tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-353244412024-03-13T05:39:45.614-06:00Splinters of SilverScripture declares that the Words of God are pure, as silver tried in a furnace [Psalm 12:6], that God proves us as silver is tried [Psalm 66:10], and refines us as silver is [Zechariah 13:8-9]. I pray through this blog, not my words but, through the reading of the scriptures, through the presentation of thoughts and of comments, splinters of silver may prick and stay with us throughout our lives as we grow as Christians.Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.comBlogger383125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-83031274935672074272014-08-20T11:21:00.000-06:002014-08-20T11:21:37.000-06:00Playing Judas: Suicide<br />
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In my recent book entitled <a href="http://www.pordlawlarue.com/non-fiction.html" target="_blank">Playing Judas</a>, I cover the biblical story of Judas in light of examining ourselves as Professing Christians. With the news of Robin Williams passing, causing many to ponder thoughts surrounding depression and suicide, I thought I'd share my chapter on suicide (specifically Judas Iscariot's suicide). In no way is this meant to be directed toward Robin Williams, or to be used as a means to say he went to hell.</div>
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<h1>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Toc389648638"><span style="font-family: Xenophone; font-size: 20.0pt;">suicide</span></a><span style="font-family: Xenophone; font-size: 20.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
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It is estimated about one million
people commit suicide each year, with depression (specifically, untreated
depression) believed to be the number one cause. Although, it is assessed that
approximately 30,000 die from suicide each year in America, there is evidence
that suggest nearly 750,000 souls attempt to take their own lives every year.
So, what would be the number of attempts worldwide? And, what of the ones we do
not know about? How many souls are leaving this world each day – each second –
which may not be ready to meet God?<o:p></o:p></div>
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And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after
this the judgment: [Hebrews 9:27]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Even if someone does not believe
in God, heaven or hell, or even an afterlife, surely one would agree that
suicide is the end of one person’s life but affects more people than just
themselves. What of those left behind? What message are we sending them in
taking our own life? Would we not be selfish in our thoughts and actions?
Should we not consider others?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps we leave our parents
feeling guilty they could not protect us from it. Maybe our children or siblings
will do the same, merely following in the footsteps of one they looked up to.
What of our spouses and friends, left with broken and meaningless relationships
we once shared? How does a church cope with the loss of one who preached or
taught faith over unbelief, hope instead of doubt, endurance through trials and
tribulations, and living for Christ, only to give up hope at the end of their
rope? <o:p></o:p></div>
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We do not live or die unto
ourselves. How we live and die affects people and society around us, whether we
realize how great or small it may be. If it merely affects one person, we
should consider how the impact may change them – and perhaps for the worse,
rather than the better. And, to claim to be a Professing Christian within the
Professing Church, we have sworn allegiance to no more live unto ourselves. We
are the Lord’s!<o:p></o:p></div>
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For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to
himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die
unto the Lord: <b>whether we live
therefore, or die, we are the Lord's</b>. For to this end Christ both died, and
rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. [Romans
14:7-9]<o:p></o:p></div>
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For this portion of the book I
want to be sensitive, because of the emotions which can surround this topic
(especially if one has considered or lost someone to suicide), but I also want
to be realistic and scriptural at the same time. Sometimes how we feel does not
always line up with truth, but truth often times needs to be laced with grace
so our emotions will be able to listen. So, hopefully I can share this with
enough grace to allow the reader to at least consider it. Please remember my
purpose of this writing is to help people by learning from Judas, not hurt them
by calling them Judas. I would rather none of us be found Playing Judas.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To begin, let’s define a few
terms:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b>suicide</b> – to take one’s life intentionally<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b>depression</b> – a state of sadness,
gloom, dejection<o:p></o:p></li>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b>sadness </b>– unhappy, grief, sorrow,
mournful<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b>gloom </b>– full or partial darkness,
dim<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;"><b>dejection </b>– lowness of spirits<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
</ul>
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Now, I am not an expert in
relation to suicide, all of its causes, or how to resolve one’s thoughts or
tendencies toward taking their own life. I would strongly suggest one pray to
God and read scripture, but I would also encourage one to seek out all the help
they could possibly get from family, friends, church, co-workers, groups,
doctors, therapists, etc. The more support we can get during any difficult time
in our lives the better the outcome will most likely be. But, not only do we
need to seek out wise council, we have to be willing to accept and follow sound
advice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, let’s take a look at suicide
and depression in the case of Judas Iscariot, and see how his sad example might
help us and others both in the physical and spiritual realm.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Then <b>Judas</b>,
which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself,
and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,
Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they
said, What is that to us? see thou to that. And he cast down the pieces of
silver in the temple, and departed, and <b>went
and hanged himself</b>. And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said,
It is not lawful for to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of
blood. And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury
strangers in. Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this
day. [Matthew 27:3-8]<o:p></o:p></div>
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What are some possible things
which may have led Judas to suicide?<o:p></o:p></div>
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with sin (his embarrassment, humiliation)<o:p></o:p></li>
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the other Eleven apostles (his friends)<o:p></o:p></li>
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over Jesus Christ (his master, teacher, spiritual leader)<o:p></o:p></li>
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away by the Religious (his church)<o:p></o:p></li>
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Who was left for Judas to turn
to? In his mind, possibly no one. He had forsaken his church (for good reason)
to follow Jesus, yet now had forsaken his friends and Jesus for personal gain
(thirty pieces of silver). When he tried to return to his church (religious
leaders) they rejected him, and he could no longer find friendship with the
world (those who opposed Christ), the flesh (himself), or the devil (Satan
having previously possessed him). We do not know of his parents, siblings, or
possible friends at this time in his life, but most likely he left all to
follow Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surely, Judas experienced:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Xenophone;">sadness</span> </b>– unhappy,
grief, sorrow, mournful<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judas was truly mournful when he realized he had “betrayed
the innocent blood” (Jesus Christ). Grief had to have overshadowed him greatly
when the religious crowd refused to allow him to return the blood money. His
sorrows must have been great, feeling as though he could turn neither to the apostles
nor the religious leaders, nor any longer even unto Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Sadness can come upon us in the blink of an eye, and sometimes
it can be very grievous and seem unbearable; especially if we have created it
ourselves and we see no quick way out of it. Hope can be lost, replaced with
depression.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Xenophone;">gloom</span> </b>– full or partial
darkness, dim<o:p></o:p></div>
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There were those in England, such as George Cheyne in
1733, who believed the gloomy weather caused a “melancholy disposition” over
people which was partial to blame for the suicides of that time. Perhaps some
still consider this to be the case for certain persons even today. Do you feel
differently in gloomy weather?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the emotional sense, we can feel as though we are likewise
in a storm, with darkness all around us, and no way to escape. Though we might
see light – a glimpse of hope – we may be afraid to take the leap, so we stay
in the shadows of fear and doubt. Till we lose all hope, and the pain overcomes
us so great we would even choose death to escape it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the spiritual sense, scripture contrast the light and
the darkness; whereas even partial darkness is full in condition. The darkness
blinds us to the hope in Christ, and we are left believing death is our only
escape.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye
be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy
whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be
darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either
he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and
despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [Matthew 6:22-24]<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Xenophone;">dejection</span> </b>– lowness of
spirits<o:p></o:p></div>
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There can be no doubt that Judas indeed had lowness of
spirit when his conscience confronted him with the realization of what he had
done, and being unable to undo it or make any penance by returning the money.<o:p></o:p></div>
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But, are these justifiable
reasons for one to take their own life? Jesus saith, “Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” [Matthew 11:28] Is not
turning to suicide then turning away from Jesus and his call to find rest in
him? For, how can one truly say they are trusting in Christ if they allow the
things of this world and in their life to bring them to the point of suicide?
Are we not told to deny ourselves, take up our cross (daily), and follow Jesus
Christ? [Luke 9:23] To end one’s on life is denying God who made us and Christ
who gave himself for us; especially, if it truly be so that we are Professing
Christians. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, what does God say about
suicide? At first glance, there may be some who believe the bible is silent on
the subject. It is true the word “suicide” is not present within scripture, but
that does not mean it is permissible or condoned by holy God. Is it truly
prudent to presume something is acceptable or excused merely because we do not
see or understand a direct command against it? Would we teach our children
such? Does “I didn’t know” or “You didn’t tell me” remove guilt or make one
innocent? We are not justified by ignorance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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If a soul commit a trespass, and <b>sin through ignorance</b>, in the holy things of the Lord; then he
shall bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the
flocks, with thy estimation by shekels of silver, after the shekel of the
sanctuary, for a trespass offering. [Leviticus 5:15]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought
not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by
art and man's device. <b>And the times of
this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent</b>:
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in
righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. [Acts
17:29-31]<o:p></o:p></div>
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The term “suicide” was conceived
by Sir Thomas Browne in his work <i>Religio
Medici</i>; whereby he appears to praise it. Before this time, <b>suicide</b> was known as <b>self-murder</b> or <b>self-assassination</b>, with two schools of thought being:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Xenophone;">Religious<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The individual was stealing from God, and leaving
themselves no time or means to repent before dying. It is the opposite of
perseverance and hope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Xenophone;">secular<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The act “takes away all reason and virtue and all the
noble trial and satisfaction of them; so that on Principles of Nature itself,
it must be deemed utterly unlawful.” [John Henley]<o:p></o:p></div>
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In Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5 we
are given the law of God, with one being “Thou shalt not kill.” So, can suicide
be defined as self-killing? Is it not depriving one of life “in any manner”, to
bring about death? Does not suicide make the individual a murderer? By all
accounts it does. <o:p></o:p></div>
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By acknowledging suicide as what
it truly is – the murdering of oneself – it separates those of suicide and
those who are martyrs by definition. A martyr is one who willingly suffers
torment or even death, but not by their own hand – nor by their own hand
bringing it about, as in the cases of suicidal-murder. Some may see a fine line
between the two – at least in some cases – but the line is definitively there
nonetheless. One may claim that those who refuse to escape martyrdom are
likewise committing suicide, but such is not the case if their life is taken by
another. The murderer is the one who kills life, not the one from whom it is
taken.<o:p></o:p></div>
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What does scripture say of
murder?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now <b>the works of
the flesh</b> are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication,
uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance,
emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, <b>murders</b>, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I
tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that <b>they which do such things shall not inherit
the kingdom <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>of God</b>. [Galatians
5:19-20]<o:p></o:p></div>
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1 John 3:15 tells us even one who
“hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that <b>no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him</b>.” This is not to say
that everyone who commits suicide hates themselves, but to show the severity of
hate and murder Christ brought about this point. Both can have eternal
consequences! For who is the “eternal life”? Jesus Christ [John 14:6]. And
murder brings forth death (the enemy of life).<o:p></o:p></div>
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“Now <b>if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his</b>.” [Romans
8:9b] To be “none of his” is to remain in one’s sin; a murderer. If we be his,
we are to “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. <b>And the peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.</b>” [Philippians
4:6-7] We have help in Christ. Do not turn from it!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Here is what makes suicide the
greater sin, or disservice – if one wishes to define sin in levels of severity against
humanity. The killing of oneself is murder, and the very act removes the
opportunity for the individual to seek repentance of the sin and reconciliation
with God before meeting him face-to-face at either the Judgment Seat of Christ [Romans
14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10] or the Great White Throne Judgment [Revelation 20:11-15].
We will not discuss the topic of these two judgments here, but we do know that
after death is “the judgment”. [Hebrews 9:27] That is our standing before the
Judge; for “every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” [Romans
14:12]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I realize there are numerous
reasons why persons may commit suicide, and some may legitimately be due to
mental illness or other causes outside the scope of our study here. There is no
way to answer every question about suicide satisfactory, nor would it be fair
for me to condemn all souls to hell who have taken their own lives. Neither has
been my purpose. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Even so, before one quotes “Judge
not, that ye be not judged” [Matthew 7:1], let us remember scripture also
declares “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment”
[John 7:24]; for “he that is spiritual judgeth all things” [1 Corinthians
2:15]. Who then is spiritual? Those who have the “the Spirit of God” and “the
mind of Christ”. [1 Corinthians 2]<o:p></o:p></div>
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For this reason, I would ask the
reader (even one who has been hurt by a loss or wishes to study suicide further)
to strive to consider any discussion or study of suicide objectively in light
of truth and not merely by emotion or justification for oneself or one’s family
or friends who may have taken their life. We cannot simply wish someone into
heaven, nor can we merely believe that God may not judge one for taking their
own life because we care about them, we believe they are a good person, or
would rather blame someone or something else. We must be honest with ourselves
and with each individual situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever
things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be
any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. [Philippians 4:8]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ; [2 Corinthians 10:5]<o:p></o:p></div>
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There have been those who have sought
to condone or even praise suicide for the sake of love (being unable to live
without someone) and honor (or the restoration thereof). Do these not yet then
become idols? A person, thing, or purpose which does supersede God in our
heart, soul, mind, or strength? Are we not commanded to “love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all
thy strength”? [Mark 12:30]<o:p></o:p></div>
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If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and
mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own
life also, he cannot be my disciple. [Luke 14:26]<o:p></o:p></div>
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We understand this (that is
“hate” in this context) to not mean “murder” (whether in deed or motive) which
Christ did teach against, but rather likened unto all things must be secondary
in our lives to our love for God and Jesus Christ. Do we love someone more than
Christ, and only live for them; whereby we would desire death over living life
without them? What of honor in the eyes of man? Does it yet precede our obedience
to Christ and sacred honor before holy God? Shall we slay ourselves in seeking to
gain the honor of men and risk the curse of God? <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to
kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body
in hell. [Matthew 10:28]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do we yet become lovers of our
own selves, desiring death over the loss of any pleasures of this life? Do we
have a form of godliness which helps our outward image, yet leaves those around
us at a loss when those things which we lived for no longer provide us with a
reason to live? Do the perilous times have us embracing death rather than life?<o:p></o:p></div>
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This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall
come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud,
blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural
affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of
those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than
lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from
such turn away. [2 Timothy 3:1-5]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or have we become self-haters as
we look at ourselves in light of what we perceive to be reality (both physical
and spiritual)? Michel Montaigne believed “it is against nature for one to
despise oneself – a sickness peculiar to man and not seen in any other
creature” – and considered “self-hatred as a kind of vanity and writes that it
is by a similar vanity that we wish to become something other than we are.”
[Jennifer M. Hecht] Are we double minded? [James 1:8]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Within the Professing Church
(that is within the religious institutions rather than the world, as some would
say), there may be found what has been called “Religious Melancholy”; namely
the idea that spiritual leaders have caused many to think there is no hope for
them. Robert Burton (<i>The Anatomy of
Melancholy</i>) claims ministers (though, surely not all) go about “making
every small fault and thing indifferent an irremissible offence, they so rent,
tear, and wound men’s consciences that they are almost mad and at their wit’s
ends.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Do we lower salvation so low that
it is merely trampled by every man’s foot, or raise it so high that it is
impossible for any man to obtain it even through grace? Do we discard the
fallen brethren or seek to restore them? Do we love because God loved us? Do we
forgive because God forgave us? Or, do we “beholdest thou the mote that is in [our]
brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in [our] own eye”? [Matthew
7:3]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some (to promote martyrdom, yet
not all) have even determined to liken the self-murder of persons with the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary, claiming he actually committed
suicide himself; for he did say, “I lay down my life for the sheep.” [John
10:15] But, perhaps not all of the story is being observed:<o:p></o:p></div>
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And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them
also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold,
and one shepherd. <b>Therefore doth my
Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.</b> No
man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it
down, and I have power to take it again. <b>This
commandment have I received of my Father.</b> [John 10:16-18]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jesus says a couple of
interesting things here:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">Therefore
doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it
again.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">This
commandment have I received of my Father.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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How many persons who have
committed suicide claim:<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">I
was commanded by God.<o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">I
lay down my life – why? That I might take it again.<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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People do not commit suicide (at
least, not that I know of or have read about) that they might take back up
their life yet again. Sadly, most are due to them no longer wanting anything to
do with their life; whether due to love (or the loss thereof), honor (or the
restoration thereof), depression, or mental illness. Death is seen as an end,
as an escape from that which plagues one spiritually, emotionally, or
physically. There is no man (or woman) who has the “power to take it (their
life) again”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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John records Jesus’ words, “Greater
love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
[John 15:13] <o:p></o:p></div>
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He goes on to say:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Ye are my friends,
if ye do whatsoever I command you.</b> Henceforth I call you not servants; for
the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but <b>I have called you friends</b>; for all things that I have heard of my
Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen
you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your
fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he
may give it you. <b>These things I command
you, that ye love one another.</b>” [John 14:14-17]<o:p></o:p></div>
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Death was not the reason for
Christ laying down his life. Death is not the reason why one is to lay down
their life for their friends. Love is the reason. Jesus Christ chose to suffer
the cross because he loved God the Father in obedience, and because he loves
mankind in giving us forgiveness of sin and entrance into eternity with him by
his sacrifice. When you hear stories of soldiers giving themselves (laying down
their lives) for fellow soldiers, it is not because they want to die (to take
their own lives) but rather desire to save their friends (that they may live!).
Neither our life nor our death can pay our sin debt. Jesus did that which we
could not so that we may live! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Judas did not commit self-murder
(lay down his life) for his friends or Christ, nor because of love for either.
Neither did he do so to take up his life yet again. It appears more so for a
love of himself. A final act of selfishness. I realize some may discount this, but
one must consider it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Love</b>: to have a strong liking or devotion for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">[compare
also Latin libēre (originally lubēre) <b>to
please</b>]<o:p></o:p></li>
</ul>
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<b>Selfish</b>: to be more concerned with one’s own welfare, etc. than another’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Judas did not show love toward
the other Eleven (or the many other disciples) or for Christ in his betrayal,
but rather in regards to his own greed or personal purpose. He did not lay down
his life that his fellow believers or Christ would live, but instead to escape
his current predicament and/or feelings. Is that not likewise why many (I will
not say all) suicides occur? Because they no longer want to feel the pain (or
what it is they are feeling) or be exposed to what is going on within or around
them (whether people, circumstances, or consequences past, present, or future)?
Is it not more about self than others?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Some press that suicide restores
(or brings about) honor to one (or one’s family) who has disgraced themselves
(or their family), but do we see such honor restored in Judas’ hanging himself?
Would it have not been more honorable (moral) to confess, repent, and make
restitution by living the rest of his life as a disciple of Jesus Christ? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
Was not Paul forgiven for
persecuting Jesus [Acts 9:5; 26:14] (while yet religious) in the sense that he
did persecute the body of Christ [1 Corinthians 12], yet did repent and go
forth as an apostle of Jesus Christ for the rest of his days? How many were
persuaded to trust in the Messiah, the Savior, because of the life and witness
of Paul? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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Could not Judas Iscariot have
possibly been given this honor had he lived, even as Peter who did yet deny the
Lord thrice? Sadly, we shall never know. Just as we shall never know the
positive, honorable impact (both great and small) so many souls could have had
on individuals and society had they lived to tell their story instead of taking
their own lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify;">
What will your story tell? Surely
more than your suicide would.<o:p></o:p></div>
Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-44776242279629337842013-08-19T13:50:00.000-06:002013-08-19T13:51:20.673-06:00Heterosexual and Homosexual Equality<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Defining of Terms<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Heterosexual – one who is
sexually attracted to the opposite sex<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Homosexual – one who is
sexually attracted to members of the same sex<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Equality – the state of being
equal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Homo is defined as “same”. Therefore
all of mankind is known as Homo sapiens, and those (whether male or female) “who
are sexually attracted to members of the same sex” are known as Homosexual. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Hetero is defined as “other or
different”; thus all (whether male or female) “who are sexually attracted to
the opposite sex” are known as Heterosexual.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[1] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both Homo sapiens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[2] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both sexually attracted to other Homo
sapiens.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Old Testament<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Homo sapiens who commit
adultery in sexual, Heterosexual relationships are worthy of death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
And the man that committeth
adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his
neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to
death. [Leviticus 20:10]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Homo sapiens who have sexual, Homosexual
relationships are worthy of death.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If a man also lie with
mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination:
they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. [Leviticus
20:13]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[3] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both worthy of death if they partake
in unlawful sexual relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<u>New Testament<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
And he said, That which cometh
out of the man, that defileth the man. For from within, out of the heart of
men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts,
covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy,
pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.
[Mark 7:20-23]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Fornication – sexual
immorality<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[5] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both capable of allowing the evil
within their hearts to defile them through fornication [sexual immorality; that
which is unbiblical].<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[6] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both worthy of death and can be given
over to a reprobate mind by the wrath of God against the sin of their unbiblical,
sexual relationships.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[Romans 1:16-32]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
But there is no direction by
Christ (the foundation of the New Testament Church) during His life to show that
physical death should be carried out upon the Heterosexuals or Homosexuals
guilty of sexual impurity. He does not display acceptance or dismissal of sin,
but rather calls unto them to repent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[7] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are both born with a sin nature (though
the besetting sins may vary), having a desire to do the lusts of the flesh
rather than the commands of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
For all have sinned, and come
short of the glory of God. [Romans 3:23]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[8] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they are only guilty of sin when they partake
in sinful acts of adultery and fornication; not simply having the desire or inclination
to.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Know ye not that the
unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither
fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of
themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor
revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [1 Corinthians 6:9-10]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[9] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they can be forgiven by God for committing such
immoral acts of adultery and fornication.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
And such were some of you: but
ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the
Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. [1 Corinthians 6: 11]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
[10] Heterosexuals and
Homosexuals are equal, in that, they must all repent and put faith in Jesus
Christ to receive salvation and be forgiven of sin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. [1 John 1:9]<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
So, what we learn about God
and the Bible is not that God is merely against Homosexuals, but rather equally
against Heterosexuals and Homosexuals who take part in sexual sin. What is the
difference? It is the giving in to the sin of the flesh (whatever that may be
for any Homo sapiens), versus denying the flesh to partake in any sinful, sexual desire.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Homosexuals become
transgressors when they take part in the sinful lust and act of sexual
relationships outside of God’s determined counsel; likewise, do Heterosexuals
become equally sinners when they entertain the thoughts and actions of sexual
relationships outside of God’s Word.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
By falsely attributing God as
a respecter of persons, one will miss the equality of God’s wrath upon sin and
His grace upon repentance; thus succumbing to the foolishness of the world, the
snare of the devil, and the deadly desires of the flesh; whereby they shall die
in their sins, rather than be born again through Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
A redefining of marriage will
not nullify the Word of God nor justify the Homosexual, no more than a
redefining of the terms adultery and fornication could cleanse the Heterosexual
of such sins.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Heterosexual and Homosexual
Equality can be found in God, whether by His wrath upon unconfessed sin or by
His grace upon the repentant heart through Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-91964282787795247212012-08-03T14:40:00.001-06:002012-08-03T14:40:30.508-06:00Having An Issue With Someone or Their Sin<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I have seen a swarm of communication across Facebook in reference to a pastor of Baptist Church and his apparent inappropriate behavior. Who the pastor is and his sin (or alleged sin) is not important enough to the lesson to mention, but the message we can take from the situation is, in my opinion. I would like us to step back away from that current situation, and see how we can apply scripture to our own lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since it was a pastor (elder, bishop, etc.), we will begin with:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Timothy 5:1-2</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, does this mean that a pastor can never be corrected; even if they are living in sin?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Timothy 5:17-20</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We see that if a pastor rules [and by rule, we do not mean as a dictator – Mark 10:42-44] then they are worthy of “double honour”. We are to support them appropriately financially, and not try to tell them what they can and cannot say in their preaching. The Holy Spirit can and will direct their minds and sermons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are not to quickly judge and rebuke an elder – BUT if there is undeniable proof by way of multiple witnesses, then they are to be rebuked before all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Notice it says “rebuke BEFORE all” and not “rebuked BY all”.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Who was this written to? Timothy – another bishop (elder, pastor)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why should they be rebuked? What is the purpose? “that others also may fear”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is that so others will fear certain people, the deacons, the accusers, or the church – meaning that those would have power over the pastors to have them fear them? No.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is for the purpose of bringing to remembrance to everyone their sins may also be brought forth for the whole congregation (or the whole world in our modern day) to see.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Timothy 5:24</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just because your sin remains secret while another’s is broadcasted does not mean [1] theirs is worse than yours, [2] you are okay with God, [3] or that yours too will not be shown before men likewise.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fear of seeing ones sin exposed should cause us all to confess and repent of our own sins to God, and ensure our fellowship with Him is right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We must also notice these verses fall on the heels of Paul telling Timothy:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Timothy 4:12-16</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To those of us who would like to rebuke the elder, do we likewise give “attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine”? Why? So we can spiritually discern a matter BEFORE we talk about it. When we are told or read of something about someone, we need to think before we instantly cast judgment and start spreading it on Facebook and elsewhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Proverbs 18:13</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And “heareth it” doesn’t just mean you have heard ABOUT it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do we also “continue” or walk in the doctrine we learn from scripture? If we don’t, then what gives us the right to speak of someone else not living right? We are to live right to be a testimony of Christ to others. Going around telling everyone else they are wrong does not make us right.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When we spread the news of another’s sin, are we doing it “in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Paul also tells Timothy:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 Timothy 5:21</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are not supposed to show partiality. So, if you want to spread the sin of a pastor across every avenue available to you, then you should likewise share the sins of your spouse, family, and friends – and even your own. Most of the time our problem is we want some person’s sins exposed, while wishing to hide those of others. That’s hypocrisy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, we’ve just glanced at the idea of rebuking an elder – which may not have actually committed any sin directly against us – but what about when we have issues with fellow believers?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What do we do about that?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Do we likewise display our issue with them across the avenues of social media, and through gossip in our church family?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 18:15</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Scripture says we should go to that person – not to Facebook or other church members. But, before we can go to that person, we need to go to God. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why? To ensure we go to that person in the right spirit [in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity], praying the Holy Spirit may have them in the right spirit as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If we go in the flesh, we will just have a mess which will lead to more hurt, anger, and bitterness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, what if they don’t want to resolve the issue?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 18:16</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We are to bring witnesses. This could be witnesses to the facts, but these will be witnesses to what all is being said between the two parties: gossip control.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What if they still do not wish to resolve the issue?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Matthew 18:17</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If a person refuses to get right with God and fellow man, the church is supposed to treat them as a lost person.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Why? To hopefully draw them back into humble repentance, to restore their fellowship with God and man.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just as with elders, although those who live in sin should be rebuked, that does not mean they are to be rebuked by everyone and through every outlet available to shout out their sin.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you have an issue with someone or they have sinned against you, you are to first try to resolve the issue in private, then with spiritual witnesses, and then the church. If you haven’t gone to them, why are you going to everyone else?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If someone has not personally sinned against you, why are you spreading it around in circles and social media?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Romans 14:12</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We will be judged by the way we react to one’s sin, just as they will be judged by their sin.<br /><br />And if you have spread one's sin, will you also spread their repentance and reconciliation to God and man with the same amount of enthusiasm? I pray so.</div>
<div align="justify">
</div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-38294256329009290792012-08-02T13:50:00.000-06:002012-08-02T13:50:19.728-06:00Can I DivorceA friend of mind recently asked me two questions, and I figured I would share my responses here. Please do share your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree.<br />
<br />
The second question was:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Can I divorce [in reference to fighting or abuse]</strong></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, concerning divorce, I likewise find the answer both simple and complex. It is simple in the idea that I believe Scripture gives two reasons when divorce [can] occur, but are never spoken of in terms of [reasons to] divorce. [1] reason is because of fornication, as written in Matthew 5:32. The [2] reason seems to be in the unbelieving departs, as recorded in 1 Corinthians 7:15. Although, does “the unbelieving” pertain to them professing they are lost, or they claim to be saved but their actions proclaim they are lost? Now, Scripture clearly teaches [Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. - Matthew 19:6] Scripture also compares marriage to the relationship of Christ and the Church [Ephesians 5] which teaches security of the believer, in that Christ will never forsake the Church. When a man leaves his wife or a woman her husband, they are breaking that picture. Once saved, Christ cannot separate Himself from His sheep, nor can the sheep totally separate themselves from Christ [even if they try, for He will go get them – Matthew 18:12-14] Such is why a saved person is considered to be committing spiritual adultery when they choose to disobey God.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it comes to questions like “two people fighting all the time” and “physical and/or emotional abuse”, I don’t find anywhere in Scripture that says it is okay to divorce. I know this goes against man’s nature and our initial knee-jerk reaction, but it simply isn’t in the Bible [at least not straight forward] as justifiable means to leave your spouse. Remember Christ said [Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. - Matthew 19:8] Sin is what causes two persons to always fight [or sometimes it could possibly be just one as the “main” cause over time] or to abuse one another [which can sometimes be the woman over the man]. We must remember that two persons choose to get married, and sometimes their choices were not soaked in the knowledge and wisdom of God but in fleshly appeal and desire. Then divorce is merely adding sin to the initial sin of getting married without God in the first place [even if held in a church]. So, a lot of factors play into the actual finalization of seeking divorce, which is why it is a hard question to answer when it comes to what may be permissible and what is not; at least to us, because God clearly knows.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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With that said, I think there is wisdom we can glean from Scripture regarding the abuse [at least the physical type]. Scripture is clear to talk about how we are to treat people as we want to be treated, and for those who abuse people [whether physically, or steal from, murder, etc.] we have law enforcement, etc. [1 Timothy 2] So, I believe a person is biblically justified in calling the police and filing charges against their spouse if they are truly being abused. I also believe they would be justified no longer living with that person until there was a guarantee [by whatever means necessary] that it would be safe. Though, the question still remains: where in Scripture does it say they can divorce? Possibly, the Scripture about the unbelieving departing could be used, but I see no other references.</div>
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Same holds true with spouse who seems to fight all the time. We would like to say “God doesn’t want us to be alone” or “God doesn’t want us to be unhappy”, but that is not biblical teaching. That is man’s emotions. </div>
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Paul said, [Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you. - 1 Corinthians 7:27] Once we have chosen to marry [regardless as to why or what transpires due to our sin or that of our spouse] we are commanded to stay married. Even fornication is not a reason [to] divorce, as there are many marriages when have been dealt that blow yet survived through forgiveness and reconciliation to God and each other. Nor is the unbelieving departing a [necessary to divorce], for it also says [Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. - 1 Peter 3:1-2]</div>
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I once had a friend of mine ask if it was okay for them to get a divorce, and I told them they had two options to consider:</div>
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[1] They could forget God and the Bible, and do whatever you want to do.</div>
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Or, </div>
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[2] They could [a] examine their own hearts in light of Scripture and the Holy Spirit, [b] confess and repent of any sin in their own life [regardless of what the other person is or isn’t doing], [c] obey God by submitting to or loving the other person [because God says so in Scripture, not because the other person deserves it], [d] choose to forgive the other person [whether they deserve it or not], [e] and beg God to help change them and that other person to renew their marriage.</div>
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They [easy] thing to do in our minds is to just leave, because we think we will be leaving the entire problem behind; but that’s not the case. We will [1] have our own issues of sin [because we are not perfect] even in another relationship, [2] if we have kids we will always have contact with the other person, [3] the kids will suffer and not understand, and [4] surely there will be financial, emotional, possibly other family and friend issues for many years to come [if not for as long as we live].</div>
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The first question we need to ask ourselves is: Why do I want a divorce?</div>
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That will expose our hearts.</div>
<br />Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-62482526785976498662012-08-02T13:46:00.000-06:002012-08-02T13:46:43.553-06:00Am I ForgivenA friend of mind recently asked me two questions, and I figured I would share my responses here. Please do share your thoughts, whether you agree or disagree.<br />
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The first question was:<br />
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<strong>“How do I know that God has truly forgiven me when I ask Him too?”</strong></div>
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I agree that Christ does forgive, but I also believe that with sin comes chastisement (especially when not confessed) and consequences (with some sins more than others). I think in man’s mind we have little sins and big sins, but in God’s view every sin leads to the same judgment. </div>
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“How do I know that God has truly forgiven me when I ask Him too?” can be both a simple and complex question, in my opinion. It can be simple, because Scripture promises [If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9] However, this is only for the saved person – as one must first acknowledge they are a sinner, repent, and put faith in Christ for salvation. What if someone believes they are saved, but aren’t really saved? God isn’t [nor can] forgive a lost person for a sin, because they have not been covered by the blood of Christ – since [without shedding of blood is no remission. - Hebrews 9:22] Also, this is when one seeks true repentance, and not merely says “I’m sorry” because they have been caught. It is a heart issue, and the [The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? - Jeremiah 17:9] So, I think they only way to know if you are forgiven, is to daily [1] fellowship with God through prayer, [2] communicate with God through reading and meditating on the Bible, [3] walk with God in our lifestyle, and [4] repent of sin as soon as we are convicted by the Holy Spirit or confronted with it by ourselves or other persons. Because – most often – our “knowing we are forgiven” is to “feel like we have been forgiven”, and if we aren’t in touch with God daily we will surely [1] not confess and repent of sin and [2] will doubt His promise to forgive us when we do.</div>
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<br /></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-37370825837462213522012-07-28T21:29:00.000-06:002012-07-28T21:36:41.831-06:00What’s Marriage to a Chicken?I guess I am still somewhat naive when it comes to some things, as I had never really considered the possibility of a restaurant being forbidden to come to a city or state based on its view of marriage. I’ve witnessed some establishments being pressed against due to alcohol and those of indecent attire (or lack thereof) – but I figure those things have brought more heartache to the families, cities, and states in our country than marriage between a man and a woman. Perhaps I’ve been wrong.<br />
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I honestly don’t know much about Chick-fil-A – but that they are closed on Sundays and do hold to some personal religious convictions – although I do eat there occasionally. From what I have read, Mayor Rahm Emanuel apparently said “Chick-fil-A values are not Chicago values.” He further adds, “If you are discriminating against a segment of the community, I don’t want you in the First Ward.”</div>
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It appears the mayor clearly states that the values of Chick-fil-A are not only in opposition to the values of Chicago, but are also discriminating against a segment of persons. So, what exactly are the values of Chick-fil-A brought into question here?</div>
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“We are very much supportive of the family – the biblical definition of the family unit. We are a family-owned business, a family-led business, and we are married to our first wives. We give God thanks for that.”</div>
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“I think we are inviting God’s judgment on our nation when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage,’” Cathy said. “I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we would have the audacity to try to redefine what marriage is all about.”</div>
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Looking at the above, the expressed values of Chick-fil-A are: Marriage is between a man and a woman. And that God would have mercy on those who try to redefine it.</div>
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So, the mayor has stated that Chicago neither limits the definition of marriage as being between a man and a woman, nor does he ask for mercy upon those who agree with his (and all of Chicago) values. </div>
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As for as, “discriminating” against anyone, I don’t believe I have read where Chick-fil-A has said they would not sell their food to those whose beliefs were in opposition to theirs.</div>
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I can’t help but see the hypocrisy in the idea where Boston Mayor Tom Menino claims (proudly, I’m sure), “We’re an open city. We’re a city that’s at the forefront of inclusion.” How interesting, they are ONLY “open” and “inclusive” to those they wish to be; for they are neither being “open” or “inclusive” to Chick-fil-A. And, don’t give me the “well, Chick-fil-A isn’t being open and inclusive either”, because it is the mayor who is claiming they are the proud persons of an “open” and “inclusive” city. Does this mean that they currently agree with ALL the convictions of ALL other businesses (and those within them) currently in Boston? Why do I somehow doubt so?</div>
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Furthermore, we have “Alderman Moreno call[ing] Cathy’s comments “bigoted” and “homophobic,”” according to the article. Why do we still have the overuse of the words “bigot” and “homophobic”? The very ones who claim one is bigoted [prejudice, extremist] because they believe the biblical and formal definition of marriage are equally prejudice and extremist against those who do not agree to their trying to redefine marriage. This Chick-fil-A fiasco is case and point. And just because a person does not agree with homosexuality does not mean they are "scared of" or "hate" homosexuals. [i.e. homophobic]</div>
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City Councilman Jim Kenney joined in the “intolerance” speech, and promotes a resolution to “condemn this anti-American attitude of trying to deny civil liberties that every American enjoys.” How far have we come where standing firmly on the principle definition of marriage (that being between a man and a woman) is now “anti-American”? Every single American has the liberty to join in marriage. I don’t believe any Christian is standing against persons wishing to get married. The stance is against the REDEFINING of a scared institution (called marriage) by those who would wish to embrace what it was never intended to include (namely homosexuality).</div>
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Instead of using the name calling of bigot and homophobe through intolerance and the pressure to withdraw person’s freedom of speech, perhaps the homosexual should consider their ideals and create their own defining terms not already taken. Or, better yet, plead for the “mercy” Chick-fil-A has graciously asked God to grant them on their behalf, and refrain from the hate speech toward those who do not hold to their view.</div>
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Regardless of Chick-fil-A’s stance on marriage, I do not find any articles whereby they have denied chicken to a homosexual or even those who choose to work on Sundays. </div>
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What is marriage to a chicken? </div>
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It’s the only way to get those good sandwiches and nuggets at Chick-fil-A. ;o)</div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-91547808153209188692012-05-16T15:01:00.000-06:002012-05-16T15:01:00.843-06:00Church League Approves Softball and Denies Bisexaulity<div style="text-align: justify;">
Reading <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/" target="_blank">FoxNews.com</a> today, I came across an article entitled: <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/05/16/pastor-sexuality-splits-missouri-church-softball-league/" target="_blank">Pastor's sexuality splits Missouri church softball league</a>. James Semmelroth Darnell is apparently the current pastor of St. John United Church of Christ in Saint Clair, and feels that persons having issue with his confession of being bisexual is something that “shouldn’t be happening in this day and age.” I ask the question: Why?</div>
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Although I can understand the Baptists churches reasoning, in this post I am concerned less about the apparent issue of whether or not other churches would participate in a softball league with his church and more so about his position of pastor – one who professes they have repented of sin, put faith in Christ, lives by the bible, and preaches the gospel – all the while taking no issue with having a scripturally condemned lifestyle or vocalized ideals.</div>
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The article declares, “Darnell, for his part, said his sexuality will not affect his ability to lead his congregation off the field.” Do they not read or study the bible? Perhaps the gender neutral versions pervert the nature of scripture against such perversion, but I have never read them so have no true knowledge of where they stand on such matters as sexual orientation. How can sexuality not affect a pastor’s ability to lead his congregation? Either the sexuality of a pastor (whether in private or public) is in line with scripture, or out of sync with scripture and literally God himself.</div>
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I know people who are also Church of Christ and would equally agree that scripture condemns any relationship outside of a man and a woman, and there are numerous examples of where persons are and will be punished (by God) for their rejection of such truth. The only true “alternate lifestyle” is if one so chooses not to marry at all.</div>
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I am not advocating the mistreatment of those who refuse to obey scripture (even while they claim to believe and preach it), but do believe we should stand firm on the authority and foundational truths of scripture and not the modern man’s perversion of it – and not merely in secret. I will not recount the many references one can find in scripture – as you may take time to read past posts concerning such a topic <a href="http://splintersofsilver.blogspot.com/search/label/Homosexuality" target="_blank">here</a> – but would find it interesting how a pastor who actually uses the bible can proclaim our holy God is okay with the joining of a man-man or woman-woman in holy matrimony or relationship.</div>
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The issue is clearly less about softball, and more about what is truly a biblical lifestyle.</div>
<br />Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-89762085807093314592012-02-08T11:56:00.002-06:002012-02-08T12:01:14.116-06:00Being Granted the Right to Marry Gives One the Liberty to Divorce<div align="justify">For some time now, there has been much debate over giving homosexuals the right to marry, but what about the liberty to divorce?<br /><br />Yes, I am a Christian.<br />Yes, we believe the Bible.<br />Yes, the Bible says marriage is between a man and a woman.<br />Yes, the Bible says divorce is sin.<br />Yes, Christian people divorce.<br />** I am fully aware scripture gives some grounds (if you will) for divorce, though it does not state one must divorce or that one should look for reasons to divorce.<br /><br />Now that we’ve gotten past that argument, let’s proceed with the ideals of those who do not believe what the Bible teaches but demand homosexuals be given equal rights within the already defined term: marriage.<br /><br />I found this <a href="http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/08/10350972-poster-couple-for-gay-rights-in-california-is-divorcing" target="_blank">article</a> today which talks about a lesbian couple who were married in 2008. They were apparently “among 14 same-sex couples who originally challenged California's gay marriage ban in 2008.” In 2010 one of them said, "Marriage is so important it's the most important relationship that you can have as an adult when you get older." Presently, they are seeking a divorce.<br /><br />What happened?<br /><br />How can two persons having a relationship for 18 years + fight so hard for 7 years for what they claimed to be equal rights + believe God must have wanted it for them = even consider the possibility of ending such a liberty after a mere 3 years on the basis “"We're human and we went through difficult times," Tyler said. The marriage ran its course, she said.”?<br /><br />Why can’t persons (or rather, why do persons choose not to) fight for their marriage as much as they fight for the right to marry in the first place? If God wanted them to marry, does He now want them to divorce? How scripturally based is this? If one is going to use God’s name, then they need to acknowledge and obey His word. And this goes for the heterosexual marriage just as much as the homosexual unions. How many times is God/rights used to justify both the marriage and the divorce?<br /><br />My point is this: What purpose did it serve for these persons to fight 7 years for a right they were only committed to for 3 years? Same holds true for those who live together for years, only to divorce shortly after marriage. Why are we so prone to leave, rather than to cleave?<br /><br />When we see marriage as a right, then we view divorce as a liberty.<br /><br />Marriage is a privilege: A sacred opportunity instituted by God between a man and a woman, giving the couple the honor of sharing their lives together in a committed relationship.<br /><br />It’s interesting (and rather sad) how something worth fighting for to obtain as a right can be easily dismissed as worthless by liberty. May God help us!</div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-60491641113703308842011-10-15T19:25:00.000-06:002011-10-15T19:26:38.450-06:00Courageous Motivation<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:officedocumentsettings> <o:allowpng/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> 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0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} </style> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So, I went this weekend to see the movie <a href="http://www.courageousthemovie.com/">Courageous</a> with some people from our church. I thought the movie was pretty good, possibly even better than Fireproof. Of course you can’t really compare the two completely, as they focus on different aspects of the home. Fireproof speaks to the husband, as Courageous speaks to the father.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Courageous was filled with an emotional roller coaster, holding different principles that most likely every father in the theater could easily grasp hold of as something presently in their lives. Shifting from laughter to sorrow, self examination and the reality of what others may be going through, it helps expose the many different things we may actually not even take notice of though they are going on in our very own lives around us every day.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As I walked out of the theater I couldn’t help but feel motivated to be a better father. But, then I thought, if that is all there was, then surely it would be short lived. I mean, what am I going to do – wait till the movie hits DVD and watch it again? Then in a couple of months watch it again? And so on…<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">As much as I enjoyed the movie, I realize that if we really want to become better fathers, we need to do more than merely watch a movie about being better fathers. We’ve got to actually do what ‘Adam’ did in the movie. I’m not talking about signing the ‘Resolution’ from the movie – I’m talking about the actual seeking God and studying the Scriptures he was doing to arrive at the Resolution.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">We can’t simply ride the coattails of someone else’s convictions. We have got to purpose in our own hearts and in our own lives to be better (1) Christians and then we can become better (2) husbands and (3) fathers. Sometimes – well, a lot of times – it seems we fall very short in our potential of being better. Not because the Holy Spirit is not moving us to do so, but because we simply have a ‘fleshly’ motivated time period (whether a movie, song, sermon, etc.) and merely fizzle out when it comes time to actually put our ‘motivation’ into action.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">So, what am I saying? I’m saying that Courageous and movies like it can be great motivators that hit home in our hearts, maybe even at times we wouldn’t listen to the message they present any other way – BUT – if that motivation stops at the credits, then what good has it done us? If we fail to actually make a change in our lives – and not merely acknowledge or think about changing – we are no better off than before we saw it.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">It all goes back to the Bible and fellowship with God through Christ. Like me, if you saw Courageous – or a movie, program, sermon, etc. – and felt the emotion, wisdom, and Spirit of God exposing parts of your lives that need repentance and growth, then pray, read, study, and mediate on Scripture to allow it to change your life (as a husband, a father, a Christian) forever – and not merely 120 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--><p></p> <!--EndFragment-->Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-89879378260582440292011-09-22T08:39:00.004-06:002011-09-22T08:46:28.885-06:00So, Whose Fault Is It?<div><div align="justify">In reading an <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2011/09/20/scientists-on-trial-for-manslaughter-after-failing-to-predict-earthquake/" target="_blank">article</a> today, apparently about six scientists are being put on trial for suggested manslaughter for “failing to predict an earthquake that killed more than 300 people in central Italy in 2009 despite signs of increased seismic activity in the area,” I found something very peculiar. One of the lawyers (Alfredo Biondi) declared, “You cannot put science on trial.”<br /><br />I find it interesting, because we often hear the claim from unbelievers (yet believers of science):<br /><br />“If God is real, then why does He not stop bad things from happening?”<br /><br />Could we not also ask, “If science is real, then why does it not stop bad things from happening?”<br /><br />Would anyone doubt the existence of science simply because we do not completely understand it, sometimes incorrectly devise ideas about it, become confounded in its complexity, get lost in our formulation of the yet unseen, or its outcome is not what is expected and less than what we hoped for, while other times it is surprising and overwhelming interesting, even though we are limited in our ability to grasp its fullness?<br /><br />My purpose is not to merely compare God to science or science to God, but rather the mindset of man. We find no error in putting God on trial by declaring He is either non-existent or at fault for not stopping or warning against disasters, yet we have science which has been created to warn us but declare “You cannot put science on trial” when it fails to do that which we believe it should.<br /><br />But, perhaps they are right. Maybe it is neither God nor science which can be put on trial; for maybe both have indeed given the warning, and it is us (mankind) who have chosen to disregard it. Would not that then make us individually responsible for ourselves and each other? So, then, as a Christian (or a scientist in this case), it would not be God or science at fault but us who know the warning signs and refuse to warn others about it.<br /><br />Dear Christians, we have the Word of God, we have the gospel of Jesus Christ. Are we sharing the warning of spending eternity in hell if one does not repent and accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, or will we be accused as these scientists before God: "No one expected to be told the exact time of the quake. We just wanted to be warned that we were sitting on a bomb." (Vincenzo Vittorini) </div></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-57668448856183669482011-03-02T10:13:00.002-06:002011-03-02T10:20:07.092-06:00Are We Bringing Others To Christ?<div style="text-align: justify;">We find in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9&version=KJV" target="_blank">Matthew 9</a>, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+2&version=KJV" target="_blank">Mark 2</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+5&version=KJV">Luke 5</a> a story of a man sick of the palsy, which had persons who were determined to bring him to Jesus for healing.</div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I would just like to make a few points here I think we could all do to remember sometimes in our busy lives:</div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. Christ was preaching the Word.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. There was a sick man unable on his own to come unto Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. There were persons who were interested enough in the wellbeing of the sick man to take time out of their day to help him come to Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. There was faith in Jesus that he could heal the man.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Luke says “there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by”, but the religious crowd did not stop them from coming to Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. The place was apparently so full of people no one else could enter, but the mass of people and crowded building did not stop them from coming to Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. By removing the roof to lower the sick man to Jesus, those who bore him went above and beyond normal expectations to ensure he came to Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. When Jesus saw their faith the man was healed.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />Had there been no faith, no help from others willing to care for another, or fear of the religious and crowd, how would the sick man ever have met Jesus and been made whole? <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Word is being preached. What are we doing to ensure we ourselves come to Christ, and those around us are brought to Him for the cleansing of sin also?</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-58146462787902273452011-01-07T08:59:00.004-06:002011-01-07T09:08:14.672-06:00Do Your Social Network Friends Really Matter?<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >According to an <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/01/06/facebook-friends-mock-womans-suicide-message/" target="_blank">article</a> on FoxNews.com, a lady died from apparent suicide sometime after posting her actions – Christmas Day – on her Facebook status. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 24px; " >The article declares: Simone Back, 42, had 1,048 Facebook “friends,” none of whom came to her rescue or alerted authorities of her suicidal post that read, "Took all my pills be dead soon bye bye everyone." </span></p> <p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >It also states: [she] received responses calling her a “liar,” “she OD’s all the time and she lies” and saying the fatal overdose was “her choice,” The Telegraph reports.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; font-size: medium; "><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: 150%; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >And adds: Some out-of-town friends did respond wanting to help, requesting her address and telephone number to no avail. Not one of Back’s friends checked in on her.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >This is a very sad story. Any suicide or death of an individual should never be seen as a light thing, because that individual has crossed over into eternity. At this point, <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+9:27&version=KJV" target="_blank">their relationship in Jesus Christ matters the most</a>, even though they have surely likewise left weary hearts inside family and friends.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >But, this brings up questions regarding Facebook, along with other social networks, and how we allow them to take part in our daily lives. How much is too much? Are we spending more of our lives gossiping over the internet with cyber friends, in place of actually spending time with persons face-to-face?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Take for instance, the “friends” list on Facebook. I personally have 300+ “friends” made up of family, friends I grew up with, church members, coworkers, persons I know and have known, along with others I have merely met online through numerous blogs, forums, etc. Within this list, I most likely only converse with a small number of them regularly in person or on Facebook, and do not even attempt to read the 300+ statuses, updates, etc. which happen daily – or even hourly. I just don’t have that much time, or the desire to do so. Sorry Facebook friends!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >With that said, along with the numerous TMI and OMG (ha!) postings on just my Facebook Wall, I can somewhat understand how a status could go unnoticed (even a plea for help) by on-line “friends” (regardless how many) or even Facebook personnel. It is also practical to realize that many times we easily dismiss things, because the person is “known” to “cry wolf” or crave attention. This may not totally remove responsibility from us to seek help for those who may need it, but at the same time it does not place the blame on us and remove all the responsibility from the individual doing so either.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"></span><span class="Apple-style-span">I mean, if we can dismiss the soul hurting we may see each day at work, in our homes, at church, or driving along our way, what makes us think we will pay more attention to our cyber relationships? How easy is it to click “Like” or write a quick comment “Praying for you” – but do we really mean it? Are social networks even used as a means to help one another emotionally and spiritually, to truly build better friendships and communication with those we care about? Or, do they merely make us focus more attention on ourselves, and the curiosity of knowing everybody else’s business – with a stand-off type of responsibility, leaving us with no commitment to intervene with hurting hearts and the needs of others?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Is it better to have 1,048 social network friends, or 1 who really cares? And, if we claim to be someone’s friend, what are we doing to make the relationship so? Are we simple appeasing our conscience, yet searing it at the same time?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" > </span></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+17:17&version=KJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 17:17a</a>, <span style="color: black; ">A friend loveth at all times…<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18:24&version=KJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 18:24</a>, </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black"><span class="Apple-style-span" >A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family:Arial; color:black"><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></span></p>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-28806762748761905912011-01-04T21:28:00.004-06:002011-01-04T21:34:40.560-06:00Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest<div><div align="justify"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://s3.amazonaws.com/csp-mw-landing/abna_200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; height: 200px; float: right; cursor: hand;" border="0" alt="" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/csp-mw-landing/abna_200.jpg" /></a>So, I haven't forgotten my <a href="http://splintersofsilver.blogspot.com/2010/12/resolutions-for-2011.html">Resolutions for 2011</a>, but have simply added another short-term goal; at least for the month of January. </div><div align="justify"><br /></div><div align="justify"> </div><div align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="uistorymessage"><span lang="EN"><span class="Apple-style-span">Here is an opportunity for anyone to submit an unpublished or self-published novel between 50,000 and 150,000 words (of their own writing) in the 2011 <a href="https://www.createspace.com/abna" target="_blank">Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award</a>, for a chance to win one of two $15,000 publishing contracts with Penguin USA and distribution of their novel on Amazon.com.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span lang="EN"><br /><br /><span class="uistorymessage"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?docId=1000634611" target="_blank">How to Enter</a>: </span></span><span >The submission period begins January 24, 2011 at 12:01 a.m. (U.S. Eastern Standard Time) and ends February 6, 2011 at 11:59 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). The young adult fiction category and the general fiction category are each limited to 5,000 Entries, and we will stop accepting Entries for a category after we have received 5,000 Entries in that category.<!--?xml:namespace prefix = o /--><o:p></o:p></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt;" align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span">Sadly, there isn't enough time for me to finish and submit my latest work, entitled <i><a href="http://landoferde.blogspot.com/search/label/Kristietiba" target="_blank">Kristietiba</a></i>, as I am currently only about midway through writing it. But, I have been slowly reediting and putting together the trilogy of <i><a href="http://landoferde.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20One%3A%20Ekleipsis" target="_blank">Ekleipsis</a></i>, <i><a href="http://landoferde.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Two%3A%20Daegsteorra" target="_blank">Daegsteorra</a></i>, and <i><a href="http://landoferde.blogspot.com/search/label/Book%20Three%3A%20Andeis" target="_blank">Andeis</a></i> into one book entitle <i>Land of Erde</i>. Perhaps I will be able to complete and submit this work. I at least hope to.</span></p><div align="justify"> </div><p style="text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt;" align="justify"><span class="Apple-style-span">Do you have a novel you have been working on? Give it a go! You've got a month to prepare and submit it. What have you lost?<br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></p></span></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-71508519083956490342010-12-26T22:38:00.008-06:002010-12-27T13:33:41.675-06:00Thou Shalt Come - Introduction<p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal"></p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal">As I sit here this twenty-sixth day of December in the year of our Lord 2010, I am prepared to embark on a study less than few have intertwined into their lives. Some may find it an unnecessary learning – and perhaps they are correct in the large scope of life, if the mere reading should consume one – yet I cannot but hope that such will rather enlighten me in much greater things of importance along the journey. For what I find at the end may indeed be less significant – in practical purpose – than the gleanings and wisdom which shall become prevalent along the way. Of which, in no small means, would I be equally content with grasping at the understanding of. Though, likewise I am required to retain this expedition must not be satisfied without the acting upon such found knowledge; for what is faith without works<span class="Apple-style-span">[1]</span>?</p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal">It is my belief<span class="Apple-style-span">[2]</span> – from experience with myself, along with others I have conversed with throughout my life – when one is presented or seeks out information or questions concerning virtually all things, there appears to be already in place a sense of opinion, thought, or idea – whether partial or in full – concerning it. Even though scripture declares such is folly<span class="Apple-style-span">[3]</span>, mankind seems to find it quite easy to do – perhaps even subconsciously acting upon it. Whether due to previous learning we have received through school, media, society, or possibly from family, church, and books, we appear to find it difficult to simply say, “I don’t know” without actually having some preconceived notion of what it might or should be – according to us.</p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal">But, is it so wrong to have predetermined ideas of that which we may not know or fully understand? Or, rather – should we ask – how shall truth overcome our presuppositions, if by chance we do not lend our ears and mind to that which is in contradiction? To limit our study to merely one side or the other – of any topic; especially if we are but novice concerning its intellect – does not make that which we believe true, but bounds us to it as though we have become the final authority by rejecting all other knowledge without evenly considering it. Neither do harsh words, name calling, nor misrepresentation of the other make our case stronger and more profitable for those we deem without. We must maintain that truth is truth, without our vain presuppositions; for we do not establish nor define truth, as truth is whole by itself. Just as our assumptions may lead us to the truth, they may likewise disperse us from it.</p><p style="TEXT-ALIGN: justify" class="MsoNormal">So, for this study, I shall try to put away my argumentative mind, while attempting to give equal standing with each author and all books, as they present their case for what they believe to be truth. Using the Bible as the final authority, as did those in Thessalonica<span class="Apple-style-span">[4]</span>, I hope to take every point of doctrine and exert its truth in my own life daily.</p><p align="justify">I shall entitle this study <i>Thou Shalt Com</i>e, based on <b>John 6:37</b>; whereby, scripture declares, <i>All that the Father giveth me shall come to me</i>; <b>and </b><i>him that cometh to me</i> <b>I will in no wise cast out.</b><br /><br />So begins my study of Arminianism, Calvinism, and those who claim the truth – along with themselves – lies somewhere in between...<br /></p><div style="mso-element: footnote-list"><br /></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list"><hr align="left" width="33%"></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list"> </div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list">[1] James 2:20, 26 (It would do one well to read the chapter in its entirety.)</div><div style="mso-element: footnote" id="ftn1"><p class="MsoFootnoteText">[2] I realize, possibly a mere presupposition itself.</p></div><div style="mso-element: footnote" id="ftn3"><p class="MsoFootnoteText">[3] Proverbs 18:13</p></div><div style="mso-element: footnote" id="ftn4"><p class="MsoFootnoteText">[4] Acts 17:11</p></div><p></p>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-21234600137320368802010-12-21T21:01:00.006-06:002010-12-21T21:11:45.730-06:00Resolutions for 2011<div align="justify"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">As we draw to the end of 2010, upon reflection, it appears I have been neglecting my blog writing, having only 25 posts in 2009 and 17 posts for 2010. So, for 2011, I would like to make myself a few resolutions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">First, I would like to complete my current work, entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><a href="http://landoferde.blogspot.com/search/label/Kristietiba" target="_blank">Kristietiba</a></i> this coming year. It is my latest book writing project, following my trilogy <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><a href="http://www.landoferde.com/" target="_blank">In the Land of Erde</a></i>. The storyline is mostly coming about, but just haven’t had the time to formal continue writing it to completion; approximately, halfway through at the present.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">Second, I was graciously given a book entitled Unabridged Christianity (Biblical Answers to Common Questions About the Roman Catholic Faith) by Fr. Mario P. Romero. There was a time when I did a good bit of reading about Catholicism and even participated on a Catholic forum, but it has been some time since then. So, perhaps I will make time to read, examine, and respond accordingly. Readers may see some of my musing regarding this posted here.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">Third, I was also given a book entitled The Muslim Calvinism Connection by Moody Adams. This perhaps had sparked the greatest endeavor for 2011 (well, in the scope of this blog). For 2011, readers may see a good many posts on the context of Armenian and Calvinist theology, in regards to depravity, free will, predestination, foreknowledge, and the like. I have a shelf of books, along with a CD of writings in PDF for my Nook, which will challenge my presupposition, thoughts, and beliefs. </p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">Of course, last but not least, I hope to increase my prayer and scripture reading time, which the above should also encourage. This also does not include my family time and church responsibilities, so we shall see come December 2011 what has become of these few resolutions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align: justify;line-height:normal">May you all have a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year…</p></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-18876781303037684542010-12-06T19:01:00.015-06:002010-12-06T19:45:44.571-06:00Christ-Mass at 180 Degrees: A Sin to Celebrate, a Sin to Not<div align="justify">I realize this post may come across as anti-Christmas, as the Grinch, or just plain argumentative, but actually it is more of just a note of thoughts for the individual reader to consider this year.<br /><br />It is interesting that each year we hear an uproar about people, businesses, or whatever “trying to take Christ out of Christmas”, but I wonder just how many of us know anything about the history of Christmas or actually worship Christ more during the season supposedly celebrating His birth.<br /><br />First, the word Christmas originates from combining the words Christ (the son of God) and Mass (the Catholic Mass). [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christmas" target="_blank">1</a>] “The Mass is the complex of prayers and ceremonies that make up the service of the Eucharist in the Latin rites.” [<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09790b.htm" target="_blank">2</a>] Both Baptists (of which I am) and Catholics believe the Lord’s Supper began with Christ [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%2026:26-30&version=KJV" target="_blank">3</a>], but the literal or symbolic nature of the Lord’s Supper is quite different between the two. The Eucharist or ‘Sacrifice of the Mass’ [<a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05572c.htm" target="_blank">4</a>] carries with it the idea of Transubstantiation [4]; whereby “Catholic Christian belief [is] in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist” (meaning the bread and wine actually become the literal body and blood of Christ) by their interpretation of such scripture as John 6:53-56 [<a href="http://www.catholicapologetics.org/ap060500.htm" target="_blank">5</a>]. Whereas Baptist realize the words of Christ were spiritual and not fleshly, for Christ did say in verse 63: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” One may notice all who are saved are also called “one bread, and one body” in <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:17&version=KJV" target="'_blank">1 Corinthians 10:17</a>. And if the ‘cup of the Lord’ is the literal blood of Christ, is the ‘cup of devils’ the literal blood of devils? [<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010:21&version=KJV" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:21</a>]<br /><br />Point 1: Baptists do not celebrate or believe in the teaching of the Catholic Mass, and the word Christmas appears to have originated with Catholic teachings.<br /><br />Second, according to some “Christmas history of America” [<a href="http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/in_america.htm" target="_blank">6</a>], in 1645 Oliver Cromwell and the Puritans took over England, and cancelled Christmas as part of their vow to ‘rid England of decadence’ [<a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/decadence" target="_blank">moral degeneration or decay</a>]. “Puritans by definition felt that the English Reformation had not gone far enough, and that the Church of England was tolerant of practices which they associated with the Catholic Church. They formed into and identified with various religious groups advocating greater "purity" of worship and doctrine, as well as personal and group piety.” [<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puritan" target="_blank">7</a>] Oddly, during the 1600s, some pilgrims (English separatists, also Puritan in their beliefs) enjoyed Christmas in America, while for others it was outlawed. Even before the Civil War, the North “saw sin in the celebration of Christmas”, while the South celebrated it without guilty conscience. From there, it seems Christmas was promoted in books and Sunday school to the children, then with magazines and decorations to the women.<br /><br />Point 2: Whereas the Puritans of England seemed to argue that Christmas was not for the Christian (or non Catholic), there were those in America who fought over the idea of whether Christmas was sin or worthy to be celebrated.<br /><br />Thirdly, when I hear the yearly outcry from professing Christians that this place or that group is refusing the say or promote Christmas, I have to sit back and wonder what all the hoopla is about. Why? Because while we criticize those who do not display nativity scenes or say “Merry Christmas”, I do not see us as Christians doing any more for Christ during a season whereby we claim people are doing less or nothing at all for “Christ’s birthday”. I mean, really, if we would like to demand the lost world (or those “less” Christian) to say “Merry Christmas” to recognize our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (not to mention the Catholic Mass), then why do we as Christians not spend Christmas Eve and Christmas Day spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ rather than sitting lazily inside our homes watching football, overeating, and often spending the day with family and friends we don’t always like, with gifts we usually can’t afford?<br /><br />Point 3: Before we demand a change in other’s priorities, we need to ensure ours are in the right place.<br /><br />Why does it seem that we - as Christians (or non Catholic) - have gone 180 degrees in stating that it was once a sin (or Catholic) to celebrate Christmas, but now it is apparently a sin (or non Christian) to not celebrate Christmas?</div><br /><br /><span style="color:#660000;">** note: this is not a post against Catholic's or Catholicism, but a post for my Baptists brothers and sisters...<br /></span>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-47190706918012836592010-11-22T15:08:00.005-06:002010-11-22T15:16:51.121-06:00Misguided Advice + Folly Discernment = Disappointing Outcomes<div align="justify">The other day at work, I was asked to help a coworker set their new office furnishing closer to the wall. The furniture was empty, so we proceeded into his office to reposition it. As we took our places on either side of the desk, we lifted it slightly to move it back a little less than six inches. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my hand. Without ever having seen it, a painted canvas had fallen from the shelving attached to the desk we were moving. Neither of us had taken notice of the painting before we started the move; even though he had apparently placed it there beforehand at some point, and I did look at the furniture before helping him move it.<br /><br />For some reason, a single scripture reference came to mind: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+18:13&version=KJV" target="_blank">Proverbs 18:13</a> says, “He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.” I realize one may reasonably question how the two – the story and the verse – relate to one another, so let me explain. Within our move, we had the location (the office), the situation (move the furniture), the person familiar or part of the situation (the coworker), and the person invited or entering the situation (me).<br /><br />Entering the location, even observing the situation and being told of it, I still did not discern the painted canvas which fell on my hand. My coworker apologized for not remembering he had placed the artwork there, and I apologized for not noticing the painting before helping him move the furniture. Thank goodness it was not damaged, but my hand was still hurt, he was still disappointed it happened, and the artwork could have been broken. All because we observed the location and took for granted we knew the situation; instead of taking the time to examine every possible detail before taking action.<br /><br />This same principle applies in our daily lives, when we interact with family, friends, and those around us. Sometimes we make judgments or give advice, but how often are they possibly made or given without us noticing or discerning all of the key elements of a given situation? Perhaps we think we know all of the information, yet some is merely gossip. What if we have only heard a partial truth, by listening to just one side of the story? How many times have we apologized, only to leave the other person – or perhaps even entire relationships – worse off than they were? All because we answered a matter – by words and/or deeds – without really hearing and/or understanding the entirety of the situation and everything involved?<br /><br />May we be mindful of our judgments and quick advice to others, as it may prove to encompass a much different – long lasting, opposite – outcome than we might first have imagined. </div><div align="justify"> </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-21154524603048099122010-10-16T20:57:00.015-06:002010-10-16T21:20:00.719-06:00Ephesisans 2 - How Do You See Yourself?<div align="justify"><strong>Ephesians 2<br /></strong><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><em>God’s involvement in sending Christ and working in mankind for our redemption reconciles us in our relationship with Him and each other.<br /></em><br /></span>(vs. 1) And you hath he <span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em>quickened</em></strong></span> - <span style="color:#990000;">to make alive<br /></span><br />1. So, the first question is: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Have you been quickened, made alive?</span></strong><br /><br />You say, made alive from what? (vs. 1) Being dead in trespasses and sins<br />• Just as Christ was dead and resurrected to life – so are we dead spiritually have a need to be made alive.<br /><br /><strong>Before Conversion (spiritually dead)<br /></strong>(vs. 2-3) Scripture makes reference to <span style="color:#990000;"><strong><em>our natural state</em></strong></span> before being quickened. </div><div align="justify"><br />1. Walked according to the course of this world (is the world in unison or contrast to God?)<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">2. Walked according to the prince of the power of the air<br />a. (2 Corinthians 4:4) In whom <em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">the god of this world</span></strong></em> hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">3. Conversation in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the desires of the flesh and mind<br />a. 1 John 2:16: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life<br />i. Genesis 3: saw tree was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, make one wise<br />ii. Satan: saw God, desired His position, wished to ascend over God<br /><br /></div><div align="justify">4. Were by nature the children of wrath<br /><br /><strong>Change of Conversion (spiritually alive)<br /></strong>(vs. 4-7) <strong><span style="color:#990000;">BUT GOD!</span></strong><br />1. God’s mercy<br />2. God’s love<br />3. God’s grace </div><div align="justify"><br /><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">God has given us mercy, love, and grace (through Jesus Christ)</span></em></strong> – not because He saw something good in us, for we were by nature the children of wrath fulfilling our own desires – BUT <strong><em><span style="color:#990000;">in spite of our sin</span></em></strong>!<br /><br />Why? That the riches of His grace through Christ may be shown to others.<br /><br />(vs. 8-9) Salvation is ALL grace through faith in Christ Jesus! WITHOUT works!<br /><br /><strong>Purpose of Conversion (spiritually active)<br /></strong>Though we as Baptist often quote Ephesians 2:8-9 as to our beliefs that one is saved by grace through faith in Christ <span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>without works</strong></em></span>, we seldom quote Ephesians 2:10 to get ourselves out of the pew and <em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">into the work</span></strong></em>.<br /><br />(vs. 10) We are God’s workmanship, <em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">created in Christ Jesus unto good works</span></strong></em>, which God hath before <em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">ordained that we should walk in them</span></strong></em>. (ordain = to decree, establish, predestine before hand)<br /><br />2. So, the second question is: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">What are you doing for God, as the result of salvation not to gain salvation?<br /></span><br /></strong>(vs. 11-12) Scripture reminds us Gentiles who we are in the flesh.<br />1. Gentiles (Uncircumcised)<br />1. Without Christ<br />2. Aliens from the commonwealth of Israel<br />3. Strangers from the covenants of promise<br />4. Having no hope<br />5. Without God in the world<br /><br />Not only were we (1) dead spiritually, we were (2) without hope in the flesh.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>To be alien from God and without Christ, is to be without redemption!<br /><br /></strong></span>(vs. 13-19) <strong><span style="color:#990000;">BUT NOW<br /></span></strong>We have been grafted into Christ by the circumcision made without hands (Colossians 2:9-13); the separation of our sinful flesh, and our quickened spirit.<br />1. Once being dead in sin, we have been quickened by Christ and the Spirit of God.<br />2. Once being uncircumcised in the flesh, we have been forgiven of sin and reconciled to God.<br /><br />We have a double reconciliation through Christ:<br />1. Satisfying the demands of justice, reconciled the Jew and Gentile to God.<br />2. Abolishing the Mosaic institutions, reconciled the Jew and Gentile into the unity of one body.<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Christ<br /></strong>1. Abolished the enmity between us and God<br /></span>a) Sin always causes enmity (a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred)<br /> "I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed" (Genesis 3:15).<br /> The friendship of the world is "enmity with God" (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15, 16).<br />• 1 Jn. 2:16: lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life<br /> The "carnal mind" is "enmity against God" (Romans 8:7).<br />• 2 Cor. 10:5-6: Cast down imaginations and bring into captivity every thought unto God.<br /><br />3. So, the third question is: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Do you have enmity (hostility or hatred) between the flesh, the world*, and the devil, or do you have enmity between you and God?<br /></span></strong>* the system of beliefs and lusts against God, not individuals.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#990000;">The Jews bragged they were the children of Abraham, God’s chosen people, were the carriers of the truth – yet they chose idols, men, and lustful desires over God and His Word. Are you doing the same?<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;"><strong>Christ<br /></strong>2. Abolished the enmity between the Jew and Gentile<br /></span>a) Reconciled both to God<br />b) Made twain at peace in one body (body of Christ, the Church)<br />c) Though once ‘a far off’, we have been made ‘nigh’ to God<br /> To the Jew, God dwelt in the temple where Gentiles could not go.<br /> To the saint, God dwells in our temple, our body.<br />• 1 Cor. 6:19: Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you.<br />• 1 Cor. 3:16: Ye are the temple of God.<br />d) Access by one Spirit unto the Father<br /> (Ephesians 4:4-6) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. <strong><span style="color:#990000;">*not multiple ways*<br /></span></strong>e) No more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and household of God<br /> 1 Cor. 10:32 mentions the Jew, the Gentile, then the Church of God.<br /> Being in the church, we are one body, neither Jew nor Gentile – we are saints!<br /> I pray you are in the church of God, more so than looking at yourselves as Jew, Gentile, or even Baptists!<br /><br />4. So, the fourth question is: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Are you doing as the Jews in keeping God to yourselves within the local church building, or are you sharing the light of the gospel with the strangers to bring them into the household of God?<br /><br /></span><span style="color:#990000;">Pride and race seemed to affect the relationship between the Jew and the Gentile; does it affect your ability or inability to share the gospel with people?<br /></span></strong><br />(vs. 20-22) Christ laid our <em><strong><span style="color:#990000;">foundation</span></strong></em> (1 Corinthians 3:11), and is the <span style="color:#990000;"><em><strong>cornerstone</strong></em></span> of all that we are:<br />1. In our becoming one body<br />2. In our indwelling of the Spirit<br />3. In our habitation for God<br /><br />5. So, the fifth question is: <strong><span style="color:#000099;">Are you building on the foundation of Christ, merely sitting idle, or tearing down the household of God, the body of Christ? Or trying to build your own building in the flesh?<br /><br /></span></strong><span style="color:#990000;">Read Colossians 3:8-17</span><br />• <strong>But now…</strong> (10-12) And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.<br /><br />Galatians 5:14 says, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. That love includes sharing the gospel with the diversity of people.<br /><br />1. Can you see and feel God’s involvement in your life?<br />2. Is it changing your relationship with God and with man; making it better?<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Christ lived and died calling unto men to repent and believe, to have their sins forgiven and to be reconciled unto to God. What are you doing? </span></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong><span style="color:#000099;"><br /></span></strong></div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-48296764431683422452010-09-16T08:10:00.002-06:002010-12-26T22:56:17.286-06:00Do You Perfer D.E.S.I.R.E. over T.U.L.I.P.s?<div align="justify">I was recently presented an <a href="http://erlc.com/article/another-view-of-the-biblical-doctrine-of-election/" target="_blank">article</a>, whereby the author suggest the concept of D.E.S.I.R.E over T.U.L.I.P.; stating “There it is—God’s “D.E.S.I.R.E.” for you. It isn’t the T.U.L.I.P., but its not Arminianism either!”<br /><br />I am not so sure even this article (belief or conviction of D.E.S.I.R.E) gives one “a model of election that would allow me, or any preacher, to expound every verse of Scripture with equal confidence and not have to soft pedal or ignore those passages which are problematic to one view or the other,” as the author hopes himself.<br /><br />Can Abrahamic Election and Salvation Election (as presented by the author) really be limited to only corporate (Abrahamic) and individual (Salvation)? I mean, we also have those that could be “cut off” individually from their people (the Jews) by breaking the covenant, and a corporate “church” or body of Christ (similar as collective groups seen in “all that the Father giveth me” and sheep “folds”) spoken of in scripture. And wasn’t the picture of individual fleshly circumcision a picture of individual spiritual circumcision? I am not saying Israel and Church are synonymous in Scripture, but I’m not sure I can agree with the author’s limitation of corporate vs. individual regarding Abrahamic and Salvation Election.<br /><br />Here is a little confusing, or where I am failing to see what the author is saying:<br /><span style="color:#990000;">"From God’s perspective there can never have been a single moment when God has not had the totality of His experience (their acceptance and after, or their rejection and after) with each and every human being as part of His “present” (i.e. eternal) experience and knowledge.<br />God has always experienced those accepting him and praising him in the New Heaven and New Earth as well as those who have rejected him and have been sent to perdition. Thus, the ones He has always experienced accepting and worshipping him are elect and He works in an especially solicitous way to make their call effectual and they will believe as opposed to must believe.”<br /></span><br />I can understand the “present tense” of how God sees things (past, present, future as present), but it appears the author suggest that because God sees presently (though future to us) “those…praising him in the New Heaven and New Earth” THEN or BECAUSE OF THIS “He works in an especially solicitous way to make their call effectual and they will believe.”<br /><br />So, it seems the author is saying that since God experiences the presence of certain individuals in the scope of eternal salvation (future), He works effectually in them (presently) so they “will” believe.<br /><br />If such is what the author is saying, then by equal contrast, those “He (God) has always experienced the rebellion and the rejection of those who are lost and they will not accept his invitation and call” He will NOT “work in an especially solicitous way to make their call effectual and they will believe.”<br /><br />I don’t see how the author escapes having foreknowledge contradictions or questioning as he claims TULIP have.<br /><br />If God works effectual within an individual toward salvation “based” (as the author appears to note) on whether He “experiences” the individual in salvation (New Heaven and New Earth) or perdition (Hell), then how is this different than saying foreknowledge is based on God “looking forward into time” (our time) to see who will accept Christ and who will reject Christ – then only working effectually in those He already knows will accept Him? To me, it seems what the author has done is base God’s “effectual working” choice on man’s “electoral” choice to accept or reject Christ.<br /><br />And if God presently (though our future) sees an individual in Heaven or Hell, can it not be said one “must believe” or “cannot accept” – for if the future is set (for in God’s eyes it is), then how can the individual do anything but believe or reject – even without the effectual calling of God (per the author)? </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-35214896875423273042010-04-28T11:13:00.001-06:002010-04-28T11:15:43.556-06:00We Believe in God, But Pick What We Believe<div align="justify">This morning, while taking a look at a few articles regarding surveys dealing with religion among different generations, I can’t help but wonder if there is indeed a common strand which connects the results.<br /><br />In the report <a href="http://content.usatoday.com/communities/Religion/post/2010/01/tiger-woods-buddhism-christianity-brit-hume-pew-forum/1?csp=obnetwork" target="_blank"><em>Buddhist Tiger Woods may be as Christian as many Americans</em></a>, the writer recalls the comments of Tiger from 1996, of which he said “I believe in Buddhism. Not every aspect, but most of it. So I take bits and pieces. I don't believe that human beings can achieve ultimate enlightenment, because humans have flaws." – and compares it to the line of modern day thinking from professing Christians, that it appears okay to mismatch ideals from within and without Christianity.<br /><br />Such thoughts among confessing Believers makes itself apparent in that <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-02-10-presbyterian-salvation_N.htm?csp=obinsite" target="_blank"><em>Some Presbyterians see salvation in non-Christian faiths</em></a>, finding “that 36% of members disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement: "Only followers of Jesus Christ can be saved." Another 39%, or about two-fifths, agreed or strongly agreed with the statement.” As Perry Chang, administrator of the Presbyterian Panel, admits, "There seems to be some universalist streak in Presbyterianism, where some Presbyterians are open to the idea of other paths that folks in other faiths might be taking." And this is not merely among average pew sitters, for “More pastors disagreed (45%) than agreed (35%) and a majority of specialized clergy (60 percent) disagree.”<br /><br />In claiming <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-02-17-pewyouth17_ST_N.htm?csp=obinsite" target="_blank"><em>Young adults 'less religious,' not necessarily 'more secular'</em></a>, the survey seems to find “Millennials are significantly more likely than young adults in earlier generations to say they don't identify with any religious group.” The statics shows 53% trust God does exist, with 40% claiming to speak with Him daily in prayer, but a mere 18% actually attend church regularly (i.e. weekly).<br /><br />Coming to the <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2010-04-27-1Amillfaith27_ST_N.htm?csp=usat.me" target="_blank"><em>Survey: 72% of Millennials 'more spiritual than religious'</em></a>, we find 65% do not attend church, 67% don’t read their Bibles, and 38% seldom pray; which leads to the revelation that “Many are unsure Jesus is the only path to heaven: Half say yes, half no.” Of course, it is telling when we read “68% did not mention faith, religion or spirituality when asked what was "really important in life."” – “Even among those in the survey who "believe they will go to heaven because they have accepted Jesus Christ as savior."”<br /><br />Anyone will attest that surveys may not be inclusive 100% of all persons or statics presented, but they are not without merit. In the above, we see (at least with those polled) that although there is a claim that God does exist, those same persons (% wise) do not find attendance in His house (i.e. Sunday School or Worship Service) to be equally essential, or the necessity to speak with Him in prayer and read His Word. Basically: belief without relationship. It would be like one claiming they know their parent(s) are alive, but they never (or seldom) call or visit them. That would not be considered a healthy family relationship. It would be an estranged one.<br /><br />So, what is the common strand that seems to connect each of these – at least for me? Belief is not the same as faith and practice. James tells us (2:19) “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble,” and goes on to expose the reality that a claim of belief is not the same as an active faith in Christ which produces a lifestyle of Christianity. What I gather from the above links, along with many conversations I have had with persons I know and don’t know, is that many profess a belief in God, even having possibly “prayed the prayer” (finding eternal security in one act, establishing it as a work for salvation rather than it being of grace), but have no interest in reading and studying the Scriptures, or listening to it being expounded upon by a pastor or teacher.<br /><br />It should not be surprising to notice an embrace of a pool of thoughts (when it comes to religion/spirituality), mixed from many realms of theology and ideology, when persons refuse (or fail to make time) to pray and seek the wisdom and discernment found in the Bible (by reading, studying, and hearing it preached and taught). Christians and non-Christians alike may fall prey to this, as we fail to give importance to God and His Word in active living. When we fail to ensure a faithful relationship with God through prayer, without a correct understanding and acceptance of His wisdom and authority through Scripture, and ignore an active faith in Christ following his lifestyle (all by the power of the Holy Spirit), we need to examine our estranged relationship, acknowledge we cannot simply create our own witches brew of truths, and repent by spending more time in the things of God (the one whom we claim to believe in, and whom will ultimately grant us eternal life).<br /><br />If we have no time for God now, why should He grant us an eternal life with him? May we repent of our selfish lies, and embrace the truth at our very finger tips. Believing “I take bits and pieces” here and there is basically creating one’s on religion, inserting themselves in the place of God, and becoming their own final authority, which will not hold up in court at the Great White Throne Judgment. </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-67145933813596560822010-04-15T11:02:00.004-06:002010-04-15T11:08:57.501-06:00Born Again, Again? Unto Homosexuality, Really?<div align="justify">Sadly, we read of yet another ‘Christian musician’ who claims to continue to hold true to Christianity in one hand, while grasping homosexuality in the other. Some time back it was <a href="http://splintersofsilver.blogspot.com/2008/09/ray-boltz-tired-of-living-lie.html" target="_blank">Ray Boltz</a>, and today it is <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100413/music_nm/us_knapp" target="_blank">Jennifer Knapp</a>. Is it not puzzling how we can claim to serve God as faithful servants, while embracing that which He condemns in His holy word? Such is not limited to Christian musicians or to homosexuality, but to openly ask or demand the world (or fans) to embrace the blatant hypocrisy as being humble seems quite self-serving.<br /><br />Jennifer states: "I hope that the defiance does come across as humble," she explained. "If there's any frustration, it's trying to politely break the yoke of being asked to be something that I just can't be, and with all humility go: 'Just please be kind when you discover the truth.' It's kinda all you can do."<br /><br />Yet boasts: "I'm definitely getting a lot more friendly winks from the girls (at her concerts) than I have in the past!"<br /><br />And jokes: "Anyone who has a decade of celibacy has 'complete loser' written on their back” – ‘although she still respects those who do abstain.’<br /><br />At least, she declares (regarding her new CD), "I just wouldn't find it respectful at all to say, 'Hey, this is something that you want in your store next to your Jesus statue,'" she said. "It would just be disingenuous to try and convince someone that they needed to do that."<br /><br />“Still, Knapp considers herself a "person of faith" and recoils at the suggestion that she is turning her back on the church”… so, I ask, if living a lifestyle contrary to scripture does not constitute a life of immorality and turning ones back on the truth of God… what does?<br /><br />When we sin, we are choosing to disobey, rebel, dishonor, and reject the truth and wisdom of scripture (God’s holy word). How else can we describe our actions and current state as any other way but turning our back on God, the church, our faith? Though one may sing with the voice of an angel, marvelous songs of praise to God and our Savior Jesus Christ, it is but naught having a life in opposition to it.<br /><br />How sad, though no longer surprising, to hear professing Christians describe the biblical Christian lifestyle as a “yoke of being asked to be something that [one] just can't be”, yet oddly feel completely free to live a life contrary to it. May we all judge ourselves, aligning ourselves with the testimony of Jesus Christ and the word of God, repenting of the broad way wherewith with have walked, and return yet again unto the straight and narrow path of righteousness. </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-76160909503900343842010-03-26T12:27:00.009-06:002010-03-26T12:35:13.433-06:00Another Perverted Soul Embarks On Gravely Misrepresenting Christ<div align="justify">According to this <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/03/25/texas-town-cross-plays-gay-christ/" target="_blank">article</a> at FoxNews.com: ‘Residents of Stephenville, Texas, say they're furious that a local university will allow the performance of a play in which a gay Jesus shares a kiss with Judas and marries two apostles in a same-sex ceremony.’<br /><br />It always amazes me when persons take not only a flawed premise (which most, if not all of us, are guilty of doing at some point or another), but also an outright denial of truth; to strive not only to misrepresent the teachings and person of Christ, but to go so far as to try and twist that which is good into that which is evil, merely to justify their own depravity. <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%205:20-21&version=KJV" target="_blank">Isaiah</a> says, ‘Woe’ to such persons and such thoughts.<br /><br />Oddly, as controversial as the topic of homosexuality is today, given the clear instruction against the perversion in scripture – whereby many atheists even acknowledge such teachings – (Genesis 19; Leviticus 20; Romans 1), along with the fight of trying to redefine marriage in America, it is interesting that John Jordan Otte (student-director) would say the reasoning behind his production of the play is: ‘to "bring people together" and help gain acceptance for gay Christians.’<br /><br />Here are just a few problems with this line of thinking:<br /><br />1. Who in their right mind would believe that a homosexual depiction of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, of whom thousands upon thousands hold as the Holy Son of God, would have the potential of bringing together the sheep among the goats? </div><div align="justify"><br />2. There may be professing Christians who practice homosexuality, but it is still a sin of which needs repentance, and clearly is not and will not be justified or accepted by God or His Word, nor should be by His Church. (* note, I said the sin) </div><div align="justify"><br />3. The misuse of biblical characters into a lifestyle contrary to scripture, history, etc. is the direct result of a depraved mind with the purpose of gaining attention to oneself by corrupting history and defamation of character; just as it would to create a modern movie of depicting Democrats and/or the President (non-homosexuals) as homosexuals. Who would stand for such, claiming it were merely art?<br /><br />Although John Jordan Otte claims to be a ‘devout Christian’, as he believes, ‘"I am not attacking anyone in choosing this play. I want people to see and understand another side to faith. I want us all to know that unconditional love means just that -- unconditional -- and I believe tolerance is a key message in this play. None of us, not one of us, should ever feel alone or separated from God or whomever we believe in,"’ he clearly misses the message of the scriptures that mankind is lost and dead in trespasses and sin, out of fellowship and separated from God, under the wrath of the Almighty.<br /><br />While he wishes for us to see ‘another side of faith’, namely unconditional love, he fails to share one must also have repentance. Unconditional love is not God allowing mankind to do whatever we choose, especially in direct contrast to His Word, as if demanding God overlook our rebellion and rejection of Him and His righteousness; yet He embraces us nevertheless. Unconditional love is the Father sending the Son to live a holy life, suffer the death of the cross, with His resurrection from the grave granting forgiveness of sin, the restoration of fellowship, with the promise of eternal life to all who repent and put faith in Christ.<br /><br />It is one thing to sin in ignorance, and quite another to transgress willfully with knowledge. A ‘devout Christian’ should know the difference, and quickly acknowledge our sin and repent before God. Although ‘freedom of speech’ may give rights to one to pervert the person and teachings of Christ in this life, no such clause shall save the wicked in the next. </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-5331147674146307262010-03-22T06:30:00.002-06:002010-03-22T06:32:13.064-06:00OSAS Does Not Justify Abounding In Sin<div align="justify">I recently picked up the book entitled Green Zone (aka Imperial Life in the Emerald City) by Rajiv Chandrasekaran. In chapter 3, You’re in Charge!, I came across the following, which caused me to ponder the comparative thought many seem to believe when it comes to Once Saved Always Saved (aka OSAS).<br /><br />“My driver, an English-speaking law student who had not dared to flout a traffic rule before the war, now coolly drove on the wrong side of the street, into opposing traffic at times, to avoid traffic jams. When I asked him what he was doing, he turned to me, smiled, and said, ‘Mr. Rajiv, democracy is wonderful. Now we can do whatever we want.’” (p. 52)<br /><br />Paul tells us in Romans 5:20b-21 and 6:1-2, ‘But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?’<br /><br />Although scripture declares we are not to abound any longer in sin, but have been ordained to walk in good works by the workmanship of God (Ephesians 2:8-10), all too often many professing Christians find ourselves (whether consciously or subconsciously) gravitating to wickedness rather than righteousness. And even though we may not declare such outwardly, within our hearts we almost (or sadly even outright) seem to try to justify our lack of obedience.<br /><br />Many times in our lost state we may have moments of fear, genuine worry, about where we may spend eternity based on our acknowledgment of poor morality or measuring up to God’s standard of holy perfection. Then we profess Christ with our mouth at our doorstep, a local event (concert, tent meeting, stadium, crusade, etc.), or local church; claiming we realize we are a sinner who needs the forgiveness of Christ, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. So, we ask Christ to come into our hearts, possibly get baptized (but there be some who do not even make it to this step of obedience), and then we are all but done with our Christian walk and fellowship with our Savior.<br /><br />We have done what we have been told must be done to give us a clear conscious and free eternal access to heaven, NO MATTER WHAT WE DO HEREAFTER. We allow sin to abound in our life, expecting, almost demanding, grace must also abound to cover whatever our flesh desires to do; even if is in total opposition to God and His Word, for we have prayed the prayer. As the taxi driver above, we smile, ‘Once Saved Always Saved (salvation) is wonderful. Now we can do whatever we want.’<br /><br />With our backs pressed hard against the wall we may not claim this, but our actions declare it loud and clear both to God and man. When asked, we quickly mimic, ‘I am a Christian’, though we have no desire to attend church, pray, read or study scripture, speak or ponder the things of God, nor has there been any change in our thoughts and actions since the day we claim to have put faith in Christ.<br /><br />No, Christians are not perfect, but there is more to Christianity than simply stating ‘I am a Christian’. James tells us (ch. 2) ‘Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.’<br /><br />Now, let me make it fully clear, I am an advocate who believes scripture teaches once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose salvation; for we are in Christ (Romans 8). Yet, grace is not a license to sin, nor is profession of faith without works WHICH MUST FOLLOW (because of the spiritual quickening and indwelling of the Holy Spirit within us) a proof one is forgiven and bound for heaven. Anyone who claims salvation, yet has no desire for a personal relationship with Christ, needs desperately to examine themselves and seek repentance; for a truly repentant heart does as Christ: gives themselves over to the will of God rather than their own will. </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-43560725992663312052010-03-08T14:30:00.011-06:002010-03-08T14:40:20.405-06:00Full or Half-Hearted Repentance<div align="justify">I was reading an article today at <a href="http://www.challies.com/" target="_blank">Challies.com</a>, entitled <a href="http://www.challies.com/christian-living/real-guilt-and-sinfulness?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+challies%2FXhEt+%28Challies+Dot+Com%29" target="_blank">Real Guilt and Sinfulness</a>, and the following words of the writer just stood out to me:<br /><br /><span style="color:#990000;">I have met countless people who consider themselves Christians and who admit to sin in their lives and feel guilt and remorse for individual sins, but who seem unable or unwilling to admit the incontrovertible fact that their hearts are in rebellion against God.<br /></span><br />This statement really made me think about my life before Christ, but also my life after Christ.<br /><br />I have personally known persons who would not outright claim they were perfect, yet at the same time have difficulty confessing they were at fault for a particular act; lest they could somehow limit or nullify their part of the blame, by focusing more attention on the action(s) of another who surely is more than or just as guilty as they. This can be easily seen in children, whether between siblings or friends, but is rather easily found in the lives of adults as well. I suppose this shows our tendency away from true repentance; for although we may inwardly feel guilt or remorse for personal sins (for whatever one may name as sin in their life), we still have a difficult, almost impossible, time testifying of our guilt before God without casting some or all of the guilt upon another.<br /><br />As I look at the statement above, I can’t help but ponder the idea of whether or not we as Christians have kept some of our pre-Christian ideas or excuses. I would assume most professing Christians would acknowledge in our pre-quickening state, many, if not all, seldom saw themselves in outright rebellion against God, but merely making mistakes, doing bad things, and just messing up – like everybody does. We would do better next time. The reality is, I fear, we as professing Christians do not see our hearts as we really are when we presently act in rebellion against God. We may humbly shake our heads in agreement with the pastor that scripture teaches there are sins of omission and commission, but do we confess any act we do contrary to the truth of God is done in outright rebellion?<br /><br />We know better, yet do it anyway! Is this not our heart in rebellion against God? How do we repent of such, when we are confronted with such a truth by the Holy Spirit or spiritual brother/sister in Christ? Do we confess the act, but digress from repentance of the fullness of our sin? Our act of sin is not simply a mistake, but a willful disobedience in outright rebellion against the Holy One we claim to have redeemed us from the very bondage of transgression we so eagerly return to embrace (for whatever cause)! We cannot simply wink at sin, as if it is merely a mistake done in ignorance, or slide it under the rug with our light consideration of it; for all too often we know we are in disobedience, and follow through with the act with a heart and mind steadfast against God!<br /><br />May God help us to see sin as it truly is, and give us a desire for true full repentance from it! </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35324441.post-38324988998511419832010-02-18T15:38:00.002-06:002010-02-18T15:43:38.353-06:00Technology: The Gradual Time Thief<div align="justify">I happened upon a blog/website today, while doing a quick search to look for a review of a book I was questioned about by a friend of mine but have not read myself. At <em>Challies’</em> site, I found an interesting <a href="http://www.challies.com/archives/the-next-story/the-next-story-life-changes.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+challies%2FXhEt+%28Challies+Dot+Com%29" target="_blank">article</a> regarding what could be termed <em>Technology: The Gradual Time Thief</em>.<br /><br />The writer spends a few minutes discussing how he ‘recently came to the realization that email owns me. A good technology that should be at my disposal has instead taken over and put me at its disposal.’ He further shares, ‘When I find myself compulsively glancing at my screen every time I walk by, hoping to see an icon telling me I've got a new message, when I unthinkingly pull out my iPhone to check to see if I've got any new email, I realize I've got a problem. When I sit in meetings with email open, glancing as often to the screen as to the person speaking, I understand that something has gone wrong.’ He goes on to explain, ‘Hear me when I say that email is not a bad thing. It's not a good thing either, really; it's just a thing.’ Then he notes some ideas of how he plans to continue to allow email to be used as a tool, yet not as a controlling factor of his life.<br /><br />I know personally, this has brought some awareness of my own actions regarding email, blogs, groups, and even Facebook. How much time have I spent checking email, reading blogs, participating in groups, and skimming Facebook feeds, and what percentage of my time has been fruitful in gleaning instructive, important, and productive info worth the hours exhausted in doing so?<br /><br />As a Christian, I cannot help but ask myself, have I allowed at least equal time for God and my family, in the study of His Word and prayer, along with communication and interaction with my love ones? I scarcely wish to compare.<br /><br />As the writer notes, I too do not believe interaction with the use of email, blogs, groups, Facebook, etc. to be bad or should be totally denied, for they serve their purpose; but I do believe we need to ensure we are in control of the technology, rather than it being in control of us. We must beware, because it does not necessarily overcome us at the onset, but seemingly gradually over a time of habit till it becomes our norm. </div>Splinters of Silverhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02899357787697070658noreply@blogger.com0