Added on for your viewing pleasure is an aside that I think is an important one. This directly speaks to the way that I live my life now and relates to the desires that I have for the things of God.
On Wednesday evening, imputed righteousness (see previous post if you have no idea what I'm talking about) was mentioned. In the general discussion, I was concerned that we were all sitting around talking about imputed righteousness as only a declaration and not as having Christ's righteousness--or Christ's power (for lack of a better word) to fulfill all of the holiness and righteous behaviors, thoughts and attitudes that the bible calls us to (Matthew 5:48, I Peter 1:16.) I was concerned because I fall into the category that I believe many professing believers do which is:
(picture shoulders slumped and eyes drooped) I just can't do anything right. I'm glad that there's grace because I'm always stumbling and sinning. I believe that God has the power to help me, but for some reason I feel like He helps everyone else and I'm just left to deal with these pattern of sins on my own.
I believe that the "power" to live a righteous life comes when Christ's righteousness is given to us at the time of salvation. Note--not perfection but righteousness, very different when played out in humans. Very important to note as I am quite confident that anyone who has been around me will most definitely know just how imperfect I really am.
Which brings me to Frank. Frank, (*sigh*) has endless, fruit-filled patience. The man just won't not love me (yes, intended double negative there.) So I spent an hour of his time yesterday morning (the day after the class) drilling and pounding him with questions as to the effects of Christ's righteousness in our lives, not to mention wasted about 30 minutes of the Wednesday's class that night. But I was concerned over reconciling in my mind Romans 10:10 and I John 3:6-8 with what was being discussed in class, so I was being selfish (which is, indeed, an unrighteous act.)
I won't bore you with such details (or torture Frank with the nightmare-ish reminder of never getting back that hour of wasted time) but the bottom line is that I was incorrectly defining imputed righteousness and replacing it with imparted righteousness. Definitions at the end.
So now I'm set straight and am once again, back on track. As I ask Frank's forgiveness, I openly admit that I'm glad that he took the time with me as I was not only corrected in love, but also learned a very important distinction between some very important doctrines. And for that, I am so thankful for!!!
Praise God from whom all Frank-blessings flow!
Definition:
Imparted righteousness, in Methodist theology, is that gracious gift of God given at the moment of the new birth which enables a Christian disciple to strive for holiness and sanctification. John Wesley believed that imparted righteousness worked in tandem with imputed righteousness. Imputed righteousness is the righteousness of Jesus credited to the Christian, enabling the Christian to be justified; imparted righteousness is what God does in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit after justification, working in the Christian to enable and empower the process of sanctification.
Friday, August 22, 2008
True Repentance vs. False Repentance
**Warning--Super duper serious, but pivotal topic about to be blogged.**
If evangelism is the arm, then I believe that repentance is the elbow. If evangelism is the car, then I believe that repentance is the wheel. If evangelism is the Shakespearean play, then I believe that repentance is the loyal, but passed-over servant in King Lear. What does this mean? In my humble and often misdirected opinion, repentance is the key to which every other human action orbits and is often overlooked by other flashy aspects of evangelism.
Frank, our godly trainer, continued to serve heaping mounds of doggy chow to our hungry pack as we gulped and wolfed down certified strips this past Wednesday night. We ended up skipping the second half of Christology because our substitute trainer was stuck somewhere, traveling for work, so if it seems that I'm back tracking in two weeks--well, I am. :)
In class, we reviewed what we've learned so far and had a pop quiz. Now, I'm not one to usually bomb pop quizzes, but I totally failed--in every miserable sense of the word--at this one. I realized how little I had retained from the outline of this evangelism class and while I've learned so much from other classes, I have set my mind that I want to retain as much as I can, as this has been the most fruitful class that I've taken on evangelism...to date. On a pleasant sidenote, my dear canine poochy friend, Peggy Jo, (I would be the drooling, lumbering mutt and she would be the classy, well-kept, beautiful pure bred) aced the pop quiz and took home (by a landslide) first prize, the blue ribbon and the clydesdale-sized trophy. She has been faithful to the homework and it beautifully showed. Why do I tell you this? Because I believe that out of all of the pop quizzes, standardized tests, and #2 pencil exams, this has to be one of the most important. I can't think, in all of my schooling years, where this would be a test you would want to fail at. So I'm thankful that I have a dear sister who takes this seriously and she has sharpened me to follow her example.
The quiz was on the outline of what we've learned so far. So here is the quiz (the answers will be found at the bottom of this post.)
I. How does the bible describe God?
a. _______________ and _________________
Scripture:
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
Scripture:
II. What does the bible say about Man?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c: __________________________________
III. What does the bible say about Christ?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
How did you fare? I'm sure you did far better than I did.
There was much discussion on the various aspects of true repentance and what that looks like but the bottom line was that if someone claims to have faith, but shows no repentance, then you have to question which repentance category they are in. (II Corinthians 7:10)
This whole topic is of great interest to me because of my personal testimony of how God drew me to Him. You see, the challenge with true repentance and false repentance is that true repentance can easily be counterfeited in various ways. Here's how I counterfeited before I got saved:
1) I was genuinely sorry...for getting caught.=false repentance
2) I hated the consequences of my actions which brought about genuine emotion.=false repentance
3) I was genuinely, emotionally sad at my pattern of sin.=false repentance
4) I justified my sin by doing good acts to those I sinned against.=false repentance
5) I found that I hated when people called what I was doing wrong sin and hated any religious talk that would use such words.=false repentance
6) I made excuses, covered up and disguised my sin, yet felt little peace or security from such acts.=false repentance
7) I avoided talking about my sin.=false repentance
8) I only partially and temporarily changed.=false repentance
9) I hated God more after I would pay restitution.=false repentance.
10) I was endlessly restless, for my conscience could find no peace, even after I would apologize.=false repentance.
11) I rejected anything the bible said as to how to repent.
12) I did not desire the things of the bible.
It's exhausting to even have to type all of that. I remember growing up and in my early twenties, how exhausted I would sometimes be lying in bed at night after a full day of the last twelve (and then some) undertakings of false repentance. It takes a lot of energy and time to skillfully hone such activities. Of course, I suppressed such things and did not find it to be tiresome then. I can only say it now as experiencing the merciful gift of genuine saving grace and realizing the exact and precise biblical peace and serenity as attributed to those who are no longer enemies of God (Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:13-16) , though my life is probably busier and fuller than it ever has been.
So what path does one start on toward true repentance?
1) You must believe and repent. (key word, believe) Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. This is where it gets tricky. How does one believe? Of their own volition? No, you cannot believe without God planting faith in you. Hmmm...so one asks--has God planted faith in me? Do I care if He's planted faith in me? Do I care that I believe? If the answer is yes to the last question...then immediately pass go, do not collect $200 and land on Romans 10:13. AND E-mail, call, write, send your best pigeon and get a hold of me as quick as possible. BTW--the bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1, if you're interested in the true definition.
2) Repent of all that dishonors God. II Corinthians 7:10-11. Biblical repentance will sprout an eagerness for righteousness according to the revealed will of God. (Isaiah 55:6-7, Luke 9:23) In Mark 10 we see Jesus masterfully bypassing all of what the rich young ruler treasured and getting to the heart of the matter which he was unwilling to admit that he had offended God, was a sinner, forsake all that he treasured and follow Christ. See the Grace Church webby for an amazing sermon on true repentance as taught this past Sunday morning by our fearless, godly trainer, Frank, who rightly divided the word in his most marvelous sermon thus far. (And that's saying a lot.)
3) Repentance involves confession of sin to God. Confession, in scripture, means "to say the same as." Being in agreement. So when we confess, we do not try to hide or skew the facts. We simply confess everything that comes to mind-starting with I'm a sinner a general and am in need of the specific Saviour, Jesus Christ, the God of the bible. Agreeing with everything that God has to say about who man is without Him. Understanding that the owner and creator of all sees us as if we were bum-naked before Him. Meaning my heart is laid bare and He sees every single layer of sin and suppression that I have built for myself as if it were as transparent as glass.
4) Forgiveness is to have complete purification from unrighteousness on the basis of Christ's righteousness freely imputed (applied to one's account.) (I John 1:9) (See more as this will have it's own post-oh joy! oh joy!)
So in conclusion--which repentance do you have and will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ?
If evangelism is the arm, then I believe that repentance is the elbow. If evangelism is the car, then I believe that repentance is the wheel. If evangelism is the Shakespearean play, then I believe that repentance is the loyal, but passed-over servant in King Lear. What does this mean? In my humble and often misdirected opinion, repentance is the key to which every other human action orbits and is often overlooked by other flashy aspects of evangelism.
Frank, our godly trainer, continued to serve heaping mounds of doggy chow to our hungry pack as we gulped and wolfed down certified strips this past Wednesday night. We ended up skipping the second half of Christology because our substitute trainer was stuck somewhere, traveling for work, so if it seems that I'm back tracking in two weeks--well, I am. :)
In class, we reviewed what we've learned so far and had a pop quiz. Now, I'm not one to usually bomb pop quizzes, but I totally failed--in every miserable sense of the word--at this one. I realized how little I had retained from the outline of this evangelism class and while I've learned so much from other classes, I have set my mind that I want to retain as much as I can, as this has been the most fruitful class that I've taken on evangelism...to date. On a pleasant sidenote, my dear canine poochy friend, Peggy Jo, (I would be the drooling, lumbering mutt and she would be the classy, well-kept, beautiful pure bred) aced the pop quiz and took home (by a landslide) first prize, the blue ribbon and the clydesdale-sized trophy. She has been faithful to the homework and it beautifully showed. Why do I tell you this? Because I believe that out of all of the pop quizzes, standardized tests, and #2 pencil exams, this has to be one of the most important. I can't think, in all of my schooling years, where this would be a test you would want to fail at. So I'm thankful that I have a dear sister who takes this seriously and she has sharpened me to follow her example.
The quiz was on the outline of what we've learned so far. So here is the quiz (the answers will be found at the bottom of this post.)
I. How does the bible describe God?
a. _______________ and _________________
Scripture:
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
Scripture:
II. What does the bible say about Man?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c: __________________________________
III. What does the bible say about Christ?
a. __________________________________
Scripture:
b. __________________________________
Scripture:
c. __________________________________
How did you fare? I'm sure you did far better than I did.
There was much discussion on the various aspects of true repentance and what that looks like but the bottom line was that if someone claims to have faith, but shows no repentance, then you have to question which repentance category they are in. (II Corinthians 7:10)
This whole topic is of great interest to me because of my personal testimony of how God drew me to Him. You see, the challenge with true repentance and false repentance is that true repentance can easily be counterfeited in various ways. Here's how I counterfeited before I got saved:
1) I was genuinely sorry...for getting caught.=false repentance
2) I hated the consequences of my actions which brought about genuine emotion.=false repentance
3) I was genuinely, emotionally sad at my pattern of sin.=false repentance
4) I justified my sin by doing good acts to those I sinned against.=false repentance
5) I found that I hated when people called what I was doing wrong sin and hated any religious talk that would use such words.=false repentance
6) I made excuses, covered up and disguised my sin, yet felt little peace or security from such acts.=false repentance
7) I avoided talking about my sin.=false repentance
8) I only partially and temporarily changed.=false repentance
9) I hated God more after I would pay restitution.=false repentance.
10) I was endlessly restless, for my conscience could find no peace, even after I would apologize.=false repentance.
11) I rejected anything the bible said as to how to repent.
12) I did not desire the things of the bible.
Every single one of these, though, I did with a good church-girl cloak. A moral and spit-shined veneer.
It's exhausting to even have to type all of that. I remember growing up and in my early twenties, how exhausted I would sometimes be lying in bed at night after a full day of the last twelve (and then some) undertakings of false repentance. It takes a lot of energy and time to skillfully hone such activities. Of course, I suppressed such things and did not find it to be tiresome then. I can only say it now as experiencing the merciful gift of genuine saving grace and realizing the exact and precise biblical peace and serenity as attributed to those who are no longer enemies of God (Romans 8:7, Ephesians 2:13-16) , though my life is probably busier and fuller than it ever has been.
So what path does one start on toward true repentance?
1) You must believe and repent. (key word, believe) Romans 10:9, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8-9. This is where it gets tricky. How does one believe? Of their own volition? No, you cannot believe without God planting faith in you. Hmmm...so one asks--has God planted faith in me? Do I care if He's planted faith in me? Do I care that I believe? If the answer is yes to the last question...then immediately pass go, do not collect $200 and land on Romans 10:13. AND E-mail, call, write, send your best pigeon and get a hold of me as quick as possible. BTW--the bible describes faith in Hebrews 11:1, if you're interested in the true definition.
2) Repent of all that dishonors God. II Corinthians 7:10-11. Biblical repentance will sprout an eagerness for righteousness according to the revealed will of God. (Isaiah 55:6-7, Luke 9:23) In Mark 10 we see Jesus masterfully bypassing all of what the rich young ruler treasured and getting to the heart of the matter which he was unwilling to admit that he had offended God, was a sinner, forsake all that he treasured and follow Christ. See the Grace Church webby for an amazing sermon on true repentance as taught this past Sunday morning by our fearless, godly trainer, Frank, who rightly divided the word in his most marvelous sermon thus far. (And that's saying a lot.)
3) Repentance involves confession of sin to God. Confession, in scripture, means "to say the same as." Being in agreement. So when we confess, we do not try to hide or skew the facts. We simply confess everything that comes to mind-starting with I'm a sinner a general and am in need of the specific Saviour, Jesus Christ, the God of the bible. Agreeing with everything that God has to say about who man is without Him. Understanding that the owner and creator of all sees us as if we were bum-naked before Him. Meaning my heart is laid bare and He sees every single layer of sin and suppression that I have built for myself as if it were as transparent as glass.
4) Forgiveness is to have complete purification from unrighteousness on the basis of Christ's righteousness freely imputed (applied to one's account.) (I John 1:9) (See more as this will have it's own post-oh joy! oh joy!)
So in conclusion--which repentance do you have and will you repent and believe in Jesus Christ?
Answers:
I. God is:
a. creator and owner of all.
Scripture: Psalm 24:1 and Genesis 1:1
b. holy
Scripture: Matthew 5:48
c. requires perfect obedience
Scripture: James 2:10
II. Man is:
a. totally depraved--broken God's law in every way.
Scripture: James 2:10, Romans 3:10
b. guilty so the consequence of sin is death.
Scripture: Romans 6:23
c. cannot earn by good works
Scripture: Titus 3:5
III. Christ is:
a. fully God and perfect, sinless man
Scripture: Colossians 2:9
b. a Saviour and demonstrates His love
Scripture: Romans 5:8, II Corinthians 5:21
c. the victor over death and is ressurected
Scripture: I Corinthians 15:4
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Galen Rupp--White Boy Extraordinaire
By far, running is my best event. Now, let's get some things ordered straight away. First, I'm not a good runner, fast runner or finesse runner. I'm not built for any of those things, nor have the time to polish such skills. I am an endurance runner, not a sprint runner.
So in the Olympics, middle distance and distance events completely enthrall me. I love watching them pound out the miles, step after step, mile after mile. I love watching the East Africans who pretty much sweep the medals and I especially enjoyed, this year, watching Galen Rupp (little white boy from Oregon) be 13th overall. He ran a little over 6 miles in under 28 minutes and he was 13th! Absolutely amazing.
Running is one of my favorite events for a number of reasons.
1) You don't need a lot of fancy, schmancy equipment.
2) You can be alone with your thoughts--barring any walkman (old fashioned word) equipment.
3) It's fairly easy to figure out and unless you are trying to train for one of the above categories mentioned in my first paragraph--just about any poor soul can do it.
4) It's fairly inexpensive--just a pair of good running shoes and some nice comfy socks to go with them.
5) It's a great cardio workout and works your metabolism like nobody's business.
6) Patti, our wonderdog, gets her much needed exercise.
7) If you're looking to lose weight, you won't be able to find an event that will get you there faster.
But here's the praise-worthy reasons that I've really enjoyed participating in a regular running regiment.
1) There's not another event that I can think of that allows you more time to take in and breathe the beauty of creation like running. (Romans 1:20)
2) I have uninterrupted chew time with my thoughts, prayers and meditations. (Psalm 119:2)
3) I have the opportunity to see people on a regular basis and have, on occasion, been able to chat. (Matthew 28:19)
4) It's helped me to be physically stronger to serve my family and church better. (Proverbs 31:17)
5) It's help me practice breathing control to enable my pitiful voice to sing better in choir. (Ephesians 5:19)
A couple of notes before you take up running.
1) Make sure you have some good (and yes, expensive) shoes. A good majority of chronic injuries are caused by poor quality running shoes.
2) Start out by not running too fast. You'll peter out and become fairly discouraged.
3) Work towards a goal. Running requires a fairly disciplined attitude toward it. So have a goal to work towards. The best goals are the little 5K runs that happen in many towns all over this great country of ours. You can also get an official time.
4) Which brings me to--try and increase your goals weekly. For instance, start out with 1.5 miles and by end of the month--increasing to 2.5-3 miles. Watch your time too. While you don't want to start out too fast--concentrate on a goal of increasing your time each week. Increasing time and distance will keep you working toward a goal.
5) Make sure you drive your route and not try and guess. You may be surprised at what you thought was 2 miles...really ends up being only 1.5 miles and you've gypped yourself that extra half mile for weeks. It can kind of be discouraging. Also, an accurate mile count will help you in the long run for all of those 5K runs you'll be entering--none of them on Sunday, of course. :)
6) Implement a Buddy Run into your regiment mix. If you have someone to be held accountable to, then it will be much more likely that you'll reach your goal. Preferably choose someone that won't let you off the hook.
7) Run for the glory of God. What does that mean? Don't run just to lose weight, feel healthy or look slimmer. Too shallow a reason. Run so that your body and heart are stronger to be able to serve your family and local church tirelessly. Run so that you can have an internet-free time slot of breathing and appreciating God's wondrous and marvelous creation that screams of a high and lofty God.
Running, for me, is like a longtime friend. Even if I have been away for a while, I can pick up right where I left off and keep on going.
Run Galen run.
So in the Olympics, middle distance and distance events completely enthrall me. I love watching them pound out the miles, step after step, mile after mile. I love watching the East Africans who pretty much sweep the medals and I especially enjoyed, this year, watching Galen Rupp (little white boy from Oregon) be 13th overall. He ran a little over 6 miles in under 28 minutes and he was 13th! Absolutely amazing.
Running is one of my favorite events for a number of reasons.
1) You don't need a lot of fancy, schmancy equipment.
2) You can be alone with your thoughts--barring any walkman (old fashioned word) equipment.
3) It's fairly easy to figure out and unless you are trying to train for one of the above categories mentioned in my first paragraph--just about any poor soul can do it.
4) It's fairly inexpensive--just a pair of good running shoes and some nice comfy socks to go with them.
5) It's a great cardio workout and works your metabolism like nobody's business.
6) Patti, our wonderdog, gets her much needed exercise.
7) If you're looking to lose weight, you won't be able to find an event that will get you there faster.
But here's the praise-worthy reasons that I've really enjoyed participating in a regular running regiment.
1) There's not another event that I can think of that allows you more time to take in and breathe the beauty of creation like running. (Romans 1:20)
2) I have uninterrupted chew time with my thoughts, prayers and meditations. (Psalm 119:2)
3) I have the opportunity to see people on a regular basis and have, on occasion, been able to chat. (Matthew 28:19)
4) It's helped me to be physically stronger to serve my family and church better. (Proverbs 31:17)
5) It's help me practice breathing control to enable my pitiful voice to sing better in choir. (Ephesians 5:19)
A couple of notes before you take up running.
1) Make sure you have some good (and yes, expensive) shoes. A good majority of chronic injuries are caused by poor quality running shoes.
2) Start out by not running too fast. You'll peter out and become fairly discouraged.
3) Work towards a goal. Running requires a fairly disciplined attitude toward it. So have a goal to work towards. The best goals are the little 5K runs that happen in many towns all over this great country of ours. You can also get an official time.
4) Which brings me to--try and increase your goals weekly. For instance, start out with 1.5 miles and by end of the month--increasing to 2.5-3 miles. Watch your time too. While you don't want to start out too fast--concentrate on a goal of increasing your time each week. Increasing time and distance will keep you working toward a goal.
5) Make sure you drive your route and not try and guess. You may be surprised at what you thought was 2 miles...really ends up being only 1.5 miles and you've gypped yourself that extra half mile for weeks. It can kind of be discouraging. Also, an accurate mile count will help you in the long run for all of those 5K runs you'll be entering--none of them on Sunday, of course. :)
6) Implement a Buddy Run into your regiment mix. If you have someone to be held accountable to, then it will be much more likely that you'll reach your goal. Preferably choose someone that won't let you off the hook.
7) Run for the glory of God. What does that mean? Don't run just to lose weight, feel healthy or look slimmer. Too shallow a reason. Run so that your body and heart are stronger to be able to serve your family and local church tirelessly. Run so that you can have an internet-free time slot of breathing and appreciating God's wondrous and marvelous creation that screams of a high and lofty God.
Running, for me, is like a longtime friend. Even if I have been away for a while, I can pick up right where I left off and keep on going.
Run Galen run.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Doggone Excellence!
I plan on giving you two bones for the price of one today. Having driven over 2,000 miles in one week visiting my parents in Iowa--I am a little behind in my blogging. We rolled in last Tuesday evening and had our doggy evangelism training class the next night on Wednesday. It was a first class show that even the American Kennel Club would have to be crazy about.
The training started with a review of the last session and we handed in our homework, went over our verses and discussed the question posed--"Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy/moral law?" There was some great discussion and some of my fellow canines came up with some great answers.
Here was my answer (Dog Bone #1). I'm hoping that this will spur some more discussion on it. A big shout out to my dear friend Nancy who took the time--all the way from Southern Cally to answer. You can see her answer in the comments section of the previous post. Here was my answer:
Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy law?
PARTIAL ANSWER: Yes. I believe that they can. I believe that people can and are ignorant to God's holy law. Though written on every man's heart--it is not something that is clear, conscience and spelled out in people's minds as to the laws in the bible. For whatever reason, whether they do not have a bible or refuse to read the bible, they are ignorant. Furthermore, a spiritual, biblical true knowledge can only be obtained by God's grace, I feel like the bible is clear about that. (Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:8)
As the great hymn, Amazing Grace is sung, I was blind, but now I see. Two kinds of blind/deaf people exist (II Corinthians 4:3-6 and Colossians 1:12-14). Those who do not have knowledge of the truth and those who know, but suppress it.
a) Those who are just ignorant, because they are dead-Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13. All of us fall into that category.
b) Those who suppress truth. Romans 1:18, II Peter 3:3-6 (KJV uses the words "they willingly are ignorant.") Everyone who does not accept the truth of scripture fall into this category.
Because of God's great grace and mercy, we need not just leave it at that nor can we if we are to have the full biblical view of what saves. Because His pre-ordained plan has conquered the laws of natural and human logic.
As we know there are two kinds of humans made 1) vessels of wrath and 2) vessels of mercy. The vessels of wrath are in the "b" category above. Those who "willingly" choose to suppress the truth. The "b" category are the suppressors of truth. Those who choose to ignore the very acts of creation and biblical knowledge that God, out of great pity on us, specifically gave to us in order to know He exists (Romans 1:20). There are many bible references for these people.
The "a" category is where I am going to concentrate. Those who God has mercy on are ignorant until He chooses to open their eyes and ears...give them life. They are now 'un'dead. These are responsibly ignorant. Whether by choice or natural location. While the bible makes clear that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:20), the bible also clearly states that no one seeks after God or understands Him--Psalm 14 and Romans 3.
So where is the reconciling point--God? God is the maker and creator and in Romans 9 it specifically says that He will show mercy where He pleases. Man's only responsibility (a fairly simple one) is to just believe.
FULL ANSWER: Yes, I believe that man can claim ignorance, but I also believe that ignorance is a sin...just like every other sin that denies God's complete and utter authority and ownership of everything. Webster's Dictionary says that ignorance is a lack of knowledge, education or awareness. There are many here that choose to be ignorant, remain ignorant and celebrate ignorance of God's holy law by their words and actions. In Hebrews 5:2--Jesus is said to "deal gently with the ignorant and misguided." The author of Hebrews has labeled humans ignorant and misguided. Everyone one of us are ignorant--we can claim that, but we can't rely on it and it will not save us (excuse us) in the end.
We are like this--ignorant--for two reasons--1) God has not opened up our eyes to spiritual truth yet (category "a) or 2) we willingly and willfully suppress the truth (category "b") of which God has complete control over anyway. The bible only describes two kinds of ignorance--what we need to ask to those being evangelized is which one are they?
So that was the homework that I did from the last session. I welcome any comments, questions, etc. either via comment section or via E-mail.
Now onto the main feeding (Dog Bone #2).
After Frank, our usual trainer reviewed everything with us, we were thrilled to see that Dave Clymer, a new trainer was taking over at this point. Dave is truly gifted by God for work far beyond my comprehension at times. He is immensely patient, kind and generous--some would say to a fault--but I say to the glory of God...always!
Dave led us right into who Jesus Christ is (I pointedly do not say "was" because He is still alive and victorious today.) Dave had just finished teaching a 5-day series on who Jesus Christ is to our young children in a wonderful venue called Backyard Bible Club. So he took what he taught there and deepened and widened it. Isn't that great!? I'm just thrilled knowing that my son was able to learn the heavy and weighty things that I'm learning in an adult class. No more Sunday School fluff for my blessings. Dave is canine excellence at its best. :)
As we went over the verses that we must learn for next week, we studied two of the most important facts in biblical history--Jesus came to earth as God and sinless man...He lived here on earth as fully God and fully man. Jesus Himself made the claims to be God (John 10:30), but others affirmed this also. John 1:1.
There were many signs and wonders that showed Jesus to be God here on earth. Healing ministries (Luke 4:17-21), Jesus was born of a virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35), Jesus raised the dead (John 11:1-46), Jesus forgave people's sins (Mark 2:5). Even others claimed Him to be God (John 20:28).
Jesus was also fully human. Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15 make that clear.
Dave so kindly led us through the very definition and nature of Jesus Christ. Absolutely amazing!
We started to get into how Jesus demonstrated His vast and perfect love, but had to cut it short. Dave is planning to lead us through the next section of Jesus Christ which will include a further explanation of His demonstrative love.
Well, is it any wonder when we trot away from the beautiful Acosta home, we are so uplifted and continually thankful. How does God show us His kindness? It is truly through Godly trainers like Frank and Dave who sacrifice much time and money resources to lead us through the truth of scripture so that we might be trained in leading God honoring lives for this slice we call life.
The training started with a review of the last session and we handed in our homework, went over our verses and discussed the question posed--"Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy/moral law?" There was some great discussion and some of my fellow canines came up with some great answers.
Here was my answer (Dog Bone #1). I'm hoping that this will spur some more discussion on it. A big shout out to my dear friend Nancy who took the time--all the way from Southern Cally to answer. You can see her answer in the comments section of the previous post. Here was my answer:
Can anyone claim ignorance to God's holy law?
PARTIAL ANSWER: Yes. I believe that they can. I believe that people can and are ignorant to God's holy law. Though written on every man's heart--it is not something that is clear, conscience and spelled out in people's minds as to the laws in the bible. For whatever reason, whether they do not have a bible or refuse to read the bible, they are ignorant. Furthermore, a spiritual, biblical true knowledge can only be obtained by God's grace, I feel like the bible is clear about that. (Romans 9:15, Ephesians 2:8)
As the great hymn, Amazing Grace is sung, I was blind, but now I see. Two kinds of blind/deaf people exist (II Corinthians 4:3-6 and Colossians 1:12-14). Those who do not have knowledge of the truth and those who know, but suppress it.
a) Those who are just ignorant, because they are dead-Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13. All of us fall into that category.
b) Those who suppress truth. Romans 1:18, II Peter 3:3-6 (KJV uses the words "they willingly are ignorant.") Everyone who does not accept the truth of scripture fall into this category.
Because of God's great grace and mercy, we need not just leave it at that nor can we if we are to have the full biblical view of what saves. Because His pre-ordained plan has conquered the laws of natural and human logic.
As we know there are two kinds of humans made 1) vessels of wrath and 2) vessels of mercy. The vessels of wrath are in the "b" category above. Those who "willingly" choose to suppress the truth. The "b" category are the suppressors of truth. Those who choose to ignore the very acts of creation and biblical knowledge that God, out of great pity on us, specifically gave to us in order to know He exists (Romans 1:20). There are many bible references for these people.
The "a" category is where I am going to concentrate. Those who God has mercy on are ignorant until He chooses to open their eyes and ears...give them life. They are now 'un'dead. These are responsibly ignorant. Whether by choice or natural location. While the bible makes clear that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:20), the bible also clearly states that no one seeks after God or understands Him--Psalm 14 and Romans 3.
So where is the reconciling point--God? God is the maker and creator and in Romans 9 it specifically says that He will show mercy where He pleases. Man's only responsibility (a fairly simple one) is to just believe.
FULL ANSWER: Yes, I believe that man can claim ignorance, but I also believe that ignorance is a sin...just like every other sin that denies God's complete and utter authority and ownership of everything. Webster's Dictionary says that ignorance is a lack of knowledge, education or awareness. There are many here that choose to be ignorant, remain ignorant and celebrate ignorance of God's holy law by their words and actions. In Hebrews 5:2--Jesus is said to "deal gently with the ignorant and misguided." The author of Hebrews has labeled humans ignorant and misguided. Everyone one of us are ignorant--we can claim that, but we can't rely on it and it will not save us (excuse us) in the end.
We are like this--ignorant--for two reasons--1) God has not opened up our eyes to spiritual truth yet (category "a) or 2) we willingly and willfully suppress the truth (category "b") of which God has complete control over anyway. The bible only describes two kinds of ignorance--what we need to ask to those being evangelized is which one are they?
So that was the homework that I did from the last session. I welcome any comments, questions, etc. either via comment section or via E-mail.
Now onto the main feeding (Dog Bone #2).
After Frank, our usual trainer reviewed everything with us, we were thrilled to see that Dave Clymer, a new trainer was taking over at this point. Dave is truly gifted by God for work far beyond my comprehension at times. He is immensely patient, kind and generous--some would say to a fault--but I say to the glory of God...always!
Dave led us right into who Jesus Christ is (I pointedly do not say "was" because He is still alive and victorious today.) Dave had just finished teaching a 5-day series on who Jesus Christ is to our young children in a wonderful venue called Backyard Bible Club. So he took what he taught there and deepened and widened it. Isn't that great!? I'm just thrilled knowing that my son was able to learn the heavy and weighty things that I'm learning in an adult class. No more Sunday School fluff for my blessings. Dave is canine excellence at its best. :)
As we went over the verses that we must learn for next week, we studied two of the most important facts in biblical history--Jesus came to earth as God and sinless man...He lived here on earth as fully God and fully man. Jesus Himself made the claims to be God (John 10:30), but others affirmed this also. John 1:1.
There were many signs and wonders that showed Jesus to be God here on earth. Healing ministries (Luke 4:17-21), Jesus was born of a virgin birth (Luke 1:26-35), Jesus raised the dead (John 11:1-46), Jesus forgave people's sins (Mark 2:5). Even others claimed Him to be God (John 20:28).
Jesus was also fully human. Colossians 2:9, Hebrews 2:17, Hebrews 4:15 make that clear.
Dave so kindly led us through the very definition and nature of Jesus Christ. Absolutely amazing!
We started to get into how Jesus demonstrated His vast and perfect love, but had to cut it short. Dave is planning to lead us through the next section of Jesus Christ which will include a further explanation of His demonstrative love.
Well, is it any wonder when we trot away from the beautiful Acosta home, we are so uplifted and continually thankful. How does God show us His kindness? It is truly through Godly trainers like Frank and Dave who sacrifice much time and money resources to lead us through the truth of scripture so that we might be trained in leading God honoring lives for this slice we call life.
Monday, August 11, 2008
In My Case--Pathetic Rhymes with Olympic
In honor of the Olympic events going on in the next few weeks, I've decided to try and take an event that I personally participate in and post it in the Healthy Habits section as to why I choose to participate in it. Hopefully, this will spur others onto a certain event and at the end of each article be encouraged not because of what I do, but because of why I do it.
This week's featured event is swimming. *Gutteral sigh* I have a like/dislike relationship with swimming. There are a few dislikes I have about swimming. The bathing suit aspect is one of them. Ugh! The second is the pathetic and awkward quality in which I swim. If clumsiness is an event in swimming, then I definitely take the gold. I am most definitely not a finesse swimmer. I am rough, graceless and thrash-prone.
What I like about swimming is the low-impact, endurance aspect. I love the methodical and disciplined product that is hammered out in you as you swim lap after lap. Down and back, back and down, down and back. There's no high dance beat drumming in your ears, no ultra-video effects to tease your eyes. Just the push and motivation to faithfully endure each lap. There's something raw about it. A friend of ours who has completed multiple ironman triathlons, encouraged me to exercise with as little outward motivation as possible. In other words, just you and the event...nothing else.
I can easily draw a similar picture in the spiritual realm. It's easy to participate in this biblical race when there are a variety of outward attractions for you to run with; but the real endurance comes from the inward, steady dominance of the Holy Spirit. I need no other motivation; no other attraction, but Him.
So swimming holds a strong appeal for me in those terms. It builds heart healthy endurance while going easy on the joints. It helps me to physically be able to build muscle and cardio strength.
More importantly though for me, is it helps to build a kind of spiritual endurance by disciplining me with each lap. Making me strive for the kind of endurance that I desire to parallel in my spiritual life for the glory of God. It allows me techno-free motivation which gives me a freed mind and heart to concentrate on prayer; past sermons and teachings; and yes! even the occasional blog article is spun during the time required.
Another, lesser reason I like swimming is it is helping in breathing control. While I am nowhere near in vocal talents or gifts as my fellow, musical genius counterparts, I do have the privilege of singing in choir at church. Swimming has helped me not only in controlling my breath, but increasing my lung capacity for air. Thus, it can (and has) helped in the area of music at church.
So in conclusion, swimming, while making me look foolish on the outside, at most times, has helped me build the kind of physical and spiritual heart that a good foundation of endurance can be made and for that, I am most thankful to my Lord and Saviour for allotting me the time here on earth to swim.
This week's featured event is swimming. *Gutteral sigh* I have a like/dislike relationship with swimming. There are a few dislikes I have about swimming. The bathing suit aspect is one of them. Ugh! The second is the pathetic and awkward quality in which I swim. If clumsiness is an event in swimming, then I definitely take the gold. I am most definitely not a finesse swimmer. I am rough, graceless and thrash-prone.
What I like about swimming is the low-impact, endurance aspect. I love the methodical and disciplined product that is hammered out in you as you swim lap after lap. Down and back, back and down, down and back. There's no high dance beat drumming in your ears, no ultra-video effects to tease your eyes. Just the push and motivation to faithfully endure each lap. There's something raw about it. A friend of ours who has completed multiple ironman triathlons, encouraged me to exercise with as little outward motivation as possible. In other words, just you and the event...nothing else.
I can easily draw a similar picture in the spiritual realm. It's easy to participate in this biblical race when there are a variety of outward attractions for you to run with; but the real endurance comes from the inward, steady dominance of the Holy Spirit. I need no other motivation; no other attraction, but Him.
So swimming holds a strong appeal for me in those terms. It builds heart healthy endurance while going easy on the joints. It helps me to physically be able to build muscle and cardio strength.
More importantly though for me, is it helps to build a kind of spiritual endurance by disciplining me with each lap. Making me strive for the kind of endurance that I desire to parallel in my spiritual life for the glory of God. It allows me techno-free motivation which gives me a freed mind and heart to concentrate on prayer; past sermons and teachings; and yes! even the occasional blog article is spun during the time required.
Another, lesser reason I like swimming is it is helping in breathing control. While I am nowhere near in vocal talents or gifts as my fellow, musical genius counterparts, I do have the privilege of singing in choir at church. Swimming has helped me not only in controlling my breath, but increasing my lung capacity for air. Thus, it can (and has) helped in the area of music at church.
So in conclusion, swimming, while making me look foolish on the outside, at most times, has helped me build the kind of physical and spiritual heart that a good foundation of endurance can be made and for that, I am most thankful to my Lord and Saviour for allotting me the time here on earth to swim.
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