Man, The Image of God #1: The Mystery of Man

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that You care for him? (Ps. 8:3-4)”

Scholar Carl Henry wrote: “Who is man? This remarkable creature, whose amazing conquest of space and time has yielded unabridged dictionaries indexing the whole of reality, has fallen into frustration—ironically enough—when defining himself”- (Baker’s Dictionary of Theology, p. 338). This month we begin a new section to summarize what the Bible has to say about mankind, our nature, purpose, and the affects that sin has had upon us.  

Within this definition, we discover a conflict between how we view ourselves and how our Creator views us. David in Psalm 8, considered the moon and stars with its vastness and complexity and felt his insignificance. Society likewise teaches us to feel insignificant and small. However, it also teaches us to focus on our flaws when we look at ourselves in the mirror – moles, scars, bulges, etc.  Then we look at those around us and see how beautiful they are compared to our blemishes. We also look up the ladder of success and note their achievements and compared to our stumbling bloopers. But is this how we should define ourselves?

As one studies Scripture, how God actually views us, we discover that how society has defined our insignificance is a farce.  Paul and others inform us that while we are to remember our insignificance within the vastness of creation and our limitations compared to God, yet at the same time, we are God’s masterpiece (Eph. 2:10). We are His crowning achievement. Psalm 8:6 states that God has made us just a little lower than God Himself since we have been made in His image (Gen. 1:27).

So what if you have failed in the past? So what if you’ve tried hard but continue to experience failures? Remember even Moses was once a basket case! You are NOT an accident. You are at the spot you are in life right now for a reason and God promises to cause your situation to work out for your good as a Christian. You are the works of His hands.

Charles Stanley said, “Jesus has chosen to put His unmatched presence into these scarred, earthen vessels. He is at home in these tattered earthly tents. We need not be ill at ease, but instead we can relax and enjoy His fellowship, knowing that He died for us while were yet hopeless sinners (Rom. 5:6–8). He has permanently accepted us into His family, with all our undesirable baggage”- (The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, Ps 139:1–24).

In His service,

     Matt

Worldview #2: Doesn’t Evolution Disprove the Bible?

There is a common thought process in public schools, universities and much of society that evolution disproves the Bible, since the two are diametrically opposed. 

The Bible Says	Evolution Says
Creation was planned for a purpose.	Nature evolved by accident and chance.
Living things were made separately, each one after its kind.	All living things came from a single life-form by evolution.
Man was a special creation, different from the animals.	Man is just another animal, evolved from ape-like creatures.
God’s work of creation was finished in 6 days.	Evolution has continued to make new kinds of living things throughout time, and is still going on today.
Nature was created perfect but became spoiled because of Adam disobeyed God.	Nature is always growing better and more perfect by evolutionary change.[i]

So how does one deal with the obvious differences? I believe that the answer lies in the study of science! Science is “systematic knowledge of the physical or material world gained through observation and experimentation” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/science).

Darwin argued the evolution could be observed. He observed finches’ beaks changing to fit the conditions. If the conditions were dry, the finches would develop long beaks in order to get to their food supply. On the other hand, when there was a significant amount of rain, the finches’ beaks would shorten.

However, there are two problems with this example of evolution. First, if the conditions changed back, so would the finches’ beaks, thus, it was not a permanent change. Second and most importantly, the finches remained finches. This is NOT an example of a change of species; this is a change within its kind, something that the Bible does teach (Gen. 1:11-25). Just think about it, has a doctor ever come in and told a pregnant woman, congratulations, you just gave birth to a giraffe? That’s absurd, and everyone knows it! Therefore, I challenge anyone to find a single example of a living creature changing to a different species that can be observed!

Thus, Darwin’s observations did NOT verify evolution of one species from another. Instead, he actually proved the Bible where God commands each living creature to reproduce after its own kind, allowing for variations within a species, but not the evolution of new species.

A second scientific fact that must be considered concerning evolution pertains to life coming from non-living molecules. The scientific law of bio-genesis states that without exception, life always comes from life! The law of bio-genesis can be observed, repeated, verified, and is subject to experimentation (the qualities required for a law in science).

Evolutionists however, propose that small inorganic molecules combined to form amino acids then proteins and eventually living cells. Yet this has never even been observed, let alone repeated, verified, nor is it subject to experimentation! This point also disproves evolution in favor of the Bible in that it was not some accident that a few molecules came together to generate life.  Instead, there had to be a Creator to initiate life on earth.

Therefore, evolution does not fit into the category of science, since there has been no observation, verification, nor experimentation of evolution EVER taking place. However, evolution does fit nicely into the definition of a religion. It is a system of beliefs, which lacks scientific proof! The Bible on the other does teach creation which can be observed, verified, and is subject to experimentation!

In His service,

         Matt 

[i] E.H. Andrews, From Nothing to Nature: A Basic Guide to Evolution and Creation (Durham, England, 1997), p. 6.

Elder’s Corner: Mercy and Not Sacrifice

I found the following devotional that I would like to share with you. From Daily Scriptures readings and meditations (http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/).

What does the commandment "keep holy the Sabbath" require of us? Or better yet, what is the primary intention behind this command? The religious leaders confronted Jesus on this issue. The "Sabbath rest" was meant to be a time to remember and celebrate God's goodness and the goodness of His work, both in creation and redemption. It was a day set apart for the praise of God, His work of creation, and His saving actions on our behalf. It was intended to bring everyday work to a halt and to provide needed rest and refreshment.

Jesus' disciples are scolded by the scribes and Pharisees, not for plucking and eating corn from the fields, but for doing so on the Sabbath (see Matt. 12:1-8). In defending His disciples, Jesus argues from the Scriptures that human need has precedence over ritual custom. In their hunger, David and his men ate of the holy bread offered in the Temple. Jesus also quoted of the Sabbath work involved in worship in the Temple. This kind of work was usually double the work of worship on weekdays. Jesus then quotes from the prophet Hosea 6:6: “I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.” While the claims of ritual sacrifice are important to God, mercy and kindness in response to human need are even more important. Do you honor the Lord in the way you treat your neighbor and celebrate the Lord's Day?

"Lord, make us to walk in your way: Where there is love and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance; where there is patience and humility, there is neither anger nor annoyance; where there is poverty and joy, there is neither greed nor materialism; where there is peace and contemplation, there is neither care nor restlessness; where there is the fear of God to guard the dwelling, there no enemy can enter; where there is mercy and prudence, there is neither excess nor harshness; this we know through Your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226)                      

—Enrique

Elder’s Corner: “We the People”???

Those words seem to have an empty ring in light of the recent Supreme Court rulings. When States tried to protect the sanctity of marriage by legislating the “defense of marriage acts,” the people overwhelmingly voted that marriage should be between a man and a woman (duh!). It is God's intended plan for a family and procreation. “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). This is the “natural” way God planned for mankind to reproduce and sustain a family. I'm willing to bet that all these “couples” who want same sex marriage came from parents of the opposite sex! :)

The media reported that 57% of the population are now in favor of same sex marriage (they didn't call me for their survey). First, let me say that even if 100% of the people agree that something is “right” doesn't make it so. There are absolutes that God has established which are true regardless of what 9 justices (5 in the same sex decision) decree. The scary part of the court decision is not just the content of the case, but the fact that rule of law played little into the arriving at their decision (the decision wasn't rendered based on applying Constitutional law). The judicial branch has taken on the role of Congress in wanting to write legislation instead of what it was established to do–enforce the laws Congress passes. This is especially critical when their views seem so tied to the executive branch (and how could they not be when they are appointed by that branch).

Self-government will only work if there is self-discipline and integrity of the justices. One hopes the court hasn't given up interpreting the Constitution in favor of being “people pleasers.” Romans 1:32 states “Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (see also verses 21-31). So where does that leave us? 

I was sitting here reading 1 Peter in my devotion time this morning. Will that freedom ever be taken away? “No way.” I said the same thing 30 years ago when someone said “someday they'll approve same sex marriages.” You can see where we've come from and where we're going.

So is civil disobedience ever an option? 1 Peter 2:13,14 says, “Submit  yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men; whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by Him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right.” Peter wrote this during the reign of one of the cruelest emperors of all times, godless, brutal Nero. But. . . .I think there are two things that warrant and even require civil disobedience. One is when the government passes a law that requires you to do something that God forbids.

The second is when the government requires you to abstain from doing something that God commands. In the first instance it could be a county clerk who is a Christian who refuses to issue same sex marriage certificates. Will the courts hold that the county was justified in firing her? What if the courts held you couldn't pray in public? Would you do what Daniel did in Daniel 6:10? He was obedient to God instead of king Darius. In Acts 4:18-20, we have an account of the authorities (religious and civil) telling Peter and John not to speak any more about Jesus. In verse 19-20, Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.”  In Acts 5:29 ^NASB we read these words: “But Peter and the apostles answered and said ‘We must obey God rather than men.’”

I remember a quote by Abraham Lincoln “To sin by silence when one should protest makes cowards of men.” Even though we can't vote for Supreme Court justices we can vote for those who appoint them. I hope you aren't silent at the next election!         

—Alan

The Spiritual Reality #12: Ghosts & Goblins

Ghost stories have been around for thousands of years. Even Jesus’ disciples displayed a belief in ghosts when they saw Him walking on water (Mark 6:49). In recent times, ghosts have stepped into our media through Charles Dickens’s 1843 classic, A Christmas Carol and subsequent movies which supports ghosts. Since then, an abundance of movies propagating the belief in ghosts have appeared “Field of Dreams,” “Ghost,” “Casper,” “Lost,” etc. And TV shows such as “Ghost Hunters,” which attempt to investigate claims of ghosts using infrared cameras and other devices.

Through this popularization of ghosts,  studies point to nearly one in five Americans believe in ghosts, and also claim to have seen one (http://www.relevant magazine.com/god/world view/what-does-bible-say-about-ghosts#1mShvXoK Q1EkPUHL.99). But does the belief in something prove that it exists?  What does Scripture say about the existence of poltergeists?

Before we can address this question, we need to have an understanding of what a ghost actually is. Webster defines it as “the soul of a dead person thought of as living in an unseen world or as appearing to living people.” With this definition in mind, the Bible clearly addresses whether or not ghosts exist.

In Luke 16, Jesus tells an account of two people who have died, one man named Lazarus and the second called a rich man. Lazarus was said to be in Paradise, while the rich man was in Hades (a place of torment). Yet neither one were able to change their locations as bad as the rich man would have liked.

Hebrews 9:27 plainly states “It is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment”-^(NASB). There is no in between, and there are no second chances once this life is over.

“For the wicked (all non-followers of Jesus Christ are reserved for the day of calamity; They will be led forth at the day of fury” (Job 21:30 ^NASB). Therefore, Scripture tells us that “today is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).

“No evidence has produced a single fact that should sway a Christian into believing that the spirits of deceased people can loiter on earth” (https://answersin genesis.org/angels-and-demons/do-you-believe-in-ghosts/?utm_source=articlesmedia&utm_medium=email&utm_content=featurebutton&utm_campaign=20141031). Then how does one explain the experiences many claim to have had?

Scripture points to only two possibilities of their identity. First, it is possible for a person to be confused by a figment of their imaginations. Or second, it could be a sighting of something demonic. In his book The Truth Behind Ghosts, Mediums, and Psychic Phenomena, Christian author Ron Rhodes states, “People sometimes genuinely encounter a spirit entity—though not a dead human. Some people encounter demonic spirits who may mimic dead people in order to deceive the living (see 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 4:1–3). Many who claim to have encountered such spirit entities have some prior involvement in the occult” (p. 71).

Why would demons want to deceive the living by impersonating the dead? They are enemies of God, and would like to cast doubt on God’s Word and its warnings about the future judgment.

Therefore, “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

In His service,

     Matt

The Spiritual Reality #11: Possessed

Last month we discussed the reality of demonic influences on individuals and how a person can recognize it. This raises the question: Can a Christian be demon possessed? The answer to this question completely depends upon a proper understanding of the original New Testament (NT) Greek word that gets translated as such. This is where the misunderstanding occurs.

The word “possessed” does NOT exist in the Greek NT. Wayne Grudem explains this by saying, “The Greek NT can speak of people who ‘have a demon’ (Matt. 11:18), or it can speak of people who are suffering from demonic influence (Matt. 4:24), but it never uses language that suggests that a demon actually ‘possesses’ someone”- (Systematic Theology, p. 423). Therefore, technically speaking no one can be “demon possessed” rather a person can only be under their influence.

The significance of this clarification is that by saying a person is “possessed” implies that they have no freewill choice but to give into the demon’s attacks and temptations. Thus, literally speaking, a Christian cannot be demon possessed (Rom. 6:14). On the other hand, a Christian can be under their influence. The Apostle Paul admits to being tormented by a demon (2 Cor. 12:7). Like-wise, Jesus freed a believer who had struggled with “a spirit of infirmity for 18 years” (Luke 13:11 NKJV).

Some will make the argument that demons can’t exist in the same place as the Holy Spirit. Yet demons and the Spirit are vastly different meta-physically. The Spirit is divine, infinite, and uncreated, while demons are imperfect, finite, and created beings. Further-more, if an evil spirit and the Spirit can’t operate at the same time and place, then there would be no need to be on the alert for our enemy (1 Pet. 5:8), nor to put on the armor of God (Eph. 6:11).   

“The influence that Satan and his demons can have on believers is a matter of degree. Since we live in a world whose god is Satan (2 Cor. 4:4), the possibility of being tempted, deceived, and accused is continuously present. If you allow his schemes to influence you, you can lose control to the degree that you have been deceived”-(Anderson, The Bondage Breaker, p. 187).  Their influence can include bringing certain ideas and images into our minds. “They stoke the fires of our sinful desires and exploit our spiritual weaknesses. They work indirectly upon our wills through other people”- (Cottrell, The Faith Once for All, p. 175).

So how do we as Christians overcome and/or prevent demonic influences in our lives? Satan and his demon’s most effective means of influencing our lives is through deception, as they “deceive the whole world” (Rev. 12:9). Therefore, first, we must know and follow the truth; Jesus is the truth (John 14:6). And He has given us all truth necessary to overcome in His Word (John 8:32).

Second, we can overcome demonic influences through resisting by the power of the Holy Spirit (James 4:7). The Holy Spirit is the One who is greater than our enemy and He lives within us (1 John 4:4).

And third, we can overcome demonic influences by avoiding things that they could use as a foothold in our lives like unrighteous anger (Eph. 4:27), jealousy, selfishness, boasting and lying (James 3:14-16)

Therefore, may we as Christians protect ourselves with the truth (Eph. 6:14). May we resist our enemy through righteousness (Eph. 6:14). And may we avoid opportunities that could open ourselves up to their attacks (Eph. 6:16). 

In His service,

     Matt

Elder’s Corner: Secret Truth vs. The Eternal Truth

A few weeks back in our Sunday adult class, we read the letter of 2 John. In it the Apostle John speaks of his love for Christ and all Christians as they walk in the truth. Knowing that the truth is a path for freedom, so John warns about failing to follow it.

The original recipients of 2 John were a group who had doubts about Jesus: questioning His existence, miracles, teachings, death and resurrection. Claiming like today, that there are secret books, or “gospels,” rather than accepting the Bible’s teaching of its completion (Rev. 22:18-19). These false teachers claim that the church is trying to cover up things.

Thus, these false teachers claim that there is a hidden knowledge that the church does not want a person to know. The idea of “new secrets” propagated in John’s day, was also known as the heresy of Gnosticism. This so called “secret truth” finds no credibility (see http://eugenechristianchurch.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-understand-bible-101-lesson-1.html).

 In John 8:32, Jesus states “You will know the true and the truth will set you free.” Truth is readily accessible in contrast with the secret truth that John mentioned and some cults assert today.

The truth, which lives in us, gives a personal sense of understanding as an indwelling power. We have the access to Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6) when we follow His instructions to remain in Him as He remains in us. Truth is not temporary or situational, but will be with us forever, contrary to today’s rejection of absolute truth. This is the eternal truth of God’s Word.      

—Enrique