The Conservative Christian Reader

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Due to the nature of this Blog, I have found it necessary to reserve the right to review, edit or refuse inappropriate messages, specifically those that are overly harsh and those with inappropriate language or innuendo. Thank you for understanding and for using mature, thoughtful and kind comments. dh

Standing for Truth at the Caucus

Blog #18 – Standing for Truth at the Caucus

By Sandy Holden[1]

A number of the sermons at our church (Foothills Bible Church) this spring have related to an experience that I had early in February.  As we stand for the truth, sometimes we are put in unusual situations.

I have attended our local caucus the last six years or so.  But, this year, it was impressed on my heart that it was time to prepare differently for the evening as I might have to testify about why we as Christian believers should not vote for someone of the Mormon faith.  To compound the problem, I was also supporting Newt Gingrich.  I left the house prepared, hoping for the best, and hoping that I would not be called upon.

The room was full of people that had not attended past caucuses.  The leader asked for someone to stand to defend Mitt Romney.  A man immediately stood and supported him.  By the end of the evening this man had been elected our delegate.  He shook hands with people at the door as they left.  It seemed obvious that he is of the Mormon faith.

Then, she asked for someone to stand to defend Rick Santorum.  A man of prominence that has run in the Presidential race in the past stood and did a lovely job of that.  He and his wife live in a nearby neighborhood.

Then, the question came “Is anyone willing to defend Newt Gingrich?”  No one else raised their hand, and I was prompted.  I took my notes and stood there shaking, noting that I would like nothing better than to be able to support Senator Santorum for the godly man that he is, but that I believe this is one time in the history of our nation when we need a Washington insider to be able to undo all that President Obama has done; to include, health care, increased debt, czars, etc.  And, that we need someone who can actually get around the Washington gridlock in order to make these changes.

Then, I noted that I do not believe Governor Romney will be able to win against President Obama, so voting for him could be a wasted vote.  I believe this for two reasons:  1) because he would not be able to debate him, but more importantly, 2) because he wouldn’t get the votes to win the election due to spiritual issues.  A woman from the front raised her hand and wanted to know, “What about the spiritual issues?”  So, I said that while the Mormons are very nice people, they are works-oriented and not Christians.  That means that many in our nation concerned with theological issues would not be able to vote for him.  She wanted more clarification.  So, I said that I had brought a list of differences separating them from the Christian faith from their own theological writings, but that “It’s all about Jesus, and their view of Him.”

I closed by saying that we need to look at the bigger picture and realize that for those concerned with theological ramifications, there is no difference between voting for a Muslim and a Mormon.  And, that I know people who would not cast a vote if that is their choice.  I heard some gasp at that statement and then a hush went over the room.

Upon sitting down, another woman from the front of the room announced that she is a born-again Christian and cannot even think of voting for someone as despicable and immoral as Newt Gingrich.  I was shaking so bad at that point that I did not respond that I believe we should take Speaker Gingrich at his word that he has been forgiven by God and his family for his past, that he is a changed man, and therefore, there are no Biblical concerns against voting for him.

Anyway, by that time everyone in the room hated me for what I had said.  I was sad that my views were seen as politically-incorrect bigotry rather than standing for truth and concern for unsaved souls.  I know that this clumsy defense of Jesus was not of my doing, but because He drew me to this place.  My hope is that someone left that room on a quest to find out the truth about their faith as it compares to the truth about Jesus, the Incarnate God.  Not a god among gods, but the Creator God.  Not the brother of satan, but the Creator of all angels, including those that are fallen.

The truth:

Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.’

It is doubtful that my appeal to them made much difference.  My real solace for the evening was that I stood for Jesus through obedience.  When the words “It’s all about Jesus” came out of my mouth, I thought, “Woo hoo!”  And, it didn’t matter what anyone in the room thought.  I had stood for truth and my Lord.

 

 

 

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[1] Sandra K. Holden has her Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Ministry Degree and is currently pursuing her Master of Christian Studies in Biblical Counseling Degree with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

Don't Look Back

Don’t Look Back

By Sandy Holden[1]

My brother-in-law, Clint Holden, sings a beautiful song entitled “Don’t Look Back.” It’s about Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt.

Lot’s wife disobeyed God by looking back. She held on to useless things as the Lord’s angels led her and her family by the hands to safety. I think this bears repeating. Angels! Angels are leading her and her family by the hands and she still looks back.

The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. . . When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them. As soon as they had brought them out, one of them said, “Flee for your lives! Don’t look back, and don’t stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!”. . . But lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. Genesis 19

I suspect that there are several reasons why she did this; maybe fear, pride, worry, lack of trust, worldliness, or blame. But, disobedience is the result. All of these attributes are sin.

Lot also had his problems as we see that he hesitated initially, prompting the angels to grasp their hands to lead them out of the city. So, while they had been living in a sinful environment, they had become blind to the evil and now at this crucial time, it was their choice. Lot also argued with the angels about their destination and concessions were made to him. It is clear that their relationships with the Lord were not what they should be. And yet, “the Lord was merciful to them.”

How often do we as Christian women choose the safety of what we know rather than trusting God with the uncertainty of change in our lives? How often do we harbor memories of disappointment that keep our family members, our friends, our selves, and even the Lord in boxes to protect ourselves, so that changes are not made that we so desperately want and hope for? How often do we focus on the temporal things of life rather than on the Lord God Almighty? We block the progress that we and our families might make, while all the while, our Jesus is right here indwelling us in the person of the Holy Spirit, as He intercedes for us, His saints, in accordance with God’s will.

There were no godly men for her daughters in this evil city that they were fleeing. So, she held back the wonderful progress that her family would have made had she only trusted God, the one who “was merciful to them.” This story might have ended with a wonderful family including grandchildren had she lived in obedience. But instead, her sin and self-destruction ended her life on earth, and led the way for her daughters to also sin by not trusting the Lord. What a sad commentary!

We are called to lose our life for the Lord, just as He gave His life for us.

Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it. Luke 17:32-33

As we who believe lose our life, we really gain the life that counts and it is the life that we want.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

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[1] Sandra K. Holden has her Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Ministry Degree and is currently pursuing her Master of Christian Studies in Biblical Counseling Degree with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

The Christian & Politics

The Christian & Politics

By Sandy Holden[1]

I was interested this past week to hear Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speak of the freedoms that the nation of Israel and the United States of America have in common. These freedoms are rare and even non-existent for most of the nations of the world. I could not help but be drawn to the many spiritual connections between these two nations. Both would honor the following verse from the Torah and the Bible.

The Lord sets prisoners free, the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, the Lord loves the righteous . . . The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations. Praise the Lord. Psalm 146:7b-10

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke almost reverently about America’s founding documents. The United States has indeed been blessed with freedom. Her founding documents include statements that acknowledge and honor our Christian heritage and its accompanying freedom. Some of these statements are as follows:

The Declaration of Independence: When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. . .

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

The Constitution of the United States: We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Many have sacrificed much, even their very lives, in support of these profound statements within these profound documents.

Over the years not everything has gone well. Significant areas of sin in our historical past and present are:

• Slavery - The people of our nation suffered tremendously before, during, and after the Civil War in the fight to end slavery. Then, the Civil Rights Movement brought further necessary reforms.
• Women’s suffrage – Women were denied the right to vote until an amendment to the Constitution was passed. This Nineteenth Amendment prohibits any United States citizen to be denied the right to vote based on gender. Introduced in 1878, it was submitted to the states for ratification in 1919 and ratified in 1920.
• Humanistic psychology – This is the element of psychology that is diametrically opposed to theology. This anti-God thinking has become pervasive in American society. The subtleties are evident on a daily basis. While it began in the 1800’s, the push to remove God from our society gained momentum during the 1900’s.
• Abortion - This is one of the results of humanistic psychology. Self has become all important even to the point of mothers legally killing their babies as a means of birth control. And, oh the heartache that many of them bear later. It is a grievous situation, indeed.

It is noticeably significant that three of the points listed are discriminatory against entire people groups. While we cannot go back and change the past, we can work from where we are to change the future. Why should we do this when the Scriptures say that we are to be subject to rulers and authorities?

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 to show true humility toward all men. Titus 3:1-2

Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 1 Peter 2:13-14

We fervently pray and fast and trust God that all will come together in His perfect will just as He has planned. And, of course, we know that this will be the case. But, we also see in Revelation that churches will be judged. Then, we read that nations will be judged.

Let the nations be roused; let them advance into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the nations on every side. Joel 3:12

But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Matthew 12:36

God cares about the careless word that is spoken. God cares about the churches that let their eyes wander away from Jesus. God cares about babies that are being needlessly murdered. And, God will judge our nation for this sin.

Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. 1 Peter 2:16

We quite often hear that people are calling for the end of tax-payer funded abortions. But, I do not believe this will let us off the hook in the final roll call. The issue is legalization of abortion. It was unlawful for the majority of this nation’s history, is unlawful in God’s economy, and should be restored to unlawful status.

Our Lord has not called me into the profession of politics. And, while politics will never replace or even be able to compete with the spiritual disciplines in my life, I’m making an effort to know more about the candidates and political issues as I take my role as a Christian and citizen more seriously. It is the issue of abortion that has clarified my understanding of the Christian and Politics. The sin of our day should not be ignored.

Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than men!’ Acts 5:29

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

These babies are orphans in the truest sense.

Just as Christians were involved in the abolition of slavery through helping dedicated women like Harriet Tubman with the Underground Railroad, we can be in the abolishment of abortion. As our history has proven, it takes time, effort, and dedication to change minds about discrimination. I often hear about the “woman’s right to choose” and wonder how we came to a place that justifies a right to kill. This could only happen with anti-God thinking that does not value God’s creation of human life. The real choice is for us as Christian women to carry the burden for the unborn through our faith, our prayer life, our witness, and our vote. We do not have to be running for political office to make this commitment. Thankfully, God is in control and, by His grace as we are used as His vessels, we can jointly make a difference.

But, let us do this with wisdom and gentleness as unto the Lord. And, with the hope that we might share our precious Savior with those who have yet to believe.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

 

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[1] Sandra K. Holden has her Bachelor of Biblical Studies in Pastoral Ministry Degree and is currently pursuing her Master of Christian Studies in Biblical Counseling Degree with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

A Call for Change – Part Two By Sandy Holden

A Call for Change – Part Two

By Sandy Holden[1]

Portions of the following concepts were obtained from study of The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges, The Walk of Repentance by Steve Gallagher, and lectures by Jeff Colon of Pure Life Ministries.

Just as we receive a call to repentance that leads to a changed life in the salvation process, there is another call for change.  We also receive a call to live in repentance.  The Bible tells of two kings that sinned against God.  One chose to love himself more than God and lost all fellowship with God.  The other acknowledged his sin against God and humbled himself before the Lord and was forgiven. 

King Saul loved and cherished his sin.  What a hideous thing!  Like King Saul, we can deceive ourselves by reforming some actions without repenting in our hearts.  Disobedience in one area of life increases the likelihood of disobedience in other areas.  We tend to rank our sin and work on the areas that we find most offensive, while all sin is equal in the eyes of God.  So, if we’re struggling to overcome what we consider a “big” sin, but continue to drive 15 mph over the speed limit, our progress may well be hindered.  He has provided instructions for us in honoring civil laws provided by our governing system just as well as moral laws provided by His Word.  A turning away generally means leaving the source or environment.  While there are some situations that cannot be changed, most can.  Being obedient and diligent is critical in turning away from sin.

King David, on the other hand, committed horrible sin; to include adultery and murder involving his commander, Uriah, and his wife, Bathsheba.  But, his repentance was sincere and accepted by God.  David faced the truth and accepted full responsibility for his sin.  He was humbled and broken before the Lord.  There were consequences for his sin, but he was reconciled to his Lord.  He was able to write:

If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer.  Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!  Psalm 66:19-20

Just as King Saul and King David were called to live in repentance, we are as well.  We can choose to keep ourselves on the throne or humbly allow our precious Savior to reign in our lives.  God sees the heart as it truly is. 

We are made holy by the grace of God.  But, many question their ability to live in holiness, with the belief that sinning is part of the Christian life and that God doesn’t expect obedience because He knows they will fail.  This belief interferes with determination to live in obedience to God, and it is false.

We must be willing to live morally blameless and to die to the sin which reigns within our heart.  This requires making a choice to resist sin and to break old habits that come from the desires within the heart.  Discipline is required if we are going to have the resolve to overcome our desires and live a life of moral purity according to God’s standard of holiness.  

This means coming to the Word of God in all humility and contrition as we openly understand the corruption in our own heart and our need for the Holy Spirit’s work therein.  We must become convicted of areas of sin in our life and address those through obedience to God’s Word.  This is done by fixing our mind on the commands of God.  His Word must become the dominant influence within our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. 

Change comes through meditation on and memorization of God’s Word.  As His Word becomes the dominant influence in our own heart, then it can be applied to our daily life.

While it is possible and our objective to live in holiness, when sin happens, it must be dealt with sincerely, as God’s truth is revealed to us.  We must consistently watch for His nudging to turn around and go the other way.  But, when we fail, we must repent and get right back up and keep going.  We do this better as we train ourselves to listen for God’s voice.  He’ll faithfully show us the truth.  Our responsibility is to guard the truth He has shown us.

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.  John 3:21

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[1] Sandra K. Holden is pursuing her Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree with a major in Biblical Counseling with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

A Call for Change By Sandy Holden

A Call for Change

By Sandy Holden[1]

We are a people that love comfort.  It is to what we have become accustomed.  Having comfort was not common throughout history past, it is not common for many in our world now, and it is likely that it will not be common in the future.

However, the biblical message is not generally one of comfort.  The prophets did not forecast calm, but storm.  They did not say that “All is well in the world.”  In fact, Jesus would not have needed to come as our Savior if all had been right in the world.  The prophets consistently spoke out saying “Repent, repent.”

Man is sinful by birth, because sin came into the world when Adam and Eve sinned, which was the point of singularity (inception of sin), and it has expanded since that time.  The world is not getting better, it is getting worse moment by moment.  From the point of singularity, sin can do no other than to expand; thus, making the natural condition of man’s heart one of depravity.

Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.  Psalm 51:5

 

[F] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, . . . Romans 3:23

Because God is holy and cannot be around sin, man was destined to eternal death.

Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their fathers; each is to die for his own sin.  Deuteronomy 24:16

Repentance is a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of life.  I received the call to repent from my sin in November 1972.  This was a personal decision that I made uniquely at the same time that my husband made his decision for which I am eternally grateful.  We discussed our desire to be saved and agreed to separately pray our own prayer at the same time.  Three months later very little in our life circumstances was the same.

This decision was of supreme importance to me/us as it was our only hope.  We could not do for ourselves what Jesus had done for us on the cross.  We were sinful creatures that needed the way provided for us by our Creator God.

My husband was a full-time student taking 21 units a semester (year-around) while working 48 hours a week as a security guard to support our family.  We had one hour a day together and Sundays.  I was a stay-at-home mom with two little boys ages 4 ½ and 3.  He was exhausted, and I was sad and lonely.  We knew that things were not right.  God sent two people into our lives to tell us of our need.  One was a long-time friend of Doug’s who was traveling through town on his way to go to seminary in Tennessee.  He was witnessing to people and baptizing them along the way.  He spoke to us about the end times, which was something that was never discussed in our previous church experiences.  The other was Doug’s sister who came across town every Thursday evening to have Bible Study with me and several of our neighbors.  She repeatedly told me to tell Doug that we were not saved, and in order to be saved we must repent of our sin and ask Jesus into our hearts.  Just like Noah, Jeremiah, and John the Baptist, these people were the voices telling us to repent.

The Holy Spirit was simultaneously convicting us so that we were able to be saved at the same time.  What a precious, precious gift that has been to us over the years.  We have been so richly blessed!

We know that the Lord used our circumstances at the time to get our attention in order to point out our need for Him.  Once we had given ourselves over to Him, He changed many of our circumstances and blessed us through those changes.  It was after our salvation that I went to work at the private college that Doug attended which allowed him to go to school tuition free.  Then, I also worked at the private law school he attended and we received a 50% tuition discount.  The hard part for me was leaving our young boys in the care of others.  But, God even provided for us through this painful experience as we found our new church home at the church-based day care provided for our sons.

There is purpose to living out our lives according to the plan of our Creator.  While the message is one of storm, there is also a message of hope and even comfort.  Sometimes God blesses His children with the kind of comfort that they desire, but there is a greater comfort.  I did not get the comfort that I desired to stay home with our children during those years of sacrifice, but I knew that we were in our Lord’s will.  And, this comfort did bring peace. 

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.  Psalm 119:76

 

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

This hope comes through the blood of Jesus Christ.  God sacrificed His own Son, so that man could be redeemed.  He loved His creation so much that He came to earth as a defenseless baby.  He changed for us by becoming one of His creation; one of us.  Who, but Holy God, would even think of doing such a thing!

What is going on in the world is not where it’s at.  God calls us to change. 

From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  Matthew 4:17

 

I tell you, no!  But unless you repent, you too will all perish.  Luke 13:3

As the prophet Amos would say, “Prepare to meet your God . . . The Lord God Almighty is his name.”

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[1] Sandra K. Holden is pursuing her Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree with a major in Biblical Counseling with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

Women on Assignment Update By Sandy Holden

Women on Assignment Update[1]

It has been a year since posting “Women on Assignment” on August 29, 2009.  This year has strengthened us, weakened us, humbled us, challenged us, and provided a variety of thoughts, emotions, and opportunities for soul searching as we have walked this spiritual journey. 

While mom remained steadfast in her resolve to care for Aunt Audree, I remained steadfast in my resolve to assist mom.  In knowing that it was right to do this, I continued to ask the Lord about the rightness of leaving my husband for 3-4 days each week.

Remembering the moment that God placed His call to short-term missions on my life, my husband and I began to view this ministry as an extended short-term mission project.  However, the fear that it might go on for ten years weighed heavy on our hearts.  Cooperation with God’s plan and embracing His work in each of our lives required significant discipline and energy.

Aunt Audree thrived during this time.  Her Alzheimer’s seemed to improve over the months.  She embraced our different personalities and the different ways that we did things.  It was clear that our presence made a difference for her.  Her friends from church were ever faithful to visit us and encourage us.  We were so grateful to them for the many ways that they cared for us.

Christmas was extremely special as we purchased two small decorated trees, one for the front bay window and the other, a larger one, for Aunt Audree’s family room; that she looked at and appreciated for most of each day.  She and Uncle Wayne had never had a Christmas tree because of their feline pets over the years, so this was her first experience as an adult with Christmas trees.  She was child-like in her delight over them and other decorations.

Mom continued to find driving in this new city beyond her so Aunt Audree and I ran most of the errands on my time there or the three of us did them on our overlap day each week.

My husband commented more than once that he could see the pall come over my face on Saturday mornings as I began to anticipate the return on Sunday afternoon.  He continued to transport mom to and from twice each week.

November brought a couple of interesting scenarios:  1) My husband’s mom had an emergency health issue on November 1st that required a hospital stay; and 2) Our personal credit union was purchased by another credit union and Aunt Audree’s bank was purchased by another bank.  So, our lives were further complicated by having to deal with and learn two new banking systems.

Then, about the first of December, my husband’s mom had another medical emergency.  In both instances she was dehydrated from lack of nourishment and hydration.  Since she lived alone, we asked them to provide rehab for her to help her regain strength and get back on her feet.  As her only kids living locally, I realized that it was now necessary for me to return home.  She is our direct mother, so it was clear that the Lord was changing things for, at least, our immediate household. 

I told mom that the change was now necessary for us.  She initially believed that she could carry on with Aunt Audree by herself.  But, after 8 days it was clear to her that the job was too much for her to do for extended periods alone.  My sister helped as much as she could with the limited times available from her full-time job.  So, we began looking to relocate Aunt Audree to our home area.

We found very quickly that there are various types of Alzheimer’s Secure Units around the city.  The first I visited was very much like a nursing home, only with a lock-down environment.  I noticed when touring that the residents seemed to feel self-conscious.  The next was a little better.  This place has a little dog that barks when visitors come into the unit, to make it seem more like home.  They also have a cat.  In both of these care centers, the residents can take very limited furnishings from their own homes.  Familiarity and surroundings being so important for people suffering from Alzheimer’s, this did not make much sense to us.  The economics did not seem to be a factor as the two places visited were on opposite ends of the financial scale.  Both also had waiting lists.

My sister asked that we check into a place near her home, so that was next on our list.  It was a totally different scenario.  The Alzheimer’s Secure Unit was a separate lock-down building that looked like a very nice hotel.  All belongings in each room were from the resident’s home; sheets, towels, everything.  Privacy was protected with big doors.  It was respectful, not hospital- like, and significantly less expensive than the 2^nd place visited.  Our choice was confirmed by room availability.

So, we moved Aunt Audree to her new home on December 23, 2009.  We brought her bed, clothing, loveseat, recliner, tables, dresser/desk, pictures, television and Christmas tree.  She embraced the move with the dignity and demeanor of a seasoned Christian woman.  During those days we found her pushing someone in a wheelchair, singing Christmas carols with a mini-choir, and visiting one-on-one on over-stuffed chairs in the hall.  This residence has a rabbit that is quite the hit for those who love animals and not intrusive for those who don’t.  Bing Crosby is his name.

On the morning of January 1, 2010, we received a call that Aunt Audree awoke with vomiting after a restless night.  We immediately called paramedics and took her to the hospital where the diagnosis was that her stomach had pushed up through her haital hernia, twisted and turned upside down.  The options were a very tricky surgery that she probably would not live through or recover from or Hospice Care for the remainder of her days. 

The eventual recommendation and decision was Hospice Care.  Mom spent the days with Aunt Audree and I came in for the nights.  This was far more doable in our home city than it would have been in Aunt Audree’s home city.  Such a gift from the Lord!

Aunt Audree was quiet during her time in Hospice Care as she contemplated her future with Jesus.  There was no struggle to hold on to this life.  She seemed to understand that options were limited and once more embraced how the Great Shepherd was moving her along.  She was not perfect, but her heart was ready to meet her maker.

Aunt Audree went to be with her Lord and Savior on the afternoon of January 9, 2010, right as her pastor finished reading the 23^rd Psalm to her.  “And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

This chapter of our lives that began on March 29, 2009, is now closed.  We continue to live somewhat in shock over what transpired, not only through Aunt Audree’s life, but also through her death.  We thank God for His ministry to one of His beloved children and how He used us in that ministry.  He answered our prayer that His mercies toward her would be abundant.

The last eight months have continued to be full as we have sought to be of help to my husband’s mom through the wonderful provisions that the Lord has made for her.  While challenges continue in the sale of her condominium, we know that God is in control, we sought His will in the move, we continue to seek Him daily, and we trust Him fully.  We continue to stand on the following verse for this time in our lives.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.  Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  James 1:2-4

Praise God that this time of testing is for our good and will result in our unified spiritual growth as a family, so that we will develop the perseverance that our Lord desires in us.

“Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm.  Let nothing move you.  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”  1 Corinthians 15:58

Amen!

_____________

[1] Sandra K. Holden is pursuing her Master of Arts in Christian Studies degree with a major in Biblical Counseling with IABC Certification from Master’s International School of Divinity.

 

7 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 4)

7 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 4)

Last time we looked at the second commandment.  Here, we’ll look at the third commandment.

7 "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

The Christian ethic of the third commandment is that of honor.  And what carries more honor than one’s name.  The Hebrews knew Yahweh (“I AM”) as the only God and they revered His name.  The third commandment, therefore, would make great sense to them.  To misuse the name of God would be the ultimate insult to God and would bring the ultimate shame (and would be punishable) on the offender. 

The Hebrew word for name, ‎shem (pronounced, shame), denotes a definite and conspicuous position.  It is a person’s memorial.  It denotes honor, authority and character.

The prohibition in this commandment is more than false swearing, swearing – in the sense we might think of it today: profanity – and being irreverent.  It is also making a promise by the use of the name of God and then casting that aside without thought or pause.  Using the name of the Lord God is the ultimate appeal to all that is holy and true. 

It is simply not enough to avoid profanity.  To say the name of God is to worship God.  Therefore, how we say it, how we use it, reflects our attitude of worship of God. 

The Hebrew word for misuse or vain (KJV) is ‎lashaaw’ (pronounced, la shaw’).   It means to disrespect in the sense of “nothingness.”  It is the “cold shoulder” in a relationship.  To misuse the name of the Lord God, is to attribute to God that He is nothing to us and to all mankind.  It is the height of hypocrisy to profess our faith, and then to lashaaw’ God. The Septuagint has: “ou leepsee epi mataioo,” which means, “Thou shalt not take the name of Yahweh thy God upon a vain thing, a trifling, frivolous occasion.”

What happens when we attempt to reduce God to nothingness – when we disrespect Him in this manner, by the misuse of His name?  This verse says that God will not hold us guiltless.  Here, the Hebrew word for guiltless is ‎naqah (pronounced, naw-kaw').  It is used in the negative sense or as the flip side of “blameless.”  If we misuse the name of God, we are by no means blameless or guiltless before God.  To not be guiltless connotes that such guilt or blame is punished.  How?  I am not sure.  But I sure don’t want to stand before God to find out.

God refers to Himself as Yahweh – “I AM.”  If we misuse His name, we say, “No, you aren’t.”

Next, we’ll look at the fourth commandment.

Doug

6 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 3)

6 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 3)

Last time we looked at the first of the Ten Commandments.  Here, we’ll look at the second commandment.

2.     Ex 20:4- :  You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand [generations] of those who love me and keep my commandments.

The Christian ethic of the second commandment is that we – you and I do not come first.  What we want, what we feel, what we desire and yes, even what we need – none of this comes before God.

The character of God is that He is holy.  Who are we to attempt to lay claim on what we want, feel, desire or need in the face of the holy God.  We can pray, of course, for these things, but we should be careful to present ourselves to God in an appropriate manner – humbly, subservient, undeserving, subject to others, subject to the Will of God and subject to the timing of God.

What is it that we make as an idol for ourselves?  What is it before which we bow down?  Is it power or position?  Is it our “rightful” place in the home, or at work or at church?  Is it money, debt, a nice way of life, a retirement, a home or stylish clothes?  Do we accept being last rather than first for the sake of the kingdom?

Where do our interests lie?  Comfort?  Knowledge (except for the knowledge of God)?  Work?  Play?  All of these can be idols “in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.”  

What is the danger?  First, we disrespect and hate our holy God.  Second, we subject ourselves to punishment/chastisement.  Third, we subject our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to punishment – meaning that our bad acts do not just hurt ourselves.  Our bad acts will set the tone for generations to come.  This is the height of arrogance and selfishness.

Pay attention.  This is part of God’s moral law.

Next, we’ll look at the third commandment.

Doug

5 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 2)

5 - CHRISTIAN ETHICS AND CHARACTER – The Ten Commandments (Part 2)

Last time we began our look into the Ten Commandments.  We continue here.

1.      Ex 20:3:  “You shall have no other gods before me.”

It was prominent in early Old Testament history for inhabitants of the world to have many idols.  Indeed, as Moses led the Hebrew people out of Egypt and into the desert, he was called by God to come up onto Mount Sinai to meet with Him.  Moses had interceded before God due to the sin of the nation and now God wrote down His moral law.  When Moses came down the mountain, he witnessed the horrifying scene of the golden calf, constructed by the nation so they would have something to worship.   It is most interesting that the first commandment is “You shall have no other gods before me.”

I have often thought, “What is wrong with these people?”  Moses was only gone for a little over a month.  God had continually provided for the Hebrew people in miraculous ways.  In fact, He had delivered them out of captivity and slavery.  But this attitude is not so unusual.  You and I do this as well – maybe worse.

The first thing to know about God is that He IS God. 

Ex 6:7:  I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. NIV

 

Ex 16:12:  I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’ NIV

 

Ex 20:2:  I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. NIV

 

Lev 11:44:  I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. NIV

 

Some 42 times, in the Old Testament, God says, “I am the Lord your God.”  The sheer repetition should mean something – and it does.  But what does it mean?   There are things that surround us in this life that take our time, hearts, thoughts and efforts away from God.  God says to the Hebrews, as He says to us, “Who do you think I am?  You say you know me.  You talk a good game.  You sing the songs in church and even clap your hands and waive your arms and contort your face to look pious and sincere, but your time, hearts, thoughts and efforts tell a different story.  I am the Lord your God!”

The Christian ethic of the first commandment is that we must act like we know who God is.

Doug

136 BIBLE “CONTRADICTIONS” … ANSWERED (Contradictions 36-40)

136 BIBLE “CONTRADICTIONS” … ANSWERED (Contradictions 36-40)

A Booklet by Brad McCoy, Th.M.

© Copyright 1985 Reprinted with author’s permission. May be distributed freely but not sold.

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Note:  I thought it would be interesting for a few posts, to consider some alleged Biblical contradictions.  I hear this all the time, but no one who makes the complaints will sit down with me and study them.  Brad McCoy was my Theology Professor in Seminary.  He is an outstanding theological scholar and teacher.  At my request, he provided me with a booklet he self-published in 1985.  The booklet can be reproduced, but not sold. - dh

** UPDATE ** Recently, I conversed with Dr. McCoy and he confirmed directly with me that I can post from his booklet.  In addition, he informed me that the book was recently updated to – “150 Bible Contradictions Answered!”  He sent me this self-published manuscript which, by the way, is excellent.  If you would like the new manuscript, let me know and I will pass it on to Dr. McCoy.  I see it cost him about $5.00 to send it to me, so you should be willing to make a contribution to Dr. McCoy's church to help defray the mailing cost and perhaps a bit more, maybe $20.00 or so.

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(This booklet is a response to the pamphlet “136 Bible Contradictions” printed by Crusade Publications of Redmond, Washington.)

 

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“Contradictions” 36-40

 

#36 Proverbs 4:5, 7 and James 1:5 which directly encourages believers to obtain wisdom is contrasted to the statements of 1 Corinthians 1:19-25 and 3:18-20 which warn that wisdom is of little or no real value.

 

Clearly two different kinds of wisdom are being discussed.  Proverbs 4:5, 7 and James 1:5 refer to godly wisdom or divine viewpoint.  In contrast, the Apostle Paul in the epistle of 1 Corinthians, is describing the wisdom of this world or human viewpoint.  The believer is to seek God’s perspective on life and to reject “worldly wisdom” based on ignorance or rejection of God.

 

#37 Contrasts Proverbs 12:2 which states that a good man will obtain favor from the Lord with 2 Timothy 3:12 and Hebrews 12:6 which indicate that godly men will be persecuted.

 

Proverbs 12:2 affirms that God Himself will bless a wise and righteous believer.  It primarily has in mind “spiritual blessings” such as wisdom, peace of mind, inner joy, and a good reputation.  In contrast, 2 Timothy 3:12 deals not with what God does for believers but with what the ungodly in the world tend to do to them.  It describes sinful men’s reaction to wise and righteous believers.  1 Peter 3:14 combines these two concepts, “even if you should suffer (from sinful men) for the sake of righteousness you are blessed”.  Blessing from God does not eliminate all worldly problems but allows the believer to live victoriously despite the reality of such difficulties (see 1 Peter 4:12-19).

 

#38 Contrasts Proverbs 12:22 which states that God hates lies with 1 Kings 22:23 in which the Lord “put” a deceiving spirit in the mouths of certain prophets.

 

There is a huge difference between direct and indirect causation.  In 1 Kings 22:23 God allowed (via indirect causation, the Hebrew verb used in this verse means “to permit, to allow”) a lying spirit to control the prophets of Ahab.  While God does allow moral creatures the freedom to sin (in this case allowing certain demonic spirits to empower and direct the activities of the false prophets) He is never responsible for sin.  He never coerces man to do evil.  He permits but He never promotes evil.

 

#39 Isaiah 44:24 which states that God alone created the universe is contrasted to John 1:1-3 which states that Jesus Christ is the Creator.

 

The Bible reveals that in the unity of the Godhead there exist three Co-Equal and Co-Eternal Persons-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  The Triune God eternally preexisted the present time-space universe, and created it without the help of any other agent.  The plurality of persons within the Godhead is indicated by the first person plural personal pronouns “us” and “our” in Genesis 1:26.  However the specific Person of the Godhead who actually was the active agent of creation is the Lord Jesus Christ (see also #72).

 

#40 Contrasts Jeremiah 3:12 in which God says He will not be angry forever with Jeremiah 17:4 which states that He will be angry forever.

 

This “contradiction” ignores the chronological progression of the book of Jeremiah.  In chronological context, Jeremiah 3:12 is a call for the nation of Judah to repent.  It was given during the reign of godly King Josiah (640 B.C.).  God states that He is willing to forgive the nation at that time if she would repent and return to Him.  Jeremiah 17:4 is a statement made many years later during the reign of ungodly King Jehoiakim (609 B.C.).  At that point God announces His final verdict upon the unrepentant nation which had refused His previous offers of forgiveness.

 

 

Doug

 

Douglas S. Holden, Douglas Holden, Doug Holden, Brad McCoy, Theology, Doctrine, Bible contradictions