dead man walking

Wanna know what’s wrong with our judicial system? Read Ecclesiastes 8:11.

“Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed speedily, the heart of the children of man is fully set to do evil.”

If you don’t fear justice, what will stop you from committing more crime?

I still think you should do more than just vote.

You know, I keep hearing a lot about these different political positions regarding the well-being of this country. I’m not saying that people shouldn’t worry about things like our economy, our military, our health care, terrorism, etc… What I am saying is that, for us Christians, we should stop putting so much faith in these weak attempts at, for the most part, selfish reasons to vote for a particular candidate.

For instance, let’s take things like the economy, healthcare, and social security. All that can be truly said about these is that it affects your wallet. Think about this, now. It would be really difficult for you to convince me that there’s actually some real validity, as far as national progression is concerned, to these apparent wastes of time. If Jesus returned and asked why you did some of the things you did and asked you why you voted for some of the people you voted for, all you’d really be able to say was that you were just making sure you had enough money.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about these things. Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 talk about how God and money are separate and how you can’t serve two masters. You should see what 1 Timothy 6:10 says about it! Does 2 Timothy 3:2 describe our country to a T? The New Testament is riddled with verses telling us how we should think about money! How about being content with what you do have and not worrying too much about your stupid money? It’s all there, just look at Hebrews 13:5, Matthew 6:25, and Luke 12:22.

What about our military? Aren’t you glad the we have, some would say, the world’s greatest military? Do you think it really matters, though? I surely don’t! Read your Old Testament, folks! Psalm 33:16 says that kings aren’t saved by armies. How many times have we read that nations were delivered into the hands of lesser armies? Why? Because it doesn’t matter the size of your military. God judges nations with other nations in history. What really matters is if your nation is right with God. Proverbs 14:34, Isaiah 34:2, and Isaiah 40:17 all prove that the only way a nation will survive is with God’s favor.

History is cut-and-dry. Remember Sodom and Gomorrah? Do you think that God is playing around when it comes to wicked nations? Nowhere is it written that the American empire will go on forever. We really need to get right with God because He’s not going to put up with it forever! The scales will soon be tipped too far. Look at the Roman empire. They left God, and then fell. Do you honestly think that was just a coincidence?

So what really matters for our nation to survive? Morality and religion. That’s it. All of these other things we’re worrying about don’t really mean anything, anyway. Now, I do support voting to a certain extent (kind of; see earlier post), but there’s a catch. If they can’t answer 3 simple questions the right way, then I have no reason to elect them.

- What are your views on the relationship between God and government?
- Where do you stand on the killing of unborn babies?
- What do you think about same-sex marriage?

I don’t need to go any further, and neither should you.

“But I’m voting for the lesser of two evils so that the greater doesn’t get my vote.”

Very commendable, I gotcha. You want to know another way of preventing evil from getting your vote? Don’t vote for any evil. Yeah yeah, I know we all make mistakes and whatever and there’s no way to actually abstain from evil, but I don’t mean that to be taken literally, either. Get what I’m saying? I’m not under the ridiculous illusion that voting is the only way to make a difference. I think voting (and only voting) is just an sorry excuse to say that you “made a difference.” Why don’t we try praying, huh? What about writing letters to politicians, or just call them? How about being optimistic for a change? We’re losing this country to immorality with every hour! There’s way more than just voting you can do to make a change.

So why won’t we do it?

Well, it doesn’t matter what you think…

I really get fed up with people spewing their ideas about who God is or what the Bible says about something without having any real reason to think that way. For example, I hear a lot of people talking about how faith alone can save you. No it can’t. Look here and here. If faith alone is all you need to be saved, then why does James 2:14ff say something different? Pay special close attention to verse 19 where it says “You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” See? The demons believe. Are they going to Heaven?! “Hell” no.

If you believe in something regarding Christianity, but don’t have any scriptural reason to back it up, then what you believe is foolish.

We Christians really deserve a freaking break!

Yeah. I bet that title got your attention. I’ve been thinking about this for a few years now… so hear it goes.

There are a lot of things said about Christians and church and religion in general that have no business being said due to the fact they’re simply not true, or they’re not true and very very ignorant, to put it nicely. Here, we have my favorite one:

“There are too many hypocrites in the church.”

Ooohh, I get crunk just thinking about it! Yes, there are hypocrites in the Church. Wow, thanks for pointing that one out, Sherlock! What was your poi.. oh… that was your point. Well, answer me this one: Where aren’t there hypocrites, honestly?! The last time I checked, they’re everywhere. Who’s the genius that decided hypocrites could only exist in churches? That entire excuse, from the get-go, is just dumb.

First of all, it’s totally lame. You can’t be blaming Christians for hypocrisy when, at the same time, you’re just as guilty of it. That’s being hypocritical. Second, it’s unnecessarily judgmental. In our society, everyone’s talking about “freedom of religion” and “fairness of religion” and “whatever.” Why then would you sum up the Christian people by saying we’re hypocritical and judgmental when you’re doing the very same thing? That’s judging. How’s that for your fairness, huh? Would it be fair if I said that people who didn’t practice Christianity are nothing but hostile, judgmental, hypocritical, close-minded, back-biting God-haters? No. That’s because, in general, it’s just not true. Why then is it ok for everyone else?

Look, just because you might’ve had a bad run-in with a crazy one here or there does not mean that we’re all like that. I can assure we’re not. Don’t take one person’s actions and apply them to an entire religion. Get what I’m saying?

Legalism and a new understanding

In an earlier blog, I talked about some legalistic issues. I’ve been wondering more about what actually happened during the Lord’s Supper; not why we do it but how we do it. Why do we use bread? Why can’t we use pizza? Why do we use grape juice or any other juice from fruit that grows on a vine? Can we just use water if that’s all that we have? After studying and discussing with a friend, I’ve come into some knowledge.

You see, in the Bible some things are specifically commanded and some things are not but they do have following patterns that are just as solid. Here’s an example. Although water is not commanded for baptism, baptism is commanded and immersion in water is always the pattern that’s carried out. This example is binding because is it part of a command. Get it? There’s no instance where baptism is commanded and immersion in water is forgotten.

In 1 Cor. 11:17ff, Jesus made a commandment and there’s also a pattern to follow as well. Bread and fruit of the vine are the ingredients used in all accounts of the Lord’s Supper. That’s reason enough to follow this one. If you wanted more, you could look at John 6:53-59 you’ll see that Jesus says it’s essential for eternal life and that those who who do not partake have no life in them.

I also mentioned that they were in an upper room and that they sung a hymn. These are not binding because there’s no commandment-pattern relationship involved. It’s just not there. I know now that there are laws to be followed, as well as liberties that are not to be bound. It’s no longer about a picking and choosing mindset, but about diligent study.

“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” - 1 Peter 3:15

Look at me! Look at me!

I really can’t stand some people. I’ve had so many conversations with other Christians about the legendary “worship service dress code.” So many people, in the Church of Christ anyway, seem to think that Sunday morning is so much more important than any other assembly at their church building. Who made this ridiculous crap up? Why must you make me call you out?

“We dress up on Sunday morning to give God our best.”

Pharisees! I also give God my best; it’s called the collection plate.¹ Next!

Here’s why I don’t understand this. I can’t wear jeans on Sunday morning, but 7 hours later (on the same freaking day, mind you) everyone’s allowed to wear them without fear of mean looks from old grumpies.² At what time of the day did it all of a sudden become acceptable to wear jeans? Need I remind you that Jesus was poor and didn’t dress up to “give God his best.”

I was talking about this with someone once and this person proceeded to say that they didn’t like it when men got up in front of the congregation to serve the Supper with jeans and an un-tucked shirt. I couldn’t help myself. “Well, what’s the problem?” I said. He replied “When you stand before a crowd of people, you are assumed to be in some sort of leadership role and therefore need to be presentable in appearance! It’s a society thing, and I can’t stand people looking like slobs.”

Well, pardon me for not being shallow.

Question: Don’t we, as Christians, hear over and over again how this society is ruining our Christian foundation as we know it? Why then would we adobt anything this society believes or practices? You’re either in support of our society, and everything associated with it, or you’re not. That’s all there is to it. Christians don’t follow society.

¹ see here
² it’s not 1950 anymore. get over it.

Take, eat… (continued)

Come to think of it… maybe that guy just probably thought that I was another member and that I looked familiar and that’s why he didn’t “background check” us. I should at least give him the benefit of the doubt.

Literally?

In the Biblical world, there’s a study called Hermeneutics. It’s used to tell whether something in the Bible needs to be taken literally or not. For example: When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, he broke bread and drank the fruit of the vine. Here’s where schisms happen.

Are we then to literally break the bread? Most say yes due to the idea that it represents His broken* body on the cross. I don’t really know what I think about this one. What if I just take a small piece of a cracker that’s already been broken? What if the only reason Jesus broke the bread is so that the rest of it could be passed down the row to His twelve Apostles? If so, what about the last guy to recieve the unleaven bread? Being the last one to get some bread (and no onle else to pass it to), he wouldn’t have to break it because the rest was all his, right?. What if Jesus just took a bite and then passed the whole thing down, would we do the same?

Next is the fruit of the vine. Does it really have to be juice that comes from fruit that grows on a vine? Some people** even say that it all has to come from one cup, but I’m not talking about that one because that’s just absurd. I know of some missionaries that, while they were in very poor and remote locations, simply did not have the “proper ingredients” for the Lord’s Supper. They did have some unleavened bread but were unable to get any fruit of the vine, so instead they used water. Some would be outraged to know that they didn’t do it “right” and some would be greatful that they still observed the Lord’s Supper. Isn’t that the point or does it actually need specific things?

Also, no one seems to make a big deal about them being in an upper room, or the fact that they sung a hymn. Why don’t we bind that as well? Sorry, but this whole pickin’-and-choosin’ thing doesn’t work that easy.

I just don’t think I have a firm view here. On one hand, I think it would be right to observe it with what I had than to not observe it at all; seeing as though you never know when you will have what you need. On the other hand, if I chose not to partake of the Supper, I would hope that God would understand why… like a “better safe than sorry” type-deal.

* even though His body wasn’t broken until after He was already dead
** usually not members of the Church of Christ

Take, eat…

I visited a church this weekend. It’s been a long time since I liked a church this much. The people were very friendly, and I could tell that the congregation’s fellowship with one another was as should be. Yet, something very strange happened. My wife and I walked into the lobby (late as usual) and were greeted by some other late people as well as some men who seemed to be the designated door-holders. One walked up and said “Hi. We’re glad you’re here. Have a seat until they get done serving the Lord’s Supper and we’ll serve you as well.”
Here’s the part that got to me. He doesn’t know us. He had no idea if we were Christians or not. He had no clue what congregation we were from, or if we attended anywhere at all.
You cannot serve the Lord’s Supper to just anyone. It’s reserved for the brethren. It should not to be carelessly handed out to everyone who “seems” to be Christians. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 talks about this. We must be careful about this part of the assembly. It’s the part specifically designated for remembering* Jesus.

*see this and this

Did Jesus have faith?

My wife came up with this one. It’s a deep one. I think that Jesus, as a Divine being, didn’t have faith because He didn’t need it. He WAS faith. Faith is the evidence of things that cannot be seen. - Hebrews 11:1. If something appeals to the 5 senses (sight, taste, touch, hearing, or smell), then you don’t need to have faith in it because it’s firsthand knowledge. Only when it’s secondhand knowledge do we need faith because it doesn’t appeal to the senses. I don’t think Jesus needed faith in the sense that He already had seen and been with God, so why have faith in something that you CAN see? But my friend, Kyle, also has a great point. Jesus, as a human (yes He was Divine but He was still also a red-blooded human), had to have faith. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) Jesus was afraid. He was going to be crucified soon. He had to have some faith. In what? I have no idea. Maybe for God to let it pass from Him. Maybe for God’s will to be done even if Jesus had to die. I don’t know, but that still is a crazy question: Did Jesus have faith?