The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

Something To Think About, The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome from the incredibly pagan city of Corinth.  In the second chapter of the book Paul challenges his fellow Jews,"You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"  (Romans 2:22)  The question appears in the section of Romans in which the Apostle is demonstrating that all are lost, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (3:19)  Paul knew well the self-righteousness of many Jews.  He once depended on a brand of "righteousness which is in the law." (Philippians 3:6)  One of the chief tenants of this Jewish, DIY brand of righteousness was freedom from any involvement with idolatry.  Paul's question must have stung. The suggestion that Jews would be involved in robbing temples dedicated to the worship of gods which were no gods at all, was insulting but not unreasonable.  Deuteronomy 7:25 specifically forbids theft from idolatrous temples.  It makes sense.  Often those idols and other paraphernalia of worship were made of gold and other precious substances.  If I can shut down worship that is an insult to the one true God, and at the same time put some precious metal in my portfolio, why not?  For now, just leave it with this:  God says, "DON'T!"   A short time before penning the interrogation in Romans 2, it would appear that Paul and his companions had been accused of robbing temples.  After the riot at Ephesus instigated by those who made their living from the worship of the goddess Diana (or Artimas), Paul's associates were brought before the clerk of Ephesus, the official responded to the crowd's accusations with these words: " . . . you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.” (Acts 19:37)   The worship of the image that had supposedly come down from heaven was not opposed by attacking the idolatrous infrastructure, but by the proclamation of the truth.  (Read Acts 19.) Like many of you, I find a certain sympathy with the Charlie Hebdo satarists.  I'm told that their work is quite vulgar, but when they are attacking a false religion, should I be concerned?  From a political viewpoint I defend their freedom of speech.  Without equivocation I condemn the murder committed in the name of Islam.  However, when it comes to the proclamation of the truth I reject their methods of the satirists.  I want to live my life in such a way that if I am ever accused of attacking those whose religion is a lie, that an honest official would be able to say, "Get out of my office.  What you are saying is false." It's STTA. Here are two article on this subject that I found well worth reading: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/01/terrorism-is-wrong-so-is-ridiculing-peoples-faiths/ http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/12/26699?spMailingID=10405660&spUserID=MTMyMjUxNDA3MwS2&spJobID=461351905&spReportId=NDYxMzUxOTA1S0   Here is a site where you can find out about Jesus Christ and His plan for you.  You'll find several opportunities to explore.  If we can help you, let us know.  covingtonbiblechurch.com

A Word to Christians and Muslims, #2:

Something To Think About

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT     There is a two letter "word" that I find just about as offensive as four-letter words.  The two letters, P-C have been used to silence students, workers, children and even preachers.  It seems that everyone thinks they are entitled to live in an offense-free zone.  Frankly, that offends me. Yesterday I spent part of my space, here at STTA, encouraging Christians to not be needlessly offensive to people of other faiths.  I used that word "needlessly" on purpose.  One totally unacceptable solution to offense related problems is for Christians--it seems we are most often the target--to simply not make any truth claims, or to so water down our proclamation that the only possible offense is because of excessive blandness. A verse I referenced yesterday, 1 Peter 3:15, says, "Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;"  Make a defense, give an account.  The first word is "apologia"--not "I'm sorry," but a thoughtfully crafted case for the truth of what is believed.  The second word is "logos," word or speech.  The progression is: Live the truth. When asked, Make your case, but Be sure to do it with "gentleness and reverence." The Apostle Paul's message on Mars Hill, is a marvelous example of what his friend Peter was talking about. God has not guaranteed we Christians an exclusive voice.  He has sent us to be a voice--clear and strong.  Sometimes speaking the truth will be costly.  It is a cost we must be willing to pay. To those of other faiths, know that those of us who are committed to follow Jesus, and to obey His word cannot be quiet.  We must speak the truth.  Those of us who, in my humble opinion, see the issue most clearly, do not expect you to be quiet.  I expect you to make your case with your best rhetoric and writing.  I'm fine with that.  Just don't ask me to make my case with one hand of persuasion tied behind my back. To my fellow Christians, the victory will not come from silencing others.  It comes from winning others.  If we are able to proclaim the truth, that truth will bear fruit.    It's STTA.

A Word to Christians and Muslims:

Something To Think About

SOMETHING  TO THINK ABOUT     Here we go again.   Several US embassies have been stormed, in some cases    invaded, the US flag torn down, and, in at least one case, personnel killed.  I am a citizen of the United States, and am hurt on that level.  I mourn for, and pray for those who have suffered loss, and hope that my leaders will take appropriate action.   I write today, however, not primarily as an American but as a Christian and a pastor of an Evangelical, Christian Church.  Let me make a couple of points.  I share them with the hope of bringing greater clarity to the thinking of fellow Christians, and, should this be read by any Muslims, to offer some greater understanding. Please understand that the United States is not really a "Christian nation."  It is a nation whose culture and laws have been greatly influenced by Christianity, but it is not Christian--certainly not in the sense that many nations in the world can be said to be "Islamic nations."  This will anger some of myChristian brethren and will likely be incomprehensible to some Muslims, but I am glad that my nation is not a Christian country.  On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) the church was born into hostile territory.  The church is counter-cultural.  I am a citizen of the United States, but I am also a citizen of heaven.  Sometimes those two are in conflict.  When they are, I must serve God rather than man. I do not expect the government to do the work of the church.  If I understand correctly, Islam sees religion and state as a monolith.  The job of the government is to create a society that will encourage, even enforce being a good Muslim.   I am thankful--and I believe it is in the best interest of my society--that by and large being a Christian is compatible with being a good, even patriotic, American, but they are not the same.  I don't want them to be the same.  I want my government to give me the freedom to be a good Christian.  As I see it, that means that my government also needs to extend to people the right to be good Muslims,  Hindus, Jews, or atheists.   There are things that go on in my nation that I object to.  Some, like the liberal laws in regard to abortion, I oppose politically.  Others, like the posting of needlessly and foolishly  offensive videos online, I may condemn, as I am here, but I acknowledge that in a nation that recognizes freedom, such excesses may be necessary.  To put it in other words.  I do not appreciate people using the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as cuss-words.   I figure, though, that if my government tries to make a law against that kind of cussing that they would get it so wrong that it might make it impossible to talk. Just one more, today (I may continue.): I think it is wrong for Christians to needlessly say or do offensive things about, or to, persons or symbols of other religions.  I have spoken against the burning of the Quran.  It appears to me that the Apostle Paul condemned the desecration of temples even though these houses of worship were dedicated to dieties that he regarded as false (Romans 2:22).  When dealing with the idolatry of Athens, he did not desecrate the objects of their devotion.  He entered into intelligent dialogue.  (Sure in the Old Testament we find passages like Isaiah 44:9-17 where the case against the worship of a false diety is made with humor and ridicule, but at this point Isaiah was preaching to what should have been the choir.  When we Christians are speaking to the wider world, the Apostles Paul (above) and Peter--make sure you notice those words, "gentleness and reverence"--ought to be our model. My challenge to fellow Christians: Let's eschew the burning of books that others regard as holy, and let's avoid, and counsel others to have nothing to do with needlessly offensive books, pictures, videos, etc.   To Muslim fellow citizens of the US or the world, know that true Christians do not hate you.  We profoundly disagree with you, but our desire is to live in harmony, and engage in respectful discussion of life's most important issues.   It's STTA.     The heart of that message to which I am committed is found below:   http://covingtonbiblechurch.com/lifesmostimportant.html