What is truth? Who is God? What is the meaning of life? On this blog we explore the interactions between Christianity and topics like culture, politics and philosophy. The word says we must love God and love others. Jesus Christ is God come to us; He is alive. God will call all of us to give an explanation of how we lived. Trust in Jesus and receive forgiveness; a new life. Stand for the truth. Glorify Christ in how you live. A new world awaits.
"Has anyone provided a proof of God’s inexistence? Not even close.
Has quantum cosmology explained the emergence of the universe or why it is here? Not even close.
Have the sciences explained why our universe seems to be fine-tuned to allow for the existence of life? Not even close.
Are physicists and biologists willing to believe in anything so long as it is not religious thought? Close enough.
Has rationalism in moral thought provided us with an understanding of what is good, what is right, and what is moral? Not close enough.
Has secularism in the terrible twentieth century been a force for good? Not even close to being close.
Is there a narrow and oppressive orthodoxy of thought and opinion within the sciences? Close enough.
Does anything in the sciences or in their philosophy justify the claim that religious belief is irrational? Not even ballpark.
Is scientific atheism a frivolous exercise in intellectual contempt? Dead on."
-David Burlinski, The Devil's Delusion: Atheism and Its Scientific Pretensions
I thought I'd start with a rather engaging quote by David Burlinski, which I borrowed from Ravi Zacharias, he's used this reference once or twice to illustrate his points. It's quite thought provoking and describes something that you kind of know is there, but it's hard to put a finger on... that is, the pretensions of the scientific community, and the actual situation being not in line with reality.
It's a feeling I love, when someone scratches a spot I know is there, but I couldn't seem to find it before. Just like when I read G.K. Chesterton and he talks about the quiet oppressiveness of materialism.
I spent Friday and Saturday with my mother, which was absolutely wonderful. In the wake of the divorce of my parents, there was so much destruction. And I guess through all of it, 12 years plus, we really were divided. My mother and I used to be very close when I was a kid. So it's been hard. On both of us. But watching her first born slowly kill himself with drugs was probably especially difficult.. for someone so sensitive. My mom is a nurse, a care-giver.
But it was nice to spend some time with her. So thank you Jesus, for giving us time together. I spend a lot of time somewhat separated, whether at work, at home, on the internet, at church, or at support groups. I feel a part of, yet different. It's hard to trust these days. The only one I trust is Jesus. No one else was there for me at rock bottom but Jesus. Everyone else had left. But Jesus was there to help me up.
Anyway, when my mom and I hung out among other things we went to see Noah. And I loved it! (Gasp, blasphemy.) I know. I'm not even gonna cut it down on my blog. It wasn't particularly biblical perfection. But like Lord of the Rings, it had biblical themes running through it. Second chances, judgment, faith, trust, and the theme of sin was quite powerful in it.
So, instead of blasting the movie, condemning it, and pushing it away... I enjoyed it for what it is. And that way I can then engage culture, and pray for those who are seeing it, that their interest would be sparked, that they'd be saved eventually by Jesus. That's just my approach, my concern isn't to self righteously blast anything, but to become all things to all people, just like Paul, and to see as many saved as possible.
The picture at the top of this post is just awesome. I love how it simply breaks down the tenants of the Christian faith so plainly. The builder of it does a lot of such pictures, definitely be sure to like their page on Facebook: Christian Digital Artwork. I'm feeling quite encouraged actually. The atmosphere is changing bit by bit. Of course Christians fight it every step of the way, which is so incredibly frustrating. I'm so tired of Christians being so negative. Just rudely trashing the Noah movie, rudely trashing this speaker or that pastor, this church or that church.. arguing over predestination, arguing over "seeker-friendly" services, arguing over evangelism, and on and on and on. Divisions! Divisions! Too many divisions, we cannot reclaim the west if we divide, divide, divide, over small issues. And any moron ought to know that. Never-the-less people are standing up, and putting things together. Just like the Christian digital artwork page. Things are happening in the national media that are just wonderful. Three movies now very recently in theatres across the entire nation! Do you understand how wonderful that is? That's millions of people we tend to never interact with in our local churches being engaged. For the part of "Noah", their artistic curiosity is powerfully engaged. For the part of the movie "God's not Dead" their intellectual questions, interest, and skepticism are being engaged on the national level! Wow, Praise to God! And with the movie "Son of God", it's just straight up sharing the gospel. God is being very gracious with these three developments, and I can't say how pleased I am. Are there problems with all three, minor issues, even with Noah some larger issues? Yep. But I don't care. Because the gains far outweigh any costs. And I have to think about how I'm representing Christ with my reaction. If I'm getting all bent out of shape, crabby, complaining, and rudely mocking these things.. I'm not being a good picture of Christ. I'm showing people that they were right about Christianity being a closed-off, judgmental, hypocrite den of fools, backwards, and behind the times. We don't have to compromise our theology by discussing these movies in a friendly way. "Oh yeah I saw that Noah movie, it was fun and engaging, but let me tell you about how it really happened in the Bible. This, this, and this were great from the movie! But this, this and that actually happened this way. But isn't it great to see elements of what it might've really been like?" See how we can be polite and courteous, and while engaging their interest in the movie, and applauding certain parts of the movie, we can then lovingly share the truth? Again and again I read these blog posts from others, and I'm thinking my goodness, is the purpose to share Christ and be a good Christian, or to self righteously condemn everything around us, put our opinions out there no matter what and drive ourselves into monk monasteries? Alright, rant over. The point is, God is working in the United States. When you see three movies in rapid succession on the national level, being seen at theatres everywhere, well wow. That's really something. Millions of people who would never, ever think to walk into a church, but when we meet them where their interest is, like television, movies, movie theatres, and the internet (we're really a media addicted culture at this point) then we're meeting them on their terms. Just like Paul did on Mars Hill, when he engaged the cultural religious beliefs of the Greeks and found a place to interject the truth of Jesus Christ. And some heard him and believed as a result. The debate between Ken Ham and Bill Nye recently is also encouraging, see we're claiming the front stage for a renewed interest in Christianity. We're reaching far beyond the borders of our church walls to relevant levels of interaction. It's the same with the Veritas forum visiting major colleges across the country with the message of Jesus Christ. It's the same with Christian apologists debating the new atheists on campuses around the country as well. On the international level, it's RZIM, Razi Zacharias and his crew of apologists taking the message across the world. And it's missionary organizations sending to countries in the troubled 10/40 window, countries like India, Pakistan, China, Iran, and Syria. So I'm greatly encouraged, and also willing to exhort and admonish American Christians to abandon their fundamentalist condemning attitudes and embrace a more culturally engaging, yet still doctrinally sound view on sharing the truth of Jesus Christ. This is wonderful, keep praying for non-believers and the renewal of the church body. Keep working hard at your evangelism efforts whether it be at home, in the streets, on the internet or at the pulpit. We're starting to move in the right direction, but it will take long and hard sustained work, by a very dedicated few. That's us. Most Christians will not be on board with that kind of work. But we are. Keep sharing Bible verses on social media, keep talking to friends, keep inviting, even when turned down, or yelled at, or mocked, keep going friends. The riches of eternal life await us all. I can see the ball beginning to roll, for another great awakening for Jesus. Keep it up, God be with you. Amen.
Loving
God for the sake of His holiness is a perfect form of love. Loving God
for who he is, because he is worthy. And in practice this makes
perfect sense to me, because I have always longed for justice in
politics, and even my heroes in politics are flawed. My heart aches for
true justice in world poverty, in the abused under classes, the minimum
wagers. My heart aches when I see a prideful but
just leader, because they have succeeded in one area but failed in
another. But when I look to the life of Jesus I adore, because of his
perfect holiness, humbly serving, and despite all the lies about
Christianity and Jesus, none can take away from me what the Bible
actually says, and when it's objectively inspected, there is no sin in
the life of Jesus, perfection. Unheard of, truly. At that moment I am
adoring God for the sake of his holiness. That is worship. I can also
love God for the sake of his love. But that's another direction
entirely.
There are three areas that God provides for us, as his children. He comes to us as the loving parent, the Father. The Father who throws a party when we stumble into his arms. The Father who keeps us safe, who shields us and protects us. The Father we take refuge in. The Father who raises his anger at those who hurt us. The Father is the sovereign role, the sun to my earth as it were. I revolve around the Father, his sovereignty, his desires for me. He is the ruler. He is the God, I am the servant. Another role is that of the comforter. God comes to us as the friend, the encourager. He comes as the changing spirit within us. He comes as the face to face companion in day to day life. He speaks through us in very personal ways. He hears our prayers even when we whisper them, or say them in our heads. God the sovereign sun in my sky, yet he is also the light in my heart. He is also the presence next to me, encouraging me, comforting me, loving me, and filling me with all joy.
Then there is the wonderful role of God, the Savior. He comes as my hero, as my king, as my wonderful redeemer. He is the source of all my inspiration. His life is the perfect example for me to follow. He makes a way for me, when there was no way at all. He removes my sin, on the cross. He saves all humanity, all across time itself. Jesus Christ is the completion. He is the finished work. He comes as the suffering servant, providing the example, but much more, he provides the removal of my sins. There is no role like this, in any other religion, nothing touches the life, death, resurrection, and heavenly ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus washes away my sins on the cross, and gifts to me a coat of perfect righteousness. Without Jesus, there is no Father in my life, and there is no changing Spirit. Together these roles of God make up the Christian understanding of the trinity, which I hesitantly accept. Very simply, it's like this, there is one God and he has three hats, sometimes he has his Father hat on, then sometimes his Spirit hat on, and sometimes his Savior hat on. That's as simple as I can put it, one God, three hats. (I heard that from Tim Keller, I know, I'm just borrowing the analogy.) I was praying the other night, you know, just my nightly prayer before bed.. and something happened. I'm not sure exactly what. But I felt a powerful presence in the room with me, and the most vague outline. I don't know exactly what happened, but it was like my Lord was in the room with me. And.. you know I thought about it. That's what I believe, whenever I pray, anywhere, God is hearing, God is near, God is listening intently. The powerful presence though, wow. I trembled at it.. Becoming a Christian has been the most wonderful and trans-formative journey I've ever been on. It's also been the hardest thing I've ever done. But a strength comes that just wasn't there before. I'm doubly challenged, yet I can also feel the strength given from God to complete every task. He is that kind of provider. His only requirement is that I dedicate myself entirely to him. I feel special. Often challenged. Sometimes lucky, other times blessed. Sometimes I'm angry, other times.. tired. Being human is odd like that. We have victory, yet paradoxically the evil seems to grow. The church grows as well in the world, stride for stride, matching move for move against the kingdom of Satan. It's mysterious. I wonder, when will it finally end? When will we finally have the renewal of the natural world, and the renewal of our physical bodies?
I often struggle to understand the mysterious words of the book of Revelation. It really ought to be known. The issue comes for me in Revelation chapter 20. I don't understand the timeline, the progression of events. I don't trust interpretations I've read, so I'm waiting until I have the chance in my studies to go through Revelation extremely carefully to best understand things after death. That's the focus, after death, and the idea of the 1st death, and the 2nd death. The city of New Jerusalem, with walls and gates, and some sort of darkness outside the gates... so incredibly mysterious. We tend to get it wrong as humans. When Jesus came two thousand years ago the Jews thought the coming messiah would restore Israel, and bring the kingdom by military conquest. These people, the religious leaders of that day would routinely memorize the entire Old Testament. And they got it that wrong. I don't trust the evangelical books and established ideas too well, unless I've also put my hand in and actually read the scriptures. I watch diligently now as well for anything the modern church is doing that is not biblical, but culturally based. The oppression comes when old non-biblical traditions are forced onto people as law. There is so much failure, mis-allocation of funds, corruption, greedy mega-churches, division, condemnation, foolish decisions, selfishness.. I feel like I always have to be on guard. The situation today, reminds me of the situation in the movie the Lord of the Rings, the fellowship of the Ring. The kingdoms of men are divided and leaderless. There is corruption everywhere. Everyone is kind of half asleep at the wheel. The church can't seem to hold the evil at bay anymore.
Compare Gondor to America, kind of past it's prime, spread too thin, becoming corrupt, poor leadership, and it's armies of Christians can't hold the evil orc hoards at bay much longer. If Rohan is Europe, they're kind of scattered about, unprepared, way past it's prime of living Christianity. Their leadership is corrupted and ineffective. Compare Isengard to the Vatican, extremely corrupt, about to join the enemy.. it's just a ripe situation for evil to prosper and grow exponentially. I guess that's just how it is. Christianity since it's very beginning has been rejected and hated. It's always been on the very edge of destruction. Whether after the crucifixion of Jesus. Or later during the Roman persecution of the church in the 1st and 2nd century. At the time of the fall of Rome to the barbarian tribes. And again, when the Muslims invaded Europe. Yet again as the Catholic church became corrupt, all the way up to the reformation and the divide of the universal church. It's just been one desperate situation after another. But God always shines through. Jesus always makes a way. Just like Gandalf, riding about between Rohan and Gondor, here and there gathering up the strength of humanity to face evil. In the same way we're always facing destruction, desperate odds as Christians. Always a new evil overruns, splashes across the gates in flood fashion. Yet we can always rely on our wonderful risen Savior Jesus Christ. He is the returning King. Jesus is always there to gather the church into unity, at the last moment, to face down endless millions, hoards of darkness, with just a few hundred brave Christians, just a few obedient servants. He is our light and our salvation. No matter how dark and twisted the evil on Earth becomes, in Jesus our victory is complete. Our work of obedience to him in these dark days, unconditionally, is what brings glory on us, and more so, on him.
Psalm 91:1-16 ESV He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day
A great man lives by faith in the Son of God.
I am most certain that what separates average men from great men is the level of willingness a man has to deny himself.
Again and again it has seemed to me, that I must deny myself the things that I want, and force feed myself the things I need.
Another key characteristic will be a man's willingness to adapt to the form of true servitude.
This is as awkward a position as I can possibly imagine for myself. I am at my core utterly interested in myself as a standard position, and usually that position is coupled with the false view that I'm a selfless altruistic humanitarian, which is a lie.
If I am to be at all honest with myself, first I must be honest with God in prayer.
There is no magic to this, but it is certainly supernatural much of the time. God is one who provides the willingness, the ability, the transformation itself. He adjusts me, and without him I would be doomed to flounder in egoism, repetitive failure, and regretful despair.
God has set me up from a broken addicted position, to a sitting position, but in this position I am still offered the choice. In the past the choice had become a necessity, an addiction. I had no choice. By faith in God, and adherence to the foot work he would have me do, I now have a choice. But I can still choose to do wrong. I still have that option.
My choice today, and this is vital, my choice is to be a powerhouse Christian of incredible faith. I choose it. It's a direction in my mind and I have an incredible knowing that I'm always headed towards it.
Too many Christians are living defeated, crippled. They choose defeat over their problems. They are crippled by the evil around them. Their hearts are dead, ashes.
So simply, my brothers and sisters, choose to be a great Christian. Choose greatness. Choose to be a powerhouse Christian of incredible. Choose it. Get on a mission for it. Seek it out in all areas of your life.. patiently. Cleverly. Reach for it. Reach for God. He reaches back. He'll meet you. He'll guide you along the way. He'll be there every step of the way saying, "Fear not, for I am with you."
Simply, so simply.. choose to be great. Choose greatness. And believe, patiently, through sustained belief and being on a mission for it, a long term journey, full of failures and victories, that you're always going closer. Adopt that mindset. And you will have it. As Jesus said, tell that mountain to move over there, believe in your mind you've received it, and it will be yours.
Proverbs 2:1-12 (ESV) My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, 2 making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; 3 yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; 7 he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, 8 guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; 11 discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, 12 delivering you from the way of evil.
Ravi Zacharias is one of my favorite speakers of all time. The philosophy of Christianity, apologetics, the defense of Christianity, Ravi Zacharias interacts with the thoughts of the culture surrounding Christianity, which is moving rapidly away from faith. Enjoy this entertaining and thought-provoking speaker. One day I prayed for God to help me intellectually understand my faith. A few weeks later I was watching live stream from the Liberty University convocation, and something glitched. I was browsing through their prerecorded videos and found a presentation by Ravi Zacharias at a previous convocation. Ever since then I've been extremely interested in Christian apologetics and Christian philosophy in relation to popular atheist claims and post-modern ideas of life. 1. Is Tolerance intolerant?
