Don't we have a wonderful Father to entertain us?
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Why Brit Hume is Leaving Fox News
"There are other things I want to do in my life. I didn't use to have grandchildren, now I do, and it's the purest love I've ever known, and I want to spend more time with them.
"I also want try to pursue my spiritual life, my walk with Christ, and do better in that than I ever have," he added. "It's something that really came to me when my son died 10 years ago, and it's been a big part of my life since." Richard Huff, NY Daily Editor
"I also want try to pursue my spiritual life, my walk with Christ, and do better in that than I ever have," he added. "It's something that really came to me when my son died 10 years ago, and it's been a big part of my life since." Richard Huff, NY Daily Editor
Friday, December 26, 2008
Questions on Philippians Two
(Using the New American Standard Bible)
1. What eight things did Paul lists that the saints should think about? (vs. 1, 2)
2. What would it do for Paul if his readers followed his instructions? (v. 2a)
3. What two motives were they to avoid? (v. 3)
4. What do humble people do? v. 3
5. With whose interests should a Christian be concerned? (v. 4)
6. What is the sure way to get one’s thinking and actions right? (v. 5)
7. What two things did Jesus do which serve as the very best examples for us? (vs. 7, 8)
8. What did the Father do for Jesus because He was obedient? (v. 9)
9. What is expected of all created being as they relate to Christ? (v. 10, 11)
10. What did Paul say that these Christians had done? (v. 12a)
11. What are we to do about out salvation? (v. 12b)
12. What does God do about our salvation? (v. 13)
13. What two things are we taught not to do? (v. 14)
14. What three things result from not doing these things? (v. 15a)
15. What is the nature of the generation in which Christians live? (v. 15b)
16. How do Christians appear in such a generation? (v. 15c)
17. How would their behavior benefit Paul in “the day of Christ”? (v. 16)
18. What pending eventuality would not rob Paul of his joy? (v. 17)
19. What was Paul’s evaluation of Timothy? (v. 20)
20. What did Paul trust the Lord to do for him? (v. 24)
21. What three words describe the relationship of Epaphroditus to Paul? v. 25a)
22. What was Epaphroditus’s relationship to the Philippian church? (v. 25b)
23. Why did Paul send Epaphroditus to Philippi? (vs. 26, 28)
24. How were the Philippian saints to receive Epaphroditus? (v. 29)
25. What risk did Epaphroditus take getting the Philippians’ offering to Paul in Rome? (v. 30)
1. What eight things did Paul lists that the saints should think about? (vs. 1, 2)
2. What would it do for Paul if his readers followed his instructions? (v. 2a)
3. What two motives were they to avoid? (v. 3)
4. What do humble people do? v. 3
5. With whose interests should a Christian be concerned? (v. 4)
6. What is the sure way to get one’s thinking and actions right? (v. 5)
7. What two things did Jesus do which serve as the very best examples for us? (vs. 7, 8)
8. What did the Father do for Jesus because He was obedient? (v. 9)
9. What is expected of all created being as they relate to Christ? (v. 10, 11)
10. What did Paul say that these Christians had done? (v. 12a)
11. What are we to do about out salvation? (v. 12b)
12. What does God do about our salvation? (v. 13)
13. What two things are we taught not to do? (v. 14)
14. What three things result from not doing these things? (v. 15a)
15. What is the nature of the generation in which Christians live? (v. 15b)
16. How do Christians appear in such a generation? (v. 15c)
17. How would their behavior benefit Paul in “the day of Christ”? (v. 16)
18. What pending eventuality would not rob Paul of his joy? (v. 17)
19. What was Paul’s evaluation of Timothy? (v. 20)
20. What did Paul trust the Lord to do for him? (v. 24)
21. What three words describe the relationship of Epaphroditus to Paul? v. 25a)
22. What was Epaphroditus’s relationship to the Philippian church? (v. 25b)
23. Why did Paul send Epaphroditus to Philippi? (vs. 26, 28)
24. How were the Philippian saints to receive Epaphroditus? (v. 29)
25. What risk did Epaphroditus take getting the Philippians’ offering to Paul in Rome? (v. 30)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Serious but Funny
While at a Christmas party at a church in Rockford, I heard about a local preacher named Larry, who had been taken to the hospital for what was believed to be a heart attack. His church waited anxiously all night for a word on his condition. Early the next morning an email letter was sent to everyone in his congregation saying, “Thank God! Pastor Larry has pleurisy.”
Friday, December 19, 2008
Characters and Characteristics of Phil. 2:19-30
1. Jesus Christ is the leading character in the drama of redemption. All true believers know that He is their dependable trustworthy Savior and Lord. Paul put his hope (vs. 19, 23) and trust (v. 24) in Him.
2. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, living in his own rented quarters (Acts 28:30, 31), teaching all who come to him, and expecting to be released. From indications in his letters he was released and went on another missionary journey, after which he was arrested again, placed in chains and executed by Nero. He wanted to see his Philippian brothers and sisters, whom he loved. They also loved him and had been very good to him, sending aid a number of times. In his absence, he communicated with them through his faithful helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Paul was confined, his spirit was free. He couldn’t go on a mission journey to convert people but he could convert the prison guards and members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). He acknowledges the church’s gift by saying, “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent…” (4:18). Somehow the church had learned that their good brother Epaphroditus had been ill, and it stressed Paul to know that they had been burdened by the news. To Paul he was a fellow worker and fellow soldier; to the Philippians he was a faithful brother, a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. Paul was anxious for them all. If Epaphroditus could make it to Philippi before Timothy, he would be encouraged because the church could stop worrying about him. Paul wrote, “I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice.” And he wrote for his own benefit, saying, “...and I might be less concerned about you.” Paul had needs but he was more concerned about the needs of others than himself. He suffers but he didn’t complain. Under these circumstances he wrote this letter of fidelity courage and joy.
3. Timothy is with Paul. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope therefore to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall be coming shortly” ( 19-24). Timothy would travel to Philippi but he would wait to see how Paul’s case came out in court. This way he could give the church an update on Paul’s circumstances and bring back to Paul a report on the church. Meanwhile Paul would send Epaphroditys, who had recovered from a serious illness and was anxious to return to his church. He would send Timothy later, in the hope of receiving a good report from the church. Timothy was a model of loyalty and service. While others got involved in other things, (“Demos has deserted me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10)”) etc., Timothy was as devoted as a son to Paul and as loyal to Christ.
4. Epaphroditus “I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you might rejoice and I may be less concerned about you…” (25-30). Faithful servants of Christ always seek after the interests of Christ and their fellow servants.
5. The saints at Philippi V. 29, 30-“Thereefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men.” Can’t you imagine the church having a Sunday service with their good brother Epaphroditus, who had almost died serving them? He had been with Paul and is now giving his report. Can’t you imagine the questions they are asking? “How is Paul? Is there any chance that he will come soon?” Is he well? Is he being mistreated? We have never stopped praying for him. We’re glad you got our gift to him. Epaphroditus answers their questions and tells them all about Paul. I suspect they had a long prayer and praise session, shed some tears, and rejoiced in a long worship service. Faithful servants of Christ work and pray together. Lord Jesus, teach us to be concerned about your interests and to care for one another. Give us the courage to stand together for the truth, even under hardships.
Thus you have the characters and characteristics of Philippians 3:19-30.
2. Paul is a prisoner in Rome, living in his own rented quarters (Acts 28:30, 31), teaching all who come to him, and expecting to be released. From indications in his letters he was released and went on another missionary journey, after which he was arrested again, placed in chains and executed by Nero. He wanted to see his Philippian brothers and sisters, whom he loved. They also loved him and had been very good to him, sending aid a number of times. In his absence, he communicated with them through his faithful helpers, Timothy and Epaphroditus. Even though Paul was confined, his spirit was free. He couldn’t go on a mission journey to convert people but he could convert the prison guards and members of Caesar’s household (Phil. 4:22). He acknowledges the church’s gift by saying, “I am amply supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you have sent…” (4:18). Somehow the church had learned that their good brother Epaphroditus had been ill, and it stressed Paul to know that they had been burdened by the news. To Paul he was a fellow worker and fellow soldier; to the Philippians he was a faithful brother, a messenger and minister to Paul’s needs. Paul was anxious for them all. If Epaphroditus could make it to Philippi before Timothy, he would be encouraged because the church could stop worrying about him. Paul wrote, “I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you may rejoice.” And he wrote for his own benefit, saying, “...and I might be less concerned about you.” Paul had needs but he was more concerned about the needs of others than himself. He suffers but he didn’t complain. Under these circumstances he wrote this letter of fidelity courage and joy.
3. Timothy is with Paul. “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Therefore I hope therefore to send him immediately, as soon as I see how things go with me; and I trust in the Lord that I myself also shall be coming shortly” ( 19-24). Timothy would travel to Philippi but he would wait to see how Paul’s case came out in court. This way he could give the church an update on Paul’s circumstances and bring back to Paul a report on the church. Meanwhile Paul would send Epaphroditys, who had recovered from a serious illness and was anxious to return to his church. He would send Timothy later, in the hope of receiving a good report from the church. Timothy was a model of loyalty and service. While others got involved in other things, (“Demos has deserted me, having loved this present world (II Tim. 4:10)”) etc., Timothy was as devoted as a son to Paul and as loyal to Christ.
4. Epaphroditus “I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my need; because he was longing for you all and was distressed because you heard that he was sick. For indeed he was sick to the point of death God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I have sent him all the more eagerly in order that when you see him again you might rejoice and I may be less concerned about you…” (25-30). Faithful servants of Christ always seek after the interests of Christ and their fellow servants.
5. The saints at Philippi V. 29, 30-“Thereefore receive him in the Lord with all joy; and honor such men.” Can’t you imagine the church having a Sunday service with their good brother Epaphroditus, who had almost died serving them? He had been with Paul and is now giving his report. Can’t you imagine the questions they are asking? “How is Paul? Is there any chance that he will come soon?” Is he well? Is he being mistreated? We have never stopped praying for him. We’re glad you got our gift to him. Epaphroditus answers their questions and tells them all about Paul. I suspect they had a long prayer and praise session, shed some tears, and rejoiced in a long worship service. Faithful servants of Christ work and pray together. Lord Jesus, teach us to be concerned about your interests and to care for one another. Give us the courage to stand together for the truth, even under hardships.
Thus you have the characters and characteristics of Philippians 3:19-30.
Friday, December 5, 2008
The Attitde of Christ Jesus
“Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5 NASV).
The first eleven verses of Philippians two have two great lessons for us; 1) they teach us to have a Christian attitude and 2) they set forth Christ as our model. While some translations say “mind” the NASV says “attitude” – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” An attitude is a “settled way of thinking or feeling” (Oxford) hence, the only way one can have Christ’s attitude is to think as He thinks. And that‘s what this text is all about.
Philippians 2:1-11 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he existed in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in the appearance of a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In this text we have both a description of the Christian attitude (vs. 1- 4) and the source of the Christian attitude (vs. 5-11)—what is it and where it comes from. (The following are not just lines to be read but truths to be mastered. Practice them!
1. This is the Christian attitude (1-5)
Encourage one another in Christ.
Console one another in love.
Fellowship one another in the Spirit.
Show affection and compassion for one another in life.
Be of the same mind with one another.
Share your joy with one another.
Maintain unity of purpose with one another.
Hold one another in high regard.
Look after one another.
Cultivate a Christ-like attitude in one another.
2. This is the source of the Christian attitude is (6-11)
Jesus emptied Himself and took the form of a man, a servant, and submitted to death for us.
God highly exalted Him above all.
Everyone must confess Him as Lord to the glory to God.
As humans we are inclined toward evil, and will gravitate toward evil unless we guard our minds and watch our attitudes. We cannot see in ourselves the badness we see in others. We compare ourselves with others and feel rather proud that we are better than they. But as judges, when we judge others, we pass sentences on ourselves. Paul puts it this way: “You are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing” (Rom. 2:1). We should rather compare ourselves with our Lord and fall on our faces in humility and penitence, confessing that we have failed to have the attitude of Christ. But we are going to do better, aren’t we?
The first eleven verses of Philippians two have two great lessons for us; 1) they teach us to have a Christian attitude and 2) they set forth Christ as our model. While some translations say “mind” the NASV says “attitude” – “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” An attitude is a “settled way of thinking or feeling” (Oxford) hence, the only way one can have Christ’s attitude is to think as He thinks. And that‘s what this text is all about.
Philippians 2:1-11 “Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, 2 make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although he existed in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in the appearance of a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
In this text we have both a description of the Christian attitude (vs. 1- 4) and the source of the Christian attitude (vs. 5-11)—what is it and where it comes from. (The following are not just lines to be read but truths to be mastered. Practice them!
1. This is the Christian attitude (1-5)
Encourage one another in Christ.
Console one another in love.
Fellowship one another in the Spirit.
Show affection and compassion for one another in life.
Be of the same mind with one another.
Share your joy with one another.
Maintain unity of purpose with one another.
Hold one another in high regard.
Look after one another.
Cultivate a Christ-like attitude in one another.
2. This is the source of the Christian attitude is (6-11)
Jesus emptied Himself and took the form of a man, a servant, and submitted to death for us.
God highly exalted Him above all.
Everyone must confess Him as Lord to the glory to God.
As humans we are inclined toward evil, and will gravitate toward evil unless we guard our minds and watch our attitudes. We cannot see in ourselves the badness we see in others. We compare ourselves with others and feel rather proud that we are better than they. But as judges, when we judge others, we pass sentences on ourselves. Paul puts it this way: “You are without excuse, every man of you who passes judgment, for in that you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same thing” (Rom. 2:1). We should rather compare ourselves with our Lord and fall on our faces in humility and penitence, confessing that we have failed to have the attitude of Christ. But we are going to do better, aren’t we?
Friday, November 28, 2008
All for the Sake of Christ
“To you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29).
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul was in prison for preaching Christ when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church. He was a bond-servant of Jesus, owned and directed by Him; he could not have done otherwise. The matter was settled with him. “Christ will be honored in my body,” he says, “whether by life or by death.” In this way he could “advance the gospel,” which was all that mattered to him.
1. For the sake of Christ we must endure circumstances (2-14). “My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known…and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Endure circumstances.
2. For the sake of Christ we must have pure motives (15-18). “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice…” Have pure motives.
3. For the sake of Christ we must be bold (19-21). “For I know this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.. Be bold, live or die.
4. For the sake of Christ we must “live Christ” (22-26) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if it I am to live on in the flesh, that will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. I am hard- pressed from both directions. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” Live the Christ life.
5. For the sake of Christ we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (27-30). “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel… for to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Maintain Christ -like conduct.
When I was young I lived for my sake. When I became a Christian I lived for our sake (our church, our theology, our traditions and taboos). Now that I am older, my passion is to live for Christ’s sake. My circumstances, motives, attitudes, life and conduct have no meaning unless they are experienced “for Christ’s sake.” I pray that all who read this article will learn sooner and submit to Christ more completely that I did. Considering what He has done for you, isn’t it reasonable that He should ask this of you—for His sake?
_________________
Note: I made a mistake in numbering my essays; this one should have gone our before last week’s questions.
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul was in prison for preaching Christ when he wrote this letter to the Philippian church. He was a bond-servant of Jesus, owned and directed by Him; he could not have done otherwise. The matter was settled with him. “Christ will be honored in my body,” he says, “whether by life or by death.” In this way he could “advance the gospel,” which was all that mattered to him.
1. For the sake of Christ we must endure circumstances (2-14). “My circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known…and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.” Endure circumstances.
2. For the sake of Christ we must have pure motives (15-18). “Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ from envy and strife, but some also from good will; the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice…” Have pure motives.
3. For the sake of Christ we must be bold (19-21). “For I know this shall turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the Spirit of Jesus Christ according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I shall not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ shall even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.. Be bold, live or die.
4. For the sake of Christ we must “live Christ” (22-26) “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if it I am to live on in the flesh, that will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. I am hard- pressed from both directions. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.” Live the Christ life.
5. For the sake of Christ we must conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel (27-30). “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come to see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel… for to you it has been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.” Maintain Christ -like conduct.
When I was young I lived for my sake. When I became a Christian I lived for our sake (our church, our theology, our traditions and taboos). Now that I am older, my passion is to live for Christ’s sake. My circumstances, motives, attitudes, life and conduct have no meaning unless they are experienced “for Christ’s sake.” I pray that all who read this article will learn sooner and submit to Christ more completely that I did. Considering what He has done for you, isn’t it reasonable that He should ask this of you—for His sake?
_________________
Note: I made a mistake in numbering my essays; this one should have gone our before last week’s questions.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Questions from Philippians One
You may not be able to answer these questions from memory after reading this chapter, but you can use them as study questions to aid in the understanding of what Paul is saying. If you have a study partner, one of you could read the questions and the other could read the answers.
1. Who was with Paul in Rome when he wrote the Philippian letter? V. 1
2. What three titles did Paul give his Christian friends at Philippi? V. 1
3. What two blessings from God and Jesus did Paul pronounce upon them? V. 2
4. For what was Paul thankful as he prayed with joy for these Christians? V. 5
5. What one thing was Paul sure of? V. 6
6. What do Christians who participate in the gospel share in common? V. 7
7. In what three Christian virtues did Paul pray that these Christians would abound? V. 9
8. What three things would they gain by growth in these virtues? Vs. 10, 11
9. What would be the end result of their gain? V. 11b
10. What had Paul been able to accomplish by his suffering? V. 12
11. What two groups of people were the beneficiaries of this advancement of the gospel? Vs. 13,
12. What two motives caused people to preach Christ? V. 15
13. Two other words that describe these motives. Vs. 16, 17
14. What was Paul’s reaction to their preaching, regardless of their motives? V. 18
15. What would aid in Paul's deliverance from prison? V. 19
16. Who would Paul honor, whether living or dying? V. 20
17. What was Paul’s desire? V. 23
18. What was more necessary than his desire? V. 24
19. What would result from Paul’s remaining in the flesh rather than departing to be with the Lord? V. 25
20. What would inspire the Philippians to “glory in Christ Jesus?” V. 26
21. Of what must the Christians life be worthy? V. 27
22. What two things would result from the Philippians’ lack of alarm under persecution? V. 28
23. What purpose would these actions of the Philippians serve for their opponents? What purpose for themselves? V. 28
24. What had been granted to these Christians? V. 29
25. What did these Christians, who served Christ as Paul did, share in common with him? V. 30
1. Who was with Paul in Rome when he wrote the Philippian letter? V. 1
2. What three titles did Paul give his Christian friends at Philippi? V. 1
3. What two blessings from God and Jesus did Paul pronounce upon them? V. 2
4. For what was Paul thankful as he prayed with joy for these Christians? V. 5
5. What one thing was Paul sure of? V. 6
6. What do Christians who participate in the gospel share in common? V. 7
7. In what three Christian virtues did Paul pray that these Christians would abound? V. 9
8. What three things would they gain by growth in these virtues? Vs. 10, 11
9. What would be the end result of their gain? V. 11b
10. What had Paul been able to accomplish by his suffering? V. 12
11. What two groups of people were the beneficiaries of this advancement of the gospel? Vs. 13,
12. What two motives caused people to preach Christ? V. 15
13. Two other words that describe these motives. Vs. 16, 17
14. What was Paul’s reaction to their preaching, regardless of their motives? V. 18
15. What would aid in Paul's deliverance from prison? V. 19
16. Who would Paul honor, whether living or dying? V. 20
17. What was Paul’s desire? V. 23
18. What was more necessary than his desire? V. 24
19. What would result from Paul’s remaining in the flesh rather than departing to be with the Lord? V. 25
20. What would inspire the Philippians to “glory in Christ Jesus?” V. 26
21. Of what must the Christians life be worthy? V. 27
22. What two things would result from the Philippians’ lack of alarm under persecution? V. 28
23. What purpose would these actions of the Philippians serve for their opponents? What purpose for themselves? V. 28
24. What had been granted to these Christians? V. 29
25. What did these Christians, who served Christ as Paul did, share in common with him? V. 30
Friday, November 14, 2008
God's Faithful Work
Paul and Silas established the church in Philippi around 51AD with the conversion of Lydia and the Jailor, who was holding them prisoners. Ten years later we see Paul imprisoned again in Rome, separated from the church he loved and in great need. This church had sent him assistance “time and again,” as he planted churches across Asia; now they assist him again by sending him a gift by his good brother Epaphroditus. This outpouring of love, coupled with the realization that Christ also loved him, filled Paul's heart with joy and motivated him to write Philippians—the “Epistle of Joy.”
CHAPTER ONE Continued
1:1-11: In this second look at chapter one, we see Paul praying for his people and encouraging them. Perhaps his most encouraging statement is, “I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). From this verse we learn that God is completing the work He began in us and that His progressive work will be finished when Jesus comes. We also learn that a great part of God’s perfecting plan is our fellowship.
First, God has placed us together that we may be participants in the gospel (V. 5). As we enjoy participating in these blessings, we want to share them with others. As true believers, everything we say and do should bear witness to our faith for the benefit of others. Can’t we do something more or something better that will encourage others to come to Christ? Let’s pray about this.
Secondly, God has placed us together that we may be perfected for Christ when he comes (V.6). Our motivation is “the affection of Christ,” our love is abounding, our knowledge is increasing, our discernment is improving, our fullness is the “fruits of righteousness,” our condition is “pure and blameless” and our lives are lived for the “glory and praise of God.” Won’t it be wonderful to share such glory with others? Just think of the lives we can change and the souls we can save for our Lord!
Thirdly, God has places us together that we may be “partakers of grace (V. 7)...” The Philippian church was in Asia and Paul was in Europe, but they were partakers of grace. The church was able to share with Paul in his need and he was pleased to pray for the church in its trouble. It is inconceivable that Christians should ever oppose and hinder one another, considering how loving people work so well together. With our knowledge and experience in the gospel, isn’t there something more we can do to encourage others to share God’s grace with us? Think with me! Can’t we be more concerned and attentive? If we think and pray about this, can’t we be better brothers or sisters to those we have neglected? And can’t we win others to Christ by our love? We have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Let’s do it!
We have all seen the little plaque which says, “I’m not perfect; God hasn’t finished with me yet.”
But He is finishing His work in us, which will be complete when Jesus comes. We must help and never hinder Him in His work. This means yielding to him and doing his will. What God is doing in us is very positive and wonderful; He is filling us with the “fruits of righteousness” and preparing us to offer Him “glory and praise.” He is making us “pure and blameless.” When we become what God is making us to be, He will have brought his work to completion and prepared us for “the day of Christ.” Praise His glorious grace!”
Life is like a strange dream in which one is trying to accomplish a task or repair something that has been broken, but with all his struggling he cannot succeed. How hopeless and frustrating! Are you among those insecure people who are struggling to finish yourself? Do you really believe you can do it? “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them” (Jer. 45:5). You may be reading self-help books and going to motivational seminars for help, not knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ.” Clay doesn’t make vessels of itself; it yields to the potter who makes them. Let us get out of God’s way and let Him finish His work!
CHAPTER ONE Continued
1:1-11: In this second look at chapter one, we see Paul praying for his people and encouraging them. Perhaps his most encouraging statement is, “I am confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). From this verse we learn that God is completing the work He began in us and that His progressive work will be finished when Jesus comes. We also learn that a great part of God’s perfecting plan is our fellowship.
First, God has placed us together that we may be participants in the gospel (V. 5). As we enjoy participating in these blessings, we want to share them with others. As true believers, everything we say and do should bear witness to our faith for the benefit of others. Can’t we do something more or something better that will encourage others to come to Christ? Let’s pray about this.
Secondly, God has placed us together that we may be perfected for Christ when he comes (V.6). Our motivation is “the affection of Christ,” our love is abounding, our knowledge is increasing, our discernment is improving, our fullness is the “fruits of righteousness,” our condition is “pure and blameless” and our lives are lived for the “glory and praise of God.” Won’t it be wonderful to share such glory with others? Just think of the lives we can change and the souls we can save for our Lord!
Thirdly, God has places us together that we may be “partakers of grace (V. 7)...” The Philippian church was in Asia and Paul was in Europe, but they were partakers of grace. The church was able to share with Paul in his need and he was pleased to pray for the church in its trouble. It is inconceivable that Christians should ever oppose and hinder one another, considering how loving people work so well together. With our knowledge and experience in the gospel, isn’t there something more we can do to encourage others to share God’s grace with us? Think with me! Can’t we be more concerned and attentive? If we think and pray about this, can’t we be better brothers or sisters to those we have neglected? And can’t we win others to Christ by our love? We have nothing to lose and so much to gain. Let’s do it!
We have all seen the little plaque which says, “I’m not perfect; God hasn’t finished with me yet.”
But He is finishing His work in us, which will be complete when Jesus comes. We must help and never hinder Him in His work. This means yielding to him and doing his will. What God is doing in us is very positive and wonderful; He is filling us with the “fruits of righteousness” and preparing us to offer Him “glory and praise.” He is making us “pure and blameless.” When we become what God is making us to be, He will have brought his work to completion and prepared us for “the day of Christ.” Praise His glorious grace!”
Life is like a strange dream in which one is trying to accomplish a task or repair something that has been broken, but with all his struggling he cannot succeed. How hopeless and frustrating! Are you among those insecure people who are struggling to finish yourself? Do you really believe you can do it? “Are you seeking great things for yourself? Do not seek them” (Jer. 45:5). You may be reading self-help books and going to motivational seminars for help, not knowing that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Christ.” Clay doesn’t make vessels of itself; it yields to the potter who makes them. Let us get out of God’s way and let Him finish His work!
Monday, November 10, 2008
Philippians, The Epistle of Joy
“Joy: The mood of one who is pleased or delighted.” C. S. Lewis wrote his autobiography, which he called “Surprised by Joy.” In it he says that joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness may be a prolonged state of well being brought on and maintained by one's fortunate circumstances. Joy is more like a surprise, not necessarily resulting from one’s circumstance, but appearing suddenly, and bringing great delight. Wordsworth expressed the same feeling when he wrote, “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” When Paul wrote this letter he was in prison, not in a place that would be conducive to a delightful mood, or could it provide a state of sustained happiness. Lewis understood what Paul meant by “joy.” Paul’s dear work fellow, Ephroditus had just arrived from the church at Philippi with a gift for him. He had been in need, and, not free to make and market tents as he had been doing for years; he needed help. Just imagine that day when Paul was weary with his plight and suddenly a guard announced, “Paul, someone is here to see you.” What a surprise! What joy! This love and the thought of Christ’s love for him filled his heart with joy. This joy was Paul’s motivation for writing this Epistle of Joy to his beloved church at Philippi.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
CHAPTER ONE
Verses 1 and 2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Instead of declaring his apostleship, as Paul sometimes does, he declared himself a bond-servant of Christ instead. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally. “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what this persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
3-11 “I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, 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 pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
From these verses learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever good work God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and be keep pure and blameless – pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
· As God is now filling us, we shall then be “filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Praise God for His glorious grace.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
CHAPTER ONE
Verses 1 and 2 “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ”. Instead of declaring his apostleship, as Paul sometimes does, he declared himself a bond-servant of Christ instead. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally. “Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what this persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
3-11 “I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, 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 pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
From these verses learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever good work God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and be keep pure and blameless – pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
· As God is now filling us, we shall then be “filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Praise God for His glorious grace.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
One Nation Under God
Just in case you haven't read this Paul Harvey prayer I thought perhaaps you may like to.
PAUL HARVEY'S ON- AIR PRAYER
>
> 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
> to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to
> those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We
> have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
> exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded
> laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called
> it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We
> have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
> esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted
> our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted
> the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of
> expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our
> forefathers and called it enlightenment.
> Search us, Oh God , and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every
> sin and set us free. Amen!'
PAUL HARVEY'S ON- AIR PRAYER
>
> 'Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and
> to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to
> those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We
> have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have
> exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded
> laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called
> it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We
> have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self
> esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted
> our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted
> the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of
> expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our
> forefathers and called it enlightenment.
> Search us, Oh God , and know our hearts today; cleanse us from every
> sin and set us free. Amen!'
Friday, November 7, 2008
Philippians--The Epistle of Joy
“Joy: The mood of one who is pleased or delighted.” C. S. Lewis wrote his autobiography which he called, Surprised by Joy. In it he says that joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness may be a prolonged state of well being brought on and maintained by one's fortunate circumstances. Joy is more like a surprise, not necessarily resulting from one’s circumstance, but appearing suddenly, and bringing great delight. Wordsworth expressed the same feeling when he wrote, “My heart leaps up when I behold a rainbow in the sky.” When Paul wrote this letter he was in prison, not in a place that would be conducive to a delightful mood, or could it provide a state of sustained happiness. Lewis understood what Paul meant by “joy.” Paul’s dear work fellow, Ephroditus had just arrived from the church at Philippi with a gift for him. He had been in need, and, not free to make and market tents as he had been doing for years; he needed help. Just imagine that day when Paul was weary with his plight and suddenly a guard announced, “Paul, someone is here to see you.” What a surprise! What joy! This love and the thought of Christ’s love for him filled his heart with joy. This joy was Paul’s motivation for writing this Epistle of Joy to his beloved church at Philippi.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
Chapter 1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1, 2). Instead of declaring his apostleship, Paul declared himself a bond-servant of Christ. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally.
“Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what the persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
“I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, 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 pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (3-11).
From chapter one, learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and keep ourselves pure and blameless –pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
What marvelous lives we will live if we indentify with Paul in these matters. We too will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” by Christ working in us. And our lives will bring “glory and praise to God.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
When Paul was at Troas in Asia, he saw a vision of a man from Macedonia in Europe saying, “Come over and help us.” He responded by going to Philippi, converting Lydia and the jailor with his family. With there in 51AD, he established the Philippian church, which sent aid to him several times when he was away on mission. Now, years have passed and he is in prison at Rome. But his beloved church remembers him and sent aid to him by Epaphroditus, who took this letter from Paul back to his beloved brothers and sisters at Philippi. This church was one of the purest and most faithful of all the churches. For this reason this letter is called, “The Epistle of Joy.” Silas had helped Paul establish this church and Timothy was with him in Rome. But in this dark cell he is alone, except that Christ lived in him mightily. He had been in jail at Philippi and now his church is being persecuted while he is imprisoned in Rome. He had no reason to scold them; he wanted only to encourage them. This letter is his encouragement.
Chapter 1
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ” (1:1, 2). Instead of declaring his apostleship, Paul declared himself a bond-servant of Christ. All true believers are bond-servants of Christ, having been purchased by his blood. And all true believers are saints because they are holy. The church at Philippi, along with all the other congregations, was independent and autonomous, having its own “bishops (elders) and deacons.” Paul planted many independent churches and returned to ordain men who had become qualified to fill these offices. There was no hierarchy, diocese, synod, etc. in those days. All such governing entities, along with their traditions and creeds, evolved over a long period of time, changing the original church into something far different from what it was originally.
“Grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Grace and peace were what the persecuted church needed. You who take this letter seriously will also find grace and peace in this “epistle of joy.”
“I thank God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer with joy in my every prayer for you all, in view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now. For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. For it is right for me to feel thus about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and conferment of the gospel , you are all partakers of grace with me. For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this I pray, 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 pure and blameless for the day of Christ, having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (3-11).
From chapter one, learn:
· True believers pray for one another.
· Prayer is a privilege and a joy.
· Each believer is a partner in the gospel.
· Whatever God has begun in our lives, he will complete.
· Our united witness defends and confirms the gospel.
· We should “yearn” to be together because Christ’s affection is in our hearts.
· Our love should “abound more and more” as we gain greater knowledge and discernment.
· With this growth we will “approve what is excellent” and keep ourselves pure and blameless –pure because our sins are forgiven and blameless because there are no charges against us.
What marvelous lives we will live if we indentify with Paul in these matters. We too will be “filled with the fruits of righteousness” by Christ working in us. And our lives will bring “glory and praise to God.”
We need to study and learn this letter well. Better yet, we need to live it well. Paul wrote it while rejoicing; it will fill our hearts with the same joy. Read it thoroughly and prayerfully; understand and appreciate what you are reading. Then share it with others. We need to study with both our minds and our hearts, with understanding and deep feelings about what we have come to understand.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Progressive Shades of Red #2
Barack Obama believes in the distribution of wealth, just as Marx did. He said, “We need to spread the wealth around.” This socialist practice has often been expressed by the statement, “Take from the rich and give to the poor.” This is a socialist philosophy that wants to “leveling the playing field” at the expense of those who have worked hard and accumulated wealth. Socialism is nothing more than a developing phase of communism—a darker shade of red. Communism is supposed to be the perfect world that socialism will usher in. And when it does, conflict will cease and we will all live in a peaceful world. Religious Marxists say that this new order will be the Kingdom of God.” When the communist kingdom comes, the slogan will no longer be, “from each according to his ability to each according to his need,” but just “to each according to his need.” The state will have confiscated the means of production and “spreading the wealth” by taxation and distribution. Socialists in the United States are vigorously engaged in this process by increases taxes and regulating the means of production. This is driving businesses overseas and causing people to be dependent on government. Communism produces a welfare state.
A child’s text book of some years ago had a story about two squirrels; one was industrious and the other was lazy. While the former worked hard storing nuts for winter the latter ran and played in the trees. Winter caught the lazy squirrel unprepared and the story faulted the industrious squirrel for “being selfish and not sharing.” This was an injection of Marxism into our educational system. Isn’t this what is happening in politics and government? Socialism and ultimately communism dictates that wealth be shared, no matter that the wealthy have worked for what they have and the needy class may not have worked or been frugal?
Hegel and Dialectical Idealism: Hegel (1770-1831) was a professor at Heidelberg and Berlin. He wrote books on ethics, aesthetics, history and religion. During this time he developed his dialectical logic. He believed that in all of society, each entity—be it a person, a party or a nation—holds its own preferred philosophy which is in conflict with that of every other. He called the preferred thought the thesis, its conflicting thought its antithesis and the emerging higher thought a synthesis. The thesis first creates its antithesis through conflict and then negates it, giving rise to a higher synthesis. This synthesis becomes a new thesis and the cycle continues—and will continue until the emergence of the “absolute ideal.”
Hegel supposed that everything functions dialectically—in nature, in thought and in relationships. The universe develops by a self-creating plan; human activity leads to property, which leads to law; and out of the conflict between the individual and the law develops the synthesis of ethics, by which the state is produced. The state is the embodiment of the absolute idea, and the ultimate state is a monarchy. Religion has moved from the worship of nature through a series of stages to Christianity where Christ represents the union between God and humanity—between spirit and matter. Philosophy is more comprehensive than religion, as it is the historical unfolding of the absolute. This thought process gave Hegel—and the world dialectical idealism— The Concordia Encyclopedia, Columbia University Press.
Feuerbach and Progressive Materialism: Feuerbach (1804-1872) was a German philosopher and a renegade theologian, but he abandoned theology and embraced philosophy, which brought him into agreement with Hegel. He later parted with Hegel’s ideal philosophy for naturalistic materialism. In other words, while Hegel built his philosophy on progressive thought and expected to achieve his ideal through thought, Feuerbach came to believe that thought and religious feelings are only products of man’s yearning on which no suitable philosophy could be built, but that the answer lay in man himself and in nature. Feuerbach then removed deity from his philosophy altogether, leaving only progressive materialism. Mao Tse-tung, who believed the same, said, “There is nothing in the world except matter in motion.”
Marx and Dialectic Materialism: Karl Marx (1818-1883) married Hegel’s dialectic and Feuerbach’s materialism, and developed his dialectic materialism. The struggle would no longer be in Hegel’s realm of ideas or in Feuerbach realm of the material, but in the realm of politics and economics. Marx called his philosophy dialectic materialism because of the dialectical conflict he saw between the thesis and it’s antithesis in the areas of politics and economics. Socialism was the thesis, capitalism its antithesis and pure communism the synthesis.
Communism is supposed to be the perfect state that socialism will usher in after the world has becomes a socialist state. When this happens, conflict will cease in a perfect world where all will enjoy common pleasures. The slogan will no longer be a socialist slogan, “from each according to his ability to each according to his need,” but a communist slogan, “to each according to his need.”
.
Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924) explained this philosophy in his book, One Step Forward Two Steps Backward. Change is a historical determinate and progress is made by advancing and retreating, gaining and losing, giving and taking, but never losing sight of its goal. Hegel had developed his dialectic idealism, Marx built his dialectic materialism upon it and, with Lenin’s prediction that they would get it in the church, this dialectic philosophy was ready to be converter into a dialectic theology to be called liberation theology—the present form of modernism that has possessed the postmodern church.
Understanding Dialectic Progression: Remember these two Marxist claims: 1) Everything is constantly changing and, 2) progress is inherent in change. A good way to understand the development of any philosophy is to look for examples. Friedrich Nietzsche dreamed of a super race and thought that by teaching people the proper philosophy—his philosophy—he could produce it. In order to expedite Nietzsche’s plan, Hitler added the elimination of nonconformists. Likewise, Marx dreamed of a perfect communist world and thought that by teaching people the proper philosophy—his philosophy, he could produce it. In order to expedite Marx’s plan, Lenin added the elimination of nonconformists. After all, the elimination of the nonconformists would assist the thesis (socialism) in the negation of its antithesis (capitalism) and would bring in a higher synthesis (communism). Following Lenin, this elimination reached its apex in Stalin, who killed millions of his own people because they were impeding the progress toward a perfect communist world.
Just as the middle class of society overthrew and replaced the unproductive feudal nobility and the colonists overthrew and replaced the government of the king, so the proletariat (working class) must overthrow and replace the bourgeoisie (bours-wa-ze) middle class capitalists, in order to establish a perfect socialist state—a step in the direction of a communist world.
This dialectic method of overthrowing the old and replacing it with the new is to be achieved by a relentless struggle in the economical and political realms. The outcome of the struggle is predetermined by the flow of history (this is Marx’s philosophy of history). Economics would bring about the distribution of wealth and political action (strikes, boycotts and violence) would overthrow capitalism.
Marx reasoned that the value of a commodity is determined by the labor required to manufacture it, and when it is sold for more than it cost to produce, the profit is called “surplus value.” This, said Marx, amounts to capitalists profiteering off of the labor of the workers, which amounts to bourgeois (bours-wa) exploitation of the proletariat. For this reason capitalism would have to be overthrown and replaced by socialism and the instruments of production put into the hands of the state. This action would benefit the working class by allowing them a share of the profit from the goods they manufacture. In other words, capitalism and private enterprise would have to go, private ownership of property would be banned, there would be no churches operating independently of the state and the state would eventually own and educate the children; parents would have no authority over them. In order for socialism to work, the state has to own and operate everything and the people have to be totally cooperative and submissive.
The problem with socialism is that it destroys the initiative to produce and excel by taking away the profit motive, leaving manufacturers without the means to produce, expand and employ additional workers; and it destroys the incentive of workers who see no opportunity for advancement. This means that the working class will have lost the means of their livelihood, because the state doesn’t have the expertise to run all the factories it confiscates. And this is why all nations that have aspired to communism have ended up in poverty and disgrace. When this happens, the capitalists, whom they failed to overthrow, have always come to bail them out with the profit they tried to destroy because they couldn’t have it.
Marx’s Dialectical Materialism and Liberation Theology: Hegel envisioned an absolute ideal, Marx struggled to build a communist world, and when the church adopted Marx’s philosophy and turned it into theology, they also engaged in a dialectic struggle against their antithesis—biblical theology—in an attempt to usher in a secular Kingdom of God. They all speak of an earthly goal, and neither of them believes that the Bible is absolutely true. They all deal with philosophy rather than reality.
Vladimir Lenin, who lived in the generation following Marx, devised a way of getting Marxist philosophy into the church. He said, “We will find our greatest success to the extent that we inculcate Marxism as a kind of religion. Religious men and women are easy to convert and win, and so will easily accept our thinking if we wrap it up in a kind of religious terminology.” He also said, “Telling the truth is a bourgeois prejudice. Deception, on the other hand is often justified by the goal.” Lenin and his followers meant to destroy the church by getting Marxism into it one way or another—either by “wrapping it up” to look like something else or by force. They have succeeded in both. Lenin was right; after they got Marxism all wrapped up in religious terminology, churches and seminaries eagerly accepted it and called it liberation teleology.
Marxist action, whether secular or religious, militant or stealthy, always masquerades as liberating. There has to be a way found to convince the proletariat, whom the bourgeois capitalists have oppressed and the Marxist revolutionaries and “Christian” missionaries have come to liberate. The people will be liberated from poverty and capitalist oppressors through “class struggle,” and liberated for the purpose of forming a socialist state in which wealth will be distributed, everyone will be equal and there will be no further conflict. This will “free the captives” and fulfill the vision that is predetermined by history. In that day, pure communism (or if you prefer, the kingdom of God) will have arrived. All Christians had to do, once they had bought the wrapped-up lie, was to add a concept of God to this Marxist belief system and take it to the mission fields, pulpits and universities. In this way, nations would be “liberated” from the oppression of capitalism, and missionaries and ministers would be “liberated” from the oppression of biblical restraints. Then they would “do their theology as they go, rather than getting it from a book.”
During the past several decades liberationist professors have educated the missionaries and pastors in this new theology and they have in turn educated the nations and the churches. Liberation theology has become the new thesis that has created a conflict with its antithesis, biblical theology, which it must negate in order to usher in a new synthesis, a secular one-world religion. This is the essence of liberation theology, which is Marxist to the core. And this explains why Marxists and missionaries, who have been captivated by this philosophy, work side by side for the same cause on the mission fields: They are comrades, both advancing the Marx’s philosophy of history according to history’s “predetermined plan,” There is no place for Almighty God and His Word in this scheme.
This explains the rise of postmodernism in the mainline churches. Thank God there are many Bible-believing churches and millions of genuine Christians who have not succumbed to this modern virus of unbelief.
Wednesday I was listening to Neal Conan and Daniel Shore talking about the election on Talk of the Nation. Shore, long known as a far left of center news analyst said, “I like Obama, he thinks more like the Europeans than McCain does. When Obama is elected, Americans will also change to be more like the Europeans.” That’s why I said that a vote for Obama is a vote for socialism—in the progressive shades of red.
A child’s text book of some years ago had a story about two squirrels; one was industrious and the other was lazy. While the former worked hard storing nuts for winter the latter ran and played in the trees. Winter caught the lazy squirrel unprepared and the story faulted the industrious squirrel for “being selfish and not sharing.” This was an injection of Marxism into our educational system. Isn’t this what is happening in politics and government? Socialism and ultimately communism dictates that wealth be shared, no matter that the wealthy have worked for what they have and the needy class may not have worked or been frugal?
Hegel and Dialectical Idealism: Hegel (1770-1831) was a professor at Heidelberg and Berlin. He wrote books on ethics, aesthetics, history and religion. During this time he developed his dialectical logic. He believed that in all of society, each entity—be it a person, a party or a nation—holds its own preferred philosophy which is in conflict with that of every other. He called the preferred thought the thesis, its conflicting thought its antithesis and the emerging higher thought a synthesis. The thesis first creates its antithesis through conflict and then negates it, giving rise to a higher synthesis. This synthesis becomes a new thesis and the cycle continues—and will continue until the emergence of the “absolute ideal.”
Hegel supposed that everything functions dialectically—in nature, in thought and in relationships. The universe develops by a self-creating plan; human activity leads to property, which leads to law; and out of the conflict between the individual and the law develops the synthesis of ethics, by which the state is produced. The state is the embodiment of the absolute idea, and the ultimate state is a monarchy. Religion has moved from the worship of nature through a series of stages to Christianity where Christ represents the union between God and humanity—between spirit and matter. Philosophy is more comprehensive than religion, as it is the historical unfolding of the absolute. This thought process gave Hegel—and the world dialectical idealism— The Concordia Encyclopedia, Columbia University Press.
Feuerbach and Progressive Materialism: Feuerbach (1804-1872) was a German philosopher and a renegade theologian, but he abandoned theology and embraced philosophy, which brought him into agreement with Hegel. He later parted with Hegel’s ideal philosophy for naturalistic materialism. In other words, while Hegel built his philosophy on progressive thought and expected to achieve his ideal through thought, Feuerbach came to believe that thought and religious feelings are only products of man’s yearning on which no suitable philosophy could be built, but that the answer lay in man himself and in nature. Feuerbach then removed deity from his philosophy altogether, leaving only progressive materialism. Mao Tse-tung, who believed the same, said, “There is nothing in the world except matter in motion.”
Marx and Dialectic Materialism: Karl Marx (1818-1883) married Hegel’s dialectic and Feuerbach’s materialism, and developed his dialectic materialism. The struggle would no longer be in Hegel’s realm of ideas or in Feuerbach realm of the material, but in the realm of politics and economics. Marx called his philosophy dialectic materialism because of the dialectical conflict he saw between the thesis and it’s antithesis in the areas of politics and economics. Socialism was the thesis, capitalism its antithesis and pure communism the synthesis.
Communism is supposed to be the perfect state that socialism will usher in after the world has becomes a socialist state. When this happens, conflict will cease in a perfect world where all will enjoy common pleasures. The slogan will no longer be a socialist slogan, “from each according to his ability to each according to his need,” but a communist slogan, “to each according to his need.”
.
Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924) explained this philosophy in his book, One Step Forward Two Steps Backward. Change is a historical determinate and progress is made by advancing and retreating, gaining and losing, giving and taking, but never losing sight of its goal. Hegel had developed his dialectic idealism, Marx built his dialectic materialism upon it and, with Lenin’s prediction that they would get it in the church, this dialectic philosophy was ready to be converter into a dialectic theology to be called liberation theology—the present form of modernism that has possessed the postmodern church.
Understanding Dialectic Progression: Remember these two Marxist claims: 1) Everything is constantly changing and, 2) progress is inherent in change. A good way to understand the development of any philosophy is to look for examples. Friedrich Nietzsche dreamed of a super race and thought that by teaching people the proper philosophy—his philosophy—he could produce it. In order to expedite Nietzsche’s plan, Hitler added the elimination of nonconformists. Likewise, Marx dreamed of a perfect communist world and thought that by teaching people the proper philosophy—his philosophy, he could produce it. In order to expedite Marx’s plan, Lenin added the elimination of nonconformists. After all, the elimination of the nonconformists would assist the thesis (socialism) in the negation of its antithesis (capitalism) and would bring in a higher synthesis (communism). Following Lenin, this elimination reached its apex in Stalin, who killed millions of his own people because they were impeding the progress toward a perfect communist world.
Just as the middle class of society overthrew and replaced the unproductive feudal nobility and the colonists overthrew and replaced the government of the king, so the proletariat (working class) must overthrow and replace the bourgeoisie (bours-wa-ze) middle class capitalists, in order to establish a perfect socialist state—a step in the direction of a communist world.
This dialectic method of overthrowing the old and replacing it with the new is to be achieved by a relentless struggle in the economical and political realms. The outcome of the struggle is predetermined by the flow of history (this is Marx’s philosophy of history). Economics would bring about the distribution of wealth and political action (strikes, boycotts and violence) would overthrow capitalism.
Marx reasoned that the value of a commodity is determined by the labor required to manufacture it, and when it is sold for more than it cost to produce, the profit is called “surplus value.” This, said Marx, amounts to capitalists profiteering off of the labor of the workers, which amounts to bourgeois (bours-wa) exploitation of the proletariat. For this reason capitalism would have to be overthrown and replaced by socialism and the instruments of production put into the hands of the state. This action would benefit the working class by allowing them a share of the profit from the goods they manufacture. In other words, capitalism and private enterprise would have to go, private ownership of property would be banned, there would be no churches operating independently of the state and the state would eventually own and educate the children; parents would have no authority over them. In order for socialism to work, the state has to own and operate everything and the people have to be totally cooperative and submissive.
The problem with socialism is that it destroys the initiative to produce and excel by taking away the profit motive, leaving manufacturers without the means to produce, expand and employ additional workers; and it destroys the incentive of workers who see no opportunity for advancement. This means that the working class will have lost the means of their livelihood, because the state doesn’t have the expertise to run all the factories it confiscates. And this is why all nations that have aspired to communism have ended up in poverty and disgrace. When this happens, the capitalists, whom they failed to overthrow, have always come to bail them out with the profit they tried to destroy because they couldn’t have it.
Marx’s Dialectical Materialism and Liberation Theology: Hegel envisioned an absolute ideal, Marx struggled to build a communist world, and when the church adopted Marx’s philosophy and turned it into theology, they also engaged in a dialectic struggle against their antithesis—biblical theology—in an attempt to usher in a secular Kingdom of God. They all speak of an earthly goal, and neither of them believes that the Bible is absolutely true. They all deal with philosophy rather than reality.
Vladimir Lenin, who lived in the generation following Marx, devised a way of getting Marxist philosophy into the church. He said, “We will find our greatest success to the extent that we inculcate Marxism as a kind of religion. Religious men and women are easy to convert and win, and so will easily accept our thinking if we wrap it up in a kind of religious terminology.” He also said, “Telling the truth is a bourgeois prejudice. Deception, on the other hand is often justified by the goal.” Lenin and his followers meant to destroy the church by getting Marxism into it one way or another—either by “wrapping it up” to look like something else or by force. They have succeeded in both. Lenin was right; after they got Marxism all wrapped up in religious terminology, churches and seminaries eagerly accepted it and called it liberation teleology.
Marxist action, whether secular or religious, militant or stealthy, always masquerades as liberating. There has to be a way found to convince the proletariat, whom the bourgeois capitalists have oppressed and the Marxist revolutionaries and “Christian” missionaries have come to liberate. The people will be liberated from poverty and capitalist oppressors through “class struggle,” and liberated for the purpose of forming a socialist state in which wealth will be distributed, everyone will be equal and there will be no further conflict. This will “free the captives” and fulfill the vision that is predetermined by history. In that day, pure communism (or if you prefer, the kingdom of God) will have arrived. All Christians had to do, once they had bought the wrapped-up lie, was to add a concept of God to this Marxist belief system and take it to the mission fields, pulpits and universities. In this way, nations would be “liberated” from the oppression of capitalism, and missionaries and ministers would be “liberated” from the oppression of biblical restraints. Then they would “do their theology as they go, rather than getting it from a book.”
During the past several decades liberationist professors have educated the missionaries and pastors in this new theology and they have in turn educated the nations and the churches. Liberation theology has become the new thesis that has created a conflict with its antithesis, biblical theology, which it must negate in order to usher in a new synthesis, a secular one-world religion. This is the essence of liberation theology, which is Marxist to the core. And this explains why Marxists and missionaries, who have been captivated by this philosophy, work side by side for the same cause on the mission fields: They are comrades, both advancing the Marx’s philosophy of history according to history’s “predetermined plan,” There is no place for Almighty God and His Word in this scheme.
This explains the rise of postmodernism in the mainline churches. Thank God there are many Bible-believing churches and millions of genuine Christians who have not succumbed to this modern virus of unbelief.
Wednesday I was listening to Neal Conan and Daniel Shore talking about the election on Talk of the Nation. Shore, long known as a far left of center news analyst said, “I like Obama, he thinks more like the Europeans than McCain does. When Obama is elected, Americans will also change to be more like the Europeans.” That’s why I said that a vote for Obama is a vote for socialism—in the progressive shades of red.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Progressive Shades of Red
I walked the trail in the autumn sun today, I was free, yet I carried a burden. How can any true American not be burdened about our nation with its political and economical conflicts. It grieves me to see how dismissive people are about what is happening in our nation. Our election is almost here and millions will be voting the dictates of their conscience—or their prejudice. Masses are just going along with the crowd with little knowledge and less concern about the importance and consequence of their vote. I keep thinking about Barak Obama’s socialism, his political religion and how he will “change” America if elected. His socialism having been presented in the news, I want to write a page about his political religion. He and his associates, to the extent that they are religious, have for many years been advocates of liberation theology, which is little more than religious Marxism.
· David Belsiger, a Christian author and publisher writes, “In the first place, liberation expresses the aspirations of oppressed people and classes, emphasizing the economic, social, and political process which puts them at odds with wealthy nations and oppressive classes.”[i]
· Ronald Nash, a Christian author, defines liberation theology as “a movement…that seeks radical change along Marxist lines in politics and economics.”[ii]
Following are a number of quotations from those who have espoused this peculiar belief system.
· “Liberation theology is an excellent new theology which reinterprets, in the light of the revolution, all terms of traditional theology: God, Christ, the priesthood, marriage, labor, everything.[iii]
· “Liberation Theology is an attempt to blend Marxism with Christianity by substituting political liberation for liberation from sin. When political and social transformation have occurred, the Kingdom of God will be established on earth…The mission of the church these days…is, above everything else, to preach communism. Communism, according to Marx, is a society in which there is no selfishness and injustice. It is the same as what Christians understand as the Kingdom of God.”[iv]
· “Liberation theology is a strategic alliance with Marxism in the process of liberating the continent.”[v]
· “Liberation theology is revolutionary socialism…militant Christianity.”[vi]
The above comments were made during the time of the Soviet Union’s involvement in national governments, particularly in Latin America and South Africa. With the fall of the Soviet Union, most of these nations held elections and established democratic governments, but they failed to abandon their Marxist views and forsake their liberation theology, and now communism is returning—as in the case of Hugo Chavez in Nicaragua. Both Marxism and liberation theology, which, as I have said, is religious Marxism, are deeply entrenched in our government, educational system, postmodern churches and society. After the breakup of the Soviet Union someone asked, “Whatever became of all those communists in Russia?” An insightful person replied, “They are teaching in American universities.”
Off to the left of center is socialism, the precursor of communism, with its concept of bigger, more powerful government, higher taxes, distribution of wealth and progressive shades of red. Smooth talking Barak Obama holds these views, as does his angry pastor, Jeremiah Wright. And then there are their destructive comrades, William Ayers, who confessed to being “an anarchist and a Marxist” on a video tape in 2002 and shown on Fox News on Nov. 22, 2008, Malcolm X, who died in his violence, James Cone, pastor Wright’s mentor and founder of the black power/black liberation movement, along with many contemporaries who are in step with Obama, passing through the progressive shades of red on their march toward communism. How many of our citizens know this? How many care? An old preacher, making a point in his training of a young associate advised, “Don’t ever underestimate the ignorance of your audience.”
[i] David W. Belsiger, Family Protection Scoreboard, Liberation Theology Edition
[ii] Ronald Nash, Christian author
[iii] Ernesto Cardenal, Nicaraguan priest and Minister of Cultural Affairs in the Sandinista Regime
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Christians for Socialism, A Liberation Theology Publication
[vi] The late Dorothy Soelle, A leading European Marxist and former professor at Union Theological Seminary
Notes:
This essay is somewhat political but I had to write it. If it displeases you, please share your displeasure with me. If it informs and helps you, share your approval.
I am working on a series of essays on Philippians, which has been called "The Epistle of Joy." This will keep us in the Word and give us some wonderful spiritual things to think about.
Please be patient with my blog posts. You can accesss them through the blog URL on my essays but I cannot receiving your comments. Somehow I am not properly connected to my server. I’ll try to work this out with the server soon because I am anxious to get feedback from my posts.
I asked recently if there is “anyone out there” and posted a couple of responses. I received another excellent response from Bill, who wrote, “It’s time for me to let you know I’m still ‘out there’. I think of you often and continue to mention your efforts in prayers.” Thank you so much Brother Bill, and I thank God also for your continuing interest and response.
· David Belsiger, a Christian author and publisher writes, “In the first place, liberation expresses the aspirations of oppressed people and classes, emphasizing the economic, social, and political process which puts them at odds with wealthy nations and oppressive classes.”[i]
· Ronald Nash, a Christian author, defines liberation theology as “a movement…that seeks radical change along Marxist lines in politics and economics.”[ii]
Following are a number of quotations from those who have espoused this peculiar belief system.
· “Liberation theology is an excellent new theology which reinterprets, in the light of the revolution, all terms of traditional theology: God, Christ, the priesthood, marriage, labor, everything.[iii]
· “Liberation Theology is an attempt to blend Marxism with Christianity by substituting political liberation for liberation from sin. When political and social transformation have occurred, the Kingdom of God will be established on earth…The mission of the church these days…is, above everything else, to preach communism. Communism, according to Marx, is a society in which there is no selfishness and injustice. It is the same as what Christians understand as the Kingdom of God.”[iv]
· “Liberation theology is a strategic alliance with Marxism in the process of liberating the continent.”[v]
· “Liberation theology is revolutionary socialism…militant Christianity.”[vi]
The above comments were made during the time of the Soviet Union’s involvement in national governments, particularly in Latin America and South Africa. With the fall of the Soviet Union, most of these nations held elections and established democratic governments, but they failed to abandon their Marxist views and forsake their liberation theology, and now communism is returning—as in the case of Hugo Chavez in Nicaragua. Both Marxism and liberation theology, which, as I have said, is religious Marxism, are deeply entrenched in our government, educational system, postmodern churches and society. After the breakup of the Soviet Union someone asked, “Whatever became of all those communists in Russia?” An insightful person replied, “They are teaching in American universities.”
Off to the left of center is socialism, the precursor of communism, with its concept of bigger, more powerful government, higher taxes, distribution of wealth and progressive shades of red. Smooth talking Barak Obama holds these views, as does his angry pastor, Jeremiah Wright. And then there are their destructive comrades, William Ayers, who confessed to being “an anarchist and a Marxist” on a video tape in 2002 and shown on Fox News on Nov. 22, 2008, Malcolm X, who died in his violence, James Cone, pastor Wright’s mentor and founder of the black power/black liberation movement, along with many contemporaries who are in step with Obama, passing through the progressive shades of red on their march toward communism. How many of our citizens know this? How many care? An old preacher, making a point in his training of a young associate advised, “Don’t ever underestimate the ignorance of your audience.”
[i] David W. Belsiger, Family Protection Scoreboard, Liberation Theology Edition
[ii] Ronald Nash, Christian author
[iii] Ernesto Cardenal, Nicaraguan priest and Minister of Cultural Affairs in the Sandinista Regime
[iv] Ibid.
[v] Christians for Socialism, A Liberation Theology Publication
[vi] The late Dorothy Soelle, A leading European Marxist and former professor at Union Theological Seminary
Notes:
This essay is somewhat political but I had to write it. If it displeases you, please share your displeasure with me. If it informs and helps you, share your approval.
I am working on a series of essays on Philippians, which has been called "The Epistle of Joy." This will keep us in the Word and give us some wonderful spiritual things to think about.
Please be patient with my blog posts. You can accesss them through the blog URL on my essays but I cannot receiving your comments. Somehow I am not properly connected to my server. I’ll try to work this out with the server soon because I am anxious to get feedback from my posts.
I asked recently if there is “anyone out there” and posted a couple of responses. I received another excellent response from Bill, who wrote, “It’s time for me to let you know I’m still ‘out there’. I think of you often and continue to mention your efforts in prayers.” Thank you so much Brother Bill, and I thank God also for your continuing interest and response.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Mountain Tops and Valleys
Have you read the book or seen the animated movie “The Wind in the Willow?” The leading character, Mr. Toad, is driving his horse and carriage down a muddy road when the biggest and finest car he had ever seen hits a mud hole and splashed him all over. He just had to have a car like that. So he bought it and drove so fast and recklessly that he kept getting tickets and going to jail. Never being able to learn, he ended up in a prison cell chained to the wall for life. He was eventually released and went speeding out of town. But on a very sad day in prison he got so depressed that he cried and said, “O, I feel so sorry for myself.” Have you ever had a Mr. Toad moment? I must have had after writing my last essay. I always hope to get some sort of response. (You see, I am a lonely old toad who is not involved in the lives of others as I used to be in ministry. Sometimes I feel so sorry for myself). In my Mr. Toad moment, I wrote, “Hey! Is there anyone out there?” My heart leaped up when I received these two replies.
Sharon wrote: “What do you mean, is there anyone out here? What am I, chopped liver?” I assured her that she was not chopped liver but my precious daughter who calls me every Sunday and sends me email notes often.
Joe wrote: “Brother Lacy: As it has always been, the masses only complain when there is no bread to eat. As the wife waits for the complements of her husband, the mother those of her children, so the minister stands in silence, save for his own voice. Just burn the biscuits or misspeak some minor point, then be assured, that those now in silence will find their voice.
I love you brother, and the fine work that you engage in weekly. Just your last essay #104 is to be the basis for this Sunday’s lesson. I even sketched the train. I look forward to many more of your writings. I, like so many others forget to complement the cook, but I am grateful for being lead to you, and thereby am passing these great thoughts on to as many others that will listen.
Again thank you so much, and with prayers for you, and your labor, and your family that all may continue in our Masters service.—joe L. This also encouraged me because Joe is a faithful minister of Christ who often encourages me with kind words.
But now that my Mr. Toad moment has passed, I want to share a great message with you. Three men in the Bible, after having mountain top experiences beyond all others, went immediately into the valley and wished to die. They were Moses, Jonah and Elijah.
Moses: Early in Moses’ ministry (1446-1406 B. C.), he was ordered to go up on Mt. Sinai to receive God’s Law for the Hebrew nation. He went up with fear and trembling, had the experience of his life, and came down to find his people worshiping an idol god—a golden calf that they had made (Ex. 19, 20, 32). “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. Now then let me alone…that I may destroy them.’ Then Moses entreated the Lord his God, and said, ‘...Turn from your burning anger and change Your mind...” So the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people.” But when Moses came down and saw the people engaged in pagan worship, he was enraged and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!” And the sons of Levi gathered together to him.” He had the Levites kill those who had worshipped the idol god. Then he interceded for the remnant saying, “But now, if You will, forgive their sins—and if not, please blot me out of Your book which you have written!” If Moses had failed in leading his people to the Promised Land, he would rather die than live.
Jonah: In the half century during which the prophet Jonah ministered (800-750 B. C.), there was a fierce conflict between the bordering nations of Israel and Assyria. In the midst of this conflict God sent Jonah, an Israelite, to preach to the Assyrians in order to bring them to repentance and end the conflict. Jonah, dissatisfied with his assignment, tried to run away by boarding a ship for Tarshish. After a severe storm and his experience in the whale, he arrived in Nineveh, the capitol city of Assyria. He preached fervently and all the people repented genuinely. But after his grand experience, Jonah reflected on the enmity between the two nations and was very unhappy with his assignment—and evidently his success. “It greatly displeased him and he became angry.” In his disappointment and in spite of his victory, he prayed, “Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life” (Jonah 4:1-3).
Elijah: During Elijah’s ministry (848-797 B. C.), he found himself in a deep conflict with king Ahab and his queen Jezebel, who had many false prophets who were leading God’s people into the worship of Baal, an idol god. He challenged these prophets to a showdown on Mount Caramel (I Kings 19). After Elijah exposed the idolatrous prophets he executed them. When Jezebel heard of it, she sent a messenger to Elijah saying, “So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” Elijah, fearing for his life, fled into the wilderness. While sitting under a juniper tree, “he requested for himself that he might die and said, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.’”
There you have it—three strong men in the service of God, who had just accomplished victories beyond all others, had their Mr. Toad moment (if it is not too frivolous to say so). They requested to die. But this is life. One day you are on the mountain top and the next day you are in the valley, feeling like a failure.
Now, get up from under that juniper tree and let’s get on with our journey to the Promised Land!
Sharon wrote: “What do you mean, is there anyone out here? What am I, chopped liver?” I assured her that she was not chopped liver but my precious daughter who calls me every Sunday and sends me email notes often.
Joe wrote: “Brother Lacy: As it has always been, the masses only complain when there is no bread to eat. As the wife waits for the complements of her husband, the mother those of her children, so the minister stands in silence, save for his own voice. Just burn the biscuits or misspeak some minor point, then be assured, that those now in silence will find their voice.
I love you brother, and the fine work that you engage in weekly. Just your last essay #104 is to be the basis for this Sunday’s lesson. I even sketched the train. I look forward to many more of your writings. I, like so many others forget to complement the cook, but I am grateful for being lead to you, and thereby am passing these great thoughts on to as many others that will listen.
Again thank you so much, and with prayers for you, and your labor, and your family that all may continue in our Masters service.—joe L. This also encouraged me because Joe is a faithful minister of Christ who often encourages me with kind words.
But now that my Mr. Toad moment has passed, I want to share a great message with you. Three men in the Bible, after having mountain top experiences beyond all others, went immediately into the valley and wished to die. They were Moses, Jonah and Elijah.
Moses: Early in Moses’ ministry (1446-1406 B. C.), he was ordered to go up on Mt. Sinai to receive God’s Law for the Hebrew nation. He went up with fear and trembling, had the experience of his life, and came down to find his people worshiping an idol god—a golden calf that they had made (Ex. 19, 20, 32). “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, they are an obstinate people. Now then let me alone…that I may destroy them.’ Then Moses entreated the Lord his God, and said, ‘...Turn from your burning anger and change Your mind...” So the Lord changed His mind about the harm which He said He would do to His people.” But when Moses came down and saw the people engaged in pagan worship, he was enraged and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!” And the sons of Levi gathered together to him.” He had the Levites kill those who had worshipped the idol god. Then he interceded for the remnant saying, “But now, if You will, forgive their sins—and if not, please blot me out of Your book which you have written!” If Moses had failed in leading his people to the Promised Land, he would rather die than live.
Jonah: In the half century during which the prophet Jonah ministered (800-750 B. C.), there was a fierce conflict between the bordering nations of Israel and Assyria. In the midst of this conflict God sent Jonah, an Israelite, to preach to the Assyrians in order to bring them to repentance and end the conflict. Jonah, dissatisfied with his assignment, tried to run away by boarding a ship for Tarshish. After a severe storm and his experience in the whale, he arrived in Nineveh, the capitol city of Assyria. He preached fervently and all the people repented genuinely. But after his grand experience, Jonah reflected on the enmity between the two nations and was very unhappy with his assignment—and evidently his success. “It greatly displeased him and he became angry.” In his disappointment and in spite of his victory, he prayed, “Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life” (Jonah 4:1-3).
Elijah: During Elijah’s ministry (848-797 B. C.), he found himself in a deep conflict with king Ahab and his queen Jezebel, who had many false prophets who were leading God’s people into the worship of Baal, an idol god. He challenged these prophets to a showdown on Mount Caramel (I Kings 19). After Elijah exposed the idolatrous prophets he executed them. When Jezebel heard of it, she sent a messenger to Elijah saying, “So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” Elijah, fearing for his life, fled into the wilderness. While sitting under a juniper tree, “he requested for himself that he might die and said, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.’”
There you have it—three strong men in the service of God, who had just accomplished victories beyond all others, had their Mr. Toad moment (if it is not too frivolous to say so). They requested to die. But this is life. One day you are on the mountain top and the next day you are in the valley, feeling like a failure.
Now, get up from under that juniper tree and let’s get on with our journey to the Promised Land!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Our Forever Helper
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me… And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth… you know Him because He abides with you, and will be in you…” (John 14:1, 16-17).
From this Scripture learn: (1) Jesus doesn’t want us to be troubled. (2) Faith in God and Jesus is the preventive for a troubled heart. (3) Jesus entreated the Father concerning our need for help and the Father sent us the Holy Spirit as a Helper, (Other translations say “Comforter” or “Counselor,” who will be with us forever.
Someone is sure to say that Jesus was talking to His apostles and that what He said does not apply to us. I must reply that, while the apostles were endowed with greater powers for the original work they had to do, the New Testament abounds with references to the Spirit’s presence and help in the lives of all those who “walk according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). If you have any doubt, get your concordance and look up the references to the Holy Spirit. You will find that He has been given to us as a gift, that He indwells us, fills, comforts and guides us. The question is not whether He given us the Holy Spirit but whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit. (See 2008 essays #33 and #34 where I dealt with all the New Testament verses that mention the Holy Spirit in our lives. If you didn’t keep copies and want them, let me know and I will send them to you.) That being established let us turn to the three statements above.
1. Jesus doesn’t want us to be troubled. He came as the Prince of Peace, bringing peace to the world, especially to His followers. If we are not at peace with ourselves, our families and our associates it is because we do not “pursue the things that make for peace” (Rom. 14:19). When Jesus said to the waves, “Peace, be still,” they obeyed Him. We are instructed to “Be of one mind, live in peace” (2 Cor. 13:11). If we are to be free from trouble and enjoy the peace Jesus has for us, we too must obey His voice and calm down.
2. Faith in God and Jesus is the remedy for troubled hearts. Any time we can truly trust our Lord to give us freedom and peace, He will do it. The deficiency is not on His part but on ours. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
3. Jesus entreated the Father concerning our need for help and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us forever. Stop doubting this and trust Jesus who said, “I will ask” and “He will give.” There is no alternative. We will either take Jesus at His word or else live with the burden of doubt and trouble.
From this Scripture learn: (1) Jesus doesn’t want us to be troubled. (2) Faith in God and Jesus is the preventive for a troubled heart. (3) Jesus entreated the Father concerning our need for help and the Father sent us the Holy Spirit as a Helper, (Other translations say “Comforter” or “Counselor,” who will be with us forever.
Someone is sure to say that Jesus was talking to His apostles and that what He said does not apply to us. I must reply that, while the apostles were endowed with greater powers for the original work they had to do, the New Testament abounds with references to the Spirit’s presence and help in the lives of all those who “walk according to the Spirit” (Rom. 8:4). If you have any doubt, get your concordance and look up the references to the Holy Spirit. You will find that He has been given to us as a gift, that He indwells us, fills, comforts and guides us. The question is not whether He given us the Holy Spirit but whether we are being led by the Holy Spirit. (See 2008 essays #33 and #34 where I dealt with all the New Testament verses that mention the Holy Spirit in our lives. If you didn’t keep copies and want them, let me know and I will send them to you.) That being established let us turn to the three statements above.
1. Jesus doesn’t want us to be troubled. He came as the Prince of Peace, bringing peace to the world, especially to His followers. If we are not at peace with ourselves, our families and our associates it is because we do not “pursue the things that make for peace” (Rom. 14:19). When Jesus said to the waves, “Peace, be still,” they obeyed Him. We are instructed to “Be of one mind, live in peace” (2 Cor. 13:11). If we are to be free from trouble and enjoy the peace Jesus has for us, we too must obey His voice and calm down.
2. Faith in God and Jesus is the remedy for troubled hearts. Any time we can truly trust our Lord to give us freedom and peace, He will do it. The deficiency is not on His part but on ours. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your minds and hearts in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7).
3. Jesus entreated the Father concerning our need for help and the Father sent the Holy Spirit to be with us and in us forever. Stop doubting this and trust Jesus who said, “I will ask” and “He will give.” There is no alternative. We will either take Jesus at His word or else live with the burden of doubt and trouble.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
The Tragedy of Manufactured Crisis
Most people live a kind of dream life without serious concern or analytical thought regarding serious matters. They would rather follow the political piper than think for themselves. Nations have been lost in this manner and America is now on the brink. The masses accept, without question, what their party says and what they hear on TV and at their favorite meeting places. I was reminded of this recently while viewing some excellent articles on the “American Thinker,” a conservative web site. Concerning our present financial crisis, the political campaigns and the propaganda that surrounds us, I am quite certain that we need more American thinkers. If you want to read an excellent article that gives the history of the socialist take over of America during the past forty year, as well as our present plight, you will find it on http://www.americanthinker.com/. On the first page you will see “Bonus Articles.” Scroll down to September 28 and read “Barak Obama and the Tragedy of Manufactured Crisis.” This will give you names, dates, activities and progress of the socialist influences in our National affairs. (My computer says “ctrl+click the following link.” If the site doesn’t open for you, type “American Thinker in your Google search.”
Did you see on the news Friday that Ohio has started voting already and will be voting for a week? The Democrats are running busses, hauling voters to their polling places. I heard one woman say, “We’re stealing the election!” Another said, when asked if she had been instructed to vote for a certain candidate, “Yes, we were told to vote for Obama.” Obama is notorious for voter registration as well as voter fraud. That’s what he learned and taught in his community organizing in Chicago. He, along with his socialist comrades, intends to win this election by any means. And he will unless millions awake from their fairy-tale dream and do the right thing for their nation.
Lacy Williams
Did you see on the news Friday that Ohio has started voting already and will be voting for a week? The Democrats are running busses, hauling voters to their polling places. I heard one woman say, “We’re stealing the election!” Another said, when asked if she had been instructed to vote for a certain candidate, “Yes, we were told to vote for Obama.” Obama is notorious for voter registration as well as voter fraud. That’s what he learned and taught in his community organizing in Chicago. He, along with his socialist comrades, intends to win this election by any means. And he will unless millions awake from their fairy-tale dream and do the right thing for their nation.
Lacy Williams
Friday, October 3, 2008
Christian Groups Host Mahmud Ahmadinejad
When I heard on the news recently that American Christians were hosting the Iranian president, Mahmud Ahmadinejad, I wondered which church would do such a thing. Soon I learned that they were two “Peace and Justice” Movements—The Friends and the Mennonites. Being familiar with these groups and their publications, I was no longer surprised. Following is an excerpt, with slight modifications, from my book, Beyond the Intention of Jesus, which I researched in the 1980’s and 90’s and published in 2004.
“Peace and justice Movements, including the Mennonites and Friends (Quakers), have gone completely over to the Marxist analysis of society and the theology of liberation. Two words have become popular in these movements—peace and justice. To them ‘peace’ means the cessation of resistance against socialism, even Marxist socialism (communism). ‘Justice’ means the elimination of capitalism and the distribution of wealth. American churches picked up these words and used them as if they suddenly understood them for the first time. They harped on peace and justice without understanding what they mean in this context. Gullible people should be informed of their errors. If you are for peace, then I assume that you are willing to capitulate with the communists, right? And if you believe in justice, I assume that you are willing to relinquish your wealth so others may have “their fair share,” right? Well, if not, why do you parrot the Marxist on peace and justice as the Mennonites and Friends do?
“At an Illinois Sunday School Convention in Peoria in 1989, I registered and began to look around. The nearest booth was operated by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. I went through their material, picked up a couple of tracts and got into a conversation with the young man in the booth. “Do you teach liberation theologies as your missionaries in Latin America do?” I asked. He didn’t answer me directly but revealed his color (which incidentally was red) by immediately defending Marxist Nicaragua and condemned the anti-communists—a subject which I hadn’t even mentioned.
“When we tried to work in El Salvador,” he said, “we had lots of trouble, but when we went to Nicaragua we had no trouble at all.” If one is in Rome doing as the Romans do he is not likely to have any trouble with the Romans.
“I replied by saying, ‘But the Soviet Union is shipping arms to Nicaragua and is building a big runway there.’
“Russia doesn’t have a runway in Nicaragua,” he snapped.
I knew the runway was being built but his propaganda didn’t allow him to know it. In his tract, “Conversion to the Kingdom of God,” I read, “There is from Jesus’ point of view, much reason to criticize the popular evangelists and their call to be born again. The prayer of Jesus is not, ‘Lord save some souls today;’ but ‘Thy Kingdom come.’” The Kingdom of God, they say, is universal socialism. This statement sums up all I have been trying to say about the advocates of liberation theology. They have stated their own case and indicted themselves better than I could ever have done. The tract also spoke of “humanistic anti-communism.” Doesn’t everyone, except the Marxists, know that communism, not anti-communism, is humanistic?) The tract continued, “In out time and place the best translation of the early Christian confession that ‘Jesus is Lord’ may be, ‘Jesus is President’…What reason is there to believe that He (God) would not chose the title of the strongest political authority to identify Jesus today?
“Notice the emphases these groups place on ‘politics and economics.’ With them, everything regarding the Kingdom of God is political and economical. You and I are being asked to stop trying to ‘save some souls today’ and assist these liberal groups and their Marxist comrades in their socialist conquest. While faithful evangelists are on the mission field preaching the Gospel of Christ, trying to save souls, as Jesus commissioned, the Quakers, Mennonites, ecologists, liberationists et al, are there opposing them in the name of a “human Jesus. They say that Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of all, should be spoken of today as the “strongest political authority”—Jesus, president of a political kingdom.’”
Ahmadinejad is not a communist, neither are the unbelieving Friends and Mennonites Christian, according to the biblical use of the term. Confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, not as president of a political kingdom, is the mark of a true Christian.
Now you know who it was that hosted the Iranian president.
“Peace and justice Movements, including the Mennonites and Friends (Quakers), have gone completely over to the Marxist analysis of society and the theology of liberation. Two words have become popular in these movements—peace and justice. To them ‘peace’ means the cessation of resistance against socialism, even Marxist socialism (communism). ‘Justice’ means the elimination of capitalism and the distribution of wealth. American churches picked up these words and used them as if they suddenly understood them for the first time. They harped on peace and justice without understanding what they mean in this context. Gullible people should be informed of their errors. If you are for peace, then I assume that you are willing to capitulate with the communists, right? And if you believe in justice, I assume that you are willing to relinquish your wealth so others may have “their fair share,” right? Well, if not, why do you parrot the Marxist on peace and justice as the Mennonites and Friends do?
“At an Illinois Sunday School Convention in Peoria in 1989, I registered and began to look around. The nearest booth was operated by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center. I went through their material, picked up a couple of tracts and got into a conversation with the young man in the booth. “Do you teach liberation theologies as your missionaries in Latin America do?” I asked. He didn’t answer me directly but revealed his color (which incidentally was red) by immediately defending Marxist Nicaragua and condemned the anti-communists—a subject which I hadn’t even mentioned.
“When we tried to work in El Salvador,” he said, “we had lots of trouble, but when we went to Nicaragua we had no trouble at all.” If one is in Rome doing as the Romans do he is not likely to have any trouble with the Romans.
“I replied by saying, ‘But the Soviet Union is shipping arms to Nicaragua and is building a big runway there.’
“Russia doesn’t have a runway in Nicaragua,” he snapped.
I knew the runway was being built but his propaganda didn’t allow him to know it. In his tract, “Conversion to the Kingdom of God,” I read, “There is from Jesus’ point of view, much reason to criticize the popular evangelists and their call to be born again. The prayer of Jesus is not, ‘Lord save some souls today;’ but ‘Thy Kingdom come.’” The Kingdom of God, they say, is universal socialism. This statement sums up all I have been trying to say about the advocates of liberation theology. They have stated their own case and indicted themselves better than I could ever have done. The tract also spoke of “humanistic anti-communism.” Doesn’t everyone, except the Marxists, know that communism, not anti-communism, is humanistic?) The tract continued, “In out time and place the best translation of the early Christian confession that ‘Jesus is Lord’ may be, ‘Jesus is President’…What reason is there to believe that He (God) would not chose the title of the strongest political authority to identify Jesus today?
“Notice the emphases these groups place on ‘politics and economics.’ With them, everything regarding the Kingdom of God is political and economical. You and I are being asked to stop trying to ‘save some souls today’ and assist these liberal groups and their Marxist comrades in their socialist conquest. While faithful evangelists are on the mission field preaching the Gospel of Christ, trying to save souls, as Jesus commissioned, the Quakers, Mennonites, ecologists, liberationists et al, are there opposing them in the name of a “human Jesus. They say that Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of all, should be spoken of today as the “strongest political authority”—Jesus, president of a political kingdom.’”
Ahmadinejad is not a communist, neither are the unbelieving Friends and Mennonites Christian, according to the biblical use of the term. Confessing Jesus Christ as the Son of God, not as president of a political kingdom, is the mark of a true Christian.
Now you know who it was that hosted the Iranian president.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Lessons from the Laps #2
If you believe that you must make additional laps around the desert of doubt before you can enter into the “promised land” of assurance and peace, you will make them. But I must tell you that the Christian life is a life of faith and freedom In Christ. ‘The righteous man shall live by faith” (Rom. 1:17.
In response to my essay, “Lessons from the Laps,” I received the following statement from a good brother: “It gives me concern as to the number of laps I have already made and how many more I must make to be pleasing to our Lord (emphasis added).” Meaning no offence but only encouragement, I want my brother, along with the rest of you, to know that no Christian who trusts the Word of God is in a desert making laps. This experience is for the weak and indifferent, the stubborn and rebellious—those who do not rely on the grace of God for salvation and assurance. You my brother, and all Christians who doubt, should have left the wilderness years ago when you gave your life to Christ and accepted His forgiveness. Were you ever more sincere and contrite in your life than then? Do you suppose penitence will accomplish something for you in the future that it could not accomplish for you in the past? Millions of people spin a prayer wheel as they pray, supposing that the spinning wheels will somehow transport their prayers to God. Is making useless laps around the barren desert of doubt any different? The whirling dervish spins himself round and round until he enters an altered state of consciousness, which he calls a religious experience. Is making useless laps around the barren desert of doubt any different? One is neither saved nor kept saved by spinning wheels, whirling or making futile laps around a desert; he is saved and kept saved by the incomparable grace of God. Why do so many Christians feel that they must spend their lives working for an elusive peace, as if the Prince of Peace has not paid the full price for their sins?
Laps around the desert in our analogy result from doubt. If you had had sufficient faith when you were saved, you would not have gone into the desert in the first place. If at any time you had developed sufficient faith, you would have gone free. If you have faith today this will be your day of deliverance. If you do not have faith today, how can you be sure you ever will? Something must be done about this today! It is high time, after all these years of service, that you confess your faith in Christ, renew your commitment to Him, deny your doubts and accepted your deliverance once and for all. Trusting Christ in freedom, you will be able to help others find freedom and peace. You could not serve others in a better way than to assure them that, “it was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1). And then tell them that freedom is for freeing so they can help others find deliverance from doubt.
An elephant got too old to pull the ropes that raised the big circus tent, so they tethered him to a stake in the field where he would go round and round until the circus was ready to move on. One day they let him go free, hoping that he would stay in the field. He was so habituated that he still went around in circles. Likewise, churches have become so fixated by their private interpretations of scripture, church doctrines, and routine “patterns” of worship that they esteem these more highly than grace and freedom. Keeping members caroled by guilt is an old sectarian tactic. They, like the old elephant, go around in circles not realizing that they have been freed from the tether of sin and guilt. Circles around the desert of doubt merit nothing, they only reinforce habits. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking (spinning prayer wheels or whirling, private interpretations of Scripture or church doctrines, routine patterns of worship or making useless laps around a desert), but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 13:17. How could it be otherwise; this is the Christian life!
I believe it was President Lincoln who said, “Most folk are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Likewise, most Christians are as free as they make up their minds to be. Why all these unnecessary laps? God has no provision for you, nor will He ever have, other than what He has already given.
In response to my essay, “Lessons from the Laps,” I received the following statement from a good brother: “It gives me concern as to the number of laps I have already made and how many more I must make to be pleasing to our Lord (emphasis added).” Meaning no offence but only encouragement, I want my brother, along with the rest of you, to know that no Christian who trusts the Word of God is in a desert making laps. This experience is for the weak and indifferent, the stubborn and rebellious—those who do not rely on the grace of God for salvation and assurance. You my brother, and all Christians who doubt, should have left the wilderness years ago when you gave your life to Christ and accepted His forgiveness. Were you ever more sincere and contrite in your life than then? Do you suppose penitence will accomplish something for you in the future that it could not accomplish for you in the past? Millions of people spin a prayer wheel as they pray, supposing that the spinning wheels will somehow transport their prayers to God. Is making useless laps around the barren desert of doubt any different? The whirling dervish spins himself round and round until he enters an altered state of consciousness, which he calls a religious experience. Is making useless laps around the barren desert of doubt any different? One is neither saved nor kept saved by spinning wheels, whirling or making futile laps around a desert; he is saved and kept saved by the incomparable grace of God. Why do so many Christians feel that they must spend their lives working for an elusive peace, as if the Prince of Peace has not paid the full price for their sins?
Laps around the desert in our analogy result from doubt. If you had had sufficient faith when you were saved, you would not have gone into the desert in the first place. If at any time you had developed sufficient faith, you would have gone free. If you have faith today this will be your day of deliverance. If you do not have faith today, how can you be sure you ever will? Something must be done about this today! It is high time, after all these years of service, that you confess your faith in Christ, renew your commitment to Him, deny your doubts and accepted your deliverance once and for all. Trusting Christ in freedom, you will be able to help others find freedom and peace. You could not serve others in a better way than to assure them that, “it was for freedom that Christ set us free” (Gal. 5:1). And then tell them that freedom is for freeing so they can help others find deliverance from doubt.
An elephant got too old to pull the ropes that raised the big circus tent, so they tethered him to a stake in the field where he would go round and round until the circus was ready to move on. One day they let him go free, hoping that he would stay in the field. He was so habituated that he still went around in circles. Likewise, churches have become so fixated by their private interpretations of scripture, church doctrines, and routine “patterns” of worship that they esteem these more highly than grace and freedom. Keeping members caroled by guilt is an old sectarian tactic. They, like the old elephant, go around in circles not realizing that they have been freed from the tether of sin and guilt. Circles around the desert of doubt merit nothing, they only reinforce habits. “The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking (spinning prayer wheels or whirling, private interpretations of Scripture or church doctrines, routine patterns of worship or making useless laps around a desert), but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 13:17. How could it be otherwise; this is the Christian life!
I believe it was President Lincoln who said, “Most folk are as happy as they make up their minds to be.” Likewise, most Christians are as free as they make up their minds to be. Why all these unnecessary laps? God has no provision for you, nor will He ever have, other than what He has already given.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Letter to My Email Correspondents
Following is a letter I sent to my Email corrrespondents, which will serve as an update for all who are interested. My next essay will be possted on 9-26-08 and other articles and matters of interest (I hope) will follow. Comments and questions are welcome and may be addressed to me at www.truebeliever@aeroinc.net
Dear Email Correspondents,
I believe my blog site is functional and ready for posting my weekly essays (for the benefit of those who are not on my correspondent list to receive them via Email), random articles, views, comments, questions and answers, and helpful ideas. I'm excited about the prospect of receiving response from you, which I can share with all my readers. All my essays will carry the lines that appear at the bottom of this page. You can click on my blog link to view this information. Questions and comments are encouraged and will be dealt with promptly.
If you click on "view profile," you will see my picture, which you can enlarge with a click and look me in the eye. Below the picture, you can click "Email" and send me your comments and questions. Helpful comments and good questions, with my answers, will be posted on the blog for everyone to read. Comments should pertain to the essays in order to prevent wandering, but questions may be on any biblical, theological or timely subject.
Come on now, get with the program! This can be an enjoyable and helpful venture for us all.
I don't know for certain what I am getting into; this may be demanding and time consuming. So, because time is precious and I have my limitations, let me make a request of you. Please be very selective in the things you send me. I am interested in your personal comments and suggestions and not in killing time. And please do not send chain letters and pass-it-on items, unless they are very special. I seldom acknowledge these or pass them on, because there are many busy people out there who do not like to receive them. They fill one's In Box so rapidly that he doesn't have time to read them but only to delete them. Let us concentrate on the things that matter most. Let us "encourage one another and build up one another" (I Thes. 5:11). " Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Rom.14:19). I shall be looking forward to hearing room you.
Best wishes and blessings in Christ Jesus, our Lord,
Lacy Williams
"The True Believer"
Dear Email Correspondents,
I believe my blog site is functional and ready for posting my weekly essays (for the benefit of those who are not on my correspondent list to receive them via Email), random articles, views, comments, questions and answers, and helpful ideas. I'm excited about the prospect of receiving response from you, which I can share with all my readers. All my essays will carry the lines that appear at the bottom of this page. You can click on my blog link to view this information. Questions and comments are encouraged and will be dealt with promptly.
If you click on "view profile," you will see my picture, which you can enlarge with a click and look me in the eye. Below the picture, you can click "Email" and send me your comments and questions. Helpful comments and good questions, with my answers, will be posted on the blog for everyone to read. Comments should pertain to the essays in order to prevent wandering, but questions may be on any biblical, theological or timely subject.
Come on now, get with the program! This can be an enjoyable and helpful venture for us all.
I don't know for certain what I am getting into; this may be demanding and time consuming. So, because time is precious and I have my limitations, let me make a request of you. Please be very selective in the things you send me. I am interested in your personal comments and suggestions and not in killing time. And please do not send chain letters and pass-it-on items, unless they are very special. I seldom acknowledge these or pass them on, because there are many busy people out there who do not like to receive them. They fill one's In Box so rapidly that he doesn't have time to read them but only to delete them. Let us concentrate on the things that matter most. Let us "encourage one another and build up one another" (I Thes. 5:11). " Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another" (Rom.14:19). I shall be looking forward to hearing room you.
Best wishes and blessings in Christ Jesus, our Lord,
Lacy Williams
"The True Believer"
Friday, September 19, 2008
Why Christians Doubt
“When therefore it was evening…Jesus came and stood in their midst. The disciples therefore rejoiced when they saw the Lord… But Thomas, one of the twelve…was not with them when Jesus came” (John 20:19, 20, 24). We have no idea why Thomas was not there, but he acquired the name “Doubting Thomas” because he was absent. “The other disciples were saying to him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I shall see in his hands the imprints of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe’” (v. 25). In modern parlance, he might have said, “I guess you’d have to been there.” Do you suppose you would have believed something as strange as a man, having been mutilated, killed and dead for three day, suddenly coming alive again?
Thomas’s doubt was only temporary. “And after eight days again His disciples were inside and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into my side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believe” (vs. 26-29).
Thinking of future generations, John wrote, “These (facts) have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (v. 30).
How could one say that he believe the above facts if he does not believe that Jesus will lift him out of his doubts to walk with Him on higher ground? Why would one continue making circles around the desert when he can walk right out any time he have the faith to do so? So why do Christians doubt. Here are some of the reasons.
1. Some doubt because they have never been taught to trust Jesus. They were taught the story of Jesus in Sunday School but were not taught to trust Him in life. They remember singing, “Jesus loves the little children of the world,” but have never comprehended the fact that Jesus loves them. They believe that He had power to do all those miraculous things in the Bible but they doubt that He would favor them with His power.
2. Some doubt because they have not accepted the fact that assurance is a matter of faith. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).
3. Some doubt because they have been conditioned to doubt. While some churches make boastful claims about the power of their faith, others deny that such power exists today... Children grow up to be like their seniors, “holding to the form of godliness but have denied its power” (II Tim. 3:5. When they grow into adulthood, they are vocal in their denial and teach the next generation to doubt. I have never believed that everyone or just anyone has been given the faith and power of the prophets and apostles, but I sincerely believe that what Jesus promised us He will fulfill—when our faith overcomes our conditioned doubt. I was brought up on obedience, not on faith; consequently, I made circles around the desert of doubt for many years, thinking that one day I would be given assurance. But when I had had enough, I requested my freedom and was graciously delivered. Since then I have enjoyed a life of faith.
4. Some doubt because of their indifference toward Jesus. It is simply easier to doubt than to believe. Faith comes by the Word of God and they are not in the Word.
5. Some doubt because they have never exercise their faith by assuring others. If you don’t trust Christ to deliver you now, the likelihood is that you never will. If you don’t share your assurance with others, you will likely lose it. But if you believe He has delivered you, you will tell others. David used another analogy for deliverance, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He … brought me up out of the… miry clay. And He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm” (Psa. 40:1. 2).
"He lifted me out of the deep miry clay; He settled my feet on the straight narrow way; He lifted me up to a heavenly place, And flooded my soul each day with his grace" – Lawrence E. Brooks
Thomas’s doubt was only temporary. “And after eight days again His disciples were inside and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst, and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand, and put it into my side; and be not unbelieving, but believing.’ Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” “Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believe” (vs. 26-29).
Thinking of future generations, John wrote, “These (facts) have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (v. 30).
How could one say that he believe the above facts if he does not believe that Jesus will lift him out of his doubts to walk with Him on higher ground? Why would one continue making circles around the desert when he can walk right out any time he have the faith to do so? So why do Christians doubt. Here are some of the reasons.
1. Some doubt because they have never been taught to trust Jesus. They were taught the story of Jesus in Sunday School but were not taught to trust Him in life. They remember singing, “Jesus loves the little children of the world,” but have never comprehended the fact that Jesus loves them. They believe that He had power to do all those miraculous things in the Bible but they doubt that He would favor them with His power.
2. Some doubt because they have not accepted the fact that assurance is a matter of faith. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).
3. Some doubt because they have been conditioned to doubt. While some churches make boastful claims about the power of their faith, others deny that such power exists today... Children grow up to be like their seniors, “holding to the form of godliness but have denied its power” (II Tim. 3:5. When they grow into adulthood, they are vocal in their denial and teach the next generation to doubt. I have never believed that everyone or just anyone has been given the faith and power of the prophets and apostles, but I sincerely believe that what Jesus promised us He will fulfill—when our faith overcomes our conditioned doubt. I was brought up on obedience, not on faith; consequently, I made circles around the desert of doubt for many years, thinking that one day I would be given assurance. But when I had had enough, I requested my freedom and was graciously delivered. Since then I have enjoyed a life of faith.
4. Some doubt because of their indifference toward Jesus. It is simply easier to doubt than to believe. Faith comes by the Word of God and they are not in the Word.
5. Some doubt because they have never exercise their faith by assuring others. If you don’t trust Christ to deliver you now, the likelihood is that you never will. If you don’t share your assurance with others, you will likely lose it. But if you believe He has delivered you, you will tell others. David used another analogy for deliverance, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He … brought me up out of the… miry clay. And He set my feet upon a rock, making my footsteps firm” (Psa. 40:1. 2).
"He lifted me out of the deep miry clay; He settled my feet on the straight narrow way; He lifted me up to a heavenly place, And flooded my soul each day with his grace" – Lawrence E. Brooks
Friday, September 12, 2008
Lessons From the Laps
Everyone knows that Israel spent forty years as nomads in the Sinai Desert because they didn’t have faith enough to enter the Promised Land. “The word they heard did not profit them, because it was not united by faith in those who heard…Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest (which faith brings), lest anyone fall through following the same example of disobedience” (Heb. 4:2, 11). Several years ago, when one was slow to believe and keeps making the same mistakes, someone would say, “That means another lap around the desert.” Some people spend their whole lives in the desert, just as that generation of Israelites did, simply because they will not step out in faith and follow Christ. I don’t want to dwell on the desert in this essay, but I do want to share some lessons to be learned from the “laps” around it.
1. In the desert you learn that God means what He says. Most folk never learn to trust God. They are like the man who said, “I lived for myself, I thought for myself; for myself and none beside, as if Jesus had never lived, as if He had never died.” Or like William Ernest Henley who, having lost a foot early in life from a bone disease, thirty years later languished in a hospital for three years, having the other leg removed and then died at the age of 54. Yet in his Invictus he wrote
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Then there was the salesman I tried to talk to about the Bible when I was a new Christian. He said, “I’ll go along with the Bible as long as it goes along with me.” He went his rebellious way and I went to Bible College. I would later learn the lessons of the desert.
2. In the desert you learn that one must live by faith in Christ. “We walk by faith and not by sight” (II Cor. 5:7). Christ is not just a part of our Sunday life; He must be our total life. Paul wrote, “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Col. 3:3, 4). Christ must be in our lives, our homes, our relationships and our activities. A few years ago people were wearing T-shirts with the letters WWJD, “what would Jesus do,” printed on them. We would do well to ask that question daily, and then live by the answer.
3. In the desert you learn the need of following the Bible as your road map. Jesus said in His prayer to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). One may suppose he is following the Bible but if he ends up in the desert he will realize that he has been led by his own preferences or the church’s interpretation of the Bible and not by the clear teaching of the Bible. Our concern is not, “what does the Bible say to the church” but “what does it say to me.” And you will never know unless you study it for yourselves. If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak of myself” (Jesus in John 7:17). You can know the truth first hand, and you must learn it for yourself; you cannot totally rely on a fallible church to interpret the infallible Word of God for you. David said, “I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Your commandments” (Ps. 119:131). And Jesus spoke of hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). Has there ever been a time in your live when you just had to know what the Bible says on a given subject? Have you learned to use a concordance and find it for yourself?
4. In the desert you understand that you must live what you learn or lose it. Some are “always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Tim. 3:7).” Live what you learn until it becomes a way of life with you.
These are lessons you must learn, even if you have to learn them in the desert. And there you may have to make many laps. You should learn these lessons now while they are on your mind. If you fail to do so, unbelief is all you have—or will ever have. All of Israel went into the Sinai Desert but only two of the middle-age men of that generation, Joshua and Caleb, had faith be delivered and to enter the Promised Land. The rest died there. Take heed lest you fall through following the same example of disobedience.
1. In the desert you learn that God means what He says. Most folk never learn to trust God. They are like the man who said, “I lived for myself, I thought for myself; for myself and none beside, as if Jesus had never lived, as if He had never died.” Or like William Ernest Henley who, having lost a foot early in life from a bone disease, thirty years later languished in a hospital for three years, having the other leg removed and then died at the age of 54. Yet in his Invictus he wrote
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Then there was the salesman I tried to talk to about the Bible when I was a new Christian. He said, “I’ll go along with the Bible as long as it goes along with me.” He went his rebellious way and I went to Bible College. I would later learn the lessons of the desert.
2. In the desert you learn that one must live by faith in Christ. “We walk by faith and not by sight” (II Cor. 5:7). Christ is not just a part of our Sunday life; He must be our total life. Paul wrote, “You have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, Who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” (Col. 3:3, 4). Christ must be in our lives, our homes, our relationships and our activities. A few years ago people were wearing T-shirts with the letters WWJD, “what would Jesus do,” printed on them. We would do well to ask that question daily, and then live by the answer.
3. In the desert you learn the need of following the Bible as your road map. Jesus said in His prayer to the Father, “Sanctify them in the truth; Thy word is truth” (John 17:17). One may suppose he is following the Bible but if he ends up in the desert he will realize that he has been led by his own preferences or the church’s interpretation of the Bible and not by the clear teaching of the Bible. Our concern is not, “what does the Bible say to the church” but “what does it say to me.” And you will never know unless you study it for yourselves. If any man is willing to do His will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak of myself” (Jesus in John 7:17). You can know the truth first hand, and you must learn it for yourself; you cannot totally rely on a fallible church to interpret the infallible Word of God for you. David said, “I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for Your commandments” (Ps. 119:131). And Jesus spoke of hungering and thirsting for righteousness (Matt. 5:6). Has there ever been a time in your live when you just had to know what the Bible says on a given subject? Have you learned to use a concordance and find it for yourself?
4. In the desert you understand that you must live what you learn or lose it. Some are “always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” (II Tim. 3:7).” Live what you learn until it becomes a way of life with you.
These are lessons you must learn, even if you have to learn them in the desert. And there you may have to make many laps. You should learn these lessons now while they are on your mind. If you fail to do so, unbelief is all you have—or will ever have. All of Israel went into the Sinai Desert but only two of the middle-age men of that generation, Joshua and Caleb, had faith be delivered and to enter the Promised Land. The rest died there. Take heed lest you fall through following the same example of disobedience.
Friday, September 5, 2008
"Now I Can be Annie"
I once had a dear black sister in Christ who taught me a lot about the joy of freedom. She grew up in the south and married young during the Great Depression. In a conversation about Christ and Christian freedom she said, “When I was young I was my father’s daughter, when I married I was Johnnie’s wife; I have never been Annie. When her husband died she said, “Now I can be Annie.” How sad that she had only a few months to live as Annie after her husband died. But she had a great love for Jesus and was free at last.
Think of all the people you know who have never been free to be themselves. It seems that everyone who can be controlled will be controlled by someone, something, or circumstances. Are you in this category? Must you wait until someone dies before you can be yourself? I heard a man say of a woman who was in such a state, “She will never be free until there is a good old fashioned funeral!” Or perhaps you are so busy controlling others that you are in bondage to your own need to control. To be sure the fault is most often with the controller, but it is sometimes with the controlled as well. Paul wrote to the weak Christians at Corinth, “You bear with anyone if he enslaves you… if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself” (II Cor. 11:20).
There is no bondage more burdensome than religious bondage because it binds the mind and conscience. We understand that cults, sects and other aberrant groups control their members, but so do mainline churches, who control by tradition, customs, taboos and church doctrine—as opposed to the doctrine of Christ. I was a controlling minister in my early years because I belonged to a controlling church. It took me years to learn that I could not be free if I deny others their freedom. Why do people control others? Why do they allow it? Jesus said, “If therefore the Son of Man makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). And Paul said, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). This was said to the churches of Galatia but it is also for individuals.
Some who have grown accustomed to controlling circumstances are not able to accept their freedom. Many slaves wanted to remain with their masters, the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt, and church members would rather stay in a controlling church than to go free in Christ. A few decades ago Minute Made, out of concern for their migrant workers, built them temporary housing, gave them health insurance, and cared for them as they had never been cared for before. What did they do? They complained, saying that Coca-Cola, owner of Minute Made, was trying to run their lives. It took some convincing to assure them that they had been given a new measure of freedom. On the other hand, when some who have been in bondage are set free they use their freedom to control others. When the American slaves were freed, some of then went to other nations, notably Guiana, West Africa and became masters of the indigenous people.
Considering all the possibilities of bondage, who can say he is truly free to be himself? One might issue a personal declaration of independence but that doesn’t mean he is free.
I have found His grace is all complete, He supplieth every need; While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I am free, yes, free indeed. – Barney E. Warren
Don’t wait for an oppressor to die or something spectacular to happen. Don’t allow anyone or anything to dominate your life and take away your freedom to be yourself. It’s time to say, “I have been controlled and never been allowed to be myself, but now I can be ___________ because Christ has set me free.”
Think of all the people you know who have never been free to be themselves. It seems that everyone who can be controlled will be controlled by someone, something, or circumstances. Are you in this category? Must you wait until someone dies before you can be yourself? I heard a man say of a woman who was in such a state, “She will never be free until there is a good old fashioned funeral!” Or perhaps you are so busy controlling others that you are in bondage to your own need to control. To be sure the fault is most often with the controller, but it is sometimes with the controlled as well. Paul wrote to the weak Christians at Corinth, “You bear with anyone if he enslaves you… if he takes advantage of you, if he exalts himself” (II Cor. 11:20).
There is no bondage more burdensome than religious bondage because it binds the mind and conscience. We understand that cults, sects and other aberrant groups control their members, but so do mainline churches, who control by tradition, customs, taboos and church doctrine—as opposed to the doctrine of Christ. I was a controlling minister in my early years because I belonged to a controlling church. It took me years to learn that I could not be free if I deny others their freedom. Why do people control others? Why do they allow it? Jesus said, “If therefore the Son of Man makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). And Paul said, “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1). This was said to the churches of Galatia but it is also for individuals.
Some who have grown accustomed to controlling circumstances are not able to accept their freedom. Many slaves wanted to remain with their masters, the Israelites wanted to return to Egypt, and church members would rather stay in a controlling church than to go free in Christ. A few decades ago Minute Made, out of concern for their migrant workers, built them temporary housing, gave them health insurance, and cared for them as they had never been cared for before. What did they do? They complained, saying that Coca-Cola, owner of Minute Made, was trying to run their lives. It took some convincing to assure them that they had been given a new measure of freedom. On the other hand, when some who have been in bondage are set free they use their freedom to control others. When the American slaves were freed, some of then went to other nations, notably Guiana, West Africa and became masters of the indigenous people.
Considering all the possibilities of bondage, who can say he is truly free to be himself? One might issue a personal declaration of independence but that doesn’t mean he is free.
I have found His grace is all complete, He supplieth every need; While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet, I am free, yes, free indeed. – Barney E. Warren
Don’t wait for an oppressor to die or something spectacular to happen. Don’t allow anyone or anything to dominate your life and take away your freedom to be yourself. It’s time to say, “I have been controlled and never been allowed to be myself, but now I can be ___________ because Christ has set me free.”
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Dove
In March 2003 our house burned. On Thanksgiving Day we had our Thanksgiving dinner in a new house built on the same site. In the spring of 2004 Mr. and Mrs. Dove built their nest in a birch tree, not far from our new front porch. They didn’t know that the heat from the burning house had practically killed the tree, leaving only a tuft of leaves on a small branch facing my study window, without any leaves above it. We had a rainy spring and Mrs. Dove had an inadequate canopy as she sat on her nest. Nevertheless, she was faithful in waiting for her eggs to hatch. The rain came and the wind blew but she was always there. Eventually, some of the leaves fell off and both she and her nest got wet. Then one day I observed two babies and a faithful mother who sat in the rain sheltering them. When they had grown so big that the nest could hardly hold them, part of the nest gave way and fell to the ground. Good mother dove stood on the edge of the damaged nest, or else on a branch and did her best to shelter her babies. When they were about ready to leave the nest, one of them fell out and wandered about on the ground for a day or two. Then the other one and its mother left the tattered remnant of a nest. This good mother had endured a hard season, but she was faithful.
I watched these doves with great interest—and compassion. I thought, what a model this is for humans in this day of family disintegration, with homes falling apart and children falling out of their nests. I thought about my youthful rebellion and how I left home against my parents’ will to join the Navy in 1941. We are intelligent beings with understanding and reasoning powers, while other creatures of God live by instinct. I can imagine them looking down on us as an inferior species. Take the conversation between the robin and the sparrow for instance.
Said the robin to the sparrow, “I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings rush around and worry so.”
Said the sparrow to the robin, “I don’t know but it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me.”
Or consider the monkeys talking about the “ornery human beings.” One of them said, “Yes, man descended, the ornery cuss, but he didn’t descend from us.”
Circumstances are hard on human “nests” also, but the greatest damage is done by carelessness and neglect. In the spirit of Ezekiel who said, “Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God; so turn and live” (Ezek. 18:31, 32). I ask parents, why do you neglect your children? Why can’t God’s highest creation, protect and preserve their homes like the dove cares for hers? And children, why do you grieve your parents and destroy the home they have provided for you? Don’t you know that God is asking you to cast away all your transgressions and get yourself a new heart and new spirit? Why will you die, O house of America? So turn and live.
Mr. and Mrs. Dove went on to build nests and care for their young during the following years. Many good fathers and mothers have done the same. Circumstances have been hard at times, yet they, like the doves, have been faithful. And they have been rewarded.
I watched these doves with great interest—and compassion. I thought, what a model this is for humans in this day of family disintegration, with homes falling apart and children falling out of their nests. I thought about my youthful rebellion and how I left home against my parents’ will to join the Navy in 1941. We are intelligent beings with understanding and reasoning powers, while other creatures of God live by instinct. I can imagine them looking down on us as an inferior species. Take the conversation between the robin and the sparrow for instance.
Said the robin to the sparrow, “I should really like to know
Why these anxious human beings rush around and worry so.”
Said the sparrow to the robin, “I don’t know but it must be
That they have no Heavenly Father such as cares for you and me.”
Or consider the monkeys talking about the “ornery human beings.” One of them said, “Yes, man descended, the ornery cuss, but he didn’t descend from us.”
Circumstances are hard on human “nests” also, but the greatest damage is done by carelessness and neglect. In the spirit of Ezekiel who said, “Cast away from you all the transgressions you have committed against me, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, says the Lord God; so turn and live” (Ezek. 18:31, 32). I ask parents, why do you neglect your children? Why can’t God’s highest creation, protect and preserve their homes like the dove cares for hers? And children, why do you grieve your parents and destroy the home they have provided for you? Don’t you know that God is asking you to cast away all your transgressions and get yourself a new heart and new spirit? Why will you die, O house of America? So turn and live.
Mr. and Mrs. Dove went on to build nests and care for their young during the following years. Many good fathers and mothers have done the same. Circumstances have been hard at times, yet they, like the doves, have been faithful. And they have been rewarded.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Blessed Assurance
On a summer day years ago, I heard children at play on a schoolyard. One little boy who wanted to be noticed kept shouting, “Hey, look at me!” I know he wanted to be noticed, otherwise why would he have been calling for attention? The following Sunday I preached a sermon on the human need for recognition and acceptance. One Sunday as I drove from Parkersburg, WV to Spenser to preach, I picked up a sad looking man who was hitching a ride to the hospital. He said he was an alcoholic who had been in the hospital several times but had left every time, thinking he could make it on his own. I noticed that his arms were covered with tattoos. Realizing that I had only those moments with him, I told him why I was going to Spencer and commented on my sermon. Then I asked, “Do you know why you have those tattoos on your arms? He didn’t seem to know why, so I said, “They are there because you need to be noticed. You have felt inadequate and the tattoos call attention to you. People wouldn’t notice that you had arms if you didn’t have tattoos on them. When I stopped at the hospital to let him off, he thanked me for the ride and especially for talking to him. He said I had helped him more than the doctors had. I had given him hope by directing his attention to Jesus. The boy shouted, “Hey, look at me” and the man’s tattoos cried as loudly for attention.
During those days I was having some problems in ministry, which had caused me to question my calling. Sharing my situation with a friend I said, “I wonder why men chose the ministry. Could it be that they preach for recognition and personal fulfillment?” He replied, “You don’t have a very high opinion of yourself, do you?” I had been sure of my calling and dedicated to it for years, but I had also become aware of my inadequacy. Could it be that the little boy, the alcoholic and the preacher all had a felt need to be heard and accepted? Each person should check his motives for what he does and find his fulfillment outside himself. The happiest people in the world think of others rather than themselves. Wasn’t that the way Jesus and his apostles lived? Isn’t their preaching and writing full of exhortations to self-denial and concern for others?
“Fix your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glorious grace.”
Fanny J. Crosby wrote. “My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” Then Ms. Crosby wrote the following words for the music.
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!O what a foretaste of glory divine!Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Don’t say, “Look at me!” Say, “Look at Jesus and others “in the light of His glorious grace.”
During those days I was having some problems in ministry, which had caused me to question my calling. Sharing my situation with a friend I said, “I wonder why men chose the ministry. Could it be that they preach for recognition and personal fulfillment?” He replied, “You don’t have a very high opinion of yourself, do you?” I had been sure of my calling and dedicated to it for years, but I had also become aware of my inadequacy. Could it be that the little boy, the alcoholic and the preacher all had a felt need to be heard and accepted? Each person should check his motives for what he does and find his fulfillment outside himself. The happiest people in the world think of others rather than themselves. Wasn’t that the way Jesus and his apostles lived? Isn’t their preaching and writing full of exhortations to self-denial and concern for others?
“Fix your eyes upon Jesus; look full in His wonderful face, “And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glorious grace.”
Fanny J. Crosby wrote. “My friend, Mrs. Joseph F. Knapp, composed a melody and played it over to me two or three times on the piano. She then asked what it said. I replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!” Then Ms. Crosby wrote the following words for the music.
Blessèd assurance, Jesus is mine!O what a foretaste of glory divine!Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
Perfect submission, all is at rest,I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
Don’t say, “Look at me!” Say, “Look at Jesus and others “in the light of His glorious grace.”
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Human Will
Jesus said, “If any man will do His (God’s) will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17). This essay is not about man’s will versus God’s will, it is about what one attempts to “bring about by the exercise of his mental power.” What do you intend to bring about in your future? What do you hope to accomplish? What do you strive after? The thought is usually phrased, “the will to… (Write in a word that describes the object of your intention, such as power, pleasure, meaning, self-esteem, prosperity or self-denial). I present six men who advanced the above belief systems and gained a considerable following.
The will to power: Friedrich Nietzsche dreamed of a world of super people and thought that by teaching people his philosophy he could produce it. He wrote about “the will to power.” Everyone is in a quest for power, he said. Hitler took up Nietzsche’s philosophy, added brutality in order to eliminate the nonconformists, and set out to create a “super race.” Millions were influenced by Nietzsche, and millions more were exterminated by Hitler. Karl Marx and his successors, Lenin and Stalin, made the same use of power in an attempt to create a communist world, first by philosophy and then by elimination. Little men who do not understand the purpose of life are still engaged in a “power grab.” Search your heart and see if you are a controlling person? Do you try to manipulate or control others? If so you hold the same philosophy Nietzsche and Hitler had; the only difference is the degree of control you use.
The will to pleasure: Sigmund Freud made pleasure his quest. He believed that pleasure is the motivational force of life and suggested that people live for pleasure, long before the hippy “me generation” said, “If it feels good, do it.” His philosophy of pleasure corrupted generations and is still believed and practiced. Again, search your heart and be sure that, in this “I” (like in i-pod, i-phone, i-everything) generation, your will is not set on yourself and your pleasure.
The will to meaning: Viktor Frankyl, the Viennese psychologist, spent more than three years in Hitler’s forced labor camp thinking about the meaning of life. He put his thoughts in books after the war. I was quite impressed with his book, The Will to Meaning, and have used some of his insights in private counseling. From Frankyl I learned that life’s greatest values are “attitudinal values.”
The will to “whatever you can believe for”: Kenneth Copeland, following his prosperity cult predecessors and enlisting a great following himself, has been saying for years that “God wants all of His children to be rich.” He says that anyone can have anything he can believe for. He and his wife Gloria have believed for an expensive ranch, a private plane and a combined annual income of more than $400,000. I have never heard him say why his prosperity gospel doesn’t work for people in poverty stricken nations. Would more “faith in faith” really bring them out of their poverty? Perhaps the gospel of wealth only works for God’s privileged (or opportunistic) children in wealthy nations.
The will to self-esteem: Robert Shuler wrote a book in 1984 with the title, Self-esteem, the Last Frontier. I went to the Crystal Cathedral bookstore that year with the thought of buying a copy. Thumbing through it, I observed that Jesus desired fulfillment and died on the cross to “sanctify His self-esteem.” I put the book back on the shelf, marked Shuler off of my worthwhile reading list, and left the store.
The will to self-denial and humility: Jesus said, “If any man will (wills to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). He also said, “Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
What is your will for the future? Is it power, pleasure, meaning, whatever you can believe for, or self-esteem; or is it self-denial and humility like Jesus, who says, “If you want to be like me, follow me.”?
The will to power: Friedrich Nietzsche dreamed of a world of super people and thought that by teaching people his philosophy he could produce it. He wrote about “the will to power.” Everyone is in a quest for power, he said. Hitler took up Nietzsche’s philosophy, added brutality in order to eliminate the nonconformists, and set out to create a “super race.” Millions were influenced by Nietzsche, and millions more were exterminated by Hitler. Karl Marx and his successors, Lenin and Stalin, made the same use of power in an attempt to create a communist world, first by philosophy and then by elimination. Little men who do not understand the purpose of life are still engaged in a “power grab.” Search your heart and see if you are a controlling person? Do you try to manipulate or control others? If so you hold the same philosophy Nietzsche and Hitler had; the only difference is the degree of control you use.
The will to pleasure: Sigmund Freud made pleasure his quest. He believed that pleasure is the motivational force of life and suggested that people live for pleasure, long before the hippy “me generation” said, “If it feels good, do it.” His philosophy of pleasure corrupted generations and is still believed and practiced. Again, search your heart and be sure that, in this “I” (like in i-pod, i-phone, i-everything) generation, your will is not set on yourself and your pleasure.
The will to meaning: Viktor Frankyl, the Viennese psychologist, spent more than three years in Hitler’s forced labor camp thinking about the meaning of life. He put his thoughts in books after the war. I was quite impressed with his book, The Will to Meaning, and have used some of his insights in private counseling. From Frankyl I learned that life’s greatest values are “attitudinal values.”
The will to “whatever you can believe for”: Kenneth Copeland, following his prosperity cult predecessors and enlisting a great following himself, has been saying for years that “God wants all of His children to be rich.” He says that anyone can have anything he can believe for. He and his wife Gloria have believed for an expensive ranch, a private plane and a combined annual income of more than $400,000. I have never heard him say why his prosperity gospel doesn’t work for people in poverty stricken nations. Would more “faith in faith” really bring them out of their poverty? Perhaps the gospel of wealth only works for God’s privileged (or opportunistic) children in wealthy nations.
The will to self-esteem: Robert Shuler wrote a book in 1984 with the title, Self-esteem, the Last Frontier. I went to the Crystal Cathedral bookstore that year with the thought of buying a copy. Thumbing through it, I observed that Jesus desired fulfillment and died on the cross to “sanctify His self-esteem.” I put the book back on the shelf, marked Shuler off of my worthwhile reading list, and left the store.
The will to self-denial and humility: Jesus said, “If any man will (wills to) come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). He also said, “Everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11).
What is your will for the future? Is it power, pleasure, meaning, whatever you can believe for, or self-esteem; or is it self-denial and humility like Jesus, who says, “If you want to be like me, follow me.”?
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