It was not a formal State of The Union address, but President Obama did address the Congress and the American people with his 50+ minute speech. The Commander-in-chief touched on nearly every area of American life with his vision of what must be done to improve the state of the nation.
As the American people watched, they likely came down on one side or the other as far as the President's approach and philosophy of governing the nation. But for those who are committed Christians, there should always be another layer. There should come biblical reminders of some spiritual truths, even when analyzing fully secular words or subjects. The Christian’s mind should be so saturated with theological and biblical truth that nearly every conversation can conjure up portions of God’s word or even an opportunity for testifying to the reality of their faith.
For example, speaking of economic issues, the President said, "A day of reckoning has arrived and the time to take charge of our future is here." That phrase might remind some of an eternal day of reckoning – one referred to in Hebrews 9:27. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.”
On the health care crisis the new President stated, “Let there be no doubt: Health care reform cannot wait, it must not wait and it will not wait another year.” The urgency in his voice may have been a sobering reminder of something far more urgent and seen in 2 Corinthian 6:2. “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Then Mr. Obama, speaking of a positive change in the economy, said, "Tonight I want every American to know this: we will rebuild, we will recover, and the United States of America will emerge stronger than before." For some that might trigger thoughts of the reality found in 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 where an amazing recovery from the power and penalty of sin is found. ”Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Speaking about the bailout he said, “Banks that accept government bailout money will be held 'fully accountable' for how they use it." This concept of personal responsibility can be seen in several verses. Philippians 2:12-13 states to the Christian, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” Then Luke 12:48 also supports the concept. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”
Then there was this one. “Our goal is to quicken the day when we re-start lending to the American people and American business and end this crisis once and for all.” In 2 Peter 3:11-12 the apostle speaks about ‘ushering’ in a time that will change the world more than any monetary process. “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”
Also the word ‘quicken’ is used in the old King James Bible repeatedly in the 119th Psalm – the longest chapter in the Scriptures. Among other things the Psalmist says, “LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment.” (Verse 149) “Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.” (Verse 156) “Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy loving kindness." (Verse 159) And in Psalm 119:33 he writes, “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way.”
Serious Christians are to be a biblically oriented people. Most everything in life should be analyzed, compared to, and contrasted with the Bible's spiritual truth - whether it is a speech from a President or a conversation around the office water cooler. And to do that requires a spiritual maturity. It demands a constant and serious ‘quickening’ as enforced three times over in that same 119th Psalm.
“Quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word.” (Psalm 119: 25, 107, 154)
Bill Breckenridge
Please e-mail us with your thoughts and comments!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Global Crisis = anti-Christ’s Coming?
The economic woes now felt in America are not an isolated condition - even though it is rather obvious now that the nation’s leadership allowed, and even caused much of the devastating situation. But the stark reality is that much of the world’s markets are following suit. This can be seen particularly in Europe and in some Asian countries as well.
For example, European stocks added to their line of losses amid worries that governments were struggling to figure out how help the banking sector get back on its feet, which is widely considered necessary before an economic recovery can begin. In Japan the spreading nervousness sent the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo to 7,268 points, only about 100 points above a 26-year low. The intensifying concern about the state of the economy and stock market caused the country’s finance minister to say that the government was studying measures to support the market — including suggestions that the government actually buy shares.
The expanding global trend sees governments getting heavily involved in rescue plans. And growing numbers worldwide are voicing the need for a possible world-wide solution as they see no clear way out otherwise.
The Bible has given signs concerning the return of Christ – one primary key being the re-establishing of Israel as a nation as seen in Luke 21:24. “And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” The general and fearful climate of entire world is also addressed in the passage in verses 25-26. “And on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” From the current “signs of the times” it would appear that the Lord’s long awaited return is very near!
But it is also beyond interesting and coincidence that the scene is quickly being set for the arrival of the one most know simply as “anti-Christ”. This charismatic and demonically controlled leader will offer a false peace followed by a reign of terror the likes of which the world has never known. And when considering that the entire world is beginning to scramble for anyone who can rescue, and perhaps fully control, the faltering global monetary system, Revelation 11:16 has taken on a whole new meaning – one that might not have gelled before the current crisis. Verse 16 reads, “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
As troubling as the world’s worries have become, Christians can and should have a different view on it all. While those who do not know Christ as their Savior may be wondering about their future or even fearing the predicted ‘man of sin’, believers are to set their sites on their returning and victorious king. They are to take comfort in Luke 21:28. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
But beyond the supernatural peace of God in these end times and turbulent days, followers of Christ need to answer and respond to the question offered up in 2 Peter 3. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”
Bill Breckenridge
For example, European stocks added to their line of losses amid worries that governments were struggling to figure out how help the banking sector get back on its feet, which is widely considered necessary before an economic recovery can begin. In Japan the spreading nervousness sent the Nikkei 225 index in Tokyo to 7,268 points, only about 100 points above a 26-year low. The intensifying concern about the state of the economy and stock market caused the country’s finance minister to say that the government was studying measures to support the market — including suggestions that the government actually buy shares.
The expanding global trend sees governments getting heavily involved in rescue plans. And growing numbers worldwide are voicing the need for a possible world-wide solution as they see no clear way out otherwise.
The Bible has given signs concerning the return of Christ – one primary key being the re-establishing of Israel as a nation as seen in Luke 21:24. “And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.” The general and fearful climate of entire world is also addressed in the passage in verses 25-26. “And on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth.” From the current “signs of the times” it would appear that the Lord’s long awaited return is very near!
But it is also beyond interesting and coincidence that the scene is quickly being set for the arrival of the one most know simply as “anti-Christ”. This charismatic and demonically controlled leader will offer a false peace followed by a reign of terror the likes of which the world has never known. And when considering that the entire world is beginning to scramble for anyone who can rescue, and perhaps fully control, the faltering global monetary system, Revelation 11:16 has taken on a whole new meaning – one that might not have gelled before the current crisis. Verse 16 reads, “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.”
As troubling as the world’s worries have become, Christians can and should have a different view on it all. While those who do not know Christ as their Savior may be wondering about their future or even fearing the predicted ‘man of sin’, believers are to set their sites on their returning and victorious king. They are to take comfort in Luke 21:28. “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
But beyond the supernatural peace of God in these end times and turbulent days, followers of Christ need to answer and respond to the question offered up in 2 Peter 3. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.”
Bill Breckenridge
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Spiritual Lessons from Flight 3407
Last week, Continental Airlines Flight 3407 plummeted suddenly from the sky, killing all 49 aboard and one person on the ground. Every aviation expert in government is examining causes and striving for future prevention of such tragic accidents. While I’m not an expert, since I learned to fly years ago, any flight issue is of personal interest.
Piloting a plane in any weather demands one’s keenest concentration, and flying through dangerous weather is taxing beyond words. If evasive or corrective action is delayed, flight may become impossible.
One thing is certain: adverse weather, particularly ice buildup, was the chief factor, and pilot action or inaction will surely figure in a final report. Flight depends on an invisible principle of uneven wing pressure with less on the top than the bottom. It is created by the wing’s airfoil, or shape, which speeds more air over the top than the bottom. The principle that where the velocity is greatest, the pressure is least was discovered by Daniel Bernoulli about one hundred years before fight was attained. Incredibly, propellers are miniature wings urging a prop plane forward in similar fashion as the wings keep it up. When ice builds up on wings and propellers, a dual disaster stalks the plane.
In the case of Flight 3407, danger was known. The de-icing rubber bladders on the leading edges of the wings and horizontal tail stabilizers had been activated shortly out of Newark Liberty International Airport. But in an evident conspiracy of misty factors, something went terribly wrong over Clarence, NY on the final approach to Buffalo.
Spiritual lessons abound when one studies aircraft flight.
The plane stays aloft by an invisible principle. Although faith is unseen, its effects are real. Hebrews 11:1 says it is "the evidence of things unseen." Planes stay aloft on moving air. A passenger embarks on air travel having faith trusting this unseen principle.
When Christ explained salvation as the born again experience to inquisitive Nicodemas in John 3:8, He referred to the unseen but very real wind as an example of spiritual rebirth. "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Both air travel and spiritual rebirth demonstrate that belief transcends physical sight.
The guiding work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is couched in wind terms. The return of ancient Israel to its land in modern times was forecast by Ezekiel. "…‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, "Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ " ’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army." (Ezek 37:9-10)
The Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ lives was caught by Edwin Hatch in the hymn "Breath on Me, Breath of God".
Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
till all this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
Aircraft also depend upon forward motion to maintain altitude. Slowing below a certain airspeed brings the dreaded stall, which is lethal at low altitude. In the Christian life, failing to "go on to perfection" (Heb. 6:1), which is completion or maturity, can slow our spiritual airspeed and bring us down.
Careful attention is also being paid to whether or not the pilot followed the rules written in the flight manual provided by the manufacturer as well as principles suggested by the FAA. Manual control by turning off the autopilot evidently was prescribed. Only time will tell whether the pilot’s option to do this quite late was within the best options of the flight manual.
Careful study and application of God’s Word gives adequate instructions in righteous living. Psalm 19:7-11 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward."
In the case of Flight 3407, another spiritual lesson may be learned relevant to the stormy weather that slowly froze ice on the wing, tail and possibly propeller surfaces. This buildup was slow, a droplet at a time. Each drop in itself is not a problem, but when they accumulate unattended, there is danger of a crash as airflow over the wings and control surfaces destroys lift.
Big problems in our lives often develop from a clutter of little issues. The saying, "Little foxes spoil the grapes," is taken from Song of Solomon 2:15. In our Christian lives, any sin needs immediate confession and cleansing lest a buildup of these unconfessed sins bring us down. I John 1:9 indicates that if we recognize and confess what we know is wrong, God grants a blanket policy of forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Years ago I learned that safe flying depends on good attitude and altitude. To get off the ground and climb, the plane has to have a powered upward trajectory. The upward pitch of the craft is called "attitude." And to maintain altitude means keeping the airspeed up. It all comes down to diligent focus on the rules and principles of flight.
Our spiritual journey keeps us looking up and is powered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It’s maintained by forward motion and stays aloft by clean lives lived in faith. Life’s final glide path is the only time we land, taxi to Heaven’s hanger and cut the engines.
Dave Virkler
Piloting a plane in any weather demands one’s keenest concentration, and flying through dangerous weather is taxing beyond words. If evasive or corrective action is delayed, flight may become impossible.
One thing is certain: adverse weather, particularly ice buildup, was the chief factor, and pilot action or inaction will surely figure in a final report. Flight depends on an invisible principle of uneven wing pressure with less on the top than the bottom. It is created by the wing’s airfoil, or shape, which speeds more air over the top than the bottom. The principle that where the velocity is greatest, the pressure is least was discovered by Daniel Bernoulli about one hundred years before fight was attained. Incredibly, propellers are miniature wings urging a prop plane forward in similar fashion as the wings keep it up. When ice builds up on wings and propellers, a dual disaster stalks the plane.
In the case of Flight 3407, danger was known. The de-icing rubber bladders on the leading edges of the wings and horizontal tail stabilizers had been activated shortly out of Newark Liberty International Airport. But in an evident conspiracy of misty factors, something went terribly wrong over Clarence, NY on the final approach to Buffalo.
Spiritual lessons abound when one studies aircraft flight.
The plane stays aloft by an invisible principle. Although faith is unseen, its effects are real. Hebrews 11:1 says it is "the evidence of things unseen." Planes stay aloft on moving air. A passenger embarks on air travel having faith trusting this unseen principle.
When Christ explained salvation as the born again experience to inquisitive Nicodemas in John 3:8, He referred to the unseen but very real wind as an example of spiritual rebirth. "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit." Both air travel and spiritual rebirth demonstrate that belief transcends physical sight.
The guiding work of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is couched in wind terms. The return of ancient Israel to its land in modern times was forecast by Ezekiel. "…‘Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, "Thus says the Lord GOD: ‘Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.’ " ’ So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army." (Ezek 37:9-10)
The Holy Spirit’s work in believers’ lives was caught by Edwin Hatch in the hymn "Breath on Me, Breath of God".
Breathe on me, Breath of God, fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love, and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, until my heart is pure,
until with thee I will one will, to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, till I am wholly thine,
till all this earthly part of me glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God, so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life of thine eternity.
Aircraft also depend upon forward motion to maintain altitude. Slowing below a certain airspeed brings the dreaded stall, which is lethal at low altitude. In the Christian life, failing to "go on to perfection" (Heb. 6:1), which is completion or maturity, can slow our spiritual airspeed and bring us down.
Careful attention is also being paid to whether or not the pilot followed the rules written in the flight manual provided by the manufacturer as well as principles suggested by the FAA. Manual control by turning off the autopilot evidently was prescribed. Only time will tell whether the pilot’s option to do this quite late was within the best options of the flight manual.
Careful study and application of God’s Word gives adequate instructions in righteous living. Psalm 19:7-11 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward."
In the case of Flight 3407, another spiritual lesson may be learned relevant to the stormy weather that slowly froze ice on the wing, tail and possibly propeller surfaces. This buildup was slow, a droplet at a time. Each drop in itself is not a problem, but when they accumulate unattended, there is danger of a crash as airflow over the wings and control surfaces destroys lift.
Big problems in our lives often develop from a clutter of little issues. The saying, "Little foxes spoil the grapes," is taken from Song of Solomon 2:15. In our Christian lives, any sin needs immediate confession and cleansing lest a buildup of these unconfessed sins bring us down. I John 1:9 indicates that if we recognize and confess what we know is wrong, God grants a blanket policy of forgiveness. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Years ago I learned that safe flying depends on good attitude and altitude. To get off the ground and climb, the plane has to have a powered upward trajectory. The upward pitch of the craft is called "attitude." And to maintain altitude means keeping the airspeed up. It all comes down to diligent focus on the rules and principles of flight.
Our spiritual journey keeps us looking up and is powered by the indwelling Holy Spirit. It’s maintained by forward motion and stays aloft by clean lives lived in faith. Life’s final glide path is the only time we land, taxi to Heaven’s hanger and cut the engines.
Dave Virkler
Methods of Cutting Stress
Nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, PhD, knows about stress. He has written the book, "The Cortisol Connection”, that deals with the subject. Cortisol is the human stress hormone which helps to regulate blood pressure during a sudden crisis. That is generally a good thing. But constant elevated cortisol levels due to the everyday issues that bother us is not. It can cause sleeplessness, problems with the immune system, weight gains and of course the all too common feelings of panic and depression.
Experts in the field tell of several ways to deal with too much cortisol and the unpleasant effects that brings. For instance, cortisol can be cut 50 percent by going to bed early or taking a nap, 66 percent by listening to preferred music, 39 percent by hanging out with a funny and upbeat friend, 47 percent by sipping black tea and even 12-6 percent just by chewing gum.
Interestingly, it was also mentioned was that doing something ‘spiritual’ could help reduce cortisol levels by nearly 25 percent. A report out of the University of Mississippi found that churchgoers had lower levels of the stress hormone, on average, than those who did not attend services at all. It suggested that, if organized religion is not your thing, then try developing your spiritual side by walking in the woods or beach — or even volunteering for a charity.
It is widely known that spiritual wellness is a key to dealing with the stress and strain of modern day living. But for that to be fully effective requires more than being one with nature or even just ‘attending’ a place of worship, as crucial as that may be. The Bible speaks repeatedly about the only lasting source of deep inner peace in the midst of great outward anxiety. In 2 Thessalonians 3:16 we see the ultimate source and target of peace. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” It is again mentioned in Galatians 1:3-4, “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” Also, Galatians 5 includes peace in a list of blessings and benefits derived from God and available to every true child of God. Verse 22 begins, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
But perhaps no verse in Scripture better explains how peace is attained and the full extent of what a God-ordained peace can provide than Philippians 4:6-7. It reads, “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.”
Dealing with human cortisol levels may have some positive physical impact on the body when trying to cope with life’s stressful issues. But a maturing and enduring relationship with God’s Spirit allows for a level of calm, confidence, and contentment that is any Christian’s greatest asset and the most basic need for a world searching for it in all the wrong places. And those who seriously desire to know its purpose and power need only consider the words of the Savior who authored and offers it in John 14.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. " (John 14:16)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Bill Breckenridge
Experts in the field tell of several ways to deal with too much cortisol and the unpleasant effects that brings. For instance, cortisol can be cut 50 percent by going to bed early or taking a nap, 66 percent by listening to preferred music, 39 percent by hanging out with a funny and upbeat friend, 47 percent by sipping black tea and even 12-6 percent just by chewing gum.
Interestingly, it was also mentioned was that doing something ‘spiritual’ could help reduce cortisol levels by nearly 25 percent. A report out of the University of Mississippi found that churchgoers had lower levels of the stress hormone, on average, than those who did not attend services at all. It suggested that, if organized religion is not your thing, then try developing your spiritual side by walking in the woods or beach — or even volunteering for a charity.
It is widely known that spiritual wellness is a key to dealing with the stress and strain of modern day living. But for that to be fully effective requires more than being one with nature or even just ‘attending’ a place of worship, as crucial as that may be. The Bible speaks repeatedly about the only lasting source of deep inner peace in the midst of great outward anxiety. In 2 Thessalonians 3:16 we see the ultimate source and target of peace. “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.” It is again mentioned in Galatians 1:3-4, “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.” Also, Galatians 5 includes peace in a list of blessings and benefits derived from God and available to every true child of God. Verse 22 begins, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”
But perhaps no verse in Scripture better explains how peace is attained and the full extent of what a God-ordained peace can provide than Philippians 4:6-7. It reads, “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.”
Dealing with human cortisol levels may have some positive physical impact on the body when trying to cope with life’s stressful issues. But a maturing and enduring relationship with God’s Spirit allows for a level of calm, confidence, and contentment that is any Christian’s greatest asset and the most basic need for a world searching for it in all the wrong places. And those who seriously desire to know its purpose and power need only consider the words of the Savior who authored and offers it in John 14.
“And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. " (John 14:16)
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
Bill Breckenridge
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
First Khmer Rouge Genocide Trial
It became known simply as the ‘The Killing Fields’ and was one of the most vile examples of massive evil in modern times.
To make a long horrendous story short, the communist terror group, Khmer Rouge, starved, tortured, and butchered much of Cambodia’s population, including children. When the blood bath ended around 1975, an estimated 2 million of the country’s 7.5 million residents had been exterminated. It was one of the most lethal regimes of the 20th century.
And now, three decades later, the head of a prison where some 16,000 men, women and children were tortured before being killed has appeared before Cambodia's genocide tribunal. Kaing Guek Eav is being charged with crimes against humanity in the first trial of a Khmer Rouge leader since their mind-numbing reign back in the 70’s.
Any who doubt the existence of sin, and the depths to which mankind can sink, need look no farther than the Killing Fields. And none need wonder why such things occur, since the Bible takes great care to explain the source and reality of human depravity -especially in Romans chapter one.
But the Scriptures also make abundantly clear that all sin will be dealt with in eternity, even if it escapes man’s justice on earth. The writer of Hebrews put it this way. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9: 27) The Apostle Paul spoke forcefully on the reality of what unrepentant sinners have to look forward to in his letter to the church at Rome. In chapter one and verse 18 he wrote, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” He repeated his declaration in the very next chapter. “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 2:5-6)
But even with that basic understanding in place, what is often overlooked is that guilt before God and punishment by Him is not geared only toward those who commit huge unspeakable acts. And His wrath will not be focused on just those who happen to have a ‘life-long ledger’ which reveals a little more in the bad column than the good. The Bible assures in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And a just and holy God has no choice but to righteously deal with it. To not do so would be a violation of His own character, and a theological impossibility.
Scripture also shares a vivid illustration in Revelation about what it will be like for those who must someday face their Creator with absolutely no excuses, and far worse, no Savior. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:151-7)
The brutality of human sin is all too real. Fortunately so is the reality of a salvation that can cope with it. Just following the reality of Paul’s statement that all fall short of God’s glory comes the glorious opposite potential in verse 24. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.” The writer John selected his words on the subject this way. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1)
Kaing Guek Eav is charged with crimes against humanity and will no doubt receive whatever is deemed appropriate for his wretched acts. But his sin was not just against humanity. It was also aimed at deity. (Psalm 51:4) And his judgment in the earthly realm will be as a drop in the ocean if and when he faces God’s wrath without the defense of redemption found only in Jesus Christ!
Bill Breckenridge
To make a long horrendous story short, the communist terror group, Khmer Rouge, starved, tortured, and butchered much of Cambodia’s population, including children. When the blood bath ended around 1975, an estimated 2 million of the country’s 7.5 million residents had been exterminated. It was one of the most lethal regimes of the 20th century.
And now, three decades later, the head of a prison where some 16,000 men, women and children were tortured before being killed has appeared before Cambodia's genocide tribunal. Kaing Guek Eav is being charged with crimes against humanity in the first trial of a Khmer Rouge leader since their mind-numbing reign back in the 70’s.
Any who doubt the existence of sin, and the depths to which mankind can sink, need look no farther than the Killing Fields. And none need wonder why such things occur, since the Bible takes great care to explain the source and reality of human depravity -especially in Romans chapter one.
But the Scriptures also make abundantly clear that all sin will be dealt with in eternity, even if it escapes man’s justice on earth. The writer of Hebrews put it this way. “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9: 27) The Apostle Paul spoke forcefully on the reality of what unrepentant sinners have to look forward to in his letter to the church at Rome. In chapter one and verse 18 he wrote, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.” He repeated his declaration in the very next chapter. “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 2:5-6)
But even with that basic understanding in place, what is often overlooked is that guilt before God and punishment by Him is not geared only toward those who commit huge unspeakable acts. And His wrath will not be focused on just those who happen to have a ‘life-long ledger’ which reveals a little more in the bad column than the good. The Bible assures in Romans 3:23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And a just and holy God has no choice but to righteously deal with it. To not do so would be a violation of His own character, and a theological impossibility.
Scripture also shares a vivid illustration in Revelation about what it will be like for those who must someday face their Creator with absolutely no excuses, and far worse, no Savior. “And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:151-7)
The brutality of human sin is all too real. Fortunately so is the reality of a salvation that can cope with it. Just following the reality of Paul’s statement that all fall short of God’s glory comes the glorious opposite potential in verse 24. “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith.” The writer John selected his words on the subject this way. “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." (1 John 2:1)
Kaing Guek Eav is charged with crimes against humanity and will no doubt receive whatever is deemed appropriate for his wretched acts. But his sin was not just against humanity. It was also aimed at deity. (Psalm 51:4) And his judgment in the earthly realm will be as a drop in the ocean if and when he faces God’s wrath without the defense of redemption found only in Jesus Christ!
Bill Breckenridge
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