What an interesting thought. I heard or read where approximately 80% of the Jewish people do not read the Torah (1st 5 Books of the Bible) or the Tanakh (Jewish Bible) with any regularity, if at all.
1. "Despite living in a country with a rich and still prevalent Christian heritage – as evident from the Pledge of Allegiance to the nation’s motto, ‘In God We Trust’ – Americans were found to be more familiar with the ingredients of the McDonald’s Big Mac hamburger than some of the Ten Commandments.â€
2. “In a new study conducted by Kelton research in conjunction with the upcoming release of the animated feature film, ‘The Ten Commandments,' 80 percent of respondents knew 'two all beef patties' were among the ingredients of the Big Mac but only six out of ten could identify 'Thou shalt not kill' as one of the Ten Commandments. Also, while 43 percent of respondents – including those who regularly attend worship – could recall Bobby and Peter, two of the least-recalled names from the Brady Bunch, they were less familiar with two of the least recalled commandments – 'Remember the Sabbath' (34 percent) and 'Do not make any false idols' (29 percent).â€
According to Don Koenig at ThePropheticYears.com site, http://www.thepropheticyears.com/comments/Most%20who%20call%20themsel..., “The few that have read the Bible are usually the older people in the church. The x-generation and the baby boomer generation would rather just learn about Christianity by going through someone else's book. They buy a book written by some Christian Guru, form a group and then call it a bible study. They trust the Gurus to teach them what is true and never check them out against any real version of the Bible because they would not even know where to begin to look. In a nut shell most in evangelical Christianity through their own laziness have become biblical idiots. They can not discern heresy from truth.
A recent survey said that 25 percent of Christians who say they are born again Christians, do not even believe that Jesus rose from the dead. A similar percentage believe other religions lead to God. Half of them believe that Jesus sinned. The vast majority of those surveyed do not believe in absolute truth.â€
If ole Don and others are correct in their estimations and accusations, then it is no wonder that Christianity has become nothing but a empty "eggshell theology." I must sorrowfully confess that I have not read all the books of the Prophets, the Psalms, the Proverbs or even the New Testament. Have you? If not, is it because you do not care to read it all or is it because you have not given God enough of the time He has so generously provided you to reading it? We all know the answer to that one, but is it really necessary for us to read every word in the Bible? Do we not get a scriptural foundation for understanding while using thematic, topical, doctrinal and word studies in furthering our knowledge? If reading every word becomes a badge of accomplishment, is it any better than the badge we wear when not missing a day of church service for a year? Hmmm … another topic for another day, but for now let us return to the central question presented, “What if God took the Bible away tomorrow?â€
This is what God says about wisdom, Proverbs 4:3-13:
“When I was a boy in my father’s house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor. Listen, my son, accept what I say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life.†(NIV)
This is what God says about His word (which is wisdom), Psalms 119:1-12:
“Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes.â€
If God took away all the Bibles on Earth, would you have enough of His word in your heart to walk securely in all His ways and live according to His will? Would there be enough “wisdom†within your heart to be called to remembrance in those times of desperate need or despair?
“Father, forgive us our shortcomings and empower us to seek righteous wisdom through your word. Lead us on the narrow path and help us to open our eyes to your presence and your will for our lives. Place in us that irresistible urge to aid and love others in need and to give them a little of yourself and your word. We thank you Father for your mercy and grace. In all things, we give you praise and glory.†AMEIN
1. a settlement of differences by mutual concessions; an agreement reached by adjustment of conflicting or opposing claims, principles, etc., by reciprocal modification of demands.
2. the result of such a settlement.
3. something intermediate between different things: The split-level is a compromise between a ranch house and a multistoried house.
4. an endangering, esp. of reputation; exposure to danger, suspicion, etc.: a compromise of one's integrity.
Today’s society is one of compromise, deal-making and tolerance against ideals/principles that God has given us in His holy word. Are compromise, deal-making and tolerance addressed in the Bible? Of course, but not in favor of the reasons most people use them today. Let’s take a closer look at the last definition (#4 above).
Quotes:
“If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.†--Robert Fritz
The key words here are “what seems possible or reasonable.†By who’s standards or reason are you making such a determination ... yours, your friend’s, your enemy’s or your God? I understand there are those who do not believe in God and that is their prerogative, but this blog is written from a Christian perspective.
What Mr. Fritz has so adeptly pointed out here is that when one fails to reach beyond their self-imposed or society-imposed limitations on their choices, then they risk alienating themself from those things they may truly seek. This is no different for the Christian or the one seeking God’s truth. If we are not willing to place our faith and trust in our professed beliefs, then we will never attain that which we desire ... a close relationship with God through His son Christ Jesus.
Please do not allow “what seems possible or reasonable†to be the compromising stumbling block to the life and love possible in Christ Jesus.
“Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God's approval.†--Thomas S. Monson quotes (American Bishop, b.1927)
I do not know much about Bishop Monson, but I do know that his wisdom concerning courage is “spot on.†It is courage wrought of trust and past experiences in and with God that makes a difference in ones life. When one allows fear or uncertainty to rule their lives, they often find themselves “compromising†as a means of avoiding the task of facing and resolving those issues. When one “knows†the right choice to be made or the right path to follow or the right way to handle a situation, yet avoids doing so, they become open to temptation or suggestion by any influence that might give them an “out.†A decision made in the spirit of compromise is a decision that all too often requires an astronomical amount of “justification†and “reasoning.†If you find yourself doing this (justifying), please stop and take a long look at the “real†reasons for your choice. It is when we “choose†to stand against our fears and uncertain prospects in the name of “rightness or righteousness†that we find the blessings of God given with a smile and feel His comfort within our spirit.
“Peace won by the compromise of principles is a short-lived achievement.†--Unknown
Whenever something is won or accomplished by anything other than honorable, truthful or righteous means, people often find themselves unfulfilled or satisfied with the accomplishment or outcome. It is not always the route of compromise that brings about satisfaction or peace. The Book of Revelation tells us this very thing concerning the anti-christ and his deception of Israel with a seven (7) year peace proposal. I prefer the words of Patrick Henry, “Give me liberty, or give me death.†Wasn’t it Paul who said something like, “To live is Christ, to die is gain.â€
Give me the truth of God’s word and a loving relationship with Him through His son Christ Jesus, or give me physical death. You see, when you have God’s “liberty,†you also have His promise of everlasting life.
“When one chooses to resolve differences according to a mutual agreement that may or may not involve a surrender, whether complete or partial, of their values, goals or ideas, they risk defamation of reputation, integrity and self-esteem.†-- Alan
Matthew 26:41 (KJV)“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.â€
Proverbs 4:14-15 (KJV) "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away."
Proverbs 1:10 (KJV) "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them."
Isaiah 33:15-16 (KJV) "He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil; He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure."
I Corinthians 10:13 (KJV) "There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
Ephesians 4:27 (KJV) "Neither give place to the devil."
Matthew 12:30 (KJV) "He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."
As you can see, “compromise†can lead to many unintended problems with undesirable consequences. God has given us His Holy Word and it is not to be compromised through deal-making, favors, tolerance or looking the other way. God is never changing. Do not allow others to convince you that He does or that his Word can be compromised in any fashion.
We should love and strive to trust God enough to lay our worries at His feet and receive His peace. We should also know that this Godly peace has two aspects. The first aspect is peace “with†God and the second is peace “of†God.
I. Peace with God - Romans 5:1 “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:â€
Peace with God & others - without conflict or strife
Peace with God & others through reconciliation - peace making and relational restoration
How did God make peace with us - his former enemies?
Christ went to great lengths to make peace with us. It doesn't matter what we look like, how much money we have, what kind of career we choose or to what race we belong. He made peace with us through His death on the cross. The work of Christ provides the believer with a deep sense of security through the Holy Spirit’s presence which provides an additional assurance of faith. We who are born into His family are forever His. He has committedHimself to care for us.
Peace with God means that you are at one with Him. Christ had peace with God. We find that even in the most oppressive situations, He was always confident of His Father's love. As a result, Jesus placed all His trust in God’s mighty hands. When crowds were shouting, leaders were tricking him and others betraying him, He was one with God. God's will was His will.
II. Peace of God - John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.â€
Peace of God is:
Peace in our inner selves.
Inner harmony
The peace Christ exhibited focuses on a single aspect: He perfectly observed God's will which provided the tremendous spiritual peace and confidence in His life.
I keep speaking about peace, but have not really defined it. Peace is the absence of disturbance, a calm and composed soul. It is a quiet equilibrium even if surrounded by tumultuous events.
We cannot have peace of God until we first have peace with God. Peace of God flows from the peace with God. Peace with God has more to do with relationship. Peace of God has to do with trust and obedience.
Discerning Kinds of Peace
Let's see if we can tell whether these verses listed refer to the peace with God or others (relationship) or peace of God (calmness). Some might refer to both usages.
The Bible Passages
Peace with (1), Peace of (#2) or both?
"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).
Speaks of calmness of soul amidst difficult circumstances. #2
"There is no peace for the wicked," says the LORD." (Isaiah 48:22).
Speaks of both #1 and #2. No relationship with God brings turmoil.
"And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7).
Speaks of the peace of the soul. #2
"Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace." (1 Corinthians 7:15).
Speaks of relationship with God and others. #1
"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," (Romans 5:1).
Primarily speaks of relationship with God. #1.
"Therefore say, 'Behold, I give him My covenant of peace;" (Numbers 25:12).
Speaks of relationship. #1
"And He will speak peace to the nations; And His dominion will be from sea to sea," (Zechariah 9:10).
Speaks again of relationship. #1. Of course, Out of the relationship issues peace of heart but this is not the primary focus here.
"The word which He sent to the sons of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all)"-- (Acts 10:36).
Speaking peace with God. #1.
Again it is good to remember that we cannot have peace of God without peace with God. True tranquility comes from a relationship with God. Before peace with God, we are enemies of God.
Romans 5:10 “For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.â€
It is through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus that we are given the opportunity to gain a relationship with God which leads to eternal life. More importantly, our faith, trust and obedience will usher in the peace of God in our lives while here on Earth.
Why wait when you can have it right now? Accept Jesus as the Son of God and as your savior through His suffering, death, burial, resurrection and ascension. It is a gift of God obtainable simply by faith through grace … God’s grace.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave his only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life"
John 3:18 "He who believes on Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God"
In verse 16, John speaks to the love, mercy, compassion and forgiveness of God in reference to His final creation ... Mankind. He also speaks of the measure of God's love in that He was willing to sacrifice His only Son that His creation might be restored to Him. Humankind was not only restored, but also given the right to eat of the Tree of Life!
In verse 18, John speaks to the "consequences" of free will and choice and goes on to provide the subject of the choice. Do you believe "on Him," the name of the only-begotten Son of God?" God has always given humankind the right of "choice." It is not so much that our choices are wrong or right, but that there will be consequences for those choices. When I say "not so much," I allude to our God-given right to choose what we think is best for us and our lives. We are the only ones subject to the "benefits/consequences" and the "rewards/penalties." How many times have you done something you knew was wrong, but were willing to suffer the consequences to satisfy the lust? For me, too many to count!
"My Good News" or "My Understanding of the Good News"
Being a free-willed creation, we reveal the truth of our heart, intent and belief with each choice we make. Choice gives meaning to our actions.
For example: If a person continually chooses to do evil (a societal/environmental or a moral/religious determination), then one is justified in saying that the person is evil. Likewise, to do good bears witness to a person who is and does good.
"My Good News" is that the above example is a determination of Mankind based on its views of good and evil. It is not the way God sees it. "The Good News" lends credence to my claim, and so does Romans 5:8 where Paul tells us "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
Yes, "while we were yet sinners" tells us that your sinfulness is not a closed door to salvation, but a condition of your heart. Your "choices" are what frees or binds you.
By making the choice to "sincerely" accept God's grace of salvation through the sacrifice and atoning blood of His Son Jesus Christ, you begin to see change in your life. The old desires of your heart, that were contrary to God's will, slowly begin to melt away. They are replaced by those things of God, according to His will and purpose for your life.
God's word begins to take on new meanings and things that were once unseen become bright as day. It is not because you have become instantly smarter, but because you have been given new eyes with which to see. You now have the Holy Spirit of God as your mentor, reminder, prayer partner and close personal friend.
God is not human; He is spirit. His will is not that of man. He would have all come to salvation and that none would be lost. 1 Timothy 2:3-6 tells us "For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time."
It is your choice. Please choose life.
Deuteronomy 30:17-21 "But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it.I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.
There is no sin too terrible that God will not forgive a sorrowful and repentant heart. God does not ask you to "change" before you come to Him. All He asks is that you love Him above all other things and exhibit that love through actions of obedience and faithfulness. Christianity is not a set of regimented rules and restrictions. It is a lifestyle of freedom where one is free to express love, peace, joy, compassion, forgiveness, patience and mercy.
The gospel saved my life. It gave me peace and assurance that enables me to exist in this world with some semblance of hope for the future. It set me free of my past. It showed me God's love, mercy and willingness to forgive, forget and forge forward and lead me in a new and brighter life.
Oh, if only I could truly express the comfort, the peace, the freedom from worry and unrest that bound me so tightly for so many years. If I could just find a way to let you see what I see and experience what I experience, I am certain you would want to change too.
The GOSPEL is an opportunity to CHANGE without the LUGGAGE of your PAST! It is FREE to those who will ACCEPT it and LEAVE their PAST sin behind. Simply receive it, give God thanks and allow Him to guide your attitudes, thoughts and feelings.
"'Godly Change' comes from within as humble acceptance of godly truths and manifested without as godly action. Fail to learn; Succeed to retest."
I often sit and contemplate on God's truth and the life principles He teaches through His word. I also discuss my understandings and interpretations with my beautiful and loving wife. She is more "in tune" with God's spirit and the proof is in how she provides her heart-felt perspectives with humbleness and love even though she may not agree with me.
Anyway, I find it easier to express my learning through short declarations or phrases as the one above. Though not always grammatically correct or understandable by others, they contain "my" truth of God's word and the teachings of Jesus. They are a concise expression of thought to which I refer as my "index card version" or "Cliff Notes notes."
Godly Change
When one truly accepts Christ as their savior, redeemer and King, they should not only expect "change" in their lives, but also experience it. It is the eye-popping truths that suddenly shine forth from God's word and our slowly developing comprehension of that word that brings about the "change." If there is no change in heart, thought and deed, then one need reevaluate their salvation.
John 2:8-9 "And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) ..."
The mere words of Christ turned the water into wine. How much more will His words change your bland existence into an excitingly sweet wine of spiritual truth and happiness?
Genesis 32:25-28 "And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him.And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Determination and attitude is what Jacob displayed in his tussle. Even though his hip was disjointed, Jacob had a hold on what was divine and he was not letting go until he got a blessing . His determination, persistence and attitude were rewarded in the end with a name change and the literal bestowing of God's power to Him. How much more will His words transform the weakness found in ones life to that of power in Christ Jesus?
Philippians 3:18-21 "(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself."
Change is the natural reaction to God's action in ones life. As shown here, those who walk in sin and find themselves an enemy of God will reap their own spiritual destruction. Yet, if one is willing to forgo the flesh and turn to God through Jesus Christ, then we are told that Christ, who has the power, will change our vile bodies and mold them in His likeness. How great would it be to not only talk, but walk like Jesus as the result of His personal "changing" of our thoughts and hearts, resulting in godly actions? Retest Required?
Thinking back to my early childhood and my elementary school experiences, I remember many retests. Why were they necessary? They were necessary because I willfully decided to not study and thus learn the material that was required by my teacher. As I found out early, testing is not only the preferred method of validating understanding, but the only method I would ever experience in "school life" for years to come.
It is no different in our spiritual educational system. God has given us a "book" in which resides all the understanding that He desires we attain. He provides an ordered presentation of concepts and "rules" by way of lists, parables and examples. The truth of His teachings are found in the benefits and consequences of those who either accept of ignore His will and purpose.
There are several places in scripture where a person or persons were tested in their understanding, faith or willingness to respond to God's prompting/teaching. A few names come quickly to mind: Adam and Eve, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Job, Jonah, Peter. I am sure each and every one of you can provide many many more.
Each of these people were given special knowledge, understanding or commands that were tested with a real-life problem or experience. Depending on whether they acted according to that which was given, God either rewarded them with success and reward or they were placed in "remedial training" and retested until the learning goal/s were accomplished through exhibiting the obedience, faith or understanding in the experiences of their lives.
How many times do we find ourselves in the remedial class subjecting ourselves to continual testing and retesting. How long does it take for us to finally "get it" and move on in our spiritual education?
If one is unwilling to "change" as a result of God's presence in our lives, we should "expect" remedial training and "retesting."
How many times in life do we fail to stop long enough to dance, to love or to sing when given the chance? Why do we choose to be wall flowers instead of dancers and singers? In most cases, we allow fear to rob us of the possible joy, experience and freedom of stepping out into unventured areas.
Fear is a strong protective instinct intended for self-preservation; not always needed or justified, but it makes for a convenient excuse when faced with opportunities or new experiences. "What will people think?"; "What will people say?"; "What if I fail and look silly?"; "What if he/she says no?"; "What if I can't do it?" are all questions we have asked ourselves from time to time and often the reason we lose out on living life to its fullest. Why? Because we "fear" for our reputations, image, failure, acceptance and/or self-esteem? We fear what "others" may think, say or do, instead of what we may gain from challenging the unknown. What a shame that we deny ourselves life experiences because people that will neither gain nor lose from those experiences "may" not approve or "might" view us or our actions in a negative light.
Life is a huge dance hall with a plethora of bands playing wildly different genres of music. Stand up, sing and dance to as many as possible “like no ones watching†before it is too late and the music ends. You may never get another chance!
Love and Live
True “love†is selfless sharing and caring.It is a complete abandonment of any external influence for the specific purpose of devoting one’s life to the edification and fulfillment of the object of that love.Its cornerstones are “trust†and “faith.â€When either is breached, the relationship suffers and at times, dies a slow and tortuous death.Though a double-edged sword, love is the essence of life and the only thing that most people would consider dying for as a testimony of its pureness and sincerity.
One has not lived until they have loved and shared in the special relationship that it promotes and enhances.
Tennyson: “'Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.â€
Elizabeth Browning: “Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.â€
Both of these wonderfully gifted writers capture in words what most experience in spirit. So, fear not … love “like you’ve never been hurt†and “live†like there is no tomorrow!
