Christmas In The Midst Of Tragedy

I am writing this post the day after Christmas 2022 in the hopes that it can provide some comfort for someone whose Christmas time; now or in the past; has not been the joyous occasion they expected because of some tragic events so near to this season, that has violently ripped the joy right out of their hearts. What follows is an email that I wrote to someone close to me in response to our conversation, followed by the very post I wrote 10 years ago:

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"I am so sorry to hear about your mother-in-law passing away, and the sad news about your dog's condition! What makes it harder is that it happened before Christmas, because Christmas is such a family time of celebration!
Many people remember the dates of events like this based on how close it came to Christmas, either before or after, which then some might say "At least they got to spend Christmas together".

Seems to me that when something like this happens before Christmas, then it taints the joy of the whole celebration. With that in mind, I remembered that I wrote a post on a blog that I have after the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. Ten years ago just before Christmas, and while I wrote it, I did not send it in to be published because no matter the good intent, I did not want to offend someone not ready for any other perspective than grief.

And so, I am offering this writing to you in a link that you can read or not, in the hopes that it might help put these sad events into a endurable place of memories that helps to heal the grief of a sad occasion in the middle of a joyous occasion."

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A Reason For The Season

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:10,11

This quote from the angels to the shepards watching over their flocks that night, which is recorded by Luke in his Gospel IS the reason Christians celebrate this season we call Christmas (and part of the reason some others do not)!

Now, there has been a controversy for years about the meaning of Christmas, and the war on Christmas, and the commercialism of Christmas. Some Christians get upset for fear that Christ is being taken out of Christmas, and others believe that He was never "in" Christmas. We do not know the actual date of the birth of Jesus, and it was very likely that it was not during December anyway. There is a lot of myths and traditions surrounding this particular holiday that some object to, and others defend.

While I am aware of the many arguments from both sides, the brevity of this post cannot do more than to acknowledge such controversy, in order for me to focus the emphasis of this post mostly on a comment I have about a very recent and public tragedy, shed in the light of an important reason for this season.

The recent public tragedy I am referring to is of course the mass shooting, and murder of 20 kids and 6 adults at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. During one of the many news broadcasts, and human interest stories that I listened to, it was mentioned that some of the families were taking down their Christmas decorations because they did not feel it was appropriate to celebrate the holiday in light of fact that their children were killed. And who am I to say any different? Indeed they have every right to express their grief in whatever way that gives them some relief.

There is no right or safe way for me to comment from the outside about what those on the inside choose to do, but I am hoping that since it is after the fact, and this Christmas will have passed by the time this is posted, my thoughts may be considered with less emotion and more reason, whether agreed to, or disagreed to by the reader.

The first thing that came to mind after hearing about the desire to "cancel Christmas" was; that if Christmas was just a holiday, and had no other meaning other than a secular celebration of Santa, and toys, and days off school, and parties, then by all means, take the decorations down! There is no joy available, nor hope of any goodness nor reason to celebrate so soon after such an event. And every year for years to come, this time of year will bring fresh memories to tarnish any future joy or happiness in the Christmas' to come.

But, if indeed, the True meaning of Christmas; yes the True Reason for the Season is understood to be in fact, the celebration of the birth of Jesus, then there is no more appropriate NEED for Christmas than right now! "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." I Thess. 4:13

The school shooting replaced their hope with despair, but Christmas is all about the One who is the Hope of the world! The school shooting is all about an evil act, and yet Christmas is all about an act of the highest Love! The school shooting was an act causing death with weapons of warfare, and yet Christmas is all about an act of the giving of life with an announcement of "Peace on earth, good will toward men!"

For those families in Connecticut, this Christmas season came with a terrible act of violence, causing much weeping and sorrow. Likewise, at the time of the birth of the Savior of the world, it was also filled with a great act of violence and bloodshed. " When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi.Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Matt. 2:16-18

If Christmas is a time of celebration for celebration's sake, then by all means take the decorations down! If it is just another holiday, then take the decorations down. If it has no meaning or significance, then everybody; take the decorations down! What are you celebrating anyway? If it is just so that the stores can add profit enough to get out of the red, and into the black, then that is not enough of a reason for anyone to bother with all of the trouble and expense.

This post is not meant in anyway to chastise anyone for their sorrow, or their handling of their sorrow, but if it can be received in the way it is intended, then my hope is that by reflecting on the greater hope that we have because of a death, that began as a birth, in a little town in the Middle East, some 2,000 plus years ago; then whether we are talking about this tragedy, or any other at any other time of year, there is one who came to heal the broken hearted, and to set those who are captive free.

The Christmas season can hold a lot good and bad memories for a lot of people. I think everyone has Christmas memories they can share. I remember some of the gifts I got for Christmas when I was younger, and the traditions we had as a family growing up. We even have some traditions of our own now, and memories that we have fostered over the years.

 I watched videos of soldier dads surprising their kids by coming home on Christmas, which will be remembered by them for a life time,  but their are never videos of the dads that don't make it home which will be remembered too. My friend's dad died just a few weeks ago, and my dad is spending this Christmas in the hospital.

All of these are strong memories tied to a very memorable time of year, which is either just memorable because it is just another holiday, or it is a special holiday, because it has a special reason for it's existence. Special because it is used to celebrate the promise of Hope, and Love, and  Salvation, and Joy to the world!

Perhaps, it is a good idea to keep the decorations up. Perhaps, such promise can heal the wounded hearts. Perhaps hope can replace despair. Perhaps, we can once again discover that out of the dung pile of evil, the Rose of Sharon can still bloom, in our hearts and provide for all mankind, A Reason For The Season?

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I know that I do not get very many readers to my blog postings, but I am not writing this to the MANY, I am writing this to the ONE who would read them and have it mean something! And if you are reading this far, then perhaps you are the one I wrote this for? Perhaps this post will be the one post you needed to read to give you back the joy of Christmas In The Midst Of Tragedy

When You Ponder The Christmas Story.

 Christmas Day December 25 2022.  At the writing of this post, this day is coming to an end. 

As I already mentioned, for the first time ever, Cindi and I have been following a daily Advent book written by Brian Zhand called The Anticipated Christ. The Scripture reading for Christmas Eve, is of course the account in the Gospel of Luke chapter 2:1-20. Probably the most read and familiar Scripture of all during the Christmas season. Parts of this Scripture story is even quoted by the character Linus in a Peanuts Christmas cartoon! (an interesting background how that came about is worth researching) And so it still surprises me how many times you can see or ponder something new when reading something so familiar! 

While last year I wrote what I pondered, about Joseph and Mary, knowing that she conceived the Messiah and was carrying the Son of God in her womb, how strange that must have been, and almost surreal! She is great with child, and yet traveling to Bethlehem by coincidence(?) probably not even knowing they were fulfilling prophecy! At the same time what could Joseph have been thinking? As the man, responsible for the safety and welfare of his betrothed who was great with child! 

Instead of just reading the verses, put yourself in place of the Biblical characters, and force yourself to only know what they knew about the events at the time! Consider that we know how the whole story played out, they were living it one day at a time, one event at a time.

And so today, I pondered different Biblical characters in this story like never before. Consider the shepherds. It has only been the past year or two that I learned the likelihood that the shepherds might have indeed been young teenage girls! (that is another story).

 Okay but either way, that night a heavenly host appears before them proclaiming the first thing angels always proclaim: "Be Not Afraid". This is because as the King James bible puts it: "they were SORE afraid"! But the angels have "Good tidings of Great Joy..."  It then goes on to say in 2:16-20 "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them."

So we notice that there is a couple of verses detailing the reaction of the shepherds after having seen and heard the angels, and seen the baby Jesus, and of course their proclaiming all that they had seen and heard as it was told unto them. And then my pondering mind questioned... Now what? I was kind of curious for the first time, if you put yourself in the place of a shepherd that day... then what? 

Consider that suppose they were teenage girls tending the sheep, just for the sake of argument. That would be a pretty traumatic event. One they will not soon forget! But they just seen the Messiah as a baby. It is then 30 years in obscurity before Jesus begins His ministry! Seeing Jesus as a baby, and then nothing for 30 years!

Thirty years! These supposed teenagers would now be in their mid 40's before the fruits of what they saw began to take place. Now, we do read about Jesus in the temple at 12 years old, but that is something private between Jesus and his parents, and almost no one would know until it was recorded by the Gospel writers. Certainly not the shepherds either.

So, I ponder, what did the shepherds do after those days for the next 30 years? I don't think they even knew where He went when Joseph was told by an angel to take the family to Egypt. Matt. 2:14 "When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt," And while this verse says they departed, the voice of the angel in verse 13 said: “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt,". This makes me think that is was done in such a secret that even the shepherds did not know they left or where they went. Is it possible that when the 30 years had past, and Jesus began His ministry, did they know it? Did they find Him? Did they become His followers? We are not told any of this, but what do you think when you ponder this?

Of course the wise men who came to visit the new born King, left after bringing their gifts, and returned home by a different route than they came, after being warned in a dream. What were their lives like after that? Who could go through all that they went through traveling some 1,000 miles there and 1,000 miles back, and not have it forever change their lives? What do you think when you ponder this?

And so we know that while the birth of the Savior of the world took place in obscurity in the humblest of circumstances, it changed forever the lives of those who witnessed it and took part in that event. And during His ministry Jesus changed the lives of everyone He met. And for 2,000 years, Jesus is still changing the lives and hearts of EVERYONE He is still meeting to this day! Perhaps even as a reader of this blog no matter how familiar this story is to you, and no matter how many times you have read it or heard it read, your own heart will be made to change a little more again When You Ponder The Christmas Story!

A New Perspective On Life.

 I have been a regular supporter of the series; now in it's third season called The Chosen. I remember hearing about it when it first started, but did not know how to access it. And then upon further investigation, after the first four episodes I managed to find it and have been a fan ever since. 

I have watched all of the episodes so far, and most of the videos put out by the Chosen explaining it's beginnings, and the process, and the cast interviews, and the behind the scenes etc. And I have put my money where my mouth is, both in donations and buying Chosen gifts. 

I am also well aware of the countless videos from those who are against this series and it's director Dallas Jenkins. I don't even bother with what they have to say past knowing they don't like it. It is obvious that while they think they might be defending the faith, they do not consider the millions of people who this show has impacted for the Gospel, and the renewed interest it has made for those to restore or discover a relationship with God and to pursue finding this Jesus through Bible studies, and going to church, and fellowship with other believers! All that one has to do is to pay attention to some of the videos where Dallas would read letters that he received from people whose lives were changed!

The content of a scene in episode two in season three is one of many that have stirred the hearts of people around the world who can relate to the very things that are discussed between the character "little James" and Jesus. And to get an understanding of how that episode is able to impact viewers, then you must watch this interview between Dallas and Nick Vujicic seen here  The Chosen Interview .

I have watched an interview by Nick some years ago, and he is certainly an inspiration to be thankful for what you do have, instead of focusing on what you don't. But there was one thing that struck me in this Chosen interview more than anything else, and that is the part of the interview around the 18:15 mark, where he said: "I have a cousin who said to me, 'I will never believe in your god because he made you like this'". I was astounded that his cousin could say such a thing! Here Nick is the believer, and the one with no arms and no legs, and yet his cousin said that he is the one who can't believe in a god who would "do that to him"? Little does his cousin know of the value God places on everyone He creates! Even more so with those who are outcasts and valued little by others.

Nick said there is 1 in 10 people in this world with a disability, and yet I might argue that it is 10 in 10! It is God who created ALL and put ALL under the curse and consequences of sin so that He would have Mercy upon ALL! (c.f. Rom. 11:32.)

There is a saying that goes like this: " I cried because I had no shoes until I met a man who had no feet." I can't imagine what our excuse for crying is after meeting a person like Nick who has no arms and no legs. And yet it is not like we don't ALL have episodes of our own pity parties! I have had plenty of my own, that I would be ashamed to admit, but we have these reminders from Nick, and this episode of the Chosen, that can give us A New Perspective On Life.

On Earth, As It Is In Heaven

As I write this post, we have begun the Christmas season. About three weeks into the Advent calendar, which I have begun to pay more attention to this year than any other as a new way to discover deeper truths in the Scriptures. And I am learning new things that also shed light on some old things I knew.

All of this contemplation has made me consider the comparisons between how the Hebrews in the TeNaK (Jewish Old Testament) interpreted the coming Messiah and His purpose in the earth, compared to how Christians interpret the New Testament and the end of the age.

It is common knowledge that most of the Jews before Jesus, were looking for a Messiah to rule on David's throne, and to be the one who would finally release them from the occupation of Rome. This is how they  misinterpreted the Messianic prophecies to be fulfilled. So when Jesus came, and began His ministry they did not recognize Him because of their preconceived ideas. "He came unto His own, and His own received Him not." John 1:11.

In fact most Jews today do not believe in Jesus as the Messiah, and instead believe that a Messiah is still yet to come; of course not to release them from Rome; but to set up the Kingdom of David in Israel and to restore it's former Glory in fulfillment of prophecy. 

As far as some Jews believe, Jesus is not the Messiah because like all of the former Jews who claimed to be the Messiah before Him; and even including Jesus; failed to fulfill all of the Scriptures concerning the Messiah's reign. In fact how the Jews interpret the Scriptures of the Messiah coming is; they believe it would be a one time event taking place, fulfilling all of the prophecies at once; even the ones that Christians have Jesus fulfilling at the end of the world, rather than a process.

"Peace on earth, good will toward all men". This would be a sign of the reign of the Messiah having come.  Do we have peace on earth since Jesus came and died on a cross? In fact we can all agree that the history of Christianity against the Jews, and to other non believers over the past 2,000 years have been horrific! Is that the fulfillment of Messianic Scripture? It would also not take much convincing to prove how badly Christianity has represented the life and calling of Jesus to His disciples in the earth!

Let's just admit how poorly we all live the life that Jesus has called us all to live. "By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another." John 13:35. Can all men know that we are Jesus' disciples by our love for others; how about our love for other Christians? We can't even decide on that! And what do you suppose might be a reason for living a life other than what we are clearly called to live by the very Savior we profess?

We might explore that just as the Jews thought that their enemies were God's enemies, so do we think that our enemies are God's enemies. In fact, that is where we both get it wrong! God has NO enemies!! And if WE DO have enemies, then we are NOT fulfilling the commandment of Jesus, or the purpose of God! "God so loved the world..." John 3:16 also, "We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." 1 John 4:19-20.

Just as most of the Jews believed; and some still do; that God will still send the Messiah, and rid the earth of His enemies, so also most of the Christians believe that Jesus is still yet to come a second time and destroy all of  His enemies, (the non Christians), And take the select few with Him to heaven so that He can have one last battle on earth to wipe it out and then create a new heaven and a new earth where peace finally reigns.

If there is one thing this Christmas (Advent) Season is to teach us; the whole Reason for the Season, so to speak; is that it is a reminder to live out the same love of the God who loved the world; not just then, or later but now, as that which expresses the reality of the Savior of the World who lives and reigns in our hearts here on earth.

 The Jews do not have to wait for some future Messiah to appear, just like we do not have to wait for some future "Second coming" to happen. The same as the Jews misinterpreted the Scriptures and did not recognize the "time of their visitation", so also it is important for Christians to not misinterpret the Scriptures, and thereby miss out on the truth that Jesus is NOT coming in vengeance to destroy the earth, and murder millions in a great bloody battle, but rather the only blood that needed shed was His own on the cross!

Eschatology is a study of end time events. There is a difference between the times of the end, and the end of time. Just as many of the Jews did not interpret Scripture in a manner that revealed the Truth about Jesus being the Messiah, so also it is important for Christians today to interpret Scripture properly, or miss out on how Jesus destroys His enemies with Love, just as He calls us to do, until "the last enemy which shall be destroyed is death,"  1 Cor:15:26.

During this time of year, let it serve as a reminder that we are not waiting for the world to be destroyed, but for the world to be saved by Jesus Christ. And the world WILL be saved, since Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world!

 God's aim is not about getting Christians to heaven but rather getting Heaven to operate in the earth. Father, may it be as it is written: "...Your kingdom come Your will be done On Earth, As It Is In Heaven

  

Taking The Lord's Name In Vain?

In several of my previous writings, I have talked a lot about context. The idea of interpreting Scripture based on the context of who is talking, what is being said, who they are talking to, what is their purpose of saying what they are saying in context with the whole passage or writing. How often we take verses that we perhaps have memorized and use those verses in a way that contradict the very meaning of the verse?

As another example of seeing how context matters, I am including a copy of a writing by a minister, and YouTube video channel person by the name of Brandon Robbins. You can find a link to his channel HERE. I would recommend checking it out, he has some great content on his channel that can teach you many things. 

Having said that, I got an email lesson from Brandon, who has actually wrote about a subject that I have believed and known for years, and since I intended to write a post about this very thing, I am including what he wrote instead, which does express very well my thoughts.

"What if I told you that "taking the Lord's name in vain" has nothing to do with cursing?

 

Well, consider this for a moment... 

 

When police tell someone to stop in the name of the law, they aren’t claiming that the word “law” has any power.  What they mean is that they are invoking the authority of the law.  They bear its name.  They represent the law.  

 

This is also how the word "name" is used throughout scripture.  The Hebrew word for “name” is shaym.  And shaym refers to more than just the word you use to address someone.  Shaym refers to a person’s identity, their authority.  To bear a person’s name means that you are that person’s representative.  

 

This actually changes the way we understand many familiar scriptures. 

 

For instance, when God says “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus 20:7), God isn’t talking about using God’s name as part of a curse word.  God is talking about how we represent God in this world.

 

This is also the case when Jesus says, “No one who performs a miracle in my name will soon be able to speak evil of me.” (Mark 9:39)

 

Jesus isn’t referring to people who simply say the word “Jesus.”  Jesus’ name isn’t a magical phrase.  His name represents his identity, his authority.   Those who do things in Jesus’ name are representing him.

 

So, in the end, this isn’t a matter of simply saying the right words.  It’s deeper than that.  It speaks to our relationship with Jesus, how we represent him in the world.

 

Do we truly bear his name well?

 

Or do we take his name in vain?

This is something that James often asks his congregation throughout the Epistle of James. They are fighting. They are harming one another. And he forces them to ask themselves: how are we bearing Jesus' name?"  end of quote.

I remember years ago, when I was a new Christian, and this lady from the church I attended, talked about how she chastised someone in line at a store for cursing when he said: "Jesus Christ". She said how she shouted at him to "Stop taking the name of my savior Jesus Christ in vain!" I never realized until after how negative of a witness that was. She thought she was defending His Name, but instead  she would have better defended His Name if she showed this person love and grace instead. 

We have all heard people use the Name of Jesus as a cuss word, however  now that we know what taking the Name of the Lord in vain means, I do think that rather than changing their way of talking, we can change our way of thinking, One way I have considered is recognizing that it can be a way of the spirit within that person expressing a prayer! (I know but hear me out) If someone says " God damn it". What are they expressing? That this God they don't believe in would stop or damn up what ever is frustrating them. 

When Peter walked on the water, and then began to sink he cried out, "Lord please help!" Matt 14: 22-33. It was not a long prayer.... Lord I come to you at this time, and I ask that you would please rescue me in a time of my distress.... etc. It was just three words! How is that much different than others, even though it is not necessarily mixed with faith? And yet, perhaps unknown to them, it is indeed their spirit crying out to the Lord? Since we know that "for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Rom. 10:13 EVERYONE! Of course we know that it is not a cry unto salvation as we profess as a believer, but being saved is more than just a one time act. 

So, there we have more insight into the context to know if we or others are, Taking The Lord's Name In Vain?

What Is The Vengeance Of God?

"Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."  Romans 12:19

"Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good."  Romans 12:14-21

In many of the previous posts that I have written, I have talked about context giving us the best understanding of what is being said, and how to apply those Truths to our own lives. I separated Rom. 21:19 to show how it is often only quoted out of context, and how easily it can be taken to mean something other than what it does mean in context to the other verses.

Most times this verse is quoted, it is in response to our personal desire to; "let someone have it", or to payback someone in retaliation for their wrong doing, or to "even the score"! The idea is that God in His wrath and anger and vengeance will even the score and make them pay on our behalf. He will stand up in our defense and then they will regret they ever messed with us as God's servant! However, this reasoning is because of a long believed error about the nature and character and purpose of God held by most non Christians AND Christians!

The long held belief is that God is angry! That God is watching and waiting for man to slip up so that He can let them have it! The wrath of God is believed to be His natural state. It is believed that God is just mad at mankind all of the time, and is just trying to fix what went wrong in the Garden of Eden, so that he can salvage something in the end with a few trusting souls.

Oh, dear reader, that is such a centuries long held error designed to keep people in fear hoping that such fear would prevent people from doing evil things. The truth is that we have been fed and believes such a distorted view of God for such a long time, we think the distorted view is the truth, but nothing could be further from the Truth!

While there are Christians that believe this distorted view of God, they also believe that Jesus came to stand between God and man so that He could mediate God's wrath upon Himself in our place. Even I was taught and believed this error for quite some time, just like I was taught and believed this wrathful God would send the majority of His creation to a fiery torment in hell forever. But oh how much I am grateful to no longer believe such a slander against this merciful God of love and kindness!

In the last couple of years I have listened to about five years of sermons by Brian Zhand, whom I have mentioned in previous posts. A common declaration he makes has also become a mantra of mine. While we think that Jesus is kind and loving in the New Testament appeasing an angry God in the Old Testament, this mantra corrects that false belief. It goes like this: "God is like Jesus. God has always been like Jesus. There has never been a time when God was not like Jesus. We haven't always known this, but now we do!"

  We are told in several places in Scripture:

 "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power" Heb. 1:3

"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Cor. 4:4

"I and the Father are one.” John 10:10

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." John 1:1

There are many more verses that confirm what these verses are affirming, which is that God is not schizophrenic Jesus and God are one in the same. Jesus is the visible manifestation of the invisible God! If you have seen Jesus, you have seen the Father. If you see a different image of the Father that is not like Jesus, then the image you are seeing is False!

Okay so what about the: "...Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."  Romans 12:19? That is true of course, but not the vengeance we think. God does not tell us to love our enemies, and He hates His. But rather it is "...not knowing that the goodness of God leads thee to repentance?"  Rom. 2:4.

In the beginning verses of this post, I separated this one verse Romans 12:19 out from the verses before and after in order to show how when separated it has been so easily taken out of context and the meaning distorted, to give an grossly inaccurate portrayal of God. So now read those verses altogether again, and begin to see the more accurate portrayal of God which is one in which God's vengeance against anyone is to Love them with such a perfect Love that they have no choice but to stop resisting that Love which leads them to repentance! God will do what He asks us to do, which is to Overcome evil with Good!

Indeed, the wrath of God is NOT against men as some misquote, but rather  "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness OF men," Rom.1:18. It is against the ungodliness and unrighteousness; not against men. This is not un-similar to to the verse in Psalm 1:6 "For the Lord knows the way of the righteous: but the WAY of the ungodly shall perish."  Notice it does not say the ungodly shall perish, but the WAY of the ungodly perishes. Since the way of the ungodly perishes, then what is left but a Godly way! Evil has been overcome with good.  Now you know the answer to the question asked in the title, What Is The Vengeance Of God?

Higher Thoughts And Higher Ways.

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9

This is another one of those very familiar verses in the bible where if you only know this one verse out of the chapter, you do not have enough context to know what is actually being said here. And I have been just as guilty, until lately because I only had a limited understanding before considering this verse for a post. 

We see that God is detailing his thoughts and ways are higher than man's, which lead many to believe that it is God's way of showing how separated He is from us---He is up there, and we are way down here---But nothing could be further from the truth. In no way did God ever indicate that had to be the unchanging position of man, to think with lower thoughts and act with lower ways, but rather it is an invitation to come up higher, and to think with His higher thoughts and to act on His higher ways!

The first obvious point to make is that the verse is not dealing with altitude such as the cloud is higher than the flower, but rather a higher form of a position of attitude and nature. Such as the order of things, like the rank order of: plants, fish, animals, and man. Or also a higher order of learning, such as: elementary, high school, college, and university etc.

God is saying that man is thinking according to his fallen earthly Adamic thoughts and ways. That kind of thinking is what got him into trouble in the first place. But now God is saying that man needs to get his mind into the heavenly realm and inviting us to learn, and to begin to think with heavenly thoughts, and act according to heavenly ways.

So, that much I already understood for a long time. Then something new was pointed out to me, with the question: What ways and thoughts was God referring to? Was it just general thoughts and ways or something specific? Ah. Context! For that we need to consider the conversation from whence this verse started.

"Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7. This verse is what precedes the higher thoughts and ways verses. The fact that God will abundantly pardon and have mercy on the wicked, is what God is calling us to learn. That is the higher thoughts and ways. The whole story of the bible and God's relationship with man is one of mercy and forgiveness! God has spoken a couple of chapters detailing his blessings to the children of Israel, and now also includes ALL nations because of Israel into those blessings  None is excluded . 

 Do not let the son of the foreigner Who has joined himself to the Lord Speak, saying, “The Lord has utterly separated me from His people”; Nor let the eunuch say, “Here I am, a dry tree.” Isaiah 56:3 In other words, don't let anybody make any excuses as to them being disqualified from the blessing of God. For the verses continue: "For thus says the Lord:“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off." Isaiah 56:4-5.

I learned recently how perhaps this verse gave hope to a character we were introduced to in Acts 8:26-39, The story of Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Perhaps you remember? But it would be good to read the whole story first, so these comments will make sense. It is important to know that in Deuteronomy 23 there are a lot of laws that forbid certain people from entering into the "congregation" of the Lord. Meaning they could not partake in the temple worship etc. It would be like saying that they were forbidden from going to church, or were excommunicated. In 23:1 it says: "He that is wounded in the stones, or hath his privy member cut off, shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord." It is a polite way of saying that a man was unable to reproduce by force, or accident, or choice. 

Knowing that background, we are introduced to this "Ethiopian eunuch, of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure" who was on his way home after having traveled all the way to Jerusalem to worship at one of the Jewish feasts, where he was not even allowed to participate! He would be kept out in the court of the Gentiles and could only watch from a distance. Still, the difficult journey and isolation was worth even the little he could enjoy. And now, we are told that Phillip was instructed by the Spirit to join himself to the man, and overheard the eunuch reading from a passage in Isaiah 53 where upon Phillip began to explain to him, the meaning of what he was reading. was about Jesus! When they came to some water, the eunuch asked in Acts 8:36 "... See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?"  

This eunuch has been told all of the time he was a eunuch,  that he could not participate in the worship activities in the temple, that he was an outsider, and restricted from any religious activity. And now, while we can know the passage he was reading was from Isaiah 53, but it is also within the realm of probability that Phillip showed him the passage a few pages later where it says "For thus says the Lord:“To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths, And choose what pleases Me, And hold fast My covenant, Even to them I will give in My house And within My walls a place and a name Better than that of sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name That shall not be cut off." Isaiah 56:4-5. Indeed there was NOTHING that prevented him from fully participating in the feast and festivals and worship of God! He is no longer an outcast, and excluded from a relationship with God and is now accepted into all the promises of God which are yes and Amen!

God's ways and thoughts are higher than the Adamic, earthly thoughts of man. Earthy thoughts, because it is this lower realm of thinking that keeps us from enjoying a relationship with God, and the lower realm of thoughts and ways is a form of self attainment to a set of rules and laws that you think will make you acceptable to the perfection of God. That is the wide gate found in Matt. 7:13 For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." It misses seeing that "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be" Rom. 8:7 Therefore, if it is not about keeping the "law of sin and death", and is instead about living in the higher realm of heavenly thoughts and ways, then we can see that is open to everyone! "Whosoever will may come" Rev. 22:17. And if you can understand that truth, you are indeed now thinking in the heavenly realm of  Higher Thoughts And Higher Ways.

If I Be Lifted Up

"...Nothing is certain except death and taxes" Benjamin Franklin. Taxes we can live with, but death--that is a different story!

Many people are afraid of death, and why not? It is the end of life as we know it. It is the doorway from the familiar to the unfamiliar. Many have passed from this side of that doorway to the next, but only ONE has passed from the next side unto this side. And it is the One who has passed from the next side back to this side, in whom we put our trust for what life is like on the other side.

Of course, that One I am talking about is the Lord Jesus Christ! It is Jesus who conquered sin and death, and taken away it's sting. 1 Cor. 15:55-57 " O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Every Christian can attest to the reassurance they have when they know in themselves that they are in right standing with God, but even many Christians are not sure about their right standing with God, and are even fearful of their own death as fearing that they don't qualify for a life filled with the joy of all that the heaven they have been taught is available to them.

It is that sense of fear of disqualification that I would like to put at ease in many of these blog posts that I write, including this one. The verse I would like to start with is the very familiar verse found in John 12:32 "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."

This verse is so familiar because it is sang in church as a praise song to "Lift Jesus Higher" but the truth of the matter is that to be "lifted up from the earth" is a euphemism for the crucifixion! Rather than saying a person was about to be crucified, they might say he is to be lifted up, to ease the terrible thought of this Roman form of torture reserved for the worst of criminals, that the Romans wanted to make a visual point of cruel torture to make it known what happens to those who threaten Rome. In fact the bible tells us what Jesus meant by what He said in John 12:32 by what He said in the next verse: John 12:33 "This he said, signifying what death he should die."

I am not sure how I think about singing that verse after knowing what I just wrote, but perhaps as it is in our minds as a praise song to His Lordship, and as a form of exaltation, then indeed there is no harm. What I would like to point out in this post is what Jesus said would be the result of His being lifted up. "I will draw all men unto me." which on the surface sounds all nice and gentle and inviting, but I want to focus your attention on a couple words of that verse. The first word is, what is translated as "draw". It is from the Greek word helkō which means: to draw, drag off metaph., to draw by inward power, lead, impel. It is the same word used to draw in a net full of fish. In fact just as ALL the fish in a net are impelled to be dragged into the boat, so also are the ALL for whom Jesus is dying on the cross. 

It is the other word in verse 32 I want to also bring your attention to consider, and that is the word ALL. Someone once said about this word, "What don't you understand about the word all: the A or the two L's?" What needs to be understood is the fact that the death of Jesus on the cross and subsequent resurrection was a WORLD CHANGING event! Jesus put to death ALL of those who were born a descendant of the first Adam and began a second creation race a descendant of Himself making all creation past present and future heirs and joint heirs with Christ. And Romans 5:12: "just as by one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:" ...5:17 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.... 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord." So that you do not confuse the word all for the word many, take note is is the same "many" (all) who were made sinners, that is the many (all) made righteous.

There is no getting away with thinking or believing that some qualify and some do not qualify for a life eternal beyond the mortal door of death, and into that life of God offered to ALL creation right from the very beginning! There is no denying the Lord Jesus Christ any one of the ALL that He died on the cross to save! It is the greatest lie ever to be perpetrated against mankind to say anyone born into God's good creation will ever be separated from Him! Rom. 8:38-39 "For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Well, you might say, if that is the case, then why not just live in sin, since all will be saved by the death of Jesus on the cross? Funny you should say that, since Paul anticipated that his very argument based on what I just quoted would lead you to that conclusion. Romans 6:1-2 "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein" And also in 2 Cor. 5:14 "For the love of Christ constrains us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

The difference between us who have become believers, and those who have not is simply that WE know now, and THEY do not! So, it is up to us who know to tell them who do not that God is not mad at them, and has forgiven them and is not holding their sins against them! They are NOT going to be sent to an endless torture chamber and last day bar-b-que, but rather they too can experience His forgiveness now, and a promised abundant life now. THAT IS THE GOSPEL! That Jesus said He would drag ALL men unto himself : If I Be Lifted Up.

...The Problem Of Evil continued

On June 15, 2013, Ethan Couch lost control of his family’s pickup truck after he and his friends had played beer pong and drank beer stolen from a Walmart. He veered into a crowd of people helping the driver of a disabled vehicle on the side of the road. The crash fatally injured the stranded motorist, a youth minister who stopped to help her, and a mother and daughter who came out of their nearby home to also help. Couch, 16 at the time of the crash, was found to have a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit for adult drivers after the crash. Investigators estimated his speed was around 70 mph in a 40 mph zone.
A psychologist who evaluated Couch in 2013 introduced the “affluenza” term at trial in reference to Couch being coddled by his wealthy parents. He testified that Couch learned nothing from his first incidents, court records show. The teen didn’t think he had done anything serious, Dr. G. Dick Miller said, and his mother lied to his father about it.

In the last post, in my discussion on the problem of evil, I talked about the difference it would make if this world never experienced the devastating effects of evil. I remembered this story from years ago which made me think of it as an example of the contrast between the teen Ethan Couch, and the death and destruction he caused. He would have no remorse, since he had no experience of consequences for any actions he took; and how anyone even reading this story would feel having known the experience of cause and effect; good and evil; right and wrong; actions and consequences. The example of "knowing" by experience.

I mentioned that I believe that it is vitally important to understand the plan and purpose God had for His creation to begin with. Where I depart with most others is when they say that God gave man free will to choose to obey or not as proof of Adam's love for God; and that I believe the first man Adam was not who God had in mind when He said "Let us make man in our image and likeness." I believe that JESUS who is the LAST ADAM and the SECOND MAN, make US the NEW CREATION MAN, as heirs and joint heirs with Jesus! Otherwise, then Jesus just becomes PLAN B, to God's purpose of creation, which we know that He is not! Jesus has ALWAYS been the plan and purpose of God's good creation!

Since Jesus was the last Adam, He put to death ALL of the Adamic race on the cross, and paid for the sin of the world for ALL time and forever, and was raised up to become the beginning of a whole new Christ man, with Jesus as the head! God was never mad at mankind! In fact if you understand this plan of God then it makes sense what it says in Genesis 6:3 "And the Lord said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years." I used to think that was a threat. Like God was saying: "That's it, I am not going to put up with this for long before I finally lose my temper and you are going to get it". But now I see that verse as a promise of redemption!! As if God was saying: "Don't worry, the plan is in motion, YOU are not going to always be at strife with me, it has an ending, even a 120 years, and then the final outcome will be accomplished, and this enmity will come to an end!" Somewhat like a parent who reassures their child before surgery that when they wake up all their pain will come to an end. Psalm 17:15 "As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness."

I will agree that even understanding this explanation for evil does not make it easier to go through the torment of suffering, especially when it seems so random and without reason. "Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." Hebrews 12:11 But be assured nothing escapes the loving care and compassionate Heavenly Father! We see that played out in the person of Jesus, who is the full representation of God in the earth!

We also have a long history of countless examples of people who have turned their suffering from evil of many kinds into a testimony of the Grace of God in the midst of their pain, and demonstrate by a living example that indeed Love triumphs over hate; good triumphs over evil; grace and mercy triumphs over unforgiveness! There are many examples throughout history of people like Corrie Ten Boom, who was prisoner in a Nazi prison camp. Or how about Nelson Mandela who spent decades in prison for successfully leading the resistance to South Africa's policy of apartheid in the 20th century. I just recently read an autobiography of a lady named Theresa Gilliam, who wrote a book called Bring My Soul Out Of Prison who suffered much evil at the hands of many people including her husband, and still knew God was with her in the midst of her struggle.

Even suffering that is not the result of evil is also a major complaint from many who are mad at God for their pain and sorrow. Job is about the most well known example of suffering being replaced by restoration. Or Joni Erickson Tada who broke her neck as a teen in a diving accident, and is paralyzed. She was able to display the love and grace of God in her life beyond what anyone can imagine out of her tragic circumstance.

And we can go on to talk about the many who were born or later suffered deformities from accidents. How about war the result of man's inhumanity to man! No matter how long the list of evil and tragedy is, the list of the goodness of God is abundantly greater! "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom.8:18

All of these people are in stark contrast to Ethan Couch! The difference between someone who is kept from any bad experiences and whose lawyer argued that, as a reason of his destructive and deadly behavior, and those who like the people in the Faith chapter of Hebrews 11:13 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."

As I said at the start of the previous post, I have no expectations of providing an adequate answer to solve this question to anyone's satisfaction in full in such a sort blog post as this, however I think I can provide some thoughts to provoke more thought in that direction for someone who reads this post. Perhaps, maybe, having read these writings, you have more understanding to give you peace when considering ...The Problem Of Evil

The Problem Of Evil...

There have been countless books written about the subject of this title, and so I have no expectations of providing an adequate answer to solve this question to anyone's satisfaction in full in such a sort blog post as this, however I think I can provide some thoughts to provoke more thought in that direction for someone who reads this post. 

"Let us make man in our image, and after our likeness..." (Gen. 1:26) So here in this verse we see the purpose of God revealed, to make man in His image and likeness. Don't skip by this verse without considering it closely, it sets up the whole story! It is widely believed that it is Adam to whom God is referring to in this verse. Adam can also be interpreted as humankind. And in the broader sense, I believe God purposes the end from the beginning and so He sees the New Creation Man in Christ as the ultimate purpose, and Adam is the beginning of the process.

 So with that in mind consider this verse in Gen 3:22 "Now man has become as one of us, knowing the difference between good and evil."  Well, isn't that the beginnings of the purpose stated in Gen 1:26? I have always been told that it was such a problem for God since God told Adam not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil or he would surely die. However, was God unaware of what Adam would do? Of course He was aware, in fact God is Sovereign! He knows ALL things, and is fully aware of the end result of His purpose, and that purpose included Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden.  Adam did not mess up God's purpose, Adam fulfilled God's purpose! The plan is in motion.

But why? What kind of plan is that? Didn't Adam freely reject God's love by his disobedience? Adam could not have known the extent of God's love, and couldn't know what he was rejecting, therefore his will was manipulated by the result of Eve being deceived by the serpent who enticed her desire to eat of the (figurative) tree in the center of the Garden, which we are told: "...that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom...   Gen. 3:6.  The truth is that Adam was set up to fall. It was not some kind of test to see if Adam would obey or disobey God like many bible scholars try to explain, it is the kind that gives a purpose to what we call the problem of evil. Let me explain. 

Imagine there was no evil. No killing, no lying no harming others, no sorrow, no pain: just heavenly bliss... like the Garden of Eden non stop forever. Ahh, pretty good eh! How would you know? Not only how would you know there was no evil if you never knew about it, but how would you even know you were experiencing goodness? It's the tree of the knowledge of good AND evil. It is a comparison system. Good and evil. Light and darkness. Need and supply. Desire and fulfillment. 

Adam was innocent like a new born baby, before this plunge into disobedience. So, how was he even to understand what it meant to die, before death entered into this world? For that matter how would Adam understand the Nature and Character of God? Adam just knew God as Creator. How is God to reveal Himself to His creation? Does God just explain to Adam who He is? How far can that go without experiencing examples?

There are different meanings in the bible for the word knowledge. I use the example of being a skydiver. I had knowledge at first that there are skydivers. Then I learned knowledge through training the process of how to skydive, but then there is the experience of actually jumping out of a plane and skydiving for myself! 

In one biblical example of this is in Gen 4:1 "Adam knew Eve, and she conceived and bore a son.." It shows the intimacy of the knowledge. So how are we to have that same intimate knowledge of the creator God? By using that system of contrast. "Now man has become as one of us knowing the difference between good and evil." Man is also learning compassion, and forgiveness, and mercy, and love, and kindness, and patience. Rom. 5:3-4 "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; 4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:"

Okay, so this post might offer some explanation of the purpose God had in allowing evil to take place, but hasn't it gotten out of control, and what about all of the suffering it has caused? How can that be a good thing? I will say this before I continue in the next post: There is no question that people can easily cite many, many examples of great evil in the world's history! Unimaginable suffering of innocent victims. One only has to mention the Holocaust to make their point. So how can I say that evil is not out of control? I mean really haven't  things gotten worse? Where is God? And the proof I offer that things are not out of control is this: That the absolute ultimate form of evil ever in history took place more that 2.000 years ago on a cross in Israel in the Deicide (murder) of God in the innocent person of Jesus!

The proof that God has ALL things under control, and evil does NOT have the final say, and evil is not running a muck outside the boundaries of God's purpose is that the ULTIMATE evil has already been perpetrated on God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ, as part of the plan and has used that which was meant for evil to overcome evil and death and to redeem mankind from the curse. In the Sovereign Love and purpose of God, Jesus suffered and was crucified FROM the FOUNDATION of the world. The plan was finished before it was started and put in motion. God has proven that to not repay evil for evil, but rather that evil is overcome by LOVE is the solution which we will explore further in the next post, to The Problem Of Evil...

 .    

Bring The Kingdom Of Heaven To Earth

 I shared in earlier posts how when the results of the election took place, that I was done being so involved with politics. I was no longer willing to listen to the news anywhere near as much, or follow the events of the president as in the past. As one pastor said this past week at a conference, that he was on a "political fast" and so am I.

Anytime there are two points of view or more, there is a divide between those that hold those opinions. It seems that now more than ever there is such a hostile political divide. And while I recognize that fact, and I too have strong opinions, and even though I did not become a hermit and live in a cave, I determined to have only a casual interest in what is going on in the political world. I have tried to muffle my political opinion, and focus more on Spiritual matters, the results of which have been the subjects of the many recent posts.

As a Jesus follower, I have been trying to figure out what is my role is in light of the great emphasis on the division of political sides in the country. I recently began to work some of it out in my thinking, and shared some of my thoughts during breakfast at the hotel we were staying at during a church conference last week. 

My point was never to bring up politics except as a reference point, and yet my point was taken out of context and it upset someone to the point they left the table, not even knowing that I agreed with him politically. But I did not tell him that, because I was focused on trying to explain that I was working out a thought that perhaps Christians are called to spread the Gospel of another Kingdom that is not of this world, rather than trying to influence the kingdom of this world. 

I began wondering what would Jesus tell us to do in light of this volatile political climate... and I was going to say if He were here, (but really isn't He here... in us)? And don't we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher, who will lead us into all truth? Of course, that's true, so then does that mean it is our calling to become a weapon of political power to change who holds the Executive, and Legislative branches in Washington? That has been a huge part of the controversy over Christians ignoring the moral actions of the previous president, in order to enact his policies. Enough said. So what is the role of a follower of Christ?

 I have thought a lot about the time of Jesus when the Jewish nation was under rule of the Roman government! There was great political divide even then! There were the Herodians, the Sadducees, Pharisees, Zealots, and Essenes, and yet Jesus did not focus on the political, but rather the personal. Though He did say "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's."  That should be all we need to know about our political involvement. We are to be in this world, but not OF this world.

Of course during the time of Jesus, the Jews main focus was on the Messiah coming to set them free from the Romans! For the Messiah to rule like King David. That was even the main focus of the disciples during their three years, with Jesus trying to tell them differently. "My kingdom is not of this world..." said Jesus. What if Jesus told us the same thing, would that change our views on politics?  Being free from the Roman's was Judas' main reason for betraying Jesus. He was thinking to force Jesus' hand to start the battle and not to let Himself get captured! Is God wanting to use political power to enact His Kingdom in the earth? I think the answer is an obvious no, both then and now.

Before the Resurrection, the main focus of the disciples was to usurp the political power that held them in captivity, so what about AFTER the Resurrection? What did the disciples do after the Resurrection? What was their focus now? What was their mission now? What was their calling now? You see, the Romans were still in power from the time before the Crucifixion and for several years after the upper room experience of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. But what DID change was the mission of the disciples to now spread the news that Jesus is Lord, and Caesar is not! They were not called to fight the kingdoms of this world, but rather to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven here on earth! The good news wasn't then, and it isn't now to escape this world and go to heaven, but rather it is "Thy will be done IN EARTH as it is in Heaven." What makes us think we have a different message?

So what if we as believers, and followers of Jesus were to do the same thing? What if we as believers put much less focus on the earthly kingdom in Washington and more emphasis on our Heavenly Father's Kingdom in the earth?  I realized I had no influence on the election results. I am Canadian, and cannot even vote, and all we can really do as citizens is to vote the one into power that we think might be the best candidate, and in reality, it is our Heavenly Father who has the final say as to who is in the seat in Washington. Can someone steal an election and God not know about it?  And that was my point at the breakfast table.  And since that is the case, why not just trust Him to worry about that while we focus our attention on our mission to Bring the Kingdom of Heaven To Earth. 

Now That You Know

 You don't know what you don't know. Seems obvious, But since you don't know what you don't know, then how is it that you can be held responsible for not knowing, unless it is reasonable to expect you should know. Such as the saying "Ignorance of the law is no excuse." But even if ignorance is no excuse, you still don't know what you don't know. 

Case in point: Yesterday I was trying to build a cement pad behind the shed. I had done all of the prep work, building a form, laying down a base of stone etc. I bought 10 bags of pre-mix concrete, I watched a dozen videos on how to make a concrete pad. So I was prepared. I was really anticipating doing a professional type job. But I didn't know what I didn't know, and while I knew it was going to be very labor intensive, I was not prepared for how labor intensive it would be. Also I did not make the mix wet enough, for fear of making it too wet, which was the major mistake. I did not find out that was the problem until I texted a friend this picture, who then called to tell me the mix was too dry! By then it was too late to fix. And so, it will serve it's purpose, but I am really disappointed with all the work I put into it, just that little extra information would have made all the difference in the results. 

So why am I telling you this? Because it got me thinking of how Christians especially think that when someone hears about how Jesus died on the cross to save them, and they need to love Him and trust him with their whole life like they did. They think that person is now responsible for accepting what they are told without question.  But in both cases, you don't know what you don't know. The person witnessing, and the one being witnessed to, are often both missing key information. Is the one witnessing giving the right information, and does the one being witnessed to have to trust they are being told the truth; and to believe in a God they know nothing about? Obvious room for doubt. Yet we are also informed that ignorance of the Truth is no excuse, and you will be held accountable for going to hell! But is that true?

I used to deliver gasoline to stations, and some customers needed to pay cash before we delivered, because if they did not have the money, it goes one way through the hose, and can't be taken back. I had customers that told me to trust them, and another driver remarked: "Trust you? I don't even know you!" And so when Christians ask us to trust God, many peoples response is the same, Trust Him, I don't even know Him. 

When I first became a Christian and began to think about it, I often wondered how it is that God could hide himself from people, and yet hold them responsible to believe and trust in Him, AND love Him, when they don't even know Him? I thought how unfair it was that Jesus would appear to the Apostle Paul on the road to Damascus, and convince him beyond doubt that He was real, and yet hold everyone else to the same standard of belief without the same proof. Several times in Scripture, an angel would appear, and people would fall on their faces and believe, and yet, have you had an angel appear to you? Neither have I. 

If you are to believe that after death comes the judgment, and those who believed and said the "sinner's prayer" go to heaven, and those who did not, go to everlasting torture, (which I did for decades). The only reason I could explain that was that my faith and trust in God was an inside work of the Holy Spirit, which went beyond just brain power, and right into the heart of knowing without proof. but I also believed what I was being told, about God by those who I trusted without having the revelation of the restoration of all things.  

And that is the key information to understand and trust in God. That it doesn't come about by getting enough head knowledge, but only through the revelation of the Holy Spirit in everyone's lives. No exceptions. "You are saved by Grace, through faith and THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES, it is a GIFT of God. NOT of WORKS, lest any man should boast." The gift of God IS the faith to believe, which is given by Grace. So that you cannot even boast about your faith to believe. How do you think THAT would change the way you witness to others?

 The great part is that even if you don't accept what I am saying is the truth, and you think people are responsible for their own believing and trusting God, the truth does not depend on your believing me for it to be true. Truth is truth even if you believe it or not. The truth was I needed more water in the concrete mix, whether I believed I was right or not. Just truth alone does not set you free, but it is knowing the truth that sets you free. 

So now, since salvation depends on the work of the Holy Spirit, and not on your own knowledge: That it depends on the gift of faith from God to believe: That it will bypass your own understanding: Then even if you don't know what you don't know, your salvation is guaranteed, because it still depends on God, and not on what you know or what you don't know. So then, what about the Scriptures that tell us to believe? Simple. You will believe the same way everyone believes, by the gift of faith through the grace of God. What do you think about that truth Now That You Know?

 

What's The Next Verse?

It is always a good thing to memorize as much scripture as you can. It can come in handy for many uses. It can provide comfort for ourselves or others, it can help when witnessing, it can be used as assurance of our faith. It can also help us understand doctrine. However, understanding correct doctrine can only come by keeping the verses in context. We have all the modern advantages of search engines and bible programs that provides unlimited study materials and versions and languages including dictionaries of the Greek and Hebrew, and still when we quote things out of context, then we will misread what the Scripture is trying to say in any language!  

"And as it is appointed unto man once to die, but after this, the judgment." If you know this verse, and perhaps have quoted it, to others, and maybe even know where it is found in the bible, but you do not know what the next verse says.... then perhaps you have been a victim of using this scripture out of context like so many others I know, especially if you think it is talking about judgment after your mortal body dies!

If this is the first time reading my blog, then perhaps you should catch up with the previous two posts to get even the context of the subject of this post. Assuming you are now caught up, the verse is taken from Hebrews 9:27. But lets read 9:28 " So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many, and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation."

While we are at it, lets read a couple verses prior to gain more understanding of the context.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest enters into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Back to verse 28 In this case is the qualifier for verse 27 and is also part of the conclusion of the argument put forth by the writer of Hebrews. If we just take these two verses in context with the message of the cross, then we can clearly see that it is saying  Christ died in our place and took our judgment. Verse 27 is not talking about our future physical death,  but paired with "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life" and read with verse 28 which is not talking about a judgment that is yet to happen, it is explaining about a judgment that has already happened! This verse is all inclusive for ALL mankind in that Jesus brought about the death of the first man Adam on the cross, in order to raise up the New Creation Man. 

Now, some will get hung up by the word "many" in the verse 28 where it says: "...once offered to bear the sins of many.." but this is when Hermaneutics needs to kick in and to put this verse into context with the message of Scripture. In the first place, the word many does not indicate any particular number, and it does not indicate exclusion either. We often use the word many as in most but not all. There is no indication of that usage here, and in fact there is clear evidence it does mean all peoples. The whole world will be saved, because Jesus is the savior of the world! Jesus went down into death to conquer death, so that death no longer has any dominion over you. Jesus did not do an incomplete job and only die for some. "As in Adam ALL die SO ALSO IN CHRIST SHALL ALL be made alive! Pretty inclusive.

Don't get hung up on the rest of verse 28 either, "and unto them that look for Him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." There is no exclusion on how many shall look for Him, since EVERY knee shall bow and EVERY tongue confess that He is Lord! And the verse saying he shall appear the second time.... does NOT make reference to some so called "second coming." I can attest to many times Jesus has appeared to me by His Spirit since I have been saved, not to leave out the first time He appeared to me unto salvation when I first believed! 

I hope now you can see how important it is to get to know your bible: read it, study it, get comfort from it, build your faith and knowledge and wisdom. Learn about God, and Jesus who is the express image of the Father. Memorize verses, so that it becomes a part of you, and as you do so, be sure to remember to read and find out: What's The Next Verse?

 

Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth

If you have been a Christian for even a short time, you probably have your favorite verses you quote. I mean, who has not even memorized the "Lord's Prayer"? You probably don't even have to be a Christian to know that, or even John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, will no perish, but have everlasting life." And so taking this verse at face value, you could easily interpret the meaning one way, but is that correct?

Do you know what the next verse says? And does what the next verse says change your interpretation of the first verse... even a little? John 3:17 "God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." So now what do those two verses mean put together? How do you interpret what is being said now? And does the verse before or the verse after affect the meaning you have? What about the whole chapter? What about the whole book? And while most people know the books of the bible were not written with chapter and verse; sometimes quoting just some verses as though they are complete in themselves can almost most assuredly lead to grave errors in interpretation. 

My thoughts are to write a few posts that will point out some common verses I have even memorized, and also have heard quoted by others many times, that are taken out of context with the meanings intended by the writer. I don't intend to write in such a way as to explain much more than some obvious observations, and I am rather hoping that by pointing out some of these common verses, the reader will search their own favorite verses for correct context.

In no particular order, other than what comes to mind the first verse I will write about is taken from 1 Cor. 2:9 "Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him."  Now this seems pretty clear, however a little digging will surprise you. What I left off of the quote is five words at the beginning which say: "But as it is written" which would indicate that Paul is quoting this from the TeNaKh which is what the Hebrew Scriptures are called. (as a side note, there was no old and new testament at the time of the biblical characters. and if you were to talk to a Jewish person and quote verses they would know, it might give some credibility to refer to those verses as having come from the Tenakh.)

Okay, so now onto the next verse, where Paul changes the meaning of the verse he quoted by explaining: "BUT God has revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes the deep things of God."  Doesn't that change the meaning often used of the previous verse? And yet to be even more clear lets read what Paul continues to explain. "For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God." Oh, okay, that seems clear that the verse was being interpreted correctly, because Only God knows, and man does not know except what is in his own heart. But don't stop there. Remember context. Let Paul finish his point.

Verse 12 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which IS OF GOD, that we might KNOW THE THINGS FREELY GIVEN TO US OF GOD. 13. Which thing also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Ghost teaches, COMPARING spiritual with spiritual." And so now Paul explains the difference of how it used to be before Christ, and how it is now for the New Creation Man...

Verse 14: "But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned," This is why it has not entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for him, BECAUSE the natural man cannot receive them... BUT we are not natural men anymore, and so it is freely given to us to know by the spirit!

And so let's finish Paul's thought in this chapter. "But he that is spiritual judges all things, het he himself is judged of no man." (side note about don't judge lest you be judged. how do you compare those two verse meanings?)

Okay, read verse 16 carefully which sums up Paul's teaching and proper interpretation of the verse. "For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him? But WE HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST!"

I had a friend point this out to me probably 35 or more years ago, and it has stuck with me over the years, and perhaps if you have not heard it explained like this before, it may help you to be another step closer to Rightly Dividing The Word of Truth.