What is it that makes us blessed in life? Sometimes it’s all a matter of perspective, of how we look at what we have, of where we are in life, of what is going on in life. I don’t know the exact source of the following information, but it illustrates well the need for perspective.
If you have food in the fridge, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.
If you have money in the bank, your wallet, and spare change in a dish somewhere, you are in the top 8% of the world’s wealthy.
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the million who won’t survive this week.
If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of prison, the agony of torture, or the pain of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.
If you can attend worship without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than 3 billion in the world.
With perspective, we can see life’s blessings aren’t in the big, extravagant things in life, but in the everyday, the ordinary, the blessings that allow us to have life each day. Sometimes, even those things we wouldn’t necessarily call blessings can be some of the best things to happen to us. Paul gives us a different perspective on life when he shared what his thorn in the flesh did for him. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:10).
While life is typically lived in what may be the called the ordinary, there are a variety of experiences we will encounter that are unique to everyday living, some good, some bad. There are those experiences that are positive and wonderful, experiences that make us feel we’re on top of the world. There are those experiences that are negative and depressing, experiences that seem to drain us of our will and energies, which create fear, doubt, and depression. These experiences, both good and bad, are part of living in the world we’re in, one that reflects both the goodness of God’s creative and continuing blessings, and the corruption that is in the world due to sin and its influence. Everyone who lives on the face of the earth will face both kinds of experiences. Everyone will experience the death of a loved one. Everyone will experience disappointment and regrets. With the exception of those alive when the Lord returns, everyone will die. The issue, then, isn’t that there are problems to face in life, but how we face those problems.
We need to stop and count our blessings in the trials of life, to keep our focus where it should be, our lives lived where they must be, our hope alive for the future as it will be. How can we do this? Literally write down life’s problems vs. God’s blessings and see which is greater. As the song says, “It will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Spend time in the spiritual, reading Scripture, praying, and singing hymns of praise to God. It will “help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” As Peter reminds us, we should cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Remember where we are headed, having a reward in heaven, a home on high, an abode that money can’t buy nor troubles destroy.
Life is filled with all kinds of experiences, and while most of them are what we would call just the normal, everyday events of life, some can seem overwhelmingly discouraging. Don’t forget everyone has difficulties to deal with in life, and no matter great or small, they all are hard to deal with. Adversity is just part of what is true of life; don’t let difficult times rob you of your joy in the Lord, which is the other side of life. If you are in Christ, you have blessings beyond measure, a help for today and a hope for tomorrow. “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day” (2 Tim. 1:12).
Robert Johnson
Bible
Monday, November 21, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Knowledge of the Truth
“This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:3-4).
It is a timeless truth that God wants everyone to be saved, not wishing for any to perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Just as important as God’s desire for us to be saved, His desire is for all people to come to the knowledge of truth. The term for knowledge used by Paul to Timothy expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. It speaks of a knowledge that requires personal involvement, not only in learning the truth but also living by the truth. Paul would use it meaning such to Timothy later on, when he said, “Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:24-26).
The knowledge of the truth leads us away from the snares Satan uses to trap us and take us prisoner, leading us instead to knowledge of the truth and the life it calls us to live. It is interesting Paul, while not denying the role feelings play in our lives, emphasizes knowledge of the truth leads us to repentance and salvation. So many have differing feelings about God and matters spiritual in nature, which often are in conflict. Is sincerity all that really matters to have a relationship with God, to appropriate the blood of Christ, to have salvation and eternal life? Not according to inspired Scripture. Our feelings must be conformed to what we know is true, what God has revealed as truth. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To be freed from sin (John 8:34-35) and have a relationship with Christ, we must know the truth and continue in His word, which is truth (John 17:17). This is essential to truly being His disciple.
It’s easy to be trapped by the Devil into thinking we can build our own truth, that we can pick and choose how to live and doing so will ultimately please God. In reality, nothing is further from the truth, from real truth, the truth that saves. The truth of God revealed in Scripture isn’t what we feel it should be, but what has been revealed and stands written. If truth is simply what one wants it to be, why would Paul condemn those in the churches of Galatia for turning to a different gospel (Gal. 1:6-9)? Weren’t they just deciding what was true for them, as many do today? Instead, he points out there isn’t another gospel, just the gospel of Christ. So Jude can write we are to “contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all” (Jude 1:3). He doesn’t say “faiths,” nor does he imply it vary depending on the age or culture in which one lives.
Paul warned Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is also true today. We must come back to Scripture, gain knowledge of the truth, and live by the truth, if God’s desire for us to be saved will be fulfilled. Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9), and for that to happen we must know the truth. It is a lie of Satan we can be saved apart from knowledge of Scripture, apart from our living by it.
The Psalmist reminds us, “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You” (119:11). Only the word of God “is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Don’t say, “This is how I feel.” Don’t let someone else’s opinions guide you. Spend time in Scripture and gain the knowledge that leads to salvation. Eternal life is too important to miss, especially when access to the kingdom is so readily available. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18).
Robert Johnson
It is a timeless truth that God wants everyone to be saved, not wishing for any to perish (2 Pet. 3:9). Just as important as God’s desire for us to be saved, His desire is for all people to come to the knowledge of truth. The term for knowledge used by Paul to Timothy expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. It speaks of a knowledge that requires personal involvement, not only in learning the truth but also living by the truth. Paul would use it meaning such to Timothy later on, when he said, “Perhaps God will grant them repentance leading them to the knowledge of the truth. Then they may come to their senses and escape the Devil’s trap, having been captured by him to do his will” (2 Tim. 2:24-26).
The knowledge of the truth leads us away from the snares Satan uses to trap us and take us prisoner, leading us instead to knowledge of the truth and the life it calls us to live. It is interesting Paul, while not denying the role feelings play in our lives, emphasizes knowledge of the truth leads us to repentance and salvation. So many have differing feelings about God and matters spiritual in nature, which often are in conflict. Is sincerity all that really matters to have a relationship with God, to appropriate the blood of Christ, to have salvation and eternal life? Not according to inspired Scripture. Our feelings must be conformed to what we know is true, what God has revealed as truth. Jesus said, “If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). To be freed from sin (John 8:34-35) and have a relationship with Christ, we must know the truth and continue in His word, which is truth (John 17:17). This is essential to truly being His disciple.
It’s easy to be trapped by the Devil into thinking we can build our own truth, that we can pick and choose how to live and doing so will ultimately please God. In reality, nothing is further from the truth, from real truth, the truth that saves. The truth of God revealed in Scripture isn’t what we feel it should be, but what has been revealed and stands written. If truth is simply what one wants it to be, why would Paul condemn those in the churches of Galatia for turning to a different gospel (Gal. 1:6-9)? Weren’t they just deciding what was true for them, as many do today? Instead, he points out there isn’t another gospel, just the gospel of Christ. So Jude can write we are to “contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all” (Jude 1:3). He doesn’t say “faiths,” nor does he imply it vary depending on the age or culture in which one lives.
Paul warned Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear something new. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths” (2 Tim. 4:3-4). This is also true today. We must come back to Scripture, gain knowledge of the truth, and live by the truth, if God’s desire for us to be saved will be fulfilled. Jesus is the “source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Heb. 5:9), and for that to happen we must know the truth. It is a lie of Satan we can be saved apart from knowledge of Scripture, apart from our living by it.
The Psalmist reminds us, “I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You” (119:11). Only the word of God “is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart” (Heb. 4:12). Don’t say, “This is how I feel.” Don’t let someone else’s opinions guide you. Spend time in Scripture and gain the knowledge that leads to salvation. Eternal life is too important to miss, especially when access to the kingdom is so readily available. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18).
Robert Johnson
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires!
The news in Texas continues to center on the wildfires raging through the state. The Texas Forest Service offered this information on their website Tuesday, Sept. 6:
Monday, Sept. 5, Texas Forest Service responded to 22 new fires for 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires.
In the past 7 days, Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires for 118,413 acres.
It appears that, in the past 48 hours, more than 700 home have been destroyed.
251 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
It is very sad for so many people who have lost their homes, as well as much of their lives, and for those who are in the path of these fires. Some of these wildfires were started through events such as downed power lines, or power transformers exploding, but others were caused by rubbish fires, and at least one by welding. It is doubtful any of those burning their trash, or welding, had any idea what would happen due to these events. The unintended consequences of such, however, has now caused a lot of grief, heartache, and suffering on the part of others who are victims of these acts.
Sometimes we can be guilty of creating unintended consequences, in our own lives as well as the lives of others, through careless words and actions. James reminds us of the power of our words when he wrote, “So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6). If our speech isn’t under the conscious, controlling influence of the will of God, it can instead reflect sin and sinful attitudes. How many lives have been damaged or destroyed by harmful speech? Paul reminds us, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29).
Not only what we say, but what we do, if not given forethought and insight from the word of God, can have negative results in people’s lives. The words, “I didn’t mean anything by it,” are of little consolation after the damage is done, and it can take much effort and time to try and remedy what our influence may do to others. Jesus reminds us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
On an opposite note, of what power for good can be a life be governed by the will of God! What words of encouragement can be said, and what positive examples can be set, that make a difference in people, not just for today, but for eternity. Proverbs tells us, “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray” (25:11). Paul reminded the Colossian Christians, “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person” (Col. 4:5-6).
Remember in prayer all those who have lost so much due to these wildfires, as well as those who may wind up in harm’s way. But also remember the spiritual lessons to be learned, and give thought to your words and deeds, that no unforeseen consequence comes that can wreak havoc in another’s life. Give serious thought to how you live before others, and seek what is best. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them’” (Rev. 14:13).
Robert
Monday, Sept. 5, Texas Forest Service responded to 22 new fires for 7,544 acres, including 10 new large fires.
In the past 7 days, Texas Forest Service has responded to 181 fires for 118,413 acres.
It appears that, in the past 48 hours, more than 700 home have been destroyed.
251 of the 254 Texas counties are reporting burn bans.
It is very sad for so many people who have lost their homes, as well as much of their lives, and for those who are in the path of these fires. Some of these wildfires were started through events such as downed power lines, or power transformers exploding, but others were caused by rubbish fires, and at least one by welding. It is doubtful any of those burning their trash, or welding, had any idea what would happen due to these events. The unintended consequences of such, however, has now caused a lot of grief, heartache, and suffering on the part of others who are victims of these acts.
Sometimes we can be guilty of creating unintended consequences, in our own lives as well as the lives of others, through careless words and actions. James reminds us of the power of our words when he wrote, “So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our bodies. It pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6). If our speech isn’t under the conscious, controlling influence of the will of God, it can instead reflect sin and sinful attitudes. How many lives have been damaged or destroyed by harmful speech? Paul reminds us, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear” (Eph. 4:29).
Not only what we say, but what we do, if not given forethought and insight from the word of God, can have negative results in people’s lives. The words, “I didn’t mean anything by it,” are of little consolation after the damage is done, and it can take much effort and time to try and remedy what our influence may do to others. Jesus reminds us, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).
On an opposite note, of what power for good can be a life be governed by the will of God! What words of encouragement can be said, and what positive examples can be set, that make a difference in people, not just for today, but for eternity. Proverbs tells us, “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples on a silver tray” (25:11). Paul reminded the Colossian Christians, “Act wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person” (Col. 4:5-6).
Remember in prayer all those who have lost so much due to these wildfires, as well as those who may wind up in harm’s way. But also remember the spiritual lessons to be learned, and give thought to your words and deeds, that no unforeseen consequence comes that can wreak havoc in another’s life. Give serious thought to how you live before others, and seek what is best. “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, ‘Write: The dead who die in the Lord from now on are blessed.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘let them rest from their labors, for their works follow them’” (Rev. 14:13).
Robert
Thursday, July 28, 2011
POSERS OR AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANS?
The tragedy in Norway has touched both people’s hearts and minds, as the news media has brought to our attention the wide scale destruction and suffering attacker Anders Behring Breivik has inflicted. Some news reports have focused on Breivik’s supposedly being a right wing Christian fundamentalist, and began bombarding Christianity in general as if responsible for this atrocity. However, in a 1500+ page manifesto Breivik wrote, he states claiming to be a Christian is simply a “pose” adopted for political reasons
On the website Evolution News, a review of his manifesto reveals why he chose to align himself with a group supposedly espousing “Christian values.” He states: "My choice was based purely [on] pragmatism." (p. 1380). He goes on to explain that ‘Christianity’ has far more mass appeal than nationalism, white supremacy, or a revival of paganism, and so it is a more effective ‘banner’ under which to build his movement (p. 1381). He also states, “I'm not going to pretend I'm a very religious person as that would be a lie. I've always been very pragmatic and influenced by my secular surroundings and environment.”
In reality, evolution and social engineering lies at the heart of his views. He believes countries that don’t enforce population controls should be allowed to starve to death (p. 1202), and that other countries shouldn’t intervene to help. He advocates a new form of eugenics, referring to how the Nazi’s of World War II poisoned the idea, but that basically it could be a positive tool that shouldn’t be abandoned (p. 1200). As you read through his philosophy of life, it becomes clear that he truly is a poser, as Biblical principles are totally void from his view of life and how one should actually live.
Breivik reminds me, sadly, of what Paul wrote of those who abandoned a knowledge of God in the first century, and were left with only a worldly, sin-based philosophy of life. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened” (Rom. 1:21). He also adds, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25). Thinking shaped by sin, instead of the will of God, results in all sort of perversity and tragedy (Rom. 1:28-32). To this end, the horrible tragedy in Norway is a result of godlessness, not New Testament Christianity.
I find Breivik’s use of the term “poser” as both revealing and frightening. How many people, even in the Lord’s church, could be described as posers? How many people wear the name of Christ but are not living life in Christ, not for Christ? Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). To live is to be Christ (Phil. 1:21), and Christ is to be our lives (Col. 3:4). The New Testament doesn’t sanction posing, but dedication. No, we won’t ever live in perfection of the will of God, but there’s a difference between seeking Christ in our lives, and expecting Christ to sanction whatever we do in life. How genuine is your faith, and the life it produces?
When others listen to your speech, and observe your lifestyle, what conclusion do they reach? Do they see Christ in you, or are you simply posing? You don’t have to act as a lunatic and murder indiscriminately to be a poser, as was Breivik. It is self-destructive spiritually to wear the name of Christ, but live like the world around us. “So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:12-13). As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).
Robert Johnson
On the website Evolution News, a review of his manifesto reveals why he chose to align himself with a group supposedly espousing “Christian values.” He states: "My choice was based purely [on] pragmatism." (p. 1380). He goes on to explain that ‘Christianity’ has far more mass appeal than nationalism, white supremacy, or a revival of paganism, and so it is a more effective ‘banner’ under which to build his movement (p. 1381). He also states, “I'm not going to pretend I'm a very religious person as that would be a lie. I've always been very pragmatic and influenced by my secular surroundings and environment.”
In reality, evolution and social engineering lies at the heart of his views. He believes countries that don’t enforce population controls should be allowed to starve to death (p. 1202), and that other countries shouldn’t intervene to help. He advocates a new form of eugenics, referring to how the Nazi’s of World War II poisoned the idea, but that basically it could be a positive tool that shouldn’t be abandoned (p. 1200). As you read through his philosophy of life, it becomes clear that he truly is a poser, as Biblical principles are totally void from his view of life and how one should actually live.
Breivik reminds me, sadly, of what Paul wrote of those who abandoned a knowledge of God in the first century, and were left with only a worldly, sin-based philosophy of life. “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened” (Rom. 1:21). He also adds, “They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever. Amen” (Rom. 1:25). Thinking shaped by sin, instead of the will of God, results in all sort of perversity and tragedy (Rom. 1:28-32). To this end, the horrible tragedy in Norway is a result of godlessness, not New Testament Christianity.
I find Breivik’s use of the term “poser” as both revealing and frightening. How many people, even in the Lord’s church, could be described as posers? How many people wear the name of Christ but are not living life in Christ, not for Christ? Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). To live is to be Christ (Phil. 1:21), and Christ is to be our lives (Col. 3:4). The New Testament doesn’t sanction posing, but dedication. No, we won’t ever live in perfection of the will of God, but there’s a difference between seeking Christ in our lives, and expecting Christ to sanction whatever we do in life. How genuine is your faith, and the life it produces?
When others listen to your speech, and observe your lifestyle, what conclusion do they reach? Do they see Christ in you, or are you simply posing? You don’t have to act as a lunatic and murder indiscriminately to be a poser, as was Breivik. It is self-destructive spiritually to wear the name of Christ, but live like the world around us. “So then, brothers, we are not obligated to the flesh to live according to the flesh, for if you live according to the flesh, you are going to die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom. 8:12-13). As Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16).
Robert Johnson
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Jesus' Teaching on Hell
There seems to be a debate in some religious circles today regarding Jesus’ teaching about eternity. Specifically, there are those questioning whether He actually taught about hell, eternal punishment, or if He did, that the number of times He mentioned it are so few that it doesn’t warrant our attention. I have read of those who have done word searches through the gospel accounts, and finding the word hell to be used less than the word heaven, have concluded that the concept of hell must not have meant much to Jesus and so should not be a focus of our teaching either.
These are erroneous views. A similar argument is made regarding the virgin birth. Some theologians state that, since it is only mentioned twice in the gospel records (Matthew and Luke), it must not be an established principle of Christianity. However, if Scripture is truly the inspired word of God, as both Paul and Peter affirm it is (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), then the fact something is mentioned once is sufficient to establish its truthfulness. The same is true with the reality of hell. If Jesus and the inspired writers of Scripture mention such, word counts mean little, as the reality of hell has been established.
There is more to the discussion than just the two terms, heaven and hell, and their frequency of use in the Bible. Jesus used a variety of terms to describe hell, not just that word itself. Phrases such as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “condemnation” (Mark 12:40), “wrath of God” (John 3:36), “furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:42), “outer darkness,” “place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30), “judgment” (John 5:24), “torment” (Luke 16:28), and others are also used to describe the concept of hell. When you take this into consideration, you discover Jesus spent more time warning against hell than He did teaching about heaven.
The question is then raised, “Why did He do this?” It is not because Jesus didn’t want people to go to heaven; far from it. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). To be in heaven is to be with God and the Son, and to be in God’s presence forever offers us joy beyond imagination for eternity. To spend eternity there, we must realize not everyone is going to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). We need to understand hell is real, that punishment beyond imagination for eternity is what is experienced there. To understand how horrible hell is offers strong motivation to seek heaven. We must choose to live by God’s will today so hell will not be where we spend our eternity.
Hell is real, and Jesus, along with the rest of Scripture, taught about its reality. Jesus came into the world to offer salvation from its punishment, the promise of a better life today, along with life eternal in heaven. How we live each day determines where we spend our eternity. Jesus spent more time warning about hell to encourage us to live for heaven. Do you believe what Jesus said? Which outcome is your life leading you? “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:5).
Robert Johnson
These are erroneous views. A similar argument is made regarding the virgin birth. Some theologians state that, since it is only mentioned twice in the gospel records (Matthew and Luke), it must not be an established principle of Christianity. However, if Scripture is truly the inspired word of God, as both Paul and Peter affirm it is (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21), then the fact something is mentioned once is sufficient to establish its truthfulness. The same is true with the reality of hell. If Jesus and the inspired writers of Scripture mention such, word counts mean little, as the reality of hell has been established.
There is more to the discussion than just the two terms, heaven and hell, and their frequency of use in the Bible. Jesus used a variety of terms to describe hell, not just that word itself. Phrases such as “eternal punishment” (Matthew 25:46), “condemnation” (Mark 12:40), “wrath of God” (John 3:36), “furnace of fire” (Matthew 13:42), “outer darkness,” “place of weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30), “judgment” (John 5:24), “torment” (Luke 16:28), and others are also used to describe the concept of hell. When you take this into consideration, you discover Jesus spent more time warning against hell than He did teaching about heaven.
The question is then raised, “Why did He do this?” It is not because Jesus didn’t want people to go to heaven; far from it. Jesus said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). To be in heaven is to be with God and the Son, and to be in God’s presence forever offers us joy beyond imagination for eternity. To spend eternity there, we must realize not everyone is going to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14). We need to understand hell is real, that punishment beyond imagination for eternity is what is experienced there. To understand how horrible hell is offers strong motivation to seek heaven. We must choose to live by God’s will today so hell will not be where we spend our eternity.
Hell is real, and Jesus, along with the rest of Scripture, taught about its reality. Jesus came into the world to offer salvation from its punishment, the promise of a better life today, along with life eternal in heaven. How we live each day determines where we spend our eternity. Jesus spent more time warning about hell to encourage us to live for heaven. Do you believe what Jesus said? Which outcome is your life leading you? “But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him!” (Luke 12:5).
Robert Johnson
Thursday, July 14, 2011
The Measure of Your Faith
A recent news item reports that Iran’s Supreme Court has charged an evangelical preacher with apostasy, and could be executed if he doesn’t recant his beliefs. Human rights groups say apostasy isn’t even codified in Iranian law. Yousef Nadarkhani converted to “Christianity” as a teenager, and has converted an unknown number of people in Iran. While the Iranian regime doesn’t look favorably on personal conversion from Islam, Nadarkhani’s converting others is what really has set this chain of events into motion. Those who know Nadarkhani say he is not likely to recant, and if he doesn’t, his fate is unclear.
While this individual is not a New Testament Christian, you can’t help but admire his zeal and conviction for what he believes. His actions show not only his sincerity, but that there are hearts that can be changed, even under oppressive governments and the most difficult of situations. If there are those willing to listen to his message, would there not also be good and honest hearts willing to listen to the complete truth of the gospel? As Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Beyond all this, such reports should cause us to pause and ask ourselves about our faith, and our commitment, to the truth. Just how much of an influence does the gospel make in our lives? While we may wonder about the direction our nation is headed, we still have the freedom to believe, live, and teach others the message of salvation. What impact does it make in daily living with the liberties we have? Do we take faith in Christ seriously, so that it is reflected in what we say and do? Do others see Christ living in us? Are we seeking opportunities to tell others the truth that saves? We are not being persecuted. We are not being arrested for being New Testament Christians. No one has threatened to execute us for what we believe, or demanded we deny our faith to spare our physical lives.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He also said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). If one finds it difficult to live the Christian life in a time of ease, what would be the measure of one’s commitment and faith in a time of distress and persecution?
We are privileged to live as we do, and blessed to know the truth as we do. The circumstances Yousef Nadarkhani faces should cause each of us to examine just how important Christ is to us. Important enough to live for Him and His will every day? “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Robert Johnson
While this individual is not a New Testament Christian, you can’t help but admire his zeal and conviction for what he believes. His actions show not only his sincerity, but that there are hearts that can be changed, even under oppressive governments and the most difficult of situations. If there are those willing to listen to his message, would there not also be good and honest hearts willing to listen to the complete truth of the gospel? As Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).
Beyond all this, such reports should cause us to pause and ask ourselves about our faith, and our commitment, to the truth. Just how much of an influence does the gospel make in our lives? While we may wonder about the direction our nation is headed, we still have the freedom to believe, live, and teach others the message of salvation. What impact does it make in daily living with the liberties we have? Do we take faith in Christ seriously, so that it is reflected in what we say and do? Do others see Christ living in us? Are we seeking opportunities to tell others the truth that saves? We are not being persecuted. We are not being arrested for being New Testament Christians. No one has threatened to execute us for what we believe, or demanded we deny our faith to spare our physical lives.
Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:14-16). He also said, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). If one finds it difficult to live the Christian life in a time of ease, what would be the measure of one’s commitment and faith in a time of distress and persecution?
We are privileged to live as we do, and blessed to know the truth as we do. The circumstances Yousef Nadarkhani faces should cause each of us to examine just how important Christ is to us. Important enough to live for Him and His will every day? “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).
Robert Johnson
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A True Knowledge of Christ
“…until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ” (Eph. 4:13).
The term that Paul uses to describe the knowledge we are to have of the Son of God is an intensive form of the Greek word for knowledge. “It expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the New Testament, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, NT, p. 624). Paul isn’t just talking about knowing the reality of the existence of Christ, but of who He is, of His example for us, of living life in Him and the knowledge of His will that helps us grow in His image.
What do we really know about Jesus? We can answer that question, in part, by asking how much time we spend learning from Scripture. Jesus told the Jews of His day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39). We need to spend time searching the Scripture, studying the word, so we can know God and His Son, to learn the will of God revealed through Christ, and what it is God expects of us in obeying the gospel, worshiping Him, and living everyday life for Him. Without knowing what Scripture teaches, we will be subject to various other forces that influence us, most of which are based in sin. The place to begin, then, is in spending time each day in the word of God.
But this is not an end to itself. Knowing the facts of Scripture alone will never transform lives, and we must experience a transformation, from conformity to the world to living a sanctified life, if the goal of knowing Scripture is to be realized. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). We learn what Scripture teaches so we can practice it in everyday living. It is to be part of our conscience, its principles and precepts familiar to us, so when we face challenges in life, or temptations, or various types of decisions, we have the basis on which to decide how to respond. With Scripture in our hearts and minds, we can choose right from wrong and discern the best course of action to take (Psalm 119:11). We have to know what Scripture teaches through study if we are to gain this knowledge, but we must also apply this knowledge if it is to transform our lives. We must see where it fits in daily life experiences.
Do we have this intensive form of knowledge? Does our understanding of Scripture powerfully influence our life? Does it motivate us to personal involvement in Christian living? Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi, “…that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). A real knowledge will offer discernment, being able to distinguish the best way to live from everything else, and enable us to live in the righteousness of Christ, which glorifies God! This is truly the abundant life (John 10:10).
Too many Christians sell themselves short, trying to get by on less of a faith than they need, not enough knowledge to feed their souls, and so handicap themselves from living in the fullness of Christ. This is the siren call of Satan, as he knows such a distraction will keep us from being all we can be, and enable him to gain an upper hand in our lives. The good life comes in having a full knowledge of God, His Son, and their will for our lives, a knowledge deep enough to motivate us to live it. Make time for God’s word daily. Pray for understanding. Look for its application, and practice it. That’s what real knowledge is all about. You will be amazed at what your life in Christ will become. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:2-3).
Robert Johnson
The term that Paul uses to describe the knowledge we are to have of the Son of God is an intensive form of the Greek word for knowledge. “It expresses a more thorough participation in the acquiring of knowledge on the part of the learner. In the New Testament, it often refers to knowledge which very powerfully influences the form of religious life, a knowledge laying claim to personal involvement” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary, NT, p. 624). Paul isn’t just talking about knowing the reality of the existence of Christ, but of who He is, of His example for us, of living life in Him and the knowledge of His will that helps us grow in His image.
What do we really know about Jesus? We can answer that question, in part, by asking how much time we spend learning from Scripture. Jesus told the Jews of His day, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39). We need to spend time searching the Scripture, studying the word, so we can know God and His Son, to learn the will of God revealed through Christ, and what it is God expects of us in obeying the gospel, worshiping Him, and living everyday life for Him. Without knowing what Scripture teaches, we will be subject to various other forces that influence us, most of which are based in sin. The place to begin, then, is in spending time each day in the word of God.
But this is not an end to itself. Knowing the facts of Scripture alone will never transform lives, and we must experience a transformation, from conformity to the world to living a sanctified life, if the goal of knowing Scripture is to be realized. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). We learn what Scripture teaches so we can practice it in everyday living. It is to be part of our conscience, its principles and precepts familiar to us, so when we face challenges in life, or temptations, or various types of decisions, we have the basis on which to decide how to respond. With Scripture in our hearts and minds, we can choose right from wrong and discern the best course of action to take (Psalm 119:11). We have to know what Scripture teaches through study if we are to gain this knowledge, but we must also apply this knowledge if it is to transform our lives. We must see where it fits in daily life experiences.
Do we have this intensive form of knowledge? Does our understanding of Scripture powerfully influence our life? Does it motivate us to personal involvement in Christian living? Paul prayed for the Christians in Philippi, “…that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ; having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (Phil. 1:9-11). A real knowledge will offer discernment, being able to distinguish the best way to live from everything else, and enable us to live in the righteousness of Christ, which glorifies God! This is truly the abundant life (John 10:10).
Too many Christians sell themselves short, trying to get by on less of a faith than they need, not enough knowledge to feed their souls, and so handicap themselves from living in the fullness of Christ. This is the siren call of Satan, as he knows such a distraction will keep us from being all we can be, and enable him to gain an upper hand in our lives. The good life comes in having a full knowledge of God, His Son, and their will for our lives, a knowledge deep enough to motivate us to live it. Make time for God’s word daily. Pray for understanding. Look for its application, and practice it. That’s what real knowledge is all about. You will be amazed at what your life in Christ will become. “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence” (2 Pet. 1:2-3).
Robert Johnson
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Free in Christ
As we approach the celebration of American independence, July 4, freedom from the tyranny of British rule wasn’t a promise of individual independence. It would take a great combined effort, on the part of the colonists and others who supported their cause, to bring about freedom. Even with the establishment of the United States, there is a common law, our Constitution, to which we must be subject to have the liberty we enjoy. Everyone doing only what they want as individuals, without any concern for others, is not freedom, but anarchy. While it seems like an oxymoron today, to truly be free we must be willing to submit to those principles of life that allow us to live free.
One person has expressed it this way. “Freedom does not mean the absence of constraints or moral absolutes. Suppose a skydiver at 10,000 feet announces to the rest of the group, ‘I’m not using a parachute this time. I want freedom!’ The fact is that a skydiver is constrained by a greater law—the law of gravity. But when the skydiver chooses the ‘constraint’ of the parachute, he or she is free to enjoy the exhilaration. God’s moral laws act the same way; they restrain, but they are absolutely necessary to enjoy the exhilaration of real freedom.”
Paul reminded the Galatians, “Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). It’s by living within the limits of the gospel that we have freedom from sin, are transformed in the image of Christ, and live in the blessings God abundantly provides. Christ lived in submission to the will of the Father to set us free; it is within His will that we experience freedom. Living outside the confines of the gospel places us in sin, and sin only brings destruction and death. In writing of false teachers who advocated immorality as a legitimate lifestyle in Christ, Peter wrote, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them” (2 Pet. 2:19). Speak to anyone who has had to deal with alcoholism, drug addiction, or any other vice that constantly appeals to the desires of the flesh, and freedom isn’t how they would describe what they’re experiencing. Such is a lie of Satan. This is why Peter urges us, “As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil” (1 Pet. 2:16).
The American Revolution could not have accomplished what it did, in bringing our nation into existence, if every colonist did as they pleased. The freedom they gained was achieved through sacrifice and commitment to a common goal. So it is for our freedom spiritually in Christ. We are part of the body of Christ to be a blessing, as well as to be blessed. We are called to serve, and in doing so find our talents develop, and gain joy and peace. We are to let go of ourselves, that we can find all God offers. As we remember the price paid for our nation’s liberty, remember the price paid for our liberty from sin by Jesus Christ, and what submission to Him frees us to be, His children, and frees us to have, eternal life. “For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love” (Gal. 5:13).
Robert Johnson
One person has expressed it this way. “Freedom does not mean the absence of constraints or moral absolutes. Suppose a skydiver at 10,000 feet announces to the rest of the group, ‘I’m not using a parachute this time. I want freedom!’ The fact is that a skydiver is constrained by a greater law—the law of gravity. But when the skydiver chooses the ‘constraint’ of the parachute, he or she is free to enjoy the exhilaration. God’s moral laws act the same way; they restrain, but they are absolutely necessary to enjoy the exhilaration of real freedom.”
Paul reminded the Galatians, “Christ has liberated us to be free. Stand firm then and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). It’s by living within the limits of the gospel that we have freedom from sin, are transformed in the image of Christ, and live in the blessings God abundantly provides. Christ lived in submission to the will of the Father to set us free; it is within His will that we experience freedom. Living outside the confines of the gospel places us in sin, and sin only brings destruction and death. In writing of false teachers who advocated immorality as a legitimate lifestyle in Christ, Peter wrote, “They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, since people are enslaved to whatever defeats them” (2 Pet. 2:19). Speak to anyone who has had to deal with alcoholism, drug addiction, or any other vice that constantly appeals to the desires of the flesh, and freedom isn’t how they would describe what they’re experiencing. Such is a lie of Satan. This is why Peter urges us, “As God’s slaves, live as free people, but don’t use your freedom as a way to conceal evil” (1 Pet. 2:16).
The American Revolution could not have accomplished what it did, in bringing our nation into existence, if every colonist did as they pleased. The freedom they gained was achieved through sacrifice and commitment to a common goal. So it is for our freedom spiritually in Christ. We are part of the body of Christ to be a blessing, as well as to be blessed. We are called to serve, and in doing so find our talents develop, and gain joy and peace. We are to let go of ourselves, that we can find all God offers. As we remember the price paid for our nation’s liberty, remember the price paid for our liberty from sin by Jesus Christ, and what submission to Him frees us to be, His children, and frees us to have, eternal life. “For you were called to be free, brothers; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love” (Gal. 5:13).
Robert Johnson
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Buy Truth and Find Treasure
“Buy—and do not sell—truth, wisdom, instruction, and understanding” (Prov. 23:23).
The above passage of Scripture is very familiar to us. The idea of buying these virtues means to acquire them, to devote oneself to gaining these things in life. We need instruction in the truth, so we might not just know what truth is, but that we can understand it, that we might develop wisdom in applying its principles in everyday living. The thought is similar to what Jesus told His disciples in John 8:32; “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Through His inspired word, God reminds us that His truth is objective, actual, rational, and real. We can use the truth of Scripture to discern our innermost selves, to recognize right from wrong, in the world and in ourselves, and to make those changes in our lifestyles that will prepare us for eternity (Heb. 4:12-13). Applying truth frees us from sin and helps us live in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:13). We are freed from servitude to sin and all the destructive elements it brings to our lives, to serve God and find all the blessings He offers us instead.
Spending time with Scripture, then, is more than just an academic endeavor, more than just learning facts as an end to itself. Satan has done a masterful job at convincing people that reading and learning from Scripture is too hard, boring at best, and unnecessary anyway, as God will just accept us all no matter what. Scripture, however, tells us we all will be judged for how we have lived (2 Cor. 5:10), and that there is a right way and wrong way to live (Prov. 14:12; John 3:36). Obviously, it does matter what we believe, because that will equate into how we live our lives, and where we spend eternity.
Spending time in Scripture may seem boring and trite to an overstimulated society, but it offers to life what so many are looking for but can’t find anywhere else. It is our key to having joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and everything having to do with life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Time spent with Scripture offers a life of discovery and renewal, help and strength, the ability to grow and reach life’s goals (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There comes a deeper appreciation for God, for the depth of love revealed through Christ and every effort expended to humanity, and to you personally. That love equates into a truly spiritual life, as we love in return and reflect it in the choices we make (1 John 4:10-11). God’s love brings real love to us and becomes the motive for how we live. We learn this, and so much more, from spending time in Scripture.
So many people experience a lack of contentment with life, with who they are, what they have, where they’re going. Sin never satisfies, but God can and will bring our lives to where they should be, what they were meant to be. We can have God’s truth and instruction, His wisdom and understanding, as an integral part of our lives, and have a life really worth living. It’s available to each one of us; will you chose to have it? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).
Robert Johnson
The above passage of Scripture is very familiar to us. The idea of buying these virtues means to acquire them, to devote oneself to gaining these things in life. We need instruction in the truth, so we might not just know what truth is, but that we can understand it, that we might develop wisdom in applying its principles in everyday living. The thought is similar to what Jesus told His disciples in John 8:32; “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Through His inspired word, God reminds us that His truth is objective, actual, rational, and real. We can use the truth of Scripture to discern our innermost selves, to recognize right from wrong, in the world and in ourselves, and to make those changes in our lifestyles that will prepare us for eternity (Heb. 4:12-13). Applying truth frees us from sin and helps us live in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:13). We are freed from servitude to sin and all the destructive elements it brings to our lives, to serve God and find all the blessings He offers us instead.
Spending time with Scripture, then, is more than just an academic endeavor, more than just learning facts as an end to itself. Satan has done a masterful job at convincing people that reading and learning from Scripture is too hard, boring at best, and unnecessary anyway, as God will just accept us all no matter what. Scripture, however, tells us we all will be judged for how we have lived (2 Cor. 5:10), and that there is a right way and wrong way to live (Prov. 14:12; John 3:36). Obviously, it does matter what we believe, because that will equate into how we live our lives, and where we spend eternity.
Spending time in Scripture may seem boring and trite to an overstimulated society, but it offers to life what so many are looking for but can’t find anywhere else. It is our key to having joy, peace, love, mercy, forgiveness, salvation, and everything having to do with life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). Time spent with Scripture offers a life of discovery and renewal, help and strength, the ability to grow and reach life’s goals (2 Tim. 3:16-17). There comes a deeper appreciation for God, for the depth of love revealed through Christ and every effort expended to humanity, and to you personally. That love equates into a truly spiritual life, as we love in return and reflect it in the choices we make (1 John 4:10-11). God’s love brings real love to us and becomes the motive for how we live. We learn this, and so much more, from spending time in Scripture.
So many people experience a lack of contentment with life, with who they are, what they have, where they’re going. Sin never satisfies, but God can and will bring our lives to where they should be, what they were meant to be. We can have God’s truth and instruction, His wisdom and understanding, as an integral part of our lives, and have a life really worth living. It’s available to each one of us; will you chose to have it? “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure, buried in a field, that a man found and reburied. Then in his joy he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field” (Matt. 13:44).
Robert Johnson
Monday, May 9, 2011
Child’s Play
Many parents remember the sight of their children “playing church.” I remember our children doing the same, holding a song book before they were able to read, or doing the same with a Bible, and of course the precious prayers they would offer. Such memories are special and treasured possessions, especially when they grow up and translate those actions of childhood to a lifestyle in adulthood.
While playing church is endearing when it involves children, it is sad when members of the Lord’s church play church. How do we play church? We play church when the kingdom of God becomes a matter of convenience rather than a matter of commitment. We play church when we pick and choose when to attend worship, rather than having an intense desire to be in God’s presence, to worship and praise our Creator and Sustainer, our Lord and Savior. We play church when we prefer the company of worldly minded folks and pursue worldly activities rather than have fellowship with our family in Christ. We play church when we take no thought to how we give for the work of the kingdom, but make sure our financial resources are available for whatever we want personally. We play church when there are opportunities of service that we can be involved with, but we choose not to get involved, as we allow secular pursuits to occupy our time. Like little children, it’s easy to play church when it’s expedient, but to also walk away from it for other pursuits when desired.
Paul reminded the Corinthians, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11, HCSB). To obey the gospel means we let go of self and submit to God, making His will our will, allowing Him to shape us in His image and fit us for eternity. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). This is what Paul was seeking in his own life when he said, “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15). And what of his statement in Gal. 2:20; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
Living as a Christian isn’t a game we play in life; it is life. Christians shouldn’t view their faith as a game, a choice one makes when to engage in it, and when to ignore it. We need to, as one person put it, “move away from the ‘Member of the Christian Club’ mentality that defines much of the way we do business as church attendees.” “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).
The Hebrew writer urges us, “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne” (Heb. 12:2). Coming to earth wasn’t a game to Jesus, and the cross wasn’t child’s play. Neither should life in the body of Christ be to us. There are blessings to be found, joy to cheer our hearts, and hope to encourage us, if we mature and serve. What is the Christian life, the church, to you? “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’” (Matt. 11:17-17).
Robert Johnson
While playing church is endearing when it involves children, it is sad when members of the Lord’s church play church. How do we play church? We play church when the kingdom of God becomes a matter of convenience rather than a matter of commitment. We play church when we pick and choose when to attend worship, rather than having an intense desire to be in God’s presence, to worship and praise our Creator and Sustainer, our Lord and Savior. We play church when we prefer the company of worldly minded folks and pursue worldly activities rather than have fellowship with our family in Christ. We play church when we take no thought to how we give for the work of the kingdom, but make sure our financial resources are available for whatever we want personally. We play church when there are opportunities of service that we can be involved with, but we choose not to get involved, as we allow secular pursuits to occupy our time. Like little children, it’s easy to play church when it’s expedient, but to also walk away from it for other pursuits when desired.
Paul reminded the Corinthians, “When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put aside childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11, HCSB). To obey the gospel means we let go of self and submit to God, making His will our will, allowing Him to shape us in His image and fit us for eternity. This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness...” (Matt. 6:33). This is what Paul was seeking in his own life when he said, “But speaking the truth in love, let us grow in every way into Him who is the head—Christ” (Eph. 4:15). And what of his statement in Gal. 2:20; “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20).
Living as a Christian isn’t a game we play in life; it is life. Christians shouldn’t view their faith as a game, a choice one makes when to engage in it, and when to ignore it. We need to, as one person put it, “move away from the ‘Member of the Christian Club’ mentality that defines much of the way we do business as church attendees.” “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3).
The Hebrew writer urges us, “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne” (Heb. 12:2). Coming to earth wasn’t a game to Jesus, and the cross wasn’t child’s play. Neither should life in the body of Christ be to us. There are blessings to be found, joy to cheer our hearts, and hope to encourage us, if we mature and serve. What is the Christian life, the church, to you? “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn’” (Matt. 11:17-17).
Robert Johnson
Monday, February 28, 2011
LOOKING FOR GOOD
Everyone experiences difficulties in their lives. It’s part of living in a world influenced by sin. “For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God” (Rom. 8:20-21). That everyone has trials in life shouldn’t be an issue. The real question to ask is how each of us face our trials.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). This passage is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn’t minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face. He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.
Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. When he wrote Romans, he expressed his desire to come and visit them, and then go on to preach the gospel in Spain (Rom. 15:28). He envisioned making this trip as a free man, not having been falsely accused in Jerusalem, enduring a perversion of justice, having to appeal to Caesar, and finally reaching Rome as a prisoner, chained constantly to a Roman guard (Acts 21-28). How would he face this situation? It would have been easy to get depressed and despondent, doubt in God’s will, and give up. Not Paul! From this situation, he wrote the church in Philippi and spoke of his blessings, including the blessings that had come from this imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14). Paul realized the opportunities he had to reach people as a prisoner for the Lord, which would never have been available to him as a free man.
What is the application for us? We usually find what we look for. If we only look at our problems, then that’s all we will see. If we look for possibilities and blessings, even in adverse circumstances, we can find them, as well. It depends on whether we trust God enough to look at life from His perspective. Our attitudes are what we make of them, what we choose them to be. May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find good, even in times that aren’t so good. You’ll be amazed at the quality of life you can have, when you allow yourself to look for the positive in life. Remember, in Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life. Live it that way, and find God’s richest blessings.
Robert Johnson
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28). This passage is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn’t minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face. He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.
Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. When he wrote Romans, he expressed his desire to come and visit them, and then go on to preach the gospel in Spain (Rom. 15:28). He envisioned making this trip as a free man, not having been falsely accused in Jerusalem, enduring a perversion of justice, having to appeal to Caesar, and finally reaching Rome as a prisoner, chained constantly to a Roman guard (Acts 21-28). How would he face this situation? It would have been easy to get depressed and despondent, doubt in God’s will, and give up. Not Paul! From this situation, he wrote the church in Philippi and spoke of his blessings, including the blessings that had come from this imprisonment (Phil. 1:12-14). Paul realized the opportunities he had to reach people as a prisoner for the Lord, which would never have been available to him as a free man.
What is the application for us? We usually find what we look for. If we only look at our problems, then that’s all we will see. If we look for possibilities and blessings, even in adverse circumstances, we can find them, as well. It depends on whether we trust God enough to look at life from His perspective. Our attitudes are what we make of them, what we choose them to be. May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find good, even in times that aren’t so good. You’ll be amazed at the quality of life you can have, when you allow yourself to look for the positive in life. Remember, in Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life. Live it that way, and find God’s richest blessings.
Robert Johnson
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
PRESUMPTIONS
Have you ever stopped to think about how often we make decisions, and base our actions, on our presumptions? To presume is, by definition, to suppose something to be true without proof. Sometimes we presume things based on our knowledge of a person, or the situation, or what it is we understand about what is going on. Sometimes we presume things based on our desires, what we would like to be true, whether in fact it is or is not. For example, if we’re meeting someone for lunch, and they’re running late, they may ask us to order for them. We might presume to know what it is they want, based on previous items they have ordered from the menu. It might in fact be correct that is what they wanted this time, but it could be they wanted something else. How many times have you heard someone say, “Why did you do that?” The response is, “Well, I just presumed…” The reply then is, “Well, you presumed wrong!”
Presumptions are dangerous when we ignore or reject information and make decisions on our own criteria instead. To have facts in hand, but to respond without considering the facts, is rash at best and arrogant at worst. Unfortunately, Satan knows he can tempt us in so many areas of life, and this is how we will respond. For example, when he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matt. 4:5-6), it would have been presumptuous of Jesus to have done so, thinking God would have saved Him from physical harm. It would have been testing God, rather than trusting what He has revealed of Himself and His will.
How many people does Satan deceive into sin by presumption? “I don’t have to be faithful in assembling to worship, because after all, God is a gracious God and wants me to enjoy life.” “I know I’m not giving as I’ve been prospered, but God is love and knows all the other things I can spend my money on.” “I’m so busy and involved in so many other areas of life, I’m sure God understands and will be merciful. Maybe sometime later I can serve Him.” These and many more presumptions are dangerous, because God’s word reveals what His will is on these matters of life. Choosing a course contrary to what Scripture teaches is what James describes as sin; “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Jesus conquered the sin of presumption with the word of God, which is how He conquered each temptation He faced. Just because we want things a certain way doesn’t mean that is the measure of how God will judge us on the day of judgment. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). To presume things spiritually when we can know by examining Scripture is dangerous, as it very well may disappoint us on the last day (Matt. 7:21-23)!
We are not to presume when it comes to what we are to believe and how to live for God. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). It is necessary for each of us to take the initiative and actually use the Bibles we have at home, that we carry to worship, and practice what it teaches us God requires for salvation and living the Christian life. You can presume otherwise, but don’t trust your soul to what you feel when you can know for sure. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:20-21).
Robert Johnson
Presumptions are dangerous when we ignore or reject information and make decisions on our own criteria instead. To have facts in hand, but to respond without considering the facts, is rash at best and arrogant at worst. Unfortunately, Satan knows he can tempt us in so many areas of life, and this is how we will respond. For example, when he tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the pinnacle of the temple (Matt. 4:5-6), it would have been presumptuous of Jesus to have done so, thinking God would have saved Him from physical harm. It would have been testing God, rather than trusting what He has revealed of Himself and His will.
How many people does Satan deceive into sin by presumption? “I don’t have to be faithful in assembling to worship, because after all, God is a gracious God and wants me to enjoy life.” “I know I’m not giving as I’ve been prospered, but God is love and knows all the other things I can spend my money on.” “I’m so busy and involved in so many other areas of life, I’m sure God understands and will be merciful. Maybe sometime later I can serve Him.” These and many more presumptions are dangerous, because God’s word reveals what His will is on these matters of life. Choosing a course contrary to what Scripture teaches is what James describes as sin; “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin” (James 4:17).
Jesus conquered the sin of presumption with the word of God, which is how He conquered each temptation He faced. Just because we want things a certain way doesn’t mean that is the measure of how God will judge us on the day of judgment. Jesus said, “The word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day” (John 12:48). To presume things spiritually when we can know by examining Scripture is dangerous, as it very well may disappoint us on the last day (Matt. 7:21-23)!
We are not to presume when it comes to what we are to believe and how to live for God. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). It is necessary for each of us to take the initiative and actually use the Bibles we have at home, that we carry to worship, and practice what it teaches us God requires for salvation and living the Christian life. You can presume otherwise, but don’t trust your soul to what you feel when you can know for sure. But you did not learn Christ in this way, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught in Him, just as truth is in Jesus” (Eph. 4:20-21).
Robert Johnson
Friday, February 11, 2011
IS GOD DEAD?
Those of us who lived through the decade of the 1960's will no doubt remember the “God is Dead” movement, announced in the April 8, 1966 edition of Time magazine. The movement was philosophical, from a widely quoted statement by Friedrich Nietzsche. Nietzsche didn’t believe the God of Scripture was real, but was stating humanity’s need for a god was no longer valid. His view was founded on the philosophical belief that objective truth was impossible to discern, and that one’s “needs” were the truths by which life should be lived.
The full quote Nietzsche made is interesting in light of where we are today, not just philosophically but spiritually. “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives. Who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Nietzsche was an atheist, but his statement reveals what must happen if one rejects God, in that one becomes his or her own god. There will always be something ruling in the hearts of people, whether it’s the one true God or one’s desires. Paul recognized this when he wrote the Christians in Rome, “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles” (Rom. 1:21-23).
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. What began as philosophical rambling is now part of our society’s consciousness and everyday experience. While there is still a belief in the concept of God, few are willing to approach Him on His terms, on the basis of His revealed truth in Scripture. Lip service is offered to God, but in reality many people have become their own god, determining what truth is for themselves and how they should live. For them, God has become an enabler to whatever lifestyle they choose, and in the end will see to it that they will go to heaven.
This isn’t what Scripture reveals to us. The Bible is inspired, God-breathed, as it offers in its pages authentication for the claim it is from God, “because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). If one comes to it with an open mind, allowing Scripture to present itself without prejudice, it reveals God to us and creates faith in Him (Rom. 10:17). It shows to us that it is the source of objective truth, found not in ourselves and our desires, but in what God has made known. What God makes known that there are only two paths to life, one based in His will, the other in however else one chooses to live. The narrow path defined by God leads to eternal life, while the broad way leads to eternal destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). He reveals that in His love He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and in His blood there is forgiveness (Heb. 9:13-14). He reveals that if we love Him as He has loved us, we will obey His commands (John 14:15), for in them is His blessings and the promise of all that is good for us, including eternal life (Rom. 6:22).
It is from human philosophy that the idea came about we can be our own god, that we can pick and choose how to live and whether or not to obey, not from our Creator. Satan is no doubt pleased that so many have decided to follow such ideas, but not God the Father who loves us and has done everything necessary for us to have salvation through Jesus Christ. His word is true and unshakable in its promises to us. Who will you chose to listen to? The eternal God, or the mind of man distorted by sin? “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:34-36).
Robert Johnson
The full quote Nietzsche made is interesting in light of where we are today, not just philosophically but spiritually. “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was the holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives. Who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Nietzsche was an atheist, but his statement reveals what must happen if one rejects God, in that one becomes his or her own god. There will always be something ruling in the hearts of people, whether it’s the one true God or one’s desires. Paul recognized this when he wrote the Christians in Rome, “For though they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became nonsense, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man, birds, four-footed animals, and reptiles” (Rom. 1:21-23).
As the saying goes, what goes around comes around. What began as philosophical rambling is now part of our society’s consciousness and everyday experience. While there is still a belief in the concept of God, few are willing to approach Him on His terms, on the basis of His revealed truth in Scripture. Lip service is offered to God, but in reality many people have become their own god, determining what truth is for themselves and how they should live. For them, God has become an enabler to whatever lifestyle they choose, and in the end will see to it that they will go to heaven.
This isn’t what Scripture reveals to us. The Bible is inspired, God-breathed, as it offers in its pages authentication for the claim it is from God, “because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21). If one comes to it with an open mind, allowing Scripture to present itself without prejudice, it reveals God to us and creates faith in Him (Rom. 10:17). It shows to us that it is the source of objective truth, found not in ourselves and our desires, but in what God has made known. What God makes known that there are only two paths to life, one based in His will, the other in however else one chooses to live. The narrow path defined by God leads to eternal life, while the broad way leads to eternal destruction (Matt. 7:13-14). He reveals that in His love He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and in His blood there is forgiveness (Heb. 9:13-14). He reveals that if we love Him as He has loved us, we will obey His commands (John 14:15), for in them is His blessings and the promise of all that is good for us, including eternal life (Rom. 6:22).
It is from human philosophy that the idea came about we can be our own god, that we can pick and choose how to live and whether or not to obey, not from our Creator. Satan is no doubt pleased that so many have decided to follow such ideas, but not God the Father who loves us and has done everything necessary for us to have salvation through Jesus Christ. His word is true and unshakable in its promises to us. Who will you chose to listen to? The eternal God, or the mind of man distorted by sin? “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? Or who has ever first given to Him, and has to be repaid? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:34-36).
Robert Johnson
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