The You Might Believe – “The Word Became Flesh”

   Today our study covers John 1:14-18
   It is truly a marvelous thought that “.. the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” God (the Son) came to this earth, lived and died according to the plan and design of God to save mankind. His very life shows us how grace and truth find balance and application in life as opposed to a life based on law and works.
   The point which John writes to prove is that this is THE ONE mankind has long been waiting for… the Son of God! True there are other things he could have written about… but this subject is the supreme need of man. Jesus is the embodiment of “Reason” and “Creating power”, our salvation… Jesus is truly amazing, and as John records in Revelation 4:12-14 “WORTHY IS THE LAMB”.
   Let’s notice some other things…
   Jesus is the embodiment of grace and truth. (In other words… He, what He says, and does… His example, His deeds are both grace and truth in action. Jesus didn’t just talk… HE LIVED. Grace (unmerited favor) in action in how he deals with people in their sin, in their hurt and pain. Today we understand the meaning of grace, and yet we seem to come up short in how to apply grace. Our focus on truth is not wrong. We need truth… but our lack in understanding and having the balance of grace has hurt us. Jesus, John says, is “full of grace and truth”.
   Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” The way is clear, and there is only one way… it is Jesus.
We have a hard time understanding and putting our arms around GOD… but Jesus is the ‘door’ to the Father, and we can wrap our arms around Jesus, because He was one of us. Finally mankind can find the peace that passes all understanding, the forgiveness of not just a few minor sins, but all sins… all because of this ONE man… Jesus.
   Following the idea of “truth”… Jesus was the divine ‘Communicator’ of truth. John 8:31-32, “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of mine, and you shall know the truth, and the truth SHALL MAKE YOU FREE.” Free from what? Free from the power, the principle and the punishment of sin (Romans 8). “…Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice” (John 18:37b). The Spirit of truth also is with us today, (John 14:17)… this is not to say we receive revelations… because we have the Word of God, but this same Spirit is the One Jesus referred to in John 3:3-5 and 7:37-39, as being the One who takes part in our own new birth (more on that when we study John 3 and 7). 
   Truth can be resented and resisted…(John 8:40; Acts 7:51-55). It can be rejected and disbelieved (John 8:45). Yet it’s power, when seen in the only begotten Son of God… cannot be disputed (Philippians 2:5-11), the Suffering Servant prophesied by Isaiah 53.

  Next: Jesus! The Inexaustible, Revealing, Lamb of God!

Share Button

Homosexuality – A Choice Or ‘Born That Way’

 

This has become more of a problem as “political correctness” and public support is pushed by Hollywood and others try and get this along with other ‘life-styles’ accepted as a normal thing.
The Christian however, ‘marches to a different Drummer’ and there can be no compromise on this (Romans 12:2). This article is more in the form of an outline, and thus not much is expanded on. However, the attitude with which this article (and others which follow in the future), is presented, is purely from a desire to help…. and while Bible believers have to take a stand for truth, it must always be presented with the attitude of love and concern for people.
This article is the result of a request from a teenager asking for help in answering a question which a  friend asked him. She had a teenage friend who is struggling with homosexuality and didn’t know how to help him.
Here was my reply:

1. This will be a struggle with your friend until it is conquered. It is truly a serious question, that deserves serious study of the Word of God, and prayer, and especially, a desire to do what is right. Even so it will not be easy for your friend.

2. The Bible, (our only authority) does not teach that people are born homosexuals, lesbians any more than someone who has sex with animals. We are born male or female, and we are born with a ‘sex-drive.’ There are some while growing up, going through puberty, who may be curious about homosexual activity even before they know the word ‘homosexual.’ Perhaps they may hear about it or see it on television or read about it. Perhaps it is even condoned and taught as a just another “life style” in school sex education or some other class. However, one needs to understand that Homosexuality is a matter of choice, not  the way one is born.

3. What makes Homosexuality wrong…
a.) The way we are made physically. This should be obvious (male/female)
(Genesis 1:27).
b.) God’s Word says so…
i.) Genesis 18:20-25
ii.) Leviticus 18:22-28
iii.) Romans 1:18-32
iv.) I Corinthians 6:15-20

4. What to do:
a.) This friend is going to need REAL FRIENDS through this. Let him know he has REAL FRIENDS WHO CARE. Christian agape love which loves a person in-spite of and not because of merit. This love is not physical or fleshly, and is even above the friendship or familial type love… It is the love God loves us with, (I Corinthians 13; Galatians 6:1-5). In no way should your friend convey the idea that homosexuality is condoned, while trying to help. Homosexuality is never right and needs to STOP because it is wrong and unnatural, (ie against the reason God made male and female).
b.) This person will be struggling with what political, and social leaders on tv are saying. They are trying to pass laws, and get everyone to believe this is something natural…. But it is not. So it is a question of which AUTHORITY  he will accept, God’s Word or Social leaders and politicians and Hollywood movies.
c.) He needs to know that God is NOT AGAINST HIM, anymore than someone who murders or commits adultery. God definitely LOVES HIM. Proof? Jesus died on the cross for him. God is AGAINST SIN. People who sin, are going to hurt themselves and others, God doesn’t want that… He wants all people to turn from SIN and come to Him, because he knows what is best. Someone told me, “All Satan’s apples, got worms in them.” The ‘fruit’ looks inviting, but reality is found inside. Consequences always come with sin.
d.) He is going to have to make a choice… this is where friendship comes in strong. Good friends will work with him and support him through this. He definitely needs a Christian counselor or support group of fellow-strugglers, who are dealing with the same thing. This is perhaps where the most help will come from. Support groups are good and needed as well.
e.) If he chooses to fight this, then he will have to avoid everything which suggests it, or makes it look inviting. Sin begins in the heart and mind. Thus the solution begins in the heart and mind…where you start thinking differently, (Philippians 4:8-9). Change the thinking…. And you change the actions, every time. The body is under the control of the mind, not the other way around (2 Corinthians 10:5).
f.) Finally he must know, must be told, that although your friendship is true, and you will help him change and get to Christ, you will in no way condone Homosexuality.
g.) (I have amended my thoughts here.) In the end, if he refuses to change, then you have the choice on whether or not, to avoid this person, for the sake of your reputation. If you do, be sure it is conveyed in a Christian manner. You may speak with him, and say, “We can be friends, but in no way do I support your decision to be homosexual, nor will I be spending time with you in situations which can be construed in a bad way.” Here you must be firm, but kind.
Being a Christian means taking a stand on things like this. It may cost a friendship, but you don’t have to be unChristian in your attitude in making your stand for what you believe.
Remember, people judge you by your friends (every time). Thus the Christian must be careful.

5. This is not easy by any means, but you are growing in Christ fast, and I appreciate your asking me to help.  These principles may help in other situations as well. Read the passages, study and mark them for easy reference.
 

Share Button

Winning Over Bitterness

This article is part 4 of 6 in the series Winning Over Bitterness

        “Let The Healing Begin”
   This is the last in this series, but, it can be the BEGINNING of healing for you. Bitterness has caused many of our problems, because we have carried burdens of resentment and hurt too long. Now it’s time to begin to heal, to drop pieces of the load, until all are placed in God’s hands. It is time to begin to release the stagnant past, instead of using it against someone over and over again…  and move on. 
   The story of Joseph is found in Genesis 30-50. Joseph was the favored child of Jacob, (Genesis 37:3-11), thrown in a pit by his jealous brothers, sold into Egyptian slavery (Genesis 37: 15-28). He eventually came into favor with Pharaoh and was second in command. His brothers came for food, but didn’t recognize him, but he recognizes them. His options….. put them to death, enslave them, take all they had, have his vengeance. He had the authority he needed to do what he wanted. Instead, he tests them. (Those who break trust might need to be tested, just as Joseph tested his brothers to see if their intentions were good, Genesis chapters 42-44). Yet eventually, when the testing is done, Joseph forgives them. “Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it”(Genesis 45:1-2).
   Genesis 45:3-8, “Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.  For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt.”
   Later, when Jacob was dying, he sent a message to Joseph “I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” “When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them”(Genesis 50:15-20).
   Forgiveness brings freedom, and healing to the heart and soul.  The ‘wound’ is healing. Eventually it becomes a scar to remind you of God’s grace and forgiveness, both kept, and shared.
   You can indeed win over bitterness, grow old and be a “sweet  person” in the Lord. Give yourself a chance to live by forgiving, and in time, healing. 
   The things which Joseph went through between the ages of 17 and 30 surely had it’s toll on him. There must have been times of great sadness, and dispair, tears and rage. Yet through it all, Joseph seems to have held to his trust in God. Although not understanding everything that was happening, not the plan which God had in mind, he still held on to his faith. Prayer surely was a part of his process of healing, as well, as the fruition of the plan of God.
   His song well may have been, “Now I know, O God, I know… Time has come and gone, but now I know.” The one thing which Christians must keep in mind, while trying to recover, and heal… we are not alone in the struggle of life. He cares, He really does. Spend much time with God in prayer over these things, take captive every thought for Christ so as to not dwell on the past, spend time in studying his word… and be ‘accountable’ to a Christian who’s faith is unquestioned, to keep you on track. 
   God bless you, and give your heart the healing it deserves. 

Share Button

Storms And Wildfires

           
    “When wood reaches 572º, it gives off a gas which reacts with oxygen to make a flame. The flame will heat the remaining wood, making the fire grow stronger. This will happen even on cold days. The temperature at which something ignites is called its flash point… There are different causes for ‘wild fires’ of course. Sometimes it is because of storms and lightning may strike, causing a fire to begin. Sometimes (unfortunately), the cause is human, whether by accident, or on purpose. The death and destruction which follows is awful, and recovery is slow for those who lose everything. Of course some fires are started and controlled into order to minimize the danger of these wild fires. 
   When looking at Thomas M. Bonnicksen’s article dated September 25. 2004, entitled, “What storms teach about wildfires”, it started me thinking about what we could learn about ‘storms’ and ‘wildfires’ in the home. 
   Sometimes families experience ‘storms’ and ‘wildfires’, which are very destructive. Everyone in the end suffers, because no one seems to know how to ‘prepare for’ or ‘avoid’ the ‘storms’, and even fewer know how to ‘put out the fires’. Mom used to tell us, “Come in the house, there’s a storm coming!” “Don’t play with fire… you may get burned!” Kids learn to avoid things like this, but unfortunately, we learn by experience. Why do we insist on ‘touching’ it anyway?!  
   Some points about dealing with family ‘storms’ and ‘wild fires’.  1.) Learn to forgive each other. You aren’t perfect and neither is your spouse. 2.) Learn to say, “I love you just the way you are”.  Acceptance – is a key to a happy home.  3.) Learn to set and keep ‘boundaries’ to protect your family. It is YOUR home, and ex’s, in-laws, should not be allowed to interfere, and “third parties” should NEVER be allowed anywhere close to your relationship. Solomon says, “Drink water from your own cistern, running water from your own well” (Proverbs 5:13). Affairs are out of bounds! Wise up, unless you love getting ‘burned’. 4.) When ‘storms’ (problems) come… draw close to each other. Support and protect each other. 5.) Deal with things before they get out of control. My uncle wanted to do some burning on his property behind ours. All went well until the fire got out of control. Before long we were all out trying to put the fire out. Then the fire department came! Advice: Don’t start what you can’t finish, (or put out).
   Flash-points’ are different with each person. All it takes is a word, or a certain look, or maybe even a memory. The ‘fire’ flares up and the fight is on. Some ‘fights’ JUST AIN’T WORTH IT.  6. Learn that the past is the past, and cannot be changed. Why spend time ‘digging it up’ again. 7. Learn to speak gently, Solomon says “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool GUSHES folly. The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Proverbs 15:1-3). 
   ‘Fires’ are best ‘put out’ with ‘water’ not ‘gasoline’.

Share Button

What On Earth Am I Here For?

   I am now 63 years old. I have been a minister, a ‘burger flipper’, a janitor, ‘Q-Tip’ maker, an air craft repairman, an insurance salesman, and now a writer.  These and other things people do are good, but don’t go far enough. There is more to life than ‘doing’. 
   I am a husband, a father, a grandfather, a son, a friend. These are more important than things I do, for they speak of relationships and love. Still, there is more to life than relationships with friends and loved ones. Even these don’t go far enough. 
   I am a Christian, an (imperfect but grateful) possession of Jesus. This gets to the heart of our question, “What on earth am I here for?” Because it deals with my purpose.
   As a Christian, I believe that God is Creator, and that “in the beginning GOD actually did what the Bible says He did. Mankind was made in His image, far different from monkeys.  I believe there was a ‘big bang’ but this was when God ‘spoke’ and things ‘happened’ (Genesis 1 and 2). Faith and trust in God gives me reason and purpose for living. To take away God, is the same as taking away the stars from the sky, which are used by ships to find their way.  
   As a Christian, my life is not based on ‘doing’ or ‘having’ or ‘relating to others’, it is based on my relating to God through Jesus Christ, and in Him, all these other things find their meaning and proper place. In Him I find my genuine reason for being here.   
   The older I get, the more clearly I see that without Jesus, all I have is unanswered questions. Solomon, ‘did it all’ and ‘had it all’. He went after  ”pleasure”, but this proved to be meaningless.  “Laughter,” he said, “is madness.” He tried cheering himself with wine, (sound familiar?) He wanted to see what was good for people to do … during the few days of their lives. He undertook great projects: built great houses, planted vineyards, gardens and parks, with all kinds of fruit trees… He made reservoirs to water groves of trees. He had male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born into his house. He owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem. He amassed silver and gold and treasures of kings and provinces. He had male and female singers, and a harem as well—all the delights of a man’s heart. He became greater than anyone in Jerusalem who had ever live. He denied himself nothing … He refused his heart no pleasure. His heart took delight in all his labor, and this was the reward for all his work. Yet when he surveyed all that his hands had done and what he had worked to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun.  (Ecclesiastes 2:1-11).
   The question, “What on earth am I here for?” is not answered in how many things one has, nor by friends or family, as vital as they are. The real meaning of life, and the beginning of wisdom is found in these simple words, “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

Share Button

Winning Over Bitterness

This article is part 4 of 6 in the series Winning Over Bitterness

                    “Understanding Forgiveness
   We have mentioned two things about forgiveness that are essential in understanding this whole process of dealing with Bitterness. We MUST understand how important it is to forgive, so we can begin to heal. We also MUST realize it is not easy, and takes time for healing. (If you are the one who caused the problem, you have to be patient with the victim. There are no magic words to speed the process of healing. Tears help, to the extent that they will express sorrow for the past and sincerity and desire of the heart for a new beginning.) Here are the last two points to be understood about forgiveness.
   3. FORGIVENESS IS SPIRITUAL AND TAKES PLACE IN THE HEART. Jesus said, “But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart, and these defile them. For out of the heart come evil thoughts—murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what defile a person;  but eating with unwashed hands does not defile them” (Matthew 15:18-20).  Jesus is always concerned more with the ‘heart’ of a person. You can dress in the very best clothing, and wear expensive and impressive jewelry. but it won’t take care of the heart! Mom used to tell us, “Shake hands, or hug each other and make up.” Well, we did, but inside we didn’t! Inside we still felt bad, still wanted to ‘duke it out’. 
   Forgiveness is spiritual, and unless it takes place in the heart, it is fake. Insincere forgiveness will not lead to healing, but to more resentment and hate. When you give the gift of forgiveness hypocritically, you free the other person and at the same time, you remain shackled. The offender is done, free, grateful, and on his way. You… are not. Do not take this lightly, if you give the gift, give it from the heart, because it is a ‘heart thing’.
   4. THE UNFORGIVEN PERSON IS HELPLESS. Why did Jesus say to the unforgiving servant that he was a “wicked servant”? Because forgiveness was  GIVEN to him, not earned, deserved! Yet when it came to giving this gift to his fellow servant, he refused! Sometimes we say “I just cannot forgive!” Be honest, it’s not that we CANNOT… what we are thinking is WE WILL NOT forgive! It hurts too much, we say. Yet we fail to remember how much PAIN WE INFLICTED ON THE HEART OF GOD WHEN WE SIN AGAINST HIM. 
   The person who is in the wrong, can do absolutely nothing to get forgiveness, but ask. He/she cannot earn it or buy it from you. If it is not a free gift of the heart, it does not work.  We used to play “Heavy, heavy, hangs over your head”, but dealing with bitterness,   isn’t a game. Often, we want revenge! We want them to suffer! We want them to hurt! All the while not realizing we are doing more damage to ourselves. Of course it is natural to want to hurt someone who has hurt us or our family. “Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth”, “brother you’re gonna get your ‘come-up-ins’.” Yet in the end, bitterness makes no exceptions, it will destroy the heart where it lives. 
  

 
Share Button

Winning Over Bitterness

This article is part 3 of 6 in the series Winning Over Bitterness

                 “Understanding Forgiveness
   Bitterness will make your life go ‘from bad to worse’, never from ‘bad to better’! It gives a ‘foothold’ for Satan to operate from, and gain control over your life. Nothing but misery, restless sleep, mind numbing medication, lays ahead for the bitter person. Yet it does not have to be that way. There is an answer… But there are some important facts about this ‘doorway to healing’ that we must know:
   1. THE UNFORGIVER IS UNFORGIVEN. Often we say, “What goes around, comes around.” Yet we fail to understand that this applies to ourselves as well in this area. The Bible teaches this principle. “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’ For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:12-15). 
   In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus says “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.  Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:32-35). 
   The apostle Paul writes, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all  malice.  And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:30-32). Christians have been forgiven, and this ‘grace’ must be given to others as well. We forget that we did not deserve to be forgiven by God. Get baptized all you want, you still don’t deserve nor earn forgiveness. Forgiveness is a matter of grace (un-merited favor). Forgiveness is a gift to be given.
   2. NOTHING TAKES THE PLACE OF FORGIVENESS. Just saying, “Let’s forget it” doesn’t work, because we can’t forget it. Moving to another State won’t help, because you can’t run from, hurts, and pains. (Besides, there’s always, “Facebook”.) Getting re-baptized won’t do it. You can’t donate your way out’ of bitterness. Constantly re-hashing the past, will never help. Forgiveness is the  ‘door’ through which one MUST pass, if healing is to begin. No one can say exactly  WHEN, God will turn his back on the unforgiving person, but eventually He will. Paul’s instructions are clear, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19-21). 
   Forgiveness is not optional in scripture. If true healing is to begin, forgiveness must take place. Nothing can substitute for real forgiveness.
  

Share Button

Winning Over Bitterness

This article is part 3 of 6 in the series Winning Over Bitterness

                  “The Doorway To Healing”  
   Many doctors admit that both our physical and mental health suffers from long held bitterness. It also affects relationships, interferes with your work, our sleep. Ultimately bitterness “will kill you”. “I WILL NEVER FORGIVE!” are words that come from a heart truly in danger. Because this attitude gives Satan a ‘foothold’ in life,  that can be devastating. It is not easy to deal with, there are no quick fixes, no special medicine… but there is a ‘door’ which leads to healing. Many have missed this, and over-simplified the process of healing by saying, “Just forgive!” However, this is not the answer! 
   Actually dad used to approach this subject this way. One Sunday afternoon he was approached by a middle aged woman took him by the hand and said, “You’re not preaching this right!” They sat together in a private area of the building and he said, “If I am not teaching this principle right, then please help me!” Her response opened his eyes to a more accurate understanding of the word and the action of forgiveness, and changed his lesson on this subject from then on…
   “Forgiveness is not the answer”, she said.  “It is only the door through which one must pass”.  Forgiveness does not heal, nor mollify the wound.  It is not the simple snap of the fingers, or the simple solutions of hurt.  Forgiveness is a door through which each one of us must pass which ALLOWS THE HEALING TO BEGIN AND THE WOUND TO BE CLOSED.  Unless we pass this door, no healing can even begin to occur, no love or friendship can be restored.  Forgiveness is not the power – it is the key that opens the door to the power.”
   They talked a good while and her simple words changed dad’s thinking.  He said,  “No more would I tolerate the snap judgment of “Forgive and forget it”, “or don’t let it bother you”, or “just put it out of your mind”. 
   Don’t try to ‘just forget it’ – deal with it, learn from it.  Bitterness is nothing more than life that has not been dealt with nor ‘released’. We eat our daily bread and the body is revived and continues to grow and live. Our mind is somewhat different than our physical body.  Things enter our mind though our eyes and ears and feelings that cannot be digested. A wise old sage one said, “There are only two great truths in living life successfully.  Know what to hold on to and what to release.”  
   Life finds no release unless you pass through the door of forgiveness first. If I cut my arm, it may take weeks or months for healing. The same is true with the mind. Some things can be forgiven with ease and comfort for the act was unintentional. Other wounds may take months and years to heal.” 
   We are dealing with something which takes FORGIVENESS PLUS TIME, not just TIME or DISTANCE. “Just forgive!” Sounds Biblical, while ‘time only’, makes the problem (wound) just get worse. DISTANCE (out of sight, out of mind) doesn’t heal the heart. Like cancer,  if undetected, over time, gets much worse. 
   Healing can begin with forgiveness, and over time, get better.

 

Share Button