The Gospel gets reaction. Some is positive, some negative; but there will be some reaction when people are faced with it.
In Acts 7, Stephen preached forcefully to the Jews. Read verses 51-53 where he comes down hard on them. They could have been positively moved, but we see in verse 54, "they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth." They killed him. This is the first recorded Christian martyr.
In Acts 2, Peter preached much the same lesson, though shorter. In Acts 2:37, "Now when they (Jews) heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said.....'what shall we do?' And Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let everyone of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here, in contrast to the story of Stephen in Acts 7, when challenged with the Gospel, people reacted with, "What shall we do?"
We see a similar contrast in Acts 17 where Paul and companions go to Thessalonica only to find trouble awaiting them. When they leave and go to Berea, the reception is completely different. Acts 17:11 says, "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
That needs to be us; fair-minded, searching the Scriptures daily, believing...and following. Let's serve God and go to heaven together. Maybe I'll see you there soon......or maybe we'll just meet back here next week. In either case, feel the love.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Question about "Tolerance"
We had a question about tolerance, saying that we know right from wrong for ourselves, but how do we deal with the wrong in other people, how do we treat them? This is a very good question and one that causes us all to stretch a little. A simple answer is that we "hate the sin but love the sinner." The example of homosexuality was cited in the question.
We can note in the last blog entry regarding "Tolerance" that homosexuality is clearly taught as a sin in the Bible. Thus, in light of the question, we know that we are not to practice homosexuality. If we have these tendencies, we are not to practice, or carry them out. But what does the Bible teach that we are to do with those who do practice these things, who are violating God's teaching?
The very first point must be to note that Jesus came to save sinners, not the "perfect" people of this world! He was constantly criticized for eating and associating with the worst of people, the common people, the sinners. But He also expected them to change. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a good example. He was a hated tax collector, but Jesus chose to spend time with him, stayed at his house. And Zacchaeus repented of his past wrongs.
The second point is that we must sometimes treat sinners in the church differently from those outside the church, at least for a time. 1 Cor 5 gives a good summary of this, differentiating between the sinner "inside" the church from the sinner outside. The point here is that we are not even to eat with the church sinner "that his spirit may be saved." But Jesus showed us over and again that we are to reach out to sinners in "the world", vs 10.
Point three is that we are to love everyone. 1 John talks a lot about our love for others; 3:10 says, "love one another." 1 Corinthians 13 ends with, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
But with all of that said, we must not condone sin. The reader likely doesn't need me to cite a lot of verses regarding sin, that God hates sin, He is Righteous and has no tolerance for sin. But I'll mention one passage in Ephesians 5:1-17 that is typical of the Bible stance that God's people are not to be drawn in by sin, nor to associate with sin. Note verse 11, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." So, in summary, we are to associate with sinners "in the world," but are not to condone their sin, and in fact, we are to expose, or speak out against, sin when the opportunity arises.
See you next week!
We can note in the last blog entry regarding "Tolerance" that homosexuality is clearly taught as a sin in the Bible. Thus, in light of the question, we know that we are not to practice homosexuality. If we have these tendencies, we are not to practice, or carry them out. But what does the Bible teach that we are to do with those who do practice these things, who are violating God's teaching?
The very first point must be to note that Jesus came to save sinners, not the "perfect" people of this world! He was constantly criticized for eating and associating with the worst of people, the common people, the sinners. But He also expected them to change. Zacchaeus in Luke 19 is a good example. He was a hated tax collector, but Jesus chose to spend time with him, stayed at his house. And Zacchaeus repented of his past wrongs.
The second point is that we must sometimes treat sinners in the church differently from those outside the church, at least for a time. 1 Cor 5 gives a good summary of this, differentiating between the sinner "inside" the church from the sinner outside. The point here is that we are not even to eat with the church sinner "that his spirit may be saved." But Jesus showed us over and again that we are to reach out to sinners in "the world", vs 10.
Point three is that we are to love everyone. 1 John talks a lot about our love for others; 3:10 says, "love one another." 1 Corinthians 13 ends with, "now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
But with all of that said, we must not condone sin. The reader likely doesn't need me to cite a lot of verses regarding sin, that God hates sin, He is Righteous and has no tolerance for sin. But I'll mention one passage in Ephesians 5:1-17 that is typical of the Bible stance that God's people are not to be drawn in by sin, nor to associate with sin. Note verse 11, "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." So, in summary, we are to associate with sinners "in the world," but are not to condone their sin, and in fact, we are to expose, or speak out against, sin when the opportunity arises.
See you next week!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Question about heaven
I received a question about heaven as to how God rewards; is it done in measure, more to the one who lived better? My answer is quite limited by what God's Word says, or doesn't say, about this. But here is what I read, the most descriptive passage being in Matthew 19:16 through 20:28. Before you finish this article, take the time to read every word of this passage. Therein lies the answer. But here are a few key excerpts:
To the rich man he said, give away all that you treasure..."you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me." (19:21)
"The disciples were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Peter says, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?" He says the Apostles will have a special place, but immediately says that "everyone who has left houses...(etc)....for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner...." He proceeds to tell a detailed story of the landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, but ends up paying them all the same, only to have the laborers complain. Note Jesus' conclusion to this whole story: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
So the Bible has made its own points, but I must summarize.
1. It is not for us to ask about ranking or reward in heaven, only to get there.
2. God chooses who will receive eternal life, not through our works.
3. It isn't our works, but our commitment. It is our willingness to leave all, give all, give away all if that is what it takes to be truly committed.
4. There follows a discussion of the two brothers who want a prominent position in heaven. Jesus concludes by saying, "it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...."
5. Not many will be saved. I repeat, not many will be saved. "Many are called, but not many are chosen." Thus, ranking is not the issue; getting there is the issue.
Our job is to serve, to obey, to follow Him, commit all to Him, and do everything it takes to show our love for Him. We won't have earned eternal life, but He has promised it if we give Him our heart and obey. Sometime maybe I'll give some Bible specifics on how we can KNOW if we are in a saved condition. Until then, feel the love.....
To the rich man he said, give away all that you treasure..."you will have treasure in heaven; and come follow Me." (19:21)
"The disciples were greatly astonished, saying, 'Who then can be saved?'" Jesus said, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."
Peter says, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore, what shall we have?" He says the Apostles will have a special place, but immediately says that "everyone who has left houses...(etc)....for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life."
"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner...." He proceeds to tell a detailed story of the landowner who hires laborers at different times of the day, but ends up paying them all the same, only to have the laborers complain. Note Jesus' conclusion to this whole story: "Is it not lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil because I am good? So the last shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen."
"But many who are first will be last, and the last first."
So the Bible has made its own points, but I must summarize.
1. It is not for us to ask about ranking or reward in heaven, only to get there.
2. God chooses who will receive eternal life, not through our works.
3. It isn't our works, but our commitment. It is our willingness to leave all, give all, give away all if that is what it takes to be truly committed.
4. There follows a discussion of the two brothers who want a prominent position in heaven. Jesus concludes by saying, "it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave...."
5. Not many will be saved. I repeat, not many will be saved. "Many are called, but not many are chosen." Thus, ranking is not the issue; getting there is the issue.
Our job is to serve, to obey, to follow Him, commit all to Him, and do everything it takes to show our love for Him. We won't have earned eternal life, but He has promised it if we give Him our heart and obey. Sometime maybe I'll give some Bible specifics on how we can KNOW if we are in a saved condition. Until then, feel the love.....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tolerance 1
There have been some new questions come in. We will deal with them soon. But for now let's consider this lesson, then consider the questions next week.
Tolerance. It seems like a great word. It implies kindness, acceptance, even patience. But it is not a biblical word or concept. God has always been a specific God. He makes the rules and expects us to follow them. And, of course, more than rules, He wants our hearts. But in the New Testament he said, "broad is the way that leads to destruction....narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." I would suggest that those who follow the narrow way should not be "tolerant" of the broad way as hard as that may sound to us.
So what is the broad way? There is not room here to fully describe it, but Romans 1:18-32 gives us some ideas. Here is a little of it: "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men......uncleanness, in the lust of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies....even the women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful......." Here is another hard statement to the Corinthians, a corrupt society where just about "anything goes" and everything was "tolerated", (kind of reminds us of our society, doesn't it?). 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
We can see that God is quick to condemn sinful practice and sinful thinking. And tolerance of the "broad way" is not God's way. The Bible is not soft on these things and neither should we be.
In a soon to be published lesson we will address the first of these specific sins, that of homosexuality. This will not be a popular position by today's standards, but it will be right out of the Bible. Be patient and open minded with me here. Thanks for reading; you are important!
Tolerance. It seems like a great word. It implies kindness, acceptance, even patience. But it is not a biblical word or concept. God has always been a specific God. He makes the rules and expects us to follow them. And, of course, more than rules, He wants our hearts. But in the New Testament he said, "broad is the way that leads to destruction....narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." I would suggest that those who follow the narrow way should not be "tolerant" of the broad way as hard as that may sound to us.
So what is the broad way? There is not room here to fully describe it, but Romans 1:18-32 gives us some ideas. Here is a little of it: "the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men......uncleanness, in the lust of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies....even the women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful......." Here is another hard statement to the Corinthians, a corrupt society where just about "anything goes" and everything was "tolerated", (kind of reminds us of our society, doesn't it?). 1 Cor. 6:9-10, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God."
We can see that God is quick to condemn sinful practice and sinful thinking. And tolerance of the "broad way" is not God's way. The Bible is not soft on these things and neither should we be.
In a soon to be published lesson we will address the first of these specific sins, that of homosexuality. This will not be a popular position by today's standards, but it will be right out of the Bible. Be patient and open minded with me here. Thanks for reading; you are important!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Follow-up to last lesson
God has done His part and more. He has created us, given us much in this life, given us a spirit and His Spirit, His Word, forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice, and everlasting life. Now we must do our part. What does the Bible say for us to do? I could never give a complete answer, but here are a few things:
Luke 5:7, Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi and said, "Follow Me." We must follow Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:24, Jesus taught His disciples to take the Lord's Supper, "Do this in remembrance of Me." We are to take the Lord's Supper. I do it every week.
Hebrews 10:24, "let us consider one another....not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." We are taught to assemble with other Christians.
Acts 17:10-11, the Bereans "searched the scriptures daily." We should study our Bibles.
James 5:16 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Pray.
1 John 2:10, "He who loves his brother abides in the light.." We must love our brother.
James 1:22, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." We must be doers, not just hearers or talkers or dreamers or whatever.
James 1:27, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
I'm sure this could go on and on, but let's don't. None of us is perfect, but let's try to be; to be more like Jesus, to "do" what He wants us to do. Hey, thanks for reading, for joining me here. Feel the love.
Luke 5:7, Jesus saw a tax collector named Levi and said, "Follow Me." We must follow Jesus.
1 Corinthians 11:24, Jesus taught His disciples to take the Lord's Supper, "Do this in remembrance of Me." We are to take the Lord's Supper. I do it every week.
Hebrews 10:24, "let us consider one another....not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together." We are taught to assemble with other Christians.
Acts 17:10-11, the Bereans "searched the scriptures daily." We should study our Bibles.
James 5:16 says, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." Pray.
1 John 2:10, "He who loves his brother abides in the light.." We must love our brother.
James 1:22, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only." We must be doers, not just hearers or talkers or dreamers or whatever.
James 1:27, "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world."
I'm sure this could go on and on, but let's don't. None of us is perfect, but let's try to be; to be more like Jesus, to "do" what He wants us to do. Hey, thanks for reading, for joining me here. Feel the love.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Question on Judgment
So I received a question on Judgment. Why is it that all people, even Christians, will be judged when this life is over? Shouldn't Christians be automatically saved?
I want to start by saying some disclosures like, hey, I don't claim to know everything, and likely God hasn't revealed everything regarding judgment and Heaven. But, still, the Bible gives us answers so let's look at some (there must be a thousand ways to answer this, but here is mine):
Yes, there is a judgment coming:
Matt. 5:22 "Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."
"Day of Judgment"--Matt. 10:15 and 2 Peter 2:9
1 John 4:17 "We may have boldness in the Day of Judgment."
Read Matt. 10:31-46 where it concludes, "But these will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
But if Christians have been saved, will they, and why will they, have to face judgment? (Before giving some verses, let me interject that ALL of the epistles (letters) from Romans on through the New Testament are written to Christians. So when we read warnings to not fall away, beware of sin, etc., the lesson is to those who have become Christians.)
A Christian can be tempted, can go back to sin and be lost--1 Cor. 10:12-13.
James 1:12-27--Even the Christian can fall; we must endure temptation.
2 John 8--"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."
And finally, the book of Hebrews gives many warnings to the Christian: 2:1, "lest we drift away." 3:12, "departing from the living God." 5:1, "you have become dull of hearing." 10:26, "If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Thus, after we have become Christians, we must still resist temptation. We must continue to follow Jesus rather than Satan. And we must stand before God in the final judgment. But if we are sincerely trying to follow Jesus, we don't have to fear judgment. Note 1 John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
My conclusion to all of this is that there must be a balance. Yes, we are saved by the blood of Jesus, the grace of God. But we must do our part as well.....and will be judged on whether we did so. He says, "Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and...." We must do our part. Perhaps in the next posting we will look at specific things that we are to do. But meanwhile, thanks for reading and sharing these thoughts with me. Love and peace......
I want to start by saying some disclosures like, hey, I don't claim to know everything, and likely God hasn't revealed everything regarding judgment and Heaven. But, still, the Bible gives us answers so let's look at some (there must be a thousand ways to answer this, but here is mine):
Yes, there is a judgment coming:
Matt. 5:22 "Whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment."
"Day of Judgment"--Matt. 10:15 and 2 Peter 2:9
1 John 4:17 "We may have boldness in the Day of Judgment."
Read Matt. 10:31-46 where it concludes, "But these will go into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."
But if Christians have been saved, will they, and why will they, have to face judgment? (Before giving some verses, let me interject that ALL of the epistles (letters) from Romans on through the New Testament are written to Christians. So when we read warnings to not fall away, beware of sin, etc., the lesson is to those who have become Christians.)
A Christian can be tempted, can go back to sin and be lost--1 Cor. 10:12-13.
James 1:12-27--Even the Christian can fall; we must endure temptation.
2 John 8--"Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward."
And finally, the book of Hebrews gives many warnings to the Christian: 2:1, "lest we drift away." 3:12, "departing from the living God." 5:1, "you have become dull of hearing." 10:26, "If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins."
Thus, after we have become Christians, we must still resist temptation. We must continue to follow Jesus rather than Satan. And we must stand before God in the final judgment. But if we are sincerely trying to follow Jesus, we don't have to fear judgment. Note 1 John 5:13, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life."
My conclusion to all of this is that there must be a balance. Yes, we are saved by the blood of Jesus, the grace of God. But we must do our part as well.....and will be judged on whether we did so. He says, "Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and...." We must do our part. Perhaps in the next posting we will look at specific things that we are to do. But meanwhile, thanks for reading and sharing these thoughts with me. Love and peace......
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Question--Afterlife
I received a question from Steve. Here's the gist: "I was looking at the Catholic channel and they were talking about Purgatory. I've never heard non-Catholics talk about Purgatory. Anyway, the Catholic bishop was saying (I thought) St. Paul talked about it...that through Purgatory a person can go to heaven and have not accepted Jesus Christ while on earth....that believers can pray for the soul in Pergatory to be accepted? into heaven."
First, know that Purgatory is not a Bible word or Bible concept. It cannot be found in the Bible. The Catholics have their own Bible and set of beliefs that have evolved over centuries. And frankly, if it isn't in the Bible, I don't want it. But, for what it is worth, my understanding of the doctrine is that if a believer dies and has unforgiven sins (not of a major type, such as murder) then Purgatory is where the dead person's sins are removed through the prayers of the living. As for Paul referring to or inferring anything regarding Purgatory, he didn't. Here are a few pertinent Bible teachings.
About the after life:
Jesus' story about Lazarus--(Luke 16:23)--'Rich man in torments in Hades'--'Great gulf between the rich man and Lazarus.'
Jesus on the cross said (Luke 23:46) to the thief, "today you will be with me in Paradise"
1 Thes. 4:13-18 tells us that "God will bring with Him those who sleep (dead) in Jesus." Chapter 5 continues with how Jesus is coming back on the "day of the Lord."
We really don't know a lot about the after life though we read a lot about Heaven, particularly at the end of the book of Revelation. But Purgatory, praying for the removal of other people's sins after they have died? No!
About straying from the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16-17--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God....that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 John 9--"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God."
Revelation 22:18-19--"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
So, the answer is for us all to just follow the teachings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible.
Thank you for reading! Written with love.
First, know that Purgatory is not a Bible word or Bible concept. It cannot be found in the Bible. The Catholics have their own Bible and set of beliefs that have evolved over centuries. And frankly, if it isn't in the Bible, I don't want it. But, for what it is worth, my understanding of the doctrine is that if a believer dies and has unforgiven sins (not of a major type, such as murder) then Purgatory is where the dead person's sins are removed through the prayers of the living. As for Paul referring to or inferring anything regarding Purgatory, he didn't. Here are a few pertinent Bible teachings.
About the after life:
Jesus' story about Lazarus--(Luke 16:23)--'Rich man in torments in Hades'--'Great gulf between the rich man and Lazarus.'
Jesus on the cross said (Luke 23:46) to the thief, "today you will be with me in Paradise"
1 Thes. 4:13-18 tells us that "God will bring with Him those who sleep (dead) in Jesus." Chapter 5 continues with how Jesus is coming back on the "day of the Lord."
We really don't know a lot about the after life though we read a lot about Heaven, particularly at the end of the book of Revelation. But Purgatory, praying for the removal of other people's sins after they have died? No!
About straying from the Bible:
2 Timothy 3:16-17--"All scripture is given by inspiration of God....that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."
2 John 9--"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God."
Revelation 22:18-19--"If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book."
So, the answer is for us all to just follow the teachings of Jesus and His followers in the Bible.
Thank you for reading! Written with love.
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