Culture of Social Activism, Yes!  Jesus, No.

Culture of Social Activism, Yes!  Jesus, no.

For over two decades now I’ve been actively monitoring the church and our culture. Later today I will have lunch with a young man, who—like thousands of others—has abandoned his faith and walked away. I’ve listened to, studied with, debated, emailed, and talked with hundreds of individuals just like him over the past twenty-years.

social activism

They live for social activism and not Christ.

I have also heard the other side of the coin, and watched tears rolling down the faces of parents, as they share with me the story of how their child has left the faith.

But I’m seeing a new trend that has me alarmingly disturbed—to the point that I find myself lying in bed thinking about it. This morning I think I finally put my finger on it and my analysis terrifies me.

I am very scared that we have a huge population of Christians in their mid-twenties and thirties (and older I’m sure), who were never truly converted to Christ.

These are individuals who would call themselves Christians, and maybe even still attend worship somewhere—but their words and actions tell a totally different story.

Please allow me a moment to explain. I recognize every generation reaches a point where they look back at previous generations and they feel like previous generations failed or dropped the ball. My own generation certainly did it. As a result, new generations try make changes in things like the way they raise children or how they define success.

The group I’m talking about has pushed beyond that—moving the pendulum all the way to the other side, in hopes of abandoning anything their parent’s generation did. This generation has become obsessed with activism and cancel culture. They are openly against anything their parents’ generation accepted. They find meaning in various activist causes and believe that “love” trumps everything.

As a result, they don’t really have a problem with same-sex marriage or transgender behavior. They march and hold signs with friends declaring “My body, my choice.” And even though most grew up enjoying the comforts and amenities of capitalism, they now proudly support socialism and various liberal causes. If their parents were okay with fossil fuels then they are 100% behind wind, solar, and the Green New Deal.

Oh, and if you happen to not agree with them or their cause, they will promptly subject you to their “Cancel Culture” or label you a “Boomer.” (How ironic that the individuals who claim love trumps everything, are quick to cancel you or call you a derogatory name.)

I get generations wanting to “fix” things and abandoning some of the things their parents did. I really do. I don’t think the generation before mine did everything right (i.e., latchkey children and watching television for hours on end). And I am also humble enough to realize my generation was not exactly the poster child for perfection either.

But what troubles me, is these individuals are supporting causes and worldviews that are in direct contradiction of God’s Word. This has gone WAY BEYOND green energy or forms of government—and has now crossed into things that the Bible clearly speaks out against. Or worse yet, they now twist God’s Word to support the abominations they are supporting on social media.

This is why I think they were never converted to begin with. Deep down, in the recesses of their heart they don’t fear the Lord and want to humble themselves. Instead, they want to shout and be heard. These are individuals who were taught years ago what Scriptures say about things like abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. They know sin separates us from God and that Jesus is the only way.

And yet, today, they are boldly promoting causes that are in direct contradiction to what the Bible says. One wonders would these individuals ever consider “canceling” their friends who use foul language and write comments on social media that go against God?

These individuals have placed more allegiance with their social cause than with Jesus Christ.  They are compromising God’s Word and in many cases watering down His message. Sure, they may attend a church somewhere, but I don’t think their hearts were ever truly converted to Christ. In fact, I think the idea of humbling themselves and taking up their cross to follow after Him is revolting to many. After all, they are activists. They are going to change the world. They are social justice warriors. They need to be heard! My question is: Who are they changing the world for? Because it certainly isn’t God.

Church, we need to address this. We need leaders to speak out and speak up and defend God’s Word. We need preachers willing to rebuke and correct from the pulpit. We need to cultivate a climate of humility and servanthood in the church. We need to direct their passion and “activism” towards evangelism and the cross.

Parents, I pray you will spend some serious hours with your children teaching them the authority of God’s Word. I pray you will mold their hearts with humility and teach them to fear the Lord. I pray you will teach them that there is such a thing as absolute Truth and it only comes from the Bible. I pray that if your children grow up to be activists, that you will teach them to be activists for Jesus Christ.

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Itching Ears

Itching Ears

Second Timothy 4:3-4 states “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” Sometimes, what we need to hear is not necessarily what we want to hear. God has addressed this issue by giving us the Bible. It is the revelation of His truth to mankind. In it is contained everything that we need for life and godliness (1 Peter 1:3) and everything to equip us to every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The Bible often discusses subjects that challenge our choices! What ought we to do about that?

ears hearing

Sometimes, what you don’t want to hear, you need to hear.

We must be open to the preaching of any Bible topic at any given time, especially, when we don’t want to hear it. I have wrestled with sin and heard the preaching of the truth on that subject from God’s word. It was not comfortable; I didn’t like the fact that I had to wrestle with my conscience, but it was good for me to do so. It is more uncomfortable when we want to do the sins that the Bible condemns. God wants us to fight the sin that is in our lives even when it isn’t comfortable, and that is why He exhorts preachers to preach without compromise. Many choose to simply listen to preachers who tell them what they want to hear. However, when the Bible contradicts our desires, we need to be corrected to bring our desires in line with the Bible’s teaching. Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19).

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PREMILENIALISMO (3) EL RAPTO

PREMILENIALISMO (3) LA FALSA DOCTRINA DEL RAPTO

Nos compete en esta ocasión abordar la doctrina premilenialista denominada “el rapto de la Iglesia”. Recuerdo muy vívidamente acontecimientos en el ámbito religioso durante mi infancia. Por ejemplo; en una ocasión estaba muy animado para ir al pueblo de Upala en la noche ya que seríamos espectadores de una película, que tenía que ver directamente con el rapto de la Iglesia. Esa no fue la única vez que fui a “disfrutar” de estas películas. De hecho me convertí en un fan de ellas por el miedo que lograban suscitar en un niño de esa edad. Estas películas eran la forma de “evangelizar” entre el 2000-2005 de los evangélicos y no hay duda de que lograron convertir a muchos. Los años han pasado y ahora logro comprender la fantasía construida en estas películas dirigidas principalmente por Tim LaHaye y Jerry Jenkins quienes literalmente han “bombardeado” al mundo con todo el material producido por ellos, en inglés como en español.

el rapto

Nos compete en esta ocasión abordar la doctrina premilenialista denominada “el rapto de la Iglesia”.

Para el premilenialismo el rapto de la Iglesia como ellos lo han llamado es el momento en el que Cristo regresa en secreto, toma a los fieles y se los lleva al cielo mientras la tierra se sumerge en el caos por 7 años, periodo a lo que ellos han llamado “la gran tribulación”. Las fábulas podrían crear tal impacto en la mente de las personas que pueden terminar aceptándose como realidad, pero con el mayor respeto debido, el llamado “rapto” no podría estar en mayor contradicción con las santas escrituras, y a continuación las razones, por favor considere con nosotros:

Arrebatamiento, pero no rapto: El texto por excelencia para justificar que la palabra rapto es bíblica es 1 Tesal.4:13-18, “…seremos arrebatados…” la idea de encontrar al Señor en el aire al ser arrebatados no está mal del todo, lo que está mal y es el contexto dispensacionalista en el que el pasaje es forzado. En primera instancia el v.16 con claridad nos muestra que la venida de Cristo por segunda vez no será en secreto, desapercibida, o para un grupo selecto y que el Señor no será visto. En el correcto contexto de “arrebatados” la venida de Cristo será majestuosa, observable por justos como injustos (Apoc.1:17). Otro tremendo error del rapto en este pasaje es la de una resurrección corporal en tiempos separados distintos. La enseña con absoluta precisión del Nuevo Testamento es que habrá una sola resurrección de justos como de injustos (Hech.24:15). Jesús dijo que todos los muertos oirán su voz y que saldrán a resurrección (Jn.5:28). Entonces si habrá un arrebatamiento, pero no un rapto por ningún lado y mucho menos  de la forma premilenialista.

Contradicción directa a los pasajes de “el día postrero”.  Jesús mencionó en reiteradas ocasiones esa frase. Si no me cree, lea por usted mismo Juan 6:39-40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48.  Claramente el maestro con toda su absoluta autoridad y conocimiento anticipado anuncia que la resurrección se efectuará en “el día postrero”. Incluso enseñó que el juicio de los injustos será “en el día postrero”, eso estimado lector tira por tierra el premilenialismo y la doctrina del rapto, pues, si Jesús tenía razón (y vaya que la tiene) ¿Cómo harán los creyentes del rapto para conciliar el orden cronológico de: 1) juicio el mismo día afirmado por Jesús (día postrero)  2) ¿Juicio al final del periodo de tribulación o incluso ubicar el juicio de los injustos al final del “milenio”? Obviamente aquí hay un gran conflicto entre estas dos cosas que los premilenialistas deben arreglar con el Señor Jesús. La pregunta planteada por el hermano Robert Taylor Jr. Es apropiada al cuestionar: “¿Cómo puede haber días, meses, años incluso 10 siglos completos más allá de lo que Jesús llamó “el día postrero”? Los pasajes del día postrero en Juan están ahí como una refutación poderosa de lo que es la teoría del rapto”. (Robert R. Taylor Jr. Pág.30 La espada espiritual Vol.9 octubre 1977, Núm.1).

Contradicción directa a 2 Tes.1:6-10. El apóstol Pablo hace referencia a dos grupos en esta sección. Los que están protagonizando la persecución y aquellos que están en aflicción.  El correcto entendimiento de este pasaje es trascendental ya que estamos frente a un pasaje profético, es decir que aún no ha sucedido. El texto es muy fácil de comprender pues establece que unos serán recompensados con descanso y a los otros se les pagará con juicio. La adecuada pregunta sería ¿Cuándo? El pasaje responde “aquel día”. Tal como establecimos arriba, el rapto y las implicaciones de este simplemente chocan con una pared sólida de evidencia que sostiene los eventos finales en “UN SOLO DIA” ¿Para qué elaborar una compleja escatología, haciendo incorrecto uso de los pasajes, creando una serie de ilusiones en la mente de las personas ingenuas que se ven vislumbradas por la complejidad con la que los precursores tejen esta telaraña? El día del rapto para los premilenialistas será tan ordinario como cualquier otro  (pues será en secreto, según ellos)y los más importantes eventos tendrán lugar muchos meses y años después. Por cierto, la doctrina del rapto haría que Jesús regrese por segunda y por tercera ocasión a establecer (según ellos) el reinado milenial. Hebreos 9:27-28 solo menciona una segunda venida. ¿De dónde sale entonces la tercera venida? Amigo lector ¡Esa es una buena pregunta!

Contradicción directa a 2 Ped.3:10-12. Una vez más la santa inspiración puntúa “el día del Señor” vendrá como ladrón en la noche. Este precioso pasaje ha sido tomado por la gente del rapto para tratar de afirmar que al venir el Señor como ladrón entonces literalmente estamos frente a un rapto… No sé ni por dónde empezar amable lector, realmente en un sentido personal me impactó conocer la posición de los premilenialistas pues se les obseva razonar de manera retorcida. ¿Si la frase “como ladrón en la noche” no tuviera un símil (como) y el texto nos estuviera indicando esto de forma literal, haría tal declaración a Jesús un verdadero ladrón? La implicación al usar la palabra “rapto” estrictamente en el sentido dispensacionalista lo hace un ladrón de verdad. Creo que estamos en mutuo acuerdo que esto raya casi en blasfemia. La frase “como ladrón en la noche” no está haciendo referencia ni a la persona ni al evento como tal, sino a lo repentino del evento. ¿Será tan difícil de comprender esto desde un punto de vista lógico? Este no es el único problema para ellos en este pasaje. Observe conmigo que el texto afirma que ese día, “el día del Señor” los cielos pasarán con grande estruendo, y los elementos serán quemados ¿Cuándo será eso apóstol Pedro? ¡ESE MISMO DIA, EL DIA DEL SEÑOR!  Pedro no explica nada de los “dejados atrás” o de “la gran tribulación” ni mucho menos de “mil años reinando con los justos en Jerusalén”, porque sencillamente el planeta tierra ya no existirá más a causa de la catástrofe y la desaparición de todos los elementos en ese día. Muchos simplemente echarán por un lado las firmes declaraciones del Apóstol inspirado y seguirán proclamando su doctrina falsa, implicando así que Pedro fue un mentiroso y que el Espíritu Santo inspiró a él para escribir error.

            Permítame concluir esta sección afirmando que la doctrina del rapto es completa y absolutamente falsa. La palabra como tal no existe ni es mencionada por tan solo una vez en la Biblia. La Iglesia de Cristo se prepara para presentarse delante de Dios pura y sin Mancha (Ef.5?22-28). La realidad es que hemos de encontrarnos con nuestro Salvador un día, el día en el que junto a los hermanos que duermen ascendemos a la gloria eterna. No hay terceras venidas de Jesucristo, no hay segundas oportunidades, no hay un rato, no hay milenio pero sí hay esperanza de ir con Cristo por una eternidad cuando él aparezca por segunda vez y todo ojo le verá en aquel día. “He aquí que viene con las nubes, y todo ojo le verá, y los que le traspasaron; y todos los linajes de la tierra se lamentarán sobre él. Así sea. Amén.  Yo soy el Alpha y la Omega, principio y fin, dice el Señor, que es y que era y que ha de venir, el Todopoderoso.” (Apoc.1:7-8).         

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Lazarus, Sleep, and Death

Lazarus, Sleep, and Death

“Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go to wake him up” (John 11:11). You know this story and understand what Jesus meant, but His disciples failed to comprehend it. Lazarus was so sick that his sisters, Mary and Martha, sent word to Jesus. Judging by their words which both of them spoke—“Lord, if you had been here my brother would not have died”—the message was sent as a plea to Jesus to come to heal him.

grave sleep

The grave is not the end.

Jesus was not in Judea but likely in Galilee, many miles away. However, Jesus did not immediately rush to go to Bethany. He waited two days before even starting His journey. Obviously the disciples knew of the message and said to Jesus, “Lord, if he sleeps he will get well.” They did not know that Jesus was speaking of the sleep of death.

The comparison between sleep and death can bring so much comfort to us. It should not surprise us that our God devoted an entire chapter in the Bible to help us see the parallel. Our view of death is changed when we compare it to sleep.

Sleep is peaceful and not painful. While, as death approaches our bodies may be filled with pain, there comes that time when there is a release and the transition takes place. Think about how this parallels sleep. We may toss and turn as we lie down, but ultimately the time comes when we lay aside all that troubles us and fall asleep, leaving all those troubles behind. Throughout His life Jesus had fallen asleep and on the cross He “slept” again, leaving all troubles behind when He said, “Father into your hands I commit My spirit.” There is a peace that comes when we sleep and there is the final peace which comes when we die.

There is hope in sleep and there is hope in death. Why do we set an alarm each evening? Because we have an expectation of waking up. The same is true in death, for we expect to literally hear Jesus’ voice to awaken us, based upon what He said to His disciples: “The hour is coming in which all that are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth” (John 5:28-29).

As a child the first prayer I learned was this prayer. “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” I thank God that my mom and dad taught this to me, but my understanding is so much deeper now. I then understood about laying down to sleep, but I was not able to grasp all that is involved in asking Him to take my soul in death. I did not know about the angels who took another Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22). I did not fear going to sleep, nor do I need to fear death.

There are so many other parallels between sleep and dying. Think about them. It will change your view of death.

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Revenge: Take My Ball and Go Home!

Revenge: Take My Ball and Go Home!

When I was a child, our neighborhood would get together and play ball. For the most part, we would have a good time. However, sometimes, someone would get upset over something that he or she didn’t like. When this happened, there was usually some kind of fuss. If the kid who brought the ball was involved in the fuss, and he didn’t get his way, he would say, “I’m going to take my ball and go home.” This was an effective strategy of revenge because the result was that this ended the game for everyone. The child was saying, “You won’t let me play the way that I want, so I am going to punish you by taking away your ability to play.” What childish behavior!

revenge ball

Revenge should not be an option.

Unfortunately, some adults behave the same way that children do. When the church is trying to do a good work, and something happens that they don’t like, instead of constructively seeking to make things better, they take their proverbial ball and go home. They would rather see a good work fail just to have their way. This attitude of “my way or the highway” is sinful. It is contrary to the attitude that Jesus had on the cross when he prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). It is contrary to Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:21, “submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Romans 12:17 says “Repay no one evil for evil.” Romans 12:19 says, “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather, give place to wrath.” Romans 12:21 says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” May we all strive to be like Jesus in love for one another.

 

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