GLOBAL WARMING
"There are ominous signs that the Earth's weather patterns have begun to change dramatically and that these changes may portend a drastic decline in food production--with serious political implications for just about every nation on earth. The drop in food production could begin quite soon. ... The evidence in support of these predictions has now begun to accumulate so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it." Newsweek 1975.
Since Jerry Falwell preached against evangelicals getting on the global warming bandwagon this weekend, I thought I'd do my part.
It turns out science is just as fad driven as theology and politics.
Monday, February 26, 2007
JOHN STOTT QUOTE OF THE DAY
The Call to Evangelize (cont'd.) 794. Evangelism in Ephesus All the roads of Asia converged on Ephesus, and all the inhabitants of Asia visited Ephesus from time to time, to buy or sell, visit a relative, frequent the baths, attend the games in the stadium, watch a drama in the theatre, or worship the goddess. And while they were in Ephesus, they heard of this Christian lecturer named Paul, who was both speaking and answering questions for five hours in the middle of every day. Evidently many dropped in, listened and were converted. They then returned to their towns and villages as born-again believers. Thus the gospel must have spread to the Lycus valley and to its chief towns Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis, which Epaphras had visited but Paul had not, and perhaps to the remaining five of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, namely Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia. This is a fine strategy for the great university and capital cities of the world. If the gospel is reasonably, systematically and thoroughly unfolded in the city centre, visitors will hear it, embrace it and take it back with them to their homes. When we contrast much contemporary evangelism with Paul's, its shallowness is immediately shown up. Our evangelism tends to be too ecclesiastical (inviting people to church), whereas Paul also took the gospel out into the secular world; too emotional (appeals for decision without an adequate basis of understanding), whereas Paul taught, reasoned and tried to persuade; and too superficial (making brief encounters and expecting quick results), whereas Paul stayed in Corinth and Ephesus for five years, faithfully sowing gospel seed and in due time reaping a harvest. --From "The Message of Acts" (The Bible Speaks Today series: Leicester: IVP, 1990), p. 314.
The Call to Evangelize (cont'd.) 794. Evangelism in Ephesus All the roads of Asia converged on Ephesus, and all the inhabitants of Asia visited Ephesus from time to time, to buy or sell, visit a relative, frequent the baths, attend the games in the stadium, watch a drama in the theatre, or worship the goddess. And while they were in Ephesus, they heard of this Christian lecturer named Paul, who was both speaking and answering questions for five hours in the middle of every day. Evidently many dropped in, listened and were converted. They then returned to their towns and villages as born-again believers. Thus the gospel must have spread to the Lycus valley and to its chief towns Colosse, Laodicea and Hierapolis, which Epaphras had visited but Paul had not, and perhaps to the remaining five of the seven churches of Revelation 2 and 3, namely Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis and Philadelphia. This is a fine strategy for the great university and capital cities of the world. If the gospel is reasonably, systematically and thoroughly unfolded in the city centre, visitors will hear it, embrace it and take it back with them to their homes. When we contrast much contemporary evangelism with Paul's, its shallowness is immediately shown up. Our evangelism tends to be too ecclesiastical (inviting people to church), whereas Paul also took the gospel out into the secular world; too emotional (appeals for decision without an adequate basis of understanding), whereas Paul taught, reasoned and tried to persuade; and too superficial (making brief encounters and expecting quick results), whereas Paul stayed in Corinth and Ephesus for five years, faithfully sowing gospel seed and in due time reaping a harvest. --From "The Message of Acts" (The Bible Speaks Today series: Leicester: IVP, 1990), p. 314.
Saturday, February 24, 2007
“affluent parents have become role models for luxury and licentiousness, and have moved far away from caring about whether their children develop habits of discipline and self-restraint. As a result, young people are increasingly impudent and have a total disregard of the respect they owe to themselves and others.” Pretty strong stuff. This was written by Tacitus in 75 AD.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The Democrats started the campaign season early, so the bloodletting has started early. After some polite maneuvering, the two biggest media stars are getting after each other.
The two attention getters in question are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama has been the media darling for weeks. Now, however, he seems to be attacking.
The game began with David Geffen, Hollywood mogul and former Friend of Bill. In the last race, Hollywood regularly fawned over, donated to and supported the Clintons, notably Bill. Hillary must have expected the same treatment. However, Geffen backs Obama and came out against Hillary. After raising around a million for Obama, Geffen said, in the New York Times no less, that Bill was a reckless guy and gave his enemies a lot of ammunition to hurt him. That shouldn’t make Hillary mad, she knows it’s true. She was there for the Monica debacle.
Geffen also took after Hillary, calling her incredibly polarizing and ambitious. Again, it’s hard to argue with those characterizations.
Despite the truth of the contentions, Hillary is firing back, demanding that Obama repudiate the statements. Obama knows that would look stupid, since the statements are true, so he declined.
I have to compliment Obama. His reply is deft. He said "It's not clear to me why I'd be apologizing for someone else's remark, I have said repeatedly I have the utmost respect for Sen. Clinton and have considered her an ally in the Senate and will continue to consider it that way throughout this campaign." A compliment for Hillary, no denial of the truth or repudiation of Geffen, and he, personally, stayed above the fray. Nice job.
Obama’s campaign fired back, though, using the race card and criticizing Senator Robert Ford, who has endorsed Clinton, and said Obama would not win because he is black. Then, Obama’s campaign pointed out that the Clintons were fine with Geffen when he raised $18 million for them.
Good point. Score this one for Obama.
The Democrats started the campaign season early, so the bloodletting has started early. After some polite maneuvering, the two biggest media stars are getting after each other.
The two attention getters in question are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama has been the media darling for weeks. Now, however, he seems to be attacking.
The game began with David Geffen, Hollywood mogul and former Friend of Bill. In the last race, Hollywood regularly fawned over, donated to and supported the Clintons, notably Bill. Hillary must have expected the same treatment. However, Geffen backs Obama and came out against Hillary. After raising around a million for Obama, Geffen said, in the New York Times no less, that Bill was a reckless guy and gave his enemies a lot of ammunition to hurt him. That shouldn’t make Hillary mad, she knows it’s true. She was there for the Monica debacle.
Geffen also took after Hillary, calling her incredibly polarizing and ambitious. Again, it’s hard to argue with those characterizations.
Despite the truth of the contentions, Hillary is firing back, demanding that Obama repudiate the statements. Obama knows that would look stupid, since the statements are true, so he declined.
I have to compliment Obama. His reply is deft. He said "It's not clear to me why I'd be apologizing for someone else's remark, I have said repeatedly I have the utmost respect for Sen. Clinton and have considered her an ally in the Senate and will continue to consider it that way throughout this campaign." A compliment for Hillary, no denial of the truth or repudiation of Geffen, and he, personally, stayed above the fray. Nice job.
Obama’s campaign fired back, though, using the race card and criticizing Senator Robert Ford, who has endorsed Clinton, and said Obama would not win because he is black. Then, Obama’s campaign pointed out that the Clintons were fine with Geffen when he raised $18 million for them.
Good point. Score this one for Obama.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The Democrats started the campaign season early, so the bloodletting has started early. After some polite maneuvering, the two biggest media stars are getting after each other.
The two attention getters in question are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama has been the media darling for weeks. Now, however, he seems to be attacking.
The game began with David Geffen, Hollywood mogul and former Friend of Bill. In the last race, Hollywood regularly fawned over, donated to and supported the Clintons, notably Bill. Hillary must have expected the same treatment. However, Geffen backs Obama and came out against Hillary. After raising around a million for Obama, Geffen said, in the New York Times no less, that Bill was a reckless guy and gave his enemies a lot of ammunition to hurt him. That shouldn’t make Hillary mad, she knows it’s true. She was there for the Monica debacle.
Geffen also took after Hillary, calling her incredibly polarizing and ambitious. Again, it’s hard to argue with those characterizations.
Despite the truth of the contentions, Hillary is firing back, demanding that Obama repudiate the statements. Obama knows that would look stupid, since the statements are true, so he declined.
I have to compliment Obama. His reply is deft. He said "It's not clear to me why I'd be apologizing for someone else's remark, I have said repeatedly I have the utmost respect for Sen. Clinton and have considered her an ally in the Senate and will continue to consider it that way throughout this campaign." A compliment for Hillary, no denial of the truth or repudiation of Geffen, and he, personally, stayed above the fray. Nice job.
Obama’s campaign fired back, though, using the race card and criticizing Senator Robert Ford, who has endorsed Clinton, and said Obama would not win because he is black. Then, Obama’s campaign pointed out that the Clintons were fine with Geffen when he raised $18 million for them.
Good point. Score this one for Obama.
The Democrats started the campaign season early, so the bloodletting has started early. After some polite maneuvering, the two biggest media stars are getting after each other.
The two attention getters in question are Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama has been the media darling for weeks. Now, however, he seems to be attacking.
The game began with David Geffen, Hollywood mogul and former Friend of Bill. In the last race, Hollywood regularly fawned over, donated to and supported the Clintons, notably Bill. Hillary must have expected the same treatment. However, Geffen backs Obama and came out against Hillary. After raising around a million for Obama, Geffen said, in the New York Times no less, that Bill was a reckless guy and gave his enemies a lot of ammunition to hurt him. That shouldn’t make Hillary mad, she knows it’s true. She was there for the Monica debacle.
Geffen also took after Hillary, calling her incredibly polarizing and ambitious. Again, it’s hard to argue with those characterizations.
Despite the truth of the contentions, Hillary is firing back, demanding that Obama repudiate the statements. Obama knows that would look stupid, since the statements are true, so he declined.
I have to compliment Obama. His reply is deft. He said "It's not clear to me why I'd be apologizing for someone else's remark, I have said repeatedly I have the utmost respect for Sen. Clinton and have considered her an ally in the Senate and will continue to consider it that way throughout this campaign." A compliment for Hillary, no denial of the truth or repudiation of Geffen, and he, personally, stayed above the fray. Nice job.
Obama’s campaign fired back, though, using the race card and criticizing Senator Robert Ford, who has endorsed Clinton, and said Obama would not win because he is black. Then, Obama’s campaign pointed out that the Clintons were fine with Geffen when he raised $18 million for them.
Good point. Score this one for Obama.
Monday, February 19, 2007
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"On all hands we hear cries for unity in this and unity in that; but to our mind the main need of this age is not compromise but conscientiousness. 'First pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). It is easy to cry 'A confederacy', but that union which is not based on the truth of God is rather a conspiracy than a communion. Charity by all means; but honesty also. Love, of course, but love to God as well as love to men, and love of truth as well as love of union. It is exceedingly difficult in these times to preserve one's fidelity before God and one's faternity among men. Should not the former be preferred to the latter if both cannot be maintained? We think so." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (April, 1887), page 196.
Since it's President's Day for one and a half more hours, you might be asking yourself, was the Father of Our Country a Chrisitian?
"Probably not" is the best answer. It is true that Washington attended an Anglican church in Virginia before becoming President. However, the Church of England was the State church in Virginia. And, although he attended with his wife, it appears he left the services before communion, while his wife stayed.
It seems that most of what is believed about the supposed Christianity of Washington came from Mason Locke Weems, who may have made up stories to portray Washington as a Christian.
Washington's writings do not reveal him to be a Christian. He wrote thousands of letters and never mentioned the name of Christ. He was a Freemason, though, and their belief is more nearly Deism than Christianity.
Rev. Dr. James Abercrombie, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, when asked about Washington's beliefs, Abercrombie replied: "Sir, Washington was a Deist!"
Washington's National Thanksgiving Proclamation, on October 3, 1789, sounds Deistic when he refers to "that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be." His First Inaugural Address called for "fervent supplications to that almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides over the council of nations".
Thomas Jefferson wrote the following entry in his journal: “ Dr. Rush tells me that he had it from Asa Green that when the clergy addressed Genl. Washington on his departure from the govmt, it was observed in their consultation that he had never on any occasion said a word to the public which showed a belief in the Xn religion and they thot they should so pen their address as to force him at length to declare publicly whether he was a Christian or not. They did so. However he observed the old fox was too cunning for them. He answered every article of their address particularly except that, which he passed over without notice. Rush observes he never did say a word on the subject in any of his public papers except in his valedictory letter to the Governors of the states when he resigned his commission in the army, wherein he speaks of the benign influence of the Christian religion. I know that Gouverneur Morris, who pretended to be in his secrets & believed himself to be so, has often told me that Genl. Washington believed no more of that system than he himself did."
"Probably not" is the best answer. It is true that Washington attended an Anglican church in Virginia before becoming President. However, the Church of England was the State church in Virginia. And, although he attended with his wife, it appears he left the services before communion, while his wife stayed.
It seems that most of what is believed about the supposed Christianity of Washington came from Mason Locke Weems, who may have made up stories to portray Washington as a Christian.
Washington's writings do not reveal him to be a Christian. He wrote thousands of letters and never mentioned the name of Christ. He was a Freemason, though, and their belief is more nearly Deism than Christianity.
Rev. Dr. James Abercrombie, rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Philadelphia, when asked about Washington's beliefs, Abercrombie replied: "Sir, Washington was a Deist!"
Washington's National Thanksgiving Proclamation, on October 3, 1789, sounds Deistic when he refers to "that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be." His First Inaugural Address called for "fervent supplications to that almighty Being, who rules over the universe, who presides over the council of nations".
Thomas Jefferson wrote the following entry in his journal: “ Dr. Rush tells me that he had it from Asa Green that when the clergy addressed Genl. Washington on his departure from the govmt, it was observed in their consultation that he had never on any occasion said a word to the public which showed a belief in the Xn religion and they thot they should so pen their address as to force him at length to declare publicly whether he was a Christian or not. They did so. However he observed the old fox was too cunning for them. He answered every article of their address particularly except that, which he passed over without notice. Rush observes he never did say a word on the subject in any of his public papers except in his valedictory letter to the Governors of the states when he resigned his commission in the army, wherein he speaks of the benign influence of the Christian religion. I know that Gouverneur Morris, who pretended to be in his secrets & believed himself to be so, has often told me that Genl. Washington believed no more of that system than he himself did."
HAPPY PRESIDENT'S DAY
This day was originally established to honor George Washington, our first president and the man fondly known as the "Father Of Our Country". It was later changed to President's Day to honor Washington and Lincoln together. Heavens know, we wouldn't want to give them each their own day.
Sadly, and partly because the days are combined, the meaning has largely been lost on the populace. It is a holiday and a day of shopping at the mall.
It's a chance we miss to teach our kids our history and to remember it ourselves.
This day was originally established to honor George Washington, our first president and the man fondly known as the "Father Of Our Country". It was later changed to President's Day to honor Washington and Lincoln together. Heavens know, we wouldn't want to give them each their own day.
Sadly, and partly because the days are combined, the meaning has largely been lost on the populace. It is a holiday and a day of shopping at the mall.
It's a chance we miss to teach our kids our history and to remember it ourselves.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
LIPSTICK IN SCHOOL
According to a news report, a certain school in Garden City, MI was recently faced with a unique problem.A number of 12-year-old girls were beginning to use lipstick andwould put it on in the washroom. After they put on their lipstick, however, they pressed their lips to the mirror, leaving dozens of little lip prints. Every night, the maintenance man would remove them and the nextday, the girls would put them back.
Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. He called all the girls to the washroom and met them there with the maintenanceman. He explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors every night. To demonstrate how difficult it had been to clean the mirrors, he asked the maintenance man to show the girls how much effort was required. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it in the toilet, and cleanedthe mirror with it.
Since then, there have been no lip prints on the mirror.
There are teachers, and then there are Educators.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
2 CORINTHIANS 7
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
What promises do we have? Paul is referring to the promises he listed in chapter 6. There were three:
the presence or indwelling of God (6:16);
God’s favor or reception (6:17); and
that they would be God’s sons and daughters (6:18).
These are promises made in the Old Testament to Israel that Paul now applies to the church.
So Paul says, since we have these promised from God, let us purify ourselves. The NKJV is very graphic here. It says “…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit…” What does he mean by this? Haven’t we been purified by Christ’s blood? After, Hebrews 1:3 says about Christ “…after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Father.” We have been purified of our sins in Christ. We can stand before the Father without fear of punishment for sin because we have believed in Jesus as his son and received purification. When Peter spoke of the salvation of the Gentiles in Acts 15:19, he said “…he purified their hearts by faith”.
We also know that God continues to work in us for our sanctification. We quote Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” What is sanctification? It is becoming like Christ. Romans 8:29 says that “those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
The Westminister Shorter Catechism puts it this way: [sanctification is] the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. God is freeing us from sinful desires and habits and forming in us Christ’s nature and virtues. He also gives us the desire to be holy and pure.
We still sin. So, we must deal with both the sin and the nature that makes us sin. We must purify ourselves. 1 John 3:3 says that “everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” No one is exempt from this.
We cannot do this on our own. But, we cannot ignore it either. We struggle to purify ourselves, but in dependence on God. For example, Philippians 2:12-13 says “…work out you own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” So, he speaks of our work, but acknowledges it is God who works in us.
Paul says we must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. Some sins clearly contaminate the body. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 6:19. That same passage cites sexual immorality as a sin that contaminates the body. Other sins contaminate the spirit. They may never show on the outside, but kill your spirit. Sins of attitude, such as jealously, bitterness, anger, pride and others contaminate the spirit. We are to purify ourselves of both kinds of sin.
Here is how I think you would do this. First, ask God to reveal your sins to you. David did this. Look at Psalm 139:23. This is scary, I know, but realize that God knows you already, inside and out. In fact, that same Psalm begins with that recognition by David. Look at Psalm 139:1-3. He knows you and he will reveal to you those parts of your life with which he is not pleased. It may happen when you read your Bible. You will read along and the Holy Spirit will convict you that a verse or a passage applies to your life. For example, you wounded a friend, even unintentionally, and they are hurt. You read Matthew 5:23, which says “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to our brother; then come and offer your gift.” Then you feel convicted to go and make things right with your friend.
Sometimes God works during prayer. You pray and he says obey me in this, or repent of that. Sometimes he works through another person. A humbling experience for me was having a non-Christian point out that one of my attitudes was not very Christian. She was right and I had to work on changing that attitude. (The funny thing about that attitude was the God showed me it really was a lack of trust in him to take care of me.)
Second, after asking God to reveal your sins, determine to avoid sin. That means you won’t seek it, you won’t play with it and you won’t rationalize it. You realize it does not please God, so you will avoid it. That may mean you can’t hang out with some people, or you can’t read certain things or see certain movies or shows, or do certain things. In Psalm 17:3, David said “…I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” In Matthew 18, Jesus said to gouge out your eye and throw it away if it causes you to sin. That is how serious he is. Avoid the things that cause you to sin and it will help you avoid sin.
Remember how Joseph fled from Potipher’s wife? She grabbed him and he left his cloak behind to get out of the house. Why did he do that? He did it to avoid sin. He didn’t hang around and make out with her or flirt with her or anything else, he fled. Several verses in the Bible speak of fleeing sin, such as idolatry and immorality.
Third, confess you sin. (See 1 John 1:9) It not only keeps you clean, it forces you to admit to God that you are sinning. If you are honest about your sin and realize how it displeases God, you will want to have less to confess. That would be a good New Year’s resolution: less to confess.
Fourth, fill your mind and heart with good things. Pray. Read, study and meditate on the Bible. Worship. Fellowship with those who are trying to be holy. Have a quiet time in the morning so that you start your day thinking of pleasing God and not just trying to get to work on time or get the kids ready. Colossians 3:1-2 says “If then you are raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Paul said we are to perfect holiness out of reverence for God. We are to continue this process of purification and sanctification until it is complete. The motive for doing so is reverence for God. We do it only to please him. That is what we live for.
7:2 Paul's Plea, Part II
2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
Paul resumes his request, from back in 6:13, for reconciliation and affection. He gives 3 reasons for it: (1) he has not wronged anyone; (2) he has not corrupted anyone; and (3) he has not exploited anyone. He stood on his integrity and could say there was no barrier to them accepting him into their affection and fellowship.
7:3-4 Paul’s Joy
3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
Paul is saying that, in defending himself and his conduct in verse 2, he is not condemning them. In fact, he tells them how much they mean to him. He would live or die with them, he had great confidence in them and he took great pride in them. He, in fact, experienced boundless joy even in his troubles because of them. He was comforted by them.
This passage picks up where Paul left off back in 2:13. You may remember we spoke of these chapters in between as a diversion. So, if you turn back to 2:13, you’ll see he was saying when he went to Macedonia, he had no peace of mind because he had not heard from Titus about his trip to Corinth to deliver a letter from Paul. Now, in verse 5 of chapter 7, Paul will pick that story back up.
7:5-7 Paul In Macedonia
5For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
In verse 5, Paul reiterates his lack of peace of mind. But, in verse, 6, he said God comforted him by bringing Titus. So, they finally met up. Titus was returning from Corinth. Paul was making his way toward him, and they finally met in Macedonia.
And Titus brought good news. He said the people of Corinth longed for Paul, felt deep sorrow, presumably over the things he corrected them for in his letter, and felt concern for him. When Paul go this news, his joy was greater than ever. You can imagine him fretting over the reception of the letter. He loved them and desired their affection, but felt he had to correct them. Now he waited to see how they had reacted. He feared they would cut themselves off from him, but they did not, and he is practically giddy with joy over the news.
7:8-12 Paul’s letter
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
Paul regretted sending the letter, at least while he was waiting for news of their reception of it. But, now, knowing they received it as they ought to have, he does not regret it. The letter did cause them sorrow for a while. Realizing their sin, they were sorrowful until they repented and resolved the problem. Anytime we learn of sin in our lives, we should feel Godly sorrow and the need for repentance. Then, it should spur us on to do good. That is what happened here.
For Paul, their repentance and obedience had extra meaning. It meant they were still devoted to him. They loved him enough to accept his correction and continue in fellowship with him.
7:13-15 Titus
13By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Paul continues this exclamation of happiness by telling the effect the Corinthians had on Titus. He was happy because they had received him and refreshed him. All the good things Paul said about them turned out to be true. You can imagine Titus and Paul sitting up into the late hours talking about this trip. Titus told the story, Paul asked questions, Titus marveled at how well they treated him, and Paul reacted like a proud father. His spirit is at peace now. He says “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you”.
That, of course, is how we want to be: the kind of people in which God and his ministers have complete confidence. If he sends us someone in need, we will minister to them. If he sends us correction, we will repent. If he sends us blessing, we will thank him for it. If he sends us suffering, we will rejoice and bear it for his glory.
1Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
What promises do we have? Paul is referring to the promises he listed in chapter 6. There were three:
the presence or indwelling of God (6:16);
God’s favor or reception (6:17); and
that they would be God’s sons and daughters (6:18).
These are promises made in the Old Testament to Israel that Paul now applies to the church.
So Paul says, since we have these promised from God, let us purify ourselves. The NKJV is very graphic here. It says “…let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit…” What does he mean by this? Haven’t we been purified by Christ’s blood? After, Hebrews 1:3 says about Christ “…after he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Father.” We have been purified of our sins in Christ. We can stand before the Father without fear of punishment for sin because we have believed in Jesus as his son and received purification. When Peter spoke of the salvation of the Gentiles in Acts 15:19, he said “…he purified their hearts by faith”.
We also know that God continues to work in us for our sanctification. We quote Philippians 1:6 “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ.” What is sanctification? It is becoming like Christ. Romans 8:29 says that “those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
The Westminister Shorter Catechism puts it this way: [sanctification is] the work of God’s free grace, whereby we are renewed in the whole man after the image of God, and are enabled more and more to die unto sin, and live unto righteousness. God is freeing us from sinful desires and habits and forming in us Christ’s nature and virtues. He also gives us the desire to be holy and pure.
We still sin. So, we must deal with both the sin and the nature that makes us sin. We must purify ourselves. 1 John 3:3 says that “everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.” No one is exempt from this.
We cannot do this on our own. But, we cannot ignore it either. We struggle to purify ourselves, but in dependence on God. For example, Philippians 2:12-13 says “…work out you own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” So, he speaks of our work, but acknowledges it is God who works in us.
Paul says we must purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit. Some sins clearly contaminate the body. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, according to 1 Corinthians 6:19. That same passage cites sexual immorality as a sin that contaminates the body. Other sins contaminate the spirit. They may never show on the outside, but kill your spirit. Sins of attitude, such as jealously, bitterness, anger, pride and others contaminate the spirit. We are to purify ourselves of both kinds of sin.
Here is how I think you would do this. First, ask God to reveal your sins to you. David did this. Look at Psalm 139:23. This is scary, I know, but realize that God knows you already, inside and out. In fact, that same Psalm begins with that recognition by David. Look at Psalm 139:1-3. He knows you and he will reveal to you those parts of your life with which he is not pleased. It may happen when you read your Bible. You will read along and the Holy Spirit will convict you that a verse or a passage applies to your life. For example, you wounded a friend, even unintentionally, and they are hurt. You read Matthew 5:23, which says “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to our brother; then come and offer your gift.” Then you feel convicted to go and make things right with your friend.
Sometimes God works during prayer. You pray and he says obey me in this, or repent of that. Sometimes he works through another person. A humbling experience for me was having a non-Christian point out that one of my attitudes was not very Christian. She was right and I had to work on changing that attitude. (The funny thing about that attitude was the God showed me it really was a lack of trust in him to take care of me.)
Second, after asking God to reveal your sins, determine to avoid sin. That means you won’t seek it, you won’t play with it and you won’t rationalize it. You realize it does not please God, so you will avoid it. That may mean you can’t hang out with some people, or you can’t read certain things or see certain movies or shows, or do certain things. In Psalm 17:3, David said “…I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.” In Matthew 18, Jesus said to gouge out your eye and throw it away if it causes you to sin. That is how serious he is. Avoid the things that cause you to sin and it will help you avoid sin.
Remember how Joseph fled from Potipher’s wife? She grabbed him and he left his cloak behind to get out of the house. Why did he do that? He did it to avoid sin. He didn’t hang around and make out with her or flirt with her or anything else, he fled. Several verses in the Bible speak of fleeing sin, such as idolatry and immorality.
Third, confess you sin. (See 1 John 1:9) It not only keeps you clean, it forces you to admit to God that you are sinning. If you are honest about your sin and realize how it displeases God, you will want to have less to confess. That would be a good New Year’s resolution: less to confess.
Fourth, fill your mind and heart with good things. Pray. Read, study and meditate on the Bible. Worship. Fellowship with those who are trying to be holy. Have a quiet time in the morning so that you start your day thinking of pleasing God and not just trying to get to work on time or get the kids ready. Colossians 3:1-2 says “If then you are raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Paul said we are to perfect holiness out of reverence for God. We are to continue this process of purification and sanctification until it is complete. The motive for doing so is reverence for God. We do it only to please him. That is what we live for.
7:2 Paul's Plea, Part II
2Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
Paul resumes his request, from back in 6:13, for reconciliation and affection. He gives 3 reasons for it: (1) he has not wronged anyone; (2) he has not corrupted anyone; and (3) he has not exploited anyone. He stood on his integrity and could say there was no barrier to them accepting him into their affection and fellowship.
7:3-4 Paul’s Joy
3 I do not say this to condemn you; I have said before that you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you. 4I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
Paul is saying that, in defending himself and his conduct in verse 2, he is not condemning them. In fact, he tells them how much they mean to him. He would live or die with them, he had great confidence in them and he took great pride in them. He, in fact, experienced boundless joy even in his troubles because of them. He was comforted by them.
This passage picks up where Paul left off back in 2:13. You may remember we spoke of these chapters in between as a diversion. So, if you turn back to 2:13, you’ll see he was saying when he went to Macedonia, he had no peace of mind because he had not heard from Titus about his trip to Corinth to deliver a letter from Paul. Now, in verse 5 of chapter 7, Paul will pick that story back up.
7:5-7 Paul In Macedonia
5For when we came into Macedonia, this body of ours had no rest, but we were harassed at every turn—conflicts on the outside, fears within. 6But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7and not only by his coming but also by the comfort you had given him. He told us about your longing for me, your deep sorrow, your ardent concern for me, so that my joy was greater than ever.
In verse 5, Paul reiterates his lack of peace of mind. But, in verse, 6, he said God comforted him by bringing Titus. So, they finally met up. Titus was returning from Corinth. Paul was making his way toward him, and they finally met in Macedonia.
And Titus brought good news. He said the people of Corinth longed for Paul, felt deep sorrow, presumably over the things he corrected them for in his letter, and felt concern for him. When Paul go this news, his joy was greater than ever. You can imagine him fretting over the reception of the letter. He loved them and desired their affection, but felt he had to correct them. Now he waited to see how they had reacted. He feared they would cut themselves off from him, but they did not, and he is practically giddy with joy over the news.
7:8-12 Paul’s letter
8Even if I caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it. Though I did regret it—I see that my letter hurt you, but only for a little while— 9yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. For you became sorrowful as God intended and so were not harmed in any way by us. 10Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. 11See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12So even though I wrote to you, it was not on account of the one who did the wrong or of the injured party, but rather that before God you could see for yourselves how devoted to us you are.
Paul regretted sending the letter, at least while he was waiting for news of their reception of it. But, now, knowing they received it as they ought to have, he does not regret it. The letter did cause them sorrow for a while. Realizing their sin, they were sorrowful until they repented and resolved the problem. Anytime we learn of sin in our lives, we should feel Godly sorrow and the need for repentance. Then, it should spur us on to do good. That is what happened here.
For Paul, their repentance and obedience had extra meaning. It meant they were still devoted to him. They loved him enough to accept his correction and continue in fellowship with him.
7:13-15 Titus
13By all this we are encouraged. In addition to our own encouragement, we were especially delighted to see how happy Titus was, because his spirit has been refreshed by all of you. 14I had boasted to him about you, and you have not embarrassed me. But just as everything we said to you was true, so our boasting about you to Titus has proved to be true as well. 15And his affection for you is all the greater when he remembers that you were all obedient, receiving him with fear and trembling. 16I am glad I can have complete confidence in you.
Paul continues this exclamation of happiness by telling the effect the Corinthians had on Titus. He was happy because they had received him and refreshed him. All the good things Paul said about them turned out to be true. You can imagine Titus and Paul sitting up into the late hours talking about this trip. Titus told the story, Paul asked questions, Titus marveled at how well they treated him, and Paul reacted like a proud father. His spirit is at peace now. He says “I am glad I can have complete confidence in you”.
That, of course, is how we want to be: the kind of people in which God and his ministers have complete confidence. If he sends us someone in need, we will minister to them. If he sends us correction, we will repent. If he sends us blessing, we will thank him for it. If he sends us suffering, we will rejoice and bear it for his glory.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Canada Free Press.com has published a great article by Timothy Ball called Global Warming: The Cold, Hard Facts? Dr. Ball is the first Canadian Ph.D. in Climatology, has a Ph.D. from the University of London, has been a professor at the University of Winnipeg and has been studying the earth’s climates for years.
Dr. Ball puts it bluntly. He says “Global Warming, as we think we know it, doesn't exist.” He goes on to say that “Global Warming is not due to human contribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This in fact is the greatest deception in the history of science. We are wasting time, energy and trillions of dollars while creating unnecessary fear and consternation over an issue with no scientific justification.” Another guy that shares his opinion is Yuri A. Izrael, Vice President of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Richard Lindzen, an atmospheric physicist and a professor of meteorology at MIT, member of the National Academy of Sciences, formerly professor at the University of Chicago, Harvard University and MIT, says disagrees with the idea that humans cause significant global warming.
It seems that many people believe what is happening today will happen forever. However, it used to be that global cooling was considered a danger. We were constantly told the sun would burn out in so many years and we would all freeze to death. It you live in Minnesota today, you can resonate. Ball points out in his article that, in 1976, Lowell Ponte wrote "It is a cold fact: the Global Cooling presents humankind with the most important social, political, and adaptive challenge we have had to deal with for ten thousand years. Your stake in the decisions we make concerning it is of ultimate importance; the survival of ourselves, our children, our species". I was in law school at Lubbock, Texas, at the time and it seemed that way in winter. But, change the words from “cooling” to “warming” and it sounds exactly like something Al Gore would say today (or make a movie about).
Ball also points out that temperatures declined from 1940 to 1980. He notes that by the early ‘70's, global cooling was a universal belief. Then, in the ‘90s, temperatures began to rise. Now, global warming is assumed to be a fact. I guess no one is reading the old articles. What goes around, comes around, however. Ball states that global temperature trends now indicate a cooling.
Despite this, politicians, especially liberals, accept global warming as the gospel. Actors decry the use of big cars for anyone but themselves. Now, even preachers are in the market. Eighty-six (86) evangelical Christian leaders signed on to fight global warming, saying "millions of people could die in this century because of climate change, most of them our poorest global neighbors." They call it the "Evangelical Climate Initiative.” Few, if any, have any scientific background or understand science.
This includes “megachurch pastor” Rick Warren. His Master of Divinity decree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary hardly qualifies him to speak on climate change. Warren and others signed a statement saying they had seen enough to know that global warming is a fact. According to Dr. Ball, they may barely get in the game before the game is over. Global cooling may well be underway before the evangelicals get going on the issue. This is not a rare occurrence among evangelicals, by the way. It is kind of like their yelling about “secular humanism” decades after humanism had become the accepted philosophy in most universities and even public secondary schools.
Like most liberals, the preachers believe the government should fix it. You might think, being preachers and religious leaders, they would lead the church to do something, but, no, they have grabbed the liberal mindset of seeking government assistance. They call for federal legislation requiring reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. They actually used the language from last year’s Senate resolution.
How did the idea of carbon dioxide emissions become the new gospel for the purpose driven life? It’s an assumption that is unproven. Scientists certainly make assumptions, then test them. That is the scientific method. However, in this instance, the assumption appears to have been and the conclusion reached without the scientific proof from testing. Factors such as the activity of the sun are ignored. The contribution of animals to gas collections has been noticed, but not included in these discussions. The fact is, we do not know near enough to say that humans are changing the climate significantly.
Some evangelical leaders are opposed to the statement signed by Warren and others. Charles W. Colson, James Dobson and Richard Land are a few of these.
Oh, and speaking to the claim of Warren and others that global warming impacts the poor, note that 30 cents for every $1,000 spent by the United States, the European Union and the United Nations since 1993 ($80 billion) was spent on global warming research. The United States alone budgeted $6.5 billion for global warming research in 2007. You could feed and house a lot of poor people for that.
Meanwhile, dozens of preachers and Christian leaders are wasting time and money. Their call is to preach the gospel, but they are arm pit deep in political issues. They are also over their heads, spouting off in areas in which they are not trained or educated, jumping on the political bandwagon of the day.
All I can say to them is remember Y2K.
Dr. Ball puts it bluntly. He says “Global Warming, as we think we know it, doesn't exist.” He goes on to say that “Global Warming is not due to human contribution of Carbon Dioxide (CO2). This in fact is the greatest deception in the history of science. We are wasting time, energy and trillions of dollars while creating unnecessary fear and consternation over an issue with no scientific justification.” Another guy that shares his opinion is Yuri A. Izrael, Vice President of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Richard Lindzen, an atmospheric physicist and a professor of meteorology at MIT, member of the National Academy of Sciences, formerly professor at the University of Chicago, Harvard University and MIT, says disagrees with the idea that humans cause significant global warming.
It seems that many people believe what is happening today will happen forever. However, it used to be that global cooling was considered a danger. We were constantly told the sun would burn out in so many years and we would all freeze to death. It you live in Minnesota today, you can resonate. Ball points out in his article that, in 1976, Lowell Ponte wrote "It is a cold fact: the Global Cooling presents humankind with the most important social, political, and adaptive challenge we have had to deal with for ten thousand years. Your stake in the decisions we make concerning it is of ultimate importance; the survival of ourselves, our children, our species". I was in law school at Lubbock, Texas, at the time and it seemed that way in winter. But, change the words from “cooling” to “warming” and it sounds exactly like something Al Gore would say today (or make a movie about).
Ball also points out that temperatures declined from 1940 to 1980. He notes that by the early ‘70's, global cooling was a universal belief. Then, in the ‘90s, temperatures began to rise. Now, global warming is assumed to be a fact. I guess no one is reading the old articles. What goes around, comes around, however. Ball states that global temperature trends now indicate a cooling.
Despite this, politicians, especially liberals, accept global warming as the gospel. Actors decry the use of big cars for anyone but themselves. Now, even preachers are in the market. Eighty-six (86) evangelical Christian leaders signed on to fight global warming, saying "millions of people could die in this century because of climate change, most of them our poorest global neighbors." They call it the "Evangelical Climate Initiative.” Few, if any, have any scientific background or understand science.
This includes “megachurch pastor” Rick Warren. His Master of Divinity decree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary hardly qualifies him to speak on climate change. Warren and others signed a statement saying they had seen enough to know that global warming is a fact. According to Dr. Ball, they may barely get in the game before the game is over. Global cooling may well be underway before the evangelicals get going on the issue. This is not a rare occurrence among evangelicals, by the way. It is kind of like their yelling about “secular humanism” decades after humanism had become the accepted philosophy in most universities and even public secondary schools.
Like most liberals, the preachers believe the government should fix it. You might think, being preachers and religious leaders, they would lead the church to do something, but, no, they have grabbed the liberal mindset of seeking government assistance. They call for federal legislation requiring reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. They actually used the language from last year’s Senate resolution.
How did the idea of carbon dioxide emissions become the new gospel for the purpose driven life? It’s an assumption that is unproven. Scientists certainly make assumptions, then test them. That is the scientific method. However, in this instance, the assumption appears to have been and the conclusion reached without the scientific proof from testing. Factors such as the activity of the sun are ignored. The contribution of animals to gas collections has been noticed, but not included in these discussions. The fact is, we do not know near enough to say that humans are changing the climate significantly.
Some evangelical leaders are opposed to the statement signed by Warren and others. Charles W. Colson, James Dobson and Richard Land are a few of these.
Oh, and speaking to the claim of Warren and others that global warming impacts the poor, note that 30 cents for every $1,000 spent by the United States, the European Union and the United Nations since 1993 ($80 billion) was spent on global warming research. The United States alone budgeted $6.5 billion for global warming research in 2007. You could feed and house a lot of poor people for that.
Meanwhile, dozens of preachers and Christian leaders are wasting time and money. Their call is to preach the gospel, but they are arm pit deep in political issues. They are also over their heads, spouting off in areas in which they are not trained or educated, jumping on the political bandwagon of the day.
All I can say to them is remember Y2K.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
SECULARISM ON THE MARCH
The latest blow in the battle to remove Christianity from American public life occurred at the College of William and Mary. The college president has removed the cross from the chapel.
William and Mary, the second oldest college in America, was originally an Anglican school, established to train Anglican ministers. It has been a public insitution since the early 1900s.
The reason the cross was removed was to make the college more appealing to the diverse student population. There have been protests of the removal, but it looks to be permanent.
When these episodes occur, I think of the passage where Jesus said if we acknowledge him before men, he will acknowledge us before the Father, but if we do not, he will not.
The latest blow in the battle to remove Christianity from American public life occurred at the College of William and Mary. The college president has removed the cross from the chapel.
William and Mary, the second oldest college in America, was originally an Anglican school, established to train Anglican ministers. It has been a public insitution since the early 1900s.
The reason the cross was removed was to make the college more appealing to the diverse student population. There have been protests of the removal, but it looks to be permanent.
When these episodes occur, I think of the passage where Jesus said if we acknowledge him before men, he will acknowledge us before the Father, but if we do not, he will not.
ULTIMATE DODGE BALL
UPI reports that the U.S. and Russia modified the orbit of the changed the International Space Station to dodge debris created when the Chinese blew up one of their weather satellites with a ground based missile.
U.S. officials are tracking 525 large pieces of the satellite and have noted as many as 600 instances of satellite debris passing within three miles of various satellites.
If you were on the space station, that is something that could keep you up at night.
UPI reports that the U.S. and Russia modified the orbit of the changed the International Space Station to dodge debris created when the Chinese blew up one of their weather satellites with a ground based missile.
U.S. officials are tracking 525 large pieces of the satellite and have noted as many as 600 instances of satellite debris passing within three miles of various satellites.
If you were on the space station, that is something that could keep you up at night.
There must be something wrong with the Dell\Google browser on my Dell computer. It said it could find www.instapundit.com tonight. It's only the most famous and popular blog on the internet.
Law professor Glen Reynolds writes the blog, in case you don't know, and his was one of the first blogs I found when I found them. I thought it was so cool, I wanted to try it.
By the way, Glen, the browser find my humble blog tonight.
Law professor Glen Reynolds writes the blog, in case you don't know, and his was one of the first blogs I found when I found them. I thought it was so cool, I wanted to try it.
By the way, Glen, the browser find my humble blog tonight.
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