Word of Truth

Recently, I have been involved in several discussions involving Scripture and its take on practical aspects of living. Perhaps the biggest of these discussions have been about marriage. Primarily, what marries people, a covenant or sex. Most of us involved agreed that it is a covenant, however there was some dissension, as someone used Deuteronomy 22:28 as reason that sex makes people married. Now if you are looking that passage up, in most versions/translations of Scripture you find that it deals with rape. However, in the Living translations it simply says intercourse which completely changes the context of the passage and what it means.  Which is what led to all of these discussions. Now I mention all of this, because I find that it is important to be as accurate to Scripture as possible. 

In 2 Timothy 2:15 we are told to “correctly handle the word of truth” or as KJV reads, “rightly dividing the word of truth.”  I found that this seems to be more difficult when as Bible believing Christians, reading scripture, we can find major variances within the English text. I am aware that there are some variations due to variants found within the Greek text. However, that does not explain the above example. The issue with the above example really falls into what is called a method of translation. Christianity Today, September 2011, had an article call “Battle for the Bible Translation.” In it they discussed two major methods, formal equivalence and functional equivalence. Formal is about being as much of literal word to word translation while functional is about trying to get the main thought of a passage out. I think that both of these need to be found in a good translation for readers to understand. However, many translations choose one over the other which means we must work ourselves to understand what scripture is saying.  

So what does that mean for us, those who are reading Scripture daily? First, I would encourage all to continue reading Scripture. Next I would ask that as you read, you read a variety of translations. This will help move you from being just a reader of the Word to a student of the Word. This will enrich your Bible reading, as well as help you better understand your positions on issues and theology. We are commanded to “correctly hand the word of truth” let us do that with an understanding that we do so, to glorify God, and proclaim his truth to others. 

Passing Breeze

I like to eat, anyone who knows me knows that. Lately though I have been following in my wife’s style of cravings. Sweet followed by salty or vice versa. It seems a really little deal, but I can for an hour just debating with myself which one I want more for first.  This led to me to start thinking about how I am with other areas. Like somedays I really love to watch comedies, other days action, and thats all I want on those days. There are other times, where I have grown to like things that I did not like earlier in my life (can anyone say peas?). There are also things that I used to like but no longer like such as Simpsons, great when I was a child, not so great now. I changed.  

I found this funny when I think that I am only on the younger side of my 30’s and I have changed my mind that much. It makes me thankful that I serve a God who is slow to act. He is steadfast and strong. He is faithful. Today, I found a verse that spoke to how we are compared to God. “He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that do not return.” Psalm 78:39.  Our whims and desires can change in a minute. How great is it that we have a God who does not change? Could you imagine a God who changed? If he promised peace one minute and cried for war the next? It almost sound like the myths of old. Yet, we know our Lord is merciful, and is faithful to us. Please take time today to think of how the Lord has be faithful in your life, and praise him for his faithfulness.

Law and Grace

On of my favorite stories, in just about any form, is Les Miserables.  Recently, I was watching the 25^th Anniversary Concert on DVD with my wife. As I was watching it and telling my wife what was happening during some of the songs, I noticed a major theme emerge among the two starting characters. That theme was law and grace.

One character represented The Law and was unrelenting, punishing without mercy. That is the problem with the Law, no one can keep all parts of the Law all the time. We may keep away from violating the major laws, Not killing, not committing adultery, but what about the other ones? How many of us have wanted what a neighbor had? How many times we desire a better car, bigger house? How about telling that little white lie? Isn’t that bearing false witness? What about the fact that the Law should be deeper into our hearts, if we follow Jesus’ logic? He points out that it is not just do not murder, but do not be angry.  See, it is impossible to follow the Law perfectly, therefore, the Law condemns without mercy. Paul tells us that in Galatians 3:10 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.”

On the other hand, another character represented Grace and offered protection, hope, mercy. Throughout the story, this character grew from being an outcast who hated a world that hated him to becoming one cared. Grace refused opportunity to become selfish, seek revenge, or break his promise. I know that given the two choices, I would rather have grace on my side than Law. Luckily, I know that we live in an age of Grace. Paul also tells us further on in Galatians 3, “Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.” Funny isn’t that Grace, looks a lot like love according the Scriptures? 

The best part about this is that everyday we have a choice of what kind of people we are going to be. Are we going to live pushing the Law, saying that all must obey? Understandably, there are certain things we should not let slide, but must we have the attitude that is unrelenting, without mercy, and full of judgment? Or, do we act like a person full of Grace? Understanding what is going one, giving mercy as needed, and not always seeking revenge? I used we because all of us collectively make these choices, but most important is what choice do you make.

Relativity

We live in a culture of relativity. We want to be so tolerant to everyone else’s beliefs that as a society we crossed out absolutes. We find ourselves in a society where history is being revised to meet current expectations.  The biggest example of this, at least from my perspective, is the eradicating of the origin of “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Today that has turned into this concept “separation of Church and State” and is used to remove religion from society. Just take time and Google “removal of 10 Commandments” for examples of how this is happening.

So why is that important, to us. To understand the problem with relativity? Well, the biggest problem with relativity is that it falls to man’s understanding. Scripture tells us that “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, and whose heart turns away from the LORD. He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come.” (Jer. 17:5-6a.) You see, that when one follows man’s own understanding there is a curse. No good comes out of it, just like mans wisdom when it comes to saying we have to be tolerant of all beliefs and cultures, This tolerance will eventually lead to ruin, for no good can come from destroying the absolutes. 

But there is hope. God tells us more in his word,“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water,that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” (Jer. 17:7-8) 

I urge and pray that as a Christians we can remember that we need to trust in the Lord. We don’t need to follow the worlds wisdom. However, we must trust the Lord and let our roots grow. That means teaching our children, grandchildren, and everyone else that we can. 

With this in mind, I have three questions for you.

What are your putting your trust in? 

Who is it in your life that you can reach with the gospel?

How can you help change the world?

Praying

Pray without ceasing. You know the times I find that I do the most constant prayer is during my commute to the office. It is usually a frustrating drive, with people constantly forgetting about things like turn signals or randomly hitting their brakes on the highway. I have found that I get by easier when I am constantly praying. I pray for things like safety, protection, praise that no one is getting hurt. Some times, I even pray for justice, or prevention, when I see someone speeding, weaving in and out of traffic. But the point is that it seems so easy to pray while I am driving because of the stress. 

It also seems so easy to pray when I am in times of trouble. When jobs are lost, families are broken, arguments occur. I find that is when I hit the floor on my knees and pray. But  what about when things are well. When nothing is going on? I have found that to be when I have to force myself to pray. I actually set aside specific time just for prayer. Why is it so much harder to just praise God for all the good things? I cannot help but think that it is because when things are going good in our life, we start to forget how much we need him. 

Paul teaches that: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17).

I ask that we remember that we need to pray not just when we need something from God, but also to remember that he is our Lord and deserves our praises for all things. 

What is Love?

Love is a wonderful word. It is permeated in our society. The vast majority of music, poetry, stories, and art are based in the theme of love. In pop music we find all types of love situations. One can be “all out of love” or for some “all you need is love.” Love can even be “more than a feeling.” It is something that we all crave. We all desire to be loved. That is why little girls dream of princes and princesses, there is a simple theme of love overcoming in those fairytales. Yet, when you listen to most of the songs and read the stories, this love is very shallow. There is no depth to it. Even Christians today, seem to turn love into a simple slogan “love wins” which is popular to see on the backs of cars where I live. 

But is this really all love is, a simple feeling, that can be changed depending on the day? I don’t think so. Love seems to be something deeper. Something that endures, that last.  After all, scripture says, “ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

So than what is love? The Bible says this about a man without love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3: If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. (Message)

Earlier this year, I was able to celebrate an important milestone in my life. I was able to celebrate ten years of marriage with my wife. We marked this wonderful time by renewing our vows. I realized during this time just how lucky of a man I was. I was able to declare twice to my friends and family, that I love my wife. From my marriage, I have realize that love is not just this grand feeling. It is not a slogan. Sometimes love hurts, yet it endures. In ten years, my marriage has been great, soaring among the clouds, and at other times, not so much. Just like life, sometimes the ride is fun, and other times the ride is work. Even so, when I looked into my wife’s eyes during our renewal, I knew I loved her more than I could ever describe. It was at this moment, I realized that I am richer than I could ever guess. Yes, love is wonderful. 

So I ask you, where are you at. Have you been living a life that is rich, full of love? Or, are you living a life where you seem to be doing everything, yet  seem empty?

Who am I,

One of the best broadway shows out there is Les Miserables (yes I know, it is also a really good book). The star of this show is Jean Valjean who is an ex-convict during the mid-1800 in France. It chronicles his struggles of being “saved” on the run while trying to live a life doing the most good to others. The co-star is Javert. He is a policeman who grew up inside a jail. His parents were convicts, and he lived a life that put all the rewards on the things that he did. He lived to the letter of the law thinking that made him better than others. Javert eventually has a confrontation with Valjean over the care of another person (well several but this is the last one of the story). At this point Javert see that this convict cared more about others and life, and was more Godly, than Javert was. This sent Javert into a state of shock that he could not escape. 

This story often comes to my mind when I read Philippians 3:2-11. Paul talks about those who hold the Law above salvation. Paul speaks that there are those who will boast about what they have done, and how well they have kept the law. Paul tells them in verses 4-6 Paul talks about all of his accomplishments, showing how much he could boast. If one wanted to compare merits alone, Paul shows that he wins. Paul was so much a zealot that he murdered Christians prior to his conversion. Paul kept the Law. But, that is not the whole story. Paul goes on in the rest of this section to talk about how it was all nothing. To Paul all of his works were rubbish compared to the salvation of Grace that is found in Christ. Paul understood the key, it is not what one does, but why one does it that matters. It all came down the heart. That is the key. 

Today there are many schools of thought when it comes to how one works out their faith. But the question is are you doing things because you feel you should because it looks good for you. Or, are you doing things out of a loving heart in response to your salvation with Christ. To put it another way, two people each give a homeless family 1000 dollars. The first does it so they can write it off on taxes, and it makes them feel good. The second one may still write it off on taxes, but they do it because the see the family in need as precious to Christ. Both families did a good deed, but only one did it out of a proper response to God’s love. I ask you today, are you living for self, doing things to say I did this, living the letter of the law? Or, are you living for Christ, counting nothing for gain, but eager to serve? This is a hard way to live, but I know that for myself, I would rather have nothing and have Christ call me a good and faithful servant, than be adored by others and have it all, only to have Christ be ashamed of me in the end.