We are in the midst of a struggle in our nation between becoming something new and different, and keeping the security of the past. We don't know just yet if the new changes happening in our nation are good or bad. One group holds on to the past and says "If it ain't broke; don't fix it!" Another group highlights the shortcomings in our system and says "We can do better". Most of us are somewhere in between. We like the idea of something new, and the possibility of better lives, but we're scared because in the past new deals didn't always lead to a better life. That's the stage upon which our national news performs daily. And in the midst of that struggle is the symbol of The Ten Commandments.
The Ten Commnadments are a significant symbol in our national identity. One side holds them up as a visible descriptive of our goodness and moral standards. The other side sees them as a dogmatic, repressive symbol of intolerance. Where do you stand on the idea of the Ten Commandmenst? Are they part of our heritage? Are they evidence of forced religion? Do they violate the separation of church and state? Are they reminders of all that is good in America?
If you're reading this blog, why not weigh in on the subject?
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Can a Christian lose his or her salvation?
Can a Christian lose his salvation? I get asked that question a lot, although often in some variation. Someone might say: "So and So is no longer a Christian." Or, one might ask: "If I die with unconfessed sin in my life, will I go to Heaven?"
It's clear that the Bible teaches that Christians can fall away. Peter denied Jesus. Moses fled to the desert for 40 years. Jonah fled to Tarshish. Throughout history, God worshipers have strugggled to maintain a faithful walk with God. So, it's normal to wonder what happens when someone moves into eternity not having finished well.
The good news is that the Bible clearly teaches that when I commit my life to God, he forever saves me. In Ephesians, chapter 1, and verses 13 and 14 tell us: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory."
These verses clearly state that those who have believed the Gospel have received God's spirit, which is a guarantee of our redemption. Folks, God never breaks His promises, and certainly, when he guarantees something, it happens.
So, what happens when someone who previously believed, either recants his or her salvation, or simply gets caught up in doing wrong and wanders away from God? Well, the best way to explain it is through the use of a parent/child relationship. When one of my children chooses to disobey my instructions, even saying "I'm no longer your child", that, in and of itself, does not mean he or she is no longer my child. Having been born into my family, the child will always be my child. But, our relationship is broken. He or she won't have much to do with me, and certainly won't receive the best that I have to offer until the child confesses the wrong, and apologizes. That's the way it is with a Christian. When we recant our salvation, or wander away from God, our relationship with Him is broken. He can't and won't bless us, or guide us at that point. The next prayer that God can hear from us is a prayer of confession. As long as we are walking in disobedience our prayers cannot be heard by God. The Psalmist, David, put it this way in Psalm 66:18: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear."
But, that has nothing to do with our eternal salvation. Some might say: "Well, then why should I live for God? As soon as I believe, I'm guaranteed eternal life, so I can just go on and live my life any way I choose. Right?" Well, technically that's true. But think about it for a moment. The Bible says that at the end of time, each person, Christian and non-Christian, must give an account of his life, to God. For the non-Christian, that accounting includes the eternal destination of Hell. But the Christian doesn't stand at that judgement. Romans 8:1 says: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because Jesus paid the price for my wrongs with his death on the cross, it would be double jeoprady for me to have to pay for them at the judgment. No, the judgment that Believers will stand for is one where we get rewarded for the things we did in this life for God's glory, not our own. For the person who decides to recant of their faith, that will be an empty appointment. And, although enjoying eternal life with Jesus, they'll have nothing to show for their earthly existence, and this will be for all of eternity. So, does it make sense to do that? No!
I hope I've answered this question for you. If not, why not respond to this blog, and we'll strike up a conversaiton about it. I promise not to give you my opinion, just God's Word. Why not drop me a line?
It's clear that the Bible teaches that Christians can fall away. Peter denied Jesus. Moses fled to the desert for 40 years. Jonah fled to Tarshish. Throughout history, God worshipers have strugggled to maintain a faithful walk with God. So, it's normal to wonder what happens when someone moves into eternity not having finished well.
The good news is that the Bible clearly teaches that when I commit my life to God, he forever saves me. In Ephesians, chapter 1, and verses 13 and 14 tell us: "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory."
These verses clearly state that those who have believed the Gospel have received God's spirit, which is a guarantee of our redemption. Folks, God never breaks His promises, and certainly, when he guarantees something, it happens.
So, what happens when someone who previously believed, either recants his or her salvation, or simply gets caught up in doing wrong and wanders away from God? Well, the best way to explain it is through the use of a parent/child relationship. When one of my children chooses to disobey my instructions, even saying "I'm no longer your child", that, in and of itself, does not mean he or she is no longer my child. Having been born into my family, the child will always be my child. But, our relationship is broken. He or she won't have much to do with me, and certainly won't receive the best that I have to offer until the child confesses the wrong, and apologizes. That's the way it is with a Christian. When we recant our salvation, or wander away from God, our relationship with Him is broken. He can't and won't bless us, or guide us at that point. The next prayer that God can hear from us is a prayer of confession. As long as we are walking in disobedience our prayers cannot be heard by God. The Psalmist, David, put it this way in Psalm 66:18: "If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear."
But, that has nothing to do with our eternal salvation. Some might say: "Well, then why should I live for God? As soon as I believe, I'm guaranteed eternal life, so I can just go on and live my life any way I choose. Right?" Well, technically that's true. But think about it for a moment. The Bible says that at the end of time, each person, Christian and non-Christian, must give an account of his life, to God. For the non-Christian, that accounting includes the eternal destination of Hell. But the Christian doesn't stand at that judgement. Romans 8:1 says: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Because Jesus paid the price for my wrongs with his death on the cross, it would be double jeoprady for me to have to pay for them at the judgment. No, the judgment that Believers will stand for is one where we get rewarded for the things we did in this life for God's glory, not our own. For the person who decides to recant of their faith, that will be an empty appointment. And, although enjoying eternal life with Jesus, they'll have nothing to show for their earthly existence, and this will be for all of eternity. So, does it make sense to do that? No!
I hope I've answered this question for you. If not, why not respond to this blog, and we'll strike up a conversaiton about it. I promise not to give you my opinion, just God's Word. Why not drop me a line?
Friday, March 27, 2009
In God We Trust.
I was listening to the news the other day, and there was this report about somebody who seems to have solved the "Gay Marriage" conflict. His or her solution was to eliminate marriage altogether. In other words, the writer's opinion was "why is the governmetn involved in validating marriage anyway?" At first blush, it sounded pretty radical, and my bias immediately caused me to think: "this must be a gay activist". But then I began to think about it, and I think now that I might just agree with the writer. After all, government didn't create marriage, God did. And just because a couple goes to the Justice of the Peace, or someone else, doesn't mean that the couple has invited God to bless them, nor does it even mean that God brought them together. I haven't researched just how governments began to regulate marriage, but I suspect that it had something to do with taxes. And I think a lot of the reasons why people are fighting to protect the government sanction of marriage is to continue those tax issues. The "Gay Marriage" issue is quite another deal. I've seen very little talk about gay marriage from the standpoint of taxation. I think for the most part, taxation of gays is pretty much the same as straights. I think the Gay Marriage movement has morphed. The issue now is a demand not only for fair treatment, I think that's been achieved for the most part. From what I've seen recently, the movement is seeking approval. That, in my humble opinion, will be an impossible task. In my earlier blogs, I have sought to emphasize and remind others that the "sin of homosexuality" is no more serious to God than the sins of greed, envy, and jealousy. But that same rationale tells me that if God doesn't want us to be greedy, jealous, or envious, then He doesn't want us to practice homosexuality either. So, while I may be in agreement that governmewnt validation of marriage isn't really essential, I could never agree that it's o.k. to keep on living a lifestyle that is opposed to God's teaching. And that's where my opening title applies. Our money has printed on it "In God We Trust". This may be one of the great oxymorons in history. The very fact that we print this on our money demonstrates that we don't trust in God, we trust in our money. I'm reminded that in the Gospel of John, chapter 18, and verse 36 we hear Jesus say: "Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." Jesus understood that His kingdom is the Kingdom of God. Anyone who chooses to become a follower of Christ transfers his or her allegance from the kingdoms of this world to the Kingdom of God. As such, it should not matter greatly to us what the kingdoms of this world do or don't do. What should matter most is the standard of behavior expected of residents of God's kingdom. So in closing this morning, I'd like to encourage anyone reading this blog who claims to follow Jesus, to consider the ways in which you have failed to transfer loyalty from this kingdom to the Kingdom of God. If you're reading and you're not in agreement with me, or have questions, why not respond? I'll be the first to admit that I can be wrong. I don't have it all wraped up. Have a great day. Talk to me.
I was listening to the news the other day, and there was this report about somebody who seems to have solved the "Gay Marriage" conflict. His or her solution was to eliminate marriage altogether. In other words, the writer's opinion was "why is the governmetn involved in validating marriage anyway?" At first blush, it sounded pretty radical, and my bias immediately caused me to think: "this must be a gay activist". But then I began to think about it, and I think now that I might just agree with the writer. After all, government didn't create marriage, God did. And just because a couple goes to the Justice of the Peace, or someone else, doesn't mean that the couple has invited God to bless them, nor does it even mean that God brought them together. I haven't researched just how governments began to regulate marriage, but I suspect that it had something to do with taxes. And I think a lot of the reasons why people are fighting to protect the government sanction of marriage is to continue those tax issues. The "Gay Marriage" issue is quite another deal. I've seen very little talk about gay marriage from the standpoint of taxation. I think for the most part, taxation of gays is pretty much the same as straights. I think the Gay Marriage movement has morphed. The issue now is a demand not only for fair treatment, I think that's been achieved for the most part. From what I've seen recently, the movement is seeking approval. That, in my humble opinion, will be an impossible task. In my earlier blogs, I have sought to emphasize and remind others that the "sin of homosexuality" is no more serious to God than the sins of greed, envy, and jealousy. But that same rationale tells me that if God doesn't want us to be greedy, jealous, or envious, then He doesn't want us to practice homosexuality either. So, while I may be in agreement that governmewnt validation of marriage isn't really essential, I could never agree that it's o.k. to keep on living a lifestyle that is opposed to God's teaching. And that's where my opening title applies. Our money has printed on it "In God We Trust". This may be one of the great oxymorons in history. The very fact that we print this on our money demonstrates that we don't trust in God, we trust in our money. I'm reminded that in the Gospel of John, chapter 18, and verse 36 we hear Jesus say: "Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place." Jesus understood that His kingdom is the Kingdom of God. Anyone who chooses to become a follower of Christ transfers his or her allegance from the kingdoms of this world to the Kingdom of God. As such, it should not matter greatly to us what the kingdoms of this world do or don't do. What should matter most is the standard of behavior expected of residents of God's kingdom. So in closing this morning, I'd like to encourage anyone reading this blog who claims to follow Jesus, to consider the ways in which you have failed to transfer loyalty from this kingdom to the Kingdom of God. If you're reading and you're not in agreement with me, or have questions, why not respond? I'll be the first to admit that I can be wrong. I don't have it all wraped up. Have a great day. Talk to me.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
DOES GOD LOVE HOMOSEXUALS - PART 3
So, now we have determined that God's original purpose was for man and woman to be united in marriage. And we have also determined that The God who made us all, also loves us all, regardless of our behavior. Romans 5:8-11 says: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." It's clear from this passage that God loved us as it says, even when we were His enemies. So, does that include homosexuals? I say yes, even homosexuals. But that isn't where the deal ends. All of us have violated God's laws, and homosexuality is no worse than envy or greed.
We get that, but what many of us don't get is what it actually means to be a Christian. We are separated from God, because of the wrong things we have done. And nothing we do can will restore our relationship. So we need to accept the sacrifice that Jesus paid by dying on the Cross for all the wrong things we have done. Because he lived a perfect life, he is the only human in history that could stand before God and say "kill me in their place." So, by allowing Jesus death to pay for our wrongs, we then become adopted into God's family. The verse I used above clearly state that God loves all of us, homosexual or straight.
But, here's where the conflict starts. The fact that God loves us, and died for us even when we were his enemies, doesn't mean that he intends for us to stay that way. Romans 12, verses 1 and 2 tell us: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Verse 1 tells us that in view of God's mercy. What mercy? The mercy we spoke of earlier when Jesus died for us even though we were his enemies. These verss tell us that in view of this mercy we should give our lives back to God in service to Him. And it goes on to inform us: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." That means that even though God loves us even if we're homosexuals, He doesn't want us to continue on living that way. And, he promises to give us the help we need to stop doing things he doesn't want us to do. In the Gospel of John, and verse 33 Jesus himself said: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So, in conclusion, does God love Homosexuals? Of course He does, just as much as he loves people who envy, or are greedy or jealous. But, just like greed, envy, and jealousy, God wants to change us to look like Him, and that includes helping to free us from homosexuality.
I hope this helps people to get over their homophobia, both gay and straight. God is a God of mercy, not just for straight, but for gays as well.
So, now we have determined that God's original purpose was for man and woman to be united in marriage. And we have also determined that The God who made us all, also loves us all, regardless of our behavior. Romans 5:8-11 says: "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." It's clear from this passage that God loved us as it says, even when we were His enemies. So, does that include homosexuals? I say yes, even homosexuals. But that isn't where the deal ends. All of us have violated God's laws, and homosexuality is no worse than envy or greed.
We get that, but what many of us don't get is what it actually means to be a Christian. We are separated from God, because of the wrong things we have done. And nothing we do can will restore our relationship. So we need to accept the sacrifice that Jesus paid by dying on the Cross for all the wrong things we have done. Because he lived a perfect life, he is the only human in history that could stand before God and say "kill me in their place." So, by allowing Jesus death to pay for our wrongs, we then become adopted into God's family. The verse I used above clearly state that God loves all of us, homosexual or straight.
But, here's where the conflict starts. The fact that God loves us, and died for us even when we were his enemies, doesn't mean that he intends for us to stay that way. Romans 12, verses 1 and 2 tell us: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Verse 1 tells us that in view of God's mercy. What mercy? The mercy we spoke of earlier when Jesus died for us even though we were his enemies. These verss tell us that in view of this mercy we should give our lives back to God in service to Him. And it goes on to inform us: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world." That means that even though God loves us even if we're homosexuals, He doesn't want us to continue on living that way. And, he promises to give us the help we need to stop doing things he doesn't want us to do. In the Gospel of John, and verse 33 Jesus himself said: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
So, in conclusion, does God love Homosexuals? Of course He does, just as much as he loves people who envy, or are greedy or jealous. But, just like greed, envy, and jealousy, God wants to change us to look like Him, and that includes helping to free us from homosexuality.
I hope this helps people to get over their homophobia, both gay and straight. God is a God of mercy, not just for straight, but for gays as well.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Does God Love Homosexuals - Part 2
In my last entry, I laid the groundwork for why I believe that God loves Homosexuals. The foundation for everything I will now articulate is the premise that the Bible is God's word, without error. Because it is God's word, not mine, and because it is without error, whatever we discover about this issue must be viewed as absolute and mandatory. In other words, if we read something in the Bible, we can't modify it or amend it because of something we really, really, really believe is more true or accurate. Could you imagine taking the Law of Physics and saying "well, I really don't think gravity is accurate, so I'm going to amend my belief of it's principles, and act accordingly. Very quickly you'd be flatter than a pancake! The same God who set the absolute laws of physics in place also set the moral code, and it can be just as disastrous to violate the moral code as it is to violate the laws of physics.
So, let's see if God really does love homosexuals. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and in chapter one and verse 27, we already see God's intended order for society. It says "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Here we see that God created humans as both male and female. And because God is neither male or female, equal value was placed on the creation of both male and female. But, there's also another implication here. We can surmise that God had a purpose for creating both male and female. And in the very next verse, verse 28, God gives us the reason for making man both male and female. It says: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." From this verse we can easily see that God's purpose in making both male and female is first, to provide a way to replenish the population. I really don't have to go any further in stating the case that the purpose for the differences in sexuality are for the purpose of propagating the species. And finally, as to whether God loves people, we read in verse 31: "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." God who created everything that is, saw what he had created and was pleased. That's another way of saying that he loves what he created. Now, here's where the issue begins to surface. Having created man in His image means that God gave us the free will to either love and obey Him, or not. No one has to love God. And certainly, no one has to obey God. But, there can be no mistake in the reasoning of God's creation of male and female. Well then; what happened? Simply put, man chose not to love God or obey Him. Over the next few chapters of Genesis, we see mankind begin to disobey God, resulting in a number of firsts. Murder entered the world. Drunkenness entered the world. Worship of false Gods occured, and along the way, homosexual behavior arose. In Chapters 18 and 19, God pronounces judgement on a city named Sodom, because of the homosexual behavior going on in the city. That is where we get the term "sodomy". In chapter 18, two angels show up at Abraham's door and tell him that this behavior is detestable to God, and has brought about the complete destruction of the city of Sodom.
So, to conclude this entry, we have learned several things. First, God's original plan was for male and female to have sex and populate the earth. We also learned that because God doesn't make us love Him or obey Him, mankind disobeyed and fell into all kinds of bad behavior, including murder, and immorality. And we've also seen that one immoral behavior that God took exception to was the act of homosexuality, or sodomy. In my next post I'll begin to develop the position that God has about those who engage in homosexuality. Thanks for reading. WHY NOT POST A COMMENT?
So, let's see if God really does love homosexuals. In the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and in chapter one and verse 27, we already see God's intended order for society. It says "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." Here we see that God created humans as both male and female. And because God is neither male or female, equal value was placed on the creation of both male and female. But, there's also another implication here. We can surmise that God had a purpose for creating both male and female. And in the very next verse, verse 28, God gives us the reason for making man both male and female. It says: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." From this verse we can easily see that God's purpose in making both male and female is first, to provide a way to replenish the population. I really don't have to go any further in stating the case that the purpose for the differences in sexuality are for the purpose of propagating the species. And finally, as to whether God loves people, we read in verse 31: "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." God who created everything that is, saw what he had created and was pleased. That's another way of saying that he loves what he created. Now, here's where the issue begins to surface. Having created man in His image means that God gave us the free will to either love and obey Him, or not. No one has to love God. And certainly, no one has to obey God. But, there can be no mistake in the reasoning of God's creation of male and female. Well then; what happened? Simply put, man chose not to love God or obey Him. Over the next few chapters of Genesis, we see mankind begin to disobey God, resulting in a number of firsts. Murder entered the world. Drunkenness entered the world. Worship of false Gods occured, and along the way, homosexual behavior arose. In Chapters 18 and 19, God pronounces judgement on a city named Sodom, because of the homosexual behavior going on in the city. That is where we get the term "sodomy". In chapter 18, two angels show up at Abraham's door and tell him that this behavior is detestable to God, and has brought about the complete destruction of the city of Sodom.
So, to conclude this entry, we have learned several things. First, God's original plan was for male and female to have sex and populate the earth. We also learned that because God doesn't make us love Him or obey Him, mankind disobeyed and fell into all kinds of bad behavior, including murder, and immorality. And we've also seen that one immoral behavior that God took exception to was the act of homosexuality, or sodomy. In my next post I'll begin to develop the position that God has about those who engage in homosexuality. Thanks for reading. WHY NOT POST A COMMENT?
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