Positive Gibberish - James 4:15

Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” - James 4:15

    If you do any communicating on the social media I’m sure you have encountered something like this uncountable times: some computer enhanced photograph of a butterfly with iridescent wings and an elegantly written message overlaid upon the photo saying, “I am a good person.” Aside form being just one of thousands of inane ramblings the example represents what is known a as “positive affirmation.” Seems innocent enough . . . doesn’t it? But once again - the devil is in the details!
    The notion goes something like this: never utter anything negative and nothing negative can ever come into your life. Always think and speak positive thoughts and your life will always be positive . . ad nauseam.
    From a purely human point of view people who adhere to such nonsense are not only annoying but truly difficult to interact with in an adult manner. For example, they say “We don’t dwell on negative things.” The truth is - they never even consider the negative side of life . . . at least not openly, so a serious adult-oriented conversation is out of the question. They prefer to avoid conflict rather than to take a position and defend it. Their condescension usually precedes them into the room. And if, God forbid, you hold a different opinion than they do they will give you the impression they are merely tolerating your presence. Sound like anyone you know?
    Here’s the primary problem with these “New Age Thinkers” - and that’s what they are - these folks are the very ones who most often choose a “designer god” that they find appeals to them the most! “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.”  -  Exodus 20:2-3. In addition to being a New Age product these positive affirmations are spiritually crippling and lead to more desperation when the desired results fail to materialize. Of course, the proponents of this satanic nonsense from Phineas Quimby and Mary Baker Eddy at the turn of the 20th Century to the modern Word Faith Movement - Kenneth Hagin, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Joel Osteen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Benny Hinn - all subscribe to the erroneous notion that you can “speak” prosperity and health into your life.  The concept is also known as “The Law of Attraction” and has been spuriously promoted through people like Rhonda Byrne and her book, “The Secret”. From positive mental attitudes to mantra-like mindless repetitions, people are lured away from the only real source of truth and contentment: Jesus Christ.
    Those of us who believe in God’s Word know that regardless of our circumstances the will of God for us will triumph. “ . . . in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:18. And why, as believing Christians would we not want God’s will to supercede our own worldly desires? Your kingdom come. Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven. - Matthew 6:10.
    A young acquaintance of mine posted a “positive affirmation” by none other than Joyce Meyer the other day. I responded by suggesting that she pay a bit more attention to the belief systems of those she esteemed worthy of quoting: we are no longer “friends.”
     For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:11-13. May we always place our trust in God to see to our needs. Pray and accept that His will for us is part of His plan and His plan will not be thwarted regardless of any “affirmation” - positive or otherwise.

The Most Offensive Name - Acts 4:12

  “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12

    There is a word, a name, which the world finds so repugnant that it will seldom be tolerated anywhere in the public realm. It is a name that will get you removed from restaurants if you use it too often or too loudly. Castigation, rebuke, and ridicule will ultimately follow he who dares use the name without apology. Use this name at a social gathering at your own risk; you will soon find yourself carrying on a soliloquy rather than a conversation. It is a name so offensive that school boards have forbidden its use in the classroom and at graduation ceremonies. It is a name that is forbidden to be used in college debates. No politician today dares infuriate even a portion of his voter base by using it. State legislatures have been warned not to invoke this name prior to opening sessions. Military chaplains have been directed to refrain from using it as an invocation to our service men and women. What word, what name could possibly be so offensive as to be forbidden for use in the public and private sector?  There must be power and strength in this name for it to draw the ire and fear of those who oppose it’s use. What is this name which raises the hatred of the world at its mere mention? The name is JESUS!
    But why does the world hate the very name of Jesus? What is it about the name Jesus that raises the world’s animosity toward those bold enough to use it? In a word? Exclusivity!  “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.” - Mark 16:16. How dare believers in the holy name of Jesus Christ suggest they have an exclusive engagement with salvation! “You shall have no other gods before Me.” - Exodus 20:3.
    In this post-modernist age which promotes tolerance of anything, multi-culturalism, and “diversity at any cost” the mere notion that there is only one way to do anything, especially one path to eternal salvation, is enough to start a riot among those who profane the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Christianity is far too exclusive for the modern mind-set. How dare we suggest that there is only one way to heaven!  “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” - Matthew 7:13-14. This is one of the lynch-pins to the offense of Christ’s name: it is HE who declares the exclusivity of the one path to salvation. We Christians merely echo it. In this lies the fundamental source of the world’s hatred for Christ and His believers. “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you.” - John 15:18.
    One might question the world’s hatred for Christ. “Why would the world hate Jesus, whose message was one of peace, love and forgiveness?” It is because of Christ’s underlying message that salvation comes by Him and Him alone! What about Buddhists and Muslims and Mormons and Wiccans? See the title verse for the explanation - there is no salvation except through Jesus Christ . . . period! If in doubt, review Exodus 20:3.
    Do not misconstrue the message: you may believe what you like. You may worship as you please, but without belief in Jesus as your Lord and Savior you will not spend eternity in heaven. “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” - John 14:6. Herein lies the blackened heart of the enmity between the world and Jesus Christ: the refusal to believe in Him!
    May those of us who do believe in the exclusivity of Christ’s assurance for our salvation pray that others also come to believe!

Listening For God - Isaiah 30:21

Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. - Isaiah 30:21

    The soundtrack of the 21st Century is a cacophony of vileness; it’s refrain is mediocrity. And amid this abhorrent and toxic background noise we strain to listen intently for the voice of God. But listen we must because it is there; it is always there!
    Hamas using “human shields” as they attack Israel - ISIS terrorists beating Muslim women for merely going outside without a man - Russian separatists shooting down passenger planes - Women in India being attacked, tortured, raped and murdered - “Honor killings,” acid attacks, and stoning of women in Pakistan - the North Korean and Iranian nuclear threat - rampant and uncontrolled abortion in the U.S. - the media/ dept. of education/federal govt.  suppression of the Christian’s right to worship publicly - a popular culture that routinely denigrates God in thought, word, and deed, etc. This is the world we live in! Is it any wonder that for some, the voice of God is barely audible?
    To hear God’s voice requires but three things from us - (1) we must “tune out” the world. I’m not suggesting that we close our eyes to what is happening around us but we need to place our focus primarily on God. We do this by:(2) Prayer. God hears our prayers and will not fail to speak to us. And (3) The Word of God. We must immerse ourselves in the Word. Tune out the world, pray fervently, and read the bible daily. Let God’s revealed words speak to our every concern.
    We must seek our Shepherd and we will find Him and hear Him.  My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. - John 10:27-28.   
    The world is a terrifying place here in the 21st Century but by concentrating on God and His word we will hear Him speak to us daily, and the hearing of His word will be like music to our ears. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments. - Psalm 119:105-106.
    May we always hear the word of God over the discord of the world.

A Sermon We’ll Never Hear - Romans 12:18

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. - Romans 12:18

    I call this verse a foundational Christian doctrine that we will probably never hear expounded upon from any pulpit. I know I never have. But I could be wrong - I certainly have been in the past. “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . .” Exactly what is the apostle saying to us?
    Living peaceably with others is a broad-based command which runs throughout holy scripture. It harmonizes with the command to “turn the other cheek,” among others. Yet I see this conditional aspect of the command - “If it is possible . . . .” Why wouldn’t it be possible? Why wouldn’t living in peace under all circumstances involving interactions with others depend on us? Where in the world is Paul taking us?
    As usual, I have brought out a contentious verse in hopes of clearing up any confusion that exists regarding this line. So I paraphrase - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you . . . arrive at work on time.” Is there ever any real excuse (reason) for being late then? Is there any reason that will ever mitigate your tardiness? Let’s see: I was in my car and on the road with plenty of time to spare when . . . I was stalled in traffic due to an accident; I had a flat-tire; etc. No reasonable person would hold you liable for your lateness under either of those circumstances, nor should they. It would be unreasonable and unrealistic, as well as unfair to expect you to be on time . . . under those circumstances. Circumstance can be defined as a condition relevant to an action or event. So what circumstance could alter the possibility of us living in peace with others? What could possibly alter our intention to live peaceably with other men. What would peace depend upon? But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ - Ezekiel 33:6. The sword is coming yet we do nothing to defend against it?
    Nowhere in God’s word are we called upon to be punching bags or targets for those who would kill! In fact, we are called upon to defend the widow and the orphan. Are we to assume that the defense of our own lives is somehow excluded from consideration? When read  in context, I don’t think that we can extrapolate the command to voluntary self-destruction from any verse in the bible.
    Solomon, in the great wisdom granted to him by God, expressed the idea that sometimes conflict is simply unavoidable  - A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. - Ecclesiastes 3:8. To sit idly by when we know that conflict is inevitable is not only irresponsible but foolish. So should we seek confrontation? Conflict? A fight?  Of course not, and our referenced title verse declares that left to our own resources we should always seek peace. But we would be remiss were we to walk into all situations and circumstances with a blind eye.
“Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.” - Matthew 10:16. May we always seek peace with all men but let us also understand that it may not always be possible.

One Gospel and Only One Gospel - Galatians 1:6-9

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. - Galatians 1:6-8.

    Most virologists will tell you that the most dangerous thing about a virus is its ability to morph or change to make itself resistant to anti-viral medicines. What we used to prevent the flu 20 years ago doesn’t prevent the flu today. Liberation gospels are like a virus: they work themselves into an otherwise healthy host and sicken it to death, spiritual death!
    Liberation gospels, liberation theologies exist under the heading of “Contextual Theologies.” Such forms of theology (i.e gospels) are contextual because they deal with a particular demographic’s perceived “need”, as though the Gospel of Jesus Christ were not enough! And like viruses these Liberation Gospels come in a variety of profiles and colors. There is the Feminist liberation gospel, the Black Liberation gospel, the Black-feminist Liberation gospel, The Latino Liberation gospel, The Korean Liberation gospel et. al. And why stop there? What about a “Gay liberation gospel” or a “Trans-gender Liberation gospel.” Where does it all end? No, the poisonous message that such contextual  gospels send is that somehow God has a special revelation for these particular demographics. He does not!
    There is but one true Gospel - the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it was brought to Jew and gentile alike, regardless of our racial, gender, or ethnic backgrounds. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28.
    In Genesis 11: 1-9 God dispersed the world’s population and “confused the language of all the earth.” It has been suggested by biblical scholars that the diverse races of man also arose at this time. A careful reading of the remainder of the bible reveals that on no subsequent occasion did God ever “undo” this divine separation of mankind.  It was not until Acts that we see the healing or reunification of man, but only within the context, if you will, of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Act 2:5-12 describe in detail the commonality of Christ’s gospel to all men from all lands. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the one thing that should unite all men again. Any other “contextual gospel” does nothing to bring unity to mankind; it merely furthers the already divisive nature of intra-human relationships, suggesting that somehow God has saved a portion of His revelation for some particular demographic based on their perceived need for both spiritual and social liberation. We need not muddy the living waters of Jesus Christ with the confusion of Babel.  Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?  (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. - Matthew 6:31-33. May we always see through our differences to what we all share in Christ Jesus.

How To Approach God - Leviticus 1:3

‘If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish; he shall offer it of his own free will at the door of the tabernacle of meeting before the Lord.' - Leviticus 1:3

    Leviticus offers us the instructions for the proper worship of God through the system of sacrifice. We have the reference to offering an unblemished sacrifice. And we have the admonition that our sacrifice must be of our own free will. “Let him offer . . . without blemish . . . of his own free will . . . .”
    Our instructions are essentially dependent upon our willingness to approach God.  Even in Leviticus this, the first of five offerings, was a voluntary offering. If the Israelites were willing, they could approach God. If we are willing, we may approach God. The offering has already been made for us in the unblemished sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! There is no offering we need to bring and none that could ever equal the saving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. And as we approach the door of the tabernacle of God we do so of our own free will. “But there has to be more,” you say. Indeed there is.
    And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot. - 1 Peter 1:17-19.
    The apostle’s directions are unambiguous: “if” we call on the Father (the implication is that of us using our own free will to approach God), we are to conduct ourselves with fear. The term “fear” as used by Peter in this verse comes to us from the Greek primary “phěbŏmai”, meaning respect, reverence, and awe. The reason why we are to conduct ourselves with respect, reverence, and awe is because we know that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, who for us was the lamb “without blemish.” How dare we approach God with a pharisaical attitude or with unrepented sin bleeding out through our white-washed tombs.
    The instructions in Leviticus were designed to show the Israelites the importance of detail; details that required thoughtful and heartfelt repentance prior to approaching God. After what Christ, our unblemished sacrifice, has done for us may we always seek our Lord with an attitude of respect, reverence, and awe.


                           

On the Grandiloquence of Satan - 2 Timothy 2:26

 . . . and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. - 2 Timothy 2:26

    Ever been tempted to do something you might regret? Ever taken a dare that wasn’t in your best interests? Most of us have at one point in our lives or another. Hopefully, as Christians our choices and actions are now guided by the Holy Spirit. So how is it that we ever allowed ourselves to be “conned” by Satan into regrettable decisions? Well, the idea that we were conned speaks volumes about the machinations of Satan.
    The devil is a liar. In fact, he is the father of lies. (John 8:44) The entire reason for the existence of a lie is to convince others that it is . . . the truth! A lie stands on no other foundation.           
  In reexamining 2 Timothy 2:26, we note two words - snare and captive - both are translated in the Greek to “zōgrěō”. To snare something we cleverly disguise what is familiar to our prey so that we can “fool it” and draw it into captivity. To disguise the environment we use manipulation, deceit, and lies. These are the classic methods used by trappers (and psychopaths) since the dawn of time.
    In developing his classic “Psychopathy Checklist,” Dr. Robert Hare included in his checklist designated  “Factor 1 - Facet 1:Interpersonal”, a definitive description of psychopathic behavior, interestingly enough they can also be used to describe Satan. They are: glibness and superficial charm, grandiose sense of self-worth, pathological lying, cunning and manipulative behavior. I can’t think of a better description of Satan.
    For Satan to pull off his trickery he must convince the unwary that all he says and puts forward to us is true and desirable. Satan will never set his snares with bait that reveals the pain and suffering to us and that of others injured by our sin. He paints the allure of an illicit affair between a married man and a married woman as not only conceivable but desirable. Satan never showcases beforehand the hellish hurt and pain felt by the spouses and children made victims by such sinful liaisons. The temptation always shimmers and shines like a hook laden lure. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. - 2 Corinthians 11:14.
    The devil is beyond doubt a charming performer, an eloquent orator, a pathological liar, and he is a necromancer, for he deals not with the living but those who are dead through sin.. Despite the false light he cloaks himself in let us not be deceived by him or his minions. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. - 1Thessalonians 5:16-22. Being justified through Jesus Christ we already hold the keys to exposing both Satan and his cleverly devised snares. If we do as Paul says we need not fear being snared and captured by Satan.