I want to share something related to the last days and also in relationship to the second coming of Jesus Christ. I realize what I am going to share is completely different from anybody else that I have heard or read. My wife would say she's not surprised at that. But I share this with you just because I'm afraid we are so used to looking at preparing for the second coming in one way that we are overlooking something else from the Bible. We are so used to being motivated by scary, sensational events as a way to get ready for the second coming.
Turning your Bibles to Matthew 24:36, No one knows. Question: Are people more likely to cry out to the Lord when life is horrendously bad or when life is awesomely good? Horrendously bad. What we have heard for the last 50 years that I've been around is that things will continue to get worse before Jesus comes back. We assume that globally everything deteriorates. What if that is wrong?
Matthew 24:37-39; 42-44, Thief in the night. All my adult life I have heard that life will become more horrible until we get to that day. And as we see those horrible things coming about we are urged to get right with the Lord. Sounds to me like the whole Christian world is looking for the second coming of Christ right now. How could it be like a thief in the night? Could it be that the horrible things that the Bible speaks about are really events that happen right down to the wire, right at the very end, within months of Jesus return? And for the years before that, part of what much of the world is experiencing is a growth in compassion, humanity and peace.
You say, “Well Jesus is not coming back very soon then because we don't see too much compassion, humanity and peace.” We see the beginning of it. We saw uprisings in Egypt, Yemen, other countries of the Middle East which are controlled by oppressive dictators. The youths used Facebook, the Internet and other technology to stage revolts which are still going on in some places. What do they want? They want freedom. They want jobs. They want peace. They want their lives secure and safe. Maybe this is the beginning of things getting better in the world.
Years ago when I spoke in evangelistic efforts it always troubled me that we really didn’t have an explanation for the Soviet Union. Prophecy was silent about it even though for many years the Soviet Union and communism was the biggest threat to America. The Cold War was fought with the realization that it could become a hot war any minute and hence World War III which could end the world. But prophecy was silent.
Now we look back and see why. The Soviet Union was just a blip in history and communism is all but defeated. God didn’t see a reason to speak about it.
Today there are radical Moslems seeking the end of the USA and seeking more. Prophecy says nothing about them. Maybe for the same reason… they will not be here much longer. Peace will come soon.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Peace and safety, sudden destruction? As the world gets worse we are all led to look towards God for help. But as the world gets better who will then look to God? That is when the thief comes. This is a biblical truth we need to take seriously.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Balance of Justice and Mercy?
Balance between justice and mercy? I've been asked to share some thoughts about this dilemma that we are often confronted with. We all want balance in life. To be extreme at one end of the spectrum or the other is not healthy. When it comes to justice and mercy, we like there to be a balance. We are afraid of too much love because that could lead to promiscuity. We shrink from too much justice because the law doesn't care. Humanly speaking we think balance works. But in God's world things aren't that simple.
Justice has with it the strength of the law and the law doesn't care about anything but justice. No one can set aside the law. Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." It is because of the eternal nature of the law that Christ had to die. He fulfilled its just requirements and set us all free in his mercy. Jesus fulfilled the justice of the law so he can justify those who have faith in him through mercy. They become justified by faith. (Romans 3:25, 26)
Mercy can only come when justice reigns supreme. One cannot set aside the other. But without mercy we are lost. There can be no balance… but we are saved anyway. That is the wisdom of the cross. God saves us and remains just. What a wonderful God we have.
What about in the way we treat one another? When we think of balance we often think 50-50 or half justice, half mercy. That may sound equitable humanly speaking, but spiritually it is very difficult, for both justice and mercy must work at 100% strength. The law contains no mercy like for forgiveness, or power to overcome, but only condemnation and justice. And God does not dole out his love in percentages. When God says he love you he loves you infinitely.
So how can we relate to one another with a "balance" of justice and mercy? We attempt to evaluate and offender’s "worthiness" to receive mercy. And if we think they are "worthy" we dole out mercy in portions: less punishment, a probationary time, etc. It seems to work alright especially in a parent/child relationship. We do this in an effort to "discipline" or teach a person to do better in the future. Even churches sometimes discipline their members.
But we must always remember that we are sinners and come under the condemnation of the law, we deserve death. That punishment cannot be administered in percentages. But God forgives us through Jesus death on the cross and mercy is given as 100% life... forever! Keeping this truth in our hearts will help us to show rebuke and/or mercy as we seek prayerfully to be led by God.
Justice has with it the strength of the law and the law doesn't care about anything but justice. No one can set aside the law. Romans 6:23, "The wages of sin is death." It is because of the eternal nature of the law that Christ had to die. He fulfilled its just requirements and set us all free in his mercy. Jesus fulfilled the justice of the law so he can justify those who have faith in him through mercy. They become justified by faith. (Romans 3:25, 26)
Mercy can only come when justice reigns supreme. One cannot set aside the other. But without mercy we are lost. There can be no balance… but we are saved anyway. That is the wisdom of the cross. God saves us and remains just. What a wonderful God we have.
What about in the way we treat one another? When we think of balance we often think 50-50 or half justice, half mercy. That may sound equitable humanly speaking, but spiritually it is very difficult, for both justice and mercy must work at 100% strength. The law contains no mercy like for forgiveness, or power to overcome, but only condemnation and justice. And God does not dole out his love in percentages. When God says he love you he loves you infinitely.
So how can we relate to one another with a "balance" of justice and mercy? We attempt to evaluate and offender’s "worthiness" to receive mercy. And if we think they are "worthy" we dole out mercy in portions: less punishment, a probationary time, etc. It seems to work alright especially in a parent/child relationship. We do this in an effort to "discipline" or teach a person to do better in the future. Even churches sometimes discipline their members.
But we must always remember that we are sinners and come under the condemnation of the law, we deserve death. That punishment cannot be administered in percentages. But God forgives us through Jesus death on the cross and mercy is given as 100% life... forever! Keeping this truth in our hearts will help us to show rebuke and/or mercy as we seek prayerfully to be led by God.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Personal stuff
Last month the landlord of the house we are renting decided to put it on the market. The Realtor came, took pictures, put up signs and left. We are not interested in the home because of no garage (we had to help the landlord pay for a carport) and no attic for storage. It is amazing how many boxes we have of books and Christmas decorations.
We decided to begin looking for another home to rent. In our looking, we discovered that home prices are really low in Charlotte and we could get into a new home for the same monthly cost of renting. We looked at allot of foreclosures, short sales, etc. Good prices but most needed work. We put a contract on one foreclosure, too big and needed a new roof. The bank didn't like our offer so we withdrew it and kept looking.
It was down to two homes, one brand new, large but with a postage stamp yard. Another older with a 1/2 acre and new roof, new air conditioners, new carpet, new hot water heater, so we took that one. Our contract offer was accepted and the fun begins.
Strangely though, our landlord sent an email saying he was taking the house off the market and would we consider signing the lease again when it expires in Oct. It is now the end of May, we are to close on the new house in mid July...
I informed him we are buying a home and will need to get out of our lease, as he expected before. Hope he is feeling gracious, even though he will have to find other renters. God will take care of us and maybe him.
We decided to begin looking for another home to rent. In our looking, we discovered that home prices are really low in Charlotte and we could get into a new home for the same monthly cost of renting. We looked at allot of foreclosures, short sales, etc. Good prices but most needed work. We put a contract on one foreclosure, too big and needed a new roof. The bank didn't like our offer so we withdrew it and kept looking.
It was down to two homes, one brand new, large but with a postage stamp yard. Another older with a 1/2 acre and new roof, new air conditioners, new carpet, new hot water heater, so we took that one. Our contract offer was accepted and the fun begins.
Strangely though, our landlord sent an email saying he was taking the house off the market and would we consider signing the lease again when it expires in Oct. It is now the end of May, we are to close on the new house in mid July...
I informed him we are buying a home and will need to get out of our lease, as he expected before. Hope he is feeling gracious, even though he will have to find other renters. God will take care of us and maybe him.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Homelessness is no fun
Homelessness is no fun. There is a ministry called the Free Store in downtown Charlotte for homeless people. It provides some of their basic necessities for free. Our church has voted this as a ministry to support.
It has not been easy for me to be involved there. It brings back memories of a different life, in a different place and a different situation. For many months in the early 70s I experienced what those people experience. Homelessness is no fun. It has been difficult for me to be at the free store...emotional...maybe even frightening because I have been in partial denial for 30+ years. Like with my fear of heights I find myself just wanting to jump...right back there with them. I have become like most people who have never experienced it. Thankful for the way life is and really uncomfortable being around those other people. But at the same time I find myself drawn to help those people whom Jesus died for. They are just like you and me. They just exist on the other side of the tracks...the side most are embarrassed about.
Please don't be embarrassed. Give them the compassion every human deserves through Christ. "However, there should be no poor among you..." Deuteronomy 15:4 NIV
It has not been easy for me to be involved there. It brings back memories of a different life, in a different place and a different situation. For many months in the early 70s I experienced what those people experience. Homelessness is no fun. It has been difficult for me to be at the free store...emotional...maybe even frightening because I have been in partial denial for 30+ years. Like with my fear of heights I find myself just wanting to jump...right back there with them. I have become like most people who have never experienced it. Thankful for the way life is and really uncomfortable being around those other people. But at the same time I find myself drawn to help those people whom Jesus died for. They are just like you and me. They just exist on the other side of the tracks...the side most are embarrassed about.
Please don't be embarrassed. Give them the compassion every human deserves through Christ. "However, there should be no poor among you..." Deuteronomy 15:4 NIV
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Human Sexuality Class Involves Demonstration
Attendance was optional, but about 100 students stayed after class to watch. This story appeared in the Charlotte Observer, Thursday, March 3, 2011. It comes out of Chicago at Northwestern University. After Prof. John Bailey’s human sexuality class, a demonstration occurred which was optional but which included sex act performed in front of the audience. After the class a couple demonstrated the use of the sex toy and female orgasm. Of course the professor gave five or six warnings stating that this was going to be graphic but hardly anybody left. The woman undressed and got on stage with her male partner who used a device to give her an orgasm.
One would call this live pornography by two exhibitionists, the same kind that work in topless bars and are strippers. Perhaps the best one could say about it is that it is obscene.
Here is a good opportunity for all the preachers in America to harangue Northwestern University for its graphic and flagrant acceptance of the sinless and godless culture of today. They might, but this preacher is not going to. It doesn't accomplish anything positive anyway.
I see something else here. I see a lack of acceptance and understanding of who we are as humans. Question: Are we a distinct creature or simply a higher form of animal? In my high school, I learned that humans are mammals...animals. But that is not what God says.
When God created mankind he used a different method than he did for all other inorganic or organic creation. Genesis 2:7, The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (NIV) Everything else God simply spoke into existence. But with mankind he used his hands, it was personal and he made us in his own image. (Genesis 1:27)
I ask again: Who are we? Are we a unique creature unlike any other in the world or are we simply mammals and as such we should act like animals; creatures who act on instinct, who are more concerned about themselves than anyone else, who are seemingly controlled by pleasure or other feelings, and brute or physical force and cunning are the predominant survival techniques.
I submit that most of societal problems can be traced back to this; Violence, inhumanity inflicted upon humans, war, abuse, anything that devalues one over another; one lion fighting another over territory or a mate or… God help us all if that's what we believe. Because that does not involve morality, what is considered a good character, neither a spiritual dimension in life. The spiritual dimension is perhaps the most important that sets us apart from all other creatures and connects us with God, our maker, our ultimate lover and our Savior. Without that we are animals and might as well act like it…hay, Northwestern is teaching it.
One would call this live pornography by two exhibitionists, the same kind that work in topless bars and are strippers. Perhaps the best one could say about it is that it is obscene.
Here is a good opportunity for all the preachers in America to harangue Northwestern University for its graphic and flagrant acceptance of the sinless and godless culture of today. They might, but this preacher is not going to. It doesn't accomplish anything positive anyway.
I see something else here. I see a lack of acceptance and understanding of who we are as humans. Question: Are we a distinct creature or simply a higher form of animal? In my high school, I learned that humans are mammals...animals. But that is not what God says.
When God created mankind he used a different method than he did for all other inorganic or organic creation. Genesis 2:7, The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. (NIV) Everything else God simply spoke into existence. But with mankind he used his hands, it was personal and he made us in his own image. (Genesis 1:27)
I ask again: Who are we? Are we a unique creature unlike any other in the world or are we simply mammals and as such we should act like animals; creatures who act on instinct, who are more concerned about themselves than anyone else, who are seemingly controlled by pleasure or other feelings, and brute or physical force and cunning are the predominant survival techniques.
I submit that most of societal problems can be traced back to this; Violence, inhumanity inflicted upon humans, war, abuse, anything that devalues one over another; one lion fighting another over territory or a mate or… God help us all if that's what we believe. Because that does not involve morality, what is considered a good character, neither a spiritual dimension in life. The spiritual dimension is perhaps the most important that sets us apart from all other creatures and connects us with God, our maker, our ultimate lover and our Savior. Without that we are animals and might as well act like it…hay, Northwestern is teaching it.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
End of Civility and Christianity?
I thought I would share something I just read in Best Practices, a newsletter for pastors: “Pastor Jared Wright went to hear Ted Wilson, (president of the General Conference) speak in Redlands, CA last week. Afterward, Pastor Jared approached a man who'd asked Wilson a question during the Q&A that Jared wanted to clarify. He introduced himself and told the man he was writing an article for Spectrum magazine. At the word "Spectrum" the man went into a rage, and after threatening to take him outside and beat him up, settled for punching him in the mouth - right in the church sanctuary…
“Perhaps I’m nostalgic, but it seems to me that our capacity for courteous discourse has diminished. We seem less able to disagree without being disagreeable. And is it any wonder? Sometime said to me recently that the church follows the culture, and we're all aware that respect and civility are hard to find in public conversations… So should we be surprised that the rhetoric of violence - not to mention actual violence - filters into the church, too?” (Loren Seibold, Editor, Best Practices)
Not only that, but as I looked at different responses to this altercation on Facebook, I discovered that many “liberals” who were outraged by the violence would be very happy to see the perpetrator receive equal through arrest or law suit. Is that any better? Does joining a “conservative” or “liberal” mindset ensure that one will be Christlike? No! Only Christ within can assure Christlikeness.
Those whose goal is to purify the church from sinful people, philosophies, and permissive practices as well as those who want to silence the above mentioned people, should never resort to violent measures. “Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1Corinthians 13:5) “Do not repay evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17) “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) In their zeal defending the church from such influence, they forget that people are more important then a perceived church health. In God’s eyes people are of infinite worth, those who are led astray and those who lead us astray. Jesus gave His life for all. Just ask the question, can you see Jesus punching someone in the face for speaking out…for any reason? Not the Jesus I see in Scripture.
“Perhaps I’m nostalgic, but it seems to me that our capacity for courteous discourse has diminished. We seem less able to disagree without being disagreeable. And is it any wonder? Sometime said to me recently that the church follows the culture, and we're all aware that respect and civility are hard to find in public conversations… So should we be surprised that the rhetoric of violence - not to mention actual violence - filters into the church, too?” (Loren Seibold, Editor, Best Practices)
Not only that, but as I looked at different responses to this altercation on Facebook, I discovered that many “liberals” who were outraged by the violence would be very happy to see the perpetrator receive equal through arrest or law suit. Is that any better? Does joining a “conservative” or “liberal” mindset ensure that one will be Christlike? No! Only Christ within can assure Christlikeness.
Those whose goal is to purify the church from sinful people, philosophies, and permissive practices as well as those who want to silence the above mentioned people, should never resort to violent measures. “Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1Corinthians 13:5) “Do not repay evil for evil.” (Romans 12:17) “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) In their zeal defending the church from such influence, they forget that people are more important then a perceived church health. In God’s eyes people are of infinite worth, those who are led astray and those who lead us astray. Jesus gave His life for all. Just ask the question, can you see Jesus punching someone in the face for speaking out…for any reason? Not the Jesus I see in Scripture.
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