(Matthew 10:34) "Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword." (ESV)
These words of Jesus may sound shocking to some people. It may not fit with the Jesus they have created in their own minds. The Jesus of the Bible often tells us tough things we do not want to hear. Of course there is a sense in which Jesus does bring peace. Most importantly he gives those who believe in him peace with God. God's wrath is turned away from his followers, they are no longer enemies of God because of sin. Jesus is also called the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He will ultimately bring true, everlasting peace with the new heavens and new earth.
But in the immediate time period their will not be peace in this world. We live in a fallen world that is under the sin curse. There will be conflict between those who believe in Jesus and those who do not, it is inevitable. Christians and non Christians are going different directions. Christians seek to obey God, while unbelievers live for themselves. Of course Christians are on the road to heaven while unbelievers are on the road to hell. In this world Christians will face conflict, persecution, and even death. Believers will even find conflict within their own families (Matthew 10:35-36). There will be conflict in homes, schools, workplaces, and throughout the public arena.
Jesus demands absolute devotion from his followers. He must be more important to us than all of our other relationships, even those of our families (Matthew 10:37). Disciples of Christ must take up their cross and follow him (Matthew 10:38). Christians must die to their self and self will. They must surrender to God's will, even to the point of death. And whoever devotes his life to Christ will receive eternal life (Matthew 10:39).
Monday, February 24, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
Who Are You To Judge?
(Matthew 7:1-6)
(Matthew 7:1) "Judge not, that you be not judged." (ESV)
In our modern culture we often hear who are you to judge? Matthew 7:1 seems to be a favorite verse of secular postmodernists and many professing Christians. Secular postmodernists do not believe the Bible is true but they still quote this verse. It is used to mean that people should not make judgments about the views or lifestyles of others. So is this passage a Biblical call for moral relativism? Did Jesus not want us to make any judgments?
First of all Jesus is not telling us not to make any judgments. In (John 7:24) Jesus says, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (ESV). Matthew 7:2 teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated. We should not be arrogant or self righteous and we should have the right spirit toward others. In Matthew 7:3-5 Jesus tells us not to be hypocritical judges. He even uses humor to make his point. Jesus asks why we see the speck in our brothers eye, but do not see the log in our own eye. In Matthew 7:6 we are actually told to make judgments. We are told not to give to dogs what is holy, and are told not to throw our pearls to pigs. Both dogs and pigs were considered unclean by the Jews. "What is holy" and "pearls" refers to the things of God and the gospel. If people continue to reject the gospel there comes a point when we should not keep sharing it with them.
In the passage we are told not to be hypocritical or self righteous judges. Jesus does not tell us to not make any judgments about others. In fact no one can live without making moral judgments. If you call someone else judgmental you are actually making a judgment about that person yourself. You would be wrong to call someone else wrong. Without judgments society could have no laws. No behavior or action could be condemned, not even murder or child abuse. The view that we should not make any judgments is absurd.
Since God exists there is absolute truth. There are things that are right and wrong. These standards apply to everyone, we are all accountable to God. Jesus tells us that he is the truth (John 14:6). Those telling us not to judge do not want to be confronted with the reality of their sin. They reject God and his authority.
(Matthew 7:1) "Judge not, that you be not judged." (ESV)
In our modern culture we often hear who are you to judge? Matthew 7:1 seems to be a favorite verse of secular postmodernists and many professing Christians. Secular postmodernists do not believe the Bible is true but they still quote this verse. It is used to mean that people should not make judgments about the views or lifestyles of others. So is this passage a Biblical call for moral relativism? Did Jesus not want us to make any judgments?
First of all Jesus is not telling us not to make any judgments. In (John 7:24) Jesus says, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (ESV). Matthew 7:2 teaches us to treat others the way we want to be treated. We should not be arrogant or self righteous and we should have the right spirit toward others. In Matthew 7:3-5 Jesus tells us not to be hypocritical judges. He even uses humor to make his point. Jesus asks why we see the speck in our brothers eye, but do not see the log in our own eye. In Matthew 7:6 we are actually told to make judgments. We are told not to give to dogs what is holy, and are told not to throw our pearls to pigs. Both dogs and pigs were considered unclean by the Jews. "What is holy" and "pearls" refers to the things of God and the gospel. If people continue to reject the gospel there comes a point when we should not keep sharing it with them.
In the passage we are told not to be hypocritical or self righteous judges. Jesus does not tell us to not make any judgments about others. In fact no one can live without making moral judgments. If you call someone else judgmental you are actually making a judgment about that person yourself. You would be wrong to call someone else wrong. Without judgments society could have no laws. No behavior or action could be condemned, not even murder or child abuse. The view that we should not make any judgments is absurd.
Since God exists there is absolute truth. There are things that are right and wrong. These standards apply to everyone, we are all accountable to God. Jesus tells us that he is the truth (John 14:6). Those telling us not to judge do not want to be confronted with the reality of their sin. They reject God and his authority.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
An Exciting New Blog
Check out an exciting new blog.
Shining City On A Hill
www.shiningcityonahill40.blogspot.com
Shining City On A Hill
www.shiningcityonahill40.blogspot.com
Monday, February 10, 2014
Truth In A Postmodern World
The western world largely embraces postmodernism. We live in a culture that rejects the idea of absolute truth and holds to moral relativism. There is ultimately no right or wrong and no authoritative truth. Postmodern people seek to be autonomous and reject authority. No judgments are to be made about them or their behavior. All opinions are seen as equally valid and anyone insisting on truth is seen as trying to impose his beliefs on others. The only virtue in a postmodern world is tolerance.
But are the postmodern children actually tolerant themselves? Wouldn't tolerance require you being tolerant even of the intolerant? In reality those who always talk about tolerance are rarely tolerant of those they disagree with. Those disagreeing with them are quickly labeled bigots or some other unflattering name. They also try to silence those they disagree with.
Is postmodernism even a livable belief system? Postmodernists would of course reject the notion of a belief system. It is actually not possible for a society to be sustained by moral relativism and rejection of truth. It is intellectual suicide to hold to these beliefs. When a person says there is no truth he makes a statement of truth. Postmodernism ends up being self refuting. No person can consistently live by moral relativism it is simply not possible. Postmodernism does not fit reality, it goes against the world as it actually is. Ultimately all people know there is right and wrong. Things such as murder, stealing, and lying are known to be wrong by almost all people.
At the heart of postmodernism is the rejection of God. They reject his authority and do not want to submit to him. People do not want to be confronted with the reality of their sin. They suppress the truth of God and instead try to be their own god. They wish to elevate the self as the authority. We often hear postmodernists telling us not to judge because they do not want to face the reality of their sin or deal with the God who is there.
In reality the God of the Bible is there. One God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He is the Creator who made all things. The world and all that is in it belongs to him. Without God there is no meaning or purpose for life. Humans must face the reality that God exists. We must face the reality of our sinfulness and that it cannot be tolerated by a holy God. Because of sin we face the wrath of God. God sent his Son to save his people from their sins. On the cross Jesus took the sins of his people on himself. He takes our sins and we receive his perfect righteousness as our own. Jesus was raised from the dead victorious over sin and death. His resurrection also offered proof that he was the Son of God. All people need to repent of their sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation. Everyone knows God exists, we all have a sense of the divine. All people must face truth and reality.
But are the postmodern children actually tolerant themselves? Wouldn't tolerance require you being tolerant even of the intolerant? In reality those who always talk about tolerance are rarely tolerant of those they disagree with. Those disagreeing with them are quickly labeled bigots or some other unflattering name. They also try to silence those they disagree with.
Is postmodernism even a livable belief system? Postmodernists would of course reject the notion of a belief system. It is actually not possible for a society to be sustained by moral relativism and rejection of truth. It is intellectual suicide to hold to these beliefs. When a person says there is no truth he makes a statement of truth. Postmodernism ends up being self refuting. No person can consistently live by moral relativism it is simply not possible. Postmodernism does not fit reality, it goes against the world as it actually is. Ultimately all people know there is right and wrong. Things such as murder, stealing, and lying are known to be wrong by almost all people.
At the heart of postmodernism is the rejection of God. They reject his authority and do not want to submit to him. People do not want to be confronted with the reality of their sin. They suppress the truth of God and instead try to be their own god. They wish to elevate the self as the authority. We often hear postmodernists telling us not to judge because they do not want to face the reality of their sin or deal with the God who is there.
In reality the God of the Bible is there. One God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). He is the Creator who made all things. The world and all that is in it belongs to him. Without God there is no meaning or purpose for life. Humans must face the reality that God exists. We must face the reality of our sinfulness and that it cannot be tolerated by a holy God. Because of sin we face the wrath of God. God sent his Son to save his people from their sins. On the cross Jesus took the sins of his people on himself. He takes our sins and we receive his perfect righteousness as our own. Jesus was raised from the dead victorious over sin and death. His resurrection also offered proof that he was the Son of God. All people need to repent of their sins and trust in Christ alone for salvation. Everyone knows God exists, we all have a sense of the divine. All people must face truth and reality.
Monday, February 3, 2014
Should The Republican Party Abandon The Social Issues?
Everyone from moderates to Libertarians seem to think that Republicans should abandon the social issues and just focus on economic matters. A conservative view on the social issues tends to be controversial and unpopular in our current culture. Many among the Republican establishment would like to see social conservatives leave the party. In recent decades the Republican Party has been somewhat open to a Christian worldview. On the other hand the Democrat Party seems to be hopeless with it's decidedly anti Christian worldview. The Republican Party seems to be the best way to go for those who hold a Biblical worldview.
Abortion is certainly a hot button issue. Those opposed to it are accused of being against women and even waging a war on women. In reality those who favor abortion are waging a war on unborn babies. We often hear the phrase "abortion rights", but murder is no one's right. A society with legalized abortion is not a strong society, it is one that cheapens the value of life.
Another controversial social issue is that of same sex marriage. It is definitely not popular to oppose homosexual marriage in our current political climate. Those opposing it are going against the cultural tide. Marriage is defined by God as one man and one woman, and we cannot change that definition. When we try to redefine it we end up destroying the family. When you destroy the family you destroy society, and when you destroy society you destroy the country.
So what should be the approach of the Republican party on the social issues? If it seeks the betterment of society then it should take a strong stand on the social issues. If it just desires the approval of the politically correct crowd then it should forget the social issues. If a certain popularity is achieved, but the culture ends up destroyed what victory has been accomplished?
Abortion is certainly a hot button issue. Those opposed to it are accused of being against women and even waging a war on women. In reality those who favor abortion are waging a war on unborn babies. We often hear the phrase "abortion rights", but murder is no one's right. A society with legalized abortion is not a strong society, it is one that cheapens the value of life.
Another controversial social issue is that of same sex marriage. It is definitely not popular to oppose homosexual marriage in our current political climate. Those opposing it are going against the cultural tide. Marriage is defined by God as one man and one woman, and we cannot change that definition. When we try to redefine it we end up destroying the family. When you destroy the family you destroy society, and when you destroy society you destroy the country.
So what should be the approach of the Republican party on the social issues? If it seeks the betterment of society then it should take a strong stand on the social issues. If it just desires the approval of the politically correct crowd then it should forget the social issues. If a certain popularity is achieved, but the culture ends up destroyed what victory has been accomplished?
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