Can Christians Be Blind To Evil?...

"Before he knows enough to reject the wrong and choose the right..." (Isa. 7:15). Even Jesus' mind had to develop and as Christians, the writer of Hebrews says that mature Christians are those who are "trained to distinguish good from evil"  (Heb. 5:14).  We don't see clearly right from wrong just because we are born again--we must mature and grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 3:18).

[I'm not going to be definitive and answer all the questions, but many may be raised and I hope this doesn't just open a can of worms.]

It is a loose use of the word  (people today have watered down its meaning by overuse) that gets people in trouble and we must define terms to continue, so you know what I mean.  According to R. C. Sproul,  "Augustine sought to define evil in purely negative terms.  Evil is a lack, privation or negation of the good.  Only that which was first good can become evil...  Evil depends on good for its very definition."  In other words, evil is a corruption of good or masking of it for the wrong reason or motive.  Doing something that is moral consists not only of the right motive but a right end.  Doing the right thing in the right way, for example.  Case in point:  claiming to do good or saying it is good when it is really evil.  Evil is basically anything that is wrong and not according to God's plan or economy:  e.g., homosexual matrimony masked as a good thing.   ("Woe unto those who call evil good, and good evil," says Isaiah.)

 Evil usually masks itself, like the so-called "nanny-state" that some people think is "good."  They say sincerely:  'Let us help you" (like putting you in the hospital and "curing' you of your illness).   The government has rights, responsibilities, and duties just as individuals do and God sets those limits.  The communists believe, for instance, that the end justifies the means and they are only seeking the "higher good" at the expense of the individual. Another fallacy is seeking the greatest good for the greatest number and doing it by any means possible.  

We, Westerners, believe in the inherent worth of the individual and of personal rights which are paramount and trump the states rights (this goes back to the Magna Charta he signed by King John in A.D. 1215).  Sproul cites an example:  the Antichrist depends on Christ for his identity, he says.  When we call someone evil (and many people rightly think of Hitler as the paradigm of evil if there is such a beast), we are making a "value judgment" that refers to our standards of right and wrong.

There are many less strident and innocuous ways of speaking without being inflammatory or alienating.  We hear of partisans "demonizing" each other and by this, they mean that the blame the other side and think they are right and the other is wrong and they won't compromise with "evil."  The Bible says to "put away the pointing of the finger" (cf. Isa. 58:9) and to realize the "we" are the problem:  start humbling ourselves is the exhortation of 2 Chr. 7:14 saying, "If my people shall humble themselves ... I shall heal the land."  We should be "delicate" in our talk and not offensive if we can help it because words not only have denotations from the dictionary but connotations that we may not intend and imply something else.  What you call evil, I may say isn't.

To solve the problem, in politics, I think it is more tactful to say they believe some politico is "wrong" and not "evil."  If you say a leader is evil (and I admit some are, Adolf Hitler, for example) you are labeling those who support that person as evil by the "guilt of association."  I'd more readily and  much rather admit I was wrong than evil, and there is nothing inherently bad about admitting we are wrong-no one has a monopoly on the truth and is right about everything, including the pope, who claims "infallibility."

 We shouldn't "jump to the conclusion" that a leader (and our duty is to pray for them and honor and obey them in the Lord as much as possible) is evil just because we disagree with part of their agenda or policies.  Name-calling and labeling are uncalled for and un-Christ-like--since we are to be examples in our behavior, speech, and views.  We mature believers may have a more sensitive awareness of good and evil, and we have all tasted of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,  and we should be patient with those "less enlightened" ones that need to be edified about a Christian worldview:  We not only need to do like Christ would, but talk, think, and believe the way we ought-- having a sense of "ought" you could say.  I am appalled at the evil in the world and deplore the fact that most Christians can't even pray, but they sure can judge, condemn, complain, and criticize--this ought not to be so.   Soli Deo Gloria!

Parading Our Freedom

When we sin we are not displaying and demonstrating our freedom, but proving our slavery.   "If the Son shall set you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8:36). Do not be "entangled again in a yoke of bondage," but don't take advantage of grace either and misuse it.    A Christian ought to be free, yet not flaunt it or rub it in to make others envious:  "You shall know the truth, and truth shall set you free" (John 8:32).

We should set aside the "sin which so easily besets" us and pray for deliverance from "willful" or "presumptuous" sins. Some call this intentional sin and we are all guilty of it.    A good rule of thumb is whether we are in control of it or it controls us. Habits are hard to break but any ungodly habit should be overcome.  A man is not totally free until he has conquered himself.   The psalmist prayed not to "let any sin rule over him."  Paul said, in 1 Cor. 6:12 that "all things are lawful for him, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but I will not be enslaved by anything."  He also said that "not all things are constructive [edifying or for our good]."

We are also limited by our brother's conscience.  The legalist sees "sins" and doesn't see that the root problem is "sin," his fallen nature, and this must be dealt with,   transformed, and renewed from the inside out.   Do not offend his idea of right and wrong on questionable matters and leave room for difference of opinion.  Don't repress his sense of "ought" and code of conduct.   Weaker brothers have more scruples or qualms than you do and you should respect their code of conduct and conscience, and not show off!  

The stronger brother needs to grow in love to not offend the weaker brother, who may have qualms about something. The weaker brother needs to grow in knowledge and be set free.   Remember, not all possess "knowledge" and that  "knowledge puffs up, but love edifies"  (1 Cor. 8:1).  Don't think you know it all, have a monopoly on wisdom, or have cornered the market on truth because Scripture says,  "If anyone thinks that he knows anything, he does not know as he ought to know"  (1 Cor. 8:2).

You can say that many things are sin if you just say the body is a temple, and, therefore any mistreatment is a sin (for instance, being sedentary is unhealthy, too).  The Bible says that exercise is profitable, but we are not to exalt the body, nor mistreat it.  You may approve of something others may not, and you should keep your faith to yourself.  You could say that eating meat is sin because it has cholesterol--but everything is bad for you except vegetables; even Jesus exercised moderation in all things and abstinence in some things.

We like to show off that we are not religious, but there comes a time when we must take a stand for what's right and stand up for Jesus.  Being sensitive to sin (and the more sense of sin, the less sin) keeps us humble. I relate to a great believer who said, "I am a great sinner, but I have a great Savior."  John Bunyan wrote Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners. When we point the finger, three are aiming back at us, so he that is without sin should cast the first stone, as Jesus said--we all have feet of clay (having weaknesses not readily apparent)  and live in glass houses that can be vulnerable.

The closer you approach God, the more of a sinner you feel you are.  Peter said in Luke 5:8:   "Depart from me, O Lord, for I am a sinful man."    In summation, sometimes we feel it is our duty to point out some one's sins trying to make them go into a guilt trip, but only the Holy Spirit can convict of sin and He will choose which ones--not use. Each individual must act according to his own conscience, not his brother's.    Soli Deo Gloria! 

The Normal Christian Life...

What is the Christian experience all about?  Is it just about being orthodox and dogmatic and infallibly correct in all your doctrines and have a legitimate credo?  Is it about being a so-called good, moral, upright, and decent person?  Is it about having a good philosophy or worldview and being active in geopolitical or social movements?  These things are "necessary, but not sufficient."  You can be a great student of theology and not know your Lord hardly at all, or you can know very little of the Bible and really have a dynamic relationship that is even contagious and a good advertisement for Christ. All these things work together.  Is it also about the sum total of your relationships?  The Christian life is like a tram that can't go horizontal unless it is plugged into a vertical power source.  We need both a relationship with God and with our fellow man; especially the fellowship of the body of Christ.

There are two extreme positions among believers:  antinomians who are lax on morality because they feel so secure in their salvation and don't believe genuine faith produces fruit (the axiom is that we are saved by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone), and the legalist who feels compelled to narrow his choices by strict interpretation of the Bible.  The stronger believer needs to grow stronger in love and the weaker one in knowledge.  The strong believer is limited by the conscience of the weaker brother and doesn't have free rein to do as he likes.

I cannot stress enough that the normal Christian life is an obedient one:  taking part in the fellowship of a local body of believers, studying, meditating, and/or reading Scripture, witnessing on a regular basis, having a vital and active prayer life The summation of the new life is simply "follow me."  He has learned to handle temptation and shuns evil and of course, knows the difference between good and evil.  It's not normal to be overtaken by a fault or to let a sin rule over you.

Remember that the Devil's chief strategy is to "divide and conquer."  Relationships break down when you have is a failure to communicate--you must keep in touch and not let it slip away.   If you claim to have a prayer life with God and can't even talk to your friends, you are fooling yourself--what do you think it's all about?  Recently I have refined, revived, and developed a relationship with my mom that seems to make her my "significant other"--We must know God and all else is the icing on the cake.

 We must first "seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness," as Jesus said in Matt. 6:33.  Are you a kingdom seeker and working for God's kingdom and glory or your own? God has given us the kingdom of God--let's learn how to use it for His glory!   You may be content or proud of your intellectualism of the faith (there is no place for an intellectual elite or privileged party in the brotherhood)  and be very good at doctrine or be able to comprehend the deepest truths (the incomprehensible Trinity or providence of God, the definite or limited atonement,  infralapsarianism, and supralapsarianism, for example) and fail our God.  Jesus said to have eternal life is to "know God." This means an ongoing, living relationship--not just being family with facts or theory.  I really don't care about a believer's philosophy, what I want to see is faith in action by the good works and fruit that is produced--you shall know them by their fruits.

 You most likely know the cliché that Christianity is not a religion but a relationship--but have you ever thought of the consequences of this assertion?  If you claim to know all the dogma and teachings of the Bible and are a failure in life's relationships (e.g.,  siblings, spouse, extended family, friends, relatives, comrades, or associates,) you have fallen short.  When you can be so close to someone that they believe in you and you believe in them you will get my drift.    You can get out of sync and not know what has happened, but if you "walk in the light, even as He is in the light, you will have fellowship one with another...."  When you cultivate a relationship and you become simpatico or have camaraderie you will realize that that is a reward in itself.   The biggest lesson I have learned about friendships is that "iron sharpens iron" according to Prov. 27:17.

God wants you to swallow your pride in always wanting to be right (religionists are more concerned about being right because they have a relationship or infatuation with doctrine, not God--we are all in this together as members of one winning team in Christ-- and interested in winning the argument more than in arriving at the truth--if you are not willing to admit you could be wrong, you will never attain to the truth!   In science, you must be willing to go where the truth leads to unconditionally if you want to arrive at it.  If you have your mind made up already and don't want to be confused with the facts you will never know the truth "that will set you free."   I realize what it is like to be accused of it all being in my head and being an egghead (a great thinker with no passion or zeal for the Lord), so I know whereof I speak.

I look back on my life and now realize the value it was to my Christian experience to have had a relationship with my grandmother, who was a devout and faithful lady (in small things, have you).  Now that I am older and wiser, I realize how wise my mom is and value my fellowship and relationship with her more than with anyone else--you could say that right now she is my "significant other" because I am divorced and have no girlfriend.  We have gone past the threshold of mother-son relationship to friend and confidant, which is very unique.  I relate to King David who had a "bosom friend" in Jonathan and said it was better than the love of women, too, because I have been there and done that if you follow me.

Who do you think Jesus is, if not manifested in the body of the church and our brethren?   It is not normal to be a "holy joe" or be so pious that we are just trying to outshine our brother and see everything as completion or rivalry.  I am not a "holy roller" and I am proud of it; I do not go on all day with my head in the clouds or being "religious."  I believe you can be a Christian without being religious!  

The day we are set free and realize that it is not about our performance in daily devotions or piety that counts, but what God accomplishes through us that matters.  It is not a human achievement, but a divine accomplishment that is worthy of a reward.  "Only one life, 'twill soon be past; only what's done for Christ will last."  You can be Jesus to someone and fulfill your calling, and, whether you realize it or not, you are a witness, whether good or bad.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Lessons From A Family Tiff

Disclaimer:  I do not claim "infallibility" like the popes in Rome do, even though they contradict each other.  We all have feet of clay and have weaknesses not readily apparent. There is an upside to a hard lesson:  We learn something the difficult way.  Everyone sooner or later "plays the fool."   There is a downside to being dogmatic or ideologically oriented:  There will be disagreements. I deplore the family quibble I have found myself involved in and am writing this to ameliorate it the best I can.  (Let us never forget that we are in the body and members one of another; we all need each other, as Barbra Streisand sang, "People who need people are the happiest people.")     Nevertheless, this is my point of view; I am not trying to pontificate or speak ex-cathedra like the pope.

NB:  I am not totally innocent, am not trying to point the finger, but I believe that in any quarrel both sides are culpable to some degree, whether they admit it or not--"The Lord's servant must not strive," says the Word. Satan's strategy is to divide and conquer!  I have to agree with the psychologist that said it was good to feel so bad--because I have learned from this ordeal.   We must always remember to show mercy because Jesus said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." "Love covers a multitude of sins" (Prov. 10:`12).  "A man's wisdom gives him patience, but it is his glory to overlook an offense'  (Prov. 19:11).    I can't  forget the Disciple's Prayer that says to "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us."

I bemoan the fact that we become too subjective, relying on emotion and personal opinion, rather than objective, and seeing things from God's point of view--though only God is perfectly objective!  We must also refrain from striving about the meaning of words:  sometimes it is just better policy to find out what they meant and not what they said, what is their definition and not necessarily what the dictionary says, unless it's not a word you're familiar with--so don't jump to the conclusion that someone said something that he may not have, and resolve it.    Remember,  we should avoid foolish and godless controversies, but ones that are real issues are important to resolve and settle.  Soli Deo Gloria!

Family disharmony can have unintended consequences:  Especially when religion or politics is involved.  We must learn not to get confrontational, aggressive, or condescending, and turn it into an ad hominem argument.  It is natural to be defensive and feels we are on the hot seat like Jesus with the legal experts when put on the defensive, but one shouldn't go into attack mode consequently.  Many times there ensues a "failure to communicate."  Sometimes we are cynical and "don't get mad, we get even."  Both parties can feel compelled to want to say the last word and cut the other off, closing the door, but I do not believe in doing that, but in resolving the issue and only ending the discussion when both sides have said their peace.

Sometimes when we argue we try to get the advantage over the opponent by citing some ace in the hole, or are tempted to brag about that we think will give us an advantage (this is a fulcrum to throw the other one off balance).  How do I know we shouldn't give up?  Let them quit, but don't give up:  God doesn't give up on us according to Phil. 1:6 and we are all works in progress--no one has "arrived."  Too often our arguments (any attempt to prove the other person wrong) end up in a face-off where we get emotional and lose our cool. Patience by definition is the endurance that goes to the breaking point and doesn't break.    Remember to take insults like a man:  Even Jesus endured insults and this is part of the cross we all must bear.

We should not assume an air of superiority or monopoly on wisdom, or that we have cornered the market on truth, even if we are wiser (even Solomon made mistakes ) and realize that God can speak even through the voice of a child.  (I only cite Augustine, who claimed God spoke to him via a child's voice.)   I have a Pentecostal background, though I do not adhere to all their dogma, and you have a right to dissent, disagree, or protest.  But I say any believer, filled with the Spirit, can utter a word of wisdom (a word to the wise is sufficient) and we shouldn't despise prophesying, no matter who it comes from.  Sometimes we wonder:  Where's your patience?   Our patience can be tried to the extreme; we must recall that God is longsuffering toward us and we should be likewise.

One can be wise in the ways of the world, have business sense, or be well-educated, but not have spiritual mojo or know the Lord. Look at Donald Trump who is an infidel.   Just because one is saved doesn't mean he knows the Lord very well--this takes walking with the Lord.  One can also, conversely, be very astute spiritually and have much spiritual insight and even be blessed with special epiphanies, and not know his way around the block,  or know  the scoop, be naïve, or even have no  common sense--much wisdom comes from growing up in the school of hard knocks and experience.  One can be savvy about the Bible and not be applying it, too.

We should never get confrontational or be antagonistic.  We should refrain from being a bully, and being bitter, or angry with our brother, (Jesus  gave a stern warning against being angry with our brother in Math. 5:22.),  but remain filled with the Spirit and "speak the truth in love."  I like the words of Gen. 13:8:  "Let there be no strife between us, for we are brethren." As far as boasting or bragging, the Bible says that if you want to boast, boast in the Lord (what He has done through us) and "let another praise you and not your own lips."  As believers in the body, it is common to think that people "owe" us, but we all need and owe each other, and no one is an island.   I do not believe in making implied ultimatums, threats, warnings, or cautions,  but in being patient (we may need to pray for it!).  Sometimes it's right to "let go and let God."    We must be willing to let God's will be done, not ours.

People ask me where I get my so-called knowledge (like asking me how I know the Bible so well) and how I just know things (sometimes, it seems fortuitous), having never been "trained," but my pastor told me I had the gift of knowledge.   I just know things and am a good person to ask questions because of this gift.  I do not claim to be a genius, know all the answers (if I did, I would be on a game show!), or even  be a learned or scholarly man, (I am mainly self-taught, mentored, and have no formal education in the Bible), but I know that I have a gift and that God uses me as a vessel of honor and glory in His kingdom.

When treated unfairly or insultingly, we should not return the favor in-kind (the so-called "brazen rule" says to treat unto others the way they treat you), but remember that Paul says  not to "recompense evil with evil, but overcome evil with good."  "Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me" (Prov. 24:29).  "Iron sharpens iron" is the principle to remember.   We should be willing to take whatever someone dishes out like a man.  "Brace yourself like a man..." (Job 38:3).   It is very important to "test the spirit" and respect our brother's "opinion" and realize he has the right to believe that.  We should always remember not to be hypercritical  (feel we have to debate everything--we should see what the Spirit wants to say), overly analytical,  or hypersensitive (wearing our feeling on our sleeve).  Boast in the Lord, says Jer. 9:23.  What hath God wrought?   Finally," we glory in Christ and not in ourselves", says Gal. 6:14.   Soli Deo Gloria! 

Doing Things The Right Way

When I was in the Army I was always reminded that there was "your way, my way, and the Army way."   Don't forget:  Jesus is the way! It is the same with the Lord:  Doing God's will our way is not commendable.  Our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees who insisted on finding their own way of doing things and making it into traditions and binding laws.  Someone here at the Vets Home was upset that he was not allowed on the bus, even though there were plenty of seats (the policy is only 20 per trip); what did he do?  He reacted and lost his temper, practically cursing everyone.   It talked to him later and told him that if he was against the policy (it wasn't the driver's fault!) that he should go to the administrator of the Home and do things the right way:  "Refrain from anger, forsake wrath...."

We need to trust in the Lord, unlike King Asa who sought the physicians in his illness and God afflicted him and he never did get healed--the rest of his career spiraled downward.  The first place we need to go with our problems is  God (and the Bible), then our spiritual leaders--and prayer is not the last resort, but the first avenue of divine intervention.

If it seems that prayer doesn't work, we should not give up and seek the wisdom of the world (I do not seek the advice of the psychologists here because they have an evil worldview because there is a curse on anyone who takes advice or counsel from the wicked per Psalm 1:1.  We may seek medical help, which is the gift of God after seeking God; but if we do, we are not to give up on God.

Money is not the answer to our problems and we are not to think we have an advantage over less affluent people because we can merely afford it.  Are we seeking our will?  We don't want our will, but the Father's, because we will screw things up.  We should be glad God doesn't answer all our prayers in the affirmative!   We need to continually ask ourselves if this is what Jesus would do (and we are all going to mess up sometimes). 

In sum:  "But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way"  (1 Cor. 14:40, NIV, emphasis mine).   Soli Deo Gloria!

Deliver Us From Evil...

Or what Jesus meant in the Disciple's Prayer was the evil one.  In my experience growing up in Christ, I am starting to be more aware of evil (evil intent masquerading as good) and evil ones or wicked ones.  Hebrews 5 says that a mature believer has learned to discern good and evil and only he is ready for the meat of the Word.  Don't ask God to eliminate all the evil in the world, because He'd have to eliminate you, too--only God is good!  Jesus said, "You, being evil, know how to give good gifts...."   The Bible exhorts us to put away the pointing of the finger because when you do that three are pointing back at you.

Let's get down to earth, so to speak:  all religion is evil, not just Islam--Christianity is not a religion, but a faith relationship getting to know God and is a religion of salvation and "saviorhood."  This may sound like a cliché to some but nevertheless, it must be stressed:  religion is man's attempt to gain the approbation of God and to find Him, while Christianity is God reaching down to man and saving him--He found us like a good shepherd looking for a lost sheep.   We never would've found Him had he not first sought us, says Blaise Pascal.

There is a controversial verse in 1 Peter 2:17 that talks about honoring the "king" or in some translations "emperor" and if an American were writing the Bible he'd say the President and one could apply it to whatever sovereign one's country had, whether prime minister or what have you.  It is hypercriticism to say that Peter was referring to King Herod and not to Nero--believe you me he was not writing from some ivory tower!

There does come a point when it is our duty to do civil disobedience and even participate in an assassination plot like Dietrich Bonhoeffer did against Hitler and was imprisoned.  But no Christian in his right mind would have agreed with Hitler had he known what he was up to and of his involvement in the occult and pagan religion and his hatred of Jews turned into the "final solution" of en masse extermination in concentration camps by inhumane means even.

To call a president evil that claims to be a Christian and is supported by many Christians is labeling  (we shouldn't label our brethren)  them evil too, and  this is a  kind of snap judgment, or to say it more delicately, criticism of another brother--"for who are you to judge your brother, for to his own master he stands or falls."  Don't be too timorous to assert that you "dissent, disagree, and protest" like Luther maintained in his desperation and persecution on our behalf during the onset of the Reformation.  Dare to be a Daniel and stand alone.  Remember he was Prime Minister to a pagan king.    Even if your whole church decides that a leader for whom they should be praying (1 Tim. 2-1-2) agrees that he is evil and there are still other churches that disagree it simply shows that that church is a mutual admiration society.  God is nonpartisan and we can't put Him in a box and label Him by our standards!    (Christ is supposed to be the unifying force according to Eph. 4:3)   and we shouldn't tolerate only one party line, worldview, or viewpoint.

Controversy is good--only worldly controversy is bad because we need to know the truth and not inhibit open debate.  Jesus was known as a "controversialist" and ruffled some feathers and upset the applecart too of the religious establishment in their own territory and turf.   In my church, we have members of both political persuasions and the pastor cannot take a strict party-line stand because this is a battleground state of extremists or partisan purists on both sides.  We have Michelle Bachmann and Al Franken--are two opposites, and our state is polarized.  Even families can become alienated like it happened in the Civil War or the War Between the States as some call it.  Sometimes our enemies are even members of our own house according to Jesus and Micah 7:6.  Don't just blindly follow the leader and think like the majority because the majority is rarely right.  I like the motto:  "Question authority, but don't ever question mother!"  Soli Deo Gloria!

Out Of Control?

"O, but didn't the people elect them?"  God says in Psalm 33:10:  The LORD foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples."

Providence is not just an archaic word or capitol of Rhode Island, but vital to apprehending God's nature.

Ben Franklin observed:  "I have lived a long time, and the longer I live, the more I see that God governs in the affairs of men."  There are no flukes, as they say.  Has everything gone haywire? Everything seems topsy-turvy in the culture nowadays!    Is the world spinning out of control?  Has the devil taken control, or does he have free reign to do his will?  When one reads the daily news he may be inclined to believe this and be pessimistic.  What we say in Christendom is that God does indeed "orchestrate" history and that it is "His story."

Even though it seems like man is in control,  God is in control--He rules:  "Dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations," (Psa. 22:28).  How is this possible?  There is no cast of the die out of His control (cf. Prov. 16:33); He controls the heart of the king (Prov. 21:1);  "People's lives are not there own; it is not for them to direct their steps," says Jeremiah in chapter 10, verse 23.   John Wesley read the paper to "find out what God was doing in His world."  "He's got the whole world in His hands," the famous hymn declares.  Hasn't anyone heard of the providence of God that the Puritans so often made reference to and a city in Rhode Island is named after?    It means that God is ultimately in control and is working out everything according to the counsel of His will (Eph. 1:11).

I have heard it said that God doesn't "micromanage" the universe, but has taken a chance in giving man a so-called "free will."  Believe me, He has every molecule in the cosmos under His direction and there are no "maverick molecules" either.  Nothing has gone awry in God's economy.  Some erroneously think of God as a "do-nothing" king like the sovereign of Great Britain who reigns but does not rule--a mere figurehead and head of state in name only.  But God does rule over everything and is "Lord of all."  Even Satan cannot thwart God or do anything without His permission.  Yes, God is so much in control that we cannot resist His will (cf. Rom. 9:19).

God is not frustrated by His creatures (Jer. 10:23).  God is absolutely sovereign and it is not limited by our freedom, contrary to what Rome teaches. We cannot limit God, or He wouldn't be God.  "For who can resist His will? (Rom. 9:19).  "He stands alone, who can oppose Him?  He does whatever He pleases," says Job.  "Our God is in the heavens and He does whatsoever He wills."   Daniel says, "Who can resist Him? Who can say to God, 'What are you doing?"   He is our judge, we are not His judge.  We are accountable to Him and not vice versa.  God didn't explain Himself to Job, but made Job answer to Him, and it is likewise with us.

 I like Isa. 46:10 which says, "I will accomplish all my purpose...."  God will accomplish His plan per Isa. 14:24,27.  Remember, God took the most despicable act and dastardly deed ever committed and accomplished our salvation through it-God's "deliberate plan and foreknowledge" (cf. Acts 2:23, 4:28).  There is no such thing as luck (which is dumb), fate, (which is impersonal), or fortune (which is blind)--God is not any of those.  Providence is God's answer to what we refer to as happenstance, which is just an evasion of reality.

Wycliffe's tenet was that "everything comes to pass of necessity."  We are talking about the decretive or hidden will of God (not His perceptive will which is in the Bible for us to obey) which is none of our business and we don't know it till it happens.  ("The secret things belong to the LORD, our God..," according to Deut. 29:29).  Yes, God can turn the most diabolical event into a blessing--look at Joseph who said,  "You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good,"  (Gen. 50:20).  "All things work together for good, to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose,"  (Rom. 8:28).  Every cloud has a silver lining in God's eyes; our trials and tribulations are Father-filtered, so to speak.

However, we are not to resign ourselves to some blind fate or what Islam calls kismet and sing with Doris Day, "Que sera, sera, what will be, will be."  In summary, there is no Plan B and God has no backup plan; we are not interrupting His plan--even the fall of Adam was known to God and had been planned what to do. (A good verse to remember God's absolute sovereignty by is Isa. 37:26, "Have you not heard?  Long ago I ordained it.   In days of old I planned it, now I have brought it to pass...." See also Isa. 14:24,27)   Soli Deo Gloria!

Are You A Stoic?

Stoicism:  Founded in the third century B.C.  by Zeno of Citium, who believed God permeated the cosmos which was the absolute reason.  The cosmos was governed by the laws of cause and effect and there was no genuine free will. Virtue and acceptance of or resignation fate were the highest goals.  We call this forbearance and fortitude.  Socrates resignation to his fate in taking the hemlock was honored as death with dignity.

Famous Stoics were Seneca, tutor to Nero (who ironically participated in an assassination attempt), Prime Minister of the Roman Empire and the greatest of all Stoic philosophers, Quintilian, the great  Roman orator, and the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was a  great writer and author of the classic Meditations, too.  Socrates was very stoical in accepting the proclamation to take his life with hemlock and was revered by virtue of his bold acceptance of this fate.   Stoicism was a Greek philosophy of antiquity that was common in Paul's day and he met some Stoics at Mars Hill in Acts 17 that were curious about what he had to say.   Epictetus, and was known for his philosophy of the "stiff upper lip."  He said that he couldn't escape death but he could escape the fear of it.   (It means more than not showing emotion and not being demonstrative in worship or in tragedy as they tell you to be stoical.)

They believed that there was fate or a plan for everyone and it was our duty to accept it and live with it, whatever it was.  It was all impersonal and one could do nothing to alter that fate.    Stoics believe the universe was governed by the logos which was the mind and will of God that kept the stars and planets in their places and in their appointed tracks.  Therefore, the universe was not a chaos, but orderly. If the universe didn't have order, science would be impossible!   The logos also had a plan and purpose for everyone.

Destiny involves a personal God and as it may be our destiny to become piano virtuosos, it is also our responsibility to practice diligently and faithfully.  It just doesn't just happen automatically.  We should never give up and resign ourselves to the belief that nothing can be done and there is no hope.  Being complacent is when we become so self-satisfied  that we are worse than being  content, but don't see any need or desire to better ourselves or condition:  "Oh, this is my lot in life and I must grin and bear it!"

  What not to be: 

Don't be like Doris Day singing "Que sera, sera, what will be, will be...!"  But rather let Jesus' motto of "Thy will be done!" work for you.  This is resignation and relinquishment to God's will and we must surrender to it as believers; even Jesus had to decide to follow the Father's will to the cross at Gethsemane.   Don't say, "Let the chips fall where they may."  There is no hopeless situation; only people who have given up hope. There are two types of Christians:  those who say, "Thy will be done!" and those to whom God says, "Okay, have it your way!"  We don't want it our way because we will mess it up--"Father knows best," as they say.  It is said that with the hope one can endure anything.   With Christ, we can endure any trial or tribulation with the joy of the Lord.

It is never too late to "get with the program" and to live in God's will,  used for His glory, fulfilling His plan for your life. Though I believe God has a plan for us ("I know the plans that I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you plans to give you hope and a future," says Jeremiah in chapter 29, verse 11), it is also our responsibility to make plans and not to just be aimless.  If you aim at nothing, that is what you get in life. Thomas Edison never called his experiments a failure, but an experiment that taught him what didn't work. The Army slogan, "Be All You Can Be!" And the Air Force motto to "Aim High"is good advice and one should be realistic, but also have dreams.  Case in point: If you aim for the presidency and only become a senator you shouldn't call yourself a failure.

An anecdote is told of a great woman of faith in God named Saint Theresa, who said that she was going to build a convent.  They asked her how much she had in resources and she replied 12 pence.  They told her that even Theresa couldn't accomplish much with twelve pence!  She replied that twelve pence, Theresa and God could though!  God promises to supply all we need to do His will according to 2 Cor. 9:8. It may be not how big our faith but how big our God!

Selfish ambition is sin, according to Jer. 45:5 ("Should you then seek great things for yourself?  Seek them not!")  But we are to seek the glory of God and His will for our lives:  ( Jer. 29:11 says, "I know the plans that I have for you....")  That is to say, that God has good intentions for us according to Rom. 8:28 that says, "All things work together for the good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose."   N.B. our destiny is ultimately in God's hands ("He controls my destiny"--Job 23:12)-- unlike Ernest Henley's poem Invictus that says we are the "captains of our souls and the masters of our fate. "

To sum up:   The psalmist says,  "My future is in your hands"  (Ps. 31:15).   God wishes us good:  "May he grant you all your desires and fulfill all your plans"  (Ps. 20:40.  But always remember that it says in Romans 8:31,  "If God be for us, who can be against us?"   [All emphasis is mine.]  Soli Deo Gloria!

Are We All A Success?

Modern-day psychology will tell you that self-esteem is vital and the measuring rod to go by and not to worry what people say--it's all subjective and what your own personal goals are, not what society or God says that matters.  I got news:  no one is a success at everything and we are all bound to fail at something, or we just haven't tried enough or been around the block.  Admit it:  you've probably blown it or failed at least once, but that doesn't make you a failure.  Some kids can be failures in high school and be late bloomers and succeed late in life or finally find their niche or calling and talent.  You have no right to call someone a general failure in life, but you could say they are failures at marriage, or raising kids or a business.

Look at Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, who is a success on the gridiron, but a lousy dad.   But maybe they are a spiritual success in being prayer warriors, for instance, that can be a great servant for God.  To whom much is given, much is required;  we don't know what God expects of people--look at the widow who was successful at giving her mite!

Case in point, to get personal:  I was an exceptional success in high school and was considered one of the most likely to succeed (which I am trying to define) and my class would label me a failure now because I live a Veterans Home and have not even achieved the American dream.  But I believe I am in the will of God and all things will work out for the good (Rom. 8:28).  The Bema (Judgment Seat of Christ) will determine my level of success and worthiness and the amount of so-called reward.  You can be a success in the eyes of the world, achieving fame, fortune, and power, but fail and get no reward from God--it's all wood, hay, and stubble.

 If you fail at something, don't label yourself as a failure but that you just experimented at something that wasn't right for you.  You really haven't lived until you failed and if you've never failed, you've probably haven't aimed high enough.  They say in the Air Force to Aim High and that is a good code to live by because if you aim to be president and only become governor you can't be considered a failure, but that you just set your goals too high and should be more realistic.

Let's get specific:  We have to be realistic, like a son who is only 5 foot 3 and wants to be a football player would be discouraged and counseled into something more relative to his abilities and talents and limits.  'Nothing is too hard for [God]!"  "I can do all things [in His will] through Christ who strengthens me."  The key is not to think that you are superman and can succeed at anything, but that you find that which you can succeed and have been called to do and God will bless you.   I do not believe in prosperity theology that being a Christian means you will make a lot of money as a fringe benefit.  But God will bless your endeavors you do in His name and that He has called you to do in His will.    If you do succeed in the eyes of the world, don't let it go to your head but stay humble and give the glory to God.   We are only the vessels of honor used for His glory.

And so success is both subjective and objective. (Objectivity is true regardless of personal opinion or feeling).    Like passing a driving test you can say that you objectively failed.   But how can you say a preacher failed in his sermon without it being just subjective if the people heard him gladly and he got results--what is the criteria?  There are elements of both viewpoints.   A soldier can fail at the firing range but succeed in bivouac or CQ duty or not do so good in basic training but excel at Advanced Individual Training for his specialty at a higher level.  We can't just label people as complete failures, though some may be. In sum:   No one for whom Christ died is a complete failure, or is worthless, but is a vessel of honor for God--Let God be God and do the judging.    Soli Deo Gloria!

Respecting Your Bro

Yes, "bro" is in the dictionary and it means soul brother and is a term of endearment.  But I am referring especially to our brothers in the Lord, though there are applications to our fellow man and siblings.  There is a command to love the brethren, of course, but this entails respect, which goes hand in hand.  All our brothers deserve respect because they are in Christ.  The Scriptures tell us to give respect to whom respect is due.  All human beings have dignity as being in the image of God, though it is tarnished by the fall. We should love our blood brothers naturally and shouldn't have to be commanded to do that.

 All Christians should submit to one another in the name of Christ and not lord it over the others or play God.  There are those believers who are godly and trust in the Lord and then there are those who try to be God and are domineering.  Some people just like to be the boss and work for themselves (they don't like to take orders, but give them!), spiritually speaking.  Like being a one-man band in the church or what is a so-called "pastor-driven" church. It should be ruled by elders.   There really is no such biblical basis for that kind of church government.  Though the husband is the head of the wife, he is not the boss and should also submit to her in the Lord.

So, to get closer to home:  The Bible says in Deut. 23:7:  "Don't abhor an Edomite, for he is your brother...."  Obadiah says:  "Do not gloat over your brother in the day of his adversity."    We should never be ashamed of our brother, sister, or kinfolk, or refuse to acknowledge them.  For it goes in an analogy that he who is ashamed of Christ in them will also be shamed by Christ.   For example,  if your brother (I don't necessarily mean Christian) is an alcoholic, autistic, mentally ill, disabled, or even gay (now a Christian cannot be gay), don't reject him because of that.  Having unjust opinions of someone because they are "different" is mere prejudice.  God may be giving you that kind of ministry or trying to teach you  (both the person that is different and his or her themselves)  something.

Now, it is said, that an Englishman is a "self-made man who worships his creator."  There is no such creature as a self-made man!   The Bible says in Isa. 51:1 to "look to the rock from which you were hewn and the stone from which you were cut."  In other words, don't forget where you came from and what your roots are, and become cocky or prideful in your success--for it is the Lord who gives you the power to make wealth (Deut. 8:18).  Isa. 48:17 says, "I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way that you should go."  

We are not self-made men, but a product of those we have been around during our journey through life.  I am a part of you, and you are a part of me (that is if we know each other).  "He who mocks the poor insults his creator."  "The rich and the poor have this in common:  the Lord is the maker of them all."   James says that if we are poor we should be thankful because God has made us rich in faith.  If you saw the movie "It's A Wonderful Life," you probably realize the impact that one life can have and what it would have been like hadn't you ever been born.

Real success is finding your spiritual niche (you must fine your charisma or gift first) and calling in Christ, not achieving the so-called American dream.  The safest place to be is in the will of God and there is a hedge of protection around us.  We should not look down on others who have not attained the level of success we have or compare ourselves with others because we are all unique creations of God, our maker, and potter. We are simply vessels of honor for His glory.  Soli Deo Gloria!