Volume 5, Number 5 May 2004
Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)
We hear with some frequency in our world, "the truth shall make you free, but even in the limited context above it is obvious the existence of truth does not bring liberty. Rather, it is knowledge of truth which makes it effectual in our lives. Even as I write this, the line from the old Johnny Cash songs resonates in my mind, ". . . and the lonely voice of youth cries, 'What is truth?'" Truth (or our perception of it) has powerful implications for our life. The clear indication of Christ's teaching is that true knowledge brings real freedom. In our day, we have sold out for watered down version of both. Do realize I am speaking in broad (societal) terms. Truth has become whatever one chooses to make it. It no longer has to make sense or be based on any recognized standard. One can even hold contradictory "truths" with no apparent sense of personal conflict. As one individual years ago said to me, "I just try not to think about it."
What is truth? In a nutshell, what we can know of the truth is all which God has revealed and all which is consistent with that revelation. Hebrews 1:1 suggests that revelation was completed in the coming of Christ and His ministry of reconciliation. While we will continue to plumb the depths of the completed revelation, we should expect nothing new. Vision and prophecy were fulfilled in Christ and to grow in truth is increase in our knowledge of Him and His work.
The most destructive thing to personal liberty I witness regularly is individuals who are satisfied with the measure of truth they hold. Their relative comfort is the biggest obstacle to enjoying even greater liberty. Do understand I am talking about something which is internal. Though it has external ramifications, true liberty is born and nourished within. "Liberty" which arises from any other source is a counterfeit which ultimately leads to bondage. The Jews were under bondage to the old law because they were satisfied with the truth they had. They were more than satisfied with it, they idolized it. We are to worship Him who is The Truth, not our limited understanding of Him. To do otherwise is to repeat the error of the Pharisees.
Some folks reject real truth simply because they arrogantly believe they could not possibly be wrong (and here I am extending these observations to include more than just biblical truth). We recently watched a program about Galileo. His commitment to his faith was challenged when his scientific study persuaded him the theory Copernicus put forward was correct: the earth revolves around the sun (I am aware there are still geo-centric theorists among us and I'm willing to look at supporting evidence but at the present time I still agree with Copernicus). Church leaders weren't really happy with a theory which challenged existing "knowledge." Ultimately Galileo was forced to recant his truth to avoid the wrath of his contemporary Pharisees (his lack of courage is a subject for another day). In 1999 the Pope expressed his regret for the Church's error.
This should not be taken as a jab at the Roman Church. This is only one example of how traditions held as truth not only due damage to those who hold them, but they harm others and impede the spread of God's kingdom. They make God's people look silly. We are a peculiar enough of a people because we serve a heavenly king; we don't need to look ridiculous by arguing against truth because we don't like the messenger. All truth is God's truth and we should bow to it wherever we encounter it.
That isn't always easy. In fact, it seldom is when we are dealing with deeply held convictions. Dr. Rick Stahlhut is a humanist but his adaptation of Christ's statement presents an interesting perspective: "The truth shall set you free, but first it shall make you miserable." Before you recoil at the statement, do grasp the truth it contains!
I believe it contains, in kernel form, the very idea expressed in the first beatitude, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Recognizing one's spiritual poverty is truly uncomfortable. It means realizing that in and of ourselves we have nothing to offer God. Without his grace in our lives we are totally bankrupt. Many never come to acknowledge that truth and, consequently, they never enjoy the liberty which receiving God's provision supplies.
As long as we live lives founded on our self-sufficiency we never know the blessings of abiding in Christ's sufficiency. If you are reading this and do not understand how He is all sufficient for your life, let's talk. Most who receive this newsletter monthly understand this basic truth and yet we are all embracing more of God's truth as we study and grow.
The tendency among Christians is to minimize our error because we know our hearts have been turned toward God. Knowing God will forgive our shortcomings, it is tempting to become complacent about what we hold as truth. The moment we do, our error becomes a cancer which infects our faith. The longer we ignore it the more damage it does, the more radical the correction required, and the more painful the process.
Giving up what we have held dear for truth can, as Dr. Stahlhut notes, make you miserable at first. However, awareness of truth is empowering. It brings passion and zeal to our lives. It challenges us to make a difference. It forces us not to take ourselves too seriously; or as Paul says in Romans 12:3, "I say to every man among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith."
When we exalt our understanding, the work of Christ in our life appears diminished in the eyes of those who witness our arrogance. May God daily grant us a clearer understanding of His truth, and may we handle it with grace.
Book Review
I'm in the process of reading Tom and Steve Kloske's new book, The Second Coming: Mission Accomplished, and decided to recommend it to you before even finishing it. The main body of the text is about 500 pages and there are another 120 or pages of appendices and bibliography, so I will be at it for a little while even though it is basically an easy read of challenging material (I usually read five or six books at the same time).
The rush to recommend it is because of the humble way in which they approach the subject. Everyone should read the introductory chapters just to see a wonderful example how Christians ought to engage one another in discussion. Their example is a real lesson for us all. The Kloske's are graduates of Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas and its great to see thinkers from my alma mater producing quality work.
This book provides a good introduction to how Jesus fulfilled His promises on schedule. The reader is invited to share the Kloske's journey as they wrestled with their own traditions and tested them against the testimony of scripture. In the end, you may not agree with their conclusions, but you will be impressed with the manner in which they present their findings. In addition to their gentle approach to a controversial subject, you will find numerous quotes which they spent years putting together. I'm not sure you could find such a collection anywhere else. For me, the quotes alone make the postpaid price of $29.95 for this hardbound volume an excellent value.
One thing which caught my attention while reading quotes from scholars from a variety of denominations and schools of eschatology is how the sum total of their thinking supports a fulfilled view of prophecy. Though most would not agree all things have been fulfilled, they disagree about what has been. The significance of this is that those who object to a fulfilled view provide support for every fundamental aspect of preterism. This is interesting because reading those called the early church fathers produces the same result. While most, if not all were futurists in some sense of the term, together they affirm the fulfilled view.
The Kloske's have done a great job in pulling this information together and I believe you will find it most instructive. You can order the book by calling them at 314-291-3161.
Those Who Do Not See
The story of Thomas is among my favorites in the Scripture. He gets a bad rap as "Doubting Thomas" and his testimony is one of the strongest proofs of Christ's resurrection. The other disciples had seen Christ and yet scripture records that they "were still not believing." Thomas had heard Christ warn of those who would claim to be Him and it is entirely appropriate for him to give due diligence to the matter and see for himself. When he sees, he believes.
What about us, do we need to see physical realities to believe what Jesus said? Do you remember how Christ responded to Thomas' confession? ". . . blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed." (John 20:29b) By faith, we have no problem acknowledging Christ as the Son of God even though we have never seen Him. How is it then we struggle to exercise the same faith to believe His clear teaching about His coming again? What happened to that little ditty which was so popular just a few years ago, "God said it. I believe it. And that settles it!"?
How do we read the clear teaching of Christ and say He was wrong.? He said He would come during that generation, before His disciples finished carrying the gospel to all the cities of Israel, and while some who heard Him were still alive yet most Christians today don't believe that He was faithful to His word. The ramifications of such a denial are monumental!
First and foremost it suggests that Christ didn't know what He was talking about or else He was a liar and deceiver. At best it suggests the authors of the new testament erred in this matter. That seems impossible since they clearly said they understood what He meant (Matthew 13:51). Some want to argue they just said they understood but really did not. Don't forget that Matthew is writing years after the fact. I have to believe they really understood or Matthew would not leave us with the impression they did. I know humility would have forced me to confess such a thing and Matthew would have done no less.
We sing, "'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus; just to take Him at His word" and then have the nerve disavow His words simply because our eyes don't see what faith demands we believe. I'm confident we don't mean to, but our unbelief challenges the deity of Christ and the veracity of God's word. My prayer is that we will extend our faith to believe all that Jesus said and not just what is popular to believe.
Looking For Acts 29
When suggesting we should take Jesus at His word in regard to His soon coming, on of the first questions which pops up has to do with the historical record. Surely, it is argued, if the destruction of Jerusalem and Old Covenant Judaism was "the second coming," we should have a record of it! We have some records but we don't seem to have any which are a slam dunk for the fulfillment of all things like Christ promised. Where's the record?
While I agree an historical record of some sort would be likely, I must ask, is an historical record necessary in order to "Let God be true and every man a liar?" No. Any student of history worth his salt will have to readily admit there may have been and may still be an historical record which affirms Christ kept His word. Still, people of faith should not need history to believe what Christ said.
Let's not forget that less than 15% of what we know the early church fathers wrote has been translated and made available to Christianity at large. Might there be something in those writings which would tell us more than we know today? Absolutely! Also, don't forget the apostles wrote other letters to the churches. Might they contain information which would provide the affirmation sought? Certainly!
Further, don't forget the present conflict which is being played by some as a struggle between the Christian and Muslim faiths is not the first in history. Earlier in the history of the church the Muslims sacked Jerusalem and Constantinople. They destroyed an untold number of Christian documents. If you were a Muslim which documents might you be most interested in eliminating? Might it be those which affirm Christ's faithfulness? Indeed.
In retrospect, wiping out all the historical record might have done less damage to Christianity than a partial destruction because that would demand our faith to govern in all things. Since some things were allowed to survive it is argued that anything of real significance should have survived. That is not a reasonable deduction. Repeat - that does not follow logically. It is argued that God "superintends" His word and I agree. That does not mean the process ended when the present canon was assembled. I am persuaded there were and may still be records which would provide the much desired external affirmation of the consummation. New things are being uncovered regularly by archaeologists and we have no idea what tomorrow holds.
Have we forgotten that until the Dead Sea Scrolls were uncovered the earliest manuscripts of the biblical test we had were from the 8th to10th centuries A.D.? Did Christians dismiss the teaching of scripture because we didn't have earlier manuscripts? NO! Faith drove Christians forward even though the historical record was questioned (and still is). Again, the historical record does not validate scripture, it can only affirm it. We may one day have the records so many wish to see but will it really matter? Do we really need the words of men to verify that Christ did what He said He would do?
There was a time in this country when a man's word was His bond. A promise made was a promise kept. We should believe what Christ said because He said it. That is indeed enough for me. How about you?
Reality Check
From the Internet: "After the christening of his baby brother in church, little Johnny sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I want to stay with you guys!"
No need to connect the dots on this one! Is there?
Crucified With Christ
Galatians 2:20 is well known and rehearsed by many Christians, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." Paul literally says he was "co-crucified" with Christ. Does that mean he physically hung on the cross with Him? Christians are quick to correctly answer no. Now consider Romans 6:5 where Paul writes, "For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection . . . ." Does Paul mean our bodies are going to be raised just like Christ's was? Many Christians resound with a confident "Yes!"
Do you detect a disconnect here? I hope so. In Romans Paul is saying believers are identified with the resurrection of Christ just as they share His crucifixion. If Christians today can begin to understand that the great doctrines we have heard about all our lives were completed in Christ, and that His experience becomes ours through faith, the kingdom of God on earth will take a giant step forward.
The resurrection was future to first century Christians. By faith, they had been raised "to walk in newness of life" but they had it only in pledge. Nevertheless, the promise was as sure as Christ's words; they would share in the resurrection. They lived during the consummation of the ages and "the resurrection" was part of the "all things" which were accomplished as the Old Covenant passed and the New came into its fullness in period around A.D. 70.
Since then, Christians are resurrected at faith, not in token and pledge, not in hope of a future resurrection, but in the reality they share in the glory of Christ's resurrection now. We sing, "Heaven came down and glory filled my soul." Do we hear those words? They attest to something which most Christians interpret incorrectly. We are not waiting for "glory to be revealed" we live in it! There was a glory in the earnest those first Christians received, but they anticipated a transformation from "glory to glory" (2 Cor 3:18) in their generation. That greater glory is ours today as we share in the fulness of what Christ promised. We should be motivated as we realize what we possess in Him. It should drive us to devote ourselves to kingdom living.
No, we don't see that glory fully, but it is no less glorious because it is veiled by this flesh which encumbers us. For each of us there is a day when we will emerge from this cocoon. When we do, we will witness the brightness of His glory which has surrounded us all our Christian lives. "What a day that will be!"
The Apprentice's Journal
It is hard to believe summer is almost here but temperatures approaching 90 degrees are pretty compelling evidence. So is the length of the grass! The back of our lot is a natural drainage route for the area up the hill from us. When rain saturates the ground it can take weeks for it to dry; and with frequent rains it doesn't dry up. That means slogging through the muck of mud and grass with the grass trimmer. Talk about fun. NOT!
Still, I love this time of year. The garden is slowly progressing in spite of the excessive rain. If we can avoid any high winds maybe the corn will survive this year. I've still got a couple of rows to plant but I'm not sure what I want to put in them. Whatever it is will have to be able to tolerate July heat.
The bluebirds finally nested and just a couple of days ago we noticed them feeding the hatchlings. I haven't opened the house to see how many there are but I do hope to get some video of their flying lessons.
The toads finally made their appearance but I've given up collecting them and hauling to the creek down the street. It's a lot less trouble just to abandon the bedroom two or three nights when they decide to do their thing. A new variety of frog has appeared. I think it is a green frog (a crazy name since they vary in color from bronze, to brown, to green). The bullfrogs and leopard frogs provide a regular chorus but it appears the sheep frog is passing us by this year. The damp area in the back provided him a sufficient corridor and I'm now hearing him call on the vacant lot next door. As of yesterday, I don't think he's had any takers.
The indoor ferns we planted by the ponds a couple of years ago are turning the area into a jungle. We had no idea they would take over so much of the area. It is really time to get out and dig a bunch of them up. Maybe we can pot them and sell them to raise money for Sharon's next mission trip to Peru. Ditto on the Mexican heather. It's pretty cascading over the rocks by the stream but it has gotten to where it completely covers them and that is not the view we want.
When I built the stream, I really didn't know what I was doing. I lined it with gravel and after three seasons so much organic matter had accumulated in it the depth was down to about one inch. Though I threatened to do it last year, I finally got motivated enough to scoop all the gravel and gunk out of the stream. That task is a lot like cleaning a huge aquarium (really more like cleaning a septic tank). Now, I need to line the thing with thin flagstone to hold the liner down. Time will tell whether that is a better solution.
Most months, I have the blessing of hearing from a few readers. Sometimes it's just to say hello and share a thought. Others send gifts to help with the cost of producing the newsletter, and a few ask questions or comment about something I've written. Some even bless me with a call. Whatever the motivation or means, I appreciate the contact. It is one of the many wonders of our time that we are able to communicate with one another with such ease. What is puzzling is why easy communication seems to cause many to take it for granted. Sharon and I were pondering what percentage of teenagers these days have ever sat down and written a letter by hand. We both suspect it is very small unless they still require it in school and that is doubtful.
I love technology and I'm all for taking full advantage of it, but I don't want us to come to the place where the personal touch is lost amid email and text messaging. When my machine talks to your machine and we never manage to actually get together, something really important in relationship is lost. The more we remove ourselves from personal, eye to eye relationships, the more we lose. There is something about personal contact which brings a richness to relationships which is hard to maintain any other way.
Though I occasionally send handwritten notes, it is rare for me write a letter by hand. So, I'll challenge me and (if the shoe fits) you to sit down before this month is over and draft a letter to someone special the old fashioned way. While you're at it, write one to your congressional critter on some topic of importance to you. Nothing speaks louder to them than a handwritten letter in an envelope addressed by hand. Emails carry little weight and those mail-in forms you get from special interest groups aren't much better. Phone calls are good but still don't begin to compare to the influence of a handwritten letter.
If it means that much to a politician, imagine what it will mean to a family member or dear friend. Who knows, maybe we will enjoy the experience and recover the habit. I know some of you (mostly the older generation) never abandoned the practice of writing letters; so be bold - jump in there and send an email or text message for the first time.
God has richly blessed our lives with relationships. What they become is largely determined by how we treat them. I don't always do a good job in this area but it is my desire and I suspect you desire it too. May God grant us the diligence to pursue it daily. See you next time ~ Jim