Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Worldly Wisdom
Recently journalist Martin Bashir interviewed Rob Bell concerning Bell’s heretical book Love Wins in which Bell denies the existence of eternal judgment, thus paving the way to a Universalist Gospel. In light of the recent devastation in Japan caused by the Tsunami, Bashir began the interview by asking Bell to answer what he thought to be a theological conundrum.
“Either God is all powerful, but He does not care about the people of Japan therefore the people are suffering or God does care about the people, but He is not all powerful.”
When Bell finally got around to giving an answer, he just said it is a paradox.
It is not a paradox, the question is a loaded question, a logical fallacy.
This is akin to asking, “Have you stopped beating your wife”? You cannot affirm or deny, you must reject the question because it contains erroneous information.
Likewise in response to the devastation in Japan, to conclude that either God is all powerful and does not care or God cares and is not all powerful, is to state categories of factual error.The truth is:
• God is all powerful
• God is all caring
What God is doing in the world, what He has decreed to happen in the world, what He has permitted to happen in the world, seems foolish or weak to the wisdom of the world.
So from the perspective of man what is happening often does not make sense and sometimes seems to be foolish.
Some in the religious community may begin to point fingers and say, “well it is because of specific sins that these people were judged.” We do not know that and cannot make those types of categorical statements.
God is all powerful and He can stop any “natural” disaster that He chooses.
Isaiah 45:7 I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the LORD, do all these things.’
Amos 3:6 If a trumpet is blown in a city, will not the people be afraid? If there is calamity in a city, will not the LORD have done it?
God does things for His Glory and for our good.
Genesis 50:20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
So from man’s perspective, worldly wisdom, all is Vanity
Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher; “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.”
Ecclesiastes 2:17 Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.
We simply do not fully know the answer to the question why God does what He does.
We do know that we are responsible for our sin, and that God deals with us with grace and mercy.
All men have sinned against God and are worthy of not just temporary judgment, but eternal judgment. We know that when disaster strikes it reminds us of our total inability to rely on our own ingenuity for our salvation. Events like this are a gracious reminder of coming day of eternal judgment.
Luke 13:4–5 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
Our response should be to make sure that we are in a right relationship with God. We should make sure our affections are towards God.
Worldly wisdom rejects such notions as foolish and weak. So the atheist denies the existence of God…at least the one revealed in Holy Scripture, and the religious create a God patterned after their own wisdom and not according to the Scriptures.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Stepping Stones
Stepping Stones to Glory #3 by Tim Wehse
Acts 2:37-47
In his book, The Communion of Saints, Philip Ryken writes:
Justin Martyr (c.100-165 A.D.) wrote the following:
One the day called Sunday there is a meeting in one place of those who live in cities or in the country, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the president in a discourse urges and invites us to the imitation of these noble things. Then we all stand up together and offer prayers. And, as said before, when we have finished the prayer, bread is brought, and wine and water, and the president similarly sends up prayers and thanksgivings to the best of his ability, and the congregation assents, saying the Amen; the distribution, and reception of the consecrated [elements] by each one, takes place and they are sent to the absent by the deacons. Those who prosper, and who so wish, contribute, each one as much as he chooses to. What is collected is deposited with the president, and he takes care of orphans and widows, and those who are in want on account of sickness or any other cause, and those who are in bonds, and the strangers who are sojourners among [us], and, briefly, he is the protector of all those in need. We all hold this common gathering on Sunday, since it is the first day, one which God transforming darkness and matter made the universe, and Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead on the same day.
I was struck by the continuity of the Christian Church the moment I read that description. Beloved—if you are a Christian—you are part of something truly historical. Our gathering together as the body of Christ is not our invention. Our parents and grandparents didn’t make it up either. We can trace Sunday worship services all the way back to the first century. Meditate upon that today, and rejoice if you are part of the Church. Then, “imitate noble things.” In other words, receive the Word of God and do what it says (Js. 1:21-22). Justin Martyr stated the believers in the early Church were regularly challenged to love God and live for God. And we know from history that they were not ashamed to do so! Let’s not be ashamed today!
Acts 2:37-47
In his book, The Communion of Saints, Philip Ryken writes:
Justin Martyr (c.100-165 A.D.) wrote the following:
One the day called Sunday there is a meeting in one place of those who live in cities or in the country, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read as long as time permits. When the reader has finished, the president in a discourse urges and invites us to the imitation of these noble things. Then we all stand up together and offer prayers. And, as said before, when we have finished the prayer, bread is brought, and wine and water, and the president similarly sends up prayers and thanksgivings to the best of his ability, and the congregation assents, saying the Amen; the distribution, and reception of the consecrated [elements] by each one, takes place and they are sent to the absent by the deacons. Those who prosper, and who so wish, contribute, each one as much as he chooses to. What is collected is deposited with the president, and he takes care of orphans and widows, and those who are in want on account of sickness or any other cause, and those who are in bonds, and the strangers who are sojourners among [us], and, briefly, he is the protector of all those in need. We all hold this common gathering on Sunday, since it is the first day, one which God transforming darkness and matter made the universe, and Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead on the same day.
I was struck by the continuity of the Christian Church the moment I read that description. Beloved—if you are a Christian—you are part of something truly historical. Our gathering together as the body of Christ is not our invention. Our parents and grandparents didn’t make it up either. We can trace Sunday worship services all the way back to the first century. Meditate upon that today, and rejoice if you are part of the Church. Then, “imitate noble things.” In other words, receive the Word of God and do what it says (Js. 1:21-22). Justin Martyr stated the believers in the early Church were regularly challenged to love God and live for God. And we know from history that they were not ashamed to do so! Let’s not be ashamed today!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
May God Truly Bless America
Psalm 33:12 (NKJV)
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Stepping Stones to Glory:
Stepping Stones to Glory: January 16, 2011
By Tim Wehse
Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
As you celebrate another Lord's Day, allow me to share with you five important activities for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. For that matter, the activities mentioned in this passage are of such a nature that we could (and probably should) do each and every Lord's Day. Notice the list in Hebrews 10:19-25.
Activity #1: "let us draw near" (v.22).
Because of what Jesus accomplished through His sufferings and death (v.19-21), believers have access to the holy of holies. Unlike the Jews in the days of the Old Covenant, post-resurrection believers can directly enter the holy ground of heaven through prayer. What a privilege! Do so today!
Activity #2: "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (v.23). In other words, continue to believe the truth of God's Word. In spite of the lies and temptations which abound in our modern culture, trust the never-erring Word of God. Hold it fast, tight. Dispel the doubts as they arrive. Remember, no one has yet to prove the Bible in error (and they never will). Our hopes (the hope of Jesus returning; the hope of eternity with God, etc.) will be realized because God is "faithful" (v.23). Keep believing!
Activity #3: "let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (v.24). Like stubborn mules, we all need to be pushed from time to time. I sure do! Each Lord's Day we ought to be finding ways to prod one another to live as Christ. When the Apostle Paul proclaimed that he "lived Christ" (Phil. 1:21), he most certainly had both love and good deeds in mind. Every believer ought to excel in love. We ought to love God and love others passionately. Do you ever need to be challenged to grow in godly love? I do! We also ought to be continually doing that which is good. Do you ever need to be challenged to be others-centered? I do! Let's stimulate one another today.
Activity #4: "not forsaking our own assembling together" (v.25). In the modern vernacular, this means that we should not miss church very much. How can we stimulate one another appropriately if we are often absent from the body? Church is a vital aspect for every Christian. The Bible expects believers to gather regularly for worship and mutual ministry. If you were able, did you attend church this past Sunday? If not, can you attend next week? Don't neglect the assembly. Your soul needs it far more than you can imagine.
Activity #5: "encourage one another" (v.25). We all need it, don't we? Hebrews 3:13 reminds us that sin "hardens" us. Every believer needs to be encouraged in his/her battle with sin. I need it. You need it. Let's do it. Let's be about these five noble activities this coming Lord's Day. Surely we will be blessed if we are!
By Tim Wehse
Read: Hebrews 10:19-25
As you celebrate another Lord's Day, allow me to share with you five important activities for every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. For that matter, the activities mentioned in this passage are of such a nature that we could (and probably should) do each and every Lord's Day. Notice the list in Hebrews 10:19-25.
Activity #1: "let us draw near" (v.22).
Because of what Jesus accomplished through His sufferings and death (v.19-21), believers have access to the holy of holies. Unlike the Jews in the days of the Old Covenant, post-resurrection believers can directly enter the holy ground of heaven through prayer. What a privilege! Do so today!
Activity #2: "hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering" (v.23). In other words, continue to believe the truth of God's Word. In spite of the lies and temptations which abound in our modern culture, trust the never-erring Word of God. Hold it fast, tight. Dispel the doubts as they arrive. Remember, no one has yet to prove the Bible in error (and they never will). Our hopes (the hope of Jesus returning; the hope of eternity with God, etc.) will be realized because God is "faithful" (v.23). Keep believing!
Activity #3: "let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds" (v.24). Like stubborn mules, we all need to be pushed from time to time. I sure do! Each Lord's Day we ought to be finding ways to prod one another to live as Christ. When the Apostle Paul proclaimed that he "lived Christ" (Phil. 1:21), he most certainly had both love and good deeds in mind. Every believer ought to excel in love. We ought to love God and love others passionately. Do you ever need to be challenged to grow in godly love? I do! We also ought to be continually doing that which is good. Do you ever need to be challenged to be others-centered? I do! Let's stimulate one another today.
Activity #4: "not forsaking our own assembling together" (v.25). In the modern vernacular, this means that we should not miss church very much. How can we stimulate one another appropriately if we are often absent from the body? Church is a vital aspect for every Christian. The Bible expects believers to gather regularly for worship and mutual ministry. If you were able, did you attend church this past Sunday? If not, can you attend next week? Don't neglect the assembly. Your soul needs it far more than you can imagine.
Activity #5: "encourage one another" (v.25). We all need it, don't we? Hebrews 3:13 reminds us that sin "hardens" us. Every believer needs to be encouraged in his/her battle with sin. I need it. You need it. Let's do it. Let's be about these five noble activities this coming Lord's Day. Surely we will be blessed if we are!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Stepping Stones to Glory # 2
Stepping Stones to Glory by Tim Wehse
I found the paragraphs below in the introduction of the English Standard Version's The Gospel of John (Crossway Bibles, 2003). Although the information probably is not new to you, it is always good to be reminded of some of the basics to Christianity so that we can do honest self-examination. Furthermore, what better day than the Lord's Day for such an activity?
Once you have received the gift of eternal life, you will want to grow in your knowledge of Him and your obedience to Him. Jesus' teaching about how to live for God can be summed up in three simple instructions.
Read the Bible. Jesus said, "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me" (14:21). One way to show our love for God is to read and live out the commands set forth in the Bible, God's holy Word. Read the Bible daily to learn how to live a life that honors God and gives testimony to others that Jesus has made a difference in your life.
Pray. Communication with God through prayer keeps your focus on eternal things. If you are truly following Jesus, your desires will be for God's glory and for His kingdom, the Church. Jesus promised, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (15:7).
Seek Christian fellowship. Meeting regularly with Christian brothers and sisters allows you to follow Jesus' example of love and to fulfill His command to "love one another…just as I have loved you" (13:34). Just as Jesus surrounded Himself daily with His disciples and followers, find a Bible-believing church where you can meet with other Christians. There you will find joy and encouragement in the fellowship of God's people.
Tim
I found the paragraphs below in the introduction of the English Standard Version's The Gospel of John (Crossway Bibles, 2003). Although the information probably is not new to you, it is always good to be reminded of some of the basics to Christianity so that we can do honest self-examination. Furthermore, what better day than the Lord's Day for such an activity?
Once you have received the gift of eternal life, you will want to grow in your knowledge of Him and your obedience to Him. Jesus' teaching about how to live for God can be summed up in three simple instructions.
Read the Bible. Jesus said, "Whoever has My commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me" (14:21). One way to show our love for God is to read and live out the commands set forth in the Bible, God's holy Word. Read the Bible daily to learn how to live a life that honors God and gives testimony to others that Jesus has made a difference in your life.
Pray. Communication with God through prayer keeps your focus on eternal things. If you are truly following Jesus, your desires will be for God's glory and for His kingdom, the Church. Jesus promised, "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you" (15:7).
Seek Christian fellowship. Meeting regularly with Christian brothers and sisters allows you to follow Jesus' example of love and to fulfill His command to "love one another…just as I have loved you" (13:34). Just as Jesus surrounded Himself daily with His disciples and followers, find a Bible-believing church where you can meet with other Christians. There you will find joy and encouragement in the fellowship of God's people.
Tim
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Anniversary of the King James Bible
2011 Marks the four hundred year anniversary of the King James Bible translation done originally in 1611. Given the plethora of new translations that continue to crowd the Bible Bookstore shelves it is a testament to the splendor of the King James translation to see that it still occupies significant shelf space after all these years.
My first Bible that I studied after becoming a Christian was the King James. Most of the Scripture that I have committed to memory have that familiar King James sound to it. I have given way now to using the New King James on a regular basis but still have a sentimental attachment to the Authorized Version.
For further reading link to this excellent article by Leland Ryken
What Makes the King James Version Great?
1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (KJV 1900)
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
My first Bible that I studied after becoming a Christian was the King James. Most of the Scripture that I have committed to memory have that familiar King James sound to it. I have given way now to using the New King James on a regular basis but still have a sentimental attachment to the Authorized Version.
For further reading link to this excellent article by Leland Ryken
What Makes the King James Version Great?
1 Corinthians 13:1–13 (KJV 1900)
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
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