If All was Irrelevant

I read on a blog, and I have seen the idea before, that religion is tearing this world apart. The article questioned the freedom Christianity gives.

Some argue that having faith or religious beliefs is a crutch of the mind, or even chains on the mind. I have been asked to wake up and see the world for what it is, and understand that faith keeps us from enjoying life. Some argue that we chain ourselves down with faith to feel more comfortable with our narrow mindedness or prejudices. I have heard it said that religion simply comforts those that can't deal with reality.

So what is freedom? The Bible tells us

Joh 8:32 MKJV
(32) And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Isn't that what everyone is searching for? Truth?

So, in a purely world view, are Christians better off in this world in their faith? I was driving home last night thinking about life. What if you knew there was no afterlife? Would this make life on earth personally more satisfying? Does it make you more free? Let me illustrate my view.

If there is no afterlife, I am suddenly free to do as I please without eternal consequence. No set of morals are true anymore. But then think about the constraints of this world. We are forced to go to school. We are forced to work for food and shelter. We are forced to follow the rules. If we don't follow these guidelines, there would be immediate consequences, no food, no home, maybe even prison. And for what? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Suddenly I feel suffocated. Life is simply to die. To be good means nothing, to be bad means nothing. Sounds hopeless. Life without morals, and without hope, but the ability to understand both, would lead to suicide for most.

What would be the purpose of helping someone, going out your way? It means nothing. Someone might say, "it's just nice," but who is to say what's nice? Where did you get that idea? Are you born with it? Were you taught it?

If the world suddenly knew there was no afterlife, in just a few generations, we would be reduced to snarling animals simply fulfilling desires. If many believe in an afterlife, and we still have the corruption we have today, what would change if no one believed in an afterlife? Corruption, greed, crime, selfishness would abound. (for the sake of arguing, let's say religion spawns morals.) See, life without morals is a destructive path. Even life with contradicting morals only gets you so far. Not everyone will have the same set of morals. That's our problem today. What's good for the goose won't be good for the gander.

Why? Because I believe it is only our thoughts of morality and goodness, which are bred from faith, that keep people in check. But if our faith is not in the same things, we will have strife.

This is a very worldly view of faith and it's affect and benefit on the world.

SPAM (Scripture's Powerful Ageless Messages): A Servant Seeking Redemtion

SPAM LIGHTING THE WAY: A SERVANT SEEKING REDEMPTION

In perhaps the most personal look into Paul's life, the epistle of Philemon reveals a very real scenario in which Paul intercedes for a converted servant.

The servant, Onesimus, had somehow wronged his master, Philemon. Onesimus found Paul in prison in Rome. Paul led him to Christ and redemption, and to mend all ends, decides to send Onesimus back to Philemon to once again serve him. This epistle, though very short in nature, exemplifies numerous traits in which we should approach one another, especially in times where wrongs may have been done.

First, Paul approaches Philemon, a fellow "labourer" or believer in Christ, with thanks and praise for the work he has done for Jesus.

Phm 1:4-5 MKJV
(4) I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
(5) hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

Paul then clarified that he does not approach Philemon in a spirit of right vs wrong but through love for Onesimus.

Phm 1:8-9 MKJV
(8) Therefore, having much boldness in Christ to enjoin you to do the fitting thing;
(9) rather through love I entreat, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

Paul then describes leading Onesimus to Jesus, enjoying receiving ministry from him. But knows he must send Onesimus back, but not as a servant but as a brother in Christ.

Phm 1:14-16 MKJV
(14) But without your consent I was willing to do nothing, that your good should not be of necessity, but willingly.
(15) For perhaps because of this he was separated from you for an hour, that you should receive him eternally,
(16) not now as a slave, but beyond a slave, a beloved brother, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord.

Paul offers to pay for any wrongs the delinquent servant may have caused. The receiving of Onesimus will refresh Paul's heart in the Lord. And Paul then wrote,

Phm 1:21 MKJV
(21) Trusting to your obedience, I wrote to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

Philemon is reminded that Paul, through Philemon's prayers, hopes to return and stay with him. Paul then wishes God's grace him.

This scripture exemplifies to us the very deliberate and thoughtful ways we should approach each other. Not every situation requires a "You need to do the right thing" declaration, but an approach filled with love and personal appeals. I was also reminded of how Jesus sits at the right hand of God and intercedes for us. I have to imagine Paul's interceding shares many qualities with that of Jesus.

Rom 8:34 MKJV
(34) Who is he condemning? It is Christ who has died, but rather also who is raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.

Never forget to praise God for those believers around you, and just as important, let us tell those we are praying for them. Approach our brothers and sisters with love and guidance from God.

In Christ Jesus,

God Knows

Sometimes I get caught up in the here and now, trying to do things for God. I have to sit often and realize I am simply a vessel. He will guide me, He will show me. I never need to worry as long as He is at the helm. This link reflects often of my own train of thought.


http://gracethroughjesus.blogspot.com/2004/09/i-do-not-know.html

Internet Evagelism Day?

Wow, check out this article about a day dedicated to internet evangelism.

http://wolves.typepad.com/godblog/2004/09/internet_evange.html

I am obviously excited as I see my site a small light shining on the internet.

What's the Problem

So I keep reading about religious ideals being removed from government facilities. I'm not interested in a discussion about separation of church and state. But, is there a growing distaste for Christians?

Is the movement to take commandments out of state buildings and removing crosses from city seals and attack on Christianity? I hear of a city allowing the Islamic call to prayer play over public loudspeakers, but yet "one nation under God" is under attack. Should Christians be concerned? Is this a simply question of the constitution or a general dislike for Christianity?

Christians might claim this is a subtle attack completely devised by satan. Some might say we have always been under attack in such manners. Well I have another viewpoint.

I think the Christian sect is filled with hypocrites and pretenders. I think some of the secular world's problem with us is caused by us. How about the group in Kansas that preaches "God hates fags" or the folks that bomb abortion clinics in the name of God.

The gospel (Greek for good news) is just that, good news. Some Christians try very hard to convey the idea that we are no different from other people, just forgiven. That's it. We simply hold to the idea that Jesus was God incarnate on earth and died to pay the final sacrifice for mankind. Now, we simply believe in Him as our Lord, and we shall be saved. That's it.

But no, there have to be those that preach you HAVE to act a certain way, and HAVE to do certain things. Guess what? Read Galatians. Paul had a lot to say about this idea. We are saved by grace and should walk by grace.

Mat 7:3 And why do you look on the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye?

So why do Christians feel like they can promote Christianity by preaching for others to be good? Especially when we can't be good ourselves. I believe this attitude damages the spread of Christianity.

We should present a gospel of love. We are no different than anyone. We are all sinners and all need the saving grace of Jesus.

Please embrace the grace given to you by Jesus. Spread that grace to others.

Rom 3:23-24
(23) for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,
(24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;

In Christ

Where OH Where?

It's funny how easily I can get distracted from studying God's word.

I usually study during lunch. I like to sit in my car at a local park and study. I'll have 4 different versions of the bible and really get in depth. I even bought this pen from the Christian book store. This pen is one of those multi function gadgets. It has a red, blue, and black pen, red highlighter, stylus, and pencil. I use it to color code my bible such as red for God's warnings, blue for his promises, etc.

An author that I like, Terry Brooks, just came out with a new book. I have been waiting for it to hit the shelves and promptly picked it up. I told myself I should only read it at night, saving lunch for studying. Well, at about the same time, I lost my pen. Man, I have to find it. . So now I am reading his book at lunch and haven't cracked the bible except for church.

I am temporarily distracted. Sometimes my dogmatic side comes out. I have ignored the study time because I can't find the pen to highlight wisdom I might come across. You get the joke? In order not to miss highlighting the good passages, I quit reading the passage until said pen is found. Is that not ironic.

Well, I bought another pen in the interim. However, I am over halfway through the book so have decided to finish it and get it out of the way.

Oh where, oh where has my little pen gone?

Woke up this morning at 5am to Audrey's crying. I walked into her room and stepped on wet carpet. I figured one of the cats or dogs urinated on the floor. I picked my girl up and her hair was all wet. I turned on the light and she had vomit all over her. We cleaned her up and after vomiting twice more, she finally went back to sleep. What a morning.