DateLine (4/26/06 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
A little while ago I heard about a study that was conducted in an educational setting. Two classes of elementary students were assembled. Class 1 was stacked with overachievers while class 2 was stacked with underachievers. Here’s the interesting part, the teacher for the overachievers was told that she had underachievers and vice versa. Both teachers labored for the school year under the intentional misinformation. What do you think happened?
The students in both classes met the expectations set by the teachers. In both classes the student’s performance for the year was exactly opposite of their previously demonstrated capability. The teachers had been deceived into setting the wrong expectations for both classes and the students performed as they were “expected” to perform by their teacher.
Where are we going with this? Modernists push relativism which mocks moral absolutes. Evidence mounts that society is unraveling around the ages. Everything is open to question. All rules are open to interpretation. Unfortunately we find ourselves as participants in a social experiment. People seem to be confused about expectations.
The Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus which have been gold standards for Western societal structures for centuries? God has set the standard – we know what’s expected. The difference between us and the school kids is God (i.e. the Teacher) knows our true potential and He’s set the appropriate standard. He’s even sent a tutor (i.e. Holy Spirit) to work with us every day to insure that we keep up. Don’t let the modernists soil your relationship with the Creator – God does not introduce confusion, it’s all about expectations.
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalm 199:11.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Who Was Jesus
DateLine (4/19/06 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Passion of the Christ, The Chronicles of Narnia, and soon The Da Vinci Code. The word is out; Mel Gibson proved beyond the shadow of a doubt; Jesus is a winner at the box office. It doesn’t matter if it’s head on a la Passion or allegorical a la Rings and Narnia or religious action thriller ala Da Vinci. There is an endless stream of “business people” trying to capitalize on the new found popularity of Jesus. No doubt that National Geographic was profit motivated by the “timing” of the media blitz regarding the “Gospel” of Judas, right in the middle of the Easter season. Jesus is hot!
“Opie” (Ron Howard, the director of the Da Vinci Code) and Forest Gump (Tom Hanks) are now trying to reproduce the box office results of Mel Gibson’s blockbuster with their movie. Only problem with this new found “religion” by Hollywood is that Jesus is only viewed as another casting move – it’s obvious that they really don’t get it. How can anyone believe that the heretical fiction of the Da Vinci Code could be marketed to the church and expect that it will be received the same way the Passion was.
There is an “opportunity” here but it will not yield millions for movie moguls it will yield lost sheep for the King. The Jesus appeal is misinterpreted by the profiteers. The thirst for anything Jesus is born of an innate desire to know eternal purpose and hope for the future. This media phenomenon is setting the table for Christians to answer the most profound question that has ever been posed; who was Jesus? Now to be sure it appears that Satan is setting the table. But here’s the truth, it doesn’t matter who sets the table, the only thing that matters is who serves the meal. That’s where you and I come in.
Regardless of how it may appear this attempt to exploit God for profit is serving up a great opportunity for us to tell the real story, the Good News. To be honest we are going to have to be careful. This is a complex scheme that the Enemy has hatched; strong possibility is that it’s a trap. If Satan can spread half-truth or untruth while simultaneously provoking the saints into a direct frontal assault; picketing movie theaters, condemning authors, burning books, etc. it’s a win-win for him; polluting the Gospel while portraying saints as extreme fundamentalists.
I want to suggest another strategy. 1) Take a look at what is being offered up from a critical point of view, 2) Develop a Christian apology (that’s intellectual speak for a defense) to counter the heresy, 3) Contemplate your own experience with God to make it fresh in your mind, and finally 4) Keep your radar up for the inevitable opportunity to “serve the meal.” With this much buzz about Jesus, you will have the chance to answer the question; who was Jesus.
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Passion of the Christ, The Chronicles of Narnia, and soon The Da Vinci Code. The word is out; Mel Gibson proved beyond the shadow of a doubt; Jesus is a winner at the box office. It doesn’t matter if it’s head on a la Passion or allegorical a la Rings and Narnia or religious action thriller ala Da Vinci. There is an endless stream of “business people” trying to capitalize on the new found popularity of Jesus. No doubt that National Geographic was profit motivated by the “timing” of the media blitz regarding the “Gospel” of Judas, right in the middle of the Easter season. Jesus is hot!
“Opie” (Ron Howard, the director of the Da Vinci Code) and Forest Gump (Tom Hanks) are now trying to reproduce the box office results of Mel Gibson’s blockbuster with their movie. Only problem with this new found “religion” by Hollywood is that Jesus is only viewed as another casting move – it’s obvious that they really don’t get it. How can anyone believe that the heretical fiction of the Da Vinci Code could be marketed to the church and expect that it will be received the same way the Passion was.
There is an “opportunity” here but it will not yield millions for movie moguls it will yield lost sheep for the King. The Jesus appeal is misinterpreted by the profiteers. The thirst for anything Jesus is born of an innate desire to know eternal purpose and hope for the future. This media phenomenon is setting the table for Christians to answer the most profound question that has ever been posed; who was Jesus? Now to be sure it appears that Satan is setting the table. But here’s the truth, it doesn’t matter who sets the table, the only thing that matters is who serves the meal. That’s where you and I come in.
Regardless of how it may appear this attempt to exploit God for profit is serving up a great opportunity for us to tell the real story, the Good News. To be honest we are going to have to be careful. This is a complex scheme that the Enemy has hatched; strong possibility is that it’s a trap. If Satan can spread half-truth or untruth while simultaneously provoking the saints into a direct frontal assault; picketing movie theaters, condemning authors, burning books, etc. it’s a win-win for him; polluting the Gospel while portraying saints as extreme fundamentalists.
I want to suggest another strategy. 1) Take a look at what is being offered up from a critical point of view, 2) Develop a Christian apology (that’s intellectual speak for a defense) to counter the heresy, 3) Contemplate your own experience with God to make it fresh in your mind, and finally 4) Keep your radar up for the inevitable opportunity to “serve the meal.” With this much buzz about Jesus, you will have the chance to answer the question; who was Jesus.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
The Greatest Victory
DateLine (4/12/06 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
On November 9, 1989 one of the greatest world powers of the 20th century was defeated. Not a single shot was fired. Thousands of East Berliners pressed the border crossing at Bornholmer Strasse at 10.30 pm and demanded that the border be opened; and it was. Of course this was just the visible culmination of a series of events in 1989 that is recognized as a great military victory. Funny thing is no actual battles were ever fought, but the threat of war dominated world politics and the security of an entire generation.
As a child I played in fallout shelters that had been built in back yards to enable their owners to survive the expected nuclear fallout from the war. Civil Defense authorities stockpiled supplies in the basement of our church. Of course this was not a conventional war; it was the “Cold War.” The Cold War led to one of the largest buildups of unutilized war machines that had ever occurred and led to the development of unimaginable weapons of mass destruction. Ronald Reagan is normally given credit for the victory. Reagan’s ultimate weapon was not a nuclear bomb but a dollar. He bullied the Russians into a war of spending. The Russians became so focused on matching the “West” in the buildup that it ignored everyday needs of its people and communism imploded.
Sunday we celebrate the death burial and resurrection of the incarnate Christ. It was not a military victory; it was bigger. It was not the threat of war, it was real. No weapons of mass destruction were utilized; the greatest weapon was the Word. The foot soldiers in the battle were ordinary people with no specialized training. The war had raged for centuries and ravaged untold millions. The enemy had lured many to his side. Lives had been ruined, families destroyed. A Paradise had been wrecked. As it turned out a trap had been set. As the enemy lounged, the Supreme Commander sent his son to rally the cause. At the exact moment of victory, the earth trembled, rocks broke apart, graves opened up and fallen soldiers broke free from the sleep of death and presented themselves to the survivors. Once again there was evidence of hope. The first Easter was a great victory, but we’ve yet to see the Greatest Victory. We do know what it will be like.
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him; and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. . . And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth . . . And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come: who shall be able to stand? (Rev. 6)
On November 9, 1989 one of the greatest world powers of the 20th century was defeated. Not a single shot was fired. Thousands of East Berliners pressed the border crossing at Bornholmer Strasse at 10.30 pm and demanded that the border be opened; and it was. Of course this was just the visible culmination of a series of events in 1989 that is recognized as a great military victory. Funny thing is no actual battles were ever fought, but the threat of war dominated world politics and the security of an entire generation.
As a child I played in fallout shelters that had been built in back yards to enable their owners to survive the expected nuclear fallout from the war. Civil Defense authorities stockpiled supplies in the basement of our church. Of course this was not a conventional war; it was the “Cold War.” The Cold War led to one of the largest buildups of unutilized war machines that had ever occurred and led to the development of unimaginable weapons of mass destruction. Ronald Reagan is normally given credit for the victory. Reagan’s ultimate weapon was not a nuclear bomb but a dollar. He bullied the Russians into a war of spending. The Russians became so focused on matching the “West” in the buildup that it ignored everyday needs of its people and communism imploded.
Sunday we celebrate the death burial and resurrection of the incarnate Christ. It was not a military victory; it was bigger. It was not the threat of war, it was real. No weapons of mass destruction were utilized; the greatest weapon was the Word. The foot soldiers in the battle were ordinary people with no specialized training. The war had raged for centuries and ravaged untold millions. The enemy had lured many to his side. Lives had been ruined, families destroyed. A Paradise had been wrecked. As it turned out a trap had been set. As the enemy lounged, the Supreme Commander sent his son to rally the cause. At the exact moment of victory, the earth trembled, rocks broke apart, graves opened up and fallen soldiers broke free from the sleep of death and presented themselves to the survivors. Once again there was evidence of hope. The first Easter was a great victory, but we’ve yet to see the Greatest Victory. We do know what it will be like.
And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him; and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. . . And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth . . . And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come: who shall be able to stand? (Rev. 6)
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Ordinary Transformation
DateLine (4/5/06 – Ponce, Puerto Rico)
I like a true story. While concocted stories can be entertaining, they are mere memorials to the imagination of their creators. Now true stories have the potential to inspire.
They were an unlikely bunch, diverse as all of mankind. Phil normally set the culinary agenda for the group. To the casual acquaintance Tom seemed a little slow, but his friends knew him as the analytic one who always pressed for evidence. Matt had been committed to career, often struggling with prevailing business ethics, which in times past had been leveraged to provide him a very comfortable position. Pete was rugged and impulsive, but loyal to a fault – had rather be fishing than not. John was intimate in a masculine way, a true friend. None of them were particularly well educated, no reason to believe that they were intellectual giants. None came from a life of privilege. No one could have imagined! From this unlikely bunch came the makings of a movement that would sweep the world.
By now you may realize that I’m describing Phillip, Thomas, Matthew, and Peter, disciples of Jesus the Christ. This is where the true story bit comes in. Even critics of Christianity must admit that the transformation of the lives of the disciples of Jesus is very compelling evidence that the events that we celebrate at Easter is a true story.
From www.souldevice.org comes this statement; “Critics admit that the disciples at least thought they saw the risen Jesus - but what if they made it up? Neither lies nor hallucinations can transform people the way the resurrection did. First, what would they have had to gain? Christianity wasn't exactly popular and it certainly did not make them any money! Second, liars do not make good martyrs. There is no better explanation than the resurrection for the disciple’s willingness to die horrible deaths for their faith. Yes, lots of people die for lies that they think are true, but no one dies for what they know is untrue.”
The post-resurrection disciples had been transformed into unparalleled teachers, orators, and religious apologists, and yes martyrs. Thousands responded to their appeal to follow Jesus, millions through the ages. Perhaps no other twelve men in the history of mankind have had such impact. As we get ready to celebrate Easter, let the season remind you of the power that has potential to transform your own life. Now that will be no ordinary transformation.
I like a true story. While concocted stories can be entertaining, they are mere memorials to the imagination of their creators. Now true stories have the potential to inspire.
They were an unlikely bunch, diverse as all of mankind. Phil normally set the culinary agenda for the group. To the casual acquaintance Tom seemed a little slow, but his friends knew him as the analytic one who always pressed for evidence. Matt had been committed to career, often struggling with prevailing business ethics, which in times past had been leveraged to provide him a very comfortable position. Pete was rugged and impulsive, but loyal to a fault – had rather be fishing than not. John was intimate in a masculine way, a true friend. None of them were particularly well educated, no reason to believe that they were intellectual giants. None came from a life of privilege. No one could have imagined! From this unlikely bunch came the makings of a movement that would sweep the world.
By now you may realize that I’m describing Phillip, Thomas, Matthew, and Peter, disciples of Jesus the Christ. This is where the true story bit comes in. Even critics of Christianity must admit that the transformation of the lives of the disciples of Jesus is very compelling evidence that the events that we celebrate at Easter is a true story.
From www.souldevice.org comes this statement; “Critics admit that the disciples at least thought they saw the risen Jesus - but what if they made it up? Neither lies nor hallucinations can transform people the way the resurrection did. First, what would they have had to gain? Christianity wasn't exactly popular and it certainly did not make them any money! Second, liars do not make good martyrs. There is no better explanation than the resurrection for the disciple’s willingness to die horrible deaths for their faith. Yes, lots of people die for lies that they think are true, but no one dies for what they know is untrue.”
The post-resurrection disciples had been transformed into unparalleled teachers, orators, and religious apologists, and yes martyrs. Thousands responded to their appeal to follow Jesus, millions through the ages. Perhaps no other twelve men in the history of mankind have had such impact. As we get ready to celebrate Easter, let the season remind you of the power that has potential to transform your own life. Now that will be no ordinary transformation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)