Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I hope God punishes them
How often we have looked at the wicked and said that God was going to punish them but God looks at the righteous and says, "repent or I will punish you." We like to talk about the wickedness of others but forget that God is concerned about our heart.
Why the Last Supper?
While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom." Matthew 26:26-29
The time had come for Jesus to say goodbye to His disciples but how was He going to do it so that they would understand the significance of His death. During the Passover Feast Jesus instituted a new feast that has been part of the Christian church from the very beginning. The Passover Feast remembered the deliverance of the people of God from bondage in Egypt and at that time a lamb had to be slain for an offering to their God.
Jesus was about to show His disciples that the old order was coming to an end and a new and better way was about to begin. Jesus took the old and transformed it into the new. The Passover supper Jesus shared with His disciples was literally the last Passover supper that He shared with them but it was also the very first “Lord’s Supper.”
In the Passover supper the blood of the lamb was applied to the door frame and the meat was roasted and eaten. Jesus said that the bread represented His body which was broken for them and the wine represented His blood which was shed from them. In a dramatic way Jesus was showing His disciples that He fulfilled the requirements of the Passover lamb once for all. The disciples were not passive observers but the actively ate the bread and drank the wine.
The disciples did not realize at that time that this was the last meal that Jesus would sit down and eat with them. Jesus did eat fish in their presence and He did cook breakfast for them on the shores of Galilee but this was the last meal that they lingered over.
There were two lessons Jesus wanted His disciples to learn. First, that He would become their Passover lamb. They would never need another Passover lamb. They would never have to kill a sacrifice and paint the blood on their door frame. Each time they broke the bread and drank the wine together they would remember what Jesus had done. It wasn’t until after the Holy Spirit came upon the church that they understood what had actually taken place in that upper room.
Second, Jesus wanted to show the disciples that this was not the end but it was really the beginning of a new relationship. He said that we were to do the act of partaking of the bread and the wine until He returned for His church. He said that He would not partake until He would share the meal again in His Father’s kingdom.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we remember two things. First, that He is our Passover lamb and second, that He is coming again for His church. We must always look back but we also look forward.
The time had come for Jesus to say goodbye to His disciples but how was He going to do it so that they would understand the significance of His death. During the Passover Feast Jesus instituted a new feast that has been part of the Christian church from the very beginning. The Passover Feast remembered the deliverance of the people of God from bondage in Egypt and at that time a lamb had to be slain for an offering to their God.
Jesus was about to show His disciples that the old order was coming to an end and a new and better way was about to begin. Jesus took the old and transformed it into the new. The Passover supper Jesus shared with His disciples was literally the last Passover supper that He shared with them but it was also the very first “Lord’s Supper.”
In the Passover supper the blood of the lamb was applied to the door frame and the meat was roasted and eaten. Jesus said that the bread represented His body which was broken for them and the wine represented His blood which was shed from them. In a dramatic way Jesus was showing His disciples that He fulfilled the requirements of the Passover lamb once for all. The disciples were not passive observers but the actively ate the bread and drank the wine.
The disciples did not realize at that time that this was the last meal that Jesus would sit down and eat with them. Jesus did eat fish in their presence and He did cook breakfast for them on the shores of Galilee but this was the last meal that they lingered over.
There were two lessons Jesus wanted His disciples to learn. First, that He would become their Passover lamb. They would never need another Passover lamb. They would never have to kill a sacrifice and paint the blood on their door frame. Each time they broke the bread and drank the wine together they would remember what Jesus had done. It wasn’t until after the Holy Spirit came upon the church that they understood what had actually taken place in that upper room.
Second, Jesus wanted to show the disciples that this was not the end but it was really the beginning of a new relationship. He said that we were to do the act of partaking of the bread and the wine until He returned for His church. He said that He would not partake until He would share the meal again in His Father’s kingdom.
When we partake of the Lord’s Supper we remember two things. First, that He is our Passover lamb and second, that He is coming again for His church. We must always look back but we also look forward.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Why Judas?
“Then one of the Twelve – the one called Judas Iscariot – went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.” Matthew 26:14-15
Just mention the name Judas and people remember the one who betrayed Jesus. The other disciples may have denied Him or abandoned Him but they came back for forgiveness and were redeemed. Judas did not come back for forgiveness and he is always remembered as the betrayer.
Judas was not like the other disciples. He was more educated and the others saw him as a natural leader. They trusted him so he became the one who kept the money. The money became a temptation until he was not only guilty of stealing but also of deceit.
He wasn’t always the scoundrel we portray him to be. When he joined the disciples of Jesus he had high ideals. The other disciples wanted to learn from Jesus but he saw beyond that to the day when Jesus would establish His kingdom and drive out the Romans. He probably kept himself distant from the other disciples because they were just lowly fishermen or tax collectors but he was educated. They were from Galilee but he was from Judea.
Maybe he was proud of his position with the disciples, after all he was the treasurer and he was educated. Maybe he looked with contempt upon the less educated ones from the province.
Maybe he was jealous of Peter, James and John who were always included in the inner circle. Jesus seemed to confide in them more than the other disciples.
Some people think that Judas betrayed Jesus to force His hand so that He would reveal Himself as the Messiah. They think that maybe Judas became frustrated with Jesus because He did not announce to the common people that He was the Messiah. However, I don’t think that this was the situation at all. Judas had been taking money from the treasury for a long time and this was just another opportunity for him to make a little more money. The temptation of money can cause people to lie, steal, cheat and even betray their friends.
I don’t think Judas knew the sin in his own heart until it was too late. In his remorse for his sin he could not believe that God would forgive him so he felt that he had no other option but to kill himself.
We all need to examine our hearts because Jeremiah tells us that our hearts are full of evil. In our pride we think that we would never be like Judas but we find out to late that our hearts are as sinful as Judas’ heart was.
Just mention the name Judas and people remember the one who betrayed Jesus. The other disciples may have denied Him or abandoned Him but they came back for forgiveness and were redeemed. Judas did not come back for forgiveness and he is always remembered as the betrayer.
Judas was not like the other disciples. He was more educated and the others saw him as a natural leader. They trusted him so he became the one who kept the money. The money became a temptation until he was not only guilty of stealing but also of deceit.
He wasn’t always the scoundrel we portray him to be. When he joined the disciples of Jesus he had high ideals. The other disciples wanted to learn from Jesus but he saw beyond that to the day when Jesus would establish His kingdom and drive out the Romans. He probably kept himself distant from the other disciples because they were just lowly fishermen or tax collectors but he was educated. They were from Galilee but he was from Judea.
Maybe he was proud of his position with the disciples, after all he was the treasurer and he was educated. Maybe he looked with contempt upon the less educated ones from the province.
Maybe he was jealous of Peter, James and John who were always included in the inner circle. Jesus seemed to confide in them more than the other disciples.
Some people think that Judas betrayed Jesus to force His hand so that He would reveal Himself as the Messiah. They think that maybe Judas became frustrated with Jesus because He did not announce to the common people that He was the Messiah. However, I don’t think that this was the situation at all. Judas had been taking money from the treasury for a long time and this was just another opportunity for him to make a little more money. The temptation of money can cause people to lie, steal, cheat and even betray their friends.
I don’t think Judas knew the sin in his own heart until it was too late. In his remorse for his sin he could not believe that God would forgive him so he felt that he had no other option but to kill himself.
We all need to examine our hearts because Jeremiah tells us that our hearts are full of evil. In our pride we think that we would never be like Judas but we find out to late that our hearts are as sinful as Judas’ heart was.
Stop, look and listen and look again
When we learn to live by faith we have to stop and look and then look again. Elisha's servant did not see the army of the Lord until he looked again. Usually what happens is that we stop, look and act or react. We miss what God is doing because we don't stop and look and then look again. Habakkuk said that he would wait on his watch to see what God was doing. He was not disappointed. Many times we don't see what God is doing because we are looking for what we think He should be doing. Self can be the enemy of the eyes of faith
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Why Was Jesus Anointed?
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of a man known as Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.” Matthew 26:6-7
While Jesus was visiting a man known as Simon the Leper a woman came and anointed his head with an expensive perfume. When the disciples questioned why Jesus allowed this to happen He rebuked them and said that what she had done was in preparation for His burial. At this point the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant about His burial.
One thing this clearly shows is that Jesus desires our devotion to Him more than our service for Him. There will always be opportunity for service but the times when we feel compelled to show our devotion and love we should not let them pass.
But why was Jesus anointed? He said it was done for His burial. It was customary that a person who had died to be properly embalmed with spices and anointed with oil in preparation for burial. However, Jesus was very much alive. It was a showing of love for the one who died for the mourner to anoint the person with oil. Jesus knew that this woman would never have the opportunity after He died to show her love and devotion. Jesus knew that there would not be a proper burial and the authorities would not want anyone who loved Him near His body. Her only opportunity for anointing came while He was still alive.
How often has the Lord desired our devotion and we have given Him our service instead? If the ointment had been sold and the money given to the poor I think the woman may have come to resent the action that took away her life savings. When she gave it out of a heart of love and devotion to God she would always remember how much she had loved Him. Like many of us she probably wishes she could have shown her love to Him in many other ways but she did the only thing that was open to her.
What will we give to our Lord? Will it be our service out of a sense of duty? I am sure that Simon the Leper loved the Lord but he invited Him to supper more out of a sense of duty than a sense of love. Will we give Him our possessions out of a sense of paying a debt? Maybe Simon invited Jesus to supper because he felt that he owed Him the time and the meal. Will we give Him our most prized possession? It may be money or a material possession, it may be a job or a vocation, it may be a loved one, or it may be our very life. Jesus said that no one has greater love than to give his life for a friend. What will we give our Lord to show Him we love Him above all else?
While Jesus was visiting a man known as Simon the Leper a woman came and anointed his head with an expensive perfume. When the disciples questioned why Jesus allowed this to happen He rebuked them and said that what she had done was in preparation for His burial. At this point the disciples did not understand what Jesus meant about His burial.
One thing this clearly shows is that Jesus desires our devotion to Him more than our service for Him. There will always be opportunity for service but the times when we feel compelled to show our devotion and love we should not let them pass.
But why was Jesus anointed? He said it was done for His burial. It was customary that a person who had died to be properly embalmed with spices and anointed with oil in preparation for burial. However, Jesus was very much alive. It was a showing of love for the one who died for the mourner to anoint the person with oil. Jesus knew that this woman would never have the opportunity after He died to show her love and devotion. Jesus knew that there would not be a proper burial and the authorities would not want anyone who loved Him near His body. Her only opportunity for anointing came while He was still alive.
How often has the Lord desired our devotion and we have given Him our service instead? If the ointment had been sold and the money given to the poor I think the woman may have come to resent the action that took away her life savings. When she gave it out of a heart of love and devotion to God she would always remember how much she had loved Him. Like many of us she probably wishes she could have shown her love to Him in many other ways but she did the only thing that was open to her.
What will we give to our Lord? Will it be our service out of a sense of duty? I am sure that Simon the Leper loved the Lord but he invited Him to supper more out of a sense of duty than a sense of love. Will we give Him our possessions out of a sense of paying a debt? Maybe Simon invited Jesus to supper because he felt that he owed Him the time and the meal. Will we give Him our most prized possession? It may be money or a material possession, it may be a job or a vocation, it may be a loved one, or it may be our very life. Jesus said that no one has greater love than to give his life for a friend. What will we give our Lord to show Him we love Him above all else?
Unexpected Lesson
Last night we received an email that fit so perfectly in with the lesson today on Habakkuk 1. I will quote part of the email here:
I just got off the phone with my friend A and I wanted to give you an update. She got home from the hospital yesterday evening and she is doing much, much better. The first couple days after she was admitted, she felt so miserable and overcome with panic about having to be there. She said it was really weird being in a psych ward because there were so many people with major problems, most of which were manifested through violence! She said she felt like she was in prison. But then on Wednesday night, after having so much time alone, God broke something inside her and she was finally able to pray and worship, which she hadn't felt able to do in months! She spent the last 2 days confessing to God and singing in her room. She got to share the gospel with 11 people including her psychiatrist..... When she went in, she didn't even know if God existed and she came out realizing that whatever her circumstances, even in a place like that, she could be content in Him! She knows that she still has a lot of work ahead of her, but she has a new perspective. I was struck by how for the last couple weeks she's felt so hopeless and said that: God isn't there, there's no purpose to her suffering, there's no way out of the depression, etc, yet He broke every one of those lies!! Keep praying for her though because she is still struggling against it.
God told Habakkuk that what He was going to so was so amazing and even if He explained it to him he would not understand. Who would have guessed that going to a psych ward was the answer to pray. God does not fit into our formulas, He cannot be contained.
I just got off the phone with my friend A and I wanted to give you an update. She got home from the hospital yesterday evening and she is doing much, much better. The first couple days after she was admitted, she felt so miserable and overcome with panic about having to be there. She said it was really weird being in a psych ward because there were so many people with major problems, most of which were manifested through violence! She said she felt like she was in prison. But then on Wednesday night, after having so much time alone, God broke something inside her and she was finally able to pray and worship, which she hadn't felt able to do in months! She spent the last 2 days confessing to God and singing in her room. She got to share the gospel with 11 people including her psychiatrist..... When she went in, she didn't even know if God existed and she came out realizing that whatever her circumstances, even in a place like that, she could be content in Him! She knows that she still has a lot of work ahead of her, but she has a new perspective. I was struck by how for the last couple weeks she's felt so hopeless and said that: God isn't there, there's no purpose to her suffering, there's no way out of the depression, etc, yet He broke every one of those lies!! Keep praying for her though because she is still struggling against it.
God told Habakkuk that what He was going to so was so amazing and even if He explained it to him he would not understand. Who would have guessed that going to a psych ward was the answer to pray. God does not fit into our formulas, He cannot be contained.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Judgment
The message of Habakkuk is that judgment is coming and there is nothing that they could do to prevent it. Unlike some of the other prophets there is no call for repentance and the only way that they can prepare for the coming judgment is to live by faith. However, how does one do that?
Jesus said that judgment was coming and the way that we are to prepare for that judgment is to live by faith. However, in the New Testament we do know how that is possible. We live by faith because of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said that judgment was coming and the way that we are to prepare for that judgment is to live by faith. However, in the New Testament we do know how that is possible. We live by faith because of the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Why a Plot against Jesus?
Then the chief priests and the elders of the people assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and they plotted to arrest Jesus in some sly way and kill him.” Matthew 26:3-4
Scripture tells us that the plot against Jesus did not come from the common people but from the elders and the chief priests. They knew that the common people supported Jesus so they plotted to arrest Him at a time when there would not be many people around. That is why they chose not to arrest Him during the Feast. However, when the time came to arrest Him they had to compromise their decision so they arrested Him during the night when few people were around.
Why did they want to arrest and get rid of Jesus? Jesus was a threat to the status quo. They were afraid for their own positions. If Jesus was allowed to continue to teach then the people would realize that the elders and the chief priests were being deceitful and dishonest. They were making a profit out of their position as leaders of the people. Earlier Jesus had cleansed the temple by driving out those that were coming to the temple to make sacrifices.
Financially it would ruin their business if Jesus was allowed to continue teaching. He saw through their schemes and reacted angrily against them. The priests were making the people pay exorbitant amounts to exchange their common currency into the temple currency. They were not allowed to use the common Roman currency in the temple so the people had no choice but to pay the exorbitant exchange rate. The chief priests also examined all the animals that were brought to the temple for sacrifice declaring that most of them were not suitable. The Lord had instructed the people not to bring the weak, sickly, lame or blemished animals to the temple as a sacrifice. This was done so that the people would realize the high priority that God places upon our worship and devotion to Him. The chief priests took advantage of the situation by declaring that the sacrifices the people were bringing was not suitable and making them buy animals at their exorbitant prices. The people had no choice. They had come long distances with their sacrifices and could not go back to get another animal. The chief priest would buy the animal that they had declared unsuitable at a low price and sell them one at a much higher price. Later they would resale the animal that they had bought from the people.
Jesus had taught earlier that you cannot serve two masters, money and God. If you love one then you will despise the other. The elders and the chief priests had chosen money over God.
How do we react when we have to choose between money and God? We are willing to serve God if it doesn’t affect our comfortable life-style. Jesus called us to seek Him first and then everything else would fall into its rightful place. Greed and the love of money can destroy our relationship with God.
Scripture tells us that the plot against Jesus did not come from the common people but from the elders and the chief priests. They knew that the common people supported Jesus so they plotted to arrest Him at a time when there would not be many people around. That is why they chose not to arrest Him during the Feast. However, when the time came to arrest Him they had to compromise their decision so they arrested Him during the night when few people were around.
Why did they want to arrest and get rid of Jesus? Jesus was a threat to the status quo. They were afraid for their own positions. If Jesus was allowed to continue to teach then the people would realize that the elders and the chief priests were being deceitful and dishonest. They were making a profit out of their position as leaders of the people. Earlier Jesus had cleansed the temple by driving out those that were coming to the temple to make sacrifices.
Financially it would ruin their business if Jesus was allowed to continue teaching. He saw through their schemes and reacted angrily against them. The priests were making the people pay exorbitant amounts to exchange their common currency into the temple currency. They were not allowed to use the common Roman currency in the temple so the people had no choice but to pay the exorbitant exchange rate. The chief priests also examined all the animals that were brought to the temple for sacrifice declaring that most of them were not suitable. The Lord had instructed the people not to bring the weak, sickly, lame or blemished animals to the temple as a sacrifice. This was done so that the people would realize the high priority that God places upon our worship and devotion to Him. The chief priests took advantage of the situation by declaring that the sacrifices the people were bringing was not suitable and making them buy animals at their exorbitant prices. The people had no choice. They had come long distances with their sacrifices and could not go back to get another animal. The chief priest would buy the animal that they had declared unsuitable at a low price and sell them one at a much higher price. Later they would resale the animal that they had bought from the people.
Jesus had taught earlier that you cannot serve two masters, money and God. If you love one then you will despise the other. The elders and the chief priests had chosen money over God.
How do we react when we have to choose between money and God? We are willing to serve God if it doesn’t affect our comfortable life-style. Jesus called us to seek Him first and then everything else would fall into its rightful place. Greed and the love of money can destroy our relationship with God.
Friday, March 27, 2009
Doubt
There are many cause of doubt. One of the main causes of doubt is a wrong view of God. A. W. Tozer said that the most important thing about you is what comes to mind when you think about God. Though Habakkuk questioned God he did not have a wrong view of God. He believed in the holiness and sovereignty of the Almighty. His problem was not with God but with what he say in the world.
Frederick Buechner said, "Without somehow destroying me in the process how could God reveal Himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt? If there were no room for doubt, there would be no room for me."
Frederick Buechner said, "Without somehow destroying me in the process how could God reveal Himself in a way that would leave no room for doubt? If there were no room for doubt, there would be no room for me."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How should I have faith in...?
There were two brothers in Toronto who bought lottery tickets that ended up being misprinted. One of the brothers was quoted as saying, "How should I have faith in them when they're making these kings of errors?"
I find it amazing that people think that they should have faith in the lottery commission but will question what God is doing in the world.
The brother went on to say, "You kind of lose faith in the system."
There are many people who have put their faith in the wrong thing, or even in the right thing for the wrong reason, find themselves losing faith. If we believe God for the wrong reason we too can find ourselves losing our faith.
When we look at the world and see what is going on we may ask the question, "What in the world are you doing God?" God says, "If I told you you wouldn't believe it so learn to live by faith."
We cry out for another awaking and God raises up a Russel or a Joseph Smith. What are you doing God? But He remains silent because we wouldn't believe it if He told us.
P.S. Happy birthday son. May the God of peace be your peace. Have a wonderful day. Love dad.
I find it amazing that people think that they should have faith in the lottery commission but will question what God is doing in the world.
The brother went on to say, "You kind of lose faith in the system."
There are many people who have put their faith in the wrong thing, or even in the right thing for the wrong reason, find themselves losing faith. If we believe God for the wrong reason we too can find ourselves losing our faith.
When we look at the world and see what is going on we may ask the question, "What in the world are you doing God?" God says, "If I told you you wouldn't believe it so learn to live by faith."
We cry out for another awaking and God raises up a Russel or a Joseph Smith. What are you doing God? But He remains silent because we wouldn't believe it if He told us.
P.S. Happy birthday son. May the God of peace be your peace. Have a wonderful day. Love dad.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Whose on trial here?
Habakkuk reads like a trial. However, it reads at first as if Habakkuk has put God on trial and he is demanding an explanation. The interesting thing about Habakkuk is that he may question God but he still believes and is willing to let God speak even if he has to wait and wait and wait for an answer.
Sometimes we feel that we are more righteous than God. I read an article which quoted Bart Campolo who claimed that he did not want to believe in a God that did not meet his expectations. Read the article here:
http://battle4truth.wordpress.com/2008/05/05/bart-campolo-disturbing-article/
Sometimes we feel that we are more righteous than God. I read an article which quoted Bart Campolo who claimed that he did not want to believe in a God that did not meet his expectations. Read the article here:
http://battle4truth.wordpress.com/2008/05/05/bart-campolo-disturbing-article/
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Heavy Man
I grew up in the fifties and went to university in the sixties. I was never a hippy, those of you who know me can only imagine what I would have looked like with long hair. The hippies had their own culture and their own language. One of their words was "heavy". What was often meant by "heavy" was that it was a deep intellectual concept and required heavy thinking.
Habakkuk refers to his writing as an oracle or a burden. It was as if he was saying, "This is heavy man!" Much of what he writes is heavy and it is owrth our time to wrestle with these questions.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Mr. Huggie
We have a lady at the place where my wife and I volunteer who loves to hug people. Now some people love to be hugged while others (myself included) prefer to just have a pleasant but no contact greeting.
The name Habakkuk can be translated as "embrace" or "hug". We know very little about him other than he was a contemporary of Jeremiah and prophesied during the time of the Babylonian invasion.
The name may also mean "wrestle" and that would be very fitting as he was willing to wrestle through some of the hard questions. Though he questioned God he never lost his faith in God. In fact, he was the one that gave us that wonderful truth which was the cry of the reformation, "the just shall live by faith."
As we get to know Mr. Huggie we will find that he is a very up to date person. His questions and his answers fit the twenty first century mindset.
P.S. Happy birthday Mandie. I am glad you are my daughter (in-law). Keep sweet in the Lord. We love you.
The name Habakkuk can be translated as "embrace" or "hug". We know very little about him other than he was a contemporary of Jeremiah and prophesied during the time of the Babylonian invasion.
The name may also mean "wrestle" and that would be very fitting as he was willing to wrestle through some of the hard questions. Though he questioned God he never lost his faith in God. In fact, he was the one that gave us that wonderful truth which was the cry of the reformation, "the just shall live by faith."
As we get to know Mr. Huggie we will find that he is a very up to date person. His questions and his answers fit the twenty first century mindset.
P.S. Happy birthday Mandie. I am glad you are my daughter (in-law). Keep sweet in the Lord. We love you.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Thank You Peter
For the past ten weeks we have been studying 2 Peter. I have learned to appreciate this man. He was a leader but he was humble. He had been reprimanded by Paul but he never lost respect for Paul. However, more than anything else he loved his Lord and he wanted his readers from his day to ours to have the same love. His final words were that God would be glorified.
This past week I was asked why I did what I did. I love to teach but that was the only reason then I should pack it in now. I want people to be life long learners. That they would have a hunger for truth. What a blessing this morning when one of the class members asked me for a sermon on a CD as she would be driving to Toronto and wanted something edifying to listen to. She models a life longer learner. May God bless her drive this week.
Thanks Peter. You have blessed us richly. May God be glorified.
This past week I was asked why I did what I did. I love to teach but that was the only reason then I should pack it in now. I want people to be life long learners. That they would have a hunger for truth. What a blessing this morning when one of the class members asked me for a sermon on a CD as she would be driving to Toronto and wanted something edifying to listen to. She models a life longer learner. May God bless her drive this week.
Thanks Peter. You have blessed us richly. May God be glorified.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Delta Dawn
A number of years ago Helen Reddy sang a song called Delta Dawn. It was a mockery of the second coming of Christ. The lyrics of the chorus went:
Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on
Could it be a faded rose from days gone by
And did I hear you say he was a-meetin' you here today
To take you to his mansion in the sky-eye
You can listen to the Helen Reddy version here:
Delta Dawn, what's that flower you have on
Could it be a faded rose from days gone by
And did I hear you say he was a-meetin' you here today
To take you to his mansion in the sky-eye
You can listen to the Helen Reddy version here:
Friday, March 20, 2009
Beloved
This is my four hundredth post.
Peter ends his second letter calling his readers beloved. In 3:1 - 2 he says "beloved ... be mindful." In 3:8 he adds, "Beloved, be not ignorant." Then in 3:14 he says, "beloved...be diligent" and finally in 3:17 he says, "Beloved ... beware."
Peter loved his readers and wanted them to stay in the truth. Sometimes it is hard to understand and recognize all the errors that are being taught but we have an obligation to do so. We must be diligent in knowing the truth.
Peter ends his second letter calling his readers beloved. In 3:1 - 2 he says "beloved ... be mindful." In 3:8 he adds, "Beloved, be not ignorant." Then in 3:14 he says, "beloved...be diligent" and finally in 3:17 he says, "Beloved ... beware."
Peter loved his readers and wanted them to stay in the truth. Sometimes it is hard to understand and recognize all the errors that are being taught but we have an obligation to do so. We must be diligent in knowing the truth.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Not Yet
Our faith is often tested by crisis, disappointment, disaster and delay. Nothing is harder for faith than waiting. Sometimes we look upon waiting as resigning ourselves and hoping against hope. However, waiting is a matter of trust.
When things are dark do we still have faith? An old friend who has now gone to glory once said that we should not lose in the dark what we learned in the light. To add to that it is important that we do learn in the light.
My son was involved in an incident that required him to act quickly and decisively. That was when what he had learned kicked in. That is why we learn.
Sometimes I think it is harder for us to walk in faith when we don't see answers than to believe in the impossible. God is God and we must let Him be God.
Why hasn't Jesus returned? I don't know nor does anyone else. Meanwhile we are to watch and wait. He is coming again. He has promised and we can trust His promises.
When things are dark do we still have faith? An old friend who has now gone to glory once said that we should not lose in the dark what we learned in the light. To add to that it is important that we do learn in the light.
My son was involved in an incident that required him to act quickly and decisively. That was when what he had learned kicked in. That is why we learn.
Sometimes I think it is harder for us to walk in faith when we don't see answers than to believe in the impossible. God is God and we must let Him be God.
Why hasn't Jesus returned? I don't know nor does anyone else. Meanwhile we are to watch and wait. He is coming again. He has promised and we can trust His promises.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Mine or ours?
One person from the class apologized to me for bringing up a subject in the class that we didn't take time to pursue. He then added that he shouldn't do that as it wasn't his class, it was my class. I may be the teacher but it is just as much his class as it is mine. There are some topics that we do not follow as they are not relevant to the study of the day but he still has a right to bring them up. Without people like him there would be not class.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I wonder...
I was just wondering what the prosperity preachers think when they read 2 Peter 3 and he tells us that everything that is attached to this world is going to be destroyed? He reminds us that only those things that produce righteousness and godliness will remain.
If we find our meaning in this world then it will be destroyed but if we find meaning in our relationship with God it will remain for eternity. How can I preach prosperity for this world knowing that it will one day be worthless?
If we find our meaning in this world then it will be destroyed but if we find meaning in our relationship with God it will remain for eternity. How can I preach prosperity for this world knowing that it will one day be worthless?
Monday, March 16, 2009
I Don't Know
Last night a man who attends the morning class told me that he was impressed that I said at one point that I didn't know the answer to the events of the last day. I must admit that at one time I had the book of Revelation and last days all figured out but now I have to admit that I don't really know. It is wrong for us to assume to know what God has not chosen to reveal to us. Churches divide over issues that are concealed by God. I hope that I can soon post my friend Mike's lesson on this, it is worth selling your bed to get hold of that lesson.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
The Last Person Saved
The final argument that Peter uses against the scoffers is that the Lord is merciful and desires that all people have a chance to repent and be saved. Can you imagine if you are the last person saved before the Lord returns.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
A Thousand Years
Peter said, "But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day." 2 Peter 3:8 Here he is expanding on Psalm 90:4, "For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night."
Christians have interpreted this verse many ways and some have used it to show that God would return in or around 2000 AD as that would mean that the world would be six days old (6000 years) and then the millennium would be 1 more day (1000 years).
However, I am sure Peter just meant that time to God is not the same as time to us. I am older now and time goes by more quickly. There are some days in which time drags, like the four hours I spend at the college waiting for students to come for tutoring, or time rushes on and the kids, grand kids grow up so quickly. Peter is just telling us that to God it hasn't been a long time.
Christians have interpreted this verse many ways and some have used it to show that God would return in or around 2000 AD as that would mean that the world would be six days old (6000 years) and then the millennium would be 1 more day (1000 years).
However, I am sure Peter just meant that time to God is not the same as time to us. I am older now and time goes by more quickly. There are some days in which time drags, like the four hours I spend at the college waiting for students to come for tutoring, or time rushes on and the kids, grand kids grow up so quickly. Peter is just telling us that to God it hasn't been a long time.
Friday, March 13, 2009
New Heaven and New Earth
I found this article by a fellow OMFer from the Philippines interesting. What do you think? Peter talks about a new heaven and a new earth in 2 Peter 3:13
This maybe a long email for you but I get this courage to write because I am truly intrigued about this theological development of 'new heavens and the new earth' within the evangelical circle. I write this for the purpose of self edification and not part of my requirement at ATS. This means I appreciate if somebody out there would like to respond to this query.
Last Feb 12-13, ATS held a theological forum at Union Church of Manila. There were excellent plenary presentations as well as different topics at break out sessions. Our theme was "Reflections on Stewardship in the Asian Context."
One of the things that really struck me during the forum was the presentation of the Japanese Bible scholar, Dr. Katsoumi Shimasaki, a former ATS professor but now heading Japan Bible Society. In his presentation he pointed out that our theological stand about the "new heavens and new earth" is foundational to our stewardship of the earth. The very new thing to me is that the earth that we are living at present will be the heaven in the future. The earth is God's design for human to live and it is destined as human's home for eternity. This means that the 'new heavens and the new earth' symbolizes the eternal rule of Christ - His kingdom. In fact, the heaven on earth is God's fulfillment of Jesus' prayer when he said, ".... Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6). Literally, the heaven that we are expecting, beyond and somewhere, is not a different place but it will be physically on earth. The earth will be recreated, renewed and transformed. Everything will be then restored into a new creation order.
Implications: The kind of theology we embrace about 'new heavens and new earth' determines the way we care our environment - the mother earth. If we understand that mother earth is our eternal home then God has a clear message that our stewardship includes the whole creation, not only human salvation. If our theology says the earth will soon vanish away then we may become like others who are labeled as consumerists. We are here on earth to consume the resources of the earth and thus disregard our stewardship of the creation.
Dr. Shimasaki's presentation has created some chaos to my mind. As you all know I'm a person shaped in systematic theology and particularly holds the view of a dispensationalist. In other words, I believe that heaven is a separate place from earth; it is above the earth somewhere but not the earth. I believe that heaven is a place where we are going; heaven is not coming. The doctrine of dispensation says that 'the new heavens and the new earth' is the 1,000 years rule of Christ on earth; it is temporal but also transitory to his eternal rule in heaven. This means, the rule of Christ on earth for a thousand years is the initial stage that will usher his people (not the creation on earth) to eternity. What will happen to earth? I have the view that earth will be destroyed and will be completely annihilated by fire according to 2 Peter. In my view it is implied that the creation on earth will vanish away but we will join with Christ in heaven for eternity. Shimaki's view is that the earth will be restored into a new creation order, the reason why our stewardship is vital to this transformation event. When Christ comes, he will see his followers fulfilling this task and Jesus is going to perfect everything. The story about Noah and the flood supports this view. Noah did his task as God instructed. God judged the earth and cleansed it, but afterwards, the transformed earth is the same earth where the people used to live.
Some said that the theological forum may impact only when it brings some trouble. In a sense, this is correct because it is exactly my experience. Because of this trouble, I was pushed to make a survey and to my surprised, everyone that I asked outside ATS said that heaven is a different place from earth. It is the home of God where we are bound to. I think this is the most popular view right now in the evangelical circle. I also intentionally asked at least three professors at ATS about this trouble in my mind and I found out that all of them asserted their support to Shimasaki's view. Please do not misunderstand this. Shimasaki's view as well as the other professors at ATS is not ATS' view. The survey I am doing is actually a mere response from individuals; they are personal opinion or view but does not represent any institution.
My arguments
Honestly, I am now 60-40 in relation to this issue.60% still holds the view of a dispensationalist; 40% inclines to Shimasaki's view. But I still have my arguments. Jesus said in John 14, "I go to prepare a place for you... where ever I go there you maybe also." I assume this as Jesus preparing mansions in heaven and someday God's home will be complete to be our home. So when Jesus ascended to heaven, he physically left the earth and went up to a place called heaven. This brings a sense to view heaven as a different place. Never in my life I've heard a preacher who said we are living on earth when comforting to the bereaved family over someone who died. Instead, every preacher assumes that heaven is God's home, our eternal destiny and we are on that pilgrim. Jesus' parable about Lazarus and the rich man, reminds me that when they died, the angel took their spirits into their specific destinations. So we have a picture about souls departing from earth; they are brought to specific places, but definitely not on the earth.
Implication to OMF Vision
Granted that Shimasaki is right about his view, isn't this a challenge to our vision? If we only care for the welfare and for the redemption of humanity, wouldn't this mean that we are like other institutions who are humanists? When we use the term in our vision" transformed communities" what does it mean? Does it mean we include both human and the rest of creation? I think the challenge that Shimasaki has brought about gives me one piece of the puzzle in relation to mission and I know that I need to reflect on my own vision in light of my theology. I think Shimasaki has pointed out a valid biblical content. Our stewardship is not only the redemption of humanity but the entire creation order.
Any response to this would really very helpful to me. I struggle and thank for your patience.
In Christ,
H
--It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.-- by: Elizabeth Elliot
This maybe a long email for you but I get this courage to write because I am truly intrigued about this theological development of 'new heavens and the new earth' within the evangelical circle. I write this for the purpose of self edification and not part of my requirement at ATS. This means I appreciate if somebody out there would like to respond to this query.
Last Feb 12-13, ATS held a theological forum at Union Church of Manila. There were excellent plenary presentations as well as different topics at break out sessions. Our theme was "Reflections on Stewardship in the Asian Context."
One of the things that really struck me during the forum was the presentation of the Japanese Bible scholar, Dr. Katsoumi Shimasaki, a former ATS professor but now heading Japan Bible Society. In his presentation he pointed out that our theological stand about the "new heavens and new earth" is foundational to our stewardship of the earth. The very new thing to me is that the earth that we are living at present will be the heaven in the future. The earth is God's design for human to live and it is destined as human's home for eternity. This means that the 'new heavens and the new earth' symbolizes the eternal rule of Christ - His kingdom. In fact, the heaven on earth is God's fulfillment of Jesus' prayer when he said, ".... Your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6). Literally, the heaven that we are expecting, beyond and somewhere, is not a different place but it will be physically on earth. The earth will be recreated, renewed and transformed. Everything will be then restored into a new creation order.
Implications: The kind of theology we embrace about 'new heavens and new earth' determines the way we care our environment - the mother earth. If we understand that mother earth is our eternal home then God has a clear message that our stewardship includes the whole creation, not only human salvation. If our theology says the earth will soon vanish away then we may become like others who are labeled as consumerists. We are here on earth to consume the resources of the earth and thus disregard our stewardship of the creation.
Dr. Shimasaki's presentation has created some chaos to my mind. As you all know I'm a person shaped in systematic theology and particularly holds the view of a dispensationalist. In other words, I believe that heaven is a separate place from earth; it is above the earth somewhere but not the earth. I believe that heaven is a place where we are going; heaven is not coming. The doctrine of dispensation says that 'the new heavens and the new earth' is the 1,000 years rule of Christ on earth; it is temporal but also transitory to his eternal rule in heaven. This means, the rule of Christ on earth for a thousand years is the initial stage that will usher his people (not the creation on earth) to eternity. What will happen to earth? I have the view that earth will be destroyed and will be completely annihilated by fire according to 2 Peter. In my view it is implied that the creation on earth will vanish away but we will join with Christ in heaven for eternity. Shimaki's view is that the earth will be restored into a new creation order, the reason why our stewardship is vital to this transformation event. When Christ comes, he will see his followers fulfilling this task and Jesus is going to perfect everything. The story about Noah and the flood supports this view. Noah did his task as God instructed. God judged the earth and cleansed it, but afterwards, the transformed earth is the same earth where the people used to live.
Some said that the theological forum may impact only when it brings some trouble. In a sense, this is correct because it is exactly my experience. Because of this trouble, I was pushed to make a survey and to my surprised, everyone that I asked outside ATS said that heaven is a different place from earth. It is the home of God where we are bound to. I think this is the most popular view right now in the evangelical circle. I also intentionally asked at least three professors at ATS about this trouble in my mind and I found out that all of them asserted their support to Shimasaki's view. Please do not misunderstand this. Shimasaki's view as well as the other professors at ATS is not ATS' view. The survey I am doing is actually a mere response from individuals; they are personal opinion or view but does not represent any institution.
My arguments
Honestly, I am now 60-40 in relation to this issue.60% still holds the view of a dispensationalist; 40% inclines to Shimasaki's view. But I still have my arguments. Jesus said in John 14, "I go to prepare a place for you... where ever I go there you maybe also." I assume this as Jesus preparing mansions in heaven and someday God's home will be complete to be our home. So when Jesus ascended to heaven, he physically left the earth and went up to a place called heaven. This brings a sense to view heaven as a different place. Never in my life I've heard a preacher who said we are living on earth when comforting to the bereaved family over someone who died. Instead, every preacher assumes that heaven is God's home, our eternal destiny and we are on that pilgrim. Jesus' parable about Lazarus and the rich man, reminds me that when they died, the angel took their spirits into their specific destinations. So we have a picture about souls departing from earth; they are brought to specific places, but definitely not on the earth.
Implication to OMF Vision
Granted that Shimasaki is right about his view, isn't this a challenge to our vision? If we only care for the welfare and for the redemption of humanity, wouldn't this mean that we are like other institutions who are humanists? When we use the term in our vision" transformed communities" what does it mean? Does it mean we include both human and the rest of creation? I think the challenge that Shimasaki has brought about gives me one piece of the puzzle in relation to mission and I know that I need to reflect on my own vision in light of my theology. I think Shimasaki has pointed out a valid biblical content. Our stewardship is not only the redemption of humanity but the entire creation order.
Any response to this would really very helpful to me. I struggle and thank for your patience.
In Christ,
H
--It is today for which we are responsible. God still owns tomorrow.-- by: Elizabeth Elliot
This is God's World
The first argument that Peter uses against the false teachers is that this world is both created by God and upheld by Him. He then refutes their argument saying that the world has not continued as it was from the beginning. He uses the flood to illustrate this point. If God could destroy the world by flood He most certainly could destroy this world by fire.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Precious Promises
I chapter 1 of 2 Peter he refers to great and precious promises and in chapter 3 he returns to this topic. "But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13
However, the false teachers denied the truth of Christ's return. Peter calls these false teachers "scoffers". They denied that there would be a bodily resurrection, only a spiritual one. There arguments sound very familiar to us.
This is an amazingly modern argument for rejecting the supernatural, bodily second coming. It simply says, the laws of nature are constant and unchanging. Tomorrow we will look at how Peter responds to these scoffers.
However, the false teachers denied the truth of Christ's return. Peter calls these false teachers "scoffers". They denied that there would be a bodily resurrection, only a spiritual one. There arguments sound very familiar to us.
This is an amazingly modern argument for rejecting the supernatural, bodily second coming. It simply says, the laws of nature are constant and unchanging. Tomorrow we will look at how Peter responds to these scoffers.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Bibles For Missions
Tonight I attended the annual meeting of the St. Thomas Bibles For Missions thrift store. It is amazing what they have accomplished in just 2 years with annual sales of nearly five hundred thousand. I will also attend the annual meetings of Sarnia and Chatham stores this month. Bibles For Missions thrift stores exist to supply money for the Bible League of Canada so that they can spread the Word of God to the nations. I am glad to be part of an organization that puts such high emphasis upon the Word of God. Peter says that we hare to know the Word. We are reminded that God's Word is truth.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Ebenezer
Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." 1 Samuel 7:12
Some times we need reminders of what God has done. Samuel knew this when he set up a rock and named it Ebenezer. God gave Noah the sign of the rainbow. Joshua set up memorials on the banks of the Jordan River.
Peter says, "Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking." 2 Peter 3:1
We need to have reminders to stimulate us to wholesome thinking.
Some times we need reminders of what God has done. Samuel knew this when he set up a rock and named it Ebenezer. God gave Noah the sign of the rainbow. Joshua set up memorials on the banks of the Jordan River.
Peter says, "Dear friends, this is now my second letter to you. I have written both of them as reminders to stimulate you to wholesome thinking." 2 Peter 3:1
We need to have reminders to stimulate us to wholesome thinking.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
The Didache
Someone in our class gave me the following this morning. It was written around the end of the first century and it tells how to recognize false teachers.
CONCERNING TEACHERS, EMISSARIES, AND PROPHETS
TEACHERS:
1) Whoever comes to teach you in accordance with all these things we've written here, receive him.
2) But if the teacher himself goes astray, teaching another doctrine which would undermine this doctrine, do not hear him; but if his teaching provokes you to greater righteousness and increases your knowledge, welcome him.
EMISSARIES & PROPHETS
3) Concerning the emissaries and prophets, Deal with them according to the decree of our Teaching.
EMISSARIES:
4) Let every emissary that comes to you be received.
5) But he must not remain longer than one day, unless it is absolutely necessary, in which case he may stay another. But if he stays three days, suspect him as a false prophet.
6) When the emissary leaves, send him with only bread to sustain him to his next destination. But if he asks for money, be assured that he is a false prophet.
PROPHETS:
7) Do not test or judge any prophet who speaks according to the Spirit.
8) But be warned; not everyone who speaks according to the Spirit is a prophet, but only those who walk in the Spirit. Therefore, from their consistent behaviors can you discern the false prophet.
9) And every prophet who commands food to be brought to him in the Spirit will not eat from it, unless he is a false prophet;
10) Every prophet will teach the truth, but if he doesn't practice his own words, he should be regarded as a false prophet.
11) And every prophet who has proven that they are in fact genuine, whose illustrations occasionally appear too worldly when teaching about the Body of Believers, yet he scrupulously does not teach others to copy his illustrations, shall not be judged negatively among you, for God will judge righteously. For his example came from the ancient prophets.
12) Whoever says in the Spirit, "Give me money," or something similar thing, do not listen to him. But if he solicites that you give to the needy, none should judge him.
CONCERNING TEACHERS, EMISSARIES, AND PROPHETS
TEACHERS:
1) Whoever comes to teach you in accordance with all these things we've written here, receive him.
2) But if the teacher himself goes astray, teaching another doctrine which would undermine this doctrine, do not hear him; but if his teaching provokes you to greater righteousness and increases your knowledge, welcome him.
EMISSARIES & PROPHETS
3) Concerning the emissaries and prophets, Deal with them according to the decree of our Teaching.
EMISSARIES:
4) Let every emissary that comes to you be received.
5) But he must not remain longer than one day, unless it is absolutely necessary, in which case he may stay another. But if he stays three days, suspect him as a false prophet.
6) When the emissary leaves, send him with only bread to sustain him to his next destination. But if he asks for money, be assured that he is a false prophet.
PROPHETS:
7) Do not test or judge any prophet who speaks according to the Spirit.
8) But be warned; not everyone who speaks according to the Spirit is a prophet, but only those who walk in the Spirit. Therefore, from their consistent behaviors can you discern the false prophet.
9) And every prophet who commands food to be brought to him in the Spirit will not eat from it, unless he is a false prophet;
10) Every prophet will teach the truth, but if he doesn't practice his own words, he should be regarded as a false prophet.
11) And every prophet who has proven that they are in fact genuine, whose illustrations occasionally appear too worldly when teaching about the Body of Believers, yet he scrupulously does not teach others to copy his illustrations, shall not be judged negatively among you, for God will judge righteously. For his example came from the ancient prophets.
12) Whoever says in the Spirit, "Give me money," or something similar thing, do not listen to him. But if he solicites that you give to the needy, none should judge him.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
False teachers and their message
So what is the message of false teachers?
First, they love pop psychology.
Second, they use loose hermenutics.
Third, they promise freedom, that is they are humanistic.
So how do we recognize false teachers?
First, know the truth. Be a student of the Word.
Second, ask these questions:
What do they say about Jesus?
Do they preach the Gospel?
Does their character glorify God?
First, they love pop psychology.
Second, they use loose hermenutics.
Third, they promise freedom, that is they are humanistic.
So how do we recognize false teachers?
First, know the truth. Be a student of the Word.
Second, ask these questions:
What do they say about Jesus?
Do they preach the Gospel?
Does their character glorify God?
Friday, March 6, 2009
A-Rod
When Alex Rodriguez confessed to using steroids he said it was because he was under extreme pressure to preform well. He was made a huge salary but that salary didn't give him freedom. But still we see ads for lotteries which promise freedom, "imagine the freedom". There is no freedom found in having more money but freedom is found in Jesus Christ. Some may say that is slavery but to be truly free you must have eternity in your eyes.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Invisible Jim
My brother in law wrote the following about Invisible Jim:
A U.S. company has an action figure called Invisible Jim that is selling briskly in Britain for about $2.80 apiece. Why is it called ''Invisible Jim?'' Because all you get is the packaging. There is no Jim. ''Lack of darting eyes'' and ''realistic fake hair,'' ''as not seen on TV,'' and ''camouflage suit sold separately'' are some of the boasts made on the package. The company says they have received no complaints about the empty boxes. A spokeswoman for the distributor says that when the first shipment arrived they thought there was some mistake at the factory—that they sent the packaging without the product.
Like Invisible Jim there are many
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mathematics
When I was in university I studied Mathematics. I remember once having a problem that I had to have a solution for the next day. I wanted to go out that evening but I was in bondage to solving that problem. Freedom finally came by the way of truth, I found the solution to the problem. I could have had false freedom by ignoring the problem and going anyway but with the solution came real freedom.
Jesus said that we would know the truth and the truth would set us free. Another time He said that He was the truth. Knowing Him, the source of all truth, the truth Himself is where we truly find freedom.
Jesus said that we would know the truth and the truth would set us free. Another time He said that He was the truth. Knowing Him, the source of all truth, the truth Himself is where we truly find freedom.
Freedom and the Law
One of the things that false teachers love to do is to set liberty against the Law. Liberty is not the absence of law or the responsibilities of the law but it is freedom from the penalty of the law. How can we avoid the penalty of the law? One way is to keep the law perfectly which as citizens of this world we cannot do. The other way is to have the penalty of the law paid for us which has been done through Christ Jesus and His sacrificial death. The Law is not the enemy of grace but the instructor which should lead us to grace.
When Paul says that we are free from the Law he was saying that there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Beware of those who disregard the law.
When Paul says that we are free from the Law he was saying that there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Beware of those who disregard the law.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Deceitful Heart
Today we were looking at the example of Balaam and the characteristics of false teachers. It is easy to look at greedy TV Evangelists and say I am glad I am not like those people. The truth is my heart is deceitful. I may not be like those people because I will never have such an opportunity. However, my heart can be filled with pride rather than greed. My the mind of Christ be my mind.
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