Posted to: Today's Christians by JCsZealot [2 Comments »]

I don’t think it’s a secret, for anyone who tried to truly live a Christian life, that attempting such a feat is very difficult. In many lives, it’s the first time accountability has been an issue, with all of the things one “used to do” coming to light as unacceptable. I’ll have to admit, the idea of it being easy or hard to accomplish (or, make the effort toward) is something I never considered beforehand. However, it has been a creeping hand on my shoulder since I chose Christ. In fact, I am willing to bet that most who’ve known the truth, but then have fallen away, are victims of the same thing, to a point. The realization of the difficulty doesn’t come until the walk is attempted. Sure, we can speak of perseverance and not quitting, but because we hold so much personal possession over our “own life”, those helps won’t do much good once the decision to quit has been made. I will submit; to quit in that manner is worse for the end than someone who has never believed. This is because of the blatant denial which must overpower the belief, a denial which is nothing more than an attempt to justify the truth away - which cannot be done. Truth is truth, no matter what folly is drawn as a blanket over it.

Christian’s fail. Christian’s stumble. Christian’s sin. Those are facts so paramount to our lives that they are often overlooked in the beginning. Some wear the “sin” badge as a way to paint themselves like everyone else, like the world - but few truly accept it as a fact in their lives. It doesn’t matter who you are, humans aren’t perfect and - dare I say - we don’t even possess the potential for perfection. So why try? We don’t. Christians don’t (or shouldn’t) ever try to be ‘perfect’, such an undertaking would drive a person insane. Instead, we do the best with what God gave us with the lack of perfection as a guiding rod which points to the need for salvation. Those who don’t believe have an easy life, no conviction and nothing to hold them accountable. Sure, some who have tasted God’s gift, even just a bit, but chose to throw it away, “might” still have the pang of truth in their hearts - but it’s easy for them to cover it up. Christian’s on the other hand, are driven to obey, with the desire for something greater in the kingdom of heaven. The world knows or cares not about heaven, and that’s completely understandable. After all, in the now, it isn’t tangible, isn’t seen and cannot get anyone the phone number of the woman at the end of the bar and put her into bed with them.

Those who mock Christianity are those who simply don’t want to submit to anything beyond themselves. As I’ve said, that’s fine and between them and God - none of us should hold any ill regard toward them. However, if we wear the title of “Christian”, in an attempt to portray our alignment to Christ, and not as a punch line or for lack of a better term, then we should try our best to live it. We’re all going to have vices and regular things which make us stumble, but what gets my goat is excuses. Pre-marital sex, for example, is often met with “it was an accident” - “we didn’t mean to”; does anyone see the logistical impossibility of that? No matter how you slice it, sex can’t be an accident or something which one didn’t “intend” - it’s impossible. Of course, I won’t explain that because it needs no explaining - if you want to play dumb, that’s your call. The point however is, God would much rather us be up front with our shortfalls, bereft of excuses. Remember, excuses don’t work on God, so who are you spinning them for? Yourself? Your Pastor? Your Friends? Spinning such yarns is a primary example of a Christian not truly believing in their own sin nature, as I mentioned above - not to mention that it is, most often, a blatant lie.

Embrace your sin nature; not to give it ground, mind you - but to be honest. Look it in the face and say ‘no matter what, you’re not going to beat me!’ Sin, stumble, come up short - but be honest about it, get up, wipe yourself off and press on. It’s not easy. The things which never affected you before, God is now calling you on - so man (or woman) up and take responsibility. You won’t fool God, but with every tale of innocence, you rob Him of His truth and your own honor.

Posted to: Lies and Deceit by JCsZealot [1 Comment »]

After a few days off, I have returned - much to the chagrin of those who read this stuff, I’m sure. It was an interesting few days as I was pressed upon with so many things that I have had a hard time trying to sift through them. Nevertheless, one thing that has stuck out in my mind is rebellion. God has dealt with rebellion since time for man began; in the garden it was Adam and Eve, through Noah, through Moses - on and on. Despite the teachings of some questionable doctrine, rebellion is a matter of choice and, not surprisingly, something that every human chooses on a daily basis. No matter the depth of your piety or your lack of interest in the Heavenly Father - everyone rebels, against something. Much like many do with lies, people attempt to justify their rebellion - as if that makes the choice okay. Many will even go so far as to claim; if they don’t get caught, then it’s okay as well. Any logical person knows that not to be the case, yet we try to fool ourselves into it anyway. Rebellion is simply a refusal to accept some authority or code or convention, which is a daily choice that the entirety of mankind makes on a daily basis.

Take driving, for example. How many people on the planet can honestly say they drive the speed limit 100% of the time? How many willingly pass on the right? How many actually yield? How many drive in the passing lane with no intention of passing? How many actually come to a full stop at stop signs? How many fail to yield to pedestrians? How many actually drive with insurance? If you live in San Antonio, Texas - then you know the answers to these questions are scary; as some of the worst drivers in the world live in SATX. I wish I were kidding. However, this isn’t about the inability of Texas drivers - but about rebellion.

No matter how minor people play it off, a rebellion is a rebellion. From driving laws and ordinances to the 10 items or less checkout in the supermarket to j-walking - there is not a single blameless soul in the world. Now, if this is a fact when compared to the laws of men - how do you think people match up against the laws of God? If you answered ‘not good at all’, then you’re on the right track. I highly doubt that a person, going through their regular daily routine, could go an entire day without breaking man’s laws - no matter how frivolous. What then could be said for God’s? The difference between the two - in general - is an odd measure; Man’s laws were not created to be impossible; but God’s were. People don’t measure up with man’s laws simply because they don’t want to - while they fail to meet God’s standards because they can’t; it’s impossible.

So why would God create impossible laws? He does this to solidify the idea that without Him we cannot measure up, we require the grace of His forgiveness to withstand the punishment for our rebellion. In addition, He offered us a gift which frees us from the bondage of our failure - that gift is salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Now, if you don’t believe - that is completely fine; for me. I am not torn if a person chooses to discount God as that is their right. However, to me, it makes no sense. It would be like getting pulled over doing 75 in a 50; being given the option, by the police officer, to take the ticket or be on your way and choosing to pay the fine instead of leaving. See? It makes no sense. There aren’t many that would fight the fact that there ‘is’ a police officer - though I challenge anyone, when face to face with one, to tell him/her that they don’t exist; that would be funny (well, funny for me, not so much for the person attempting it). Of course, God is much more than a cop and He is far from being unable to catch everyone - but I’m sure you get the point.

A striking similarity between man’s laws and God’s laws is that of ignorance. Claiming ignorance very rarely works with either agency; though I’m sure there’s some police officers out there who have fallen to their human inabilities to wage justice. Yet, at the basic point, ignorance is never a viable excuse - with man or God - when it comes to breaking laws. Again, however, with God it’s not about the ‘law’ - it’s about what the ‘law’ establishes within us; our inability to measure up to His standard; our need for a mediator to plead our case. Equally, fervent deniability of authority does nothing either. You can try to tell that cop that you deny the authority of the speed limit, or his authority to enforce it (while you’re telling him he doesn’t exist), but I’m pretty sure that would go over as well as a pro-life lobby at the Democratic convention. Similarly, you can deny God all you want, you can deny His authority until you’re blue in the face - I don’t need to tell you how I believe that will turn out. Each of those you have every right to do; but each of them has consequences. Those consequences are equally founded in justice, plain and simple (though, I am not attempting to draw any equality between man’s justice and God’s justice - that would be dumb).

We’re going to rebel every day, that’s just our nature. Even those whose job it is to enforce man’s laws will rebel - because we’re human and fallible. God, on the other hand, cannot fail; He is not fallible and His justice is perfect. If you believe there’s a God, then believe in His justice - not your version of what you think His justice should be. He has provided His mediator, the steward of His grace; all you have to do is believe it. If you don’t believe in God or His authority, that’s fine - I’m not here to judge; that’s God’s job.

Posted to: Today's Christians by JCsZealot [No Comments »]

If one ever doubted the method by which the gospel should be preached, the good news shared, one needn’t look much further than Paul. Written by Luke, the book of Acts covers some useful information about Paul’s methods for spreading the Word of God. Paul was not an enigma, he was a man of reason and logic; often straight to the point with the message. Despite an abrupt and direct nature, he still managed to be disciplined and compassionate - most of the time. It is no secret that Paul was prone to frustration. If asked today, Paul might say he didn’t have tolerance for stupidity; nevertheless, his determination and passion were keys to his success, next to his faith in Christ, of course. Apart from his methods, Paul was also another example of whom God can use.

Paul wasn’t always Paul, he was once Saul. In Pilippians 3:5, Paul writes this about himself:

“…circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;”

The information contained in Acts, and other scripture, regards Saul as a persecutor of those who preached the gospel. He was present at the stoning of Stephen (i.e. Ch 8 ) and counted for his approval of it by the author of the book of Acts. While not outwardly discussed much more than that, it can be safe to assume that this was the nature of Saul’s position; that he had involvement in the deaths of believers, prior to his conversion. We can’t go so far as to call Saul, himself, a murderer; but we can throw him in with the lot, simply by association. Despite that, Saul was chosen by God.

While traveling to Damascus, the resurrected Jesus appeared to Saul in a brilliant flash of light (Ch 9). In that light, Jesus called to him and asked “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”. Dramatic, to be sure; poignant to say the least. When asked from whom the voice was coming, the reply came “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting…”. This encounter with the Lord left Saul blind for three days. In that time, he was met by a man called Ananias who had been given a vision to go and preach to Saul. Reluctantly, because most believers in the region had heard of Saul, Ananias went to him and laid hands on him; curing Saul’s blindness immediately. Saul was baptized and his mission for Christ began. There was no ceremony or elaborate scene that changed Saul’s name to Paul; it is only mentioned in Ch 13 verse 9 as “Then Saul, who was also called Paul,…”. It is believed that Saul’s name was commonly known as Paul to the Gentiles. His mission for both the Jews and the Gentiles was displayed by methods which were common to Paul.

A few of Paul’s methods with the Jews were noted as such:

Acts 9:22 “Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.”

In relation to the mind, ‘baffled’ (or some use ‘confounded’) refers to confound, confuse, stir up or ‘be in an uproar’. In relation to the mind as well, ‘prove’ refers to definitive inference, show, teach, assuredly gather and prove. So the passage is fairly plain. But what makes it interesting is that Paul was debating Jews on their own turf (until a short time prior, it was his turf as well), in the synagogue - much like Jesus did when he was a child. The Jews didn’t have a faith that was haphazardly slapped together, they were well versed in the Torah. So, to be ‘confounded’ by the likes of Paul (one of their own, in their eyes) with ‘proof’ that Jesus was the Christ could only lead to one thing - their wish for his death. Again, the same effect Jesus had.

Acts 9:28-29 “So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him.”

Acts 18:4 “Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.”

‘Boldly’ is described as being frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor, to be bold and speak boldly. ‘Debated’ includes meanings that are persistent with discussion, enquiring, questioning and reasoning. These two points in these verses speak volumes to Paul’s methods. He was confident in what he taught, speaking boldly of it. Only a fool would speak boldly of something that they possess no confidence in. While we see that today, what creates the distinction between true confidence and blowing hot air, is Paul’s ability to debate his beliefs. He questioned and reasoned, something someone really cannot do if they are not versed in their understandings. Reason, by its very nature, holds attributes which relate to the ability to rationally understand something and logically interpret and defend/debate it. It is with that which we understand Paul’s ability and level of understanding.

What makes these interesting is that the Jews, most likely, would have laughed Paul out of the synagogue if he was a quack. If he was just spouting nonsense and unable to really defend what he was saying (conversely, refute what they believed) they probably would have ignored him. At the very worst, they would have chased him out of the synagogue and made him a laughing stock - but they didn’t. Instead, Paul disturbed them so much, that they conspired to kill him (9:24, 29 etc.). Such severity only shows one thing; what Paul said wasn’t nonsense. He obviously delivered it with more than a simple understanding, enough to confound them and prove his case for Christ. Today, it’s the same thing - the stronger your case is - to those who don’t want to believe - the more aggressive they will become toward you. If your case is weak and lacking any real substance, they will treat you like a joke instead.

Acts 18:6 “But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”"

An attribute of Paul, which some may fail to realize, is that he did have a line. That is, he had a point where he felt he had spoken and debated all that he could. Paul was rational enough to accept “opposition”, he accepted differences in opinion and the scriptures show his ability to even respect it. Yet, when a debate or discussion moved into ‘abuse’ from the opposition, Paul seemed to realize that it was hopeless. Like animals, those who get cornered turn to aggression; people touched by God accept Him, those steeped in their own personal ego do not. Paul’s reaction was often a burst of frustration; a human response to the stubbornness and ignorance (that is to say; one who turns to ‘abuse’ is clearly too ignorant to carry on a discussion) of his audience. However, what Paul wants and what God wants don’t always align with each other - just like us. It is here that, if we are open to it, God gives us His support, chiding and/or confidence to be persistent. Despite his frustration, Paul ends up on that leg of his mission for another year or so.

Acts 18:9-11 “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul stayed for a year and a half, teaching them the word of God.”

We can draw a conclusion about Paul’s methods which we can use today. Apart from what scripture plainly says to do, we can see practical application through Paul. He was knowledgeable. He knew his opposition and their beliefs. He was confident, bold and persistent. He knew how to reason and he approached matters in logical fashion. That isn’t to say that he was schooled in “logic” as it applies to the ‘Theory of’ rather, the more simple view of ‘logic’ as it applies to ‘making sense’. With that, however, Paul had been known to use argument and ’sort-of’ logic as it applies to the theory. Consider 1 Corinthians 15:13-17:

- If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised.
- …if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.
- …we are then found to be false witnesses about God…
- …he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised.
- For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either.
- …if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.

This is a pretty well constructed argument for the time. At that point, many accounts of Christ’s resurrection had been verified by eye-witnesses, so the resurrection itself was probably hard to contest. Today, however, some are hard-pressed to even consider the basic points of the Bible valid - so the construction of an argument, solely from Biblical text, would be difficult to convey. Bayes’ Theorem was used by Richard Swinburne, at a conference at Yale in 2002, to calculate the probability of the resurrection to 97%, but that doesn’t “prove” anything, it simply speaks to the probability. Ockham’s Razor, a principle simply stated as “all things being equal, the simplest solution is the best…” is used to muddle through scientific theory to determine the simplest solution. It can be used pro-God in many cases as God is always the ’simplest’ solution, but it’s rare that you’d get any non-believer to concede that point. Godel’s Incompleteness Theorem can also be used in support of the existence of God by default (though, not necessarily the “Christian” God - merely a supreme being or ’something’). Again, you’d be hard-pressed to find any non-believer who’d be willing to concede the implication; and that is where our difficulty exists.

In all the modern theory, science, philosophy, belief and understanding it seems that God has to be conceded. If that is a point one is unwilling to allow, then there are not many directions one can go. It’s a cop-out, if you will. Most non-believers would jump at the chance to concede humans evolved from a puddle of goo, just to thumb their nose at the possibility of God. In most cases, they’re as hypocritical as they claim believers to be. This leaves us to endure the inability for anyone to disprove God - which isn’t a sound argument for a lot of people. Most need/want ‘evidence’ and the lack of evidence to their belief of His non-existence simply isn’t enough. Simply stating “God exists because no one can prove He doesn’t” isn’t a truly viable case to the majority - so we must come to that understanding. In the end, it doesn’t matter. God doesn’t want anyone to ‘concede’ Him, or submit to Him solely out of fear; rather, He wants people to choose Him willingly.

Whatever way God leads you, if you consider the methods of Paul, you’ll be on the right track. Be knowledgeable. Be confident. Be persistent. Be bold. Be faithful. When the time comes, you can proclaim 2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”