High School Memories

From time to time I like to pause the theological stuff for reflections down memory lane. For the first time in a long time I thought about my high school graduation. Now this could have been due to the fact that I was fortunate to recognize some young people who are graduating in our church in a week. But its been about 13 years since I graduated high school and I never really thought back about it too much. High school was an awkward period for alot of people but it was definitely for me. I wasn't a believer at this time in my life and was searching for my place in my school. I just wanted to fit in. 9th grade is always the strangest because your in a new school, you no longer are cool and your trying to find a group to fit in with. I managed to pursue my love for music by doing several music classes. If the gift of music wasn't a part of my life who knows where I would have ended up. I put all of my energy into the musical groups I was a part of. Though parts of high school still haunt me (those clothes and hair), its a period of time that I grew as a person. Graduating from high school became a transition into the real world (and the high cost of college). In a week thousands of high schoolers will be graduating with dreams of college, or a tech school of some sort and saying goodbye to old buildings with funny lunch ladies, and smelly bathrooms with no toilet paper and broken sinks, principals who come onto the intercom to announce something of absolutely no importance, to fat security guards who if you ran .00003 of a mile from them they'd die, to vending machines that worked until that kid who decided to bust it open with his foot destroyed your chance of ever eating from them again, to goofy hairstyles, corny dances, stonewashed jeans, football games where you win the homecoming game 62-7, then lose every single game of the season, to yearbooks that you wish were burned up in a blazing inferno. But there are also some of the good things like putting whole bag of M&M's into a persons engine, your best friend getting puked on by a homeless man while waiting in line at the movie theater, to taking your senior pictures in your work clothes (I worked at Food Lion back when they had to wear a blue/green apron+nametag), to spending 6 hours at your friends house trying to break the 5 inch thick ice on his pond, to getting your shirt ripped off because it was caught in a tire from a moving car, to pelvic thrusting your band teacher during the school's very public Christmas concert dressed in a Santa Suit, to mispelling jipped (I spelling jiped) on a blackboard then getting in trouble for it and spending 6 hours in the teachers office, to telling your English teacher (when she incorrectly throws you out of class thinking you were talking--when you WERE NOT!) that your going to burn her house down with kerosene, and last but not least realizing that everything is going to change in your life. College graduation is very similar, but thats a diffrent memory for now.

Be Blessed

Longing for Pandora??

A blockbuster movie came out last year called Avatar. It was directed by James Cameron (director of the Titanic) and was a movie he had been thinking about make for quite some time. This movie beat all the records set previous for highest grossing movie, merchandising, etc... Basically it made ALOT of money. If you havent seen the film the premise is described here:

"A place set in the future when the Earth's resources have been pillaged by the human race. A greedy corporation is trying to mine from the planet Pandora, which is inhabited by a peace-loving race of 10-foot tall, blue-skinned natives called the Na'vi.

In their race to mine for Pandora's resources, the humans clash with the Na'vi, leading to casualties on both sides. The world of Pandora is reminiscent of a prehistoric fantasyland, filled with dinosaur-like creatures mixed with the kinds of fauna you may find in the deep reaches of the ocean. Compared with life on Earth, Pandora is a beautiful, glowing utopia.

I found an article about Avatar on CNN from January 2010, describing the fact that there were people so entranced by the beauty of the place called "Pandora", people were actually becoming depressed or suicidal.

One person wrote:
"One can say my depression was twofold: I was depressed because I really wanted to live in Pandora, which seemed like such a perfect place, but I was also depressed and disgusted with the sight of our world, what we have done to Earth. I so much wanted to escape reality,"

The want and need to go to Pandora is described by one of the actors:
"Pandora is a pristine world and there is the synergy between all of the creatures of the planet and I think that strikes a deep chord within people that has a wishfulness and a wistfulness to it,"

These people were longing for a place of peace, a place of love, a place where people lived in harmony forever. Funny thing is when I read this article I realized that these people CAN HAVE this very type of place: the kingdom of God. For what the kingdom of God actually is read my other post.
God's people in a similar way (the whole creation and its inhabitants) groan and long for when God (Romans 8:22-23) will refine the earth and combine heaven and earth together and unite Himself with His people!

These people are longing for a place on a movie screen, while there is a God who longs for them to know who He is so that they can live lives dedicated to Him--- living eternally with Himself in a perfect utopia!!!

Listen to this description:
"I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Rev. 21:1-3

How amazing is that?? God Himself will be with his people, no more death, tears, mourning or pain. Check these additional descriptions out:

"...and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.
Rev. 21:10-11

"I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. "
Rev. 21:22-23

Wow, Pandora has nothing on the kingdom of God manifested like this. I can only imagine what John felt at those moments as this was all being revealed to him. Its exciting to simply read this knowing that as followers/believers in Christ, when our King returns to bring all things together---we will be there. Celebrating, rejoicing at His brilliance, His majesty, His glory--in a world that is perfect, pristine, harmonious, and better than any representation that movies TRY to imitate. Pandora in no way compares to the glory of the kingdom!

I pray that these people will hear the gospel message. The good news that we have in Christ so that they will have a past joy (Christ' death on the cross for forgiveness of sins) and a future joy ( Christ' return). If your a believer already then let this be an encouragement for whatever your going through: a bad job, bad friends, bad day,---that in the midst of this, "we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ..." (Titus 2:13)

So as the apostle John says in Rev. 22:21-"...Amen, Come Lord Jesus."

Be blessed!

Christians and Government (or church and politics) part 4

I recently found this video of John Piper (Q&A) discussing church and politics and found it to be refreshing--especially 2:38-3:05. It goes along with what we have been discussing in the earlier blogs. Check it out here
Be Blessed

Justification: what does this really mean?

Justification. This is a loaded word. A word that for Christians has seemed to put more of what "we" want it to mean rather than what its original meaning entailed. The debate came to a head during the reformation when Martin Luther said that one was justified (declared righteous) by faith and only by faith. The Catholic church didn't like that much to the point where they wrote in the Council of Trent...that the"main object was the definitive determination of the doctrines of the Church in answer to the heresies of the Protestants..."(This taken directly from Catholic Encyclopedia). Justification is also coming under attack from within the Protestant group from people like James Dunn, N.T. Wright and J.P Sanders. (**Hence why it is important for those buying commentaries to know where that person stands in their viewpoints in justification.) I wrote about the importance of justification by faith alone already in an earlier blog so I will not dive into it here. What I want to do is provide you with a comprehensive biblical explanation of what justification is and how important it is.

BUt a question that should be asked in order for us to appreciate the magnitude of justification is:
How can sinful man be right in the eyes of a holy God?
Answer: justification

So then what is justification?
The word justification or to justify appears in the New Testament several times
(Romans 3:24, 3:30, 4:1, 4:25, 5:1, 5:16-18, 8:30, 10:10, Galatians 2:16-18, 3:8, 3:11, 3:24, 5:4; Acts 13:39; 1 Corinthians 6:11; and Titus 3:7--the list is endless but this covers a majority)

Justified is from the Greek word dikaioo (dik-ah-ya-oo) which means to render righteous or to declare, to pronounce, one to be just, righteous.
(Note:Justification (dikaioma) is just a derivative of dikaioo.

Its primary definition is an act of someone being made into a right relationship with God. The term was used in a legal sense--in a court room where one was legally declared righteous. So our legal status changes from "children of wrath" to righteous. (Note it doesn't MAKE you righteous just as someone who is pronounced not guilty is a perfect loving human being.)

For example:
Romans 3:24-"[we]...are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
Notice we are declared (in the legal sense of a judge declaring us guilty or not guilt) righteous---Therefore God declares those righteous, they are not made righteous by any work or merit but rather declared from an outside source:--HIS grace, HIS redemption through CHrist Jesus!!

Heres another:

Romans 8:30--"And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified."
Again Paul contextually here is speaking of the preservation of the election or elect (8:28-30) (I'm not going to focus on this debate for now) and God's sovereignty within it. But he uses the term again--those he declared righteous, made in right standing before God.

Justification or to be justified can also mean to be liberated or freed. An example of this is in Acts 13:39:
"and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could be freed by the law of Moses."

Paul is giving a speech to those in Antioch in Pisidia, about the gospel, JEsus Christ and their need for redemption. He argues using the Old Testament as his basis for Jesus as Messiah. Appealing through the prophets (13:20), the judges (13:20), the 2nd Psalm (13:33-34) and David (13:35-36) as examples of those who came, and died yet spoke of the good news coming. Where as Jesus did not death, nor corruption--rather the forgiveness of sins comes through this man--and everyone who believes is freed (dikaioo).

We are not only declared righteous but liberated from the bounds of sin. Freed from "everything that the law of Moses..." could not free us from.

We know that justification is a one-time only act (not to be confused with sanctification --the progress towards becoming more holy)

We know justification is of no work on our own (faith alone)

So what?
KNowing this great doctrine has taken place in the hearts of believers, a right relation with a holy God, vindicated from the complete and total enslavement to sin, by the grace and mercy of our great God should do something to us.

It should remind us that we are worth something. (this is esp. handy when we fall and feel like complete failures)

It should move us to action. Meaning that the works we perform are out of this change in our legal standing, NOT to gain God's favor (Eph. 2:8; Titus 2:14-16)

There is such great joy in the doctrine of justification. Even now as I write it excites me to know that this simple yet complex doctrine not only makes my relationship with God right (from wrath to righteousness-Eph. 2:2,5,8) but vindicates me from the sin that would have executed the wrath of God upon me.

Be Blessed

N.T. Wright Article

I was searching around and found a very interesting article by Time magazine with the theologian N.T. Wright. N.T. Wright is a brilliant theologian and has written several books in many different areas of theology. There are some key theological points that I do not agree with Wright and are very damaging to the gospel (read his book Justification on his argument with John Piper over its meaning, and origin) but I would not say he is a heretic. Its on a subject I think that we take for granted as Christians: heaven. So on that I posted this so that you could read the article and give me some feedback as to what you think. Don't be afraid---leave feedback below.



Article link:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1710844,00.html?iid=sphere-inline-sidebar

Christians and Government part 3

Due to illness I have been very behind in getting to this so apologize. I have been writing a series on the role of believers and their government. In mind I have the United States (as this is where I live) but this applies to all governments and all people around the world. Our third passage for today is 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

1 Tim. 2:1-2:
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."

Paul contextually has just instructed Timothy (a leader in the Ephesian church) to keep leading keep holding to sound doctrine while there are some who have fallen away: Alexander and Hymenaues.
He shifts his thoughts to focus on a topic all too familiar:
"
I urge".........To urge means to push, or drive; press or insist. Paul here is setting what his mood is toward the subject...He insists on what he is about to ask of Timothy and the congregation and us.
What does Paul insist or push?
"that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone... [specifically] for kings, and those in authority..."

requests-The requests are interesting as Paul indicates linguistically and contextually that requests, prayers and intercession is made with thanksgiving. We don't make requests to God to destroy this administration or government. We do these 4 things out of a thanksgiving for Christ for what HE has established.

prayers-We are called to pray. Prayer was important aspect to Paul. Constantly he prayed and gave thanks for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 1:3:10;2:13-17), the Colossians (1:3-12) and Philppians (1:3-12). And the list goes on. We know that prayer is effective, we know that it is necessary so then why do we spend more energy complaining than praying?

intercession-we intercede (meaning we do something on behalf of someone) here Paul could be referring back to prayer---we pray on behalf of those in authority

thanksgiving-not be cynical, not grumbling and complaining, not wishing that Bush was back in office, not saying that Obama is Hitler, or hating the police in your county, or the judge that gave you probabtion for YOUR 3rd speeding ticket. Rather being thankful, that should be your attitude, action and mindset toward the governing authority. No if, and or but.

Paul stipulates that this is for everyone ( or all kinds of people--including all kinds of civil authority)

Paul illustrates that we are required to do these things for the "king, and those in authority..." He may be referring with king to the highest possessor of power, whomever that may be. But makes clear "those (any of those) who are in authority". This falls back on what Paul and Peter said about created order (divinely instituted)...which bears itself from a God who enjoys created order not blind chaos.

*George Knight (in his excellent exegetical Greek commentary) says that "the authorities are singled out because of Paul's concern for God' ordained order in society." (He cites Romans 13:1-7).

How then should we live under the governing authority?
"that WE may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior..."

We must live lives: peacefully and quietly. This doesn't mean a sheltered---Paul didnt live a sheltered life but respected all civil authority. What Paul is saying (Knight introduces beautifully) is our ultimate goal is to live lives of godliness (reverence/respect) and holiness (to live set apart). That our lives would reflect Christ, so that maybe even the civil authorities would take notice. To pray with thanksgiving for those in authority, while our role is to live live for Christ and respect their authority and submit to it, that is our ultimate goal.

This is NOT the mindset that the news media portrays. This is not what "Christian" senators, governors, and those you elected because they are more Christian than someone else are doing. Its fight, pressure, take down, eliminate, slander, gossip....is this the message that we want to send to the world as believers?

We will continue with another passage in Part 4 of this series...
Be Blessed

A biblical view on Christians and Government: part 2

Previously I wrote about the role of people (specifically believers) and how we should respond to the government. I wanted to not just give my personal opinion on what I think of the current administration (as this is NOT a political blog) but rather see what Scripture says our response should be to all forms of government and leadership in the United States. I began with one of the most well known verses of the Bible: Romans 13:1-7, there we are reminded that our role is to submit to the governing authorities (no matter what form of government: democracy, totalitarian, etc...) as it was instituted by God. Now we will look at another passage in the book of 1 Peter:

1 Peter 2:13-17:
"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king."

Vs. 13-14:
The context of this passage is that Peter just finishing giving a wonderful illustration to this community that they are the people of God, "a chosen people, a royal priesthood..." Then they are given an exhortation to live their lives for Christ so much the pagans have to stop and give thanks to God. Finally he switches topics to secular or civil authorities:

"Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.

Submit yourselves....
There is the command not option (for lingustic meaning read previous blog) just like Paul's opening in Romans 13:1, we are called by both apostles to be subject to the ruling authority. Notice it doesn't say what KIND of authority, just whatever authority you are being ruled under. Remember that Peter was under the reign of Nero (an oppressive and not very democratic!!). Also notice that Peter says that we should submit to every authority that is "instituted among men" making the Roman government a legitimate authority. Some would say this doesnt line up with what Paul is saying in Romans 13. I beg to differ. Paul says that every authority is instituted by God, it is divine ordered by Him. Peter is saying that the authority that is instituted among men must be submitted to---Paul addresses where the authority derives from: God, while Peter reinforces our submission to the law regardless of who makes it: among men.

Now we get to the part that Romans 13 and 1 Peter 2 are very similar: First Peter recognizes like Paul that no matter who is in power they are sent by God (God's servants in Romans 13): they are divinely sent. Second that they are sent to create order not chaos by enacting laws, and punishing those who break them (Romans 13:6-7).

(vs. 14) --For whose sake should we submit to these authorities..."for the Lord's sake [submit yourselves] to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right."

Notice that Peter covers that no matter what kind, and no matter WHO is in power you are called to respect, and be subject to. But Peter also states the exact same thought as Paul in regards to the purpose--who are sent by Him. We do for Christ, to obey Him, and recognize that no matter who is in power we submit willingly.

Vs. 15-17:
"For it is God's will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

FInally Peter instructs his people that it is God's desire, His will, that they must act in accordance to the laws--that by doing good", that by living this gospel life out, obeying the law, and government no one should be able to call them out. Then he exhorts not to abuse their freedoms but live as servants of Christ. Notice the final line: I want you to: show respect to everyone---the brotherhood of believers (church), fear God (our Shepherd) and HONOR the king. Honor means to hold in high respect. Peter says hold in high respect the king.

So what?
Yes I resurrected my old religion professors saying of why did we go through all this information:

1 Peter 2:13-16 illustrates for us:

1. We must submit to any secular or civil authority instituted over us for Christ' sake.
(This is not an option--those hate government groups, or people who do not want to follow the authority must examine their hearts and read God's Word to evaluate as this position is a clear violation of His Word.)

2. All rulers and forms of government must be submitted to.
(It never indicates in Scripture that we should follow only democratic governments--in fact all the writers wrote under an oppressive Roman government)

3. All civil authorities are sent by God.
(Again like Paul Peter recognizes that God is sovereign and is in control of all things---it is a divine decreed institution)

4. Your role should be to obey, follow and HONOR the governing authority no matter who they are.
(Here is our role and response to the government: to obey (submit) and to honor and respect them. Their job is punish evil)

**I am doing this to illustrate that how we have acted towards our leaders, and governments are wrong. The way Fox News, and other tv news stations have slandered and abuse the right of freedom of speaking is not in line with Scripture. Our opinions are important but they must flow from an out growth of our relationship with Christ and His Word.

Tomorrow I will examine a passage that focuses purely on our role in regards to our government: 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Be Blessed