Originally posted on my A Southern Belle With Northern Roots blog.
Noah- the least biblical film ever made.
That is what Aronofsky himself said about his film Noah, a self proclaimed atheist who wanted to do a new take on the old story. I ask this, Why bother?
If you hate God, don't believe in his word and feel the need to make a movie about it, why not call it Sam.
Aronofsky chose to Call it Noah, chose to keep the sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, he chose to have the ark, the animals, a creator, angels, and the story of the literal 6 day creation, albeit shot in a manner that would appease any evolutionist. He wanted to do the story of Noah, and in my opinion, try to tear down God by creating his own "creator".
After deciding not to see it in theaters and hearing all the complaints of rock people, environmental agendas and biblical inaccuracy, as well as the flip side on the case for poetic license, creativity, and "at least they will go home and read their bible" I went ahead and rented it. If I were not a Christian, would I have gone home and looked up the story of Noah? I really doubt it. Would I have had any hope in a "creator" that could or would save me? probably not. Would I have enjoyed the movie? NO, it just isn't a good movie.
From the Christian perspective
Rocks
Right of the bat....those rocks. Watchers keeping an eye on Cain in a land that is no longer Gods. (note, I am using God, and the movie does not, only creator is used) Land that is no longer Gods....our first taste of what sets up a Diestic view at best.
Walking and talking rock people, think of a poor rip off of the Lord of the Rings Ents. I could go for poetic license here, but no, Aronofsky once again chose to go the extra mile and make them fallen angels. Fallen angels from the early rebellion cast down and abandoned by their father, yet, at least one receives mercy and forgiveness and goes on to heaven, never mind the true biblical fate of those fallen angels, those demons we often choose to ignore the existence of.
Noah and Family
We know Noah to be an imperfect man, but we see a new Noah here; A calloused, mission driven, mad man, often ruthless and illogical that becomes the sole decision maker in who lives and dies. Surrounded by doe eyed, nearly mute children, who defer to him as though he himself were god, and a wife that is capable of only smiles and tears, they stand by as he rules with an iron fist.
Of course Noah's drunken naked state after the flood is accurately portrayed, no doubt because it is unfavorable.
Man
Hooray! At least this one is right! The wickedness of man, self driven, self seeking and grandiose, total depravity at its best. Think Road Warrior
That pesky doctrine of man kind, that wicked heart beyond cure portrayed so well, yet the one doctrine that quickly upsets man. To say we are wicked? To say we are capable of such atrocities that we need a savior, that we need grace and cannot save ourselves.....how dare you.
I mean the movie, as well as man kind, goes as far as it can to say man has both evil and good within him, as though we can be good enough to save ourselves. Who needs a god to change a heart that is capable of good, right?
The Ark
Taking the time to establish Noah and the ark full of animals, it could have at least been accurate as to who was on the ark as well as who was not. If the movie maker wants to discredit the actual story by allowing only one wife of the sons on board, why bother having her give birth to twin girls, keeping the procreation element alive, why not find a girl out on a boat? or one hiding in the ark with the crazed lunatic on board.
Summary
My conclusion is this, the value of this movie lies in a message not sent by Aronofsky directly but indirectly.
You see, he, a self proclaimed athiest best illustrates man's desire to create a creator, we want a higher power when the deluge comes that can save us, but we don't want him to tell us what to do or how to live. We want to pick the parts of scripture we like, and do away with the others. Mankind wants to fashion this god of saving grace, abundant mercy that we can cry out to when things are unfair, scary, and unsafe. Yet, we wish to be Diests making sure that god is far away when we don't need him, or Materialists living in a world that created and sustains itself, void of any power with control over our lives.
I used to be so troubled by the passage Genesis 6:5
"The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thought of his heart was only evil continually"
NIV puts it this way-"
The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth,and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.
only evil all of the time.
What does that mean?
Man kind is capable of evil, all of the time, every one of us. Do not be fooled, it is the common grace of God that keeps us from completely destroying ourselves. The good we do is the grace of God, not the goodness of man, for the heart is decietful and beyond cure. Jer 17:9 and man is given over to depravity Romans 1.
WE NEED A SAVIOR
We need a savior that we ourselves do NOT create but one that created us, sustains us, and is capable of saving us.....from ourselves.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Come Let Us Create Our Own god.
The dissatisfied gathered to tell of their woes.
Our enemy worships a God we do not like.
Our enemy tries to convert us!
This God of the enemy is far too judgmental.
He is not fair, cried some.
He is not real, thought most.
Let us make a god of our own.
He will be powerful!
Shall we give him the answers?
NO- he will not tell us what to do.
He will stand for what is right.
NO- he will not tell us then what is wrong.
Shall he stand for justice?
NO- he will not judge us.
Will he crush our enemies?
NO- our god will only love.
Will he die for us?
They laughed, what kind of god would do that?
He will give us what we want,
He will accept us for who we are.
A time of great trouble came,
a time of great war.
The dissatisfied called upon their god.
What shall we do?
But, their god had no answers.
Fight for us! Defend us
But, their god could not.
Why do you not destroy our enemies?
This is not fair!
They began to turn upon each other,
to war within themselves.
Blame and quarrel, then fists and weapons,
they tore each other apart.
Their god stood by and gave them what they wanted.
Much time had passed.
The end of the war came,
most did not survive.
They stood before the God of the others, the God they had mocked.
A God who stood for justice, a God who judged.
A God with the answers, a God they could trust.
He is real they thought.
Your sin stands between you and I, said this God.
You must pay the penalty, you must set things right.
We cannot they cried, it is not fair!
Is it fair that your enemy should pay for his sins?
Oh Yes! that is fair.
Your enemy has a God that died for them,
My son, their God has paid for their sin.
.
Why did they not tell us?
They did. You would not hear.
Why did we not listen?
You created a god that gave you what you wanted,
a god that would not tell you what was right and wrong.
You created a god that was powerless.
Abandoned they stood....
Where is your god?
They looked around....
their god was not there.
Also published on my other blog A Southern Belle With Northern Roots
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sonday- Why is God in your Politics?(Imported from Southern Belle With Northern Roots
Why do you always bring religion into politics?
The question put forth by both those opposed to God as well as the nominal Christian, "God belongs in church and no where else!"
Easy to say if you don't know God for who he says he is, if the bible is a mere storybook. Sing a hymn on Sunday and by Sunday evening make damn sure he stayed in church and isn't around telling us what to do in our homes, our schools, our businesses and in our politics.
If God does not exist to you then you may mock the very thought of the big guy in the sky and those who believe in him. You may instead worship the earth, global warming, society or the big book of "How to do Whatever I Please."
Those who leave their fate to chance have no desire for any imposed absolute moral standard to govern them.
A believer in Christ lives a life governed by and subject to a holy creator.
A believer knows apart from Christ he can do nothing. John 15
He believes the word of Christ dwells within him Col 3:16, and Christ himself lives in him. Eph 3:17.
A believer in Christ knows God establishes all government, Romans 13.
Therefore, they do not live their lives or vote apart from God.
When a person becomes a parent, their whole life changes, they think in ways they never did before, always knowing their words and decisions effect their children. They begin to anticipate how things will be in the future, it would be safe to say they could not live, discuss or vote in a manner in which they cease to be a parent.
Just as a persons ethnicity, culture and backgrounds factor into their voting, they vote towards ideas and candidates that "fit" into who they are or who they wish to become.
So it is for a Christian, a true believer in Christ and in the bible, he cannot remove God to go vote or to debate an issue. Even if they would not speak his name, his very presence withing them is a part of their thoughts, words and actions. Still acting as fallible human beings guided by the Holy Spirit, this Christian is never separate from God, just as a non believing voter brings in to the voting booth their opinions, beliefs and entire history which has formed them into the person they are.
Law is overwhelmingly, some would say completely based upon biblical principles. Stealing, murder, and the treatment of others are all set before us as laws of the land and laws of God. As a people we demand justice, we depend on it.
A problem arises when we define just , and by who's standards. What is fair and who says so?
The answer is either an absolute authority or the court of public opinion, subject to whim, emotion and agenda.
Lest it be argued God is not just because of the evil in the world, or the rampant sin, slavery and other challenging issues, keep in mind, the bible's core truth is man is sinful. Sin, slavery, abuse all stem from mankind and we demand justice for it. Correct? So do you curse God because he allows it? Do you blame him? If so, you have just admitted he exists.
Scripture is full of examples of those who followed after God and the mistakes they made as well as those who reject him and curse him.
The final outcome is justice, ultimate justice based on an absolute truth, God is God, man is not. Man wrongs others and God demands justice, man wrongs God and God demands justice. Everyone will be held accountable for every word, for every action, that is just.
Fair? NO
Fair would be everyone would pay equally for their iniquities, but someone, Christ, paid for those who shall be called his. Completely unfair.
Those who reject him will pay for their own sins, that is after all....fair.
So if God is who he says he is, he is not separate from our lives, our conversations, our debates or our voting. You may wish to try and exclude him if you like, but he exists outside of Sunday morning and the next time you need him, when life stinks, when death is at your door and fear overwhelms you...he will be there too.
This was originally posted on my A Southern Belle With Northern Roots blog and has been copied and transferred by me, the author.
The question put forth by both those opposed to God as well as the nominal Christian, "God belongs in church and no where else!"
Easy to say if you don't know God for who he says he is, if the bible is a mere storybook. Sing a hymn on Sunday and by Sunday evening make damn sure he stayed in church and isn't around telling us what to do in our homes, our schools, our businesses and in our politics.
If God does not exist to you then you may mock the very thought of the big guy in the sky and those who believe in him. You may instead worship the earth, global warming, society or the big book of "How to do Whatever I Please."
Those who leave their fate to chance have no desire for any imposed absolute moral standard to govern them.
A believer in Christ lives a life governed by and subject to a holy creator.
A believer knows apart from Christ he can do nothing. John 15
He believes the word of Christ dwells within him Col 3:16, and Christ himself lives in him. Eph 3:17.
A believer in Christ knows God establishes all government, Romans 13.
Therefore, they do not live their lives or vote apart from God.
When a person becomes a parent, their whole life changes, they think in ways they never did before, always knowing their words and decisions effect their children. They begin to anticipate how things will be in the future, it would be safe to say they could not live, discuss or vote in a manner in which they cease to be a parent.
Just as a persons ethnicity, culture and backgrounds factor into their voting, they vote towards ideas and candidates that "fit" into who they are or who they wish to become.
So it is for a Christian, a true believer in Christ and in the bible, he cannot remove God to go vote or to debate an issue. Even if they would not speak his name, his very presence withing them is a part of their thoughts, words and actions. Still acting as fallible human beings guided by the Holy Spirit, this Christian is never separate from God, just as a non believing voter brings in to the voting booth their opinions, beliefs and entire history which has formed them into the person they are.
Law is overwhelmingly, some would say completely based upon biblical principles. Stealing, murder, and the treatment of others are all set before us as laws of the land and laws of God. As a people we demand justice, we depend on it.
A problem arises when we define just , and by who's standards. What is fair and who says so?
The answer is either an absolute authority or the court of public opinion, subject to whim, emotion and agenda.
Lest it be argued God is not just because of the evil in the world, or the rampant sin, slavery and other challenging issues, keep in mind, the bible's core truth is man is sinful. Sin, slavery, abuse all stem from mankind and we demand justice for it. Correct? So do you curse God because he allows it? Do you blame him? If so, you have just admitted he exists.
Scripture is full of examples of those who followed after God and the mistakes they made as well as those who reject him and curse him.
The final outcome is justice, ultimate justice based on an absolute truth, God is God, man is not. Man wrongs others and God demands justice, man wrongs God and God demands justice. Everyone will be held accountable for every word, for every action, that is just.
Fair? NO
Fair would be everyone would pay equally for their iniquities, but someone, Christ, paid for those who shall be called his. Completely unfair.
Those who reject him will pay for their own sins, that is after all....fair.
So if God is who he says he is, he is not separate from our lives, our conversations, our debates or our voting. You may wish to try and exclude him if you like, but he exists outside of Sunday morning and the next time you need him, when life stinks, when death is at your door and fear overwhelms you...he will be there too.
This was originally posted on my A Southern Belle With Northern Roots blog and has been copied and transferred by me, the author.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
From a Friend in Japan
I wanted to pass along an update from a friend in Japan.
It has been one week since I wrote,
"As I watch the news my heart is breaking for the people of Japan who are lost and without Christ. Please pray that God will use this to bring millions to Himself."
My heart is still breaking but we are here, healthy and rapidly developing a plan to engage our Japanese contacts, friends and neighbors with the message of the Gospel. This morning I was on the phone with Jim Bowden our Cadence Missionary colleague located in Tokyo. As we shared notes concerning what was happening in our respective locations, he shared a comment that was made by one of the Japanese folks he knows concerning what the Japanese are saying on the streets about this disaster and the simple phrase that came out was:
"Divine Judgment"
That is an amazing statement considering that a Buddhist has no real frame work for God, but it speaks volumes concerning their sensitivity to and openness for a discussion of the Gospel message. What a privilege to be here at this moment in history and to have the only true words of Hope from God Himself.
If you love someone and you know that a Tsunami is heading toward them, then you will do everything you can to warn them. Spiritually, as sinners we are all facing a "Tsunami" of judgment by a holy and just God and our only hope of rescue is in the shed blood of Christ, our dear risen Savior. We know the way to safety and our love for these precious people compels us to sound the alarm and lead as many as we can to divine rescue.
We are humbled that all of us together can prayerfully and financially partner in this great work. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us to those who are buried in the rubble of sin and hopelessness.
Blessings,
Rick, for the both of us.
Monday, February 21, 2011
My i dol(l)
The concept of i dol(l) came from a BSF classmate, Sue, during the study of Isaiah. Thank you Sue for your insight. Praise God for his revelation.
It is the time of i phones, i pads and i pods. All personalized to our wants and needs, and for everything we want or need...."there is an app for that." an application, a download if you will.
so why not an i dol(l)
like a doll, a me, filled to the brim with every convenient helpful application I desire.
I mean..we create idols all the time.
John Calvin said the heart is a perpetual idol factory.
Sport events and teams that take all our time, energy and money, only to be let down when the season is over.
We seek people and their opinions over God's
We have plenty of time to read but never time to read scripture. Perhaps taking the word of a mere man as gospel over the gospel itself.
We can be controlled by drink, food, addictions, or sex. Only to be left feeling full of self and empty of soul.
Guilty
Tired
Many cultures today still worship the idols of old, statues demi- gods.
But the oldest idol of all is still the most prevalent. The idol of self.
Why not call it the i dol(l)
downloadable, upgradable
Maybe I , my doll, is programmed to believe marriage is good and honorable, that relationships are sacred and should be protected.
then....someone comes along that gives me attention or makes me feel good,
I know Jesus said to look at another with lust is adultry
Do I download that app? or do I disregard it?
God says not to covet anything of my neighbors, but my i dol(l) wants a bigger house and a nicer car...like he has. I can always choose to download the I am content and thankful for what I have app or the I deserve it, he doesn't, it's not fair app.
Do not steal! Sounds good to me I don't want anyone stealing from me, yet
I "borrow" from work or I copy a friends CD or computer program.
I mean I'm not really stealing that...they charge too much anyway. There is an app for that.
James 1 :26 if anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
NEVERMIND... my i dol(l) is full there isn't even room for that one!
I fashion my i dol(l) however I like,
I serve my i dol(l) I choose my i dol(l)
I often follow my i dol(l)'s whims and emotions, reacting to the world around me.
Is 44:20 Idols mislead and delude
Is 57:13 Idols cannot save
Is 42:17 Those who trust in idols will be turned back in utter shame
3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
idol- anything put in the place of God
anything you exalt in your heart that is a substitute for God
any belief about God that is not true
How do we cure idol and i dol(l) worship?
Well......guess what there is an app for that. It is called scripture.
Application-
–noun
It is the time of i phones, i pads and i pods. All personalized to our wants and needs, and for everything we want or need...."there is an app for that." an application, a download if you will.
so why not an i dol(l)
like a doll, a me, filled to the brim with every convenient helpful application I desire.
I mean..we create idols all the time.
John Calvin said the heart is a perpetual idol factory.
Sport events and teams that take all our time, energy and money, only to be let down when the season is over.
We seek people and their opinions over God's
We have plenty of time to read but never time to read scripture. Perhaps taking the word of a mere man as gospel over the gospel itself.
We can be controlled by drink, food, addictions, or sex. Only to be left feeling full of self and empty of soul.
Guilty
Tired
Many cultures today still worship the idols of old, statues demi- gods.
But the oldest idol of all is still the most prevalent. The idol of self.
Why not call it the i dol(l)
downloadable, upgradable
Maybe I , my doll, is programmed to believe marriage is good and honorable, that relationships are sacred and should be protected.
then....someone comes along that gives me attention or makes me feel good,
I know Jesus said to look at another with lust is adultry
Do I download that app? or do I disregard it?
God says not to covet anything of my neighbors, but my i dol(l) wants a bigger house and a nicer car...like he has. I can always choose to download the I am content and thankful for what I have app or the I deserve it, he doesn't, it's not fair app.
Do not steal! Sounds good to me I don't want anyone stealing from me, yet
I "borrow" from work or I copy a friends CD or computer program.
I mean I'm not really stealing that...they charge too much anyway. There is an app for that.
James 1 :26 if anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight reign on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
NEVERMIND... my i dol(l) is full there isn't even room for that one!
I fashion my i dol(l) however I like,
I serve my i dol(l) I choose my i dol(l)
I often follow my i dol(l)'s whims and emotions, reacting to the world around me.
Is 44:20 Idols mislead and delude
Is 57:13 Idols cannot save
Is 42:17 Those who trust in idols will be turned back in utter shame
Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments
1 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.3 “You shall have no other gods before[a] me.
4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
idol- anything put in the place of God
anything you exalt in your heart that is a substitute for God
any belief about God that is not true
How do we cure idol and i dol(l) worship?
Well......guess what there is an app for that. It is called scripture.
Application-
–noun
2. the special use or purpose to which something is put
3. the quality of being usable for a particular purpose or in a special way; relevance:
4. close attention; persistent effort an act or instance of spreading on, rubbing in, or bringing into contact: the application of a compress to a wound;a salve, ointment, or the like, applied as a soothing or healing agent.
The word of God for a special purpose, relevant, a salve, an ointment applied to a wound.
Stop by Spiritual Sundays for more thoughts and inspiration.
Stop by Spiritual Sundays for more thoughts and inspiration.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Glancing or Gazing Upon the Lord
Jaded- worn out, wearied to make or become dull
Glance- to look suddenly and briefly
Gaze- to look intently and steadily
stare as in wonder or expectancy
There is nothing like lying in a hospital bed to increase your prayer life.
Pain, tubes, morphine hallucinations...
one feels vulnerable, weak.
Before going in unexpectantly for a second surgery, if you had asked me about my faith I would have said it was strong.... yet relaxed.
Now I had no faith crisis, no disbelief, no struggle with God, I had just become comfortable.
Prayer- less frequent, study less intense, if one were to climb a ladder of faith I had perhaps stepped down a rung.
Once when I was a new Christian a friend that had been active in the church for years said to me, "You haven't been a believer long enough to be jaded."
I remember being shocked and praying that night that I never would become "jaded".
yet...
somehow over the years that fire within , the desire to know God more became...dulled.
Always in a bible study learning about Him but not meeting with Him.
Always praying to Him but not approaching Him.
You see I was glancing at Him. I was not gazing upon Him.
My head knew and my heart forgot.
Still knowing He was on the throne,
mighty,
merciful,
holy and full of grace,
I glanced his way.
The will of man sometimes needs drastic measures to stop wandering away from the very God who created him.
So there I sat, weak, tired- no exhausted, self absorbed and uncomfortable in a hospital bed when a knock came.
In walked a man with gray hair and a full smile, he worked at the hospital in food service.
He asked if he could sing me a song.
I said yes.
He sang Beulah Land.
He spoke scripture.
Encouragement straight from God.
The focus of the song is on eternity, the promise of Christ's return to gather those who are his. Focus on Him and His redeeming work....Beulah Land, the Promised Land.
when we glance His way it is easy to stay focused on ourselves
when we gaze and look intently and expectantly we should be in awe of who He is.
Do not glance upon the writer of History, do not merely look His way.
Gaze upon Him who can carry you into a glorious eternity;
To a place of glory, without pain, without fear.
Look intently....expectantly for He comes faithful and true.
Glance- to look suddenly and briefly
Gaze- to look intently and steadily
stare as in wonder or expectancy
There is nothing like lying in a hospital bed to increase your prayer life.
Pain, tubes, morphine hallucinations...
one feels vulnerable, weak.
Before going in unexpectantly for a second surgery, if you had asked me about my faith I would have said it was strong.... yet relaxed.
Now I had no faith crisis, no disbelief, no struggle with God, I had just become comfortable.
Prayer- less frequent, study less intense, if one were to climb a ladder of faith I had perhaps stepped down a rung.
Once when I was a new Christian a friend that had been active in the church for years said to me, "You haven't been a believer long enough to be jaded."
I remember being shocked and praying that night that I never would become "jaded".
yet...
somehow over the years that fire within , the desire to know God more became...dulled.
Always in a bible study learning about Him but not meeting with Him.
Always praying to Him but not approaching Him.
You see I was glancing at Him. I was not gazing upon Him.
My head knew and my heart forgot.
Still knowing He was on the throne,
mighty,
merciful,
holy and full of grace,
I glanced his way.
The will of man sometimes needs drastic measures to stop wandering away from the very God who created him.
So there I sat, weak, tired- no exhausted, self absorbed and uncomfortable in a hospital bed when a knock came.
In walked a man with gray hair and a full smile, he worked at the hospital in food service.
He asked if he could sing me a song.
I said yes.
He sang Beulah Land.
He spoke scripture.
Encouragement straight from God.
The focus of the song is on eternity, the promise of Christ's return to gather those who are his. Focus on Him and His redeeming work....Beulah Land, the Promised Land.
when we glance His way it is easy to stay focused on ourselves
when we gaze and look intently and expectantly we should be in awe of who He is.
Do not glance upon the writer of History, do not merely look His way.
Gaze upon Him who can carry you into a glorious eternity;
To a place of glory, without pain, without fear.
Look intently....expectantly for He comes faithful and true.
Beulah Land
I'm kind of homesick for a country
to which I've never been before
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
and time won't matter anymore
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand
There my home shall be eternal.
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
I'm looking now across that river,
to where my faiths 'gonna end in sight
There's just a few more days to labor,
then I will take my heavenlyflight
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand
There my home shall be eternal
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
Stop by Spiritual Sundays for more inspiration.
to which I've never been before
No sad goodbyes will there be spoken
and time won't matter anymore
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand
There my home shall be eternal.
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
I'm looking now across that river,
to where my faiths 'gonna end in sight
There's just a few more days to labor,
then I will take my heavenly
Beulah Land I'm longing for you,
and someday on thee I'll stand
There my home shall be eternal
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
In Beulah Land, Sweet Beulah land
Stop by Spiritual Sundays for more inspiration.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Prone to Wander
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love
Wander.....
to the world and it's ways
to the self
self seeking, self gratifying.
to cherished sin...."It's not so bad."
Each wandering step away from God takes me closer to myself....
where I am comfortable
where I am self reliant.
Isaiah 1:13 (NIV)
13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings!
Meaningless offerings.
God spoke through Isaiah, telling his people they were far from him in their hearts. They were going through the motions,
the ceremony; yet they were rebellious and corrupt, loaded with guilt.
Could we say?
unrepentant,
full of excuses,
avoiding and blaming?
Isaiah 1:15
15 When you spread out your hands in prayer,
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
I will hide my eyes from you;
even if you offer many prayers,
I will not listen.
God will not listen?
God hears everything....nothing escapes him.
Yet sin keeps us from being close, when we wander.......we wander away from him, that distance is created by us, not him.
The callous builds up
the will grows stronger
the heart harder
the neck more stiff.
Here's my heart O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.
Psalm 51
10 Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
The wanderer must stop
repent- turn from sin and self toward God and his grace
refocus- toward him and others
Give up that which has mastered us, lay down that which has become an idol
Romans 6:14
14For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.
Isaiah 1:18
18 "Come now, let us reason together,"
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
says the LORD.
"Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow;
though they are red as crimson,
they shall be like wool.
Believers- you are a child of God, saved by his grace, his grace will sustain you. His mercy is bestowed upon you. You are sealed, you are his. Live in this way.
Wander no more.
To those who do not believe in Christ, the risen savior and Lord,
Isaiah 1:19-20
19 If you are willing and obedient,
you will eat the best from the land;
you will eat the best from the land;
20 but if you resist and rebel,
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
you will be devoured by the sword."
For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Romans 2:5
5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Who made God? Part one of many.
Who made God?
Perhaps a ridiculous question to some, but one that can be asked in the innocence of a child or as an adult coming to grips with how and why we exist.
The better question would be Who is God?
Easier to answer? NO
Who made God? No one or No thing.
Who is God? That is where the answer lies.
In no way can I do this topic justice. This will merely be a human effort to state some basic Christian beliefs and state some common misconceptions.
God has always existed and always will. He is self sustaining and sustains all that is created.
God is triune
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
Wayne Grudem uses these 3 statements
1. God is 3 persons.
2. Each person is fully God.
3. There is one God.
All 3 statements are true and are not in any way separate from each other. One statement is not more or less true than the others and no statement supersedes the others.
The word trinity is theological, it does not exist in scripture but comes from the systematic study of the word of God and the person of God. Based on scriptural truths it has become church doctrine.
False beliefs about these statements;
Tritheism- (polytheism) God is 3 separate gods.
Ancient Greek and Roman cultures believed in a god for everything, today, the Hindu religion is still that belief system. Often referenced even here in America with statements of praying to the gods. or my god and your god, a rejection of one true absolute Deity.
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
3 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
No other gods....This is not God acknowledging other gods but that man creates gods, powerless gods.
gods that rot....Isaiah 40:18-20
gods that cannot save Isaiah 45:20-21
worthless idols Isaiah 44:9-20
Modalism- God is one part of the trinity at a time or appears in one form of the trinity at a time.
Today the United Pentecostal Church (not to be confused with general Pentecostal faiths) is Modalistic. They are often referred to as the Jesus only slogan and stress baptism in the NAME of Jesus, not the Father Son and Holy Spirit. They also claim speaking in tongues is necessary proof of salvation during this baptism, another false teaching.
To say God is in one Mode or another is to deny who God is.
Jesus' baptism
In John 10, Matthew 3, Luke 3
God is 3 persons, each person is fully God, there is one God.
The church has long accepted the trinity and any church that denies this teaching is considered a false church.
Perhaps a ridiculous question to some, but one that can be asked in the innocence of a child or as an adult coming to grips with how and why we exist.
The better question would be Who is God?
Easier to answer? NO
Who made God? No one or No thing.
Who is God? That is where the answer lies.
In no way can I do this topic justice. This will merely be a human effort to state some basic Christian beliefs and state some common misconceptions.
God has always existed and always will. He is self sustaining and sustains all that is created.
God is triune
God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
Wayne Grudem uses these 3 statements
1. God is 3 persons.
2. Each person is fully God.
3. There is one God.
All 3 statements are true and are not in any way separate from each other. One statement is not more or less true than the others and no statement supersedes the others.
The word trinity is theological, it does not exist in scripture but comes from the systematic study of the word of God and the person of God. Based on scriptural truths it has become church doctrine.
False beliefs about these statements;
Tritheism- (polytheism) God is 3 separate gods.
Ancient Greek and Roman cultures believed in a god for everything, today, the Hindu religion is still that belief system. Often referenced even here in America with statements of praying to the gods. or my god and your god, a rejection of one true absolute Deity.
Deuteronomy 6:4-6 (New International Version)
4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. [a] 5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.
Exodus 20 (New International Version)
Exodus 20
The Ten Commandments
1 And God spoke all these words: 2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.3 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
No other gods....This is not God acknowledging other gods but that man creates gods, powerless gods.
gods that rot....Isaiah 40:18-20
gods that cannot save Isaiah 45:20-21
worthless idols Isaiah 44:9-20
Modalism- God is one part of the trinity at a time or appears in one form of the trinity at a time.
Today the United Pentecostal Church (not to be confused with general Pentecostal faiths) is Modalistic. They are often referred to as the Jesus only slogan and stress baptism in the NAME of Jesus, not the Father Son and Holy Spirit. They also claim speaking in tongues is necessary proof of salvation during this baptism, another false teaching.
To say God is in one Mode or another is to deny who God is.
Jesus' baptism
In John 10, Matthew 3, Luke 3
Mark 1:9-11 (New International Version)
The Baptism and Temptation of Jesus
9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11And a voice came from heaven: "You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased."God is 3 persons, each person is fully God, there is one God.
The church has long accepted the trinity and any church that denies this teaching is considered a false church.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Be Thou My Vision
When cancer knocks at your door
takes over your life by attacking the one you hold dear,
takes over your plans
When retirement becomes....pills, appointments.....transfusions and infusions......fatigue.
Be Thou My Vision
Your child wanders......strays
flirting with the dark and the empty
until......
that darkness invades their mind and clouds their vision.
suffocating them, reaching into other lives.......
distorting
lying
stealing
Be Thou My Vision
When someone who knows better, someone you have come to love
willingly walks away.
leaving behind their best gifts,
their joy
their peace
When you want to yank them back and Yell WHY?
Be Thou My Vision.
When others, small and frail need you
everything you have to give
your time
your patience
your heart
your very breath
Despite your own tiredness......you give it all.
Be Thou My Vision
When we focus on ourselves, all the tasks and challenges at hand,
we can lose hope
feel despair
overwhelmed.
Cast our eyes upon Christ
Lord of our heart High King of Heaven
and all things are possible
They are still hard
still sad
still tiring.
Be thou my battle sheild, sword for the fight:
Be thou my dignity, Thou my delight
Thou my soul's shelter, Thou my high tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, o power of my power. (verse 3)
This is dedicated to my friend, my step mother, my sister in Christ......Rachel
For all the obstacles in her path that tried to trip her up....
Her vision was not clouded.
Her eyes were on Christ.
His strength became hers
His truth, she trusts in.
His peace adorns her.
Praise and honor and glory belong to Him.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Well I am still here! I want everyone to know even though I haven't updated this blog in a while it is not because it is not on my mind. I appreciate everyone that checks in...and each follower!! I have much to write about the amazing things God has done in sustaining trust and peace in the midst of turmoil.
I will be back soon!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Do you ever wonder.........is my path straight? Am I trusting in him....or me? Or am I wandering on some trail, being sidetracked by everything....shiny....
everything........easy
everything......self serving
There are...
Those times you know your following, feeling secure.
The times you see others following....wishing you were doing better.
Those times you find yourself standing watching, wondering......what path am I on?Isn't it amazing that no matter where you are.....He is never lost, never insecure, never wondering or faltering. He makes the paths straight, not us.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Amazing Grace
Are you saved? That question makes me laugh now. Laugh at the fool I was.
I remember around 10 years ago, we were to start home schooling. As it would be, the only home school group I was at all familiar with was a Christian group. (yep, there is a story there too, maybe later) I was not a believer at that time.
The first event we went to was a picnic, I went prepared! I just knew all those pushy Christians were going to ask me "Are you saved?"
To which I was going to reply- "From what?" or "Just what makes you think I need saving?"
Really....teeth clenched, I was ready.
NO one asked.
Saved implies lost and I sure didn't think I was lost. My life was fine thank you.
Sure....I believed in "god". Ya know, like goodness, the things that weren't bad. Some type of power.
I even believed the "good" in man was god. uhg!
James 2:19
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that- and shudder.
The demons were ahead of me, they knew God, THE God. Like me they did not want to be told what they needed or lacked or what God told them to do, so they didn't follow him. They followed their own will, destined for hell.
Yet they shudder- tremble. They know what awaits them.
I was too arrogant to shudder.
I was lost. Lost to sin.
Lost to self.
Lost to anger, unforgiveness.
Amazing Grace how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost , but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
Grace found me. God's grace. THE God. The very God I shunned, the God I thought I didn't need.
When Saul, (Paul) was saved on the road to Damascus,(Acts 26) Christ told him he would make him a minister of the good news. God would rescue Paul and send him to non believers to.....
open their eyes
to turn them from darkness to light
from the power of Satan to God
so that they may receive.....
forgiveness of sins
an inheritance
Those who are saved by God are kept by God, for eternity. Forgiven, loved, accepted, renewed.
God's grace is rebirth, revelation of his truth.
It is completely from him and him alone.
It comes to those who do not deserve it
who do not seek it
and who can not earn it.
Without God's grace we are destined to serve sin and under the power of Satan.
I was lost and I needed to be saved. It is a good thing God didn't wait for me to get comfortable with who he was before he saved me or wait for me to figure out I needed him. That would never have happened.
God saves those who do not know they are lost.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Not perfect just Forgiven
This morning I read a blog, what it was about wasn't as important as the comment afterward. The blog objected to the use of scripture in a particular publication, the comment that followed is one every Christian should read.
She referenced a person that was just mean, and a gossip, yet had a bumper sticker on her car that said "Not Perfect, Just Forgiven."
Well, that doesn't surprise me. Anyone could unfortunately say something similar about me. It proves that those of us who profess Christ are always being watched. First to see if we really are different and second to see if we really are not. What we as Christians do, effects our testimony, and by the world's standards, our Christ. He does not need us to show his glory, but he has chosen us to do so and we should be overwhelmed by that!
It is the next part of the woman's statement that is so very important. She said "When did being a Christian become and excuse instead of a motivation?"
She is right! Just because we are sinners forgiven is no excuse to continue to sin. Now.....we will. We will never be perfect in this life, in this world, that comes with Christ's return.
Now- the world is full of sin, dying from it.
We, trapped in tents of flesh are serving ourselves. Sin.
Ephesians 4:17-32 talks of how a sinner, saved by grace must put off the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires because we have been made new, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. No longer to be like those who are lost, darkened in their understanding because of ignorance and hardness of heart.
The unbeliever does not have this battle. The old self rules, there is no new creation to battle with. Believers must daily put down the old ways, the anger, gossip, lust and sinful desires. It is battle! The flesh is strong, the will of man is strong, evil is strong.
Christ is stronger.
There is the story, perhaps you have heard it in one form or another.
An old Indian man, as a new believer in Christ speaks of the raging battle inside of him. He says, it is like two dogs fighting within me, both trying to win. One is good, it is those things like prayer and Bible reading, kindness to others, forgiveness. The other, it is my old life, spirituality, drugs, lust and anger. They fight all day, all day, all day. Someone asks the old man, "Which one wins?" He replyed, "The one that I feed."
Believers in Christ sin. Believers are forgiven. Believers do not have license to sin freely.
We have the gift of God's grace, his mercy, his guidance and power of his Holy Spirit, his restraint.
We have repentance granted by him.
Repentance in the Greek means to think differently to reconsider.
Maybe it means to feed the right dog.
She referenced a person that was just mean, and a gossip, yet had a bumper sticker on her car that said "Not Perfect, Just Forgiven."
Well, that doesn't surprise me. Anyone could unfortunately say something similar about me. It proves that those of us who profess Christ are always being watched. First to see if we really are different and second to see if we really are not. What we as Christians do, effects our testimony, and by the world's standards, our Christ. He does not need us to show his glory, but he has chosen us to do so and we should be overwhelmed by that!
It is the next part of the woman's statement that is so very important. She said "When did being a Christian become and excuse instead of a motivation?"
She is right! Just because we are sinners forgiven is no excuse to continue to sin. Now.....we will. We will never be perfect in this life, in this world, that comes with Christ's return.
Now- the world is full of sin, dying from it.
We, trapped in tents of flesh are serving ourselves. Sin.
Ephesians 4:17-32 talks of how a sinner, saved by grace must put off the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires because we have been made new, created to be like God in righteousness and holiness. No longer to be like those who are lost, darkened in their understanding because of ignorance and hardness of heart.
The unbeliever does not have this battle. The old self rules, there is no new creation to battle with. Believers must daily put down the old ways, the anger, gossip, lust and sinful desires. It is battle! The flesh is strong, the will of man is strong, evil is strong.
Christ is stronger.
There is the story, perhaps you have heard it in one form or another.
An old Indian man, as a new believer in Christ speaks of the raging battle inside of him. He says, it is like two dogs fighting within me, both trying to win. One is good, it is those things like prayer and Bible reading, kindness to others, forgiveness. The other, it is my old life, spirituality, drugs, lust and anger. They fight all day, all day, all day. Someone asks the old man, "Which one wins?" He replyed, "The one that I feed."
Believers in Christ sin. Believers are forgiven. Believers do not have license to sin freely.
We have the gift of God's grace, his mercy, his guidance and power of his Holy Spirit, his restraint.
We have repentance granted by him.
Repentance in the Greek means to think differently to reconsider.
Maybe it means to feed the right dog.
Friday, March 19, 2010
"I love to sin"
A friend has a child, who at 3 yrs old was being rather naughty, as 3 yr olds have been known to be. After trying several times to correct her, mom said, "Emma, that is sin." To which this precious blue eyed, blond curly haired, cute as a button child responded, "I love to sin!"
There you have it, honesty.
Sometimes we love to sin.
Oh, not big sins, not the bad ones. Oh NO, just the little ones, the ones everyone else does. The ones no one knows about or aren't so "serious".
CEV says Don't let me do wrong on purpose or let sin have control over my life.
The word is zade it means presumptuous, arrogant, proud.
Would we ever sin arrogantly?
I recently watched Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. It was the edited tv version, so I am not sure if the following quote is exactly how he wrote it in the book.
He (Frank) as a young man was involved in a little twrist on the couch with a local girl, who was dying from consumption. Caught up in passion his thoughts swimming;
fear of catching the consumption, as God's punishment
fear of God and his upcoming confession to his priest
and....his pleasure.
Guess what won?
He said, "If this is sin, I don't give a fiddler's fart."
Why did fear of death, fear of God weight so little? Because... desire for the will of self wins every time.
The heart of sin is self.
What then is sin?
Charles Spurgeon said
Sin is the mother and nurse of all evil, the egg of all mischief, the fountain of all bitterness, the root of misery.
John Bunyan
Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power and the contempt of His love.
Wayne Grudem
Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude or nature........attitude, that gets me for sure.
The Greek word hamartia is missing the mark, falling short of any goal,standard or purpose.
You see, it isn't what you or I say sin is. We the sinner want to measure the sin. It is a little like asking the death row prisoner to write the law or the infected to create the antidote. It is tainted.
We will say.... it is not that bad, no one got hurt, no one will ever know or......well, at least it isn't as bad as what they did!
Sin is what God says sin is, and everyone is accountable to his judgment.
Impossible you say? Yep. It is impossible for sinners to hit the mark of holiness set before us.
That is why Christ came to earth. Fully God and fully man to bear the temptation, yet uphold the law, to fulfill the requirements for those who are his.
Then the Holy Spirit guides his chosen people to strive to live in a way that glorifies him.
Sinners- forgiven, repentant and grieved by the effects of sin.
In 1747 Charles Wesley wrote "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
in the second verse it says......Take away the love of sinning Alpha and Omega be, end of faith as it's beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Little Emma was right.
There you have it, honesty.
Sometimes we love to sin.
Oh, not big sins, not the bad ones. Oh NO, just the little ones, the ones everyone else does. The ones no one knows about or aren't so "serious".
Ps 19:13
Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.NIVCEV says Don't let me do wrong on purpose or let sin have control over my life.
The word is zade it means presumptuous, arrogant, proud.
Would we ever sin arrogantly?
I recently watched Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. It was the edited tv version, so I am not sure if the following quote is exactly how he wrote it in the book.
He (Frank) as a young man was involved in a little twrist on the couch with a local girl, who was dying from consumption. Caught up in passion his thoughts swimming;
fear of catching the consumption, as God's punishment
fear of God and his upcoming confession to his priest
and....his pleasure.
Guess what won?
He said, "If this is sin, I don't give a fiddler's fart."
Why did fear of death, fear of God weight so little? Because... desire for the will of self wins every time.
The heart of sin is self.
What then is sin?
Charles Spurgeon said
Sin is the mother and nurse of all evil, the egg of all mischief, the fountain of all bitterness, the root of misery.
John Bunyan
Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, the slight of His power and the contempt of His love.
Wayne Grudem
Sin is any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude or nature........attitude, that gets me for sure.
The Greek word hamartia is missing the mark, falling short of any goal,standard or purpose.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
we all miss God's mark
James 4:17 Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it sins.
You see, it isn't what you or I say sin is. We the sinner want to measure the sin. It is a little like asking the death row prisoner to write the law or the infected to create the antidote. It is tainted.
We will say.... it is not that bad, no one got hurt, no one will ever know or......well, at least it isn't as bad as what they did!
Sin is what God says sin is, and everyone is accountable to his judgment.
Impossible you say? Yep. It is impossible for sinners to hit the mark of holiness set before us.
That is why Christ came to earth. Fully God and fully man to bear the temptation, yet uphold the law, to fulfill the requirements for those who are his.
Then the Holy Spirit guides his chosen people to strive to live in a way that glorifies him.
Sinners- forgiven, repentant and grieved by the effects of sin.
In 1747 Charles Wesley wrote "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling"
in the second verse it says......Take away the love of sinning Alpha and Omega be, end of faith as it's beginning, set our hearts at liberty.
Little Emma was right.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Glory
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him. Psalm 8:3-4
1) God created everything from nothing to glorify himself.
2) God is transcendent- "above" and greater than all of creation and completely independent of it. In no way does God need any part of creation.
3) God is immanent- involved continually with his creation, for creation is dependent upon him.
One God, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is not "in" everything and everything is not a part of God. This false belief is called Pantheism. God is holy, sin and evil are not a part of God, for there is no evil in him. Man is created in the image of God, we are not a part of God. We do not become God or a part of God, and we do not become "a god."
God is not uninvolved, he did not set things into motion and step back to watch and wait, only to intervene if necessary. He is not powerless, he is not uninterested, and he did not abandon creation and man. This false belief is called Diesm.
God does not exist on an equal level with anything. He is completely in control of all things. There is no force, including evil, that is not subject to God and his will. He did not create from existing matter, for matter did not exist before him.
The belief that there are two ultimate forces in the universe, good and evil, or that God and the material universe have always existed side by side is called Dualism. If he did not create it, he cannot sustain it. If there is an equal evil force battling against God, he is not God at all, for his sovereignty would end there.
God created all things good, very good. Man, not God chose to sin, to disobey, to seek the will of self over the will of his father.
God the Father, before he created man, had covenanted with God the Son, Jesus Christ,by the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, to save fallen man.
Shall we question God's motives or dare to blame him for what seems unfair to us?
Romans 9:19-23 Paul writes; One of you will say to me:"Then why does God blame us? For who can resist his will?" But who are you, o man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of wrath- prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects or his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory.
James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.
God is not the author of sin, but he is sovereign over it.
If you have more questions ... read Job.
Bad things happen because sin brings death. Death of the soul, the body and creation.
All sin must be atoned for, think about it, if someone has wronged you, you want justice. We have all wronged God, shall we call out for justice?
Justice will come, and it will come swift. The wrath of God is mighty. Those who have wronged God must be subject to his justice and God has said they will pay for it eternally.
Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ will be saved from God's wrath. For Christ's life was lived in full obedience to God's law, he was sinless. He took upon himself that wrath. He sacrificed himself so God would look upon believers with favor and mercy. This is called Propitiation.
God created and sustains all things.
All things are for his glory.
Some things are very hard to understand, perhaps impossible. Why does a child die? Why so many killed in earthquakes and hurricanes? Why would God allow such things? There is no answer that will make you feel better. God is holy, perfect, beyond our comprehension. We are sinful, selfish and live in a world saturated by sin. What is sin? any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
No doubt this opens more questions than it answers. We can focus on the unknown, the why, the unfair, anger, resentment, or we can focus on a God that is powerful and in control. A God that will set all things right. We can stay steeped in sin or cry out for mercy. We can ask God for faith and trust in him or we can continue to trust in ourselves. One choice brings mercy, one brings justice. Both choices bring glory to God.
Definitions taken from Wayne Grudem- Systematic Theology Bible verses NIV
1) God created everything from nothing to glorify himself.
2) God is transcendent- "above" and greater than all of creation and completely independent of it. In no way does God need any part of creation.
3) God is immanent- involved continually with his creation, for creation is dependent upon him.
One God, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit is not "in" everything and everything is not a part of God. This false belief is called Pantheism. God is holy, sin and evil are not a part of God, for there is no evil in him. Man is created in the image of God, we are not a part of God. We do not become God or a part of God, and we do not become "a god."
God is not uninvolved, he did not set things into motion and step back to watch and wait, only to intervene if necessary. He is not powerless, he is not uninterested, and he did not abandon creation and man. This false belief is called Diesm.
God does not exist on an equal level with anything. He is completely in control of all things. There is no force, including evil, that is not subject to God and his will. He did not create from existing matter, for matter did not exist before him.
The belief that there are two ultimate forces in the universe, good and evil, or that God and the material universe have always existed side by side is called Dualism. If he did not create it, he cannot sustain it. If there is an equal evil force battling against God, he is not God at all, for his sovereignty would end there.
God created all things good, very good. Man, not God chose to sin, to disobey, to seek the will of self over the will of his father.
God the Father, before he created man, had covenanted with God the Son, Jesus Christ,by the blood of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, to save fallen man.
Shall we question God's motives or dare to blame him for what seems unfair to us?
Romans 9:19-23 Paul writes; One of you will say to me:"Then why does God blame us? For who can resist his will?" But who are you, o man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of wrath- prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects or his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory.
James 1:13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me."for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.
God is not the author of sin, but he is sovereign over it.
If you have more questions ... read Job.
Bad things happen because sin brings death. Death of the soul, the body and creation.
All sin must be atoned for, think about it, if someone has wronged you, you want justice. We have all wronged God, shall we call out for justice?
Justice will come, and it will come swift. The wrath of God is mighty. Those who have wronged God must be subject to his justice and God has said they will pay for it eternally.
Those who place their faith in Jesus Christ will be saved from God's wrath. For Christ's life was lived in full obedience to God's law, he was sinless. He took upon himself that wrath. He sacrificed himself so God would look upon believers with favor and mercy. This is called Propitiation.
God created and sustains all things.
All things are for his glory.
Some things are very hard to understand, perhaps impossible. Why does a child die? Why so many killed in earthquakes and hurricanes? Why would God allow such things? There is no answer that will make you feel better. God is holy, perfect, beyond our comprehension. We are sinful, selfish and live in a world saturated by sin. What is sin? any failure to conform to the moral law of God in act, attitude, or nature.
No doubt this opens more questions than it answers. We can focus on the unknown, the why, the unfair, anger, resentment, or we can focus on a God that is powerful and in control. A God that will set all things right. We can stay steeped in sin or cry out for mercy. We can ask God for faith and trust in him or we can continue to trust in ourselves. One choice brings mercy, one brings justice. Both choices bring glory to God.
Definitions taken from Wayne Grudem- Systematic Theology Bible verses NIV
Monday, November 2, 2009
Conversation with Death and a Witch
On the social network Facebook, there is a game called Yoville. You make an avatar of yourself (a character that looks like you), you go to work and earn coins, buy a house, furniture, clothes to wear etc. During the month of October you can buy Halloween costumes and decor.
One morning my avatar "Shannon" was standing out in front of the Yoville apartment complex along with many others, thought bubbles bursting with conversations above our heads. "Death" appears, dressed in a long black cape and hood carrying a sickle. Next to him is Miss Witch, wearing a black tattered dress and hat. Out of the blue a conversation begins;
Death- "Would you date someone, even if they weren't religious?"
Witch- "Yes I would."
Shannon- "no"
Death- "Even if they were a good person?"
Witch- "It's not that important."
Death- "Shannon, No? why not?"
Witch- "We are all equal."
Shannon- "Because I believe in the God of the bible, and he says it is important. Yes we are all equal"
Just as quick as it began, it was over, death disappeared.
Even if they were a good person?
By who's standards? mine? yours? witches? or Gods?
Romans 3:10-12
As it is written, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
Yes, we are all equal. We are all sinners. Born in sin, dead in sin.
That is what is so amazing about grace, both common and saving grace.
Without grace, sin is unrestrained. We will do what we want, when we want and how we want and good will be measured by a sinner's standards.
We are by nature......self serving and not sacrificial.
It is by common grace that a sinner can do any good, your life, love, acts of kindness- they are all gifts of God, even to those who do not believe in him.
It is his saving grace that makes his chosen people righteous. He takes the self serving heart and replaces it with the love of Christ and the fear of a holy God.
God's saving grace comes, not because we deserve it, not because we are better. We are all equal! Sinners bound to sin and destined to an eternity separated from God , paying the penalty for that sin.
It is by the grace and will of God that some sinners are saved, bound by love, destined for glory.
So does religion matter?
yes
What religion?
The worship of the one true God
Who defines God?
God himself
Where?
in his word, the bible
Why should I believe the bible?
It is historical, it is ageless, it is indestructible, it is life changing.
Why should I believe you?
Don't. Ask God.
How?
talk to him, ask him to remove your unbelief.
Death left the conversation. but death will return........Are you ready?
One morning my avatar "Shannon" was standing out in front of the Yoville apartment complex along with many others, thought bubbles bursting with conversations above our heads. "Death" appears, dressed in a long black cape and hood carrying a sickle. Next to him is Miss Witch, wearing a black tattered dress and hat. Out of the blue a conversation begins;
Death- "Would you date someone, even if they weren't religious?"
Witch- "Yes I would."
Shannon- "no"
Death- "Even if they were a good person?"
Witch- "It's not that important."
Death- "Shannon, No? why not?"
Witch- "We are all equal."
Shannon- "Because I believe in the God of the bible, and he says it is important. Yes we are all equal"
Just as quick as it began, it was over, death disappeared.
Even if they were a good person?
By who's standards? mine? yours? witches? or Gods?
Romans 3:10-12
As it is written, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
Yes, we are all equal. We are all sinners. Born in sin, dead in sin.
That is what is so amazing about grace, both common and saving grace.
Without grace, sin is unrestrained. We will do what we want, when we want and how we want and good will be measured by a sinner's standards.
We are by nature......self serving and not sacrificial.
It is by common grace that a sinner can do any good, your life, love, acts of kindness- they are all gifts of God, even to those who do not believe in him.
It is his saving grace that makes his chosen people righteous. He takes the self serving heart and replaces it with the love of Christ and the fear of a holy God.
Ezekiel 36:26-27
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.God's saving grace comes, not because we deserve it, not because we are better. We are all equal! Sinners bound to sin and destined to an eternity separated from God , paying the penalty for that sin.
It is by the grace and will of God that some sinners are saved, bound by love, destined for glory.
So does religion matter?
yes
What religion?
The worship of the one true God
Who defines God?
God himself
Where?
in his word, the bible
Why should I believe the bible?
It is historical, it is ageless, it is indestructible, it is life changing.
Why should I believe you?
Don't. Ask God.
How?
talk to him, ask him to remove your unbelief.
Death left the conversation. but death will return........Are you ready?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Broken Mommies
On the last episode of Biggest Loser, contestant Shaye was pushed to an emotional break. Her trainer, the ever gritty Jillian, prodded into the reasons why a young woman had gotten to be 474 pounds. Through sweat and tears, Shaye's heart wrenching story was revealed. Her mother killed herself with heroine. She shut her in a closet when she had men over, pushed her aside, and a little girl was forever changed by the poor choices of the one who was suppose to take care of her, keep her safe, love her more than anything.
Shaye thought she had made it, she hadn't become addicted to drugs, a battle won, only to realize, she instead was killing herself with food. At her breaking point she cried out, " I couldn't make her love me."
Sometimes mommies are broken.
I was never shoved in a closet, but I remember more men at our house than I care to. Some were nice, some were awful. I remember cops and ambulances. I remember wishing I was dead when I was 9.
I couldn't make my mom love me.
Not more than she loved herself.
I spent so many years being angry or sad. I've spent years medicating myself with food.
A disease stole my mom, she's broken because of it. she is still alive yet not really living. imprisoned by jealousy, envy, and mistrust.
I once read a statement written about narcissism- it said, having a narcissist for a mother is like playing house with a 6 year old. they will dress you and feed you, kind of like a doll, but when something else comes along they will drop you on the floor and go to what pleases them more.
I struggled when I became a Christian, with the honoring of my mother, what did that look like?
There is no way to have a civil conversation, I must weight every word, guard every emotion. I must protect myself.
I dont write this to dishonor her, but because this struggle is not unique to me. We have people in our lives we owe honor to, yet their behavior makes it nearly impossible. When I speak to my mom, it won't go well, I know that so I lower my expectations. She is not capable of giving me what I need from a mother. If I still require her to, I set her and myself up for failure. I can't talk about personal things with her, so God graciously gave me a great step mother , a wonderful daughter, aunts and friends. I let go of the anger because it poisoned me. I let go of expectations because they hurt me. I am responsible for my actions and reactions, she isn't.
I guess God gives all of us obstacles, often they are people and usually those closest to us.
so we learn from them
how not to hurt others
how not to react.
By the grace of God go I
Shaye thought she had made it, she hadn't become addicted to drugs, a battle won, only to realize, she instead was killing herself with food. At her breaking point she cried out, " I couldn't make her love me."
Sometimes mommies are broken.
I was never shoved in a closet, but I remember more men at our house than I care to. Some were nice, some were awful. I remember cops and ambulances. I remember wishing I was dead when I was 9.
I couldn't make my mom love me.
Not more than she loved herself.
I spent so many years being angry or sad. I've spent years medicating myself with food.
A disease stole my mom, she's broken because of it. she is still alive yet not really living. imprisoned by jealousy, envy, and mistrust.
I once read a statement written about narcissism- it said, having a narcissist for a mother is like playing house with a 6 year old. they will dress you and feed you, kind of like a doll, but when something else comes along they will drop you on the floor and go to what pleases them more.
I struggled when I became a Christian, with the honoring of my mother, what did that look like?
There is no way to have a civil conversation, I must weight every word, guard every emotion. I must protect myself.
I dont write this to dishonor her, but because this struggle is not unique to me. We have people in our lives we owe honor to, yet their behavior makes it nearly impossible. When I speak to my mom, it won't go well, I know that so I lower my expectations. She is not capable of giving me what I need from a mother. If I still require her to, I set her and myself up for failure. I can't talk about personal things with her, so God graciously gave me a great step mother , a wonderful daughter, aunts and friends. I let go of the anger because it poisoned me. I let go of expectations because they hurt me. I am responsible for my actions and reactions, she isn't.
I guess God gives all of us obstacles, often they are people and usually those closest to us.
so we learn from them
how not to hurt others
how not to react.
By the grace of God go I
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Fools
1 cor. 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
Foolishness, a time not so long ago, a fool was saved by grace.
The radio in my bedroom for some reason has an issue getting my favorite talk station, it tends to "conflict" with another, a Christian talk format.
Today a guest host was on, he was talking with another man about the current racial accusations the liberal media has thrown at conservatives. Religion came into the mix.
Jesus...Muslims...Mohammed....Mormans
Both men, admittingly atheist were discussing tolerance, yet one attacked Christianity by saying, "they believe Jesus is going to come back to earth and raise them from the dead and reunite them with their family."
He then stated how silly it was to believe such a thing. Next he commented on the book of Mormon and how it was received. The idea that an angel appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him this book.
In his opinion, again quite silly.
Ok I can see the confusion,
both claim to be Christian though have some very different beliefs. However one is founded on the historical, sacred, canonically approved word of God, one is not.
"Christians" believe very different things, they are hypocrites, liars, fake......insert fault here.
He would have some points.
Now... the interesting thing is, while listening to this conversation, the other station was running interference. At the exact same time the song "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice was playing.
" Weak and wounded sinner/
Lost and left to die/
O raise your head, for love is passing by/
come to Jesus, come to Jesus/
come to Jesus and live!"
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
it flies in their face
it offends them
it is ridiculous....
that God would come to earth in the form of a man, live a sinless life, die a brutal death paying for the sins of those who believe in him that they may have eternal life in the presence of a holy God......silly fools.
That he died for those hypocrites, those liars....imagine.
Yet, he did not die for all- he did not die for those who do not believe, he did not die for those who follow a false gospel, he did not die for the unrepentant, and that makes fools angry.
How dare he?
How dare he decide?
Who does he think he is?
But to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
He is the Savior.
He is the Christ..
He is the King...
He is the Glory....
He is the Majesty! For ever and ever Amen.
I cannot change your mind, only God can. verse 25 says
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
God is not a fool nor is he weak but what man sees as such is but from his own ignorance and sin.
Fools and Grace.. the battle goes on
A former fool, saved by grace.
Foolishness, a time not so long ago, a fool was saved by grace.
The radio in my bedroom for some reason has an issue getting my favorite talk station, it tends to "conflict" with another, a Christian talk format.
Today a guest host was on, he was talking with another man about the current racial accusations the liberal media has thrown at conservatives. Religion came into the mix.
Jesus...Muslims...Mohammed....Mormans
Both men, admittingly atheist were discussing tolerance, yet one attacked Christianity by saying, "they believe Jesus is going to come back to earth and raise them from the dead and reunite them with their family."
He then stated how silly it was to believe such a thing. Next he commented on the book of Mormon and how it was received. The idea that an angel appeared to Joseph Smith and gave him this book.
In his opinion, again quite silly.
Ok I can see the confusion,
both claim to be Christian though have some very different beliefs. However one is founded on the historical, sacred, canonically approved word of God, one is not.
"Christians" believe very different things, they are hypocrites, liars, fake......insert fault here.
He would have some points.
Now... the interesting thing is, while listening to this conversation, the other station was running interference. At the exact same time the song "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice was playing.
" Weak and wounded sinner/
Lost and left to die/
O raise your head, for love is passing by/
come to Jesus, come to Jesus/
come to Jesus and live!"
The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.
it flies in their face
it offends them
it is ridiculous....
that God would come to earth in the form of a man, live a sinless life, die a brutal death paying for the sins of those who believe in him that they may have eternal life in the presence of a holy God......silly fools.
That he died for those hypocrites, those liars....imagine.
Yet, he did not die for all- he did not die for those who do not believe, he did not die for those who follow a false gospel, he did not die for the unrepentant, and that makes fools angry.
How dare he?
How dare he decide?
Who does he think he is?
But to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
He is the Savior.
He is the Christ..
He is the King...
He is the Glory....
He is the Majesty! For ever and ever Amen.
I cannot change your mind, only God can. verse 25 says
For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
God is not a fool nor is he weak but what man sees as such is but from his own ignorance and sin.
Fools and Grace.. the battle goes on
A former fool, saved by grace.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Spiritual Rebirth
In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. Col 2:11-12
The word buried in Greek is sunthapto it means to enter into company with, to assimilate spiritually(to Christ by a sepulture-burial place- as to sin). Risen with is sunegeiro it is the idea of collecting one's faculties, to waken from sleep, disease or death.
According to the book of Romans we are all sinners, 3:23 and dead in our sin, 5:12, 6:23. For the believer, this means we were buried with Christ and risen with him. Our sins stayed in the grave, defeated by Christ's life and death.
It is not the act of baptism that saves us, for we know of those who are born again and have not yet been baptized; and we know many that have been baptized and live no life that glorifies God, perhaps even having renounced him.
It is the spiritual rebirth, accomplished by that great power of God that renews the dead.
Dead men have no faith.
It comes from the creator.
Do we still sin? unfortunately yes. but it is that power that defeated sin and Satan that dwells within the Christian. This enables us to engage in the battle. The battle between the old self, called the flesh, the worldly selfish desire to please our every whim; and the new self, renewed in our minds, created to be like God.
It is that great power that left our sins in the grave. If Christ is not your savior, the Lord of your life, those sins are still with you. Those sins will be judged. Are you ready?
The word buried in Greek is sunthapto it means to enter into company with, to assimilate spiritually(to Christ by a sepulture-burial place- as to sin). Risen with is sunegeiro it is the idea of collecting one's faculties, to waken from sleep, disease or death.
According to the book of Romans we are all sinners, 3:23 and dead in our sin, 5:12, 6:23. For the believer, this means we were buried with Christ and risen with him. Our sins stayed in the grave, defeated by Christ's life and death.
It is not the act of baptism that saves us, for we know of those who are born again and have not yet been baptized; and we know many that have been baptized and live no life that glorifies God, perhaps even having renounced him.
It is the spiritual rebirth, accomplished by that great power of God that renews the dead.
Dead men have no faith.
It comes from the creator.
Do we still sin? unfortunately yes. but it is that power that defeated sin and Satan that dwells within the Christian. This enables us to engage in the battle. The battle between the old self, called the flesh, the worldly selfish desire to please our every whim; and the new self, renewed in our minds, created to be like God.
It is that great power that left our sins in the grave. If Christ is not your savior, the Lord of your life, those sins are still with you. Those sins will be judged. Are you ready?
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Rest for the Weary
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden light. Matthew 11:28-30
I imagine there isn't one of us privileged to go through life unburdened. Life is just that way. Work, family, health, any of these and more can seem to overtake our lives. Before we know it, we are out of balance, caught up on a roller coaster of ups and downs, swerves and hard right turns. Feeling like we could fall off at any moment, we desperately try to grasp at anything to steady us. I may cling to food or alcohol, you may work harder.
Perhaps there is someone very difficult in your life, someone that just can't seem to be pleased. People drain you. People let you down. Life lets you down. Jobs fail, family falters and... I...
you...
we...
seem to get caught up in failure. " If it isn't us; it is them. If it isn't a job it; is a neighbor. Quite often, it is just me.
I try, but fail, so I try harder.
Soon I become yoked to trying. Running on my own strength, is like running on a perpetual treadmill with no cut off button. I get no where and I get tired. I reach out for that comfort, then I depend on it, soon it becomes my habit.
Some of my habits are blame, dissatisfaction, expectations, overeating, withdraw, I am sure there are more. What are your habits?
As long as we are yoked to life we will probably be dissatisfied, the heart and soul will yearn for more.
Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden light. He promises rest, not ease, but rest. He is gentle and humble. Are you yoked to the gentle and humble or the chaotic and demanding or the disappointing? The word yoke means servitude and literally a beam of balance.
Lest you fool yourself into thinking you are not yoked to anything or think poorly of servitude keep in mind this verse.
- for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19b
Do you feel like a slave? Do you feel mastered by the day?
Find rest for your weary soul by trusting in Him, who is gentle and humble.
I imagine there isn't one of us privileged to go through life unburdened. Life is just that way. Work, family, health, any of these and more can seem to overtake our lives. Before we know it, we are out of balance, caught up on a roller coaster of ups and downs, swerves and hard right turns. Feeling like we could fall off at any moment, we desperately try to grasp at anything to steady us. I may cling to food or alcohol, you may work harder.
Perhaps there is someone very difficult in your life, someone that just can't seem to be pleased. People drain you. People let you down. Life lets you down. Jobs fail, family falters and... I...
you...
we...
seem to get caught up in failure. " If it isn't us; it is them. If it isn't a job it; is a neighbor. Quite often, it is just me.
I try, but fail, so I try harder.
Soon I become yoked to trying. Running on my own strength, is like running on a perpetual treadmill with no cut off button. I get no where and I get tired. I reach out for that comfort, then I depend on it, soon it becomes my habit.
Some of my habits are blame, dissatisfaction, expectations, overeating, withdraw, I am sure there are more. What are your habits?
As long as we are yoked to life we will probably be dissatisfied, the heart and soul will yearn for more.
Jesus said his yoke is easy and his burden light. He promises rest, not ease, but rest. He is gentle and humble. Are you yoked to the gentle and humble or the chaotic and demanding or the disappointing? The word yoke means servitude and literally a beam of balance.
Lest you fool yourself into thinking you are not yoked to anything or think poorly of servitude keep in mind this verse.
- for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:19b
Do you feel like a slave? Do you feel mastered by the day?
Find rest for your weary soul by trusting in Him, who is gentle and humble.
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