"On the third day he arose from the dead, and ascended into heaven where he sittith at the right hand of God the Father Almighty" Taken from the Apostles Creed.
The greatest day in the history of mankind the day Christ defeated death and our salvation was paid for.
Like the Trinity, salvation via faith alone, and the person of the Holy Spirit, this doctrine is something cults and false religions try to deny, downplay, or simply refute. Despite what somebody's "revelation", outright denial of Scripture, inner light etc. may tell them, NOTHING can and will refute the truth that Christ rose bodily from the dead. He was as dead as dead could be, however, three days later, God raised him from the dead.
Happy Easter everyone.
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christianity. Show all posts
Sunday, April 20, 2014
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Christ Will Come Again
Ac 1:11 "Men of Galilee," u they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back v in the same way you have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)
"He shall come again to judge the quick and the dead." (Taken from the Apostles Creed)
Let us remember the Ancient Liturgy.....Christ Has Died
Christ has RISEN
Christ Will Come Again!
Not only did Christ die and raise from the dead. This same Christ, the victor over sin and death, will one day return to to forever defeat this enemies.
Christ's first advent, he was the Suffering servant. When he returns, he will be the Conquering King.
What will the Second Coming of Christ be like?
The Second Coming will be literal. Christ did not raise as a spirit, nor is the Resurrection symbolic; I already discussed that on the last post. If his raising and Ascension were literal, so will be his Second Coming. This was made clear in my introductory verse. Those who witnessed Christ's literal Resurrected body were told that, just as Christ literally ascended to heaven, he will return "in the same manner." Think Christ's Second Coming is symbolic? Then explain his coming in Revelation 19.
Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open c and there before me was a white horse, whose rider d is called Faithful and True. e With justice he judges and makes war. f
Rev 19:12 His eyes are like blazing fire, g and on his head are many crowns. h He has a name written on him i that no one knows but he himself. j
Rev 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, k and his name is the Word of God. l
Rev 19:14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, m white n and clean.
Rev 19:15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword o with which to strike down p the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter." 23 q He treads the winepress r of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
Rev 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: s
Now, let's proceed, but, lest we think Christ is anything but the Son of God, the second person in the Triune God, check out his title.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Rev 19:17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds u flying in midair, v "Come, w gather together for the great supper of God, x
Rev 19:18 so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, y free and slave, z small and great." a
Rev 19:19 Then I saw the beast b and the kings of the earth c and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse d and his army.
Rev 19:20 But the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet e who had performed the miraculous signs f on his behalf. g With these signs he had deluded h those who had received the mark of the beast i and worshiped his image. j The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake k of burning sulfur. l
Rev 19:21 The rest of them were killed with the sword m that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, n and all the birds o gorged themselves on their flesh.
Wow. That's an awful lot to symbolize. Other parts of Scripture make it clear that the Second Coming of Christ is literal.
Not only literal, but Christ's Second Coming will be VISIBLE. There is nowhere in scripture to indicate that Christ will come "spiritually" When he returns, EVERY eye will see him.
So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the desert,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.
Mt 24:27 For as lightning e that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming f of the Son of Man. (Matt 24 26-27)
Now, I'm not talking about the Rapture, I am one who tends to think there will be a Pre Trib Rapture, that is a different conversation. What I am talking about will be the visible Coming of our Lord. Here's another.
Rev 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds, u and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; v and all the peoples of the earth will mourn w because of him. So shall it be! Amen. (Rev 1:7)
Christ will come and REIGN. His coming will set up his kingdom. Revelation says he will rule the nations with a "Rod of Iron" This is not original material. Check out Psalms 2.
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD: He said to me, "You are my Son 4 ; j today I have become your Father. 5 k
Ps 2:8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations l your inheritance, m the ends of the earth n your possession.
Ps 2:9 You will rule them with an iron scepter 6 ; o you will dash them to pieces p like pottery. (Ps 2:7)
Christ's Kingdom will begin with his thousand year reign on earth. This reign will be a holy one. Justice will be swift and perfect and, according to the Old Testament, the word of the lord will go out to all the nations.
Those whom peirced him (the unbelieving Jews) will come to faith in Him. His kingdom will be a time when Israel will be blessed with the convenant due them as God's chosen people. For the church, we too will enjoy blessings thanks to our Savior.
It is also important to remember Christ's Second coming has not yet occurred. Church History is full of those who wish to "date set" He has not come "spiritually" in stages, nor will his coming be secret. Trust me, we will KNOW when Christ returns.
We are told to observe the Lord's Supper till Christ's Secomg Coming. Why continue to celebrate the Lord's Supper if Christ has already returned?
As a Believer, my job is to live for Him. I look forward to seeing Him face to face. I also anticipate seeing all those who have gone before. What a joy, talking with the saints of old! But until then, I am to live my life sharing the Gospel and witnessing through word and deed.
Until that wonderful day, let us again recite the ancient liturgy.
Christ Has Died
Christ Has Risen
CHRIST WILL COME AGAIN!
Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Christ has Risen
Jn 11:25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes s in me will live, even though he dies. Jn 11:25.
The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.
He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Mt 28:5-6.
Christ, the Lord, is risen today, Alleluia!
Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply, Alleluia!
Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia!
Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia!
Lo! the Sun’s eclipse is over, Alleluia!
Lo! He sets in blood no more, Alleluia!
Vain the stone, the watch, the seal, Alleluia!
Christ hath burst the gates of hell, Alleluia!
death in vain forbids His rise, Alleluia!
Christ hath opened paradise, Alleluia!
Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia!
Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia!
Once He died our souls to save, Alleluia!
Where thy victory, O grave? Alleluia!
Soar we now where Christ hath led, Alleluia
Following our exalted Head, Alleluia!
Made like Him, like Him we rise, Alleluia!
Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! (Hymn Christ the Lord is Risen Today, Charles Wesley)
Let us remember the ancient liturgy, Christ has died,
Christ has risen.....
HE IS RISEN
CHRIST THE LORD OF HEAVEN AND EARTH HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD!!!!!
DEATH IS VANQUISHED!
OUR KING LIVES FOREVERMORE!!!!!
That's right, cults and false teachers may deny this truth, but regardless, their statements cannot change this very fact.
He is risen!!!!!
Who has risen?????
CHRIST HAS RISEN!!!!!
CHRIST HAS RISEN INDEED!!!!!
This day our salvation was paid for. This day, when Christ was raised from the dead he proved, once and for all, not only that he was God. he also proved God, the three-in-one Triune God of Scripture has power over sin and death.
Christ rising from the dead is the same Resurrection in store for all of us on the lat day.
Christ was indeed dead. He did not pass out on the cross, nor did he fake being dead as some critics claim. Check out the following passages. The first is a description of his death.
I'll take you back a little ways. Because the next day was to be the Sabbath, the Jews did not want anybody hanging on the cross because it was unlawful. to follow their Sabbath laws, they had asked that the condemned legs be broken. This was a common practice in Roman crucifixions to speed up death. If not done, the criminal could languish for days.
But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. JN 19:33-34.
Notice the "sudden flow of blood and water" the blood was beginning to separate. This is what happens when a body dies. Christ was already dead when the Roman solider thrust his spear. Now, look at Christ's own words where he himself says he was once dead.
Rev 1:18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! i And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
Get that? "I was ONCE DEAD and am alive FOREVERMORE. I love our Lord's last words....."And I have the power over death and Hades" Sorry Christian Scientists, you'll have to go somewhere else if you want to prove your false notion that death is only an illusion.
Not only did Christ literally die and raise from the dead, but his Resurrection was BODILY. The Resurrection account is not symbolic nor did Christ raise as a "spirit being" Here is an example of Christ breaking bread with two on the road to Emmaus.
Lk 24:30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
Last I checked, spirits don't break nor eat bread. Christ was a resurrected body. Here is another passage of Christ appearing to the disciples.
Lk 24:36 While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."
Lk 24:37 They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. d
Lk 24:38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
Lk 24:39 Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; e a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."
Lk 24:40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet.
Lk 24:41 And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"
Lk 24:42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
Lk 24:43 and he took it and ate it in their presence.
Lk 24:44 He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: g Everything must be fulfilled h that is written about me in the Law of Moses, i the Prophets and the Psalms."
Lk 24:45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.
Lk 24:46 He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer l and rise from the dead on the third day,
Lk 24:36-46
Notice, Jesus said himself he was not a ghost. His body is a glorified body that is different (and ours will be too) than the shell we inhabit here on earth. Also, last time I checked, spirits cannot hold nor eat fish. Here is the famous "doubting Thomas" passage where Christ actually asks Thomas to TOUCH his body.
Jn 20:24 Now Thomas q (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.
Jn 20:25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." s
Jn 20:26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!"
Jn 20:27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."
Jn 20:28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!"
Jn 20:29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; w blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
How can somebody touch nail and spear marks if the deceased is a ghost? Thomas was seeing Christ in his BODILY form. Sorry Jehovah's Witnesses, you'll have to look elsewhere to prove your false teaching that Christ rose as a spirit and not a body from the dead.
I find it amusing that many who deny every supernatural facet of Holy Scripture want to then cling to the name of Christ. You can't pick and choose. Just like Christ's Virgin Birth and the miracles, The Resurrection is part and parcel of the Gospel message.
1Co 15:12 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection x of the dead? y
1Co 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
1Co 15:14 And if Christ has not been raised, z our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
1Co 15:15 More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. a But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
1Co 15:16 For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
1Co 15:17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. b
1Co 15:18 Then those also who have fallen asleep c in Christ are lost.
If you follow Christ but deny the Resurrection, you're an idiot. Think I'm being too harsh? Check out the scriptures. The Bible also tells us that our having Eternal Life is tied DIRECTLY to Christ raising from the dead. Christ conquered death by himself raising from the dead. Because he conquered death, he has conquered it for us. Check out where Paul continues to explain this. It's long but lays out the case for The Resurrection nicely.
1Co 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men.
1Co 15:20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits f of those who have fallen asleep.
1Co 15:21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man.
1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.
1Co 15:23 But each in his own turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him.
1Co 15:24 Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.
1Co 15:25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
1Co 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
1Co 15:27 For he "has put everything under his feet." 45 Now when it says that "everything" has been put under him, it is clear that this does not include God himself, who put everything under Christ.
1Co 15:28 When he has done this, then the Son himself will be made subject to him who put everything under him, u so that God may be all in all.
1Co 15:29 Now if there is no resurrection, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are people baptized for them?
1Co 15:30 And as for us, why do we endanger ourselves every hour?
1Co 15:31 I die every day —I mean that, brothers—just as surely as I glory over you in Christ Jesus our Lord.
1Co 15:32 If I fought wild beasts in Ephesus z for merely human reasons, what have I gained? If the dead are not raised, "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die." 46 a
1Co 15:33 Do not be misled: b "Bad company corrupts good character." c
1Co 15:34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God —I say this to your shame. 1 CO 15:12-34.
Other leaders of great religions are dead and gone but Christ is alive and has defeated death.
HE is risen.....
WHO is risen.....
CHRIST is risen.....
Christ is risen indeed.....
Friday, April 10, 2009
Christ Has Died
"Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world. John 1:29
Jesus called out with a loud voice, i "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." j When he had said this, he breathed his last LK 23:46.
Let us remember the ancient liturgy. Christ has died.....
"Man Owed a debt he could not pay. Christ paid a debt He did not owe." Anslem.
"How deep the Father's love for us,How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One,Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom (How Deep the Father's Love for us, Stuart Towned)
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died,My richest gain I count but loss,And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,Save in the death of Christ my God!All the vain things that charm me most,I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,Sorrow and love flow mingled down!Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,That were a present far too small;Love so amazing, so divine,Demands my soul, my life, my all. (Hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts pub 1707)
Today is Good Friday and is a day every Christian should have a heavy heart.
This day marks the observance (can we please have one thing that is somber in our modern church?) of Christ's death for the sins of the world.
Christ was arrested, tried by a kangaroo court and put to death. His death was the method of a common criminal.
Amazingly this was foretold centuries before it occurred.
Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Perhaps one of the longest passages comes from the prophet Isaiah:
“Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” Isaiah 53:1-12).
Think all the Psalms are Happy clappy songs about our victory in the Lord? Think again. This is part of Psalm 22 which depicts the way Christ would die.
Many bulls w surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Ps 22:13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
Ps 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. c My heart has turned to wax; d it has melted away e within me.
Ps 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, f and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; g you lay me 41 in the dust h of death.
Ps 22:16 Dogs i have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced 42 j my hands and my feet.
Ps 22:17 I can count all my bones; people stare k and gloat over me. l
Ps 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots m for my clothing.
The prophet Daniel, writing cir. 536 B.C. foretold that Christ would be "Cut off" meaning he would be killed. This was one of the important events relating to his famous seventy weeks prophecies about the end times.
After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off k and will have nothing. 32 The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: l War will continue until the end, and desolations m have been decreed. n
When Christ died, he took our place on the cross. As a wonderful hymn says "Every sin on him was laid" (In Christ Alone) sums it up nicely. When Christ died, not only did he die an extremely painful death, but he took the entire wrath of God in our place. All this so we may have Eternal Life through Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
And check out Romans 5: 6-12 which gives the reason and results of Christ's death for all those who are saved.
Ro 5:6 You see, at just the right time, s when we were still powerless, t Christ died for the ungodly. u
Ro 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
Ro 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. v
Ro 5:9 Since we have now been justified w by his blood, x how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath y through him!
Ro 5:10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, z we were reconciled a to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! b
Ro 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. c
Ro 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, d and death through sin, e and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned f —
But how is one to have this precious gift? The only way is by God's Grace through faith. In other words, by putting faith in Christ death for your sins, ergo, trusting that he is all you need for salvation will turn you from a Child of Sin to a Child of God. Here are some verses.
Jesus called out with a loud voice, i "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." j When he had said this, he breathed his last LK 23:46.
Let us remember the ancient liturgy. Christ has died.....
"Man Owed a debt he could not pay. Christ paid a debt He did not owe." Anslem.
"How deep the Father's love for us,How vast beyond all measure That He should give His only Son To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss,The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the chosen One,Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross,My sin upon His shoulders Ashamed I hear my mocing voice,Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there Until it was accomplished His dying breath has brought me life know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything No gifts, no power, no wisdom But I will boast in Jesus Christ His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?I cannot give an answer But this I know with all my heart His wounds have paid my ransom (How Deep the Father's Love for us, Stuart Towned)
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died,My richest gain I count but loss,And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,Save in the death of Christ my God!All the vain things that charm me most,I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,Sorrow and love flow mingled down!Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,That were a present far too small;Love so amazing, so divine,Demands my soul, my life, my all. (Hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Isaac Watts pub 1707)
Today is Good Friday and is a day every Christian should have a heavy heart.
This day marks the observance (can we please have one thing that is somber in our modern church?) of Christ's death for the sins of the world.
Christ was arrested, tried by a kangaroo court and put to death. His death was the method of a common criminal.
Amazingly this was foretold centuries before it occurred.
Genesis 3:15 (NIV)
15 And I will put enmity
between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and hers;
he will crush your head,
and you will strike his heel.”
Perhaps one of the longest passages comes from the prophet Isaiah:
“Who has believed what they heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for sin, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors” Isaiah 53:1-12).
Think all the Psalms are Happy clappy songs about our victory in the Lord? Think again. This is part of Psalm 22 which depicts the way Christ would die.
Many bulls w surround me; strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
Ps 22:13 Roaring lions tearing their prey open their mouths wide against me.
Ps 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. c My heart has turned to wax; d it has melted away e within me.
Ps 22:15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd, f and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; g you lay me 41 in the dust h of death.
Ps 22:16 Dogs i have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced 42 j my hands and my feet.
Ps 22:17 I can count all my bones; people stare k and gloat over me. l
Ps 22:18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots m for my clothing.
The prophet Daniel, writing cir. 536 B.C. foretold that Christ would be "Cut off" meaning he would be killed. This was one of the important events relating to his famous seventy weeks prophecies about the end times.
After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be cut off k and will have nothing. 32 The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: l War will continue until the end, and desolations m have been decreed. n
When Christ died, he took our place on the cross. As a wonderful hymn says "Every sin on him was laid" (In Christ Alone) sums it up nicely. When Christ died, not only did he die an extremely painful death, but he took the entire wrath of God in our place. All this so we may have Eternal Life through Him.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
And check out Romans 5: 6-12 which gives the reason and results of Christ's death for all those who are saved.
Ro 5:6 You see, at just the right time, s when we were still powerless, t Christ died for the ungodly. u
Ro 5:7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
Ro 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. v
Ro 5:9 Since we have now been justified w by his blood, x how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath y through him!
Ro 5:10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, z we were reconciled a to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! b
Ro 5:11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. c
Ro 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, d and death through sin, e and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned f —
But how is one to have this precious gift? The only way is by God's Grace through faith. In other words, by putting faith in Christ death for your sins, ergo, trusting that he is all you need for salvation will turn you from a Child of Sin to a Child of God. Here are some verses.
9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 2 TM 1:9
5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Titus 3:5.
That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10
:Eph 2:8.
For it is by grace v you have been saved, w through faith x —and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—
Eph 2:9 not by works, y so that no one can boast. z
All this because Christ paid such a high price so many years ago. Am I thankful he did? Yes. Am I somber and with a heave heart because of what it cost God's son?????
You bet.
Monday, February 16, 2009
What Jesus?
Christianity is about doctrine, pure and simple.
Our view of all human life precious in the eyes of God stems from what God himself says about life in the Holy Scriptures.
We love others because Jesus commands us. Why do we take the words of somebody who lived 2000 plus years ago so seriously? Why not listen to Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell or your inner light? Why Jesus?
We follow Jesus because of WHO Jesus is, pure and simple. Let me pause on Jesus for a moment; we'll get back to Him.
This post is about a pet peeve I have. I'll get to it, but first, I need to make an argument defending the necessity to believe cardinal doctrines of Christianity. These doctrines have been held throughout the history of the church.
Something sadly lost on too many of today's Christians is that in order to be considered orthodox, certain beliefs must be held. Compromising or flat out denial of one of these will compromise others.
For example, if you deny salvation by grace alone through faith alone, you deny the effectiveness of Christ's death. You also deny, whether you know it or not, the sovereignty of God. How can God be the complete sovereign of the universe if he does not have complete victory over sin and death? if his death on the cross was not payment enough does this mean Satan has some power God does not have? How can God keep you unto himself once you come to faith if he cannot completely defeat sin proving he's not sovereign? This denial also elevates humanity higher than it ought, it says "God needs our help (again compromising God's sovereignty) so we must help him, and, after all, we're not too sinful if we can corporate with God."
Take the scriptures. How many Christian leaders pay lip service to scripture but then turn around and say some of the Bible contains errors? The statement goes something like this....."The Bible CONTAINS the word of God rather than IS the word of God.
If this is the case, might I ask what parts contain errors and could they please tell me how they came to this conclusion? If one part is erroneous, even though Paul tells us in his writings, that ALL scripture is God breathed, than how can we have complete confidence in the rest of the Bible? This is not to say I understand completely Holy Scripture, and I don't have questions. This does not also mean I do not hold certain doctrines such as Christ's full Deity and humanity or God electing some to salvation but man's responsibility to respond, in tension. What it means is God's ways are not my ways and he has given us more than enough evidence to trust in faith the truthfulness of his word.
One other unintended consequence of compromising Scripture is obvious. When you second guess its reliability, you must also second guess the DOCTRINES found therein. If the flood did not occur, is God really sovereign? If Daniel did not write Daniel and his prophecies were fakes as liberals claim (despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary) Does this mean Christ was not God since he referred to Daniel as a prophet? And if the miracles done at the time of Moses and Joshuah were fakes than does this mean Christ was not born of a Virgin? How can Christ be the sinless lamb led to the slaughter if he was born no different than you or me? Wouldn't that make him just a man? Can his death be payment enough since Romans tells us "All have Sinned and have fallen short of his glory" If we compromise the Virgin Birth, who's to say Christ rose from the dead? After all, if other parts of the Bible are not reliable, what says this part can be trusted? If I take this approach, I might be inclined to question my own salvation and what God says about keeping me unto himself not letting me fall from His grace since those are all found in Scripture. Denying parts of Scripture would cause my faith to unravel like a ball of yarn in the hands of a kitten. I think I've made it pretty obvious. There is no middle ground; either you take ALL the Bible or you take NONE.
Our faith is based on foundations found in Holy Scripture. This means certain doctrines must be taken and accepted if one is to call themselves a Christian. It is the responsibility of the church to, rather than avoid these doctrines, to teach it's members what they are, why they are to be believed, how to convey these beliefs to a lost and hurting world, and how to apply these beliefs in their lives.
Which brings me back to Jesus and quite frankly, one of my pet peeves. How many have heard the following statement? It is dressed in the guise of sounding more "spiritual" The person will stand up and say, "You know, I don't understand all these doctrines, and I don't need them.....(Then you hear the keyboard do a nice musical trill of notes) I just want to love Jesus." (More trills ) Doesn't it sound soo cool? More "spiritual" that somebody just wants to love Jesus? I mean, who could argue with that? Don't get tied down with all these gosh darned doctrines, just "love Jesus"
I hate to rain on their "spiritual" parade but I have to ask one question. Which Jesus would they like to love because I can provide several for them to choose from. Allow me to name a few.
One can love the "Jesus" of the Watchtower Bible and Tract society, aka the Jehovah's Witnesses. This Jesus is not God but Michael the Archangel. He was the first and greatest creation of Jehovah God and is only the son of God because he is the first creation. This "Jesus" came down to earth as only a man, died on a torture stake (not a cross) only for Adam's sin, and rose as a spirit being from the dead where he has already returned to our planet as a spirit, not a body.
Then there is the "Jesus" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons. This "Jesus" was the brother of Lucifer, both of them were born of Elohim, the God worshipped on earth who has a body of flesh and bones just like you and me. Christ came to earth, was born to Mary through a physical relationship between her and God. Anybody who converts to Mormonism can become a god just like Christ did.
We also have the "Jesus" of the "Jesus Only Movement" This group, like the Jehovah's Witnesses, denies the Trinity. To the Oness group, "Jesus" is actually a "mode" of God. Rather than God existing as one but three persons as orthodox Christians hold, the Jesus Only Movement holds that god reveals himself in three different "modes" much the same way an actor changes consumes in a play.
One can love the "Jesus" of the liberal church. This Jesus is simply a man, nothing more. To the liberal church, Christ was not born of a virgin, did not die for the sins of the world, nor did he raise from the dead. Jesus' bones are buried somewhere in Israel.
Last but certainly not least, a person can love the Jesus of Historic Christianity. This Jesus is the second person in the Triune Godhead. He is the Alpha and Omega proclaimed in scripture. His coming was foretold thousands of years before the incarnation. The Jesus of the Bible is the Great I AM, the one who holds the keys of death and hades . He will wipe away every tear and whose death and Resurrection holds victory for all who have faith in Him. This Jesus is not Michael the Archangel, a "spirit" brother, a mere man, or a player in God's cosmic magic show going from mode to mode. This Jesus is the sovereign creator of the universe who has paved the way for salvation. THAT is the Jesus one should love.
But how is one to know the right Jesus to believe in? I have shown at least five different "Jesus es" who would hardly recognize each other. Simple, the only way to tell is to familiarize yourself by knowing what the Bible says, i.e. getting your doctrine right.
One last item, just because there are cardinal doctrines does not mean there is not room for genuine disagreement between Christians. Our faith is not an "all or nothing" religion. Whatever one's view of the proper mode of baptism, whether Christ and Israel will reign on earth, the sign gifts, or the type of worship music, remember, those are secondary issues. I may not attend a church because of some secondary issues, but I would not exclude them from the fellowship of believers based solely on non essentials.
We, as Christians need to have an intelligent faith. The world is asking what we believe in and why. Hopefully I've demonstrated an "I love Jesus and live for Him" is not enough. What Jesus do you love, and why do you live for him?
Our view of all human life precious in the eyes of God stems from what God himself says about life in the Holy Scriptures.
We love others because Jesus commands us. Why do we take the words of somebody who lived 2000 plus years ago so seriously? Why not listen to Buddha, Mohammad, Joseph Smith, Charles Taze Russell or your inner light? Why Jesus?
We follow Jesus because of WHO Jesus is, pure and simple. Let me pause on Jesus for a moment; we'll get back to Him.
This post is about a pet peeve I have. I'll get to it, but first, I need to make an argument defending the necessity to believe cardinal doctrines of Christianity. These doctrines have been held throughout the history of the church.
Something sadly lost on too many of today's Christians is that in order to be considered orthodox, certain beliefs must be held. Compromising or flat out denial of one of these will compromise others.
For example, if you deny salvation by grace alone through faith alone, you deny the effectiveness of Christ's death. You also deny, whether you know it or not, the sovereignty of God. How can God be the complete sovereign of the universe if he does not have complete victory over sin and death? if his death on the cross was not payment enough does this mean Satan has some power God does not have? How can God keep you unto himself once you come to faith if he cannot completely defeat sin proving he's not sovereign? This denial also elevates humanity higher than it ought, it says "God needs our help (again compromising God's sovereignty) so we must help him, and, after all, we're not too sinful if we can corporate with God."
Take the scriptures. How many Christian leaders pay lip service to scripture but then turn around and say some of the Bible contains errors? The statement goes something like this....."The Bible CONTAINS the word of God rather than IS the word of God.
If this is the case, might I ask what parts contain errors and could they please tell me how they came to this conclusion? If one part is erroneous, even though Paul tells us in his writings, that ALL scripture is God breathed, than how can we have complete confidence in the rest of the Bible? This is not to say I understand completely Holy Scripture, and I don't have questions. This does not also mean I do not hold certain doctrines such as Christ's full Deity and humanity or God electing some to salvation but man's responsibility to respond, in tension. What it means is God's ways are not my ways and he has given us more than enough evidence to trust in faith the truthfulness of his word.
One other unintended consequence of compromising Scripture is obvious. When you second guess its reliability, you must also second guess the DOCTRINES found therein. If the flood did not occur, is God really sovereign? If Daniel did not write Daniel and his prophecies were fakes as liberals claim (despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary) Does this mean Christ was not God since he referred to Daniel as a prophet? And if the miracles done at the time of Moses and Joshuah were fakes than does this mean Christ was not born of a Virgin? How can Christ be the sinless lamb led to the slaughter if he was born no different than you or me? Wouldn't that make him just a man? Can his death be payment enough since Romans tells us "All have Sinned and have fallen short of his glory" If we compromise the Virgin Birth, who's to say Christ rose from the dead? After all, if other parts of the Bible are not reliable, what says this part can be trusted? If I take this approach, I might be inclined to question my own salvation and what God says about keeping me unto himself not letting me fall from His grace since those are all found in Scripture. Denying parts of Scripture would cause my faith to unravel like a ball of yarn in the hands of a kitten. I think I've made it pretty obvious. There is no middle ground; either you take ALL the Bible or you take NONE.
Our faith is based on foundations found in Holy Scripture. This means certain doctrines must be taken and accepted if one is to call themselves a Christian. It is the responsibility of the church to, rather than avoid these doctrines, to teach it's members what they are, why they are to be believed, how to convey these beliefs to a lost and hurting world, and how to apply these beliefs in their lives.
Which brings me back to Jesus and quite frankly, one of my pet peeves. How many have heard the following statement? It is dressed in the guise of sounding more "spiritual" The person will stand up and say, "You know, I don't understand all these doctrines, and I don't need them.....(Then you hear the keyboard do a nice musical trill of notes) I just want to love Jesus." (More trills ) Doesn't it sound soo cool? More "spiritual" that somebody just wants to love Jesus? I mean, who could argue with that? Don't get tied down with all these gosh darned doctrines, just "love Jesus"
I hate to rain on their "spiritual" parade but I have to ask one question. Which Jesus would they like to love because I can provide several for them to choose from. Allow me to name a few.
One can love the "Jesus" of the Watchtower Bible and Tract society, aka the Jehovah's Witnesses. This Jesus is not God but Michael the Archangel. He was the first and greatest creation of Jehovah God and is only the son of God because he is the first creation. This "Jesus" came down to earth as only a man, died on a torture stake (not a cross) only for Adam's sin, and rose as a spirit being from the dead where he has already returned to our planet as a spirit, not a body.
Then there is the "Jesus" of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, aka Mormons. This "Jesus" was the brother of Lucifer, both of them were born of Elohim, the God worshipped on earth who has a body of flesh and bones just like you and me. Christ came to earth, was born to Mary through a physical relationship between her and God. Anybody who converts to Mormonism can become a god just like Christ did.
We also have the "Jesus" of the "Jesus Only Movement" This group, like the Jehovah's Witnesses, denies the Trinity. To the Oness group, "Jesus" is actually a "mode" of God. Rather than God existing as one but three persons as orthodox Christians hold, the Jesus Only Movement holds that god reveals himself in three different "modes" much the same way an actor changes consumes in a play.
One can love the "Jesus" of the liberal church. This Jesus is simply a man, nothing more. To the liberal church, Christ was not born of a virgin, did not die for the sins of the world, nor did he raise from the dead. Jesus' bones are buried somewhere in Israel.
Last but certainly not least, a person can love the Jesus of Historic Christianity. This Jesus is the second person in the Triune Godhead. He is the Alpha and Omega proclaimed in scripture. His coming was foretold thousands of years before the incarnation. The Jesus of the Bible is the Great I AM, the one who holds the keys of death and hades . He will wipe away every tear and whose death and Resurrection holds victory for all who have faith in Him. This Jesus is not Michael the Archangel, a "spirit" brother, a mere man, or a player in God's cosmic magic show going from mode to mode. This Jesus is the sovereign creator of the universe who has paved the way for salvation. THAT is the Jesus one should love.
But how is one to know the right Jesus to believe in? I have shown at least five different "Jesus es" who would hardly recognize each other. Simple, the only way to tell is to familiarize yourself by knowing what the Bible says, i.e. getting your doctrine right.
One last item, just because there are cardinal doctrines does not mean there is not room for genuine disagreement between Christians. Our faith is not an "all or nothing" religion. Whatever one's view of the proper mode of baptism, whether Christ and Israel will reign on earth, the sign gifts, or the type of worship music, remember, those are secondary issues. I may not attend a church because of some secondary issues, but I would not exclude them from the fellowship of believers based solely on non essentials.
We, as Christians need to have an intelligent faith. The world is asking what we believe in and why. Hopefully I've demonstrated an "I love Jesus and live for Him" is not enough. What Jesus do you love, and why do you live for him?
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Explosion
A news blurb on Al Mohler's radio show was interesting.
A new report shows Christianity in China, which has undergone severe persecution, growing at an unprecedented rate. If you want to know the extant of Chinese persecution, check out my link to The Voice of the Martyrs. Dr. Mohler cited an interesting figure. Some reports sate there are as nanny as 70 million Christian in the Communist state. FYI, that's as many members as in the Communist Party. In fact, some reports even state members of the Communist Party are converting. to Christianity.
That last part of the story about bowled me over. Communism hasn't been friendly to Christianity. In fact, Communism has murdered more people than any other regime in world History, many Christian martyrs.
One reason given for the conversion rate is Christianity offers a moral bedrock Communism cannot.
Talk about taking the Gospel to the gates of hell. Christ's own words come to mind here. "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail."
A new report shows Christianity in China, which has undergone severe persecution, growing at an unprecedented rate. If you want to know the extant of Chinese persecution, check out my link to The Voice of the Martyrs. Dr. Mohler cited an interesting figure. Some reports sate there are as nanny as 70 million Christian in the Communist state. FYI, that's as many members as in the Communist Party. In fact, some reports even state members of the Communist Party are converting. to Christianity.
That last part of the story about bowled me over. Communism hasn't been friendly to Christianity. In fact, Communism has murdered more people than any other regime in world History, many Christian martyrs.
One reason given for the conversion rate is Christianity offers a moral bedrock Communism cannot.
Talk about taking the Gospel to the gates of hell. Christ's own words come to mind here. "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail."
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Reflections on Christmas
I love Christmas. As a youngster, it was about presents and eating. (OK, I still like presents and LOVE to eat) but as I have matured, I am reminded of the significance of this time of the year.
This is CHRISTMAS season, not holiday, X-Mas, Yule, etc. Whatever pagan origins many of our traditions came from, our God is the creator of the universe. It was God the one true God who created items (trees, Yule logs, rituals etc) others may have used. Whatever paganism may have perverted, we can easily Christianize traditions and rescue them from the dark and superstitious errors of paganism.
With that said, why celebrate Christmas? Most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Christ. I will discus Christ later. (Saving the best for last.)
I also reflect on the faith of those seeking Him. I think of Mary. This girl was no more than thirteen or fourteen when God chose her to bring the Savior into the world. When given the Divine Decree, she humbled herself before God, calling Him her savior. Compare the Biblical Mary to the Mary invented by the Catholic church giving attributes to her not found in Scripture. These myths include her conception without Original Sin (Immaculate Conception), her bodily assumption into heaven upon her death(Glorious Assumption), prayers to her (Rosary) her interceding with Christ on our behalf, and unbiblical titles given to her such as co Redeemer, Queen of Heaven, Full of Graces, etc.
I think of Joseph who was given the responsibility of raising the God Man as his own. What must have he thought when he first discovered Mary was with child? The Bible tells us he was about to divorce her when an angel told him not to. Joseph submitted to God, acting in faith, steeping up to the plate to fulfill his duty God gave him. Would that more men would follow the example of this Godly man when raising their children.
We have the story of Simenon the priest and Anna the prophetess. Both waiting and rejoicing when Jesus was born.
Let us not forget the shepherds, outcasts in society who were given the privilege of worshipping the King.
Last of all, I think of the Wise Men. No doubt these men's ancestors heard the story of the coming Christ and believed. A commentary I have says it's possible Daniel was the one who gave the news to these gentiles. They in turn passed it down to their descendants. Luke tells us when they saw Christ laying in the manger, they worshipped him and gave gifts to Mary.
How can we not get excited about this time of year? Rich with theological truth, Christmas tells us of our sins and God's gracious sacrifice for us. As we reflect on this time of year, I'm reminded that because of the price Christ paid, I, my wife, daughter, and all those who have trusted in Him have everlasting life. I will see my mother again because of the debt Christ has paid. Scripture tells us not only did Christ die for our sins, but he will come again to execute judgment and those who trust in Him will reign with him.
Let us as Christians celebrate these truths not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.
This is CHRISTMAS season, not holiday, X-Mas, Yule, etc. Whatever pagan origins many of our traditions came from, our God is the creator of the universe. It was God the one true God who created items (trees, Yule logs, rituals etc) others may have used. Whatever paganism may have perverted, we can easily Christianize traditions and rescue them from the dark and superstitious errors of paganism.
With that said, why celebrate Christmas? Most importantly, we celebrate the birth of Christ. I will discus Christ later. (Saving the best for last.)
I also reflect on the faith of those seeking Him. I think of Mary. This girl was no more than thirteen or fourteen when God chose her to bring the Savior into the world. When given the Divine Decree, she humbled herself before God, calling Him her savior. Compare the Biblical Mary to the Mary invented by the Catholic church giving attributes to her not found in Scripture. These myths include her conception without Original Sin (Immaculate Conception), her bodily assumption into heaven upon her death(Glorious Assumption), prayers to her (Rosary) her interceding with Christ on our behalf, and unbiblical titles given to her such as co Redeemer, Queen of Heaven, Full of Graces, etc.
I think of Joseph who was given the responsibility of raising the God Man as his own. What must have he thought when he first discovered Mary was with child? The Bible tells us he was about to divorce her when an angel told him not to. Joseph submitted to God, acting in faith, steeping up to the plate to fulfill his duty God gave him. Would that more men would follow the example of this Godly man when raising their children.
We have the story of Simenon the priest and Anna the prophetess. Both waiting and rejoicing when Jesus was born.
Let us not forget the shepherds, outcasts in society who were given the privilege of worshipping the King.
Last of all, I think of the Wise Men. No doubt these men's ancestors heard the story of the coming Christ and believed. A commentary I have says it's possible Daniel was the one who gave the news to these gentiles. They in turn passed it down to their descendants. Luke tells us when they saw Christ laying in the manger, they worshipped him and gave gifts to Mary.
How can we not get excited about this time of year? Rich with theological truth, Christmas tells us of our sins and God's gracious sacrifice for us. As we reflect on this time of year, I'm reminded that because of the price Christ paid, I, my wife, daughter, and all those who have trusted in Him have everlasting life. I will see my mother again because of the debt Christ has paid. Scripture tells us not only did Christ die for our sins, but he will come again to execute judgment and those who trust in Him will reign with him.
Let us as Christians celebrate these truths not only during the Christmas season, but all year long.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Reformation Day
To most people, including Christians, October 31st is Halloween. More important, on this day, Martin Luther nailed his 95 statements to the Wittenberg Castle Church, starting the Protestant Reformation. You can read the statements here. http://www.carm.org/creeds/95theses.htm. But why should we know about the Reformation? Why was this event so important? Let's take a closer look.
For at least three hundred years, maybe more, the Christian church slowly became more and more corrupt. Tradition became as authoritative as Scripture. Teachings that were introduced at the close of the Roman Empire became established dogma to be believed by every Christian. Check out these two paragraphs from Canon I of the Fourth Lateran Council 1215:
There is one Universal Church of the faithful, outside of which there is absolutely no salvation. In which there is the same priest and sacrifice, Jesus Christ, whose body and blood are truly contained in the sacrament of the altar under the forms of bread and wine; the bread being changed (transsubstantiation) by divine power into the body, and the wine into the blood, so that to realize the mystery of unity we may receive of Him what He has received of us. And this sacrament no one can effect except the priest who has been duly ordained in accordance with the keys of the Church, which Jesus Christ Himself gave to the Apostles and their successors.
But the sacrament of baptism, which by the invocation of each Person of the Trinity, namely of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is effected in water, duly conferred on children and adults in the form prescribed by the Church by anyone whatsoever, leads to salvation. And should anyone after the reception of baptism have fallen into sin, by true repentance he can always be restored. Not only virgins and those practicing chastity, but also those united in marriage, through the right faith and through works pleasing to God, can merit eternal salvation.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/lateran4.html These two paragraphs barely scratch the surface, but they set down or reaffirmed several familiar doctrines of the Established Church. By the time Luther came on the scene, the church had invented such teachings as indulgences, and purgatory and simple salvation by faith ALONE was substituted for a long list of works. To raise money the Pope sold indulgences (get out of purgatory passes) and priests and popes had many mistresses and children. One Pope in Particular, Alexander VI had several bastard children and lived like a king. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Alexander_VI# This was hardly unique. Remember, the Church made it clear, outside the church there is NO salvation. Not outside the invisible church, outside the VISIBLE church so whatever the church said, was true.
Even Dr. Luther tried to earn God's favor by becoming an Augustinian Monk. After studying scripture, he discovered when one had faith, one was already justified (declared righteous) by Faith ALONE. Dr. Luther began to see many of the errors of his church and became convinced scripture alone was sufficient for faith. On October 31st, he nailed his arguments to his church door.
Thus began the greatest return to Biblical Christianity the church has ever known. By the time of Luther's death in 1546, he had stood up to the Pope, translated the Scriptures into German, and wrote and preached countless books and sermons. Others would follow to continue the work he started, many dying as martyrs but the seeds for true reform had been laid.
Luther was used by God to bring his church back to Him. He was not perfect. He was not charitable to the Jews and was many times hostile to others holding different views, but he was a man used by God to help bring his church back to Him Let all Christians remember a Man of God this Reformation Day.
For at least three hundred years, maybe more, the Christian church slowly became more and more corrupt. Tradition became as authoritative as Scripture. Teachings that were introduced at the close of the Roman Empire became established dogma to be believed by every Christian. Check out these two paragraphs from Canon I of the Fourth Lateran Council 1215:
There is one Universal Church of the faithful, outside of which there is absolutely no salvation. In which there is the same priest and sacrifice, Jesus Christ, whose body and blood are truly contained in the sacrament of the altar under the forms of bread and wine; the bread being changed (transsubstantiation) by divine power into the body, and the wine into the blood, so that to realize the mystery of unity we may receive of Him what He has received of us. And this sacrament no one can effect except the priest who has been duly ordained in accordance with the keys of the Church, which Jesus Christ Himself gave to the Apostles and their successors.
But the sacrament of baptism, which by the invocation of each Person of the Trinity, namely of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, is effected in water, duly conferred on children and adults in the form prescribed by the Church by anyone whatsoever, leads to salvation. And should anyone after the reception of baptism have fallen into sin, by true repentance he can always be restored. Not only virgins and those practicing chastity, but also those united in marriage, through the right faith and through works pleasing to God, can merit eternal salvation.
http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/basis/lateran4.html These two paragraphs barely scratch the surface, but they set down or reaffirmed several familiar doctrines of the Established Church. By the time Luther came on the scene, the church had invented such teachings as indulgences, and purgatory and simple salvation by faith ALONE was substituted for a long list of works. To raise money the Pope sold indulgences (get out of purgatory passes) and priests and popes had many mistresses and children. One Pope in Particular, Alexander VI had several bastard children and lived like a king. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Alexander_VI# This was hardly unique. Remember, the Church made it clear, outside the church there is NO salvation. Not outside the invisible church, outside the VISIBLE church so whatever the church said, was true.
Even Dr. Luther tried to earn God's favor by becoming an Augustinian Monk. After studying scripture, he discovered when one had faith, one was already justified (declared righteous) by Faith ALONE. Dr. Luther began to see many of the errors of his church and became convinced scripture alone was sufficient for faith. On October 31st, he nailed his arguments to his church door.
Thus began the greatest return to Biblical Christianity the church has ever known. By the time of Luther's death in 1546, he had stood up to the Pope, translated the Scriptures into German, and wrote and preached countless books and sermons. Others would follow to continue the work he started, many dying as martyrs but the seeds for true reform had been laid.
Luther was used by God to bring his church back to Him. He was not perfect. He was not charitable to the Jews and was many times hostile to others holding different views, but he was a man used by God to help bring his church back to Him Let all Christians remember a Man of God this Reformation Day.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
The Gospel of "Feel Good Theology"
A week or so ago 60 Minutes did a segment on Joel Osteen. The title was "America's Most Popular Pastor" What does Mr. Osteen preach? Why does he draw so many people? We Christians are to discern all teachings, comparing it to God's Word the same way the Bereans did. What struck me most during the interview was Mr. Osteen's apparent lack of theological depth. One doesn't have to give a detailed comparison between John Calvin and John Wesley, but a little understanding would have been appreciated.
It is obvious Mr. Osteen's theology (if one can call it that) is Word Faith. Reading his books and listening to his sermons, his message is simple. Ask expecting to get. If you want something, think positive. The clips played have him saying right out that our words have meaning. If you think positive, BINGO! you can have what you think. (better job, pay raise, better life now etc)This of course works the opposite too. If you thinK bad things they also can occur. His message on giving is rather interesting as well. Rather than give because God wants us to give, he reduces giving to a forumula. To get what you want, simply give. God HAS to respond to you wishes if you give. Like other Word Faith Charismatics, he takes entire passages and verses completely out of context, making them mean something completely different that what the original authors meant for them to say.
The methodology of his church is Seeker Sensitive. For those unaware, the Seeker Sensitive movement focuses on people's felt needs. (think Rick Warren) These churches focus on what the church can do for you. As such, one will not hear sermons about suck sticky subjects as sin, judgment, repentance, the atonement, justification, faith, works, etc. If one listens to the broadcast one will see a smiling Mr. Osteen telling the reporter how the lights change colors with each song. This obviously is to create a mood, to heck with teachings, just work over people's emotions. I also noticed how completely scripted Mr. Osteen's church is. The songs are selected so the most can be gotten out of everybody's emotions. You won't hear anything about sin or repentence at his church. Those are too negative.
So, as Christians, should't we be happy in the Joy of the Lord? Why not be positive? After all, should the world see something different in us? Why am I and a host of others so hard on Mr. Osteen? Why can't we just "agree to disagree?"
We as Christians should be happy, but WHY are we happy? That is a question Mr. Osteen MUST answer. As Christians, are we always going to be happy? Let me tell all of you something, I wasn't the happiest person when my mother was suffering from brain cancer. Nor was I happy when I went through my divorce. Did I have God's reassurance? Yes, but I was not "positive" like Mr. Osteen asserts. As for blessings, yes, God does bless. Many times, however, it is not the way we mere mortals think we should be blessed. Mr. Osteen focuses on "Your Best LIfe Now" rather than "Laying up treasures in heaven" I have had times where God blessed me with material possessions, other times, it is spiritual blessings. We as Christians need to be open to either. God many times will say "no" not because he is mean, but because he knows what is best. He's not our "daddy" that spoils his kids the way WF teachers make him out to be.
Mr. Osteen also preaches only part of the Gospel. In the business of souls, part is as bad as none. Others have said it better than I have. He seems to think "God is love, love everybody, and if you want something from God, he will give it to you." That's pretty much it. Nowhere does he address man's sinful state, our total loss without God, the (just) consequences for our sin, what it took for man to obtain forgivemess for sin (Christ's death on the cross), man's need for repentence, and the result of man's refusal to trust Christ. I don't know about anybody else, but the realization that I'm born in sin and have a first class ticket to hell isn't something that is too uplifting. Only when I trusted in Christ was I able to rejoice, not because of some emotional mind trick, but because I KNEW my sins were forgiven. I can now say with John Wesley my heart was "strangly warmed"
I applaud Mr. Osteen's emphasis on giving and loving others. However, the Word Faith and Seeker Sensitive teachings in his church make these good points almost moot. Also, as stated earlier, this is only part of the Gospel. Without man knowing his sinful state and need for Christ, he is eternaly lost.
Part of the Gospel will send people to hell as much as none of the Gospel.
Here are some links on Mr. Osteen.
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/229-joel-osteen
Go down to and click on the Larry King Live segment. You will see what I mean when I say Mr. Osteen is lukewarm.
Here is the 60 Minutes broadcasst. http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3366025n
It is obvious Mr. Osteen's theology (if one can call it that) is Word Faith. Reading his books and listening to his sermons, his message is simple. Ask expecting to get. If you want something, think positive. The clips played have him saying right out that our words have meaning. If you think positive, BINGO! you can have what you think. (better job, pay raise, better life now etc)This of course works the opposite too. If you thinK bad things they also can occur. His message on giving is rather interesting as well. Rather than give because God wants us to give, he reduces giving to a forumula. To get what you want, simply give. God HAS to respond to you wishes if you give. Like other Word Faith Charismatics, he takes entire passages and verses completely out of context, making them mean something completely different that what the original authors meant for them to say.
The methodology of his church is Seeker Sensitive. For those unaware, the Seeker Sensitive movement focuses on people's felt needs. (think Rick Warren) These churches focus on what the church can do for you. As such, one will not hear sermons about suck sticky subjects as sin, judgment, repentance, the atonement, justification, faith, works, etc. If one listens to the broadcast one will see a smiling Mr. Osteen telling the reporter how the lights change colors with each song. This obviously is to create a mood, to heck with teachings, just work over people's emotions. I also noticed how completely scripted Mr. Osteen's church is. The songs are selected so the most can be gotten out of everybody's emotions. You won't hear anything about sin or repentence at his church. Those are too negative.
So, as Christians, should't we be happy in the Joy of the Lord? Why not be positive? After all, should the world see something different in us? Why am I and a host of others so hard on Mr. Osteen? Why can't we just "agree to disagree?"
We as Christians should be happy, but WHY are we happy? That is a question Mr. Osteen MUST answer. As Christians, are we always going to be happy? Let me tell all of you something, I wasn't the happiest person when my mother was suffering from brain cancer. Nor was I happy when I went through my divorce. Did I have God's reassurance? Yes, but I was not "positive" like Mr. Osteen asserts. As for blessings, yes, God does bless. Many times, however, it is not the way we mere mortals think we should be blessed. Mr. Osteen focuses on "Your Best LIfe Now" rather than "Laying up treasures in heaven" I have had times where God blessed me with material possessions, other times, it is spiritual blessings. We as Christians need to be open to either. God many times will say "no" not because he is mean, but because he knows what is best. He's not our "daddy" that spoils his kids the way WF teachers make him out to be.
Mr. Osteen also preaches only part of the Gospel. In the business of souls, part is as bad as none. Others have said it better than I have. He seems to think "God is love, love everybody, and if you want something from God, he will give it to you." That's pretty much it. Nowhere does he address man's sinful state, our total loss without God, the (just) consequences for our sin, what it took for man to obtain forgivemess for sin (Christ's death on the cross), man's need for repentence, and the result of man's refusal to trust Christ. I don't know about anybody else, but the realization that I'm born in sin and have a first class ticket to hell isn't something that is too uplifting. Only when I trusted in Christ was I able to rejoice, not because of some emotional mind trick, but because I KNEW my sins were forgiven. I can now say with John Wesley my heart was "strangly warmed"
I applaud Mr. Osteen's emphasis on giving and loving others. However, the Word Faith and Seeker Sensitive teachings in his church make these good points almost moot. Also, as stated earlier, this is only part of the Gospel. Without man knowing his sinful state and need for Christ, he is eternaly lost.
Part of the Gospel will send people to hell as much as none of the Gospel.
Here are some links on Mr. Osteen.
http://www.apologeticsindex.org/229-joel-osteen
Go down to and click on the Larry King Live segment. You will see what I mean when I say Mr. Osteen is lukewarm.
Here is the 60 Minutes broadcasst. http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3366025n
Monday, October 15, 2007
The Plot Thickens.
KJRH had a story Saturday night about new allegations leveled against ORU. Some include Lindsay's spending time with an underage male. Whether it was innocent or not, who knows, but one thing I can't understand is why would the Roberts put themselves in such a situation? A judge and jury will have to sort through the allegations.
One comment Ms. Roberts made really rubbed me the wrong way . When asked about their lifestyle, Ms. Roberts gave the typical Word Faith answer. "God wants his children to prosper"
I've said this before, this is a common teaching in the WF movement. Why do so many people fall for such false teachings on health/wealth, who God is, who man is, the nature of Christ's death (they state he died spiritually, and some even say he HAD to go to hell to pay for our sins), and the nature of faith?
Yet more evidence of the need for all Christians to become knowledgeable in the Word.
Let us continue to pray for the situation at ORU.
One comment Ms. Roberts made really rubbed me the wrong way . When asked about their lifestyle, Ms. Roberts gave the typical Word Faith answer. "God wants his children to prosper"
I've said this before, this is a common teaching in the WF movement. Why do so many people fall for such false teachings on health/wealth, who God is, who man is, the nature of Christ's death (they state he died spiritually, and some even say he HAD to go to hell to pay for our sins), and the nature of faith?
Yet more evidence of the need for all Christians to become knowledgeable in the Word.
Let us continue to pray for the situation at ORU.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Remember those that are in prison
"Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body"
Heb 13:3 (ESV)
When I received my latest edition of "The Voice of the Martyrs" magazine, this verse came to mind. Let us not forget those brothers and sisters in Christ who daily suffer persecutions for Him. Whether in China, Vietnam, India, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, or South America, we should pray for, and assist in any way those who suffer for His name.
As Americans, let us NEVER take advantage of the freedoms we have. (Sorry liberals and those ignorant, there is no amendment titled "Separation of Church and State") Let's take advantage of these rights by sponsoring men and women to attend Biblical schools, teaching them the doctrines of the faith. These same workers can then go overseas and teach local pastors. The locals are willing to do the work, they just need to be equipped. We can also raise money for and sponsor local churches. Let us educate ourselves about the plight of our overseas brothers and sisters.
Here is VOM's web site.... http://www.persecution.com/
I would be remiss without including the amazing growth Christ's church is experiencing overseas. In China for example, hundreds are coming to faith everyday. In Africa, there are more Anglicans than in the UK and USA. Contrast that church with the dying ECUSA in our land. In the Middle East there is a thirst for the Gospel despite persecution. Christ was correct when he said "I will establish my church and the gates of hell will not overcome."
This is another subject I wish to post about later in the future. For now, here is a sermon from Karl Eason from VOM speaking at our church.
http://calvarytulsa.org/Downloads.htm#Pics Go to the August 26th 2007 message. You will be uplifted.
Heb 13:3 (ESV)
When I received my latest edition of "The Voice of the Martyrs" magazine, this verse came to mind. Let us not forget those brothers and sisters in Christ who daily suffer persecutions for Him. Whether in China, Vietnam, India, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, or South America, we should pray for, and assist in any way those who suffer for His name.
As Americans, let us NEVER take advantage of the freedoms we have. (Sorry liberals and those ignorant, there is no amendment titled "Separation of Church and State") Let's take advantage of these rights by sponsoring men and women to attend Biblical schools, teaching them the doctrines of the faith. These same workers can then go overseas and teach local pastors. The locals are willing to do the work, they just need to be equipped. We can also raise money for and sponsor local churches. Let us educate ourselves about the plight of our overseas brothers and sisters.
Here is VOM's web site.... http://www.persecution.com/
I would be remiss without including the amazing growth Christ's church is experiencing overseas. In China for example, hundreds are coming to faith everyday. In Africa, there are more Anglicans than in the UK and USA. Contrast that church with the dying ECUSA in our land. In the Middle East there is a thirst for the Gospel despite persecution. Christ was correct when he said "I will establish my church and the gates of hell will not overcome."
This is another subject I wish to post about later in the future. For now, here is a sermon from Karl Eason from VOM speaking at our church.
http://calvarytulsa.org/Downloads.htm#Pics Go to the August 26th 2007 message. You will be uplifted.
Friday, October 12, 2007
No Excuse
With the decline of mainline denominations (the latest news story involving the Presbyterian Church USA where orthodox congregations are leaving, finding a new home with the Evangelical Pres. Church), the story here http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gNFB_ExEStbyhLF3Ux-XTui0bowgD8S7IJTO0 the body of Christ is in trouble. The laity has become complacent, or outright ignorant.
I have two words..... NO EXCUSE.
NEVER in the history of mankind have books been so easily available. From the library (I checked out a copy of Luther's Small Catechism before I received one), to web sites, (a good one is http://www.cbd.com/, but so is Amazon) to sale items at stores like Mardel, one can easily borrow or purchase books at excellent prices. In addition, many books are available online. There are several web sites that host Christian classics including books by the Reformers, Church Fathers, and other leaders. The Information age is an age where knowledge abounds. We, however, will not benefit from this advancement in technology if we do not use it.
As good as learning theology and church history are, NOTHING should take the place of studying Scripture. The Reformers had a phrase "Sola Scriptura", scripture alone. But how many people take the time to study God's Word? When we fail, unorthodox traditions creep into the church. This is the very reason why we should be thankful there was a Protestant Reformation.
When one does not study God's Word by reading it prayerfully and allowing oneself to be aided by many excellent commentaries, they will find themselves vulnerable to doctrinal error. Whether it is the theological errors plaguing many minsters that align themselves with ORU by teaching Word Faith errors, or liberal churches that outright deny Biblical truth, to Seeker Sensitive churches that do not wish to "offend" anybody, the average Christian will be vulnerable without the knowledge of Scripture.
Studying scripture is important, but as Christians, we ignore church history (the good and the bad) at our own peril. By studying history (HIS story) we see the Bible come to life in the lives of everyday men and women who claimed it for themselves. Whether it is somebody coming to faith for the first time, or the strength of a martyr, the assurance God gives comes through loud and clear. This is why Martin Luther said, "Unless I can be convinced by Scripture and plain reason, I cannot recant". This is what encourages Christians to meet in secret where Christianity is outlawed and to smuggle bibles into dangerous parts of the world.
We also see the mistakes churches in the past made in our attempt to learn from them. One last note of interest - by learning from the past, we can also see many of the doctrinal errors plaguing our churches. EVERY cult teaches doctrine deemed as heresy by the early church. "There is nothing new under the sun"; yes, that was from, you guessed it, The Bible.
Let all of us, young and old alike, study God's word and become more knowledgeably and discerning.
FYI, For more information about Christian doctrine and church writings, check out the links on the right side of the blog. I will add others as time permits.
I have two words..... NO EXCUSE.
NEVER in the history of mankind have books been so easily available. From the library (I checked out a copy of Luther's Small Catechism before I received one), to web sites, (a good one is http://www.cbd.com/, but so is Amazon) to sale items at stores like Mardel, one can easily borrow or purchase books at excellent prices. In addition, many books are available online. There are several web sites that host Christian classics including books by the Reformers, Church Fathers, and other leaders. The Information age is an age where knowledge abounds. We, however, will not benefit from this advancement in technology if we do not use it.
As good as learning theology and church history are, NOTHING should take the place of studying Scripture. The Reformers had a phrase "Sola Scriptura", scripture alone. But how many people take the time to study God's Word? When we fail, unorthodox traditions creep into the church. This is the very reason why we should be thankful there was a Protestant Reformation.
When one does not study God's Word by reading it prayerfully and allowing oneself to be aided by many excellent commentaries, they will find themselves vulnerable to doctrinal error. Whether it is the theological errors plaguing many minsters that align themselves with ORU by teaching Word Faith errors, or liberal churches that outright deny Biblical truth, to Seeker Sensitive churches that do not wish to "offend" anybody, the average Christian will be vulnerable without the knowledge of Scripture.
Studying scripture is important, but as Christians, we ignore church history (the good and the bad) at our own peril. By studying history (HIS story) we see the Bible come to life in the lives of everyday men and women who claimed it for themselves. Whether it is somebody coming to faith for the first time, or the strength of a martyr, the assurance God gives comes through loud and clear. This is why Martin Luther said, "Unless I can be convinced by Scripture and plain reason, I cannot recant". This is what encourages Christians to meet in secret where Christianity is outlawed and to smuggle bibles into dangerous parts of the world.
We also see the mistakes churches in the past made in our attempt to learn from them. One last note of interest - by learning from the past, we can also see many of the doctrinal errors plaguing our churches. EVERY cult teaches doctrine deemed as heresy by the early church. "There is nothing new under the sun"; yes, that was from, you guessed it, The Bible.
Let all of us, young and old alike, study God's word and become more knowledgeably and discerning.
FYI, For more information about Christian doctrine and church writings, check out the links on the right side of the blog. I will add others as time permits.
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