Semantics

I had a term named after me at work. I have the tendency to say things like, "Well if you had been there then you would have seen it." Or "Well if you hadn't fallen then you wouldn't have broken your leg." In other words, "If it was this then it would be that." They began to call this "Seven Logic." They meant it endearingly, but, quite obviously, they were usually pretty stupid things to be saying.

I believe that I do it because, like the rest of the world, I love contrasts. Contrasts make things into puzzles. I can organize puzzles. I can categorize differences. One of the more popular contrasts, throughout history, is the Miraculous versus, Wisdom.

This contrast has never changed, but we have called it by different names: Religious verses Rational, for example, or Metaphysics verses Physics. In Christ's day, Reason, which we would today term Philosophy, was a combination of Logic and Science. They were completely intertwined. Today we attempt to do the same and call it Science, rather than Reason. Still the argument is the same: Supernatural verses Natural.

Now, clearly, none of these contrasts are perfect as you could hardly get a group of people to agree on the definitions of the terms themselves, much less hold a conversation about the terms. You're more likely to have prestigious "Philosophers" and "Scientists" argue back and forth about meanings of words and proper names and perspectives and on and on and on. So let's not do that.

Instead, I want to simply point out that Christianity fits into neither of these categories. It is outside of the contrast. It does not fit any mold.

Paul, who hated the arguments that he was often pulled into by his day's great thinkers, gives us an example of what I mean in his first letter to the believers in Corinth.

'For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”

'Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.

'But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.' (1 Corinthians 1:19, 22-25, 27-29 NIV)

In my own understanding, and I freely admit that I don't understand it at all, God is not concerned with what we consider power and what we consider understanding. He is not concerned with Religion, Power, Knowledge, Science or anything else that we use as standards with which to adhere value. God is concerned predominantly and singularly with Relationship. Not how things relate to each other in a chemical, physical or emotional way, but simply how His creation connects to Him. How we, His beloved, become a part of Him again.

Now be on your guard against crafty speakers who would teach you that all religions are in pursuit of a Universal Oneness. That is just Totalitarian Communism manifested in a Unitarian Religion. Feel free to disagree with me, but see to it that you define those terms for yourself first.

Our God is a Jealous Creator, not a Passionless Energy. He desires the scientifically-undefinable Soul. Not a religiously-convenient Energy. He wants us. Not what Science calls our Consciousness or what Religions call our Life Force. He wants our personages. Something that, frankly, it would be foolish to try and define.

Proverbs 25:27 teaches us that, just as a little honey is sweet but too much makes us sick, so it is with thinking about matters that are too deep. So I'll leave my point of Christianity not fitting within contrasts there.

The final frustration is this: because atonement can be defined legally, but redemption cannot be explained logically, Christ's sacrifice is foolish, and, because the Creator was killed at human hands, the power-hungry religious are left without ground to stand on. However, as Paul said, Christ is the very Wisdom and Power of God.

When we share this Christ with the world, do not expect to win an argument, for it does not appear as wise, and do not expect to impress, because it does appear as strong. Rather, tell people how weak you are. Tell people how foolish you are. Tell people about all the things that God has done in your life and say these things with pride in your God. The world will mock and laugh at us, but we who have been brought to New Life, know also the Power and Wisdom of God.

What is Evil?

There is evil going on in this world. It's important we recognize it. Our battle, though, is not one to be fought against the people Christ died to save, but against the evil that blinds them to his love. 

I am not Muslim, but I think that as Christians we we should be mindful that Islam teaches that the Greater Jihad (striving) is against sin.

They teach that their prophet said, "The fighter against unbelief is he who fights against his ego in obeying God." (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam.)

So as we pray for the peace of Israel and for the protection of Christians, Jews, Muslims of different denominations, and the Yazidis in Iraq, pray for the protection of the people, all of whom Christ died for, and pray against the evil that has infiltrated the hearts of men.

Ask God to break your heart for the people you hate, so that you can see them through the tearful eyes He must see all His children through this day in age.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Are we really loving like Christ?

There is evil going on in this world. It's important we recognize it. Our battle, though, is not one to be fought against the people Christ died to save, but against the evil that blinds them to his love. 

I am not Muslim, but I think that as Christians we we should be mindful that Islam teaches that the Greater Jihad (striving) is against sin.

They teach that their prophet said, "The fighter against unbelief is he who fights against his ego in obeying God." (Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa aalihi wa Sallam.)

So as we pray for the peace of Israel and for the protection of Christians, Jews, Muslims of different denominations, and the Yazidis in Iraq, pray for the protection of the people, all of whom Christ died for, and pray against the evil that has infiltrated the hearts of men.

Ask God to break your heart for the people you hate, so that you can see them through the tearful eyes He must see all His children through this day in age.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NIV)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

Speak Life

This post is meant only for Christians.

Let me start with this picture:

A man who points at the shadows exclaiming, "It's dark there!" is nothing more than a raving lunatic. But the man who brings a candle and lifts it up above himself exposes the darkness and changes the worldview of all those around them.

I have been troubled in my heart over the posts that I have been seeing lately. Christians, or people who are professing to be Christians because they certainly can’t be recognized as such by their actions, are constantly posting criticisms. One slanders other Christians with different theologies, another slanders members of different political parties, another slanders citizens of other countries, and still another slanders those who practice different religions.

Let me be frank. CHRISTIANS DO NOT SLANDER OTHERS. We are commanded in Titus 3:1-2: “Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” (NIV)

Then, a Christian might respond to me, are we not commanded in Ephesians 5:11? “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” (NIV)

We are indeed! This is a clear commandment to those who live as Christians. It says also, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light

But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:8, 13, 15-16 NIV)

In short, our exposition of the darkness is to come by our LIFESTYLE as children of the light.

The infighting and pointing of fingers that the Christian community has become accustomed to is the very behavior that CONFORMS us to the world. We are not called to point out the shortcomings of others.

We are not in conflict with people or a people or with a government or with a school of thought. Our battle is against the darkness.

The light exposes the dark. Our light shines when we live in submission to Christ, as children of light. People recognize Christ in us by how we love one another. Darkness is exposed by how we live.

If we can stop pointing fingers at other people and other schools of thought, and we start pointing toward God and encouraging others to walk in the light, perhaps we can regain the recognition of Christians.

I believe that it is possible that Jesus meant it when He said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35 NIV)

HOW, THEN SHOULD WE BEHAVE WHEN WE FEEL WRONGED?

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; when we are slandered, we answer kindly. We have become the scum of the earth, the garbage of the world—right up to this moment. (1 Corinthians 4:12-13 NIV)

WHY DO WE NOT SHOVE OUR OPINIONS IN THE FACES OF NON-BELIEVERS?

The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

WHY DO WE NOT PARTICIPATE IN ARGUMENTS AND DEFEND OUR PRIDE?

You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? (1 Corinthians 3:3 NIV)

WHY DO WE NOT JUDGE THE BEHAVIORS OF THOSE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH?

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? (1 Corinthians 5:12 NIV)
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. (1 Corinthians 4:5 NIV)

WHY DO WE NOT PUBLICLY REBUKE AND BICKER WITH OTHER CHRISTIANS?

Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. (1 Timothy 5:1-2 NIV)

WHO DO WE CHALLENGE AND REBUKE?

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

HOW DO WE HELP THOSE IN THE DARKNESS?

Pray for people, not countries, parties, sects, or theologies.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May those who love you be secure.” (Psalm 122:26 NIV)

Obey Jesus.

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44 NIV)

Pray for those struggling.

I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. (Romans 15:30 NIV)

Pray consistently.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

Live differently.

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2 NIV)