My brother was born on June 20. In some years that is the summer solstice. Other years, like this one, 2019, the solstice comes a day later, on June 21. My brother used to say, maybe he still does, that he was so special that when he was born, the sun did not want to go down. So it waited until the final possible minute before setting. Incidentally, the solstice was June 21 that year. He explained that when the sun came up the day after his birthday, it realized what an opportunity it had missed and made up for it.
The solstice, caused by the tilt of the earth always fascinated me. But the fascination came from a different motivation. I was curious about two things. First, how did the earth tilt back and forth? Second, how did anyone figure out that it was tilted? The first question occurred to me in about third grade, I believe.
The teacher had explained about the seasons being caused by the tilt of the earth. I asked how the earth tilted back and forth, and how did it know how and when to stop and tilt back the other way. I was concerned that if it didn’t “work right” the earth would just turn upside down.
“It just does,” was the answer. I knew that she didn’t have a clue, nor did she care. Not a lot of scientific curiosity there. I kept looking for an answer. (For the younger readers, there was no internet on which anyone could just type in a question and get a dozen answers some of which might actually be accurate!) I do not remember if I saw a model of the solar system or was just playing with a globe. Some show the earth standing straight up. This one showed it tilted at the 23.5 degree angle and as it was moved “around the sun,” I noticed that the tilt did not change, but as it circled the sun, the axis alternately pointed toward then away from the sun.
Voila! Now it made sense. I had also worried that the shock of tilting one direction, stopping, then tilting back might make the earth break up sometime. My fears were assuaged.
The second question was not so easily resolved. And, in fact, I did resort to an internet search. (A full explanation is found at this address. http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/physics/148-people-in-astronomy/history-of-astronomy/general-questions/995-who-and-when-discovered-that-the-earth-s-axis-is-on-a-23-degree-tilt-intermediate)
Long story short, a vertical pole casts a shadow and the shadow “moves” throughout the year. Of course, the shadow “moves” throughout the day as the earth moves under the sun. But the angle the pole shadow makes at the same time each day changes throughout the year. A Chinese guy noticed that about 1100 BC. (I guess he had nothing else to do than measure the angle of shadows.) Since the shadow is not the same the year around, he surmised that the earth was tilted.
Note: We examined the fallacy of a flat earth a while back but did not include this additional “complication” in our consideration. If the earth were flat, the “plate or disk” would indeed have to literally tilt up and down every six months to account for the different shadow angle cast by a pole. But I digress.
Back to a consideration of solstices. My dad used to tell me that in the winter, “the cold begins to strengthen when the days begin to lengthen.” The coldest part of the winter is in January and February. You would think that the coldest days would be during the times of least sunshine. Maybe that will be the topic of a future post.
Quite often, the hottest times of the summer are in July and August, again after the duration of sunshine begins to decrease. I am sure that there is a good explanation. But one other consideration comes to mind.
The Earth's axis is tilted 23.5o degrees away from the plane of the ecliptic. It's because of this tilt that the Earth experiences seasons as it orbits around the Sun. If this tilt were more pronounced, as is Uranus, which at 98 degrees, is nearly lying on it side, the seasons would be extremely different. Part of the year it would be too cold and then, six months later, it would be too hot for life to exist. Or consider Jupiter, at 3 degrees, and Mercury, a minuscule 0.1 degrees, where the seasons would be virtually constant year round. Earth, 23.5, Mars, 25, Saturn, 27, and Neptune, 30, all have distinct seasons.
Notice that I left Venus for last. It is tilted 13 degrees to the left. All the others tilt right. This is determined by the way they rotate. If you stand on the north pole with arms extended, your right hand would circle toward the left, or west to east. But on Venus, the rotation is the opposite. Astronomers explain this by postulating that Venus turned “upside down” and is actually tilting at a 177 degree angle. And this brings us back to creation.
The supposition by evolutionists is that the solar system formed from a random dust cloud that accreted into eight or nine distinct balls that orbited the sun. For now, we will ignore the problem of celestial mechanics in producing such an intricate and exquisite formulation. But if all the planets formed the same way, they should all be spinning the same direction. That is called conservation of angular momentum. Love that kind of talk. (The same is true for the moons orbiting each planet, by the way.) And they all should be pointing straight up or perpendicular to the ecliptic. That is the plane of the solar system. Another question is why did all of the planets line up in such a flat configuration? But we will defer that as well.
Now back to our upright planets. To explain the precession or tilt of the planets, evolutionists propose a collision of the planets with some “random body” hurtling through space which “knocked the planet” out of kilter. And, Venus must have been almost knocked completely over, upside down. (Or maybe my third grade musing was accurate, and it did turn upside down.) Another unanswered question is the remarkable coincidence of random collisions with each of the planets. And why did such catastrophic collisions did not disintegrate the planet? But I digress.
Or, maybe a Creator made it that way to give our ancient Chinese observer something to amuse himself. And, incidentally, to give the earth the perfect tilt to produce varying weather patterns without being so severe that life would be threatened. Spontaneous, random generation of the solar system, not to mention the almost infinitely more complex problem of the universe, is not only difficult to comprehend and explain, but it also challenges credibility. Moses, when writing the book of Genesis explained it in 10 words. (Genesis 1:1) (English. Not sure how many in Hebrew, six, I think.)
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.
He expanded on that in v. 14, 15.
“Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and years; 15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”
As for the rest of the universe, check verse 16.
He made the stars also.
For anyone who protests that it is too hard to believe that a God could do that, I recommend that he or she answer the previously posited questions. And, while you are at it, go ahead and explain why some of the planets are terrestrial or rocky, and others are simply gas balls. I will let you find out which is which.
One last consideration. Why is the earth exactly 23.5 degrees “off” from the perfect, or upright position? Consider the answer from “Universe Today.” After repeating the “bunches of rocks stuck together to make a planet,” it states:
All the same, the Earth’s tilt is very important. It is perfectly positioned so that it gives us the seasons and on top of that the seasons are near(ly) perfectly calibrated for life. When compared with other planets Earth’s tilt allows for seasons that are not too extreme in temperature but are pretty well balanced. At the same (time,) if it had stay(ed) in the “perfect” position one side of the Earth would be too hot at times and then too cold.
I like the wording, “perfectly calibrated for life.” Does that sound like a random, spontaneous generation of the universe? I would suggest that is not compatible with what is actually seen. It seems rational to consider the proposition that, “In the beginning, God....”
Thank you, brother, for being born on such a momentous day. We are reminded every year that not only are we creations, but we are loved creations. (John 3:16) This is a little bit of editorial license, but “In the beginning, God loved.”
Have a great summer.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Thursday, June 6, 2019
Dreams and Stuff
Stuff
Before we get into the meat (dream scenario), turn your attention to the latest food worry. Wait for it...polyfluoroalykyl substances, or PFAS, have been found in foods. Don’t you just love that kind of talk? Polyfluoroalykyl substances: poly, many (also designated “per”); fluoro, flourine atoms; alykyl, carbon chain with most or all of the hydrogen atoms replaced by halogens; substances. (We know what substances are.) Just imagine a chain of carbon atoms...well, you get the picture. Link.
The “crisis” involved with this is that PFAS do not occur naturally in nature. They are man-made, and are the basis of non-stick coatings on cookware. They also are used to keep grease, water and stains off countless consumer items, including in food packaging, carpets and couches, dental floss and outdoor gear. Would this include ScotchGuard?
The chemicals also are found in firefighting foam, which the Department of Defense calls irreplaceable in suppressing jet-fuel fires. The key issue here is: “Do they do any damage in the human body?”
Well, there is the rub. There are correlative instances where levels of PFAS were found in food or water and the incidence of cancer increased. Is this causal or coincidental? It is not clear at the present time. But, some agencies are reacting more speedily than others. “If there is a chance, ban or restrict.” Others say, “We must be sure before we act.”
If you have been following the ongoing research on coffee and eggs, you know that the “experts” have variously declared both substances bad or very bad, only to have subsequent studies and new “experts” declare that they are not only benign but have positive effects on the body. (Incidentally, do you know the definition of an “expert?” An “ex” is a has been and a “spurt” is a drip under pressure. Expert.) Anyway, back and forth the debate rages. PFAS currently are bad boys, but they might be okay, especially considering the value of their contribution to food handling and preparation. Sigh....
Dreams
Our study of Genesis progressed into Chapter 40 where the butler and baker in Pharaoh’s service were thrown into prison for displeasing the king. They each had a dream and Joseph interpreted them. Joseph was familiar with dreams, having had at least two of his own. Although at this point he has not seen his come true.
The butler dreamed that he was back in Pharaoh’s service and that came true. The baker dreamed that Pharaoh’s baked goods were eaten out of a basket on his head. “Bad news,” Joseph told him. You will be hanged and birds will eat your flesh. And that happened just as Joseph said.
Have you had any dreams that bother you? Well, the other night I dreamed that the wife and I were at a wake/funeral and as we prepared to return home, I needed a bathroom stop. So she went to get the car and we were to meet in the parking lot. I left the police station, did I say that the event was in a police station? And I do not know who the remembrance was commemorating. But I digress.
Well, I walked out of the station and didn’t see the car. As I started to return inside to inquire where the parking lot was, Bev, having parked down the street, jumped out, waved, and called my name. I turned to look and to the horror of us both, the car began to coast away from her. Then it accelerated and crashed into an empty lot. Empty, that is, except for a junker vehicle that just happened to be parked there. It smashed into the “classic” vehicle, as the owner would declare on the insurance form, and demolished both of them. (The cars, not the owner.)
Scene change: We are talking to a husband and wife insurance team and they are questioning our previous claim (who knows?) from about 10 years ago. It seems that we had “accepted” the settlement based on a different evaluation than the standard “Taiwan evaluation” that all insurance companies use.
I explained that we were changing insurance companies and the new company offered the higher payout. And what did that have to do with this claim? Just a reminder, dreams do not have to make sense, be coherent, nor adhere to fact. Then the lights come up and I rolled out of bed.
Any suggestions as to the meaning or import? I did mention at breakfast that we should never leave a car running and in gear. But that is all that I could decipher or interpret. Guess we need Joseph.
More Stuff
The Pastor on Sunday preached on the church at Thyatira, in Revelation 2. (V. 18-29) This was the church that was more tolerant than God. It is dangerous to “tolerate” what God does not. He continued to explain that many churches have drifted by redefining tolerance. Some accept any and every thing in the fear of offending anyone. Others have become so strictly definitive (legalistic) that they ban and prohibit almost everything. In that case, both sides also condemn everyone who disagrees with them.
Neither stance is Biblical nor pleasing to the Lord. Some critics have condemned the Church for evangelizing other cultures. The definition of tolerance is that everyone is right, regardless of what they believe. So sending “missionaries” to “pagan” cultures is imposing western and worse, Christian values on these “pristine,” native cultures.
Without even evaluating the positive good that evangelistic efforts have produced all over the world, and they have been massive, a better definition of tolerance is the freedom to PROPOSE alternative values.
(Note: Yes, some, in the name of the church, have perpetrated atrocities around the world. But these actions were not in line with the teachings of Jesus. A wise man once said, “Do not judge a concept by its misuse or perversion.” We need to examine the basic teachings of the founder of any group or movement. Base any judgment on that. Consider this carefully. Back to the message.)
Missionaries propose alternative life activities and goals. They are not imposed on the innocent natives. And, now considering the value of “regime change” in lives, missionaries have produced better quality of life for every culture into which the Gospel has been accurately introduced. Schools, hospitals, increased standard of living, and most importantly, respect for life, mark the trail of missions organizations all over the world.
One last comment from Pastor: Inside the church we can, and do, have different interpretations of doctrinal issues. Types of music, worship styles, translations that are acceptable or not, the timing of the Lord’s return are just some of the differences. (Dipped, dunked, sprinkled, poured, or even “daubed as a baby” are included in this cacophony of claims. Some even argue about forward or backward and an additional voice requires triple back dunks.) These are like state lines in the United States. We cross them nonchalantly. The only notification that we are changing states is a sign proudly announcing, “You are now entering the great state of....” Or some such verbiage. Tolerating these differences is not a bad thing. In fact, that will strengthen the bonds that bind us.
But there are doctrinal differences, such as the necessity of belief in Jesus. Is He really God, the second Person of the Trinity? Is the Bible authoritative or merely a cultural artifact of the times in which it was written? Those are national borders. You have to go through checkpoints, with proper credentials. And now you are in another country. Theologically, this is not being true to Christ’s teaching. “Tolerating” these changes and interpretations was what the church in Thyatira practiced. And the Lord condemned them.
“I gave her time to repent.” (V. 21) And “I will kill her followers...and give each one according to his deeds.” (V. 23) Toleration redefined leads to the situation where each person becomes the authority, rather than yielding to the Lord. And finally, this leads to fearing the wrong judgment. Often groups acquiesce to human values to avoid being ostracized or condemned. But the judgment of the King is the one to ultimately determine our destiny.
And finally, how does all of this cohere? Additives in food enhance the taste or convenience. “Judging” and condemning or abandoning them will entail collateral costs. And sometimes our “dreams” or research results are meaningful. At other times they are peripheral, portentous, or irrelevant. Likewise, differences in church are not always indicative of divine Messages. And ultimately, we must learn to “tolerate” ideas that are “state lines” and refute and reject those that are national lines.
How is that for some mental gymnastics comparable to freestyle exercises? See you next time.
Before we get into the meat (dream scenario), turn your attention to the latest food worry. Wait for it...polyfluoroalykyl substances, or PFAS, have been found in foods. Don’t you just love that kind of talk? Polyfluoroalykyl substances: poly, many (also designated “per”); fluoro, flourine atoms; alykyl, carbon chain with most or all of the hydrogen atoms replaced by halogens; substances. (We know what substances are.) Just imagine a chain of carbon atoms...well, you get the picture. Link.
The “crisis” involved with this is that PFAS do not occur naturally in nature. They are man-made, and are the basis of non-stick coatings on cookware. They also are used to keep grease, water and stains off countless consumer items, including in food packaging, carpets and couches, dental floss and outdoor gear. Would this include ScotchGuard?
The chemicals also are found in firefighting foam, which the Department of Defense calls irreplaceable in suppressing jet-fuel fires. The key issue here is: “Do they do any damage in the human body?”
Well, there is the rub. There are correlative instances where levels of PFAS were found in food or water and the incidence of cancer increased. Is this causal or coincidental? It is not clear at the present time. But, some agencies are reacting more speedily than others. “If there is a chance, ban or restrict.” Others say, “We must be sure before we act.”
If you have been following the ongoing research on coffee and eggs, you know that the “experts” have variously declared both substances bad or very bad, only to have subsequent studies and new “experts” declare that they are not only benign but have positive effects on the body. (Incidentally, do you know the definition of an “expert?” An “ex” is a has been and a “spurt” is a drip under pressure. Expert.) Anyway, back and forth the debate rages. PFAS currently are bad boys, but they might be okay, especially considering the value of their contribution to food handling and preparation. Sigh....
Dreams
Our study of Genesis progressed into Chapter 40 where the butler and baker in Pharaoh’s service were thrown into prison for displeasing the king. They each had a dream and Joseph interpreted them. Joseph was familiar with dreams, having had at least two of his own. Although at this point he has not seen his come true.
The butler dreamed that he was back in Pharaoh’s service and that came true. The baker dreamed that Pharaoh’s baked goods were eaten out of a basket on his head. “Bad news,” Joseph told him. You will be hanged and birds will eat your flesh. And that happened just as Joseph said.
Have you had any dreams that bother you? Well, the other night I dreamed that the wife and I were at a wake/funeral and as we prepared to return home, I needed a bathroom stop. So she went to get the car and we were to meet in the parking lot. I left the police station, did I say that the event was in a police station? And I do not know who the remembrance was commemorating. But I digress.
Well, I walked out of the station and didn’t see the car. As I started to return inside to inquire where the parking lot was, Bev, having parked down the street, jumped out, waved, and called my name. I turned to look and to the horror of us both, the car began to coast away from her. Then it accelerated and crashed into an empty lot. Empty, that is, except for a junker vehicle that just happened to be parked there. It smashed into the “classic” vehicle, as the owner would declare on the insurance form, and demolished both of them. (The cars, not the owner.)
Scene change: We are talking to a husband and wife insurance team and they are questioning our previous claim (who knows?) from about 10 years ago. It seems that we had “accepted” the settlement based on a different evaluation than the standard “Taiwan evaluation” that all insurance companies use.
I explained that we were changing insurance companies and the new company offered the higher payout. And what did that have to do with this claim? Just a reminder, dreams do not have to make sense, be coherent, nor adhere to fact. Then the lights come up and I rolled out of bed.
Any suggestions as to the meaning or import? I did mention at breakfast that we should never leave a car running and in gear. But that is all that I could decipher or interpret. Guess we need Joseph.
More Stuff
The Pastor on Sunday preached on the church at Thyatira, in Revelation 2. (V. 18-29) This was the church that was more tolerant than God. It is dangerous to “tolerate” what God does not. He continued to explain that many churches have drifted by redefining tolerance. Some accept any and every thing in the fear of offending anyone. Others have become so strictly definitive (legalistic) that they ban and prohibit almost everything. In that case, both sides also condemn everyone who disagrees with them.
Neither stance is Biblical nor pleasing to the Lord. Some critics have condemned the Church for evangelizing other cultures. The definition of tolerance is that everyone is right, regardless of what they believe. So sending “missionaries” to “pagan” cultures is imposing western and worse, Christian values on these “pristine,” native cultures.
Without even evaluating the positive good that evangelistic efforts have produced all over the world, and they have been massive, a better definition of tolerance is the freedom to PROPOSE alternative values.
(Note: Yes, some, in the name of the church, have perpetrated atrocities around the world. But these actions were not in line with the teachings of Jesus. A wise man once said, “Do not judge a concept by its misuse or perversion.” We need to examine the basic teachings of the founder of any group or movement. Base any judgment on that. Consider this carefully. Back to the message.)
Missionaries propose alternative life activities and goals. They are not imposed on the innocent natives. And, now considering the value of “regime change” in lives, missionaries have produced better quality of life for every culture into which the Gospel has been accurately introduced. Schools, hospitals, increased standard of living, and most importantly, respect for life, mark the trail of missions organizations all over the world.
One last comment from Pastor: Inside the church we can, and do, have different interpretations of doctrinal issues. Types of music, worship styles, translations that are acceptable or not, the timing of the Lord’s return are just some of the differences. (Dipped, dunked, sprinkled, poured, or even “daubed as a baby” are included in this cacophony of claims. Some even argue about forward or backward and an additional voice requires triple back dunks.) These are like state lines in the United States. We cross them nonchalantly. The only notification that we are changing states is a sign proudly announcing, “You are now entering the great state of....” Or some such verbiage. Tolerating these differences is not a bad thing. In fact, that will strengthen the bonds that bind us.
But there are doctrinal differences, such as the necessity of belief in Jesus. Is He really God, the second Person of the Trinity? Is the Bible authoritative or merely a cultural artifact of the times in which it was written? Those are national borders. You have to go through checkpoints, with proper credentials. And now you are in another country. Theologically, this is not being true to Christ’s teaching. “Tolerating” these changes and interpretations was what the church in Thyatira practiced. And the Lord condemned them.
“I gave her time to repent.” (V. 21) And “I will kill her followers...and give each one according to his deeds.” (V. 23) Toleration redefined leads to the situation where each person becomes the authority, rather than yielding to the Lord. And finally, this leads to fearing the wrong judgment. Often groups acquiesce to human values to avoid being ostracized or condemned. But the judgment of the King is the one to ultimately determine our destiny.
And finally, how does all of this cohere? Additives in food enhance the taste or convenience. “Judging” and condemning or abandoning them will entail collateral costs. And sometimes our “dreams” or research results are meaningful. At other times they are peripheral, portentous, or irrelevant. Likewise, differences in church are not always indicative of divine Messages. And ultimately, we must learn to “tolerate” ideas that are “state lines” and refute and reject those that are national lines.
How is that for some mental gymnastics comparable to freestyle exercises? See you next time.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Politics and Wisdom
These may be mutually exclusive, but we can give it a try.
Do you remember the elections for student body president from high school? The candidates tried to outdo each other with promises calculated to gain votes. Some promised to institute one day weeks. Others guaranteed an A for every class that the student attended, and some even if they didn’t attend. Others pledged that school lunches would be reduced to 25 cents. The opponent went one better with a free lunch for everyone. And on and on and on.
I was reminded of that as I read the litany of Democratic candidates for the 2020 election and their campaign promises. They are no more reasoned and researched than the high school students’ platforms. And they are no more likely to be instituted than our high promising teens.
What I think is funny is that most reasonable voters recognize this foolishness and are mildly or even wildly amused. But our wanna-be's continue to multiply and prattle on and on and on.
One statement I heard struck me with its complete candor and accuracy. Our friend from 2016, Bernie, promised that he would never appoint a justice to the Supreme Court that would abolish abortion. Well, what do you know. I agree with Bernie completely. In fact, I would go so far as to project that he will never appoint a SCOTUS Justice ever. Thanks for the reality check, Bernie. That is refreshing among all the blather arising from the candidate corps.
What strange thoughts run through one’s mind at night. At least I have some strange ones. Does a mole make any noises? I was writing about lions and their roars. Then later, the wandering, wondering mind pounced on this idea like a lion on an antelope. What noise would a mole make?
Next thought. I think Cynthia Tobias said this. “We would think a lot less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do.” Right on.
Just a thought on prophets. One of the least mentioned of the Old Testament prophets is found in 1 Samuel 17. This prophet accurately predicted the outcome of the day’s battle and the demise of his enemy. Check it out.
45 “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”
Notice verse 46 specifically. This prophet warned his adversary that he would go down and his head would be removed. His supporting army would be wiped out. And what happened? Was this a true prophet? Read on...
48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.
50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.
You guessed it. Our prophet was none other than Jesse’s son, David, from Bethlehem. David “complied” with or met every requirement of a prophet. First he was faithful to what had been said before. He did not contradict any previous revelation from God. Second, he did not lead the people away from God. And third, he was completely accurate in his predictions. They came true exactly as he had stated.
So when we read other documents produced by him, we can be assured that those are likewise, “God breathed.” This is in spite of some of his stumbles, nope, sins. But when the Lord spoke through him, it was reliable and authoritative, just as the messages received from other prophets. God spoke through him. I want to hear more.
One last thought. Often Christians are called narrow minded or overly exclusive when we claim that there is only one way to God. That way is through Christ Jesus. As I was reading the Bible today I was in I Samuel 18:18. The context of the story is that David is being invited into Saul’s family, although surreptitiously, Saul was anticipating that his bargain with David would lead to the Philistines killing the shepherd boy.
David asked, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” That triggered an interesting thought. Saul had to invite him into his “house.”
Now refer back to our initial question. Heaven, or God’s house, is what we are being invited to enter. It is God’s house. He sets the conditions under which we can enter, just as Saul outlined the price that David had to pay to be included in his family.
God invites us into His family and consequently, to join Him in heaven for eternity. Just as any one of us would be offended if someone approached our door and demanded entry, so God is offended when admittance to His house is dictated in opposition to His direction.. He has clearly outlined the conditions, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.” (Acts 16:13) Anyone and everyone who attempts to enter by any other claim or manner is considered a thief and a robber. (John 10:1)
The “reasonable” argument is on the side of exclusion. It is unreasonable to expect admittance to anyone’s home when the supplicant refuses to comply with the owner’s specification. We are all familiar with the “No shirt, no shoes, no service,” placard often visible in the window of an establishment. Is the operator unreasonable, or merely exercising his prerogative as owner?
The Lord graciously invites all to come. And like the father in the story of the wedding feast in Matthew 22, the host invited the guests to come. Incidentally, he provided the proper attire. The guest had refused to accept the required clothing and was dismissed–well let’s be frank here–he was ejected.
If some refuse to accept the Lord’s invitation, their only option is to go to “another heaven.” And I am certain that it is not a nice as the one to which we refer. I’m dressed and going. You come too.
Do you remember the elections for student body president from high school? The candidates tried to outdo each other with promises calculated to gain votes. Some promised to institute one day weeks. Others guaranteed an A for every class that the student attended, and some even if they didn’t attend. Others pledged that school lunches would be reduced to 25 cents. The opponent went one better with a free lunch for everyone. And on and on and on.
I was reminded of that as I read the litany of Democratic candidates for the 2020 election and their campaign promises. They are no more reasoned and researched than the high school students’ platforms. And they are no more likely to be instituted than our high promising teens.
What I think is funny is that most reasonable voters recognize this foolishness and are mildly or even wildly amused. But our wanna-be's continue to multiply and prattle on and on and on.
One statement I heard struck me with its complete candor and accuracy. Our friend from 2016, Bernie, promised that he would never appoint a justice to the Supreme Court that would abolish abortion. Well, what do you know. I agree with Bernie completely. In fact, I would go so far as to project that he will never appoint a SCOTUS Justice ever. Thanks for the reality check, Bernie. That is refreshing among all the blather arising from the candidate corps.
What strange thoughts run through one’s mind at night. At least I have some strange ones. Does a mole make any noises? I was writing about lions and their roars. Then later, the wandering, wondering mind pounced on this idea like a lion on an antelope. What noise would a mole make?
Next thought. I think Cynthia Tobias said this. “We would think a lot less about what others think of us if we realized how seldom they do.” Right on.
Just a thought on prophets. One of the least mentioned of the Old Testament prophets is found in 1 Samuel 17. This prophet accurately predicted the outcome of the day’s battle and the demise of his enemy. Check it out.
45 “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.”
Notice verse 46 specifically. This prophet warned his adversary that he would go down and his head would be removed. His supporting army would be wiped out. And what happened? Was this a true prophet? Read on...
48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.
50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand.
You guessed it. Our prophet was none other than Jesse’s son, David, from Bethlehem. David “complied” with or met every requirement of a prophet. First he was faithful to what had been said before. He did not contradict any previous revelation from God. Second, he did not lead the people away from God. And third, he was completely accurate in his predictions. They came true exactly as he had stated.
So when we read other documents produced by him, we can be assured that those are likewise, “God breathed.” This is in spite of some of his stumbles, nope, sins. But when the Lord spoke through him, it was reliable and authoritative, just as the messages received from other prophets. God spoke through him. I want to hear more.
One last thought. Often Christians are called narrow minded or overly exclusive when we claim that there is only one way to God. That way is through Christ Jesus. As I was reading the Bible today I was in I Samuel 18:18. The context of the story is that David is being invited into Saul’s family, although surreptitiously, Saul was anticipating that his bargain with David would lead to the Philistines killing the shepherd boy.
David asked, “Who am I, and what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be the king’s son-in-law?” That triggered an interesting thought. Saul had to invite him into his “house.”
Now refer back to our initial question. Heaven, or God’s house, is what we are being invited to enter. It is God’s house. He sets the conditions under which we can enter, just as Saul outlined the price that David had to pay to be included in his family.
God invites us into His family and consequently, to join Him in heaven for eternity. Just as any one of us would be offended if someone approached our door and demanded entry, so God is offended when admittance to His house is dictated in opposition to His direction.. He has clearly outlined the conditions, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved.” (Acts 16:13) Anyone and everyone who attempts to enter by any other claim or manner is considered a thief and a robber. (John 10:1)
The “reasonable” argument is on the side of exclusion. It is unreasonable to expect admittance to anyone’s home when the supplicant refuses to comply with the owner’s specification. We are all familiar with the “No shirt, no shoes, no service,” placard often visible in the window of an establishment. Is the operator unreasonable, or merely exercising his prerogative as owner?
The Lord graciously invites all to come. And like the father in the story of the wedding feast in Matthew 22, the host invited the guests to come. Incidentally, he provided the proper attire. The guest had refused to accept the required clothing and was dismissed–well let’s be frank here–he was ejected.
If some refuse to accept the Lord’s invitation, their only option is to go to “another heaven.” And I am certain that it is not a nice as the one to which we refer. I’m dressed and going. You come too.
Thursday, May 2, 2019
From Levirate Marriage to Living Again
Jesus was the master of “reading” what people said and interpreting what they are thinking and really need to hear. The Gospel writers understood and conveyed this in their accounts of His life. A perfect example is found in Luke 20:27-37. Incidentally, Matthew (Chapter 22), Mark (Chapter 12) and Luke (below) all record this conversation. Reading Luke.
Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), 28 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; 30 and the second 31 and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally the woman died also. 33 In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.”
34 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”
Luke began his record of this confrontation with the observation, “... the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection).” So this entire discussion will be about life after death. But they began with a mundane inquiry about unfortunate brothers and their wife. They evidently were employing the reductio ad absurdum logical analysis. This argument suggests the disproof of a proposition by showing an absurdity to which it leads when carried to its logical conclusion. (The convoluted description is Webster’s definition.) The absolute absurdity of this scenario of life after death would preclude any such existence. They were right! That is, if their logic held up.
Jesus answered. Let’s follow His careful refutation to their ridiculous proposition. In the Matthew and Luke accounts He prefaces His answer with the analysis of their faulty logic.
Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Mark 12:24
Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Inaccurate presuppositions will generate preposterous conclusions. They were deficient in their understanding of the Scriptures. And since the Scriptures reveal God and His power, their ignorance caused them to underestimate or discount His power. Consequently, the conclusion was spurious. (I love to use that word.) Jesus was too polite to say that their ignorance was showing, but that conclusion was evident to the observers.
Often we encounter similar challenges today. They begin with, “How can a good God...?” And Jesus’ introduction applies to this query in the same way. Whenever a challenge begins with “a good God,” we know that there is a preconceived conclusion that God would not do whatever they are protesting. This is the logical fallacy called a straw man. The elements of the question are defined in such a way that there is only one answer, the one the questioner is propounding.
“A good God would not send anyone to hell. A good God would not allow such a tragedy to happen. A good God would not create or allow evil.” And Jesus’ response would be the same, “You do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Several current instances can be cited. In the immediate past week or so, terrorists murdered over 250 worshipers at an Easter service in Sri Lanka; a synagogue was attacked in Southern California, killing one person and wounding several others; and one last tragedy was here in Middle Tennessee. Seven people were murdered by a felon out on parole. Ironically, he was subject to re-arrest for violation of his parole. The officer had not yet received a signed warrant. How could a good God let such things happen? This can be applied to literally every weather intrusion into our calm and peaceful lives, auto or other accidents, crimes against innocents, and other “natural disasters.”
The operative term in this question is “good.” Good, in their definition is one who would not allow such things to happen. So when they do happen, there are only two conclusions. Either God is not good, or there is no God at all. But Jesus answered even this loaded question.
Jesus’ two-pronged evaluation is applicable in all of this. Romans 8:28 gives us the Scriptural foundation for evaluating the “power of God.”
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We can summarize this as “Know the Scripture and know God.” Our first step is to understand the Scripture. “God causes” which means that in all of this He is in control. God does not cause these things to happen, but He causes the results to be “for good” for those who love Him and are called and living according to His purpose.
Joseph testified to that very thing in Genesis 50:19, 20.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
For those not in our Genesis class, and those as well, since we are not there yet, Joseph had been kidnapped and taken to Egypt. There he had been a slave, then thrown into prison for a crime that he did not commit, and ignored for several years. When his brothers, the perpetrators of these injustices appeared before him, years later, Joseph proclaimed his understanding of the Scripture’s description of God’s power. God can take even the most egregious circumstances and use them for good. Here it was the preservation of the nation of Israel. Just a small thing in the line of the Seed.
Our recent celebration of Easter is another example of this. God’s Son, Jesus was murdered, crucified on a Roman cross. How can that be “for good?” Three days later, we understood. He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever. What a story! What seemed to be “bad,” turned out to be for good. And not just any old good. This was salvation for everyone who believes in Him.
Joseph and the resurrection also illustrate another critical truth: The revelation of “good” may not be immediate. We may have to wait for the culmination of God’s work, but it will definitely be worth the wait. Adverse circumstances do not disprove the existence of God, they actually confirm it. As we see God working out “good” from seeming insurmountable difficulties, we witness His great power and love.
Michael Rydelnyk made a salient and germane comment on this. Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden in a state of untested holiness. It had never been proved. So when Satan tempted them and they fell, they failed and sin entered the human race. (1 Corinthians 15)
This is bad, right? If there had been no evil in the world, none of these bad things would happen. But, as Dr. Rydelnyk pointed out, since sin had entered the world, and death by sin, the stage was set for the battle of the ages. When Jesus died and was resurrected, He defeated and will ultimately abolish death and evil. That is the message in Corinthians.
22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
Adam brought sin and death into the world, but Jesus will ultimately destroy it. And in the meanwhile, He has decisively defeated it, and Satan. The story has to play out, but in the end, God will triumph, to His eternal glory. And we have the privilege of cooperating with Him.
In today’s meditation, Jesus went from Levirate marriage to eternal life. Joseph went from the pit to prison to the palace in Egypt, to explaining God’s superintendence of the welfare of the Nation of Israel. We may have to be patient, but we can trace God’s intervention in tragic human events to ultimate good in and for us. And we can go from despair to a personal relationship with God. We will not doubt the existence of God, or His good intentions. He will destroy all evil forever. And, as an extra bonus, we get eternal life–with Him.
The more we read His love letter, the Scriptures, the better we will understand and appreciate His power. Read the Bible, it is good for the soul. Don’t let your ignorance show.
Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), 28 and they questioned Him, saying, “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he is childless, his brother should marry the wife and raise up children to his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers; and the first took a wife and died childless; 30 and the second 31 and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally the woman died also. 33 In the resurrection therefore, which one’s wife will she be? For all seven had married her.”
34 Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.”
Luke began his record of this confrontation with the observation, “... the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection).” So this entire discussion will be about life after death. But they began with a mundane inquiry about unfortunate brothers and their wife. They evidently were employing the reductio ad absurdum logical analysis. This argument suggests the disproof of a proposition by showing an absurdity to which it leads when carried to its logical conclusion. (The convoluted description is Webster’s definition.) The absolute absurdity of this scenario of life after death would preclude any such existence. They were right! That is, if their logic held up.
Jesus answered. Let’s follow His careful refutation to their ridiculous proposition. In the Matthew and Luke accounts He prefaces His answer with the analysis of their faulty logic.
Matthew 22:29
But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Mark 12:24
Jesus said to them, “Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God?”
Inaccurate presuppositions will generate preposterous conclusions. They were deficient in their understanding of the Scriptures. And since the Scriptures reveal God and His power, their ignorance caused them to underestimate or discount His power. Consequently, the conclusion was spurious. (I love to use that word.) Jesus was too polite to say that their ignorance was showing, but that conclusion was evident to the observers.
Often we encounter similar challenges today. They begin with, “How can a good God...?” And Jesus’ introduction applies to this query in the same way. Whenever a challenge begins with “a good God,” we know that there is a preconceived conclusion that God would not do whatever they are protesting. This is the logical fallacy called a straw man. The elements of the question are defined in such a way that there is only one answer, the one the questioner is propounding.
“A good God would not send anyone to hell. A good God would not allow such a tragedy to happen. A good God would not create or allow evil.” And Jesus’ response would be the same, “You do not know the Scriptures nor the power of God.”
Several current instances can be cited. In the immediate past week or so, terrorists murdered over 250 worshipers at an Easter service in Sri Lanka; a synagogue was attacked in Southern California, killing one person and wounding several others; and one last tragedy was here in Middle Tennessee. Seven people were murdered by a felon out on parole. Ironically, he was subject to re-arrest for violation of his parole. The officer had not yet received a signed warrant. How could a good God let such things happen? This can be applied to literally every weather intrusion into our calm and peaceful lives, auto or other accidents, crimes against innocents, and other “natural disasters.”
The operative term in this question is “good.” Good, in their definition is one who would not allow such things to happen. So when they do happen, there are only two conclusions. Either God is not good, or there is no God at all. But Jesus answered even this loaded question.
Jesus’ two-pronged evaluation is applicable in all of this. Romans 8:28 gives us the Scriptural foundation for evaluating the “power of God.”
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
We can summarize this as “Know the Scripture and know God.” Our first step is to understand the Scripture. “God causes” which means that in all of this He is in control. God does not cause these things to happen, but He causes the results to be “for good” for those who love Him and are called and living according to His purpose.
Joseph testified to that very thing in Genesis 50:19, 20.
But Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
For those not in our Genesis class, and those as well, since we are not there yet, Joseph had been kidnapped and taken to Egypt. There he had been a slave, then thrown into prison for a crime that he did not commit, and ignored for several years. When his brothers, the perpetrators of these injustices appeared before him, years later, Joseph proclaimed his understanding of the Scripture’s description of God’s power. God can take even the most egregious circumstances and use them for good. Here it was the preservation of the nation of Israel. Just a small thing in the line of the Seed.
Our recent celebration of Easter is another example of this. God’s Son, Jesus was murdered, crucified on a Roman cross. How can that be “for good?” Three days later, we understood. He rose from the grave, defeating sin and death forever. What a story! What seemed to be “bad,” turned out to be for good. And not just any old good. This was salvation for everyone who believes in Him.
Joseph and the resurrection also illustrate another critical truth: The revelation of “good” may not be immediate. We may have to wait for the culmination of God’s work, but it will definitely be worth the wait. Adverse circumstances do not disprove the existence of God, they actually confirm it. As we see God working out “good” from seeming insurmountable difficulties, we witness His great power and love.
Michael Rydelnyk made a salient and germane comment on this. Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden in a state of untested holiness. It had never been proved. So when Satan tempted them and they fell, they failed and sin entered the human race. (1 Corinthians 15)
This is bad, right? If there had been no evil in the world, none of these bad things would happen. But, as Dr. Rydelnyk pointed out, since sin had entered the world, and death by sin, the stage was set for the battle of the ages. When Jesus died and was resurrected, He defeated and will ultimately abolish death and evil. That is the message in Corinthians.
22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to the God and Father, when He has abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.
Adam brought sin and death into the world, but Jesus will ultimately destroy it. And in the meanwhile, He has decisively defeated it, and Satan. The story has to play out, but in the end, God will triumph, to His eternal glory. And we have the privilege of cooperating with Him.
In today’s meditation, Jesus went from Levirate marriage to eternal life. Joseph went from the pit to prison to the palace in Egypt, to explaining God’s superintendence of the welfare of the Nation of Israel. We may have to be patient, but we can trace God’s intervention in tragic human events to ultimate good in and for us. And we can go from despair to a personal relationship with God. We will not doubt the existence of God, or His good intentions. He will destroy all evil forever. And, as an extra bonus, we get eternal life–with Him.
The more we read His love letter, the Scriptures, the better we will understand and appreciate His power. Read the Bible, it is good for the soul. Don’t let your ignorance show.
Friday, April 19, 2019
Everything Is Coming Up Easter
This time of year is when we have a plethora of critical comments about the Resurrection. That is the twin of the critiques on the Birth of Jesus that spring up around the Advent season. “There was not a census.., Quirinius either was not a governor or it was at the wrong time.., The celebration was a copy of a pagan festival, Saturnalia.., It was not in December.., Mary was not really a virgin, just a young lady...” and so on.
Many of the “Easter Controversies” center around the actual day that we should celebrate the Resurrection. Other disputes focus on the specific day that Jesus died. I found a new one that asks if Jesus rose “on the third day,” or “after three days.” I suppose that is founded in the day of the week that Jesus died. Some say that He had to die on Thursday or even Wednesday to give a full three days. Died, Wednesday, then in the grave Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, three days, and rose on Sunday, after three days.
A variation is that He died on Thursday, and was dead Friday, Saturday, and rose again on Sunday, the third day. And, according to Dr. Rydelnyk, our resident and preferred Hebrew and Jewish scholar, He died on Friday, day one, in the grave Saturday, day two, and rose on Sunday, day three. In Jewish accounting, any part of a day counts as a full day. Friday, Saturday, Sunday adds up to three days. So He arose “after three days,” on the third day. Both sides are right.
Some will point out that the accounts vary in who came to the tomb and when; what they saw; and what they did. In reality, none of the “contradictions” are mutually exclusive. All of them could be perfectly and exactly accurate–for the people involved. Not everyone had the same experience, so trying to “merge” them into a single narrative is a foolish waste of time. That is like asking several people to tell about an earthquake, then pointing out the inconsistencies of the varied stories. It was different for each person. But each story was accurate.
Regardless of how the event is calculated, the important thing is that He rose! And if the “controversies” get us talking about the Resurrection, that is good. Jesus was dead, and came back to life. Paul spent the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians defending that premise. And, his argument is overwhelming. (I heard a guy comment one time that we should not say “incontestable or undeniable” fact, because some idiot, somewhere, will argue that even the sun did not come up today. No, not the old canard that the earth “turns under the sun. The sun stands still,” but that the sun is not really there. So we say that the evidence is overwhelming and let the goof-balls go where they will.)
Look at verses 3-5.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1. He died, as the sacrifice for our sins. 2. He was buried, picturing the removal of our sins like the “scape goat” in the Old Testament. (Leviticus 16) And, it verified that He was really dead because He was sealed in a tomb. 3. Then He was raised, as the Scriptures had predicted, by the way. 4. And He appeared to verifiable witnesses. That is the essential sense of the story.
He is alive! And, just for good measure, Romans 4:25 explains why this is important.
He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
The resurrection of Jesus was the verification that we were justified, completely absolved of all the guilt of sin. A famous financial advisor has people proclaim, “I’m debt free!” I prefer the Romans version: “I’m guilt free!” Christ the Lord is risen today. What a great song that is. But a corollary would be the hymn, “Saved by the Blood of the Crucified One.” (Below)
He had to die, and that gave us the blood. But without the resurrection, it was a tragic waste. But, as Paul demonstrated, He did rise, and that is the message that we proclaim every Easter. And the more we talk about it, the more we proclaim this truth, “til He comes again.” So let’s answer every controversy that we can find. Some have said that there is no bad publicity. Even negative comments make people think of you. And Easter has so much good that even if a negative thought is espoused, it merely highlights how good it is.
Do we worry about the details of the resurrection? Absolutely not. We rejoice that we can proclaim it. Let’s sing.
Saved By the Blood of the Crucified One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCdBHHHiyIs
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Hymn+Christ+the+Lord+Is+Risen+Today+Lyrics&&view=detail&mid=8EC5CBE69A8A847FAAEB8EC5CBE69A8A847FAAEB&&FORM=VRDGAR
Many of the “Easter Controversies” center around the actual day that we should celebrate the Resurrection. Other disputes focus on the specific day that Jesus died. I found a new one that asks if Jesus rose “on the third day,” or “after three days.” I suppose that is founded in the day of the week that Jesus died. Some say that He had to die on Thursday or even Wednesday to give a full three days. Died, Wednesday, then in the grave Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, three days, and rose on Sunday, after three days.
A variation is that He died on Thursday, and was dead Friday, Saturday, and rose again on Sunday, the third day. And, according to Dr. Rydelnyk, our resident and preferred Hebrew and Jewish scholar, He died on Friday, day one, in the grave Saturday, day two, and rose on Sunday, day three. In Jewish accounting, any part of a day counts as a full day. Friday, Saturday, Sunday adds up to three days. So He arose “after three days,” on the third day. Both sides are right.
Some will point out that the accounts vary in who came to the tomb and when; what they saw; and what they did. In reality, none of the “contradictions” are mutually exclusive. All of them could be perfectly and exactly accurate–for the people involved. Not everyone had the same experience, so trying to “merge” them into a single narrative is a foolish waste of time. That is like asking several people to tell about an earthquake, then pointing out the inconsistencies of the varied stories. It was different for each person. But each story was accurate.
Regardless of how the event is calculated, the important thing is that He rose! And if the “controversies” get us talking about the Resurrection, that is good. Jesus was dead, and came back to life. Paul spent the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians defending that premise. And, his argument is overwhelming. (I heard a guy comment one time that we should not say “incontestable or undeniable” fact, because some idiot, somewhere, will argue that even the sun did not come up today. No, not the old canard that the earth “turns under the sun. The sun stands still,” but that the sun is not really there. So we say that the evidence is overwhelming and let the goof-balls go where they will.)
Look at verses 3-5.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
1. He died, as the sacrifice for our sins. 2. He was buried, picturing the removal of our sins like the “scape goat” in the Old Testament. (Leviticus 16) And, it verified that He was really dead because He was sealed in a tomb. 3. Then He was raised, as the Scriptures had predicted, by the way. 4. And He appeared to verifiable witnesses. That is the essential sense of the story.
He is alive! And, just for good measure, Romans 4:25 explains why this is important.
He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
The resurrection of Jesus was the verification that we were justified, completely absolved of all the guilt of sin. A famous financial advisor has people proclaim, “I’m debt free!” I prefer the Romans version: “I’m guilt free!” Christ the Lord is risen today. What a great song that is. But a corollary would be the hymn, “Saved by the Blood of the Crucified One.” (Below)
He had to die, and that gave us the blood. But without the resurrection, it was a tragic waste. But, as Paul demonstrated, He did rise, and that is the message that we proclaim every Easter. And the more we talk about it, the more we proclaim this truth, “til He comes again.” So let’s answer every controversy that we can find. Some have said that there is no bad publicity. Even negative comments make people think of you. And Easter has so much good that even if a negative thought is espoused, it merely highlights how good it is.
Do we worry about the details of the resurrection? Absolutely not. We rejoice that we can proclaim it. Let’s sing.
Saved By the Blood of the Crucified One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCdBHHHiyIs
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Hymn+Christ+the+Lord+Is+Risen+Today+Lyrics&&view=detail&mid=8EC5CBE69A8A847FAAEB8EC5CBE69A8A847FAAEB&&FORM=VRDGAR
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Unplanned
If you have not yet seen the movie, “Unplanned” by all means go see it. The “R” label is for bloody and disturbing scenes. And they are bloody disturbing. That may be an obscenity in England, and surely, abortion is an obscenity.
Go see it.
But, we cannot leave it there. At one point, Abby Johnson, the former director of an abortion clinic cried, “How can God forgive me?” She had “presided” over about 22,000 abortions.
I wanted to stand in the theater and shout, “Because of Easter!” The Old Testament carefully and and in elaborate detail outlines the procedure for sacrifice and worship. It is difficult and demanding. We are talking about approaching the perfectly holy God. A slip-shod, careless approach is neither fitting nor efficacious. And as Aaron’s two oldest sons discovered, it can be fatal. (Leviticus 10) And if I recognize my abject failure to be holy and pure, I will cry out with Abby, “How can God forgive ME?”
He sent His perfect Son, the Holy Son, to be the sacrifice described and prescribed in the Old Testament to pay for my failures. We celebrate that every year at Easter. And how can we be sure that it was enough? Are my sins forgiven and, as the old song goes, “buried in the depths of the deepest sea?”
Romans 4:25 eliminates that doubt. Hallelujah! Speaking of Christ Jesus,
He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. (Another translation says, “on account of our justification.”)
“Delivered” means that He was brought as the lamb in the sacrifice, and died. And when God evaluated the offering, He declared it “satisfactory.” In fact it was perfect. And to demonstrate that for Abby, and me, and all the world to see that He was pleased and accepted the sacrifice, He raised Jesus from the dead. Another Easter hymn goes, “Death cannot hold its prey, Jesus my Saviour!” Shout it out!
We are forgiven, freed from guilt. And the book of James instructs us in our behavior. James 2:18b
“I will show you my faith by my works.”
True faith results in works and as we sare assured that we are forgiven by Jesus’ resurrection. People see our faith by our works. James 2:24
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
We cannot see “faith,” but the results are visible in our works, actions. We see God's work in justification by the Resurrection. And my "works" include the fact that I oppose abortion.
[Note: Three states have approved, and eight others have pending, bills to prohibit abortion after a heart beat is detected. It is a baby. Our Planned Parenthood friends, according to Abby, used to have a room labeled P. O. C. The official name was Products of Conception, but the workers called it “Parts of Children.” Medically it is imperative that the abortionist ensure that everything is “out” for any part left behind can fester and infect the mother. They have to verify that the whole baby is in the petri dish. Yes, “obscene” is not appropriate. We need something more intense. Stop it! End of note.]
I had not planned to write on abortion or movies this Easter season. The final credits of the movie had UNPLANNED in all caps. The UN was crossed out with a horizontal line through the letters and a vertical line between the U and the N. A cross changed everything. It was God’s plan from the foundation of the world.
Hallelujah, what a Savior. He planned it all.
Go see it.
But, we cannot leave it there. At one point, Abby Johnson, the former director of an abortion clinic cried, “How can God forgive me?” She had “presided” over about 22,000 abortions.
I wanted to stand in the theater and shout, “Because of Easter!” The Old Testament carefully and and in elaborate detail outlines the procedure for sacrifice and worship. It is difficult and demanding. We are talking about approaching the perfectly holy God. A slip-shod, careless approach is neither fitting nor efficacious. And as Aaron’s two oldest sons discovered, it can be fatal. (Leviticus 10) And if I recognize my abject failure to be holy and pure, I will cry out with Abby, “How can God forgive ME?”
He sent His perfect Son, the Holy Son, to be the sacrifice described and prescribed in the Old Testament to pay for my failures. We celebrate that every year at Easter. And how can we be sure that it was enough? Are my sins forgiven and, as the old song goes, “buried in the depths of the deepest sea?”
Romans 4:25 eliminates that doubt. Hallelujah! Speaking of Christ Jesus,
He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification. (Another translation says, “on account of our justification.”)
“Delivered” means that He was brought as the lamb in the sacrifice, and died. And when God evaluated the offering, He declared it “satisfactory.” In fact it was perfect. And to demonstrate that for Abby, and me, and all the world to see that He was pleased and accepted the sacrifice, He raised Jesus from the dead. Another Easter hymn goes, “Death cannot hold its prey, Jesus my Saviour!” Shout it out!
We are forgiven, freed from guilt. And the book of James instructs us in our behavior. James 2:18b
“I will show you my faith by my works.”
True faith results in works and as we sare assured that we are forgiven by Jesus’ resurrection. People see our faith by our works. James 2:24
You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
We cannot see “faith,” but the results are visible in our works, actions. We see God's work in justification by the Resurrection. And my "works" include the fact that I oppose abortion.
[Note: Three states have approved, and eight others have pending, bills to prohibit abortion after a heart beat is detected. It is a baby. Our Planned Parenthood friends, according to Abby, used to have a room labeled P. O. C. The official name was Products of Conception, but the workers called it “Parts of Children.” Medically it is imperative that the abortionist ensure that everything is “out” for any part left behind can fester and infect the mother. They have to verify that the whole baby is in the petri dish. Yes, “obscene” is not appropriate. We need something more intense. Stop it! End of note.]
I had not planned to write on abortion or movies this Easter season. The final credits of the movie had UNPLANNED in all caps. The UN was crossed out with a horizontal line through the letters and a vertical line between the U and the N. A cross changed everything. It was God’s plan from the foundation of the world.
Hallelujah, what a Savior. He planned it all.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Deuteronomy and Psalm 119
Reading God’s Word can surely show us a lot. Two questions that have occurred to me recently were answered in the daily reading and designed memory process. The first concerned false prophets and the idea that the Children of Israel asked Moses to request the Lord not to talk to them.
(Exodus 20:18, 19
All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance. 19 “You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”
Have you heard any messages about this that essentially condemned the Jews for not wanting to hear from God? I have. Then I read this passage in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.
15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. 16 This is what you requested from the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, ‘Let us not continue to hear the voice of the Lord our God or see this great fire any longer, so that we will not die!’ (ED: Exodus 20) 17 Then the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to My words that he speaks in My name. 20 But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 You may say to yourself, ‘How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken?’ 22 When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
This passage answers two questions. First, it addresses the question of the people not wanting to “hear from God.” But check verse 17. God commends the people for being circumspect. It seems as if they really understood God and His holiness and realized that even hearing His voice could condemn them. So they requested that Moses be the “go-between.” He became the mediator, a picture of Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Isn’t that a great picture? No one is worthy to directly approach God, but He sent a Mediator, His Son, to take that place. Moses was a picture of that, as were the priests. Then the rest of the passage we cited in Deuteronomy becomes crystal clear. God was not just “picking on” false prophets. This statement did not just come out of the blue. Since God recognized that Moses would not live forever–as our Mediator does–he took the practical step of telling the people to look for other messengers, prophets, who would deliver God’s message to the people.
Now the rest of that paragraph makes tons of sense. Moses told them that another prophet would replace him. (V. 15) God would put “His words” into the mouth of the prophet. If the people did not listen, the penalty was the same as if they ignored God’s words from the mountain. That is a sobering responsibility–for both the listeners, and for the prophet.
So the declaration in v. 20 now makes tons of sense.
But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.
With God’s command to listen and obey what the prophet says, comes the burden of making sure that what is said is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The temptation for mortals is to exercise and exceed their authority to their own benefit.
James (3:1) carried that concept into the New Testament.
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
Then Moses’ final comment is that we do not need to fear a false, or presumptuous prophet. Just for the record and our guidance, a test for false prophets is given. First, is what he said in accordance with what God has already said? That is the implication of “My words in his mouth.” Since God will not change His mind or contradict Himself, everything “new” that comes from the prophet must agree with everything already said. No changes will happen. (Good lesson to apply to some teachings that are promulgated today. “This is a new time....” NOT!) But I digress.
Second, if the prophet advises or advocates worshiping any other God, he is false. This is a “just to make sure you understand” the first rule. No other gods. Period. If anyone strays from that is is a fake. And the third is a practical test. If he makes any predictions, they will come true completely, with no near misses or errors. Just to verify His agents, God said that He would give a prophet a vision, or insight into the future. And if the prophet is truly God-sent, the vision will come true. Have you read Daniel lately? His visions were astoundingly accurate–and detailed. No sweeping generalizations like a king will fall, a mountain will erupt, a famine will come. They were specific and detailed, just as were Joseph’s visions in Egypt.
These three tests guided the people to listen to and obey prophets then. They guide us today. What a great insight.
The second question that I have heard is related to this. Have you ever heard a pastor or leader say, “Don’t follow me, follow Jesus?” At first blush this seems to be appropriate and godly. It shows his humility. That may not be the case. Let’s check how Paul instructed his readers.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1)
This is repeated in Philippians 3:17. Granted we are not to put ourselves up as the standard, as Moses warned in Deuteronomy. But neither are leaders exempt from the requirement to follow the pattern that God has given. Then in my memory verses for the past few weeks, I realized that this train of thought was replicated in Psalm 119:77-80. Read with me.
May Your compassion come to me so that I may live, for Your instruction is my delight. (Notice the pattern being followed. ED.) 78 Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You, those who know Your decrees, turn to me. 80 May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes so that I will not be put to shame.
You and I will not, in all likelihood, hear a voice from God. He has pretty much given us all that we need to know in His instruction, precepts, decrees, and statutes. (Just for fun, read the whole chapter and count how many different ways God’s Word is labeled.)
Notice specifically verse 79. Sounds like Paul, doesn’t it? Follow me as I “make my heart blameless regarding Your statutes.” The arrogant are shamed in that they do not follow the “instruction” and “precepts.” David was probably the author and he was a “man after God’s own heart.” And he was slandered by those who did not follow the Law. But his prayer was that he stay true to the Word.
If a teacher cannot ask people to follow him as he follows Christ, he might need to reevaluate his own path. I want to follow Christ so that people who follow me will not be put to shame, as David put it.
Read and memorize. It is good for the soul.
One other thought from Adrian Rogers. Moses met God at a burning bush at Sinai. Then he led the people out of Egypt to Sinai, to meet God at a burning mountain. Check Exodus 20:18.
(Exodus 20:18, 19
All the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain surrounded by smoke. When the people saw it they trembled and stood at a distance. 19 “You speak to us, and we will listen,” they said to Moses, “but don’t let God speak to us, or we will die.”
Have you heard any messages about this that essentially condemned the Jews for not wanting to hear from God? I have. Then I read this passage in Deuteronomy 18:15-22.
15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. 16 This is what you requested from the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, ‘Let us not continue to hear the voice of the Lord our God or see this great fire any longer, so that we will not die!’ (ED: Exodus 20) 17 Then the Lord said to me, ‘They have spoken well. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers. I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. 19 I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to My words that he speaks in My name. 20 But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.’ 21 You may say to yourself, ‘How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken?’ 22 When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.
This passage answers two questions. First, it addresses the question of the people not wanting to “hear from God.” But check verse 17. God commends the people for being circumspect. It seems as if they really understood God and His holiness and realized that even hearing His voice could condemn them. So they requested that Moses be the “go-between.” He became the mediator, a picture of Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
Isn’t that a great picture? No one is worthy to directly approach God, but He sent a Mediator, His Son, to take that place. Moses was a picture of that, as were the priests. Then the rest of the passage we cited in Deuteronomy becomes crystal clear. God was not just “picking on” false prophets. This statement did not just come out of the blue. Since God recognized that Moses would not live forever–as our Mediator does–he took the practical step of telling the people to look for other messengers, prophets, who would deliver God’s message to the people.
Now the rest of that paragraph makes tons of sense. Moses told them that another prophet would replace him. (V. 15) God would put “His words” into the mouth of the prophet. If the people did not listen, the penalty was the same as if they ignored God’s words from the mountain. That is a sobering responsibility–for both the listeners, and for the prophet.
So the declaration in v. 20 now makes tons of sense.
But the prophet who speaks a word presumptuously in My name which I have not commanded him to speak, or which he speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet shall die.
With God’s command to listen and obey what the prophet says, comes the burden of making sure that what is said is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The temptation for mortals is to exercise and exceed their authority to their own benefit.
James (3:1) carried that concept into the New Testament.
Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.
Then Moses’ final comment is that we do not need to fear a false, or presumptuous prophet. Just for the record and our guidance, a test for false prophets is given. First, is what he said in accordance with what God has already said? That is the implication of “My words in his mouth.” Since God will not change His mind or contradict Himself, everything “new” that comes from the prophet must agree with everything already said. No changes will happen. (Good lesson to apply to some teachings that are promulgated today. “This is a new time....” NOT!) But I digress.
Second, if the prophet advises or advocates worshiping any other God, he is false. This is a “just to make sure you understand” the first rule. No other gods. Period. If anyone strays from that is is a fake. And the third is a practical test. If he makes any predictions, they will come true completely, with no near misses or errors. Just to verify His agents, God said that He would give a prophet a vision, or insight into the future. And if the prophet is truly God-sent, the vision will come true. Have you read Daniel lately? His visions were astoundingly accurate–and detailed. No sweeping generalizations like a king will fall, a mountain will erupt, a famine will come. They were specific and detailed, just as were Joseph’s visions in Egypt.
These three tests guided the people to listen to and obey prophets then. They guide us today. What a great insight.
The second question that I have heard is related to this. Have you ever heard a pastor or leader say, “Don’t follow me, follow Jesus?” At first blush this seems to be appropriate and godly. It shows his humility. That may not be the case. Let’s check how Paul instructed his readers.
Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1)
This is repeated in Philippians 3:17. Granted we are not to put ourselves up as the standard, as Moses warned in Deuteronomy. But neither are leaders exempt from the requirement to follow the pattern that God has given. Then in my memory verses for the past few weeks, I realized that this train of thought was replicated in Psalm 119:77-80. Read with me.
May Your compassion come to me so that I may live, for Your instruction is my delight. (Notice the pattern being followed. ED.) 78 Let the arrogant be put to shame for slandering me with lies; I will meditate on Your precepts.
79 Let those who fear You, those who know Your decrees, turn to me. 80 May my heart be blameless regarding Your statutes so that I will not be put to shame.
You and I will not, in all likelihood, hear a voice from God. He has pretty much given us all that we need to know in His instruction, precepts, decrees, and statutes. (Just for fun, read the whole chapter and count how many different ways God’s Word is labeled.)
Notice specifically verse 79. Sounds like Paul, doesn’t it? Follow me as I “make my heart blameless regarding Your statutes.” The arrogant are shamed in that they do not follow the “instruction” and “precepts.” David was probably the author and he was a “man after God’s own heart.” And he was slandered by those who did not follow the Law. But his prayer was that he stay true to the Word.
If a teacher cannot ask people to follow him as he follows Christ, he might need to reevaluate his own path. I want to follow Christ so that people who follow me will not be put to shame, as David put it.
Read and memorize. It is good for the soul.
One other thought from Adrian Rogers. Moses met God at a burning bush at Sinai. Then he led the people out of Egypt to Sinai, to meet God at a burning mountain. Check Exodus 20:18.
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