I have always struggled with the concept of joy. I used to have the habit of linking joy with subjective happiness.
However James states: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."
This leads me to believe that joy is more of an attitude, objective happiness, and consistency in the hope of our faith.
David mourned and worshiped God through many psalms. Psalm 54:4 "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me."
God must be our foundation, our rock, the one who our security, faith and trust lies in.
Paul tells us in Romans 8:31-39 that if God is for us no one can be against us. This does not mean that there will be no person or situation that is considered a trial or produces suffereing, but what he is saying is that God is our foundation and shows us our purpose in Him. Nothing can seperate us from His love or our purpose in Him.
Romans 8:28 "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
This is why Paul can say to the Philippians (4:4-7) "Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentlenss be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
This should be our response. Not to hide our emotion or pretend there is no suffereing or sadness, but to embrace it with joy in the strength and purpose of God in our hearts, persevering through prayer in faith.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
What is wrong with Christians?
Many questions, accusations, and problems revolve around "The Church." Most people have their own opinions on what the Church needs to do or fix. The problem is that many of these people are the Church.
"The Church" is the body of Christ, Christians themselves. Therefore, we should take and observe closely the accusations of people outside of the Church. This does not mean we should bend to every whim and opinion that people outside the Chruch happen to voice. We have the widsom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and if anything, will judge the world (1 Corn. 6:2).
However, this does not negate the fact that are many problems and errors within this body, but if a person is part of that body, than they shouldn't be so quick to abandon it, but instead, care for it like their own because it is their own. We are all responsible (those who are of the body of Christ).
People tend to deal in extremes and usually either want to tolerate sins, sugar-coating the Gospel while attempting to fit in with the cutlure around them. OR, they place themselves so far beyond people outside the Church that, not only do they have little interaction with them, but the little that they do have is only filled with condemnation and the building up of themselves through fire and brimstone speeches. This practice then proceeds to spill into the Chruch in the way we treat each other within the body of Christ.
We need to realize that each one of us cannot escape "The Church," "The Body," or whatever you want to call it. We are all in Christ if we have accepted him as our Savior, and have truly received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we all have a purposed part to play and what hurts one part will affect the others. The better off the body is, the more effective we can be towards those outside the body. I think 1 Corn. 12:12-26 states it best.
"The Church" is the body of Christ, Christians themselves. Therefore, we should take and observe closely the accusations of people outside of the Church. This does not mean we should bend to every whim and opinion that people outside the Chruch happen to voice. We have the widsom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, and if anything, will judge the world (1 Corn. 6:2).
However, this does not negate the fact that are many problems and errors within this body, but if a person is part of that body, than they shouldn't be so quick to abandon it, but instead, care for it like their own because it is their own. We are all responsible (those who are of the body of Christ).
People tend to deal in extremes and usually either want to tolerate sins, sugar-coating the Gospel while attempting to fit in with the cutlure around them. OR, they place themselves so far beyond people outside the Church that, not only do they have little interaction with them, but the little that they do have is only filled with condemnation and the building up of themselves through fire and brimstone speeches. This practice then proceeds to spill into the Chruch in the way we treat each other within the body of Christ.
We need to realize that each one of us cannot escape "The Church," "The Body," or whatever you want to call it. We are all in Christ if we have accepted him as our Savior, and have truly received the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we all have a purposed part to play and what hurts one part will affect the others. The better off the body is, the more effective we can be towards those outside the body. I think 1 Corn. 12:12-26 states it best.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Don't eat that apple
What would life be like if Adam and Eve had not sinned?
Left to ourselves in the freedom to choose to to sin or to do good, we would sin every time. If this were not true than all of mankind would not have been dammed for Adam and Eve's sin.
If God had created a world in which we did not have the ability to freely choose to do good or evil than there would technically be no "moral good," but only good that God had programmed us to do.
For God to create a world where there was any existance of "moral good" we would have to be given free will to do so. However, in giving us free will, we also have the free will to do "moral evil," which we will always choose to do, otherwise we would be equal to Christ in perfection.
If we are still assuming a reality where God is God and Christ would be the only human to ever be sinless than Adam and Eve would have had to have sinned. If they had not sinned than Earth would truly be heaven on Earth, or a new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1).
Left to ourselves in the freedom to choose to to sin or to do good, we would sin every time. If this were not true than all of mankind would not have been dammed for Adam and Eve's sin.
If God had created a world in which we did not have the ability to freely choose to do good or evil than there would technically be no "moral good," but only good that God had programmed us to do.
For God to create a world where there was any existance of "moral good" we would have to be given free will to do so. However, in giving us free will, we also have the free will to do "moral evil," which we will always choose to do, otherwise we would be equal to Christ in perfection.
If we are still assuming a reality where God is God and Christ would be the only human to ever be sinless than Adam and Eve would have had to have sinned. If they had not sinned than Earth would truly be heaven on Earth, or a new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1).
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Divorce
In the issue of divorce, I do not believe it is good or right. However, there are situations in which can warrant a divorce.
Matthew 5:31-32: "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
Also in Matthew 19:3-9, Christ answers the Pharisees in the same way, explaining further that Moses allowed divorce because of their hardened hearts.
Notice how Christ never says that you must or should get divorced if there is sexual immorality, but he says that this is the only situation where a divorce wouldn't make her commit adultery.
There is also another situation in which divorce would be a valid option, and that is if physical abuse is involved. Why does Christ not address this? Well first of all, women could not divorce their husbands in this era, only men could divorce women. Women had little, if any, rights. Christ was also addressing men, who would most likely be the ones responsible for physical abuse, if any was invovled. Lastly, the questioning of the Pharisees was to test Christ, not really obtain an answer about divorce. Christ responds, alluding to the hardness of their ancestor's hearts and how it parallels to the hardness of their hearts involving their relationship with him.
So plainly, divorce should be avoided and isn't necessary in situations of sexual immorality. Some long and difficult counseling and forgiveness will need to take place, but marriage is a highly valued relationship in God's eyes. There is no other human relationship mentioned in the bible where two people become "one flesh." The only other instance in which divorce would be an option is physical abuse. We may be one flesh in marriage, but God brings together two complete individuals. We are still recognized as separate individual souls and beings. No one should risk their life in vain for the ignorance and carelessness of their partner. Although, even something as horrible as physical abuse can be forgiven and worked through if the offender is willing to make the effort and recognize the problem seriously.
Matthew 5:31-32: "It was also said, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.' But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery."
Also in Matthew 19:3-9, Christ answers the Pharisees in the same way, explaining further that Moses allowed divorce because of their hardened hearts.
Notice how Christ never says that you must or should get divorced if there is sexual immorality, but he says that this is the only situation where a divorce wouldn't make her commit adultery.
There is also another situation in which divorce would be a valid option, and that is if physical abuse is involved. Why does Christ not address this? Well first of all, women could not divorce their husbands in this era, only men could divorce women. Women had little, if any, rights. Christ was also addressing men, who would most likely be the ones responsible for physical abuse, if any was invovled. Lastly, the questioning of the Pharisees was to test Christ, not really obtain an answer about divorce. Christ responds, alluding to the hardness of their ancestor's hearts and how it parallels to the hardness of their hearts involving their relationship with him.
So plainly, divorce should be avoided and isn't necessary in situations of sexual immorality. Some long and difficult counseling and forgiveness will need to take place, but marriage is a highly valued relationship in God's eyes. There is no other human relationship mentioned in the bible where two people become "one flesh." The only other instance in which divorce would be an option is physical abuse. We may be one flesh in marriage, but God brings together two complete individuals. We are still recognized as separate individual souls and beings. No one should risk their life in vain for the ignorance and carelessness of their partner. Although, even something as horrible as physical abuse can be forgiven and worked through if the offender is willing to make the effort and recognize the problem seriously.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Good works are Great
One of the most awesome and exceptional truths that sets Christianity apart form all other religions is the grace of Christ.
Good works do not save anyone (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). However, this does not mean there is no place for works.
Good works will result from faith in God's saving grace. Even though these works will not save an individual, they will are used by God here on earth to bless others (James 2:14-26).
We are not saved by works, resulting in God's grace. But instead, Grace is the means by which we are saved and works are the result.
Good works do not save anyone (Eph. 2:8-9; 2 Tim. 1:9; Titus 3:5). However, this does not mean there is no place for works.
Good works will result from faith in God's saving grace. Even though these works will not save an individual, they will are used by God here on earth to bless others (James 2:14-26).
We are not saved by works, resulting in God's grace. But instead, Grace is the means by which we are saved and works are the result.
Tithe
Money is very touchy issue with people these days. The plain and simple truth is that God doesn't need your money; he doesn't need anything. He doesn't even want your money. He wants your obedience and your faith.
In a world where money is the means to obtain what you need to live or function, why not give it to those in need? Yes, God doesn't need money, or medictation, or saftey belts, oxygen to do what he desires, BUT he uses these things to work through people. We could sit in the corner of a house and never move, slowly wasting away and God would accomplish what he wanted to. He doesn't need our help. He wants a relationship; he wants us to share in his joy and to be blessed by pouring out what he pours in to us whether it is virtues, time, money, talents, whatever.
If we have so much faith and trust in God and we know that we only have what God himself has given us, then why not give freely? Why not give willingly? This doesn't mean we should be fools and just throw what he's given us at any charity case, organization, or fundraiser that comes our way. We should let the Spirit guide us in these matters (John 3:8). It may not makes sense to us or to other people where and when we give our money, time, etc., but all we should be concerned about is what God is directing us to do. Maybe we don't give any money ever!
God wants our obedience and our trust in him; a purified and whole relationship, not a sacrifice made, especially in conflict (Proverbs 21:3; Romans 14:23b).
In a world where money is the means to obtain what you need to live or function, why not give it to those in need? Yes, God doesn't need money, or medictation, or saftey belts, oxygen to do what he desires, BUT he uses these things to work through people. We could sit in the corner of a house and never move, slowly wasting away and God would accomplish what he wanted to. He doesn't need our help. He wants a relationship; he wants us to share in his joy and to be blessed by pouring out what he pours in to us whether it is virtues, time, money, talents, whatever.
If we have so much faith and trust in God and we know that we only have what God himself has given us, then why not give freely? Why not give willingly? This doesn't mean we should be fools and just throw what he's given us at any charity case, organization, or fundraiser that comes our way. We should let the Spirit guide us in these matters (John 3:8). It may not makes sense to us or to other people where and when we give our money, time, etc., but all we should be concerned about is what God is directing us to do. Maybe we don't give any money ever!
God wants our obedience and our trust in him; a purified and whole relationship, not a sacrifice made, especially in conflict (Proverbs 21:3; Romans 14:23b).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Color
Would either of parents care if I brought someone home of a different race and told them we were thinking of marriage?
I live outside of Pittsburgh, which is primarily black and white when it comes to skin color. My father and his wife would be completely accepting no matter what the race of my girlfriend would be, even if we were considering marriage. They would also ask a lot of questions in regards to her background and culture, in a loving way, but it would also probably show how sheltered their knowledge of other races and cultures were.
My mother would also be very accepting, considering her a part of the family if we became married. My mother is pretty liberal when it comes to her beliefs on marriage and race would probably not even be an issue.
All in all I think my family, and even its extended members, would embrace and love whoever I brought home, even if the person was from a culture much different then they were ever used to interacting with.
I live outside of Pittsburgh, which is primarily black and white when it comes to skin color. My father and his wife would be completely accepting no matter what the race of my girlfriend would be, even if we were considering marriage. They would also ask a lot of questions in regards to her background and culture, in a loving way, but it would also probably show how sheltered their knowledge of other races and cultures were.
My mother would also be very accepting, considering her a part of the family if we became married. My mother is pretty liberal when it comes to her beliefs on marriage and race would probably not even be an issue.
All in all I think my family, and even its extended members, would embrace and love whoever I brought home, even if the person was from a culture much different then they were ever used to interacting with.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Literal
Do you believe in a literal Heaven and Hell? What happens to people who are without a saving knowledge of Christ?
In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Paul states that God considers it just repayment to those who do not know him nor obey Christ in that they are to suffer eternal destruction. If there is not a literal place of Hell then there is at least a literal eternal state of suffering for people who do not believe in God or follow Christ's commands.
Jesus himself states that he will tell those who did not recognize him or obey him to depart and that they will be punished eternally (Matthew 25:41-46). He also states that the righteous will will have eternal life.
Revelation 21:9-27 gives specfic measurements and materials for heaven. Some consider this to be the closest description John could give as to what Heaven would be like. Although, exact measurements would be more likely literally as opposed to a mere comparison of what it may be like.
Even if it is possible that Heaven is not a literal place, it has to be a literal state of being and seperate from those who do not have a saving knowledge of Christ (Matthew 12:31-46).
I personally believe in a literal Heaven. There are too many descriptions of a separate place and its attributes not to be literal. Acts 1:9 also states that Jesus had ascended into Heaven and would come back the same way. The most likely conclusion is that Heaven is literally somewhere and a seperate place of its own.
In 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10 Paul states that God considers it just repayment to those who do not know him nor obey Christ in that they are to suffer eternal destruction. If there is not a literal place of Hell then there is at least a literal eternal state of suffering for people who do not believe in God or follow Christ's commands.
Jesus himself states that he will tell those who did not recognize him or obey him to depart and that they will be punished eternally (Matthew 25:41-46). He also states that the righteous will will have eternal life.
Revelation 21:9-27 gives specfic measurements and materials for heaven. Some consider this to be the closest description John could give as to what Heaven would be like. Although, exact measurements would be more likely literally as opposed to a mere comparison of what it may be like.
Even if it is possible that Heaven is not a literal place, it has to be a literal state of being and seperate from those who do not have a saving knowledge of Christ (Matthew 12:31-46).
I personally believe in a literal Heaven. There are too many descriptions of a separate place and its attributes not to be literal. Acts 1:9 also states that Jesus had ascended into Heaven and would come back the same way. The most likely conclusion is that Heaven is literally somewhere and a seperate place of its own.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Why do we not see?
If sanctification is God's responsibility, then why don't we see more "sanctified" persons around us--especially among older adults, those who are supposed to be more mature Christians?Conversely, if sanctification is primarily our responsibility, does this possibly explain why we don't see more "sanctified" people?
Sanctification is God's responsibility in that he is the only one with the power to cleanse us from sin. He has! It is our responsbility, however, to continually purify our hearts, presently, from day to day. We are cleansed from the punishment and condemnation from sin, but being human, we will still sin.
Because we as Christians have a higher calling to be perfect (2 Peter 1:10) we must live out what we believe. If we truly believe God has saved us from condemnation than we will live out our lives in purity.
The reason we may not see this as evident is because of all the distractions and alternate beliefs that may influence Christains. We as Christians have a responsiblity to each other to help sanctify each other and build each other up. We are not to travel through this world alone (1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 14:12).
We are to take responsibility for ourselves and encourage others in love as one body.
Sanctification is God's responsibility in that he is the only one with the power to cleanse us from sin. He has! It is our responsbility, however, to continually purify our hearts, presently, from day to day. We are cleansed from the punishment and condemnation from sin, but being human, we will still sin.
Because we as Christians have a higher calling to be perfect (2 Peter 1:10) we must live out what we believe. If we truly believe God has saved us from condemnation than we will live out our lives in purity.
The reason we may not see this as evident is because of all the distractions and alternate beliefs that may influence Christains. We as Christians have a responsiblity to each other to help sanctify each other and build each other up. We are not to travel through this world alone (1 Thessalonians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 14:12).
We are to take responsibility for ourselves and encourage others in love as one body.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Is sanctification our responsibility or God's?
To answer this question we should first look at what sanctification is defined as.
Sanctify:
1. to make holy; set apart as sacred; consecrate.
2. to purify or free from sin: Sanctify your hearts.
3. to impart religious sanction to; render legitimate or binding: to sanctify a vow.
4. to entitle to reverence or respect.
5. to make productive of or conducive to spiritual blessing.
(http://www.dictionary.com/)
Second we should look at how this word is used in biblical context.
- John 17:18-19 "As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth."
(Jesus has set himself apart, sanctified, himself so that we are also able to be sanctified.) - 1 Corinthians 6:11 "But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." (Paul states that those in the church of Corinth were sanctified in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit.)
- Hebrews 10:10 "And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all."
Taking these verses into account, we can conclude that it is through Christ's sacrifice in his life and death and by the Holy Spirit that we are sanctified. So is this it? Does God just take care of this and we can go living as we please, being sanctified in God's eyes? Where exactly does the Holy Spirit fit in? Let's take a look at some more verses:
- Acts 26:18 "to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"
- Hebrews 10:26-29 "For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses. How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has spurned the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace?"
- Hebrews 10:14 "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 "Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
By the grace of the Holy Spirit people are sanctified through Christ's sacrifice and sanctified life. This only happens by faith in Christ's sacrifice. Hebrews 10:26-29 states that if we continually live as if we have no faith in this act, then we have outraged the Spirit of grace and for us it as there was no sacrifice for sins.
Let's sum this all up. Christ lead a sanctified life and was sacrificed for us, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that we may have faith in what he has done and continually live out a life that is a testimony and proof of our faith, which is also only possible by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, all the credit goes to God.
Is sanctification our responsibility or God's?
God did not have to do anything, but because of his love for us, he wanted to and made it possible (John 3:16). It is our responsibility to take advantage of this and live it out, which again is only possible because of God. It is our responsibility, but God gives us the ability so he gets the credit.
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