A View From the Pit?
It was a cold and foggy Southern California morning in 1973. Those of us unfortunate enough to have first period P.E were standing around trying to stay warm while waiting for the coach to emerge from his office. At least the cold had a way of waking us up.
Then, suddenly, the dreary silence was broken. A friend of mine came running up to the group exclaiming "You've gotta see this!"
He then produced a black and white Polaroid picture.
"This was taken by a lady who was on an airline flight. She saw some beautiful clouds and decided to take a picture. When it developed she saw this!"
There in the picture was an image of a white robed figure, arms outstretched. The face was blurred by the clouds, but it was clear who this was intended to be.
"This is a picture of Jesus! This proves the Bible is true!", my friend exclaimed. The crowd of P.E. inmates took turns looking at it and nodded in general agreement. One of the great questions of all time had been answered - right there in fuzzy black and white.
I had only been a Christian for a couple of months, but something seemed, well, unconvincing to me.
Maybe it was because I was raised by a lawyer. Maybe it was because I had been an atheist before I met the Lord.
Maybe it was because the Holy Spirit was saying, "Hold on, your faith needs to be founded on My Word."
But I wasn't buying.
"I don't know. Something seems strange about this. Why did the lady just happen to take a picture out of a window? Why can't you see the face? Do you know who this lady is? No offense, but couldn't this have been a fake?"
The group stared at me like I was the skunk at the picnic. Then one of the Polaroid-ites said, "Hey! I thought you were one of those born-agains. You should be the first one to believe in this!"
But I wasn't. Quite frankly I found the Bible's account of Jesus' life, death and resurrection far more compelling than an image that looked like it came right off a grocery store check out line variety tabloid.
I get that same queasy, skunk at the picnic feeling when I read accounts like this:
To Hell and Back
Matthew Dovel believes he saw a glimpse of hell in a near-death experience.
Like most people imagine, "it was extremely hot and very humid and dense," Dovel described on ABC's 20/20.
How did he get there? Dovel said he had committed suicide with three bottles of sleeping pills and a bottle of gin, saw a couple of flashes of light and found himself in mid-free fall into a pitch-black pit.
But beyond physical pain, Dovel reportedly experienced an extreme emotional pain when people from his past approached him, pushing and screaming as Dovel relived a moment he caused them pain, he said. He also said he saw the suffering his death caused his mother and then 18-year-old daughter when they discovered him dead.
"I was on my hands and face, weeping, weeping. Not just crying but weeping for Jesus to save me," Dovel explained. He said he eventually found himself being lifted out of the pit as he was still weeping and hearing a voice that said, "You have work to do, and if you continue to live the life you are, this is where you are going to spend eternity." http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070715/28450_To_Hell_and_Back.htm
Dovel certainly has a compelling story to tell. But like the snap shot of Jesus in the clouds, some aren't buying.
For the majority of Americans, God and heaven are real, a recent Gallup poll revealed. Fewer, however, said they believed in the devil and hell. Belief in hell peaked in 2001 to 71 percent after the Sept. 11 attacks but fell to 69 percent today.
Some individuals, most notably Universalists, believe God is too good and too loving to allow people to spend eternity in hell.
Miriam Van Scott, author of The Encyclopedia of Hell, told ABC that in this age of science, people are moving away from the idea of eternal damnation.
"Hell is a little too medieval," she said. "It's a little too extreme."
What to make of this?
Far be it from me to make any pronouncements as to the validity of Dovel's experience. But Near Death Experiences or NDE's are just that - near death. The person involved has a hard time proving they were actually dead. In Dovel's case both experiences could be explained as a lack of oxygen to the brain, or the effects of the sleeping pills and gin. (For a more in depth discussion of NDE's from a Biblical perspective see "Heaven On $125 A Day" in Scott's book Reasonable Doubts http://www.scottrichardslive.com/news/news.htm)
So where can we find a reliable portrait of what awaits in the afterlife?
How about considering the view of the only One Who actually died and three days later rose to tell us about it? In fact Jesus gives us a vivid and stunning report on what lies beyond in Luke 16.
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and
fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a
certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his
gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the
rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to
Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And
being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw
Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and
send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and
cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham
said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your
good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is
comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between
us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want
to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass
to us.’
“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send
him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may
testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’
Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them
hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to
them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If
they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be
persuaded though one rise from the dead.’”(Luke 16:19-31)
It is commendable that Dovel's experiences have lead him to work with a group called International Suicide Prevention. I hope he has the opportunity to touch many lives for the better.
But when it comes to discovering the truth of life, death and what follows I would rather put my stock in the trustworthiness of the words of Jesus than a compelling human experience!
Scott's Blog 7/30/07
Opposite Day?
One of the distinct advantages of having kids is having complete permission to enjoy cartoons without losing your membership in the serious adult union. And I must admit one of my favorites is the adventure of that endlessly chipper sea sponge SpongeBob Squarepants.
Clockwise from top left: Sandy Cheeks, SpongeBob SquarePants, Patrick Star, Mr. Krabs (Eugene H. Krabs), Squidward Tentacles, and Plankton (Sheldon J. Plankton)
A continuing plot line in the adventures of SpongeBob is the conflict he has with his cranky neighbor Squidward. In one episode Squidward wants to sell his house and be free of SpongeBob's constant irritations. So in order to get SpongeBob to calm down, Squidward convinces him that today is "Opposite Day". Whatever you would normally do, whatever attitude you would have - do the opposite. This leads SpongeBob to act like Squidward and eventually foil his plan to sell his house.
Trust me. It's a crack up.
I couldn't help but think of "Opposite Day" when I read of a directive issued by the government of Cambodia recently.
Cambodia Bans Evangelism; Accuses Christians of 'Disrupting Society'
Christians in Buddhist-dominated Cambodia are officially banned from evangelizing because they “disrupt society,” officials said Tuesday.
Cambodia’s Ministry of Cults and Religions declared that “Christians are prohibited from visiting people’s houses by knocking on the door and waiting to say ‘the Lord has arrived,’” in a directive, according to Agence France-Presse.
In addition, Christians are restricted to only distributing religious literatures in churches. Moreover, the ministry demands that it authorize the construction of a church before it is built.
“They can do any activity inside their institutions, but are not allowed to go door-to-door,” said Sun Kim Hun, deputy minister of cult and religion, according to The Associated Press.
The directive was dated June 26 but was distributed on Tuesday, according to AP. It is similar to proclamations issued in 1999 and 2003 and serves as a reminder to Christians. Violating persons and groups face possible prosecution.
The ministry claims the groups’ tactics “disturb the daily lives of people and can cause other insecurities in society,” according to AFP.
Despite the allegations, Christians and Buddhists live together in peace for the most part, although there have been recent instances of sectarian violence.
Last year, some 300 Buddhist villagers destroyed an incomplete church building outside of the capital Phnom Penh, according to AP. In addition, church houses were attacked in 2003 and 2004 although no one was injured. http://www.christianpost.com/article/20070718/28495.htm
Have you ever noticed that every now and then Satan really tips his cards? The directive of the Cambodian government seems like a list of the very things the wicked one finds most irritating about believers in Jesus?
"Disrupting society"? Check!
“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." (Acts 17:6)
Taking the initiative to reach out with the Good News? Check!
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19)
Telling the world that Jesus is coming back again? Check!
"Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before"(Acts 3:19-20)
Demonstrating the love of Jesus in practical ways (especially to children)? Check!
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Seems to me if you wanted to be smack dab in the middle of God's will - just post this directive from the Cambodian government on your refrigerator with a vegetable magnet - and do the opposite.
And while we are at it we might add a few directives from our own society. Like:
Never talk about faith in polite company.
Never quote from the Bible.
Never tell people that God might have a different view of morality than "It can't be wrong if it feels so right".
Never insist there is only one way to heaven.
Never get too excited about spiritual things. (Save your excitement for really important things - like Arena Football.)
Imagine if we took that list and declared tomorrow "Opposite Day"!
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)
Scott's Blog 7/27/07
Ready to Fly?
The philosopher Santyana once wryly observed, "History teaches us that man learns nothing from history."
But these days I'm becoming more and more convinced that man not only learns nothing from history, but maybe even less from prophecy.
There is a new influx of well intentioned, but misguided teachings about a crucial event in God's plan for His people - the rapture of the church.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words. (I Thessalonians 4:16-18)
There is no doubt that Jesus will do exactly what is described in these verses. This "blessed hope" (Titus 2:11-14) should be a motivator to make the most of our days, knowing that the Lord will return suddenly "as a thief in the night" (I Thessalonians 5:1-2).
But there are those who are now teaching that the Lord has showed them in a vision that this is the year of the rapture. Others, reacting against this are saying they are doubtful there will be a rapture at all!
What is the truth regarding the rapture?
Check out our video-blog feature "The Rapture"! God definitely doesn't want us in the dark concerning this awesome event!
“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is. It is like a man going to a far country, who left his house and gave authority to his servants, and to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning— lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping.
And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark 13:32-37)
Scott's Blog 7/26/07
Signs of a Show Down?
If you are a regular reader of Scott's Blog, you know on Monday we pointed you to a chilling Hal Lindsey update on the prophetic portrait of a future war between Syria and Israel.
http://hallindsey.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=28
It appears there are more signs developing that such a conflict may be imminent.
In his Jerusalem Watchman blog http://www.stangoodenough.com/?p=73 Stan Goodenough tells us that tensions in the area are growing, and may be setting the stage for an unexpected demonstration of God's hand in world events.
In intelligence parlance it’s called “chatter” – communication by known or suspected terrorists among themselves. When monitoring agents detect intensification in the level of communication, or certain variations in the pattern of interaction – they increase the alert level and brace for a possible attack.
Western intelligence agencies are also consistently monitoring hostile nations for the likelihood of war. In the Middle East, falling down on this job could lead – and has led – to surprise attacks that have threatened the very existence of the State of Israel.
Here in Israel, “ordinary” folk don’t generally have access to this type of “chatter.” Because of the prevailing tensions in our world, however, our “antennae” are probably more sensitive to conditions - and our spirits more quickly alerted – than if we were living elsewhere.
Today, in the second half of July, 2007, we’re watching and listening again. All around us we see the signs and hear the “chatter.”
Its level is up. Not right up, but way up. What – Jews and Christians in Israel, and Israel-watchers around the world – are wondering, is going to happen next?
Here are some of the signs:
- Almost daily reports since last April citing Israeli military and intelligence officials warning of Syrian preparations for war, Hizb’allah’s rearmament for war and Iran’s fomenting for war.
- Almost daily reports from Syria quoting that country’s officials accusing Israel of planning an attack.
- Weekly reports in American and British news media about US plans to strike the Iranian nuclear operation and the imminence of such an attack being brought forward by Iran’s imminent passing of the point of no return. All this with concomitant reports out of Tehran and Damascus quoting senior officials in both countries warning that Israel will be hit if the US hits Iran.
- An increase in the number of state visits by Syrian leaders to Tehran and Iranian leaders to Damascus.
- Consecutive reports – separated only by a few days – of the woeful un-preparedness of the Israeli Home Front to protect the state’s citizens from non-conventional attacks.
- Reports that Syria ordered all its citizens out of Lebanon by July 15. A resident in Beirut has reportedly confirmed that the Syrians have indeed all left the city, and wondered “What do they know that we don’t?”
- Reports that Syria has had the state archives moved out of Damascus to a safe location.
- Reports that reservist IDF soldiers are being called up.
As I was writing this I received a phone call from a Jewish friend in Oregon. Discussing the tensions here I told him that, the way things have been developing these past months, Israel’s situation could be poised to undergo a revolutionary change.
“For better or for worse?” he asked.
“Well you know me,” I replied. “I believe the Bible, and the Bible says that, sooner or later, restored Israel is going to fight a regional war, the outcome of which will see the removal – for at least a period of time – of the unrelenting threat this nation has lived under since 1948.”
Many Christians have wondered about the significance the year 2007 could have marking, as it does, 40 years since Jerusalem and the biblical heartland of Israel came back under Jewish control for the first time in more than 2,000 years.
Another friend of mine had this to say about it:
I pulled my copy of Number in Scripture, by E.W. Bullinger, to refresh my memory as to the full Biblical significance of the number 40. As I recalled, God used “40″ in Scripture – both Old Testament and New Testament – as a symbol of preparation, or of getting ready.
For over two decades, I have been silently pondering whether God was going to cause Israel to be attacked on the 40th anniversary of the 1967 Six Day War. Now that this moment is upon us, the Arabs have begun what appears to be a classic run-up to all-out war.
But back to my dissertation about Bullinger’s explanation of the full use of the number “40.”
Not only does this number mean “preparing”, but it carries much more meaning.
“FORTY has long been universally recognized as an important number, both on account of the frequency of its occurrence and the uniformity of its association with a period of probation, trial, and chastisement (not judgment, like the number 9) … but the chastisement of sons and of a covenant people.” (Bullinger, page 266.)
In other words, when God brings Israel through a period of “40″, He is dealing with them as His “covenant people!” This number is a symbol of God dealing with Israel as His Chosen People.
Still, as exciting as this understanding is, the next part of Bullinger’s expose’ is positively riveting.
The number, forty, also “relates to enlarged dominion, or to renewed or extended rule…” (Ibid.)
Wow! What does the Bible prophesy as to what faces Israel as she goes through this End of the Age warfare? It clearly says that Israel will enlarge her borders by re-occupying all the lands which God promised to Abraham! This Biblical promise is called “Greater Israel”.
Israel’s military commanders have warned that a war with Syria will be “10 times worse” than last year’s war in Lebanon. That means that horrific suffering and destruction lie ahead.
No sensible or caring person wants war. Certainly no true Christian does. The Bible commands all God-fearing men to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.” This nation, and this region, has known so much pain and death. Millions of us long for the day when Israel, and all the nations, will experience true peace.
This is our prayer, in the face of the gathering clouds.
Scott's Blog 7/25/07
How To Lose Your Faith
Have you ever spent time with someone who claims to be "an ex-Christian"?
To hear someone say, "I tried Jesus and He just didn't work for me." is one of the most tragic things we can experience.
When I have walked away from those encounters, I have always had the funny feeling that Jesus was the last reason for the alleged failure of faith.
Consider the words of professed former Christian, LA Times religion beat writer Bill Lobdell.
WHEN Times editors assigned me to the religion beat, I believed God had answered my prayers.
As a serious Christian, I had cringed at some of the coverage in the mainstream media. Faith frequently was treated like a circus, even a freak show.
I wanted to report objectively and respectfully about how belief shapes people's lives. Along the way, I believed, my own faith would grow deeper and sturdier.
But during the eight years I covered religion, something very different happened. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/la-me-lostfaith21jul21,0,5853746.story
With an admirable honesty, Lobdell shares his odyssey through the hills and (mostly) valleys of the spiritual scene in Orange County, California. Lobdell has seen it all, from the spiritual high of his conversion at a men's retreat put on by Mariner's Church of Newport Beach, to the utter disillusionment he experienced in covering the sordid details of the molestation scandals that rocked the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
And with each face to face confrontation with pretenders, opportunists, and individuals more interested in personality and privilege than principle, Lobdell's faith took a beating, until at the end of his article he makes this confession.
My soul, for lack of a better term, had lost faith long ago — probably around the time I stopped going to church. My brain, which had been in denial, had finally caught up.
I'd encourage you to read the entire article to get the details as to how Lobdell's faith degenerated over time, but I'd like to also share a key cautionary insight this sad tale can offer to all of us.
If You Want to Lose Your Faith - Invest it in an Experience
Lobdell does appear to have a sincere spiritual experience at the Mariner's Church men's retreat.
With my eyes closed in prayer, I saw my heart slowly opening in two and then being infused with a warm, glowing light. A tingle spread across my chest. This, I thought, was what it was to be born again.
The pastor asked those who wanted to accept Jesus to raise their hands. My hand pretty much levitated on its own. My new friends in Christ, many of whom I had first met Friday, gave me hugs and slaps on the back.
I began praying each morning and night. During those quiet times, I mostly listened for God's voice. And I thought I sensed a plan he had for me: To write about religion for The Times and bring light into the newsroom, if only by my stories and example.
Although there is no doubting the sincerity of Lobdell's conversion experience, there has to be more to our faith than a feeling. Conspicuously absent from Lobdell's spiritual journey is any mention of growing in understanding and personal application of God's Word. Jesus warned of the absolute essential of not only finding faith, but founding it upon a rock that wouldn't fail in times of trial.
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
Was Jesus just kidding here? Consider what happened to a very sincere man like Bill Lobdell. As he encountered spiritual leaders that were hollow men instead of holy men, his disgust began to grow. But instead of understanding that phonies, pretenders, and even predators would be an occupational hazard of being a Christian until Jesus returns (see Matthew 13:24-30), he finally has enough and cashes in his faith.
There is no doubting the sincerity of Bill Lobdell's desire to serve the Lord in a meaningful way. But without a faith that is focused on Christ Himself (and not in a church or organization)we are setting ourselves up for failure.
Emotions and experiences can certainly ebb and flow within our lives. What might have seemed undeniably true one moment becomes a fleeting memory within 24 hours. If we only have a conversion experience to serve as a foundation for our faith, before long we will find ourselves doubting our own decisions, even doubting God Himself.
For some time, I had tried to push away doubts and reconcile an all-powerful and infinitely loving God with what I saw, but I was losing ground. I wondered if my born-again experience at the mountain retreat was more about fatigue, spiritual longing and emotional vulnerability than being touched by Jesus.
And I considered another possibility: Maybe God didn't exist.
As he comes to the end of his article Lobdell offers a conclusion that is both flawed and insightful.
Clearly, I saw now that belief in God, no matter how grounded, requires at some point a leap of faith. Either you have the gift of faith or you don't. It's not a choice. It can't be willed into existence. And there's no faking it if you're honest about the state of your soul.
Here we see the cross roads that each of us must face sooner or later. Do we believe Jesus or our own "experience"?
Is our faith "grounded"? The lack of a solid Biblical center to our faith leaves us prey to the winds of circumstance and the whims of emotion.
Is faith a matter of choice? Personal frustration says you've either got it or you don't. The Bible says we all have a choice to say yes or no to God. And that choice really does matter.
I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live; that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
If you want to lose your faith, focus on emotions and experience. The storms will come and the fall will be great. It is sad to see a well intentioned individual like Bill Lobdell take such a disastrous spiritual header.
If you want to have a faith that lasts, found it on the unfailing rock of the reality, credibility and veracity of Jesus. He will never let you down.
For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:11)
Scott's Blog 7/24/07
Go Directly to Hell?
If you are a regular listener to Scott Richards Live, you know that often times the most challenging questions we tackle are also the most simple and direct.
Recently at our listener e-mail address Studio@Scottrichardslive.com we received a question that I would nominate for the "Simple, Direct and Utterly Challenging Hall of Fame".
Scott,
I am, for reasons that I'd rather not get into, damned.
What's hell going to be like?
Sincerely,
Alan
I think we all have to give Alan points for not beating around the bush.
But for reasons I think are absolutely essential to get into, there is a deeper question that needs to be explored here.
And if I can be equally direct, the real question is this - Alan, are you really already damned?
One of the most simple, direct and unavoidable truths we see in both the Old and New Testaments is how opposed God is to seeing even one person spend eternity in Hell.
"Say to them, ' As I live!' declares the Lord GOD, 'I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die, O house of Israel?' (Ezekiel 33:11)
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)
In fact, the Bible tells us He not only desires all to be saved from the ultimate consequences of our sin and rebellion against Him, He has actually done something to save us from spending an eternity separated from Him.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. (Romans 5:6-11)
It is easy to see, Alan, that there is something that has gone down in your life that you feel is unforgivable. I can't tell you how many times I have spoken with hopeless people who have said to me, "It's easy for you to say that God will forgive me. But you don't know what I've done."
The response of the Bible is pretty simple - "No. You don't know what He has done."
I will never forget when I was on staff at Calvary Chapel of Costa Mesa. Pastor Chuck Smith had extended a gracious hand to a pastor who had stumbled and fallen in his walk with Christ. A group from this man's former church came wanting to present further incriminating evidence of his sin. Pastor Chuck replied, "Is there anything in this evidence that can't be covered by the blood of Jesus Christ?"
Alan, as hard as it is for us to believe, there is no sin that is so great that God can't forgive it.
Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionist will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
Consider this personal testimony of a man who pushed things so far he undoubtedly thought forgiveness was impossible.
Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
Whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Selah
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:1-7)
His name? King David. His sins? Adultery. Murder. Living a lie for over a year.
And yet God's compassion was so great He forgave David's sins, simply because he was broken and asked Him to.
Consider the words of another man who carried on his conscience the sin of nearly destroying Christianity one life at a time.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. ( I Timothy 1:12-17)
His name was the Apostle Paul - and God not only forgave Him, but used him a fair bit for His purposes!
Alan, God can do the same for you, if you will let Him.
And that is the key issue - will you let God apply the same forgiveness, compassion and healing to your life?
The Bible says that kind of restoration is just a prayer away.
...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.” (Romans 10:9-11)
Is there a Hell? Yes.
Is there any reason you have to go there? Not if you put your life into the nail scarred hands of Jesus.
Simply pray, "Father, I know I have sinned. But I believe Jesus died to pay the price for all my wrongs. Please forgive my sins. Come into my heart and make me the person You made me to be. I receive you this day as my Lord and Savior. In the name of Jesus I ask this, amen."
Alan it is my prayer that you will realize just how great the love of God truly is. The question isn't what awaits you in Hell, but will you receive God's free gift that can take away your sins, give you a new heart, and a new relationship with God who created you, loves you, and sent His Son to save you?
You have nothing to lose and an eternity to gain.
Scott's Blog 7/23/07
Signs of the Times - Syria
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
On January 29, 2002, George W. Bush gave the first State of the Union address following the 9-11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. As he spoke to Congress and the American people, he coined a phrase that may very well be one of the most memorable observations of our era.
"States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world," he stated. "By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States." http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php?title=Axis_of_evil
The "Axis of Evil" was identified as the nations of Iran, North Korea and Syria.
As events have unfolded, we have certainly seen these nations live up to their nickname.
North Korea has not only openly boasted of their nuclear arsenal, but also test fired a missile system designed to be able to hit the continental United States with a weapon of mass destruction.
Iran has not only put forth public statements that would make Nazi propaganda chief Heinrich Himmler proud, but in the face of international condemnation and sanctions pursues its own nuclear weapon.
So what about the third member of the Axis - Syria?
The government of Bashar Assad has been busy.
It is also no secret that last summer's missile war with the terrorist forces of Hezbollah went a lot deeper than a simple border skirmish. Israel's response, resolve and tactics were closely watched by the government in Damascus.
In fact, there are indications that Syria itself may very well be planning a direct attack on Israel in the near future.
The interesting thing is that this may very well be more than just a typical "wars and rumors of wars" sign of the times.
Best selling author Hal Lindsey offers a sobering overview of some amazingly overlooked prophecies concerning the destiny of Syria in the last days.
|
War with Syria threatens to bring all nations of the Middle East into direct conflict with Israel – even the supposedly moderate state of Jordan. Jordan has never recovered from the defeats it suffered at the hands of the Israelis, particularly in 1967, in which it lost both the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
All of these events may well be setting up a prophecy that I have pondered for over 40 years. Isaiah predicts a catastrophic end to Damascus that I do not believe is part of the final war of Armageddon. It appears to be a regional conflict that will occur shortly before the anti-Christ is unveiled.
Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city on earth. It has never been destroyed despite being besieged and captured many times in history. Its existence reaches back to the dawn of history.
Yet Isaiah predicts in a series of oracles concerning ‘the last days’ that Damascus will suddenly be obliterated and cease being a city forever. Over 2700 years ago, Isaiah foresaw this terrible event, “An oracle concerning Damascus: ‘See, DAMASCUS will no longer be a CITY but will become a heap of ruins.’” (Isa. 17:1 NIV)
Isaiah makes two statements about the destruction Damascus that indicates an instantaneous event. First, Isaiah says, “The fortified city will disappear from Ephraim, and royal power from Damascus …” (17:3) This refers to Damascus, which is in part of land allotted to Ephraim. The Hebrew word “disappear” used in this context means a sudden, total annihilation.
Isaiah’s second description of Damascus’ destruction predicts, “In he evening, sudden terror! Before morning, they are gone! This is the portion of those who loot us (Israel), the lot of those who plunder us.” The great city of Damascus will “disappear” in a night. And it is the Israelites who will do this.
Another important part of this prophecy is that it will occur at a time when some calamity hits Israel, “In that day the glory of Jacob will fade; the fat of his body will waste away.” (Isa. 4) This indicates some kind of terrible, physical attack.
Here is where I believe all of this could be headed. Israel is going to be hit with WMDs from Syria that will kill a great number of Israelis. Israel will immediately implement the “Samson Option” against Damascus – totally obliterating it. This will cause the Muslim nations to back off out of fear of also being hit. It will also throw the world into a state of such fear that it will set them up for the anti-Christ’s arrival with a superhuman plan for peace and freedom from war. With his satanic powers, he will convince the world that the only hope is a one-world government under his leadership.
According to my sources, there are fully armed Israeli aircraft sitting on the runway of Jezreel Valley IDF base with pilots in the cockpits on 24 hour alert. Normally, these aircraft are stored under ground. These planes can be over Damascus in 180 seconds from take off.
Syria is playing a very dangerous game, and is being urged on by Iran. If just one-missile hits Israel with the deadly VX gas, the ‘Samson Option’ will be instantly implemented.
Never in history have any of these events occurred. More than that, at no time in recorded history were any of these things even possible. But Israel can now fulfill these prophecies with the nuclear weapons it possess.
Never before have all the causative factors of this event been present at the same moment in history. But today, they are the only logical conclusion if current events continue along their current path. It's a terrifying scenario, but to those who trust that these signs point to the imminent return of Christ for His Church, it is, nonetheless, an exciting time to be alive.
Read the whole article at http://hallindsey.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=172&Itemid=28
|
Scott's Blog 7/20/07
Will You Make it to Heaven?
One of the questions we are most asked on Scott Richards Live is one that hits most close to home - Can a genuine Christian lose their salvation?
There are usually two reasons why this question comes up.
Some are really worried about others. Someone they know and love once seemed to walk with the Lord, but now are living a life that denies Him. Will they make it in to heaven in the end?
Others are seriously worried about themselves. Have I pushed things too far? I once felt so close to the Lord, but now I'm not sure where I stand.
These are serious questions. But the good news is the Bible has serious answers. God doesn't want us to leave our eternal destiny in the realm of wishful thinking.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (II Peter 1:10-11)
So how can we make our calling and election sure? Check out our video blog of the weekend "Can You Lose Your Salvation?". I think you will find that having a solid, Scriptural answer to this question may not only change the way you look at others who fall away, but go a long way toward making sure that you get home to Heaven, safe and secure!
Scott's Blog 7/19/07
Trouble in the Temple?
Do you consider smoking a sin?
If you asked the average Christian that question the results would be overwhelming, if not unanimous. We all get the message pretty quickly too. I've never seen anyone saunter in to a church lobby and light one up. In fact, those who struggle with nicotine addiction usually have a secluded spot where they can have one more smoke before they straighten up, hit the breath spray and rejoin the fellowship.
Now, if you were to ask the average Christian why smoking is a sin, the answers would be pretty standard.
"It ruins your health!"
"It shortens your life!"
The more theological among us would go as far as to say, "The Bible says your body is a temple. Would you go into the temple of God and paint the walls with tar?"
And so we probably will never see a blurb in the bulletin for the next meeting of the Fellowship of Christian Tobacco Enthusiasts.
The Bible does tell us that our bodies are a gift from God. Consider the words of King David.
For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. (Psalm 139:13-15)
The Word is also pretty unmistakable in telling us that what we do with our bodies really does matter to God.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)
The Bible indicates that one day we will give an account for how we dealt with the gift of our physical bodies.
Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
At this point, it is easy to turn a disapproving gaze at smokers and say "Yeah! Better repent! And pick up those ugly filters you left on the sidewalk while you're at it!"
But have you ever stopped to think that there is another bodily damaging, life shortening behavior that devestates more "temples" in Christian circles than cigars and cigarettes combined?
This behavior isn't just tolerated, or segregated in a secret spot behind the church. It is celebrated, even promoted in fellowships across the country.
It's called overeating.
And it is about to become a national crisis that will in the next few years affect millions of lives and cost billions of dollars.
75 percent of Americans overweight by 2015
Two-thirds considered heavy or obese now; rate still increasing, study finds
WASHINGTON - If people keep gaining weight at the current rate, fat will be the norm by 2015, with 75 percent of U.S. adults overweight and 41 percent obese, U.S. researchers predicted on Wednesday.
A team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore examined 20 studies published in journals and looked at national surveys of weight and behavior for their analysis, published in the journal Epidemiologic Reviews.
“Obesity is a public health crisis. If the rate of obesity and overweight continues at this pace, by 2015, 75 percent of adults and nearly 24 percent of U.S. children and adolescents will be overweight or obese,” Dr. Youfa Wang, who led the study, said in a statement.
“Our analysis showed patterns of obesity or overweight for various groups of Americans,” said May Beydoun, who worked on the study.
“Obesity is likely to continue to increase, and if nothing is done, it will soon become the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.”
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19845784/
Did you catch the key word in this study?
"Preventable"
I have sat at too many hospital bed sides and officiated too many funerals that could have been avoided if food wasn't considered an acceptable agent of addiction. How can we as believers escape being victims of this disturbing and damaging trend?
First we need to remove the spiritual double standard from our thinking and face facts.
We are shocked at the analogy of the smoker painting the temple with tar, but is it really any more spiritual to be smearing shortening on the walls?
Second, we need to realize that the physical problem of overeating can be tied to a desire to deal with stress or pain in our lives in an unhealthy way.
Addiction has been described as an attempt to deal with a spiritual problem by the use of a physical agent. If we need food to "calm down", "relax", or feel "comforted" we need to understand that the practice of overeating may be pointing to unresolved issues of the heart. Prayer and seeking out wise Biblically based counsel may reveal to us the areas that God would love to touch and heal.
Third, we need to realize that our physical condition may be saying more to others about our true spiritual condition than we would like to think. If you are in a position of spiritual leadership, this is significant.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:12)
If you find yourself in a place where the Lord is calling you to deal with these kind of "weighty issues", there are practical steps available to you. Begin by seeing your doctor for a complete physical. Ask for resources that can make exercise and healthy eating a regular, pleasant and sustainable part of your life. Prayerfully seek out others in your fellowship who can be a support and a source of accountability in making the lifestyle changes you will face.
When we allow the truth of the Word and the love of Jesus to impact every area of our lives, we inevitably enter more deeply into the abundant life He promised us. We end up not only being blessed ourselves, but also become a more clear example of the transforming power of God to the world around us.
Let's make sure even our eating habits are honoring to our Lord.
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your
body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (I Corinthians 6:20)
..
Scott's Blog 7/18/07
Your Tithe Dollars At Work?
It has been said there are three great lies we will all encounter in this life:
This won't hurt at all.
Its not you, it's me.
I'm from the government and I'm here to help you.
There are those who say that our deep seated cultural distrust of the world of politics ("How can you tell a politician is lying? His lips are moving.") is a bit of an over reaction.
And then we read about incidents like the one that took place in the halls of Congress earlier this week.
What's in your wallet?
What's a paltry one million dollars to a member of
Congress?
Well, apparently not enough to know if an organization about to
receive that big block of cash actually exists.
Republican Rep. Jeff Flake of Arizona, the fiscal crusader who's
never met an earmark he likes,
questioned Democratic Rep. Peter J. Visclosky
of Indiana on the House floor Tuesday about whether the Center
for Instrumented Critical Infrastructure actually exists -
since, hey, it's getting like a million bucks or something.
Visclosky, who chairs the spending subcommittee responsible for
the project, had to admit that, well, he didn't have a clue.
After a lengthy back-and-forth, Flake, complaining that his
staff couldn't find a website for the center, asked Visclosky,
"Does the center currently exist?"
"At this time, I do not know," the Indiana Democrat replied.
"But if it does not exist, the monies could not go to it."
Despite the money's uncertain destination, the House
rejected Flake's measure to strike the funds, 326-98. And the
Visclosky bill also sailed through, 312-112.
http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/0707/Whats_in_your_wallet.html
As it turns out, the Center for Instrumental Critical Infrastructure does exist as a subsidiary of another company. But the fact that a million dollars was overwhelmingly allocated before those voting were even sure it occupied a place in our universe is telling. We would all like to be confident that the money we give to our government is being spent wisely. But with each story of this kind, the cynicism we hold for those in charge grows a bit deeper.
The funny thing is, that same sense of suspicion can also effect how we view our giving in a Christian sense.
The TV Evangelist scandals of the '80's went a long way toward eroding confidence in giving to Christian causes. We all saw it play out in our living rooms.
Tearful, mascara running pleas that the work of God would come to an end if we didn't dig deeper.
Encouraging people to make faith vows of money they didn't have.
Using little old ladies' social security check money to buy solid gold shower fixtures and air conditioned dog houses.
But God wasn't mocked. It all came crashing down in a sickening thud.
The perpetrators lost their credibility, their positions, their reputations, even in some cases their freedom itself.
But there were greater victims, who incurred greater damage. Innocent, faithful people, who became faithless because some con artists discovered that sincerity was a quality they could easily exploit.
How to avoid being the next victim?
We have to decide not to follow the example of Representative Visclosky - we need to take the time to find out where our giving really goes.
This means being willing to ask if the ministry we are considering giving to has an effective system of checks and balances to prevent the misuse and abuse of resources.
It means being willing to ask for a copy of the ministry's annual financial report to see where funds are allocated.
But most importantly, it means deciding that if we are to give, we are giving to the Lord, as an expression of love and gratitude to Him.
So let each one
give as he purposes in his heart,
not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is
able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always
having all sufficiency in all things,
may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written:
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”
(II Corinthians 9:7-9)
If we give to men, or for the approval of men, or because we have put our trust in men we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. But if we give to the Lord, from the Lord we will receive a reward that will not only bless us in the here and now, but also in the hereafter.
The one who gives in that way will never be ripped off.
Scott's Blog 7/17/07
Teach Your Children?
Just when you thought it was safe to watch TV programs produced by terrorists...
You may recall the story we detailed in this space concerning the adventures of Farfour, the radicalized rodent who bore more than a passing resemblance to Mickey Mouse.
After a steady stream of international outrage (and serious questions about copyright infringement) Hamas' Gaza based Al Aksa TV decided to write the anti-Semitic character out of it's popular children's program "Tomorrow's Pioneers".
Farfour was "martyred" on the kiddie show when he refused to sell his land to a Jew, who subsequently beat the mouse to death. No word on whether there were 72 fetching hamsters awaiting his arrival on the other side.
But not to worry. The radical rodent who preached hatred of Jews and encouraged children to consider a career of killing innocent by-standers as human bombs has been replaced by a new cuddly figure now being called "the Killer Bee".
Meet Nahoul, jihadist bee
GAZA CITY: A militant Mickey Mouse lookalike ``killed'' in a Jewish conspiracy has been replaced on a Palestinian children's show - by a martydom-praising bee.
Children's show Tomorrow's Pioneers, which airs on the Hamas-affiliated al-Aqsa channel, was canned late last month after drawing stinging criticism over its central character Farfour.
The black-and-white mouse had urged Palestinian children in his high-pitched voice to fight against Israel.
In the final episode late last month, Farfour was beaten to death by an actor posing as an Israeli trying to buy his land.
"Farfour was martyred while defending his land,'' teen
presenter Sara said.
Now the show is back, minus Farfour, but with the same
propaganda, this time a six-foot tall bee called Nahoul - the
mouse's "cousin''.
"I want to continued in the path of Farfour - the path of Islam, of heroism, of martyrdom, and of the mujahideen,'' the bee tells child host Saraa.
"We will take revenge upon the enemies of Allah, the killer of the prophets and of the innocent children, until we liberate Al-Aqsa from their impurity. We place our trust in Allah.
"Welcome, Nahoul,'' Saraa says. http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22082121-5001021,00.html
Why this persistent "terror for tots" programming?
Hamas knows something.
Studies have consistently shown that children set their foundation for morality and values by the time they are ten years old. Between the ages of ten to adulthood, morals are largely determined by a desire to please others, or to do the right thing because it benefits family, an important group or institution. http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/articles/child_behavior/moraldevchild.html
If you can reach children with your message, it will likely determine the path life will take in adulthood. In this case, the chance to raise up a new generation of radicals is more than worth the cost of international disgust and disapproval.
But consider for a moment how the same principle can be used for a positive purpose.
God tells us that one of the most important things anyone can do is to set a spiritual foundation for the next generation.
Therefore you shall lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21)
The significant principle we see in this passage is that imparting the truth of God's Word to our children is not a one day a week thing - it's a life style. It begins when we fall in love with the Lord and His Word, and allow our children to catch us in the act of walking with God. It carries the idea that Christianity is not just taught as a lesson or lecture, but caught, like a good kind of infection.
How can we practically participate in establishing a foundation of solid scriptural truth in the hearts of our children?
Step 1 - Be a Model
Don't adopt a "Don't do as I do, do as I say" approach to spirituality. When it comes to walking with God, an example is worth 10,000 words.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. (I Timothy 4:11)
Step 2 - Be a Monitor
When I was growing up there was a cartoon show on a local channel called "The Big Babysitter". Talk about truth in labeling! Unfortunately, many of us use television, videos and computers in just that way. As long as the kids are out of our hair, we really don't care what is going into their impressionable minds. Care enough to check into what your children are watching, or where they are going on the web. And don't just look out for the negative, but promote the positive. Find programs, videos and web sites that you can confidently encourage your children to watch. Ministries like Focus On the Family http://www.family.org/ can provide great resources and reviews to help in this process.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:8)
Step 3 - Be a Mouthpiece
Establish a regular time when God's Word is heard in your home. Get a hold of a solid devotional that is age relatable to your children and share God's truth before the day gets away in the morning. Look for teachable moments when Biblical principles can impact the practical issues of life. Don't feel you have to preach, but with love and concern, share with your children in the same way you would have wanted someone to relate God's Word to you when you were young.
Never forget how important the life of every child is to our Lord.
Then they brought little children to Him, that He might touch them; but the disciples rebuked those who brought them. But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it.” And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.(Mark 10:13-16)
Scott's Blog 7/09/07
Our Origin and Our Destiny
When the subject of creation and evolution comes up on Scott Richards Live, there are usually two equal and opposite reactions.
There are those who will passionately argue for their particular take. Sometimes there are those who are so committed to expressing their position I start to wonder if there is a question anywhere in our future.
But there are also those who wonder what the big deal about Genesis 1 and 2 is anyway? It's all ancient history, so what difference does this potion of the Bible make in practical terms?
Today on Scott Richards Live we received a phone call that showed with remarkable clarity the personal impact a proper understanding of our origins can have on our hearts.
The caller sounded despondent. He shared that his walk with God took a decided turn for the worse when he watched a documentary on the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
He said that although he understood that God could do anything he wanted to, seeing this destruction and death caused him to question the Lord's character. And if God deals with His creation in such a harsh manner, how much more would he bring judgment on a blasphemer like himself?
How to encourage someone in this frame of mind?
First, I pointed out that he hadn't committed the unforgivable sin. If he had truly hardened his heart to God, he wouldn't be talking with me about the condition of his soul. In fact, the compassion he felt for the victims of the Katrina disaster was a pretty good indicator that the love of God was alive and kicking in his life.
But what of our caller's perspective on the character of God? How could a loving God allow such things to happen?
This question propels Genesis 1 and 2 from the musty, dusty annals of historical trivia to one of the most important passages of the Bible we can ever understand.
The Bible tells us that this world was not always the way it is now. Following the completion of His creative work we are given this telling insight into the original state of this universe we live in.
Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. (Genesis 1:31)
The term "very good" is emphatic in Hebrew. it carries the notion of being without fault or flaw in any way. There was no death, no disease, no disasters of any kind. There was no division between God and man. In a perfect environment, Adam knew perfect fellowship with the God Who created him and loved him.
But God also invested in man the capacity to choose to say yes or no to a genuine love relationship with Himself. Our first ancestors misused this gift and rebelled against their Creator. God had given them ample warning of the consequences of such a choice.
Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:15-17)
The word "to die" is also emphatic. It can be translated "dying you shall die". It carried the meaning that turning away from the Author of life would bring
physical death to Adam and his descendants, but also spiritual death - and yes, even universal death to the creation we were intended to exercise dominion over.
The rest is, as they say, history.
All the war, all the injustice , all the poverty and oppression this world has known traces its roots back to that fateful decision.
All the sickness, pain and suffering finds its origin on that fateful day.
And yes, even the environment we live in was radically effected.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:18-23)
Why do we experience disasters as large as Katrina, and as seemingly small as a two year old dying of cancer?
Because God's once very good creation was ruined by the sin of humanity.
So what does this tell us about the character of God?
First, it tells us that God is no more happy about this state of affairs than we are. When Jesus himself saw the grief that the death of his friend Lazarus had caused to his family and friends the response is the shortest verse in the Bible.
Jesus wept. (John 11:35)
Now God for His part could have easily walked away. "You made your bed - go sleep in it!"
But the Bible tells us He continues to love us. In fact He loves us so much He became a man and walked in this same fallen world we live in. In fact, He experienced the worst that this sin and death dominated existence can offer. He lived a perfect life and willingly laid it down for undeserving people like you and me when He died on a cruel Roman cross.
Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (II Corinthians 5:20-21)
So why doesn't the Lord come back and straighten out this mess we have made of things?
The short answer is - He will.
And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Revelation 21:3-5)
So why doesn't He do that right now? The great Christian writer CS Lewis once wrote:
But I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realise what it will be like when He does. When that happens, it is the end of the world. When the author walks on to the stage the play is over. God is going to invade, all right: but what is the good of saying you are on His side then, when you see the whole natural universe melting away like a dream and something else—something it never entered your head to conceive—comes crashing in; something so beautiful to some of us and so terrible to others that none of us will have any choice left? For this time it will be God without disguise; something so overwhelming that it will strike either irresistible love or irresistible horror into every creature. It will be too late then to choose your side. There is no use saying you choose to lie down when it has become impossible to stand up. That will not be the time for choosing: it will be the time when we discover which side we really have chosen, whether we realised it before or not. Now, today, this moment, is our chance to choose the right side. God is holding back to give us that chance. It will not last for ever. We must take it or leave it.
So what does this say to those of us who are stuck in this fallen world?
Plenty.
It tells us that disasters like Hurricane Katrina are understandable when we see where we have come from. In light of what we have done to God's once very good creation the real question isn't "Why do bad things happen to good people?" The real question is, "Why do good things happen at all?"
But instead of falling into fatalism and despair, or throwing up our hands in the face of disaster and saying "I guess it's God's will!", we have a real basis for extending practical compassion for those who suffer the after effects of the fall of man.
Biblical Christianity compels us to make a difference in the lives of the hurting, both physically and spiritually. While we are bandaging wounds and rebuilding homes, we are also to tell people of the Savior Who loves them, who gave His life to defeat sin and death. That there is an eternity with God to be gained and judgment to be shunned.
It also tells us how much God loves us personally - and there is no sin the sacrifice of Christ can't pay for completely.
And in a world like this that is what makes the message of Jesus good news!
Scott's Blog 7/06/07
What Waits At the End of the Line?
How much time do you think about the life to come?
And no, I'm not referring to what you will do when you get off work for the weekend!
I have talked with many people who have been in church for years who seem to know an awful lot about the Bible. They can discuss the fine points of the genealogies of the book of Genesis, but are remarkably clueless when it comes to the subject of Heaven.
It has been said that we should all be concerned about the future because we will all live there someday.
So what does the Bible tell us about our ultimate destination, our ultimate future?
This weekend's video question "What will a day in heaven be like?" will show you that God wants us to know about eternal life in some remarkably specific and mind blowing ways.
If you've ever thought Heaven will be floating on a cloud, plunking on a harp and wearing an unstylish robe you may be in for a shock. Go to the home page and down load the weekend video question. You may end up with a better understanding not only of the amazing things that lie ahead for us as God's people, but also a very different way of seeing the life we have in the here and now.
But as it is written: “ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”(I Corinthians 2:9)
Scott's Blog 7/05/07
As Luck Would Have It?
Did you know that this Saturday may very well be the Super Bowl of Superstition?
If you check your calendar, you will see that the date will be...gasp!..7/7/07!
Not since 7/7/77 have we seen such excitement about a day on the calendar.
What? You don't remember anything great happening 30 years ago?
Me neither.
In fact, the only thing I remember about that day was having to clean a french fry vat at a McDonalds in Oxnard, California while wearing a polyester smock and a paper hat marked "Trainee".
As I spent hours in a cloud of steam and trans-fats, it certainly wasn't a lucky day for my complexion!
But since history teaches us that man learns nothing from history, people are getting all fired up about what 7/7/07 means in the grand scheme of things.
As near as I can tell it is shaping up to be the polar opposite of the dreaded 6/6/06 we endured last year.
According to the Associated Press:
People are booking gambling junkets, casinos are offering "7"-themed promotions, and about three times the normal number of couples plan to get married that day, including Eva Longoria and basketball player boyfriend Tony Parker.
Nearly 100 couples will tie the knot atop roller coasters or inside revolving teacups at amusement parks at 7 that morning, a California yogi plans to achieve massive harmony through gong meditation at 7 that night, and Christians will gather in a Tennessee football stadium to pray on a day that has good Biblical implications for many. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20070704/D8Q60HGO1.html
As you can probably tell I'm not a big fan of "lucky days". Quite frankly, I'm not much of a fan of the concept of luck in the first place. I remember when I was a kid, a friend had a lucky rabbit's foot. I always wondered why my friend thought that would help him when it obviously did no good for the rabbit.
When we get down to it the concept of luck really is an attempt to find a way to rig fate to our favor. Whether it be getting married on a "lucky day", or running down to Atlantic City to play number 7 on the roulette wheel, every body wants to find some edge to get what they want in life.
But buying into the concept of lucky days like 7/7/07 or unlucky days like 6/6/06 has a couple of major spiritual cracks in it's foundation.
Just because a day has certain numbers in it does that mean God will especially bless or especially curse it? I seem to recall a passage from the Psalms that tells us:
This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be
glad in it.(Psalm 118:24)
Since every day is a day that God has made, why not enjoy His blessing no matter what day we find on the calendar? It's God's responsibility to make the day. It's our responsibility to rejoice and be glad in it. Pretty simple, huh?
Second, when we try to get an edge by appealing to silly superstitions, aren't we really taking our lives out of God's hands and into our own? The Bible tells us that God loves us and really does have a wonderful plan for our lives.
My frame
was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of
the earth,
Your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm
139:15-16)
When it comes to something as important as our lives, God leaves nothing to guess work.
I couldn't imagine standing before God some day and hear Him say, "Wow! I really wanted you to win the lottery on 7/7/07, but you didn't bring your lucky rabbit's foot with you! Too bad!"
The fact that God is in control is one of the most important concepts we can grasp as believers. He loves us, and He delights in blessing us, no matter what the day is on the calendar!
'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
'Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.
I will be found by you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,' declares the LORD, 'and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.' (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
Scott's Blog 7/04/07
A Preview of Coming Attractions?
It has been said that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
On a day like the Fourth of July, it is a fitting thing to take a moment and give thanks for the freedoms we are able to enjoy. But it is also important to keep a weather eye out for trends that can remind us that things like freedom of speech and religion can easily be taken away.
Consider this "modest proposal" that was floated out as a trial balloon by The Council of Europe this week.
By Hilary White
BRUSSELS, June 27, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The French socialist politician and mathematics professor, Guy Lengagne, has written in a report for the Council of Europe’s Committee on Culture, Science and Education, that says that “creationism” and its biblically rooted Christian worldview represent a threat to human freedom and must be suppressed.
But members of the European Council's Committee on Culture, Science and Education have temporarily rejected the current draft of the report and declared freedom of thought and discussion a “fundamental value.”
Titled, “The Dangers of Creationism in Education,” the report said, “If we are not careful, creationism could become a threat to human rights.”
The report also states, “From a scientific view point there is absolutely no doubt that evolution is a central theory for our understanding of the Universe and of life on Earth.” Lengagne, a lecturer in mathematics at the University of Amiens, warned that should creationism be allowed to be taught in schools, the result could be the replacing of democracy by theocracy, the obstruction of a cure for AIDS, and a rise in fundamentalist extremism.
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2007/jun/07062704.html
It should be noted that this report was tabled on a 63-56 vote by the Council, with the majority stating that Mr. Lengagne's comments were suffering from "a lack of reflection". The Council did promise to revive Mr.Lengagne's proposal at their next general meeting in October.
Lengagne, for his part was "flabbergasted" "appalled" and "shocked" that there would be revisions made to his report.
“We are witnessing a change of direction for a return to the Middle Ages, and too many members of this Assembly can’t see it,” he said.
What to make of this?
First, it is always an amusing thing to see people who pride themselves on careful thought, rationality and tolerance blow a gasket when the subject of Biblical Christianity is raised. In my educational experience I have sat through class after class where molecules to man evolution was presented with a wide eyed religious zeal that would have done Elmer Gantry proud.
But for my part, I considered the perspective that was brought to the data, found it wanting, and have shared these convictions in the marketplace of ideas.
In my mind, one of the warning signs of becoming a drooling fanatic would have been to petition the government that teaching Darwinian theory in the schools would result in "replacing democracy with Nazism, the obstruction of effective therapies for addiction patients, and a rise in relativistic anarchism."
One of the most common criticisms of life in the Middle Ages was that unless you toed the party line of orthodoxy, you could very well end up silenced, banished or worse. How interesting that our modern high priests of Darwinism seem to have taken a page from that same play book.
Darwinian spokesmen like Christopher Hitchens tell us "religion poisons everything". Richard Dawkins chimes in with a measured and thoughtful bridge builder that teaching young people that there is a Creator is a form of child abuse. Scientific American magazine fires a well received writer on home physics experiments because word got out he was a creationist and no "good scientist" could believe any of that. Qualifie