Believers do it religiously. School kids do it unconsciously. Bankers do it commercially. Even atheists do it inadvertently. Some of them do it every day. The President of the United States does it over 100 times each year. The signers of the U.S. Constitution did it in 1787. Historians especially do it. Celebrants in Times Square do it on New Year’s Eve with great enthusiasm. Everyone does it ceremonially once a year. Many have no idea that they are doing it.
They all honor Jesus Christ when speaking, writing or even acknowledging the year. When the calendar is flipped to a new year, it focuses the fact that everyone is doing it; we all are honoring the Lord Jesus Christ, and there’s no escaping it.
Beginning tomorrow, January 1, the technical year will be AD 2009. AD stands for “anno domini”—“in the year of our Lord.” “Our Lord” is Jesus Christ. In fact, a Wikipedia article notes, “More fully, years may also be specified as Anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi (‘In the year of our Lord Jesus Christ’).” The calendar dating system of the world is synchronized to His lowly birth by the virgin mother in a cow stall in Bethlehem about 2009 years ago.
It is even constitutional, despite what detractors say about no mention of religion in that U.S. founding document. At the bottom of the original, it says, “Done in convention by the unanimous consent of the states present the seventeenth day of September in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty seven…. In witness thereof we have hereunto subscribed our names.” Underneath, 39 delegates from twelve states signed the document.
At last count, President George Bush had issued 115 presidential proclamations. Each one lists the date as being “in the year of our Lord….”
There are several calendar systems in use around the world, but only one unifies the globe in its computers, its economy and its correspondence. We call it the Christian calendar, and so it is. In contrast with all other calendars, this Christian calendar has a mid-point. That is, while all others begin with some notable event and stream forward endlessly, our Christian calendar counts descending years to Christ’s birth and ascending years from it: 4 BC, 3 BC, 2 BC, 1 BC, AD 1, AD 2, AD 3, AD 4, etc.
The history of this absorbing phenomenon is a fascinating study. As far as can be determined, “AD” was in widespread use by the 9th century. It was not until the late 15th century that “BC” (“before Christ”) was in widespread usage. So, after many centuries, the influence of Christ was increasing dramatically.
Today, two major calendar types are used—those with a starting point, such as the creation calendar widely used by the Jews, and one with a mid-point, or the Christian calendar. Ultimately, all calendar systems defer to our Christian dating system, which everyone uses on school papers, checks, legal documents and computers, with Christ’s birth date in each one.
Attempts have been made to shift to other calendars, one being the Jewish calendar, which is a creation calendar, but even prestigious publications such as the weekly Jerusalem Post carry both dates, for example, “December 2008 and Kislev 5769”. Incidentally, objectors sometimes do an end run around the obvious by designating years as BCE and CE, meaning “Before the Common Era” and “Common Era.” However, the “Common Era” is the Christian era. The Christian era by any other name is still the Christian era, and 2009 used by anyone still cries out another “year of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
The Apostle Paul had it right when he wrote, “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).
We wish all our friends a most wonderful and happy New Year of AD 2009—another year of our Lord Jesus Christ. He’s the Lord of the Sabbath (Luke 6:4), the beginning and the ending (Revelation 1:8), and our times are in His hands (Psalm 31:15).
Dave Virkler
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The Oldest American Dies
He was just about to enter his 9th year of the 21st century, but it was not meant to be.
On Saturday, George Francis died at age 112. He had been, until congestive heart failure took his life, the oldest living American. His son, just a spry 81 years of age, stated, "He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries.”
Francis was born June 6, 1896, in New Orleans. He tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature – never weighing in at more than 100 pounds. He quit school after the sixth grade, later became an amateur boxer, and also worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber. He lived a long life and saw more than most ever will.
Some would say that George Francis died of heart disease. Others would say simply that he breathed his last due to ravages of old age. Either is appropriate, but both are incomplete. George lived a long time by any standards, but his physical death originated from a spiritual demise set into motion long before he drew his first of many breaths.
At the very outset of human history, God gave the first man and woman a clear choice - one that would unfortunately see them choose incorrectly. Their horrendous selection would set mankind on a disastrous road, even though God did His best to lay the dire consequences of a wrong action before them.
Genesis 2:15-17 describes the scene. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." And die they did – both physically and, more importantly, spiritually. Their bodies began a slow decay while their once close relationship with their Creator perished. And ever since, all eventually face the unthinkable results of that fateful choice in the garden. Pain may be eased and days lengthened through technology, but death’s dark day will still arrive, as will a day of reckoning according to Hebrews 9:27.
But spiritual death can be eradicated and permanently – something foretold back in that same garden where the Serpent’s subtle lies duped earth’s first couple. In Genesis 3 God spoke of the future victory over His enemy’s dreadful grip of eternal death over humanity. Verse 15 reads, “And I will put enmity, between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." The literal fulfillment of that great promise would come many centuries later through God’s Son and His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead. Eternal death would meet its match in a coming Savior, although it would require making the right choice of accepting Christ’s free gift of salvation.
Then the lasting results of rejecting or accepting that great and all-important choice are made clear in 1 John 5:11-13. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
The concept of physical pain and ensuing death is not for any a pleasant thought. But the Christian can count on God’s supernatural sustaining grace throughout the process. And even more amazing is the solid promise of being able to face death with peace and victory, knowing of a future so glorious as to never be really understood until that inconceivable moment arrives. Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Many alive now will not live to see their next birthday or be around long enough to see the new year of 2009 come to an end. But there is no reason for any to not live eternally in the presence of God according to Jesus' own words in John 6:58. "This is the bread which came down from heaven — not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever ."
Bill Breckenridge
On Saturday, George Francis died at age 112. He had been, until congestive heart failure took his life, the oldest living American. His son, just a spry 81 years of age, stated, "He lived four years in the 19th century, 100 years in the 20th century, and 8 years in the 21st century. We call him the man of three centuries.”
Francis was born June 6, 1896, in New Orleans. He tried to enlist in the U.S. Army during World War I but was turned down because of his stature – never weighing in at more than 100 pounds. He quit school after the sixth grade, later became an amateur boxer, and also worked as a chauffeur, an auto mechanic and a barber. He lived a long life and saw more than most ever will.
Some would say that George Francis died of heart disease. Others would say simply that he breathed his last due to ravages of old age. Either is appropriate, but both are incomplete. George lived a long time by any standards, but his physical death originated from a spiritual demise set into motion long before he drew his first of many breaths.
At the very outset of human history, God gave the first man and woman a clear choice - one that would unfortunately see them choose incorrectly. Their horrendous selection would set mankind on a disastrous road, even though God did His best to lay the dire consequences of a wrong action before them.
Genesis 2:15-17 describes the scene. “Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." And die they did – both physically and, more importantly, spiritually. Their bodies began a slow decay while their once close relationship with their Creator perished. And ever since, all eventually face the unthinkable results of that fateful choice in the garden. Pain may be eased and days lengthened through technology, but death’s dark day will still arrive, as will a day of reckoning according to Hebrews 9:27.
But spiritual death can be eradicated and permanently – something foretold back in that same garden where the Serpent’s subtle lies duped earth’s first couple. In Genesis 3 God spoke of the future victory over His enemy’s dreadful grip of eternal death over humanity. Verse 15 reads, “And I will put enmity, between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel." The literal fulfillment of that great promise would come many centuries later through God’s Son and His sacrificial death on the cross and subsequent resurrection from the dead. Eternal death would meet its match in a coming Savior, although it would require making the right choice of accepting Christ’s free gift of salvation.
Then the lasting results of rejecting or accepting that great and all-important choice are made clear in 1 John 5:11-13. “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.”
The concept of physical pain and ensuing death is not for any a pleasant thought. But the Christian can count on God’s supernatural sustaining grace throughout the process. And even more amazing is the solid promise of being able to face death with peace and victory, knowing of a future so glorious as to never be really understood until that inconceivable moment arrives. Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Many alive now will not live to see their next birthday or be around long enough to see the new year of 2009 come to an end. But there is no reason for any to not live eternally in the presence of God according to Jesus' own words in John 6:58. "This is the bread which came down from heaven — not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever ."
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, December 29, 2008
A Shining Light of Compassion
You may have missed it in all the pressing political and economic issues, but in late November, President & Mrs. Bush sent out their last White House Christmas card. A long-standing tradition, every annual holiday card they have mailed for these eight years has featured a special painting of a White House scene in a tasteful blend of art, Christmas greeting and a Scripture text. The 2008 cover featured a stunning painting of the Washington Monument with the smaller Jefferson Memorial in the distance as viewed from the Truman Balcony at the Executive Mansion. Artist T. Allen Lawson produced the 22" x 20" oil on linen masterpiece.
The 2008 presidential card includes Matthew 5:16 from the King James Version: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." This may seem a strange selection since dismal approval ratings for President Bush reflect the notion that he did little right during his tenure in office. However, a recent story in The Washington Times may improve the President’s image.
The paper reports that the President personally wrote to each of the more than 4,000 families who lost a loved one in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, he met with more than 500 of those families and with more than 950 wounded veterans. The President never advertised these acts of compassion, but, as he made his final presidential visit, media reporters discovered it and made it newsworthy.
Commenting on the discovery, Bush said that he considers himself as "comforter in chief" who tries to help "as best I humanly can a loved one who is in anguish." He also declared, "I lean on the Almighty and Laura…." Mrs. Bush has often accompanied her husband on these many visits.
How can we reconcile the intended privacy of these acts of comfort with the text in the card that carries Christ’s command for public testimony? A subsequent verse in Matthew says, "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…" (Matt. 6:3). Or, put a clearer way, "Don’t advertise your good works."
The Bush’s Christmas verse speaks of letting your light shine. Light is a quality or attitude, not necessarily an activity. And Matt. 6:4 reveals the relationship between private attitude and public reward: "…that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."
The Bush’s shining light of compassion does not show up in the approval polls, but somehow The Washington Times has been used by God to reward them openly.
Thank you, President & Mrs. Bush, for sharing such a special verse in the sunset of your residence in the White House. And thanks, Washington Times, for covering a positive story and bringing these moving evidences of their compassion to our attention.
Dave Virkler
If you enjoy this blog, send us an e-mail message at info@wordandtheworld.org
The 2008 presidential card includes Matthew 5:16 from the King James Version: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in Heaven." This may seem a strange selection since dismal approval ratings for President Bush reflect the notion that he did little right during his tenure in office. However, a recent story in The Washington Times may improve the President’s image.
The paper reports that the President personally wrote to each of the more than 4,000 families who lost a loved one in Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, he met with more than 500 of those families and with more than 950 wounded veterans. The President never advertised these acts of compassion, but, as he made his final presidential visit, media reporters discovered it and made it newsworthy.
Commenting on the discovery, Bush said that he considers himself as "comforter in chief" who tries to help "as best I humanly can a loved one who is in anguish." He also declared, "I lean on the Almighty and Laura…." Mrs. Bush has often accompanied her husband on these many visits.
How can we reconcile the intended privacy of these acts of comfort with the text in the card that carries Christ’s command for public testimony? A subsequent verse in Matthew says, "But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing…" (Matt. 6:3). Or, put a clearer way, "Don’t advertise your good works."
The Bush’s Christmas verse speaks of letting your light shine. Light is a quality or attitude, not necessarily an activity. And Matt. 6:4 reveals the relationship between private attitude and public reward: "…that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."
The Bush’s shining light of compassion does not show up in the approval polls, but somehow The Washington Times has been used by God to reward them openly.
Thank you, President & Mrs. Bush, for sharing such a special verse in the sunset of your residence in the White House. And thanks, Washington Times, for covering a positive story and bringing these moving evidences of their compassion to our attention.
Dave Virkler
If you enjoy this blog, send us an e-mail message at info@wordandtheworld.org
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Cost of Christmas
Shoppers across the U.S. said they were planning to spend an average of $431 for gifts this holiday season, down from $859 last year according to the 23rd annual Survey on Holiday Spending from the American Research Group, Inc. The overall average of planned spending is down almost 50% from 2007, and it is the lowest level of planned spending recorded by the American Research Group since 1991.
However, the cost of the items in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a comical benchmark for analysts, reportedly was up to about $ 86,900, soaring from years before.
To cut back on Christmas spending, proposed ideas include wrapping gifts in newspaper, giving IOU gifts (a note promising to do something nice for someone), handmade cards, custom baked goods or customized calendars highlighting important dates. Some suggested cost-cutting measures also included using LED lights, which use less electricity, and turning off displays during all daylight hours. Hand-made tree ornaments are also a possibility, even using family photos hung on the tree or perhaps draping old-fashioned inexpensive garlands of popcorn. Christmas tree economies were also suggested such as buying only live trees, which can be planted later, or purchasing artificial trees that could be reused for many years.
Whatever the expense of Christmas, many shoppers will be paying off Christmas debts for a long time. Many of these incurred debts have little or nothing to do with the real concept of the first Christmas, which was kneeling and giving gifts to the newborn King Jesus. I wonder how many extra gifts are given to churches, mission organizations or missionaries as a reflection of the eastern wise men who knelt and presented their gold, frankincense and myrrh?
The first Christmas participants all paid dearly, if not in actual money, then in other sacrificial ways. Consider a few of these …
Zecharias and Elizabeth – Zecharias, whose son, John the Baptist, would later publicly announce Christ as Messiah, was struck dumb and deaf for his temporary unbelief (Luke 1:20) that his wife would bear a child. Both he and Elizabeth had to bid farewell to their boy early so he could be alone with God in the desert (Luke 1:80). John himself was beheaded by adulterous Herod for his denunciation of Herod’s sins (Mark 6:14–29).
Mary and Joseph – Mary faced searing criticism as a possible fornicator being pregnant by an unidentified father before she and Joseph lived together as husband and wife (Luke 1:34). Mary traveled twice to southern Israel, first to see Elizabeth and then to Bethlehem in the final stages of pregnancy (Luke 1:39; 2:1-4). The journeys were a total of possibly 210 miles. Simeon’s cryptic forecast of Mary’s broken heart must have cost her peace and calm (Luke 2:34).
Joseph was concerned over an unfaithful fiancée (Matt. 1:19). He gave up sex with his new wife until Christ was born (Matt. 1:25).
Both traveled to Bethlehem some 70 miles from home with the baby's birth imminent. As homeless travelers, they sought a suitable birthplace but bedded down in a cow stall. Later, the young family had to flee at night from Bethlehem, where they had established a home, to Egypt (a trip of about 50 plus miles) until Herod died (Matt. 2:14, 15). Then they had to divert to avoid their Bethlehem home to travel far north back to Nazareth where a quizzical welcome no doubt awaited them.
Demonic and angelic tension must have been felt by the holy family. Revelation 12:4 says that Satan stood before the woman to devour the child at birth. Rough math indicates that there are at least 150 million supernatural created spirit beings if we add at least 100 million unfallen angels (Rev. 5:11) and 50 million who fell with Satan (Rev. 12:4). Satan’s minions were likely marshaled against the multitude of heavenly hosts revealed to the shepherds of Luke 2.
The Shepherds – They were first terrified, and then they sacrificed to travel from their flocks to an obscure stable. I imagine lots of puzzled stares met them when they inquired about an obscure newborn lying in a common feeding trough.
The Wise Men – They paid the price of a two-year trek across hostile areas to worship Christ and offer their valuable gifts (Matt. 1:1–12).
Jesus Christ – Christ Himself experienced the greatest cost. The great Creator (John 1:3, Col. 1:16) voluntarily laid aside the full preferences of His glory to become a human and die for us (Phil. 2:5-8). Christ’s homesickness for heaven is seen in John 17:5. He knew He would not return home before being savagely scarred by our sins. God, the Father, also paid dearly to yield His only begotten Son. As someone once said regarding his human son, “I could give myself, but I could not give my son!”
Christmas was so very costly. Salvation is free, but it is never cheap. The supreme price matches the superb gift in Romans 8:32. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
John 3:16 & 17 eternally stand as the awesome Christmas benchmark of divine cost and sovereign bestowal: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Each person who paid so dearly is uniquely honored around the world, especially at Christmas. Christian sacrifice should always be counted as an investment, not a loss. When Peter asked about any gain there might be since he and the other disciples had left all to follow Christ, the Lord said that the eternal return would be one hundred fold, which is 10,000% and much more in eternity (Mark 10:30).
Hymnwriter Esther Kerr Rusthoi put it so well:
It will be worth it all
When we see Jesus,
Life’s trails will seem so small
When we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face,
All sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race,
Till we see Christ.
Dave Virkler
If you are enjoying these blogs, we would appreciate hearing from you. E-mail us at info@wordandtheworld.org.
However, the cost of the items in “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” a comical benchmark for analysts, reportedly was up to about $ 86,900, soaring from years before.
To cut back on Christmas spending, proposed ideas include wrapping gifts in newspaper, giving IOU gifts (a note promising to do something nice for someone), handmade cards, custom baked goods or customized calendars highlighting important dates. Some suggested cost-cutting measures also included using LED lights, which use less electricity, and turning off displays during all daylight hours. Hand-made tree ornaments are also a possibility, even using family photos hung on the tree or perhaps draping old-fashioned inexpensive garlands of popcorn. Christmas tree economies were also suggested such as buying only live trees, which can be planted later, or purchasing artificial trees that could be reused for many years.
Whatever the expense of Christmas, many shoppers will be paying off Christmas debts for a long time. Many of these incurred debts have little or nothing to do with the real concept of the first Christmas, which was kneeling and giving gifts to the newborn King Jesus. I wonder how many extra gifts are given to churches, mission organizations or missionaries as a reflection of the eastern wise men who knelt and presented their gold, frankincense and myrrh?
The first Christmas participants all paid dearly, if not in actual money, then in other sacrificial ways. Consider a few of these …
Zecharias and Elizabeth – Zecharias, whose son, John the Baptist, would later publicly announce Christ as Messiah, was struck dumb and deaf for his temporary unbelief (Luke 1:20) that his wife would bear a child. Both he and Elizabeth had to bid farewell to their boy early so he could be alone with God in the desert (Luke 1:80). John himself was beheaded by adulterous Herod for his denunciation of Herod’s sins (Mark 6:14–29).
Mary and Joseph – Mary faced searing criticism as a possible fornicator being pregnant by an unidentified father before she and Joseph lived together as husband and wife (Luke 1:34). Mary traveled twice to southern Israel, first to see Elizabeth and then to Bethlehem in the final stages of pregnancy (Luke 1:39; 2:1-4). The journeys were a total of possibly 210 miles. Simeon’s cryptic forecast of Mary’s broken heart must have cost her peace and calm (Luke 2:34).
Joseph was concerned over an unfaithful fiancée (Matt. 1:19). He gave up sex with his new wife until Christ was born (Matt. 1:25).
Both traveled to Bethlehem some 70 miles from home with the baby's birth imminent. As homeless travelers, they sought a suitable birthplace but bedded down in a cow stall. Later, the young family had to flee at night from Bethlehem, where they had established a home, to Egypt (a trip of about 50 plus miles) until Herod died (Matt. 2:14, 15). Then they had to divert to avoid their Bethlehem home to travel far north back to Nazareth where a quizzical welcome no doubt awaited them.
Demonic and angelic tension must have been felt by the holy family. Revelation 12:4 says that Satan stood before the woman to devour the child at birth. Rough math indicates that there are at least 150 million supernatural created spirit beings if we add at least 100 million unfallen angels (Rev. 5:11) and 50 million who fell with Satan (Rev. 12:4). Satan’s minions were likely marshaled against the multitude of heavenly hosts revealed to the shepherds of Luke 2.
The Shepherds – They were first terrified, and then they sacrificed to travel from their flocks to an obscure stable. I imagine lots of puzzled stares met them when they inquired about an obscure newborn lying in a common feeding trough.
The Wise Men – They paid the price of a two-year trek across hostile areas to worship Christ and offer their valuable gifts (Matt. 1:1–12).
Jesus Christ – Christ Himself experienced the greatest cost. The great Creator (John 1:3, Col. 1:16) voluntarily laid aside the full preferences of His glory to become a human and die for us (Phil. 2:5-8). Christ’s homesickness for heaven is seen in John 17:5. He knew He would not return home before being savagely scarred by our sins. God, the Father, also paid dearly to yield His only begotten Son. As someone once said regarding his human son, “I could give myself, but I could not give my son!”
Christmas was so very costly. Salvation is free, but it is never cheap. The supreme price matches the superb gift in Romans 8:32. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?”
John 3:16 & 17 eternally stand as the awesome Christmas benchmark of divine cost and sovereign bestowal: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Each person who paid so dearly is uniquely honored around the world, especially at Christmas. Christian sacrifice should always be counted as an investment, not a loss. When Peter asked about any gain there might be since he and the other disciples had left all to follow Christ, the Lord said that the eternal return would be one hundred fold, which is 10,000% and much more in eternity (Mark 10:30).
Hymnwriter Esther Kerr Rusthoi put it so well:
It will be worth it all
When we see Jesus,
Life’s trails will seem so small
When we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face,
All sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race,
Till we see Christ.
Dave Virkler
If you are enjoying these blogs, we would appreciate hearing from you. E-mail us at info@wordandtheworld.org.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Taking Time to Reflect
Yesterday morning was the last Sunday before Christmas in this year of 2008. Despite threatening weather, we went ahead with out annual Christmas program that same night. And the Lord blessed the effort with a good attendance and hopefully blessed those who braved the elements to attend.
But during the morning message we were told a story about a Christmas spectacular from years ago. The church was apparently a majestic scene with over 10,000 lights and additional decorations as well. It was a sight to behold!
When the celebration was over, all made their ways home. But upon arriving home, it dawned on the pastor that he had left a gift at the church and had to return. Upon entering the building he noticed light coming from what should have been a now darkened auditorium. Upon entering the large room he noticed the youth pastor of the church just sitting near the front all alone and starring at the amazing scene. The senior pastor walked quietly down the aisle, touched his associate's shoulder, and asked, “Phil, what are you still doing here?” The answer was unexpected. “I’m just soaking it all in for a few more minutes.”
As the celebration of the Incarnation comes, it so easy to get bogged down in all of the nice external stuff that is incorporated into the season. But for the Christian, the only one who can really fathom the reality of eternal God becoming human flesh and dwelling with us, there should be time set aside in private to just ‘soak it all in’.
There should be a many moments of reflecting on the ultimate Gift – the one that cost Christ everything in sacrifice and that requires us to only trust Him fully and be thankful eternally!
Don’t let the celebration of God’s greatest Gift to man come and go without giving Him thanks by ‘soaking it all in’.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Bill Breckenridge
But during the morning message we were told a story about a Christmas spectacular from years ago. The church was apparently a majestic scene with over 10,000 lights and additional decorations as well. It was a sight to behold!
When the celebration was over, all made their ways home. But upon arriving home, it dawned on the pastor that he had left a gift at the church and had to return. Upon entering the building he noticed light coming from what should have been a now darkened auditorium. Upon entering the large room he noticed the youth pastor of the church just sitting near the front all alone and starring at the amazing scene. The senior pastor walked quietly down the aisle, touched his associate's shoulder, and asked, “Phil, what are you still doing here?” The answer was unexpected. “I’m just soaking it all in for a few more minutes.”
As the celebration of the Incarnation comes, it so easy to get bogged down in all of the nice external stuff that is incorporated into the season. But for the Christian, the only one who can really fathom the reality of eternal God becoming human flesh and dwelling with us, there should be time set aside in private to just ‘soak it all in’.
There should be a many moments of reflecting on the ultimate Gift – the one that cost Christ everything in sacrifice and that requires us to only trust Him fully and be thankful eternally!
Don’t let the celebration of God’s greatest Gift to man come and go without giving Him thanks by ‘soaking it all in’.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Super Rower Falls Short
He rowed for 10 full months and covered over 9,500 nautical miles. But in the end he fell agonizingly short.
In February, Italian Alex Bellini began from Peru with the goal being to eventually arrive in Australia. But just 65 miles short of his destination, the 30-year old met up with strong winds and became too physically wasted to row his 25’ vessel any farther - despite being almost in literal site of the finish. The battered sailor told the press that he was feeling fine, all things considered, but was totally exhausted. Bellini sited two reasons for the dangerous and rugged journey. The first was to cross the Pacific alone. Secondly, it was to test his personal limits and discover something about himself.
Since most people never even consider attempting something as exhilarating or dangerous as Alex Bellini, they will never know the headiness of victory or utter disappointment of falling short of such a lofty personal goal. But there is another finish line - a spiritual and universal one. Crossing it victoriously brings an unparalleled prize. But failure means an unimaginable and frightening result. It is a challenge to which every man and woman needs to be fully aware and take serious aim at. Failure to do so will bring consequences not even worthy to be compared with losing at any earthly pursuit.
In Romans chapter 3, the Apostle Paul revealed that every man’s relationship with his or her Creator was a doomed voyage from the start. Verse 23 reads, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” To put it bluntly man is born physically alive but spiritually dead. (Ephesians 2:1-2) All enter into life in a state of utter spiritual defeat and worthy of divine judgment. The term ‘fall short’ as seen in Romans 3 literally means ‘to miss the mark’. Man in his natural unregenerate state can never know God, please God, or be at peace with Him on any level. He is born dead.
Personal human achievements, no matter how impressive, will not carry any weight when the time arrives for all to give an account to their maker. On that sobering day all lame and desperate excuses for not accepting a relationship with Jesus Christ will instantly dissolve, being quickly followed by the mind-boggling realization of Hebrews 10:31. “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
But with all of that said, this unimaginable scenario need never occur. The same apostle who wrote that all have fallen short and missed the mark of God’s standards also penned the words in Romans 5:1-2. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” There is hope and there is a solution! It is the very same one as Paul and Silas offered to the desperate and suicidal jailer in Acts 16:31. “So they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved…”
Alex Bellini gave a heroic effort but still missed his goal. But Alex still has options. He can rest and be content with his great attempt. He can become bitter about his failure and do nothing. Or he can even try for the victory again and work harder, should that be his desire. But no such options exist when relating to the God of the Bible. When all is said and done, and life comes to a halt, each of us will have either missed God’s mark fully through our own human efforts or will have hit the target squarely through the person and work of Christ!
In the final analysis, there will be no spiritual middle ground, no compromise, no acceptance of worthy performances, and no second chances. Reconciliation between God and man will be based solely on what John described in 1 John 5:12. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Could that have been made any clearer?
When thinking of the heavenly finish line, unbelievers need to consider Jesus’ own words in Matthew16:26-27. “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” And believers need to hone in on the words of Paul. “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain.” (1 Corinthians 9:24)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, December 15, 2008
Sarah Palin's Home Church Torched
Members of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's church did not meet in their usual location this past Sunday. The congregation instead gathered in a nearby middle school after their building suffered a fire which caused an estimated million dollars in damage. The blaze was set at the main entrance Friday night and is being investigated as arson. The governor stopped by Saturday and reportedly told an assistant pastor that she was sorry if the fire was connected to the "undeserved negative attention" the church has received since she became the vice presidential candidate.
John Doak, associate pastor at Wasilla Bible Church, stated that the church’s people realized that the church is not the building but is the body of Christ. He said, "The church is still there. We are the church."
Pastor Doak is exactly right. The Bible does speak repeatedly of the church in terms of physical locations in the New Testament. (1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2-3) But the primary, and far more important, designation has to do with the people who gather together in any location.
The term church comes from the Greek word ‘ekklesia’ and means a calling out. In other words, the church of Jesus Christ is made up of all that have been called out of the world and into God’s family through personal faith. These are the redeemed of God. They alone possess a unique link and relationship to the God who created them and subsequently saved them.
To best understand the church and its relationship to Christ requires a general understanding of the book of Ephesians. It is there that the Apostle Paul relates the profound connection of Christ to His special people. This connection is also noted in Colossians 1:24 where Paul writes, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” Then in 1 Peter 2:9, a spiritual description of those who comprise the church is outlined. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Physical church buildings have been a target of God’s adversary since such places existed. So this latest attack in Alaska was not the first, nor will it be the last. The reason is simple. It is simply a matter of sin and spiritual warfare – an ongoing battle that will rage until Christ’s victorious return.
The first Christmas was all about the future building of Christ’s church on earth. This miraculous reality would become a reality not long after that first Easter morning when the entrance of the Holy Spirit ushered the new and glorious church age (Acts 2:1-4) And while structures continue to come and go, the spiritual entity that is the church will remain intact, come what may.
In Matthew 16, Jesus was questioning His disciples as to His true identity. After their relating back some of the opinions of what outsiders thought, the Lord directed the inquiry their way in verse 15. "But who do you say that I am?" It was at that juncture that Peter stepped forward and responded correctly stating, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." His words, in turn, led to one of the greatest of declarations concerning the durability of the church and its ability to thrive and survive all future persecution.
“Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Mathew 16: 17-18)
Bill Breckenridge
John Doak, associate pastor at Wasilla Bible Church, stated that the church’s people realized that the church is not the building but is the body of Christ. He said, "The church is still there. We are the church."
Pastor Doak is exactly right. The Bible does speak repeatedly of the church in terms of physical locations in the New Testament. (1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Corinthians 1:2-3) But the primary, and far more important, designation has to do with the people who gather together in any location.
The term church comes from the Greek word ‘ekklesia’ and means a calling out. In other words, the church of Jesus Christ is made up of all that have been called out of the world and into God’s family through personal faith. These are the redeemed of God. They alone possess a unique link and relationship to the God who created them and subsequently saved them.
To best understand the church and its relationship to Christ requires a general understanding of the book of Ephesians. It is there that the Apostle Paul relates the profound connection of Christ to His special people. This connection is also noted in Colossians 1:24 where Paul writes, “I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church.” Then in 1 Peter 2:9, a spiritual description of those who comprise the church is outlined. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Physical church buildings have been a target of God’s adversary since such places existed. So this latest attack in Alaska was not the first, nor will it be the last. The reason is simple. It is simply a matter of sin and spiritual warfare – an ongoing battle that will rage until Christ’s victorious return.
The first Christmas was all about the future building of Christ’s church on earth. This miraculous reality would become a reality not long after that first Easter morning when the entrance of the Holy Spirit ushered the new and glorious church age (Acts 2:1-4) And while structures continue to come and go, the spiritual entity that is the church will remain intact, come what may.
In Matthew 16, Jesus was questioning His disciples as to His true identity. After their relating back some of the opinions of what outsiders thought, the Lord directed the inquiry their way in verse 15. "But who do you say that I am?" It was at that juncture that Peter stepped forward and responded correctly stating, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." His words, in turn, led to one of the greatest of declarations concerning the durability of the church and its ability to thrive and survive all future persecution.
“Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it." (Mathew 16: 17-18)
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Christmas Aversion
Anti-Christmas activities have reached a new low in the U.S. and Netherlands. We would expect it from the Netherlands, where anything goes, but not the U.S.
In Amsterdam, a Dutch gay group is planning a “Pink Christmas” which, for the first time, will feature a live manger scene with two Josephs and two Marys. This perverse manger scene is to tout the idea that expands choices for homosexual men and women and is a “wink” at heterosexual assumptions. This is really nothing irregular since Holland legalized gay marriage in 2001. Predictably, a Christian organization reacted saying, “By putting Mary and Joseph down as homosexuals, a cracked human fantasy is being tacked on to history from the Bible,” and urged the city to reject it.
When basic God-ordained marriage between one man and one woman is broadened to include formations of whatever genders and numbers, the general order of society and the health of such a country are severely jeopardized. Such degradation may be freedom’s leading edge of social progress, but it’s the trailing edge of society in decline.
Paul probed the fall in Romans chapter 1: “…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools … Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves … For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality … (Romans 1:21, 22, 24, 26-29a – emphasis mine)
In the Greek, “fools” in this text is “moraino” from which we get the term “moron.” And speaking of fools, the Psalmist said twice, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
In King David’s day, atheists hid their unbelief in their hearts, but in the Washington State Capitol building, they have publicly proclaimed it in a Christmas display area. Atheists from the Freedom From Religion Foundation obtained permission to place an anti-religion message as a part of the holiday displays. The signboard reads: “There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens our hearts and enslaves our minds.” Incredible!
Modest atheists would admit that there may be some kind of God somewhere in the universe. Since die-hard atheists seem to assert there is no God at all, that would indicate they themselves are somehow omnipresent (everywhere present in the universe at once) in order to know that. This would qualify them as God and make their atheism absurd. The ultimate fall of Eve in Eden was to buy into Satan’s lie as Gen. 3:4-5 says. “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” Ordinary men in unbelief have inevitably sought “god-likeness.”
Someone has noted that a true atheist impact could be considerable if all atheists would volunteer to work on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Further, they might stop dating their checks and legal papers with 2008, which marks the year since the birth of Jesus. They should seek legislation to rename scores of cities and towns around the country such as Nazareth and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, two biblical towns figuring in the birth story of Christ. Los Angeles would have to be renamed since it means “city of angels.” Corpus Christi, “the body of Christ,” also has to go.
A Christmas defender of the manger scene placed near the atheists’ pathetic statement of ignorance in the Washington State capitol said, “I think the manger scene speaks for itself.” It has spoken out for centuries, and the Babe of Bethlehem, who was the Christ of Calvary, became the Lord of glory and is personal Savior who lives in the hearts of millions around the world.
Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia minister, visited ancient Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1865 and wrote a famous Christmas carol in 1868 after returning home. Its truth stands despite atheists’ ignorance:
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by:
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
The manger still speaks for itself.
Dave Virkler
In Amsterdam, a Dutch gay group is planning a “Pink Christmas” which, for the first time, will feature a live manger scene with two Josephs and two Marys. This perverse manger scene is to tout the idea that expands choices for homosexual men and women and is a “wink” at heterosexual assumptions. This is really nothing irregular since Holland legalized gay marriage in 2001. Predictably, a Christian organization reacted saying, “By putting Mary and Joseph down as homosexuals, a cracked human fantasy is being tacked on to history from the Bible,” and urged the city to reject it.
When basic God-ordained marriage between one man and one woman is broadened to include formations of whatever genders and numbers, the general order of society and the health of such a country are severely jeopardized. Such degradation may be freedom’s leading edge of social progress, but it’s the trailing edge of society in decline.
Paul probed the fall in Romans chapter 1: “…because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools … Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves … For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality … (Romans 1:21, 22, 24, 26-29a – emphasis mine)
In the Greek, “fools” in this text is “moraino” from which we get the term “moron.” And speaking of fools, the Psalmist said twice, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, They have done abominable works, There is none who does good.” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1)
In King David’s day, atheists hid their unbelief in their hearts, but in the Washington State Capitol building, they have publicly proclaimed it in a Christmas display area. Atheists from the Freedom From Religion Foundation obtained permission to place an anti-religion message as a part of the holiday displays. The signboard reads: “There are no gods, no devils, no angels, no heaven or hell. Religion is but myth and superstition that hardens our hearts and enslaves our minds.” Incredible!
Modest atheists would admit that there may be some kind of God somewhere in the universe. Since die-hard atheists seem to assert there is no God at all, that would indicate they themselves are somehow omnipresent (everywhere present in the universe at once) in order to know that. This would qualify them as God and make their atheism absurd. The ultimate fall of Eve in Eden was to buy into Satan’s lie as Gen. 3:4-5 says. “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil’” Ordinary men in unbelief have inevitably sought “god-likeness.”
Someone has noted that a true atheist impact could be considerable if all atheists would volunteer to work on Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Further, they might stop dating their checks and legal papers with 2008, which marks the year since the birth of Jesus. They should seek legislation to rename scores of cities and towns around the country such as Nazareth and Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, two biblical towns figuring in the birth story of Christ. Los Angeles would have to be renamed since it means “city of angels.” Corpus Christi, “the body of Christ,” also has to go.
A Christmas defender of the manger scene placed near the atheists’ pathetic statement of ignorance in the Washington State capitol said, “I think the manger scene speaks for itself.” It has spoken out for centuries, and the Babe of Bethlehem, who was the Christ of Calvary, became the Lord of glory and is personal Savior who lives in the hearts of millions around the world.
Phillips Brooks, a Philadelphia minister, visited ancient Bethlehem on Christmas Eve in 1865 and wrote a famous Christmas carol in 1868 after returning home. Its truth stands despite atheists’ ignorance:
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by:
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
The manger still speaks for itself.
Dave Virkler
The World's Top Killer
It is sometimes called simply the “Big C”, and according to the World health Organization (WHO), cancer will become the world’s top killer, replacing heart disease by the year 2010. In addition, it is estimated that global cancer cases will actually double by 2030. WHO reports some 12 million diagnosed cases this year, along with 7 million cancer-related deaths.
A primary reason for the dramatic increase is thought to be the rising tobacco use in developing countries, especially in countries like China and India where 40 percent of the world's smokers now live. Should the trend continue, experts feel that new cancer cases would balloon to 27 million annually over the next two decades or so. Dr. Douglas Blayney of the American Society of Clinical Oncology stated, "Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse."
One of the great undeniable facts of life is that it eventually leads to death. With all of the modern breakthroughs in medical technology, life’s duration has been extended, but death has not yet been defeated – at least in the physical realm. All will die, with the exception of those who are alive when Christ returns. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The process of dying understandably brings anxiety. But even so, Scripture reveals how godly people are given something unique to deal with the pain that occurs in life and often accompanies their death. The Apostle Paul wrote how life’s physical difficulties are often not eliminated by God, but rather designed or allowed for His glory and purpose.
Paul relates his own predicament and God’s response in 2 Corinthians 12. In verse 7-9 he writes, ”And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Again, physical death, in one form or another, will force itself equally upon mankind until the moment Jesus Christ officially defeats it forever. (1 Corinthians 15:26) But those who know Him will recognize their Savior’s awesome power over the grave and how that pertains to their eternal future. And they will possess a supernatural confidence in knowing of the victory promised them in 1 Corinthians 15.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)
Death will come to all but need not defeat any!
Bill Breckenridge
A primary reason for the dramatic increase is thought to be the rising tobacco use in developing countries, especially in countries like China and India where 40 percent of the world's smokers now live. Should the trend continue, experts feel that new cancer cases would balloon to 27 million annually over the next two decades or so. Dr. Douglas Blayney of the American Society of Clinical Oncology stated, "Few are aware that cancer already kills more people in poor countries than HIV, malaria and tuberculosis combined. And if current smoking trends continue, the problem will get significantly worse."
One of the great undeniable facts of life is that it eventually leads to death. With all of the modern breakthroughs in medical technology, life’s duration has been extended, but death has not yet been defeated – at least in the physical realm. All will die, with the exception of those who are alive when Christ returns. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
The process of dying understandably brings anxiety. But even so, Scripture reveals how godly people are given something unique to deal with the pain that occurs in life and often accompanies their death. The Apostle Paul wrote how life’s physical difficulties are often not eliminated by God, but rather designed or allowed for His glory and purpose.
Paul relates his own predicament and God’s response in 2 Corinthians 12. In verse 7-9 he writes, ”And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
Again, physical death, in one form or another, will force itself equally upon mankind until the moment Jesus Christ officially defeats it forever. (1 Corinthians 15:26) But those who know Him will recognize their Savior’s awesome power over the grave and how that pertains to their eternal future. And they will possess a supernatural confidence in knowing of the victory promised them in 1 Corinthians 15.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed — in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:51-55)
Death will come to all but need not defeat any!
Bill Breckenridge
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Modern Day Pirates
This time it was personal – at least for the vacationing civilians who were pursued and fired upon by pirates at sea. The latest attack was on a 600-foot long American ship, the M/S Nautica, and took place in the dangerous waters between Yemen and Somalia. Fortunately, the quick-thinking captain increased his ship's speed leaving 4 the terrorist speedboats behind in his massive wake.
This year alone there have been nearly 100 attacks on vessels off the Somali coast. Of those, 40 have been hijacked and 13 remain in the hands of pirates. One of the captured ships, a Saudi supertanker, was filled with $100 millions of gallons worth of crude oil along with a crew of 250 who are still being held hostage. And it goes without saying that the world today is a dangerous place and getting more so with each passing day.
Despite the serious damage sometimes inflicted on unsuspecting and innocent people, the ability of evil-doers is limited to the physical realm – as painful as that can be. The more serious matter, by far is, is described by Peter in his first New Testament letter. In verse 8 of chapter 5 he warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” While Satan certainly prods and promotes those who would terrorize their fellow men, it is his legacy of spiritual harm that causes the worst type of damage – the kind that causing dire eternal consequences.
Jesus also revealed what kind of damage should be life’s top concern. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:4-5)
The Lord spoke often about the horrors of a literal hell. But His purpose was to cause the fear of judgement to be transformed into a saving faith, forgiveness of sin, and a heavenly home. This state of heart is arrived at only by trusting fully in His sacrificial death on the crossand life-giving resurrection from the grave. (Romans 5:8-10, 6:5) And once that has occurred, believers can begin to rely upon God’s promises and His unique ability to deliver them from the powers of darkness and to cope with the problems of life - a blessed truth is most fully detailed in Psalm 91, where the Psalmist speaks of God’s marvelous secret place of security.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers,and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side,and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look,and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.” (Psalm 91:2-9)
Bill Breckenridge
This year alone there have been nearly 100 attacks on vessels off the Somali coast. Of those, 40 have been hijacked and 13 remain in the hands of pirates. One of the captured ships, a Saudi supertanker, was filled with $100 millions of gallons worth of crude oil along with a crew of 250 who are still being held hostage. And it goes without saying that the world today is a dangerous place and getting more so with each passing day.
Despite the serious damage sometimes inflicted on unsuspecting and innocent people, the ability of evil-doers is limited to the physical realm – as painful as that can be. The more serious matter, by far is, is described by Peter in his first New Testament letter. In verse 8 of chapter 5 he warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” While Satan certainly prods and promotes those who would terrorize their fellow men, it is his legacy of spiritual harm that causes the worst type of damage – the kind that causing dire eternal consequences.
Jesus also revealed what kind of damage should be life’s top concern. "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will show you whom you should fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!" (Luke 12:4-5)
The Lord spoke often about the horrors of a literal hell. But His purpose was to cause the fear of judgement to be transformed into a saving faith, forgiveness of sin, and a heavenly home. This state of heart is arrived at only by trusting fully in His sacrificial death on the crossand life-giving resurrection from the grave. (Romans 5:8-10, 6:5) And once that has occurred, believers can begin to rely upon God’s promises and His unique ability to deliver them from the powers of darkness and to cope with the problems of life - a blessed truth is most fully detailed in Psalm 91, where the Psalmist speaks of God’s marvelous secret place of security.
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust." Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers,and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side,and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look,and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place.” (Psalm 91:2-9)
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Plaxico’s Plunge
New York Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress has tumbled from athletic heights to the legal pits. All by himself, without other help or trickery, he has plummeted from sports page heroism to front page shame.
Plaxico discharged his pocketed illegal handgun in a New York nightclub, superficially shooting himself but mortally wounding his career. He broke the law and he violated the rules of the NFL. As a law-abiding player, he could have received $25 million over the next five years. Now, his reputation is shattered, his position on the Super Bowl championship team is likely gone forever, and his fortune commensurately shrunk.
One commentator suggested that Burress’ stupid indiscretion would echo in coaches’ warnings for years: "Don’t be like Plaxico!" We hope that eager young athletes will see that actions do have consequences and life has rules. When broken, the quality of one’s life may be permanently degraded.
Plaxico’s contemporary plunge is reminiscent of an ancient biblical tumble. I speak of King David, who held the high ground but took the low road. Residing in his palace well up the northward elevation of the Jerusalem, he had a natural observatory onto the lower elevations of his subjects’ yards. He went for a walk on the palace rooftop, and his wandering eyes beheld Bathsheba whose soldier husband was off besieging what is present-day Amman, Jordan.
Most know the story: immediate lustful adultery, a troubling illegitimate pregnancy, the summons of husband Uriah from the battlefield, his dreadfully plotted cover-up murder, and the hellish results for a lifetime. Read it all in II Samuel 11.
David remained the legal king, but he lived with moral wounds. Actions have consequences, and whatever a man sows, he reaps according to Galatians 6:7. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
And reap David did. He had blood on his hands and a stabbing conscience. The baby died, his son committed similar serial sins on the rooftop and led a rebellion that deposed King David until the subversive boy died in the civil war.
Thankfully, Psalm 51 is drenched with God’s blood-bought forgiveness, but the David would say, "My sin is ever before me" (vs. 3). And so it probably was in his painful memory and wretched disease that clung to his body as Psalm 38:7 and 41:8 seem to suggest.
Someone once said, "We can live it up for five minutes and not live it down for fifty years." Many go sowing wild oats six days a week and then pray for crop failure on the seventh.
An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. God’s Word says of His judgments, statutes, commandments and fear, "...by them your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11).
In the context of Old Testament people who gave in to extreme stress and temptation, Paul wrote, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:11-13).
Good words for then and now.
Dave Virkler
If you wish to express your appreciation for this blog or comment in any way, please e-mail us at info@wordandtheworld.org.
Plaxico discharged his pocketed illegal handgun in a New York nightclub, superficially shooting himself but mortally wounding his career. He broke the law and he violated the rules of the NFL. As a law-abiding player, he could have received $25 million over the next five years. Now, his reputation is shattered, his position on the Super Bowl championship team is likely gone forever, and his fortune commensurately shrunk.
One commentator suggested that Burress’ stupid indiscretion would echo in coaches’ warnings for years: "Don’t be like Plaxico!" We hope that eager young athletes will see that actions do have consequences and life has rules. When broken, the quality of one’s life may be permanently degraded.
Plaxico’s contemporary plunge is reminiscent of an ancient biblical tumble. I speak of King David, who held the high ground but took the low road. Residing in his palace well up the northward elevation of the Jerusalem, he had a natural observatory onto the lower elevations of his subjects’ yards. He went for a walk on the palace rooftop, and his wandering eyes beheld Bathsheba whose soldier husband was off besieging what is present-day Amman, Jordan.
Most know the story: immediate lustful adultery, a troubling illegitimate pregnancy, the summons of husband Uriah from the battlefield, his dreadfully plotted cover-up murder, and the hellish results for a lifetime. Read it all in II Samuel 11.
David remained the legal king, but he lived with moral wounds. Actions have consequences, and whatever a man sows, he reaps according to Galatians 6:7. "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap."
And reap David did. He had blood on his hands and a stabbing conscience. The baby died, his son committed similar serial sins on the rooftop and led a rebellion that deposed King David until the subversive boy died in the civil war.
Thankfully, Psalm 51 is drenched with God’s blood-bought forgiveness, but the David would say, "My sin is ever before me" (vs. 3). And so it probably was in his painful memory and wretched disease that clung to his body as Psalm 38:7 and 41:8 seem to suggest.
Someone once said, "We can live it up for five minutes and not live it down for fifty years." Many go sowing wild oats six days a week and then pray for crop failure on the seventh.
An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure. God’s Word says of His judgments, statutes, commandments and fear, "...by them your servant is warned, and in keeping them there is great reward" (Psalm 19:11).
In the context of Old Testament people who gave in to extreme stress and temptation, Paul wrote, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it" (1 Corinthians 10:11-13).
Good words for then and now.
Dave Virkler
If you wish to express your appreciation for this blog or comment in any way, please e-mail us at info@wordandtheworld.org.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
What Makes You Happy?
According to a new study out of the University of Maryland, certain activities are associated with having a happy life. Dr John Robinson, a professor of sociology, has now published his findings in the journal Social Indicators Research.
The research itself was based upon the answers from 45, 000 Americans, and relied on 35 years of data collected by University of Chicago’s General Social Survey. The findings used primarily 8-10 activities to discover which ones seemingly made some people ‘happier’ than others. Among the things that led to so-called happiness were socializing, reading newspapers, and going to church. Surprisingly, those who watched a great deal of TV tended to be less happy. Dr. Robinson stated, “I don’t know that turning off the TV will make you more happy, but the data shows that people who spend the most time watching television are least happy in the long run."
It is interesting that the Bible uses the term ‘happy’ quite sparingly. As a matter of fact, the New King James Version lists it only twice in the New Testament - one of which is in Paul’s own description of himself during his defense before King Agrippa. (Acts 26:1-2) In contrast, the NKJV uses the term ‘joy’ over 60 times in the New Testament alone.
Perhaps these contrasting numbers are because, like the study showed, happiness is more a fleeting product of external factors, although church attendance could be counted as a positive internal influence as well. Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper and concrete. It springs from the inside – from the soul. True joy has the capacity to exist, and flourish, even while happiness is fluctuating with life’s circumstantial winds. An unshakable Biblical joy is not just happiness on steroids - but a form of peace and contentment, not really possible or explainable humanly speaking.
Joy is spoken of in the majority of the New Testament books. And a careful examination reveals that lasting inner joy to be primarily a spiritual commodity.Jesus spoke of the gift of His unique joy in John 15:11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” The ‘these things’ are related in the previous verses and include: answered prayer, peace, comfort, security, and power for fruitful Christian service.
The writer of Acts wrote of Christian joy in Acts 13:52. “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostle Paul used the joy concept repeatedly in his letters to the young churches. To the Roman Christians he wrote, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) And to the church at Galatia he said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Bible term joy is derived from a Greek word that speaks to an inner cheerfulness, a sense of being well off, or a calm delight – a commodity sought long and hard by mankind since the very outset.
For those still lacking salvation in Christ, that special peace with God and unique inner joy can never be known without coming to Him. But for all that do, Scripture reveals something special and distinct. Because God’s joy is supernatural, it can actually be the byproduct of dealing with the troubles that tend to drag the mere ‘happiness’ of the unbeliever all over the lot. Simply stated, those outside of God’s family find their momentary outlook on life to be chained to their current circumstances - whether they be good or bad.
And for any doubting the positive potential of a miraculous union of inner joy with outward trails, they need to consider the following Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostles Peter and James.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1Peter 4:2)
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
Why settle for some, external, circumstantial, and momentary happiness when there is a permanent inner joy available in Christ? “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4)
The choice is yours!
Bill Breckenridge
The research itself was based upon the answers from 45, 000 Americans, and relied on 35 years of data collected by University of Chicago’s General Social Survey. The findings used primarily 8-10 activities to discover which ones seemingly made some people ‘happier’ than others. Among the things that led to so-called happiness were socializing, reading newspapers, and going to church. Surprisingly, those who watched a great deal of TV tended to be less happy. Dr. Robinson stated, “I don’t know that turning off the TV will make you more happy, but the data shows that people who spend the most time watching television are least happy in the long run."
It is interesting that the Bible uses the term ‘happy’ quite sparingly. As a matter of fact, the New King James Version lists it only twice in the New Testament - one of which is in Paul’s own description of himself during his defense before King Agrippa. (Acts 26:1-2) In contrast, the NKJV uses the term ‘joy’ over 60 times in the New Testament alone.
Perhaps these contrasting numbers are because, like the study showed, happiness is more a fleeting product of external factors, although church attendance could be counted as a positive internal influence as well. Joy, on the other hand, is something deeper and concrete. It springs from the inside – from the soul. True joy has the capacity to exist, and flourish, even while happiness is fluctuating with life’s circumstantial winds. An unshakable Biblical joy is not just happiness on steroids - but a form of peace and contentment, not really possible or explainable humanly speaking.
Joy is spoken of in the majority of the New Testament books. And a careful examination reveals that lasting inner joy to be primarily a spiritual commodity.Jesus spoke of the gift of His unique joy in John 15:11. "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” The ‘these things’ are related in the previous verses and include: answered prayer, peace, comfort, security, and power for fruitful Christian service.
The writer of Acts wrote of Christian joy in Acts 13:52. “And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.”
The Apostle Paul used the joy concept repeatedly in his letters to the young churches. To the Roman Christians he wrote, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) And to the church at Galatia he said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
The Bible term joy is derived from a Greek word that speaks to an inner cheerfulness, a sense of being well off, or a calm delight – a commodity sought long and hard by mankind since the very outset.
For those still lacking salvation in Christ, that special peace with God and unique inner joy can never be known without coming to Him. But for all that do, Scripture reveals something special and distinct. Because God’s joy is supernatural, it can actually be the byproduct of dealing with the troubles that tend to drag the mere ‘happiness’ of the unbeliever all over the lot. Simply stated, those outside of God’s family find their momentary outlook on life to be chained to their current circumstances - whether they be good or bad.
And for any doubting the positive potential of a miraculous union of inner joy with outward trails, they need to consider the following Holy Spirit inspired words of the Apostles Peter and James.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy.” (1Peter 4:2)
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” (James 1:2-3)
Why settle for some, external, circumstantial, and momentary happiness when there is a permanent inner joy available in Christ? “And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1 John 1:4)
The choice is yours!
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, December 1, 2008
Presidential Pardons
"I beg your pardon," is more than a routine plea for restrained retaliation. It’s the plea of convicted criminals pleading for a last-minute presidential reprieve. In the present moment, it is the "lame duck" prerogative of President Bush.
From the least of crimes to the most wrenching deed, their perpetrators have petitioned the President to exercise his unconditional constitutional right to pardon whomever he will. This typically falls in the final weeks of any year; in Bush’s case, it is in the ebbing weeks of his presidency.
For publicity and seasonal humor, the President usually pardons a Thanksgiving turkey. This is a misnomer because the turkey is guilty of nothing except his own involuntary existence. In order to be pardoned, one has to be guilty of a crime.
In fact, some of the pardon commentary this year is incorrect. One article said it was "forgiving" the perpetrator. Pardon is not technically forgiveness but merely removing the punishment and some lingering consequences of the crime. If I offended you by spilling coffee all over you, for example, I might say, "I beg your pardon." This does not mean that I didn’t do it; it simply means that I am asking you not to hold this against me or retaliate in kind.
Pardon actually permanently affixes guilt. That offenders seek pardon and that they then willingly receive it are twin confessions of guilt. The most pointed modern example was the pardon of Richard Nixon by President Gerald Ford. When President Ford testified before Congress, he stated, "The acceptance of a pardon, according to the legal authorities—and we’ve checked them out very carefully—does indicate that by the acceptance the person who has accepted it, does, in effect, admit guilt."
The U.S. Department of Justice website says, "While a presidential pardon will restore various rights lost as a result of the pardoned offense and should lessen to some extent the stigma arising from a conviction, it will not erase or expunge the record of your conviction. Therefore, even if you are granted a pardon, you must still disclose your conviction on any form where such information is required, although you may also disclose the fact that you received a pardon."
Ultimate forgiveness is available only from God since all sinning offends Him. David had it right when he declared in Psalm 51:4, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge." He added in verse 7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
Even this is something short of New Testament "justification." The redeemed Christian is not merely pardoned; that would make him a permanent criminal although not suffering the punishment. The believer is a justified saint—legally proclaimed by God as though his sins had never been committed. Hebrews 10:17-18 reads, "…Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…"
The chorus of the hymn "One Day!" has it right:
Living–He loved me, dying–He saved me,
Buried–He carried my sins far away.
Rising–He justified, freely forever.
One day He’s coming–O glorious day!
Presidential pardons helpfully refocus biblical justification if we understand the Word of God.
Dave Virkler
From the least of crimes to the most wrenching deed, their perpetrators have petitioned the President to exercise his unconditional constitutional right to pardon whomever he will. This typically falls in the final weeks of any year; in Bush’s case, it is in the ebbing weeks of his presidency.
For publicity and seasonal humor, the President usually pardons a Thanksgiving turkey. This is a misnomer because the turkey is guilty of nothing except his own involuntary existence. In order to be pardoned, one has to be guilty of a crime.
In fact, some of the pardon commentary this year is incorrect. One article said it was "forgiving" the perpetrator. Pardon is not technically forgiveness but merely removing the punishment and some lingering consequences of the crime. If I offended you by spilling coffee all over you, for example, I might say, "I beg your pardon." This does not mean that I didn’t do it; it simply means that I am asking you not to hold this against me or retaliate in kind.
Pardon actually permanently affixes guilt. That offenders seek pardon and that they then willingly receive it are twin confessions of guilt. The most pointed modern example was the pardon of Richard Nixon by President Gerald Ford. When President Ford testified before Congress, he stated, "The acceptance of a pardon, according to the legal authorities—and we’ve checked them out very carefully—does indicate that by the acceptance the person who has accepted it, does, in effect, admit guilt."
The U.S. Department of Justice website says, "While a presidential pardon will restore various rights lost as a result of the pardoned offense and should lessen to some extent the stigma arising from a conviction, it will not erase or expunge the record of your conviction. Therefore, even if you are granted a pardon, you must still disclose your conviction on any form where such information is required, although you may also disclose the fact that you received a pardon."
Ultimate forgiveness is available only from God since all sinning offends Him. David had it right when he declared in Psalm 51:4, "Against You, You only, have I sinned, And done this evil in Your sight—That You may be found just when You speak, And blameless when You judge." He added in verse 7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."
Even this is something short of New Testament "justification." The redeemed Christian is not merely pardoned; that would make him a permanent criminal although not suffering the punishment. The believer is a justified saint—legally proclaimed by God as though his sins had never been committed. Hebrews 10:17-18 reads, "…Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ…"
The chorus of the hymn "One Day!" has it right:
Living–He loved me, dying–He saved me,
Buried–He carried my sins far away.
Rising–He justified, freely forever.
One day He’s coming–O glorious day!
Presidential pardons helpfully refocus biblical justification if we understand the Word of God.
Dave Virkler
Friday, November 28, 2008
Some Personal Thanksgiving Thoughts
My first reaction to Thanksgiving, of course, is what should be every Christian’s - namely to be grateful foremost for my salvation in Christ and the peace and security that brings. If we have nothing in this world other than that, we are infinitely, and eternally, blessed. And of course, for me, there are the added gifts of a godly wife, wonderful family, and being in full-time ministry here and elsewhere.
But my second thought is about something the Lord led me to do this past Friday night while giving a short devotional at church to the youth group. We had just served them a Thanksgiving turkey dinner and then I gathered them together just before the dessert. I picked a great kid whose name was Jordan. He’s twelve. And I asked him to detail everything he had done since the moment he opened his eyes that morning. I would let him proceed with a few things and then interrupt by saying something like this: “So you first awakened and got up from a warm comfortable bed, in a beautiful safe home with loving parents down the hall?” Of course he said Yes. I then said, “You know that even opening your eyes is a gift because we have two people in our church who are blind and others in such great pain that they can barely walk”.
Then I asked him for his next moves, which included getting dressed, eating breakfast and heading out to school, etc. So again, I asked, “How many sets of clothes and shoes did you have to pick from? “ His answer, after laughing, was, “You don’t even want to know”. I followed again saying, “And while you then tried to decide what to eat, for the first of your 3+ meals that day, there are millions of kids who will never learn to read or write, and who wake up every single day cold, hungry, and scared - some starving to death as we speak.” Next I asked him, “Did you then jump into a nice new warm car, get driven to the front door of a nice safe school, where you have friends and get a quality education?” ‘’That’s right,’ he said - although I’m not sure how much he was thankful for being sent to school?
But to make a long story short, we eventually got into Jordan’s evening hours where he described his typical life, including sports, friends, computer games, cell phones, and all of the things that characterize most of America’s youth culture today – not to mention us all sitting there in a beautiful church, with Christian friends, and programs designed for their fun and spiritual edification. I think the kids finally began to get where I was headed.
We eventiually ended up with him going back to sleep and getting ready to do it all over again. But all of that to say that, as I spoke about spiritual things to others, I typically turned back the applicatiob on myself. I again realized that all the daily so-called ‘little things’, we never much think about are all great blessings from God’s hand. They are not just our ‘birth rights’ as Americans, as we often treat them.
To wrap up, I asked the kids to compare their lives to those we were exposed to in our missions conference a few weeks earlier – children who have been kiddnapped as child soldiers in Uganda. Or 9-10-year old girls sold into slavery and prostition by their own familes in Cambodia. And there were the street boys of Lima, Peru, who live on drugs in scavenging through dumps, and just trying to squeak out another painful day of survival.
I don’t know what impact I had on the kids that night. Hopefully some. But I know what it did for me as I reconsidered my many blessings – even apart from having the priceless possesion of forgiveness of my sin, along with a personal reationship with the Creator God who granted it!
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:17-18)
Bill Breckenridge
If you enjoy these entries please e-mail us and let us know. Thanks and God bless!
But my second thought is about something the Lord led me to do this past Friday night while giving a short devotional at church to the youth group. We had just served them a Thanksgiving turkey dinner and then I gathered them together just before the dessert. I picked a great kid whose name was Jordan. He’s twelve. And I asked him to detail everything he had done since the moment he opened his eyes that morning. I would let him proceed with a few things and then interrupt by saying something like this: “So you first awakened and got up from a warm comfortable bed, in a beautiful safe home with loving parents down the hall?” Of course he said Yes. I then said, “You know that even opening your eyes is a gift because we have two people in our church who are blind and others in such great pain that they can barely walk”.
Then I asked him for his next moves, which included getting dressed, eating breakfast and heading out to school, etc. So again, I asked, “How many sets of clothes and shoes did you have to pick from? “ His answer, after laughing, was, “You don’t even want to know”. I followed again saying, “And while you then tried to decide what to eat, for the first of your 3+ meals that day, there are millions of kids who will never learn to read or write, and who wake up every single day cold, hungry, and scared - some starving to death as we speak.” Next I asked him, “Did you then jump into a nice new warm car, get driven to the front door of a nice safe school, where you have friends and get a quality education?” ‘’That’s right,’ he said - although I’m not sure how much he was thankful for being sent to school?
But to make a long story short, we eventually got into Jordan’s evening hours where he described his typical life, including sports, friends, computer games, cell phones, and all of the things that characterize most of America’s youth culture today – not to mention us all sitting there in a beautiful church, with Christian friends, and programs designed for their fun and spiritual edification. I think the kids finally began to get where I was headed.
We eventiually ended up with him going back to sleep and getting ready to do it all over again. But all of that to say that, as I spoke about spiritual things to others, I typically turned back the applicatiob on myself. I again realized that all the daily so-called ‘little things’, we never much think about are all great blessings from God’s hand. They are not just our ‘birth rights’ as Americans, as we often treat them.
To wrap up, I asked the kids to compare their lives to those we were exposed to in our missions conference a few weeks earlier – children who have been kiddnapped as child soldiers in Uganda. Or 9-10-year old girls sold into slavery and prostition by their own familes in Cambodia. And there were the street boys of Lima, Peru, who live on drugs in scavenging through dumps, and just trying to squeak out another painful day of survival.
I don’t know what impact I had on the kids that night. Hopefully some. But I know what it did for me as I reconsidered my many blessings – even apart from having the priceless possesion of forgiveness of my sin, along with a personal reationship with the Creator God who granted it!
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess 5:17-18)
Bill Breckenridge
If you enjoy these entries please e-mail us and let us know. Thanks and God bless!
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thanks to God!
Thanksgiving is the season for sumptuous meals, travel to family reunions, days off of school, a starting line in our sprint toward Christmas and a reason for a word from the White House.
In his annual Thanksgiving Proclamation, President Bush reviewed the Pilgrim settlers’ piety and recalled that Washington and Lincoln had issued sober proclamations in difficult times. In his 2008 call to thanks, one of approximately 100 presidential proclamations issued each year, Bush ended it as he always does saying he acted according to the Constitution and the laws of the land "in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight." That phrase "in the year of our Lord" clearly indicates that all time is anchored to the coming of Christ, who is the Lord of each year and as divine benefactor is to be the central focus of all our thanks.
After outlining the death of Christ, Hebrews 13:15 says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
According to Romans 1:21, the spiritually darkened pagan world slipped into its tragic mental and moral morass through lack of gratitude to God. "Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Ingratitude is not merely a tragic oversight. It can bring certain disaster. Consider Deuteronomy 8:11-18. "Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God…lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish."
An excellent musical focus that embodies extensive gratitude is the old Swedish hymn "Thanks To God!".
In his annual Thanksgiving Proclamation, President Bush reviewed the Pilgrim settlers’ piety and recalled that Washington and Lincoln had issued sober proclamations in difficult times. In his 2008 call to thanks, one of approximately 100 presidential proclamations issued each year, Bush ended it as he always does saying he acted according to the Constitution and the laws of the land "in the year of our Lord, two thousand and eight." That phrase "in the year of our Lord" clearly indicates that all time is anchored to the coming of Christ, who is the Lord of each year and as divine benefactor is to be the central focus of all our thanks.
After outlining the death of Christ, Hebrews 13:15 says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name."
According to Romans 1:21, the spiritually darkened pagan world slipped into its tragic mental and moral morass through lack of gratitude to God. "Because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened."
Ingratitude is not merely a tragic oversight. It can bring certain disaster. Consider Deuteronomy 8:11-18. "Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God…lest—when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; who led you through that great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty land where there was no water; who brought water for you out of the flinty rock; who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do you good in the end—then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth.’ And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the Lord your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish."
An excellent musical focus that embodies extensive gratitude is the old Swedish hymn "Thanks To God!".
Thanks to God for my Redeemer, Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry, Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for times now but a mem’ry, Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime, Thanks for dark and dreary fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten, Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks to God that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered, Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure, Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure, Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside, Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside, Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow, Thanks for heav’nly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow, Thanks thro’ all eternity!
Dave Virkler
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Reconsidering The Retirement Dream
Just when you thought it was safe to go into retirement – the bottom fails out. That is the tragic reality for many Americans who are retired or hoped to be before long. The economic crisis has wreaked havoc with individual portfolios, the value of 401k’s, stocks, and just about everything in between.
According to AARP, even before the current crisis, some one in five people had put off retirement and six in ten workers 45 and older said they were delaying retirement and expected to work longer. About one in four said they’re working longer hours at work to try to make ends meet. For many, economic stress has meant that their standard of living has been lowered, resulting in cutting back on vacations, travel and other forms of entertainment.
Few would not acknowledge frustration and pain of working toward a material goal for an entire lifetime, only to see it quickly slip into oblivion. But there are far worse things in life. There is the failure to adequately prepare spiritually for the future beyond this life.
In addition to what should be common sense, the Bible also warns about counting too heavily on material things that are unstable at best. The Old Testament book of Proverbs repeatedly speaks to the unwise reliance on wealth and other material assets. And it comes from a man who was rich beyond words. ”He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage." (Proverbs 11:28) “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
This author’s wise and compelling words, and others like them, are best understood when viewed in light of One who is the very sum of all wisdom and truth. In Matthew’s account, Jesus spoke to the issue of anxiety over worldly cares and fragile possessions. In Matthew 6:31-34 we read, "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
As the economic fear continues its growing grip on the nation, not even the most gifted of leaders can instantly fix the fiasco or predict the the future. It is beyond them now and always will be. But those who seek God's solutions to life’s problems, whether simple or complex, will find infinite assets and irrevocable promises. (Hebrews13:5) And while millions scheme and plot what is their next econonic move, hopefully wise Christians will take one other piece of sound advice – this time from the New Testament wisdom book for daily practical living.
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15)
Bill Breckenridge
According to AARP, even before the current crisis, some one in five people had put off retirement and six in ten workers 45 and older said they were delaying retirement and expected to work longer. About one in four said they’re working longer hours at work to try to make ends meet. For many, economic stress has meant that their standard of living has been lowered, resulting in cutting back on vacations, travel and other forms of entertainment.
Few would not acknowledge frustration and pain of working toward a material goal for an entire lifetime, only to see it quickly slip into oblivion. But there are far worse things in life. There is the failure to adequately prepare spiritually for the future beyond this life.
In addition to what should be common sense, the Bible also warns about counting too heavily on material things that are unstable at best. The Old Testament book of Proverbs repeatedly speaks to the unwise reliance on wealth and other material assets. And it comes from a man who was rich beyond words. ”He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage." (Proverbs 11:28) “Do not overwork to be rich; because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5)
This author’s wise and compelling words, and others like them, are best understood when viewed in light of One who is the very sum of all wisdom and truth. In Matthew’s account, Jesus spoke to the issue of anxiety over worldly cares and fragile possessions. In Matthew 6:31-34 we read, "Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
As the economic fear continues its growing grip on the nation, not even the most gifted of leaders can instantly fix the fiasco or predict the the future. It is beyond them now and always will be. But those who seek God's solutions to life’s problems, whether simple or complex, will find infinite assets and irrevocable promises. (Hebrews13:5) And while millions scheme and plot what is their next econonic move, hopefully wise Christians will take one other piece of sound advice – this time from the New Testament wisdom book for daily practical living.
"Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit"; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that." (James 4:13-15)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, November 24, 2008
Christmas Fireworks
Fireworks were missing from the annual Patchogue, New York boat parade on November 23 because it excluded the name "Christmas." In previous years, it was called the Patchogue Christmas Boat Parade. This year, it was merely the Patchogue Boat Parade. The Patchogue town fathers decided that the word "Christmas" was an offense to a tiny minority, so they removed it to soothe the offended. It is likely the first salvo in the annual Christmas wars.
Although usually associated with Fourth of July celebrations, a $5,000 fireworks display by the internationally famous Fireworks by Grucci of Brookhaven was part of the Christmas Boat Parade last year. But Grucci declined to do so this year because they felt the change in the name nominally demoted the celebration into a secular observance and not a true Christmas event. A compromise effort to have fireworks for a minor light festival as part of the event fell through. The company felt the fireworks display would not honor the original purpose of the parade, which was to observe Christmas.
So, no fireworks in Patchogue this year. Parade attendance fell by one third.
When replacing "Christmas" with what is perceived as the more neutral "holiday," detractors are likely unaware that the origin of the word is "Holy Day." Sometimes secular objectors merely fool themselves running in absurd circles.
The very name Christmas, with it focus on Christ and His virgin-birth appearance in a humble Judean cow stall over two thousand years ago, has been a growing offense in recent years. As secular pluralism has become the tacit unspoken law of the land, the historic facts that gave us the holiday have been morphed into generic Winter Holidays or some vague "points of light" observance. The Patchogue flap is the first volley of multiple shots at Christmas itself. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest event since Creation, promised in Genesis 2:15 leading all the way through Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in tax-payer clogged Bethlehem in the days of Roman Caesar Augustus and his lackey King Herod.
Even then, Christmas was a problem for politically-focused rulers and largely ignored by religious leaders. When Herod quizzed the wise men so he could beat a murderous path to Jesus’ residence, the Jewish scholars had to search their Bibles to specify the place. Herod wanted fireworks but the wrong kind. He ravaged the populace of young children to eradicate any competitor to his throne.
Ironically, from Bethlehem, one can see the cone-shaped hill known as the Herodium, where the wretched killer is buried, just a couple of miles from the town. Archaeologists have discovered his tomb inside this former opulent palace that became his burial vault. Herod’s coffin has been pulverized, likely by vengeance-seeking Jews, yet grateful Christian pilgrims daily stream through the birth-cave of Christ.
While secularists rewrite history and refuse to kneel at the manger, they increase their future pain of one day being forced to bow before the risen Christ. Philippians 2:7-11 merges His first and second comings. "…[He] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
We sing in the hymn, "Let every kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown, Him, Lord of all."
Christ may not be deemed worthy of His name in Patchogue or in other U.S. cities this Christmas, but He will be exalted above every name in the eternity to come. Men bow now willingly in subjection, but then they will bow forcibly in judgment. Christmas always focuses the choice.
Dave Virkler
Although usually associated with Fourth of July celebrations, a $5,000 fireworks display by the internationally famous Fireworks by Grucci of Brookhaven was part of the Christmas Boat Parade last year. But Grucci declined to do so this year because they felt the change in the name nominally demoted the celebration into a secular observance and not a true Christmas event. A compromise effort to have fireworks for a minor light festival as part of the event fell through. The company felt the fireworks display would not honor the original purpose of the parade, which was to observe Christmas.
So, no fireworks in Patchogue this year. Parade attendance fell by one third.
When replacing "Christmas" with what is perceived as the more neutral "holiday," detractors are likely unaware that the origin of the word is "Holy Day." Sometimes secular objectors merely fool themselves running in absurd circles.
The very name Christmas, with it focus on Christ and His virgin-birth appearance in a humble Judean cow stall over two thousand years ago, has been a growing offense in recent years. As secular pluralism has become the tacit unspoken law of the land, the historic facts that gave us the holiday have been morphed into generic Winter Holidays or some vague "points of light" observance. The Patchogue flap is the first volley of multiple shots at Christmas itself. The birth of the Lord Jesus Christ was the greatest event since Creation, promised in Genesis 2:15 leading all the way through Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in tax-payer clogged Bethlehem in the days of Roman Caesar Augustus and his lackey King Herod.
Even then, Christmas was a problem for politically-focused rulers and largely ignored by religious leaders. When Herod quizzed the wise men so he could beat a murderous path to Jesus’ residence, the Jewish scholars had to search their Bibles to specify the place. Herod wanted fireworks but the wrong kind. He ravaged the populace of young children to eradicate any competitor to his throne.
Ironically, from Bethlehem, one can see the cone-shaped hill known as the Herodium, where the wretched killer is buried, just a couple of miles from the town. Archaeologists have discovered his tomb inside this former opulent palace that became his burial vault. Herod’s coffin has been pulverized, likely by vengeance-seeking Jews, yet grateful Christian pilgrims daily stream through the birth-cave of Christ.
While secularists rewrite history and refuse to kneel at the manger, they increase their future pain of one day being forced to bow before the risen Christ. Philippians 2:7-11 merges His first and second comings. "…[He] made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
We sing in the hymn, "Let every kindred, ev’ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown, Him, Lord of all."
Christ may not be deemed worthy of His name in Patchogue or in other U.S. cities this Christmas, but He will be exalted above every name in the eternity to come. Men bow now willingly in subjection, but then they will bow forcibly in judgment. Christmas always focuses the choice.
Dave Virkler
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
A Firewall
You may have missed it in all the focus on the financial crisis, election follow-up and presidential transition, but a Christian college campus in California is the victim of the Montecito Tea Fire, which to date has destroyed over 800 homes and forced the evacuation of over 26,000 endangered people.
Westmont College in Santa Barbara is celebrating the deliverance of all faculty, staff and student lives while enduring the pain that eight structures, including dormitories and several educational buildings, are gone, and 16 faculty homes are burned to ashes. Memories are all that’s left.
The wild fire, fanned by 60- to 70-mile an hour winds, swept down a slope with such velocity that 800 students had to literally drop whatever they were doing to seek immediate refuge in the concrete block gym as the fire raged by. Tornado-like tongues of flame sliced through the campus, quickly turning homes and campus buildings into infernos and then smoldering cinders. Precious keepsakes were left behind as 41 faculty members and their families fled their campus homes. Sixteen of them would find nothing left when returning later, and thirty-five students also lost their rooms and belongings.
In the gym, some cried, others prayed and sang, and a few called home on their cell phones. A gas line failed, cutting off power to the campus. The gymnasium refuge was difficult but safe as sweltering heat made students sweat, smoke seeped in and ash even fell through the vents. The fireproof concrete walls divided the flames and protected the students with an incombustible shield.
By daybreak, the temporary gym tenants emerged, like Noah after the flood, to view an entirely different campus world. No life was lost through the perilous night, in great part because routine fire drills had prepped the student body for such a time as that, and they obediently raced to their prescribed refuge.
The many spiritual lessons they have learned are now seared into their memories. First, flee at once when the warning is given. Had they tarried in disbelief or lingered to rescue favored keepsakes, there would be casualties to mourn. If rigorous drills had been lacking, funerals would be planned instead of only structural rebuilding.
The fiery incident is loaded with biblical illustrations. Lot was told to exit Sodom before the fire fell and escaped with his life and his daughters, losing his wife because she turned to fix her gaze on things under fiery judgement. In a contrasting physical sense, Noah and his family boarded the ark and floated in a wooden chest that kept the flood waters outside.
Isaiah 43:2 promised God’s pilgrims, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
The chorus of the old hymn "God Leads His Dear Children Along" picks up that theme. "Some through the waters, Some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song; In the night season and all the day long."
The indifferent wealthy man in Luke’s gospel found himself "tormented in this flame" (Luke 16:24), a fate that was totally avoidable had he heeded Moses and the prophets who pointed to Christ as God’s eternal fire escape. Romans 8:1 promises, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
Westmont students will never forget the deflecting concrete walls that stood between them and fiery death. Christ, our great deliverer, is a sturdy firewall between believers and the judgment we deserve in our sinful selves. "He tasted death for every man," as Hebrews 2:9 says. A children’s Sunday School song says it all. "God’s judgment cannot fall on me, I’m covered by the blood you see. Jesus died on the tree, and His blood covers me. God’s judgment cannot fall on me."
Dave Virkler
You can find more information on the fire and recovery at Westmont’s website: www.westmont.edu.
Westmont College in Santa Barbara is celebrating the deliverance of all faculty, staff and student lives while enduring the pain that eight structures, including dormitories and several educational buildings, are gone, and 16 faculty homes are burned to ashes. Memories are all that’s left.
The wild fire, fanned by 60- to 70-mile an hour winds, swept down a slope with such velocity that 800 students had to literally drop whatever they were doing to seek immediate refuge in the concrete block gym as the fire raged by. Tornado-like tongues of flame sliced through the campus, quickly turning homes and campus buildings into infernos and then smoldering cinders. Precious keepsakes were left behind as 41 faculty members and their families fled their campus homes. Sixteen of them would find nothing left when returning later, and thirty-five students also lost their rooms and belongings.
In the gym, some cried, others prayed and sang, and a few called home on their cell phones. A gas line failed, cutting off power to the campus. The gymnasium refuge was difficult but safe as sweltering heat made students sweat, smoke seeped in and ash even fell through the vents. The fireproof concrete walls divided the flames and protected the students with an incombustible shield.
By daybreak, the temporary gym tenants emerged, like Noah after the flood, to view an entirely different campus world. No life was lost through the perilous night, in great part because routine fire drills had prepped the student body for such a time as that, and they obediently raced to their prescribed refuge.
The many spiritual lessons they have learned are now seared into their memories. First, flee at once when the warning is given. Had they tarried in disbelief or lingered to rescue favored keepsakes, there would be casualties to mourn. If rigorous drills had been lacking, funerals would be planned instead of only structural rebuilding.
The fiery incident is loaded with biblical illustrations. Lot was told to exit Sodom before the fire fell and escaped with his life and his daughters, losing his wife because she turned to fix her gaze on things under fiery judgement. In a contrasting physical sense, Noah and his family boarded the ark and floated in a wooden chest that kept the flood waters outside.
Isaiah 43:2 promised God’s pilgrims, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you."
The chorus of the old hymn "God Leads His Dear Children Along" picks up that theme. "Some through the waters, Some through the flood, Some through the fire, but all through the blood; Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song; In the night season and all the day long."
The indifferent wealthy man in Luke’s gospel found himself "tormented in this flame" (Luke 16:24), a fate that was totally avoidable had he heeded Moses and the prophets who pointed to Christ as God’s eternal fire escape. Romans 8:1 promises, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit."
Westmont students will never forget the deflecting concrete walls that stood between them and fiery death. Christ, our great deliverer, is a sturdy firewall between believers and the judgment we deserve in our sinful selves. "He tasted death for every man," as Hebrews 2:9 says. A children’s Sunday School song says it all. "God’s judgment cannot fall on me, I’m covered by the blood you see. Jesus died on the tree, and His blood covers me. God’s judgment cannot fall on me."
Dave Virkler
You can find more information on the fire and recovery at Westmont’s website: www.westmont.edu.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
More Meaningless World Records
It debuted in 1955 and has remained oddly popular ever since – odd being the key word. It is the Guinness Book of World Records, a collection of the bizarre and amazing records in every imaginable sphere. This past week several more records were attempted, including a Tokyo man who ran a hundred meter dash in under 19 seconds – not exactly impressive unless doing so while down on all fours! The first edition of the ultimate record book debuted in 1955 and was an instant hit. Some 50,000 original copies were sold and then three more editions were produced due to demand over the ensuing 12 months.
In more recent years, another field of record setting has emerged and become wildly popular. It is called competitive eating. This ‘sport’ even has its own official governing body – ‘Major League Eating’. Actually this type of activity has been around for centuries only more so in the background. In the Edda, a collection of 13th-century Norse myths, a story is told of an eating contest between the god Loki and his servant (the servant won by eating the plate). But one of the most well known food frenzies is held in Coney Island, New York, at Nathan’s Famous, a hot dog-based restaurant founded back in 1916. This year’s winner of the annual tummy torture thriller was Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California, who downed a staggering 59 dogs in the 10-minute regulation match. It can only be imagined how this form of American ‘competition’ is viewed in places where hunger and starvation is a brutal fact of everyday life.
But in many ways, over-eating has become no laughing matter in America. The problem seems to stem primarily on what is known simply as ‘portion distortion’. The consequences of the trend are easily seen in the variety of health issues that are initiated, or exacerbated, by eating too much and/or too much of the wrong food.
With that said, Jesus spoke about a more serious issue than taking in too much by way of mouth. The Pharisees were pressing Him as usual - this time about why His disciples were transgressing tradition by not washing their hands before they ate. In Matthew chapter 15: 8-9, the Lord silenced their attack by relating the all-important difference between worshipping God externally with lip service versus sincerely and internally from the heart. He typically summed the whole matter up in a few concise and profound words. “When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (Matthew 15:10-11)
To discover what the Lord was getting at takes only a brief consideration of His half brother’s words in James chapter 3. Beginning in verse 5, he wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Again, even a casual review of this passage reveals that what exits one’s mouth is far more harmful and deadly than what enters it!
Just imagine for a moment the untapped opportunities and potential of the church of Christ today. Imagine if some of the resources freely spent on excess and fancy foods were redirected to those for whom finding anything to eat is a matter of life and death? Consider briefly what might result if the time and energy regularly focused on ‘fine dining’ was instead spent on feeding and nourishing the Christian’s spiritual growth? And think about how much more effective the church would be in the world if it understood, and fully applied, the words of its Savor and leader in Matthew 4? “But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4)
There is an old, and fairly accurate, saying which goes as follows. “You are what you eat.” If so, then those in God’s family need to constantly consider their physical and spiritual diets. They must make any effort necessary to regulate their daily input according to the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
Bill Breckenridge
In more recent years, another field of record setting has emerged and become wildly popular. It is called competitive eating. This ‘sport’ even has its own official governing body – ‘Major League Eating’. Actually this type of activity has been around for centuries only more so in the background. In the Edda, a collection of 13th-century Norse myths, a story is told of an eating contest between the god Loki and his servant (the servant won by eating the plate). But one of the most well known food frenzies is held in Coney Island, New York, at Nathan’s Famous, a hot dog-based restaurant founded back in 1916. This year’s winner of the annual tummy torture thriller was Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California, who downed a staggering 59 dogs in the 10-minute regulation match. It can only be imagined how this form of American ‘competition’ is viewed in places where hunger and starvation is a brutal fact of everyday life.
But in many ways, over-eating has become no laughing matter in America. The problem seems to stem primarily on what is known simply as ‘portion distortion’. The consequences of the trend are easily seen in the variety of health issues that are initiated, or exacerbated, by eating too much and/or too much of the wrong food.
With that said, Jesus spoke about a more serious issue than taking in too much by way of mouth. The Pharisees were pressing Him as usual - this time about why His disciples were transgressing tradition by not washing their hands before they ate. In Matthew chapter 15: 8-9, the Lord silenced their attack by relating the all-important difference between worshipping God externally with lip service versus sincerely and internally from the heart. He typically summed the whole matter up in a few concise and profound words. “When He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, "Hear and understand: not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man." (Matthew 15:10-11)
To discover what the Lord was getting at takes only a brief consideration of His half brother’s words in James chapter 3. Beginning in verse 5, he wrote, “Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” Again, even a casual review of this passage reveals that what exits one’s mouth is far more harmful and deadly than what enters it!
Just imagine for a moment the untapped opportunities and potential of the church of Christ today. Imagine if some of the resources freely spent on excess and fancy foods were redirected to those for whom finding anything to eat is a matter of life and death? Consider briefly what might result if the time and energy regularly focused on ‘fine dining’ was instead spent on feeding and nourishing the Christian’s spiritual growth? And think about how much more effective the church would be in the world if it understood, and fully applied, the words of its Savor and leader in Matthew 4? “But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Matthew 4:4)
There is an old, and fairly accurate, saying which goes as follows. “You are what you eat.” If so, then those in God’s family need to constantly consider their physical and spiritual diets. They must make any effort necessary to regulate their daily input according to the words of the prophet Jeremiah.
“Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” (Jeremiah 15:16)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, November 17, 2008
The Road Home
I sometimes feel inclined to loosely quote Christ from the cross regarding the haphazard moves toward fixing our national financial crisis, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Seldom if ever, have American economists been so confused. Congress has allotted billions of dollars to failing banks and organizations, and now there is talk of even more. It is awarding more money to the miscreants, banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, mortgage lenders and, in the near future, auto makers, credit card companies, and perhaps even cites and states. It all adds up to "trillionizing" our plight. I have no concept of what that even means.
Conservative Republicanism has been turned on its ear, detouring to a parallel road described by "Joe the Plumber" as "socialism"—inadvertent perhaps, but socialism nonetheless. The government is promising loans and grants, taking from the ordinary taxpayer his financial freedom for years to come, and spreading it among spendthrift and mindless financiers. The world’s largest insurance company, AIG, is now largely nationalized as others may well be. That is socialism by any account.
Socialism is defined as group ownership of the means of production and distribution as opposed to the individual doing so. More tragically understood, it is taking from the ambitious and giving to the less ambitious, which means we soon run out of ambitious people. Put another way, "When we rob Peter to pay Paul, we find lots of support coming from Paul."
The country has lost its collective mind. This is financial insanity, and we are told the only way to remedy its financial health disorder is deeper bankruptcy. The government has no money, and budget deficits and national debt have been mounting for decades. Like the prodigal son, bankers have been dwelling in riotous living in a foreign land of nonsense. Now that they are in want, they are trying to figure out a route home. The roads may be washed out, and the father’s amnesty may have expired.
Interestingly, in the story of the prodigal son, it says "he came to himself." It really means he looked into himself and saw what he really was and returned to sanity. He had been living in unreality and had gone somewhat insane. (The story of the prodigal son is in Luke 15:11-32. Read it for yourself.)
General unbelief produces mental instability according to Romans 1:21-23, which reads, in part, "… although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools …" "Fool" in this text is the same word from which we derive "moron." "Foolish" is a term meaning "unable to put the pieces together," that is, having all the facts but unable to assemble them meaningfully. "Thoughts" is a word from which we get "dialogue," typical of endless and empty discussions. Spiritual ignorance of God has translated into financial folly.
This end-times scenario is likely predicted by Christ in Luke 21:25-26. "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (emphasis mine). "Distress" seems to mean "intense pressure." "Perplexity" is defined as "anxiety" or "distress," so much so as "having no way out." It is a quandary, to be at a loss, perhaps inadvertently describing the huge financial loss of recent weeks.
We hope that there is a road home and our economy regains equilibrium to live another day. If the story of the prodigal gives any hope, it requires of modern runaways that they repent and confess their sins. Financial disorder of the current magnitude indicates a kind of spiritual insanity that requires divine healing. Many have ignored the "unsearchable riches of Christ" in their mad scramble for wealth.
If the movers and shakers proceed only with human wisdom, the catastrophe may become permanent, and our nation will be devoured by strangers (aliens) as Isaiah 1:7 says. If sweeping repentance and confession occur, we can abide in the truth of 1 John 2:17: "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
In my opening sentence I lifted Jesus’ quote from the Cross. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…" (Luke 23:34). "Forgive" may also be translated, "Let be," as found in Matt. 27:49. Christ was likely saying, "Let the crucifixion continue to its end." Someone noted that there was something more important than judging sinners; Christ was judging sin by letting the crucifixion continue to its end. He paid the full price so that we never have to pay any price for salvation. That is the superior economics of redemption.
Dave Virkler
Conservative Republicanism has been turned on its ear, detouring to a parallel road described by "Joe the Plumber" as "socialism"—inadvertent perhaps, but socialism nonetheless. The government is promising loans and grants, taking from the ordinary taxpayer his financial freedom for years to come, and spreading it among spendthrift and mindless financiers. The world’s largest insurance company, AIG, is now largely nationalized as others may well be. That is socialism by any account.
Socialism is defined as group ownership of the means of production and distribution as opposed to the individual doing so. More tragically understood, it is taking from the ambitious and giving to the less ambitious, which means we soon run out of ambitious people. Put another way, "When we rob Peter to pay Paul, we find lots of support coming from Paul."
The country has lost its collective mind. This is financial insanity, and we are told the only way to remedy its financial health disorder is deeper bankruptcy. The government has no money, and budget deficits and national debt have been mounting for decades. Like the prodigal son, bankers have been dwelling in riotous living in a foreign land of nonsense. Now that they are in want, they are trying to figure out a route home. The roads may be washed out, and the father’s amnesty may have expired.
Interestingly, in the story of the prodigal son, it says "he came to himself." It really means he looked into himself and saw what he really was and returned to sanity. He had been living in unreality and had gone somewhat insane. (The story of the prodigal son is in Luke 15:11-32. Read it for yourself.)
General unbelief produces mental instability according to Romans 1:21-23, which reads, in part, "… although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools …" "Fool" in this text is the same word from which we derive "moron." "Foolish" is a term meaning "unable to put the pieces together," that is, having all the facts but unable to assemble them meaningfully. "Thoughts" is a word from which we get "dialogue," typical of endless and empty discussions. Spiritual ignorance of God has translated into financial folly.
This end-times scenario is likely predicted by Christ in Luke 21:25-26. "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (emphasis mine). "Distress" seems to mean "intense pressure." "Perplexity" is defined as "anxiety" or "distress," so much so as "having no way out." It is a quandary, to be at a loss, perhaps inadvertently describing the huge financial loss of recent weeks.
We hope that there is a road home and our economy regains equilibrium to live another day. If the story of the prodigal gives any hope, it requires of modern runaways that they repent and confess their sins. Financial disorder of the current magnitude indicates a kind of spiritual insanity that requires divine healing. Many have ignored the "unsearchable riches of Christ" in their mad scramble for wealth.
If the movers and shakers proceed only with human wisdom, the catastrophe may become permanent, and our nation will be devoured by strangers (aliens) as Isaiah 1:7 says. If sweeping repentance and confession occur, we can abide in the truth of 1 John 2:17: "And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever."
In my opening sentence I lifted Jesus’ quote from the Cross. "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…" (Luke 23:34). "Forgive" may also be translated, "Let be," as found in Matt. 27:49. Christ was likely saying, "Let the crucifixion continue to its end." Someone noted that there was something more important than judging sinners; Christ was judging sin by letting the crucifixion continue to its end. He paid the full price so that we never have to pay any price for salvation. That is the superior economics of redemption.
Dave Virkler
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Heart Disease In Young Children?
A new study shows that arteries of obese teens often look more like those of a 45-year old, complete with plaque buildup often associated with heart attacks or stroke. Scientists used ultrasound imaging to do the research in order to detected fatty depositsin the arteries of the participants.
In addition, it was discovered that more than half of the 70 youngsters, ages 10 to 18, had a "vascular age" nearly 30 years older than their actual age, putting them at risk for early heart attacks, stroke - and death. The research was presented Tuesday in New Orleans at the American Heart Association's gathering.
Physical heart disease is unquestionably a serious matter. But spiritual heart disease is far more deadly because it is eternally devastating - an alarming truth displayed throughout Scripture.
* A spiritually unhealthy and callous heart leads to the judgement of God.
"But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds." (Romans 2:4-6)
* A spiritually healthy heart is formed by faith, trust and belief in Jesus Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
* A spiritually healthy heart leads to Christian service and Godly living.
"But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18)
*A spiritually healthy heart can literally affect the condition of the physical heart.
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8)
* Finally, a spiritually healthy heart opens the door to a heavenly home.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
The lead author of the above study, Dr. Geetha Raghuveer of the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, stated, "There's a saying that you're as old as your arteries."
That may be true of one's physical heart chronologically speaking. But the author of creation itself, and the source of all Biblical truth, has revealed something of ultimate importance. He gave a blessed promise to His Old Testament people and one which applies today to all whose hearts have been made eternally healthy by faith in His Son.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Bill Breckenridge
In addition, it was discovered that more than half of the 70 youngsters, ages 10 to 18, had a "vascular age" nearly 30 years older than their actual age, putting them at risk for early heart attacks, stroke - and death. The research was presented Tuesday in New Orleans at the American Heart Association's gathering.
Physical heart disease is unquestionably a serious matter. But spiritual heart disease is far more deadly because it is eternally devastating - an alarming truth displayed throughout Scripture.
* A spiritually unhealthy and callous heart leads to the judgement of God.
"But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who will render to each one according to his deeds." (Romans 2:4-6)
* A spiritually healthy heart is formed by faith, trust and belief in Jesus Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)
* A spiritually healthy heart leads to Christian service and Godly living.
"But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18)
*A spiritually healthy heart can literally affect the condition of the physical heart.
"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones." (Proverbs 3:7-8)
* Finally, a spiritually healthy heart opens the door to a heavenly home.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8)
The lead author of the above study, Dr. Geetha Raghuveer of the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine, stated, "There's a saying that you're as old as your arteries."
That may be true of one's physical heart chronologically speaking. But the author of creation itself, and the source of all Biblical truth, has revealed something of ultimate importance. He gave a blessed promise to His Old Testament people and one which applies today to all whose hearts have been made eternally healthy by faith in His Son.
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them." (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
Bill Breckenridge
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
"Habitations of Cruelty"
This past weekend was the annual missionary conference at Chapel On The Hill here in North Jersey. It is my home church as it is Dave’s, and a loyal supporting church of this organization. It is also where I serve as Associate Pastor, along with my ministry duties here like this blog.
The conference weekend is arguably the most crucial part of the entire church year. The reason is simple. It is the moment where we personally, and collectively, decide on the extent to which we will obey what is commonly known as “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15). Our church has taken that challenge, and command, quite seriously over the years. We have made reaching out globally with the good news of Jesus Christ a priority – something the percentage of the church missons budget clearly affirms.
Our missionary family is what I would call a ‘balanced’ one. It encompasses almost every imaginable type of ministry, foreign and domestic. But as of this weekend, that balance may now be complete, or nearly so. This year, Pastor Paul Anderson led the local congregation on a journey into formerly hidden places that could be rightfully called the spiritually darkest on planet earth.
After sensing a burden from God, he had written a book over the past year, a very difficult and hard book. That work would be integrated into a new ministry implemented at the conference entitled “CUPbearers”. The book itself, “Habitations of Cruelty”, focused on some of the ‘unseen’ children of the world in three specific locations – Cambodia. Uganda, and Peru. In each place, unthinkably evil things are happening with precious young lives who remain invisible to a world largely ignorant of the massive and grizzly reality there.
The book was given out, without cost, to all that just promised to read it. It focused on two small ministries and one brave young lady. All three were involved in doing what they can for children forced into lives of incomprehensible violence and pain – things which may seem like purely fiction in modern America. We were made to consider the child soldiers of Uganda by Grace Akallo, who was one herself until escaping a personal hell on earth. There was the Ralpa House in Cambodia – a ministry that rescues and shares Christ with young girls sold in to the living nightmare of forced prostitution by their own families. Then there was Shama Center in Peru, a sanctuary where young, abused, drug-addicted boys living in streets of Lima can find physical relief and spiritual truth.
After our people listened to the representatives of each ministry, they were challenged to give. Pastor Anderson stated, ”The book is done. I’m not now an author or an activist. God has now called me to be a beggar.” He asked for 1 dollar each week and 1 minute of prayer per week for each outreach. That’s 3 dollars and 3 minutes per week – not much by any standard, especially for those of us for whom the amount would mean little more than giving up one large pizza in a month!
It was a painful and eye-opening few days. And for those who ‘got it’, it was an opportunity to respond to unimaginable suffering in Christ’s name. It was also a way to place a target for spiritual persecution squarely on their own backs, as was mentioned by Stephanie Freed of Rapha House, and as experienced by Pastor Anderson and his wife during the book’s writing.
The title of the book, was taken from a passage in Psalm 74:20 in the Old King James Version:
“Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty." That reveals the crude reality! The surrounding two verses share what must be the Christian response! “O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. “O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.” (Psalm 74:19, 21)
It was a different kind of conference this year. It was not that we learned so much more about the horror of a literal hell for people outside of Christ. We pretty much knew that – that's why we have our missionary program. But it was rather a true wakeup call concerning the daily ‘hell on earth’ many now face, not to mention the grim possibly of them later facing a literal and eternal hell.
Yet with that all said, our time together was in some ways typical. We were once again reminded that the only real solution, whether rescuing the suffering on earth, or reaching lost souls for eternity, has not changed. It all begins and ends with Christ’s love on the cross and is aided and furthered when those who know Him care, pray, and give of themselves for His great glory!
Bill Breckenridge
The conference weekend is arguably the most crucial part of the entire church year. The reason is simple. It is the moment where we personally, and collectively, decide on the extent to which we will obey what is commonly known as “The Great Commission” (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15). Our church has taken that challenge, and command, quite seriously over the years. We have made reaching out globally with the good news of Jesus Christ a priority – something the percentage of the church missons budget clearly affirms.
Our missionary family is what I would call a ‘balanced’ one. It encompasses almost every imaginable type of ministry, foreign and domestic. But as of this weekend, that balance may now be complete, or nearly so. This year, Pastor Paul Anderson led the local congregation on a journey into formerly hidden places that could be rightfully called the spiritually darkest on planet earth.
After sensing a burden from God, he had written a book over the past year, a very difficult and hard book. That work would be integrated into a new ministry implemented at the conference entitled “CUPbearers”. The book itself, “Habitations of Cruelty”, focused on some of the ‘unseen’ children of the world in three specific locations – Cambodia. Uganda, and Peru. In each place, unthinkably evil things are happening with precious young lives who remain invisible to a world largely ignorant of the massive and grizzly reality there.
The book was given out, without cost, to all that just promised to read it. It focused on two small ministries and one brave young lady. All three were involved in doing what they can for children forced into lives of incomprehensible violence and pain – things which may seem like purely fiction in modern America. We were made to consider the child soldiers of Uganda by Grace Akallo, who was one herself until escaping a personal hell on earth. There was the Ralpa House in Cambodia – a ministry that rescues and shares Christ with young girls sold in to the living nightmare of forced prostitution by their own families. Then there was Shama Center in Peru, a sanctuary where young, abused, drug-addicted boys living in streets of Lima can find physical relief and spiritual truth.
After our people listened to the representatives of each ministry, they were challenged to give. Pastor Anderson stated, ”The book is done. I’m not now an author or an activist. God has now called me to be a beggar.” He asked for 1 dollar each week and 1 minute of prayer per week for each outreach. That’s 3 dollars and 3 minutes per week – not much by any standard, especially for those of us for whom the amount would mean little more than giving up one large pizza in a month!
It was a painful and eye-opening few days. And for those who ‘got it’, it was an opportunity to respond to unimaginable suffering in Christ’s name. It was also a way to place a target for spiritual persecution squarely on their own backs, as was mentioned by Stephanie Freed of Rapha House, and as experienced by Pastor Anderson and his wife during the book’s writing.
The title of the book, was taken from a passage in Psalm 74:20 in the Old King James Version:
“Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty." That reveals the crude reality! The surrounding two verses share what must be the Christian response! “O deliver not the soul of thy turtledove unto the multitude of the wicked: forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. “O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name.” (Psalm 74:19, 21)
It was a different kind of conference this year. It was not that we learned so much more about the horror of a literal hell for people outside of Christ. We pretty much knew that – that's why we have our missionary program. But it was rather a true wakeup call concerning the daily ‘hell on earth’ many now face, not to mention the grim possibly of them later facing a literal and eternal hell.
Yet with that all said, our time together was in some ways typical. We were once again reminded that the only real solution, whether rescuing the suffering on earth, or reaching lost souls for eternity, has not changed. It all begins and ends with Christ’s love on the cross and is aided and furthered when those who know Him care, pray, and give of themselves for His great glory!
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Election’s Over. Now What?
The 2008 election is over, and a massive realignment of presidential priorities is coming. Obama supporters are exuberant while McCain enthusiasts are predictably less enthusiastic.
Harsh Obama critics need to apply the rules of gracious loss and basic sportsmanship. Bitterness or even hatred toward Obama is unbefitting any Christian. Similarly, racist attitudes are unacceptable. Barack Obama’s election defuses persistent accusations of overt racism in the U.S. The Jeremiah Wrights who damned America for its lack of opportunity for minorities are thereby silenced along with other accusations of racism by black Americans and foreign critics.
Black people may take pride in Obama’s ascendancy, which exemplifies an equality of opportunity so long sought. If a young black man, burdened with an absent father and separation from his mother and her premature death can rise from those bruises to run a nearly two-year campaign and emerge victorious in the presidential race, he is a man of huge accomplishment and enormous fortitude.
While it is true that many blacks voted on racial grounds and not a few whites cast sympathy votes or even voted out of guilt, the sovereignty of God in affirming our democratic choice is a comforting factor. Further, the Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). We can celebrate Obama’s victory together with his supporters even while being saddened with others over some of the policies with which we disagree.
But the responsibility of Christians for political praying remains constant. Prior to the election, I discharged some of my civic and Christian responsibilities by presenting "America and Christian Responsibility" numerous times. It emphasizes the importance of voting in a presidential election. Without endorsing anyone, I outlined the issues at stake and urged people everywhere to vote. (This commentary may still be found on our website.)
When the voting was over, someone suggested that I do a program on our political responsibilities after the election. That’s a good idea since the spiritual responsibilities of believing Christians do not change with new administrations.
I’ll concentrate on one issue: prayer. The people for whom we pray may change, and new personnel and issues may arise, but the biblical commands for prayer are permanent. This includes winners and losers.
I Timothy 2:1-3 spells this out. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
Here are some specific areas for prayer:
Pray for the President-elect. Barack Obama comes to the presidency at a difficult and crucial time. The economic crisis is way beyond anyone’s natural ability to solve, and international relationships are complicated. Obama is reported to be considering using Presidential Executive Orders to immediately reverse several Bush policies including issues of stem cell research and oil drilling. Pray for his wisdom to be from God.
Pray for his early legislative direction. It is reported that a strong liberal trend in Congress would encourage the re-imposing of the Fairness Doctrine, which would chill conservative and religious broadcasting.
Pray for his advisors. Pray that he surrounds himself with some wise and spiritual people to give him proper insight.
Pray for his church selection and spiritual guidance. Obama resigned Jeremiah Wright’s church and will hopefully be looking for a new church in Washington, DC. Pray that he will receive sound spiritual guidance. Pray for his salvation if he is only a nominal Christian.
Pray for his safety. There are racist crazies who want to assassinate Obama. Such an event would bring commotion and conflict of enormous proportions.
Pray for his family. Pray for Michelle and for her spiritual life and safety as well. Pray for the family’s adjustment as they prepare to move to Washington as this can be very stressful for young children.
Pray for races still undecided or requiring a runoff. The exact balance of political power at this time is still unknown. Pray for ballots to be correctly counted and any fraud to be detected.
Pray for those who lost. The agony and personal stress of losing a national election is beyond words. Losers in the presidential, congressional and senate races are still people of great authority and influence and need our prayers. They are also policy makers and give important interviews, and some will be running again in the future.
If you prayed before the election, pray even harder now. As Paul put it in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Dave Virkler
Harsh Obama critics need to apply the rules of gracious loss and basic sportsmanship. Bitterness or even hatred toward Obama is unbefitting any Christian. Similarly, racist attitudes are unacceptable. Barack Obama’s election defuses persistent accusations of overt racism in the U.S. The Jeremiah Wrights who damned America for its lack of opportunity for minorities are thereby silenced along with other accusations of racism by black Americans and foreign critics.
Black people may take pride in Obama’s ascendancy, which exemplifies an equality of opportunity so long sought. If a young black man, burdened with an absent father and separation from his mother and her premature death can rise from those bruises to run a nearly two-year campaign and emerge victorious in the presidential race, he is a man of huge accomplishment and enormous fortitude.
While it is true that many blacks voted on racial grounds and not a few whites cast sympathy votes or even voted out of guilt, the sovereignty of God in affirming our democratic choice is a comforting factor. Further, the Bible says, "Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15). We can celebrate Obama’s victory together with his supporters even while being saddened with others over some of the policies with which we disagree.
But the responsibility of Christians for political praying remains constant. Prior to the election, I discharged some of my civic and Christian responsibilities by presenting "America and Christian Responsibility" numerous times. It emphasizes the importance of voting in a presidential election. Without endorsing anyone, I outlined the issues at stake and urged people everywhere to vote. (This commentary may still be found on our website.)
When the voting was over, someone suggested that I do a program on our political responsibilities after the election. That’s a good idea since the spiritual responsibilities of believing Christians do not change with new administrations.
I’ll concentrate on one issue: prayer. The people for whom we pray may change, and new personnel and issues may arise, but the biblical commands for prayer are permanent. This includes winners and losers.
I Timothy 2:1-3 spells this out. "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
Here are some specific areas for prayer:
Pray for the President-elect. Barack Obama comes to the presidency at a difficult and crucial time. The economic crisis is way beyond anyone’s natural ability to solve, and international relationships are complicated. Obama is reported to be considering using Presidential Executive Orders to immediately reverse several Bush policies including issues of stem cell research and oil drilling. Pray for his wisdom to be from God.
Pray for his early legislative direction. It is reported that a strong liberal trend in Congress would encourage the re-imposing of the Fairness Doctrine, which would chill conservative and religious broadcasting.
Pray for his advisors. Pray that he surrounds himself with some wise and spiritual people to give him proper insight.
Pray for his church selection and spiritual guidance. Obama resigned Jeremiah Wright’s church and will hopefully be looking for a new church in Washington, DC. Pray that he will receive sound spiritual guidance. Pray for his salvation if he is only a nominal Christian.
Pray for his safety. There are racist crazies who want to assassinate Obama. Such an event would bring commotion and conflict of enormous proportions.
Pray for his family. Pray for Michelle and for her spiritual life and safety as well. Pray for the family’s adjustment as they prepare to move to Washington as this can be very stressful for young children.
Pray for races still undecided or requiring a runoff. The exact balance of political power at this time is still unknown. Pray for ballots to be correctly counted and any fraud to be detected.
Pray for those who lost. The agony and personal stress of losing a national election is beyond words. Losers in the presidential, congressional and senate races are still people of great authority and influence and need our prayers. They are also policy makers and give important interviews, and some will be running again in the future.
If you prayed before the election, pray even harder now. As Paul put it in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Dave Virkler
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Day After. What's Next?
What if 'your guy' did not win the job on Tuesday? What if you still believe that the best man for the job failed to get the job? And what if the job done by the new President makes matters worse for a battered and divided nation come January?
Rather than commenting with some personal opinion, or an educated guess, perhaps the best response is to let God do the talking since He never guesses and His opinion is pure truth and all that ultimately matters. This is a time to rely upon Biblical promises and principles and actually leave the entire matter in God’s capable hands. There are many verses of inspiration and instruction would be more than applicable and most appropriate. But there are six passages in particular, two from the Old Testament and four from the New, that should do the job - if understood clearly and trusted in wholeheartedly.
There are those verses which deal with God's hand in His sovereign purpose.
Daniel 2:21
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.”
Daniel 4:17
“This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men."
Romans 13:3,5
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." "Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake."
Ephesians 1:11
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
Then there those verses which speak to God's supernatural peace in His people.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Over the last year or so Christian Americans have been inundated with shifting polls, complex programs and staggering promises. But now they must deal with real problems and practical solutions as does President-elect Obama. This is the time, regardless of whether or not he was 'your guy', for godly people to place their confidence and hope in a loving Creator. It is time to pray for His protection for the nation. And it is time to offer fervent prayer for all who were voted into positions of authority - a divine directive for the purpose of possessing the ability to live a life of unhindered Christian service and for the freedom to share God's redemptive plan!
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority , that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Bill Breckenridge
Rather than commenting with some personal opinion, or an educated guess, perhaps the best response is to let God do the talking since He never guesses and His opinion is pure truth and all that ultimately matters. This is a time to rely upon Biblical promises and principles and actually leave the entire matter in God’s capable hands. There are many verses of inspiration and instruction would be more than applicable and most appropriate. But there are six passages in particular, two from the Old Testament and four from the New, that should do the job - if understood clearly and trusted in wholeheartedly.
There are those verses which deal with God's hand in His sovereign purpose.
Daniel 2:21
"Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.”
Daniel 4:17
“This decision is by the decree of the watchers, And the sentence by the word of the holy ones, In order that the living may know That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, Gives it to whomever He will, And sets over it the lowest of men."
Romans 13:3,5
"Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God." "Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience' sake."
Ephesians 1:11
“In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.”
Then there those verses which speak to God's supernatural peace in His people.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Over the last year or so Christian Americans have been inundated with shifting polls, complex programs and staggering promises. But now they must deal with real problems and practical solutions as does President-elect Obama. This is the time, regardless of whether or not he was 'your guy', for godly people to place their confidence and hope in a loving Creator. It is time to pray for His protection for the nation. And it is time to offer fervent prayer for all who were voted into positions of authority - a divine directive for the purpose of possessing the ability to live a life of unhindered Christian service and for the freedom to share God's redemptive plan!
"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority , that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)
Bill Breckenridge
Monday, November 3, 2008
It’s Time
It’s time. Time to finally consider the candidates. Time to vote in a historic presidential election of "firsts"—the first black presidential candidate nominated by a major party and the first female vice presidential candidate of the Republican Party. It’s also the first in a long time that a candidate has basically run against his own party’s incumbent president and that moral issues have been overshadowed by one solitary economic preoccupation.
It’s time to vote on tickets of widely diverse views. Consider the issues.
Economic: Do we vote to raise taxes on the wealthy to give money to the less wealthy in order to expand the economy or do we vote to expand the economy by letting major investment money stay with its earners. It’s time to vote!
National Security: Do we vote to talk to our nation’s enemies to improve our global reputation or do we vote to maintain a hard line whether others like us or not? It’s time to vote!
Court Appointees: Do we vote to nominate to the Supreme Court those who view the Constitution as a malleable document or do we vote to nominate strict constructionists? It’s time to vote! (It is estimated that a President will appoint approximately 2,500 people to various offices.)
Social Issues: Do we vote for continued abortions, same-sex marriage and expanded homosexual rights or do we vote for a pro-life viewpoint and traditional definitions of family and marriage? It’s time to vote!
Israel: Do we vote for an unproven support for Israel or do we vote for a long-lived, consistent support for our most reliable ally in the Middle East? It’s time to vote!
Broadcast Freedom: Do we vote for an imposition of the Fairness Doctrine, which would dampen freedom to broadcast on moral issues, or do we vote for continued freedom of speech in the broadcast media? It is time to vote!
Do we vote for youth, oratory and charisma matched with elaborate campaign promises to bring change or do we vote for experience, age and a long-lived track record with elaborate campaign promises to bring desired change? It’s time to vote!
Do we stay at home because we don’t like either ticket or do we exercise our God-given, Scripture command to render to Caesar his due (Luke 20:25)? It’s time to vote, and I hope we all do vote!
In the U.S., "Caesar" is the Constitution, which places ultimate responsibility for American governance squarely with the voters. After prayer for our leaders and those in positions of influence, as I Timothy 2:2 enjoins, and after carefully examining the candidates’ positions, it is time to vote!
As of this morning, many voters still list themselves as undecided. The election outcome evidently rests with these who have a few hours to decide to go one direction or the other. Since I Timothy 2:1 & 2 directs me to pray for all men everywhere as well as those in authority, I’ll be praying for you, a special group who holds the election in your hands, that you will see the issues clearly and vote your intelligent consciences. Believers’ consciences will be aided by the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things (John 14:26) and who gives wisdom from above, not just from mortal sources (James 1:5, 3:15-17).
If everyone who cares and who knows that elections really matter votes, I will live with the results whatever they are. And I will be praying for the new president, vice president, senators and congressmen whoever they may be.
David Virkler
It’s time to vote on tickets of widely diverse views. Consider the issues.
Economic: Do we vote to raise taxes on the wealthy to give money to the less wealthy in order to expand the economy or do we vote to expand the economy by letting major investment money stay with its earners. It’s time to vote!
National Security: Do we vote to talk to our nation’s enemies to improve our global reputation or do we vote to maintain a hard line whether others like us or not? It’s time to vote!
Court Appointees: Do we vote to nominate to the Supreme Court those who view the Constitution as a malleable document or do we vote to nominate strict constructionists? It’s time to vote! (It is estimated that a President will appoint approximately 2,500 people to various offices.)
Social Issues: Do we vote for continued abortions, same-sex marriage and expanded homosexual rights or do we vote for a pro-life viewpoint and traditional definitions of family and marriage? It’s time to vote!
Israel: Do we vote for an unproven support for Israel or do we vote for a long-lived, consistent support for our most reliable ally in the Middle East? It’s time to vote!
Broadcast Freedom: Do we vote for an imposition of the Fairness Doctrine, which would dampen freedom to broadcast on moral issues, or do we vote for continued freedom of speech in the broadcast media? It is time to vote!
Do we vote for youth, oratory and charisma matched with elaborate campaign promises to bring change or do we vote for experience, age and a long-lived track record with elaborate campaign promises to bring desired change? It’s time to vote!
Do we stay at home because we don’t like either ticket or do we exercise our God-given, Scripture command to render to Caesar his due (Luke 20:25)? It’s time to vote, and I hope we all do vote!
In the U.S., "Caesar" is the Constitution, which places ultimate responsibility for American governance squarely with the voters. After prayer for our leaders and those in positions of influence, as I Timothy 2:2 enjoins, and after carefully examining the candidates’ positions, it is time to vote!
As of this morning, many voters still list themselves as undecided. The election outcome evidently rests with these who have a few hours to decide to go one direction or the other. Since I Timothy 2:1 & 2 directs me to pray for all men everywhere as well as those in authority, I’ll be praying for you, a special group who holds the election in your hands, that you will see the issues clearly and vote your intelligent consciences. Believers’ consciences will be aided by the Holy Spirit who teaches us all things (John 14:26) and who gives wisdom from above, not just from mortal sources (James 1:5, 3:15-17).
If everyone who cares and who knows that elections really matter votes, I will live with the results whatever they are. And I will be praying for the new president, vice president, senators and congressmen whoever they may be.
David Virkler
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