Like many Americans I watched the election returns on Tuesday with great hope our country would see a positive change. By 7:30 I began to detect such change would not be occurring. When North Carolina and Virginia were not quickly called for Governor Romney, I began to see the handwriting on the wall. The only words I remember saying to my wife as we watched the story unfold was "What are these people thinking?" After four horrible years under President Obama, the American people were electing him to another four years. That, to me, was unbelievable.
When the President was projected as the winner, I was amazingly calm. I recall in 2008 being greatly disturbed over his win. His published views convinced me at the time that great harm was about to come upon our nation. Certainly that is the case: continual high unemployment, foreclosures, drastically increasing national debt, passing of government health insurance, acceptance of gay marriage, reductions in defense, printing money over and over again, and so forth. Yes, I was concerned and my fears were realized with President Obama's first term.
But on Tuesday I did not react the same way. I basically got up and went to bed. Yesterday, apart from a couple of comments on the election via social media, I went about my day pretty much as normal.
Now, a day out from the election, I thought I would jot down some of my thoughts and possibly explain, at least to myself, my present attitude.
1. On Tuesday, God's eternal plan, his secret will for our country, was once again revealed in the election of President Obama. From eternity God had so decided this would be the outcome. He has installed this man to be our leader for another four years.
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1)
2. God's will was accomplished through the votes of millions of Americans (over 60 million voted for the President) especially in key electoral states. Americans exercised their free choice and the man they chose was God's choice all along. Oh the wonder of God's predestination and man's freedom of choice!
3. For four years the President's administration has clearly demonstrated they govern using principles which are antithetical to the Bible. In other words, they govern in opposition to the ways of God. Almost every principle they support is opposed by the Word of God. In other words, the President and those who share his views govern from a position of evil (if its opposed to God's revealed will what else can we call it?).
4. So why would the eternal, predetermined plan of Almighty God include the 2012 reelection of a man who governs as an evil governor? Since I am not God I can not fully answer that statement. However, let me offer up at least two possible reasons why:
(1) God is continuing to judge our nation. We, as a people, were founded as a Christian nation but we have greatly strayed from our faith. Even many of those who call themselves Christian today give no indication in their personal lives that they know Christ or have been regenerated. The worldviews and philosophies of many in our land, including self-professed Christians, are positions in opposition to God's Word. We have replaced the love of God with the love of "things" and those "things" come in many forms: money, fame, influence, entertainment, sports, luxuries, "freedom to live as I want", etc. God will not permit any nation to continue their pursuit of idolatry without judgment. God is judging our nation.
(2) There has been no true repentance on the part of Americans. President Obama was first elected four years ago. The American people have seen his principles in action. He promotes abortion. He promotes sodomy. He promotes gay marriage. He promotes illegal immigration. He promotes increased national debt at unthinkable levels. And yet, their minds are so darkened and far from God, that, when given an opportunity to replace our President in an election, over half the country picks him again. That is a clear indication there is no repentance among our people.
5. I believe America has turned from God and embraced the ways of man. In response, God is bringing judgment, slow judgment. For years we have watched the continual decay of our nation yet we do not repent. Now we have a leader who not only opposes many of our traditional practices but also opposes God's revealed will. Look at the rapidly increasing moral decay in our country. Two states legalized marijuana on Tuesday. Two others legalized gay marriage. States voted to spend more money when they don't have it. And over 60 million Americans voted to reelect the same man who has governed over the most rapid decay our country has ever witnessed.
6. Is there still hope for our country? Personally, I thought a Governor Romney victory on Tuesday would have provided a slight opportunity to halt the downfall and begin a turnaround. The victory of President Obama, though, casts doubt in my own heart that our nation will ever again be what it once was. We may have gone past the point of no return. I am somewhat older and have enjoyed living most of my life in a great nation. So, personally, I am not overly concerned.
But my children, my grandchildren, and my future descendants will likely live in an America that is inferior, socialistic, and ungodly. That thought breaks my heart.
7. God, however, may still have another plan for our nation. Judgment is here but, as I noted, it has been slow. Perhaps the eyes of those who are truly Christian will be opened and they will begin calling upon the Lord for mercy and grace. We, the followers of Jesus, can plead with Him for another opportunity in America. Let us cry out to God for a revival throughout our land. The only true way for this country to turn around is through revival. Souls turned to Jesus and devoted to following His Word will bring positive change to America!
8. Therefore, let us seek revival in America. Let's beseech God to pour out His Spirit upon each of us. Let us be faithful in what God has revealed for us to do: pray, give, worship, study, serve, live, and proclaim the wonderful Gospel of His Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Sinner, is Thy Heart at Rest?
I ran across the following words from a hymn which was once published in hymnals and thought they were worth sharing.
Sinner, is Thy Heart at Rest?
(Jared Bell Waterbury, 1799-1876)
Sinner, is thy heart at rest?
Is thy bosom void of fear?
Art thou not by guilt oppress’d?
Speaks not conscience in thine ear?
Can this world afford thee bliss?
Can it chase away thy gloom?
Flatt’ring, false, and vain it is:--
Tremble at the worldling’s doom.
Think, O sinner, on thine end;
See the judgment-day appear!
Thither must thy spirit wend;
There thy righteous sentence hear.
Wretched, ruin’d, helpless soul,
To a Savior’s blood apply;
He alone can make thee whole;
Fly to Jesus, --sinner, fly!
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Why Christianity?
I have been asked several times over the years why I believe the teachings of Christianity but reject the beliefs of the other religions of the world. In our politically correct society we are constantly told that each religion is valid, each will get its followers to God (or whatever they call God), and no one can judge another's religion. Well, I completely disagree. They can't all be right. In fact, they are NOT all correct. Christianity is the only true religion and the only way to God.
So why do I believe this? There are many reasons but I will only list a few in no particular order.
1. The resurrection of its founder and leader.
Jesus Christ is the only founder and leader of a great world religion who is no longer in the tomb! God has raised Him from the dead following His crucifixion partly to attest to God's acceptance of Christ's work on the cross. When the founder and leader of a religion has come back to life then its time to sit up and take notice! Not all religions ARE the same after all!
I realize there are many who would interject their denial of the resurrection at this point of the argument. To counter such a denail would take more time and print than I wish to give on the subject at the moment. However, here are some thoughts why I believe any denial of the resurrection to be foolish.
(1) The history recorded by contemporaries of the 1st century apostles confirm the existence of a great prophet/teacher named Jesus of Nazareth. Furtermore, they confirm he was executed by the Romans. To deny the historical existence of Jesus is foolish in the light of the evidence.
(2) If the teachings and historical events of Jesus (such as the resurrection) were untrue, it is highly unlikely that most of the closest followers of Jesus in the 1st century would give their lives for such falsehoods.
(3) If you view Jesus as a great teacher or moral leader then you must answer the question: What do I do with Jesus' own claims? He claimed He would die for sin. He claimed He would rise from the dead. He even claimed, "No man can come to the Father but through Me." The famous argument used by many concludes Jesus must either be a Legend (not possible given the historical evidence), Liar (some moral leader!), a Lunatic (some great teacher!), or exactly who He claimed to be: LORD.
(4) His resurrection attests to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
2. I also believe Christianity to be the only true religion because of the profound impact on the entire world for good it has had when truly practiced as Christ taught.
Yes, Christians still commit evil, sinful acts on occasion. However, no religion has had such a positive impact on the world as Christianity. Seriously, does Islam impact the world for good (treatment of women, killing non-Muslims, etc.)?
3. I have seen the lives of many individuals who have been changed by Christ.
The influence of Jesus and His teachings on the lives of many people have resulted in completely changed lives. Individuals have been converted from a life of wickedness to a life of good. Personally, I have witnessed such changes in others over my lifetime. Furthermore, the changes which do occur in these individuals align with the very teachings of Jesus from the Scriptures.
4. I know how Jesus changed my own life.
I believe in Jesus because of the Word of God. Scripture gives me an objective basis for my faith. The word tells me if I confess with my mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead, I will be saved. I believed it and still do.
But I also believe in Jesus because of the subjective changes I have experienced in my own life as a result of repenting of my sin and trusting Christ. I obeyed objectively the written Word of God and was subjectively changed by the Living Word of God, Jesus! My nature, character, and life changed just before my 23rd birthday. Things I never cared about (e.g., prayer, reading the Bible, going to church) became central to my life almost immediately. Sinful acts I once engaged in at least weekly (some daily) I no longer practiced. This wasn't my will power, no way! Jesus Christ transformed me and is still transforming me today.
So those are some of the reasons I am a believer in Jesus. Jesus claims to be the only way for a man to get right with God. He was raised from the dead. Others have been radically transformed by believing in Him. I, too, have personally experienced this transformation.
Praise God!
If you have not you may. The Word of God calls on us to repent (turn from) our sin. And, as we turn from our sin, the Bible calls on us to trust (turn to) Christ. Put your faith in Him. Trust Him with the keeping of your soul and its ultimate delivery to God.
So why do I believe this? There are many reasons but I will only list a few in no particular order.
1. The resurrection of its founder and leader.
Jesus Christ is the only founder and leader of a great world religion who is no longer in the tomb! God has raised Him from the dead following His crucifixion partly to attest to God's acceptance of Christ's work on the cross. When the founder and leader of a religion has come back to life then its time to sit up and take notice! Not all religions ARE the same after all!
I realize there are many who would interject their denial of the resurrection at this point of the argument. To counter such a denail would take more time and print than I wish to give on the subject at the moment. However, here are some thoughts why I believe any denial of the resurrection to be foolish.
(1) The history recorded by contemporaries of the 1st century apostles confirm the existence of a great prophet/teacher named Jesus of Nazareth. Furtermore, they confirm he was executed by the Romans. To deny the historical existence of Jesus is foolish in the light of the evidence.
(2) If the teachings and historical events of Jesus (such as the resurrection) were untrue, it is highly unlikely that most of the closest followers of Jesus in the 1st century would give their lives for such falsehoods.
(3) If you view Jesus as a great teacher or moral leader then you must answer the question: What do I do with Jesus' own claims? He claimed He would die for sin. He claimed He would rise from the dead. He even claimed, "No man can come to the Father but through Me." The famous argument used by many concludes Jesus must either be a Legend (not possible given the historical evidence), Liar (some moral leader!), a Lunatic (some great teacher!), or exactly who He claimed to be: LORD.
(4) His resurrection attests to the truth that Jesus is Lord.
2. I also believe Christianity to be the only true religion because of the profound impact on the entire world for good it has had when truly practiced as Christ taught.
Yes, Christians still commit evil, sinful acts on occasion. However, no religion has had such a positive impact on the world as Christianity. Seriously, does Islam impact the world for good (treatment of women, killing non-Muslims, etc.)?
3. I have seen the lives of many individuals who have been changed by Christ.
The influence of Jesus and His teachings on the lives of many people have resulted in completely changed lives. Individuals have been converted from a life of wickedness to a life of good. Personally, I have witnessed such changes in others over my lifetime. Furthermore, the changes which do occur in these individuals align with the very teachings of Jesus from the Scriptures.
4. I know how Jesus changed my own life.
I believe in Jesus because of the Word of God. Scripture gives me an objective basis for my faith. The word tells me if I confess with my mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in my heart that God raised him from the dead, I will be saved. I believed it and still do.
But I also believe in Jesus because of the subjective changes I have experienced in my own life as a result of repenting of my sin and trusting Christ. I obeyed objectively the written Word of God and was subjectively changed by the Living Word of God, Jesus! My nature, character, and life changed just before my 23rd birthday. Things I never cared about (e.g., prayer, reading the Bible, going to church) became central to my life almost immediately. Sinful acts I once engaged in at least weekly (some daily) I no longer practiced. This wasn't my will power, no way! Jesus Christ transformed me and is still transforming me today.
So those are some of the reasons I am a believer in Jesus. Jesus claims to be the only way for a man to get right with God. He was raised from the dead. Others have been radically transformed by believing in Him. I, too, have personally experienced this transformation.
Praise God!
If you have not you may. The Word of God calls on us to repent (turn from) our sin. And, as we turn from our sin, the Bible calls on us to trust (turn to) Christ. Put your faith in Him. Trust Him with the keeping of your soul and its ultimate delivery to God.
Friday, August 24, 2012
A Book Review: "Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy, A Righteous Gentile vs. The Third Reich"
Prior to reading this work I was familiar with the life of this man. I had briefly studied him in college and have read a couple of his works (including "The Cost of Discipleship"). But Metaxas' book brings out many aspects of Bonhoeffer's life which had previously eluded me as well as some of his reasoning in the decisions that he made. I strongly recommend this book to everyone!
There were several portions of the book which I underlined and marked but here are a few samples:
1. Bonhoeffer writing about part of his visit to America in 1930. Observe his wisdom and foresight:
"The theological atmosphere of the Union Theological Seminary is accelerating the process of the secularization of Christianity in America. Its criticism is directed essentially against the fundamentalists and to a certain extent also against the radical humanists in Chicago; it is healthy and necessary. But there is no sound basis on which one can rebuild after demolition. It is carried away with the general collapse. A seminary in which it can come about that a large number of students laugh out loud in a public lecture at the quoting of a passage from Luther's De servo arbitrio on sin and forgiveness because it seems to them to be comic has evidently completely forgotten what Christian theology by its very nature stands for." (p. 105)
2. Near the end of 1942, shortly before his arrest, Bonhoeffer wrote an essay which is an assessment of all he and his associates had experienced over the ten years of Hitler's reign. Again, note his reasoning:
"One may ask whether there have ever before in human history been people with so little ground under their feet--people to whom every available alternative seemed equally intolerable, repugnant, and futile, who looked beyond all these existing alternatives for the source of their strength so entirely in the past or in the future, and who yet, without being dreamers, were able to await the success of their cause so quietly and confidently. ...
"The great masquerade of evil has played havoc with all our ethical concepts. For evil to appear disguised as light, charity, historical necessity, or social justice is quite bewildering to anyone brought up on our traditional ethical concepts, while for the Christian who bases his life on the Bible it merely confirms the fundamental wickedness of evil. ...
"Who stands fast? Only the man whose final standard is not his reason, his principles, his conscience, his freedom, or his virtue, but who is ready to sacrifice all this when he is called to obedient and responsible action in faith and in exclusive allegiance to God--the responsible man, who tries to make his whole life an answer to the question and call of God." (pp. 445-446)
3. Although he never married, Bonhoeffer, as a pastor, did perform marriages and understood well the nature of marriage. Consider this simple yet profound statement:
"It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on the marriage that sustains your love." (p. 458)
4. Bonhoeffer was working on a book on Ethics when he was executed.
"Those who wish even to focus on the problem of a Christian ethic are faced with an outrageous demand--from the outset they must give up, as inappropriate to this topic, the very two questions that led them to deal with the ethical problem: 'How can I be good?' and 'How can I do something good?' Instead they must ask the wholly other completely different question: 'What is the will of God?'" (p. 468)
5. Lastly, here is his famous quote on the matter of abortion:
"Destruction of the embryo in the mother's womb is a violation of the right to live which God has bestowed upon this nascent life. To raise the question whether we are here concerned already with a human being or not is merely to confuse the issue. The simple fact is that God certainly intended to create a human being and that this nascent human being has been deliberately deprived of his life. And that is nothing but murder." (p. 472)
Outstanding book and well worth the time to read!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Chick-Fil-A
At the outset let me say I am NOT a big fan of Chick-Fil-A's product. This is primarily because it's CHICKEN! Nevertheless, my wife and I frequent one of their restaurants roughly once a week because she does love it. Furthermore, now that one of my daughters works for this company, we have an additional motivation to support them.
Everyone is well aware of the recent bashing of this food chain because of the "traditional marriage" support statement given by one of their leaders. The political left and the gay community are outraged at such a stance to the point that various city governments are announcing they will not permit this chain from building another restaurant in their community. I have also heard that some east coast college wants to have the on-campus Chick-Fil-A removed!
So, I thought I would add a few comments on this issue. I suspect some or all of these have been voiced elsewhere but I want folks to know where I stand.
1. If you are left wing or gay and are offended at Chick-Fil-A's stance on traditional marriage then simply stop eating at their restaurant. What you are demonstrating is the very intolerance you accuse the right wing of possessing. No one is forcing you to go to a Chick-Fil-A. In fact, you don't even have to drive by one.
2. I can further assure our left wing friends that Chick-Fil-A employees have never said a word to me about marriage when I visit their facility. No weddings are taking place. No marriage counseling is being offered. "It will be my pleasure" to refill my drink is the extent of the communication. Who, may I ask, is being offended by that?!
3. How would my left wing friends feel if some conservative mayor announced there would be no further permits for Target stores in their city since that company supports gay marriage? I KNOW how they would feel: OUTRAGED! The ACLU would run to their side and slap a lawsuit on that city immediately.
4. This whole affair is certainly distracting the public from the economy and our rising taxes which, of course, is exactly what the left wants. As long as the attention is focused on Chick-Fil-A, it is not focused on President Obama's many failures as a President. The public needs to keep its eyes on ALL the problems we have in our nation, many caused under this President, many others further aggravated by his administration.
5. While "Chick-Fil-A" sounds like a tempest in a teapot, it should greatly disturb the church. What happens if my church and I decide to plant a new church in the heart of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Chicago? We STRONGLY support traditional marriage and OPPOSE gay marriage. Is the good mayor going to exclude us as well? Such a stance by government on a restaurant chain could severely impact the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ even in the United States of America!
6. Finally, the threats from the left wing politicians in cities such as Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco is also reminiscent of what took place in Germany in 1933. Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany on January 30. On March 23, the Enabling Act was passed and on April 1 Hitler declared a boycott of Jewish stores across Germany. It didn't take long to drive the Jews from their stores and to prevent them from opening new stores.
This is a very dangerous time for our country. May God grant us wisdom as we select our leaders in November. And may He forgive us for our many sins and once again pour out His grace and His Spirit upon this land.
Everyone is well aware of the recent bashing of this food chain because of the "traditional marriage" support statement given by one of their leaders. The political left and the gay community are outraged at such a stance to the point that various city governments are announcing they will not permit this chain from building another restaurant in their community. I have also heard that some east coast college wants to have the on-campus Chick-Fil-A removed!
So, I thought I would add a few comments on this issue. I suspect some or all of these have been voiced elsewhere but I want folks to know where I stand.
1. If you are left wing or gay and are offended at Chick-Fil-A's stance on traditional marriage then simply stop eating at their restaurant. What you are demonstrating is the very intolerance you accuse the right wing of possessing. No one is forcing you to go to a Chick-Fil-A. In fact, you don't even have to drive by one.
2. I can further assure our left wing friends that Chick-Fil-A employees have never said a word to me about marriage when I visit their facility. No weddings are taking place. No marriage counseling is being offered. "It will be my pleasure" to refill my drink is the extent of the communication. Who, may I ask, is being offended by that?!
3. How would my left wing friends feel if some conservative mayor announced there would be no further permits for Target stores in their city since that company supports gay marriage? I KNOW how they would feel: OUTRAGED! The ACLU would run to their side and slap a lawsuit on that city immediately.
4. This whole affair is certainly distracting the public from the economy and our rising taxes which, of course, is exactly what the left wants. As long as the attention is focused on Chick-Fil-A, it is not focused on President Obama's many failures as a President. The public needs to keep its eyes on ALL the problems we have in our nation, many caused under this President, many others further aggravated by his administration.
5. While "Chick-Fil-A" sounds like a tempest in a teapot, it should greatly disturb the church. What happens if my church and I decide to plant a new church in the heart of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's Chicago? We STRONGLY support traditional marriage and OPPOSE gay marriage. Is the good mayor going to exclude us as well? Such a stance by government on a restaurant chain could severely impact the propagation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ even in the United States of America!
6. Finally, the threats from the left wing politicians in cities such as Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco is also reminiscent of what took place in Germany in 1933. Adolf Hitler became chancellor of Germany on January 30. On March 23, the Enabling Act was passed and on April 1 Hitler declared a boycott of Jewish stores across Germany. It didn't take long to drive the Jews from their stores and to prevent them from opening new stores.
This is a very dangerous time for our country. May God grant us wisdom as we select our leaders in November. And may He forgive us for our many sins and once again pour out His grace and His Spirit upon this land.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Does the Bible speak on gambling?
Gambling is a “big deal” in our country these days because such activity is no longer isolated to a few communities in Nevada. Even here in St. Charles we are faced with gambling not only by means of the various lotteries but also from local casinos. Is it wrong for a Christian to be engaged in the gambling industry by participating in lotteries and casino games? Is gambling contrary to Godly principles?
I believe the Bible does speak on the subject. First, though, what is meant by gambling? How does gambling differ from, say, spending $100 to go to a Cardinals game? The Oxford Dictionary’s primary definition on gambling states: “playing games of chance for money”. Obviously, when you attend a sporting event and pay a considerable price to do so, you are not involved in a game of chance and you are not looking for a financial gain. You are truly going for entertainment.
But is that ever the case with gambling activities such as lotteries, slot machines, or blackjack tables? Certainly these games are “games of chance”. And are you truly playing them for entertainment? What entertainment is there in pulling a slot machine handle? While I can never fully judge someone’s motive, I would seriously doubt there are very few people purchasing lottery tickets at convenient stores for the fun of it. No, they are buying those tickets with some hope of gaining wealth. These games are gambles not entertainment: you pay your money to play a game of chance in hope of financial gain. If an individual believes they gamble only for entertainment then please just go ahead and give me the money you were going to spend in the casino.
Often gambling is compared not only to other forms of entertainment but to investments such as the stock market. Some will defend their stance on gambling by noting anyone who has money in the stock market is also gambling. But such arguments as these fail to understand the “guts” behind gambling.
All gambling involves: (1) putting something of value at risk (usually money), (2) chance involved in determining the outcome, and (3) something of value belonging to someone else as the possible prize. The bottom line: (1) no new wealth is created and (2) for every winner there are one or more (usually many) losers.
Now, if you want the Bible to say “Thou shall not gamble” then you will not find it. But this does not mean the Bible does not call gambling a sin. So, here are some reasons why I believe the Bible teaches against all forms of gambling and why Christians should not participate in such activities.
1. Gambling leads to destruction.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
2. Gambling is driven by covetousness.
Reread the above verses. People gamble with some hope (either great or small) that they might make some money. They covet some level of financial gain.
3. Gambling is a form of stealing.
As noted above, gambling does not create new wealth. Rather it takes the money of the losers and gives it to the winners. This is nothing like the investment world. If a stock goes up, ALL investors win. If a stock goes down, ALL investors lose. But gambling takes the money of some and gives it to another. We know what the Bible says about stealing.
4. Gambling is improper stewardship of God’s possessions.
All that we have belongs to God. We are simply a trustee of those possessions and that includes the money in our possession. We are the stewards of the Master’s finances. Through the parable of the talents, Jesus taught that the good steward wisely invests the master’s money (Matthew 25). God calls on us to work and labor with what He has given us (1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 4:28). Gambling the Master’s money is never acceptable.
5. Gambling argues against the sovereignty of God.
When folks gamble, they are risking their money on what they believe to be luck or chance. To do so denies the Biblical truth of the Sovereignty of God:
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)
6. Gambling takes advantage of the poor.
Statistics and common sense bear this out. Those who make the least are far more likely to gamble and to risk a higher percentage of their income than those who make more. The poor desire to quickly and easily end their poverty and become wealthy. A recent survey found individuals in the United States making less than $13,000 a year spend 9% of their income on lottery tickets. Gambling appeals to greed and the false hope of quick riches rather than a dependency on God and hard work.
7. Gambling is foolish.
The odds of winning in any gambling event are very, very low. This is especially true in the lottery. If you have extra money to spend on gambling, it is far better to place it in some interest bearing account and, ultimately, create wealth.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20)
8. Gambling provides an improper testimony of God.
A Christian who is gambling in a casino, for example, is not honoring God by his action. For he communicates to those who are watching him that he believes it is proper and right to win the money of others, mostly the poor, by playing a game of chance. He is teaching the lost around him that God approves of gaining (NOT MAKING) wealth in such a manner. Yet God clearly indicates we are to work and labor for such wealth as noted above.
There are other things I could say. I close with this thought: Jesus is standing before the boat on the Missouri River with a $100 bill. You finish the story.
I believe the Bible does speak on the subject. First, though, what is meant by gambling? How does gambling differ from, say, spending $100 to go to a Cardinals game? The Oxford Dictionary’s primary definition on gambling states: “playing games of chance for money”. Obviously, when you attend a sporting event and pay a considerable price to do so, you are not involved in a game of chance and you are not looking for a financial gain. You are truly going for entertainment.
But is that ever the case with gambling activities such as lotteries, slot machines, or blackjack tables? Certainly these games are “games of chance”. And are you truly playing them for entertainment? What entertainment is there in pulling a slot machine handle? While I can never fully judge someone’s motive, I would seriously doubt there are very few people purchasing lottery tickets at convenient stores for the fun of it. No, they are buying those tickets with some hope of gaining wealth. These games are gambles not entertainment: you pay your money to play a game of chance in hope of financial gain. If an individual believes they gamble only for entertainment then please just go ahead and give me the money you were going to spend in the casino.
Often gambling is compared not only to other forms of entertainment but to investments such as the stock market. Some will defend their stance on gambling by noting anyone who has money in the stock market is also gambling. But such arguments as these fail to understand the “guts” behind gambling.
All gambling involves: (1) putting something of value at risk (usually money), (2) chance involved in determining the outcome, and (3) something of value belonging to someone else as the possible prize. The bottom line: (1) no new wealth is created and (2) for every winner there are one or more (usually many) losers.
Now, if you want the Bible to say “Thou shall not gamble” then you will not find it. But this does not mean the Bible does not call gambling a sin. So, here are some reasons why I believe the Bible teaches against all forms of gambling and why Christians should not participate in such activities.
1. Gambling leads to destruction.
“But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.” (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
2. Gambling is driven by covetousness.
Reread the above verses. People gamble with some hope (either great or small) that they might make some money. They covet some level of financial gain.
3. Gambling is a form of stealing.
As noted above, gambling does not create new wealth. Rather it takes the money of the losers and gives it to the winners. This is nothing like the investment world. If a stock goes up, ALL investors win. If a stock goes down, ALL investors lose. But gambling takes the money of some and gives it to another. We know what the Bible says about stealing.
4. Gambling is improper stewardship of God’s possessions.
All that we have belongs to God. We are simply a trustee of those possessions and that includes the money in our possession. We are the stewards of the Master’s finances. Through the parable of the talents, Jesus taught that the good steward wisely invests the master’s money (Matthew 25). God calls on us to work and labor with what He has given us (1 Corinthians 4:12; Ephesians 4:28). Gambling the Master’s money is never acceptable.
5. Gambling argues against the sovereignty of God.
When folks gamble, they are risking their money on what they believe to be luck or chance. To do so denies the Biblical truth of the Sovereignty of God:
“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.” (Proverbs 16:33)
6. Gambling takes advantage of the poor.
Statistics and common sense bear this out. Those who make the least are far more likely to gamble and to risk a higher percentage of their income than those who make more. The poor desire to quickly and easily end their poverty and become wealthy. A recent survey found individuals in the United States making less than $13,000 a year spend 9% of their income on lottery tickets. Gambling appeals to greed and the false hope of quick riches rather than a dependency on God and hard work.
7. Gambling is foolish.
The odds of winning in any gambling event are very, very low. This is especially true in the lottery. If you have extra money to spend on gambling, it is far better to place it in some interest bearing account and, ultimately, create wealth.
“Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” (Proverbs 21:20)
8. Gambling provides an improper testimony of God.
A Christian who is gambling in a casino, for example, is not honoring God by his action. For he communicates to those who are watching him that he believes it is proper and right to win the money of others, mostly the poor, by playing a game of chance. He is teaching the lost around him that God approves of gaining (NOT MAKING) wealth in such a manner. Yet God clearly indicates we are to work and labor for such wealth as noted above.
There are other things I could say. I close with this thought: Jesus is standing before the boat on the Missouri River with a $100 bill. You finish the story.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Is Satan in Genesis 3?
Is Satan in Genesis 3?
Summarizing Genesis chapter 3, the serpent appears to Eve in the Garden of Eden and tempts her by (1) questioning God’s Word (v. 1, “Did God actually say”) and (2) questioning God’s character (v. 4, “You will not surely die”). Eve is deceived, eats from the forbidden tree, gives the fruit to her husband, and he also eats. As a result of their sin, they are awakened to their nakedness and attempt to provide a covering for their own sin (v. 7). Then, when God makes an appearance, their rebellion and guilt is evidenced by their attempt to hide from Him (v. 8). God gives them an opportunity to confess their sin but Adam blames Eve (and God) and Eve blames the serpent (vv. 12-13). God then pronounces judgment upon the serpent, then Eve, and, lastly, Adam (vv. 14-19). The chapter ends with God providing the only proper covering of sin, namely, an innocent substitutionary blood sacrifice (v. 21), and forces the couple from the Garden to keep them away from the Tree of Life (vv. 22-24).
It is often claimed that the temptation of Adam and Eve was the work of Satan, the father of lies, the deceiver, the devil. Yet this being is never mentioned in the story of Genesis 3. So is Satan in Genesis 3?
I see three possible answers to the question:
1. No, Satan is not present in Genesis 3. The temptation is the work of an animal, a serpent.
2. Yes, the serpent in chapter 3 is actually Satan.
3. Yes, the serpent in chapter 3 is an actual animal but is being used by Satan to tempt mankind.
I dismiss the first possibility outright. Nothing in Scripture indicates the sin we see in the world is the result of the temptation of a sinful animal. Animals, unlike man, do not have the ability of fellowship with God because they are not created in the Imago Dei. Scripture never speaks of animals possessing a moral faculty, an ability to make moral choices, such as rebelling against God. So, apart from some evil outside entity, no serpent would have ever come to Adam and Eve, talked with them, and tempted them to sin.
Therefore, I conclude Satan is in the chapter. The question now remains, is Satan alone or is he using an actual serpent to accomplish his mission?
Based on Isaiah 14:12-14 and Ezekiel 28:12-15 (which I will not discuss here), we understand Satan to have been a heavenly spirit being, an angel, who, in his pride, rebelled against God and led other angels to do so as well. Satan and his cohorts were cast down to the earth (Ephesians 2:1 refers to him as the “prince of the power of the air”) and they have continually tempted and tormented man. Revelation 12:9 records, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” Revelation 20:2 also refers to him as “the dragon, that ancient serpent”.
The references to Satan as “that ancient serpent” directly connect the thoughts of Revelation with Genesis 3. The phrase “the deceiver of the whole world” is also an allusion to the time when he, indeed, deceived the whole world, namely, the time when he deceived Adam and Eve which, as a result, led to the fall of all mankind.
Furthermore, the proclamation made by God as part of the judgment upon the serpent in Genesis 3:15 certainly extend beyond the simple understand of a man bruising the head of some serpent. The offspring of woman bruising the head of the serpent is a far more serious injury than the bruising of the man by the serpent. God is not simply talking about men killing snakes here. Given the references in Revelation 12 and 20, it appears obvious the serpent’s offspring in Genesis 3:15 is a reference to Satan himself.
The “offspring of woman” also implies a son born without a human father and, therefore, is a picture of Christ. God is communicating to the first humans there is hope for mankind against this tempter. One will come who will deal a deadly blow to the head of the serpent, namely, Satan. Did Christ actually accomplish such a task?
The Scriptures clearly say “yes”. Hebrews 2:14 reads, “...he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.” John writes, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:8) Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” (John 12:31) Paul, speaking of Christ’s work on the cross, writes, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15) And, because of Christ’s victory over Satan, those who are His true followers no longer have to listen to the temptations of the devil. (James 4:7)
Finally, I also believe there is an actual, physical serpent in the Genesis 3 account. God’s judgment against the serpent in Genesis 3:14 calls for the serpent to live on his belly forever. Obviously, this reference can not be to Satan since he does not possess a physical body. Hence, this part of the curse must be applied to an animal, an actual serpent which Satan has used in order to tempt Adam and Eve that day in the garden.
That is why I hold to the 3rd possible answer to the question “Is Satan in Genesis 3?” Yes, he is. However, the serpent in chapter 3 is an actual animal being used by Satan to tempt mankind.
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