Posts
The God Delusion
God is Not Great
God: The Failed Hypothesis
God Needs to Go
How the West Really Lost God
Is God a Moral Monster?
God, Are You There?
These are just some of the titles one will find in the Christian section of any bookstore. As a society, we seem to be struggling with the concept of God in our modern world and how He fits into our frantic, computerized lives.
“Our parents never saw this coming,” declares, Jeremy Lallier, writer for Vertical Thought magazine which strives to offer relevant content to help young people ages 12-22 discover and live God's way of life. “They grew up in a world where people stretched a dollar as far as they could, and when something ripped, they put a patch on it and kept going. Most of their parents or grandparents remember living through the Great Depression, where just having anything, no matter how old, was a big deal.”
Fast forward to 2013 where information that is more than ten minutes old is irrelevant. Everything has gotten faster, sleeker, and more expensive. My word processor (remember those?) from college would be outperformed by most cell phones today.
When it comes to an eternal God and His Word which is thousands of years old, people take the same view of Him as their six month old electronic device – ancient history.
“The argument almost makes sense on the surface,” Lallier surmises. “After all, everything changes, doesn't it? Societal values shift across distance and time. What was acceptable dress in 14th-century Japan would likely be frowned upon in a 21st-century American business meeting. So it only makes sense that right and wrong, like all things societal, would change as a culture does.
But truth is not a suit. It is not an outfit to be mixed and matched, discarded and replaced to keep in step with the latest trends. It's an unchanging constant unaltered by time or culture.”
All of us believe in the laws of physics – gravity, inertia, relativity – because if we break them the consequences would be dire. But yet we bristle at the idea of unchanging moral laws. We don’t want to be told that we can’t abort our babies or marry who we want, but yet the outcome of such actions will have a predetermined effect. God tells us that if we sow to the flesh we will reap corruption (Galatians 6:8).
The Bible is not just a book of rules written by old men once upon a time. “What the Bible offers is a guidebook to interactions – with people, with things, with life in general,” Lallier asserts. “Rather than leave you to figure out the spiritual equivalent of walking off a cliff on your own, the Word of God lays out all the principles you'll ever need to make the important decisions in your life. In its pages, you'll find a thorough examination of what makes for a good idea and what makes for a terrible one.
The Bible deals with questions like:
- What do you do when you're faced with an interpersonal conflict? (See Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-17)
- How should you treat the most important relationships in your life? (See Ephesians 5:22-33; 6:1-4)
- How can you put your foot down on an issue and still show compassion? (See Luke 17:3; Proverbs 10:12)
It also deals with character traits worth developing (1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 2 Peter 1:5-8); habits worth avoiding (Proverbs 6:9-19); friends worth having (Proverbs 27:17; Ecclesiastes 4:9-10), and maybe a thousand other things essential to getting the most out of this life and the next. Study its words for a lifetime, and you won't stop uncovering wisdom until your final breath.”
But most importantly, it deals with eternal life and how one can obtain it by having his/her sins forgiven by Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
“Sure, the Bible is old,” Lallier admits. “But old doesn't automatically mean obsolete, contrary to everything our culture would have us believe.”
I am not a naïve person. I test out everything in my life. I have tested my faith. I have put God’s Words into motion and have seen the benefits. Might I challenge you to do the same?
It may surprise you to know that the Bible is the most commented on book that has never been read. So many people have a position on the Bible and yet have never read it. Don’t base your chance at happiness in this life – or the next – on someone else’s opinions. Read it for yourself, put it into practice, and watch your life change – for the better.
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“Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” - Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 3:16)
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Friday, January 6, 2012
By Way of Prayer
I have recently read a couple of books on prayer and have been contemplating my own prayer life in light of what the Bible teaches. It is interesting to note that Jesus never taught His disciples how to preach but He did teach them how to pray. Prayer is the means that God Himself has instituted to perform the will of heaven on earth. How it all works is hard to really put your finger on exactly just like so many other spiritual realities, but nonetheless, we can be assured that when we pray angels and demons are moved into action.
But why does it seem that so often our prayers never reach higher than the ceiling? I think James 5:16 provides a clue, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The key word being “righteous.” Our prayers are only as effective as our life is holy and obedient to God. Of course, Jesus tells that if we put His kingdom first than all things will be added unto us. The Apostle John echoes this same sentiment when He tells us in his first epistle, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Do you see a pattern emerging? If our prayers are to be heard then they need to be according to the will of God which is only possible if we are abiding in Christ. In other words, God is not obligated to answer any prayer from anyone who is not following His commands. I would also go one step further and add that if we are not following Christ then it is impossible for us to even ask the Lord for the right things in our lives or the lives of others. And I believe this point is paramount. Many of the prayers in the Bible are intercessory in nature. The praying person is praying for someone else. Abraham prayed for Lot and spared him from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses prayed for the people of Israel after they had erected the golden the calf and the Lord spared their lives because of Moses petition.
Our prayer life becomes strangely void of self the closer we are to God because he lays His will on our hearts. This is not to say that we are not to pray for ourselves as the Lord tells us to bring all our cares to Him but I have found in my own walk that the closer I am to the Lord the things that burden the Lord’s heart become my prayers. So often in mid-sentence my prayer will change as the Holy Spirit prompts the prayer that is most needful.
The Bible also admonishes us to prayer fervently and unceasingly. Prayer is to be the central focus of lives as believers. We see this in Acts chapter 6 when the church was in its infancy and it was brought to the apostles attention that the widows were being neglected. The apostles called the other disciples and told them to appoint seven men to help minister to the widows so they could give themselves completely to the ministry of the Word and prayer. Right here we see the importance of prayer as the apostles understood that it was critical that they did not neglect this area as the power of God over the church was at stake.
We seem to have lost this sense of urgency regarding prayer in today’s churches. I am not sure if it is because we do not believe in the power of prayer as much anymore or if it is because we have gotten too busy with life or even the ministry. It is critical that we get back to constant communion with God. I know it is something I want to be a focus in 2012. I hope it is for you as well.
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"Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces." - S.D. Gordon
But why does it seem that so often our prayers never reach higher than the ceiling? I think James 5:16 provides a clue, “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” The key word being “righteous.” Our prayers are only as effective as our life is holy and obedient to God. Of course, Jesus tells that if we put His kingdom first than all things will be added unto us. The Apostle John echoes this same sentiment when He tells us in his first epistle, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14)
Do you see a pattern emerging? If our prayers are to be heard then they need to be according to the will of God which is only possible if we are abiding in Christ. In other words, God is not obligated to answer any prayer from anyone who is not following His commands. I would also go one step further and add that if we are not following Christ then it is impossible for us to even ask the Lord for the right things in our lives or the lives of others. And I believe this point is paramount. Many of the prayers in the Bible are intercessory in nature. The praying person is praying for someone else. Abraham prayed for Lot and spared him from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Moses prayed for the people of Israel after they had erected the golden the calf and the Lord spared their lives because of Moses petition.
Our prayer life becomes strangely void of self the closer we are to God because he lays His will on our hearts. This is not to say that we are not to pray for ourselves as the Lord tells us to bring all our cares to Him but I have found in my own walk that the closer I am to the Lord the things that burden the Lord’s heart become my prayers. So often in mid-sentence my prayer will change as the Holy Spirit prompts the prayer that is most needful.
The Bible also admonishes us to prayer fervently and unceasingly. Prayer is to be the central focus of lives as believers. We see this in Acts chapter 6 when the church was in its infancy and it was brought to the apostles attention that the widows were being neglected. The apostles called the other disciples and told them to appoint seven men to help minister to the widows so they could give themselves completely to the ministry of the Word and prayer. Right here we see the importance of prayer as the apostles understood that it was critical that they did not neglect this area as the power of God over the church was at stake.
We seem to have lost this sense of urgency regarding prayer in today’s churches. I am not sure if it is because we do not believe in the power of prayer as much anymore or if it is because we have gotten too busy with life or even the ministry. It is critical that we get back to constant communion with God. I know it is something I want to be a focus in 2012. I hope it is for you as well.
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"Prayer strikes the winning blow; service is simply picking up the pieces." - S.D. Gordon
Friday, August 5, 2011
When God Shows Up
Ever have a moment when you really sensed God’s presence? As if He was orchestrating the very moments in a particular situation in your life? God tells us in His Word that He is always working in our lives and that He even knows the hairs on our head but often we long to sense Him, feel Him, know Him. I believe we fail to see Him in the way we desire because so often we are in disobedience or failing to confess sin. But when we are truly serving others, ministering with our heart and soul, He is there and He makes His presence known.
In the Gospel of John chapter 20, Thomas told his co-disciples that he would not believe that Jesus had resurrected unless he was able to see and touch His wounds. And when Jesus showed up and allowed Thomas to feel His nail prints and touch His sword-pierced side, Thomas cried out that he believed. Jesus then poignantly reminded him and us that he only believed because he saw Jesus in the flesh and then announced to everyone in the room “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Perhaps maybe the hardest thing God asks any of us to do on the other side of the cross is to believe that Jesus did exist and that He was who He claimed to be – the Son of God in the flesh that came to save sinners.
2,000 years is a long time and yet God tells us that 1,000 years is as one day to Him. For many of our modern scientists and philosophers it is easy to explain God away in the theories of evolution because surely if we were made in God’s image as Genesis states, God would be readily apparent. Of course, Romans 1:20-23 tells us, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.”
There may be no other passage in the Bible other than this one that perfectly encapsulates the world’s view of God in the 21st century. We would rather worship the creation than the creator. Yet God tells us that his very essence and power are revealed in creation. But if we fail to acknowledge God here than how can we ever come to His Word and see Him there in His special revelation? The answer is we can’t. Our God really is not all that mysterious. He is not a genie in a lamp that requires some sort of magic password to grant us access to him. He is a God that inspired 40 men over a period of 1,500 years to write 66 books that all contain the same message – Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ!
Every one of us that claims to be a Christian is a testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For you see, He lives inside us and it is through us that the world knows what Thomas found out - Jesus is real. The world can see us, touch us, watch us and by so doing it is as if Jesus is standing in front of them all over again telling them to touch his wounds. We are His testament. We are His voice. We are His heart. What a privledge.
In the Gospel of John chapter 20, Thomas told his co-disciples that he would not believe that Jesus had resurrected unless he was able to see and touch His wounds. And when Jesus showed up and allowed Thomas to feel His nail prints and touch His sword-pierced side, Thomas cried out that he believed. Jesus then poignantly reminded him and us that he only believed because he saw Jesus in the flesh and then announced to everyone in the room “blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Perhaps maybe the hardest thing God asks any of us to do on the other side of the cross is to believe that Jesus did exist and that He was who He claimed to be – the Son of God in the flesh that came to save sinners.
2,000 years is a long time and yet God tells us that 1,000 years is as one day to Him. For many of our modern scientists and philosophers it is easy to explain God away in the theories of evolution because surely if we were made in God’s image as Genesis states, God would be readily apparent. Of course, Romans 1:20-23 tells us, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.”
There may be no other passage in the Bible other than this one that perfectly encapsulates the world’s view of God in the 21st century. We would rather worship the creation than the creator. Yet God tells us that his very essence and power are revealed in creation. But if we fail to acknowledge God here than how can we ever come to His Word and see Him there in His special revelation? The answer is we can’t. Our God really is not all that mysterious. He is not a genie in a lamp that requires some sort of magic password to grant us access to him. He is a God that inspired 40 men over a period of 1,500 years to write 66 books that all contain the same message – Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ!
Every one of us that claims to be a Christian is a testimony to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For you see, He lives inside us and it is through us that the world knows what Thomas found out - Jesus is real. The world can see us, touch us, watch us and by so doing it is as if Jesus is standing in front of them all over again telling them to touch his wounds. We are His testament. We are His voice. We are His heart. What a privledge.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Acts of Love Are Worth Much and Cost Little
Proverbs 25:11 tell us that “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” This is perhaps one of the most apt descriptions of how a word of encouragement is received by someone who is depressed, discouraged, or feeling a sense of hopelessness. And I think if we are all honest with ourselves, all of us have been there at one time or another and have appreciated a word of encouragement from a friend or family member.
Jesus told us in John 13:35 that we would know His disciples by their love one toward the other. This was the only mark Jesus ever gave for a person who claims to be a Christian or a “little Christ.” And I suppose if you think about it, no other mark is needed as our love for one another demonstrates the gospel to its fullest capacity.
Many of the churches today fail to bring light to their dark communities because visitors sense no love among the members. Perhaps Marion Jacobsen put her finger on this missing component best when she said:
“If any group of Christians who claims to believe and practice all God has said in His Book will face up to their personal responsibility within the family of Christ, and to the real needs of Christians around them, their church will impress its community with the shining goodness of God’s love – to them AND among them. Such a transformation probably would do more to attract others to Jesus Christ than any house-to-house canvas, evangelistic campaign, or new church facility. People are hungry for acceptance, love, and friends, and unless they find them in the church, they may not stay there long enough to become personally related to Jesus Christ.
People are not persuaded, they are attracted. We must be able to communicate far more by what we are than by what we say.”
Mother Teresa offered a similar perspective on what ails the Western world:
“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”
John C. Maxwell once said, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” The gospel message we proclaim is so much more than just quoting John 3:16 to someone. It is showing them the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ. For you see, we are His representatives here and remain an example to a lost world that He truly did resurrect more than 2,000 years ago. The founding pastor of my church used to often say that you may be the only Bible anyone ever reads. I realize that it is a daunting statement but its burden in no way invalidates its reality.
Small acts done with great love are the core ingredients of the gospel. These acts provide a platform for sharing the gospel as the act itself IS the gospel in action. If you find yourself asking God to provide opportunities for you to share the gospel, start by meeting the needs of others and the door will swing wide open.
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"Biblical love is not emotions or feelings, but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person."
- Jeff Bridges in The Practice of Godliness
Jesus told us in John 13:35 that we would know His disciples by their love one toward the other. This was the only mark Jesus ever gave for a person who claims to be a Christian or a “little Christ.” And I suppose if you think about it, no other mark is needed as our love for one another demonstrates the gospel to its fullest capacity.
Many of the churches today fail to bring light to their dark communities because visitors sense no love among the members. Perhaps Marion Jacobsen put her finger on this missing component best when she said:
“If any group of Christians who claims to believe and practice all God has said in His Book will face up to their personal responsibility within the family of Christ, and to the real needs of Christians around them, their church will impress its community with the shining goodness of God’s love – to them AND among them. Such a transformation probably would do more to attract others to Jesus Christ than any house-to-house canvas, evangelistic campaign, or new church facility. People are hungry for acceptance, love, and friends, and unless they find them in the church, they may not stay there long enough to become personally related to Jesus Christ.
People are not persuaded, they are attracted. We must be able to communicate far more by what we are than by what we say.”
Mother Teresa offered a similar perspective on what ails the Western world:
“The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love. There are many in the world who are dying for a piece of bread but there are many more dying for a little love. The poverty in the West is a different kind of poverty -- it is not only a poverty of loneliness but also of spirituality. There's a hunger for love, as there is a hunger for God.”
John C. Maxwell once said, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” The gospel message we proclaim is so much more than just quoting John 3:16 to someone. It is showing them the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus Christ. For you see, we are His representatives here and remain an example to a lost world that He truly did resurrect more than 2,000 years ago. The founding pastor of my church used to often say that you may be the only Bible anyone ever reads. I realize that it is a daunting statement but its burden in no way invalidates its reality.
Small acts done with great love are the core ingredients of the gospel. These acts provide a platform for sharing the gospel as the act itself IS the gospel in action. If you find yourself asking God to provide opportunities for you to share the gospel, start by meeting the needs of others and the door will swing wide open.
********************************************************
"Biblical love is not emotions or feelings, but attitudes and actions that seek the best interests of the other person."
- Jeff Bridges in The Practice of Godliness
Friday, November 5, 2010
Factoring in Revival
This week I have to write six essays (yes six!) for my Revivalism course. It is a take home exam so I really should not complain and given I like to write, I am actually looking forward to the assignment.
One of the essay questions asks what seven factors must be present before a revival. I am betting you did not know there are seven factors, did you? Admittedly, I didn’t either. But as you read through this list, contemplate the present state of our churches and decide for yourself if any of these factors are present today:
a.) Dissatisfied Christians
b.) Disturbing trends in churches
c.) Developing spiritual convictions
d.) Devoted prayer
e.) Dedicated servants
f.) Diligent Bible study
g.) Determined seekers
When analyzing this list it is clear that revival does not occur spontaneously out of thin air or happen in a vacuum. Christians must be prepared to receive revival and these factors showcase a life that is earnestly seeking God.
I would venture to say that in terms of the first two factors, we definitely have dissatisfied Christians today who are earnestly yearning for a display of God’s power in their own lives and within their churches and homes. We also have disturbing trends in the churches, perhaps the most alarming trends since the apostles founded the early church. The Emergent church (sometimes referred to as the Emergent movement) which propagates “conversation” theology is on the rise and seeks to deconstruct modern Christian worship, evangelism, and the nature of the modern Christian community. It is one of many cults that have hit the scene in the 21st century. Even the traditional Christian denominations of our day have denounced the Word of God as the final authority in an effort to appear more hip and in sync with today’s culture.
While we can all agree there are major problems in the churches and a large number of dissatisfied Christians as a result, what about the last five factors? All of them have to do with believers turning toward God and away from sin to know the Living God and experience His power in a profound manner. I have to confess that as I looked at these characteristics, I was convicted about my own life. I have often prayed for revival, especially recently, but have not held up my end of the equation.
If we want to experience revival again in this country, we have to not only immerse ourselves in the Word and in prayer, but also diligently seek and serve the Lord. This really is not too much for God to ask, is it? After all, why would He be interested in reviving people who are spiritually lethargic, indifferent to sin, and apathetic towards things of spiritual consequence?
Basically, God is looking to see if we are as committed to him in our life as we claim we are in our prayers. 2 Chronicles 16:9 tell us, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” This is quite a promise to consider. The Bible also tells us that God is not slack concerning His promises (2 Peter 3:9).
I firmly believe this nation can experience revival again, we just need to put 2 Chronicles 7:14 into action, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
One of the essay questions asks what seven factors must be present before a revival. I am betting you did not know there are seven factors, did you? Admittedly, I didn’t either. But as you read through this list, contemplate the present state of our churches and decide for yourself if any of these factors are present today:
a.) Dissatisfied Christians
b.) Disturbing trends in churches
c.) Developing spiritual convictions
d.) Devoted prayer
e.) Dedicated servants
f.) Diligent Bible study
g.) Determined seekers
When analyzing this list it is clear that revival does not occur spontaneously out of thin air or happen in a vacuum. Christians must be prepared to receive revival and these factors showcase a life that is earnestly seeking God.
I would venture to say that in terms of the first two factors, we definitely have dissatisfied Christians today who are earnestly yearning for a display of God’s power in their own lives and within their churches and homes. We also have disturbing trends in the churches, perhaps the most alarming trends since the apostles founded the early church. The Emergent church (sometimes referred to as the Emergent movement) which propagates “conversation” theology is on the rise and seeks to deconstruct modern Christian worship, evangelism, and the nature of the modern Christian community. It is one of many cults that have hit the scene in the 21st century. Even the traditional Christian denominations of our day have denounced the Word of God as the final authority in an effort to appear more hip and in sync with today’s culture.
While we can all agree there are major problems in the churches and a large number of dissatisfied Christians as a result, what about the last five factors? All of them have to do with believers turning toward God and away from sin to know the Living God and experience His power in a profound manner. I have to confess that as I looked at these characteristics, I was convicted about my own life. I have often prayed for revival, especially recently, but have not held up my end of the equation.
If we want to experience revival again in this country, we have to not only immerse ourselves in the Word and in prayer, but also diligently seek and serve the Lord. This really is not too much for God to ask, is it? After all, why would He be interested in reviving people who are spiritually lethargic, indifferent to sin, and apathetic towards things of spiritual consequence?
Basically, God is looking to see if we are as committed to him in our life as we claim we are in our prayers. 2 Chronicles 16:9 tell us, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” This is quite a promise to consider. The Bible also tells us that God is not slack concerning His promises (2 Peter 3:9).
I firmly believe this nation can experience revival again, we just need to put 2 Chronicles 7:14 into action, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”
Friday, September 24, 2010
Preparing for Revival
During the past several months the Lord has been teaching me about revival. As I mentioned in my previous post, I am currently taking a Revivalism course at my church on Monday nights. My professor recently mentioned that true, Biblical revival contains four components:
1) It is initiated by God,
2) It creates widespread repentance, including the conversion of unbelievers,
3) It changes society in some significant way, and
4) It averts God’s judgment.
I wanted to spend some time discussing the second point because I think when most people, myself included, think of revival we imagine masses of lost people coming to know Jesus as their personal Savior. While this is true in part, the main thrust of revival is God’s people repenting of their sins and turning in obedience toward God.
I would assume that for many of us who have been Christians for a long time, we struggle with this concept, especially when we look at the state of our nation and witness the lawlessness that abounds everywhere. But God is always concerned first and foremost with His people. In fact, the great revival verse of the Bible deals with this very topic, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
If we truly want to see the state of our nation changed than we, as God’s people, need to humble ourselves before God and turn from our sin. This is God’s plan for true revival – it begins with the church not the world.
When you really dig down and look at the personal lives of our political leaders during the greatest times of our nation’s glory, you find things that show human nature and not divine inspiration. God is not limited by our leader’s religious views. Even when we had ungodly leaders and men of questionable character, the Lord still blessed the nation. God’s promises are not determined by who are leaders are, but by the holiness of His people.
And this is really the whole key to experiencing the presence of God – holiness. I can look at my own life and realize that the times I have felt the Lord intimately have been the times when I have forsaken sin, and likewise, when He seems distant, it has always been as a result of disobedience or failure to confess and repent of sin.
Many today do not want to hear this because if forces us to look at ourselves first and begin making changes on the inside. It is easy to want to look at our nation, our state, our church and assign blame but that is not what God has told us to do. We must humble ourselves, forsake sin, and pray.
Never underestimate the power of prayer. My professor mentioned this past week that two women prayed earnestly for a very long time for D.L. Moody to be moved to lead revival. They prayed relentlessly and were able to bring down spiritual strongholds that eventually enabled D.L. Moody to spearhead the Great Awakening of the mid-1800’s.
If you desire God to send another revival, won’t you humble yourself before God and pray earnestly with me?
"There is sanctifying power like a sweet, refreshing shower, waiting for each consecrated heart."
- Leila N. Morris, hymnist
1) It is initiated by God,
2) It creates widespread repentance, including the conversion of unbelievers,
3) It changes society in some significant way, and
4) It averts God’s judgment.
I wanted to spend some time discussing the second point because I think when most people, myself included, think of revival we imagine masses of lost people coming to know Jesus as their personal Savior. While this is true in part, the main thrust of revival is God’s people repenting of their sins and turning in obedience toward God.
I would assume that for many of us who have been Christians for a long time, we struggle with this concept, especially when we look at the state of our nation and witness the lawlessness that abounds everywhere. But God is always concerned first and foremost with His people. In fact, the great revival verse of the Bible deals with this very topic, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
If we truly want to see the state of our nation changed than we, as God’s people, need to humble ourselves before God and turn from our sin. This is God’s plan for true revival – it begins with the church not the world.
When you really dig down and look at the personal lives of our political leaders during the greatest times of our nation’s glory, you find things that show human nature and not divine inspiration. God is not limited by our leader’s religious views. Even when we had ungodly leaders and men of questionable character, the Lord still blessed the nation. God’s promises are not determined by who are leaders are, but by the holiness of His people.
And this is really the whole key to experiencing the presence of God – holiness. I can look at my own life and realize that the times I have felt the Lord intimately have been the times when I have forsaken sin, and likewise, when He seems distant, it has always been as a result of disobedience or failure to confess and repent of sin.
Many today do not want to hear this because if forces us to look at ourselves first and begin making changes on the inside. It is easy to want to look at our nation, our state, our church and assign blame but that is not what God has told us to do. We must humble ourselves, forsake sin, and pray.
Never underestimate the power of prayer. My professor mentioned this past week that two women prayed earnestly for a very long time for D.L. Moody to be moved to lead revival. They prayed relentlessly and were able to bring down spiritual strongholds that eventually enabled D.L. Moody to spearhead the Great Awakening of the mid-1800’s.
If you desire God to send another revival, won’t you humble yourself before God and pray earnestly with me?
"There is sanctifying power like a sweet, refreshing shower, waiting for each consecrated heart."
- Leila N. Morris, hymnist
Friday, August 20, 2010
Psalm 119 Challenge
At a recent women’s ministry meeting it was decided that all of us in the group would spend some time studying Psalm 119. You may be familiar with this Psalm as it is the longest psalm as well as the longest chapter in the Bible. It is referred to in Hebrew by its opening words, "Ashrei temimei derech" ("happy are those whose way is perfect"). It is the prayer of one who delights in and lives by the Torah, the sacred law.
According to Wikipedia, Psalm 119 is one of about a dozen alphabetic acrostic poems in the Bible. Its 176 verses are divided into twenty-two stanzas of eight lines each, and in Hebrew forms an acrostic, with each stanza starting with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (alef, bet, etc.). Employed in almost every verse of the psalm is a synonym for the Torah, such as dabar ("word, promise") and mishpatim ("rulings").
The acrostic form and the use of the Torah words constitute the framework for an elaborate prayer. The Torah is held up as a source of blessing and right conduct and the psalmist pledges to dedicate himself to the law. What makes Psalm 119 unique is the way that these requests are continually and explicitly grounded in the gift of the Torah and the psalmist's loyalty to it.
As I researched this background and began thinking about all the marvelous truths that are within this beautiful Psalm, I came to the realization that genuine spirituality and Godliness is always marked by a love for and a delight in God's truth. The two are really inseparable, aren’t they?
Even just a cursory reading of the Bible will quickly showcase this relationship of a believer and his/her love for God’s Word. I Peter 2:1-3 says, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Jesus said in John 8, "He who is of God hears God's word," and in John chapter 14 he said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” Paul expressed a believer’s love for God's Word in Romans 7:22 "I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man." And Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
So, it is no wonder that the longest chapter in the Bible deals with the believer and his relationship to God’s Word. It is the obedience to God’s Word that brings true happiness. This seems like a simple truth on the surface but I am always amazed at how quickly I fill my own life with things, often good things, which keep me from spending time in the Word.
The Bible is full of verses that speak of God’s faithfulness to us if we seek Him, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9). In Revelation we read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (3:20). Clearly, God is keeping His half of the equation but sadly, we do not keep our end all too often.
Of course, we need to realize that it is a spiritual battle to be in the Word and second, we need to commit ourselves to the study of God’s Word. This requires much prayer and discipline as we need to strip away things that may be taking our time from the Lord.
For the next several weeks, I am committing to studying Psalm 119 and hope to blog about my findings. If you read this blog regularly, will you also commit to studying this great Psalm with me?
If you do not know where to begin, start by just reading the Psalm repetitively each day and then begin making a list of key words or themes that you see repeating. Kay Arthur has a wonderful method of studying the Bible called the inductive study method. We have used it in our women’s bible study and I highly recommend it. While her approach is quite intense, the tools she provides helps you to customize her method to your liking. You do not have to do everything she says, but doing even one thing, will help you with your study and keep you immersed in the Word.
If you decide to study Psalm 119 along with me, please comment and let me know what God is teaching you.
According to Wikipedia, Psalm 119 is one of about a dozen alphabetic acrostic poems in the Bible. Its 176 verses are divided into twenty-two stanzas of eight lines each, and in Hebrew forms an acrostic, with each stanza starting with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet (alef, bet, etc.). Employed in almost every verse of the psalm is a synonym for the Torah, such as dabar ("word, promise") and mishpatim ("rulings").
The acrostic form and the use of the Torah words constitute the framework for an elaborate prayer. The Torah is held up as a source of blessing and right conduct and the psalmist pledges to dedicate himself to the law. What makes Psalm 119 unique is the way that these requests are continually and explicitly grounded in the gift of the Torah and the psalmist's loyalty to it.
As I researched this background and began thinking about all the marvelous truths that are within this beautiful Psalm, I came to the realization that genuine spirituality and Godliness is always marked by a love for and a delight in God's truth. The two are really inseparable, aren’t they?
Even just a cursory reading of the Bible will quickly showcase this relationship of a believer and his/her love for God’s Word. I Peter 2:1-3 says, “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious." Jesus said in John 8, "He who is of God hears God's word," and in John chapter 14 he said, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching.” Paul expressed a believer’s love for God's Word in Romans 7:22 "I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man." And Job said, "I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food."
So, it is no wonder that the longest chapter in the Bible deals with the believer and his relationship to God’s Word. It is the obedience to God’s Word that brings true happiness. This seems like a simple truth on the surface but I am always amazed at how quickly I fill my own life with things, often good things, which keep me from spending time in the Word.
The Bible is full of verses that speak of God’s faithfulness to us if we seek Him, “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9). In Revelation we read, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (3:20). Clearly, God is keeping His half of the equation but sadly, we do not keep our end all too often.
Of course, we need to realize that it is a spiritual battle to be in the Word and second, we need to commit ourselves to the study of God’s Word. This requires much prayer and discipline as we need to strip away things that may be taking our time from the Lord.
For the next several weeks, I am committing to studying Psalm 119 and hope to blog about my findings. If you read this blog regularly, will you also commit to studying this great Psalm with me?
If you do not know where to begin, start by just reading the Psalm repetitively each day and then begin making a list of key words or themes that you see repeating. Kay Arthur has a wonderful method of studying the Bible called the inductive study method. We have used it in our women’s bible study and I highly recommend it. While her approach is quite intense, the tools she provides helps you to customize her method to your liking. You do not have to do everything she says, but doing even one thing, will help you with your study and keep you immersed in the Word.
If you decide to study Psalm 119 along with me, please comment and let me know what God is teaching you.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
In Defense of the Bible
This past week I was at the library searching files of microfilm for Christian articles that the Pastor of my church had written in the late 1980’s when he was pastoring a church in Newfoundland, Canada. The newspaper I was researching was called the Western Star, which is the daily local newspaper for the Newfoundland area.
As I was scrolling through each issue, I came upon an article in the "Letters to the Editor" section that made a compelling case for why we can trust the Bible and believe it is the infallible Word of God. The letter was written in response to a weekly religion columnist named Michael Newton, who, as far as I can tell, spent most of his time researching scholarly works and rhetoric that denounced the Bible as being inspired of God. As you will see, Mr. Newton’s repeated attacks on the veracity of the Bible incited this reader, Robert M. Pike, to pen the following article. I am included it in its entirety because it is one of the most well-written and well-argued articles that I have read on the subject.
Please comment and let me know your thoughts.
Thank God for the Bible
Sir, I would like to make a few remarks regarding recent articles by Mr. Newton in the Religion Online section. Since Mr. Newton’s articles on the Christian religion differ very little, I see no need to be specific. I am reminded of an old poem that reads as follows:
Last eve I passed by the Blacksmiths door
and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime,
and looking in I saw upon on the floor,
old hammers wrecked by beating years of time.
"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"to wear and batter all those hammers so?"
"Just one" said he, and with a twinkling eye,
"that anvil wears the hammers out you know."
And so I thought the anvil of God’s Word,
through ages skeptic blows have beat upon,
yet though the noise of falling blows is heard,
the anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.
Writers of Mr. Newton’s persuasion remind me of the Roman Senator Cato who ended all his speeches in the Senate with the words, "Carthago delenda est" (Carthage must be destroyed), only they are supplying the word "God" for Carthage. They follow the line of Karl Marx who once said his sole purpose in life was to destroy God in the hearts of men. Such people who believe that God is obsolete have no personal responsibility to a Creator, and of course, feel no need of the Bible or a Personal Savior. Once, while talking to unbelievers of His day, Jesus gave them advice that could well be taken today. He said, "You search the Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets), for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39).
Bible critics attack the story of creation and the work of Jesus Christ (John 1). They attack His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-22); His life and earthly ministry; they attack His work of redemption (John 19:28-30); they deny the declaration of God that He (Jesus) was His son and that He resurrected (Romans 1:4); and they make a mockery of His coming again. In other words, they deny all prophecy whether foretold or forth-told. If they could have disapproved all this they would have succeeded in destroying God. God stakes His claim to being God on His ability to foretell the future saying, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:9-10).
In the New Testament, we have the Apostle Peter saying, "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." One would think that would be sufficient proof, but he goes on to say, "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:16-21).
More than 2,500 years ago, Daniel said that many in the end time would go to and fro and knowledge would be increased (12:4). It seems to me that prophecy has amply been fulfilled since the turn of the century. I need not elaborate.
Before I finish I would like to mention two or three items to show how far ahead of modern science the Bible really is:
1) When most people thought the world was flat, Isaiah said, "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth" (40:22). Job declares, "He hangs the earth on nothing" (26:7). What scientist could give a better description of the earth’s shape and position in orbit?
2) For hundreds of years the basic elements of the world were thought to be earth, air, water and fire. Then came the scientific age and they discovered the atom, electron, proton and photon - an amazing discovery indeed. But what does the Bible say? "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3).
3) We know that the world’s food supply is made possible by the hydrologic cycle. In 1841 a scientist using a thermometer invented by Galileo in 1593 and a barometer invented by Torricelli in 1643, showed that the clouds were actually the result of rising vapor. Hundreds of years before the Bible says, "For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man" (Job 36:27-28). In Ecclesiastes 1:7, we read, "All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; To the place from which the rivers come, there they return again."
Thank God for the Bible.
- Robert M. Pike
As I was scrolling through each issue, I came upon an article in the "Letters to the Editor" section that made a compelling case for why we can trust the Bible and believe it is the infallible Word of God. The letter was written in response to a weekly religion columnist named Michael Newton, who, as far as I can tell, spent most of his time researching scholarly works and rhetoric that denounced the Bible as being inspired of God. As you will see, Mr. Newton’s repeated attacks on the veracity of the Bible incited this reader, Robert M. Pike, to pen the following article. I am included it in its entirety because it is one of the most well-written and well-argued articles that I have read on the subject.
Please comment and let me know your thoughts.
Thank God for the Bible
Sir, I would like to make a few remarks regarding recent articles by Mr. Newton in the Religion Online section. Since Mr. Newton’s articles on the Christian religion differ very little, I see no need to be specific. I am reminded of an old poem that reads as follows:
Last eve I passed by the Blacksmiths door
and heard the anvil ring the vesper chime,
and looking in I saw upon on the floor,
old hammers wrecked by beating years of time.
"How many anvils have you had," said I,
"to wear and batter all those hammers so?"
"Just one" said he, and with a twinkling eye,
"that anvil wears the hammers out you know."
And so I thought the anvil of God’s Word,
through ages skeptic blows have beat upon,
yet though the noise of falling blows is heard,
the anvil is unharmed, the hammers gone.
Writers of Mr. Newton’s persuasion remind me of the Roman Senator Cato who ended all his speeches in the Senate with the words, "Carthago delenda est" (Carthage must be destroyed), only they are supplying the word "God" for Carthage. They follow the line of Karl Marx who once said his sole purpose in life was to destroy God in the hearts of men. Such people who believe that God is obsolete have no personal responsibility to a Creator, and of course, feel no need of the Bible or a Personal Savior. Once, while talking to unbelievers of His day, Jesus gave them advice that could well be taken today. He said, "You search the Scriptures (the Law and the Prophets), for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39).
Bible critics attack the story of creation and the work of Jesus Christ (John 1). They attack His virgin birth (Matthew 1:18-22); His life and earthly ministry; they attack His work of redemption (John 19:28-30); they deny the declaration of God that He (Jesus) was His son and that He resurrected (Romans 1:4); and they make a mockery of His coming again. In other words, they deny all prophecy whether foretold or forth-told. If they could have disapproved all this they would have succeeded in destroying God. God stakes His claim to being God on His ability to foretell the future saying, "For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done" (Isaiah 46:9-10).
In the New Testament, we have the Apostle Peter saying, "For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty." One would think that would be sufficient proof, but he goes on to say, "And so we have the prophetic word confirmed…knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:16-21).
More than 2,500 years ago, Daniel said that many in the end time would go to and fro and knowledge would be increased (12:4). It seems to me that prophecy has amply been fulfilled since the turn of the century. I need not elaborate.
Before I finish I would like to mention two or three items to show how far ahead of modern science the Bible really is:
1) When most people thought the world was flat, Isaiah said, "It is He who sits above the circle of the earth" (40:22). Job declares, "He hangs the earth on nothing" (26:7). What scientist could give a better description of the earth’s shape and position in orbit?
2) For hundreds of years the basic elements of the world were thought to be earth, air, water and fire. Then came the scientific age and they discovered the atom, electron, proton and photon - an amazing discovery indeed. But what does the Bible say? "By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible" (Hebrews 11:3).
3) We know that the world’s food supply is made possible by the hydrologic cycle. In 1841 a scientist using a thermometer invented by Galileo in 1593 and a barometer invented by Torricelli in 1643, showed that the clouds were actually the result of rising vapor. Hundreds of years before the Bible says, "For He draws up drops of water, which distill as rain from the mist, which the clouds drop down and pour abundantly on man" (Job 36:27-28). In Ecclesiastes 1:7, we read, "All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; To the place from which the rivers come, there they return again."
Thank God for the Bible.
- Robert M. Pike
Friday, February 19, 2010
Taking a Look at Purity in Light of Tiger Woods
Earlier today Tiger Woods made a 13 minute long public statement that included a public apology, an admission to having numerous affairs and his plan for becoming a better person by focusing more on the Buddhist faith he was raised with and continuing to meet with his therapists and rehabilitation counselors.
When the news first hit about Tiger Woods a few months ago, most people snickered and laughed to themselves as Tiger Woods proved what we all figured to be true about successful professional athletes - they have their share of women, lots of women, when they want and how often they want. But when you look closer at the revelations of Tiger Woods life, you see a person that was insatiable in his quest to fulfill his sexual appetites. In his statement, he said that given his success, he felt entitled to indulge every temptation that came his way with no inhibition. As he begins the long road of recovery, I wanted to take a look at what the Bible says about sexual purity and how one can have victory in this area of life as I think most people who are enslaved to sexual sin often feel helpless and a victim of their own desires.
The Bible says that sexual sin of any form begins first in the mind. Let’s look at Philippians 4: 8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” It is clear from this passage that sin, and for the purposes of our discussion sexual sin, is first conceived in the mind. The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul is strongly advising the Philippians to set their minds on the right things. This is of the utmost importance because it is a law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it and will eventually act on it.
Furthermore, Paul not only exhorts the Philippians to focus their mind on things that are good but is also urging them to cast out vain or impure thoughts at the same time. This is best achieved by recalling Scriptures. Don’t just read the Word, mediate on the Word. Reading is the exposure to Scripture, but meditation is the absorption of Scripture. It's this absorption that leads to the transformation of our lives. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
Once the mind is secure in the Word of God, the next step is to protect what we put into our minds. As John MacArthur once stated, don’t make your mind a trash dump. The Internet, TV, radio, movies and magazines are filled with sexual images and rhetoric that will pollute a pure mind. Be careful of exposure to things that will fill the mind with filth.
Lastly, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul warns Timothy to “flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). According to John MacArthur the word “flee” in this passage is the Greek word “pheugo” from which we get the word fugitive. Paul is saying that he is a fugitive from all that defiles, all that corrupts and all that stains and blights. They are youthful lusts because they begin in youth, not because they end there. They are those lusts that are activated as someone becomes an adult and are so powerful that they remain. Paul simply says to run away from these temptations as fast as you can as the human will is weak, especially in this area.
Of course there is so much more that could be said on this subject but I am afraid it would take several more posts. That being said, as I watched Tiger deliver his speech, I wondered if any of his most gratifying escapades compared with the devastating thought of losing his wife and children. There is a great saying that bears much truth on this subject, “Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will cost you more than you want to pay.”
I hope and pray that if anyone is struggling in this area that this blog would help you to achieve victory through the power of the Word of God.
When the news first hit about Tiger Woods a few months ago, most people snickered and laughed to themselves as Tiger Woods proved what we all figured to be true about successful professional athletes - they have their share of women, lots of women, when they want and how often they want. But when you look closer at the revelations of Tiger Woods life, you see a person that was insatiable in his quest to fulfill his sexual appetites. In his statement, he said that given his success, he felt entitled to indulge every temptation that came his way with no inhibition. As he begins the long road of recovery, I wanted to take a look at what the Bible says about sexual purity and how one can have victory in this area of life as I think most people who are enslaved to sexual sin often feel helpless and a victim of their own desires.
The Bible says that sexual sin of any form begins first in the mind. Let’s look at Philippians 4: 8-9, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.” It is clear from this passage that sin, and for the purposes of our discussion sexual sin, is first conceived in the mind. The human mind will always set itself on something and Paul is strongly advising the Philippians to set their minds on the right things. This is of the utmost importance because it is a law of life that if a man thinks of something often enough, he will come to the stage when he cannot stop thinking about it and will eventually act on it.
Furthermore, Paul not only exhorts the Philippians to focus their mind on things that are good but is also urging them to cast out vain or impure thoughts at the same time. This is best achieved by recalling Scriptures. Don’t just read the Word, mediate on the Word. Reading is the exposure to Scripture, but meditation is the absorption of Scripture. It's this absorption that leads to the transformation of our lives. “But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)
Once the mind is secure in the Word of God, the next step is to protect what we put into our minds. As John MacArthur once stated, don’t make your mind a trash dump. The Internet, TV, radio, movies and magazines are filled with sexual images and rhetoric that will pollute a pure mind. Be careful of exposure to things that will fill the mind with filth.
Lastly, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul warns Timothy to “flee from youthful lusts, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart." (2 Tim 2:22). According to John MacArthur the word “flee” in this passage is the Greek word “pheugo” from which we get the word fugitive. Paul is saying that he is a fugitive from all that defiles, all that corrupts and all that stains and blights. They are youthful lusts because they begin in youth, not because they end there. They are those lusts that are activated as someone becomes an adult and are so powerful that they remain. Paul simply says to run away from these temptations as fast as you can as the human will is weak, especially in this area.
Of course there is so much more that could be said on this subject but I am afraid it would take several more posts. That being said, as I watched Tiger deliver his speech, I wondered if any of his most gratifying escapades compared with the devastating thought of losing his wife and children. There is a great saying that bears much truth on this subject, “Sin will take you further than you want to go. It will keep you longer than you want to stay and it will cost you more than you want to pay.”
I hope and pray that if anyone is struggling in this area that this blog would help you to achieve victory through the power of the Word of God.
Friday, February 12, 2010
A Beautiful Love Story
While I was reading the news on boston.com yesterday, I found a list of the 20 most romantic movies of all time. My first thought was how difficult it would be to just pick 20. After reading the list, I got to thinking about what makes a truly great love story and why we fall for these stories every time.
As usual, my thought pattern led me to the Bible and specifically to the Book of Ruth. At the start of this month, the Pastor of my church decided that he was going to preach through this little gem of a book that is widely considered to be the Bible’s most-loved love story. The book itself is only four chapters long and is set during the time of the Judges. In stark contrast to Judges, the book of Ruth shows us a community that did what was right in God’s eyes during a time when most people were following their own sinful desires.
A peculiar charm attaches to the story making it especially attractive to the most casual reader. It is a love story of other days in which sorrow and joy, failure and devotedness, life and death, are intermingled, all leading to the much anticipated wedding day and the birth of an heir who ultimately ends up within the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The very setting of the story is restful to the spirit as we are carried away into pastoral scenes to find ourselves in company with harvesters and gleaners. Throughout the story we see God’s providential hand brining Ruth (the main character of the story) and Boaz (a field owner) together and blessing Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi in the process.
I have often wondered why Hollywood has never tried to capture this unbelievably moving story on the big screen. If they can take something as dark and sinister as vampires and create an epic love story that has teenagers flocking by the thousands, I have to believe they could create a modernized version of the Book of Ruth and have similar success.
Please comment and let me know your favorite Bible love story. You know mine. :-)
As usual, my thought pattern led me to the Bible and specifically to the Book of Ruth. At the start of this month, the Pastor of my church decided that he was going to preach through this little gem of a book that is widely considered to be the Bible’s most-loved love story. The book itself is only four chapters long and is set during the time of the Judges. In stark contrast to Judges, the book of Ruth shows us a community that did what was right in God’s eyes during a time when most people were following their own sinful desires.
A peculiar charm attaches to the story making it especially attractive to the most casual reader. It is a love story of other days in which sorrow and joy, failure and devotedness, life and death, are intermingled, all leading to the much anticipated wedding day and the birth of an heir who ultimately ends up within the genealogy of Jesus Christ. The very setting of the story is restful to the spirit as we are carried away into pastoral scenes to find ourselves in company with harvesters and gleaners. Throughout the story we see God’s providential hand brining Ruth (the main character of the story) and Boaz (a field owner) together and blessing Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi in the process.
I have often wondered why Hollywood has never tried to capture this unbelievably moving story on the big screen. If they can take something as dark and sinister as vampires and create an epic love story that has teenagers flocking by the thousands, I have to believe they could create a modernized version of the Book of Ruth and have similar success.
Please comment and let me know your favorite Bible love story. You know mine. :-)
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