I recently got a book reader program working on my blackberry, and downloaded a collection of Christian classics, including “Fox’s Book of Martyrs.” Sounds like pretty somber nighttime reading, right?
But it is striking that Jesus said, “I am the way, and The Truth, and the life….”; and, for telling the truth the religious leaders conspired with the Roman official, and very shortly thereafter, Jesus was crucified, died and was buried for the truth.
We know that shortly thereafter, He resurrected to life everlasting, the firstborn from the dead. And, this truth so inflamed His disciples with zeal for the gospel, that they went forth and changed the world with their eye witness testimony.
But, how did the world greet this “gospel” or good news? The world system that loved the darkness, reacted violently to the truth. The disciples and leaders of the local churches were systematically killed, martyred for their faith and testimony.* One of the great proofs of their witness, was their profession of the truth without recanting their message, even to the point of death.
Hebrews tells us that men and women of God must always be willing to sacrifice for the truth. But, we must all die to self, for the truth to be manifest in our lives.
Are we willing to speak the truth to a dying world, despite the discomfort? Would we be willing to die for the truth?
*Excerpt, chapter One, Fox’s Book of Martyrs
· Jesus, the Christ, the Son of God crucified, AD 30
· Stephen, the deacon, stoned, c. AD 32
· James, son of Zebedee, disciple, beheaded, AD 44
· Philip, disciple, scourged and crucified, AD 54
· Matthew, (Levi), disciple, slain with a halberd (axe) AD 60
· James, step brother to Jesus, elder of Jerusalem, beat, stoned, and clubbed to death, AD 95
· Andrew, disciple, brother of Peter, crucified on an X shaped cross.
· Peter, disciple, crucified upside down
· Paul, disciple to the gentiles, beheaded in Rome by Nero
· …
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Wax on, Wax off
Ralph Macchio was perplexed at his mentor’s (Pat Morita) instructions to put on wax with a circular motion, then take it off with the other arm moving in a circular motion in the Karate Kid. He just wanted to live more successfully by being able to defend himself against the bullies in life, by developing some muscle and skills to get through his day. His coach said “Wax On, Wax Off” repetitive discipline of training his body to respond in successful ways.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives his students similar instructions for developing spiritual muscles to live successfully, when he says “Put Off, Put On.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul in Romans 7 talks about the two natures, the flesh, and the indwelling life of Christ fighting against each other once we become a Christian. He says we have to exert our will to say “No” to the fleshy impulses of self, our pride of life, lust of the eye, and lust of the flesh, and say “Yes” to the things of God daily, in each circumstance and event of our life.
Put off self, put on Christ, and just like Ralph, over time, by these little disciplines we’ll find out we’re being transformed into successful champions for Christ. Wax On, Wax Off.
In Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, Paul gives his students similar instructions for developing spiritual muscles to live successfully, when he says “Put Off, Put On.”
Ephesians 4:22-24 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Paul in Romans 7 talks about the two natures, the flesh, and the indwelling life of Christ fighting against each other once we become a Christian. He says we have to exert our will to say “No” to the fleshy impulses of self, our pride of life, lust of the eye, and lust of the flesh, and say “Yes” to the things of God daily, in each circumstance and event of our life.
Put off self, put on Christ, and just like Ralph, over time, by these little disciplines we’ll find out we’re being transformed into successful champions for Christ. Wax On, Wax Off.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
In the Big Inning
What’s the answer to the question, “What is the oldest sport?”
The answer is, “Baseball.” Because, back in Genesis 1:1, it says,
“In the Big Inning, God…”
OK, Steve, stick to your day job, because you have no future in comedy.
But, it really is the start of the answer to one of the big questions, that haunts the human conscience. “Where did our world come from?” “How did the earth come to be?” “Why is the physical universe in existence?”
Was there a big bang, billions and billions of years ago? If so, what was the causative force? Who, or what was the “big banger?” Is the universe just meaningless, randomness, or was there intelligent design?
Moses got the answer when he started documenting the oral history from the ancients in Genesis, and directly from his conversations with Yahweh, the self stated “I AM” the God of the Jews. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Simply stated, but then it goes on to describe a little of the process, which not so amazingly corresponds to how scientist think planets condense from fluids. But, the major revelation is, God did it!
God tells Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone.”(Job 38:4-7)
And the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psa 19;:1)
In the gospel of John, we learn specifically that Jesus, the son of God the father, the second person of the trinity was the creation project manager. John 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Check out this short article by the Christian Research Institute on Origins http://www.equip.org/perspectives/creation-vs-evolution
Want a little more mental exercise, see: http://www.equip.org/articles/traditional-creationism-and-the-intelligent-design-community
The answer is, “Baseball.” Because, back in Genesis 1:1, it says,
“In the Big Inning, God…”
OK, Steve, stick to your day job, because you have no future in comedy.
But, it really is the start of the answer to one of the big questions, that haunts the human conscience. “Where did our world come from?” “How did the earth come to be?” “Why is the physical universe in existence?”
Was there a big bang, billions and billions of years ago? If so, what was the causative force? Who, or what was the “big banger?” Is the universe just meaningless, randomness, or was there intelligent design?
Moses got the answer when he started documenting the oral history from the ancients in Genesis, and directly from his conversations with Yahweh, the self stated “I AM” the God of the Jews. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Simply stated, but then it goes on to describe a little of the process, which not so amazingly corresponds to how scientist think planets condense from fluids. But, the major revelation is, God did it!
God tells Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone.”(Job 38:4-7)
And the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psa 19;:1)
In the gospel of John, we learn specifically that Jesus, the son of God the father, the second person of the trinity was the creation project manager. John 1:1-3,14 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Check out this short article by the Christian Research Institute on Origins http://www.equip.org/perspectives/creation-vs-evolution
Want a little more mental exercise, see: http://www.equip.org/articles/traditional-creationism-and-the-intelligent-design-community
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The [BLANK] of the LORD
What leads to life, wisdom, prosperity, length of days, and teaching from God Himself?
Read the following verses to see the repetition and the emphasis on the virtues of [BLANK]:
In the [BLANK] of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. The [BLANK] of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Pro 14:26-27
The [BLANK] of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited by evil Pro 19:23
The [BLANK] of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Pro 10:27
Who is the man that [BLANK] the LORD? Him shall He teach in The way He chooses. He shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who [BLANK] Him, and He will show them His covenant. Psa 25:12-14
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge Pro 1:7
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, Pro 9:10
Behold, the [BLANK] of the LORD is wisdom, Job 28:28
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, Pro 15:33
And to man He said, “Behold, the [BLANK] of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding. Pro 28:28
And by the [BLANK] of the LORD one departs from evil. Pro. 16:6b
He will fulfill the desire of those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 145:19
The LORD takes pleasure in those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 147:11
The [BLANK] of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; Psa 19:9a
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: [BLANK] God and keep his commandments, Eccl 12:13
What is the [BLANK]? You guessed it… FEAR
What are we talking about though when we say “fear?” In the 2nd and 3rd dictionary definitions fear is defined as: 2. respectful dread; awe; reverence, and 3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.
So we won’t walk around, just being afraid God, let’s look closer…
Here’s some thoughts from Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “the Fear of the Lord is in the Old Testament used as a designation of true piety. It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather filial reverence. God is called "the Fear of Isaac", i.e., the God whom Isaac feared. A holy fear is enjoined also in the New Testament as a preventive of carelessness in religion, and as an incentive to penitence."
From the Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Godwasser, “There is no one-to-one correspondence between any two words from two different languages. While Yirah usually is translated as "fear," its usage suggests a meaning that might also be translated with the English word "awe." Different Hebrew words are used in the Bible for the kind of anxious fear one might describe as "dread" or "loathing." The Hebrew Bible's concept of "fearing God," therefore, can be compared to the feeling of looking at the nighttime sky and being awed by the immensity of space and simultaneously terrified by the thought of our smallness in such a vast expanse. That is to say, it is the feeling of being overwhelmed by a reality greater than oneself and greater than that encountered in ordinary life. Rather, "fearing God," is living life with a trembling awareness that life has meaning -- that the choices you make have consequences of ultimate significance. To "fear" God as a Jew means to hone within yourself an awareness of the divine Presence around you all the time. One who fears God in this way would never say, "It does not matter how I behave in this circumstance because no one will ever know." To live in this way is a profound and spiritual experience. Yet, Jewish tradition says that, in addition to experiencing the fear of God, a person also should develop an awareness of the love of God. The Jewish liturgy says that God loves us with an unending, infinite love. Just as we wish to feel the awe of God around us, we also should desire to know and to feel that we are loved -- deeply and passionately -- by God.”
May you live life fully, in the [BLANK] of the LORD!
Read the following verses to see the repetition and the emphasis on the virtues of [BLANK]:
In the [BLANK] of the LORD there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge. The [BLANK] of the LORD is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death. Pro 14:26-27
The [BLANK] of the LORD leads to life, and he who has it will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited by evil Pro 19:23
The [BLANK] of the LORD prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened. Pro 10:27
Who is the man that [BLANK] the LORD? Him shall He teach in The way He chooses. He shall dwell in prosperity, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. The secret of the LORD is with those who [BLANK] Him, and He will show them His covenant. Psa 25:12-14
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge Pro 1:7
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, Pro 9:10
Behold, the [BLANK] of the LORD is wisdom, Job 28:28
The [BLANK] of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom, Pro 15:33
And to man He said, “Behold, the [BLANK] of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding. Pro 28:28
And by the [BLANK] of the LORD one departs from evil. Pro. 16:6b
He will fulfill the desire of those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 145:19
The LORD takes pleasure in those who [BLANK] Him. Psa 147:11
The [BLANK] of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; Psa 19:9a
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: [BLANK] God and keep his commandments, Eccl 12:13
What is the [BLANK]? You guessed it… FEAR
What are we talking about though when we say “fear?” In the 2nd and 3rd dictionary definitions fear is defined as: 2. respectful dread; awe; reverence, and 3. Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.
So we won’t walk around, just being afraid God, let’s look closer…
Here’s some thoughts from Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary, “the Fear of the Lord is in the Old Testament used as a designation of true piety. It is a fear conjoined with love and hope, and is therefore not a slavish dread, but rather filial reverence. God is called "the Fear of Isaac", i.e., the God whom Isaac feared. A holy fear is enjoined also in the New Testament as a preventive of carelessness in religion, and as an incentive to penitence."
From the Rabbi Jeffrey Wolfson Godwasser, “There is no one-to-one correspondence between any two words from two different languages. While Yirah usually is translated as "fear," its usage suggests a meaning that might also be translated with the English word "awe." Different Hebrew words are used in the Bible for the kind of anxious fear one might describe as "dread" or "loathing." The Hebrew Bible's concept of "fearing God," therefore, can be compared to the feeling of looking at the nighttime sky and being awed by the immensity of space and simultaneously terrified by the thought of our smallness in such a vast expanse. That is to say, it is the feeling of being overwhelmed by a reality greater than oneself and greater than that encountered in ordinary life. Rather, "fearing God," is living life with a trembling awareness that life has meaning -- that the choices you make have consequences of ultimate significance. To "fear" God as a Jew means to hone within yourself an awareness of the divine Presence around you all the time. One who fears God in this way would never say, "It does not matter how I behave in this circumstance because no one will ever know." To live in this way is a profound and spiritual experience. Yet, Jewish tradition says that, in addition to experiencing the fear of God, a person also should develop an awareness of the love of God. The Jewish liturgy says that God loves us with an unending, infinite love. Just as we wish to feel the awe of God around us, we also should desire to know and to feel that we are loved -- deeply and passionately -- by God.”
May you live life fully, in the [BLANK] of the LORD!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Big Questions
God calls people to Himself in many ways. Some are called by trial, others by blessing, and some by a search for answers to life’s big questions. You’ve heard that all men have a hole in them in the shape that only God can fill. But, also within man are unanswered questions about origin and purpose for which we strive to find satisfactory answers.
How did the earth and all that we see get here? How did man become man? Why is all this here? And, why am I alive? What purpose do I have? Where am I going, or supposed to go? What will the future hold for man, the earth?
Philosophers, Science, and different cultures have come up with some interesting answers to these questions. But, does the Bible speak to these “big questions.” Let’s explore the big questions in the next few posts.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is one of Christianity's most widely known figures. But for all his celebrity, his life remains somewhat of a mystery. Many of the stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick, including the famous account of his banishing all the snakes from Ireland, are false, the products of hundreds of years of exaggerated storytelling.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
GOOD COUNSEL
The Bible’s book of wisdom says, “A wise man will hear and increase in learning, And a man of understanding will acquire wise counsel.” “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.” And, “Without consultation, plans are frustrated, But with many counselors they succeed.” (Proverbs 1:5, 12:15, 15:22)
But many times, people seek counsel from the wrong places. I;m always amazed and saddened at the young lady, who in having problems with her marriage, goes and talks with her friends who just filed for, or just went through a divorce. Or, the disgruntled employee at work, who gets together with other unhappy, disgruntled employees to share complaints or run down the employer. We can predict the outcome of these activities. Soon, the young lady will herself file for divorce and suffer a failed marriage. And, almost as certain, that young man will not be employed by that firm within a year.
But where does one get wise counsel? Here are some verses that point us to God, His Son, The Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight
Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
John 16:7,13 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when He, the Spirit of truth, (Holy Spirit) comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
God’s word also says we should be ready and willing to give wise counsel to our brother, but the Greek word Nouthesia gets translated instruct, teach, or admonish. Dictionaries will tell you ADMONISH means: to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior, to put on guard, to indicate duties or obligations, to express warning or disapproval especially in a gentle, earnest or solicitous manner, to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement.
Here’s Paul telling us we are capable and should give wise counsel to our Christian family:
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing (counseling) one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish (counsel) one another. (Romans 15:14)
Are you called to be a Christian counselor? Are you in His Word, in prayer, and full of the Spirit, so you’ll be ready?
Remember… Oil and perfume make the heart glad,So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. (Proverbs 27:9)
But many times, people seek counsel from the wrong places. I;m always amazed and saddened at the young lady, who in having problems with her marriage, goes and talks with her friends who just filed for, or just went through a divorce. Or, the disgruntled employee at work, who gets together with other unhappy, disgruntled employees to share complaints or run down the employer. We can predict the outcome of these activities. Soon, the young lady will herself file for divorce and suffer a failed marriage. And, almost as certain, that young man will not be employed by that firm within a year.
But where does one get wise counsel? Here are some verses that point us to God, His Son, The Holy Spirit, and God’s Word.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight
Isaiah 9:6 For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;And the government will rest on His shoulders;And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
John 16:7,13 But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. But when He, the Spirit of truth, (Holy Spirit) comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.
Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
God’s word also says we should be ready and willing to give wise counsel to our brother, but the Greek word Nouthesia gets translated instruct, teach, or admonish. Dictionaries will tell you ADMONISH means: to warn or counsel in terms of someone’s behavior, to put on guard, to indicate duties or obligations, to express warning or disapproval especially in a gentle, earnest or solicitous manner, to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement.
Here’s Paul telling us we are capable and should give wise counsel to our Christian family:
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing (counseling) one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish (counsel) one another. (Romans 15:14)
Are you called to be a Christian counselor? Are you in His Word, in prayer, and full of the Spirit, so you’ll be ready?
Remember… Oil and perfume make the heart glad,So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend. (Proverbs 27:9)
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