Is God whimsical?

Question: Dear Dr. Roane, does God ever change His mind, and if so, doesn't this make him whimsical and arbitrary? If He arbitrarily changes His mind, as it seems He does in scripture where He says: “I will…be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy” – Exodus 33:19 And, again where He says, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion” – Romans 9:15 The point is, how can I be certain that I am ever saved and on my way to Heaven?

Answer: My dear friend, that's a good question and a logical one at that. The answer is both yes and no. If you mean that God can or will contradict Himself, the answer is no. He is always consistent with His nature. Jesus declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). If that is so, and I believe it is, God by His very nature will always be true to Himself, and common logic dictates that truth cannot contradict truth. I know, scripture teaches in many places that it is God's desire to "save" all; but all are not saved. Why, we ask, does an all-loving God who wishes all to be saved, then turn around and condemn some? He is all-powerful, we reason, so why doesn't He correct the problem by cleansing their disobedience and make them good? The answer is because some men have chosen not to obey, and we are creatures of choice. 

No, God does not change His mind. God never goes back on His promises or tells us something one day and something different the next. Unlike us, God always can be trusted to keep His Word. God, the Bible says, “does not lie or change his mind; for he is not a human being, that he should change his mind” (1 Samuel 15:29).

God gives us choices in life—and those choices have consequences. If we choose (for example) to leave God out of our lives, we can only expect to experience what God has already promised: heartache, turmoil, and judgment. If, on the other hand, we repent of our disobedience and turn in faith in Christ, God has already promised us peace and hope and salvation. God hasn’t changed His mind; He is only responding to the choices we’ve made.

Take King Hezekiah in the Old Testament, for instance. He was one of the best kings the people ever had—but the Bible tells us that toward the end of his life he became proud and ignored God. As a result, God judged him for his disobedience. But once Hezekiah repented God blessed him. (See 2 Chronicles 32:24-26.) God wasn’t changing His mind; He was instead fulfilling His promises.

God’s promise is to save you if you truly trust Christ for your salvation. Make sure of your commitment to Jesus. Then thank Him for His promise that “whoever comes to me I will never drive away” (John 6:37).

Trust this helps, 

JimR_/

 

 

As old as Methuselah . . . yet useful for God

 

It is never too late to be what you might have been.―George Eliot

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Longevity has its perks. Experience for one. Think of the advantage that gives us. Longevity also leaves room for second chances―a time to reconsider, to mend broken relationships. A time to meditate, reflect, to take off the old man of yesterday, as it were, and put on the new man to be molded into the image of Christ.

A good life, I am persuaded―that is one that has been lived well, consists not in what we may have been but what we are today. A philandering billionaire stands no better or worse off before the Lord than an adulterous letter carrier. And, when it comes to Jesus none of us has any bragging rights. We all stand naked and all muddied up before Him until He washes us up―that goes for all of us! Thank God He loved us first, filth and all, then washed us (Rev. 1:5) for the scripture says that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). That's an extraordinary love. One that is beyond our fondest imaginations. No one could have penned a greater love story. It's our love story, too.

We need to, therefore, stand tall before the Lord, regardless of our age, with the assurance that His love endures forever (Ps. 136). We still have value in His eyes regardless of our circumstances. In a wheelchair? God still loves you! Forgetful? God still loves you! Grieving? God still loves you! Running out of money? God still loves you! Whatever the circumstance, God still loves you. Even if you are as old as Methuselah, God still loves you!

How about you? Have the toils and stresses of aging just about got the best of you? Cheer up. God loves you just as you are!

May these few short sentences encourage and give you strength for the day, 

 

JimR_/

 

 

 

Divine Coincidences . . .

 "There is no better way to thank God for your sight than to give a helping hand to someone in the dark." Helen Keller 

Nothing surprises our Master. Nothing, absolutely nothing! He is the Master of every circumstance. His strength and power never fail. He is indeed the Great I Am, the eternally self-sufficient, powerful, and ever-present One. He is always there in every need (Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:20; Rom. 8:38-39). We need not fear (John 16:33) for He is willing and able to give us peace in each and every situation (John 14:27). His word to us remains the same, 

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)

Having said all of that, it is a good time to remind us that Christ is Lord of every circumstance, there are no coincidences with Him. He knows the end from the beginning and He and He alone will make the final decision (Isaiah 46:10). 

The Good Samaritan was good, but only in the providence of God, for scripture tells us that it was by a divinely ordained coincidence (by chance) that the priest and the Levite and he came upon the bruised and wounded man lying in the ditch on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The good Samaritan, however, was the only one who compassionately responded to the poor man. You know the story. The story, however, doesn’t end there. We, too, are good Samaritans as we respond to the needs of others in need (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6). As Christians, our motto is first and foremost “Others.” For if we do not love the brother or our neighbor whom we have seen, how can we love God whom we have not seen (1 John 4:20)?

For most of us, this coronavirus pandemic should trigger a spiritual inventory. Are we the Christians we say we are? Do we smart off and wisecrack about the Chinese just because the first known cases happen to come from the Yunnan Province in China? Do we nitpick and criticize almost every move the present administration takes? What do we do about the poor illegal alien among us with a house full of children, particularly since the stimulus package completely overlooked them? Forget the wall for a moment. Mercy is bigger than any wall. Yes, our borders should be protected, but so must also those indigent aliens among us. Now’s not the time for revenge. Let the law, the government, and others work through that, but during the meantime, each of us is called to be the Good Samaritan, not just in talk but in action.

So, reach out in kindness to the “Others” among us. It is not just a chance of circumstance that God has allowed these particular cases to materialize in plain view in our neighborhoods. Opportunities are there. Just look. You’ll never regret that you did.

Take care, the life you save may just be yours.

 

 JimR_/

Are musical instruments allowed in a church service?

Question: Dear Dr. Jim: My Church of Christ friends say that we should not have musical instruments in the church. What do you think?

Answer: Good question. First of all, I am glad that you referred to them as “friends” for indeed they are our Christian brothers and sisters—friends. Secondly, you are correct in asking me “what I think” for after all everyone is entitled to have an opinion. That opinion, however, I believe should reflect what scripture has to say on the matter as well as tradition must also have its influence.

So, now let us consider what the New Testament has to say about music in the church. For that, we refer to Ephesians 5:19, where Paul encourages the church at Ephesus to:

[Speak] to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with our heart to the Lord …

The phrase "making melody" uses a Greek word, psallo which according to Strong’s Lexicon (1995) means,

"1) to pluck off, pull out, 2) to cause to vibrate by touching, to twang, 2a) to touch or strike the chord, to twang the strings of a musical instrument so that they gently vibrate, 2b) to play on a stringed instrument, to play, the harp, etc. 2c) to sing to the music of the harp 2d) in the NT to sing a hymn, to celebrate the praises of God in song."

Also, Col. 3:16 reads,

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with gladness in your hearts to the Lord."

By this, we can assume that the making melody to the Lord involves the use of musical instruments.

Our Church of Christ brethren, however, feels that since (in their opinion) God doesn’t expressively command the use of musical instruments in the church then it should be prohibited. Of course, with that, I disagree and furthermore maintain that we cannot establish a doctrine solely on the bases of silence. There are many practices that are not particularly mentioned but that does not exclude them from use in the church. For example,

1. A baptistry;
   
2. Whether or not we should have pews or sit on the floor.
   
3. The number of hymns to be sung during a service;
   
4. The use of a lectern to preach behind;
   
5. Which Bible translation to use;
   

Also, it seems strange to me that God would encourage, indeed command the of instruments during Old Testament times to suddenly forbid the use of musical instruments in New Testament times.

In short, to be fair the Bible neither forbids nor commands the use of musical instruments in church. There is the freedom to use musical instruments in worship, and on the other had a church has the freedom not to use instruments. With or without musical instruments, however, we should “do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Now, on a personal note, music in the church, in my opinion, should never be used for entertainment purposes only—that is not to say that there should not be a pleasant sound, but that such pleasantness is conducive to worship. The psalmist wrote:

"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee." (Psalms 144:9).

The key to any worship service, musically or otherwise is that we sing praises unto God, and thereby edify ourselves and in attunement with His desires.

Trust this helps,

 JimR_/

Throwing the baby out with the bathwater: a new look at the ordinances of the church.

"Never mind the bread and wine, unless you can use them as folks often use their eyeglasses. What do they use them for? To look at? No, to look through them. So, use the bread and wine as a pair of glasses. Look through them, and do not be satisfied until you can say, “Yes, yes, I can see the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world….We believe that Jesus Christ spiritually comes to us and refreshes us, and in that sense, we eat his flesh and drink his blood.” ― Charles Spurgeon

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Dear Friends,

If you want my opinion, I think that theologically speaking we have thrown the baby out with the bathwater in many instances just to distance ourselves from tradition, or ritualism. Take Communion or the Lord’s Supper—whichever term you prefer. We have proudly clung to the ceremony as a symbol or sign of Christ sacrificial death, burial and resurrection in this sacred service; however, I am increasingly persuaded that we have fostered a culture that has a form of Godliness but denies the power thereof, and from such we must turn away (2Timothy 3:5).

Friends, the scripture plainly teaches that we are to celebrate the Lord’s Supper as often as we meet, yet we Pentecostals as well as other Evangelical and Protestants alike have decided that once a month is enough, or once a quarter or some even say once a year. What gives? Is Communion not more integral to faith and saving grace than that? I think so. We should not, I feel, be guilty of treating this sacred ceremony so cavalierly.

Unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood (as gruesome as that may sound to an unbeliever) you have no life in you (John 6:53), he said. Oh, some would counter, he’s talking about spiritual things here. So? Is it not the Spirit that gives life? And, how in anyone's imagination would that exclude the visible symbol or sign of His Spirit?

The thing at issue here is the general understanding of what a sign or symbol's nature is—we tend to think of a symbol as separate from what it symbolizes. Not so, I would argue. A symbol in the Biblical sense is a sign that is intimately connected with what it symbolizes.

Allow me to use this analogy. Two lovers, say, for instance, have caught the twinkle in each other’s eyes—that’s love felt, but not consummated, there’s nothing concrete there. They then move closer, hold hands, smile at each other—that’s love felt again, also. Then suddenly they kiss. That is then unmistakably a visible, undeniable sign and symbol of their love for one another. (This is, of course, in an ideal world.) Once they kiss, the symbol is not external to the love which it symbolizes but is part of it.

At communion, Christ in some mysterious way presents himself to us as we eat the bread and drink the wine and is in no way external to the symbol. Christ actually meets us there. If He didn’t why bother? Just to say that this is simply a gentle reminder, a remembrance only of what He has done for us falls short in pronouncing the efficacy of Communion. If there is no efficacy, then why the caution not to take it unworthily (1 Cor. 11:27)?

In closing, may I say that Communion may well remind us, but friends, to my way of thinking the kiss is there, too.

 Like Jacob of old, let us meet Him at the altar (Gen. 35:1)!

JimR_/

The transcendence of our assurance

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"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us” ― Augustine  

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Any theology worth its salt must combine a Christology from above (the Word-or eternal Logos) with a Christology from below (the Word-or eternal Logos).

To put this in practical terms, our friend is also our Savior. “He walks with us and He talks with us” is far more than just words from a song, it is a living reality. For sure, we on our own are not capable of achieving all the good things God has prepared for us but because He lives, we, too, shall live victoriously throughout all the ages that come. He conquered death, Hades, and the grave and because of Him so shall we.

For, in the final analysis, Christ is the unsurpassable, irrevocable, victorious presence of God’s grace who comes as a friend to walk alongside us throughout all of our life. This is to say that the crucified Christ and the risen Christ is the ground of our hope for eternal life because the incarnate Logos is one and the same as the Logos from above. We must not ever separate the two in our thinking for that Christ is as close as the air we breathe and we must not confuse that with our faulty imagination that at times sees Him as the Christ from afar.

Therefore, I say rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say—rejoice! (Phil. 4:4). Rejoice not in what we have achieved, but rather in what He has achieved through and for us. Only a loving God could and would do that. I am, indeed, thankful that God in His eternality made His “would” our “could” and thereby strengthened our will to accept such a lovingly and freely given salvation for us all.

This is really good news for us all—Jews, and Gentiles of every race and ethnicity; and as with the Twelve we are commissioned to “give as freely as we have received (Matt. 10:8).” Therefore, we can boldly declare to all the that eternal Logos still calls out as with Isaiah,

"Come, all of you who thirst, come to the waters; and you without money, come, buy, and eat! Come, buy wine and milk, without money and without cost (Isa. 55: 1)!”

For even if we have sold ourselves for nothing, we have been redeemed without money (Isa. 52:3). So, "Come, [He says] all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost (Isa. 55:1).” 

Now, friends, this is no ordinary banquet, it is one prepared by God himself and the invitation is to all (Rev. 19:7-10; Rev. 21:17).

Now, may we all feast on the assurance of His word,

JimR_/

Women in ministry . . .

Question:  What gives? Some denominations ordain women, to others, it is an anathema. I’m confused. Does the Bible contradict itself, or is one of the camps misinformed? Further, why are Southern Baptist, the Churches of Christ, and the Catholic Church so nasty about this?

Answer: Male chauvinism is nothing new, it is as old as the Bible itself. Some think that perhaps Adam was the first since he tried to claim the high ground by blaming Eve for misleading and tempting him. Be that as it may be, however, let us look at one of the most quoted scriptures that are used in favor of denying women equal status in the ministry.

First Corinthians 14:33–35 states, 

“As in all the congregations of the saints, women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak but must be in submission, as the Law says. If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church” (ESV). 

Some take this verse as a hard and fast rule that all women should absolutely remain silent in the church; thereby, excluding them from any pastoral or priestly role. However, we notice that earlier in the same epistle (1 Corinthians 11:5), Paul allows women to pray and prophesy in the church. So, what gives is that the prohibition must be taken in context. Apparently, not all women in Corinth 14:33–35 were to remain silent at all times in the church services. So, the prohibition must be limited in some way by the context. The context is simply this: in Corinth, there were two groups of women, those that were chatterboxes, perhaps even gossips; and there were those anointed women who were called and capable of leadership. We also know that elsewhere scripture states that:

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).

Further, the New Testament is resplendent with women in ministry. And, surely no one would argue that women are excluded from the ministry gifts of the Spirit listed in 1 Corinthians 12: 1-11, if so, then why did Paul say in verse one: “Now about the gifts of the Spirit, brothers, and sisters …” if women were excluded?

Now for those that are interested to follow this discussion further, I refer you to an excellent “Position Paper” on The Role of Women in the Ministry by clicking onto the underlined portion of this sentence.

Finally, I wouldn’t say any of the groups mentioned are “nasty” by opposing the ordination of women; I would rather give them the benefit of the doubt and say that they sincerely believe these things. I will say, however, in my opinion. by are bucking the tide of culture and times as well as the clear teaching of scripture. Perhaps, I will not see the change against that in my lifetime but most certainly I feel that in the lifetime of my grandchildren change will come, including in the Catholic Church. 

Trust this helps,

Take care, and remember He cares for you!

 JimR_/

Holiness: a way of life or a goal?

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" There is no key to happiness; the door is always open.”— Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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It’s a fact, we learn more through pain than we do pleasure. “God,” said C. S. Lewis, “whispers to us in our pleasure, and shouts at us in our pain.” This I have found to be true, I would say, without exception. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a spiritual masochist. I certainly don’t get pleasure out of pain, but when it inevitably comes I have found it is best to embrace it until I find a remedy. Sometimes there is none, but as with Paul, I find that God’s grace is really all that I need to get through the tough times (2 Cor. 12:9).

You see, God is more interested in our character than our comfort. Or to put it another way, God is more interested in our holiness than our happiness (James 1:4) “for without holiness no man shall see the Lord (Heb. 12:14).”

This brings us to the vital question: “What is holiness?”

Well, back in the day, as they say, holiness was “I don’t drink, I don’t cuss, I don’t chew, and I don’t run around with them that do.” Of course, right alongside that, if you were raised in old-timey Pentecostal circles, were prohibitions against movies, television, make-up, and short hair for the women, plus a whole host of “worldly” recreational activities. Made it a pretty sterile life for a young fellow like me in those days who could not throw a ball or read the comics on Sunday, either.

However, as I grew older, I found out that God is generally more interested in what we do than what we don’t do. Love at all times, though, must permeate any and all attempts at holiness. Motivation is key. Love should motivate all. Godly love, however, not a misguided love to be perceived as holy or saintly, but rather for God to judge us as loving people. “By this shall all know that you are my disciples, said Christ, in that you love one another (John 13:35).”

There is, however, a kernel of righteousness in our feeble attempts for holiness by abstaining from all appearances of evil (1 Thess. 5:22). So, we mustn’t just throw caution to the wind. We must avoid evil and that goes for evil as a form of dramatic pleasure. A filthy book produces a filthy mind, and the same goes for television and movies as well. Nor would I suggest that we start a Bible study at some strip joint. We are to be faithful with all godly propriety. The gateway to the soul is through the conscience; and an ill-informed conscience is certainly no pathway for holiness. By all means, we must not grow weary in well-doing, for at the proper time we will reap a plentiful spiritual harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 5:16-26; Galatians 6:9).

May God give us all the strength to persevere,

   JimR_/

Divorce: Moses, Jesus, and Paul . . .

Question: Dear Dr. Roane, I'm confused. Did Christ ever condone divorce? If not, why then do we see all the divorce in our churches today? I am not talking about the world, I mean the churches.

Answer: Dear friend, wow ... you have packed about 15 questions into this one. But to answer your question: Yes, Jesus did reluctantly (I suppose you can say) condone divorce on the condition that one of the married partners is promiscuous—to use an old fashioned word, a fornicator (Matthew 5:32; see also Matthew 19:9). 

Paul, in some cases, does discourage remarriage for the sake of ministering to the Lord. “Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. But if you do marry, you have not sinned” (1 Corinthians 7:27,28). All divorced persons considering remarriage should remember Paul’s instructions to the Christians at Corinth, “but he [in this case, the new spouse] must belong to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39).

This is a quick answer. However, let me say this: if you are being severely abused verbally, or abused physically beyond all means find a safe place and beyond all means get a least a Stalking Protection Order (SPO) which in most cases will give you time to mitigate the situation until you can reach a final settlement. Also, according to Assemblies of God denominational policy, it is stated that, 

"Jesus clearly assumed that those who were divorced by sinful spouses, or those who divorced sinful spouses for “marital uncleanness” or abandonment, were free to remarry without any tinge of adultery. However, believers are to remarry one who “belong[s] to the Lord” (1 Corinthians 7:39) and the new marriage covenant is to be permanent.

For further help, read 1 Corinthians 7, and seek the advice of your pastor when possible.

  

I hope this helps,

JimR_/

A religion-less Christianity

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"For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God. ― Saint Teresa of Avila

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Dear Friends,

Count me in on a religion-less Christianity. To reduce God to a set of creeds and/or half-baked definitions misses the point of true Christianity altogether, in my opinion. As St. Thomas ‘a Kempis once asked,

“What good does it do to speak learnedly about the Trinity if, lacking humility, you displease the Trinity? Indeed, it is not learning that makes a man holy and just, but a virtuous life makes him pleasing to God. I would rather feel contrition than know how to define it. For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?” (Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ)

Christ is first and foremost found in an encounter, an experience. Indescribable, yet vividly true. Surely in all cases, the letter kills but the Spirit gives life.

The central question for every man is, ‘Do you know Christ? Not about Him, but know Him as a friend and a brother?  We must concern ourselves with the "who" in the incarnation, not the how." We must not concern ourselves with “How is Christ in the Church but rather who is Christ in the Church.” We must never reduce Christ to a “how?” but rather on all occasions relate to Him as a “who?”

As with Peter, the Apostle, the perennial question Christ asks all is, “Who do you say that I am.” Peter answered, and rightly so, “You are the Son  of the Living God!”

Surely the letter of a dead creed kills unless it introduces us to the Son of a Living God. Christ said, and not without cause, “Behold, I am alive forevermore! (Revelation 1:18)”

May God burn this reality on the hearts of us all,

JimR_/

Cockroaches and sanctification

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" It's hard to imagine repenting fully of something that one does not understand fully.”— Brett Salkeld

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Dear Friends,

God has not called us to be incremental Christians, nudging ahead one step at a time forever struggling in a mire of doubt, despair, and defeat. No, we are called to be conquers, in fact more than conquerors. We are called to be holy, Christlike—that is our destiny! His gifts and callings are without repentance, too (Romans 11:29). That’s good news.

Now, for the bad news. Far too few Christians get beyond the swamp. Their lives are a never-ending swirl of self-doubt, guilt feelings, and just a whole lot of “Oh, if only I had done it differently.” The truth of the matter is that fretting is the worst tool in our mental arsenal to defeat the enemy of our souls.

In earlier days we used to hear a lot about sanctification. Now, it seems to be all about justification. Justification declares us forgiven— sanctification keeps us that way, and since it is the purpose of both to transform us into the image of Christ ( Romans 12:2 ;Romans 8:28-29) both are of equal importance.

Mark declares that Jesus said we all shall be salted with fire—that is the imperfect is burned away with only that which is pure is preserved (1 Peter 1:7). Fire burns, destroys, salt preserves. Spiritually, this necessary process is for us all. It is something none of us can or should wish to escape (Job 23:10).

Salt however that has lost it properties is useless, and must be thrown out—along, presumably with the putrid food it was to preserve. This is to say that there are a lot of good men and women in the world, but goodness alone is not good enough for Heaven. That goodness must be salted and strengthened and made stronger with fire that purifies.

It is comforting to know that we are not left on our own to bring about this transformation for our God is a consuming fire—a consuming fire that purifies and burns away the doss gets rid of the imperfections and preserves us for all eternity (c.f. Ezekiel 43:22-24).

The tongues of Pentecost may be exhilarating, but it is when we are salted with fire that we are preserved for service. Tongues don’t make us proper witnesses, but the fire does. Oh, that the cloven tongues of Pentecost would fall on us all!

I won't get into all of the ins-and-outs of the doctrine of salt and fire, only to ask this. ‘What good is it to forgive a thief, release him from jail, only to allow him to go out a steal some more?’ He or she must be rehabilitated, remediated for past sin and declared fit for society again.

Far too many are  "talking the walk, but not walking the talk" these days, in my opinion. Declaring that sins have been forgiven is one thing, but it is quite another to stay that way. Imagine a woman walking into her kitchen late at night and watching the cockroaches scurry for cover. Now, imagine that same woman walking about the next morning with the bright sunlight flooding her kitchen floor and then announcing that her kitchen is free from those filthy critters. Why that's silly you say. Sure, it is. Yet this is precisely what just a whole lot of “born again” Christians do. The truth is; however, God wants to get rid of the cockroaches that loiter hidden in the dark places of our soul. Yes, we are justified, but the justified must be sanctified.

Quite frankly I see a lot of false security in teaching that once someone declares faith in Christ as their personal savior everything will be fine and dandy. That’s not what my Bible teaches me.

So, we must ask ourselves, is becoming a Christian a zap or a process? Now, do you need an answer? The answer is it is both. Standing alone neither is sufficient. We must declare outright war on the cockroaches, as it were. But, generally speaking, that takes time. 

Let me put it this way, if you don't feel you are making any spiritual progress in your life, you most probably are not. You see, God is not so interested in what you did, but who you are. That’s why He keeps nudging us along to do better, to become more Christlike, to get rid of the cockroaches that pollute our lives.

What you did has been forgiven, who you are is an entirely different matter. God is most interested in who you are, and nothing less than Christlikeness is enough.We can't scam God. He's 'unscramble.' So, we mustn’t play around with God like some child playing hide and seek, He knows precisely where we are when we visit the dark places in our lives where the cockroaches hide. There are no places hidden from God.

May God give us all the strength to persevere,

 JimR_/

Second Coming, when, where, and how?

Question: Dear Dr. Roane, what do you think about the Second Coming of Jesus? I am so confused when I listen to some preachers on television and radio. What about Matthew 24:29?

Answer: Well, once again to give you a quick answer again, not much when I hear the rants and pontifications of some of the doomsayers. In principle some of what they say is correct. Times will increasingly grow worst; men shall be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. That we can be sure of; as someone has said, you judge the future by the past, and, personally, I don’t see human behavior changing all that much, especially without Jesus. One thing I am sure of is that no born-again Christian will suffer the wrath of God 

I find it interesting that In Josephus Wars (vi. 5, § 2) that we have the records of false prophecy in connection with Judæa and Jerusalem. Up to the last moment of the capture of the city by Titus (70 AD) that men were buoyed up with false hopes of deliverance, based on the predictions of fanatics and impostors, so I am not so sure that we shall be delivered from all of the so-called Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21) that shall transpire during the end times.

Benson Commentary has this to say concerning Matthew 24:29.

Immediately after, &c. — We now come to the last act of this dismal tragedy, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the final dissolution of the Jewish polity in church and state, which our Lord, for several reasons, might not think fit to declare nakedly and plainly, and therefore chose to clothe his discourse in figurative language. Commentators, indeed, have generally understood this, and what follows, of the end of the world, and of Christ’s coming to judgment: but the words, immediately after the tribulation of those days, show evidence that he is not speaking of any distant event, but of something immediately consequent upon the tribulation, before mentioned, and that must be the destruction of the Temple and city of Jerusalem, and the abolition of the Jewish polity, civil and religious. It is true, his figures are very strong, but not stronger than those used by the ancient prophets upon similar occasions. The Prophet Isaiah speaks in the same manner of the destruction of Babylon, Isaiah 13:10, The stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light; the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. The Prophet Ezekiel describes in similar terms the destruction coming on Egypt, Ezekiel 32:7-8. When I shall put thee out, I will cover the heaven, and make the stars thereof dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. The Prophet Daniel also uses similar language, when speaking of the slaughter of the Jews by the little horn, meaning probably Antiochus Epiphanes: And it waxed great even unto the host of heaven, and cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them. And lastly, God, by Joel, foretelling this very same destruction of Jerusalem, Joel 2:30-31, says, I will show wonders in heaven and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood. So that great commotions and revolutions upon earth are often represented by commotions and changes in the heavens.

Now, in reference to Luke 20:34, I feel that we Pentecostals are stretching the allegory a bit too far when we try and separate Joel’s prophecy from Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost. I for one find it most difficult to get it past 70 AD when Titus razed the walls and city proper of Jerusalem. And I am not alone in this. Here is what Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible has to say:

In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop... Either for diversion or devotion, when he shall hear that the Roman armies are approaching Jerusalem, to besiege it: and his stuff in the house; or "his vessels", his goods and furniture; or his utensils, and instruments of trade and business: let him not come down; the inner way of the house, from the top: to take it away; with him in his flight, but let him descend by the steps, or ladder, on the outside of the house, and make his escape directly to Pella, or the mountains: and he that is in the field; at work, and has laid down his clothes in some certain part of the field, or at home: let him likewise not return back; to fetch them, but make the best of his way as he is; See Gill on Matthew 24:17 and See Gill on Matthew 24:18.

So, in my opinion, we need to take a second look at some of the text proofing that we use to describe our days.

Now, the simple fact is that no one knows when Jesus is coming again, but rest assured He will. During the meantime, we preachers must be careful to properly and scripturally context anything we say about that awesome day when the Son of Man will return.

So, I would be careful and not put too much stock in the so-called blood moons or as with the 99 Reasons as with the false prophecy that Christ was going to return in 1999. Both of which, in my opinion, were just imaginations conjured up in an over-eager mind. "A magisterium of one," I call it cocksure that they and they alone had the key to interpreting Scripture as to when Christ was going to return. One thing for sure, tribulations come and go, but God's final wrath is permanent and something we born-again Christians must not fear (1 Thessalonians 5:9). 

Trust this helps,

Take care, and remember He cares for you!

 JimR_/

P.S. For an interesting analysis of this subject see "Got Questions?"

Take time out to be holy . . .

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If you own something you cannot give away, then you don't own it, it owns you." ~ Albert Schweitzer

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Dear Friends and faithful supporters,

Addiction comes in many forms. Some are addicted to drugs, others to food or sex. Workaholics can’t seem to shake the urge to keep their nose to the grindstone day in and day out. The opposite, of course, are those that run from one high to another seeking pleasure—they can’t seem to get enough thrills or new adventures. Such is the nature of addiction. It owns us. In essence, this is what addiction is all about. That is, we have lost control.

Greed, although, not often thought of as such, is simply another form of addiction. It eats away at the soul. Enough is never enough, there must always be more. Envy is the same—that is, it is just unfulfilled greed that is never satisfied.

Sadly, some don’t even realize that they are addicted. Their lifestyle seems perfectly normal. Suggest a change or that they should reconsider their behavior and most will look at you as if you have stepped off some weird planet that just happened to be whooshing by. 

Now, the truth is that taken in moderation there is absolutely nothing intrinsically wrong with drugs, or food or sex, or just plain fun or recreation. God, however, makes it clear that piggishness, whether in thought or deed, is not pleasing to Him. For, you see, a selfish self-centered attitude not only affects us, but it also sends a message loud and clear to others that contrary to what many Christians preach, they practice otherwise. Therefore, we in the words of Scripture must—

Let [our] moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. – Philippians 4:5 NKJV

[For] every man that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. – 1 Corinthians 9:25 NKJV

[For] whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls. – Proverbs 25:28 NKJV

Now, on a practical level what does this mean for us? Primarily, it means that we are responsible people—that is, we are not just responsible for who we are but for how our conduct speaks to others. There is no sense in preaching against greed if we practice otherwise, or have an envious heart, or overindulge in pleasure or frivolous activities. How can we be a witness for Christ if we live in the lap of luxury while others around us are deprived of the most basic of needs? (James 1:27; 2:6; 2:14-18) Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers (Galatians 6:19) for this is the word of God.

Take care, stay safe,

 JimR_/

What do you do when you run out of steam?

Dear Friends,

There’s not a preacher alive that has not gone through periods of dryness. Further, there is not one that does not dread such times. The heaven above seems to turn to brass. God seems nowhere around. Sunday is coming. It’s Saturday night. The urge to pull an old sermon out of the file is irresistible. So, come Sunday the congregation gets leftovers. No one enjoys tepid stale old leftovers. Yet, until the spiritual impulse returns the folks in the pew must put up with canned sermons, rituals are substituted for a real move of the Spirit, and, furthermore, the undernourished are left to famish. Need I remind you that this is a common occurrence? It’s human nature to go through periods of uncertainty. Spiritual doldrums are common to us all. It is at times like these, however, that we must remind ourselves that, as Paul reminds us, “we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).”

What is this faith that we must live by? The quick answer is it is sound doctrine. True. But head knowledge that never reaches the heart is most often where the dryness comes in. Wesley faced such periods. He writes in his journal on Saturday, March 4. 1735—

I found my brother at Oxford, recovering from his pleurisy; and with him Peter Bohler; by whom, in the hand of the great God, I was, on Sunday, the fifth, clearly convinced of unbelief, of the want of that faith whereby alone we are saved.

Immediately it struck into my mind, “Leave off preaching. How can you preach to others, who have not faith yourself?” I asked Bohler whether he thought I should leave it off or not. He answered, “By no means.” I asked, “But what can I preach?” He said, “Preach faith till you have it; and then because you have it, you will preach faith.”

Perseverance was the answer then and it is now as well.

This goes for any relationship. Marriage is no exception. I don’t think the human body could tolerate or sustain the gushy feeling that one felt when they first fell head over heels in love with their spouse. That comes and goes. Further, it cannot be depended on to sustain any marriage, or for that matter any relationship. A resolute commitment can, however, get us through the tough spots in any relationship, even with God.

Keep in mind that faith is a fact, not a feeling.

Stay Safe, and remember God loves you and so do I,

Take care, and remember He cares for you!

 JimR_/

Take care, stay safe and remember He cares for you!

In moments of crisis, the best and the worst comes out of people. It has been said, and rightly so, I think, that the Second World War defined Churchill. Under different circumstances he would have remained just another faceless British politician, bickering over partisan issues. The same can be said of Roosevelt, and, yes, even great religious leaders like Wesley or Moody. Christ who came in the “fulness of time (Galatians 4:4)” was evidently no exception.

At Christ's first coming, the whole universe was in alignment with that announcement. It is not by accident that the star navigated the Magi to Bethlehem, to a crib with humble surroundings, so that they, too, could partake of this marvelous gift to humankind. God’s timing is not always ours, but it is always precise and “on time.” He is, indeed, a very present help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1);” He is the God of the “now,” yesterday’s circumstances are only a shadow of memory in His Kingdom, each and every day is a time of opportunity for change, healing and greatness. When He abides in us and we in Him there are no mountains too tall for us to climb, no road too rugged for us to walk, no challenge which we may not overcome. For with Him, even death is only an opportunity in which to show His great power and His great love.

For the weary, He is a source of strength. For the faint of heart, He whispers encouragement. For those who do not feel good enough, in their contriteness He blesses them. He is the God of all seasons, all circumstances, the God of yesterday, today, and forever. He is the mighty Jehovah, the I AM, without beginning or end. We need not fear. He is always near. Closer than a whisper and no shout can outdistance Him.

So, take courage during these dark days of isolation. The sun will rise. The spring will come. Help is not even a heartbeat away. Trust and he will sustain you, guide you through the dark places; take you down familiar paths that the saints have trod before. Nothing, absolutely nothing baffles or bothers Him. In Him and with Him nothing can destroy His great purpose for you (Romans 8:28-29). He is the Christ of each circumstance.

May God give each of us the understanding, wisdom, and courage to take these words and live by them. If we do there shall be no regrets.

Take care, stay safe and remember He cares for you!

 JimR_/

The Aliens Among Us . . .

More Questions

Answers

Question:  Dear Dr. Roane, the stupid governor of California is working up a plan to give aid to the illegals who do not qualify for the stimulus package because of the coronavirus situation. What do you think?

Answer: First of all we must show respect; although, we may not agree with their decisions. Personal politics is simply not Christian. We need to stick with the principles. So, in regards to that, I must say that for most of us, this coronavirus pandemic should trigger a spiritual inventory. Are we the Christians we say we are? Do we smart off and wisecrack about the Chinese just because the first known cases happen to come from the Yunnan Province in China? Do we nitpick and criticize almost every move the present administration takes? What do we do about the poor illegal alien among us with a house full of children, particularly since the stimulus package completely overlooked them? Forget the wall for a moment. Mercy is bigger than any wall. Yes, our borders should be protected, but so must also those indigent aliens among us. Now’s not the time for revenge. Let the law, the government, and others work through that, but during the meantime, each of us is called to be the Good Samaritan, not just in talk but in action.

It's Biblical, like it or not. More specifically according to these verses, and more:

Leviticus 19:34

But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

Exodus 23:9

Also, thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Deuteronomy 10:18,19

He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.

See also: Numbers 35:11-12; Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 24:14.

So, the principle is certainly established in the text as well as the admonition that we should love our neighbor as ourselves. In this regard, we are to love them as Jesus does. They are precious souls for whom He gave His life as well as for ours.

Now, as far as government policy is, and how this is instituted, it is beyond my scope of comprehension, except to say that it must be done lovingly. A loving response would not rule out helping them to improve their living conditions in their country of origin as long as it is reasonably safe and practical. In no way, however, should children be separated from their parents, especially their mothers and left destitute and without hope.

This does not mean, however, that we should allow jihadists, drug dealers, or felonious criminals to enter to work havoc in our country. These kinds must be vetted out of the system.

Remember, that “the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).” So, in essence, since what you are asking for is wisdom in a situation like this, keep this verse fully in focus.

Stay safe, and remember that love knows no boundaries.

 JimR_/

Yes, no, but never maybe so . . .

"There is no better way to thank God for your sight than to give a helping hand to someone in the dark." Helen Keller

Nothing surprises our Master. Nothing, absolutely nothing! He is the Master of every circumstance. His strength and power never fail. He is indeed the Great I Am, the eternally self-sufficient, powerful, and ever-present One. He is always there in every need (Deut. 31:6; Matt. 28:20; Rom. 8:38-39). We need not fear (John 16:33) for He is willing and able to give us peace in each and every situation (John 14:27). His word to us remains the same,

Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom (Luke 12:32)

Having said all of that, it is a good time to remind us that Christ is Lord of every circumstance, there are no coincidences with Him. He knows the end from the beginning and He and He alone will make the final decision (Isaiah 46:10).

The Good Samaritan was good, but only in the providence of God, for scripture tells us that it was by a divinely ordained coincidence (by chance) that the priest and the Levite and he came upon the bruised and wounded man lying in the ditch on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. The good Samaritan, however, was the only one who compassionately responded to the poor man. You know the story. The story, however, doesn’t end there. We, too, are good Samaritans as we respond to the needs of others in need (Ephesians 6:18; 1 Timothy 2:1; Philippians 4:6). As Christians, our motto is first and foremost “Others.” For if we do not love the brother or our neighbor whom we have seen, how can we love God whom we have not seen (1 John 4:20)?

For most of us, this coronavirus pandemic should trigger a spiritual inventory. Are we the Christians we say we are? Do we smart off and wisecrack about the Chinese just because the first known cases happen to come from the Yunnan Province in China? Do we nitpick and criticize almost every move the present administration takes? What do we do about the poor illegal alien among us with a house full of children, particularly since the stimulus package completely overlooked them? Forget the wall for a moment. Mercy is bigger than any wall. Yes, our borders should be protected, but so must also those indigent aliens among us. Now’s not the time for revenge. Let the law, the government, and others work through that, but during the meantime, each of us is called to be the Good Samaritan, not just in talk but in action.

So, reach out in kindness to the “Others” among us. It is not just a chance of circumstance that God has allowed these particular cases to materialize in plain view in our neighborhoods. Opportunities are there. Just look. You’ll never regret that you did.

Blessings now. Take care, the life you save may just be yours.

 JimR_/