The Love of God (PART 3) Rotten Apples

The Love of God (PART 3) Rotten Apples

Not long ago, I had heard an interesting phrase. "I will not defend this lion, instead I will unchain him, and let him defend himself." The best defense of scripture is to let scripture speak for itself. Many Christians, have a hard time navigating questions and tough situations that non believers tend to have. Even people who seem like mature believers.We think its easy to just throw statements around about how much God love's you. Then someone challenges us, and we are not prepared. To most of the world, the statement "God or Jesus loves you"-and many other statements like that; sound like Christian speak and-does not ave the desired effect believers think it has or desire it to have. Discussing topics of God outside the realm of only his love is often difficult to say the least. Which is why a majority of evangelical Christians, tend stick to nifty little positive thinking meme's on Facebook, here we will dive into the heart of God's word.

Sometimes, it may be that we don't want God to come off too harsh and turn people off to God, so we might make excuses and other times we think we need to defend God because scripture seems to present God in ways we don’t understand. So we make up versions of God that aren't biblical. In doing this, we are creating for ourselves gigantic holes in our theology and blatantly contradicting long held biblical truths, just to make us feel comfortable with a doctrine we may not have a good grasp on or that we don't understand at all. This may actually leave us, or the other person, with even more doubt about the sovereignty of God than they had before. Confirming to ourselves why we always avoided this stuff in the first place. So, why don't we just stand out of the way, and let God defend himself. He is after all more than capable....Amen?!!

Many people, who struggle with the idea of faith in God, struggle with it for one reason. In one word, the reason is: Sin. Sin, is what the bible says keeps us apart from God. Let’s look at what it means, and how it effects our relationship with God. First of all what is sin? Most of us probably have a loose understanding of what sin is. But in case you just arrived here on planet earth, or maybe you’re too young and are reading this kind of theological post for the first time, we can look at even a non biblical source and see that most of the world has a good working knowledge of what sin is.

(Update at bottom of article): Well, the first time the word sin appears in the bible is Genesis 4:7 In Hebrew, the word is Chattaah. This is where they do they thing like they are clearing their throat. (pronounced khat-taw-aw) Just thought that be fun for you to give it a go. Its from the root Hebrew word Chata means: 'to miss, to lead astray, bear the blameto make reconciliation for." Chattaah means: an offence, (or a habitual offence, sinfulness) and its penalty, also used for sin sacrifice, also to identify someone as an offender. The definitions speaks for themselves,but lets look at how it applies in real life, as it pertains to following God. I think once we see this, we will see more clearly what it is we are being cut off from.

What does that mean biblically.  God says to Cain, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” By allowing it to rule over us we lose our relationship with God. Like Adam and Eve prior to Cain, they sinned against God and because they sinned against him, they brought on themselves and their descendants a curse. The first part of the curse is that they first lose relationship with God. They would have to labor to produce food to eat, women were to have apin during child birth. Also comes the age restriction of the curse, where we would not enjoy the protection of God from pain and physical corruption now our bodies will see death, we will all die. As witnessed throughout all history. "The whole earth growns with pain," the bible says of sin. Look none of us are getting out of this thing alive. So let's look deeper at whats happening here in this story about Cain. 

God both comforts and warns Cain with his words. As many already know, we know how the story unfolds. He does not do the right thing and actually commits the first murder in the bible of his own brother. This is not the first time someone was given the choice to act in accordance with God’s will. Cain's father and mother Adam and Eve are given that same choice. I'm guessing this is where the phrase: "the apple didn't fall far from the tree." came from, (Sorry I couldn't resist). Joking aside, lets read the passage of scripture that focuses on the story of Cain and Abel.

Genesis 4

2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, "Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it." 8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. (Genesis 4:2, ESV)

This subject; God's love is no easy task to tackle. It touches virtually every doctrine about God and his character. Many times, especially when I was a newer believer; younger in my faith, I would get sidetracked by issues not in the text. Let's take a second to look at one of those. This one was something for me that came up in my mind as I initially read about Cain and his offering.Just a cursory reading through the story about Cain and his brother Abel, gave me the impression that maybe God was being too hard on Cain. We see Abel brought an offering from his flock, and likewise, Cain brought an offering from his crops. It’s clear from the reading of the verse (Gen 4:3) Abel's offering was of the best of his flock and Cain's, we are to conclude maybe not so much....Is this why his offering was not accepted by God? That Abel's was just better, why would God arbitrarily choose one over the other like that? It’s like choosing one child over the other, hardly seems fair right?! Perhaps if he had been easier on him maybe he wouldn't have sinned. Well, before we get all jacked up about that, let’s look at some context here. What’s really happening in this scene?

A few verses earlier in the story in Genesis chapter 2: 16--18 we see Adam instructed by God not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge, or he would surely die (paraphrased). Eve was not created until after this instruction. She wasn't even on the planet when this conversation took place. Yet, when Satan asked Eve, "Did God really say that you couldn't eat from the tree...." (which how did he know that? A little insight into what Satan does, or spends some of his time doing, makes you think about some of the things we say.....another interesting sidepoint) but she was able (read this next carefully): she was able to mis-quote God’s warning to Adam in her answer to Satan. So, one thing we do know about Adam; is he is faithful to pass Gods instruction to those he loves. We know he passed this information on to her, because she wasn't alive when God said it. So, as we look at the WHY of why Cain's offer wasn't accepted, we need to skip back to Chapter 4 verse 3. After a brief description of the two boys in verse 2 we read verse 3....."In the course of time." These are now two men, no longer boys, who were raised to know God. They both are of the age where they can bring their own offering to God, and we know this because they not only knew to bring an offering to God, but they did in fact both bring offerings. Their dad had to tell them that. We already know Adam passes along the information that God gives him. They obviously all knew to bring offerings. They obviously knew what type or kind of offerings were acceptable. And it’s not as if God just lashed out at Cain. Look at verse 6 again "The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen?  

Hardly the lashing out I was inclined to think. Sounds more like a caring father asking his child what’s wrong. It’s a rhetorical question, because as we see God doesn't even give Cain a chance to answer. But He boths goes right to Cains aid first with comfort and then directly to the heart of the issue. SIN...."If you do well will you not be accepted?" Accepted by who? By Abel? By Adam? No, but by God. He's telling Cain, listen, do the right thing, and you will be accepted by me.I'm giving you another run at this, But if you do not, Satan is waiting to crush you with this sin, waiting to drag you guilty in front of me to judge you, and you must rule over this. He knew this. He knew what God was communicating to him. He was was just blinded by his anger for his brother.

  

Sadly, as most often is the case when God gives us a moment to reflect, to stop, and say, "whoa, wait a minute, am I making the right choice?" Unfortunately, we do not. We choose to exercise our will towards the desire of our hearts. 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? -Jeremiah 17:9 God reiterates this  

God reiterates this also in Jeremiah 4:18 when he says, Your ways and your deeds have brought this upon you. This is your doom, and it is bitter; it has reached your very heart.”

But how kind and how loving is the patience of God here. You can hear God making the case to Cain, don't do this.Even when he knows Cain will choose wrong. He doesn't withhold his comfort and warning. God is a God of love, but look He's also a God of Justice. But He does not delight in the punishment of the wicked. Still providing that way of escape. That comfort to a heart that mourns, the heart that is burdened with pain and feeling deprived of love. Feeling isolated, His words break through the silence to say what Jesus said. "My sheep hear me, I know them, and they follow me."

I’m reminded of what Pastor James MacDonald once said, “God will make the way out for you. You’ll be going along and you’re about to do something then all of a sudden (SNAP!!!) the phone rings, or that car won’t get out of the way, or that person won’t answer.”He's right something will happen to alter the course, and we have a choice.

”No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” –1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)

What that does not mean is that He will not allow temptation in your life. What it does mean is that first; every temptation we encounter is nothing new. It’s the same old thing others have dealt with in the past. So, this isn’t something that’s never happened to anyone before. Sometimes we feel like this thing were going through is only happening to us. It’s like “woe is me,” look how horrible my situation is. But God assures us not only has this happened before but others too have made it through, and He offers us the strength to make it through such times as well. Not only will we make it through, which is a comforting thought, but if we are experiencing temptation we know this is something that if He allowed it, it’s something I can conquer and not succumb to. How does he do that? So glad you asked. Look at the second half of the verse. He will provide the way of escape. We see that what Pastor James talked about, was sound biblical advice. 

Good preaching is formulated from biblical truth, not some sense of wow he or she is really smart. God is the one we worship. He is the one, who through His love, pours out truth into our lives with His word. And as Adam, we must be faithful to pass it along and train up not only our children, but others as well. It's when we deviate from this truth, and set ourselves up as wise and smart that we begin to separate ourselves from God. In essence, we make ourselves to be god, relying on our own wisdom. We see where that got us, not only did Adam and Eve get kicked out of the garden, I think it was the broken relationship to the God who would walk in the garden with them. The Garden of Eden in of and of itself is not the thing we worship, but it is the God who made it and walked with us, that we long for. I am sure this point was not lost in the minds of Adam and Eve. who felt the hard reality of this broken relationship. 

While I close up this blog, let me ask the question is this the kind of advice everyone is looking for? We've talked about sin and how it affects our relationship to God. Does it affect our search for the truth? Oh yes, it most certainly does. If you need help, re-read the words of Jeremiah above. 

To some, this is all an academic lesson. A point of interest. Something interesting to read, and later criticize. And that's fine, but to others, there is deep pain in their lives, and this is not a matter of academia. It's to them I speak my heart, this is the reason I write. It is my sincere prayer that they find comfort in that God is love, but as noted he comes with a warning.The hand the Apostle Paul talked about in Romans 9 where God creates the vessel from clay one for good use and the other for common use, is God's ability to provide that gentle touch in comforting a broken and hurting heart, while firmly gripping that same heart to realize that He is God.

When that powerful realization begins to dawn in the mind of someone who's lost, it can be at once the most beautiful feeling to flow over your mind; and at once a horrifying thought to know that you've traversed the waters against the God who created this very universe. Of which, we are sitting in, right now. Breathing the air He created with the sole purpose of giving life. It is then, that you will realize that it is God that is coming after you. To reclaim you as His. It is Him, that is removing the veil from your eyes. This is called "Irresistble Grace." Let those words sink in.......enjoy your day today. I truly hope you will join me on the next blogpost  








(Update): In an effort to keep myself on course I am constantly examining myself and the original post included a definition of Sin, that I got from Wikipedia. In this updated version I removed the Wikipedia version not because it was false--on the contrary it was extremely close, if not dead on--but I thought this is a study to show what the Bible has to say and we as Christians cite our conclusions from. Obviously we don't quote Wikipedia, we quote the Bible. So it only made sense to do just that. 

The Love of God (PART 2) On the Offensive

The Love of God (PART 2) On the Offensive

The one thing I touched on briefly in part one, is my fear of under-serving people. Then of course, with the teaching comes the inevitability of offending people. But then I'm reminded that, that is something the truth does. The truth divides by its very nature. The gospel is offensive, maybe you don't agree with that statement, so let me help you with that, because you must not have read Jesus in Luke 14. Starting in verse 25, "Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"--Luke 14:25-28 (ESV)

Or how about in John chapter 6 : "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, 'Do you want to go away as well?'”

Yes, the Gospel can be offensive and it is certainly not the easy option in life that many would have you to believe, but we'll deal with false gospels and religion later. As the pages of this blog move forward we will endeavor to go through scripture uncovering its meaning without projecting onto the text what we (or I) wish it to mean. I'm reminded often of the words of Steve Lawson, “The preacher has nothing to say except, the Word of God." That is to say, what I write is not my opinion, but I persevere to stay strictly to what the scripture says. No one needs to hear my opinions, which are definitely infallible, but they need the Word of God. The Apostle Paul was of similar mind, when He went to the Greeks and Romans, to introduce the gospel to them. He spoke one of my favorite verses, "I am determined to know nothing among you except Christ and him crucified."
Finally the Apostle Peter said, "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."--2 Peter 1:16 

I hammered the point pretty hard just there because I think its important to note that as the pages and as the Blog moves forward in coming articles, and as some of these biblical truths are uncovered, they are hard to swallow. I want to remind the reader that it is my intention to stay close to scripture, and let God do the speaking, and God will be defending Himself. It is NOT my intent to offend, but exposite the truth. So lets jump in to some common phrases we hear concerning this Love of God.

Have you ever heard the phrase "Hate the sin, love the sinner?" Maybe you've heard it like this, "God hates the sin, but loves the sinner!". How about, "God is Love."? Maybe your view on God is that He is love. Maybe in your life you've experienced Him powerfully, and have loving memories in your life as a Christian until this point. Maybe you are just one of those really faithful people that trust God. Have you ever met someone who is just a ball of joy, and thought "wow, that's a beautiful thing, wish I could experience that kind of happiness."? Maybe you've said or heard it said, "My God is a loving God." Perhaps that was a response to someone casting a judgement on someone about something, or maybe it came out like this:"that's not the God I follow?"

 

Possibly your experiences are completely different. Maybe you've never experienced God in a way where you thought He was loving. Rather your life has been one tragedy after another, and you find that in your life God is an angry god; that God is a kind of cosmic killjoy that stomps out the fun among us mortals? Possibly, you were raised in a strict church environment or highly religious setting and had severe penalties for disobedience? Maybe, you were a young lady who was taught her place in a male dominated world? Maybe you had a good upbringing and church was just a necessary rite of passage that you had to go through and now most Christians just seem too judgmental and you'd rather not have anything to do with a church like that or even a God like that. There really are so many different experiences and so many more troubling backgrounds, and situations that there's hardly room to touch every example, but suffice it to say that perhaps God does not seem all that loving…at all. 

Maybe, life isn't too bad after all, but you don't understand what all the fuss is about, or life has been similar to that of the old man in the beginning?

So all that is to say, we are going to forge ahead in the next installment to really start digging in to what's going on and how God's love plays a role in our lives even when we may or may not be seeing it. I'd suggest you have a bible handy because we will be all over the scriptures. 

The Love of God (Part 1) The Introduction

The Love of God (PART 1) The Introduction

The Love of God was not particularly something I was planning or even thinking about writing about. I wanted a good jumping off point to start my series of blogs on this journey about reformed theology and its implications on daily and of course eternal life. They are written as if it was a sermon being preached, (maybe with a few pictures and maybe even a video to accompany it. But hey, it's a different world now and not your typical ministry in a church and good little church goers sitting in the pews. I carefully considered several different starting points, some of them being; the Doctrine of Election (are some chosen and other not chosen?), Predestination (along a similar line of thinking) the Sovereignty of God, or maybe the Doctrine of Regeneration (being Born Again) and of course, also the Love of God. 

At some point we will go over each of these, as well as begin going verse by verse through entire books. But as you can tell, ultimately, for this blog post "The Love of God won out.  It's a serious doctrine and a serious topic that really touches on so many aspects of our lives. It really is a deep topic that ranges from thinking about Jesus with simple warm and fuzzy feelings, all the way to severe, gut wrenching pain; the kind of pain we experience from deep hurt and tragic loss. Honestly, the more I approached it, the more nervous I became, fearing I wouldn't do it justice, afraid I would fall short of the mark. There's a lot to fear here. 

First we have God's word that tells us that those that preach or teach will be held to a high standard of accountability: "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness." (James 3:1, ESV)

So there's that. Quite honestly is a fearful thing, and scares the snot out of me, and rightfully so. Sorry for that little word picture just there, but that’s what you get with me.

It was not more than a week ago now, when I was reminded of my passion for the hurting. My passion for people who, like I once was, was lost and didn’t even know that I needed the Love of God. So it was no surprise that I settled on it. The reminder came to me in the form of an old man. He’s in his upper 80’s and a really sweet old man. I have the opportunity to see him fairly frequently. He has told me on more than one occasion that he feels alone. That he is waiting to die. He has mentioned that his children do not contact him or if they do it’s not something pleasant for him. In the course of our conversation, he mentioned he felt they were ready for him to die, and that I alone was the only person who talks to him, it broke my heart for him. He told me only his seven parakeets keep him company at home.

He’s talks about the Gastopo quite a bit. He survived a concentration camp in Poland when he was a little boy. He has witnessed several, probably dozens or hundreds of deaths, in these camps, but here he is. I immediately thought maybe he still has family there, so I asked him. “Do you have any family in Poland? Maybe you could see them or talk to someone back home.” “No,” he shook his head, “No one. Not even back in Chicago. That’s where my children live.” He added.

My mind thought to other options, maybe he was religious and Israel might be a place he could go to find people of his heritage. I thought of other Jews in history who found a home in Jesus, like the Apostle John, he used to write, “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” So, I said as much, and asked him about going to Israel and he seemed to not hear it, but instead offered a question, “Sometimes I see all the world, how it is going and think, Why is God let this happen?”, he said in his broken English. As I walked with him on his way out, we made small talk and he poured a little more praise on me and thanked me for being kind to him.

As I turned after watching him leave, it occurred to me what he needed, he needed this topic. He needed to know about Jesus. That he is the reason why I need to set my personal fears aside, and do my diligent research, and preach the word that God calls me to preach; the word He calls all of us as believers to preach, to teach each other, to grow each other spiritually. Maybe I’ll present it to him as a gift, and lucky you, you get to read it too. You’re welcome.