PONDERING... (Family) Sources of Anxiety and The Meaning of Life

Disclaimer: This is the last post in our discussion of topics that distract us from what God intends for our lives. This list was never meant to be all-inclusive, but only an overview. This final post reserves the right to be misunderstood. The writer encourages questions, comments, concerns, and pleas for mercy.

1. The Problem?: Family

Okay, so maybe calling family "a problem" goes a bit against the grain. In fact, as someone who considers family to be a God-ordained institution that could really be a "solution" to many of the problems we see facing the world today, it's hard for me to swallow my own words. Yet, for the sake of blog continuity, I used the same headings as in the previous posts.

Nonetheless, there is something to be said for placing even good things above Christ. Family is important to me. I love my parents and my brothers. I have the best wife and the most amazing children in the world! (My apologies to everyone who missed out :D.) I have incredible in-laws and a strong extended family. My family is great! BUT, my family is not God.

When you love your family, you worry about them. In fact, I don't think I was ever really nervous before I had kids. After seeing them struggle with sickness and wiping many tears, I am a lot more on edge about things. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this--in fact, family should be a central focus--when family becomes the central focus, we have once again misplaced our devotion. 

2. The Bible
The following verse is rough. It is hard to understand, and frequently misinterpreted. However, it is God's Word and speaks a powerful truth.

"26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. ... 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple." - Luke 14:26-27, 33 ESV

WHAT! Hate my family?! I thought I was suppose to honor my father and mother? Where did this come from? This must be a mistake. This can't be in the Bible. 

That is the usual reaction to these verses. They are jarring--and meant to be so. Jesus here is addressing a crowd. These statements were made in the context of letting them "know what they are getting themselves into", as well as admonishing them about the kingdom of God. It follows a parable about a great feast. Many were invited, but did not come because of earthly excuses--they had just made a financial investment, or had family issues to contend with. Therefore, the master of the banquet sent his servant to gather in the blind, the poor, the lame, and any who would come. Then he follows up with the aforementioned verses. 

Scholars agree, the idea here is one of contrast. Your love for God should be such that by comparison your love for even that which you cherish most in this world (i.e. family) should appear as hatred. This becomes even more clear when compared with Matthew's recording of a similar statement (see below).

"37 Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me." - Matthew 10:37-38 ESV

Family is a gift from God, but should never become a hindrance to His service. Our love for Him should supersede all else.

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

(This was written a few years ago, but somehow I never clicked "publish"... :D)

PONDERING... (Money) Sources of Anxiety and The Meaning of Life

Disclaimer: This post will continue to address topics that distract us from what really matters. The writer acknowledges that this topic is HUGE, and his post is...small. He also would like to point out that he has no spare money...in case someone stumbled upon this post while searching "solve my money problem." For more information on the topic of money from a Biblical perspective check out these guys!

1. The Problem: Money

This one is fairly straight forward. We need it, and don't have it. Want want more, and cannot. We have it, and abuse it. Much of our capitalist culture (fear not--this is not an anti-capitalism tirade) is enslaved to money. Because of this, we worry. We worry about not having enough. We worry about what to do with what we have. Yet, the Bible is crystal clear on this point, and I will be brief.

2. The Bible

"24 "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." - Matthew 6:24 ESV

You cannot serve both. Period. You are either loving God and trusting in His provision or you are serving money and despising God. There is no middle ground. Money is not evil. God may bless you with much--use it. However, God may give you practically none--trust Him. At the end of the day, we all must ask: Am I seeking to honor God with my fiances or am I allowing my fiances to become my god. 

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

(This was written a few years ago, but somehow I never clicked "publish"... :D)

PONDERING... Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?

Since no one can keep the law, what is its purpose?

That we may know the holy nature and will of God, and the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts; and thus our need of a Savior. The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

• Romans 3:20-25 ESV - "20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it-- 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins."

That we may know the holy nature (of God)

The law points to God's standard. The source of morality. Apart from the holy Holy law giver, where does morality come from?

(That we may know the) will of God,

As we speak frequently of in class, it reveals God's purpose. He desires that we obey the law because, in His love, He know what is best for us.

(That we may know) the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts;

Seeing this standard, shows our failure to live up to it.

and thus (that we may know) our need of a Savior.

Which reveals our need for Jesus--who did live up to it for us.

The law also teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.

Yep. John 14:15 "“If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Good Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ09X9zIAtM&list=PLPwoFK1MBpm6eNbJsTGOCUjLoawhUfPL3&index=15

PONDERING... How Many Persons Are There In God?

This is part of a catechism study we're doing on Sunday mornings.

How many persons are there in God?

There are three persons in the one true and living God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are the same in substance, equal in power and glory.

• 2 Corinthians 13:14 ESV - "14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
• Deuteronomy 6:4 ESV - "4 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."
• Jeremiah 10:10 ESV - "10 But the LORD is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation."
• Matthew 28:19 ESV - "19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,"

BREAKDOWN

One God-

John Piper makes this observation: "The word "Godhead" is needed because we shouldn't say that there are three persons in God. No, there are three persons who are God."

This is crazy complicated, but complication does not negate truth. One God--only one.

Three Persons-

"...the term "persons" in relation to the Trinity does not signify the limited individuality of human persons, it does affirm the personal relationship, particularly of love, within the triune Godhead."--The Portable Seminary pg 93

Same in Substance-

Last week we talked about "what" God is. All three members of the trinity are everything that God is.

Equal in Power and Glory-

Those God demonstrates submission and humility through His trinitarian nature (The Son submits to the Father; the Father glorifies the Son; the Holy Spirit points to the Son...etc), there is no hierarchy. This is a common misunderstanding that comes from forgetting that they are one God. (I know, we can't even speak of it without almost muddying the waters...)

SUMMARY

This is probably one of the most difficult, and often controversial, discussions in Christianity. Basically, we need to come to terms with what we can and cannot understand. Faith is not blind. As we have addressed many times, we have evidence to support belief in the Bible as the Word of God. This Bible teaches that God is Trinitarian--One God. Three Persons. We cannot wrap our minds around this. Then again (as I've said before), we're not God.

RESOURCES TO CONSIDER:

http://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justintaylor/2013/04/24/what-do-we-mean-by-person-and-essence-in-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity/

http://carm.org/trinity

PONDERING... Giving

Disclaimer: The points have been added, but this is a summary of the last part of the Gospel Project lesson on Christian Care for the World and Others by Marty Duren. I am very convicted by this.

2 Corinthians 8:1-4  We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,  2  for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.  3  For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,  4  begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints—

- Use What God's Given For God's Purpose

I mow my eighty-nine year old grandmother’s yard for her. Now let’s imagine for a moment that my family and I had to move out of state, and I could no longer mow her yard. And let’s say that I decided to take my mower over to her neighbor’s house and gave it to him on the condition that he mows my grandmother’s yard for me. The mower is free. I am giving the mower as a gift for the purpose of him taking care of my grandmother’s yard for her....In this case, the mower would become his, given by me, but it would carry an expectation from me that he would take care of my grandmother’s yard. That was the heart behind my benevolent gift to him–I wanted to see my mower used to continue to bless my grandmother. This is how God views all that He gives us. One of the most important reasons he blesses us is that He desires for us to use our blessings and possessions to care for others. God blesses us so that we might bless others. This is the heart of God–to care for His people. (Gospel Project)

-Don't Just Give Out of Your Excess.. If I Was Rich, Then...

The Macedonians were very poor.

Americans, compared with the rest of the world, are very rich.

We are called to care regardless of financial position. It is all God's anyway.

-Share...Spiritually and Physically

Loving Christ and sharing His Gospel go hand and hand with caring for mankind.

Voices from THE Church

It is grace that justifies, grace that glorifies, and grace that sanctifies. The attitudinal journey from owner to manager is part of the sanctification process and is smothered in the undeserved goodness of God. The further step of giving as Jesus and Paul commend is also empowered by God’s grace. Missional giving is not birthed from my own ‘can do’ attitude, but is a humble participation in God’s mission.9

–Marty Duren

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

PONDERING... The Love that Waited and the Illness that Leads to Life. (The Resurrection of Lazarus Part 1:vs 1-6)

Disclaimer: This is a very famous passage of scripture, and will be addressed in several parts. However, I do not want to take for granted that everyone is familiar with how this passage ends. This is the account of Jesus raising Lazarus, His friend, from the dead. In the account, we learn that Jesus allowed this all to happen for a purpose. Lazarus died, and Jesus brought Him back...teaching us, and those who witnessed the event, much about Himself.

John 11:1-6  Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.  2  It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill.  3  So the sisters sent to him, saying, "Lord, he whom you love is ill."  4  But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it."  5  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  6  So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

Opening Thought:

 How do you know if someone loves you? Do they tell you? Are they just always there when you need them? Do they seem to know you better then anybody else? Or, is there just something about them that gives you a sense of security....a warm fuzzy :D? 

We could probably all make a bunch of lists with variants of..."I know someone loves me because they make me feel loved." Processes are different, but this will always be the end result.

What would likely not be on any of our lists would be: "I knew he/she loved me when they deliberately chose not to show up when I needed them most." 

On that note...

1. We know Jesus loved these people.

First, let's just get this out: Jesus loves everyone. That love, so powerful and undeserved, is in no way diminished by its universal quality. However, the love with which He loved this family was a special experience of His incarnation. They were His intimate friends while here on the earth. He cared for them; He enjoyed being with them. Now, it is easy to say Jesus loved these people, but unless there is a basis for the claim, it's just an empty claim. It's not. Here's a few things that point to the love He had (has) for them.

a- This is not the only mention of them in the Bible. Only John records this miracle. Likely, this is because (as we'll see later) the Jews were seeking to kill Lazarus and he was likely still living when the other gospels were penned (This has also been mentioned as the why Mary and Martha are not explicitly mentioned in all the gospels. They lived near Jerusalem--a dangerous place for followers of Christ). Nonetheless, the family is mentioned, in some way, by each writer--especially in regards to Mary's anointing of Jesus. Now, the name Mary is problematic in the Bible because there are several ladies that bear that name. Nonetheless, we see the following accounts of this family, at least: Mary Anoints Jesus: Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9, John 12:1-8, Jesus at Mary and Martha's House: Luke 10:38-42, The Resurrection of Lazarus: John 11

b- Mary's anointing of Jesus was known. As Jesus prophesied (see Matthew 26:6-13, Mark 14:3-9), people told the story of Mary's care for Jesus. This account was so well known, that John refers to Mary as the one "who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair" (vs 2) before he even recorded the account (John 12). This is remembered as a sign of deep love for Christ.

c-They don't give Lazarus' name. When they send for Christ, they call Lazarus the one whom you love.

d-Jesus is moved to tears. Though He knew that Lazarus' life was about to be restored (more on this later) He wept.

e-The Bible tells us. See vs 5 as one example.

2. Because of this love, He did not come.

That being established, we see something very strange in verse 6...the word SO. Now, as an English guy (and it's in the Greek too), I can't jump over a word like that. The word "so" can mean different things, but in this context it implies consequence. It is like saying: I am allergic to oxygen SO breathing is tough...or... A 6X6 post fell on my head, SO I have a concussion. 

So... (:D)  look at the passage.   5  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  6  So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was.

It is because of the love He has for them that He does not go immediately to help. This does not fit into our human perspective.

3. Why?

There are a few things we can see.

1. Waiting ensured that Lazarus would be veritably dead. If he'd only been dead a short time, it could have been have been argued that he'd never really died. Even if He had not delayed 2 days, Lazarus would have been dead 2 days when He arrived. However, from what I understand, there was a superstition that said a soul stayed around the body for up to the first 3 days. Jesus did not want this lie to make people miss His truth.

2. He used this to teach much about Himself (See next week's lesson).

3. It wasn't about them... it was for God's Glory. This is the key. Look at verse 4. 4  But when Jesus heard it he said, "This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it." The same is true for us today.

Two points of application:

1. God's Time is Best! We want things now! Patience, though a virtue, is not something many of us possess....especially in our "on demand" culture. Yet, God doesn't work that way. He knows everything. He sees everything. Because He loves us, sometimes He will seemed to delay or deny what we think we need. This is always done in His plan and for His Glory.

2. This Illness does not Lead to Death! Though we won't necessarily experience an earthly resurrection like Lazarus, we will be resurrected to eternal life! 

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,  18  as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.-2 Corinthians 4:17-18

The Westminster confession says (paraphrase to follow) that the highest goal for man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. There is much truth in that statement. We are to love and serve God. Our life circumstances are to do no less. He has a purpose fueled by love (for He is love). Even when we encounter hardships that just don't make sense to us, we must never forget this!

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions!

PONDERING... You Missing God Because Of You?

Read Numbers 13-14

This account is very familiar. 40 spies are sent into the promised land (I like to picture this as Mission Impossible B.C.); they see awesome and terrifying things; all but two of the spies (Joshua and Caleb) report that the bad far outweighs the good; as a result, the Israelites complain against God, doubt His provision, and want to return to bondage.

Joshua and Caleb cry out to them... "The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them"(Numbers 14:7b-9 ESV). Yet, the people decide to try and stone them rather than listen.

Moreover, God calls out against them..."How long will this people despise me? And how long will they not believe in me, in spite of all the signs that I have done among them?"(Numbers 14:11b ESV)

They missed it. They had seen God do wonderful things in their lives. They had heard of His plan for their salvation. Nonetheless, they let fear and circumstance consume them. Because they were afraid of temporary affliction (and reasonably so...they were ex-slaves, not warriors...but they forgot the power of the God they were following), they missed out of His plan for their good, wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, and died without seeing the promised land.

Have you seen God do great things in your life? Have you heard of His plan for saving you? Let's not do the same.

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions!

Upchurch

PS- If you have no idea what I'm talking about when I mention "God's plan for saving you", talk to a Christian you know soon, or contact me. In case you don't want to do that... here's a quick look:

1. God is Holy and Loving

2. We are sinful and deserve death, Hell

3. Jesus, who is God, chose to pour out His love for us by dying in our place

4. He rose again, defeating death, and He's coming again!

5. If you believe in Him, and give Him control of your life, you will be saved!

The Bible tells you that if you realize you are a sinner in need of saving, believe that Jesus is who He claimed to be, the Son of God dying in your place and rising that you might rise also with Him and returning to take His church home, and if you give Him control of your life, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9 ESV because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

PONDERING...(Pride) Sources of Anxiety and The Meaning of Life

Disclaimer: This brief series of posts is addressing issues that commonly remove our focus from the meaning of life, and, as previously mentioned, reserves the right to more meaningfully impact the writer than the reader. All comments are welcome. However, irrelevant comments may be ignored. (I hope you are amused by my assumption that there will actually be readers of this post...and I am not just typing to myself).

1. The Problem: Pride

A lot of our worry comes from an unhealthy interest in self. Sure, we do worry about others. Yet, even our compassion can be tilted in a return direction. Consider frequent sources of concern: MY schoolwork, MY job, MY friends, MY family, MY health, MY popularity, MY acceptance, MY happiness, MY doubts, MY fears... feel free to continue. 

Ayn Rand, in her novella Anthem, made a statement that--rather we like to admit it or not--really embodies the Western ideal: 

"And now I see the face of god, and I raise this god over the earth, this god whom men have sought since men came into being, this god who will grant them joy and peace and pride. This god, this one word: "I.""(Rand)

The Bible, however, is pretty clear on this issue. In fact, pride (the worship of self) is the root of sin.

2. The Bible

Though we could look at a multitude of verses on this subject, I will only consider a few. Each touch on a similar truth--pride not only taints all human action, but it also leads only to despair and destruction. 

"2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." - Proverbs 11:2 ESV

This verse points out that pride leads to disgrace. Arrogance can only be maintain so far. There will always be someone faster, stronger, smarter, pretty, etc... Likewise, we are never perfectly fast, strong, smart, pretty, etc... Therefore, if we live self-confidently--devoted to our own infallibility--we will experience shame. This facade cannot be maintained; it will crumble. 

Likewise, the verse sets pride directly against Godly wisdom. To be proud is to reject wisdom.

"18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." - Proverbs 16:18 ESV

This verse is one of the best known in all of scripture. Unfortunately, it is more frequently ignored than quoted. Don't, however, let familiarity cause apathy. Destruction is a strong word.  Pride will destroy. Pride is the root of sin. Sin embraced is salvation rejected. Salvation rejected is Hell endured. Pride leads to Hell...period. It is grievous that we do not take this more seriously.

"3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. 6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. 9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 10 "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 "Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." - Matthew 5:3-12 ESV

I love the Sermon on the Mount. Here Jesus famously begins with what have come to be known as the beatitudes--a fancy word that I did not understand even into my adult life that means "conditions of blessing or blessedness". These are descriptions of the Christian life. A Christian should reflect all, not some, of these statements. Now, consider these descriptions: poor in spirit (acknowledging spiritual need), mourning (displaying sorrow), meekness (gentle in nature), hungering and thirsting for righteous (desiring God), merciful (showing...mercy...forgiveness), pure in heart (untainted by the embracing of sin), peacemaking (spreading the heart of God), persecuted for another (living wholeheartedly for Christ). Here is a clear picture of humility. 

Pride has no place in His design--lest we, like Satan, exchange the worship of God for the worship of self. 

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

Work Cited

Rand, Ayn. "Part Eleven." Anthem. Page by Page Books, n.d. Web. 13 June 2014.

PONDERING... John 10:11-16

Disclaimer: This is an outline of our Youth Group lesson not the entire content.

The Good Shepherd...

1. Is more than just the nursery wall paper

Dick Lucas was quick to point this out in his teaching series on the Good Shepherd. Shepherds lead. Not only do we have the imagery of care and compassion, but to the Jews this was rich with kingly images...power, strength, provision.

2. Loves His sheep to death (vs 11-13)

This is the central point. It's the kind I'd typically close with, but this is where Jesus starts (and finishes...and clarifies all throughout). I'm following His lead. He is talking about His death. He, unlike the false leaders (Pharisees) truly cares for His sheep. Oh, the wonder of knowing 1-we are loved so completely and undeservedly, and 2- we are His.

3. Knows His sheep intimately (vs 14-15)

The Father and the Son are one. They know each other with an intimacy outside human experience. This is God's desire for us. We are known and are to know Jesus on this level. This side of Heaven, this will not be fully realized. Nonetheless, obviously it is understood that the sheep will have intimate relations with Christ on earth because it this knowledge (relationship) that keeps them from following wolves.

4. Calls His sheep effectively (and they follow Him) (vs 16)

Jesus calls. His sheep follow. Praise The Lord! This is the reason we are saved. We are sheep that were not of the Jewish flock. This is why we evangelize. He has sheep; we go to them and tell them the good news; He saves them.

Also note the implication here of the sheep following Him. This is not just the sheep coming into the sheep gate. This is the sheep living behind the Good Shepherd. We go where He goes. We do what He does. He is our life.

PONDERING... Thoughts on Hell

Highlights from our Sunday school lesson.
(All points, except 2b., are taken from J.D. Greear's Gospel Project Lesson)

The existence of hell...

1. Honors Human Choice

Luke 16:19-31  "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.  20  And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,  21  who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.  22  The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,  23  and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.  24  And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.'  25  But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.  26  And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'  27  And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—  28  for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'  29  But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.'  30  And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'  31  He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"

At the end of his life, the rich man gets what he wanted: life without God. But life without God wasn’t what he expected. It is hell. He got what we wanted (life without God) but not what he expected (satisfaction).

When people hear about hell, they object to it, thinking that it means God doesn’t love us. But the Bible is clear that God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezek. 18:32). He desires that all would come to repentance (2 Pet. 3:9). His love for us is most manifestly demonstrated in the cross of Jesus Christ. Even in this story, Abraham calls the rich man with a tender name (child)... God sends to hell those who refuse to bow the knee to His lordship. There are two options: life with God or life without Him. Rejecting God is choosing hell.--Greear

In the long run the answer to all those who object to the doctrine of hell is itself a question: “What are you asking God to do?” To wipe out their past sins and, at all costs, to give them a fresh start, smoothing every difficulty and offering every miraculous help? But He has done so, on Calvary. To forgive them? They will not be forgiven. To leave them alone? Alas, I am afraid that is what He does… In the end, there are only two kinds of people– those who say to God “ thy will be done” and those to whom God says in the end “thy will be done.” –C. S. Lewis

2.Magnifies God’s Glory

Exodus 9:13-17  Then the LORD said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning and present yourself before Pharaoh and say to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, "Let my people go, that they may serve me.  14  For this time I will send all my plagues on you yourself, and on your servants and your people, so that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.  15  For by now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth.  16  But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.  17  You are still exalting yourself against my people and will not let them go.

God is going to get glory. Either He is going to receive glory by the willing submission of those who repent of their sin and trust in His Son, or He is going to receive glory through the manifestation of His righteous judgment against those who spurn Him.

Some people think they’re doing God a favor by lessening hell, but what they’re doing is diminishing the greatness of God. The truth is we think hell is severe because we don’t think trampling on the glory of God is that big of a deal. We think the big deal in the universe is us. I know this is horribly offensive to us as humans who think the universe is all about us…it’s not. This whole creation is a theater to the only true, good, all-powerful God. He is the big deal in the universe and everything works to His glory. Hell itself is a permanent monument to the greatness of His name.--Greear

Among those Christians to whom hell means little, Calvary means less. –Billy Graham

2b. (Added by me) Points to True Justice

Does He have to punish?

God does punish the wicked. In fact, He must. Punishing the wicked, as seen in verse 20 of Psalm 145, is not an example of God not being good. In fact, I would argue the opposite. We know that God is Holy and He has given us a standard by which to live that leads to a life fulfilled by Him. Rejecting God is not only a direct offense to Him, but also a detriment to ourselves. If there is no accountability for sin, how is God then acting good? There must be judgment. Though He is slow to anger, He does still let His righteous anger punish sin. Even if this is not fully seen until judgement day, it must be seen in order to fully understand God's great love and goodness. For our God is good, but He is also righteously wrathful. These two are not contradictions.--Me :p

Most people who insist on God’s “nonviolence” cannot resist using violence themselves (or tacitly sanctioning its use by others). They deem the talk of God’s judgment irreverent, but think nothing of entrusting judgment into human hands, persuaded presumably that this is less dangerous and more humane than to believe in a God who judges! That we should bring “down the powerful from their thrones” (Luke 1:51-52) seems responsible; that God should do the same ... seems crude. And so violence thrives, secretly nourished by belief in a God who refuses to wield the sword.

My thesis that the practice of nonviolence requires a belief in divine vengeance will be unpopular with many Christians, especially theologians in the West. To the person who is inclined to dismiss it, I suggest imagining that you are delivering a lecture in a war zone (which is where a paper that underlies this chapter was originally delivered). Among your listeners are people whose cities and villages have been first plundered, then burned and leveled to the ground, whose daughters and sisters have been raped, whose fathers and brothers have had their throats slit. The topic of the lecture: a Christian attitude toward violence. The thesis: we should not retaliate since God is perfect noncoercive love. Soon you would discover that it takes the quiet of a suburban home for the birth of the thesis that human nonviolence corresponds to God’s refusal to judge. In a scorched land, soaked in the blood of the innocent, it will invariably die. And as one watches it die, one will do well to reflect about many other pleasant captivities of the liberal mind.--Mirsolv Volf 

3. Gives Urgency to Evangelism

Romans 10:11-17  For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."  12  For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.  13  For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."  14  How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?  15  And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"  16  But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"  17  So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

PONDERING... Clouds and Fire

In Numbers 9:15-23, the Israelites followed God's movements directly. Now, the Israelites were not always perfect subjects of obedience. Here, however, we see a good example. Day and night... when He moved, they moved. When He stayed, they stayed. There wasn't room for the question, "Where will I go today?" It was all about, "Where will God lead us today?" We could learn a lot from this attitude.

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

"15 On the day that the tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, the tent of the testimony. And at evening it was over the tabernacle like the appearance of fire until morning. 16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day and the appearance of fire by night. 17 And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. 18 At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. 19 Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not set out. 20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days over the tabernacle, and according to the command of the LORD they remained in camp; then according to the command of the LORD they set out. 21 And sometimes the cloud remained from evening until morning. And when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out, or if it continued for a day and a night, when the cloud lifted they set out. 22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a longer time, that the cloud continued over the tabernacle, abiding there, the people of Israel remained in camp and did not set out, but when it lifted they set out. 23 At the command of the LORD they camped, and at the command of the LORD they set out. They kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by Moses." - Numbers 9:15-23 ESV

PONDERING... The Meaning of Life and the Bible

Disclaimer: These blogs are not intended to be taken as complete dissertations upon the given subjects. They are designed to be brief and digestible (metaphorically speaking...please do not lick your computer screen). The writer is, however, willing to engage in further conversation upon request. 

What is the meaning of life? Deep, complex, universal. Regardless of circumstances, everyone considers this question at some point or another. Consequently, there have been a vast array of proposed answers. Things like:

1. To obtain as much knowledge as possible
2. To demonstrate virtue
3. To become one with nature and/or society
4. To suffer for the greater good
5. To live life to the fullest (though the definition of fullest is in constant debate)
6. To overcome emotion
7. To embrace emotion
8. To gain wealth, glory, or recognition
9. To make the world a better place
10. To have children
11. To serve your fellow man
12. To experience the greatest happiness
13. Nothing
14. 42

The Bible, however, offers a far different view. Why does that matter? Well...if life has meaning, then it has to be absolute. Any relative, personal meanings we attribute to life are subject to our desires. Our desires are varied and fickle. Therefore, those meanings are ever changing fabrications to meet a wide variety of ever changing needs. Since those desires have no standardizing source, what gives them value? Nothing. This train of thought leads to the conclusion that life is whatever we make it to be...which is a nice way of saying life has no real (objective) meaning. 

However, few of us would be willing to swallow that there is no real purpose to this existence. If there is purpose, then, from where does it come? If there is an absolute purpose to life, the source of this design, by necessity, must also be absolute. To give conscious meaning, this something must also be capable of absolute intelligent thought. We could continue, but ultimately, absolute meaning points to an absolute being. By definition, that being is God. Through further reasoning, we can arrive at the fact that this God, one and only, has revealed Himself through the Bible, His Word. Therefore, it is vital to consider what He, the giver of life, has to say about our purpose here on earth.

I just want to look at a few verses and a couple points of application.

Point 1: The Meaning of Life Is...Not You

Ecclesiastes is a book written by King Solomon at the end of his life. In it, he explores the meaning life has apart from God. He had experienced great wealth, love, wisdom, and personal success. He had also lived according to his desires. He concluded that all things in life were vanities. None of these were worthy of his full devotion. Riches fade; love disappoints, wisdom is fleeting and often ignored; and accomplishments come and go. Therefore, he ended his exposition with the following statement: 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. - Ecclesiastes 12:13 ESV

Similarly, God inspired the Psalmist to write:...Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. - Psalms 127:1-2 ESV

God's design for man, the purpose of our existence, is to love and serve Him. This life is "through Him and for Him" (Colossians 3:16). Our selfish hearts, as I've mentioned before, don't like this. We want this world to be about us. We want some kind of control, some semblance of autonomy. Before you stop reading this post, think about what drives you. What is your purpose? In what or who have you place all your hope? Can it/they hold this weight? How solid is your foundation? If it is built upon anything subject to change or temperament, it will not stand.

"24 "Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it."" - Matthew 7:24-27 ESV

The difference between these two houses wasn't the circumstances they endured. Both went through storms. The difference was in their design--what they were built upon.

 "17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures." - James 1:17-18 ESV

Solid. Unchanging. Good. This is who our lives are to be built upon.

Point 2: Therefore, Recognize That You Are Not Living in Light of the Meaning of Life

"23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" - Psalms 139:23-24 ESV

We have to recognize that we all fall short here. None of us live like Jesus is our purpose 100% of the time. If we think we have somehow "arrived" at the pinnacle of Christianity--a place beyond the need of further growth, we are wrong. We will never love God enough, or know Him to the fullest extent. Paul--who told the Philippians that he, too, had not attained perfection (Philippians 3:8-12)-- exclaimed in his letter to the Romans,"33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! 34 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?" 35 "Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?" 36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen." - Romans 11:33-36 ESV 

Because we fall short and will forever be in great need of Him, we need to ask God for conviction. Though we don't like this word, unless we are redirected, we'll always be going astray. This is not punishment. It's grace.

Point 3: And Seek God
19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ... 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:19-21, 31-33 ESV

I love the passages above and ponder them all the time. Anything that we devote ourselves to apart from God opens our hearts up to destruction. Teaching at a high school and working with teens, I see this illustrated all the time. At the end of each school year, I have my students write a world-view essay. They are tasked with breaking down their core-values. Frequently, friends and family top their lists. Unfortunately, I watch heart-break after heart-break when a friendship crumbles over something trivial, or a family is destroyed by divorce, death, or disappointment. When these things are their world, they truly feel like their lives no longer have meaning. Adults do the exact same thing. Misplaced devotion leads to destruction. Seeking God, loving and living His Word, leads to life.

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

PONDERING... The Way

John 14:1-11  "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.  2  In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  4  And you know the way to where I am going."  5  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?"  6  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  7  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him."  8  Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."  9  Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?  10  Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.  11  Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

When we go out for Sunday Afternoon Evangelism,  one of the first questions we like to ask people is what they think about Jesus. Most are taken slightly aback by the question. A usual response goes something like this: "What do you mean by 'what do I think about him?'" This may be be due to the fact that they don't often think about Him at all, or because the question isn't something they want to talk about. It's not a confusing question. Though, that is definitely the vibe you would get if you went out with us even one time. However, re-framed, the question is readily answered. For example, "What do you think out the President, the situation in Ukraine, the weather?" The difference is in the name of Jesus. His name will forever be the difference. 

One of the major reasons for this reaction is evidenced in the reaction to our follow up question: "In John 14:6, Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life... no one can get to the Father, Heaven, except through Him. What do you think about this claim?" If we take this verse seriously, which I admittedly do not always do, it should cause some serious thought. He is claiming to be...everything. 

Today, I want to focus in on His claim to be THE WAY. He leaves no room for variants. To our western minds that want to have control and choices, this is highly offensive. Throwing that mindset aside, however, should it offend? If there are 15 million roads and everyone in the world is forced to travel by one of them, but all of them ended in a fiery pit except one, is it offensive to be told which one is the right path...the only road that leads to safety instead of destruction? Of course not. But still, we don't like this. We want the power of choice because we're trained to make our own decisions about everything...all the time. Pick your style, pick your friends, pick your college, pick your career, pick your spouse, pick your toys, pick your food preference, pick your nose... it's all up to you! But is it? Is our choice the ultimate standard? I sure hope not...since those standards would then be widely variant and subject to more changes than a potty-training toddler. A standard is something by which all else can and should be measured. Only something fully right can live up to this. Who, other than God, could possibly meet that criterion?

Quotes for Thought

"Jesus not only points to the solution; He is the solution. Other religions of the world offer a way to return to God’s favor by religiosity, good works, or self-effort. The problem with this approach is that it uses the same strategy to try to get us out of our sin problem that caused us to get into our sin problem in the first place–going our own way! Self-effort can never get us back into a right standing with God."- Afshin Ziafat

"Why does Jesus say He’s the only way? Because no one else is coming for you. There is no other God who loves you and passionately pursues you and longs to forgive you of your sin and heal you of your brokenness."– Erwin McManus

"I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize, [who] believe that there is a heaven and hell and people could be going to hell (or not getting eternal life or whatever) and you think that, well it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward. And atheists who think that people should not proselytize–”Just leave me alone, keep your religion to yourself” … How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?" –Penn Jillette

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

Upchurch

(PS-As always, feel free to comment below... in the section that reads "Post a Comment")

PONDERING...John 9

John 9:1-41

In this particular passage, I will need to address more verses than usual. This is an amazing passage with much application.

1. A BLIND MAN'S TESTIMONY...AN EXAMPLE FOR US

Remember, we are spiritually blind (vs 39) so this blind man's experience has a lot of application to us.

1. There was a noticeable difference which resulted in opportunities to share the cause.

Is there a noticeable change in your life? Are you aware of the opportunities to share that God is giving you? 

2.  He eagerly shared all he knew...initially and when confronted with opposition.

This man was a memorable personality. Obviously, he left an impression on John because he records a significant amount of his words. He did not speak, however, out of spiritual training. He spoke boldly about his experiences(vs 8-12,15,17,25) and reasoned boldly(vs 30, 33), as well. He was not a man of learning. Yet, God gave him words and he spoke. Even when he was basically abandoned by his parents, who feared exile from the synagogue, and faced reticule from the most respected teachers in his culture, he stood strongly on what God had revealed to him...seeing more clearly than those still in darkness. Are you letting God use you in the opportunities He provides?

2. THE PHARISEE'S PROBLEM...A WARNING TO US 

1. Stuck on the laws of man (Isaiah 29:13    And the Lord said: "Because this people draw near with their mouth and honor me with their lips, while their hearts are far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment taught by men,") They were more concerned with their laws than God's. Are you more concerned with tradition, cultural acceptance, or modern tolerance than with the bold, against the grain truths of Jesus?

2. Called their blindness sight, and were stuck in guilt. Jesus condemned them not because they were spiritually blind (we are all born this way), but because they claimed to see and rejected true sight. Are you self-assured in your spiritual condition based on your merit, or do you realize that the only merit you have is that which God has graciously given?

3. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STORY/GOSPEL...THE PURPOSE FOR US 

1. Here is the purpose: that we may believe (John 20:31  but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.) We have to remember that John's gospel is all about pointing to Jesus' deity so that we may believe and have life! This story is no different. This blind man received sight...then he received life (vs 35-41)! He believes in Jesus and worships. Then Jesus tells the Pharisees that they are still guilty because they remain blind. Which implies that sight given is connected to the forgiveness of sin, removal of guilt. Sin leads to death; Jesus gives life (Romans 6:23). Have you experienced life?

SCRIPTURE: John 9:1-41  As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth.  2  And his disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"  3  Jesus answered, "It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.  4  We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.  5  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."  6  Having said these things, he spit on the ground and made mud with the saliva. Then he anointed the man's eyes with the mud  7  and said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means Sent). So he went and washed and came back seeing.  8  The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar were saying, "Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?"  9  Some said, "It is he." Others said, "No, but he is like him." He kept saying, "I am the man."  10  So they said to him, "Then how were your eyes opened?"  11  He answered, "The man called Jesus made mud and anointed my eyes and said to me, 'Go to Siloam and wash.' So I went and washed and received my sight."  12  They said to him, "Where is he?" He said, "I do not know."  13  They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind.  14  Now it was a Sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes.  15  So the Pharisees again asked him how he had received his sight. And he said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."  16  Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath." But others said, "How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?" And there was a division among them.  17  So they said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him, since he has opened your eyes?" He said, "He is a prophet."  18  The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight, until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight  19  and asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?"  20  His parents answered, "We know that this is our son and that he was born blind.  21  But how he now sees we do not know, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself."  22  (His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue.)  23  Therefore his parents said, "He is of age; ask him."  24  So for the second time they called the man who had been blind and said to him, "Give glory to God. We know that this man is a sinner."  25  He answered, "Whether he is a sinner I do not know. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see."  26  They said to him, "What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?"  27  He answered them, "I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?"  28  And they reviled him, saying, "You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.  29  We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from."  30  The man answered, "Why, this is an amazing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes.  31  We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.  32  Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a man born blind.  33  If this man were not from God, he could do nothing."  34  They answered him, "You were born in utter sin, and would you teach us?" And they cast him out.  35  Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, "Do you believe in the Son of Man?"  36  He answered, "And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?"  37  Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking to you."  38  He said, "Lord, I believe," and he worshiped him.  39  Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."  40  Some of the Pharisees near him heard these things, and said to him, "Are we also blind?"  41  Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no guilt; but now that you say, 'We see,' your guilt remains.

Ponder, pray, and propagate your perceptions.

-Upchurch

(PS-As always, feel free to comment below... in the section that reads "Post a Comment")