The Ultimate Choice

The sermon series in our local church is currently titled, “The Ultimate Choice.” This is a reference to our decision to follow Christ; we were told. Indeed, this is the most important choice of our lives. But I believe the Ultimate Choice was already made. This choice was not made by man, though impressive this creature believes himself to be. No, this choice of ultimate consequence was made by God Himself; in a way and with a cost we cannot imagine. It was made when He chose to atone for our sins with His Blood. This ultimate choice is what grants us ours, it makes us able to chose, truly and for eternity whether we follow God or our own desires. Plain and simple.

In fact, it is the simplicity of the choice that confuses so many. “What does it mean to be a Christian?” many ask. Few know a short answer it seems. Many start a long narrative of Jewish history trying to somehow make sense of what they themselves are saying. They tell us its about a Man, no He was God, they quickly add. He died. He came back. That’s why we are saved, they tell us triumphantly. That is what we are taught from childhood; at least in proper God-fearing homes.

But step back a minute and see what that shortened version really tells other people. Without context, most things are completely moot. If you know nothing about the Flood, Noah’s building project seems like a century of wasted time. Without Liberals there would be no meaning in the word Conservative; and if you did not know of the deaths and grandeur of the sinking of the Titanic it would just be another ship in history. (like its two sister ships) And just like these stories, without a knowledge of the rejection of God by Adam and Eve long, long ago, the story of Jesus makes no sense. For to be saved means one must first be lost. So let us go back and see how it all happened and what it means.

Back when the world was young and perfect, God created Man and Woman. Glorious, perfect, and with the capacity for love and, unlike all other beings, created with true choice. God delighted in His Creation and His Creation delighted itself in Him. God chose to love man and man chose to love God. But after a bit of time, man broke the one and only rule that there was in this Paradise. He did this in defiance of God, to become God's equal; in effect choosing himself over God. This damning foolishness lead to his separation from God. A debt of imperfection could not stand before One Whose very essence was Holiness. Selfishness, the original sin, cast man from God’s presence.

Humanity continued, and every child born soon made the same damning choice. They chose themselves, their lusts, desires, and pride over God. As the Creator of all, the giver of Life, He watched as mankind rejected Him. Where could such a soul go after physical death? What would be left if they those to reject the Author of Life? Thus man was left in a state of damnation. Even when they would desire to come to God (often out of selfish reasons yet again) God could not allow blatant sin (for the definition of sin is to reject God) before His presence.

This evil must be abolished. But what could be done? If even one righteous man was found, his life could only atone for himself. If this man would give up his place for another it would only have, at best, restored one other person. For one man’s soul is of no more value than another’s. Something of great value must be sacrificed  to cleanse these fallen souls.

God chose to come Himself.

But why Jesus? Why could He be qualified for all souls? Let's look at the ant. Have you ever seen them scurry? In their world they are important, busy workers with great responsibilities. They live and work for their queen. Yet, when I step on one of these tiny servants I feel no remorse for its lost life. In fact, I would hardly notice if I was the cause of millions of ant deaths.

But if I killed just one man, even unintentionally, I would feel remorse on a level I do not care to dwell on for too long. Why is that? Because the sum total of all insect life does not equal to the life of one human being. The entire ant population means nothing in the face of one human soul. That is the value difference between a bug and a man.

What then of the difference in the value of the sum of all men’s souls and that of the Son of God; the very Creator of those men? Ants have little value compared to men, yet man did not create the ant. Men were indeed created by the One Who came and was killed by OUR sins. It was not the fault of Rome, the Jews, or the cowardly judge Pontius Pilate. It was ours. God, in the form of a man, came and took all the sin, all the rejection of God, and took it to the grave. He died, separated from the Father, due to our rebellion. That was the consequence of sin- separation from God- and He bore it for us, by choice, once for all. This caused our sin to be wiped clean before God.

But this reset to zero would not be of much use if Jesus had not arisen afterward.(I Cor. 15) In death He reset the scale. In new life He not only took away our fault before God (sin) but also gave us His Spirit, so that we could be righteous before our Creator. In His death freedom to choose; in His life an ability to chose perfection. This is not our own perfection we can choose, but His. Just as His death is of such quality it covers our sin, His righteousness is of such a quality that it can cover our very essence. This is the joy, the hope, and the blessing of being a Christian. To have this choice before us, and to choose it gladly.

Conclusion

So, the death of Christ and His Resurrection have made us acceptable before Him once again. God came, restored our bond, and offers us a new choice. We can be with Him and serve Him, or we can continue with our service to ourselves. In the end, the choice is that simple. We postulate and pretend, but God gives us this choice: Him or us? God is faithful, He gave us a choice and will let us live it out. It is not that He cannot force us to chose correctly. God has all power but there are things that are against His nature. To force us to accept Him would mean He went back on His own word, it would mean He was lying. This is a grave assertion. If God is not Holy; He is not God; for that is the definition of God. Were He not Holy He would not have had to die for our sin. Therefore, since He is Holy, He cannot turn on His word. The choice is truly ours. How will you make it?

 “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live. -Deut. 30:18-19

The Round Table Pt. 4 of 4

CHAPTER IV

THE REAL QUESTION

“I do not view it as

killing,” replied John, his face bearing a look of surprise. “It was necessary.”

“I do view it as killing. I would have let the man live, no matter his beliefs,” Simon stated firmly. “We cannot fall to such levels. We should not even defend ourselves from such things. They are to be expected.”

“Wait just a second.” Martin looked at Simon thoughtfully. “Did you not say earlier that you had done almost anything to escape martyrdom? What of this statement? Are the two not inconsistent? You condemn us for our beliefs, but at least we do not tread the path on both sides of the matter. You cannot have something both ways. It is one or the other. Either you expect and accept such things or, to borrow your words, use almost any means necessary to escape. It is a serious matter to be double minded on an issue.”

“Brothers,” Jack stepped in. “I think you may all be in error somewhat. But I think that you may also all be in the right on certain aspects as well.”

“Now that makes no sense whatsoever,” Charles said, shaking his head. The others around the table seemed also to doubt Jack’s words. “I cannot agree with Martin or John in the killing of nonbelievers. But I also cannot understand Simon’s double view on hiding from persecution at all costs and embracing it head on. But you Jack, I doubt most of all. How can we be both right and wrong? This is more than embracing two sides of an issue. You seem to claim they are both right. For that matter why should we take the view of a drunkard in serious consideration anyways? The rest here seem to be clergy, men of dangerous views, but leaders. What qualifies you?” Jack shook his head in disgust and pulled his hat over his eyes as he tipped his chair back once again.

“If I could remove myself from your presence I would. All of you,” Simon said. “This is the most inconsistent group of leaders I have yet to meet. It seems only the local drunk has a view even close to correct, and even then I cannot agree with him. It is a sad day indeed when clergy look to the drunkards for assistance and not the other way around.”

“I agree,” Charles said.

“I can’t believe we all can agree on so many parts of Faith and fail so quickly,” John said. “Or is this not all true faith?”

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I agree with John. I don’t know which of you has true faith,” Charles replied. “Honestly, I doubt you as much as the rest, John. I just wish I could remember what the word was for our movement that started years ago. That might be able to convince you.”

“I doubt it,” John replied. “It seems to me you are far too liberal with your beliefs for us to ever truly agree, Charles. In fact, I wonder if that was the point, if someone wanted me to see all these views to make those I have seen before seem sane.”

And so the debate continued. All five men took turns agreeing and disagreeing with those around them. All claimed hold to the same basic doctrines, but it seemed that none could agree on the finer details thereof. They debated and debated; without realizing the flow of time. For in that room there was no need for food or drink, nor did they grow tired, and there was no end to one day or beginning of a new one. Year after year they continued talking in circles, never quite convincing each other of their opinions, and never truly listening to the reason of the others.

But yet they still existed in the world outside of the small room. Indeed, they all gained quite a following of loyal believers through the years. There were the followers of Simon, who were known by his other name, Menno. They continued his double standard of expecting persecution and doing almost anything possible to avoid it. Martin’s followers did not take his name, but followers of Luthor can be found all over who deny or ignore his anti-Semitism and vulgar speech.

Ironically, Charles’ followers tend to agree with the followers of John, and here even Charles himself followed a modified version of John’s beliefs. Spurgeon had great fame for his teaching, and followed Calvin in many ways; martyring of people like Servantus not withstanding.

The drinking, shabbily dressed Jack Lewis, or Clive Staples, believed that most of those others were partly right, and few, maybe none, were completely wrong. He held the kindest view towards those of the Catholic Church, and towards those who disagreed with him. For this he is often disregarded and even condemned by parties on all sides of Christianity.

My question to you, dear reader, is simply this: Do you think that following any of

these flawed men will get you into heaven? If so, I have some sad news for you.

I Corinthians 3:5  What, after all, is Apollos? (or Calvin,  Luthor, Simons, Spurgeon, or Lewis) And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task.      Words in parenthesis added.

I Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. -I Corinthians 3:11

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. -Romans 2:1

I do not wish to demonize any of the leaders in this fable. I only wish to show the reader that only Christ deserves our loyalty. Let us learn from these men, both their wisdom and their folly. Let us use their examples to grow like Christ. 

The Round Table Pt. 3 of 4

Chapter 3

What Happened to Sir Vetus

"You Wold Martyr,

those who disagree with you?” Charles asked both John and Martin.

“I believe there are some rare occasions where it is condonable,” Martin answered.

“In answer let me say” John replied. “That Sir Ventus was killed for his heresy, just not by the sword. But let me point out that I do not count him a true martyr for he died in while in unrepentant error. This is not martyrdom. The death of a heretic is to be expected in proper Church discipline.”

“I can not stand for this,” Jack said. “I thought the time of martyring people for their beliefs ended long ago. Where, pray tell me, do you find a backing for this idea of ‘discipline’ as you call it. I can’t believe what I am hearing. Now I really could use a drink.” Jack tipped his chair back against the wall and shook his head in disbelief.

Simon opened his eyes. “I know friends who were martyred, but I can not believe that anyone here or anywhere would condone these things. What can be gained by brothers killing brothers in the name of seeking truth?” Simon’s pale face and quivering lips showed his deep emotion, “I have evaded those who would kill me for my beliefs by almost any means necessary. I have suffered through many trials and have endured. Yet now I stand before those who would end my life for my convictions on the holy matter of baptism.”

The room fell into silence again. The bond between John and Simon was now quite torn. Martin also felt that Simon held him in equal disregard and disbelief. Charles puffed slowly while standing in the corner. Simon stood up quietly and went to the far corner of the small room. John and Martin both looked quizzically at the four walls which had no windows or doors. 

“How did we all come to be here if we cannot find any doors or windows?” asked Martin, trying to change the subject. He was starting to wonder if they were all going to be trapped in this small room for a length of time. Considering the current state of cold relations between many in the room he hoped not.

“I don’t see how that matters anymore knowing you’ll kill those who disagree with you,” Simon said from the corner. “If we submit a theory you do not like, who knows what you and John might do.”

“Were you not speaking of Christian charity earlier?” Martin asked. “I do not believe we should kill all who oppose us. In fact, I believe we should give them ample time to repent. But there are a few exceptions. The Jews for one.”

“Enough with the Jews! Why do you hate them so? Don’t we have enough other problems in the Church?” Charles continued, “I don’t believe it is acceptable to kill the Jews for that or any reason. I’m appalled that in your circles, wherever that may be, this is even considered a valid discussion.”

“I concur,” John answered.

“What?” Charles interrupted. “Did you not say you had a hand in the death of Sir Vantus? How can you defend both sides?”

“I concur,” John continued slowly, “with the fact that we cannot kill the Jews for random reasons. I believe only true heretics deserve to die, after being given a chance to repent and turn away from their heresy. We cannot kill those who do not know better. To do so would be very morally wrong.”

“I don’t believe this,” Jack was shaking his head. “First one side of a line than another. I think we need to back up here and see what everyone’s basic beliefs are before we continue any farther.”

“Seems wise,”  John said. Simon turned back towards the group and spoke so all could hear him.

“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God and was sent to pay for our sins.” He stated simply.

“Yes, I also believe that Faith alone can save the soul of Man,” added Martin.

“But such a Faith must show itself in a man’s life. If it does not then it can not properly be called faith.” This comment came from John.

“Indeed, moreover it is only those whom God calls who can come in true repentance,” Charles added.

“Ah, but wait. Some believe that God calls all but some of them resist. While others believe God calls only a few who cannot resist,” Jack asserted.

“That is outrageous,” Simon interjected. “To limit the Love of God to only a few. What of God’s Holiness then? Would you be so bold as to say that God can create souls with the purpose of damning them? This is self-righteous bigotry.”

“I urge caution,” Charles answers gravely. “I would tread lightly before I would imply such a limit to God’s Sovereignty. These are serious and somber topics to discuss in company that seems so divided already.”

“So we have come to the old question again,” Jack sighs. “This debate has been ongoing for a long time I feel. I do not think we will come to the end of it tonight. But at least we know a bit more about where we all stand.”

“Wait just a minute,” Simon replies. “I do not think such a grave matter can be left so quickly. I tremble to see men who would kill those who disagree with them holding such a doctrine....”

The Round Table Pt. 2 of 4

Chapter 2

Martin Remembers Something

"The Jews!"

Martin shouted. “That’s who it was. It was the dirty rotten Jews. Can’t trust them, they’re low down good for nothings. I’m pretty sure that’s who’s behind this, all of it. We should have burned down their houses when we had a chance.”

“Hold on a moment,” John replied. “I remember the Jews and have no quarrel with them.  And I do not appreciate you speaking of them in such a manner.”

“I agree. That is no charitable Christian statement,” Simon says. “I fear, I must ask you what beliefs you hold before I can continue this conversation.” Although details of his personal life were still very vague, Simon’s convictions were still strong within him.

“I for one do not understand a what is going on and why we should blame the Jews,” a new voice said. Everyone turned. Standing in the corner was a thickly bearded fellow in a three piece Victorian suit that fit his large frame comfortably.

“I’m afraid to ask you, but who are you?” Simon asked this time. Those around the table were growing uncomfortable with these sudden appearances. Jack glanced around and noted that the room was now no more crowded than when they had begun. He made a mental note of the oddity, then smiled. What else could be expected in a room made to house amnesic strangers.

“Charles,” the man replied, quite quickly and assuredly. “I’ve been standing there for a few moments getting my wits and it seems that we all were called here unknowingly. I don’t understand how this is all possible, but why would you suggest Jews?” Charles turned toward Martin. “I hardly remember any Jews in my area. And none of them would bother a Clergyman. They are peaceful folk.”

“A clergyman, you say?” John said. The term struck a familiar tone and instantly John felt that there might be a connection here. He and Simon both looked this new comer over carefully. Both of them noted the distinct odor of tobacco emanating from his clothing. They looked disapprovingly as the man reached inside his coat and pulled out a cigar.

“What is that?” asked Martin curiously. He watched as Charles lit the cigar with a match from his vest.

“You mean to tell me you have never seen a cigar before?” asked Jack curiously.

Martin nodded. John and Simon seemed equally confused.

“No tobacco where you come from?” Charles asked. “We’ve had it for centuries, I do believe.”

“So you remember something about where you are from. That’s good, very good.” Simon said excitedly. “Where do you come from then?”

“I don’t know. Strangely, I can remember random things, but nothing useful or orderly.” His brows knotted in frustration.

“I remember the taste of a good beer,” Jack replied. “Ah, a nice cool lager in a pub. That I could use right now. Pity there isn’t any about.”

“Liquor? I doubted this strange man; with his clergy claim and smelly habits. But you I do not understand at all, Jack. Most of those here have the air of officials; leaders even, but you do not,” Martin had taken up the conversation, Jews forgotten for the moment. “Simon has quite the feel of a clergyman, and John I feel is even familiar to me somehow. But you,” he paused. “And Charles, both seem off to me. Different somehow. You do not seem true Clergymen.”

John and Simon nodded. They too felt a greater similarity with each other than with Charles and Jack. Simon stroked his beard slowly, trying to come up with a more logical solution for their current state of events.

“I believe we have the Catholics to blame for this,” Simon stated. “They do not have any love lost on me, if I am remembering correctly. I seem to remember them having been after me before for some reason or another.”

“And I,” Martin said. “I remember something about them as well. I do believe that I was a Catholic. But I am not anymore, of this I am most certain. When I left it started quite the uproar. Heretic, yes that’s the term. Heretic they called me. Is there a Catholic priest in our midsts?” Martin and Simon looked at Charles, who shook his head gravely. Next they looked at Jack.

“Seriously? You would even consider the fact that I might qualify as a Catholic priest? I don’t know where you come from friends, but I am not remotely qualified as priest in the Catholic Church.” Both Simon and Martin nodded, then turned their attention towards John.

“Hold on now. I have had my own disagreements with the Catholic Church, but they helped me hunt down at least one true heretic,” John interrupted. “ ‘Sir Vetus’ or someone of that title. I remember only some of the details. He disagreed with our view of the Holy Trinity and was against infant baptism. I wanted the man skewered with a sword for his words. However someone, I can’t remember who, wouldn’t let me.”

“I would hope not,” Simon answered. His face was flushed and he responded quickly. “I had thought you to be the most similar to myself, but I see you hold views that nearly killed others who believe as I do about baptism. Now it is you whom I doubt.”

Charles and Jack also looked appalled at the mention of the attempted martyring of this Sir Vetus. Martin looked thoughtfully at the grave man named John who was so sure in his convictions. He then turned and faced Simon. Both men seemed convicted that the other held a dangerous view. Simon was no longer flushed. Instead, his face was drawn and pale. He had his eyes closed, as if remembering some traumatic event that had occurred before this room and it’s memory altering effects. Slowly, Martin turned back towards the other men in the room.

“I understand how you feel, John,” Martin said finally. “Even though I do not know this Sir Vetus, I understand your firm convictions. I also know is that I have a similar feeling toward the evil Jews who inhabit our lands. They do not wish to repent and convert, therefore they deserve to die. They are indeed the worst kind of men.”

This came as a blow to Simon, who up to this point had viewed both John and Martin as the closest allies in the room. Jack shook his head at this turn of events and slowly adjusted the aged hat he wore. Charles leaned heavily against the wall in his corner and wondered why five men so different would be put in the same building, much less the same small room. Slowly, Charles straightened himself out and prepared to speak.

The Round Table Pt. 1 of 4

CHAPTER 1

The Strange Room

SOMEWHERE FAR WAY,

There are three men who were plucked from their own eras. Here they sit, unsure of what has brought them together and who the others are. None of them are able to give us their names, for none correctly remember them as of yet. There they sit quietly, for now, trying to remember who they are and what they represent; their purpose, if you will. As they look upon each other’s faces they realize that all those here are also similarly lost in thought and time. Slowly, they begin to take account of one another, registering the unique qualities of the other members of this odd trio.

The first to gain his wits is a man from an era of absolute Church rule. In fact, that was the only thing the poor fellow could remember. Even his own name eludes him currently. He is surprised at the look of the other two men here. One dressed in a rather formal, orderly fashion. His formal attire and sitting posture show that this man is accustomed to authority and is well acquainted with the responsibilities of his leadership. His worn face shows a deep reverence and conviction in his work, whatever that may be or may have been. He watches with interest as it seems this man suddenly remembers something.

Slowly, this gentlemen of still unknown origin begins to speak.

“John,” he states, firmly. “My name is John.”

“Good to meet you, John,” the poorly dressed third man comments. John scrutinizes the speaker, who seems to be wearing clothes that had been old while the middle aged wearer had still been young. His homely suit fit as if it had yet to meet a clothing iron, and the item on his head might have at one point passed for a hat. John eyed the gentlemen with curiosity, though. For the strangers eyes had a twinkle in them that showed both intelligence and humor in great stock. The man continued, addressing both of them, “Well, John, it seems as if we are not alone.” He turns toward the other man. “Tell us, friend, who are you and why you have brought us all here.”

The first man, Simon, as he now remembered his name, replies, “Sir, I do not know why we are all here, as to my name I do believe it is Simon, or something near to it.”

Interrupting, John states, “This is most disturbing. For I too, have no idea why we are all gathered here. In fact, I barely recall my own name, much less who I really am. It seems as if Simon here has the same trouble. What of you, sir?” Both Simon and John turn to the other fellow in the hat.

“We seem to all be in the same boat. I cannot recall much beyond my own name. Or something similar at least. Call me Jack,” replied the poorly dressed man.

“Let me get this straight,” John looked first to his right. “Simon, you say?” The simply dressed man nodded and his greying beard made a slight rustling sound as it brushed against his full collared jacket. “And Jack. Strange name for a man.” He commented looking over at the man whose suit would shame any tailor or seamstress.

“Good, now we have that taken care of and can work out why we are all here.”

“What is the meaning of this?” bellowed a sudden newcomer to the table. Simon, John, and Jack all started as a fourth chair, occupied by a clean shaven, heavy set man, appeared from nowhere. “Who are you people?”

“Near as I can figure those are John and Simon,” Jack said, pointing them out respectively, “and I’m Jack.”

“He’s right,” Simon chimed in, “And we were all just asking each other what the meaning of all this was. I’m afraid we have no answer for you. We barely got through remembering our own names, as unusual as that may sound.”

“I don’t mean to sound hurried, but now that you know our names, may we also have yours?” John asked. “This has been a most unusual day.”

“Well of course, my name is...well... its...” the stranger trailed off, looking befuddled. “This is quite odd.”

“No worries, we all had the same thing happen to us. It will come to you soon,” Jack reassured him.

“Martin!” said the bulky newcomer. “That’s it. But I’m afraid I remember precious little else.”

The four men now sat in an awkward silence. Each musing over the strange turn of events. None of them knew the others, it seemed. And yet they all felt there must be some sort of connection. But so far not one of them knew what it was. 

Engine Lights & Little Errors

No one likes it when the 'check engine' light comes on. I find that there are two ways to deal with it. Some people prefer one, some the other. Sometimes we switch between the two. The first type of response is ignoring the light and hoping it will go away. This is the brilliant strategy people who are unfamiliar with cars tend to use. Second is having the engine checked out. Of course we all know what we are supposed to do as good, safe drivers. But tragically, we often find ourselves ignoring the light until it turns off. And as any good mechanic will tell you, that doesn't mean that the problem is actually gone. Often times, we keep driving until the minor problem we started with creates a major engine failure.

"So now you're a mechanic?" you may be asking. No, frankly I'm terrible with vehicles. That's one reason these little engine lights frighten me. But there's a lot we can learn from car trouble.

How often has it happened to you that your 'check conscience' light went off when you knew there was something wrong? Did you promptly check under the hood to see what caused it? Or did you do what so many drivers do and keep going hoping it will turn itself off? Sometimes we think that if we can keep going without any weird noise that no one else will notice we're driving in what may soon be a death trap. I've heard some drivers stick tape over the engine light so that it is 'out of sight, out of mind.' All too often we Christians have a similar view with our conscience. We think that if we just ignore the Holy Spirit's reminders that it will be ok, as if sin has some sort of expiration date. I'm afraid that it doesn't. Ignoring a simple warning can cause much more serious problems.

Yeah, but what about those times that it is really just some small problem; say a burnt out sensor? When its not the engine, but it looks like it is? Well, for a car that's an easy fix. For our soul sometimes it is, too. But how do we know which is which? We find that those who take good care of their cars; those who know what is under the hood and take time to make sure that everything is working like it should; these people can find the problem with their car much more quickly than your average Joe. They can tell whether or not it is a small hiccup, a natural burnout that needs some care, or something more complicated. In the same way if we take care to keep our conscience clear and clean we can also know when its just a small item (like a burnt out sensor) or something that requires more attention. The trick to this is knowing the difference, or knowing someone who can tell us.

No matter how hard some of us try, we just aren't mechanics. We stare long and hard at all the random junk under that hood, we use all our concentration to will the thing to start, and then we kick the tires and hope that whatever went wrong just disappeared. So far that still doesn't work for me. But when this tactic fails yet again, I take it to someone who has experience with motors, preferably someone who has worked on one like it before, or better yet, have it tuned by the guys who make them. Talk about costly, though. Those guys seem to think the whole world runs on gas. (ok, maybe they're right) After paying these guys ten times what I would of had to if I had taken the light seriously the first time; I head home.

We can all be thankful that the Mechanic that designed our very souls will gladly help us take a look under the hood free of charge. Ironically, this free service is useless without our consent and effort, however. Our Creator isn't just interested in 'fixing it' so we can go on our jolly way. He wants to show us why it broke, how we can correct it so it doesn't happen again in the future, and most of all, He wants to show us that the light is there to help us, not ruin our fun. For all its complex beauty, the engine is nothing compared to the soul God has given us. Its an imperishable gift that works most beautifully when its in the care of the One Who made it. It is only in giving it back to Him that it will ever work the way it was meant to.

So in the end, it turns out the only way to have a car that works is to take care of it and take all the warnings seriously, regardless of timing or convenience. Ignoring some small problem can destroy the entire engine. That same idea applies to our very soul. Keep that maintenance up. Don't forget that anything that works the way its supposed to needs much time and effort. And never assume that the light is there to spoil your fun.

Prayer and People

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

One concern we have as Christians is our unsaved relatives. This rings true for many of us, but it hits home to me personally. I was born on my Grandfather’s fiftieth birthday. To top it off, we look alike (or would if there wasn’t a 50 year gap) We have many similar tastes and share a sense of humor. I often pray for my Grandfather. He is dear to me, and often on my mind. I pray for his Salvation, that he might come to Christ before his death. I know God is faithful and hears prayer. I also believe that the fervent prayer of a righteous man is effective in other people’s lives. I deeply believe that God can hear the prayers of all His people regardless of the time that the prayer is prayed. That is why I still pray for my Grandfather’s Salvation five years after his death.
But wait, you say. Praying for the Salvation of a dead man? Isn’t it too late for him now? Well, good question. And quite frankly, yes. It is too late for him now. So why do I continue to pray?

The answer is in the question. Specifically in the word now. We humans are so bound by time we forget how little time matters to God. The prayer I pray today reaches God just as instantly  and at the same moment as the prayer I prayed as a small child (like when I needed to roll a six to win a game of Trouble) and the final prayer I will pray before I die. All of these prayers are before God. He isn’t waiting for my final prayer, He hears it. Nor is it that He only heard my past prayers as a child. These prayers are there with my prayer today and ten years from now. Indeed all that I am is already before the Father, my beginning to my end. My entire being is known to Him, better than it is even know to me.
So when I pray for my Grandfather now, I don’t pray for him to now become a Christian. I pray that he will in the past. To God it does not make any difference when I pray this prayer. There is no deadline for when my prayers will change the life my Grandfather lived. I believe the prayers I pray now affect my Grandfather’s life just as much as those prayed while he was still here on Earth.
This is why I believe that it is important to continue to pray for our family and friends even though we do not see results. God can see the result, even if it is in our future. Or the past. In God’s perspective it makes little difference. His timing is perfect and the prayers we pray do can be used by God in whatever way honors His name.

CONCLUSION 

So does this mean I believe we can be saved after we die? No, that is not what I am saying at all. What I am saying is that no matter when we pray, all time is before God; past, present, and future. I believe the prayer I pray now can affect what happens tomorrow and also what happened a decade ago.

Covenant Theology

Covenant Theology

Overview

Abraham, the ancestor to the Jewish people was promised an everlasting covenant by God. This promise is a tall order seeing the length of time since said promise, events that have transpired, and a new covenant; which is designed to simultaneously fulfill and overwrite the original covenant we find here in Genesis. So what does it mean when God promises an everlasting covenant that we as Christians do not adhere to in the modern world?

God’s first promise to Abraham (as Abram) happens right after he is introduced. (Gen 12:1-4) Duration of this first promise is not mentioned, however even here we see that the promise is also liked to a command, which is a theme throughout the covenant with Abraham. In this first promise God tells Abraham that He will bless those that bless him and curse those that curse him, also promising a great nation to come from him as well. As he progresses (v. 7) God promises him the land he is currently in but without any specific notation on time or requirements.

Reading further in Genesis, (13:14-17) we find the first time God hints to a concept of everlasting; specifically noted as forever. God tells Abraham that his offspring will be as the dust of the earth and will live in the land forever, with no word on requirements on Abraham or his descendants.

As time moved on, Abraham became worried. We find him asking God where these descendants were to come from, seeing as he had no offspring as of yet. We pick up in Gen. 15:5-6 where God specifically reminds him that his offspring will be as the stars of the heavens. He goes on to show his covenant by a solemn ceremony that He participated in with Abraham. In this covenant ceremony God also reminds Abraham that his descendants will inherit the land. For his doubt, God tells him that the offspring will be enslaved for 400 years. (v.13) After this somber statement He reiterates His promise of land in verse eighteen.

After Abraham attempts to fulfill God’s promise on his own terms, God revisits Abraham and gives him more detail about this covenant that they have. (Genesis 17) God introduces Himself as El Shaddai, All Powerful, and states that Abraham is to walk blameless, that He might make my covenant between them, and multiply him greatly (v.1-3). God then tells Abraham that He will multiply him and bless the offspring and be their God and they shall be His people. (v.4-8) Then we find the specific requirements for Abraham and his descendants of circumcision as a physical act of obedience. This is part of the everlasting covenant, and God specifically states that all males born or bought shall be circumcised; (v.9-13) to violate this command violates the covenant that was made. (v.14)

So we see the covenant in its most clear form, spelled out clearly and precisely for any who were looking for loopholes. There is no exception to this rule; the covenant is dependent on obedience from the promised descendants and servants of Abraham’s line. Later in Genesis we find the promise of descendants and land fulfilled, as well as the promise of 400 years of slavery. The disobedience of said offspring caused them to lose their land, which was restored  again thousands of years later. So the portion of this covenant that has been a controversy since the ancient church remains for some people: What of the command of circumcision? Is it void? Or are we being disobedient?

The answer to the question is in the command. Circumcision was, and is, the covenant with the biological offspring of Abraham, just as the land of Israel is promised to the same biological heirs, not the modern church. We are indeed the spiritual heirs of Abraham, however we are not the biological offspring noted in this entire covenant.
This concept of a separation of Israel and the Church is one that is debated by many on various levels of Theological study. Much can be said and more hypothesized  to combine the two, but there is no correlation in natural birth as implied here and spiritual heirs of Abraham. The Church does not replace Israel as a nation, (biological inheritance) but does fulfill its role as the spiritual progeny of Abraham (spiritual inheritance). Being that we as the Church are not Jewish and do not claim Israel as our homeland promised by God we have no claim on this particular covenant in the form of land, relatives, or physical cutting.

If we do assume the roles of Church and Israel as separate, we then run into the question of Israel’s covenant with God. Are Israelites even still required to be circumcised? Are they exempt? Is an everlasting covenant expired when a new one comes into play? Does God change His mind? Have His requirements become more lax? NEVER. God does not change, nor do His requirements. Seeing that God cannot go back on His word we must pay great head to the warning (of possible annulment) given in Genesis 17:14 and prerequisite command of 17:1. These commands were broken repetitively throughout Israel’s history, breaking the covenant from the side of Abraham’s descendants. The question remains however, are the Israelite’s still required to be circumcised?

Again, we find that looking into the context we see that the reason for this procedure. It is so that Israel as a future nation remembers God’s promise of offspring and land. The punishment for violation of the terms also tie in with land and posterity, those who do not do so will be cut off from both land and relatives. 

ConclusionIn summation, God promised Abraham descendants, (Jews and Arabs) land, (Israel) and required a physical sign of loyalty and remembrance (circumcision). These things come into play in their inheritance and continued residence in their promised land. It is therefore a covenant to the Jews, which Christians are not Jews; nor are they required to be. The New Covenant to the Church does not abolish the Old; however, it does in some ways almost replace it as a more accessible means for us (especially Gentiles) to come before a Holy God.

Note: In this summation only Genesis references were given to examine the concept that even in that era this Covenant was only intended for literal Israelites..

Morality and Media

Morality and Media

I recently had a Conservative fellow tell me he had enjoyed the humor in the show “Big Bang Theory” but he no longer watched it because he found out one of the main actors was a gay man. This statement was of interest to me, for I have also seen this show and did not know that this actor was in fact gay. However, I caught myself thinking, This show is named after a evolutionary concept, stars characters that are written to be genius atheists who disregard faith as foolish, has a character who is Jewish but eats pork anyways, a Hindu who mocks his own country’s beliefs, and several of the characters sleep around, use profanity, and take God’s name in vain, why is the line drawn at this actor’s orientation? Are all the rest of the non-Christian cast ok, but this one guy is somehow ‘more’ a fallen creature because he is living in what we think of as a ‘worse’ sin? Are we indeed going to say that the other actors who curse and sleep around are ok as long as the genders are opposite? Since when are there ok and not ok sinners? 

Don’t get me wrong, I think homosexuality is indeed a sin. However, I also believe it is no less or greater a sin than any other sex outside of God’s definition of marriage. I fail to see how this one sin is what we view as the line between (pardon my bluntness) ‘acceptable’ sinners and ‘unacceptable’ sinners.  I’ll get back to “Big Bang Theory”, yes one of the actors is gay. Yes, I believe homosexuality is indeed a sin. But I do not agree that we are to inflict God’s Morals on people who are not yielded to God’s Authority. 

Am I saying that non-Christians can do as they please? Actually, that is exactly what I am saying. We should never try to make a person act like a Christian if they indeed are not one. In doing so we fail our Great Commission and are just cleaning empty sepultures, not really making a disciples. In order for these people to see that they are indeed sinners, they must first realize their sin is not before us, but before God. It is the Holy Spirit’s work to convict of both sin and righteousness, not ours. We are called to be faithful before God and by extension before men. 

But Matthews, I hear some say, how will they know they are sinning if we don’t tell them? Good question. When you were convicted of your sins, was it because someone told you that you were wrong and you didn’t even know it? Or was your conviction from deep inside you, where the Holy Spirit told you of your own sins and shortcomings? People know when they are in the wrong, and homosexuality is not the only point of sin that these people have in their lives (we all have plenty of other sins even if this particular one was off the table). But shouting at them, hating them, slandering them, and avoiding them is not the way to show them that they are sinners. 

Don’t worry, God knows these people better than you and I do. It is  His job, not ours to convict them of their sins; but in the same breath let me say we must also not condone what they do. We are to love the sinner, not the sin.  I am not saying that we should allow gay clergy or members, but what I am saying is that the gay community is no more full of  fallen sinners than the nearest church. It is not our lack of gayness that saves us, nor will the fact that these people are gay condemn them. 

So am I saying now that being gay is something that cannot condemn you? No, what I am saying is that being gay is not the only sin that exists. Gays and straights are both fallen sinners before a Holy God, both groups are also condemned by other sins than this one. Let me just say it for clarity’s sake Guys sleeping around with guys is no more and no less sinful than guys sleeping around with girls. 

In my younger days, I had a co-worker who was a single six foot athletic male who drank and enjoyed sleeping around. I worked with this fellow for several months and we became friends. We hung out at work and things went fine. A year later another fellow came to work there as well. This man also drank and slept around, but he was gay. Instinctively I condemned this man, thinking that we didn’t need ‘his type’ around here. We actively avoided the ‘gay guy’ for weeks as we were on a different shift than his. But then one day they fired one of our coworkers on our shift and moved ‘the gay guy’ to our shift. His name, I soon learned, was Edgar (name changed), and he was a hard working employee. I learned that I had condemned Edgar, not because he was a greater sinner than me or my friend, but because I was uncomfortable. I talked to Edgar and found out that, lo and behold, he was a human being created in God’s image. God loved Edgar as much as me and we were both fallen sinners before God. 

So do we now open our churches to gays and all sorts of interesting characters? Well that depends on why we have a Church. Is the Church there to minister to the fallen people around us? Or is it there to praise a Holy God? I ask this because we need fallen people if we are to minister, but to worship a Holy God we need to be a Holy people. So we have an interesting situation. 

God demands Holiness from the saved, but how can we minister to the unsaved if we actively avoid them.? I believe we are to minister to the sinners around us, but never are we to accept their sin as ‘just who they are’. God is pleased with small sacrifices but demands our very lives. God calls us to Him to become Holy as He is Holy, not to wallow in the muck that He calls us out of. So yes, we can minister to them, but that does not mean that they are righteous as they are. As long as they (or anyone) believes they are ‘fine the way they are’ there is nothing that Christ or Christianity or the Church has to offer those people. 

So what of the gay fellow who claims Salvation but is not convicted of his sin of homosexuality? Well, this is both very simple and very complex. The man is clearly in the wrong. But let me ask you another personal question, did God convict you of all your sins in one big heap? Well, He keeps convicting me of mine in more and more places and I assume that He does the same with you. So God will indeed convict this man of his sin of homosexuality, but maybe on a different timetable than ours. I firmly believe that those that practice a gay lifestyle are not ever to be leaders in any form in the local church, indeed I would be concerned if they did not repent of their lifestyle shortly after their conversion. Those who are not yet convicted that this is a sin are at best, babes in Christ, who either are slow to grow or resisting the call of the Spirit. This should be handled with great care, as they may also be converts who only wish to have part on God’s Mercy and not His Sovereignty.

SUMMARY

Is homosexuality a sin? Yes it sure is. But that is not where sin starts. If we draw the line at homosexuality than we have drawn a line that is far too lenient for us to say that it could come from God. Sin is what separates us from a Holy God and drawing the line at being gay is foolish and self deceiving. We do this to make ourselves seem ‘better’ as if that would make us more righteous. But it does the opposite, it shows that we are still trying to be ‘good enough’ to be Christians, failing to see that it is not of our selves but is the gift of God, so we cannot boast. So let us remember that all sin separates us from God. We did not get saved from ‘lesser sins’ but that is the implication I get from so many.

CONCLUSION

So is it ok to watch a television show with gay actors and actresses? My answer is this, are you supporting the actor’s sin by watching the show? Do you believe that it is hurting your walk with God to watch what you are watching? Is it harming your witness to someone else? In the case of the show I was discussing earlier as far as I know the orientation of the actor is never really referenced in the show itself, but ironically there are myriads of other moral issues that are shown, however. 
But the most important question is are you basing this off of the conviction of the Holy Spirit or are you trying to show your own self-righteousness? Never are we to disobey the conviction of the Spirit. If the Spirit convicts you then follow. But don’t attempt to wash your hands of evil and just sit back and frown on those that continue. It didn’t work for Pilate, it won’t work for us either.

Faith and Failures

Matthew 7:21-23

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?‘  And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’.“

I heard a preacher recently expound on this passage saying, “These people must of had the gift of faith or they wouldn’t have been able to do these works. Therefore,” he continued, “they must have been condemned for another reason other than the lack of faith. I submit to you that they did not have fruit.”This bothered me for a couple of reasons. First, what were these works if not fruit? What is fruit if not the works we produce in our lives? If they did works (fruit) by faith, then how could the possibly not have fruit if that is indeed what these actions were? Is that not circular reasoning at its finest? Secondly, what saves our souls other than faith? If they had faith, is that not the defining attribute of Salvation? Are we so bold as to say that faith cannot save their souls? Do we have other Scripture to back up this idea? Lets take a look at a few passages and see what they say about Faith and Salvation.

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” -Romans 3:28


“That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” -Romans 4:16


And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith -Philippians 3:9
And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” -Luke 7:50


To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: - II Peter 1:1


For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. - I John 5:4


And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”-Mark 2:5
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.                         -Hebrews 10:22

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - II Timothy 4:7


“And when he (Jesus) saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” -Luke 5:20


What Went Wrong?

As we can see in the above passages Salvation comes, not from our works, but from our faith. If we are so daring as to assume that these people that Jesus condemns here had faith but not works, than we are basing our entire salvation on our works. This I say, is great blasphemy, un-Biblical and evil. I understand that this may be a hard passage for some, but to imply that faith does not save is of the devil.Faith is our Salvation, but understanding something and believing it are two different things. Understanding that God can or does exist is not faith. Faith is believing in God’s saving power that can save our unworthy souls.“So how exactly do faith and understanding differ?” you ask. An excellent question.Let us take a look at Creation and Evolution, the debate many falter in. Just because you understand Creation or Evolution does not mean you believe it occurred. You may understand the concept, but that does not mean you believe it happened.In a similar way, a vague belief in a ‘man upstairs’ is not Salvation. Faith is the belief that we are indeed unworthy sinners and God in His mercy and Grace saves our fallen souls by His Grace and Mercy. And we, in gratitude and thanksgiving, follow His example of Grace and Mercy to those around us.

Who is Saved?

Back to our well meaning preacher and his question. What about these miracle workers then? They seem to be able to do great things through Jesus name, so did they not have faith? If miracle workers aren’t saved then who is? How good do we have to be to be saved? 

For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.  -Matthew 5:20


Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?”  But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” -Luke 18:26-27

Faith and Facts

“You serpents, you brood of vipers, how are you to escape being sentenced to hell?”
-Matthew 23:33


As we can see, Jesus did not condone the acts of the Pharisees. He says that their attempts at being ‘good enough’ were an insult and a fraud.

Conclusion

Back to our original text. What about these people? Why were they not saved? Well the answer to these questions is often found in the text itself. Look at what these people expected to save them. What did they point out? What was important to them? Their actions. They believed they were ‘good enough’ for heaven. No matter how familiar we are with Scripture, how well we can pray, how much Greek or Hebrew we know, or how many people we heal, these things cannot and will not save our souls. That is where these people erred. Salvation is only by faith through the Grace of God in the shed Blood of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Whether these miracle workers were originally sincere, or if they were con artists, or perhaps well meaning but deceived, the text is not clear. What is clear is that before God we are all fallen unHoly creatures, no matter what good we think we have done. The sin they suffered from here was not a lack of fruit as that pastor claimed, but of self righteousness. 

Jesus: Whom did He condemn?

Here Jesus condemns an entire group of people. Some find this a very harsh passage and like to shy away from it and all its implications. That is foolish. We should rather learn what it is that God hates so as to understand it.

Look back to Jesus ministry here on Earth. He corrected many people, told them to forsake their sin, showed them the way to Salvation, and loved them dearly. But there was also a group of people that, even then, Jesus condemned. Who were they?

The self-righteous. Jesus, as God Perfect and Holy, detested false righteousness. He condemned this in strong, unmistakable terms. Look back to Matthew 5:20. There is no way that righteousness could save them or us.

Matthew 23 goes into more details about the condemnation of the Pharisees. Here is a blunt quote in that passage from Christ Himself.

Put simply, here Jesus is telling people that their works will not get them into Heaven. Even miracles done in His name are not assurance of Salvation. This is because we don’t and can’t earn our Salvation.
The point I’m trying to make here is this. Salvation is a gift from God and to try to earn it from Him is an insult to His Holiness. We must remember that our own righteousness is not even close to His Righteousness. It is in fact only through His Righteousness that He grants us through Christ’s Sacrifice that we can be presentable before God. Realizing that we are not good enough, holy enough, or righteous enough before God is a requirement for Salvation.

This is what these people lack. They still thought they could be worthy of God’s presence due to their own actions and behavior. They couldn’t. We can’t. We never will.