Evil That Lurks In The Heart Of Men

“What evil lurks in the heart of men? Only the Shadow knows.” So goes the quote, a reminder from an old radio show, a generation ago, that we never know how, when and through whom, evil will show its presence. And now from Connecticut in a small quiet town we have another reminder of this ugly truth as our nation struggles with a horrific spectacle that claimed the lives of some of its youngest citizens. Daily, we are deluged with the advice of “experts” who attempt to analyze the events in an attempt to make some rhyme or reason out of it. Officials on every level, while denouncing the acts of a crazed individual, seek to impose measures that will insure that such tragedy will never again happen in our society. Occasionally the conversation turns to someone perceived to have some religious base, with the inevitable question of “Where was God that day?” Indeed, such questions are not to be unexpected as our society attempts to make sense of things. However, when someone of note suggests that the fault lies not in God but in the sinful nature of all mankind who walk this earth, he is instantly vilified and ridiculed.

Nonetheless, the Bible points out that evil is in the heart of men—all men. Romans 3:23 says that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. And again in Romans 3:10 we hear, “There is none righteous, no not one”. Jeremiah put it this way, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” But our society is no friend of such truth. The attempt to force God out of our schools and all public settings has been increasingly successful. With our society growing ever more secular every day it is not surprising that the idea that the shooter in Connecticut and other isolated individuals like him are not the only ones that have to deal with evil, but that there is evil in each one of us, is not readily accepted. It is easier to accept the idea that if we can only identify the "at risk" people of this world and keep them from getting guns or other weapons we can fix the problem than to accept the fact that the real problem is that evil lies in each of us and unless it is dealt with through the Grace of God, it threatens to break through at any time undoing relationships, destroying families, erupting in crimes of all description and even resulting in mass murder. 

Genesis chapter six describes the fall from grace by the first two human beings who walked this earth. The temptation was simple. All they had to do was to disobey God in one little seemingly minor thing and they would be as God. To this they agreed, as testified by their actions and each and every one of us has been ever since attempting to be our own authority—our own God. The book of Judges repeats a phrase constantly describing the condition of Israel before there was a king. This phrase which goes as this: “There was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes”accurately describes our society today. The the moral code that has been passed down through our nation’s Judeo-Christian heritage is constantly being challenged, and being replaced with the idea that everyone is justified to act as he feels fit."Every one is to do what is right in his own eyes". When such is the common thinking, how can we not expect that evil will come out even in the least expected places?

Despite the explanation of man’s basic sinfulness or rather because of the fact our society generally rejects it, the question remains of God’s seemingly unwillingness or inability to intervene in such a quiet town filled with mostly good people. The suggestion that sin is to blame seems to most that this was an act of judgment from God. The question that sticks out the most is, “How could an all powerful loving God stand by and do nothing for these innocent people?” The answer is that two thousand years ago, He did. He sent His Son into the world to live the only sinless life ever lived by a man. And at Calvary, God poured out His love as His Son died to break the power of evil and to provide forgiveness to any who will receive Him (see John 1:12). Yet so very few receive this gift so freely offered of forgiveness and a new life that overcomes the evil within us because so few of us will admit the evil is there. Even churches that claim to hold to the Gospel, wanting to seem more relevant to modern culture, downplay the sinfulness that resides in each of us. The result is that the message is not clear and evil continues to triumph.

While we will never know all the details of the events in Connecticut or what caused the shooter to go over the edge or even why this little town was singled out, the Bible tells us that the evil in each of us is real. We may try to repress it and even have some success (in our eyes at least) of doing so, but it threatens to break out at any moment. Only the blood of Jesus can make the difference. Only the blood of Jesus can take evil away. As long as we deny its presence, we deny the love God showed when He sent His Son. I am sure God and His angels wept long and hard that day in Connecticut, but they will rejoice whenever a “whosoever” receives Jesus as Lord and Savior into his or her heart. Will you come, simply recognizing the sin in your own life, not comparing yourself to anyone else, simply trusting what Jesus did at Calvary and inviting Him to come into your life? The Bible says everyone that comes becomes a light. We need a multitude of lights who live in the power of Jesus Christ to hold off the darkness of evil which is in our world today. Will you become one? Put away your excuses and open your heart to Jesus. John 1:12 "But as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believed in His name."

Follower, Fan or Something Else

I recently had a friend ask me about a book that contrasts the difference between being a fan of Jesus Christ and truly being a follower. I had not read the book so I could not recommend for or against it. However the subject matter intrigues me. There is no doubt that in a day when Christian churches today go out of their way to be seeker friendly and culturally relevant, there are fewer challenges and demands made on believers resulting in a climate that has all the excitement of a sporting event but little emphasis on following in the footsteps of the Master we are praising. This certainly is something that bears consideration, and a book that does justice to the topic should not be dismissed lightly.

The more I thought on the subject, however, I began to be disturbed about one thing. Certainly there are many believers who can be called fans, i.e. those that hoot and holler, praising Jesus, but have never done much else to grow in His grace. Certainly, we ought to be encouraging believers in Christ to a deeper relationship which is expressed by following in His footsteps. What bothers me though is that the writers of the New Testament (whereever the writer is named) do not refer to themselves as followers but rather as servants (more accurately bond servants) of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The fact that there is a difference between being a follower and a bond slave is something not to be missed. It might not be popular to try to impress upon worldly believers that they need to move away from being merely fans of but to follow Christ. How much more unpopular is it to suggest we are to be His bond slaves bought by His blood, shed at Calvary? However this is what Scripture suggests when it calls Him our Lord. Any book on this subject (and this is no criticism of the book I mentioned, for I have not read it), doing justice to the idea that believers ought to consider ourselves bond slaves of Jesus Christ might be tolerated but is not likely to be popular at in the current world of Christianity.

The Lordship of Jesus Christ is not to be missed in God’s Word. John 1 goes in to great depths to establish that Who Jesus is with the implication that He is the Lord of all creation. Consequently, when John writes in verse 12, “But as many as received Him to them gave He the power to become the sons of God, even to them who believe on His name,” there is little doubt that it is the Lord Jesus Christ that we are to receive. Paul reinforces this in Acts 16:31 when he says to the Philippian jailer “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ…” and again in Romans 10:9 when he says to confess with your mouth “The Lord Jesus.”

It is a popular and very correct teaching that we are saved by faith alone. However, when should I imply that saving faith involves receiving Jesus into our lives as Lord, I am likely to be accused of teaching “lordship salvation" with the implication that I am introducing works into the process. However, the Bible is clear. Salvation comes when faith results in the invitation of the Lord Jesus Christ into our lives. However, that in no means implies we are consistent in giving Him this Lordship. Growth, sanctification or better yet, relationship comes as we surrender to His Lordship. When He is our Lord we can see ourselves as His bond slaves, bought by His blood, yielded to His service.

I am reminded of a tract that puts it this way, “All that I have, all that I am, and all I ever hope to be, I give it all to thee (Jesus). I may follow Jesus and I should for this is important. But He is more than a teacher whose steps I ought to follow. He is my Lord to Whom I owe everything I am and have. Consequently, I am ever in His debt and called to His service no matter how exciting or humbling that service may appear to me. To do less is to deny my true relationship to Him, keeping me from the blessings that come through His grace. However, in our modern culture that glorifies self, this is not relevant, nor is it popular, but unless we teach this we are failing a generation of believers, inhibiting their growth, cheapening the Gospel whose goal is to change lives delivering from the power of sin..  

Where Did The Excitement Go?

“What must I do to make sure God will accept me?” This was the question I was asked the other day, and which I eagerly responded to with the words of the Gospel, how God already made the way by sending His Son to pay for our sins on the Cross. The individual to whom I was talking had no problem acknowledging that he had sin and even though he did not want me to pray with him, I could see from the concentration and expression on his face, he was silently praying to ask Jesus to save him. I uttered an audible, “Amen,” and his face brightened.

To the unbeliever, so battered by sin and guilt the wonderful news that “Jesus paid it all” can be the best and most exciting news that can be heard. However, to many of us who have known salvation for a long time, this truth seems to have lost its luster. Where is the excitement in our local churches over the fact that Jesus saves and keeps? Why do we get excited mostly over spectacular experiences rather than the most spectacular event of all—Jesus saves?

Perhaps we have come too far in our Christian walk that we no longer fear condemnation, but not far enough to realize that our lives must be all about Him and not about us. We get ourselves worked up over a specific event. People come and hear the Gospel. We feel the church is being blest, but we don’t press on. We go back to our complacency—to our normal routines and are not concerned that those that just heard the Gospel are not following along in it. Have we really understood what Calvary means and ought to mean to us.

In Galatians 2:20 Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ, Nevertheless I live, yet not I but Christ liveth in me.” What a statement. How many of us professing Christians really understand the depth of this? Have we really understood what it means to ask Jesus to come into our hearts? Have we truly received the Lord Jesus Christ? What Paul was saying is that when we receive Jesus, we have been placed into Him and when He died on the Cross, that was the place our sinful natures were crucified as well. That is why we are to die to self daily. When we do this, how can we live in complacency? How can we ever lose the excitement that Jesus “Paid it all.”

Problems

”God won’t give us anything we can’t handle.”  I heard this the other day. It was said after the one doing the saying had related a current list of difficulties being faced. On the surface this statement seemed to be a strong statement of faith based on Biblical truth, but the longer I thought about it the more I was uncomfortable with it.  As I struggled with these uncomfortable feelings I tried to consider what bothered me most about this statement. After all, as a member of a Bible study told me, isn’t there a verse (1 Corinthians 10:13) that tells us just what that statement claims?

The more I thought about this the more I realized that I had no objection to the God part of the statement, but rather the phrase, “we can handle it”. “Of course”, comes the usual reply, “we cannot handle problems alone, but we can with God. Still, I am uneasy.  I look at 1 Corinthians 10:13 and don’t see any reference to us handling anything at all. This verse clearly puts things in God’s hands not ours.

One thing we all can count on is that we will have problems. This is not a pleasant thought, but so true and is well supported by Scripture. However, it’s what we do with our problems that makes the difference. To be sure, believers in Christ will have problems and we can, according to Romans 8:28 (And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose), perceive these problems as opportunities to see God in action in our lives. However, knowing that God orders all things to work for the good of His children is not the same thing as saying we can handle all that comes at us. At this point someone is usually quick to say that 1Corinthians 10:13 says that we all will have problems, “such as are common to man” but not to the degree as to be above, “that we are able”, which is construed to mean “that we are able to handle” said problems.  However, a careful look at this verse in context will establish that this is not what the Word of God is saying at all. Read the following:

Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. 5But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play. 8Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand. 9Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 10Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

14Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry (1 Corinthians 10:1-14, KJV).

The first difficulty in the above common explanation of 1 Corinthians 10:13 is that the word “problems” is never mentioned. The writer of this passage uses a Greek word translated “temptation” (enticement to do evil), which can be alternatively translated “trials” (testing) depending on context. While it is tempting to connect “trials” with “tribulations” (and equate “tribulations” with “problems”) since the two words are often linked together throughout the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Ephesians 3:13; Romans 5:3), we need to consider if there is no justification to do so in this case.

The context of I Corinthians 10:13, is the falling into sin of the rebellious children of Israel in the wilderness and the warning for believers in Christ not to do the same. In this light, the usage of the word “temptation” (being tested through enticement to do evil), as in the KJV of the Bible, is probably preferred, since this passage is warning against falling into debauchery (v.7), sexual immorality (v.8) tempting Christ (v.9), or murmuring against God (v.10). Verse 13 is telling us that that while we will have temptations to do wrong, God can be counted on not to allow our temptations to be greater than the ability He gives us to bear up under (endure) the temptations and therefore escape doing wrong. Verse 14 (often arranged in Bible versions as in a new paragraph) seals the matter by saying, “wherefore (consequently, since God has given the ability to resist temptation,) flee from idolatry” which includes putting one’s trust in anything, or anyone, but God which is the basis of all sin.

While this explanation of 1 Corinthians 10:13 can be expanded to include “problems” in that problems can indeed provide an enticement to sin (in particular by testing Christ, and by murmuring against God), the truth is, not that problems are being handled but rather that temptations are being endured. Should anyone think that this is splitting hairs or indulging in semantics, consider that the expression, “We can handle (or manage) all that God gives or allows to come our way” opens us up to placing trust in our abilities rather placing trust in God, which in turn, leads to the idolatrous notion that we have the ability to work out any adverse circumstance that comes our way. Such an interpretation leads to nothing but frustration, and often abandoned faith, when we are overwhelmed by situations we cannot manage. Contrast this with the wonderful truth that God is in control of all our circumstances, using them for our good while giving each of us the ability to remain true to Him.

So, rather than saying, “God won’t give me anything that I can’t handle”, I prefer the expression, “God won’t give me any situation, He won’t go through with me (Hebrews 13:5)”, for this implies that He is the faithful One that will enable me to be faithful to Him.

Perceptions

There are few things as entertaining on TV or DVD as what my wife and I witnessed the other night. Tired of all the commercials on regular TV we got out a DVD from our “stash”. The story was about a displaced Canadian Mounty and his wolf that go around Chicago solving crimes. This particular episode featured a pack of dogs the wolf befriended. The show is hardly realistic but it is lighthearted and amusing, but our real entertainment came through the reaction of our eight year old Jack Russell/Poodle, Pippin. From the time the dogs first appeared on the screen, Pippin was in her protective mode. Whenever, the dogs appeared Pippin barked out her warnings for them to stay clear of her territory. She was not about to let them take over our house. When the dogs barked she barked. When the dogs ran out of sight on the screen, Pippin went behind the TV to see where they went. She was sure they had to be somewhere, lurking. Despite my attempts to reassure her, Pippin remained vigilantly on guard until the show was over. To Pippin those images on TV were real. We humans in the room couldn’t stop laughing.


I began to think how this compares to how people perceive reality. Pippin, who has absolutely no concept of electronic gadgets, saw what she interpreted in her doggie brain as real. Nothing on my part would convince her otherwise. Her eyes and ears told her there were dogs coming into the room and that was it. She had no way of knowing that what she saw was not real. Perception is based on interpretation of information gathered through the senses. Pippin’s senses could only give her some of the facts, leading to faulty conclusions. Similarly, we people make conclusions about the world about us. While we make judgments to the best of our ability, relying on our senses and past experiences, what we perceive is not always accurate especially when our perception involves matters of a spiritual nature. Paul called this “seeing through a glass darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12). As Pippin could only see part of the picture, so it is with us as we try to understand the total picture of the world that surrounds us.

Happily God has provided us with His Word to assist us in interpreting true reality. Nothing else can help us interpret what is right and what is wrong. Nothing else can show us what is in actuality true. God’s Word can provide guidance for each step we take, helping us avoid the pitfalls of going in wrong directions. God’s Word validates what is true and right. God’s Word is the basis for strong faith and sound doctrine.

However, there is a growing tendency within Christian circles to interpret the dealings oneself without going first to Scripture. Note the rising popularity of “Christian” self help books that contain wit and wisdom from the secular world, but little Scripture and little, if any, Gospel. Huge ministries have been built, based on warm stories that make people feel good, but intentionally leave out any mention of sin and Jesus’ substitutionary atonement on the Cross (which are seen as divisive). While many may feel encouraged and even strengthened by such as these, without the guidance of God’s Word, they are basing their faith on an inadequate perception of reality that will ultimately fail them. Much hardship and heartache could be avoided if they would validate the truth of what they are being taught rather than deferring to individuals they consider being experts. Scripture needs to be our guide, for it is the only way by which we can validate truth. To think otherwise is to consider Scripture inadequate.

There is another growing tendency in Christian circles that is perhaps more dangerous than the first in that it  has permeated churches that claim to be Bible believing and Bible teaching. This is the tendency to exalt experience over Scripture instead of using Scripture to validate experience. What God has told us in His Word, doesn’t seem to be enough on which to base our faith. Some kind of spectacular experience seems to be required as well. Witness the tremendous popularity of books that emphasize extraordinary experiences in an effort to bolster faith. Apparently, what God has revealed us in Scripture is inadequate. People want to hear from those who have visited heaven. Others have gained comfort from reports of loved ones now deceased but have returned in some way to comfort those that are bereaved. While such stories are said to be Biblical in that they claim not to contradict Scripture, they are in fact extra-biblical giving information that God has not chosen to include in His Word. Consequently believers are asked to accept as truth, things that by nature remain in doubt.

In addition, churches are increasingly made vulnerable to misleading by those who claim to have a prophetic gift. Dreams and visions have replaced prayer and study as the means to add to or interpret  understanding of the Bible. The written Word of God has become secondary to experience and as a consequence such a church becomes vulnerable to strange and even heritical teachings. The practice of making sure that everything taught within a church must line up entirely with Scripture must never be abandoned. Experiences that add to what God has revealed in His Word should never be placed on an equal basis with Scripture.

We need to get back to seeing God’s Word as the sole authority for faith and practice. We need to study and cherish it. We need use it as a lens to interpret and validate experience, not the other way around. Only through God’s Word will we know truth. Anything that does not line up with God’s Word is false. God’s Word must come first if we are going to avoid making false conclusions and avoid being to be like Pippin, chasing things that aren't there.

Apologies

A well-known conservative radio commentator makes unwise, unthinking, insulting crude remarks, and while facing repercussions, he apologizes. While, he still strongly disagrees with the person who was the brunt of his comments, he is sorry if he hurt her. This has prompted one commentator from the left to make apologies for comments he have made as well. However, he is quick to point out that his comments were not as bad as those by the person referred to above. It is interesting how seldom we hear  apologies like these. The person is sorry, but...Why is there always the need for qualiffication. Wrong is admitted, but intentions were sincere. Apologies such as these leave us with the feeling nothing has changed. The offender has been caught at some discretion, is open to consequences, and is sorry, but the sorrow expressed does not indicate any significant promise for modification of behavior.

Similarly, the radio preacher who predicted the end of the world has gone public with his apology. He now sees it was sinful to make such a prediction. He now agrees with those that quoted the verse in Matthew that states no man knows the time of Christ’s return. He is promising to return to Bible study and to the ministry of preaching the Gospel which appears to be good news to those of us hopeful that this preacher’s radio network will once again support the cause of Christ. However, this man never apologizes for the faulty system of Bible study that led him to his erroneous remarks. He makes no mention of the harm he has done to Bible preaching churches across America by his open condemnation of them, nor does he mention  that he has reduced the Gospel of Christ that invites whosoever will to come to a “hope so” religion. Has anything really changed?

The Bible talks about the need for genuine repentance. It was the essential part of John the Baptist’s teaching and was proclaimed by Jesus Himself, and it is not to be confused with a simple apology that expresses real or feigned sorrow. Biblical repentance does not justify actions and goes beyond sorrow, proving it is genuine by producing change. True repentance is not just saying you are sorry, but that you will hereafter be different. The apologies cited above are strong in the word department but appear to be weak on actions.

The Bible clearly states that all men (and women) are sinners. That is, we are all going after our own ways, instead of seeking God. Romans chapter one describes us as not glorifying God, turning from Him, refusing to give Him the thanks He deserves. The message of the Bible is that all men have sinned and come short of the glory of God and this sin brings the just result of death—physical and spiritual. Salvation from the penalty of sin comes only when we turn from our own efforts and accept the provision God has made for us by sending His Son to die on the Cross at Calvary. John chapter one tells us to receive Christ and believe on His Name. Apologizing for sin is not enough. We need to repent. We need to turn from depending on our own heart’s desires and receive the living God into our hearts. We need to change. This is possible only by the grace of God.

It is sad to say, however, the message of repentance is no longer preached by the majority of churches today. To talk about sin and the Cross is not popular to many churches not wanting to appear irrelevant, that leave sin and the Cross out of their teaching. In so doing they are leaving out the one message that can change people’s lives for all eternity. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, includes the fact that we are sinners in need of a Savior Who died on the Cross for us, and that receiving--believing in Him brings eternal life. The Gospel is nothing to be ashamed of. It needs no apology.

The Beginning Of Winter

I don’t know about most people, but I don’t need  a calendar to tell me when winter begins but rather the first significant snow. Accordingly, winter has finally begun for us in these mountains with a six inch snow fall on March the first. I want to say something clever about the ground hog being wrong this year(he supposedly predicted six more weeks of winter), but I'm not sure how to interpret things. While today’s storm certainly fits into the framework of the prediction of more winter, but can one say we’re having more winter when we essentially haven’t had any yet. But as for today, I suppose the ski slopes are happy—if they are still open. Yes, winter finally came. Skimobiles were out in force as if to make up for lost time. Snow ball fights are breaking out. It is a virtual winter wonderland outside. Now I’m ready for spring.

It is interesting how events affect different people in the same area. Truthfully, I haven’t missed the shoveling of, and the driving in, the frozen precipitation. But many people in our area are dependent on snow for their living. The area ski slopes have been having nothing resembling a banner year to say the least. Snow plowing businesses are also suffering. The local skimobile shop appears to have a surplus of machines on hand. I’ve heard that retail stores cannot move their inventory of snow blowers. Anyone want to buy a snow shovel, cheap? It’s hardly been used.

I’ve lived long enough in these mountains to know, however, how things can quickly change.Last year we had record snows. This year our first significant winter snow has come in March (the one in October doesn’t count). Next year, who knows? Maybe I should search out bargains on snow blowers. I might get a good deal. Besides, this winter is not over yet (according to the calendar). These mountains commonly have had snow storms well into April. One year we had snow on Memorial Day--ten inches. I even remember flurries on a Fourth of July (It’s amazing how the older I get I remember things others don’t seem to recall).

But whatever happens, it is clear that it is not in anyone’s control. I can hope for an early spring. Others may want more snow. Whatever happens, not everyone will be pleased.The lack of snow has benefitted some while hurting others. At any rate, the forecast is for 50 degree weather by the weekend. The snow we have will probably not be around long which pleases those like me, but not those who need the snow. However, neither my wishing, nor anything else I can do, will change what will happen. And so it is with so many things in our lives. Such events are beyond our control.

It is comforting, however, to know that there is One for Whom nothing is out of control. Those of us who are in Christ have a heavenly Father, Who is never taken by surprise. All natural events occur according to His will (not global warming). Nothing takes Him by surprise. I can try to anticipate, plan and even worry, but only God knows what will happen. How blessed it is to trust in the One Who knows what tomorrow will bring because He is already there.

This has been a year for me to learn to trust our heavenly Father. But how can one trust Him unless he first knows Him? The first step in trusting is in accepting what He has done for us on the Cross. It all comes down to this Truth: Jesus died for our sins so that whosoever receives His provision for sin will have forgiveness and a relationship with the One Who created all that there is to see. While most things are out of our control, it is so wonderful that we can trust the One Who is in control.

Open Minds

When I taught in a Christian School in Virginia, our school administrator was originally from Buffalo. When it came to snowy days in the wintertime, we knew there would be no days off unless the conditions were really bad. There would be the most ominous of weather reports but, Mr. S would say, “Let’s wait to see if the snow really comes, before cancelling school”. And often, despite the predictions, no snow came and we had school. One winter was exceptionally snowy for Central Virginia. We actually did have some school snow days, but Mr. S still held his ground and would not issue a school closing until there was significant snow on the ground. After all, when you are from Buffalo, what is a few inches of fresh white powder? One day Mr. S was out of town. The high school principal was in charge. There was a forecast for heavy snow. This man, who had been raised in the South, called off school for the day. No snow came. Not even a flake. Upon his return, Mr. S was not happy.


How many times do we make decisions as did this Southern gentleman, before we have all the facts? We hear rumors and pass judgment. We see clever advertisements and vote for an attractive candidate. We read about proposed changes to our society and jump to conclusions. How much difficulty, we could have avoided if we were only willing to wait until we had all the facts? It pays to be reserve judgement and our decision until we have all the facts.

However, is this what being open minded is all about. All too often, there are those who have the necessary facts but refuse to make a decision. They pride themselves at being open-minded when in actuality they are just being indecisive. What they see as an indication of having a strong character is a sign they really have a weak one. There is reason to be open-minded until all the facts are in as was the man from Buffalo, but note he did not stay open-minded, but made a decision, and once his decision was made, he stuck to it. In this way one he avoided the a hasty decision made by the Southern gentleman. Open-mindedness must not be a cover for not making a decision when facts are available.
One’s open-mindedness can also be a cover for laziness. When the necessary facts are available, but the person refuses to gather them, perhaps he is just being lazy or procrastinating refusing to make a decision. In effect, though he already has made one. Open-mindedness can be of value, but can keep us from taking actions we ought to take.

One cannot be truly open-minded about God. When you think about it, you either believe in Him or you don’t. You either receive Him or you don’t. The facts necessary for a decision are all around us according to Romans chapter one. In this case the non-decision is a decision to reject God’s invitation to a relationship with Him. To say one is open-minded only covers up the matter.

God does not seek to prove His existence. He simply states it as in Genesis 1:1. However, God does invite us to prove His goodness as we accept His promises. The only proof we receive is when we receive God into our lives. All Creation points to His existence. His Word points to His goodness. His Son on the Cross points to His love. One either rejects or receives. Any delay only brings unnecessary heartache, loss and pain.

Some wise guy has said, “Show me a person with an open mind, and I’ll show you a person with a hole in his head.” In the case of receiving or rejecting Christ, this statement is not far off the mark.

Cheer Up, Things Could Be Worse

When I was down in the dumps a friend told me, “Cheer up, things could be worse.” So I cheered up and sure enough, things got worse.


So you’ve heard that one, right? But how many of us are afraid of getting our minds off our problems because if we do so, somehow according to our thinking, things might get worse, as if our worrying somehow fends off disaster. The believer in Christ does not need to bear his burdens alone in fear and worry. As the old song says, “Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.” God has promised to be with us, to guide and protect us. So, why do we have such a difficulty in worries about tomorrows and in particular things that never come about. We worry about the “could be” so much that we miss out on the blessings that are all around us.

Now I want to be clear on something, before I go much further. At this point I may sound to you like I writing the Positive Thinking Doctrine, and this might be the case except for one thing. I am writing about the promises of God, but in order to have the promises of God you must be the child of God. To be the child of God you must repent and believe that Jesus is the Son of God, Who died on the Cross in your place for your sin, and in believing you receive Him into your life. To give the promises of God without preaching the Cross is a deep error that has tremendous consequences. Without the Cross we have no claim to the promises of God.

But what are God’s promises? Some teach that if we think rightly and claim it that God will make us prosperous in all our ways. However, 1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us taht we will go through testings (difficult times) just as do unbelievers. There is no promise of unending prosperity for the believer in this life. On the contrary, there is the reminder that we will often have conflicts, persecutions and distress. And why should we think otherwise, this is after a world of sin that will someday melt away and be created anew. So what advantage is there to being a believer in Christ? The answer is in the second part of 1 Corinthians 10:13. With the difficulties, God make a way for us to escape. In other words, we are not apart from His love.

I never realized this truth of God’s presence during the middle of adversity as much as I did during the days that followed Hurricane Irene. The night before the storm, I prayed for God’s protection over us and that the storm would dissipate before reaching us, that is, I asked the Lord to spare us any difficulty from Irene. This was not to be so. The night following the storm I had every reason to expect from the reports of the extent of the flood that everything we had, was probably gone. However, I had an unexplained peace, that even if we had lost everything, it was ok. The day after the storm, I found, yes, there would be hard days of work ahead to repair the damage left from Irene, but that most of what was important to us had been spared. I felt an overwhelming presence of God’s love and that He was teaching me, “I love you. Do you love me enough to trust my love?”

1 Corinthians 10:13 proved true for us. We were not spared the difficulty of Irene. But God did provide a way for us to overcome. In the weeks that followed the storm, we continued to have difficulties, and I did my usual amount of worry about each one, until I remembered how God had spared our house. Wouldn’t He take care of these relatively minor difficulties as well?

If you know Christ, cheer up. Even if things get worse, He will be with you. Turn your worries over to Him.

How Do I Know If God Has Chosen Me?

“How do I know if God has chosen Me?” This is a question that came up recently and is something addressed before on this blog, but well worth the revisit. In that, this question is closely tied to “What must I do to be saved?” and the whole issue of predestination, it is important to look at what the Bible says about , what it means to be saved, how we are saved, who does the saving and what part we have in this if any.


The phrase” to be saved”, implies that one is delivered from something. So when the Philippian jailor in Acts 16, asked, “What must I do to be saved?” he was in a tight spot and fearing he would be held accountable for the loss of prisoners [read the account], he called out to the Apostle Paul for counsel. Paul’s answer is particularly attention-grabbing in that it seemingly ignores the immediate circumstances and addresses a deeper issue. While according to Roman law, a jailor would have to serve the sentence in the place of any prisoner lost in his care, this jailor was in no immediate danger for none of his prisoners had escaped. Paul realized however, this man still needed deliverance from a peril greater than the consequences of having lost prisoners. He needed deliverance from sin—its consequences and its power. It is clear that this is what Paul had in view when he answered, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, and thy house [Acts 16:31].”

The whole message of the Bible is about how Man fell into sin and how God provided His Son to make reconciliation so Men can be saved from sin. John 3:16 described it so well, ”For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life.” I John 4:10 adds, “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” The word propitiation indicates that Jesus paid the price completely and that salvation comes from the finished work at Calvary and not of works on our part [Ephesians 2:8,9]. It is one hundred percent God’s doing and none of our own. Where Man’s sin brought death, God’s work at the Cross of Calvary brings life to all who will believe.

Believing, from a biblical viewpoint, is not merely making an affirmation to the fact that Jesus died for our sins but includes receiving Jesus into one’s life. John 1:12 tells us that power to become the sons of God comes when we receive Jesus. I Corinthians 15 also includes the word receive concerning belief. What then do we receive? Consider this, sin came to the human race when Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation to be their own gods [Genesis 3:6]. To receive the Gospel is to receive Jesus into one’s life and to be reconciled to the God we have rejected. To receive Jesus means to affirm Him as one’s Lord.

However, an objection comes up from some at this point in this discussion that to receive Jesus as Lord is a work that is only possible as God does it within one’s life. The Bible is clear that Man is powerless to save Himself and that “There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God [Romans 3:11].” The question is who then can be saved, to which Romans 10:13 answers, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”. Who can be saved? Those “Whosoevers” that will call. But how can they call when Man does not have it in him to call, i.e., to receive and believe? Jesus gives the answer, ”No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day [John 6:44]”. In other words, salvation comes when we are drawn by the Father and we receive His Son believing in Him.

God calls and we receive. Consider Romans 8:28,29: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” It is clear from these verses that God calls and predestinates those who will be saved. It is God’s choice. Who then does God choose? Those that will call on him—the Whosoevers. But, according to one line of thought, that since man has not the strength to call upon God on his own and that God must draw him, giving him the ability to call, that God singles out who will and who will not be saved. Furthermore, this line of thinking adds, a sinner can only be saved if God overrides the sinner's will and saves him. However this flies in the face of the statement that “God so loved the world that He gave…” as well as the many open invitations to the “whosoevers” we find in the pages of Scripture. This writer affirms that while God draws men to Christ and gives us the ability to choose, He does not force His will on us. God does the enabling, this is grace. We are saved when we accept His grace, but it is God Who does the saving.

All this and now back to the original question, “How can I know God has chosen me?” The answer is, are you a “whosoever who will call”? In other words do you desire to be saved? Will you ask Jesus into your heart? The invitation is open to those who will come. If you will come then it is clear that God has called you. Come. God will do the rest, even providing the faith you need. Come. Trust His promise. Trust His love.

[You are welcome to comment see below]

To Blog Or Not ...

There are times I sit here ready to blog, but I find that I can’t think of something new to blog about. So should I blog anyway, rambling on and then trying to make some sense of it adding some humor along the way, just so I can say that I blogged? The problem is, neither my writing skills nor my cleverness is strong enough to carry such a feat off with enough success to encourage readers to come back for another read. And so, here I sit without a clear topic in mind wondering whether or not to blog.


Then I consider how many others are doing the same thing. Whether it is a blog or some other form of communication, so many we hear opinions, rants, and rages from those who ramble on without something clear to say. Some apparently just like to hear their own voices or enjoy seeing their words in print. However, who do we impress when we have no meaning to our words? We are like a poorly written [as most of them are] TV commercial drawing attention to a product that is worthless.

Then again, the longer I sit here the more I see there is a topic that is emerging in my mind and that is I ought not to waste my time on meaningless matters. However, there is Someone who wrote something meaningful to us many years ago; Someone who wanted us to know what life is all about. His wasn’t just a meaningless blog of opinions and loosely related facts, because He is the Creator Who knows what is really important. He didn’t just rant against the deeds and opinions of others, He told us what we can do to have life and that abundantly. Of course I’m talking about God and His Word, the Bible.

Of course there are some who will say, “Isn't this just another example of your meaningless ramblings? No one can take the Bible seriously today. It is just a lot of outdated ideas put together by men from another time. It may have been useful once but has long outlived its time.” However, is having a good relationship with one’s neighbors irrelevant? Is having a healthy marriage irrelevant? Is having love, joy and peace irrelevant? Is having a right relationship with one’s Creator irrelevant? It’s all in the pages of this one special book. The charge that the Bible was written by mere men fades when one reads its words with an open mind.

To those who read the Bible and seek to understand it, there are precious promises to be found. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” The meaning is that God’s Word is alive and that anyone reading it cannot do so without being changed. Either he will allow its truths to transform his life or he will harden himself against it. Either way he will not be the same.

God’s Word is alive. Some may doubt this thinking there is no way to put it to a test, and reject its elevancy because they are unwilling to trust something that cannot be proven scientifically. Consequently, they put aside the way God is talking to us today, and in so doing they then conclude that God is silent, and that is because He probably doesn’t exist. In this way they are like the three year old who puts her hands over her ears when her mommy is telling her something she doesn’t want to hear. Her mommy is telling this for her own good, but she has a will of her own and doesn’t want to hear. Consequently, she will suffers the consequences of not listening possibly the results of failing to heed a specific warning.

There is a way to know the Truth of God’s Word and that is to read it. However it must be read with an open mind and not with one’s preconceived notions or the motive to prove it wrong. God’s Word makes the claim that it is alive. Can we expect that it will do as it says? Will you read it asking the living God to reveal Himself to you through its pages? [A good place to start is one of the four Gospels and the Book of Romans]. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

P.S. If you have read this blog and have been affected by it in some way, or just want to comment, you are invited to do so on the comment section below.

Eternal Life Insurance

As I sat next to my friend in Junior Church he sang, “Blessed Insurance, the premium’s paid”. He was a smart-alecky seventh grader to whom we all looked up (he was six foot four), and he often went out of his way to demonstrate his cleverness. To sing the old hymn in this way was just the latest expression of his talents. However it was meant, the incident has stuck with me, reminding me of how many Christians think concerning their relationship with God. “Heaven is secure, Jesus paid it all, He is my eternal life insurance, so I don’t have to sweat it”. But if there has been no genuine repentance, only a shallow relationship results. This so often denegrates into anger and bitterness when God fails to perform according to my personal desires.


The Gospels begin with John’s, which later became Jesus’, message, “Repent”. Today we are reluctant to use that word with the fear that it might be considered works. However, the meaning of the word is far from works. It means doing an about face and heading in the opposite direction. In the context of salvation, to repent means to turn from self sufficiency to the One Who died to save us all. God tells us in His Word we are to receive Jesus into our lives (John 1:12). To receive Him is to acknowledge His Lordship. To do less is for us to remain in the bonds of our sinful flesh.

“I did a complete 360,” was the testimony I once heard on the radio. I have often remarked since that this means the person making the statement is right back where she started. And while I chuckle at the misuse of the expression, I realize this is where many Christians are. We became convinced of our need for a Savior, and prayed a prayer evidencing our need, but are right back where we started with self on the throne of our lives. We expect God to come at our beck and call, but haven’t really given the throne of our hearts to Him as Lord. Consequently, we do not grow in our relationship with Him and as a result our faith is stunted, resulting in constant disappointment when God does not do according to our expectations.

As a pastor, I have had the opportunity to talk to people about their faith. So often I have heard something to the tune of, “I prayed all that [the sinner’s prayer], but nothing happened”. My usual response has been, “But what did you expect? Don’t base your faith on a feeling. If you prayed and truly meant it then God has done His part and you are saved.” However, I am beginning to see there is more to say about this. I now think we need to ask people what they really prayed for. Were they praying just so they can go to heaven [not a wrong motivation]? Were they praying to be relieved of some unpleasant circumstance [again, not a wrong motivation]? Or were they praying, realizing their rebellion against God, repenting of this and turning their lives over to Him?

I am convinced that most Christians have a false notion concerning sin. We tend to define it in terms of what we do rather than what we are. In the Garden of Eden, Eve was seduced by the temptation to “be as God.” As a result, we have all sought each one to be his own god ever since. We do, as is says repeatedly in the book of Judges, “What is right in (our) own eyes”. This is what is called being at enmity with God for it usurps His authority. Salvation comes when I finally surrender, giving myself over to Him, trusting what He did on the Cross for me, placing myself in His hands. While circumstances may not change, I have changed and I have His promises to sustain me. Anything less is a powerless salvation which changes little.

The skeptic says there is no proof that God exists. The truly born-again believer replies that He lives in me, and that is proof enough. But unless we show the evidence of changed lives, how can we expect the world to be convinced? Change comes when we turn from ourselves to the God who loved enough to send His Son for us. Salvation comes when we receive the Lord Jesus Christ. Change comes when we release ourselves into His hands trusting His mercy and grace.

New Year: Will 2012 Be Better?

A new year has begun. Much has been the talk about putting the old behind us and starting again with a fresh start. Indeed for many of us 2011 was a rough year, and we would like it to be so that we can forget the old and start new. For this writer personally 2011 was like a roller coaster ride with plenty of ups and downs. There was the long arduous task of getting a mortgage (low), in order to purchase our “new” home (high). There were employment uncertainties including deep cut backs in a part-time job (low), then the opportunity for my wife to work from home (high). Then there was Hurricane Irene. When I look back on it, 2011 was certainly not boring. It would have been nice if it were possible to cut out the lows and keep the highs of the year. I, at this point, as most of you, wonder if there is any reason to think that 2012 will be any better. Now that January has arrived, can we expect a fresh new start?

I also wonder if a fresh start is actually possible. After all, the problems of 2011 are still continuing. We’re still recovering from Irene. Bills continue to mount up. Our politically divided Congress appears at best dysfunctional. Presidential elections loom. Economic conditions are still very uncertain worldwide. There is political unrest throughout the globe. It seems there is no fresh start but a continuation of the same old, same old. So where is the euphoria of New Years Eve, and why the celebrations of New Years Day? Doesn’t the Mayan calendar tell us the world is about to end this year? Is there any room for optimism?

The scary thing is that what I have written above, except for the Mayan part, is true. If this was all that I had to go on I would be depressed. There is no reason to believe that 2012 will be any better than 2011, unless I consider God in the equation. Men will disappoint. Men will destroy. Men will fail to make things better. If I look to what men will do, there really is no hope. Just look to what men have accomplished up to this point. Things aren’t getting better but progressively getting more complicated and difficult. The solution, and there is one, is to be found in God, not men. The sooner our society sees this, the sooner we will have a real recovery, economic and otherwise.

Only the God of the Bible can promise us a new start. Matthew 11:28 tells us, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” What a wonderful promise for the new year. God is in control. He has never left. All He asks is that we come to Him receiving His Son Jesus Christ (John 1:12) In addition, 2 Corinthians 5:17 states,” Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Only in Christ Jesus is there this new start. If I am in Him I need not fear the days ahead. While I may not know what may happen then, I do know my heavenly Father does know because He is already there. I also know He loves me and will provide all my needs. I just need to trust His love. What I can’t understand is the determination of many to proceed ahead without Him. This, I believe is recklessness to the fullest degree.

There is an element of our society that argues that the existence of God has never been proven, and that truly intelligent people will reject His existence. Such individuals look at Nature and can only marvel at the wonders brought about by Chance, bringing order out of chaos, contrary to natural law. The Bible believing Christian looks at Nature and marvels at the order God has made. Who is truly the ignorant one? The one who denies natural law or the one who looks to faith to expain those things only faith can explain [Hebrews 11:1-3: Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.]. One can argue all He wants concerning the existence of God, but he will never know until he humbles himself at the foot of the old rugged Cross of Calvary. Self sufficiency will not cut it in these days of uncertainty. We need a Savior. This is Christ, the Lord. Only in Him do I find the certainties that enable me to keep on going on optimism. [And by the way, the Mayans are wrong, the world will not end for at least 1007 years (read the books of Daniel and Revelation)].