As I stated a couple days ago I have been feeling like I'm living
someone else's life. I believe I have been in a metaphorical sense. I
have been living out my flesh's desires. My flesh's greatest desire has
always been to be left alone, truly alone so I do not have to feel the
pressure or pain that comes from relationships. To be truly alone. God
was not done with me yet and so his love remained with me. I have been
immensely selfish but still desiring to help people. I look back at who I
was in Australia, or was becoming at least. That person was not
charismatic but caring. I seem to think I need to fit in when in reality
I just need to care. The problem with caring is what I've been trying
to avoid, it takes being vulnerable and risking something. Truly since I
have gotten back I have wanted to do nothing but take. I have required
others to make at least most of the effort in friendship. I have wanted
nothing other than to get from others and had limited interest in giving
other than what the impulse to love was causing me to. I cared not that
who I left but demanded that those that wanted to be my friends prove
it. It is true that when I initially returned I made some effort but it
was short lived. It would not have been bad if it had been only
temporary but it has lasted this long. I am sure I have alienated some
and caused others to drift by my lack of effort. The solution to this is
simply to recognize one thing, that God does not need me but I need
God. While we should not be all take from God there is nothing we can
give Him but ourselves that really matter. God wants us to rely on Him
and out of that reliance we live and breath and have our meaning as Paul
said. My problem has always been almost a reverse of this in that I
thought I had to give God something and I should not be greedy with Him.
But to truly get all of God that you can means to get as close to Him
as you can. It is the same sort of greed you have with someone you are
in love with. You want as much of them as you can have to the point of
obsession. This is natural and if it is missing people will question
your love. To get more in both cases requires work, but it is work that
is gladly accomplished to get the prize.
The other way in which I am not living my life is that this is not the
life I want. I live by myself in an apartment larger than I would want. I
have both been taken from the life I want and placed in normality. I
never wanted normality nor do I plan to stay here. I do not even have
the benefits of normality in that I am not married at this age. This is
the easier one to tackle as it offers the opportunity to both grow in
the normal skills and give me a goal to get out of.
On another subject I have just watched "Courageous" and have decided to
make resolutions. My goals: be friendly to people even if they may not
be friendly back, be a steward of all I am responsible for, be as
ethical as possible, and help anyone that may need help. How does this
break down in my mind at the moment:
1. Learn names. Say hi if possible. Make people know you are happy to
see them by smiling. Have appropriate physical contact. Do these in
spite of possible rejection. Compliment/encourage. Be authentic. Note
that these do not require even asking how they are doing or doing them
every time.
2. Be an excellent (not good) employee. Track and manage finances.
Maintain and use physical property wisely. Take care of your body and
any other body you are responsible for. Improve myself in spirit, mind
and body. Manage time wisely.
3. Follow any morals that I believe to be right even if it makes me unpopular or causes loss. Aim for purity.
4. Apply the love languages to those around me as able (linked to #1).
Be available to people for whatever need I can help with. Be a beacon of
hope by remaining optimistic.
In the end I am trying to be a better man. I have broken down manhood
into three levels. Level 1: A man can take responsibility for himself.
This level would be declared by traditional standards and be promoted by
a bar mitzah, college, turning 18, or other experience where a male is
told literally or symbolically that he will be judged as an adult. In
western society this is confusing. Level 2: A man can take
responsibility for others in his direct control. This would be symbolic
of when one is actually independently responsible for themselves. This
is the point where traditionally one would have achieved a status where
whomever is in charge allows them to take a wife and start producing a
family. Keep in mind that not everyone that takes a family in modern
times has achieved this level of responsibility. Level 3: A man can take
responsibility for others beyond his direct control. This is point
where one has become the leader of other level 2 men. Note that this is
not all leaders as some may only be managers as John Maxwell clarified.
In the end I aim to be a level 3 as I believe all men should. I have
never truly wanted to be a leader but I have always known I was meant to
be one and so desired it. By following this simple code I may achieve
my calling. Its all up to God though.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Drive
I don’t want another day not knowing what I want. I don’t want another empty prayer. I want to know what is real. Help me find my place in you God. Only you can remove my sorrow. I am lost without you, but even with you there’s something missing. I need more of you, that thing that seems so distant. Purpose. Passion. A true desire for you. I am nothing without but even with you there is something missing. I have you but my pursuit is missing. There is so much more of you but my desire is limited. How cannot want what you have, except at the moment I simply don’t want much. I am content also to complacency and have little drive for the things of greatness. I need more of you but why should you give it.
I have squandered those things that you have given me. Not appreciated your blessings. I have dismissed saints and opportunities when they did not suit my interest. I am coming back to myself but what I am finding is little. Little passion. Little drive. Simplicity. However this littleness may be just what I need. Stability and a relationship that isn’t emotionally based, where one day I love God and the next I don’t feel like doing much. Perhaps in this I have finally grown to be used as a mature example of the faith. I do desire God but it is not impassioned, but boldness does increase. Fear is dissipating. Fear has been the hindering emotion in the past. Fear has been my companion much more than passion. Perhaps one could almost say that my passion was fear. Fear of rejection, fear of the unknown. Fear of success or failure. Fear of getting close.
I have little to lose at this point. But perhaps out of that little I will gain everything. It is time to choose. This choice will not be one of compulsion but of knowledge. A stable knowledge. For emotions are unstable but knowledge is. For knowledge is factual and emotions change with the wind.
Perhaps what is missing is that fact has escaped me and I must choose a fact. That love is what I truly want and love is what I get with God. That love is where true passion and purpose come from.
I don’t have much but what I have is a desire for greater things.
Works of God and God Himself are what brings greatness in.
For works of flesh are vain indeed and passion of flesh the same.
I choose life and love and grace, for these rejuvenate me.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
My Oppinions (or The Blog That May Get Me in Trouble)
To start I would like to point out that these opinions are what my understanding of truth has brought me to. It is the conclusions from scripture, various social sciences, and prayer have brought me to.
First, know that I am looking at things from an eternal kingdom of God perspective rather than an earthly one.
Second, remember that these are my opinions at this point in time. They will likely either be disregarded or grow stronger over time.
Third, you may disagree with one while agreeing with another. This is ultimately about sharing and finding out what the truth is rather than trying to prove a point. By all means post agreements and disagreements in the comments. You may change my mind or I may clarify some point that you are misunderstanding.
Forth, these are only summaries and some information is lacking. These have been debated over for years and I have read any number of resources on these. These are not comprehensive of even my full thoughts on the issues.
1. WAR
Before I begin let it be known that I respect anyone who will place their lives on the line for something they believe in. I mean no disrespect to those that do believe in defending their families. My father was in the military and my grandfather fought in WW2.
I find it hard to align my Christian beliefs with killing others. There are only two types of people you could be killing: those going to heaven and those going to hell. Killing those that are going to heaven means that we are killing brothers and sisters who are supposed to be unified, obviously some problem there anyways. The other is killing those who are going to hell.
In my Bible I read passages that tell me that if I "live by the sword I will die by the sword". While it is true that in the Old Testament it seems like everyone is killing someone in the New there seems to be almost a passivism. We fight against principalities and powers, not other humans. Any time a follower of God in the New Testament is confronted by other humans they never fight back. Legally at times, but never physically. Jesus himself declared that his kingdom is not of this world even though the people were willing to make it happen by force. Historically those who call themselves Christians and engage in war are rarely doing it for a godly purpose except maybe defense of lives. Constantine legalized Christianity but would lead the church on a course towards apathy and ignorance. The Crusades led to demonic killing streaks amongst those that called themselves Christians and were doing it in God's name. I even have a slight problem with the American Revolution given that it primarily was about money. Some religious freedoms yes, but everyone knows that "taxation without representation" was the main cause. I wouldn't have such a problem with it if it were not for what I have seen the freedoms that they have fought for become. They are physical freedoms that in America seem to be promoting perceived freedoms of life while making those with them apathetic to the real emotional and spiritual freedoms found in Christ, and the physical liberties leading to immorality and the concept that whatever feels right is right. Mind you because of those freedoms much evangelism has been done so its not all bad hens why its only a slight problem.
This is the basic scenario I have in my head. A man has your wife captured and she will kill her. You have a gun that you could kill the man with. It is a kill or your wife is killed scenario. There is no way to simply wound. Seems pretty obvious, kill the man and save your wife. Any red blooded loving husband would give that answer. But what if we add the spiritual component. You know your wife will go to heaven and the gunman will go to hell. In other words you take the man's life and you seal the damnation and eternal torment while freeing your wife for some unforeseen amount of time from no longer having to feel any pain, sadness, guilt, and having perfect joy, peace, and love. In this scenario I would find it selfish to kill the man. There's even the possibility that you could bring him to Christ afterwards. This is what I think of when I think of war.
The expanded view is that he could harm others which is why I could see doing something, but I would still have issues with killing the man.
In conclusion just consider that Jesus' methods are not this world's methods.
POLITICS AND RELIGION
The New Testament is very clear that governments are in place by God's order and we are not to revolt. We are as much as possible live at peace and only offend with the truth of the gospel. As many countries are now democracies we are allowed to speak out legally for or against whomever we like, but we should remain law abiding. It was not until John Calvin that the concept that one should stand up to their governments except against outright oppression like starvation, became popular.
As far as religious views effecting one's political beliefs keep in mind that one's political beliefs will be influenced by their moral beliefs. Religious beliefs are one of the main ways that people gain their moral beliefs and the stronger their religious beliefs the more it will influence their moral and social beliefs. Even in times when religion and politics did not directly control each other they always have affected each other, even in communists countries where religion is officially absent. However, bashing someone's political beliefs in the name of God is not okay, use the arguments for why you believe that God is for or against it.
HOMOSEXUALITY
To start I believe that homosexuality is no more a sin than any other sin. It may have certain diseases associated with it but that's the physical not the spiritual side of things. A homosexual is just as saved or unsaved as anyone else, it's all about their relationship to God and commitment to him. Refer to my blog "The Deacon and the Homosexual" for an example. This also has nothing to do with those that have urges towards it, rather the action. To say a homosexual urge is wrong is like saying the urge to steal or lie is wrong. All have temptations, all have urges that go against God. I also abhor violence and persecution based on pretty much anything except in the case where someone is fighting against oppression, so if anyone uses my words as a reason to bully, mock, or otherwise oppress homosexuals I will angrily use what power I have to crush you. Homosexuals are not worthless, or scum. They are loved by God and as a church we should love them just as we would anyone else. Invite them into your homes. Eat with them. Even hug them if appropriate.
This will be broken up into a couple sections. First is the Biblical commentary directly related to homosexuality then the purpose of sex itself.
In this section we will be summarizing the Bible, we'll look at the arguments against some passages. In general the Bible is pretty clear that anything other than a man and a woman having sex is not okay. Leviticus 18 is pretty detailed like this. Anywhere in the Bible that Homosexuality is referred to its bad. Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, Leviticus 18, and Judges 19 to name the major ones. In two of those places the people were so wicked that they had to die. Whenever it is listed it is condemned and it is never condoned, even in passing.
But you say the people that died did not die for that but for their in hospitality? Okay, you could be right. They were obviously wicked for other reasons considering that in both places they wanted to take the people by force and seemingly rape them. Fair enough, if that's true then homosexuality was simply a byproduct. But what of Romans 1? Oh, so it had to do with pedophilia, not homosexuality itself. But what of Paul's entire argument being that it had to do with a violation of the natural order? If you don't know what I mean then look down to the section on the purpose of sex. You say that Leviticus 18 has to do with idol worship not homosexual activity. I have two problems with that. First in the chapter there is only one other defilement related to idol worship. Admittedly its right above it but why is that the only sexual regulation in that section? On the other hand it could be simply condemned as an act of idol worship. Okay I'll equate with killing your child, cutting yourself with knives, and prostitution. I don't know of any act of worship to an idol that is condoned unless it is something that you are supposed do to God, e.g. sacrifice or play music to. Wither it is sexual in nature or idol worship in nature its bad. Making it idol worship may even be worse than simply being a sexual sin.
What is the purpose of sex? Even though it is fun that's not it. It's to build a family. Sex is how we fulfill the first command, to "be fruitful and multiply". The reasons I don't say its simply to have kids is because it also functions as an emotional bonder. There is no action that can bind to souls together faster than intercourse. If done between two people who are in a lifelong commitment then it brings a chemical and emotional bonding that assures the union thus assisting in an ideal stable environment to raise a child. Simply anything other than one man and one woman is bound to cause problems. According to Romans 1 people willfully chose to deny God and thus turned from the natural order. But wouldn't that mean that people that can't have children are violating the natural order? At the risk of sounding insensitive to them, yes. It is unnatural when a male and female can't have children. I'm not saying its immoral if they can't, its just unnatural. If you don't believe me ask one of them. There's nothing more heartbreaking than hearing of a couple that have been trying for years and can't. As a man who has wanted a child of his own since he was a child I know I would find it very hard if that were the case. The difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals that can't have children is that homosexuals choose not to.
Whatever arguments may be used I cannot find a way to see how the homosexual lifestyle is consistent with scripture. However, this sin is no worse than my own and I'm sure there are some that are probably closer to God than I.
ABORTION
I personally don't know why this would be legal if it were not such a political issue. The physical and emotional risks placed upon a person are horrible. There are a couple different reasons for it mainly: practicality, and rape.
1. Practicality: This argument comes down to being a last ditch birth control. It says that the child is simply something owned by the mother. Face it, the human race is truly designed for one purpose, to be in relationships, with God and others. Referring up to the last argument of the homosexual section basically the standard life works out in the Bible where one grows up, gets married, has sex, and then a baby is produced. Its the circle of life. Its the first purpose ever given for marriage, its the first command. From Genesis to Jesus children are given very high value. In Psalms 127:5 we are told that a lot will make us happy. There's the adoption option if you really don't want the kid and those lovely people that can't have children will gladly take them off your hands. Children are a blessing from the Lord and to not have one out of convenience is simply not Biblical.
2. Rape: This one is trickier. A 14-year-old girl gets trapped by some mass with sperm who gets her pregnant. I get that this child is a problem. I even get that this pregnancy could be a potential reminder of what happened. If she were to get an abortion I would not fault her. I would however hope she wouldn't. As I understand it this only makes matters worse. As difficult as this might be her emotional problem might actually get worse as she recognizes that she has killed something. Not only that but abortions increase the likelihood of her not being able to have children again so if that was a dream of hers it has been destroyed. In cases like this I would hope she would have supportive parents who would be willing to help raise the child even as their own, though many won't. There is once again the adoption option. This kind of situation is not as simple though.
That's my thoughts on social issues for now. Maybe I'll do theology later. we'll see what God says.
First, know that I am looking at things from an eternal kingdom of God perspective rather than an earthly one.
Second, remember that these are my opinions at this point in time. They will likely either be disregarded or grow stronger over time.
Third, you may disagree with one while agreeing with another. This is ultimately about sharing and finding out what the truth is rather than trying to prove a point. By all means post agreements and disagreements in the comments. You may change my mind or I may clarify some point that you are misunderstanding.
Forth, these are only summaries and some information is lacking. These have been debated over for years and I have read any number of resources on these. These are not comprehensive of even my full thoughts on the issues.
1. WAR
Before I begin let it be known that I respect anyone who will place their lives on the line for something they believe in. I mean no disrespect to those that do believe in defending their families. My father was in the military and my grandfather fought in WW2.
I find it hard to align my Christian beliefs with killing others. There are only two types of people you could be killing: those going to heaven and those going to hell. Killing those that are going to heaven means that we are killing brothers and sisters who are supposed to be unified, obviously some problem there anyways. The other is killing those who are going to hell.
In my Bible I read passages that tell me that if I "live by the sword I will die by the sword". While it is true that in the Old Testament it seems like everyone is killing someone in the New there seems to be almost a passivism. We fight against principalities and powers, not other humans. Any time a follower of God in the New Testament is confronted by other humans they never fight back. Legally at times, but never physically. Jesus himself declared that his kingdom is not of this world even though the people were willing to make it happen by force. Historically those who call themselves Christians and engage in war are rarely doing it for a godly purpose except maybe defense of lives. Constantine legalized Christianity but would lead the church on a course towards apathy and ignorance. The Crusades led to demonic killing streaks amongst those that called themselves Christians and were doing it in God's name. I even have a slight problem with the American Revolution given that it primarily was about money. Some religious freedoms yes, but everyone knows that "taxation without representation" was the main cause. I wouldn't have such a problem with it if it were not for what I have seen the freedoms that they have fought for become. They are physical freedoms that in America seem to be promoting perceived freedoms of life while making those with them apathetic to the real emotional and spiritual freedoms found in Christ, and the physical liberties leading to immorality and the concept that whatever feels right is right. Mind you because of those freedoms much evangelism has been done so its not all bad hens why its only a slight problem.
This is the basic scenario I have in my head. A man has your wife captured and she will kill her. You have a gun that you could kill the man with. It is a kill or your wife is killed scenario. There is no way to simply wound. Seems pretty obvious, kill the man and save your wife. Any red blooded loving husband would give that answer. But what if we add the spiritual component. You know your wife will go to heaven and the gunman will go to hell. In other words you take the man's life and you seal the damnation and eternal torment while freeing your wife for some unforeseen amount of time from no longer having to feel any pain, sadness, guilt, and having perfect joy, peace, and love. In this scenario I would find it selfish to kill the man. There's even the possibility that you could bring him to Christ afterwards. This is what I think of when I think of war.
The expanded view is that he could harm others which is why I could see doing something, but I would still have issues with killing the man.
In conclusion just consider that Jesus' methods are not this world's methods.
POLITICS AND RELIGION
The New Testament is very clear that governments are in place by God's order and we are not to revolt. We are as much as possible live at peace and only offend with the truth of the gospel. As many countries are now democracies we are allowed to speak out legally for or against whomever we like, but we should remain law abiding. It was not until John Calvin that the concept that one should stand up to their governments except against outright oppression like starvation, became popular.
As far as religious views effecting one's political beliefs keep in mind that one's political beliefs will be influenced by their moral beliefs. Religious beliefs are one of the main ways that people gain their moral beliefs and the stronger their religious beliefs the more it will influence their moral and social beliefs. Even in times when religion and politics did not directly control each other they always have affected each other, even in communists countries where religion is officially absent. However, bashing someone's political beliefs in the name of God is not okay, use the arguments for why you believe that God is for or against it.
HOMOSEXUALITY
To start I believe that homosexuality is no more a sin than any other sin. It may have certain diseases associated with it but that's the physical not the spiritual side of things. A homosexual is just as saved or unsaved as anyone else, it's all about their relationship to God and commitment to him. Refer to my blog "The Deacon and the Homosexual" for an example. This also has nothing to do with those that have urges towards it, rather the action. To say a homosexual urge is wrong is like saying the urge to steal or lie is wrong. All have temptations, all have urges that go against God. I also abhor violence and persecution based on pretty much anything except in the case where someone is fighting against oppression, so if anyone uses my words as a reason to bully, mock, or otherwise oppress homosexuals I will angrily use what power I have to crush you. Homosexuals are not worthless, or scum. They are loved by God and as a church we should love them just as we would anyone else. Invite them into your homes. Eat with them. Even hug them if appropriate.
This will be broken up into a couple sections. First is the Biblical commentary directly related to homosexuality then the purpose of sex itself.
In this section we will be summarizing the Bible, we'll look at the arguments against some passages. In general the Bible is pretty clear that anything other than a man and a woman having sex is not okay. Leviticus 18 is pretty detailed like this. Anywhere in the Bible that Homosexuality is referred to its bad. Sodom and Gomorrah, Romans 1, Leviticus 18, and Judges 19 to name the major ones. In two of those places the people were so wicked that they had to die. Whenever it is listed it is condemned and it is never condoned, even in passing.
But you say the people that died did not die for that but for their in hospitality? Okay, you could be right. They were obviously wicked for other reasons considering that in both places they wanted to take the people by force and seemingly rape them. Fair enough, if that's true then homosexuality was simply a byproduct. But what of Romans 1? Oh, so it had to do with pedophilia, not homosexuality itself. But what of Paul's entire argument being that it had to do with a violation of the natural order? If you don't know what I mean then look down to the section on the purpose of sex. You say that Leviticus 18 has to do with idol worship not homosexual activity. I have two problems with that. First in the chapter there is only one other defilement related to idol worship. Admittedly its right above it but why is that the only sexual regulation in that section? On the other hand it could be simply condemned as an act of idol worship. Okay I'll equate with killing your child, cutting yourself with knives, and prostitution. I don't know of any act of worship to an idol that is condoned unless it is something that you are supposed do to God, e.g. sacrifice or play music to. Wither it is sexual in nature or idol worship in nature its bad. Making it idol worship may even be worse than simply being a sexual sin.
What is the purpose of sex? Even though it is fun that's not it. It's to build a family. Sex is how we fulfill the first command, to "be fruitful and multiply". The reasons I don't say its simply to have kids is because it also functions as an emotional bonder. There is no action that can bind to souls together faster than intercourse. If done between two people who are in a lifelong commitment then it brings a chemical and emotional bonding that assures the union thus assisting in an ideal stable environment to raise a child. Simply anything other than one man and one woman is bound to cause problems. According to Romans 1 people willfully chose to deny God and thus turned from the natural order. But wouldn't that mean that people that can't have children are violating the natural order? At the risk of sounding insensitive to them, yes. It is unnatural when a male and female can't have children. I'm not saying its immoral if they can't, its just unnatural. If you don't believe me ask one of them. There's nothing more heartbreaking than hearing of a couple that have been trying for years and can't. As a man who has wanted a child of his own since he was a child I know I would find it very hard if that were the case. The difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals that can't have children is that homosexuals choose not to.
Whatever arguments may be used I cannot find a way to see how the homosexual lifestyle is consistent with scripture. However, this sin is no worse than my own and I'm sure there are some that are probably closer to God than I.
ABORTION
I personally don't know why this would be legal if it were not such a political issue. The physical and emotional risks placed upon a person are horrible. There are a couple different reasons for it mainly: practicality, and rape.
1. Practicality: This argument comes down to being a last ditch birth control. It says that the child is simply something owned by the mother. Face it, the human race is truly designed for one purpose, to be in relationships, with God and others. Referring up to the last argument of the homosexual section basically the standard life works out in the Bible where one grows up, gets married, has sex, and then a baby is produced. Its the circle of life. Its the first purpose ever given for marriage, its the first command. From Genesis to Jesus children are given very high value. In Psalms 127:5 we are told that a lot will make us happy. There's the adoption option if you really don't want the kid and those lovely people that can't have children will gladly take them off your hands. Children are a blessing from the Lord and to not have one out of convenience is simply not Biblical.
2. Rape: This one is trickier. A 14-year-old girl gets trapped by some mass with sperm who gets her pregnant. I get that this child is a problem. I even get that this pregnancy could be a potential reminder of what happened. If she were to get an abortion I would not fault her. I would however hope she wouldn't. As I understand it this only makes matters worse. As difficult as this might be her emotional problem might actually get worse as she recognizes that she has killed something. Not only that but abortions increase the likelihood of her not being able to have children again so if that was a dream of hers it has been destroyed. In cases like this I would hope she would have supportive parents who would be willing to help raise the child even as their own, though many won't. There is once again the adoption option. This kind of situation is not as simple though.
That's my thoughts on social issues for now. Maybe I'll do theology later. we'll see what God says.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wine and the Fallen
Sorry for the typos. I didn't have a built in editor.
As I walk the streets of my city I look at those whom are consumed with liquer and booze. Who seems so happy, until you recognize that to get that happy they have to distort their perception of reality and become their "true" selves. They must block out their self control, their barriers to pain or all sorts, to become what is inside. The problem is that within the heart there is great darkness and though it can seem simple how many have fallen because of it. Everyone has a story of shame that has drunk the intoxicated beverage long enough. Flirting with indiscriminate people, fighting, cheating on their spouces, strait guys doing things with other guys that I won't describe. Hurtful words to outright violence. I could tell many stories but I'm guessing most if not all readers will know stories. What is in a man's or woman's heart is revealed and cannot be taken back. It's almost as if drunkenness is the devil's plaything. I have yet to hear of someone having good fruit for God of any kind from it. If anything emotions are manipulated so that people are more prone to do stupid things and the flesh nature is amplified. It not only increases sin but it decreases God to work in their lives during it. It is well advised amongst most ministers that you don't minister in most ways to people while they are drunk because unless they sober up during the process because even when they are aware of their sin once the drunkenness ends they find that no difference has been made. I'm not saying praying for someone that is drunk is pointless, I'm just saying that unless God is directly working on their hearts they very well might be simply being emotional. By all means be there for them so that when they sober up they will recognize God's love. This is not even covering the after effects of hangovers, depression, and whatever else might occur as a direct physical result of it. I know of nothing that has had such a dramatically negative effect on people's lives than drunkenness.
This is why I am so happy that I have something greater than alcohol. I have joy beyond compare. The presense of God is more powerful than any other substance and their is no need to distort reality. If anything it means one sees and experiences reality more so than ever before. In God's presense there is freedom. It not only feels better but can last longer as we get more of Him and learn to abide in Him. The more alcohol you consume the more you need to get drunk. The more of God you get the longer He remains. The only after effect of the presense is the lack of the presense. It is a let down but it is analigous to the let down after being in love. Its annoying but for the most part you just return to the previous normal. I personally have not had issues with drunkenness but those that I know that have and then experienced God for real agree that God's presense is so much better. No experience on earth is truly comparable.
I say this not to say I am better for I am not. I dealt with depression long enough to know that being able to escape reality would have been nice. I have had my share of pain. I simply chose not to but had someone offered at the right time I likley would have and who knows what would have happened then. It is by God's grace I was not a drunk. I have a family history of both alcoholism and depression and have had a fair share of addictions. The truth is that I walked amongst them not to judge them but in hopes of finding opportunities to bring them true joy. As of late my heart for the lost has been growing. My impending departure and the knowledge that there is no real outreach to the pubs makes me very sad. I mourn for the loss of those there. Apparently this place is the suicide capital of Austalia. Its no wonder, so many come here to make money but end up being lonely and wasting all that they have gained on beer and prostitutes.
I have come to a conclusion that I find it hard to believe any person with a relationship with God has no desire to at least have a desire to bring the lost to God. Either they are sefish or lack love or both. It was the great command, the drive of the early church, the main prayer of every revival (except maybe the generic wanting more of God) and the heart of God since creation. The natural destination of man is hell. People focus on how God seems to be punishing us when instead we are punishing God. Man turned on God and man continues to go away from God. The Father in the Prodigal Son is the perfect example. The son left the father and even when his heart was surely broken he waited for the son. Other than the ceremonial regulations there are reasons for the commands of God. God was creator and as such knows the best way to function. All instruction are to keep the origonal purpose. For example, sex. What's the purpose of sex? Procreation. Why are their families? Besides the marriage couple itself it is to raise the children in the best possible environment. All rules that have to do with sex follow these rules and anything that doesn't is not the way God intended. If you do not believe me do a study on families in the scripture, most notably Genesis 1 and the first command, "Be fruitful and multiply." There are certain laws that don't apply now but the principals behind them still do.
God's presence is the greatest feeling ever and the best way to get more is by spreading God's love to those that don't have it. If you don't have God's love or presence I would suggest you spread God's love to yourself first.
As I walk the streets of my city I look at those whom are consumed with liquer and booze. Who seems so happy, until you recognize that to get that happy they have to distort their perception of reality and become their "true" selves. They must block out their self control, their barriers to pain or all sorts, to become what is inside. The problem is that within the heart there is great darkness and though it can seem simple how many have fallen because of it. Everyone has a story of shame that has drunk the intoxicated beverage long enough. Flirting with indiscriminate people, fighting, cheating on their spouces, strait guys doing things with other guys that I won't describe. Hurtful words to outright violence. I could tell many stories but I'm guessing most if not all readers will know stories. What is in a man's or woman's heart is revealed and cannot be taken back. It's almost as if drunkenness is the devil's plaything. I have yet to hear of someone having good fruit for God of any kind from it. If anything emotions are manipulated so that people are more prone to do stupid things and the flesh nature is amplified. It not only increases sin but it decreases God to work in their lives during it. It is well advised amongst most ministers that you don't minister in most ways to people while they are drunk because unless they sober up during the process because even when they are aware of their sin once the drunkenness ends they find that no difference has been made. I'm not saying praying for someone that is drunk is pointless, I'm just saying that unless God is directly working on their hearts they very well might be simply being emotional. By all means be there for them so that when they sober up they will recognize God's love. This is not even covering the after effects of hangovers, depression, and whatever else might occur as a direct physical result of it. I know of nothing that has had such a dramatically negative effect on people's lives than drunkenness.
This is why I am so happy that I have something greater than alcohol. I have joy beyond compare. The presense of God is more powerful than any other substance and their is no need to distort reality. If anything it means one sees and experiences reality more so than ever before. In God's presense there is freedom. It not only feels better but can last longer as we get more of Him and learn to abide in Him. The more alcohol you consume the more you need to get drunk. The more of God you get the longer He remains. The only after effect of the presense is the lack of the presense. It is a let down but it is analigous to the let down after being in love. Its annoying but for the most part you just return to the previous normal. I personally have not had issues with drunkenness but those that I know that have and then experienced God for real agree that God's presense is so much better. No experience on earth is truly comparable.
I say this not to say I am better for I am not. I dealt with depression long enough to know that being able to escape reality would have been nice. I have had my share of pain. I simply chose not to but had someone offered at the right time I likley would have and who knows what would have happened then. It is by God's grace I was not a drunk. I have a family history of both alcoholism and depression and have had a fair share of addictions. The truth is that I walked amongst them not to judge them but in hopes of finding opportunities to bring them true joy. As of late my heart for the lost has been growing. My impending departure and the knowledge that there is no real outreach to the pubs makes me very sad. I mourn for the loss of those there. Apparently this place is the suicide capital of Austalia. Its no wonder, so many come here to make money but end up being lonely and wasting all that they have gained on beer and prostitutes.
I have come to a conclusion that I find it hard to believe any person with a relationship with God has no desire to at least have a desire to bring the lost to God. Either they are sefish or lack love or both. It was the great command, the drive of the early church, the main prayer of every revival (except maybe the generic wanting more of God) and the heart of God since creation. The natural destination of man is hell. People focus on how God seems to be punishing us when instead we are punishing God. Man turned on God and man continues to go away from God. The Father in the Prodigal Son is the perfect example. The son left the father and even when his heart was surely broken he waited for the son. Other than the ceremonial regulations there are reasons for the commands of God. God was creator and as such knows the best way to function. All instruction are to keep the origonal purpose. For example, sex. What's the purpose of sex? Procreation. Why are their families? Besides the marriage couple itself it is to raise the children in the best possible environment. All rules that have to do with sex follow these rules and anything that doesn't is not the way God intended. If you do not believe me do a study on families in the scripture, most notably Genesis 1 and the first command, "Be fruitful and multiply." There are certain laws that don't apply now but the principals behind them still do.
God's presence is the greatest feeling ever and the best way to get more is by spreading God's love to those that don't have it. If you don't have God's love or presence I would suggest you spread God's love to yourself first.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
The Parable of the Deacon and the Homosexual
(Almost directly taken from the NIV's version of Luke 18:9-15
And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt : Two men went into the temple to pray, one was a deacon and the other was a known homosexual. The deacon stood and was praying this to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: drunks, addicts, thieves, adulterers, or even like this homosexual. I attend church on Sundays and Wednesdays, I give above the ten percent required, I play guitar on the worship team, I rake the church yard on work day." But the known homosexual, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was holding his head in his hands, saying, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other ; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.
And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt : Two men went into the temple to pray, one was a deacon and the other was a known homosexual. The deacon stood and was praying this to himself, "God, I thank you that I am not like other people: drunks, addicts, thieves, adulterers, or even like this homosexual. I attend church on Sundays and Wednesdays, I give above the ten percent required, I play guitar on the worship team, I rake the church yard on work day." But the known homosexual, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was holding his head in his hands, saying, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!" I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other ; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
The Prodigal Son
This evening at church we have the interactive sermon of the prodigal son. I have heard, read, and even taught this story many times. I have never however realized that it is really a story of separation from God. The two sons both separate themselves from the father but in different ways.
The younger son is the one that focused on the most. He is willing to act as if his father is dead and get his inheritance early. He blatantly separates himself from the father because he thinks life is better without the father. As I take this parable to meant those that have known the father the younger son would be the one that has been with God and decided he likes the carnal life better. He takes what he can get and waste it. In the end he has nothing but what the father can give him.
The older sons separation is more subtle. We see in him the traits we appreciate in the religious. He is loyal, hard working, diligent to do the father's will. But he fails to actually know the father's heart or his own position. He has everything because he is the father's son but yet believes that the father is holding it back. He is then resentful when the younger son returns because he is either in fear of losing part of his inheritance or believes that the younger one should be rejected. The father never rebukes him for his actions, he rebukes him for not accepting the younger one back.
At the end of the story the younger one is closer to the father than the older brother even though the older has been there the whole time. The younger is closer because he is there due to the love of the father, not because of anything he has done. In contrast the older believes he deserves what the father gives him even though he truly only gets what he gets because he is his father's son.
We are saved by grace and not works lest anyone should boast. Who are you in the story?
The younger son is the one that focused on the most. He is willing to act as if his father is dead and get his inheritance early. He blatantly separates himself from the father because he thinks life is better without the father. As I take this parable to meant those that have known the father the younger son would be the one that has been with God and decided he likes the carnal life better. He takes what he can get and waste it. In the end he has nothing but what the father can give him.
The older sons separation is more subtle. We see in him the traits we appreciate in the religious. He is loyal, hard working, diligent to do the father's will. But he fails to actually know the father's heart or his own position. He has everything because he is the father's son but yet believes that the father is holding it back. He is then resentful when the younger son returns because he is either in fear of losing part of his inheritance or believes that the younger one should be rejected. The father never rebukes him for his actions, he rebukes him for not accepting the younger one back.
At the end of the story the younger one is closer to the father than the older brother even though the older has been there the whole time. The younger is closer because he is there due to the love of the father, not because of anything he has done. In contrast the older believes he deserves what the father gives him even though he truly only gets what he gets because he is his father's son.
We are saved by grace and not works lest anyone should boast. Who are you in the story?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Controversial Blog
I find myself as of late considering sin.
1 Cor 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.
I have come to interpret this verse in correlation with other verses as meaning that everything is okay to do but not everything is productive. In the direct context it is speaking of morality with sexual morality being the theme.
In John 14:15 Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." The greatest commandment is to love God with all ones heart soul mind and strength with the second being to love one's neighbor as himself.
It was for freedom he set us free. We are saved by grace not by works that anyone should boast. These are also familiar passages. I am coming to two simple conclusions.
The first is that the Bible's purpose is to bring people into fellowship with Him and promote His glory. Promoting His glory is almost a tag on in this as it is God's over ruling purpose. As far as having relationships with us this is promoting from beginning to end. In the beginning of Genesis we see man walking in the Garden of Eden with God and at the end we see Him being worshiped in Heaven. Throughout scripture God is bringing the Jews to Him and constantly trying to keep a relationship with them, and in the New Testament we see God sending his Son to die for our sins to restore fellowship with Him. We have mistakenly made the Bible out to be a book of how to live our lives when it is a book that shows us how God wants us to live our lives. The difference is subtle but it changes the meaning. If it is simply a book on how to live our lives it becomes a self help book with the major purpose of making us better. As it is a book on how God wants us to live it makes it into the guide on what we need to be in relationship with Him. Does it tell us how to live? Most definitely. But to believe that it is simply a guide to living is why as humans we tend to look for rules to follow to make our lives more godly, whereas we are supposed to live lives that make us more holy so we may be closer to God.
The basic difference is what the legalist and pharisees did. When you focus on it as a book of ways to live you decide which ones you think are more important, when they all are equally important. One modern example of this would be how greed, stealing, drunkenness and sex outside of marriage are condoned but homosexuality seems to be considered the ultimate sin even though all are listed in the 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. It is very easy to strain at a gnat and miss the camel when we focus on the actions and attitudes rather the purpose (Mt 23:24).
The other difference is that if its about a relationship with God and Him drawing us nearer it is by His power that we can achieve it. God sent His Holy Spirit to help us, he is the one that keeps us from falling (Jn 14-16, Jud 24).
That is that now that we can do whatever we want but if we want more of God we will do what He wants. It almost sounds like liberal theology but under the new covenant we are forgiven for anything. In the initial passage Paul says that everything is allowed, but that with some things comes both loss and bondage. In the passage in Romans 1 it states several things were God is not okay with but these are things it clearly states that these things happen when God is not glorified as God. In other places he says that many of the same will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10). This is where grace comes in and the truth of the matter is that "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom 10:13). No matter what one has done or are doing can be forgiven as long as one trust in Jesus death and resurrection and declares Him Lord of their life (Rom 10:9-10). So everyone go and sin, it's okay....
OR NOT! In 1 Peter God says, "Be ye holy; for I am Holy" (1 Pet 1:16). Jesus said that if you love Him you will obey. If the Bible is our guide book for having a relationship with God then we will want to follow it because we love God. Based on John 14:15 alone we do not love God if we are not obeying. Based on the Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians passages mentioned before to do the sins listed brings us bondage and are indicators that we are failing God in some way. If we want more of God we must remove this flesh nature that so easily causes us to fail (Heb 12:1).
In the end it all comes down to if we are pursuing a relationship with God or not. If you are continuing in your sin without wanting to change you may want to ask yourself if you truly love God.
1 Cor 6:12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything.
I have come to interpret this verse in correlation with other verses as meaning that everything is okay to do but not everything is productive. In the direct context it is speaking of morality with sexual morality being the theme.
In John 14:15 Jesus says, "If you love me, you will obey what I command." The greatest commandment is to love God with all ones heart soul mind and strength with the second being to love one's neighbor as himself.
It was for freedom he set us free. We are saved by grace not by works that anyone should boast. These are also familiar passages. I am coming to two simple conclusions.
The first is that the Bible's purpose is to bring people into fellowship with Him and promote His glory. Promoting His glory is almost a tag on in this as it is God's over ruling purpose. As far as having relationships with us this is promoting from beginning to end. In the beginning of Genesis we see man walking in the Garden of Eden with God and at the end we see Him being worshiped in Heaven. Throughout scripture God is bringing the Jews to Him and constantly trying to keep a relationship with them, and in the New Testament we see God sending his Son to die for our sins to restore fellowship with Him. We have mistakenly made the Bible out to be a book of how to live our lives when it is a book that shows us how God wants us to live our lives. The difference is subtle but it changes the meaning. If it is simply a book on how to live our lives it becomes a self help book with the major purpose of making us better. As it is a book on how God wants us to live it makes it into the guide on what we need to be in relationship with Him. Does it tell us how to live? Most definitely. But to believe that it is simply a guide to living is why as humans we tend to look for rules to follow to make our lives more godly, whereas we are supposed to live lives that make us more holy so we may be closer to God.
The basic difference is what the legalist and pharisees did. When you focus on it as a book of ways to live you decide which ones you think are more important, when they all are equally important. One modern example of this would be how greed, stealing, drunkenness and sex outside of marriage are condoned but homosexuality seems to be considered the ultimate sin even though all are listed in the 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. It is very easy to strain at a gnat and miss the camel when we focus on the actions and attitudes rather the purpose (Mt 23:24).
The other difference is that if its about a relationship with God and Him drawing us nearer it is by His power that we can achieve it. God sent His Holy Spirit to help us, he is the one that keeps us from falling (Jn 14-16, Jud 24).
That is that now that we can do whatever we want but if we want more of God we will do what He wants. It almost sounds like liberal theology but under the new covenant we are forgiven for anything. In the initial passage Paul says that everything is allowed, but that with some things comes both loss and bondage. In the passage in Romans 1 it states several things were God is not okay with but these are things it clearly states that these things happen when God is not glorified as God. In other places he says that many of the same will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor 6:9-10). This is where grace comes in and the truth of the matter is that "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Rom 10:13). No matter what one has done or are doing can be forgiven as long as one trust in Jesus death and resurrection and declares Him Lord of their life (Rom 10:9-10). So everyone go and sin, it's okay....
OR NOT! In 1 Peter God says, "Be ye holy; for I am Holy" (1 Pet 1:16). Jesus said that if you love Him you will obey. If the Bible is our guide book for having a relationship with God then we will want to follow it because we love God. Based on John 14:15 alone we do not love God if we are not obeying. Based on the Romans 1 and 1 Corinthians passages mentioned before to do the sins listed brings us bondage and are indicators that we are failing God in some way. If we want more of God we must remove this flesh nature that so easily causes us to fail (Heb 12:1).
In the end it all comes down to if we are pursuing a relationship with God or not. If you are continuing in your sin without wanting to change you may want to ask yourself if you truly love God.
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