Define the Trinity in your own words.

Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The LORD thy God is one LORD.”

This week I gave my kids an assignment “Using only the scriptures; no google search, no cheating, no copying, explain the Trinity.”  The reality is that it is never directly referenced in the scriptures, and it is one of the most difficult things to comprehend in a worldly understanding.  The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit independently are easy to understand and wrap our head around, but when we look at them as a single triune God it gets a little uncomfortable for most. 

The Trinity is a fundamental foundational point in our Christian belief system, and it only exists in the Christian belief system.  Other religious beliefs may recognize Jesus, recognize God the Father and recognize the Holy Spirit, but none make the attempt to claim they are one.  Many from other faiths will challenge the Christian faith on this very topic.  If we are unable to explain it in a manner that helps them understand, it can quickly be deduced that it’s a man-made fallacy and therefore crippling the entire Christian belief system.

So, as we share time together, let us examine this topic amongst us as friends and fellow believers.  In it’s most general sense the Trinity is best expressed in the human form of 3 personas in one being.  Take me for example:  I am a person, a male human; I am a son of two loving parents; and I am a brother to two totally awesome siblings.  I had no control over any of these personas in my life, yet each of them are factual just by the very nature of my existence.  Three personas in one being.  This example is simple for a human to wrap their head around, but in this simplified description it pales to touch on the reality of the Triune Godhead.

So, similar to what I’ve asked my daughters to contribute this week – how do you define the Trinity, using only scriptures, not the WWW search engine of choice.  In the comment section below, leave your thoughts, your ideas, your questions and your hypothesis.  We are all in this Christian walk together and we need to learn to help each other grow in our respective faith, through loving advice and counsel.  I am choosing to hold off on posting my position on this question, because I want to hear from you.  I will post my response in a few days, and trust me I do have an opinion now, after being unable to address this question in a dialogue with another a few months back.

Following this question realize that additional question’s will arise.  Can the God die?  Does God cry?  Does God feel pain?  Can God be tempted?  Think about these questions as you contemplate your thoughts on defining the Trinity.  I love you all and look forward to your thoughts.

Be Blessed,

Rich

Are You Capable to Judge?

Who is strong enough to actually be a judge in today’s world?  We all judge every single day, whether we intentionally do it or not.  Let’s look at this from a pragmatic point of view.

Is there such a thing as good and evil?  If one were to say yes, of course.  Then we must follow up with the question – What constitutes goodness and what constitutes evil?  An individual will give a subjective response to this question, but then again who’s to say that a person standing next to them or a person down the street would have a very different response to this same question.  Then we must ask, in the circumstance that their responses are different, who is correct when they both face the same moral situation.

Example: if a person hits another person across the face, is it right or wrong?  Frank might say that it is right based on the words that the person had said prior to being slapped.  Jack might say it is never right to hit another person and therefore the person doing the hitting should receive a just consequence.  Two opinions on the same situation, both somewhat justified in their perspective.  Who’s the better judge?  In answering this question, you are also putting forth your opinion in one direction over the other, so what makes you correct over others reading this that would put forth the opposing opinion?

Judging is not simple by any means, and to be honest we are not equipped mentally or spiritually to take on that role in even the most basic situations.  In life there are extremely difficult situations that we are facing daily that require us to make a judgement on right/wrong or good/evil.  Abortion, rape, gun control, drugs, pornography, racism, parenting, work, school, church, discipline, finances, and so on and so on. 

We make decisions based on an evaluation of the outcome and how it impacts us and those around us at any given moment.  Once the decision has been made, we move on and take on the next decision.  We use our views on good/evil, right and wrong to make these decisions; but who established within our own moral compass the definitions of these perspectives.  What is the moral foundation for our determinism, and does it ever change?

Have you ever made a determination if something is good or evil only to come back at a later time with a change of heart or a different opinion on the matter?  Have you ever been wrong in determining that something is evil when in reality it may have been circumstantial and actually had a longer good or positive result?  We are all quick to judge others based on our moral compass without fully understanding the details of a situation or action.  Yet, we are so unbelievably limited in our ability to fully perceive the completeness of any situation from a macro point of view.  We use the knowledge and experiences of our own life to judge others against those experiences and knowledge basis.  Do we truly have such a high opinion of ourselves and our wisdom to think that we have the right to actually judge another for any of their actions?

Come on seriously.  You believe you can judge others, and that you have that right to do so?  Fine, judge me in the comments section below.

Based on your knowledge, wisdom and experiences with me in this life answer the following:

1.      Am I ever wrong about my views on society?

2.      Do I work hard for the money I make?

3.      If I told you I have a gun, am I right in that decision?

4.      If I discipline my children, am I a child abuser?

5.      If I lose my temper, is that verbal abuse?

6.      If I stole something as a young man, am I a criminal, and should I be sentenced?

7.      Am I wrong to drink a beer when I watch football on Saturdays?

8.      Should I be punished for not spending more time with my family and working long hours?

9.      If I lie about a specific action or topic, and mislead you, am I still a friend?

10.   I love helping out at church, but it means I’m not with my wife in the pews, is this wrong?

How did I do in your eyes?  This is a very simple, non-offensive list to most, but represents the fact that we all would look at this list of 10 things, and I assure you, none of us would have the exact same response to the entire list.  Each of us are unique in our thought process and determination on what constitutes right and wrong. Therefore, I posit that you and I are not qualified to judge others in anything, if we cannot agree on the simple things. 

We were not designed to judge each other.  In our humanity, we cannot see the exponential scale of every decision made by others, and therefore we are incapable of determining right from wrong.  We have a single point of reference though, and that is Jesus Christ.  For He alone, according to the scriptures, lived a perfect, sin-free life and now sits at the right hand of the Father.  He alone has given all that our iniquities can be erased and forgiven.  It is this grace, this love from Him that we hold as truth and authentic righteousness, and any judgement or opinion outside of this is flawed from it’s base.  Because we are not perfect and sinless, we have not ability to judge others for their imperfectness and sins.  So let God be God, and learn to love others simply because they are imperfect just like you.

Why - God - Why?

g“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”  – Hebrews 6:10

 

There was a gentlemen who was struggling with an area of his life and he had pent up frustration and aggravation with God. He had a faith in Christ for years, but was recently feeling abandoned by his Savior. Where had God been in this area of his life to allow the pain and loneliness to set in. For years, this gentlemen had helped the homeless in his spare time. He went out of his way to ensure that one of his families friends, (a single mother with 3 children), was always taken care of regarding food and utilities. This man had mentored teens away from a troubled life and introduced many people to the Christ that he loved so dearly.

With these and so many other accomplishments he had impacted the lives of hundreds of people in the name of Christ. With this report card in his back pocket, he was completely caught off guard when a letter came that shook his spiritual life. His faith was rocked, so to speak, by news in that letter and he found himself blaming God that night and ever since. This feeling that God had abandoned him sank more deeply into his mind and spirit.

This man could easily be you or your husband, brother or friend. His situation is no different than that of millions of people every day. Not one of us is immune to painful and hurtful situations. Your spouse has an affair, your kids are doing drugs, you have an accident which leads to a law suit and you lose everything, you lose your job and can’t find another, the list goes on. It’s easy to fall into a feeling of self-pity, and look for someone to blame when struggles fall upon us. It’s just as easy to turn away from God in anger, disappointment and resentment. After all, how could he have let you suffer when you have done so many good things.

Have you ever been there? We read in Hebrews that God will not forget all that you have done for others in His name. God is just and will keep His promise to you. It states a few verses later: “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” These struggles are to remind you whom you are placing your trust in. He instructs us that we are to continue to be faithful, patient and diligent in our efforts on His behalf. Through these struggles we are given the opportunity to strengthen our walk with the Lord or to turn away from it and rely solely on our own inherent ability to deal with them. I propose the maker of heaven and earth has a better plan than you do. Be blessed.

How Can It Be?

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of it’s structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  It’s branches grow toward the light, it’s roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, it’s leaves fall off and are recreated and each one is unique in it’s design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse, He spoke and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing, to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenchance?  Look at the oceans and the perfect flow of water to the pull of gravity and the rolling waves of the tide as it comes in.  Look at the sky in it’s infinite depths and realize that though we believe we know how far it stretches, there is no way to be sure we have seen it all.  How were the stars so perfectly placed and the the planets in an exact orbit around the sun, so as not to burn up or freeze.  The grains of sand along the shores are so numerous that man is unable to comprehend the number of such magnitude.

If indeed you continue to believe that the perfect environment for our life cycle on this planet called earth was random, then I say there is something that has blinded your acceptance of the truth.  I will always believe and can never be convinced otherwise, regardless of my age, that we were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail, just like the air, water, beach and sky.  There is nothing about the human that is not known by Him.  He has created us to do amazing things. 

It’s time to recognize that God is God, and He made you perfectly because He doesn’t make mistakes.  You may feel unworthy of His love and attention, but you are mistaken.  For His love for you is unquenchable.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  So begin by acknowledging that He is the Creator of all things and that He indeed has a plan for you.  Today is your day to do amazing things.

 

Pascal's Wager

Blaise Pascal (1623 to 1662) penned "Pascal's Pensees" - a collection of his thoughts and ideas.  One was known simply as "The Wager" (#233) and has been discussed for 100’s of years now.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/18269/18269-h/18269-h.htm

Blaise Pascal was a mathematician, a physicist, a writer and a Christian philosopher, who’s work was the basis for most of the computer language behind most of our applications and operating systems today. 

As much as his logical argument (The Wager) was true then, it is even more true today.
“Belief is a wise wager. Granted that faith cannot be proved, what harm will come to you if you gamble on its truth and it proves false? If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. Wager, then, without hesitation, that He exists”

I've described it to my children, youth groups and small groups like this:
We can accept that numbers are infinite. There are odd numbers, even numbers, positive and negative, but there cannot be a finite end, for there is always 1 greater or 1 less than whatever number you can think of. We accept that space is infinitely large and infinitely small, because we have yet to reach it's edge. We accept that there is always something beyond what we can see and know. But in relation to time, we see finite limits. 24 hours in a day, 7 days in a week, 52 weeks or 365 days in a year, a certain number of years in a life. Each description of time has a finite definition of length and because we will all die time has a finite end. So, we accept that we are each given a finite time on this earth.

If we choose that this life is all there is and we can only accept those things that are finite, then by logic and reason we can do anything we want and desire in this lifetime, without eternal concern.  This person will live this life without abandon and without fear of consequences based on something they choose not to accept.  They will wager that there is no infinite time of eternity.  It’s not a matter of inability to accept, because we have already demonstrated that they accept the principle of infinity, it’s an unwillingness to accept it.  They are unwilling to risk missing out on what they could be doing in the finite time of their known life, for the uncertainty of a possible infinity of eternity.

On the other hand, some people are willing to expand their thinking beyond what is finite and known, to that which is unknown and that which is infinite.  In doing so they make a choice to live this life in search, in expectation and understanding that the infinite eternity is as real as infinite numbers and space.   These individuals will wager that this life is only a temporary passing of time, with a faith that something greater and infinite in time exists beyond the known.  The choices and decisions this group will pursue in this life will be made with an understanding that it impacts the reward in the infinite eternal reality.  The risk they realize is missing the goodness and righteous infinite reward as a trade off for the temporary pleasures of this finite life.  The fear of this group of individuals is that those who do not agree with an infinite eternity will end up in an infinitely eternal state of Hell, having wagered everything for this life with no worry of the next.

Everyone must participate in the wager, so which will you choose?

As a formula:

If Y then A=G and B=H
If N then A=B
              There is eternity = Y       There is no eternity = N
              Eternal Heaven = G        Eternal Hell = H
              Belief in God = A             No belief in God = B

Who do You Trust

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."      - Joshua 1:9

 

The turning of the page so to speak in the Israelites flight to the Promised Land.   Moses had passed away without crossing over the river Jordan and experiencing the joys and abundance the Lord had promised.  Joshua was now to take the reins and lead the children of God into the land God had prepared for them.  Just as Joshua needed to hear from the Lord that day, as I’m sure the emotions were high and the task at hand seemed overwhelming, we need to hear it as we face the challenges in our lives. 

God’s promise was clearly articulated to Joshua on that day.  Joshua 1:5, “No one can stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, I will be with you.  I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  - I’m sure Joshua took that to heart.  I mean if the God of the Universe told me that no one could ever defeat me, I’d be walking pretty tall and confident.  Regardless of what challenge he came upon or who threatened his life or his purpose, he knew without a doubt that God was his protector.  But it required Joshua to be very strict in following the law handed down to Moses, and to meditate on it day and night. 

How much more so are you in need of God’s promise to walk with you daily and be your protector?  I surely have fallen at moments in my life when I was fearful and in need of a certain, strong provider.  Drawing on the faith that only through God can a situation be resolved, forces one to reflect on His promises to us, similar to His promise to Joshua.  Do you recall in Matthew 28:20, “…surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.”  These were the words from Jesus to His disciples to encourage them after His death and resurrection.  This same spirit that was given to the disciples is available to you and I, if we so chose to accept and grab a hold of it.  Also, I’m sure you’ve heard Paul’s words to the Hebrews, in the 13^th chapter the 5^th verse “… Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”  The same claim from Joshua 1:5 is recalled here by Paul in his epistle to the Hebrew nation, not by co-incidence, but carefully thought out and perfectly structured to encourage them and us 2000 years later.

We need to hold true to these promises of Jesus Christ and those of His disciples recorded in the New Testament.  God is our provider, our comforter, our strong tower and our protector.  He will stand before us against all enemies and protect our rear from evil that might approach unseen.  You can trust in God’s promises to His children just as Joshua did as he led them into the Promised Land flowing with milk and honey.  Pass them on to your children, and their children.  The God of the Universe is with you everywhere you go and will not forsake you.

Get Off the Sidelines

Many have been tossing around this scripture as a word for the current state in America.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

Who are "my people, who are called by my name" referenced in this scripture?

Considering it is from the Old Testament, a word from the Lord to King Solomon (son of King David), my understanding is that it would reference the children of Israel. Continuing in 2 Chronicles 7:19-20 . . .
"But if you turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you and go off to serve other gods and worship them, then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name." 2 Chronicles 7:19-20
So what makes American's believe that 2 Chronicles 7:14 references America? I believe we are a Christian nation, not because God has ordained America as such, but because our founders as a collection of individuals, who based on their faith, put forth the values of freedom, diversity, peace, unity, respect, truth, upholding the law and love for our fellow man as the foundation for this country. These values align hand in hand with those values of the Christian man.  But, be clear that a Christian in Bangladesh, China, Brazil, Canada, UK, Germany or any other country has these same principles. So, what makes us believe that God has had his hand on our country and not theirs?
My belief is God has His hand on His people, which after the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian nation (worldwide) is grafted with the Israelites into this group of people. Not based on the boundaries of our nation, but by the belief and commitment to Him and Him alone.
Has God removed His hand from His people? No, He has not. The perception of Americans as a "Christian nation" has caused us to believe that He has, because we are feeling the pressure of the evil of this world more than we ever have in the past. In the last 20 years we have allowed this evil to grow as we have slowly removed God from the school, the courthouses, businesses, conversations, life/death decisions and so much more.  So, in recent times we are seeing the result of these actions, as described in 2 Chronicles 7:19-20.  In taking this scripture (2 Ch. 7:14) to a global scale though, God’s hand is very much still on His people.  More people are coming to the Lord in countries all over the world including Africa, the Middle East and the Far East; where individuals are passionately seeking His truth as the escape from this evil.
God's hand is still on His people, but because many of today’s "Americans" tend to focus more on ourselves than we do on Him, it certainly feels like He has removed His hand from those of us in America.  We have allowed this to happen and yet it still seems as though it has snuck up on us over time.  Many times we turn a blind eye to what is going on and leave it to others to deal with on our behalf.  It is this complacency that has brought America from where we started to where we are today.  If you feel that God has removed His hand from America, than I must ask, what are you going to do about it?
Just like our fore-fathers, you must get involved.  Sitting on the sides will not resolve the problems we face today.  I propose that we stand up.  Take a stand for the truth that is at the very heart of our countries foundation.  Stand up for your fellow man, love others, take your eyes off of yourself and look to help your brother, your sister and your neighbor.  Work hard at fighting back against the wave of evil that is spreading throughout our society and lift up the wisdom of God as our supreme guidance rather than the wisdom of man.  Focus your prayer life on the Church, the Government, the education system and the media; that God will make Himself visible and known there.  Standing on the sidelines and watching it happen around you is representative of your willingness to accept the outcome, which may be even farther away from God than it is today.
If you aren’t engaging others with this conversation, than I suggest you begin doing so.  We control our actions to promote and stand up for God’s Kingdom.  They can’t take that away from you, but they will continuously try.  Become a warrior for Him and He will keep His hand on your shoulder the whole way.

What are your feelings, thoughts and advice in regards to the situations we are facing?How can I help you strengthen your walk, your faith, your prayer life?