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
Bible
Monday, February 28, 2011
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
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
My Heart’s Desire
The Christmas holidays are behind us, and New Year’s Day is just ahead. The week in between always encourages me to reflect on my values, on what I consider important, on what I feel needs to be a course correction in my life.
The holidays for me always revolve around family, family present and family absent, whether out of town, or departed from this life. So many memories flood my consciousness, and so many feelings crowd my heart. I am always grateful for this, because it reminds me what life is all about, and that is to reflect and show love.
First, we are to reflect the love of God. How great a love has been shown us by the Father through the Son. John 3:16 can never be over quoted; “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God always gives to us, all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). His best is seen, not only in the gift, but in the way He gives (James 1:17). But of all He gives, He gave His Son, which is how we know love (1 John 3:16a). The love of God is more than a feeling, it’s a response to our needs, it’s beyond our ability to fully comprehend, and it’s always there even when we respond badly. The blood of Christ must touch our hearts before we will submit to the will of God and allow it to cleanse our lives.
Second, we must show the love of God. I ask myself how well I show the love of God to those around me. Do others know how much I love them? Do I respond to them from the love of God at work in me, or do I allow selfish motives to overcome me? If I am trying to be more like the Father and His Son (Eph. 5:1-2), then I must respond from love (1 John 3:16b).
We all can have questions about the past, what we did or didn’t do, what we said or didn’t say, but we can’t go back to change those things. What about the time we have ahead of us? What about, Lord willing, the coming year? I want to live for eternity, more than anything else; this is my heart’s desire and my greatest goal. I want my family to live for eternity, as I want us together in God’s presence forever, not just now. This is most important to me, but not all that is important. I so much want all my brethren where I labor together in Christ to be there too. I would love to see everyone from every congregation I have been associated with to gather around the throne of God.
So, I need to love more with the love of God, in all its multifaceted ways. From love, I need to teach, preach, live, “rebuke, correct, and encourage” (2 Tim. 4:2) so that we all can know God’s way for our lives and live it out. This year, more than any other, I want us to live more closely to God, to encourage each other to live for God, to realize eternity is what it’s all about, and that it could come at any time. I promise to do what I can in my life personally, and in my ministry for Christ. Will I make mistakes, will we all? Of course, we’re human. But if we’re working together, we can be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
It’s too important to deceive ourselves into thinking eternal life will be given no matter how we live. But with the love of God at work in us, we will allow Him to accomplish His purpose in and through us. I want us all to be together in heaven. I want to grow in the love of God to allow God to use me for this goal. Will we join together to live for this heavenly goal?
Robert Johnson
The holidays for me always revolve around family, family present and family absent, whether out of town, or departed from this life. So many memories flood my consciousness, and so many feelings crowd my heart. I am always grateful for this, because it reminds me what life is all about, and that is to reflect and show love.
First, we are to reflect the love of God. How great a love has been shown us by the Father through the Son. John 3:16 can never be over quoted; “For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God always gives to us, all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3). His best is seen, not only in the gift, but in the way He gives (James 1:17). But of all He gives, He gave His Son, which is how we know love (1 John 3:16a). The love of God is more than a feeling, it’s a response to our needs, it’s beyond our ability to fully comprehend, and it’s always there even when we respond badly. The blood of Christ must touch our hearts before we will submit to the will of God and allow it to cleanse our lives.
Second, we must show the love of God. I ask myself how well I show the love of God to those around me. Do others know how much I love them? Do I respond to them from the love of God at work in me, or do I allow selfish motives to overcome me? If I am trying to be more like the Father and His Son (Eph. 5:1-2), then I must respond from love (1 John 3:16b).
We all can have questions about the past, what we did or didn’t do, what we said or didn’t say, but we can’t go back to change those things. What about the time we have ahead of us? What about, Lord willing, the coming year? I want to live for eternity, more than anything else; this is my heart’s desire and my greatest goal. I want my family to live for eternity, as I want us together in God’s presence forever, not just now. This is most important to me, but not all that is important. I so much want all my brethren where I labor together in Christ to be there too. I would love to see everyone from every congregation I have been associated with to gather around the throne of God.
So, I need to love more with the love of God, in all its multifaceted ways. From love, I need to teach, preach, live, “rebuke, correct, and encourage” (2 Tim. 4:2) so that we all can know God’s way for our lives and live it out. This year, more than any other, I want us to live more closely to God, to encourage each other to live for God, to realize eternity is what it’s all about, and that it could come at any time. I promise to do what I can in my life personally, and in my ministry for Christ. Will I make mistakes, will we all? Of course, we’re human. But if we’re working together, we can be more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
It’s too important to deceive ourselves into thinking eternal life will be given no matter how we live. But with the love of God at work in us, we will allow Him to accomplish His purpose in and through us. I want us all to be together in heaven. I want to grow in the love of God to allow God to use me for this goal. Will we join together to live for this heavenly goal?
Robert Johnson
Monday, October 18, 2010
Parting the Red Sea
A recent Reuters news report states, “Moses might not have parted the Red Sea, but a strong east wind that blew through the night could have pushed the waters in the way described in Biblical writings.” Using computer simulations, U.S. researchers said wind could push water back at a point where a river bent to merge with a coastal lagoon. “The wind moves the water in a way that’s in accordance with physical laws, creating safe passage with water on two sides and then abruptly allowing the water to rush back in.”
Skeptics have always shown an interest in trying to turn miraculous events in Scripture into ordinary occurrences governed by natural law. In reality, this is testimony to the historical accuracy of the accounts themselves. If they were myth, there would be no need to try to debunk what Scripture says happened through divine intervention. That critics of Scripture offer natural explanations is evidence of their historical accuracy.
Regarding the parting of the Red Sea, Scripture makes clear it was indeed a strong wind that separated the waters. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided” (Ex. 14:21). After the Israelites were across the sea, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.’ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea” (Ex. 14:26-27).
What these scientists do not recognize is not just the wind factor, but also the timing of the event. The miracle is not just God using natural forces to part the waters, but when it occurred. God did not sweep the water of the Red Sea back until Moses stretched his hand over it, and the water did not return to its place until Moses again stretched out his hand over the sea. Is it coincidence that the water parted when the Israelites could pass through to the other side? Is it chance they came back when the Egyptians were in the midst of the waters, where it would cover all their chariots and horsemen? Not only this, but it had been foretold by God to Moses (Ex. 14:15-18), so that “the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen” (14:18). The miracle is not just the wind, but also the timing of the wind, in that it had been determined beforehand by God and revealed to Moses.
This is similar to the miracle Jesus performed with Peter in the New Testament. Those who collected the annual half-shekel temple tax, which every Jewish male was to pay for the maintenance of the temple service, questioned Peter. Jesus told Peter, “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me” (Matt. 17:27). It was a miracle, but not just because there was a shekel in the mouth of the fish. People catch fish with all sorts of items in them that they have swallowed. It was that Jesus had foretold this, and the exact manner in which it would happen.
Scientists, then, have not disproved the parting of the Red Sea. They have collaborated how God used a strong wind to accomplish it. What they have missed in all their efforts is how it happened in God’s time, exactly when God said it would (by Moses stretching out his hand), accomplishing exactly what God said it would (the destruction of the Egyptians). Perhaps they need to spend more time reading the entire account of Scripture. They would discover, as anyone with a good and honest heart, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8).
Robert
Skeptics have always shown an interest in trying to turn miraculous events in Scripture into ordinary occurrences governed by natural law. In reality, this is testimony to the historical accuracy of the accounts themselves. If they were myth, there would be no need to try to debunk what Scripture says happened through divine intervention. That critics of Scripture offer natural explanations is evidence of their historical accuracy.
Regarding the parting of the Red Sea, Scripture makes clear it was indeed a strong wind that separated the waters. “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord swept the sea back by a strong east wind all night, and turned the sea into dry land, so the waters were divided” (Ex. 14:21). After the Israelites were across the sea, “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may come back over the Egyptians, over their chariots and their horsemen.’ So Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its normal state at daybreak, while the Egyptians were fleeing right into it; then the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea” (Ex. 14:26-27).
What these scientists do not recognize is not just the wind factor, but also the timing of the event. The miracle is not just God using natural forces to part the waters, but when it occurred. God did not sweep the water of the Red Sea back until Moses stretched his hand over it, and the water did not return to its place until Moses again stretched out his hand over the sea. Is it coincidence that the water parted when the Israelites could pass through to the other side? Is it chance they came back when the Egyptians were in the midst of the waters, where it would cover all their chariots and horsemen? Not only this, but it had been foretold by God to Moses (Ex. 14:15-18), so that “the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord, when I am honored through Pharaoh, through his chariots and his horsemen” (14:18). The miracle is not just the wind, but also the timing of the wind, in that it had been determined beforehand by God and revealed to Moses.
This is similar to the miracle Jesus performed with Peter in the New Testament. Those who collected the annual half-shekel temple tax, which every Jewish male was to pay for the maintenance of the temple service, questioned Peter. Jesus told Peter, “However, so that we do not offend them, go to the sea and throw in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up; and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for you and Me” (Matt. 17:27). It was a miracle, but not just because there was a shekel in the mouth of the fish. People catch fish with all sorts of items in them that they have swallowed. It was that Jesus had foretold this, and the exact manner in which it would happen.
Scientists, then, have not disproved the parting of the Red Sea. They have collaborated how God used a strong wind to accomplish it. What they have missed in all their efforts is how it happened in God’s time, exactly when God said it would (by Moses stretching out his hand), accomplishing exactly what God said it would (the destruction of the Egyptians). Perhaps they need to spend more time reading the entire account of Scripture. They would discover, as anyone with a good and honest heart, “The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever” (Isa. 40:8).
Robert
Friday, September 10, 2010
THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE
You may have heard of the furor caused by a denominational preacher in Florida, threatening to burn copies of the Koran. His determined stance on following through with doing so was opposed by the State Department, the President, our military leaders, and almost every nation who got wind of his plans. The fear of radical Islamic militants using this to retaliate against US troops, to recruit new insurgents, and to revive terror attacks in our borders, has caused pleas for this “remembrance of the attacks of 9/11” to be put aside. Late this past Thursday, the Koran burning was called off.
I am not sure what Mr. Jones thought he might accomplish by burning copies of the Koran, outside of the publicity it generated. It is doubtful if any Muslims would convert to Christianity by such actions. Typically, such things tend to polarize feelings and beliefs and fix them even more firmly in those who hold them. Persecution, which this would have been interpreted as, would have just solidified them and their beliefs.
Certainly God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). However, God has created us all with free will, giving everyone the choice of whether to believe or not, to obey or not. Jesus is clear more will reject God’s loving offer of forgiveness through His sacrifice than will accept it (Matt. 7:13-14). If one wants to believe something other than the truth of the gospel, while the consequences of that choice can lead to condemnation, God allows it. Even in Micah’s day, the prophet wrote, “If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, ‘I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,’ he would be the preacher for this people!” (Micah 2:11). As Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan over God, it is no different today.
Since people can exercise free will, what is our response to those who would promote error? Truth! The way to peace is through the gospel, through believing and obeying the truth of the gospel, to letting go of those things that are in error and embracing truth. To the Jews and Gentiles of Paul’s day, and the division that existed in them, he encouraged, “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Eph. 2:14-16).
Knowing the truth, living the truth, and proclaiming the truth can make a difference in the world. “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). Christ and the gospel are the answer to all the woes in our world. “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘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). “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Robert Johnson
I am not sure what Mr. Jones thought he might accomplish by burning copies of the Koran, outside of the publicity it generated. It is doubtful if any Muslims would convert to Christianity by such actions. Typically, such things tend to polarize feelings and beliefs and fix them even more firmly in those who hold them. Persecution, which this would have been interpreted as, would have just solidified them and their beliefs.
Certainly God “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim. 2:4). However, God has created us all with free will, giving everyone the choice of whether to believe or not, to obey or not. Jesus is clear more will reject God’s loving offer of forgiveness through His sacrifice than will accept it (Matt. 7:13-14). If one wants to believe something other than the truth of the gospel, while the consequences of that choice can lead to condemnation, God allows it. Even in Micah’s day, the prophet wrote, “If a man should go about and utter wind and lies, saying, ‘I will preach to you of wine and strong drink,’ he would be the preacher for this people!” (Micah 2:11). As Adam and Eve chose to believe the lies of Satan over God, it is no different today.
Since people can exercise free will, what is our response to those who would promote error? Truth! The way to peace is through the gospel, through believing and obeying the truth of the gospel, to letting go of those things that are in error and embracing truth. To the Jews and Gentiles of Paul’s day, and the division that existed in them, he encouraged, “For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility” (Eph. 2:14-16).
Knowing the truth, living the truth, and proclaiming the truth can make a difference in the world. “ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and also to the Greek. For in it God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith” (Rom. 1:16-17). Christ and the gospel are the answer to all the woes in our world. “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, ‘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). “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
Robert Johnson
Monday, August 23, 2010
I Don't Want to Grow Up...
I am deeply indebted to my friend, Jeff Jenkins, for an article by Albert Mohler, which in turn is based on an August 22, 2010 article in the New York Times magazine. In the article, writer Robin Marantz Henig deals with the phenomenon of young people not growing up, not accepting responsibility and acting as adults. Henig points out how, in 1960, the vast majority of young adults had, by the time they reached 30, accomplished the five standard milestones used to measure adult status. In 2000, less than 1/2 of young women had reached these milestones, and more disturbing, less than 1/3 of young men.
As the Times article points out, it’s hard to know how much of this is due to young people not wanting to grow up, and their parents not wanting to let them go. As Henig points out, “It is not just that they are AWOL from adulthood and its responsibilities. They are also missing the joys, consolations, challenges, and responsibilities that make for maturity and long-term flourishing. They will pay a steep price for this delay, and we will pay it with them.”
Mohler, President of a denominational seminary, makes a valid point about the effects this has in religion. “There are deep spiritual concerns here as well. The extension of adolescence (itself a dubious and problematic life stage) means further delay in accepting the kinds of roles and responsibilities that make for mature Christians. And the dangers are clear. As this report highlights, the extension of adolescence into the 20’s was culturally facilitated by the acceptance of premarital sex.”
As I read all this, I wonder how much of this plays in to young adults in the Lord’s church that don’t want to grow up, that still want to live as if they were adolescents. Is the desire to still be childish, to “play” as if still in the world, behind the spiritual problems we find? Why attend worship when there are other activities that are “more fun?” Why give financially when there are so many “big kid” toys to buy? Why be involved in the work of the church when there are so many worldly activities to enjoy? How much of this mentality is, perhaps unconsciously, influencing Christians to stay immature, to feel that God’s grace will cover such an outlook spiritually, and to miss out on the joy of maturing in Christ?
The joys of maturing in Christ? Yes, joy. By refusing to assume responsibility in Christian living, people miss out on how fantastic it is to become more like Christ. How amazing it is to see God at work in your life, molding you in Him, allowing His will to work in you, to love sin less and Jesus more, to have a clearer vision of eternity and what we must do to reach that goal.
Isn’t this what being a child of God is about? This is how Paul can say, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). The article speaks of how premarital sex has figured into this problem. While not everyone has been guilty of such, I can guarantee you Satan is behind this, and sin is a most effective tool in convincing one there’s no harm. He promises so much pleasure from remaining childish, but fails to reveal the heartache, pain, suffering, and ultimate destruction it brings. God is not pleased with Christians who are immature, when they should and could be growing (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:11-14).
Paul reminds us, “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). It’s time for parents, children, and all adults to consider how we may be undermining God’s will for our lives, for today and eternity. Maybe it’s time to say, “Grow up!” It’s definitely time to lovingly yet firmly stress the need for maturity emotionally and spiritually. It’s time for us all to honestly evaluate our lives in Christ, that we don’t miss the greatness of real Christian living today, and heaven tomorrow. “Not that I have already reached the goal, or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I have also been taken hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).
Robert
As the Times article points out, it’s hard to know how much of this is due to young people not wanting to grow up, and their parents not wanting to let them go. As Henig points out, “It is not just that they are AWOL from adulthood and its responsibilities. They are also missing the joys, consolations, challenges, and responsibilities that make for maturity and long-term flourishing. They will pay a steep price for this delay, and we will pay it with them.”
Mohler, President of a denominational seminary, makes a valid point about the effects this has in religion. “There are deep spiritual concerns here as well. The extension of adolescence (itself a dubious and problematic life stage) means further delay in accepting the kinds of roles and responsibilities that make for mature Christians. And the dangers are clear. As this report highlights, the extension of adolescence into the 20’s was culturally facilitated by the acceptance of premarital sex.”
As I read all this, I wonder how much of this plays in to young adults in the Lord’s church that don’t want to grow up, that still want to live as if they were adolescents. Is the desire to still be childish, to “play” as if still in the world, behind the spiritual problems we find? Why attend worship when there are other activities that are “more fun?” Why give financially when there are so many “big kid” toys to buy? Why be involved in the work of the church when there are so many worldly activities to enjoy? How much of this mentality is, perhaps unconsciously, influencing Christians to stay immature, to feel that God’s grace will cover such an outlook spiritually, and to miss out on the joy of maturing in Christ?
The joys of maturing in Christ? Yes, joy. By refusing to assume responsibility in Christian living, people miss out on how fantastic it is to become more like Christ. How amazing it is to see God at work in your life, molding you in Him, allowing His will to work in you, to love sin less and Jesus more, to have a clearer vision of eternity and what we must do to reach that goal.
Isn’t this what being a child of God is about? This is how Paul can say, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). The article speaks of how premarital sex has figured into this problem. While not everyone has been guilty of such, I can guarantee you Satan is behind this, and sin is a most effective tool in convincing one there’s no harm. He promises so much pleasure from remaining childish, but fails to reveal the heartache, pain, suffering, and ultimate destruction it brings. God is not pleased with Christians who are immature, when they should and could be growing (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:11-14).
Paul reminds us, “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). It’s time for parents, children, and all adults to consider how we may be undermining God’s will for our lives, for today and eternity. Maybe it’s time to say, “Grow up!” It’s definitely time to lovingly yet firmly stress the need for maturity emotionally and spiritually. It’s time for us all to honestly evaluate our lives in Christ, that we don’t miss the greatness of real Christian living today, and heaven tomorrow. “Not that I have already reached the goal, or am already fully mature, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I have also been taken hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).
Robert
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