“Woke”

Being “woke” is an interesting new expression used in current popular culture to denote a state of “sudden understanding of what’s really going on and finding out you were wrong about much of what you understood to be truth” (urbandictionary.com). I’ve heard the term used in a few different contexts and decided that I needed to explore it a bit. The first time I heard it was in reference to the idea of “gender fluidity”. The second time my cousin was quite irate about a relative of hers adopting the mantra of a racial group who’s experience she didn’t fully share. The next tangible experience I had with this term was in a church’s youth program poster. I believe this is the one that sent me over the edge I had to address this. As always let’s go to Scripture.

Firstly there are two forces in this world: good and evil (Genesis 2:17; 3:5). Good encompasses all that is righteousness, truth, light, holiness and Godly. In contrast evil is composed of all that is unrighteousness, lies, darkness, impure, and Godless (Matthew 6:22, 23). Because there are only two forces in this world we must be following one or the other (Matthew 6:24). The definition of the term ‘woke’ “is a sudden understanding of what is really going on and finding out you were wrong about much of what you understood to be truth”; to me this is suspicious and insulting. As someone who has spent a bit of time in school and done some teaching I know that knowledge tends not to be gained suddenly. Insulting, because how is it possible that a person could achieve 30 plus years of life and experiences, and be wrong about most of it. The best teacher is experience, cause and effect – that’s scientific inquiry at its most basic. That said, what is this new outlook that is being gained? How much of the foundation of lives is being dismantled? What is the foundation being replaced with? And in light of the controlling forces being good or evil which direction is this state of being “woke” taking us?

Most of societal rules, as we know it, are based on Judeo-Christian scripture: Honour your parents, don’t commit murder, don’t cheat on your spouse, don’t steal, and don’t lie (Exodus 20:12-16). These are solid tenets on which society is formed and functions, however, as time marches on certain members of society become enamoured with the idea that within ourselves we are able to perpetuate a smooth society without the use of these guidelines, therefore, we see these principles slowly being eroded. Now, the state and children have more rights than parents, murderers have more rights than their victims, there is now an utter disregard for the sanctity of marriage, laws exist that promote theft, and politicians and lawyers have made lying an art-form. We did not just appear on this earth. There is One being responsible for our existence and He set out basic principles by which to live and prosper when we disregard them it is to our own demise. Our actions have real consequences. It behoves us to investigate the final outcome of this utter disregard for the obvious, logical facts on which we once based our lives.

This movement of being “woke” did not just happen suddenly. It has been building for decades in modern history. This generation is now the fruit of plans laid decades ago in the education, legal, media and entertainment systems of this world. However, any student of history will know what the outcome of this erosion of principle will be, as it has occurred many times before. Every society that has disregarded these basic principles of life has fallen, beginning with the antediluvians (Genesis 6:1-7; 7:7-24), then the community at the tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), again with the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:1-26), and various other subsequent civilizations (Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome). When the principles on which we build our existence are made to be fluid (spectral, uncertain) there ceases to be any reliable support and that will inevitably lead to destruction.

Now, as it regards the church, we have an added layer of responsibility because we claim to believe the whole of scripture. When the youth of our church are turning up the volume to their music and seeking for new ways of distracting themselves from reality and calling themselves “woke” I become extremely concerned. As proclaimed believers we are responsible to a known God for the remaining five commands (have no other gods, don’t worship the work of your hands, respect His name, keep His Sabbath day holy, don’t harbour envious thoughts). He has clear instructions in His word for how to keep these, but the youth of our church are now of the opinion that God doesn’t care about those “little things”, and that they can treat their minds and bodies as they wish, as long as they claim to be Christ’s (please consider these texts: Matthew 7:21-23; 1Corinthians 10:31; 6:19-20; 3:16, 17). There is no more vicious lie than this that has infested Christendom. As a result we seek to do the bare minimum to be considered a Christian by societal standards, with limited consideration to God’s actual standards.

Some claim that God doesn’t care much about our obedience, that He wants a relationship with us. A true relationship requires give and take but all we do is take. We want God’s blessings, not His guidance, we want His mercy, not His justice, we want His name and for Him to ignore our wilful disregard of His precepts, we want a Saviour not a Lord (Isaiah 4:1). He should give all and we give nothing. This concept of a relationship explains fully the divorce rate within the church. Scripture informs us that God does not change and what He required in Old Testament times, He required in New Testament times and still requires today; obedience (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). This is a most comforting thought, we serve a God who is firm, and does not change; we can rely on Him to stand by His word, always. His word is powerful and active and will fulfil what it set out to do (Isaiah 55:11). He is the sure foundation on which we may build a life (Matthew 7:24).

I was listening to a sermon recently that referenced this state of intoxication in the church. The preacher spoke about Noah’s experience and Lot’s experience when they were drunk (Genesis 9:20-24; 19:30-36). During their drunken state they were abused and taken advantage of. However, when they woke up they became aware of what was done to them and could react. The preacher then compared these events with the description in Revelation of the “whore” who made all nations drink of the “wine of her fornication” (Revelation 17:1-6). These are symbols of a system that has infested Christendom, and caused us to believe lies with no foundation is God’s sure word. The apostle Peter admonishes us to be sober and vigilant because we have an enemy that wants to destroy us (1Peter 5:8). Until we truly wake up and realize how far we have drifted from scripture we will never truly know the extent of the abuse we have suffered.

Young people of the church, I implore you, Wake Up! Stop following fads and popular culture, pick up a Bible, sincerely pray to God for help, and read. Read as if your life depended on it, because it does.

--> God’s Mercy
Time to Wake Up
The Missing Piece
Lord, I Want to Be a Chirstian

Perfect Love Casteth Out All Fear

This passage of scripture has been running through my mind on a loop for the past few months. The full text says: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

This passage has been on my mind because a friend kept repeating it with reference to interpersonal relationships, and I have been perplexed about this application. Then I was reminded of the definition of love. I’ve spoken before about this subject but in short scripture summarizes this way, “And this is love, that we walk after His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.” 2 John 1:6

So what is the commandment that we have heard from the beginning? Simply put this is the Decalogue, the Law of God (Psalms 105:8-10; Matthew 24:35). God’s law is everlasting and all encompassing and by His grace we are able to keep all of them – perfectly (Philippians 4:13; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 John 4:17).

We’ve just completed a review of the Decalogue, and in it we find that when we put anyone or anything before God, the first commandment is broken. God has given various instructions on how He expects us to keep this particular command, relying on Him, listening to His prophets, and studying His word, to name a few (Proverbs 3:5; 2 Chronicles 20:20; 2 Timothy 2:15).

Consequently, if we study His Word diligently (Isaiah 28:10) and try the prophets, through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and determine that their words coordinate with the Bible (Isaiah 8:20), then by the grace of God we will obey (Philippians 2:13). As a result we will have nothing to fear, because the consequences of our actions are now in the hands of the Lord “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

Recently, I read about the love Samuel had for Saul and how his heart ached when God rejected Saul as King. However, this fatherly affection that Samuel had toward Saul did not interfere with his faithful delivery of God’s word or his diligent execution of God’s commands (1 Samuel 15:22-35; 16:1-13). He was fearless in chastening Saul and boldly anointed his successor. Parents and elders should not indulge their children in wrongs; true love will always defend and promote truth, righteousness and the will of God.

Following Saul’s rejection we see his fear increase as he became suspicious of everyone around him, looking for conspiracies to cause him harm at every turn (1 Samuel 16:14-23; 18:10-16; 19:8-17; 20:24-34). Because he was disobedient to God’s commands he had no peace; he was tormented day and night in fear of how his reign would end, stalking a man that would do him no harm (1 Samuel 24:1-15). Disobedience to the will of God will only lead to fear of the unknown. When we obey God’s word he protects us from the wiles of the devil. There is no need to hunt for the plans of our enemies because perfect adherence to the word of God will keep us safe.

As another example, God’s word speaks about not being unequally yoked with people who don’t share your beliefs (2 Corinthians 6:14). His prophet also speaks to the responsibility one has to future children and the community regarding marriage and raising useful, productive people. As we see in the life of Solomon, he “loved many strange women” and as a result his kingdom was split through the actions of an imprudent son (1 Kings 11:1-13; 12:1-24). This division lead to the subsequent apostasy of the lost tribes (1 Kings 12:25-33; 13:1-5). All must be taken into consideration; feelings and desires cannot be the guiding force in so fundamental a course. Perfect love in this situation is not an emotional rush but a careful, well-measured consideration of God’s principles.

Therefore, perfect study of God’s word, perfect dependence on God, and perfect obedience to God, which brings about perfect love will beyond a doubt cast out all fear. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

Please Consider

Freedom from Fear

Hand In Hand

Never Give Up!

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I saw one of these inspirational statements that make the rounds on social media, recently. On the surface, it sounds uplifting and affirming, however, when analyzed through the lens of Scripture, it is revealed to be composed by the enemy of our souls himself. This is the statement: “Never give up! Reach inside! Give it all you got! As long as you’re alive you can keep on trying! Never give up! Discover how strong you are! Don’t let anything or anyone bring you down! Instead be someone who lifts others up by not giving up and inspiring others with all you’ve achieved! Never give up!” (Karen Salmansohn)

When I first read this statement I was disheartened. Disheartened because of the depth of control our enemy has on the way we think. These words seem like good advise and encouraging life affirming words to get us through the day but the reality is the sentiment of this message will only lead us to deeper misery. Let’s break it down: “Never give up!” good opener, perseverance is an excellent trait to develop, this is supported by scripture (Luke 9:62; Hebrews 10:23). However, the next line is pure poison: “Reach inside!” What do we have inside us to reach for? Unless Christ is living in us, there is nothing worth reaching for (Psalms 51:5; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:18; Philippians 2:13). This promotion of an inward reach is the plan of the enemy. He was the original self-centred creature. He declared that ‘he and his fellow angels had no need of God’s law because in and of themselves they were able to do good’. We can see where that mindset has brought us thus far.

The next few lines reiterate the idea that there is some inherent good in us. “Give it all you got! As long as you’re alive you can keep on trying! Never give up! Discover how strong you are!” The Bible informs us that our “righteousness are as filthy rags” (Isaiah 64:6). Because of our first parents’ sin we are by nature weak and unable to do any good thing in our own strength. Scripture tells us that it is only through the power of Christ that we have the strength to do anything (John 15:4, 5; Acts 17:28; Philippians 4:13). The very life we live is because of God’s sustaining power.

With all that we have seen thus far in Scripture the next line is now taking a direct swing at God’s word: “Don’t let anything or anyone bring you down!” The Bible tells us to humble ourselves, and let Him lift us up (Proverbs 16:18; 29:23; Matthew 23:12; Luke 1:52; 14:8-11). Christ is to be our example and He humbled himself more than any being in existence. He is the Creator of all things, and He chose to come to this earth and let His creation disparage and mutilate Him so that these same creatures could have a chance at life (Philippians 2:8). And we write little statements to encourage ourselves in our own self-importance.

The final line: “Instead be someone who lifts others up by not giving up and inspiring others with all you’ve achieved! Never give up!” The audacity! What can any of us achieve to bring inspiration to anyone else (Luke 12:25)? Our only source of inspiration and hope is in Christ. The spirit of boasting that this sentence encourages only feeds in us and in others a disregard for the tenth commandment. The songwriter said it well “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling” (Rock of Ages- Toplady, A 1776). The Apostle Paul said: ‘follow me as I follows Christ’ (1 Corinthians 11:1). Our achievements and worldly gains can do nothing but help a person loose sight of the true aim of reuniting with Christ.

The mentality encouraged by inspirational words like these is what has led to the utter and complete disregard for God’s commandments. It feeds into the idea that because Jesus died we don’t have to sacrifice anything in this life (but that’s a discussion for another post). My only aim in this is to encourage us to think about these seemingly uplifting statements that we distribute so freely. Please read them critically before you distribute them. You may be building up the enemy’s kingdom by fostering ideas of self-sufficiency and self-importance. Remember we are to die daily so that Christ may live out His perfect life through us (1 Corinthians 15:31; Galatians 2:20).

Be Encouraged

Pendulum

I am writing this in the month of March (“Women’s month”) and I am receiving a wide array of information regarding the women’s movement. I saw a video recently about scholars at a particular university suggesting the abolition of the word “man”, the issue of female pastors is ever looming in the background of church life and the reality of societal behaviour in the past towards women stands evident. I am by no means a supporter of any of these women’s “liberation” movements as I see them only causing division and a complete disregard for the order God designed. However, certain realities need to be addressed and accepted on all sides of this debate. What we see now is a pendulum swing that was inevitable. Physics demands: that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

For centuries men have treated women as property to be traded, collected, abused, and ignored. This was not the instruction given by God. Anyone adhering to scripture will know that women are to be loved, respected and cared for not mistreated or ignored (Ephesians 5:25-29). The enemy of our souls initiated the original movement of this pendulum. Now without thought many professed believers are adding momentum to the inevitable reaction, the pendulum has now swung resulting in the movement we see today – women attempting to displace men from society. As women we should take heed to the words of the wise king “Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands” (Proverbs 14:1).

In the eyes of Heaven men and women are equal in regard to salvation (Galatians 3:27-29). However, when dealing with societal structure God is very clear about the order of things: the man is in charge (Genesis 3:16; 1 Corinthians 11: 1-9; Ephesians 5:23). If men had behaved properly in the past treating women as Christ treats His church (Ephesians 5:25) we would not have this upset in society in which roles are being reversed and children are neglected. Each member of society would know their role and fill it gladly not feeling disenfranchised. Just as Jesus being equal with God did not feel diminished when He came to this Earth, subjected Himself to the Father and carried out His will (John 4:34; Philippians 2:3-8).

The failure of men to do the will of God is no excuse for the full rebellion we see in society today (1 Samuel 15:23). God has been notably absent from all sides of this argument. Only the feelings and rights of individuals are being expressed, no one is consulting the will of God. This is dangerous, specifically when addressing this issue within the church. The purpose of the church is, after all, to do the will of God and share His message with the world. But if our depraved sinful human feelings and perceived rights (Isaiah 64:6) take precedence, how will we be able to do the will of God? Self needs to be removed. Self-exaltation, pride and envy need to be checked. Our only motivation should be that of our Saviour and example, what would our Father in Heaven have us do (Luke 22:42).

God’s Speed

Number Ten

“Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbour’s.”

To properly comprehend this command we need to define some terms, covet, envy, and jealousy. To covet is “to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another. Envy: “painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage”. Jealousy: to be “intolerant of rivalry or unfaithfulness” or “vigilant in guarding a possession”. Number Ten is the commandment that lies at the heart of the preceding commandments. It speaks to the motivation behind the actions in each of them. While on Earth Jesus emphasized the importance of our motives and the thoughts we harbour in our minds (Matthew 5:17-30). These lie at the foundation of our characters, which is all we will take into eternity.

Covetousness was the motive of the first sin. The serpent tempted the woman, suggesting to her that in eating the fruit she would become “as gods, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5, 6). When she thought about the words of the serpent and she saw the fruit as something to make her wise she took it. The woman desired to be more than she was created to be. She desired an advantage that was not hers to have, and when she gained it, it resulted in her down fall.

Envy and covetousness are dangerous, powerful emotions. They are the motives behind the origin of evil (Isaiah 14:12-15). A created angel decided he wanted to be greater than God and as a result has fallen lower than God’s lowest creation (Matthew 25:41). His envy has been manifested in lies and murders and the trampling of all of God’s commands (John 8:44). The wise man tells us: “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Proverbs 27:4. Wrath and anger are terrible emotions to deal with but they subside. Envy is seething and at times imperceptible and it is only when the breaking of the other commandments come to bare that the covetous motive behind them can be seen. Beware of covetousness.

Some people use the terms ‘envy’ and ‘jealousy’ interchangeable, but this is not right. Envy refers to desiring something that is NOT yours. Jealousy refers to desiring something that IS yours. God describes Himself as a “jealous God” (Exodus 20:5; 34:14, Deuteronomy 2:24; 6:15). He does so because He is very protective of what is His. Our worship, belong to Him, our gratitude belong to Him, our very lives belong to Him (by creation and redemption) (Acts 17:28). Therefore, He guards His creatures that accept and acknowledge Him jealously.

There is a statement that many of us have heard from childhood: “beware of the green eyed monster”. This is sage advise, envy has lead to murder, theft, adultery, and the most heinous lies against God, our parents and our fellow man. Harbouring this feeling and will lead to our destruction and the injury of all around us. BEWARE!

In Love

Number Nine

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” Exodus 20:16

I’ve been meditating on this commandment for quite some time, trying to understand how best to address it. The obvious approach comes straight to the point – don’t lie. However, leaving it at that raises many comments from the Biblically literate. I was told once by a pastor that the commandment specifies not lying against your neighbour. And yet others raise the classic example of Rahab lying to protect Joshua’s spies (Joshua 2). David told the priest he was on a mission for the king when he was actually running away from Saul; he also pretended to be a lunatic to preserve his life from the Philistines (1 Samuel 21). One example that came up most recently in a discussion I was having is the fact that Moses told Pharaoh that he was leading the Israelites 3-days journey into the wilderness to pray when the plan really was to go back to Canaan (Exodus 5:1-3).

Facts: The Bible is a guide for how we ought to live; the Bible also gives accounts of people’s lives, not sugar coating the details of their choices and actions, neither the results of these choices. Did Biblical heroes tell lies? – yes – were there consequences for these choices? – yes. The examples above had positive outcomes, Rahab and her entire family were saved and she became a part of Christ’s ancestry (Matthew 1:5). David’s life was preserved and he became king (2 Samuel 5:3,4) and Christ was known as his son (Matthew 1:1; Luke 18:38). The Israelites were freed from Egyptian bondage (Exodus 20:1) and Moses is now in heaven (Jude 9; Matthew 17:3). In these well-quoted scenarios, the untruths were said to preserve life not to cause harm. Christ admonishes us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). We are to be prudent with how we present information ensuring that no harm is done.

The individuals that bring up these events tend to be those who are seeking an excuse for some harmful lies they have told. However, they forget the consequences that come from lies. Abraham lied about the nature of his relationship with his wife causing a plague on Pharaoh and his household (Genesis 12:11-17) and the threat of death on Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-3). Saul disobeyed God, then lied to Samuel about it and lost his kingdom and his mind (1 Samuel 15:20-28; 16:14-23). Ananias and Sapphira pledged to give all the proceeds from the sale of their property to God’s work then lied and held a portion back and fell dead for their lie (Acts 5:1-10).

Scripture informs us that the devil is the father of lies (John 8:44). His lies were against God Himself, accusing Him of being unfair and unjust (Job 1:6-11; 2:1-5). We help to perpetuate these lies by either portraying God as an exacting taskmaster, who will preserve someone’s life so that they can burn for all eternity as a consequence for 70-years of sin (Ezekiel 33:11). Or, we make God seem like a doting grandparent that would accept anything we do with no consequences (Zephaniah 1:12). Both of these extremes are the most vicious of lies, against our Creator. God is the perfect balance of Justice and Mercy. His Law is perfect and will not be put away (Matthew 5:18), and His Grace is supreme in the forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 2:5-8). Both of these were manifested in the cross. Jesus died because His Law could not go away; but His Mercy could not be done away with either, so in His death He gave us hope of reconciliation to the Law.

The lies we tell each other, and ourselves about God, are detrimental and will lead to destruction (Matthew 5:19). There is a day of reckoning coming in which we will give account for how we’ve received God’s Mercy: Did we Love Him in response by obeying His words and teaching others to do the same; or did we disregard His Mercy and encouraged others to be complacent in disobedience?

In Love

Number Eight

“Thou shalt not steal.”

The command against stealing is yet another that seems obvious but there is more to it than meets the eye. We are aware that theft, larceny, robbery and any such activity is against this instruction from God. Those of us that go to church have heard on a nigh weekly basis Malachi 3:8-11. Commitment to returning tithe is a vital part of building faith in God. We have multiple examples of the patriarchs returning tithe (Genesis 14:20; 28:22; Deuteronomy 14: 22; Hebrews 7:5,9) and God fulfilling His promise to bless them. The tithe is a fixed amount – ten percent – however; we are also admonished to give a liberal offering (Numbers 29:39; 2 Corinthians 9:7) for different purposes such as, building and sustaining the church (Exodus 36:3-7; 2 Kings 12:4-14) or helping the widows and orphans among our numbers (1 Timothy 5:16). Neglecting these is a clear act of robbing God. God could easily send what is needed from heaven to fulfil His work, but as a tool for our salvation we are called to sacrifice (Romans 12:1).

However, we can be guilty of stealing a wide range of things beyond money, such as, stationery supplies from work, other peoples’ time, or even the affections of others. These are more subtle and we often don’t consider the real repercussions of these actions. Supplies from work may seem trivial but the smallest act of unfaithfulness is indicative of one’s character. The life of sin occurs gradually, beginning with the small indiscretions, which stand as excuses for larger ones. Scripture admonishes us to be vigilant (1 Peter 5:8) because there is an enemy working solely for our destruction.

What of time? How often do we steal time, by being late, or unprepared or just forgetting an appointment? We steal God’s time when we neglect the true purpose of the Sabbath. We also steal God’s time when we neglect prayer and study. He gives us 24 hours in a day and 7 days in the week. He asks specifically for one 24 hour period at the end of the week, but, as with tithe and offering, for our sake, He asks us to give a bit more willingly, that He can give us strength to sustain us each day (Psalms 55:17, Psalm 119:164, Daniel 6:10). Many of us neglect daily devotion for selfish reasons – 30 minutes more sleep, 1 hour more television – or because of improper planning – food needs the be prepared, children need to be dressed, household chores need to be done. Sometimes we even get all of these things done but because of intemperance in our work and rest we sit to read or kneel to pray then wake up 1 hour later not gaining anything from the time we should have spent with God.

We also steal time from each other. With the office supplies we steal time from our employers, spending work hours socializing with co-workers, or scrolling through social media. Being chronically late for work or appointments or unprepared for class or presentations, all these steal a bit of a person’s time and life. In scripture we have been promised prominence and great responsibility if we are diligent in our work (Proverbs 22:29). However, there is an even graver theft, with eternal consequences is, every time we neglect to share a word of hope with someone we take away time they could have had knowing their Saviour (2 Timothy 4:2).

As we discussed in the previous post, interpersonal relationships are a part of God’s will for our lives. Marriage was created by God for our benefit and it is His will that we participate in this institution. However, initiating a relationship outside of His will is to our own detriment. Some individuals act insidiously to gain the affection of others alienating them from their families. Many feel the desire to be in a relationship and oftentimes neglect principles and responsibilities to achieve this goal. Some relationships result in rifts between an individual and his or her family because the chosen partner does not share the same foundational values. This is stealing of a most treacherous form. Though we are admonished to leave father and mother and cleave to spouse (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:5) we still have a responsibility to those who gave us life and supplied us with our guiding principles (Exodus 20:12, Mark 7:9-13). When engaging in such long-term relationships it is vital that we know who we are, where we stand and honour the will of God in the attachments we form.

In Love