jesus Christ." Please note the phrase, "on the whole" and the fact that all were written 50 years after the fact. A cursory scan of the New Advent article just cited will give a good indication of just how much disagreement there is as to the origins and reliability of the New Testament. Now isn’t that distressing. What are we to believe?

Indeed. The article in Christianity Today continues, "During the 5th century, the church was sorting out what, exactly, should be in the canon of inspired Scripture." Notice it says, "the church was sorting out." We won’t even stop to question by what authority it was doing so. It was done. Most Christians know that the Roman Catholic Bible and the Protestant Bible are notably different because, during the Reformation, some more editing was done. In this instance, the Apocryphal Books (hidden or concealed books: to Roman Catholics they are referred to as deuterocanonical, meaning later canon)) were eliminated.

There are several other questions about the authenticity of our Scriptures. First, from the sources of the "canon of inspired Scripture," what was edited out, ignored, overlooked or misinterpreted? Second, Jesus the Christ did not speak Hebrew, Greek or Latin – not that He couldn’t have, He just didn’t (not that it is recorded.) How many errors in translation were made? The 5^th Century was 500 years after the events that constitute the Bible. How much was lost in the interim? How much did the idioms changed in that time rendering the scholar’s 5^th century interpretations useless? Instead of quibbling over one or two verses, shouldn’t the entire process of how our Scriptures came into existence be scrupulously investigated?

Regis Nicoll, writing for Break Point observes that Postmodern "thought" dismisses the Biblical record as either myth or legend. We don’t have and we cannot have any rational evidence to support our acceptance of the Bible as the Truth, the very Word of God. Christianity, religion in general, lies far beyond the realm of Science to declare either for or against. Human reason is incapable of discerning Scriptural Truth. Paul writes, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him. What are we to do? Many buckle under the attack. Seminarians and "laypersons" alike seemingly have no defense against such an apparent "intellectual" attack. If Charles Crismier is correct that, "Only nine percent of Christian young people believe in absolute truth" and of Bible-believing evangelicals "between fifty and sixty percent" do so, he is right that, "the church as we know it has virtually disintegrated." Some, such as Crismier suggest that Biblical literacy is the answer. That’s a starting point, however it’s not how much one reads or memorizes but how one reads and understands the Bible is the key.

Most fundamentally it is our understanding of the God we worship and, prayerfully, adore. What’s His nature? What’s His relationship to us? Nothing is more important than how we answer these two questions. Is He all-powerful? Did He create us? Is He a relational God? These questions must be answered first. If He is our omnipotent, loving Creator, then He has made certain that what we must know to live a life of gratitude for all He has done will be made known to us. The Bible, regardless of the errors and deceptions that may have crept in over the centuries, will be sufficient to assist us toward our salvation and a gratitude filled life. That knowledge, that certainty, will be imparted to us.
 

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:20-21
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Biblical Originalism

Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered:
and many such like things do ye. Mark 7:13
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In a recent interview with the TV program 60 Minutes, Supreme Court Justice Anthonin Scalia made a number of interesting observations about the Constitution of the United States worthy of note. He said, when asked what was wrong with a living Constitution, "What's wrong with it is, it's wonderful imagery and it puts me on the defensive as defending presumably a dead Constitution. It is an enduring Constitution that I want to defend." At another point he was challenged, "But what you're saying is, let's try to figure out the mindset of people back 200 years ago? Right?" His response was, "Well, it isn't the mindset. It's what did the words mean to the people who ratified the Bill of Rights or who ratified the Constitution,"

While neither necessarily defending nor rejecting his many positions as a Supreme Court Judge, isn’t what he says the guidelines for applying the U.S. Constitution today the guidelines we should use to apply the Holy Bible to our lives today? He calls himself an "originalist," by which he intends to say he tries to get back the meaning and intend of those who ratified the Constitution – particularly those of Jesus the Christ? The alternative view for the Supreme Court Justices is that, "the Constitution evolves and should reflect changes in society." Isn’t that the predicament we find ourselves in today with scholars, preachers and "laymen" wanting to bring the Bible into the 21^st Century as though God had no idea of what would be going on back then? More fundamentally, isn’t such a position saying we, today, know and can discern what is best for us. And what did the Bible say about this, But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. Hum, it doesn’t seem to show too much confidence that we know what’s good for us.

Recently a pastor ventured into the troubled waters of trying to explain the Biblical principles of divorce to a congregation with many who are divorced. To start, here is what the KJ Bible said on the subject back then, And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. That’s Jesus speaking by the way. He seems perfectly clear and lucid on the subject doesn’t He? With the exception noted, of what is a person who divorces and remarries guilty? Does it appear he/she is guilty of adultery? So it would seem. Now the "Biblical Revisionists" would have us believe times have changed and we need to loosen up the regulations to account for such changes – changes in the milieu as it were.

Now that we are aware of the ancient text, let’s return to our brave pastor who undertook to discuss such a controversial topic. Controversial because, in all probability, at least half of his congregation were divorced and remarried – adulterers according to Scripture. He starts out well enough saying, "The church is called to preach Biblical principles." Amen! He correctly notes that "God hates divorce." Amen again. Pondering whether God wants us to live in abusive relationships, he gets on shaky grounds saying, "We have a compassionate God who understands. Would He want us to live in such a relationship? Certainly not." Well, the implication is clear especially when we remember that way back in Genesis God Himself said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.

What to do then but remarry? Right? Wrong – at least Scripturally.

Abusiveness, as well as other egregious circumstances, can be dealt with as a grounds for divorce. If an abusive or deceitful marriage cannot be reconciled, divorce is permitted just not remarriage. It’s with remarriage when the adultery bit kicks in. God’s compassion can be understood as grounds for divorce in an irreconcilable marriage. It’s the remarriage that causes the harm. He does hate divorce and His Son specifically spoke against it. Therefore, should a pastor perform a marriage ceremony when one or both of the parties is divorced? Aside from the Scriptural indictment against it, it doesn’t work. Its bad enough that 47% of first marriages (in the US) end in divorce. However, 60 to 80% of second and subsequent marriages do so. The answer is no – not according to the ancient and clearly outdated Holy Bible.

We cannot doctor, modify or ignore Biblical passages we find distasteful, inconvenient or embarrassing. Instead we must pray for understanding and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
 

And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Mark 7:9
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Who?
And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16:19
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This passage from the Book of Matthew is just after Peter’s confession of his faith that Jesus the Christ was, the Son of the living God. Essentially the same statement is found in later in Matthew 18:18 only this time He gives His disciples this astounding authority – the keys to the Kingdom. In many ways, these are the most controversial verses in the entire Bible. Did Jesus give Peter and the Disciples the authority to forgive sin as some, notably the Roman Catholic Church, claim? That assertion is expressed in the following found in the New Advent, "this interpretation, however, restricts the sense somewhat too narrowly; for the remission of sins is but one of the various ways in which ecclesiastical authority is exercised." Protestants take a different slant on the interpretation as one might expect. John Gill states, "This also is not to be understood of binding, or loosing men's sins, by laying on, or taking off censures, and excommunications; but only of doctrines, or declarations of what is lawful and unlawful, free, or prohibited to be received, or practised; in which sense the words." The implications are profound. The Protestant view would imply Pete and the boys were restrained to determining the keeping of holy days, Sabbaths, and the like. Not the "opening and shutting of the gates of heaven" claimed by Catholics for Peter.

We’re not out of the woods yet because John 20:23 clearly states, Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. What could be more clear? This was rendered after Christ’s resurrection as He appeared to the Disciples in the "upper room." You may recall, Thomas doubted it was the Christ. The "Church," as it prefers to be called takes the passage to mean, "Therefore he that has the key, can use it on any without restriction." The "discussion" that follows this proposition at no time refutes the fundamental premise that priests have the authority to forgive sins. That is made perfectly clear by their position on "absolution," an authority they reserve for themselves. Protestants steadfastly disagree as they must for to let such a statement stand would mean Protestants like all heathens are destined for hell. In his inimitable fashion, Gill proposes the Protestant position, "God only can forgive sins, and Christ being God, has a power to do so likewise; but he never communicated any such power to his apostles; nor did they ever assume any such power to themselves, or pretend to exercise it." What other position could we possibly assume? Any other renders all Protestants unsaved and the clergy phony pretenders – ravenous wolves even. The rejection of exclusive Roman Catholic priestly authority by Protestant clergy creates for them an inescapable conundrum. From whence do they derive their exclusive authority? At least the "Church" can claim an unbroken chain from Peter as the first Vicar of Christ through to the present pope. Peter being unable to protest the honor. No such claim can be made in Protestantism.

If there is a lynchpin in Christian theology surely it is Jesus dying on the Cross for the sins of the human race. What else does this passage from Matthew 26:28 mean if it doesn’t mean that? For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. What do we mean by "atonement" if we don’t mean, "the restoration of the favour of God to sinners that repent and put their trust in the expiatory death of Christ?" The good news of the Gospel is repentance. That is the New Covenant of Jesus the Christ. Saved by grace through the blood of Jesus. What else are we to believe Paul meant by, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus if not that Jesus the Christ, and He alone, is the source and the means of our salvation? Its said again in Ephesians 1:7 and in Acts we find, feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. In Peter we are told that we aren’t redeemed with "corruptible things such as silver and gold" or the traditions of men, But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. There are many other Scriptures with the same message. In 1John 2:2 we find this confession, And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world as in 1:John 4:10. In contrast, nowhere do we find Peter or the Apostles declared the Vicar of Christ individually or collectively (John 21:16-17 not withstanding.) That gets Protestant clergy off the hook (temporarily) while raising serious questions about those who seek to be what they are not. Enter the waters of baptism in the name of Jesus, not a substitute.

The Conundrum of Israel

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee:
and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Genesis 12:3
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These are the words that have united so many latter day Christians in defense of the modern Nation of Israel. None more forcefully that John Hagee, senior pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. As he and others see it, Modern Israel is the inheritor of the special place ordained by God for the seed of Abram. Unfortunately, things are not as simple as we might want them to be. In the first place the land given them was never completely occupied. (Judges 1) nor were the Canaanites completely annihilated as Moses ordered. Instead, they were made slaves. Secondly, from the time of Saul, ten of the twelve tribes took on the name of "Israel" for themselves. After the civil war that followed Solomon’s death, these ten tribes became a kingdom under the rule of Jeroboam and the kings of this Kingdom of "Israel" were called the "kings of Israel." Religious centers were even established in Dan and Bethel to de-emphasize Jerusalem as the worship center. The remaining two tribes in the South (Judah and Benjamin) were collectively called "Judah" with Jerusalem as its religious center. From 922 BC, Israel was broken, divided and conquered. Just by the way, the Ark of the Covenant disappeared forever at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar. And it shall come to pass, when ye be multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, saith the LORD, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. Jeremiah 3:16

If the Temple was empty. If there were competing temples in the North. If the country was divided asunder, where is that Israel? It had ceased to exist. Certainly at the time of Jesus, it was only a fiction, perhaps a fond memory. That would also mean the Holy of Holies was a room devoid of the Ark as well – just as empty as the illusion of a Nation and the practices of the Pharisees. If we understand this, what John writes in Revelation assumes new significance; And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Please note the manner of the restoration of the Holy City, the very heart and soul of the Nation of Israel as once it aspired to be – from above; down from heaven. With or without human effort, it will be restored. Then, again from Revelation, is this astounding declaration: And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Imagine that, the Temple Mount will always remain vacant. Gill says, "The Jews expect a third temple, but in vain." There will never again be a Temple on that sight or any other for that matter. Why? Once again, quoting Gill, "No material temple, as was in the old Jerusalem, or such as is described in Ezekiel's vision; nor any place of public worship, as under the Gospel dispensation; for in this state there will be no such external form of worship as now, such as preaching the word and administering ordinances." At last, you see, the "Lord God Almighty and the Lamb." That’s straight from the Bible.

Scripturally, nothing is said about the restoration of Israel, only of Jerusalem. Matthew 19:28 does speak of Jesus sitting on the throne of glory – and judging the 12 twelve tribes of Israel. Acts 3:21 speaks of a restoration of all which was spoken through the prophets since the world began. But, these passages are talking about the restoration of humanity through their belief in Christ. A position, once more, consistent with what we read in Revelation. Isaiah 62:1 and 62:6 used so frequently by supporters of "Israel" speak only of Jerusalem, not the Nation of Israel – again consistent with the Book of Revelation. Isaiah 40:9; Jeremiah 31:1 refers to "Zion" as Jerusalem and Judah. In the writing of Zechariah (Zech 9:13) it probably did refer to all of "Israel." In general "Zion" is Jerusalem.

There was a time when the Hebrew people demanded a king over Israel rejecting God’s rule so they could be just like other nations. They thought they knew better than the Lord God Almighty. So much that takes place today, supposedly in defense of Israel, is reminiscent of the same arrogant attitude. The central distinction of Israel was bringing Jesus the Christ to all people. Its significance in the future is in Zion, the City of David, the City of God. That will be taken care of by God with no assistance needed from us.

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
and to an innumerable company of angels. Hebrews 12:22

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The Truth
Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7
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In the verse before the one quoted above, Paul tells Timothy, For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. In his reference work, J. Vernon McGee tells us that this letter to Timothy concerns the coming apostasy. In these verses, Paul is warning his friend and student that many supposed Christ followers are mistaken in their beliefs. However much they may profess what they believe to be the Truth, however much they may have studied, they are wrong. It isn’t how much we study or from whom we learn but what we study and learn. Practice does not make perfect for it can simply be a rehearsal of mistaken ideas. Paul’s allusion to "silly women" probably is a reference to the fact that Satan seduced Eve, not Adam. Yet the connotation of weakness in this regard applies to men as well as women – both are subject to flattery. Having been so distracted these "silly people" are swayed from the Truth by the flimsiest of arguments and theories taught by those with the most base motives shrouded in an appeal to the "truth – get out the Wee gee (Ouija) board.

If we look closely at what people say the reasons are for their actions, however bizarre, invariably they are couched in the "truth," "correctness," or "justice" in what they do or say. Seldom will a person admit that their behavior is precipitated by what they know to be wrong. The greatest tyrants in the world are/were convinced that their actions are justified. The appeal to the "truth" or "searching for the truth" is no guarantee that they will ever discover the Truth. Were such the case, good intentions could reveal the Truth (Aletheia). Instead, we know the destination of such intentions. Agnosticism, Astrology, Buddhism, Christian Science, Evolutionary Science, Humanism, Scientology all believe they have the truth as does every movement from Materialism, Modernism, Mormons to Muslims. The list is endless – all seeking or claiming the truth. Yet at best they are incomplete, deceptive or both.

Most Christians would agree that our source of Truth is the Bible that – "I have all I need in the Holy Bible and do not feel a need for other ‘revelations’." However, there are one or two things that mitigate total trust in the Scriptures as our sole source. First of all, we do recognize that "the devil can quote Scripture" probably more fluently and persuasively than most of us. Just because someone is citing Scriptural references is not sufficient reason to believe what they are telling us is true. In the second place, much of what divides Christianity can be attributed to difference in interpretation of words and passages. Well meaning people do take the same passages to mean different things. For example, the word meditate in 1 Timothy 4:15, means to think about, consider and reflect upon. It has mistakenly be used as support for the kind of meditation in Buddhism, Transcendentalism, Zen, "The Course in Miracles" (Lessons 41,44, 47 etc.) and other non-Christian practices. In these cases it means, "to engage in mental exercise (as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness." That’s more than "spending quite-time with Jesus."

So where lies the Truth? Surely not in the confusion. Perhaps we can take a clue from a letter Paul wrote to the saints at Corinth, For the wisdom of this world, he wrote, is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. Then, how is it we are to find Truth? Paul answers the question for us as well, But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. It’s not to men we look for correct interpretation but to God in the person of the Holy Spirit. Gill reminds us that the revelation of His Word is given to "nor only to his ministers, but to private Christians and believers." That promise in found in the Gospel of John, But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

Truth, therefore, is found through the work of the Holy Spirit. That is found in John 14:16-17 in which we are promised a Comforter who is the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive. It is He "who leads men into the truths of the Gospel." Paul said, My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, and such should be the case for all.

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:5

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A Free Pass

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer,
 and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: Romans 11:26
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There are those who interpret this passage as meaning the Jewish people are already saved, they don’t need to be evangelized. Joel Osteen takes it one step further and wonders about Muslims as well. In response to a question by Larry King reported in Christianity Today about whether Muslims and Jews must believe in the Christ to get into heaven he said, "I'm very careful about saying who would and wouldn't go to heaven. I don't know." And probably he doesn’t.

Perhaps the Rev. Osteen hasn’t read about Paul’s work among the Jews. Over and over again in the Book of Acts, Paul preaches salvation in the synagogues of the towns and cities he visited on his missionary journeys. Someone should have told Paul he wasn’t supposed to do that. Think of the time and effort it would have saved him – quite probably his life as well. It must be said that there was a point when he got so upset with the bunch of them he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles. He didn’t. A short while later he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. Among all those who labored with the Jews in those early days including Luke, Barnabas, Silas, Timothy and others none was more renowned in trying to convert them than Paul. Is it reasonable, therefore, to believe the excerpt from his letter to the saints in Rome actually meant they were saved without Jesus the Christ? Yes, he was commissioned by the Christ (Acts 9:15, 22:21, 26:17, Romans 15:16, Ephesians 3:8, 1 Timothy 2:7, 2 Timothy 1:11) and referred himself as the "Apostle of the Gentiles," but first he went to his brother Jews. The Biblical evidence is overwhelming – we are to "go to the Jewish people with the Gospel.

Some have taken Romans 11:26, And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob to mean that, regardless of anything, all Jews will be saved whether or not they recognize the Messiahship of Jesus. It isn’t because Scripture is silent or vague on the matter. Where is the equivocation in this passage, That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life or in this one, Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Indeed, the Scriptures are replete with such passages. If this is not the cornerstone of Christianity, what is? In these passages as well as in this, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Who could speak with greater authority than Jesus the Christ?

Like so many people today, in and out of clerical robes, Rev. Osteen may have been trying to be inoffensive in his remarks – politically correct. Not wanting to offend anyone, he offends the Gospel. Somehow this has become the watchword within a growing Christian community. The Biblical example is just the opposite. Aside from Jesus, only John among His disciples escaped execution for their decidedly un political defense of the Gospel. Could anyone have doubt, concern or be confused about the necessity of evangelizing the Jews along with every other non-Christian in the world? 1 Peter 1:2, Romans 8:29, 9:23 and 11:2 do speak of Gods knowing beforehand who would and who would not be saved. Based on these, should we abandon all evangelism with the thought being that "salvation passes" have already been handed out – before the beginning of time? Some denominations, the overwhelming minority, do take such a position. Most, as you may have noticed, make evangelism, missionary work a top priority. So it must be with the Jewish people. From our perspective, no one has a free pass into the Kingdom however offensive.

It seems as clear as possible that in heaven there won’t be any agnostics or atheists. Nor will there be Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Janists, Taoists Catholics, Protestants, Evangelicals, Southern Baptists, Mormons or any other than "People of the Way," "Galilian’s," "Christians" or by other names meaning they who have accepted Jesus the Christ as Lord and Savior, Master, of their lives. Jews are not automatically saved just because they are Jews. The only question is whether they will be/ can be saved one at a time or collectively as a people. Saved means to accept Jesus as the CHRIST. They must, individually or collectively, there is no other way. There is no free pass, no "pass go and stay out of jail."

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16
 

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Are You Saved?

And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. Acts 15:1
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To us, reading the Biblical accounts of the dispute between the Christians living in Jerusalem and those from Antioch over the matter of following the "Law of Moses" might seem humorous if not down-right pitiable. In some instances Jews meant the entire Old Testament and in other cases the Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy – all presumably written by Moses) when they spoke of the "Law." Composed of the "Moral Law," "Ceremonial Law" and "Civil Law, it involved every aspect of Jewish life." Males had to be circumcised before they could take the passover (Ex 12:48) or become Jewish citizens (Judg 14:100.) So serious the matter, in some instances "The penalty of death for a neglect of this ordinance appears in the case of Moses to have actually been demanded of the father, when the Lord ‘sought to kill him because his son was uncircumcised" (McClintock and Strong Encyclopedia.)

How could these recent converts, the "Jerusalem Christians" be so narrow minded, when it came to applying the Law to Gentile converts? Hadn’t Jesus the Christ made it abundantly clear that traditional Judaism had fallen into the trap of meaningless legalisms? Wasn’t that one of the things He preached against over and over? Most of them were those who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, some were His Disciples, yet they just didn’t seem to get it. Keep in mind, He would have personally tutored them for the three years. That makes their intolerance and ignorance even more astounding. More fundamentally, their struggle to admit "Gentiles" (non-Jews) into the fold of Grace is just as intolerant. Yet, like circumcision, this was just as divisive a matter among those Jews who had accepted Jesus the Christ as their savior in spite of His announcing the Gospel was for everyone.

There is a lesson here. Those very people were the ones who groaned and complained unceasingly during their exodus from Egypt. They lost an entire generation in the wilderness. They did not fully conquer and drive out the indigent peoples of the Promised land. They had demanded an earthly king to rule over them. Their land, the "Holy Land" had been divided by civil war and had been conquered by invading nations were now splitting hairs over non-Jews (Gentiles) being saved. It certainly gives new meaning to the passage Jesus the Christ saying, Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. Perhaps we should take heed.

Don’t we, the Gentiles of this dispensation, split hairs over matters of humanly devised doctrines, confessions, catechisms and liturgies while failing to follow the most fundamental Laws ordained by the Christ – love thy neighbour as thy self? Haven’t we been seduced by the Roman Catholic assertion that "The ‘universal priesthood of believers’ is a fond fancy?" Don’t we dress our anointed "clergy" in resplendent garb, pay homage and obeisance to them and snooze while they preach? Don’t we address them as "Father," "Bishop," "Reverend," and feign to call them "Pastor" when Christ warned us saying, But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. He also said, I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. Is there any other? Is there need for any other?

Aren’t we, in our practice of "closed communion" announcing to the would that accepting Jesus the Christ as the Lord and Savior of our lives is insufficient for salvation? Isn’t refusing membership in our institutional churches to those who are not "properly" baptized tantamount to denying they are saved? Aren’t the schisms of denominationalism eloquent testimony of our not listening to the teaching of the Holy Spirit? The simple fact that there is little, other than sporadic "church" attendance distinguishing "Christians" and non-Christians speaks volumes to the observer about what we mean by being "saved." Certainly not the definition found in the Book of James, that faith without works is dead. More and more the self-centeredness of "Prosperity Christianity" and the "Word-Faith" movement are consuming the Christian community. We may have proclaimed the Gospel into all the world, but from all indications, like some vaccinations, it simply hasn’t taken. Maybe we just don’t know what it is or how to get there.

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,
To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. James 1:27
 

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Appeasement

For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD,whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God: Exodus 34:14
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Click on the map to see an extraordinary map of the changing face
of this part of the world.
The Hotbed of Christianity
And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. 1 Corinthians 15:14
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Christianity seemed to spiral outward from Judah and Israel into Syria, the northern parts of Africa and Europe. Eventually it moved into the continents of North and South America and into parts of Asia. Each, in turn a hotbed of the faith. In spite of this global spread, today only about 33% of the world’s people claim to be Christian and it is losing ground. If we include Catholics, Protestants, the Eastern Orthodox religions, the Monophysites (Christ only had a divine nature), African Independent Churches, Latter-day Saints, Seventh Day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Quakers, Assemblies Of God and anything else remotely resembling Christianity in the mix. The arithmetic is astounding, some 2,000 years later 67%, the majority of the world, is still not Christian by any stretch of the imagination. That isn’t the real surprise.

The Middle East (Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt) once the Hotbed of Christianity, its very cradle, is mostly non-Christian today. The streets of the towns and cities where Jesus walked are not Christian. The places where Paul struggled with the Gentiles to bring them to Christ aren’t Christian. Europe, the citadel of the Christian faith has grown lukewarm with increasing numbers of the populations identifying themselves as non-religious. Other religions, Muslims, Jews, and Buddhists are making inroads into this once fortress for Christianity. The social conditions in the United States speak for themselves. While 80% or so claim to be Christian, it would be hard to prove that statistic based on how people are acting in their everyday lives. By accounts, Mexico, as with the rest of Central and South America, is 90-95% Roman Catholic although with the depths of poverty and the prevalence of drug trafficking that would also be hard to verify. What in the world happened?

What happened was how Christians viewed and view the message of the Gospel of Jesus the Christ. The Good News was our reconciliation with God through the sacrifice of His Son as Paul so often preached. The Messiah’s work of reconciliation/atonement was finished at the Cross and verified with His resurrection. Paul preached that Jesus’ resurrection verified He was the Son of God. He proclaimed that, if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. He said it again in his letter to the saints in Rome, Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Gill points out that, "Christ's resurrection did not procure the justification of his people, that was done by his obedience and death; but was for the testification of it, that it might fully appear that sin was atoned for, and an everlasting righteousness was brought in; and for the application of it, or that Christ might live and see his righteousness imputed, and applied to all those for whom he had wrought it out."

Atonement is certainly one of the very foundations of the Gospel, but there is more. To say as some have that, "Salvation is the Bible’s central theme; indeed, salvation is life’s central theme" is a truism. But it is not the fullness of the Gospel nor the only "theme" that should govern one’s life. One might even say salvation/redemption is/are the cornerstone(s), the foundation of both, but not the all and all. There’s too much Scripture, Jesus had too much to say about living to conclude salvation was the most important theme of His Gospel. For example, He said, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (matt 7:21).

A preacher of a TV ministry is fond of inviting listeners to come to his church to be baptized – just fly in for the day. Since the program is seen throughout the country and around the world, presumably after being baptized they’ll go back home. Saved they may be, but has their life been transformed? The debate between saved by grace or by works or some combination of the two is specious. Salvation most assuredly leads to works. Works are the mark of salvation, not marks on a salvation scorecard. They result from a deep and prevailing sense of gratitude for His humiliation and sacrifice. James said, Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Over the centuries this message has been downplayed to the point of disappearing. Luther didn’t even think the writings of Jesus’ half-brother merited inclusion in the Scriptures. In the unchanged lives of those sitting in the preacher’s pews Sunday after Sunday and those who fly home after their baptism, never to be heard of again, we may have the answer as to what happened to the "hotbeds of Christianity."

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: Matthew 7:26

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Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. Matthew 21:21
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In a very popular movie that ran a number of years ago a voice from a cornfield said to a farmer, "If you build it, he will come." It’s about following one’s dreams. There’s nothing new about the idea, politicians have been expounding upon this theme for generations. Actually it’s a "down to earth" version of Walt Disney’s quote, "If you can dream it, you can do it." Even Henry David Thoreau, got in on the act writing, "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." Others have adopted both quotes none more eagerly than motivational speakers.

The power of a message based on overcoming has long been recognized by shyster motivational schemes to draw followers. Often they use the ruse that "positive mental attitudes" and thinking highly of one’s self will enable us to overcome any and all obstacles to financial success, fame and power. Since anyone can dream about such things such messages tell us we can achieve them. They contend the use of techniques such as, "innovative goal setting" "mind-mapping" and things as simple as "mission statements" can make one successful. One such dream weaver contends that it’s all up to us. "Life," he tells his audiences "is an inside job." Its all in the "power of words, faith, enthusiasm, giving, attitude, love and other positive aspects of life." Another tells us to, "Visualize your Dream and make a commitment. Having a Dream is what makes life exciting. Never underestimate the power of a Dream. It will change your life. A Dream gives you the ability to determine your future." Unfortunately, these dream weavers usually set people up for another in a series of failures as a result of giving them unrealistic expectations.

Recently, preachers have jumped onto the gimmick of dream weaving. Frequently, they select passages like the one from Matthew quoted above as their Scriptural reference. They downplay the qualifiers in the passage (1) "if ye have faith" and (2) "doubt not." They are sort of "flies" that would spoil their argument; an argument based upon half-truths. Of course we are capable of performing miracles. Didn’t Jesus say, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do? Imagine that, believers will be empowered! Now that’s a promise of dream building from One who can deliver! As proof that He was capable of delivering on His promises, He sent seventy of His followers out on a mission and when they came back, they reported to Him, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. Wow, that’s powerful stuff! These are just some of the miraculous things reported in the Gospels that his followers were capable of doing. What a forceful message. Little wonder preachers use it to attract followers. Surely no Christian doubts the veracity of these reports anymore than they do Jesus’ capability to move mountains. Certainly they are intended as confidence builders in the ability of believers to overcome. Just as certainly this "motivational speaker" can "deliver the goods."

One successful preacher (Joel Osteen) argues, "we have to conceive it on the inside before we’re ever going to receive it on the outside." Does the line sound familiar? Another, Marilyn Hickey, tells her audiences that, "Christians can create wealth by speaking to their wallets." Robert Tilton tells his audience that, "being poor is a sin." Joyce Meyer writes about "Loving life and loving yourself." Well, Doesn’t Luke 6:38 doesn’t Jesus say, Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over support such ideas? Now, that’s a field of dreams – "a God-guaranteed investment scheme." The question isn’t whether Jesus is capable of granting what we might think we want or that we have the power to overcome, as it is want and overcome what.

Just as clear is the fact that telling people what they want to hear or to say to them that I’m OK-You’re OK just as you are will fill the pews. Nothing is going to be more successful than telling people what we want to hear. That goes for the cultural values that place so much emphasis upon loving the things of this world including one’s self. The only question is whether that’s a legitimate message to hear from the pulpit. Question, is this the way one seeks the Kingdom or a simple self-centered fanciful field of dreams?

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

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Brass Snakes
And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man,
when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Numbers 21:9
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Snakes have rarely had a good reputation in Scriptures. This is one of those times brought on when the Israelites were being plagued by them, the Lord had Moses construct one for the purpose of healing those bitten. It became quite a fad. Long after the curse was lifted, it was taken to the Tabernacle and the people would come in, bow down and make incense offerings to it. It wasn’t until the time of King Hezekiah that it was removed from the then Temple. They had been worshipping the thing evidently with the approval of all the prophets and kings from the time of Moses. Of little consequence perhaps, its name most likely derived from nachash (serpent) rather than nechosheth (brass) [International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia]. What is striking (pun intended) is that they were worshipping it in the Temple and had been for some centuries..

Destroying this idol that had been kept for a thousand years of wanderings, as well as other idols the Israelites were worshipping, made King Hezekiah a rare and true reformer. Why this was permitted by such as David, is difficult to explain. Some Biblical authorities believe the brazen serpent had a deeper religious significance that made it acceptable for such adoration. After all, Jesus compared His crucifixion to it. Whether or not, the illustration demonstrates the ease with which we can turn a thing into an object of veneration and how diligent we must be to prevent such from happening. Whether or not there was some "deeper religious significance," the Israelites were and had been worshipping this idol for some time.

This encounter with the "Brass Snake" serves to demonstrate how easily such a thing can happen. Before we know it, we are bowing down and offering obeisance to the Cross instead of treating it as a symbol of Jesus the Christ’s sacrifice for us. In earlier times, more than today, the Bible was an absolutely sacred thing. One could not put it on the floor, mark in it or do any of a number of things to it or use it in any way that was regarded as disrespectful. In many ways the celebration of the Lord’s Supper suffers from this kind of redintegration – confusion of a symbol for the real thing. None is more striking an example than the transubstantiation practiced in the Roman Catholic Church. Indeed, the veneration of Mary, relics, the "saints" and many other of its practices come close to what we can correctly call the "Brass-snake syndrome." For some, Protestants and Catholics, church buildings are sacred, particularly the "sanctuary" are sacrosanct. This type of "brass snake" is particularly useful when "stewardship" time rolls around.

One of the most destructive legacies of Roman Catholicism’s is the "brass snake" called the "priesthood." While most Protestant clergy would reject the Catholic rationalizations for such distinctness in the "Sacrifice of the Mass," the "power of priests to forgive sins" and the Papacy as heretical, they find it convenient to continue the priesthood. It’s one thing to speak of doing different things based upon one’s Spiritual Gifts and quite another to stylize such into venerated priestly offices. Hebrews 7:5 for example, tells us, And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people. Who among today’s clergy can lay claim to being one of the ancestral sons of Levi? Paul writes about apostles, prophets, teachers, about the gifts of healing, tongues and management set forth in His congregations, but not as the clerical offices we have today. He does not write about any of these, including bishops in such a way as to imply, the office of a priest, to be busied in sacred duties such as Zacharias duties spoken of in Luke 1:9 or the "taking of tithes" in Hebrews 7:5. The work of that priesthood was finished with the Advent of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He is our High Priest lest we forget.

But things are so easy and convenient to worship. The Cross, like statues of "Saints," is there and can be seen as is the "Virgin Mary" and forgotten. Church buildings can revered so much more easily than the worship supposedly taking place within. Things encapsulate, restrict and confine, what they represent separating them and consequently, making them more easily avoidable. The priesthood becomes a thing that isolates us from its duties reserved duties and responsibilities. Just imagine how life changing it would be if we fully embraced the Cross in our daily lives; recognized our "sainthood;" accepted the proposition of a priesthood of all believers. The Bible can be put on a shelf and ignored, taken down when convenient, put away when not. If it truly were the Word of God for us, it would be inextricably woven into the very fabric of our lives.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James 1:22

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Crucify Me on a Gilded Cross
(The supposed myth of a poor Jesus)

If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon,
who will commit to your trust the true riches? Matthew 16:11
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There is so much coming from the pulpit that sounds like the worship of mammon, the glorification of worldly things in the name of Jesus. It goes by a variety of names. Some call it the "Prosperity Gospel." There are myriads of such "prosperity preachers." At the top of the list is the likes of Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar (very appropriate), Jesse Duplantis, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Myers, Rod Parsley and perhaps the best known of them all, Joel Osteen. Central to the message of these ministers of prosperity is the idea that our loving God wants all Christians to be lavishly successful in everything they do in this life, especially financially. It’s no longer a sin to lust after the world, it is the highest mark of a blessed believer. As a matter of fact, if a believer is not successful, something is very wrong.

A closely related contemporary teaching is the "Word/Faith" movement with many of the same adherents. The Copelands may be included in that list along with such other notable "preachers" as Kenneth Hagin, Charles Capps, Oral Roberts, Jerry Savelle and Charles Nieman. Yes, some of the best known, and richest preachers in the entire country. According to these "Word/Faith" preachers, God wants Christians to have good health, have "healthy marriages and other relationships and materially prosperous lives. The distinction, if one can be made is that this group does not limit God’s generosity to just money. Put them together, and we get the "Health and Prosperity Gospel" or what Creflo Dollar teaches as "Total Life Prosperity. What could be more pleasing to the world’s ears? What else could possibly create more euphoria in the average person than the promise of making them wealthy? What could have more allure? It’s the sound of sweet, sweet music to our ears.

One of the central premises of both theologies is if you give money to God, God will bless you with more money. Of course, it goes without saying that the main way to "give money to God" is by giving it to the "church." That’s what funds Pastor Dollar’s Rolls-Royces, private jets, million-dollar Atlanta home and $2.5 million Manhattan apartment. It supplies Joyce Meyers with a $10 million dollar Challenger jet, a $4 million dollar estate with five mansions for her and her 4 children. In addition, owns a private-quarters club at Lake of the Ozarks complete with all the trimmings. In 2001 John Hagee made a salary of $842,005 in and $414,485 in benefits. That same year, his wife earned $67,907 as vice president of GETV and $58,813 as the special events director for Cornerstone Church. T. D. Jakes lives in a $2.6 million dollar mansion in the White Rock Lake area of Dallas, owns a Bently and sports around in a Mercedes. He also has property in West Virginia consisting of two homes side by side sporting an indoor swimming pool and a bowling alley. Oral Roberts, not to be outdone jets around in a $2 million dollar private plane, lives in a $250,000 house in Tulsa and has a million dollar home in Palm Springs. The list goes on. Tithing does pay dividends.

All this aside, what are the Scriptural implications of what must be called "Gilded Cross Christianity." Do we now turn Christianity upside down and make worldliness the ultimate virtue? Rev. Jakes thinks so. He asks, "why else would Roman soldiers have gambled for his cloak as Jesus lay dying on the cross, if the cloak hadn't been unusually valuable?" The traditional answer is that it was a seamless robe woven by Jesus’ mother. Of, course, that wouldn’t suit Jakes fancy. He frequently states, "The myth of the poor Jesus needs to be destroyed, because it's holding people back," Is he and others of his ilk revealing old Biblical truths or a "new wave" of deceitful lies? Before answering, remember it’s working. These "pastors" are shepherds of very large flocks. Average church attendance at Joel Osteen’s is 47,000, 17,000 at T.D. Jakes, 15,000 go to hear Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn at 5,000, Rod Parsley preaches to 5,000 a Sunday.

Not so long ago in the history of our faith, there were those like Dwight Moody and other 19^th Century Evangelists during what has been described as our "First Gilded Age," denounced the prevalent and growing "mammon worship." William Jennings Bryan, summed it up best, "You shall not crucify mankind on a cross of gold." Today, we will say, "As for me and my house, we’ll take the Old Rugged Cross."

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 Timothy 4:3
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Is God For Us Or For Himself?

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 1 John 4:8
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That’s the fascinating little question the Rev. Dr. John Piper, Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, asks in an article and a sermon of his by the same title. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Fuller Theological Seminary with a doctor of theology from the University of Munich. For six years he taught Biblical Studies at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota and has served as pastor at Bethlehem since 1980. He is the author of more than 30 books on religious subjects.

Dr. Piper does a yeoman’s job attempting to convince his readers with reason, logic and Scriptures that God is a narcissistic, conceited, self-centered, egomaniac quoting such verses as Isaiah 43:7, Jeremiah 13:11, Psalm 106:7-8, Ezekiel 20:14 and others. Based on these, he concludes, "From beginning to end, the driving impulse of God’s heart is to be praised for his glory … his ultimate allegiance is to himself. His unwavering purpose … is to exalt the honor of his name … ‘For my own sake, for my own sake I act.’" Rev. Dr. Piper concludes, "God is for us, and therefore has been, is now and always will be, first, for himself." He concludes, "God is more passionate about His glory than anything else." Hum, now let’s see, God doesn’t love us, any of us or anything, He just adores Himself. That a novel theological position.

It isn’t that the Dr. Price is wrong in what he writes as much as the cheap sensationalist way he goes about selling his statements to those whom he must view in a very condescending way. After all, accusing God of being selfish, egocentric and suggesting that, "God loves himself more than he loves you" is sensationalistic bordering on tabloid journalism. We might even suggest his "tabloid sermonism," that radicalizes and sensationalizes the Truth is for his own fame, glory and profit. He asserts that God saying, "I am that I am" is the ultimate in egoism. It can also be described as the ultimate expression of self-confidence. However, if we were to take this last tack, of someone who is complete, He would not manifest symptoms of incompleteness. To suggest that God is lacking in something, deficient in some way, in need of anything, simply does not ring true any more than He wants desires or needs our adulation. To say as He does, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, in no way implies incompleteness or need by any stretch of the imagination. He is perfect as is His love for us – untainted by self-serving motives. A motive is something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act. What is it that God needs or desires especially of us? What impulse arising from personal temperament or external influences incites Him to action, entices or allures, spurs or goads the Lord God Almighty? According toDr. Price, it is egotistical self-centeredness. Or is it that he is using finite human attributes, maybe his own, to describe the infinitely divine? Perhaps he needs to more closely examine the nature of the God he worships.

The Bible does state God’s concern about His honor and it in those same passages gives His reasons – that they may proclaim His glory to the world. And that not for His aggrandizement, but that they might come to know the True God and be saved. In the KJV, Isaiah 43:21 actually reads that, they shall shew forth my praise. Matthew Henry’s comments on this chapter of Isaiah speaks of God’s loving concern for His people, not His ego mania. The same is true for the other passages cited. Praising God, glorifying Him was that such would be as a light shining upon the idolatry that darkened the world. This was the story of Israel, that they were to be a manifestation of His true nature for the world to see. Why? That this adulterous world might be brought to salvation. Isn’t that the message Jesus so often conveyed – through our love others will know we are His disciples? If we revere our God in word, deed and praises the world can see something, a poor shadow of God’s true nature through us. To propose it was solely for His exaltation is preposterous. If God revealed Himself in Jesus as Christians believe, where do we see all that narcissism in His life and ministry? If, through Jesus we see God, then we see a self-effacing servant, not an ego maniac

If we fully understood all God has given, all that it has cost Him, none greater than the gift of His Son, in order to justify us, we would be constantly and without ceasing praising Him with our mouths and deeds. As the old hymn says, we’d "Praise God from whom all blessings flow." That is the lesson of those passages referencing the glorification of God. Through our lives of worship, praise and loving one another, we prove that He is the one, the only, true and living God to a lost and unbelieving world – and glorify Him.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:35

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I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you
into the grace of Christ unto another gospel. Galatians 1:6
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That’s What Sells

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men?
for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
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The standard of what’s right in the world of commerce is "that’s what sells." Whatever is profitable goes. Whatever makes money, regardless of any other consideration is fine and dandy – it’s OK! 100 college presidents recently petitioned their respective state legislatures to lower the age for alcohol consumption to 18 claiming the current 21 year limit is not working and is, in fact, contributing to "binge drinking" on their campuses. Using that logic, pedophile laws should be eliminated for the same reason. At first, all of this seems to be little more than academic folly, until one becomes aware of how much such an age reduction would increase the market for the purchase of alcohol products on college campuses. Risqué ads sell products and services as stodgy as Colonel Sanders to the latest model cars. The multi-billion dollar gambling industry flies under the false flag of being victimless as it destroys the lives of an estimated 15 million Americans a year. But, it pays handsome dividends: profits from casinos are more than $30 billion a year while lotteries rake in about $17 billion annually. According to a 2004 ABC report, "Pornography has grown into a $10 billion business — bigger than the NFL, the NBA and Major League Baseball combined — and some of the nation's best-known corporations are quietly sharing the profits."

Increasingly churches are adopting the "that’s what sells" mentality. If something, some event, whatever it is draws a crowd or ups the Sunday collection, it is perfectly all right. Suddenly it is seen in a strong positive moral light. Apparently, we’ve equated "success" in the world of the Christian religion with the size, of the audience the number of buildings and, by all means the amount of the "take" on Sunday. The means of getting to the bigger and better is no longer centered on worshipping God, studying and preaching the Word, but on "marketing strategies" designed to appeal to the masses. One "pastor’s" wife noted that when her pastor husband’s sermons no longer drew a crowd, they’d turn to entertainment (everything from classical music to hip-hop) to bring in the people. It’s not that new a trend. One TV "ministry" started out with the "pastor" going door to door in the neighborhoods where he intended to build his church asking residents if they went to church and, if not, why not. He became the first of a long line of so-called mega churches. There is even a cottage industry aimed at helping churches market themselves right down to the specific audiences they want to attract, just like Target. George Barna, the noted Christian researcher, has several titles out on the subject including Marketing the Church, and User Friendly Churches.

Then, we come to the 21^st century version of the "pastor." We have a plethora of "pulpit superstars" who have become household names recognized across the country. "Name recognition" used to be limited to Hollywood, sports and politics. Perhaps it is to be expected that it has spread to the pulpit like some sort of insidious infection. Most Americans will recognize Bill Hybels, Joel Osteen, Kenneth Copeland, James Dobson, Jerry Falwell to name just a few of the "pulpit superstars." We know who they are because they have television "ministries" broadcast across the Nation and viewed around the world (so they claim) or they are "pastors" of enormous mega-churches with audiences numbering in the tens of thousands – or both. With his latest efforts (having presidential candidates McCain and Obama at his church for a so-called "forum") Rick Warren is also becoming a notable superstar of the preaching circuit. "Pastoring" has become a popularity contest. The fame, or more correctly, the notoriety of the "pastor" draws people in and fills the pews (of course, no self-respecting "seeker church" would think of having pews; heaven forbid.) Now (excuse the pun) we have a self fulfilling prophecy; because they are famous they attract people to their churches which makes them more famous.

So we go to church because it doesn’t challenge us to be any different than we are naturally or to bask in the reflected glory of our famous pastor. Church is just more of the same that we have, see and do every day only now we think we are going to get little gold attendance stars in the Big Book in the sky and people will admire us more because we go to celebrity pastor so and so’s church. Well, we’re betting eternity that these reasons are what sells at the Throne of God. Quite a gamble (PS that sells too.)

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Titus 2:12

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Theological Prostitution

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication,
and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. Revelation 19:2
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Different words for "prostitute" are used in the various translations of the Bible. In the KJV version, Luke 15:30 reads "harlot" while in Revelation it translates the original Greek word "povrnh" as "whore" and "harlot. However translated, the meaning is the same. A prostitute "devotes one’s self to corrupt or unworthy purposes, especially for money." We usually think of prostitution in a more narrowly defined sense. However, there are many things one can do to earn the label. Most, if not all can be summed up as doing anything, anything at all, for the almighty dollar. Often we see what appears as mismatches in the marriages of the rich and famous. The one "partner" considerably younger than the other for example. Lying and cheating to keep one’s job is far more common than we like to admit. Feigning friendship in order to gain some sort of material advantage is another. These are all examples of "prostitution" although we don’t often like to admit it or feel comfortable with the idea. Doing things, saying things in order to gain favor or an advantage is prostitution – legal or otherwise.

The Bible talks about preachers telling people what they want to hear or what make them feel good. Paul, writing to his friend Timothy says, 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. That time has come. John Gill makes an interesting comment on this passage. He writes, that many will choose, "to hear such as either indulge them in their sinful lusts and pleasures; or are agreeable to their private corrupt sentiments, in opposition to the generally received doctrine of faith." Please notice where the responsibility rests for the lies being proclaimed from the pulpit – with the "audience." It is they who have the itching ears, they who seek out those preachers of lies who tell them their worldly ways are Godly ways. Christianity is not a "come as you are and stay that way" faith. It is, "come as you are and go out reformed." It is life changing, not reassuring or an endorsement of world centeredness. It is an uncomfortable, disturbing faith meant to turn our world on its ear. If we think differently, we don’t know Jesus.

Jesus was and is a reformer, a revolutionary if you will. He is not now, nor was He ever a preacher of complacency and contentment with the status quo. We, humanity, corrupted the peace of the Garden of Eden. We alienated ourselves from God with our obsessive fascination with the desires, interests and things of this world. They did it then, we are doing it now. Since Eden, He has been working with us to restore the peace of the Garden and our relationship that permitted our ancestors to walk in the cool of the evening with Him. We have and we are still not listening. Just like the first two, husband and wife, we hide ourselves from His presence pretending all is right with the world.

Who are they, these "theological prostitutes?" Who is crafting Scriptures in such a way as to please and manipulate the audience they are addressing? Who is cunningly stressing words and phrases in order to please their listeners to make them feel comfortable with a sinful life lived in a sinful world? Who is not telling the whole Gospel? They know, we all should be aware. Are they constantly asking for money under every conceivable pretense? Are they encouraging you to make more so that you are able to give more? Warning signs. Don’t think for one minute that these harlots who preach the word of lust from the pulpit are blameless. There is no better definition of "theological prostitution" than those who corrupt the Word of God in such a way for money. If a prostitute is "a person considered as having compromised principles for personal gain," then a preacher who compromises the Scriptures for personal gain is a prostitute. We are paying for those services making us culpable.

Ignorance of the law is no excuse anymore than pew warming satisfies our Christian responsibilities. Paul told Timothy to study so he could know the truth and teach it correctly. This is every Christian’s work to do not just Timothy’s or that of a "preacher." Through prayer, study of the Word and the guidance of the Comforter, we all have this promise, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26. That is our inoculation against the diseases of heresy being spread by Scriptural Harlots.

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Ghost of Christians Past
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works,
and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
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The Greek word for ghost in the KJV of the New Testament is often translated as breath or "to expire, to breathe out one's life." That’s how it’s used in the Book of Acts. Then there’s the word "pneuma" which speaks to a variety of things including: Spirit, Holy Ghost 89, Spirit (of God), Spirit (of the Lord), (My) Spirit, Spirit (of truth), Spirit (of Christ), human (spirit), (evil) spirit, spirit (general), spirit, (Jesus' own) spirit, (Jesus' own) ghost. Although both usage’s are appropriate for this discussion, "pneuma" (the most commonly used – 385 times) will be the focus for now.

Of the 303,824,646 people living in the United States some 51.3% are Protestant, 23.9% Roman Catholic, 1.6% other Christian, 1.7% Mormon, 1.7%Jewish, 0.7% Buddhist, 0.6%Muslim, 2.5% are classified as other or unspecified, 12.1% are unaffiliated and 4% list no religion according to the CIA’s 2007 estimates. Combining Protestant, Roman Catholic and the "other Christian" categories, the percentage of American’s claiming to be "Christian is an overwhelming 76.8% of the population. That’s over 233 million Christians. Some research ranks Christianity as 85% of the U.S. population. But, the point is moot. By all accounts, America is a Christian nation – or so they say. Then why isn’t it?

Jesus the Christ spelled out at least three characteristics of a "Christian" in the passage cited from the Gospel of Matthew above. (1) Our lives are to be Christ like as examples that others may see and be attracted to. (2) Our "good works," of sincerity and integrity, our hard work and honest dealings with others, our conduct reflects our commitment to the doctrine He gave to us. We are a constant example of His power and His truth. (3) All that we are and all that we do is of such a nature that it glorifies God. Is this what we see around us? In sum, our lives and everything we Christians do are to glorify our Heavenly Father. Is this the way most of us in this country act? Are we even attempting to live our daily lives in such a way as to bring honor and glory to the name of God?

Most of us have heard of the question, "what would Jesus do?" Here’s another, in our relationships with others, in all our daily activities, at home, work, school, on the road, shopping, where ever we are, whomever we are with, whatever we are doing, does what we are saying, doing, participating in, with whom we are associating with glorify God? We know what Jesus did to bring glory to His Father; He died for our sins. Such is not required of us. However, His life is the "gold standard" against which we are to measure our lives and the glorification of God is our single most goal. Holier times, we might say.

If we look in on the present scene, do we see; earnest efforts to glorify God’s Holy Name? Or, instead, do we see what must be called "wanton, egocentric, materialism" and rampant immorality within this so-called "Christian nation?" 40-50% of marriages end in divorce. 10% of opposite-sex couples living together are unmarried. Nearly half of teenagers (15-19) are sexually active. Property crimes alone cost Americans $16.5 billion in the year 2005. White-collar crime cost U.S. citizens over $300 billion dollars a year. In 2006, 36.5 million Americans were living in poverty - squalor and deprivation; people living on the streets and going hungry. If we were to personify the presiding ghost of the present he would be pictured as "a jolly giant" encouraging us to eat, drink and be merry as if there were no tomorrow.

But, there will be a "tomorrow," there is another age, "things yet to come." To many, these are dire and foreboding times to be feared by the self-centered wealthy, for all the callous disregard they have shown others in the past. Little businessman; whose lives have been consumed with making money bustling about all inflated with their own self importance, with their assets burning holes in their pockets. These are they who fear things to come. Those who live in opulent luxury as others wanted and starved. The merchants which were rich, shall stand in fear, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls! For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. It is the Grim Reaper who best personifies this age. My, how similar to the history of the Nation of Israel. Some refer to Israel as "God’s timepiece" without fully realizing the implications of the reference or seeing how closely we parallel its historical events.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. Revelation 20:11
 

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