Reign in us - Starfield
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Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My Thoughts. Show all posts
A Song That Speaks To Me: All I Have Is Christ
ALL I HAVE IS CHRIST
I once was lost in darkest night
Yet thought I knew the way
The sin that promised joy and life
Had led me to the grave
I had no hope that You would own
A rebel to Your will
And if You had not loved me first
I would refuse You still
But as I ran my hell-bound race
Indifferent to the cost
You looked upon my helpless state
And led me to the cross
And I beheld God’s love displayed
You suffered in my place
You bore the wrath reserved for me
Now all I know is grace
Hallelujah! All I have is Christ
Hallelujah! Jesus is my life
Now, Lord, I would be Yours alone
And live so all might see
The strength to follow Your commands
Could never come from me
Oh Father, use my ransomed life
In any way You choose
And let my song forever be
My only boast is You
© 2008 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI), by Jordan Kauflin
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Quote of the Day by Neil Gaiman
"I've made a list of the things they don't teach you at school. They don't teach you how to love somebody. They don't teach you how to be famous. They don't teach you how to be rich or how to be poor. They don't teach you how to walk away from someone you don't love any longer. They don't teach you how to know what's going on in someone else's mind. They don't teach you what to say to someone who's dying. They don't teach you anything worth knowing." -Neil Gaiman Top Stories
How should Christians react to Haiti's recient Earthquake?
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Eph 2:10
Recently, I was disappointed to find that some Christians were telling others that "the earthquake in Haiti was God's judgment on the Haitians for making a pat with Satan." Whether or not that statement is true is of no consequence to me, and I will not deal with the historicity of that report. What does concern me however, and what I will deal with in this blog, is how we are to react to such a tragedy. Before I begin on that issue, let me first remind the readers of a story taken out of Luke's account in the Bible (Luke 13:2-4) .
Jesus once told a story about a tower falling on about 18 people in a town called Siloam. After telling the story, he asked the question, "do you think the people who died in the accident are any worse sinners than those who live in Jerusalem?" To which he replied, "No! And unless you (those in Jerusalem) repent, you too will likewise perish." There are many things that could be said on this story, but I only use it as a platform from which I will give an answer to the question the blog asks. Are the people of Haiti more wicked that we in the United States? Well, quite obviously someone may say, "they practice voodoo as their religion, and commit ungodly crimes." Well, have you not read..."all we like sheep have gone astray" and "all have sinned and fallen short of God's glory?" God is no respecter of persons, and he does not choose one sinner over another, based on the sinner. As it is written..."God has mercy on whom he has mercy, and compassion on whom he has compassion."
Any sinner, whether Haitian or American, does not merit God's mercy based on their sin. Again, "all have sinned, and have come under the just judgment of God." Rather - and this must be seen if any humility is to be birthed in us - the evidence of God's mercy on a particular person, is that the person does not sin as much as they could. All persons have certain proclivities to produce great and terrible evils, it is the sovereign God of the universe who curtails, and altogether frustrates our sinful desires. So all that being said, I would have to say that the Haitians sins aren't any worse than ours here in the US (not to mention, we here do some pretty wicked things too!). So why did the earthquake occur in Haiti and not here? My answer is simple: I don't know. I honestly don't know. And, since the Bible doesn't tell me as a Christian why God allows calamity in one place, and prosperity in another, I cannot in truth or sincerity tell you why Haiti is suffering. What I can tell you however, is that Haiti is suffering! I can also tell you why God saves people; the heading gives a hint - "for good works and to bring Glory to the Father."
So all that being said, what are you doing to help people in need, Christian? I know that all aren't able to be there physically, but there are other ways you can help. You can give to the missionaries and other organizations there. Honestly speaking, all help is good help to the Haitian people right now. However, if you are a Christian, there is more at stake here than just being good and moral people. We are not solely a "nice people" who help others when in need. We exist for more. We exist as walking and living reminders - reminders that point to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. There is more at stake here than just physical and temporal needs (that is a need, and I pray you would help in any way you could!). Eternity coming. Jesus' words is still applicable today - "unless you repent, you too would perish in hell." So how are we as Christian people to act?
We are to be a loving and sympathetic people who pray and give! We pray until we've prayed, and until God the All Mighty One hears us, and we give as if it were us in need. More than that, we are to take the good news of the gospel (which incidentally is seen for which it is intended - namely good news, often times in times of great despair) to a people who, just like everyone else, will one day die. Whether we die in an earthquake or in our beds is of little importance. What is important, however, is if we died as sinners who have been reconciled to God via faith in God's sacrifice, Jesus Christ.
If you would like to give to a creditable ministry who has been doing God's work in Haiti for awhile, please send your donations to:
Any sinner, whether Haitian or American, does not merit God's mercy based on their sin. Again, "all have sinned, and have come under the just judgment of God." Rather - and this must be seen if any humility is to be birthed in us - the evidence of God's mercy on a particular person, is that the person does not sin as much as they could. All persons have certain proclivities to produce great and terrible evils, it is the sovereign God of the universe who curtails, and altogether frustrates our sinful desires. So all that being said, I would have to say that the Haitians sins aren't any worse than ours here in the US (not to mention, we here do some pretty wicked things too!). So why did the earthquake occur in Haiti and not here? My answer is simple: I don't know. I honestly don't know. And, since the Bible doesn't tell me as a Christian why God allows calamity in one place, and prosperity in another, I cannot in truth or sincerity tell you why Haiti is suffering. What I can tell you however, is that Haiti is suffering! I can also tell you why God saves people; the heading gives a hint - "for good works and to bring Glory to the Father."
So all that being said, what are you doing to help people in need, Christian? I know that all aren't able to be there physically, but there are other ways you can help. You can give to the missionaries and other organizations there. Honestly speaking, all help is good help to the Haitian people right now. However, if you are a Christian, there is more at stake here than just being good and moral people. We are not solely a "nice people" who help others when in need. We exist for more. We exist as walking and living reminders - reminders that point to the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. There is more at stake here than just physical and temporal needs (that is a need, and I pray you would help in any way you could!). Eternity coming. Jesus' words is still applicable today - "unless you repent, you too would perish in hell." So how are we as Christian people to act?
We are to be a loving and sympathetic people who pray and give! We pray until we've prayed, and until God the All Mighty One hears us, and we give as if it were us in need. More than that, we are to take the good news of the gospel (which incidentally is seen for which it is intended - namely good news, often times in times of great despair) to a people who, just like everyone else, will one day die. Whether we die in an earthquake or in our beds is of little importance. What is important, however, is if we died as sinners who have been reconciled to God via faith in God's sacrifice, Jesus Christ.
If you would like to give to a creditable ministry who has been doing God's work in Haiti for awhile, please send your donations to:
Heritage Baptist Church
3585 Thruston Dermont Rd.
Owensboro, KY 42303
In car of Keith Maddy for Haiti
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Happy New Year 2010
Happy New Year
I remember last year. Sort of. It went so fast! I can remember writing my "happy new year 2009 blog," and now its already 2010. Wow. I only desire one thing. Lord, at any cost, please make me more like Jesus. Only give grace to go through the means you choose, so that I would endure.
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Merry Christmas!!!
Joy To The World - The Lord Is Come!!
It is that time of year again, and I could literally cry! Today we celebrate invasion day - the day in which God incarnated into the world. The Savior came into the world to save sinners. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [the Lord Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him should not die, but have eternal life." Oh thank you God! Make me to thank you more, I desire you!!
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Friends: Your Biggest Problem is that God is Love
I heard a story once. It was a terrible and tregic tail
about the injustice of racism in 1965. You see, there was once this young African American medical student who, while visiting his parents home in Alabama, ran into a problem with some Klu Klux Klan members. Appearently - as the story goes - at a local gas station, some members of the Klan started to make threats at the young man. Undaunted by the numerous and fowl remarks, the young man finished up at the station and perceeded to his car to randevoze at his parent's house. The members of the Klan followed in a distance, carefully remaining incogito. After some time watching the young man go into the house, the members of the klan knocked on the door, and waited for the young black man to answer the door.
What happened next is too shocking for words, and I will refraim from going into detial. I will, however, give the jist of the events. The Klans men, six in total, rushed into the house with weapons, and proceeded to beat to death the parents of the young man. The reason they left the young man alive, they said, was that he might "see that he would have no way to prove what occured, and so live the rest of his life knowing that there is no justice for niggers." After the incident, the young man was shocked to find that his next door neighor, a white man, saw everything and even took pictures while the incident occred. Some weeks later, at the trail of the murders, the witness presented his evidence before a judge in court. What proceeded to come out of the judge's mouth, would create pandemonium and cause everyone in the court room to be astounded in utter surprise. "I understand that you have evidence of the murder, and I understand that this is indeed a tragedy. However, I liken myself to a good and merciful judge. It is the ruling of this court therefore, that these men experience forgiveness and go free." A strange silence struck the courtroom, as all seem stunned by the words of the judge. After the strange silence, followed an unanimous eruption of anger; no one more angry than the young man who's parents were murdered. "This judge is more wicked than the criminasl he allows free," shouted one seated in a row seat. Another asked in tears, "where's the justice!" and with that came the shouts "no peace, no justice...no peace, not justice!"
The story you've just read is based on a popular caricature that people have of God's nature. They assume that because God is good, he will therefore pardon their many guilt and sins. While they may assume that God does not see there sins aren't as grotesque as the one told in the story, the fact of the matter is that there is no sin hierarchy God. I present to you now the Holy God of the bible, the one who is known as a "consuming fire" of infinite holiness. He has said that "if you looked in lust, you are guilty of adultery," and that "if you are angry with someone without cause, it as as murder." Moreover, he has commended that we love Him above all things and everyone. Who has kept these laws? Which of us has never lied or looked in lust, or failed to love God as we ought to love him - namely with all of our hearts, minds, soul, and strength?
If you recognize your failure to keep these fair demands (which by the way he made for our benefit), as I have, then look to the One God provided on Sinner's behalf. There is a Savior - one who has NEVER sinned. Furthermore, since the absolute and everlasting love of God's character demands justice to be given for every wrong deed done, the Savior died in the stead of all those who repent and trust in him alone (not their own presumed worth or goodness) for their justification. Even more, the Savor, Jesus, rose from the grave and ever lives to help his people. He saves and jusifly reconciles sinners back to a just and Loving God. Please, do not assume that because God is love that he will forgive you of your sins. Unlike the judge in the Story, God's love Demands justice, therefore obey God's command. Here is the King's mandate: Repent and trust in Jesus ALONE for your justification. Then, and ONLY then, will you come to know the Love of God. It is not a small and fickle love that you may triffle with. Rather, it is a love that is true and deep and wonderous in power. It is a love to fear. All those who know it may delight in such a fear!
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Apathy: Man's True Scapegoat
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! (Luke 13:34)"
What is it about Christ that is so repulsive? Many men would readily admit that he was a good man, and that he did many good things. Yet, when it comes to following him - and I mean really following him, not just doing good deeds and/or going to church to appease guilty consciences - Jesus stands alone weeping over the multitude who would sooner assume ignorance to be bliss, than actually care to know Christ. To quote C.S. Lewis regarding Jesus' question, namely "who do men say that I am?" Lewis wrote..."I feel that in a society such as ours, men must come to terms with the claims of Christ upon their life or else be guilty of evading the question." And so it is: men would rather have apathy, and not the Savior, as their scapegoat.
Now lest I paint the wrong picture and so perpetuate the popular caricature, I will say the following. Jesus Christ is no tame lion (to quote Lewis again). Do not assume as some do, that Jesus is some emotional deity too weak to save the people he loves; but must, by some irrational and unintelligible law, send the ones whom he loves to hell. Christ "WILL save all those whom he intends" (John 17:2, etc). Christ is God. As God, he commands "all people everywhere to repent and trust in Jesus' finish work for the forgiveness of their sins." This is the King's mandate, and it is NOT negotiable! While it is indeed true that God would rather sinners to "repent" because "he finds no pleasure in their sufferings" in hell (Ezk 18:23, etc.), it is equally true that God WILL send sinners to hell if they do not comply to his commands. And his command is this:
Repent from your ways of doing this. You will not earn God's favor by your own deeds and righteousness. You MUST trust in Jesus. It is he that lived a perfect life (having NEVER sinned; whether in thought or action), and died as a sacrifice to both show the justice of God, and to make it possible for a Holy and Good God to justly justify sinners. Moreover, it is Christ who rose from the grave to prove to History that he is no normal man, but God in the flesh. Finally, it is he who sits at the right hand of the Father to offer prayers for all those who trust in Him.
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David Lowe on Jonathan Edwards' Sermon
Judge for yourself. Click on title to hear Sermon
David asked me once, "what will you say to a person who asks, 'why will I be judged by God if I was born with a condition that makes me love what God hates - speaking of sin - and born when I didn't ask to be born?'" I remember that the question had little effect on me, initially. I gave a flippant response; something like..."disregard the question, and tell him how he has broken God's laws to bring about an awareness of his sins." Yet, as time went on, the question began to strike me as one with weight. I couldn't shake the feeling that if such a question was posed, the questionnaire would have a great point. For months the question pressed on my mind and conscience, until I became angry with God. The question made God seem unfair and at fault for countless sinners going to hell's infinite torment. Yet, ironically enough, it was that question that lead me to a closer relationship with God. Needless to say, today Dave and I have some disagreements on how we see certain scriptures. This brings me to the point of my blog. Recently, while speaking about Jonathan Edward's famous Sermon, "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," Dave said the following:
"I don't like the sermon because it is not biblical. It is not in the Spirit of Christ. It uses fear and manipulation to get people to repent. This is not how Jesus and the apostles preached. It leads to false conversions based on a fear of burning in hell forever. Rather, conversion should be based on the gospel: that Jesus Christ conquered death, died for our sins, and is exalted at the right hand of God. He commands all men everywhere to repent."
My aim in this blog isn't to defend Edward's work (I feel it does a good enough job on its own merit), but simply to address some of the comments and concerns that Dave brings up as his argument. With that being established, let us continue on in the endeavor at hand. First, on the issue of the sermon "using fear and manipulation to get people to repent." This statement assumes that Jesus or scripture for that matter, never uses fear as one of many motivators in leading someone to Christ. This simply isn't true. The scriptures clearly say..." by the fear of the LORD one turns away from evil" (Proverb 16:6). And lest one would say, "but that is the Old Testament - Jesus never taught this," as if it were a valid argument, we would do well to remember Christ' words... "I will show you who to fear. Fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt 10:28). I trust that these scriptures will suffice in showing that the premise for David's conclusion is faulty. And since the premise is as such, the conclusion no doubt will be in error. Second, concerning Dave's feelings that the sermon will "leads to false conversions based on a fear of burning in hell forever."
I feel this to be a legitimate argument; partly because I know Dave's heart in evangelism, and because fear could be a potential stumbling block if it is used wrongly. I think if one uses fear of hell without first explaining man's guilt, and then explaining Christ' glory in saving us from such a place, a person could in fact get the wrong idea, and thus end up being a false convert. I myself had experience with this. Some time before my conversion, I heard about the rapture and the Great Tribulation, and so I reformed my life to ensure that I wouldn't be left behind. Yet, I was in no way born again. In fact, I didn't even understand why Jesus was so precious, or why God would call me - and otherwise good boy - an evil person. So with all that being said, I want to acknowledge David's concern. Nevertheless, this concern does still stem from a false assumption (one we already dealt with above), and therefore should not deter believers from using the fear that should arise from preaching the realities of God's wrath in Hell. Finally, I think it worthwhile to mention my conjecture on this issue. I believe that Dave's contention with such a classic sermon, derives from a livid disdain for Calvinism. And because this is so - if in fact this is the case - then nothing I say will change his mind.
Its cool though, Dave...you're still my dude!
I feel this to be a legitimate argument; partly because I know Dave's heart in evangelism, and because fear could be a potential stumbling block if it is used wrongly. I think if one uses fear of hell without first explaining man's guilt, and then explaining Christ' glory in saving us from such a place, a person could in fact get the wrong idea, and thus end up being a false convert. I myself had experience with this. Some time before my conversion, I heard about the rapture and the Great Tribulation, and so I reformed my life to ensure that I wouldn't be left behind. Yet, I was in no way born again. In fact, I didn't even understand why Jesus was so precious, or why God would call me - and otherwise good boy - an evil person. So with all that being said, I want to acknowledge David's concern. Nevertheless, this concern does still stem from a false assumption (one we already dealt with above), and therefore should not deter believers from using the fear that should arise from preaching the realities of God's wrath in Hell. Finally, I think it worthwhile to mention my conjecture on this issue. I believe that Dave's contention with such a classic sermon, derives from a livid disdain for Calvinism. And because this is so - if in fact this is the case - then nothing I say will change his mind.Its cool though, Dave...you're still my dude!
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My Beef with dudes and Skinny Jeans
To Whom it may concern:
Let me begin by saying the following. This is not the wild rantings of a homophobe, or an advocate for dudes wearing baggy jeans. I just feel a certain degree on passion on this topic. Men, please hear my heart on this issue. Let me start off by telling a short story. This is a true story.
Once, while waiting in the DMV, I observed a guy get up from the chair parallel to mine. Apparently he thought his number was called, but noticed the mistake as he stood, looked as his paper, and sat back down. This was all I needed to shake my head in sorrow. Yes, you read right...I said sorrow. Let me explain. As the guy sat, I noticed that he tried to put the paper into his front pants pocket, but to no avail. As he shoved and shoved, the paper began to tear. Finally, in a bit of frustration, he stood up and attempted to complete his task. By now his pants legs were pulled upward to his calf, and I could see the dirty socks he wore. Now dirty sock aside - that's another topic altogether - these were jeans, ladies and gentlemen. Jeans! Jeans don't ride up to your calves. They're not supposed to! Finally, he saw me looking.
Let me begin by saying the following. This is not the wild rantings of a homophobe, or an advocate for dudes wearing baggy jeans. I just feel a certain degree on passion on this topic. Men, please hear my heart on this issue. Let me start off by telling a short story. This is a true story.
Once, while waiting in the DMV, I observed a guy get up from the chair parallel to mine. Apparently he thought his number was called, but noticed the mistake as he stood, looked as his paper, and sat back down. This was all I needed to shake my head in sorrow. Yes, you read right...I said sorrow. Let me explain. As the guy sat, I noticed that he tried to put the paper into his front pants pocket, but to no avail. As he shoved and shoved, the paper began to tear. Finally, in a bit of frustration, he stood up and attempted to complete his task. By now his pants legs were pulled upward to his calf, and I could see the dirty socks he wore. Now dirty sock aside - that's another topic altogether - these were jeans, ladies and gentlemen. Jeans! Jeans don't ride up to your calves. They're not supposed to! Finally, he saw me looking.My eyes had been fixed on his eternal struggle, and a smirk formed at the sides of my mouth. I couldn't help laugh, it was really funny! As he looked at me, he couldn't help feel a sense of embarrassment. I noticed the red on his face and neck (no pun). Then something surprising happened. His face became angry, and he said to me..."you got a problem?" "Nah! I'm sure you have a mirror; you knew what you were getting into when you choose those pants," I retorted. I suppose my bold response shocked him, as he could only laugh and shake his head saying..."good one...good one." I laughed too.
Now that story aside, here's why you shouldn't wear skinnies, fellas. It looks gay! No diss to gay people, but if you're straight, just look the part! Be men, wear fitting jeans. Seriously, the effeminate metro sexual style that seems to plague this generation, just isn't cool. I'm not saying that I have a monopoly on what's "cool," I'm just saying that if you put a dollar in your front pocket, and four quarters pops out the back, then you have officially succeeded in making me uncomfortable.
OK, Im done with my venting. Truly sorry if this offends you!
Now that story aside, here's why you shouldn't wear skinnies, fellas. It looks gay! No diss to gay people, but if you're straight, just look the part! Be men, wear fitting jeans. Seriously, the effeminate metro sexual style that seems to plague this generation, just isn't cool. I'm not saying that I have a monopoly on what's "cool," I'm just saying that if you put a dollar in your front pocket, and four quarters pops out the back, then you have officially succeeded in making me uncomfortable.
OK, Im done with my venting. Truly sorry if this offends you!
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Evangel's Response to Rakim's Holy Are You
Remember Queens native rapper, Rakim? Sure you do. Well, he has a new song called "holy are you," where he makes a bunch of blasphemous charges about being the true God. While Rakim claims to have read the Bible - and I do not doubt that he has - I do not think he understands much of it. And, while the Lord Jesus himself promised that "man will give an account for every careless word he speaks," Rakim proves that for the one dead in his sins, "there is no fear of God before their eyes." Pray for Rakim! All that said, I like what Christian rap artist, Evangel has done. Listen to his song with the same title above. Also, if you're curious about what Rakim said in his own song, listen here:
"Holy Are You" by Rakim
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Seek Truth (You Can Know It)
"There are three sides to every story; person A, person B, and the truth in the middle."Top Stories
Does God Create Evil?
One of the most common reasons why skeptics reject the reality of God, is due to the problem of evil in the world. The question that is often posed by the philosophers and atheists alike is, "how can an omnibenevolent and omnipotent God allow evil?" If he is infinitely perfect and infinitely strong, they reason, he cannot allow evil. You see, in the mind of one who would ask the aforementioned question, God's omnipotence cannot be reconciled with his omnibenevolence, as they are mutually exclusive. If he is truly good, he cannot allow evil to exist. And, since evil does exist, and if God is truly good, he cannot then be infinitely strong (since he being good, would stop sufferings). Such seemingly paradoxical statements award sufficing reason to altogether disregard a deity - especially the Christian representation of God. And yet, this is to be expected from the unbeliever. Scripturally speaking, all unbelievers are "defiled in their mind and consciences" (Titus 1:15), insomuch that "they are unable to believe spiritual truth because it is foolishness to them" (1 Cor 2:14). Therefore, for the rest of this post, I will seek to speak specifically to believers. The aim in this blog isn't to present a case for God to the unbeliever, but instead to give believers an explanation to the question, "does God create evil?""I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things" (Isa 45:7)
Before I can go on to give an explaination to this scripture, it will do well to lay some foundation. It must be seen at the outset, that the Bible is not a book written in 21th century American English, but rather two dead languages primarily; namely Hebrew and Greek. Therefore, my first point would be simply to point to exegesis. In this case, "what does evil mean in this particular scripture?" The word translated evil here, is the Hebrew word "ra raah." Its meanings are as followed: evil, distress, calamity, misery, grief. Note, therefore, that the word evil could rightly be translated as any one of the other meanings and keep its integrity and accuracy. In fact, the English Standard Version, for example, translates the word evil with "calamity," as do many other accepted translations. That being said, however, simple exegesis alone will not suffice in answering the question. If indeed God does make evil, as some might believe, there must be a central interpretative motif or theme that proves it in the scriptures.
While the scriptures clearly teach that God "creates evil" (Isa 45:7), "brings about calamity...and disaster" (Lam 3:37-38, Amos 3:6), and gives "bad times, as well as the good" (Ecc 7:13), should we then see God as an omnipotent megalomaniac? If we do, we are certain to run into some clear contradictions. Consider for example, three scriptures (there are many more, but for brevity's sake, I will refrain):
"The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he" (Deu 32:4).
"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).
"For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you" (Psa 5:4).
"This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5).
"For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you" (Psa 5:4).
Let's analyze some important facts:
1. God's work is perfect and altogether just (Deu 32:4)
2. God does not delight in wickedness (Psa 5:4)
3. God is light (perfect light/love/goodness), and there is NO darkness (evil) in him (1 Jn 1:5)
If you are a believer, you know that there are no contradictions in scripture, and therefore I will not spend time on that issue. Still, however, if you believe that God does create evil, you have come into a problem of contradictions. Does God create evil in the sense you assume, or is his ways altogether perfect and without evil? You cannot have it both ways, as indeed the two opinions are at odds and against a fundamental law of logic; namely the law of non contradiction. Now that we are presented with these contradictions, and as a result forced to remove ourselves from the presuppositions that keep us myopic, we will better deal with what scripture teaches (as apposed to having our opinions dictate what scripture actually say). What then does the bible mean when it says that "God 'creates' evil?" First, let it be said that evil is not a "created" thing. What I simply mean, is that you can't see, touch, feel, smell or hear evil. It is not one of the fundamental forces of physics, nor does it consist of matter, energy, or the spatial dimensions of the universe. Therefore, for my 1st argument against God creating evil, I would simply pose the "Absence Theodicy Argument."
In the same way "cold" is the absence of "heat," and "darkness" is the absence of "light,"I submit that evil is the absence of God. But how do we know that cold is the absence of heat, and darkness is the absence of light? First, concerning cold, we know that according to the laws of Physics, cold is in fact the absence of heat. Anything is able to be studied as long as it transmit energy (heat). Absolute Zero is the total absence of heat, but cold does not exist. What we have done is create a term to describe how we feel if we don't have body heat, or if we are not hot. And, as far as darkness is concerned, we know that light can be studied and darkness cannot. Darkness cannot be broken down. A simply ray of light, for example, tears the darkness and illuminates the surface where the light beam finishes. Dark is simply a term we use to describe what happens when there is a lack of light. Again - as its been said before - just as cold is the absence of heat and darkness is the absence of light, evil is the absence of good; albeit the greatness good, namely God himself.
Finally, I want to switch from a philosophical argument, to more of a theological one. The problem with God creating evil, as some believe, is a moral issue dealing with God's character, and therefore we must seek the scriptures to see what it says. Does Isaiah 45:7 teach that God creates evil in the same sense men might? First of all, the verse can have no reference to moral evil (wickedness) for such is opposed to the infinitely holy nature of God (Isaiah 6:3). Jehovah is a “God of faithfulness and without iniquity”(Deuteronomy 32:4). He is “not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness” (Psalm 5:4). Nor can it be supposed that this verse has to do with Jehovah’s original creation, for at the termination of the creation week, the Lord saw “everything that he had made, and, behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). Then how might we understand the verse? The verse may well be understood in fact that:
1. whatever God does - whether we perceive it to be a calamity or altogether evil - is right and therefore good, since all the Lord does is good (Deu 32:4, Job 34:10).
2. God often uses the evil acts of free moral agents to bring about punishment or judgment, while yet remaining the one who is not the author of evil. Note for example, the case of Joseph's brothers who sold him into slavery, and years later where Joseph testifies..."it is not you who sent me here, but God."
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How A Wondrous Love Was Afforded
"I just plead with you; when you're reading the bible, and you read water toy-text like, 'he loved you and gave himself for you,' you wouldn't go too fast over it. Linger! Linger! Linger! And plead with him that your eyes would be opened." - John Piper I once read that, "God is admirable because of his many diverse excellencies." I believe that. I mean, who would have ever thought that I'd find God's holiness an admirable thing? Or even better, who would have ever conceived that I'd praise him for his wrath? Even his mercy seemed a small thing before my encounter with Christ. Prior to Christ, I remember singing the song "Amazing Grace." In retrospect, the words, though obviously strong and passion-filled, meant little to me. After my conversion however - and after studying grace via reformed theology - I cried. God's grace is no small thing. And it is this, the topic of grace, that this blog entry will seek to discuss. Before we continue however, a question must be asked. The question will seek to bring clarity to the many caricatures people have about God, and their own presumptions as to why God is obligated to be merciful. Here is the question: How could a sin-hating and holy God, be anything but wrathful to the people deserving of his wrath? Let me pause here and explain the reasoning behind the question. The question has in mind a few things:
1. God is too holy to look upon sin (Hab 1:13)
2. Sin is exceedingly sinful and beyond measure. (Rom 7:13)
3. God hates those who do sin (Psa 5:5)
4. It is an abomination for God to justify the wicked (Pro 17:15)
5. Apart from faith in Christ, all are evil (John 3:18-19)
If indeed the Bible does teach that God is exceedingly and holistically pure, and that sin is of the most contemptible and most heinous acts done in the universe, and that it is right for all those who commit such abominations to suffer wrath - the questioned is again asked, how could God be merciful to such a people? Now that an explanation for the reasoning has been given, let us now seek to answer the question at hand. Consider with me Revelation 13:8.2. Sin is exceedingly sinful and beyond measure. (Rom 7:13)
3. God hates those who do sin (Psa 5:5)
4. It is an abomination for God to justify the wicked (Pro 17:15)
5. Apart from faith in Christ, all are evil (John 3:18-19)
"And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
In answering the question at hand - namely, how it is possible for God to be anything but wrathful to such a sinful people, we come to see an amazing truth found in Revelation 13 and verse 8. There, we read that Jesus is the "lamb slain before the foundation of the world." But what does that mean; especially considering that Christ went to the Calvary's cross "in God's appointed time (Gal 4:4)," which came about 2000 years ago? Simply put, it means that in the eternal mind of God, he foreknew his plan to remain just while justify the ungodly. Therefore, we read:"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved"(Ephesians 1:3-6).
Notice that God's love act in electing certain individuals to salvation is not without God's justice being appeased. Christians are "blessed with all spiritual blessings 'in Christ.'" They are "chosen 'in Christ.'" And again, they are "made excepted in 'the beloved,' or Christ." It is because God "foreknew Christ before the foundations of the world"(1 Peter 1:20), and foreknew that he was going to be reconciling men to himself via Christ' atonement, that God is able to give the least of his common graces. Grace, the unmerited and undeserved favor of God - even the smallest of it - is only given because of Jesus' death. So in closing, the next time you enjoy a day at the beach, or when you smile and experience a caring hug from a loved one, stand in awe of the cost that made such seemingly small glories available for you. The Son of God was crushed in order to award grace on behalf on sinners. Therefore readers, be wise; be warned. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him (Psalms 2:10-12).
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Some of my Random Thoughts
Today is so cold! Just yesterday i thought to myself..."self, it is such a nice day. Summer must be coming around early." That was then, however. Today my teeth hurt. Oddly enough, they were fine when i called my dentist to reschedule my appointment. Yet now - and this is after i called and after eating some beef - my back teeth are hurting. Only on the right side though. Yeah, the right side is the the right side to be on. That's actually where Jesus sits; on the right side of the Father in Heaven. But i'm not sure i understand that. God is like everywhere - you know, omnipresent. How is it right to say that he sits now at the right side? I dunno...it must be anthropomorphism? i should ask someone smarter than i. That shouldn't be hard, since my eye hurts. The right one. People keep telling me, "Terrence, you should wear your glasses," that's why i bought some Ed Hardy shades. Now everything is not only hazy, but darker. But i understand it quite well. As it is written..."we see through a darkened glass," and again..."turn the lights off, its too bright in here." Now they tell me that i'm too flashy. Who's right? Yet everyone is right in their on eyes, that's why "i" never capitalize any thing "i" say. Read the sentence again if you don't believe me. As the hand is quicker than the eye, so is it right to note that there is no "i" in the word "team." There is however, an "m" and "e." I like basketball and look forward to playing some pickup games in the summer, but I'm not sure if it will ever come since today is so cold!
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