Yesterday, it was Ephesians 4 and "Unity." Paul goes on to talk more about unity in chapter 4. He steps from "One Spirit ... one Lord ... one God (Eph 4:4-6) into "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift" (Eph 4:7). That's an interesting transition. He's talking unity and goes to gifts. Paul writes about spiritual gifts in the context of ... unity. How does that work?
Paul talks about the "gifts" of apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers (Eph 4:11). These are gifts He gave the Church. What for? "To equip the saints" (Eph 4:12). To equip us for ... what? Paul writes this long, run-on explanation about building the Body of Christ to "attain to the unity of the faith" (Eph 4:13) to achieve maturity and "the fullness of Christ" so we can avoid being "children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes" (Eph 4:14). Unity, Paul is saying, is achieved by the proper operation of the apostles, prophets, evangelists, and pastor-teachers so that we're built into maturity. That, in fact, is the primary purpose of the Church ... building believers.
In 1889, an American journalists named Edgar Nye introduced the phrase "a mile wide and an inch deep." He was talking about the Platte River. I think it applies quite well to much of today's churches. We aren't really interested in "the unity of faith" or "the building up of the body." We're pretty comfortable being tossed by waves and "every wind of doctrine." It's no wonder we don't see much unity in the church or even know what it is. We just find some church we're "comfortable" with -- you know, singing we like, not too much preaching, some friends -- and don't bother with maturity. Human cunning and craftiness seem to be virtues to some these days.
Thursday, August 07, 2025
Wednesday, August 06, 2025
Unity
Paul wrote to the Ephesians that they should "walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Eph 4:1). That calling is spread all over the first three chapters, and is focused on "for His glory" and "in Christ." We were called to be holy and blameless (Eph 1:4), to be sons (Eph 1:5), for redemption (Eph 1:6) and to know the the mystery of Christ (Eph 1:9). We have an inheritance (Eph 1:11) and are sealed by the Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). We are to know "the hope of His calling (Eph 1:18) and "the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us" (Eph 1:19) by which He raised Christ from the dead (Eph 1:20-23) and made us alive when we were dead (Eph 2:1-7). We were saved "for good works" (Eph 2:10), are one in Christ (Eph 2:11-22), and have God's power at work in us to know His love (Eph 3:14-21). That calling.
What does that look like? Well, Paul lists a lot, but the underlying theme is ... unity (Eph 4:3). We have one God and one faith and one baptism and we are called to "one." Ultimately, the way we "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" is unity. Biblical unity is not uniformity. It's not one way of thinking or doing. Scripture is clear, for instance, that we all have our own gifts and we all have our own roles (1 Cor 12:1-27). We have our own functions. Biblical unity is the harmonious operation of each "body part" for the same Master and the same purpose. We build up the Body together. We bear one another's burdens together. We love together. We hold each other as more important than ourselves (Php 2:3-4) together.
We have a high calling. The highest. Adopted, heirs with Christ, raised in His likeness for good works, for His glory. We have the highest calling. Our lives ought to reflect that. Our lives ought to glorify God. Together. As one. Daily. Our unity is in Christ. Our purpose is His glory. We have our ... marching orders ... how we should walk.
What does that look like? Well, Paul lists a lot, but the underlying theme is ... unity (Eph 4:3). We have one God and one faith and one baptism and we are called to "one." Ultimately, the way we "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" is unity. Biblical unity is not uniformity. It's not one way of thinking or doing. Scripture is clear, for instance, that we all have our own gifts and we all have our own roles (1 Cor 12:1-27). We have our own functions. Biblical unity is the harmonious operation of each "body part" for the same Master and the same purpose. We build up the Body together. We bear one another's burdens together. We love together. We hold each other as more important than ourselves (Php 2:3-4) together.
We have a high calling. The highest. Adopted, heirs with Christ, raised in His likeness for good works, for His glory. We have the highest calling. Our lives ought to reflect that. Our lives ought to glorify God. Together. As one. Daily. Our unity is in Christ. Our purpose is His glory. We have our ... marching orders ... how we should walk.
Tuesday, August 05, 2025
UnAmerican
We know America, right? Land of the free. We value our freedom above just about anything else. The Bill of Rights was largely put in place to insure ... our freedoms. Patrick Henry famously said, "Give me liberty, or give me death." July 4th is our "Independence" day. We love our freedom. Which is how I know Paul wasn't an American.
Silly, I know, but you understand I'm talking about the principle, not the country. Paul introduced himself in more than one epistle as "Paul, a bondservant of Christ ..." (Rom 1:1; Php 1:1; Titus 1:1). In Philemon he was "Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Phm 1:1). And he spoke all the time about being a servant, serving at the will of God. Because freedom wasn't Paul's highest desire ... serving God was. The concept actually jarred the disciples. Jesus said He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mat 20:28). In John 13, He actually took the role of the lowest servant and washed His disciples' feet ... with protests from Peter (John 13:3-17). "Me? Serve?? No!" But Jesus did. Peter urged servant leadership for shepherds among the Church (1 Peter 5:1-4). Not "lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3).
Good Americans resist this kind of thing. I remember teaching an adult class on Philippians and one of the older members took offense at Paul's declaration of being a "bondservant of Christ." "I'm no one's slave," he said. I think most of us echo that sentiment ... to our own shame. Freedom from human oppression is a good thing, but we are made for good works ... made to serve. Christ did it (Php 2:5-8). The Apostles did it. Perhaps our "worship" of freedom is a rebellion we shouldn't abide in ourselves if it means we refuse to serve ... our Lord. (Ask yourself ... do the terms "Lord" and "King" disturb you?) We will serve. The question is ... whom?
Silly, I know, but you understand I'm talking about the principle, not the country. Paul introduced himself in more than one epistle as "Paul, a bondservant of Christ ..." (Rom 1:1; Php 1:1; Titus 1:1). In Philemon he was "Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Phm 1:1). And he spoke all the time about being a servant, serving at the will of God. Because freedom wasn't Paul's highest desire ... serving God was. The concept actually jarred the disciples. Jesus said He "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mat 20:28). In John 13, He actually took the role of the lowest servant and washed His disciples' feet ... with protests from Peter (John 13:3-17). "Me? Serve?? No!" But Jesus did. Peter urged servant leadership for shepherds among the Church (1 Peter 5:1-4). Not "lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock" (1 Peter 5:3).
Good Americans resist this kind of thing. I remember teaching an adult class on Philippians and one of the older members took offense at Paul's declaration of being a "bondservant of Christ." "I'm no one's slave," he said. I think most of us echo that sentiment ... to our own shame. Freedom from human oppression is a good thing, but we are made for good works ... made to serve. Christ did it (Php 2:5-8). The Apostles did it. Perhaps our "worship" of freedom is a rebellion we shouldn't abide in ourselves if it means we refuse to serve ... our Lord. (Ask yourself ... do the terms "Lord" and "King" disturb you?) We will serve. The question is ... whom?
Monday, August 04, 2025
The Wrong Question
We've discussed in the recent past what the proper dress for church is. We didn't agree. Should we dress "appropriately" with a sense of "the holy" and the presence of God, or does God not care and we can do what we want? It is abundantly clear that God did not prescribe the proper clothing for church. Doesn't that mean it falls under the "Christian Liberty" concept where, if it's not in God's Word, we're under our own consciences? Or not? I'm not rehashing that debate. But I'm looking at the principle.
Romans 14 is the "go to" for the doctrine of Christian Liberty. There are other places, but there it's neatly packaged and pretty well rounded. Paul talks about food as an example (like me and my "church clothes" example). He writes, "Who are you to judge the servant of another?" (Rom 14:4). Christian Liberty ... but ... that was only part of Paul's concern. Here's the crux of it. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Rom 14:13). That is, "Yes, we if it's not in the Word, we don't get to judge one another ... so don't trip up your brothers." We never discussed that on the church clothes dialog. We rarely discuss that in the whole discussion about what is or isn't allowed. Paul says we're asking the wrong questions. It's not "What is or isn't allowed?" but "Am I causing my brother to stumble?" In a similar passage, Paul writes, "So, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble" (1 Cor 8:12-13). That's ... extreme ... which makes the point.
We've gotten used to thinking about us ... ourselves. "Is it okay for me to ... or not?" "What's best for me?" It's human nature. Scripture asks us to "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom 12:2). We are to have the mind of Christ who didn't regard being "self" as God as something to be grabbed onto (Php 2:5-8). We are to be "crucified with Christ" so that "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Gal 2:20). Maybe, the question of clothes and church is asked in the wrong direction. Does it cause my brother to stumble? For obvious reasons, it's not the normal question ... but it should be.
Romans 14 is the "go to" for the doctrine of Christian Liberty. There are other places, but there it's neatly packaged and pretty well rounded. Paul talks about food as an example (like me and my "church clothes" example). He writes, "Who are you to judge the servant of another?" (Rom 14:4). Christian Liberty ... but ... that was only part of Paul's concern. Here's the crux of it. "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Rom 14:13). That is, "Yes, we if it's not in the Word, we don't get to judge one another ... so don't trip up your brothers." We never discussed that on the church clothes dialog. We rarely discuss that in the whole discussion about what is or isn't allowed. Paul says we're asking the wrong questions. It's not "What is or isn't allowed?" but "Am I causing my brother to stumble?" In a similar passage, Paul writes, "So, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble" (1 Cor 8:12-13). That's ... extreme ... which makes the point.
We've gotten used to thinking about us ... ourselves. "Is it okay for me to ... or not?" "What's best for me?" It's human nature. Scripture asks us to "present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship" (Rom 12:2). We are to have the mind of Christ who didn't regard being "self" as God as something to be grabbed onto (Php 2:5-8). We are to be "crucified with Christ" so that "it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" (Gal 2:20). Maybe, the question of clothes and church is asked in the wrong direction. Does it cause my brother to stumble? For obvious reasons, it's not the normal question ... but it should be.
Sunday, August 03, 2025
Friend of Sinners
Jesus ... the "friend of sinners." Ever hear that? It's not uncommon. It's just ... not quite clear. The phrase comes from Scripture. Jesus was talking to the crowds about John the Baptist. John, He said, was Elijah (Matt 11:14). The problem, though, was that the people rejected John ... and Jesus. He says, essentially, "We were playing our tunes and you weren't listening" (Matt 11:16-17). John didn't eat or drink and they said he had a demon (Matt 11:18). Jesus ate and drank and they called Him a glutton and a drunkard, "a friend of tax colletors and sinners!" (Matt 11:19). So ... Jesus was ... "a friend of sinners" ... right? Actually, no. The text is clear. Jesus was accused of being a friend of sinners (and a glutton and a drunkard). Jesus was saying it wasn't any more true than their claim John had a demon.
That being said, was Jesus a friend of sinners? Well, that all depends on how you define it, doesn't it? The most common understanding of the concept is that Jesus didn't condemn anyone. He just ... accepted everyone. You know ... tolerant, inclusive, nonjudgmental. Like ... the woman caught in adultery. "Did no one condemn you?" He asked. "No one, Lord." Jesus famously said, "I do not condemn you, either" (John 8:10-11) but He didn't stop there. He said, "Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11). In other words, "You've been sinning; stop." If, by "friend of sinners," we understand it to mean "nonjudgmental and inclusive," Scripture denies it. He seriously took the Pharisees to task in Matthew 23 with wonderful affirmations like "whitewashed tombs" and "serpents, brood of vipers." Not nonjudgmental nor inclusive. He definitely upset the apple cart in the Temple when He threw tables and brought a whip (John 2:13-18; Matt 21:12-16). Not nonjudgmental nor inclusive. Jesus was not that kind of friend.
Jesus did eat with sinners. He did associate with tax collectors. He did heal sinful people and preach the gospel to all who would hear. Jesus did not wink at sin or keep silent on the subject. But, think about it. If sin is harmful to humans, wouldn't a friend want to encourage people to stop? An enabler is bad for a person doing bad things. Jesus was not an enabler. So when encouragement and comfort were needed, Jesus gave it. Because a friend gives encouragement and comfort. And when discipline was required, Jesus gave it, ranging from harsh words to whips. Because a friend does that. So Jesus was a friend of sinners in the best possible sense. He sought their best, either through comfort and encouragement or discipline. May God grant us the wisdom to do the same, not berating sinners when they need encouragement and not encouraging sinners when they need discipline ... and the wisdom to know the difference.
That being said, was Jesus a friend of sinners? Well, that all depends on how you define it, doesn't it? The most common understanding of the concept is that Jesus didn't condemn anyone. He just ... accepted everyone. You know ... tolerant, inclusive, nonjudgmental. Like ... the woman caught in adultery. "Did no one condemn you?" He asked. "No one, Lord." Jesus famously said, "I do not condemn you, either" (John 8:10-11) but He didn't stop there. He said, "Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11). In other words, "You've been sinning; stop." If, by "friend of sinners," we understand it to mean "nonjudgmental and inclusive," Scripture denies it. He seriously took the Pharisees to task in Matthew 23 with wonderful affirmations like "whitewashed tombs" and "serpents, brood of vipers." Not nonjudgmental nor inclusive. He definitely upset the apple cart in the Temple when He threw tables and brought a whip (John 2:13-18; Matt 21:12-16). Not nonjudgmental nor inclusive. Jesus was not that kind of friend.
Jesus did eat with sinners. He did associate with tax collectors. He did heal sinful people and preach the gospel to all who would hear. Jesus did not wink at sin or keep silent on the subject. But, think about it. If sin is harmful to humans, wouldn't a friend want to encourage people to stop? An enabler is bad for a person doing bad things. Jesus was not an enabler. So when encouragement and comfort were needed, Jesus gave it. Because a friend gives encouragement and comfort. And when discipline was required, Jesus gave it, ranging from harsh words to whips. Because a friend does that. So Jesus was a friend of sinners in the best possible sense. He sought their best, either through comfort and encouragement or discipline. May God grant us the wisdom to do the same, not berating sinners when they need encouragement and not encouraging sinners when they need discipline ... and the wisdom to know the difference.
Saturday, August 02, 2025
News Weakly - 8/2/2025
Promoting Religion?
Trump is planning to allow federal employees to talk about religion in the workplace. There will be those who will complain or even sue. Understand that the 1st Amendment prohibits limiting the freedom of religion, not exercising it.
An Inconvenient Truth
Apparently, the U.S. economy rebounded in the 2nd quarter from Trump's "trade wars." Now, that's gotta hurt all the Trump-haters out there. U.S. payrolls increased in July. That's not right; Trump is destroying our economy. I don't know ... I think the media might be confused. Okay, no ... I know the anti-Trump media is confused.
No Can Do
Kamala Harris has decided not to run for governor of California next year. The reason, ostensibly, is so she'll have a better shot at president in 2028. I guess being roundly defeated by the "existential threat to democracy" wasn't clear enough.
Pay the Piper
India has a tariff on American goods. The last I checked it's 17%. Trump decided to boost the 3.3% tariff to 25%. India is now trying to figure out how to placate Trump ... because that's how these things are going.
Your Best Source for Fake News
Democrats have unveiled their campaign slogan for 2028. "We Hate Capitalism, Hot Chicks, and the Jews." A clear value statement for the party. We saw how Harris is not planning to run for governor in California. The Bee has a different take. They say she's stepping away from politics to spend more time with vodka. Now, now. And one that just amused me. The story is about a man who suffered from a pathological urge to eat wicker baskets. Luckily he settled for Triscuit instead. I've eaten them. It's not too far off.
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
Trump is planning to allow federal employees to talk about religion in the workplace. There will be those who will complain or even sue. Understand that the 1st Amendment prohibits limiting the freedom of religion, not exercising it.
An Inconvenient Truth
Apparently, the U.S. economy rebounded in the 2nd quarter from Trump's "trade wars." Now, that's gotta hurt all the Trump-haters out there. U.S. payrolls increased in July. That's not right; Trump is destroying our economy. I don't know ... I think the media might be confused. Okay, no ... I know the anti-Trump media is confused.
No Can Do
Kamala Harris has decided not to run for governor of California next year. The reason, ostensibly, is so she'll have a better shot at president in 2028. I guess being roundly defeated by the "existential threat to democracy" wasn't clear enough.
Pay the Piper
India has a tariff on American goods. The last I checked it's 17%. Trump decided to boost the 3.3% tariff to 25%. India is now trying to figure out how to placate Trump ... because that's how these things are going.
Your Best Source for Fake News
Democrats have unveiled their campaign slogan for 2028. "We Hate Capitalism, Hot Chicks, and the Jews." A clear value statement for the party. We saw how Harris is not planning to run for governor in California. The Bee has a different take. They say she's stepping away from politics to spend more time with vodka. Now, now. And one that just amused me. The story is about a man who suffered from a pathological urge to eat wicker baskets. Luckily he settled for Triscuit instead. I've eaten them. It's not too far off.
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
Friday, August 01, 2025
What About "One Another"? (All in one place)
"Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another." (Mar 9:50)
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. (Joh 13:14)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (Joh 13:34)
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:35)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12)
"This I command you, that you love one another. (Joh 15:17)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Rom 12:10)
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Rom 12:16)
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Rom 13:8)
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this -- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. (Rom 14:13)
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. (Rom 14:19)
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. (Rom 15:5)
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. (Rom 15:7)
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. (Rom 15:14)
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1Co 7:5)
God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1Co 12:24-25)
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Gal 5:26)
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)
I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1-3)
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. (Eph 4:25)
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Eph 4:32)
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Eph 5:19)
and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (Eph 5:21)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Php 2:3)
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, (Col 3:9)
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (Col 3:13)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16)
and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; (1Th 3:12)
Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; (1Th 4:9)
Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:18)
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1Th 5:11)
and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. (1Th 5:13)
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. (1Th 5:15)
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; (2Th 1:3)
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. (Tit 3:3)
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Heb 10:24-25)
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. (Jas 4:11)
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (Jas 5:9)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (Jas 5:16)
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, (1Pe 1:22)
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (1Pe 4:8)
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. (1Pe 4:9)
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1Pe 4:10)
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (1Pe 5:5)
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1Jn 1:7)
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; (1Jn 3:11)
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. (1Jn 3:23)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1Jn 4:7)
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1Jn 4:11)
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. (2Jn 1:5)
"If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. (Joh 13:14)
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (Joh 13:34)
"By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (Joh 13:35)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. (Joh 15:12)
"This I command you, that you love one another. (Joh 15:17)
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (Rom 12:10)
Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (Rom 12:16)
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law. (Rom 13:8)
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this -- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. (Rom 14:13)
So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. (Rom 14:19)
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus. (Rom 15:5)
Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. (Rom 15:7)
And concerning you, my brethren, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. (Rom 15:14)
Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. (1Co 7:5)
God has so composed the body, giving more abundant honor to that member which lacked, so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1Co 12:24-25)
For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. (Gal 5:13)
Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another. (Gal 5:26)
Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2)
I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:1-3)
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. (Eph 4:25)
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. (Eph 4:32)
speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord (Eph 5:19)
and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ. (Eph 5:21)
Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; (Php 2:3)
Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, (Col 3:9)
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. (Col 3:13)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16)
and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; (1Th 3:12)
Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; (1Th 4:9)
Therefore comfort one another with these words. (1Th 4:18)
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. (1Th 5:11)
and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. (1Th 5:13)
See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. (1Th 5:15)
We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brethren, as is only fitting, because your faith is greatly enlarged, and the love of each one of you toward one another grows ever greater; (2Th 1:3)
For we also once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. (Tit 3:3)
But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Heb 10:24-25)
Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. (Jas 4:11)
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (Jas 5:9)
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (Jas 5:16)
Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, (1Pe 1:22)
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. (1Pe 4:8)
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. (1Pe 4:9)
As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (1Pe 4:10)
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. (1Pe 5:5)
but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin. (1Jn 1:7)
For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another; (1Jn 3:11)
This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us. (1Jn 3:23)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. (1Jn 4:7)
Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. (1Jn 4:11)
Now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another. (2Jn 1:5)
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Walk This Way
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called. (Eph 4:1)Paul urges the Ephesian Christians to "walk this way." (No reference to Aerosmith.) Why? Paul premises this command on what he said before. In chapter 3, Paul prayed for the Ephesian Christians (Eph 3:14-19). He asked that they would be rooted and grounded in love. He prayed that they could comprehend the vastness of the love of Christ "that surpasses knowledge" so that they would be filled with the fullness of God. In his grand sort of "amen" (Eph 3:20-21), he ends with how God "is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." He follows that with, "I, therefore, urge you to walk ..." That's why. Now ... how?
"Walk in a manner worthy of the calling." Simple. Wait ... what? Well, in the first chapter, Paul prayed that they would have "the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might" (Eph 1:18-19). Paul is saying, "Walk that way." In chapter 2 Paul tells of how the Gentiles were once separated from God (Eph 2:11-12), but are now "brought near by the blood of Christ" (Eph 2:13) "that He might create in Himself one new man in place of the two" (Eph 2:15). Paul is saying, "Walk that way." Paul is saying, "You have been invited ..." ("called") "... to a grand feast, as it were, built on God's hope, His glorious inheritance, and His immeasurable power. You've been called to be one new man. So ... walk like it."
He tells them what that looks like. It's a walk "with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:2-3). That makes perfect sense once you figure out the calling. It is "worthy" -- deserving, comparable, appropriate -- of the calling. So ... is your walk marked by those characteristics? Or do you need to be reminded to "walk this way"?
Wednesday, July 30, 2025
Rubber, Meet Road
We are really good at discussing possibilities. What about realities? We can discuss "Should a wife submit to her husband?" and see the Scriptures that say, "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord" (Eph 5:22; 1 Peter 3:1), and it's not ambiguous. The question is not "possibilities," but "What will you do?" We read, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her", and it's not ambiguous. The question isn't "Should husbands love their wives sacrificially?" The question is "Will you do it?"
I was reminded of a Christian woman who married a Christian man. She divorced him for unknown reasons, but the suggestion was that he wanted to be a pastor and she didn't want to be a pastor's wife. Now ... the possibilities aren't ambiguous. When asked if there was any reason for divorce, Jesus replied, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt 19:4-6). Or, in plain English, NO!! God says, "I hate divorce" (Mal 2:16). "Okay ... we got it!" Except ... we don't. We find excuses. We find exceptions. We find reasons why God doesn't hate it and Jesus wasn't exactly clear. We divorce. We fail to love. We fail to submit. For starters.
So we'll debate eternal security and election and whether or not Trump is a Christian. We'll discuss Creation vs Evolution. We'll try to figure out if Noah's flood was real or imagined. But ... will we ... obey? Will we do what is clear? Or will we figure out why we should be allowed ... to defy the Creator?
I was reminded of a Christian woman who married a Christian man. She divorced him for unknown reasons, but the suggestion was that he wanted to be a pastor and she didn't want to be a pastor's wife. Now ... the possibilities aren't ambiguous. When asked if there was any reason for divorce, Jesus replied, "Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate" (Matt 19:4-6). Or, in plain English, NO!! God says, "I hate divorce" (Mal 2:16). "Okay ... we got it!" Except ... we don't. We find excuses. We find exceptions. We find reasons why God doesn't hate it and Jesus wasn't exactly clear. We divorce. We fail to love. We fail to submit. For starters.
So we'll debate eternal security and election and whether or not Trump is a Christian. We'll discuss Creation vs Evolution. We'll try to figure out if Noah's flood was real or imagined. But ... will we ... obey? Will we do what is clear? Or will we figure out why we should be allowed ... to defy the Creator?
Tuesday, July 29, 2025
All We Need ... the Sequel
We already looked at the concept of love in its importance. There is another, essential aspect that we should examine. In Ephesians, Paul prays for the Christians there "to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being" (Eph 3:16). What, exactly, was Paul concerned about? That they would have the strength to ... know the love of Christ (Eph 3:17-19). And we go ... "Um ... okay, Paul ... that's pretty simple." And I don't think it's as simple as we think it is.
Paul wants us to be "rooted and grounded in love" (Eph 3:17). Since Christ said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Joh 13:35), we can see that being rooted and grounded in love is important. But what love? Certainly not the world's version. Paul is talking about the "love of Christ" but he says that this love "surpasses knowledge" (Eph 3:19). That is, it's much bigger than we realize. He indicates this when he says we need to comprehend "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of this love (Eph 1:18). That word, "comprehend," is interesting. It means "to grasp," "to take to oneself." Paul wants us to get it and make it our own ... and we won't. We'll need supernatural strength for it. In fact, he says he wants us "to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge" (Eph 3:18). "Um ... Paul ... isn't that contradictory?" That's why we need supernatural power to get this.
I don't think we grasp the love of Christ. Imagine a guy in a rowboat on Lake Superior. In the middle, he can't see any shore. It's just ... vast. So he takes a cup and he dips it in the water and he tastes. He now knows more about Lake Superior than he did before. He has experienced it. But ... he doesn't know Lake Superior. We need to grasp the magnitude of Christ's love ... love beyond comprehension. It is laid hold of by means of the Spirit's work. It is accomplished "according to the power at work within us" (Eph 3:20). What power is that? It is the power of God "who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." Good thing ... we can ask or think a lot. He can do more. And it is at work in us. To enable us to grasp the love. Because ... we don't. And we need to.
Paul wants us to be "rooted and grounded in love" (Eph 3:17). Since Christ said, "By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Joh 13:35), we can see that being rooted and grounded in love is important. But what love? Certainly not the world's version. Paul is talking about the "love of Christ" but he says that this love "surpasses knowledge" (Eph 3:19). That is, it's much bigger than we realize. He indicates this when he says we need to comprehend "what is the breadth and length and height and depth" of this love (Eph 1:18). That word, "comprehend," is interesting. It means "to grasp," "to take to oneself." Paul wants us to get it and make it our own ... and we won't. We'll need supernatural strength for it. In fact, he says he wants us "to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge" (Eph 3:18). "Um ... Paul ... isn't that contradictory?" That's why we need supernatural power to get this.
I don't think we grasp the love of Christ. Imagine a guy in a rowboat on Lake Superior. In the middle, he can't see any shore. It's just ... vast. So he takes a cup and he dips it in the water and he tastes. He now knows more about Lake Superior than he did before. He has experienced it. But ... he doesn't know Lake Superior. We need to grasp the magnitude of Christ's love ... love beyond comprehension. It is laid hold of by means of the Spirit's work. It is accomplished "according to the power at work within us" (Eph 3:20). What power is that? It is the power of God "who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think." Good thing ... we can ask or think a lot. He can do more. And it is at work in us. To enable us to grasp the love. Because ... we don't. And we need to.
Monday, July 28, 2025
Glory Be
Ephesians is full of "the glory of God." We have an inheritance "so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:12). We were sealed in Him "to the praise of His glory" (Eph 1:13-14). Paul prays "that according to the riches of His glory He may grant you to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being" (Eph 3:16). And, of course, throughout Scripture God's glory is critical. God says, "I am YHWH; that is My name; My glory I give to no other, nor My praise to carved idols" (Isa 42:8). Paul wrote, "All have sinned" and then further explained the problem ... "and fall short of the glory of God" (Rom 3:23). Paul told the Corinthians, "Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31). But ... what is this thing called "glory"?
In Scripture the glory of God refers to the manifestation of God's character and attributes that displays His ultimate magnificence and worth. Thus, God's glory is ... all that God is, pointing to His ultimate value. If that's true, perhaps you can see how important it is. It is God on display, God being praised for Himself. And, if you understand that, then you can also see that to "fall short of His glory" is catastrophic. The highest praiseworthy Being is not receiving His just due. We have failed to recognize and value God for what He truly is. That's not minor.
David wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psa 19:1). And we miss it. We shortchange it. We minimize it. We conform it to our image and bend it to our will. And we think we're doing a good thing. Isaiah accuses us of declaring, "I will make myself like the Most High" (Isa 14:14). By minimizing God's glory, we attempt to bring Him down to our level. It's no wonder God is concerned about His glory. It's Him. He made all that is to display His glory and we try to cover it and call our efforts good. These things ought not be.
In Scripture the glory of God refers to the manifestation of God's character and attributes that displays His ultimate magnificence and worth. Thus, God's glory is ... all that God is, pointing to His ultimate value. If that's true, perhaps you can see how important it is. It is God on display, God being praised for Himself. And, if you understand that, then you can also see that to "fall short of His glory" is catastrophic. The highest praiseworthy Being is not receiving His just due. We have failed to recognize and value God for what He truly is. That's not minor.
David wrote, "The heavens declare the glory of God" (Psa 19:1). And we miss it. We shortchange it. We minimize it. We conform it to our image and bend it to our will. And we think we're doing a good thing. Isaiah accuses us of declaring, "I will make myself like the Most High" (Isa 14:14). By minimizing God's glory, we attempt to bring Him down to our level. It's no wonder God is concerned about His glory. It's Him. He made all that is to display His glory and we try to cover it and call our efforts good. These things ought not be.
Sunday, July 27, 2025
Every Good Gift
James wrote,
We are proud Americans. Okay, proud humans. We work hard, we earn our way, we get what we want. Good. We cherish the word, "deserve," because we think we do ... deserve all kinds of good things. We've got it coming. So when James says, "Do not be deceived," I think he's seeing it right. I think we think we earn and obtain good stuff all on our own. James says ... no. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." "Every" is pretty all-inclusive. Your skills and talents, your friends and family, your job, your home, your spouse ... well, this will be a long list ... every good thing is from above. Without exception. Including the bad things. Because, after all, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28).
At this point, then, we might begin to see that we have, in fact, been deceived. Good things often come from our own hard work ... except Scripture disagrees. And bad things are from the devil ... except Scripture disagrees. And maybe ... just maybe ... we might realize we've been a tad ungrateful. Something to consider on this day that the Lord has made ... as a good gift.
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. (James 1:16-18)Why do you suppose he began with "Do not be deceived"? Could it be that ... we are often easily deceived? Perhaps. I do know that we are often deceived about where good things come from.
We are proud Americans. Okay, proud humans. We work hard, we earn our way, we get what we want. Good. We cherish the word, "deserve," because we think we do ... deserve all kinds of good things. We've got it coming. So when James says, "Do not be deceived," I think he's seeing it right. I think we think we earn and obtain good stuff all on our own. James says ... no. "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above." "Every" is pretty all-inclusive. Your skills and talents, your friends and family, your job, your home, your spouse ... well, this will be a long list ... every good thing is from above. Without exception. Including the bad things. Because, after all, "We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28).
At this point, then, we might begin to see that we have, in fact, been deceived. Good things often come from our own hard work ... except Scripture disagrees. And bad things are from the devil ... except Scripture disagrees. And maybe ... just maybe ... we might realize we've been a tad ungrateful. Something to consider on this day that the Lord has made ... as a good gift.
Saturday, July 26, 2025
News Weakly - 7/26/2025
The Other Constitution
A Mississippi judge has blocked a state ban on DEI programs for schools and universities. Apparently it's a matter of "constitutional rights." Because I've seen it, right there ... Article 8. "All teachers have the right to judge on the basis of race and sex and disability." Come on, Mississippi. Try to keep up!
Separate but Equal
I was surprised by this story. Apparently Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell is resigning. No, that's not the surprising story. The fact that she can resign is surprising, after her conviction of first-degree burglary. Shouldn't she have already been expelled? "Oh, no ... a senator that steals is 'business as usual' here in Minnesota." Sure, a conviction isn't common, but she's still an equal senator, right?
The Right to Piracy ... I mean, Privacy
A "KissCam" at a Coldplay concert caught a CEO and his "chief people officer" (I've never even heard of the term.) together. The public images forced the CEO to resign. Of course, it highlights the stupidity of moderns. "We demand privacy!!!" and then we surrender it right and left until there's almost nothing left. "Hey! Where's our privacy?" You mean, the stuff you surrendered to social media and the Internet?
Famous Last Words
Black Sabbath front man, Ozzy Osbourne, died. No one actually understood his last words. (Too soon?) Somehow, his passing doesn't evoke the same response as when John MacArthur died. I wonder why?
Like Father, Like Son?
Hunter Biden is blaming George Clooney (you read that right) for his father's failed reelection bid in 2024. Not the public. Not his father's record. Not his father's poor condition. Certainly not his own illegal activities. Clooney. "Why would anyone listen to an actor?" he complained. I don't know ... why would anyone listen to Hunter?
A Slow Fix
Mathematically, in order for the human race to continue, humans need to have a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. (That's 2 because two people produce a child and 0.1 because sometimes children die unexpectedly.) We've been complaining for decades now about saving the planet when the only actual way to "save the planet" is to eliminate humans, and now we have our solution. The U.S. fertility rate dropped to 1.6 in 2024 ... an all-time low. Why? They say it's because marriage is in disfavor and childbearing is in disfavor. Or, as some like to suggest ... sin. But, we're on our way, folks. We can eliminate the race and save the planet! Go, team!!
Your Best Source for Fake News
Under the category of "funny but inappropriate," the Bee has a headline about Uber offering riders their choice of a woman driver or a good driver. Come on, guys. You can do better. They're canceling Stephen Colbert, so he's been seen holding a cardboard sign that says, "Will Yell About Trump 4 Cash" on street corners. And one story is about Ozzy Osborne explaining to St. Peter that the whole "Satanism thing" was only a joke. Sad ... not funny. Finally, there's a story that Obama is arguing that he can't be charged with treason since he wasn't born in America. We knew it!
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
A Mississippi judge has blocked a state ban on DEI programs for schools and universities. Apparently it's a matter of "constitutional rights." Because I've seen it, right there ... Article 8. "All teachers have the right to judge on the basis of race and sex and disability." Come on, Mississippi. Try to keep up!
Separate but Equal
I was surprised by this story. Apparently Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell is resigning. No, that's not the surprising story. The fact that she can resign is surprising, after her conviction of first-degree burglary. Shouldn't she have already been expelled? "Oh, no ... a senator that steals is 'business as usual' here in Minnesota." Sure, a conviction isn't common, but she's still an equal senator, right?
The Right to Piracy ... I mean, Privacy
A "KissCam" at a Coldplay concert caught a CEO and his "chief people officer" (I've never even heard of the term.) together. The public images forced the CEO to resign. Of course, it highlights the stupidity of moderns. "We demand privacy!!!" and then we surrender it right and left until there's almost nothing left. "Hey! Where's our privacy?" You mean, the stuff you surrendered to social media and the Internet?
Famous Last Words
Black Sabbath front man, Ozzy Osbourne, died. No one actually understood his last words. (Too soon?) Somehow, his passing doesn't evoke the same response as when John MacArthur died. I wonder why?
Like Father, Like Son?
Hunter Biden is blaming George Clooney (you read that right) for his father's failed reelection bid in 2024. Not the public. Not his father's record. Not his father's poor condition. Certainly not his own illegal activities. Clooney. "Why would anyone listen to an actor?" he complained. I don't know ... why would anyone listen to Hunter?
A Slow Fix
Mathematically, in order for the human race to continue, humans need to have a fertility rate of 2.1 children per woman. (That's 2 because two people produce a child and 0.1 because sometimes children die unexpectedly.) We've been complaining for decades now about saving the planet when the only actual way to "save the planet" is to eliminate humans, and now we have our solution. The U.S. fertility rate dropped to 1.6 in 2024 ... an all-time low. Why? They say it's because marriage is in disfavor and childbearing is in disfavor. Or, as some like to suggest ... sin. But, we're on our way, folks. We can eliminate the race and save the planet! Go, team!!
Your Best Source for Fake News
Under the category of "funny but inappropriate," the Bee has a headline about Uber offering riders their choice of a woman driver or a good driver. Come on, guys. You can do better. They're canceling Stephen Colbert, so he's been seen holding a cardboard sign that says, "Will Yell About Trump 4 Cash" on street corners. And one story is about Ozzy Osborne explaining to St. Peter that the whole "Satanism thing" was only a joke. Sad ... not funny. Finally, there's a story that Obama is arguing that he can't be charged with treason since he wasn't born in America. We knew it!
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
Friday, July 25, 2025
One the EPA Missed
This has been a pet project of mine for years. The organization is called TIS BAD. The acronym stands for The International Society to Ban All Dihydromonoxide. The aim of this society is to work for the ban of the dangerous chemical known as Dihydromonoxide.
This chemical is found in every industrial factory in the world. It is highly dangerous and extremely common. Here are some of the facts:
This chemical is found in every industrial factory in the world. It is highly dangerous and extremely common. Here are some of the facts:
• Causes thousands of deaths every year from exposure worldwide.There is a system to keep track of hazardous materials. Each material has a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Some of you may be familiar with it. Recently a chemist with whom I work pointed me to the MSDS for Dihydromonoxide. Here are a couple of entries from the MSDS, the official governmental record.
• In its solid form, can cause serious tissue damage. Has resulted in loss of limb and life.
• In its gaseous form, can cause serious burns to unprotected skin.
• Overexposure can cause an imbalance of electrolytes in the body and may be fatal.
• It is the 2nd leading cause of injury-related death for children aged 1-14 years. Black children ages 5 through 19 years have death rates 2.5 times the rate of whites from this substance. Death rates were at least 3 times greater for males than for females.
• It is found in many other common substances. It is the primary component of acid rain. It has been found in a large variety of cancerous tumors. It is widely used in pesticides and other equally dangerous chemicals.
• It is hazardous to most natural substances. It can erode substances as hard as rock. Worldwide, it is responsible for massive erosion of the environment.
• Many U.S. factories dump untreated Dihydromonoxide into rivers and streams without regard for its effects on the environment.
• The government is fully aware of its dangers, but continues to support its general use in a wide range of applications, in many cases subsidizing its use.
• Currently, the U.S. Navy and virtually every military organization are conducting experiments using dihydromonoxide without regard to personnel or environment.
IV. FIRE & EXPLOSION DATADespite all these dangers, the government has done nothing to curtail its use, its availability, or its dumping. We are working toward the curtailing of the widespread use of this dangerous chemical with the aim of eventually banning it altogether. We would appreciate your support of this movement. Find a petition to ban it and sign up. Contact your representatives in government and urge them to take action. Can we really afford to continue to keep this dangerous chemical on hand without any controls? Act now!
Unusual Fire and Explosion Hazard: Rapid temperature rise of liquid can result in explosive vaporization, particularly if in a sealed container.
V. HEALTH HAZARD INFORMATION
Inhalation
Acute overexposure: Inhalation can result in asphyxiation and is often fatal.
Skin Contact
Acute overexposure: Prolonged but constant contact with liquid may cause a mild dermatitis.
Chronic overexposure: Mild to severe dermatitis.
Ingestion
Acute overexposure: Excessive ingestion of liquid form can cause gastric distress and mild diarrhea.
VI. REACTIVITY DATA
Hazardous decomposition products: Hydrogen - Explosive gas Oxygen - Supports rapid combustion
Thursday, July 24, 2025
All We Need
Jesus told His disciples to make disciples and teach them to observe all that He commanded (Matt 28:19-20). The Jews had 600 commands ... we just had Jesus's commands. So much easier, right? But we can't keep track. And that's okay. Jesus said that two commands ... one word ... summed up all commands. He quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 and then Leviticus 19:18. "Love the Lord your God" and "Love your neighbor." Then He said, "On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets" (Matt 22:37-40). So ... love is the command that encompasses all commands. It's funny, too. The world has a sense of it. Dionne Warwick sang, "What the world needs now is love, sweet love." The Beatles sang, "All we need is love" (and then they broke up). (Sorry ... an old line from a Larry Norman song.) Love is essential. But ... what kind? What is the standard of this "love"?
In the Bible, Jesus offered standards. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37) and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt 22:39). Standards. Not "feel warmly toward." "With all that you are" when you are loving God and "like yourself" when you are loving your fellow humans. Paul expanded on that last one. "No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church" (Eph 5:29). So, the love we are supposed to have gives all and seeks to fill their needs. If you look at the description in 1 Corinthians 13, one theme arises (1 Cor 131:4-8). It is entirely outward facing. No thought for self. No "looking out for #1." It is completely devoid of self.
We have a further clarification as believers. Jesus updated the second command in the Upper Room. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). "As I have loved you." That's our marching orders, our standard. Paul told husbands, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Eph 5:25). Give self up. That's our standard. Love selflessly, not merely emotionally. Love with an outward view, not inward. Always seek their best, not just your own (Php 2:3-4). Like Jesus (Php 2:5-8). Easy, right? Just two commands. Okay ... not easy. A lifelong process. But ... it's not unclear. The only question is ... will we obey?
In the Bible, Jesus offered standards. "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matt 22:37) and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (Matt 22:39). Standards. Not "feel warmly toward." "With all that you are" when you are loving God and "like yourself" when you are loving your fellow humans. Paul expanded on that last one. "No one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church" (Eph 5:29). So, the love we are supposed to have gives all and seeks to fill their needs. If you look at the description in 1 Corinthians 13, one theme arises (1 Cor 131:4-8). It is entirely outward facing. No thought for self. No "looking out for #1." It is completely devoid of self.
We have a further clarification as believers. Jesus updated the second command in the Upper Room. "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35). "As I have loved you." That's our marching orders, our standard. Paul told husbands, "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her" (Eph 5:25). Give self up. That's our standard. Love selflessly, not merely emotionally. Love with an outward view, not inward. Always seek their best, not just your own (Php 2:3-4). Like Jesus (Php 2:5-8). Easy, right? Just two commands. Okay ... not easy. A lifelong process. But ... it's not unclear. The only question is ... will we obey?
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
You Keep Using That Word
I love that line from The Princess Bride. You remember. Vizzini keeps seeing an antagonist pursuing him, saying, "Inconceivable!" "You keep using that word," Inigo Montoya says. "I do not think it means what you think it means." It's my favorite because ... it is so very practical. We are constantly using words that we don't really understand. Our world uses "tolerance" to mean "agree" rather than "allow something with which you disagree." We use "inclusive" to mean "exclude those who disagree" rather than "to include." It is most concerning when we're using them in important places.
Take "prosper," for instance. In Jeremiah we read, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares YHWH, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jer 29:11). Instantly the Joel Osteens of this world latch onto that "prosper." "See? God plans to make you rich!" Except ... that's not what it means. You might be surprised to learn that the Hebrew behind that word is ... wait for it ... shalom. Yeah. Not "financial gain" or "better living." It is "peace," "welfare," "soundness." Not "prosper" as we would use it. "Thou shalt not kill" in Exodus (Exo 20:13) refers to murder, not general killing (as demonstrated in Genesis 9:6, for instance). "Repent" doesn't mean "feel sorry" as we often use it. The word means "to think differently" -- to change one's mind and turn from the current path. "Christ" is not Jesus's last name; it's His title as Messiah. "Faith" is not "belief" as in "I believe George Washington existed." It is "to become convinced (by argument)," a position that necessarily causes changes in practice and viewpoint. And on it goes.
The one that is the worst in my opinion is the one that is most important. We read in John, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Our world has so mashed "love" into a different mold that we can hardly grasp its true meaning. The text doesn't claim that God has a deep affection and warm feelings toward us. That's not the intent. We aren't commanded to "feel warmly" toward God or our neighbor. In fact, the King James translators used a different word in their translation of 1 Corinthians 13 because it isn't "love" as we use it in our emotional terminology. They used "charity." That one has shifted, too, but you can see it there -- a choice to be kind. An entirely outward concern for others. A self-sacrificing decision to seek the best for another. Not ... "Gee, I feel really tingly about you." That's not biblical love. But we keep using these words, applying modern meaning to older texts, and thinking we're getting it right. We should learn to be more careful so as not to miss what God is actually saying.
Take "prosper," for instance. In Jeremiah we read, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares YHWH, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.'" (Jer 29:11). Instantly the Joel Osteens of this world latch onto that "prosper." "See? God plans to make you rich!" Except ... that's not what it means. You might be surprised to learn that the Hebrew behind that word is ... wait for it ... shalom. Yeah. Not "financial gain" or "better living." It is "peace," "welfare," "soundness." Not "prosper" as we would use it. "Thou shalt not kill" in Exodus (Exo 20:13) refers to murder, not general killing (as demonstrated in Genesis 9:6, for instance). "Repent" doesn't mean "feel sorry" as we often use it. The word means "to think differently" -- to change one's mind and turn from the current path. "Christ" is not Jesus's last name; it's His title as Messiah. "Faith" is not "belief" as in "I believe George Washington existed." It is "to become convinced (by argument)," a position that necessarily causes changes in practice and viewpoint. And on it goes.
The one that is the worst in my opinion is the one that is most important. We read in John, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Our world has so mashed "love" into a different mold that we can hardly grasp its true meaning. The text doesn't claim that God has a deep affection and warm feelings toward us. That's not the intent. We aren't commanded to "feel warmly" toward God or our neighbor. In fact, the King James translators used a different word in their translation of 1 Corinthians 13 because it isn't "love" as we use it in our emotional terminology. They used "charity." That one has shifted, too, but you can see it there -- a choice to be kind. An entirely outward concern for others. A self-sacrificing decision to seek the best for another. Not ... "Gee, I feel really tingly about you." That's not biblical love. But we keep using these words, applying modern meaning to older texts, and thinking we're getting it right. We should learn to be more careful so as not to miss what God is actually saying.
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Uninspired
We know that all Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16-17). God-breathed. Superintended by the Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21). Got it. It's the reason we refer to Scripture as "inerrant." Not because it's really well written. It's because God breathed it and God doesn't make mistakes. So we know that our Bibles contain the Word of God. Now, if you're paying attention, you will notice that you just heard the most popular weasel words that people use when they talk about Scripture as errant. "Scripture," they say, "contains the Word of God." The trick then is to determine which parts of Scripture do and which parts don't. I, however, didn't say that. I said our Bibles contain the Word of God. That's because it is absolutely certain that not everything in our Bibles is inspired Scripture.
"Like what?" Good question. First, English. No Hebrew or Greek texts contain English. Okay, okay, that's not a good example, but we do understand that there are difficulties in translation and we need to keep that in mind. How about something else? Punctuation. The writers of our Bibles did not use punctuation ... especially not English punctuation. So, for instance, Paul wrote,
Paul wrote to the Ephesians that he was praying for them (Eph 1:15-23). He had three requests for them, the last one being that they would know experientially "what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Eph 1:19). What power? The power that raised Christ from the dead and raised Him to the top (Eph 1:20-23). "And ..." That conjunction continues the thought. You were dead in your sins, and God "raised us with Him (Eph 2:6). The same power. The same surpassingly great power. But the chapter break tends to break up our reading, and we can miss that so easily. All Scripture is God breathed and inerrant. Don't let the parts that aren't in the originals throw you. Do your due diligence. Those are not inspired. Maybe just perspired.
"Like what?" Good question. First, English. No Hebrew or Greek texts contain English. Okay, okay, that's not a good example, but we do understand that there are difficulties in translation and we need to keep that in mind. How about something else? Punctuation. The writers of our Bibles did not use punctuation ... especially not English punctuation. So, for instance, Paul wrote,
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him (Eph 1:7-9)Some translations leave "In all wisdom and insight" in verse 8 and some put it as the beginning of verse 9. Which is it? It doesn't change a lot, but that punctuation is not inspired. Here's my favorite pet peeve on the subject -- chapter breaks. Scripture does not come with chapter breaks. That was added after for our convenience. The problem is, it breaks things up that shouldn't be. Like Ephesians 2 that begins "And you were dead in your trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1). Surely anyone can see that the sentence begins with "and," so the thought began previously. Breaking it up like this makes it easy to point to, but it breaks up the meaning. So we miss the point of Ephesians 2:1-7.
Paul wrote to the Ephesians that he was praying for them (Eph 1:15-23). He had three requests for them, the last one being that they would know experientially "what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe" (Eph 1:19). What power? The power that raised Christ from the dead and raised Him to the top (Eph 1:20-23). "And ..." That conjunction continues the thought. You were dead in your sins, and God "raised us with Him (Eph 2:6). The same power. The same surpassingly great power. But the chapter break tends to break up our reading, and we can miss that so easily. All Scripture is God breathed and inerrant. Don't let the parts that aren't in the originals throw you. Do your due diligence. Those are not inspired. Maybe just perspired.
Monday, July 21, 2025
Trust
Stop me if you've heard this.
Trust. Trust in the Lord. Trust with all your heart. That's actually a big commitment. There are lots of things we can trust in. People, things, ourselves. No, no. With all your heart, trust in the Lord. Doesn't leave room for all those other things. And that's just the start. "Do not lean on your own understanding." Now, come on. What else do we have to lean on? And why not? Well ... we've got a sin problem, and that makes things ... fuzzy. It makes us "futile" in our thinking (Rom 1:21). It gives us a "debased mind" (Rom 1:28). We have deceitful hearts (Jer 17:9) It requires an ongoing renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2). And, yet ... where do we go first? "Well, is God reliable? I don't know. Let's think about it." We evaluate God. How arrogant! "Yes, He's trustworthy here, but ... not so much over there." "Do not lean on your own understanding." Then, "In all your ways acknowledge Him" Not some ... all. And what is this "acknowledge Him" thing? Literally, it means to know Him. Like the psalmist says: "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psa 46:10). Know Him. Commit your works to Him (Psa 37:5; Prov 16:3). In New Testament terms, "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).
It's a much bigger text than "Trust in the Lord." And the outcome is "He will make your paths straight." So here we are, muddling about, trying to figure this stuff out, and there He is saying, "Trust Me ... in everything." We can't seem to figure it out, but we're still pretty sure we can rely on our own understanding.
Trust in YHWH with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Pro 3:5-6)Not uncommon. I've even seen it on inspirational wall hangings and such. "Trust in the Lord." Yeah. Good. But ... there's so much more to it, isn't there?
Trust. Trust in the Lord. Trust with all your heart. That's actually a big commitment. There are lots of things we can trust in. People, things, ourselves. No, no. With all your heart, trust in the Lord. Doesn't leave room for all those other things. And that's just the start. "Do not lean on your own understanding." Now, come on. What else do we have to lean on? And why not? Well ... we've got a sin problem, and that makes things ... fuzzy. It makes us "futile" in our thinking (Rom 1:21). It gives us a "debased mind" (Rom 1:28). We have deceitful hearts (Jer 17:9) It requires an ongoing renewing of the mind (Rom 12:2). And, yet ... where do we go first? "Well, is God reliable? I don't know. Let's think about it." We evaluate God. How arrogant! "Yes, He's trustworthy here, but ... not so much over there." "Do not lean on your own understanding." Then, "In all your ways acknowledge Him" Not some ... all. And what is this "acknowledge Him" thing? Literally, it means to know Him. Like the psalmist says: "Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth" (Psa 46:10). Know Him. Commit your works to Him (Psa 37:5; Prov 16:3). In New Testament terms, "Do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor 10:31).
It's a much bigger text than "Trust in the Lord." And the outcome is "He will make your paths straight." So here we are, muddling about, trying to figure this stuff out, and there He is saying, "Trust Me ... in everything." We can't seem to figure it out, but we're still pretty sure we can rely on our own understanding.
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Obligations
"I pray the name of Jesus over you," the song says, and I'm trying to parse that to figure out what it means. "The name of Jesus" appears to be some magic incantation which, if properly applied can produce pleasant outcomes. Maybe "over" means "If I loft it properly, it will settle on your head." Of course, that's just me being silly, but I can't figure out where that comes from. Somehow someone has come to the conclusion that this phrase causes an obligation on God's part to do nice things. Or ... take the signs I've seen all my life. "Spiritual Revival this weekend!" It's odd that you can schedule a revival. Maybe they got a memo from the Spirit and He'll be showing up ... this weekend. Not next weekend ... just this one.
I'm sure by now you see I'm being a little tongue in cheek, but I believe there really is this notion in the minds of many ... most ... people that God has certain obligations to meet on our behalf. They're mad when He fails to meet them. We think a good God would be nice to us, so when we perceive something as not nice, we think God has failed to meet His obligations. We read that God's wrath is revealed from heaven against men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness and ungodliness (Rom 1:18) and we think, "That's not fair. God's not being fair." We read that God chooses some for salvation (e.g., Eph 1:4-6) and think, "He's supposed to choose all." We've made a serious miscalculation.
Scripture is clear. Christ is above all (Eph 1:21). All things are under His feet (Eph 1:22). Everything is from, through, and for Christ (Rom 11:36). His creation doesn't get the right to demand anything from Him because He is not obligated by His creation. We should probably get that straight in our own minds.
I'm sure by now you see I'm being a little tongue in cheek, but I believe there really is this notion in the minds of many ... most ... people that God has certain obligations to meet on our behalf. They're mad when He fails to meet them. We think a good God would be nice to us, so when we perceive something as not nice, we think God has failed to meet His obligations. We read that God's wrath is revealed from heaven against men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness and ungodliness (Rom 1:18) and we think, "That's not fair. God's not being fair." We read that God chooses some for salvation (e.g., Eph 1:4-6) and think, "He's supposed to choose all." We've made a serious miscalculation.
Scripture is clear. Christ is above all (Eph 1:21). All things are under His feet (Eph 1:22). Everything is from, through, and for Christ (Rom 11:36). His creation doesn't get the right to demand anything from Him because He is not obligated by His creation. We should probably get that straight in our own minds.
You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of Him who formed it, "He has no understanding"? (Isa 29:16)
Saturday, July 19, 2025
News Weakly - 7/19/2025
A Passing
John MacArthur went to be with the Lord this week. No humor or sarcasm. He'll be missed, but he's with His Savior.
This Means War?
The news says that Russia intentionally struck a Polish-owned factory in the Ukraine. Read that again. Poland is a member of NATO. So Russia struck a NATO factory. Before we get our knickers in a twist, remember, they've done it before, including a Boeing plant in Kyiv. So let's hope cooler heads prevail and the media doesn't push a war between NATO and Russia.
In Stitches
The new movie, Lilo & Stitch, became the first 2025 movie to cross the $1 billion line. So? The movie is about a Hawaiian girl named Lilo who befriends ... an intergalactic fugitive. The creature is portrayed as a remorseless troublemaker who only Lilo likes. Which, of course, is a great role model for the kids who are watching and laughing. Because we can certainly expect Hollywood to give our kids quality role models, and Hollywood is pretty sure parents won't care.
Wait ... What??
The public believes the Epstein files implicate Trump, so ... Trump has called on the Department of Justice to ask a federal court to unseal the transcripts. Wait ... what? Doesn't seem like Trump believes it will hurt him. Strange.
They Have Tourists?
In a stunning move, North Korea has banned foreign tourists at their newly opened beach resort. Mind you, I didn't know tourists were allowed anywhere in North Korea ... or were stupid enough to go anyway, but ... oh, wait. Yeah, they'd be stupid enough.
Your Best Source for Fake News
Congressional Republicans are celebrating the passage of a spending bill that they proudly hail as "cutting $9 billion in spending" ... although the bill adds $3 trillion to the national debt. Hey ... that's not funny. True, but not funny. In the UK, Muslims are demanding the voting age be lowered to 13 so their wives can vote. Only seems fair. Finally, a terrifying new study has revealed that people are still getting vaccinated for COVID. Seriously. Terrifying. Mind you, the CDC claims it doesn't prevent it, you can still spread it, and you can still die from it, but ...
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
John MacArthur went to be with the Lord this week. No humor or sarcasm. He'll be missed, but he's with His Savior.
This Means War?
The news says that Russia intentionally struck a Polish-owned factory in the Ukraine. Read that again. Poland is a member of NATO. So Russia struck a NATO factory. Before we get our knickers in a twist, remember, they've done it before, including a Boeing plant in Kyiv. So let's hope cooler heads prevail and the media doesn't push a war between NATO and Russia.
In Stitches
The new movie, Lilo & Stitch, became the first 2025 movie to cross the $1 billion line. So? The movie is about a Hawaiian girl named Lilo who befriends ... an intergalactic fugitive. The creature is portrayed as a remorseless troublemaker who only Lilo likes. Which, of course, is a great role model for the kids who are watching and laughing. Because we can certainly expect Hollywood to give our kids quality role models, and Hollywood is pretty sure parents won't care.
Wait ... What??
The public believes the Epstein files implicate Trump, so ... Trump has called on the Department of Justice to ask a federal court to unseal the transcripts. Wait ... what? Doesn't seem like Trump believes it will hurt him. Strange.
They Have Tourists?
In a stunning move, North Korea has banned foreign tourists at their newly opened beach resort. Mind you, I didn't know tourists were allowed anywhere in North Korea ... or were stupid enough to go anyway, but ... oh, wait. Yeah, they'd be stupid enough.
Your Best Source for Fake News
Congressional Republicans are celebrating the passage of a spending bill that they proudly hail as "cutting $9 billion in spending" ... although the bill adds $3 trillion to the national debt. Hey ... that's not funny. True, but not funny. In the UK, Muslims are demanding the voting age be lowered to 13 so their wives can vote. Only seems fair. Finally, a terrifying new study has revealed that people are still getting vaccinated for COVID. Seriously. Terrifying. Mind you, the CDC claims it doesn't prevent it, you can still spread it, and you can still die from it, but ...
Must be true; I read it on the internet.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Good God
We Christians largely dislike the notion of "relativism." We much prefer absolutes. Here's the problem. There are things that are relative. Here's one: "good." "Oh, no," some will say, "There is absolute good and bad." True ... except ... the fact of the matter is "good" and "bad" are relative. To what they are relative is a key question.
Consider ... there is a good pizza, a good dog, and a good man. They are ... not the same. A man is not "good" because of his sauces and toppings. And a dog is not good as long as he treats his wife well. In fact, a man is a bad pizza by pizza standards. You get the idea. The issue of "good" is determined by the standard to which it is compared.
So, if "good" is relative, how do we avoid moral relativism? You have an absolute standard. So "good" is not determined by your standard versus my standard. It is determined by God. Scripture says, "God is love." That doesn't mean that love is God (as some have erroneously supposed). It means that God defines love. In the same sense, God is good (James 1:17; Mark 10:18). He is the standard (Matt 5:48). So "good" is defined by God and not by our meager ideas or preferences. We don't get to evaluate God on what is or isn't good. If we do, we make ourselves the standards ... and "good" becomes random.
Consider ... there is a good pizza, a good dog, and a good man. They are ... not the same. A man is not "good" because of his sauces and toppings. And a dog is not good as long as he treats his wife well. In fact, a man is a bad pizza by pizza standards. You get the idea. The issue of "good" is determined by the standard to which it is compared.
So, if "good" is relative, how do we avoid moral relativism? You have an absolute standard. So "good" is not determined by your standard versus my standard. It is determined by God. Scripture says, "God is love." That doesn't mean that love is God (as some have erroneously supposed). It means that God defines love. In the same sense, God is good (James 1:17; Mark 10:18). He is the standard (Matt 5:48). So "good" is defined by God and not by our meager ideas or preferences. We don't get to evaluate God on what is or isn't good. If we do, we make ourselves the standards ... and "good" becomes random.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Adoption
Is God in favor of adoption? Well ... yes ... He is. In Ephesians we read that God "predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will" (Eph 1:5). Paul actually talks about this "adoption" in multiple places. We "wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom 8:23). He redeemed "those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons" (Gal 4:5). Nice ... except ... moot, right? I mean, aren't we all God's children?
Much of the world believes in "the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of Man." And, in the sense that He created all people, He is their "Father." But ... Scripture also paints a different picture. Jesus told some Jews who had believed in Him (John 8:31), " You are of your father the devil" (John 8:44). Huh. So ... there is some distinction between "Creator as everyone's father" and those who are "of your father, the devil." In John's Gospel, he writes,
When we minimize these kinds of texts, we lose the impact of God's adoption of us. He "predestined us for adoption." He did it "according to the purpose of His will" and not because we're just so lovable. And that "purpose of His will" is "to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6). That's much bigger than some fictional "universal fatherhood of God."
Much of the world believes in "the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of Man." And, in the sense that He created all people, He is their "Father." But ... Scripture also paints a different picture. Jesus told some Jews who had believed in Him (John 8:31), " You are of your father the devil" (John 8:44). Huh. So ... there is some distinction between "Creator as everyone's father" and those who are "of your father, the devil." In John's Gospel, he writes,
But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:12-13)So ... clearly not everyone is included in the "children of God" category in this text. Only "all who did receive Him."
When we minimize these kinds of texts, we lose the impact of God's adoption of us. He "predestined us for adoption." He did it "according to the purpose of His will" and not because we're just so lovable. And that "purpose of His will" is "to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved" (Eph 1:6). That's much bigger than some fictional "universal fatherhood of God."
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Who You Know
In Galatians Paul writes,
In what sense does he mean? In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of people who would come to Him calling Him "Lord" and talking about what they'd done for Him, and Jesus would say, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matt 7:23). "Never knew"? He's omniscient. In fact, He knew them as soon as they came to Him at the very least. No, this isn't "have knowledge of." It's more of the "biblical know" -- Having a relationship with. But Paul says it's not us knowing God. No, this saving relationship is initiated by God. This "being known by God" is God's doing. You find it in His choosing of us before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). You find it in the "Golden Chain" (Rom 8:29-30), where the beginning is "those whom He foreknew" and continues without break to "glorified." It's instigated by God.
It's difficult for us humans to settle ourselves with "all and only Him." We had to contribute something, even it it's just "I know God." And we are supposed to have a saving relationship with Christ, but ... we must always remember that He establishes it, not us. He completes it; not us. And He guards it all along the way; not us. To me, that's a real relief.
However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (Gal 4:8-9)The text is about being slaves to sin, and how we are no longer slaves, but "a son" (Gal 4:7). It's interesting to what Paul attributes that change. It's not what they did or what they believed. It is not even who they knew. It was coming to be known by God.
In what sense does he mean? In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of people who would come to Him calling Him "Lord" and talking about what they'd done for Him, and Jesus would say, "I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness" (Matt 7:23). "Never knew"? He's omniscient. In fact, He knew them as soon as they came to Him at the very least. No, this isn't "have knowledge of." It's more of the "biblical know" -- Having a relationship with. But Paul says it's not us knowing God. No, this saving relationship is initiated by God. This "being known by God" is God's doing. You find it in His choosing of us before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). You find it in the "Golden Chain" (Rom 8:29-30), where the beginning is "those whom He foreknew" and continues without break to "glorified." It's instigated by God.
It's difficult for us humans to settle ourselves with "all and only Him." We had to contribute something, even it it's just "I know God." And we are supposed to have a saving relationship with Christ, but ... we must always remember that He establishes it, not us. He completes it; not us. And He guards it all along the way; not us. To me, that's a real relief.
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Not By ... For
We all know the famous passage from Ephesians 2.
Here's the thing. Many of us can quote those two verses, but the very next verse seems to go unnoticed.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8-9)We love it. That "gift of God." The "not as a result of works." Good stuff. It's largely this verse that drives the "Faith Alone" phrase. That phrase was aimed specifically at "faith apart from works." There are the antinomians -- those who claim there are no rules in Christendom -- based on this text. We know for a fact that we are saved by faith and not by works. And it's a good thing. We wouldn't meet the standard otherwise.
Here's the thing. Many of us can quote those two verses, but the very next verse seems to go unnoticed.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them. (Eph 2:10)For a minute, we're tempted to urge Paul to go back and check what he just wrote. Isn't it a contradiction? No. We are certainly saved "not of works," but it is equally certain that we are saved ... what's the phrase? ..."for good works." It's reminiscent of James who wrote, "Faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself" (James 2:17). We are saved by faith alone, but we are not saved by a faith that is alone. Saving faith changes you. That's what it says. "We are His workmanship." So expect changes. Expect God's working in you ... so you will do good works. Don't stop at "saved apart from works" when we're actually saved for good works.
Monday, July 14, 2025
Lazarus, Come Forth
Paul makes a startling claim. "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ..." (Eph 2:1)." Hang on, a minute, Paul. What do you mean, 'dead'? I mean, we're all alive, aren't we?" Well, of course, it's an easy answer -- spiritually dead. But ... is that an easy answer?
Most Christians nod at that, but they don't consider the claim. The claim is not "mostly dead." The claim is not "really sick." The word there is "dead." We're saying, "spiritually dead," but we're all still pretty sure that the natural human being has the capacity to come to Christ on his own. I hate to break it to you, but that's not "dead." That's not even "mostly dead." Paul claims, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14). There's a "does not" and a "cannot," but we're all pretty sure it happens all the time. Paul says, "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot" (Rom 8:7). Another "does not" and "cannot." We're hostile to God. "Yes, sure, but we can still accept the gospel." Then ... we're not spiritually dead. And Paul is clear we are.
That's what makes Paul's "But God" so big in the following verses. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ ..." (Eph 2:4-5). If we were actually spiritually dead, then God had to "make us alive" as a product of His love. Without it, we couldn't have anything to do with Him. While we were yet sinners. Dead. We like to think we contribute something to this. We don't. We contribute the same thing Lazarus did when Christ called him out of the grave. He came out of the grave and believed. I think, if we actually take God at His word, we'll find salvation an increasingly marvelous thing.
Most Christians nod at that, but they don't consider the claim. The claim is not "mostly dead." The claim is not "really sick." The word there is "dead." We're saying, "spiritually dead," but we're all still pretty sure that the natural human being has the capacity to come to Christ on his own. I hate to break it to you, but that's not "dead." That's not even "mostly dead." Paul claims, "The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Cor 2:14). There's a "does not" and a "cannot," but we're all pretty sure it happens all the time. Paul says, "For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot" (Rom 8:7). Another "does not" and "cannot." We're hostile to God. "Yes, sure, but we can still accept the gospel." Then ... we're not spiritually dead. And Paul is clear we are.
That's what makes Paul's "But God" so big in the following verses. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ ..." (Eph 2:4-5). If we were actually spiritually dead, then God had to "make us alive" as a product of His love. Without it, we couldn't have anything to do with Him. While we were yet sinners. Dead. We like to think we contribute something to this. We don't. We contribute the same thing Lazarus did when Christ called him out of the grave. He came out of the grave and believed. I think, if we actually take God at His word, we'll find salvation an increasingly marvelous thing.
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