Tuesday, November 13, 2007
faith & science
How does a Christian manage in a scientific world? Science is not the anti-religion that some of my elder faith followers have made it out to be. Science has co-existed with faith quite contently in times past. So why such a noticable division now? -tg
Friday, September 7, 2007
stuff syndrome
I was recently previewing a nooma dvd online and came across this concept. that we live in a world that is setup to make you want what you dont have. And so we get focused so much on those things that other people have, that we lose sight of what we've got. I made me think a little bit and wont share all of that here for length, but this short snipit came to mind and was worth sharing.
It is very likely that wanting the things I don't have has led me to have all the things I dont wantThat is, I look around and I do see all this stuff that I dont need or even want and it should make we wonder - why do I have it in the first place? I must have wanted at some point, right? Was it something I needed at the time, or was it simply something I didn't have?
Friday, August 31, 2007
Falling Up!: Secondhand Experiences
Falling Up!: Secondhand Experiences
So what is real first hand experience?
Pray. Share the gospel with someone. Fellowship with a believer. Write a song (let God lead you through it). Feed the poor. Help the helpless. Mentor.
The Word was written so that you might know the truth, but merely reading is not the ultimate experience; it is simply the way to find it.
So what is real first hand experience?
Pray. Share the gospel with someone. Fellowship with a believer. Write a song (let God lead you through it). Feed the poor. Help the helpless. Mentor.
The Word was written so that you might know the truth, but merely reading is not the ultimate experience; it is simply the way to find it.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
did i do that?
It is obvious that our lives are destined to have hardships. Some more than others. I have discussed earlier on the ‘fairness’ of it all in “the beauty of grace” so I wont go there again. Now I’d like to break out hardships into two major categories: a) Circumstance and b) Consequence
a) Circumstances are situations that exist that are outside your realm of control.
b) Consequences are situations that exist as a result of direct or indirect personal influence.
Just like in the book of Job, there are those who insist that hardships (i.e. aunt Edna got cancer) are a direct result of sin in your life, and so within your realm of control. The book of Job is certainly case against that notion entirely. That is not to say, then, that no hardships in our lives are a result of our own doing. Take for example the man who is poor, homeless on the street. No one knows his story, but God does. He cries out, “God, why have You done this to me?” and God quietly whispers back thru the poor mans guilty conscience, “Not I, but you. You spent the money. You spent it on drugs and gambling. And now it is gone. I have done something, though. I have kept you alive this long. I have brought to you my witnesses that you may hear the good news that I have for you, but your financial hardship is simply the consequence for your actions.”
(a quick appeal to my public image – this is not my presupposition towards the homeless)
And so this brings to mind yet another quote from Relient K: “I so hate consequences”
Anyways, when facing hardships, it’s perfectly okay to ask, “Why God? Why me? Why now?” Just be prepared for the answer. If it is circumstance, remember God is with you. He will never give you more than you can bear (though it may seem as such). If it is consequence, learn from it. Own up to it and thank God for second chances.
a) Circumstances are situations that exist that are outside your realm of control.
b) Consequences are situations that exist as a result of direct or indirect personal influence.
Just like in the book of Job, there are those who insist that hardships (i.e. aunt Edna got cancer) are a direct result of sin in your life, and so within your realm of control. The book of Job is certainly case against that notion entirely. That is not to say, then, that no hardships in our lives are a result of our own doing. Take for example the man who is poor, homeless on the street. No one knows his story, but God does. He cries out, “God, why have You done this to me?” and God quietly whispers back thru the poor mans guilty conscience, “Not I, but you. You spent the money. You spent it on drugs and gambling. And now it is gone. I have done something, though. I have kept you alive this long. I have brought to you my witnesses that you may hear the good news that I have for you, but your financial hardship is simply the consequence for your actions.”
(a quick appeal to my public image – this is not my presupposition towards the homeless)
And so this brings to mind yet another quote from Relient K: “I so hate consequences”
Anyways, when facing hardships, it’s perfectly okay to ask, “Why God? Why me? Why now?” Just be prepared for the answer. If it is circumstance, remember God is with you. He will never give you more than you can bear (though it may seem as such). If it is consequence, learn from it. Own up to it and thank God for second chances.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28 KJV).
This will be the next book study of mine, so I should have some greater insight on this in the future (hopefully), but I would like comment on just a couple things here.
“…work together for GOOD…” What is good? Let first establish what it is not. It is not earthly good fortune for you. God does not work all things toward you earthly well being and comfort. Now, I have heard (1) that “good” is the fulfillment of Gods will in any aspect of the lives of others or ourselves, for all that God does is good (even if we don’t think so). I have also heard (2) that “good” is the attainment of heaven for the follower of Christ and that all things work together as a woven tapestry in our lives toward that end..
“ALL things…” In this case all is limited. It is not limited to what, but to who.
“…them that LOVE God.” The word “love” here is the present participle form of the Greek word AGAPAO. This is a love that is unconditionally available and willing of ultimate sacrifice. Do you agapao God?
“…called according to His purpose.” This is the second criteria for the “good” mentioned earlier. The Greek name for the early church was “ekklesia” which meant “called out ones.” As new Christians, we are ‘called’ to respond to the message of salvation. The required response is obedience / submission to Christ.
This will be the next book study of mine, so I should have some greater insight on this in the future (hopefully), but I would like comment on just a couple things here.
“…work together for GOOD…” What is good? Let first establish what it is not. It is not earthly good fortune for you. God does not work all things toward you earthly well being and comfort. Now, I have heard (1) that “good” is the fulfillment of Gods will in any aspect of the lives of others or ourselves, for all that God does is good (even if we don’t think so). I have also heard (2) that “good” is the attainment of heaven for the follower of Christ and that all things work together as a woven tapestry in our lives toward that end..
“ALL things…” In this case all is limited. It is not limited to what, but to who.
“…them that LOVE God.” The word “love” here is the present participle form of the Greek word AGAPAO. This is a love that is unconditionally available and willing of ultimate sacrifice. Do you agapao God?
“…called according to His purpose.” This is the second criteria for the “good” mentioned earlier. The Greek name for the early church was “ekklesia” which meant “called out ones.” As new Christians, we are ‘called’ to respond to the message of salvation. The required response is obedience / submission to Christ.
they are weak, but He is strong
In regards to the "strong" and the "weak."
Let us recall an old favorite: "Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong for they are WEAK, but He is STRONG"
God won’t let us endure more than we can handle. You'd be surprised what you can live through, but death is not exactly failure either (martyrdom).
So let us not categorize people by either weak or strong, but rather by a more observable criterion. I have come up with 2 major divisions: a) Trails and b) Service. There are those that seem to endure life trials and those that don’t. There are also those that serve with their whole life and those that seem to pencil God in at convenience. In both cases, there is variance in degree and not just the extremes. These groups can also be interwoven. Just because one serves God with every minute of everyday, doesn’t mean that life trials couldn’t take them out (consider Jonah). And just because one endures trials without fail doesn’t mean that they must be religious zealots (consider Job). Our goal should be to be aware of both categories in our own lives:
a) Remember that this life is just the road home. It’ll get rough at times. He said, “narrow is the path” meaning “difficult” is the life that Christ has called us to, but its worth it, so keep pressing on.
b) Remember all that our Savior has commanded of us. This is what’s really important. Christianity is not just a belief, it’s a life, live it!
So who are the people who make up the sum of these categories? -Christians; real Christians and fake Christians. And most times, to the naked eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference, though the Bible does give us a measuring stick in John 15:5. –another topic for another time.
Let us recall an old favorite: "Jesus loves me, this I know for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong for they are WEAK, but He is STRONG"
God won’t let us endure more than we can handle. You'd be surprised what you can live through, but death is not exactly failure either (martyrdom).
So let us not categorize people by either weak or strong, but rather by a more observable criterion. I have come up with 2 major divisions: a) Trails and b) Service. There are those that seem to endure life trials and those that don’t. There are also those that serve with their whole life and those that seem to pencil God in at convenience. In both cases, there is variance in degree and not just the extremes. These groups can also be interwoven. Just because one serves God with every minute of everyday, doesn’t mean that life trials couldn’t take them out (consider Jonah). And just because one endures trials without fail doesn’t mean that they must be religious zealots (consider Job). Our goal should be to be aware of both categories in our own lives:
a) Remember that this life is just the road home. It’ll get rough at times. He said, “narrow is the path” meaning “difficult” is the life that Christ has called us to, but its worth it, so keep pressing on.
b) Remember all that our Savior has commanded of us. This is what’s really important. Christianity is not just a belief, it’s a life, live it!
So who are the people who make up the sum of these categories? -Christians; real Christians and fake Christians. And most times, to the naked eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference, though the Bible does give us a measuring stick in John 15:5. –another topic for another time.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
disGrace?
I Corinthians 4:9-13 (MSG - The Message)
9-13 It seems to me that God has put us who bear His message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you." When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We're treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture's kitchen. And it's not getting any better.
This is, of course, Paul in his writings to the church of Corinth. This was a real problem group for Paul. Unlike the others, this congregation aparently needed a lot of guidance in a lot of different areas. In this passage, it appears that Paul is venting (as it seems he was prone to do).
Paul had it pretty bad. As do many of our faithful missionaries in foreign countries where they risk their very lives simply by proclaiming the Gospel. The American Christian should realize how lucky we are. But the tide is turning and just as Martin Luther faced grave peril in his quest to return to the true doctrine of Christ, so also do we face new ridicule for being 'religious zealots' - Christians. [see post on 'dealing with Christians']
one point I want to make here (there could be so many) - Lets examine a child and his/her parents. When a child is an infant, he or she is pampered, taken care of in every tiny detail (or at least should be, right? -good parents). And so when that child reaches toddler stage begins the training. Learn to use a spoon and fork, drink from a glass, use the toilet, etc. Discipline also begins early on and increases based on expectations of that childs development and ability to reason.
Children, some, whether they'd admit it or not, desire to please their parents. Whether it is the desire to avoid the consequences or the reward of a happy mom or dad, children learn quite quickly what actions are pleasing and which are not. Having three children myself, I can say that they know. They know when they are doing something they should not be doing. Sure there have been time when I have been upset with them for doing something that I could honestly say they didnt know they werent supposed to do (ie. my 5 year old makes the 2 year old a "snack").
On that note, my 5 year old will (in the morning, or noon, or night) get a banana, a glass of orange juice and tell me, "daddy, I made you breakfast." This is my favorite breakfast. She has learned that and so she does this because she knows I am pleased with it. It also demonstrates to me (and her) that she is not longer the baby, but the big girl. She doesnt need that pampering anymore because through growth and learning, she has become less dependent.
As it comes to pass (all to quickly), that child is ready to leave the comforts of home to make one for themselves. As much as it is the desire of some parents to see their children become more and more independent, it is also the desire for some children to show their parents that they can "handle it." They want to show (possibly even to themselves) that they can weather the storms of life with the strength and wisdom they learned at home.
The comparison pretty much ends here as far as I can see, so I'll get right the crux of the matter. We (humans) have a Heavenly Father. However, earth is not our home. In opposition to the above analogy, we start out on our own (so to speak) with home as our final destination. Earth was intended to be our home, but it is winding down. A new order exists and now from birth to physical death, our life is the journey home. BUT (here is the analogous connection), here (earth) is where we learn about our Father, from our Father's words which He has left behind for us. As we study and pray and are grown up in His word, so should we desire to please Him by using the strength and wisdom He has imparted. And so also should we desire to less and less require graces of comfort in our earthly lives. THIS IS MY POINT (Finally! - I knew I'd get there)
"You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. "
And he's not complaining (I know, sure sounds like it, but you've got to read the whole book to really get where he's coming from). This is what we should seek after. Seek everyday to reduce the amount of comforts you require to get you through each day. There is no end to this process. It is life long renewal in Christ by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that transforms us. The funny thing here is that the process is to quit trying of your own power and start relying on Gods power alone, but relying on God and relying on God to make things all better or more comfortable are entirely two different things. The idea here is to say, "God, don't change the circumstances, change me." So let us not be who we were yesterday. Let us seek to please God and seek less to please ourselves and please the world. Let us become less comfortable, the disgrace of this world, the pride of our Father.
9-13 It seems to me that God has put us who bear His message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. When they call us names, we say, "God bless you." When they spread rumors about us, we put in a good word for them. We're treated like garbage, potato peelings from the culture's kitchen. And it's not getting any better.
This is, of course, Paul in his writings to the church of Corinth. This was a real problem group for Paul. Unlike the others, this congregation aparently needed a lot of guidance in a lot of different areas. In this passage, it appears that Paul is venting (as it seems he was prone to do).
Paul had it pretty bad. As do many of our faithful missionaries in foreign countries where they risk their very lives simply by proclaiming the Gospel. The American Christian should realize how lucky we are. But the tide is turning and just as Martin Luther faced grave peril in his quest to return to the true doctrine of Christ, so also do we face new ridicule for being 'religious zealots' - Christians. [see post on 'dealing with Christians']
one point I want to make here (there could be so many) - Lets examine a child and his/her parents. When a child is an infant, he or she is pampered, taken care of in every tiny detail (or at least should be, right? -good parents). And so when that child reaches toddler stage begins the training. Learn to use a spoon and fork, drink from a glass, use the toilet, etc. Discipline also begins early on and increases based on expectations of that childs development and ability to reason.
Children, some, whether they'd admit it or not, desire to please their parents. Whether it is the desire to avoid the consequences or the reward of a happy mom or dad, children learn quite quickly what actions are pleasing and which are not. Having three children myself, I can say that they know. They know when they are doing something they should not be doing. Sure there have been time when I have been upset with them for doing something that I could honestly say they didnt know they werent supposed to do (ie. my 5 year old makes the 2 year old a "snack").
On that note, my 5 year old will (in the morning, or noon, or night) get a banana, a glass of orange juice and tell me, "daddy, I made you breakfast." This is my favorite breakfast. She has learned that and so she does this because she knows I am pleased with it. It also demonstrates to me (and her) that she is not longer the baby, but the big girl. She doesnt need that pampering anymore because through growth and learning, she has become less dependent.
As it comes to pass (all to quickly), that child is ready to leave the comforts of home to make one for themselves. As much as it is the desire of some parents to see their children become more and more independent, it is also the desire for some children to show their parents that they can "handle it." They want to show (possibly even to themselves) that they can weather the storms of life with the strength and wisdom they learned at home.
The comparison pretty much ends here as far as I can see, so I'll get right the crux of the matter. We (humans) have a Heavenly Father. However, earth is not our home. In opposition to the above analogy, we start out on our own (so to speak) with home as our final destination. Earth was intended to be our home, but it is winding down. A new order exists and now from birth to physical death, our life is the journey home. BUT (here is the analogous connection), here (earth) is where we learn about our Father, from our Father's words which He has left behind for us. As we study and pray and are grown up in His word, so should we desire to please Him by using the strength and wisdom He has imparted. And so also should we desire to less and less require graces of comfort in our earthly lives. THIS IS MY POINT (Finally! - I knew I'd get there)
"You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living. "
And he's not complaining (I know, sure sounds like it, but you've got to read the whole book to really get where he's coming from). This is what we should seek after. Seek everyday to reduce the amount of comforts you require to get you through each day. There is no end to this process. It is life long renewal in Christ by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit that transforms us. The funny thing here is that the process is to quit trying of your own power and start relying on Gods power alone, but relying on God and relying on God to make things all better or more comfortable are entirely two different things. The idea here is to say, "God, don't change the circumstances, change me." So let us not be who we were yesterday. Let us seek to please God and seek less to please ourselves and please the world. Let us become less comfortable, the disgrace of this world, the pride of our Father.
The Beauty of Grace
"And this life sentence that I’m serving, I admit that I’m every bit deserving, But the beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair"
-Relient K [Be My Escape / Mmhmm]
This wonderful play on the phrase, "life's not fair" sets for us a far more appropriate world view. The bigger picture here is that life IS NOT fair. Death IS the fair judgement for all humankind. The basic principle behind the phrase is that any little thing in our lives that we can call good is only by the GRACE of God for without what little remnant of God's presence that still remains with us, all would fall into chaos and destruction. And so...
... the BEAUTY of GRACE is that it makes MAKES LIFE NOT FAIR ...
So... Life is going to be good, somtimes, and it's going to be bad. If you're on the majority, it's going to be bad a lot more than good. We deserve the bad and so any good is quite simply the spoils of God's mercy and grace. It is undeserved and so it is unfair. So the next time you say to yourself, "life's not fair", just think how lucky you are that it isnt.
-Relient K [Be My Escape / Mmhmm]
This wonderful play on the phrase, "life's not fair" sets for us a far more appropriate world view. The bigger picture here is that life IS NOT fair. Death IS the fair judgement for all humankind. The basic principle behind the phrase is that any little thing in our lives that we can call good is only by the GRACE of God for without what little remnant of God's presence that still remains with us, all would fall into chaos and destruction. And so...
So... Life is going to be good, somtimes, and it's going to be bad. If you're on the majority, it's going to be bad a lot more than good. We deserve the bad and so any good is quite simply the spoils of God's mercy and grace. It is undeserved and so it is unfair. So the next time you say to yourself, "life's not fair", just think how lucky you are that it isnt.
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