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.