When Man Determines that He is God
In the news currently is the story of the Hauser family. The son Daniel has Hodgkins Lymphoma and after one Chemo session, he and his family decided that they no longer want to pursue this treatment option. Instead, they want to pursue alternative methods of cancer treatment.
Those who follow this blog may understand why this is particularly interesting to me. I am a cancer survivor and have previously shared my story about how Jesus Christ led me to a natural, alternative approach to treating cancer. They claimed that without chemo and radiation, I would die. Yet they didn't know that without Jesus, I could not live.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part 5
Common Objections to Biblical Patriarchy
However, there are a number of objections one might hear when discussing this truth. While one who has his/her heart set on rebelling against God will find any excuse to do so, we have attempted to address some of the more common objections people have in this area.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part 3
The Beauty of Submission
What then is the purpose for which woman was created and why is it so critical that she submit to man? One could simply say, "God commanded woman to submit to the man, and that's enough." While that is accurate, God doesn't do things arbitrarily. There is a reason for everything He does...even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:9, Romans 11:34).
- What the Scriptures say about Godly authority
- Deborah as an example for women
- The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
- The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
- Answers to common questions
What then is the purpose for which woman was created and why is it so critical that she submit to man? One could simply say, "God commanded woman to submit to the man, and that's enough." While that is accurate, God doesn't do things arbitrarily. There is a reason for everything He does...even when we cannot understand it (Isaiah 55:9, Romans 11:34).
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part 2
What About Deborah?
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." II Corinthians 13:1
When discussing women in leadership, many are often quick to point to Deborah. Yet even if we accept Deborah as an example of women having authority over men, she would be the exception and not the rule. There are no other Scriptural examples to support this premise that women are raised by God to be authorities over men.
However, does Deborah really represent a woman who had authority "over" men? To examine this, we must look more closely at the role of a judge.
- What the Scriptures say about Godly authority
- Deborah as an example for women
- The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
- The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
- Answers to common questions
"In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." II Corinthians 13:1
When discussing women in leadership, many are often quick to point to Deborah. Yet even if we accept Deborah as an example of women having authority over men, she would be the exception and not the rule. There are no other Scriptural examples to support this premise that women are raised by God to be authorities over men.
However, does Deborah really represent a woman who had authority "over" men? To examine this, we must look more closely at the role of a judge.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Don't Forget Deborah - Part I
The role of women in society is often the subject of much debate. In this series of articles, we will examine that topic from a biblical perspective, including:
- What the Scriptures say about Godly authority
- Deborah as an example for women
- The beauty of the woman's role & purpose
- The root of resistance to God's ordained roles (coming)
- Answers to common questions
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Don't Get Too Close To Jesus, He May Have the Swine Flu
A Magician's Trick?
Apparently, across the United States and in other countries, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is modifying church services to take "common sense" precautions against spreading the Swine Flu. Clearly gathering in public places can heighten one's risk for contracting this virus and everyone should take steps to ensure that they are safe.
One of the changes some parishes are implementing is to dispense of the shaking of hands during the Rite of Peace. This is understandable as direct contact with other people can also increase one's risk of exposure.
However, many churches are also changing the way that Communion is served. In particular they are not placing the eucharistic wafer directly on the parishioners' tongues and are foregoing the sharing of a common cup. So my question is: What does this say about the RCC's faith in the efficacy of the eucharist and even transubstantiation?
Apparently, across the United States and in other countries, the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) is modifying church services to take "common sense" precautions against spreading the Swine Flu. Clearly gathering in public places can heighten one's risk for contracting this virus and everyone should take steps to ensure that they are safe.
One of the changes some parishes are implementing is to dispense of the shaking of hands during the Rite of Peace. This is understandable as direct contact with other people can also increase one's risk of exposure.
However, many churches are also changing the way that Communion is served. In particular they are not placing the eucharistic wafer directly on the parishioners' tongues and are foregoing the sharing of a common cup. So my question is: What does this say about the RCC's faith in the efficacy of the eucharist and even transubstantiation?
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 6
Why Are We To Judge?
According to the Bible, the act of judging righteously is a benefit to the individual Christian and to the body of believers as a whole.
Judging helps to sanctify the individual believer, prepares us to do the work of God, protects us from heretical doctrine that jeopardizes our faith, makes us an effective witness for Christ, and is a demonstration of God's grace to others.
Judge Yourself
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17
Judging ones' self with the Word of God is a key part of the process of sanctification through which every believer proceeds. This is why we are told to examine ourselves to see if we be in faith. (II Corinthians 13:5)
According to the Bible, the act of judging righteously is a benefit to the individual Christian and to the body of believers as a whole.Judging helps to sanctify the individual believer, prepares us to do the work of God, protects us from heretical doctrine that jeopardizes our faith, makes us an effective witness for Christ, and is a demonstration of God's grace to others.
Judge Yourself
"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17
Judging ones' self with the Word of God is a key part of the process of sanctification through which every believer proceeds. This is why we are told to examine ourselves to see if we be in faith. (II Corinthians 13:5)
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 5
What Are the Restrictions on Judging?
Although Scripture shows that God expects, equips, and commands man to judge, there are stipulations that govern this decree.
We must not be hypocrites when judging
God states that when we judge others for committing sins and yet we are actively participating in sin too, we are condemning ourselves. (Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-42; Romans 2:1-5; Romans 2:20-23)
This is clearly depicted in God's judgment of David for the killing of Uriah. The prophet Nathan approached David for judgment regarding a story of a rich man that had stolen from a poor man. Yet, after David pronounces his judgment, Nathan's words were, "Thou art the man..." (II Samuel 12:1-7)
God is warning us that we will be measured by the same yardstick with which we measure others.
Although Scripture shows that God expects, equips, and commands man to judge, there are stipulations that govern this decree. We must not be hypocrites when judging
God states that when we judge others for committing sins and yet we are actively participating in sin too, we are condemning ourselves. (Matthew 7:1-5; Luke 6:37-42; Romans 2:1-5; Romans 2:20-23)
This is clearly depicted in God's judgment of David for the killing of Uriah. The prophet Nathan approached David for judgment regarding a story of a rich man that had stolen from a poor man. Yet, after David pronounces his judgment, Nathan's words were, "Thou art the man..." (II Samuel 12:1-7)
God is warning us that we will be measured by the same yardstick with which we measure others.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 4
How Are We to Judge?
The primary stipulation given for Christians regarding judging is that we are not to proclaim our own judgments (based on our opinions) but to pronounce the judgments of God (based on truth). Jesus serves as the best example in this manner.
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30)
Here Jesus confirms that all true judgment comes from God alone, but He also sets forth the criteria for what constitutes just judgments. Jesus says that because He places His will in subjection to God the Father, He is able to hear God's words and be sent by God to pronounce His judgments.
"I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me." (John 5:30)
Here Jesus confirms that all true judgment comes from God alone, but He also sets forth the criteria for what constitutes just judgments. Jesus says that because He places His will in subjection to God the Father, He is able to hear God's words and be sent by God to pronounce His judgments.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 3
Who is Supposed to Judge?
When speaking on the topic of judging, it is not uncommon to hear people say, "Only God can judge me!" And this is true! But the issue is whether God uses man to proclaim His judgments.
Although God alone is the Judge, this does not mean that only God judges. In fact, the Word of God says that God enables man to judge, commands man to judge, and is pleased with those who seek to judge righteously.
Throughout time God has imparted to man the authority to judge (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 16:18; Judges 2:16-19; II Chronicles 19:5; Ezra 7:25; Isaiah 1:17; Ezekiel 23:45; John 7:24; Romans 2:27; I Corinthians 2:15; I Corinthians 6:).
God states that He gives those who obey Him the authority to judge:
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by."Zechariah 3:7
When speaking on the topic of judging, it is not uncommon to hear people say, "Only God can judge me!" And this is true! But the issue is whether God uses man to proclaim His judgments.Although God alone is the Judge, this does not mean that only God judges. In fact, the Word of God says that God enables man to judge, commands man to judge, and is pleased with those who seek to judge righteously.
Throughout time God has imparted to man the authority to judge (Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 16:18; Judges 2:16-19; II Chronicles 19:5; Ezra 7:25; Isaiah 1:17; Ezekiel 23:45; John 7:24; Romans 2:27; I Corinthians 2:15; I Corinthians 6:).
God states that He gives those who obey Him the authority to judge:
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by."Zechariah 3:7
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 2
What Does it Mean to Judge?
Webster's defines the act of judging as:
Simply stated, judging is the process of evaluation that people naturally employ everyday to make determinations of what is true.
We judge when we need to leave to arrive on time to a particular destination. We judge what we should wear based on what the weather is for the day. We judge the credibility of others as they give us information, etc.
judge: to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.
Simply stated, judging is the process of evaluation that people naturally employ everyday to make determinations of what is true.
We judge when we need to leave to arrive on time to a particular destination. We judge what we should wear based on what the weather is for the day. We judge the credibility of others as they give us information, etc.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Do Not Judge - Part 1
Didn't God Instruct Us Not to Judge One Another?"...Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."II Chronicles 19:6
In the world today, the admonition not to judge is frequently used to place a virtual gag order over those who would speak up against popular and accepted world practices. Even some Christians will use a "don't judge" stance when erroneous teachings and ministries in the church are examined.
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