Speaking Clearly

“A college senior took his new girlfriend to a football game. The young couple found their seats in the crowded stadium and were watching the action. A substitute running back was put into the game, and as he was running onto the field to take his position, the boy said to his girlfriend, “Take a good look at this guy. I expect him to be our best man next year.” His girlfriend snuggled closer and said to the surprised young man, “That’s the strangest way I ever heard of for a guy to propose to a girl. But never mind—I accept!” (from Cybersalt Digest newsletter).*

Misunderstandings happen, don’t they? Often they are the product of unclear speech. This was part of the problem in the church at Corinth in the first century. At that time, the group was arguing among themselves over spiritual gifts. Speaking in tongues was one of the gifts prized by some in the church. But that was problematic for the apostle. Speaking in tongues was, by nature, narrowly focused and mysterious rather than broadly edifying (14:2-4). Another problem was that, without an interpreter, speaking in tongues was unclear speech to most. Notice how Paul addressed the clarity issue. “But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what will I profit you unless I speak to you either by way of revelation or of knowledge or of prophecy or of teaching? Yet even lifeless things, either flute or harp, in producing a sound, if they do not produce a distinction in the tones, how will it be known what is played on the flute or on the harp? For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for battle? So also you, unless you utter by the tongue speech that is clear, how will it be known what is spoken? For you will be speaking into the air” (1 Corinthians 14:6–9).

The gospel is vital and, like Paul, we should always endeavor to “...make it clear in the way I ought to speak” (Colossians 4:4).

God loves you!

Mike

*preaching.com 

The Slow Extraction Option

As the patient sat down in the dentist’s chair complaining of his aching tooth, he asked, “Doc, how long will it take to pull this thing?” “Oh, don’t worry,” said the dentist. “I can have it out in less than ten minutes.” “And how much is this going to cost?” the patient asked. “A tooth extraction is about $150,” the dentist answered. “$150 for ten minutes work?” the patient said. “That’s a bit steep, isn’t it?” The dentist replied, “Well, I can extract it very slowly if you’d prefer.”*

Rooting out persistent sin in our lives can be a difficult process. Old habits, especially sinful ones, die hard. Like any addiction, it can be hard to kick the habit. But that is the task to which we are called as disciples of Christ.  With reference to our sinful practices, we are to “...lay aside the old self…” (Ephesians 4.22).  We are to “...put them all aside…” (Colossians 3:8-9; cf. James 1:21; 1 Peter 2:1). In even stronger language, those who belong to Christ are called to “...crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

That can be tough. Due to the difficulty involved as well as our attachment to sinful pleasures, sometimes we opt for the slow extraction option.  But giving up sin gradually is dangerous. One thing it does is give the devil extra opportunities to entrap us in his webs of deceit (Ephesians 4:27; 2 Corinthians 2:11). Believe me, he doesn’t need the help or encouragement! Not dealing decisively with sin is like intentionally leaving a stumbling block in our path. Jesus vividly advocated for not messing around with things that can trip us up (Matthew 18:8–9).

Sin is not to be trifled with. “But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death” (James 1:14–15). Don’t choose slow extraction.

God loves you!

Mike

*preaching.com

Refusing To Listen

““And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!”” (Acts 22:21-22).

Perhaps you have witnessed a young child who has reached his or her listening threshold.  They may have stuck a finger in each ear and began loudly chanting, “na, na, na, na, na…”  Depending on the right circumstances, you may have even chuckled at such behavior.  But this kind of conduct is not nearly so funny when practiced by an adult.

In Acts 21, the apostle Paul has traveled to Jerusalem and ends up being falsely accused of preaching against his fellow Jews and the Law as well as desecrating the Temple.  All in a day’s work for the Pharisee-turned-missionary, huh?  Anyway, the angry Jerusalem crowd grabbed Paul with the intent to put him to death.  Their plans were thwarted when Roman soldiers rescued him.  As they take him away to the barracks, Paul is granted an opportunity to address the mob.  He begins his defense by recounting his earlier history as a Christian persecutor.  He then shares his conversion story which occurred as he traveled to Damascus.  I’m convinced that he eventually hoped to share the gospel with the crowd, but he didn't get the chance.  As he spoke of God’s intent to send him “...far away to the Gentiles,” the mob erupted again.  They were through listening.  If they had just listened a bit more, they would have heard the truth that could have saved them.

Don’t be too quick to turn your ears off.  Yes, someone may be telling us something we’ve never heard before or something difficult.  But it may be exactly what we need to hear.  And we would never know if we plug our ears in anger or frustration.  Quick judgments without hearing all the facts could be cutting us off from what God may be trying to say to us through others.

God loves you!

Mike 

Relics

A September article by Debbie Lord on the kiro7.com website carried this title: “St. Jude relic: The arm belonging to the cousin of Jesus to be on tour in the U.S..”*

According to quoted sources, “...Jude’s arm was placed in a wooden reliquary shaped like a priest’s hand giving a blessing. A reliquary is a special receptacle for body parts or personal items of those deemed to be saints and martyrs....” One church official associated with the supposed relic shares the purpose of the tour: “Regarded as the patron saint of lost causes and desperate situations, the visit provides an opportunity for individuals to experience intimacy with someone who dwells in Heaven and beholds God face-to-face” and “It allows devotees to receive his blessing and entrust him with their petitions.”

I won’t wade into the debate over whether this is an actual body part from an actual relative of Christ other than to say I have my doubts.  But for the sake of discussion, let’s just assume for a moment that it is what some claim it to be.  In that case, I would ask myself some questions.  Why would I, as a disciple of Christ, have any interest in a part of a dead body, whether it came from a saint or not?  Why would I need to seek “...to experience intimacy with someone who dwells in heaven and behold God face-to-face…” with anyone other than Jesus Christ?  He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).  There is salvation in no One else (Acts 4:12).  Why would I seek Jude’s blessing and entrust him with my petitions?  While I’m sure that Jude blessed many during his lifetime, the only blessings I need to receive come from My Savior.  God has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).  Jesus Christ is the only mediator needed between humanity and God (1 Timothy 2:5).  I can entrust my petitions to Him.

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.kiro7.com/news/trending/st-jude-relic-arm-belonging-cousin-jesus-be-tour-us/L3PTPSMBZ5F5LEV6LNU66RPJMU/?fbclid=IwAR1B-gWZcdeWcu0ShnywK1UkF7U-m_UyDS0bOUsIR0bxIl6ko_pmA9xq5Rk

 

If You Need A Law, Make One Up

The incredible design and complexity of the world around us has long been one of the more powerful evidences for God. Whether you are talking about the intricacies of the DNA sequence or all of the minute factors that have to line up for life to exist on our planet, it all points to a Creator.  Even known laws of science attest to the observable fact that closed systems, left to themselves, move toward greater disorder and loss of information instead of higher order and information (i.e. the second law of thermodynamics). All of this has been problematic for those who cannot accept the existence of a Designer.

But never fear! If observable and testable scientific laws and principles cannot provide the backing you need for your theories, feel free to make up your own.  A recent article makes a bold claim: “Scientists Unveil A ‘Missing Law’ Of Nature That Explains How Everything In The Universe Evolved, Including Us.”* What I would really like to have explained is “How can you unveil something that is missing?” It sounds much like the “missing link” of evolution that has been touted long and loud by evolutionists but which they mysteriously have never been able to produce.  Hmmm…

Here is a quote from one of the scientists promoting the new “law”: ““We see, in the universe, so much richness and complexity, so many evolving systems, and yet we don't seem to have a law of nature that adequately describes why those systems exist,” Wong told Motherboard in a call.” Well, if you don’t have the “law” you need, make one up. Kudos to Wong for admitting the “richness and complexity” of the world around him.  But nevermind that this newly suggested “scientific law” contradicts other firmly established scientific laws.

The efforts of those committed to denying the existence of God knows no boundaries.  If they have to unveil a mysterious, unprovable new “natural law” to advance their cause, so be it. Whatever it takes, right?

God loves you!

Mike

*https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3bgw/scientists-unveil-missing-law-of-nature-that-explains-how-everything-in-the-universe-evolved-including-us?fbclid=IwAR0clRONW3VbKwTAuXA6x58U4Q6i-2IMsQPEvPV6Z2KlW7J9FJHhtxSiY6E