Back in The Saddle

Well, Daniel informed me that he is back from his short hiatus. As his latest posts attest, he has something to say again. So mosy on over there and give his blog a read, unless of course you are trying to avoid personal responsibility and conviction.

p.s. What topic of discussion is at the top of your thoughts these days?

Modern Day Martyr

A topic receiving much discussion as of late by many bloggers is the predicament of an Afghani believer. It seems Abdul Rahman, a 41 year old christian, has been convicted of rejecting the islamic faith in favour of Christ Jesus. For this 'terrible' crime he is going to be sentenced to execution.

What makes this particular story stand out of course is the place and time of this aggression. As you know, christians are being persecuted everyday around the globe with many giving theirs lives rather than deny the Saviour that purchased them with His own blood.

However, this is one of the first public cases in Afghanistan after the western powers have spent years and billions of dollars attempting to construct a democratic nation. For all the rhetoric of open and free elections, the Afghan constitution is still completely steeped in Sharia tradition and law which forbids the conversion of any muslim to christianity. While most western media could care less whether or not the Afghans actually decide to worship Christ rather than Allah, it has become a point of contention that our 'freedom of choice' has not been accepted by this undemocratic society.

Let us not lose the real issue here, that a man is willing to lay down his life rather than deny Christ. He deserves our prayers. But also we should be willing to intervene not only for his life but for the lives of future believers in Afghanistan. Let us pray that this is the beginning of a large increase of the church in the midst of this dark nation. Let us always remember that only the gospel will bring true freedom, and only the truth of God's word can set men free.

For more indepth and analysis on this subject you can visit Centuri0n's post, or Matt Gumm's take on it. Of course don't forget to stop by and visit Voice of the Martyr's weblog on this current issue. Let me know your thoughts on this subject, perhaps you have more to add?

Who Is Our God?

"For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted". Heb. 2:16-18

Praise the Lord we have such a high priest, Jesus Christ the righteous! He is much acquainted with our temptations and weaknesses, yet without sin, and now intercedes for us day and night. What an awesome God we serve!

Let us not simply stand on the fringes but come boldly by the blood of Jesus into the very throne room of God that we may receive mercy and grace in time of need. Come today and enter his courts with praise, give thanks unto our great and mighty Saviour!

Gospel Analogy Take II

Ok, it seems I goofed up the first analogy so bad that I will try again. I am going to use the template of scenario #3 in the last post that Daniel so graciously made for me. I am trying to isolate one point and one point alone. To that end see if you can spot the difference between the two scenarios here and tell me which one would be closer to scripture. Please give appropriate Biblical context.

Setting

Ten Canadian businessmen were approached with a lucrative investment deal. The men were offered a 60% return on their initial investment within a 6 month period of time. It sounded too good to be true but the salesman relieved their concerns by telling them the reason for the substantial return was due to the type of investment; they would be investing in the largest gold mine ever to be discovered and once the mine went public their shares would skyrocket in price. There was one little catch however; the men needed to do a tiny little backroom deal in order to seal the arrangements. They were told that this was normal business practice among the big boys in the investment circles. Greedily the men mortgaged their homes, borrowed heavily from the banks, and accumulated as much cash as they could from their friends and family.

Imagine their dismay and shock when four months later they realized they had been swindled by the most devious con artist in history. Of course they should have known better, they were after all experienced at deceiving others in their daily business practices. Just so you know, these men were the most wretched of Canadians and completely deserved what they got, as their past dealings had left many others destitute and poverty stricken. They were such complete reprobates that their depravity was totally obvious.

What's more, they soon learned that the little 'backroom' deal they had participated in was a serious violation of investment law causing them to face years of jail time and millions in penalties.

Scenario #1

While awaiting their sentencing in jail, a wealthy young African king reads of their plight and decides to show them some kindness. He then contacts the prosecuters office and finds out the exact charges against these men. After determining the exact fine required by law, this young African then proceeds to sell all the gold in his kingdom to cover the total fines imposed by the judge. He then instructs his personal assistant to take individual letters to each of the convicted men and offer them complete freedom from their debts and criminal charges. One by one however the men scoff and mock the messenger of the king and reject his offer of redemption. I forgot to mention; these men where also extreme racists who despised the blacks more than any other ethnic group around and their utter contempt for africans prevented them from humbling themselves to receive the payment.

Deeply saddened by the rejection of his offer, the african king decides to visit five of the convicted men to personally show them his offer of redemption and payment for their crimes. Again, one by one these depraved Canadians mock and ridicule the young king. They even go so far as to spit in his face and curse him. Patiently the king explains his offer again this time informing them that their crime had impacted the economy of his country and their actions had caused him the loss of his largest gold mine. Moved by his compassion, the five men break under the obvious show of care and humbly received the gift offered by this king. They then walk free and forever after tell everyone they meet of this kings mercy upon them.

Scenario #2

While awaiting their sentencing in jail, a wealthy young African king reads of their plight and decides to show them some kindness. He then contacts the prosecuters office and finds out the exact charges against these men. After determining the exact fine required by law, this young African then proceeds to sell all the gold in his kingdom to cover the fines imposed by the judge on five of the guilty men. He then instructs his personal assistant to take individual letters to each of the ten convicted men and offer them complete freedom from their debts and criminal charges. One by one however the men scoff and mock the messenger of the king and reject his offer of redemption. I forgot to mention; these men where also extreme racists who despised the blacks more than any other ethnic group around and their utter contempt for africans prevented them from humbling themselves to receive the payment.

Deeply saddened by the rejection of his offer, the african king decides to visit five of the convicted men to personally show them his offer of redemption and payment for their crimes. Again, one by one these depraved Canadians mock and ridicule the young king. They even go so far as to spit in his face and curse him. Patiently the king explains his offer again this time informing them that their crime had impacted the economy of his country and their actions had caused him the loss of his largest gold mine. Moved by his compassion, the five men break under the obvious show of care and humbly received the gift offered by this king. They then walk free and forever after tell everyone they meet of this kings mercy upon them.

Okay, can you tell me which one of these scenarios more accurately represents the gospel. For those of you who fall into the Calvinist camp, please try and refrain from using the terminology of TULIP in your explanation. Let's see if we can't define our views from sola scriptura in approx. five verses. Rather than simply proof texting, see if you can weave those five or so verses into a succinct paragraph that clearly explains your understanding of this point.

Monday Mind Mess Up!

Which of these two scenarios is more like the gospel? Please give a reason from scripture.

Scenario #1

After visiting the poverty stricken area of western Africa, a rich businessman decided to get involved and help in some tangible, practical way. He purchased ten brand new tractors and sent individual letters to ten farmers he had met informing them of the gifts. He also gave them the details of where and when to pickup the new machines.

To his dismay, five of the farmers refused to come and pick up the new tractors citing doubt over the genuineness of the offer. However, the other five farmers gladly went to the dealership and claimed the gift the businessman had purchased for them.

Scenario #2

The same businessman after visiting the same area, decided to purchase tractors to help the poor farmers. However, after seeing the pride in these poor peasants, he realized only five of the ten men would actually take the gift. Therefore he only purchased five tractors.

The businessman then proceeded to mail individual letters to the ten farmers informing them of their gift. As expected only five farmers came forward to claim their free tractors.

Which of these two scenarios (very poor analogies) are more like the gospel?

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less....

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Gal. 1:11-12

"How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery..."
Eph. 3:3

Paul was as he put it, a man born out of due time. He was, as a self professed chief of sinners, one who had persecuted the Church of God with much zeal thinking himself to be doing the will of God. However the time came when he was knocked off his high horse and saw the light of day. The light was so intense that he was temporarily blinded. With his new sight came new vision and a new name. Saul turned Paul now understood that he had in fact been fighting against Jesus Christ Himself, and with this revelation Paul's ministry began in earnest.

The really interesting part of this story is that Paul's gospel was not learned in some school or under the mentorship of some famous apostle or teacher. Rather he emphatically makes the point that it was Jesus Christ Himself that revealed the good news and taught him what to say. Now of course this does not mean that we today should seek for a different gospel. The gospel Paul received was probably of the purest form possible due to the divine intervention he encountered. However there is a principle here that goes far beyond the writing of inspired scripture. We know now that God is not writing new books of doctrine or some new teaching or method, but the principle that impacted Paul is still operating today.

In order for us to really understand and receive the gospel, it must be revealed to us by Christ Himself. While He does not manifest Himself physically to us, nevertheless His Holy Spirit is quickening our understanding by changing or transforming the way we think. It is not enough to simply learn the doctrines and stories, we must have our heart affected by this truth. As the scriptures say, "faith comes by hearing and that by the word of God". The Greek word Rhema is used here for the word of God. This implies not simply written knowledge but that the written letter becomes alive and actively speaks to us by the Holy Spirit. In other words, it becomes real to us and something we now know to be true.

May the Lord continue to open the riches of His Word to us daily, giving us fresh revelation of Himself. Then our faith will not rest in men and their wisdom, but in the power of God.

Love & Hate

Here is today's question: Can love and hate coexist in ones heart? In other words, can I love a person while hating them at the same time?

Fruit & Works

It seems that the blog is full of posts on the need for fruit and works to bear proof of salvation. However, seldom are these two words accurately defined. Therefore they become some nebulous terminology that we abstractly apply to a 'professing christians' life to see whether or not he is a false or true believer. Please help me dispel the fog of obscurity and bring some clarity and acute understanding of these words. Are fruit and works synonymous? Please define them according to your understanding using biblical references where possible.

Just The Facts Please?

Tell me, is it theologically correct to tell people Jesus died for their sins?

Yes or No, please cite your appropriate chapter and verse(s).

Truth Matters!

Absolute truth is an absolute necessity. What I mean is that for every issue there is always a right or truthful answer. Further, truth is fundamental to the proper understanding of life and our Biblical worldview.

However, in our society we find ourselves confronted by many different views on every subject, so how do we discern what is correct and what is false? In particular, the area of theology has caused much debate and disagreement over the true meaning of scripture and the interpretation of Bible passages. It seems many eminent and well educated scholars have shamefully brought much confusion and contention to the matter of biblical exposition through their ignorance of certain required prerequisites.

First of all, we must realize that truth is not some abstract or ethereal concept. Truth is the embodiment of a person and ultimately of His nature and character. Jesus said of Himself that He was the truth. So the beginning of all understanding about God and the Bible must be the realization that Jesus Christ is the truth; in otherwords He has all the truth, knows all truth, and reveals all truth. All truth will ultimately point us to Christ and reveal His many attributes. The opposite of truth is falsehood and lies. The seriousness of this becomes apparent in our daily lives as we make choices that will have consequences that may or may not be pleasant and expected.

We are are quite familiar with the basic laws of physics, in fact our entire society depends upon these laws being consistent and unchanging. There would be drastic results if gravity didn't work for a day. Similarly, God's laws are unchanging and represent His constant nature and immovable decrees. He even tells us clearly that He changes not.

The reason truth matters so much is because we live our lives based upon understanding of who God is. If we do not see Him clearly and become aware of His ways He has designed for us to live, we will see disastrous results in our families and societies. When we believe a lie or incorrect interpretation of scripture we become in bondage to that lie. However once we know the truth, the truth will set us free.

So let us continue to seek the Truth, Jesus Christ, that we may know Him and consequently know His ways and attributes. The more we know Christ, the more we will be set free from wrong doctrines, thinking, and believing. Don't sacrifice knowing Christ for knowing doctrine, by that I mean do not simply learn doctrine for doctrines sake, but let the Word of Christ dwelling richly in you, bring revelation and joy to your christian walk.

The 5 Most Important Things

You have just been put in charge of discipling a group of newly saved young people. They have no church upbringing and very limited Bible knowledge.

What are first 5 things you would do to establish them in their new found faith?

Can Christians Be Carnal?

Do you have thoughts on this question? If so, take up your keyboard and let your thoughts be heard.

What Is The Sabbath?

Please let me know your thoughts on this topic. Also, I would like to know your opinion so before you read others comments please form your own response first.

p.s. If after you have contributed to this question you have a question of your own, please feel free to leave it in the comments sections or send me an email.

May Christ Jesus be glorified in our lives today!!