When God created Adam and Eve, scripture tells us that they were "naked and not ashamed". This speaks of total intimacy - transparency of heart, soul, and body. Perhaps another word to describe this intimacy would be love. From this basis of love, healthy sexuality results. It was the way God intended it to be - intimacy - spiritual, emotional, and physical love that led to life and fruitfulness.
The prostitute offers sexuality, a quick gratification of immediate desires. However, emotional and spiritual intimacy are missing from the equation. It is not love, rather it is a cheap substitute of God's plan. In my interaction with men who have ceased battling sexual temptations and given themselves over to the sin, I have noticed a common theme. To a man, they have become foolish, unable to discern wisely about the issues of life. They become consumed by the woman and what she can do for them.
And so it is with those who choose the bed of the woman spoken of in the book of Revelation. While there may be activities that would seem to indicate that love exists, the reality of the situation is that the genuine love for people is non-existant. Jesus said that because of lawlessness, the love of many would grow could. Lawlessness is simply anything that is done outside of God's parameters.
When we heed the subtle whispers of woman and choose her bed, we depart from the ways of God - lawlessness. As such, we become loveless. We adopt the characteristics of the woman instead of having the mind of Christ. Our "love" becomes cold toward those whom Christ loves; our focus becomes the woman and the gratification she offers.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
the woman
I’ve been thinking a lot about the woman lately. She is no ordinary hooker with cheap perfume and skimpy clothes standing on a street corner peddling her assets. No – she is different, more respectable, with more class. Her clientele tend to be more upscale – politicians, businessmen, and church leaders. For many of her clients, being in bed with her elicits no shame; rather, they view their relationship with her as an honor.
The book of Revelation, speaks of the woman; her wealth, her extravagant lifestyle as well as of her arrogance and her anger toward those who refuse to be seduced by her charms. She especially despises the saints; those who follow Jesus. In fact through the years she has been responsible for the death of the martyrs of Jesus. On the other hand, to those who yield to her enchantment, she rewards with the desires of their soul. She bestows wealth, honor, and power upon those who will become one with her.
There is a slight caveat to her “blessings”. Just like any prostitute she expects something in return for her services. While she promises to and is willing to satisfy any desire one may have, she does not perform her services because she loves her clientele. No – her driving motivation is more sinister – the control of those whom she seduces. While they may receive the immediate benefit they desire, the long-term result is one of bondage. And like any other prostitute, she can offer no more than a cheap substitute of the real thing. Her “intimacy” never results in the giving of life.
I have seen people recognize the seductiveness of her charms and choose to distance themselves from her. She doesn’t become immediately angry; she simply waits. She knows that for those who have tasted of her offerings and have chosen to walk away, the time comes when they won’t know how to act without her. At that moment she begins to seductively whisper to their soul. She dresses a bit differently, wears a new fragrance designed to speak to the specific desires of the human soul. And so they return to her bed. As they once again give themselves to her seductions, she whispers welcoming words that assuage the longing of their soul.
Those who recognize that she is nothing more than a cheap disease-laden whore, promising what only God can truly give, become the target of her wrath. She quickly enlists her clientele to do her dirty work, using them to destroy the ones who refuse to succumb to her. She will utilize whatever means needed to wreak havoc in the lives of those who resist her. Her clientele that do her bidding in the attempt to destroy the followers of Jesus will be especially rewarded by her.
However, if we read Revelation, we discover that her destruction will happen. It will be rapid and severe. Her clientele will be left with nothing; only a deep sense of mourning and loss. On that day, their allegiance to someone other than the Creator will be evident for all to see.
The book of Revelation, speaks of the woman; her wealth, her extravagant lifestyle as well as of her arrogance and her anger toward those who refuse to be seduced by her charms. She especially despises the saints; those who follow Jesus. In fact through the years she has been responsible for the death of the martyrs of Jesus. On the other hand, to those who yield to her enchantment, she rewards with the desires of their soul. She bestows wealth, honor, and power upon those who will become one with her.
There is a slight caveat to her “blessings”. Just like any prostitute she expects something in return for her services. While she promises to and is willing to satisfy any desire one may have, she does not perform her services because she loves her clientele. No – her driving motivation is more sinister – the control of those whom she seduces. While they may receive the immediate benefit they desire, the long-term result is one of bondage. And like any other prostitute, she can offer no more than a cheap substitute of the real thing. Her “intimacy” never results in the giving of life.
I have seen people recognize the seductiveness of her charms and choose to distance themselves from her. She doesn’t become immediately angry; she simply waits. She knows that for those who have tasted of her offerings and have chosen to walk away, the time comes when they won’t know how to act without her. At that moment she begins to seductively whisper to their soul. She dresses a bit differently, wears a new fragrance designed to speak to the specific desires of the human soul. And so they return to her bed. As they once again give themselves to her seductions, she whispers welcoming words that assuage the longing of their soul.
Those who recognize that she is nothing more than a cheap disease-laden whore, promising what only God can truly give, become the target of her wrath. She quickly enlists her clientele to do her dirty work, using them to destroy the ones who refuse to succumb to her. She will utilize whatever means needed to wreak havoc in the lives of those who resist her. Her clientele that do her bidding in the attempt to destroy the followers of Jesus will be especially rewarded by her.
However, if we read Revelation, we discover that her destruction will happen. It will be rapid and severe. Her clientele will be left with nothing; only a deep sense of mourning and loss. On that day, their allegiance to someone other than the Creator will be evident for all to see.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
sola scriptura 2
As I am growing older, I am become more convinced of the power of the scriptures. There have been several transformational experiences in my life. One of them began to occur when I was reading the words of Jesus in gospels. The Holy Spirit whispered in my heart - Hear it like they heard it. As I began to remove my filter given me by Christendom, personal transformation began to occur. I discovered that for years, instead of allow the scriptures to speak to and shape me, I spoke to the scripture and attempted to shape them.
It is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us in an unfiltered manner. I still feel the discomfort at times. Part of the problem is that so much of the belief system given us by Christendom does not align with the scriptures. Our understanding of salvation, the gospel, heaven and hell, have all been skewed by the unscriptural belief system. The problem arises at that point of discomfort. Will I stubbornly cling to the accepted beliefs or will I choose to be transformed? Will I lay aside my filter to be changed by the written word?
Several years ago I had a conversation with an acquaintance. He spoke to me about his difficulty with my unfiltered reading of the scriptures. In the conversation he mentioned that there were people who were convinced that I was deceived. When I asked why these people refused to speak to me about my "deception" I was shocked at his answer. He replied that they say "you know the Bible better than they do and therefore they do not want to discuss your deception!
Apparently my "deception" is not about my beliefs being shaped by scripture but rather how my putting scripture into practice exposes their own unscriptural beliefs. The words of Jesus as He quoted Isaiah ring true - This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
While it is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us, they will also be a mighty instrument of transformation in the hand of God. Read the scriptures unfiltered. Hear the words as the original hearers would have heard them.
It is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us in an unfiltered manner. I still feel the discomfort at times. Part of the problem is that so much of the belief system given us by Christendom does not align with the scriptures. Our understanding of salvation, the gospel, heaven and hell, have all been skewed by the unscriptural belief system. The problem arises at that point of discomfort. Will I stubbornly cling to the accepted beliefs or will I choose to be transformed? Will I lay aside my filter to be changed by the written word?
Several years ago I had a conversation with an acquaintance. He spoke to me about his difficulty with my unfiltered reading of the scriptures. In the conversation he mentioned that there were people who were convinced that I was deceived. When I asked why these people refused to speak to me about my "deception" I was shocked at his answer. He replied that they say "you know the Bible better than they do and therefore they do not want to discuss your deception!
Apparently my "deception" is not about my beliefs being shaped by scripture but rather how my putting scripture into practice exposes their own unscriptural beliefs. The words of Jesus as He quoted Isaiah ring true - This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
While it is a fearful thing to allow the scriptures to speak to us, they will also be a mighty instrument of transformation in the hand of God. Read the scriptures unfiltered. Hear the words as the original hearers would have heard them.
Monday, May 23, 2011
sola scriptura
In the Roman Catholic Church, both the tradition of the church and the scriptures carry equal weight. In other words, the traditions of the church are as sacred as the words of scripture. In the early 1500's Martin Luther taught that the source of authority is "sola scriptura" (scripture alone). The reformation championed that phrase in the subsequent years.
Today evangelical churches still profess to hold to the concept of "sola scriptura". While the evangelicals declare that they are differant from the Roman Catholics when it comes to the sacredness of church tradition, their actions indicate otherwise. I am becoming more convinced that even though there has been almost 500 years of declaration that they stand on, evangelicals hold the same beliefs as the Roman Catholics. If you do not believe me, dare to challenge any of their extra-biblical beliefs.
Let me illustrate. Bev and I had a conversation with a group of leaders recently. During the conversation we were asked about where we attend church. Since we do not attend church, the answer was simple - we don't. Their consternation was almost amusing. I then asked if I could stretch their theology a bit. My question to them was "where in scripture do you find that we are to go to church". After a bit of fumbling, one person responded with the scripture in Hebrews encouraging us to not forsake gathering together. I replied that we do gather together with other believers to be encouraged. We just don't go to church on Sunday morning. While it was a good conversation, their discomfort with "sola scriptura" was obvious.
Why do evangelicals associate going to church with spirituality? It is because they believe that the traditions of the church are equal to scripture. To question "going to church" (which isn't even a biblical concept) is seen as questioning God Himself. Our church tradition has so affected us that despite our claims of sola scriptura, our actions show that we really believe otherwise.
Today evangelical churches still profess to hold to the concept of "sola scriptura". While the evangelicals declare that they are differant from the Roman Catholics when it comes to the sacredness of church tradition, their actions indicate otherwise. I am becoming more convinced that even though there has been almost 500 years of declaration that they stand on, evangelicals hold the same beliefs as the Roman Catholics. If you do not believe me, dare to challenge any of their extra-biblical beliefs.
Let me illustrate. Bev and I had a conversation with a group of leaders recently. During the conversation we were asked about where we attend church. Since we do not attend church, the answer was simple - we don't. Their consternation was almost amusing. I then asked if I could stretch their theology a bit. My question to them was "where in scripture do you find that we are to go to church". After a bit of fumbling, one person responded with the scripture in Hebrews encouraging us to not forsake gathering together. I replied that we do gather together with other believers to be encouraged. We just don't go to church on Sunday morning. While it was a good conversation, their discomfort with "sola scriptura" was obvious.
Why do evangelicals associate going to church with spirituality? It is because they believe that the traditions of the church are equal to scripture. To question "going to church" (which isn't even a biblical concept) is seen as questioning God Himself. Our church tradition has so affected us that despite our claims of sola scriptura, our actions show that we really believe otherwise.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
share the wealth 2
My parents come from rather humble beginnings. While they were successful business/farm owners they did not start with a lot of resources. As my dad says - I started from scratch and it wasn't even itchy where I scratched. His father and his only brother were killed in a farm accident when dad was only six years old. My mom grew up a middle child in a family of fourteen children. Both parents talk about eating off the land when growing up; lots of fried potatoes and stewed tomatoes along with whatever vegetables and fruits were in season. When they butchered an animal, the entire animal was utilized in some manner.
When my dad was 35, he took the plunge and purchased a farm. He borrowed the money for the down payment and the owner financed the rest. I can remember times when money was in short supply. My mom raised chickens to sell as well as vegetables. The early weeks of July were raspberry picking time. Her and I picked gallons of wild raspberries to sell every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning during raspberry season.
As I reflect on their humble beginnings, two things come to mind for which I am very grateful; gifts that they gave to me. First, I never heard them complain about needing to work hard, about it being unfair that dad did not inherit his home farm. They never talked about the difficulty of life. What they did talk about was their thankfulness for what they had. My dad speaks highly of the people who believed enough in him to help make his dreams possible. There was no bitterness in them toward the poverty from which they came; just a deep sense of gratefulness for what they had.
The second gift has to do with an attitude as well. Both of my parents had a willingness to do whatever it took to realize their dreams. Obstacles were meant to be overcome, not hindrances to which one would yield. They understood that the realization of dreams required personal sacrifice.
Both attitudes, thankfulness and a willingness to do whatever it takes, are sorely lacking in society and the church. Far too frequently people adopt a victim's attitude. They continually feel bitter about their presumed lack of opportunity, complaining about their circumstances. They blame other people for the perceived injustices against them. Obstacles rule their world. They never live in God's mandate to Adam and Eve to subdue the earth. Instead they are subdued by their own circustances.
In their sixty years of marriage, my parents have moved from poverty to a place of financial stability. The attitudes of thankfulness and their willingness to "do whatever it takes" were largely responsible for the transformation. Their example is a tremendous gift to me!
When my dad was 35, he took the plunge and purchased a farm. He borrowed the money for the down payment and the owner financed the rest. I can remember times when money was in short supply. My mom raised chickens to sell as well as vegetables. The early weeks of July were raspberry picking time. Her and I picked gallons of wild raspberries to sell every Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning during raspberry season.
As I reflect on their humble beginnings, two things come to mind for which I am very grateful; gifts that they gave to me. First, I never heard them complain about needing to work hard, about it being unfair that dad did not inherit his home farm. They never talked about the difficulty of life. What they did talk about was their thankfulness for what they had. My dad speaks highly of the people who believed enough in him to help make his dreams possible. There was no bitterness in them toward the poverty from which they came; just a deep sense of gratefulness for what they had.
The second gift has to do with an attitude as well. Both of my parents had a willingness to do whatever it took to realize their dreams. Obstacles were meant to be overcome, not hindrances to which one would yield. They understood that the realization of dreams required personal sacrifice.
Both attitudes, thankfulness and a willingness to do whatever it takes, are sorely lacking in society and the church. Far too frequently people adopt a victim's attitude. They continually feel bitter about their presumed lack of opportunity, complaining about their circumstances. They blame other people for the perceived injustices against them. Obstacles rule their world. They never live in God's mandate to Adam and Eve to subdue the earth. Instead they are subdued by their own circustances.
In their sixty years of marriage, my parents have moved from poverty to a place of financial stability. The attitudes of thankfulness and their willingness to "do whatever it takes" were largely responsible for the transformation. Their example is a tremendous gift to me!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
sharing the wealth
Last post I shared about being wealthy, not from the perspective of money and possessions but from the perspective of the intangible things that contribute to my well being. The inheritance that I received from my parents while I was growing up is of value beyond measure. Last weekend when we were in NY together, I became more aware of some of those things and how they have affected me.
One aspect of that inheritance has to do with the way I view life. Somehow, my parents communicated to me the truth that "the world does not revolve around me". In other words, I grew up being very aware of the larger picture of life. While I always knew that God created me to be uniquely me, I was also very aware that I was part of a larger picture. In other words, my life was meant to live in harmony with others.
So often I see people who seem to think that the world revolves around them. Unfortunately, this attitude is as prevelant in Christians as it is in the rest of society. If anyone ought to know that life is not about me and my desires, it out to be Christians. The pattern of Jesus highlights a life lived with the realization that there is a cause beyond the preservation of self.
Self-centered people never achieve greatness in any way. Their impact on society is minimal. They are frequently victims, always suffering some injustice done to them. They are self-absorbed, rarely noticing other people. Their self-absorbtion causes them to use and abuse people. "Big picture" perspective eludes them since their focus is limited to their own puny existence.
The way of Jesus is one of serving, of pouring out one's life for the benefit of others. The way of Jesus enables one to discern the big picture and how we fit into God's work harmoniously. It is the way of harmony, life, and fruitfulness.
I thank God that my parents gave me the gift of being "others aware".
One aspect of that inheritance has to do with the way I view life. Somehow, my parents communicated to me the truth that "the world does not revolve around me". In other words, I grew up being very aware of the larger picture of life. While I always knew that God created me to be uniquely me, I was also very aware that I was part of a larger picture. In other words, my life was meant to live in harmony with others.
So often I see people who seem to think that the world revolves around them. Unfortunately, this attitude is as prevelant in Christians as it is in the rest of society. If anyone ought to know that life is not about me and my desires, it out to be Christians. The pattern of Jesus highlights a life lived with the realization that there is a cause beyond the preservation of self.
Self-centered people never achieve greatness in any way. Their impact on society is minimal. They are frequently victims, always suffering some injustice done to them. They are self-absorbed, rarely noticing other people. Their self-absorbtion causes them to use and abuse people. "Big picture" perspective eludes them since their focus is limited to their own puny existence.
The way of Jesus is one of serving, of pouring out one's life for the benefit of others. The way of Jesus enables one to discern the big picture and how we fit into God's work harmoniously. It is the way of harmony, life, and fruitfulness.
I thank God that my parents gave me the gift of being "others aware".
Monday, May 2, 2011
I'm wealthy
Bev and I spent this past weekend in NY at the cabin with my family. We had a great several days. My parents are both in their 80's and I think that everyone there had a sense of gratefulness that both parents could be there.
We ate together, a lot of really good food. We drank lots of coffee. We enjoyed the warm sunshine together, marvelling at the beauty of nature. But most of all we talked a lot. We both told and heard stories, stories of my parents romance more than 60 years ago, stories of childhood memories. We talked about dreams, life, and love. We sang hymns together. Before our Sunday morning brunch we joined in praise by singing the Doxology. Something about the weekend touched our hearts deeply and the words of the song were sung with passion and gusto. There was a lot of laughter, there were tears that flowed as we spoke of heart issues.
In many ways the weekend was a celebration of our heritage, a celebration about from where we have come.
On the way home yesterday, I remarked to Bev that I truly am a wealthy man. When I embrace my heritage and the stories that helped shape me, a true sense of prosperity emerges. It is not a wealth that can be measured in an amount of money, it transcends money and possesions. The greatest enjoyment from wealth occurs when it is shared. In the coming days/weeks, I will share some of my wealth from the weekend.
We ate together, a lot of really good food. We drank lots of coffee. We enjoyed the warm sunshine together, marvelling at the beauty of nature. But most of all we talked a lot. We both told and heard stories, stories of my parents romance more than 60 years ago, stories of childhood memories. We talked about dreams, life, and love. We sang hymns together. Before our Sunday morning brunch we joined in praise by singing the Doxology. Something about the weekend touched our hearts deeply and the words of the song were sung with passion and gusto. There was a lot of laughter, there were tears that flowed as we spoke of heart issues.
In many ways the weekend was a celebration of our heritage, a celebration about from where we have come.
On the way home yesterday, I remarked to Bev that I truly am a wealthy man. When I embrace my heritage and the stories that helped shape me, a true sense of prosperity emerges. It is not a wealth that can be measured in an amount of money, it transcends money and possesions. The greatest enjoyment from wealth occurs when it is shared. In the coming days/weeks, I will share some of my wealth from the weekend.
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