Last week, I was speaking with a woman who I will refer to as "Mary". Mary owns her own business, and is active serving the community in which she lives. She's very pleasant, and very open to discussing many issues. While in her place of business, we exchanged pleasantries, and I said "Merry Christmas". She said "It sounds so good to hear someone say that instead of "happy holidays". So I asked her if she was a Christian. She said that she was that among many other things, and that began what proved to be an intriguing conversation.
She said that she believed in re-incarnation, and also that many other religions were just as true as Christianity. So I asked her if she thought a religion could be true if the spokesperson for that religion was proven to be a liar. She of course stated "no, if the prophet or teacher is proven to be a liar, than what part of that teacher's teachings could you believe?" So then I asked her once again if I had correctly understood her to say that she claimed to be a Christian, among other things. She reassured me that she had been raised Catholic, but later moved to the Lutheran church, and was currently an acitve member of a local church.
So I asked her how she dealt with the fact that in John 14:6, Jesus said "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to God, except through me." She immediately responed "Well, you obviously know that by being raised Chatholic and Lutheran, I know almost nothing about the Bible. I said "that's OK, Mary. You don't have to know the whole bible to make some wise decisions. But, now that you know that Christ, the representative of Christianity clearly stated that only Christianity leads to God, what are you going to do with that. Either Jesus is a liar, and thus invlaidates all that we know about Christianity, or indeed there are NOT many ways to God, but just one. "Mary was both puzzled and disturbed by this delemma. And seeing this, I didn't want to leave her hung up. So I added "Mary, most of the people I speak to believe something. Many of them even appear to believe the right thing. But few people can adequately explain "why" they believe "what" they believe.
"Mary" went on to say that she believed that the Bible probably wasn't believable, because of the many tranlsations, as well as that according to what she had been told, 2/3rd's of it was missing. My response to her was a comprehensive logical look at that objection. I said first "If the God you believe in is in fact a true God, then could that God be imperfect? In other words, by definition, doesn't a God have to be infallible?" She quickly agreed. Then I said "Then isn't it logical to conclude that if Jesus is God, and represents our Father in Heaven, then every thing he said about God the Father, as well as himself would have to be perfect as well? And if that's true, then the 1/3rd of the Bible that you believe we have, could not contradict or change the 2/3rds that you believe is missing, without debunking Christianity as a false religion, right?" Again "Mary" agreed that logically, a God must be perfect, and therefore he could not contradict himself or lie, or be wrong, because then he would cease to be a God. So then I asked her "If this is true, then it really doesn't matter if we have 1/3rd of the Bible as you believe, or all of the Bible as I believe, because one part of it can't contradict any other part of it, or NONE of it is believable." "Mary" agreed with me that the logic was sound. So then I asked her once again "So logically, "Mary", ff Jesus clearly stated that He is the only way to God, then doesn't that mean either he's a liar, and therefore Christianity is a false religion, or he's telling the truth, and therefore all other religions are false." This really stopped her. She looked at me as though seeing me for the first time and said, "You've raised some questions for me that no one has ever asked before. I'm going to need to think about this for a while, because the consequences of this conversation are staggering. If what I believe is false, then I'm in big trouble." I told her that I'd stop back in in a few days and see how she was doing. I told her that I wanted to be a friend, and that I hadn't meant to be pig-headed or argumentative. She reassured me that I had been neither. I invited her to visit the Crossroads and also promised her that I'd get her a book that might help her understand the answers to her questions.
Perhaps as you read this blog, you've come up with some questions. Why not respond, and I'll try to answer them as honestly as I can. I'm not out to change anyone, but sometimes examining the reasons why we believe what we believe helps us to "firm up" our beliefs.
Merry Christmas,
Jim
Friday, December 22, 2006
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Passover
The Christian world has celebrated Palm Sunday, commemorating the day that the Lord Jesus Christ made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. But why was Jesus going to the city at that particular time? He was going to participate in the Feast of Unleven bread, the Passover.
To gain an understanding of why this was so important in the Jewish culture, we turn to Exodus 11 and 12, when God said He would bring one more plague on Egypt. He instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that this month would be the first month of your year. God said that on the 10th day of this month, each man is to take a lamb for his family and care for it until the 14th day of the month. The lamb must be a year-old male, without blemish. On that day, the lamb is to be sacrificed at twilight. Then God instructed them to take some of the blood of the lamb and spread it on the sides and the tops of the doorframe of the house where the lamb is to be eaten. They were told to roast the meat and leave nothing to waste. If any was remaining, it must be burned in the morning. God told them to eat it in haste, with their cloaks tucked into their belts, their sandals on their feet and their staff in their hands. Why? They were going to leave Egypt.
God told Moses that he would strike down every first born in Egypt, both men and animals. However, when he saw the blood of the lamb on the doorframes, he would pass over that house and no harm would come to those inside. God told Israel to celebrate this day, as a festival to the Lord. For seven days they were to eat bread made without yeast. Yeast was used as a symbol of sin, such as hypo racy or malice. The Feast of Unleven Bread would begin with the Passover and continue for seven days. It was to be a lasting ordinance.
Just as the Israelites were given freedom from bondage at the hands of the Egyptians, we are likewise offered freedom from the bondage of sin, through the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus. Why did the Lord go to Jerusalem at that particular time? He went for the Passover, only this time, God was not focused on the sacrifice of animals. This time God made the sacrifice Himself. The Lord Jesus, a male, firstborn, without blemish, was the sacrificed. After eating the Passover meal with them He took the cup and told his disciples, "This is the cup of the NEW covenant in MY blood." It would be the final sacrifice. All of the righteous requirements of the Law were met in one person. As Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished." There would be no more need to sacrifice. God had done it for them, and for us.
Christians today celebrate the Passover, understanding that the sacrifice was Christ on the cross. In a variety of different ways, believers celebrate the Lord's Supper, or Communion. It represents the body of Christ, who gave himself up for us, who fed us with the Word of God, who took our sins upon Himself. The shed blood of a sacrificial lamb would cover the sins of the man and his family, and seeing the blood God passed over them. The blood of the Lamb washes all sin away, past, present and future. Now when God passes over the believer, He sees the righteousness of His own Son. The shed blood of the Lamb is a gift to us, to wash us clean and make us Holy and Righteous before God.
Good Friday marks the day of Christ's crucifixion and Easter the day when God raised Him from the dead. For believers, it commemorates the day of freedom. That freedom is a free gift, offered to anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that He gave up his life freely as a substitution for us, to pay the price of sin. The Bible says, "Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Because of what God did, we are free.
To gain an understanding of why this was so important in the Jewish culture, we turn to Exodus 11 and 12, when God said He would bring one more plague on Egypt. He instructed Moses to tell the Israelites that this month would be the first month of your year. God said that on the 10th day of this month, each man is to take a lamb for his family and care for it until the 14th day of the month. The lamb must be a year-old male, without blemish. On that day, the lamb is to be sacrificed at twilight. Then God instructed them to take some of the blood of the lamb and spread it on the sides and the tops of the doorframe of the house where the lamb is to be eaten. They were told to roast the meat and leave nothing to waste. If any was remaining, it must be burned in the morning. God told them to eat it in haste, with their cloaks tucked into their belts, their sandals on their feet and their staff in their hands. Why? They were going to leave Egypt.
God told Moses that he would strike down every first born in Egypt, both men and animals. However, when he saw the blood of the lamb on the doorframes, he would pass over that house and no harm would come to those inside. God told Israel to celebrate this day, as a festival to the Lord. For seven days they were to eat bread made without yeast. Yeast was used as a symbol of sin, such as hypo racy or malice. The Feast of Unleven Bread would begin with the Passover and continue for seven days. It was to be a lasting ordinance.
Just as the Israelites were given freedom from bondage at the hands of the Egyptians, we are likewise offered freedom from the bondage of sin, through the blood of the Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus. Why did the Lord go to Jerusalem at that particular time? He went for the Passover, only this time, God was not focused on the sacrifice of animals. This time God made the sacrifice Himself. The Lord Jesus, a male, firstborn, without blemish, was the sacrificed. After eating the Passover meal with them He took the cup and told his disciples, "This is the cup of the NEW covenant in MY blood." It would be the final sacrifice. All of the righteous requirements of the Law were met in one person. As Jesus said on the cross, "It is finished." There would be no more need to sacrifice. God had done it for them, and for us.
Christians today celebrate the Passover, understanding that the sacrifice was Christ on the cross. In a variety of different ways, believers celebrate the Lord's Supper, or Communion. It represents the body of Christ, who gave himself up for us, who fed us with the Word of God, who took our sins upon Himself. The shed blood of a sacrificial lamb would cover the sins of the man and his family, and seeing the blood God passed over them. The blood of the Lamb washes all sin away, past, present and future. Now when God passes over the believer, He sees the righteousness of His own Son. The shed blood of the Lamb is a gift to us, to wash us clean and make us Holy and Righteous before God.
Good Friday marks the day of Christ's crucifixion and Easter the day when God raised Him from the dead. For believers, it commemorates the day of freedom. That freedom is a free gift, offered to anyone who believes that Jesus is the Son of God and that He gave up his life freely as a substitution for us, to pay the price of sin. The Bible says, "Whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." Because of what God did, we are free.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
“The Da Vinci Code”
In May, what is arguably the most controversial film to be produced in many years will be released. The film is entitled “The Da Vinci Code”. It is produced by one of Hollywood’s most respected producers, Ron Howard, and based on the book with the same title, written by Dan Brown. What makes this film so controversial is it’s stance concerning the Bible, and in particular, the 4 Gospels of the New Testament. Right up front, the film makes it clear that it’s producers and directors doubt the accuracy of the Bible in it’s depiction of the life of Jesus. Instead, the film goes on to dispel many “facts” from the Gospels, using sketchy ancient history and extrapolation of myths passed down through other religions such as Islam and Celtic paganism. While “The Passion of the Christ”, Mel Gibson’s film certainly stirred up controversy, it was for the reason that it might incite violence because it implied that the Jews killed Jesus. But the facts presented were never questioned, and the movie in fact never incited the anticipated violence against Jews. This film, however seeks to stir up controversy, not by presenting alternative beliefs, but by boldly presenting it’s conjecture as FACT, while labeling the Bible as wholly unreliable.
At first blush, one would think that Christians should raise an uproar about such “blasphemy”. But I think another response would be better. If we Christians really believe our faith is true, than it ought to be able to stand up against any assault from unbelievers. With this in mind, the Crossroads Community Church in Johnson Creek will begin a 4 week series in April, aimed at presenting “The Real Truth of the Da Vinci Code”. We will look at four main thoughts presented in the film. The first is “Is the Bible really believable”. In week 2, we will discuss the point “Did Jesus really rise from the dead.” In Week 3, which will correspond with Mother’s Day, we will discuss “The Treatment of Women in Christianity”. And finally in week 4 we will discuss the point “Is Jesus really God?” These will be interactive discussions taking place both during the regular weekly church services at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and 9:19 a.m. Sunday morning. We will also be entertaining several Home Group Studies. If you’d be interested in attending any of these events, you can contact me or watch for updates to the calendar on our website.
Anyone, Believer or not, is welcome, and I give you my word that no matter what your perspective, you will be treated with dignity and respect. Whether you believe in God, the Bible, or some other philosophy, truth should matter to all of us. “The Da Vinci Code” gives us the opportune forum to hold such discussions, and perhaps help to reshape our world views. Come and see.
At first blush, one would think that Christians should raise an uproar about such “blasphemy”. But I think another response would be better. If we Christians really believe our faith is true, than it ought to be able to stand up against any assault from unbelievers. With this in mind, the Crossroads Community Church in Johnson Creek will begin a 4 week series in April, aimed at presenting “The Real Truth of the Da Vinci Code”. We will look at four main thoughts presented in the film. The first is “Is the Bible really believable”. In week 2, we will discuss the point “Did Jesus really rise from the dead.” In Week 3, which will correspond with Mother’s Day, we will discuss “The Treatment of Women in Christianity”. And finally in week 4 we will discuss the point “Is Jesus really God?” These will be interactive discussions taking place both during the regular weekly church services at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday night, and 9:19 a.m. Sunday morning. We will also be entertaining several Home Group Studies. If you’d be interested in attending any of these events, you can contact me or watch for updates to the calendar on our website.
Anyone, Believer or not, is welcome, and I give you my word that no matter what your perspective, you will be treated with dignity and respect. Whether you believe in God, the Bible, or some other philosophy, truth should matter to all of us. “The Da Vinci Code” gives us the opportune forum to hold such discussions, and perhaps help to reshape our world views. Come and see.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Worship Study 1 (Biblical Perspective of The Big Picture)
In our first study we are going to take a look at an article written by Worship Leader Matt Redman. Called the "Biblical Perspective of the Big picture" Please use the following link to view the article Study 1
After reading this article please feel free to answer any or all of the questions below. Use the comment link below this post. Please refer to the question number before your answer so everyone that is reading will be on the same page.
God Bless,
Timothy Rivers
After reading this article please feel free to answer any or all of the questions below. Use the comment link below this post. Please refer to the question number before your answer so everyone that is reading will be on the same page.
God Bless,
Timothy Rivers
1) What is the author’s view of worship?
Monday, February 13, 2006
Meet Pastor Jim Playter
I remember what my life was like when I was young. It was futile and hopeless. When I discovered there was a God who loved me, it changed my life. I never knew what being unconditionally loved felt like. But now I know what that kind of contentment is. That's why I have a passion to show others what I've found. Not so that they will become a "notch" on my spiritual gun belt. But, rather, so that they too can know this peace. The world rejects the Christianity most often seen today, because it is unloving, and uncaring. It's too judgemental and rigid; and it's very self-serving. But if we could show others that Jesus is synonymous with love and acceptance, then they might just open up. That's what I think people of faith need to be taught. They need to be taught that people don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. The Crossroads is a place where we will love God passionately through worship, and love the world passionately through service to our community. Come along with us, and find the peace and contentment you've always wanted.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
What's This All about
Hello Everyone-
The world sometime's wonders what's going on with those crazy Christians!! With the change of technology the way we interact with the world should also change. This site is what is known as a blog. Personal Thought's, pictures and story's are encouraged. We have the opportunity to show the world what Christ looks like. By sharing our storys, of what he is doing. Now don't forget we also need to show the true side. Our fun, pain, joy, and laughter. So anything that falls within that is encouraged. If you want the login information to post something please e-mail webmaster@thecrossroadsjc.org I will send you the information and password.
God Bless
Timothy Rivers
The world sometime's wonders what's going on with those crazy Christians!! With the change of technology the way we interact with the world should also change. This site is what is known as a blog. Personal Thought's, pictures and story's are encouraged. We have the opportunity to show the world what Christ looks like. By sharing our storys, of what he is doing. Now don't forget we also need to show the true side. Our fun, pain, joy, and laughter. So anything that falls within that is encouraged. If you want the login information to post something please e-mail webmaster@thecrossroadsjc.org I will send you the information and password.
God Bless
Timothy Rivers
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