An Appeal to Christians:
President Obama is not a Caesar, and America is not the completely pagan, though sophisticated, society of first century Rome. When one considers, that the entire New Testament was written in that time frame, by authors, who would all die a martyr’s death; the truths, promises, hope and love conveyed is both astonishing and unparalleled. For the first 300 years after the death & resurrection of Christ, the simple act of proclaiming one’s faith in him was a capital crime, punishable by death. Yet, in spite of the obstacles, the Christian faith flourished; resulting in the exponential changing of societal values and thereby, forever impacting history. There is not a development of Western Civilization and certainly not America without that survival and flourishing.
I have always been fascinated by the realities of the lives, lived in faith, by those early believers. After all, there were no bibles to read, no large churches with organized activities, no seminaries, no books to buy, etc. The Corinthians, for example, had two letters from the Apostle Paul; some perhaps, had seen the gospels or heard his letters to the Philippians, Colossians, Galatians or others. Communications were verbal mostly, and leadership was presented by example of the Apostles and their disciples.
At our time in history, we are blessed with far more information available than our earlier brethren. In spite of this apparent advantage, I think it is imaginary that our faith is stronger and our lives are purer or more exemplary. I know there are tremendous examples, in our modern world, of men and women of faith; yet the percentage of believers following the earlier models is significantly lower. In America today no one is subject to death for their faith. Yet, we are easily excitable, and offended concerning a lack of “Christmas Spirit”. We complain readily about the crassness of television programming, the sexual nature of ‘pop culture’, the disregard of morality by those considered leaders, whether civil or clergy. We claim to not understand our government losing its Christian foundation or our churches losing their influence and appeal.
I offer a explanation that reconciles this evidence with my understanding: The Apostles and their disciples understood, experienced and taught transformation by Christ; not reformation for Christ. They did not risk their life for platitudes, a list of instructions or for their ‘religion‘; they had experienced the transformational power of Christ. They knew that the Spirit of God bore witness with their own spirit that they were indeed the children of God. (Rom. 8: 16) As the Apostle Paul further exhorted in that same chapter: ”For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38,39)
I am continually bewildered by the American brand of Christianity that follows 400 years of teaching a return to conformation to various configurations of arbitrary law. Ironically, the reformation founders separating themselves doctrinally from ’Romanism’ by teaching salvation by faith; would be intrigued by the different forms of ‘Jesus plus my efforts’ salvation by attainment, taught today in their name. Thus, reducing Jesus’ declaration on the cross “It is finished” to mere uncertainty, depending on what the believer chooses to do or not. Changing the words of Jesus himself: “ …whomsoever believes is not condemned, but has everlasting life.” (John 3:16) To whomsoever believes maybe is not condemned and we will eventually find out whether he merits everlasting life! Having read many theologians and scholars, my simple mind is baffled that, after their years of study, they still propose conclusions seemingly in direct contrast to the very words of our Lord. Raising the question: Do I need more education or are they too smart for their britches? The Apostle Paul declared: ”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) Any theological scholarship that reduces, through its teaching, the gift of God to a merited reward cannot be reconciled, regardless of the stature of the theologian.
The point is, the effectiveness of Christianity today is rendered feckless, without power, by its abandonment of the transformation of the believer by Christ; adopting rather, legalistic requirements for the believer’s reformation for Christ. Throughout the New Testament and specifically in Paul’s epistles, the utter frustration and repeatable failure of this vanity is revealed. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Rom. 7: 18,19) Furthermore, as Paul was instructing his disciple Timothy, the young teacher, to remain faithful to the teachings and to be ever attendant to sound doctrine, he gave a prescient warning about this very subject: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (II Timothy 3:1 - 5) I agree with many scholars, that Paul was calling out participants in the church with this warning.
The words of Jesus brings home to the believer the source of power: “I am the way, the truth and the life“…(John 14:6) What is the life? It is not me being good or improvingly better; it is Christ Jesus! He confirms this in the same chapter, when he speaks of his departure and the indwelling of the believer by the Spirit/comforter: ”In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) As my mentor Ed Dezago, likes to say; “Spirituality is what we receive; not what we achieve.”
The circumstances of my life did not allow for a life of academic scholarship, but I am so thankful for many of those whose lives and talents have pursued that course. I recommend the following for greater understanding of the transformation by Christ, the difference in results between salvation and discipleship, the integral relationship of salvation and sovereignty, and an on-going education by a tremendous teacher:
The Rest of the Gospel: When the partial gospel has worn you out. - Dan Stone and Greg Smith This is an eye-opening explanation of the reality of the new creation/ transformation of the believer.
The Reign of the Servant Kings - Joseph C. Dillow A fascinating scriptural study of the promises and warnings interspersed throughout the New Testament concerning the relationship between salvation and discipleship of the believer.
Salvation…Sovereignty - Kenneth Keathley Providing a scriptural analysis acrostic for understanding the role of God’s sovereignty in the salvation and relationship with the believer.
Ed Dezago, PhD, This is the link to the developing website of my friend and mentor. Although, we have been best friends since first grade, I am continually inspired by the depth of knowledge and spiritual wisdom he has garnered in his 42 years of scholarship and ministry. I look forward to his teaching in this on-line format. http://www.toliveischrist.org/
Friday, January 18, 2013
Monday, January 7, 2013
Amusing
To muse is to ponder, reflect, think about, deliberate or weigh thoughtfully. When ‘a’ is added as the prefix in amuse, it means ‘not to’ ponder, think about, etc. Much of today’s culture is centered around entertainment/amusement. I believe to a fault and consequently to our detriment as a society. If I walk up to the next 10 guys I see, I’ll bet most would be able to tell me, at least, 3 players from 5 NFL teams. If I asked the same guys to give me 5 of 13* virtues, their expression would be that of a “deer-in-the headlights.” It is not a stretch to conclude, that they care more about the NFL than virtue. If I wanted to be tough on them, I could always ask them to define virtue, or maybe list the 1st ten amendments to our constitution, or to name our three founding documents.
I am embarrassed to admit my knowing Kim Kardashian is pregnant with Kanye West’s baby. But, in today’s culture, that is “News” which must be communicated in every format; so, the simple act of turning on my computer brings me to this profound information. The Captain once quipped “ If Lindsey, Paris or Brittany have any impact on your life; your life sucks!” He never imagined how many more names would be added.
One of the saddest commentaries on the Sandy Hook tragedy were stories, about a week later, concerning movie producers losing millions of dollars by delaying the release of “Jack Reacher” and “Django Unchained”. Evidently, it is very important to get violent movies released, as early as possible, for the “Holiday Season”!
I know I’m still in the early stages of my self-imposed ‘political rehab’. Although I think I am slowly recovering, let me just reiterate for a moment, Today’s political scene is not the cause of our problems, but the revealing symptom of our problem as a nation and society; likened to having our tumor on the outside of our body. The unfortunate people who consider President Obama, or any of our current political class, great men/women; have never experienced or studied “Greatness”. Mr. Obama is, in many ways, the perfect fit for President in our culture. He is shallow, an unwavering political ideologue, at best; a intellectual lightweight, economically illiterate, and geopolitically misguided. Yet, his strongest appeal to both “low-life” and the “well-heeled” is his likeability and their deeming him to be “cool”.
I am determined to focus on improving our country by influencing others to reach higher, think on better things and live better lives. The collective “WE” never accomplishes squat. Therefore, starting with “ME”, I am going to improve!
*Per Ben Franklin:
Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversations Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable Chastity: Rarely use venery but for "health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates
I am embarrassed to admit my knowing Kim Kardashian is pregnant with Kanye West’s baby. But, in today’s culture, that is “News” which must be communicated in every format; so, the simple act of turning on my computer brings me to this profound information. The Captain once quipped “ If Lindsey, Paris or Brittany have any impact on your life; your life sucks!” He never imagined how many more names would be added.
One of the saddest commentaries on the Sandy Hook tragedy were stories, about a week later, concerning movie producers losing millions of dollars by delaying the release of “Jack Reacher” and “Django Unchained”. Evidently, it is very important to get violent movies released, as early as possible, for the “Holiday Season”!
I know I’m still in the early stages of my self-imposed ‘political rehab’. Although I think I am slowly recovering, let me just reiterate for a moment, Today’s political scene is not the cause of our problems, but the revealing symptom of our problem as a nation and society; likened to having our tumor on the outside of our body. The unfortunate people who consider President Obama, or any of our current political class, great men/women; have never experienced or studied “Greatness”. Mr. Obama is, in many ways, the perfect fit for President in our culture. He is shallow, an unwavering political ideologue, at best; a intellectual lightweight, economically illiterate, and geopolitically misguided. Yet, his strongest appeal to both “low-life” and the “well-heeled” is his likeability and their deeming him to be “cool”.
I am determined to focus on improving our country by influencing others to reach higher, think on better things and live better lives. The collective “WE” never accomplishes squat. Therefore, starting with “ME”, I am going to improve!
*Per Ben Franklin:
Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversations Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable Chastity: Rarely use venery but for "health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Please America
Please America (or, at least, my friends) turn off your televisions.
This past year you received more than a lifetime of vitriol, lying, corruption, threats, foul language, dishonesty and shock. Unbelievably, this was all brought to you by the campaigns for the highest civil office in our government. You have been sullied more than anyone should be forced to bear, and now they want your respect as “Leaders”.
Television is the money fountain funding this nonsense. The politicians and television executives know that there are millions of dollars to be garnered for and against the present administration. Inevitably, there is enough funding to promote both sides of every issue. The term “news” needs to be removed from their titles. Each network promotes only the information that they want you to know; hoping to attract a following to boost theirs ratings, which increases their revenues. Ironically, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Fox News fan or MSNBC, CNN fan, because this election was decided by our largest demographic: the uniformed or “low information” voter.
Like many, my blood pressure increases and I feel it is necessary to shower away the slime after watching the same small group of pundits, anchors and pseudo-intellectual experts regurgitate the same pabulum ad nauseum.
The problems, in my opinion, that we face as a nation are not confined to politics. They are matters of who we are as people, individuals specifically. We are witnessing an unparalleled degradation of our society. While we may attach many fathers as the patriarchs of blame. It cannot be remedied on the whole without first introspection as individuals.
I choose, and would encourage you to detach from the box. There is a wealth of information available through books. It can be carefully thought through at your own pace and without the theatrics of debate.
Some recommendations:
A History of the American People - Paul Johnson (This is a large volume and very astonishingly detailed. It contains many segments which can be read separately according to your interest)
Intellectuals - Paul Johnson ( Amazingly insightful details of the lives and thinking of the intellectuals whose thoughts created the foundation of philosophical/political debate today.)
Facts & Fallacies - Thomas Sowell ( Empirical evidence regarding well intentioned policy and the ultimate fallacy of their practicality.)
Basic Economics, 4th Edition - Thomas Sowell ( Again a large volume which can be read in segments according to one’s interests)
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller ( A conversationally written book providing reasoned argument for belief in an age of skepticism)
Reasonable Faith - William Lane Craig (A scholarly written presentation of reasonableness of faith; this well known scholar has debated many of the worlds greatest atheists (See YouTube for examples)
Many of my friends already know that I try to read 8-10 books a year with a passion for history and theology. Last year was pretty dismal, I only read four, but it’s a new year and that I plan to rectify.
Please my friends, I believe it is imperative for all of us to improve as individuals. Books are an economical way of enhancing our minds, and thereby changing our lives.
As always, I am interested in your feedback.
This past year you received more than a lifetime of vitriol, lying, corruption, threats, foul language, dishonesty and shock. Unbelievably, this was all brought to you by the campaigns for the highest civil office in our government. You have been sullied more than anyone should be forced to bear, and now they want your respect as “Leaders”.
Television is the money fountain funding this nonsense. The politicians and television executives know that there are millions of dollars to be garnered for and against the present administration. Inevitably, there is enough funding to promote both sides of every issue. The term “news” needs to be removed from their titles. Each network promotes only the information that they want you to know; hoping to attract a following to boost theirs ratings, which increases their revenues. Ironically, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Fox News fan or MSNBC, CNN fan, because this election was decided by our largest demographic: the uniformed or “low information” voter.
Like many, my blood pressure increases and I feel it is necessary to shower away the slime after watching the same small group of pundits, anchors and pseudo-intellectual experts regurgitate the same pabulum ad nauseum.
The problems, in my opinion, that we face as a nation are not confined to politics. They are matters of who we are as people, individuals specifically. We are witnessing an unparalleled degradation of our society. While we may attach many fathers as the patriarchs of blame. It cannot be remedied on the whole without first introspection as individuals.
I choose, and would encourage you to detach from the box. There is a wealth of information available through books. It can be carefully thought through at your own pace and without the theatrics of debate.
Some recommendations:
A History of the American People - Paul Johnson (This is a large volume and very astonishingly detailed. It contains many segments which can be read separately according to your interest)
Intellectuals - Paul Johnson ( Amazingly insightful details of the lives and thinking of the intellectuals whose thoughts created the foundation of philosophical/political debate today.)
Facts & Fallacies - Thomas Sowell ( Empirical evidence regarding well intentioned policy and the ultimate fallacy of their practicality.)
Basic Economics, 4th Edition - Thomas Sowell ( Again a large volume which can be read in segments according to one’s interests)
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller ( A conversationally written book providing reasoned argument for belief in an age of skepticism)
Reasonable Faith - William Lane Craig (A scholarly written presentation of reasonableness of faith; this well known scholar has debated many of the worlds greatest atheists (See YouTube for examples)
Many of my friends already know that I try to read 8-10 books a year with a passion for history and theology. Last year was pretty dismal, I only read four, but it’s a new year and that I plan to rectify.
Please my friends, I believe it is imperative for all of us to improve as individuals. Books are an economical way of enhancing our minds, and thereby changing our lives.
As always, I am interested in your feedback.
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