Christianity,Sunday, May 27, 2007
Sometimes in todays, world, it may not seem like being a Christian can make a difference in a person’s life. Sometimes everyone seems equally American and entrenched in American culture. However, a Gallup poll had confirmed that being a highly committed Christian can make a difference. Here’s a short section out of James Boice’s commentary on Romans 12:1
And Christians are different. A number of years ago the Gallup Poll organization devised a scale to sort out those for whom religion seemed to be important and find out if it made any difference in their lives. America claims to be a very religious country, but the nation is increasingly immoral. Gallup wanted to know if serious religion made a difference for those who considered themselves to be ?highly spiritually motivated? or committed.
He found that 12.5 percent of Americans are in this category, one person in eight. And he found that they really are different, so much so that he called them ?a breed apart.? He found that these people differed from the rest of the population in at least four key areas:
1. They are more satisfied with their lot in life. They are happier. Sixty-eight percent say they are ?very happy? as compared with only 30 percent of those who are uncommitted.
2. Their families are stronger. The divorce rate among this group is far lower than among the less committed.
3. They tend to be more tolerant of persons of different races and religions. This is exactly opposite from what the media suggest when dealing with religion or religious leaders.
4. They are more involved in charitable activities than are their counterparts. A total of 46 percent of the highly spiritually committed say they are presently working among the poor, the infirm, and the elderly, compared to only 36 percent among the moderately committed, 28 percent among the moderately uncommitted, and 22 percent among the highly uncommitted.?
True conversion makes a difference in a person?s life. If there are no differences, there is no genuine conversion. These differences are explained in the remaining chapters of [Romans]. Laws in themselves change little. Changed people change everything. And the only thing that ever really changes people is God himself through the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you have been called to faith in Jesus Christ, you are part of a radically changed community, the new humanity. It is your privilege to begin to make changes in our world.
Boice, J. M. (1991-c1995). Romans (1489). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.
Jenn and I consider ourselves in the highly committed group and we can identify ourselves with all 4 points above. We are very happy with what God has done in our lives, our local church, family, friends, job and life in general. We don’t see our family ever breaking up. We have good relations with people of different religions in our neighborhood and at my workplace. And we are involved with charitable activities both locally and globally through World Vision and Compassion International.
Before I came to know Christ, I did none of these things and I was a bit lost in life. I cannot take the credit for any of the benefits. God’s design for life is truly the best. Oftentimes the world thinks of religion as foolishness. It’s nice to know that a Gallup poll has shown a bit of truth about the fruits of a highly committed Christian life.
Christianity,Friday, April 27, 2007
Ever hear the phrase, “lead by example”. I think it’s a popular phrase and it often goes with the sentiment that words mean very little, while leading by example is everything. I think when many people talk like this, their main concern is not to be a hypocrite. The logic is, if I don’t say it, but I do it, then when I don’t do it, at least I’m not a hypocrite. I think the intentions of this way of thinking are often good. A person wants to be “real”, truthful, and someone of integrity and honesty. Christians have often been accused of being hypocrites because you can always find one not “practicing what he preaches”. At first glance, the “lead by example” method seems like the better choice. However, “lead by example” can be very dangerous and it’s consequences far outweigh being labeled a hypocrite.
There are several points I want to consider. First, we cannot underestimate the influence of the world. Second, teaching is important for a deep understanding . Third, we must be realistic about our own righteousness.
Recently we were sitting around the table with my parents wondering where I had learned to become materialistic. My father had expressed that he doesn’t understand where I learned the behavior because both him and my mother are very frugal in their spending. I’ve occasionally been able to talk my mother into buying a few expensive computers, which seem justified now that computer engineering is my career. But by and far, the example they provided was one of wise choices concerning money. So what happened to me? Why didn’t I follow the example my parents demonstrated? The answer is simple. The influences, messages and teachings of materialism and wealth coming from the world had a bigger influence on me than my parent’s example. I had learned materialism from the world. The Bible’s parable of the sower illustrates this problem.
Parable of the Sower
“A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. He who has ears, let him hear.?” (Matthew 13:3-9, ESV)
The “lead by example” method doesn’t sow the seeds of wisdom so that they take root deep in the heart. It just sprinkles wisdom on the surface, hoping that some of it will take root.
This brings me to my second point, teaching is important for a deep understanding. In order for the wisdom to take root deep in the heart, it must not only be heard and understood, but it must have stronger roots than that which can be torn out by the influences of the world. This is where I think non-Christians are really at a disadvantage.
I was not a Christian for most of my upbringing, however, this has changed in recent years and I thank God that he brought me to such a place where I now have access to the best source of wisdom available, the Holy Scriptures. Since becoming a Christian, I’ve had the opportunity to compare the teachings of the world with the teachings of the Bible and I’m continually amazed at what I see. The Bible provides a complete way of looking at the world. It touches every important aspect of life. It has the power to effect our deepest thoughts and desires and influence our every action and emotion. So often, I look at the self help, inspirational teachings the world offers and they are like a theater stage prop, which appears real on the outside, but empty and meaningless on the inside. And usually the scope of their effect is so limited and varied. You have self help manuals of every flavor coming out every year. But it’s no wonder they don’t take root in people’s lives. They don’t have the life changing power found in Scripture and they simply cannot compete with the wisdom derived from God, the all powerful and all knowing creator of the universe.
Sometimes Christians have been labeled Bible thumpers, as they use Scripture like a blunt instrument to wack people over the head in every circumstance. Although Scripture is good for reproof and correcting others, the example we have in Jesus is not of a person who went around correcting people with Old Testament versus in every conversation. But even the Bible thumpers have illustrated a very good practice of the Christian life. Scripture is memorized, meditated upon and repeated throughout life. It’s as if Christians are going to the gym to exercise those same muscles and resist the opposing pressures of the world and in doing so, the spiritual muscles of the Christian grow stronger and more mature. In our world, people who are serious about getting physically strong have physical trainers who point out the errors in technique, tailor the workout to the individual and encourage the athlete on a frequent basis. For the Christian, life is filled with teachers and preachers who devote themselves to the Christian in the same manner. Someone might say, “I’ve seen those television evangelists and I know the local church pastor, if they were physical trainers, I would be better off making my own workout.” There may be a lot of truth in that. In fact, many of the teachers I respect have voice their concerns on the decline of teaching, preaching in the churches in America . But I would encourage each person to find those teachers and preachers that are excellent. Commitment yourselves to learn all you can from them. Read their books, listen to their sermons, and also listen for their recommendations on other preachers and reading material. Looks for preachers and teachers that are accurate and faithful in their interpretation of Scripture. I have a handful of teachers and preachers that are not only accurate in their interpretation of Scripture, but tailor the application of Scripture to the individual, and encourage the Christian to follow the teaching. Click Here to see a list I’ve compiled for your reference.
Many people out there hate the thought of going to the gym, so perhaps illustrating Christian disciplines as physical training can sound unattractive and tedious. But the chief end of all this isn’t simply to stand on moral high ground. The Westminster Shorter Catechism says it well in question #1, “What is the chief end of man?”. “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” All the worldly ways ultimately reduce the amount of glory we are giving to God and the amount of enjoyment that we have in Him. The disciplines are not at all a way of reducing enjoyment in life, that is a lie that the world tries to sell you. Don’t buy it! What in this world can equal the wonder and majesty of the creator of the universe? Through Christian disciplines, the Christian is not only better equipped to resist the pressures of the world, but he is also better equipped to glorify and enjoy God. I have tried all that the world has to offer, material wealth, financial success, indulgent partying, doing as I please, and more. Nothing compares to the complete package for human fulfillment that God offers through Christ. And no wonder that God offers such a fullfiling life through Jesus Christ. Who would know better at how to satisfy man, than the one who knows all? No religion can compete with the God’s offer of salvation and sanctification for the human soul through Jesus Christ. If you are someone who wants to know more about this salvation through Christ, please feel free to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
My third and final point, is that we must be realistic about our own righteousness. Earlier I talked about how a person would try to avoid being labeled a hypocrite by not preaching about ideals and morality and not engaging in the seemingly hypocritical Christian life. But in doing so, the person has set up for himself a system of self-righteousness that is ultimately going to fail. This personal system of self-righteousness not only ignores God’s standard, but challenges God’s system. Any man made system is certainly going to prove less stable, less fulfilling and less fruitful. After all, how can man compete with God? In the final analysis, we are all fallible humans who are in desperate need of God to provide direction for our lives. And sometimes we even fail at discovering what direction God wants for our lives. Fortunately, God has provided Scripture, the local Church and a wealth of wisdom from preachers and teachers throughout the ages. It is wise to treasure and make use of these gifts from God.
Christianity,Sunday, April 08, 2007
I mostly think of celebration when I think of Easter. Christ is Risen! In contrast to the solemn good Friday where people often wear black and think about the death of Christ. Easter is commonly a day of celebration and joy and rightly so for those that believe in His death and resurrection. I found a sermon by Charles Spurgeon where he talks about feeling rest on this Easter day. I think it’s very comforting. Here’s an exerpt. I also included the entire sermon for you if you are compelled to read it all.
To have a part in the resurrection of Christ is to enjoy that Sabbath which remaineth for the people of God. We who have believed in the risen Lord do enter into rest, even as he also himself is resting at the right hand of the Father. In him we rest because his work is finished, his resurrection being the pledge that he has perfected all that is needful for the salvation of his people, and we are complete in him. I trust this morning that some restful thoughts may, by the power of the Holy Spirit, be sown in the minds of believers
Spurgeon, C. H.
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Christianity,Tuesday, March 13, 2007
We started attending an excellent class on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood at West Hills. The course aims to teach the biblical view on the roles of man and woman. It’s funny that shortly before West Hills offered this class, Jenn and I were already studying about parenting and our roles. We were reading through journal entries from the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, scripture and other authors like James Boice and John Macarthur. This class comes at a perfect time for our family that’s going to soon be Jenn, Matthew, Claire and I. We want to make sure that we learn all we can from scripture and the wisdom of other Christians about God’s plan for our family. I want to know how to be a good father and husband and Jenn wants to know how to be a good wife and mother.
One of the topics we covered introduces the biblical concept of complentarian roles between man and women. This means that man and woman are equal in value but diverse in their roles. What is this diversity in roles? Part of it is related to authority.
But I want you to understand that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of a woman, and God is the head of Christ. (Cor 11:3)
It is amazing to note how Jesus perfectly submitted to God in everything he did through his entire life. Wow! This verse also relates God’s authority over Jesus in the same way that man is to be in authority over woman. However, this authority is not based on our superiority. Consider that although Jesus submitted to God the Father, Jesus continue to remain an equal member of the Trinity. John MacArthur has an excellent section of his Expository Commentaries that dispels some misconceptions about male authority.
God established the principle of male authority and female subordination for the purpose of order and complementation, not on the basis of any innate superiority of males. An employee may be more intelligent and more skilled than his boss, but a company cannot be run without submission to proper authority, even if some of those in authority are not as capable as they ought to be. Elders and deacons are to be chosen from among the most spiritual men of the congregation, but there may be other men in the church who are even more spiritual. Yet, for the very reason that they are spiritual, those who are not in positions of leadership will submit to those who are.
A church may have some women who are better Bible students, better theologians, and better speakers than any of the men, including the pastor. But if those women are obedient to God?s order they will submit to male leadership and will not try to usurp it?simply because that is God?s design. A wife may be better educated, better taught in Scripture, and more spiritually mature than her husband. But because she is spiritual, she will willingly submit to him as head of the family.
MacArthur, J. (1996, c1984). 1 Corinthians. Includes indexes. (251). Chicago: Moody Press
The Biblical Manhood and Womanhood class continues for 5 more weeks. I will continue to post thoughts and updates as we progress through the class.
Christianity,Friday, February 23, 2007
I visited the American Humanist Association website to find out how humanists define themselves. Here’s an interesting part of their definition.
Free of supernaturalism, it recognizes human beings as a part of nature and holds that values?be they religious, ethical, social, or political?have their source in human experience and culture. Humanism thus derives the goals of life from human need and interest rather than from theological or ideological abstractions, and asserts that humanity must take responsibility for its own destiny.
Sounds good, except that it depends on humans to come up with the standards. From a Christian perspective any attempt by fallen humans to create their own standards is likely to fall far short of God’s standards. This is clearly evident today.
Marriages are falling apart because men and women want to please themselves more than they want to love and serve their partner. Families are falling apart because both parents want to live all they can be in their careers and leave society to raise their children. Abortions are killing babies by the thousands because men and women want to fulfill their sexual desires outside marriage and don’t want to interrupt their life with children. Sex and violence becoming more graphic in our media as people are no longer satisfied with wholesome entertainment, but would rather indulge their senses. Global warming is destroying the earth because of our rapid culture of consumption and progress. Industrialization satisfies our material desires at the expense of the planet. Obesity and heart disease is at a peak because we have evolved to such a high level of conveniences that we can just sit around, suck in the corn syrup, and enjoy every minute of it.
Of course, humanism doesn’t outright state that this is where it leads, but it’s inevitable that men will become more like animals when they stop looking towards God and instead look towards themselves and nature for the answers. James Boice has a very insightful analysis of humanism and where it leads.
Although man is a mediating being, created to be somewhere between the angels and the animals, in Psalm 8 he is nevertheless described as being somewhat lower than the angels rather than as being somewhat higher than the beasts, which means that he is destined to look not downward to the beasts, but upward to the angels and beyond them to God and so to become increasingly like him. But if we will not look up, if we reject God, as secularism does, then we will inevitably look downward and so become increasingly like the lower creatures and behave like them. We will become beastlike, which is exactly what is happening in our society. People are acting like animals, and even worse.
Over the last few decades I have noticed that our culture is tending to justify bad human behavior on the ground that we are, after all, just animals. I saw an article in a scientific journal about a certain kind of duck. Two scientists had been observing a family of these ducks, and they reported something in this duck family that they called ?gang rape.? I am sure they did not want to excuse this crime among humans by the comparison they were making, but they were suggesting that gang rape among humans is at least understandable given our animal ancestry. The inference comes from the evolutionary, naturalistic worldview they espoused.
A story of a similar nature appeared in the September 6, 1982, issue of Newsweek magazine. It was accompanied by a picture of an adult baboon holding a dead infant baboon, and over this there was a headline that read: ?Biologists Say Infanticide Is as Normal as the Sex Drive?And That Most Animals, Including Man, Practice It.? The title is as revealing in its way as Carl Sagan?s ?The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.? It identifies man as an animal, and it justifies his behavior on the basis of that identification. The sequence of thought goes like this: (1) Man is an animal, (2) Animals kill their offspring, (3) Therefore, it is all right (or at least understandable) that human beings kill their offspring.
The argument is fallacious, of course. Most animals do not kill their offspring. They protect their young and care for them. But even if in a few instances some animals do kill their offspring, this is still not comparable to the crimes of which human beings are capable. In the United States alone we kill over one and a half million babies each year by abortion?usually just for the convenience of the mother.?6? And the number of outright murders is soaring.
For more crazy humanist quotes, read on.
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