A Life of Lying

At What Point has Lying Become a Way of Life?

People openly lie and are dishonest each day. Lying is defined as: a lie, a falsehood, the deliberate act of deviating from the truth and the purpose being to deceive. We become dishonest and lie when we tell something that is not true (1 Kings 13:9-18). A good example of this is when parents at times hear their children crying wolf. What does it really mean to cry wolf? Another good example of dishonesty can be as simple as when the telephone rings and having someone tell the caller that you are not home when you are standing right there. When considering these examples, has lying become a way of life?

Is lying a way of life?

Is lying a way of life?

Lying has come to the point where some business practices and maneuvers are deceptive and the truth is stretched thin just to gain business. Dishonesty is when we sell or leave a false impression for personal gain. The wise man Solomon spoke against this practice, which was very prevalent in that time, and said, “Bread of deceit is sweet to a man; but afterwards his mouth shall be filled with gravel” (Proverbs 20:17). Can lying be the same as cheating on a test, taxes or anything else like it? If not, then what would you call it? When one is caught in a lie, do some think and believe that we can continue to hide the truth by creating deceptions? Again Solomon said, “He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool” (Proverbs 10:18).

Sometimes being dishonest means that we may twist the truth so that rumors may be initiated or continued. Lying can be dangerous because it paints a picture of something that is not real. Jesus had a problem with deceivers like this and said to them, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27). The simple fact is that lying makes one look good at the moment, but when the truth is told later, it gets them in trouble. And, when one gets caught, do they stop lying or has it become a way of life for them? Our communication ought to be, “. . . Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil” (Matthew 5:37).

We as a society should not be lying to one another, which includes the practice of excuses. Excuses are another form of lying because the reason why this person did not help you, or the reason why they never showed up should never be explained by diverting away from the real reasons of truth. Dishonesty has never been a good thing. Dishonesty with wedding vows will easily tear up and destroy a home. Dishonesty has been shown to bankrupt businesses. Lying and dishonesty will destroy the soul of a man or woman. Therefore, we need to diligently strive to make our lives and character honest and full in integrity. We must never fool ourselves into believing that a lie can or will ever substitute for the truth. We should never let lying become a way of life.

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Great High Priest

Our Sympathetic “Great High Priest”

The writer of the book of Hebrews implies the superiority of Jesus over the priesthood of Aaron when he refers to Him as our “great high priest” (Heb. 4:14). Then, he sets forth the fact that Jesus is able to sympathize with our “infirmities,” since He “was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Because He is our sympathetic “great high priest,” He has made it possible for us to approach “the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16).

Jesus is our Great High Priest!

Jesus is our Great High Priest!

Ignoring the chapter division, the author is going to substantiate his point by comparing the qualifications of Jesus as our sympathetic “great high priest” to the qualifications of human high priests (Heb. 5:1-10). The qualifications for human high priests are two-fold: sympathy (Heb. 5:2) and a calling (Heb. 5:4); in like manner, Jesus had both sympathy (Heb. 5:7) and a calling (Heb. 5:5-6). In a nutshell, this is the summary of the first ten verses of this chapter. As a matter of fact, the author uses a Hebrew poetic pattern to substantiate his argument—instead of ABAB, he uses ABBA:

A—priests are required to have human com – passion (Heb. 5:2).

B—priests are required to have a heavenly calling (Heb. 5:4).

B—Jesus had a heavenly calling (Heb. 5:5-6).

A—Jesus had human compassion (Heb. 5:7).

In the first verse, the author describes how high priests were chosen and what they did with three phrases:

  • First, they were “taken [selected] from among men,” evidently reinforcing the humanity of Jesus.
  • Second, they were “ordained for men in things pertaining to God” [“appointing to act on behalf of men” ESV], pointing again to the humanity of Jesus.
  • Third, the high priest “offers both gifts and sacrifices for sins,” which Jesus did in atoning for the sins of humanity.

Because the Hebrews author is comparing Jesus with the high priests under the Levitical system, then when the author uses present tense in his Greek verbs in this first verse, scholars point out that the temple in Jerusalem was still conducting sacrificial offerings, implying that the letter was definitely written prior to AD 70 and the fall of Jerusalem.

The selection, appointment and duty of the high priest all emphasize his similarity with those whom he represented: “…for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity” (Heb. 5:2). Knowing what it is like to face temptation, the high priest is able to “bear gently with the ignorant and the erring.” The expression “bear gently” is a Greek word for which there is no exact English equivalent. The word conveys that the high priest was to take the middle ground between apathy and anger. He was called upon not to be indifferent toward the moral failures of his people, but at the same time, he was not to treat them too harshly for such lapses. What a wonderful attitude for us to adopt with others! Some Christians treat sin in a nonchalant fashion, while others act mercilessly toward sinners. The key is to find the balance between these two extremes. As someone who was tempted with the same weaknesses and sinful behaviors, the high priest had to offer sacrifices for his own shortcomings (Heb. 5:3), which is why the high priest offered a bull for his own sin offering before he offered anything on behalf of the people on the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:11).

Moreover, the high priest had a calling (Heb. 5:4), because God selected Aaron and his sons to serve as a high priest (cf. Exod. 28:1). In like manner, Christ did not assume the high priesthood Himself, but was called to the office by God (Heb. 5:5), and quoted two Hebrew passages to support such.

  • The first passage is Psalm 2:7, which the author also quoted back in Hebrews 1:5, speaking of the official installment of Jesus to perform the duties of the Messiah.
  • The second passage is Psalm 110:4, portraying Him as the great High Priest; in fact, this is one of the most important Messianic psalms that we have, because this psalm sets forth the Messiah as Prophet, Priest and King. Not only did it establish the Messiah’s priesthood, but also says that He would serve in the order of Melchizedek and not Aaron; Melchizedek predates Aaron (cf. Gen. 14:18-20).

In the second point, not only did Jesus have a divine calling, but He also was qualified to serve as a high priest because of His compassion (Heb. 5:7-10). In fact, these verses provide a window into the events at Gethsemane that we do not have in the gospel ac – counts. We really see His emotional side (Heb. 5:7). One cannot read this verse and not realize that Christ suffered and agonized for us!

As a matter of fact, Christ prayed in the Garden three times, and the author here says that He was “heard” (Heb. 5:7). This word usually indicates that prayers were not just heard, but they were answered. This presents a problem for some interpreters, because they cannot fathom God answering His own Son, “No.”

Jesus found strength to carry out the will of the Father because of His reverent submission (Heb. 5:8-9), which ought to tell us something about our prayer life. In fact, the author of Hebrews may not only have been talking about Gethsemane, but he may have also been alluding to the temptations of Jesus in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11) when he declared that Jesus “learned obedience.” This does not mean that He turned to obedience from disobedience, but that He learned to obey God in a way that He had never done before—as a human. Moreover, the author used a play on words, because this word “learned” ( emathen ) rhymes with the Greek word for “suffered” ( epathen ). In other words, he once again uses his literary skills to further his argument.

Finally, Jesus attained His ultimate goal on Calvary (Heb. 5:9), and hearkened back to Psalm 110:4 to conclude his restatement (Heb. 5:10). Therefore, Jesus Christ is our “great high priest”—He is sympathetic, empathetic and compassionate!

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The Nature of the Kingdom

Understanding the Nature of the Kingdom

They expected the Kingdom soon.

They expected the Kingdom soon.

There were eighty-four divinely sent messengers who proclaimed that the kingdom of heaven was about to be established. Beginning with John the Baptist (Matt. 3:2), then with Jesus (Matt. 4:17), then the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:7), and finally the 70 disciples Jesus sent out, the message was, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” No one can deny that those in the first century expected the kingdom to come during their lives (Mark 9:1). To understand this message and the place of the kingdom in God’s eternal plan, look at the parables of Jesus.

The kingdom is like a man who goes out sowing seed in his field. Matthew 13 and Luke 8 record this message from the Son of God. That seed was the word of God, and when sown in the hearts of men, it produced the children of the kingdom. The book of Acts shows exactly how this happened. The Lord never described the kingdom as Jesus sitting on a throne in Jerusalem. The preaching about Jesus produced the kingdom!

The kingdom is like a man sowing good seed in his field and his enemy (the devil) sowing weeds in the same field. Jesus wanted those who saw the kingdom in their lifetime to understand that Satan would come and seek to hide the kingdom from mankind by confusing them. He would make it hard to see the difference between the pure seed (the gospel) and counterfeit seeds he would sow. Jesus wanted us to understand the importance of knowing the word and following it so we could be the children of the kingdom.

The kingdom of heaven is also a mustard seed, leaven, a hidden treasure, a man seeking one good pearl and a fishnet. All these are described in Matthew 13. Jesus told five other parables to help men understand the kingdom. When it began, it was a like a tiny seed that grew into a large tree. There were only 12 men in the upper room, but soon the whole world knew of the kingdom. It spread like leaven into the lost world. Its worth was so great that every honest man should invest everything when he finds the treasure of the kingdom. Those in the kingdom search the world to find a soul to teach (a pearl of great price) and then give their all to gain that soul. Jesus also wanted men to know that in the kingdom there would be great and godly individuals, but there would be some evil men (bad fish) which would be dealt with on the last day.

Do you want to understand the kingdom? Then read Matthew 13 two or three times, and you will see its nature. Having read this chapter, then read the book of Acts. When you get to the end, you will see how Jesus proclaimed the kingdom. It is tragic so many do not teach this today!

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Ghost Whisperers

“Ghost” “Whisperers”

Are you a ghost whisperer?

Are you a ghost whisperer?

“Ghost Whisperer.” Name of a T.V. show. One I’ve only seen in the television listings but must admit that I’ve never actually watched. Never felt the desire to. I – as I’m sure almost any other church leader will readily “amen” as they read on – am sadly already far too familiar with, and have had all too much experience with all too many “ghost-whisperers” in the church as it is. You know who they are; those nameless, faceless, ever mysterious and unable to be identified and/or held accountable “others,” who apparently continually float around and “whisper” to everyone else in the church about you, when they have a problem with you, instead of coming directly to talk to you, like they’re commanded to by their all-seeing Lord and Savior (Matthew 18:15; Hebrews 4:13).

The typical scenario usually unfolds something like this… A brother or sister comes to see you, and in the course of the conversation, says or starts a sentence something to the effect of, “Well, a few folks have told me…,” or, “Several people have come to me and said that…” But of course when that brother or sister who brought them and their complaint up to you is asked to reveal the names of his or her infamous informants, these mysterious and transparent “whisperers” are fanatically well-protected by aggressive anonymity, and seemingly disappear back into thin air, leaving behind a trail of damage for which they will never be identified or held responsible…

But, such ghost “whisperers” and their transparent tactics are anything but approved by the Lord of glory (Ro. 1:29-32). And so, this practice must stop once and for all amongst the called out people of God. There’s only room for one “ghost” in His plan, and that’s His Holy Ghost!

So, how do God’s faithful people exorcise these elusive “ghost” “whisperers” from amongst their number? Enter God’s spiritual “ghost-busters;” undeniable truths from God’s word meant to blast such “ghost” “whisperers” out of existence by making them more accountable and responsible for their carnage, comments, and complaints. And just how exactly does one utilize these powerful “ghost busting” weapons (2 Cor. 10:3-5) when confronted by the protective front person for them unleashing a poisonous plethora of these ghost whisperers’ comments? Here are three, powerful, practical ghost-busting truths to present and practice for the prevention of such ghost whispering tactics.

  1. Jesus could not have been clearer in the “Sermon on the Mount” as to what one must do when they know their brother has a problem with them. “Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matt. 5:23-24). If you know your brother has a problem with you, getting it reconciled must even precede worshipping God. And this is the very thing which the ghost whisperers’ front man is preventing you from doing when he comes to you and informs you that “some brethren” have a problem with you or what you’re doing, but then refuses to identify those brethren by name so that you can go and be obedient to God by getting the matter or misunderstanding resolved. This protection of their anonymity is a practice which allows these “ghost” “whisperers” to remain “ghosts,” and wholly unaccountable for their personal points, positions, and perspectives whether right or wrong. It also prevents you outright from doing what is righteous and just before almighty God. Thus, any “front man” must be firmly reminded that by withholding their identities while willfully spreading their “whispers,” means that he himself is subsequently causing you to sin (Cf. Matt. 18:6-9; Rom. 14:10-13)!
  2. And not only is he causing you to sin by personally preventing your obedience to God’s word, but he is also promoting their sin as well. The biblical fact of the matter is that if any brother feels they have been sinned against by another brother, they are commanded to go see that brother themselves, in person, in private, FIRST! Once again we would note the commandment of the Lord from the gospel of Matthew. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother” (Matt. 18:15). In other words, these always unidentifiable and therefore always unaccountable “ghost” “whisperers” who are constantly floating about and finding fault with all their brethren but never directly to their faces, need to be told every time they try this transparent little trick, that their story stops here and will not be repeated, because they have no right to talk to anyone about their problem with a particular brother, until they’ve talked to that particular brother personally, about the problem they perceive to be between them. But of course that might require taking some substantive personal responsibility as to their part in the problem which would bring them back down to earth – the one thing such ghosts seem to want to escape experiencing at all cost.
  3. And lastly, not only do such “ghost” “whisperers’” front men: provide only enough pieces of information to cause the brother they go to see to sin; not only do they also become a party to, and willing promoter of their “ghost” “whispering” and backbiting brethrens’ sin; but as such, in addition to both of these things they also escalate their own sin count as well at the same time! Remember, it’s not only the “whisperer” that God holds accountable, but also any and all of those who approve of – through supporting – their whispering too (Rom. 1:29-32)! And such approval is certainly given when one joins and participates in, and thus promotes by becoming a party to, such slanderous and mud-slinging sin! The getaway driver in a bank robbery, who helped the culprits to escape, is just as liable to judgment as the actual thieves themselves! And in the same way, one who aids and abets by helping those escape scot-free and without a trace who rob their brethren of the chance to respond to their complaints in person and face to face, by whispering only to others behind their brethrens’ backs, are just as liable to God for judgment as their fiendish and ghostly friends.

These are but three of God’s “ghost-busting” truths that should blast such “ghost” “whisperers” into non-existence in our congregations. Their frightening follies must not be found amongst God’s flock. Let each and every one of us from this day forward – former “ghost-whisperer” or not – determine not to allow the “ghost” “whisperers” reign of hit and run terror and anonymity to continue to terrorize and tear apart the flock of God. Call them to account. When they complain to you about a brother, make it absolutely clear to them that they need to go talk to that brother about their problem, complaint, or criticism of him FIRST, or not ever bring it up again – to anyone, anywhere, at any time or for any reason: and that includes you; and that you refuse to listen to them any further. If all will do that, it won’t take long for such ghastly practices to take flight once and for all. As it is written:

“An ungodly man digs up evil, and it is on his lips like a burning fire. A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates the best of friends. A violent man entices his neighbor, and leads him in a way that is not good. He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips and brings about evil” (Prov. 16:27-30).

 

 

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Untrained Children

Fighting Atheism’s Influence in the Home

God does exist. All of the best-sellers in the world that espouse otherwise will not change that fact. But if we really expect our children to believe and follow the One True Living God, we must start thinking outside the box! Sadly, the atheists of this country are doing their job better than we Christian parents are. It’s time someone states the obvious: What we’ve done in the past hasn’t worked.

Are you Children Studying?

Are your Children Studying?

If you do not believe this, just walk into a church building and inquire if anyone there has children who have abandoned the Faith. But be prepared—the line that forms before you may be much longer than you ever expected. Far too many young people are leaving the Church only to turn around and embrace secular humanism, or even worse, atheism.

Now think: How many of those children who have left the Church could list most of the state capitals? How many of those children know the value for pi, or how to solve for x in an algebra problem? How many of those children can name bones of the body or could describe the water cycle? How many of those children know every word to their favorite songs or could tell you, verbatim, lines from their favorite movie? How many of those children have studied for hours to take tests over meaningless material?

As you sit there considering how much time these young people have spent cramming for standardized tests, ask yourself this one simple question: How much time have they spent actually studying Christian evidences or logical arguments to prove God’s existence? If we are going to reverse this trend, we must start thinking outside the box as to what is “normal”. It’s time we expect more from ourselves and more from our children.

“Are you actually suggesting that we test or quiz our children over Christian evidences or make them study biblical material outside of Bible class?”

I guess my response would be: “Yes, whatever it takes.” After all, which “test” is ultimately more important? I’m not downplaying the importance of a good education—I’m just trying to remind parents that their children spend an enormous amount of time learning “things,” but too often they only spend a small fraction learning about God and His Word. It is no secret that during their educational years students spend a great deal of time studying evolution, humanism, other religious beliefs, and even the tenets of atheism. Why not counter this with a solid Christian foundation?

As I mentioned before, what we’ve done in the past hasn’t worked. It’s time we get serious and combat the atheists’ propaganda with knowledge! Ask yourself this question: Can my children and grandchildren truly prove that God exists? Our children are told that if you can not measure something using the scientific method (using your five senses), then it is an illusion. Where does that place God— a Spirit (John 4:24)? Anyone who has spent any time at all studying philosophy or logic understands that while a Supreme Being may not be proven in a laboratory using the scientific method, the laboratory’s very existence is proof for His existence.

Consider this simple logic: It is a self-evident truth that something cannot come from nothing. (If someone wants to argue this fact, I would love to sell them some “nothing.”) Since something now exists, this indicates that something has existed forever. That means something is eternal—meaning it has always been here. This is simple logic—something exists today, thus something has always existed. The question is what or who has eternal properties?

Atheists and evolutionists would have students believe that the Universe is eternal; however that does not fit the scientific data. We know today that the Universe is expanding, which is a clear indication it had a beginning. As evolutionist Robert Jastrow admitted: “The lingering decline predicted by astronomers for the end of the world differs from the explosive conditions they have calculated for its birth, but the impact is the same: modern science denies an eternal existence to the Universe, either in the past or the future” (1977, p. 30).

The only logical conclusion is that God is eternal and He was responsible for the creation of the Universe. With a little time and a little study we can teach these Truths to our children and grandchildren. I’ve heard it said many times that it takes more “blind” faith to be an atheist. Given the amount of evidence we have for God I would agree.

Brad Stine once mused: “Who is more irrational? A man who believes in a God he doesn’t see, or a man who’s offended by a God he doesn’t believe in?” I would take that even one step further: “Who is more irrational? A Christian who believes in a God but doesn’t teach his child about Him, or an atheist who doesn’t believe in Him but takes the time to teach the child his beliefs?

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