Taking Responsibility

Taking Responsibility

Do you sometimes get the impression that we live in a society in which people blame others for their mistakes?  While this is certainly not always true, many times it has proven to be true.  Occasionally a criminal will blame his criminal behavior on how his mommy and daddy treated him as a child – and though he may be a product of his childhood environment, the bottom line is: who did the crime?

The Bible speaks of people who made mistakes (some “passed the buck” while others took responsibility).  For example…

The one-talent man tried to justify himself (Matt. 25:25): HE WAS NOT JUSTIFIED.  The publican said, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Lk. 18:13): HE WAS JUSTIFIED.

King Saul blamed the people for His error (1 Sam. 15): HE WAS REJECTED.  The prodigal son blamed himself for his predicament (Lk. 15:21): HE WAS RECEIVED.

Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed Satan for their transgression (Gen. 3:12): THEY WERE DRIVEN OUT.  David said, “I have sinned against the Lord”
(2 Sam. 12:13): HE WAS FORGIVEN.

Get the point?

Posted in Aaron Veyon | Tagged | Comments Off on Taking Responsibility

Questions for Homosexuals

Questions for Homosexuals

We’ve talked and written about homosexuality, the LGBT rights movement, and the fight going on between church and culture in this area. It’s one of the defining issues of our day, but in the past week we’ve seen the discussion vaulted into the spotlight to an extent we’ve never seen before. Because Russia has taken an anti-homosexuality stance in their recent laws, the pro-gay world has taken it upon themselves to protest in every way possible. NBC has taken a major role in bringing the discussion to the forefront repeatedly in their broadcasts, and countries like Canada, Germany, and the USA have gone out of their way to make statements against Russia’s laws. Then the U.S. Department of Justice expanded its recognition of same-sex marriage to unprecedented levels, completely circumventing the law-making process by declaring what laws they will enforce. Finally, on Sunday night NFL draft prospect Michael Sam announced his homosexuality, making him potentially the first gay athlete active in the major American sports. (Jason Collins, the NBA player who came out last year, was unemployed at the time and has remained so through today.)

Naturally, we want to address this, but from a bit of a different angle than Christians might usually look at it.

Without any hate, fear, or dislike of homosexuals, we simply want to begin a discussion by asking some questions about the logic of homosexuality. Christians, we hope you’ll share these questions with homosexuals and pro-LGBT heterosexuals in order to start a discussion. Homosexuals, realize that we don’t hate you or wish ill on you. Please don’t dismiss the questions, as we aim to be fair by picking questions that naturally arise from the cultural discussion of homosexuality.

–Is any person who doesn’t expressly support homosexuality automatically a homophobe? Properly defined, homophobia means “irrational fear of, aversion to, or discrimination against homosexuality” (merriam-webster.com). If a person shows no hatred but simply expresses a belief that heterosexuality is what man was intended for, does it make them homophobic, or heteronormative? Yes, homophobia exists and all Christians are ashamed of those like the Westboro Baptists who treat homosexuals with hatred rather than the love of Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean everyone is a homophobe, though.

–Why is there no discussion of the risks of homosexuality? Science shows that homosexuality puts men at greater risk of disease and even a dramatically shortened life expectancy. In an age when schools teach against alcoholism, drugs, and smoking on the grounds of health, why is homosexuality celebrated? (http://www.frc.org/get.cfm?i=IS01B1 – warning: graphic discussion of homosexual risks)

–Shouldn’t Christian preaching against homosexuality be considered loving (even if thought to be misguided)? If someone thinks I’m separated from God and destined for eternal punishment according to their belief set and yet they allow me to live without telling me of the danger they believe me to be in, can I really say they love me? As atheist Penn Jillette asked, “How much must you hate someone to not proselytize them?” So, those who agree to the belief that homosexuality is sin (should, although not in every case) do so out of love and not hatred. At worst, you would have to consider them misguided.

–What’s the purpose of homosexual exhibitionism? Between the gay marriage ceremonies at the Grammys and the Rose Bowl Parade, gay “kiss-ins” at Chick-Fil-A, and other such activities, why is there such a need for public display? Those who disagree with you won’t be convinced by in-your-face displays, so I struggle to understand the purpose for doing so.

–What is the difference between a heterosexual man being allowed to shower with fifty women and a homosexual man being allowed to shower with fifty men? Yes, this question seems crude, but Michael Sam’s announcement logically demands it. It’s hard to believe anyone would accept the first scenario, but the second is being applauded as brave and courageous. The problem is, they’re the exact same thing – a person being allowed in close quarters with human forms to whom they are physically attracted. Why is one allowed and the other frowned upon?

–How far does the “same love” argument go? The main argument for homosexuality today is that no one has a right to say anything against two people who love each other. The secondary argument is that you don’t decide whom you’re attracted to. As for the first – we must also accept love between minors and adults, polygamous love, etc., right? As for the second – what if you’re strongly attracted to another man’s wife? You can’t help the attraction. Do you act on it? Is that acceptable? For what reason should humans be allowed to be enslaved to their sexual appetites? When “love” is the only standard, the standard is going to shift a lot. The question requires an answer.

–Must one give up their religious beliefs if they are to avoid being labeled homophobic? Sure, a number of people in this day and age call themselves Christians while supporting homosexuality, but those who take the Bible at its word aren’t afforded that option. The Bible directly calls homosexuality sin (Leviticus 18, 20, Romans 1, 1 Corinthians 6). That doesn’t mean we discriminate against it as some kind of higher form of sin, as all sin separates you from God. But is it hateful to believe in the Bible? For example, when Russian men’s hockey captain Pavel Datsyuk was asked if he supported homosexuality, he responded “I’m an orthodox and that says it all,” appealing to his faith as a member of the Russian Orthodox church (a group who believes God is against homosexuality). The internet broke out with a number of protests, with people labeling Datsyuk hateful, bigoted, and homophobic for such a simple, benign, non-hateful statement of fact. Do culturally accepted actions take precedence over someone’s faith, though? Must faith bend itself to appease newly-developed cultural belief systems? Does it automatically imply a deep-seated hatred when I say A. I believe in the Bible. B. The Bible calls homosexuality sin. C. Therefore, I believe homosexuality is sinful.?

Again, these questions are asked without hate or discrimination, but they are based on what logic demands along with a biblical worldview.

Posted in Brad Harrub | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Questions for Homosexuals

A Home in Heaven

In Hope of a Heavenly Home

Possibly one of the most desirable considerations that enter the mind of man is the desire to go to Heaven sometime after life ends here on earth. I am sure that most people that believe in the teaching of the Bible about the resurrection, the judgment, and the assignment of the wicked to eternal misery in hell are thoughtful about these events.

To this subject let us consider a few facts that the Bible reveals about heaven and those that will ultimately go there.

1. It is a fact that the Bible teaches clearly that there is a heaven for the righteous and a hell of fire for the wicked someday –

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – 13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. KJV

2. That there will be an eternal place of torment for the wicked is also clearly taught in the Bible –

Romans 2:2-11 – 2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shall escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. KJV

3. The decision to pursue heaven as an eternal home for the followers of Jesus Christ teaching is a most wise and comforting pursuit; Note the Bible facts:

1 John 5:11-13 – 11 and this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. KJV

1 John 5:20 – And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. KJV

INDEED: Jesus told His disciples before He left this earth that a home-coming awaited them someday in the future when they would be reunited with Him –

John 14:1-4 – 14:1 let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. KJV

The promise to Jesus disciples in John 14:1-4 is good for all those that imitate the example of those disciples and do the works of God while they live here in the earth. Indeed; the true Christian will one day be resurrected to live eternally in a special prepared place by Almighty God forever …

Consider the following promises in the Bible for those who choose to follow and obey the Lord’s instructions:

John 3:15-17 – 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16 for God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. KJV

John 12:44-50 – 44 Jesus cried and said, He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. 45 And he that seeth me seeth him that sent me. 46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 for I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. KJV

Romans 2:3-11 – 3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shall escape the judgment of God? 4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? 5 But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasures up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life: 8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, 9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; 10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: 11 For there is no respect of persons with God. KJV

Man must make a choice in this world about whether he/she will go to heaven or to eternal punishment. One of the saddest situations in my experience is to see a man or woman that I know who ought to become a Christian and serve God faithfully come to a sudden and unexpected death without having decided to serve God by becoming obedient to God’s Plan of Salvation that is clearly taught within the pages of the Holy Scriptures.

Please note the following facts about salvation from sin and consider your own condition today:

GOD’S PLAN FOR YOUR SALVATION FROM SIN

Hear the gospel: Rom. 10:17-18 – “So belief (cometh) of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. ASV

Believe the gospel: Mark 16:16 -“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieves shall be condemned.”                         

Repent of past sin: Acts 2:38 -“And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” ASV

Confess with the mouth Christ – Rom. 10:9-10,

Be baptized for remission of sin – Acts 2:38

After a person becomes a Christian they are to pursue righteousness.  To pursue righteousness simply means that the new Christian is to study the Bible, adapt their lifestyle to the examples of Christians and Apostolic teaching found in the Holy Scriptures; notice the instruction in the following …

1 Thessalonians 4:1-124:1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor; 5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God: 6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. 8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his Holy Spirit. 9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. KJV

2 Timothy 2:15-25 – 15 Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 20 but in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. 21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 but foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strafes. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; KJV

REMEMBER THIS;

Hebrews 12:28-29 – 28 wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 29 For our God is a consuming fire.

1 Peter 1:7-9 – 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. KJV

DEAR BRETHREN …

Let us go forward, seeking that eternal home that the Lord Jesus Christ has promised to the faithful; May we continue to work the works of God.

Posted in Garreth L. Clair | Tagged | Comments Off on A Home in Heaven

Agreement by Blood

An Agreement Established with Blood

On September 17, 1787, the United States Constitution was adopted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by representatives of the people. It was established upon the blood of many men and women who gave their lives so America would stand on its own laws with authority. Its creation came almost 11 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. In the first two sentences of the Declaration of Independence, the founders acknowledged that the Creator of all, God, was where the authority inhered to form the United States Constitution. Since that time many a citizen has pledged their loyalty and given their blood to maintain what was established.

On January 6, 2011, the 112th House of Representatives became the first to read the full constitution as they were gathered (though they had to go back and read two pages that had been stuck together). This comes at a time when men and women are recognizing the failure of their representatives to uphold the constitution for which they had taken oaths to uphold. Remembering the authority for the document comes from God, the failure of previous representatives is just another example of man turning from God to serve their own interests.

This is certainly not the first time an agreement established in blood with the authority of God has been violated. The people of Israel formed as a nation by the deliverance of God were given the Law of Moses with the Authority of God. As part of that law, the blood of calves and goats was needed for its inauguration (Hebrews 9:18-20). It did not take long for that people to disregard the law and disobey it. It did not take long for its keepers, the priests, to falter in their duties. Hundreds of years later, in a historic gathering, the priest Ezra would take the law before the people again and read it in their presence (Nehemiah 8). The people rededicated themselves to upholding the law (Numbers 10) and acknowledged their past failures in doing. They realized they had served themselves and not God.

The people had been told there would come a day when a new agreement would be established. It would not just be for the Israelites, but for the entire world. That agreement was to come with Jesus Christ. Indeed it did. He gave his life being crucified upon a cross. His blood inaugurated a new covenant (Hebrews 7:22, 8:6-7, 9:11-16, 10:19-20). The blood which was shed was done so in love and by the authority of God (John 3:16). The entrance of people under the new agreement came on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2). On that day, men heard the words of the agreement and put themselves under allegiance to it. Yet, sadly, as before, men have forsaken their oaths and allegiance so that they may serve their own interests.

The 112th House of Representative provided a good example of rededication on January 6, 2011. They recognized there was something greater than themselves. They declared repentance, a changing from what had been done before, and a return to what should be done. It is hoped they stand strong in their declaration, if not, there will be undesirable consequences. For those who have declared allegiance to Christ, yet have forsaken the agreement established by His blood, it is also time to return to dedication (Acts 17:30). No longer live a life based on personal desires, but live the life God has established for all. Good laws followed result in a multitude of blessings. Good laws ignored lead man to dishonesty, self-interest, and abuse of others. God’s law is the perfect law. Upholding it and obeying will only result in blessing to those in allegiance to it (James 1:25). Disregarding it will lead to destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).

For America to ignore its constitution is the same as rejecting it. If its citizens do so, the result is making worthless the blood which was shed to give freedom to the citizens of America. Such a loss holds a parallel to those who would ignore the will of God. Christ gave his life so that man might experience freedom. Casting that sacrifice aside would make what he has given worthless. His death gave liberty to all those who would hold strong their allegiance to him. Rejecting the Covenant of Christ and the Constitution of the United States are great atrocities. If the importance of these agreements created by blood can be fathomed, do not forsake God or country.

Posted in Travis Main | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Agreement by Blood

Submit to God

A new year’s beginning is the perfect time to for us to re-commit ourselves to God. The past year is now behind us, the things of that year are beyond us now and we cannot change them. If we were not as faithful as we ought to have been last year (and I would hazard to guess that none of us was as faithful as we should have been) then we need to commit ourselves, each and every one of us, to drawing nearer to God this year. The inspired writer James said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (James 4:7-8).

To submit to God means to be obedient to His Word – to yield yourself to His authority. In yielding to God, we resist the devil. In resisting the devil and yielding ourselves to God, we draw closer to Him and He draws closer to us. But, how can we submit to Him and draw closer to Him if our sins are separating us from Him? Isaiah wrote, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue hath muttered perverseness.” (Isaiah 59:2-3). Sin is not just actively transgressing God’s law, but sometimes it is in our passivity toward obeying His commands. James 4:17 says, “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” Knowing God’s will and not doing it is the same as actively working against it. “He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matthew 12:30). Our sins of commission along with our sins of omission pull us away from God – the opposite of drawing nigh.

Since sin has separated the non-Christian from God and will also separate the Christian from God, we each have the need to repent. Jesus made it possible for all of us to be able to be reconciled to God. His death paved the way for all mankind to become children of God through their obedience. His work in mediation also allows the erring child of God to be restored his fellowship with God – to draw nigh to God once more. We draw close to God after first submitting to His will – obeying the gospel.  We cannot approach God unless we have first been cleansed. The non-Christian is cleansed (remitted) of his sins through repentance and baptism (Acts 2:38). The Christian who has fallen away can be cleansed of his sins once more through repentance, confession and prayer. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). To “cleanse your hands…” (James 4:8) means to repent of our sins and to be forgiven. To “purify your hearts ye double minded…” (James 4:8), means to approach God with singleness of heart; to devote ourselves utterly to Him and to His will. It means for us to be double-minded no longer, in other words, to stop trying to serve two masters – God and self. Jesus tells us that this is impossible, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24).

In this new year, let us each submit ourselves to God and commit ourselves to resisting the devil with every fiber of our being. Let us each seek to draw “nigh” to God and allow Him to draw “nigh” to us. Just like in any relationship, communication is key. Communication is a two-way street – we must speak to God and allow Him to speak to us. God speaks to us only through His written Word. We need to read and study that Word daily in order to stay in constant communication with Him. But we also need to speak with Him on a daily basis. We can only speak to God in prayer. We need to be praying all the time – “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This year may we each seek to become closer to God than ever. I hope that by the time this year is over we each will have become a more faithful and productive child of God, drawing ever near to Him.

Posted in Jack McNiel | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Submit to God