I would like to encourage everyone to take a moment to write to your congressional representatives to express your concern for Asia Bibi. Asia is a Christian woman, wife, and mother of 2 girls who has been sentenced to death by hanging in Pakistan for the charge of blasphemy against Muhammad. You can read more about her story and view a news report video at this link: Mother Condemned to Death.
Let me encourage you to hand write to your representatives. Email is great but I have recently learned that our representatives are more apt to actually see your letter if you have taken the time to hand write it and mail it in. If you do not know where to write you can use this link to find your representatives: Contact Congress.
When you write ask that they will put public pressure on the Pakistani government to intervene and to set Asia free. Ask that they make a public stand for the freedom of worship and freedom of speech. Ask them to use their influence to have the world community to be involved in this tragic situation.
Finally and most importantly, keep Asia and all persecuted believers in your prayers.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Rich Mullins (Live) - Calling Out Your Name
I used my $10.00 pastor appreciation gift from Lifeway Stores today to buy a Rich Mullins cd/dvd. As I was watching it I had a thought: Sometimes God is not the shelter from the storm, sometimes God is the storm and we just need to let go and be blown away.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Stating it another way...
Picking up on my the theme of my last post I'd like to state things in a different way. Imagine that you and your family decided that it would be wise to build on to the house. The new space will be nice for visiting relatives and friends. You have been setting aside extra money for over a year to pay for the home renovations. Just as you are ready to hire a contractor you get terrible news that your child has a serious medical condition. If surgery is not performed soon your child will die. The medical cost will wipe out your savings and possibly more. Would you continue the house renovations or save your child?
Now perhaps that seems like a ridiculous question because only the most callous, hard-hearted individual would chose not to save their child. So then what does that say about the church that invest millions in gyms, education buildings, conferences, conventions, coffee houses, and untold numbers of fellowships and social gatherings while 30,000 children are dying today for lack of basic necessities?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Just who is responsible?
I heard a political candidate the other night state that if elected it would be his responsibility to provide shelter, food, and clothing. The only problem with this statement is that such responsibilities are not outlined in the Constitution (just to make sure I actually read the thing). There is no mention in the Constitution of the government providing shelter, food, or clothing.
So then just who is responsible? Well, some may say that it is the individual's responsibility to work and provide for themselves. We may say that it is the responsibility of the parents to provide such things for their children. We would be correct in these assertions. Never the less, we must also recognize that there are many who even with the best intentions and efforts cannot adequately provide even these basic necessities of life.
So then, who is responsible to assist those with shelter, food, and clothing? Again, these items are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, these are mentioned in such places as Deuteronomy 15, Isaiah 58, Matthew 25, and James 2. It is right to say that it is not the government's job to care for our neighbors. It is also right to say that it is the job of the Church. How can we claim to be the Church of Christ, the one who came to preach good news to the poor, when we spend untold millions on our own comforts? At what point does the Church recognize that millions spent on gymnasiums, grand fountains, coffee shops, and "Christian" teddy bears is an abomination as nearly 30,000 children die today because of a lack of basic food, shelter, and medical care? Of course, we justify the spending of these millions because we say that such things help us to attract and win loss souls? I just have one question then: If spending money on such things is helping us to win loss souls, then why is the church in North America on the decline?
So then just who is responsible? Well, some may say that it is the individual's responsibility to work and provide for themselves. We may say that it is the responsibility of the parents to provide such things for their children. We would be correct in these assertions. Never the less, we must also recognize that there are many who even with the best intentions and efforts cannot adequately provide even these basic necessities of life.
So then, who is responsible to assist those with shelter, food, and clothing? Again, these items are not mentioned in the Constitution. However, these are mentioned in such places as Deuteronomy 15, Isaiah 58, Matthew 25, and James 2. It is right to say that it is not the government's job to care for our neighbors. It is also right to say that it is the job of the Church. How can we claim to be the Church of Christ, the one who came to preach good news to the poor, when we spend untold millions on our own comforts? At what point does the Church recognize that millions spent on gymnasiums, grand fountains, coffee shops, and "Christian" teddy bears is an abomination as nearly 30,000 children die today because of a lack of basic food, shelter, and medical care? Of course, we justify the spending of these millions because we say that such things help us to attract and win loss souls? I just have one question then: If spending money on such things is helping us to win loss souls, then why is the church in North America on the decline?
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Reaching the World One Coloring Book at a Time
I received an email today from my father. He had recently been on a mission trip to Brazil with Christian Missions Unlimited. He takes a week every year to go there and help build a church. A couple of years ago I started sending with him coloring books that I'd put together using coloring pages I found online. When the books are put together they tell the story of Christ in Portuguese (the language they speak in Brazil).
In the email Dad sent he had attached a couple of pictures from his most recent trip. In one of the pictures it shows the line of kids standing outside the new church building waiting to receive the coloring books. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that each kid was not just getting some coloring book but that they were getting a book that told the Gospel. There is always in me a deep desire for world missions. And admittedly there is always a deep frustration that I can't go more often. Yet, here with a simple coloring book I was able to participate in the mission work being done thousands of miles away, in a different country and in a different language.
To be honest, I put those coloring books together just because I thought it would be something nice to do. I know the children who are ministered to on these mission trips have nothing and that they appreciate something as simple as homemade coloring books. However, seeing the picture of the kids lined up to receive this coloring book changes things. I know that as they look through it they will read about the Christ who died for them and lives again. Now I find myself praying for these kids. Now, I'm connected to a group of kids who I have only seen in a photograph. Now, I need to make some more coloring books.
In the email Dad sent he had attached a couple of pictures from his most recent trip. In one of the pictures it shows the line of kids standing outside the new church building waiting to receive the coloring books. Tears came to my eyes as I realized that each kid was not just getting some coloring book but that they were getting a book that told the Gospel. There is always in me a deep desire for world missions. And admittedly there is always a deep frustration that I can't go more often. Yet, here with a simple coloring book I was able to participate in the mission work being done thousands of miles away, in a different country and in a different language.
To be honest, I put those coloring books together just because I thought it would be something nice to do. I know the children who are ministered to on these mission trips have nothing and that they appreciate something as simple as homemade coloring books. However, seeing the picture of the kids lined up to receive this coloring book changes things. I know that as they look through it they will read about the Christ who died for them and lives again. Now I find myself praying for these kids. Now, I'm connected to a group of kids who I have only seen in a photograph. Now, I need to make some more coloring books.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Hardness of Our Hearts
The documentary Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State shows various interviews with people who are associated with the death camps and with World War II. Some of the interviews were with the Nazi SS guards who actually ran the camps. I was particularly disturbed to hear some of the SS guards who, even as they acknowledged their part in the atrocities that took place at the camp, seemed to express no remorse. Many of those interviewed spoke of what they did as just being part of the events that were going on. It was much like listening to someone recount their days at college some 40 years ago. Whatever "mischief" took place, well, that's just what happens in college. It seemed to be a kind of "boys will be boys" mentality. One guard even chuckled as he recounted stealing the valuables of the Jewish people who were being sent into the gas chambers.
I wondered as these men talked, if there callous attitude even some 50 years later, was true to who these men are. I wondered, had they really not learned anything in the 50 years since this war ended? Had they not realized what an horrendous violation of human dignity the holocaust was? Or perhaps their callousness was merely a coping mechanism? Perhaps it had become easier to have a cavalier attitude about the whole thing then it was to honestly face what they had been a part of?
I also wondered, to what degree do we become cold and indifferent to the suffering around us? To what degree do we "cope" with the suffering by becoming as callous as these men appeared to be? Even as I believe that most of us find it disgusting that a man would laugh about stealing from Jews going to a gas chamber, I also have to wonder if we often harden our hearts to those who are suffering in our world because the reality of facing the truth is more then we can bear.
But let us be clear, that what we cannot bear is not the truth of people suffering for we all live with the knowledge that people suffer. We know (and if you didn't know this you do now) that nearly 30,000 children die each DAY from preventable causes. Yet what we, if we are honest, cannot bear is our unwillingness to do something about it. You see, our hearts grow hard toward the suffering of others because we are protecting ourselves and what we our protecting ourselves from is the knowledge that we could do something. And when we don't, we know it is wrong and it is selfish and no one what's to be thought of as being wrong and selfish. So we dismiss the suffering. We dismiss the idea that we can do something about it. We say the problems are too big and perhaps too far away. We put it aside and perhaps even promise that we will somehow get involved later.
So let me say this: Don't let your heart be hardened. You can do something. Yes it may hurt. You may have to sacrifice. You may not be able to change the world for everyone, but you can change the world for at least someone. Open your heart.
I wondered as these men talked, if there callous attitude even some 50 years later, was true to who these men are. I wondered, had they really not learned anything in the 50 years since this war ended? Had they not realized what an horrendous violation of human dignity the holocaust was? Or perhaps their callousness was merely a coping mechanism? Perhaps it had become easier to have a cavalier attitude about the whole thing then it was to honestly face what they had been a part of?
I also wondered, to what degree do we become cold and indifferent to the suffering around us? To what degree do we "cope" with the suffering by becoming as callous as these men appeared to be? Even as I believe that most of us find it disgusting that a man would laugh about stealing from Jews going to a gas chamber, I also have to wonder if we often harden our hearts to those who are suffering in our world because the reality of facing the truth is more then we can bear.
But let us be clear, that what we cannot bear is not the truth of people suffering for we all live with the knowledge that people suffer. We know (and if you didn't know this you do now) that nearly 30,000 children die each DAY from preventable causes. Yet what we, if we are honest, cannot bear is our unwillingness to do something about it. You see, our hearts grow hard toward the suffering of others because we are protecting ourselves and what we our protecting ourselves from is the knowledge that we could do something. And when we don't, we know it is wrong and it is selfish and no one what's to be thought of as being wrong and selfish. So we dismiss the suffering. We dismiss the idea that we can do something about it. We say the problems are too big and perhaps too far away. We put it aside and perhaps even promise that we will somehow get involved later.
So let me say this: Don't let your heart be hardened. You can do something. Yes it may hurt. You may have to sacrifice. You may not be able to change the world for everyone, but you can change the world for at least someone. Open your heart.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
To Be Human
I recently saw a documentary titled Kicking It about a soccer tournament in which all of the participants were homeless men. The organizers of the tournament called the Homeless World Cup had an idea to use the game of soccer to change the lives of the men. To be honest as I watched the film I kept thinking to myself, "Sure, the men seem to enjoy the game but come on, they are homeless. What they need is what anyone in such a situation needs: food, shelter, clothing, etc." I thought this because this is what one who is in poverty need. Someone in the grips of poverty needs food, not a game.
As the film progress it followed several men who were playing in the tournament. There were men from Ireland, Afghanistan, Kenya, America, Russian, and some 40 other countries. One of the men from the Russia team would routinely say, "We must win." His demeanor was of great determination. His, "We must win" was always said not so much with a drive for the glory of victory but with the voice of a man in desperation to save his life. It was as if his life literally depended upon his team winning a simple soccer tournament that most of the world knew nothing about.
So what exactly was it? Why was it so important to win this soccer tournament? In the words of the man, "If we win, then we will be human." You see poverty isn't just about the lack of food, clothing, or shelter. What poverty ultimately does is strip someone of their belief that they are human. They are stripped of that because that is how they are most often treated by others. They are treated, viewed, and often ignored as something less than worthy of our attention; something less than human.
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
but the rich has many friends.
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
(Proverbs 14:20-21 ESV)
As the film progress it followed several men who were playing in the tournament. There were men from Ireland, Afghanistan, Kenya, America, Russian, and some 40 other countries. One of the men from the Russia team would routinely say, "We must win." His demeanor was of great determination. His, "We must win" was always said not so much with a drive for the glory of victory but with the voice of a man in desperation to save his life. It was as if his life literally depended upon his team winning a simple soccer tournament that most of the world knew nothing about.
So what exactly was it? Why was it so important to win this soccer tournament? In the words of the man, "If we win, then we will be human." You see poverty isn't just about the lack of food, clothing, or shelter. What poverty ultimately does is strip someone of their belief that they are human. They are stripped of that because that is how they are most often treated by others. They are treated, viewed, and often ignored as something less than worthy of our attention; something less than human.
The poor is disliked even by his neighbor,
but the rich has many friends.
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner,
but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.
(Proverbs 14:20-21 ESV)
Monday, September 27, 2010
Auschwitz
I started watching this week a documentary titled Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State. In the first two episodes the documentary looks at the beginnings of Auschwitz and for that matter how the "Final Solution" came to be the Nazi doctrine for the extermination of the Jews. The film not only looks at the actually planning of the death camp through such things as architectural designs but it explores how people who are basic ordinary people, much like you and I, with families, hopes and dreams and even, dare I say, a sense of ethics and morality, how they become planners, perpetrators, and participants in one of the world's grandest atrocities of all of history.
The answer seems to lie within the fact that the German people for years before the death camps began were taught that the Jews were less than human. This seems to be the starting place for the death camps. Genocide does not begin in the railroad cars going to the camp. Genocide does not begin with segregating people into ghettos. Genocide begins with the entertaining of the thought that a person and by association those who share a commonality with that person are less than me.
So how does one prevent genocide? One would think remembering the holocaust would suffice but history has shown us that genocide continues today. A panel discussion at the end of episode two of the documentary has a professor who teaches on genocide saying that there really is no way to end genocide. I was particularly interested in the fact that he said religious morality could not even stop genocide. I thought about that for a moment and realized that I had to agree. Religious morality, especially that which is most pervasive in all religions of people trying to be "good" by whatever standard of good their religion requires will not stop genocide. However, a people, a group of people, a sacred community that embodies Christ, yes, the true Church can and should, at the very least be prepared to lay down their lives to speak to the evil of regarding one group of people or many groups of people as less than themselves.
We must understand, that this is not simply about racial reconciliation or even the recognition of the sanctity of all human life. This is about the community of believers acting in accordance with the renewing and the transformation of their minds and their hearts to be like that of their Lord and Savior. This is not about, if the Church will be the Church, then genocide will end. Truth be told, until the Lord returns, evil will continue to thrive on the face of the earth and evil men will continue to do evil things. What is being said here is that in the midst of this evil and darkness, it is the Church, this sacred, set apart community, that is to be a light. A light that reveals the evil, pushes away the darkness, and brings hope and life.
The Church must be the place where no one is considered less and yet everyone considers themselves a servant and not a master. For in the Church, we count others more significant than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). These others who we count as more significant must not be just those that are our friends, our families, our neighbors who look like us, talk like us and act like us. These others who we count as more significant must be those who do not look like us, who do not talk like us, dress like us, act like us, or even like us. For this is the mind of Christ. For while we were still sinners (rebellious ones, enemies of the Father, unholy), Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8)
The answer seems to lie within the fact that the German people for years before the death camps began were taught that the Jews were less than human. This seems to be the starting place for the death camps. Genocide does not begin in the railroad cars going to the camp. Genocide does not begin with segregating people into ghettos. Genocide begins with the entertaining of the thought that a person and by association those who share a commonality with that person are less than me.
So how does one prevent genocide? One would think remembering the holocaust would suffice but history has shown us that genocide continues today. A panel discussion at the end of episode two of the documentary has a professor who teaches on genocide saying that there really is no way to end genocide. I was particularly interested in the fact that he said religious morality could not even stop genocide. I thought about that for a moment and realized that I had to agree. Religious morality, especially that which is most pervasive in all religions of people trying to be "good" by whatever standard of good their religion requires will not stop genocide. However, a people, a group of people, a sacred community that embodies Christ, yes, the true Church can and should, at the very least be prepared to lay down their lives to speak to the evil of regarding one group of people or many groups of people as less than themselves.
We must understand, that this is not simply about racial reconciliation or even the recognition of the sanctity of all human life. This is about the community of believers acting in accordance with the renewing and the transformation of their minds and their hearts to be like that of their Lord and Savior. This is not about, if the Church will be the Church, then genocide will end. Truth be told, until the Lord returns, evil will continue to thrive on the face of the earth and evil men will continue to do evil things. What is being said here is that in the midst of this evil and darkness, it is the Church, this sacred, set apart community, that is to be a light. A light that reveals the evil, pushes away the darkness, and brings hope and life.
The Church must be the place where no one is considered less and yet everyone considers themselves a servant and not a master. For in the Church, we count others more significant than ourselves (Phil. 2:3). These others who we count as more significant must not be just those that are our friends, our families, our neighbors who look like us, talk like us and act like us. These others who we count as more significant must be those who do not look like us, who do not talk like us, dress like us, act like us, or even like us. For this is the mind of Christ. For while we were still sinners (rebellious ones, enemies of the Father, unholy), Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8)
Friday, September 17, 2010
Thursday, September 16, 2010
A Prayer For Persecution
During a meeting this week with several pastors one pastor was asked to pray. As he prayed he began to pray for our country and for revival. He then said something that I have never heard before in prayer. He prayed that our nation receive persecution. You read that right. He didn't pray that we would be free of persecution but that we would experience persecution. I admit I was a bit shocked at first to hear someone actually pray for persecution. However, after a second to realize that I heard him correctly I found myself saying, "amen." I knew why he had prayed that. I had after all alluded to the truth of his prayer in many sermons. However, I have never been so bold as to actually pray for persecution.
Now you may ask, why would anyone want persecution? The answer is quite simple. History has shown, current status of the Church around the world shows, and the Bible makes clear that persecution refines the Church. For as often as we pray for revival are we also willing to pray for the persecution? Are we willing to pray that we live sacrificially? Are we willing to pray that we be willing to take up our cross? Are we willing to pray for revival if it also means that we pray to no longer live comfortable, safe lives?
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)"
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)"
Now you may ask, why would anyone want persecution? The answer is quite simple. History has shown, current status of the Church around the world shows, and the Bible makes clear that persecution refines the Church. For as often as we pray for revival are we also willing to pray for the persecution? Are we willing to pray that we live sacrificially? Are we willing to pray that we be willing to take up our cross? Are we willing to pray for revival if it also means that we pray to no longer live comfortable, safe lives?
"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith — more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire — may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 1:6-7 ESV)"
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14 ESV)"
Thursday, September 09, 2010
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
Unity
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV)
I got an email today from a fellow pastor who stated that his board (I’m purposefully leaving the board generic as to not get tangled up in counsel, staff, trustee, deacon, elder, etc. debate) had recently received an anonymous letter stating that the board needed to “stop worshipping” the pastor and do what is right. Now, I don’t know what the pastor is doing that this cowardly (because he does not give his name) critic believes is wrong but he apparently believes that the board is complicit in this wrong doing.
Let us lay aside what it is that the cowardly critic believes is being done wrong and focus on his claim that the board worships the pastor. Why would he hold to this idea? What is it that causes this cowardly critic to believe that the board worships the pastor? Because we do not know who the cowardly critic is we cannot say for sure why he holds this conviction. Never the less, I’d like to make the following argument:
The cowardly critic believes that the board worships the pastor because the board and the pastor, when presenting to the church a decision that has been reached, do so as a unified body. Note, that this does not say that all the members of the board and the pastor agree on everything. It does say, that once the decision has been made, that they are then unified in presenting that decision to the larger body of the church. Unfortunately, for the cowardly critic, he is under the misguided notion that the board is to act not as a group who works in conjunction with the pastor to deliver a unified vision and direction for the church but rather they are to act as a check on the “power and authority” of the pastor. He believes that the board is there to serve as the “voice of the people” against the crazy, radical notions of the pastor. He expects there to be an adversarial relationship between the board and the pastor. Not only does he expect this, he nearly demands it and when it does not happen his only conclusion is that the board worships the pastor.
It is unfortunate that the cowardly critic cannot see the blessing in having the leadership of the church unified. It is unfortunate that he fails to recognize the Biblical teachings on authority and submission. It is unfortunate that he fails to understand the joy of a church that is unified in its mission and vision. It is sad that he cannot see the difference between a board being united with their pastor versus the board worshipping their pastor. It is sad that he does not see that a church that is unified is one that is most able to bring glory and not dishonor to God.
May we all be unified in bringing glory to God.
I got an email today from a fellow pastor who stated that his board (I’m purposefully leaving the board generic as to not get tangled up in counsel, staff, trustee, deacon, elder, etc. debate) had recently received an anonymous letter stating that the board needed to “stop worshipping” the pastor and do what is right. Now, I don’t know what the pastor is doing that this cowardly (because he does not give his name) critic believes is wrong but he apparently believes that the board is complicit in this wrong doing.
Let us lay aside what it is that the cowardly critic believes is being done wrong and focus on his claim that the board worships the pastor. Why would he hold to this idea? What is it that causes this cowardly critic to believe that the board worships the pastor? Because we do not know who the cowardly critic is we cannot say for sure why he holds this conviction. Never the less, I’d like to make the following argument:
The cowardly critic believes that the board worships the pastor because the board and the pastor, when presenting to the church a decision that has been reached, do so as a unified body. Note, that this does not say that all the members of the board and the pastor agree on everything. It does say, that once the decision has been made, that they are then unified in presenting that decision to the larger body of the church. Unfortunately, for the cowardly critic, he is under the misguided notion that the board is to act not as a group who works in conjunction with the pastor to deliver a unified vision and direction for the church but rather they are to act as a check on the “power and authority” of the pastor. He believes that the board is there to serve as the “voice of the people” against the crazy, radical notions of the pastor. He expects there to be an adversarial relationship between the board and the pastor. Not only does he expect this, he nearly demands it and when it does not happen his only conclusion is that the board worships the pastor.
It is unfortunate that the cowardly critic cannot see the blessing in having the leadership of the church unified. It is unfortunate that he fails to recognize the Biblical teachings on authority and submission. It is unfortunate that he fails to understand the joy of a church that is unified in its mission and vision. It is sad that he cannot see the difference between a board being united with their pastor versus the board worshipping their pastor. It is sad that he does not see that a church that is unified is one that is most able to bring glory and not dishonor to God.
May we all be unified in bringing glory to God.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Christ's Call
Go to the following link and download the mp3 file "Christ's Call." It is a sermon by the K.P. Yohannan who is the founder of Gospel for Asia. It is one of those great step on your toes sermons that all of us need to hear.
You will have to register to download the sermon but it is worth it.
http://www.gfa.org/resource/audio/
You will have to register to download the sermon but it is worth it.
http://www.gfa.org/resource/audio/
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Question of Cause
Earlier today I was watching a TV show in which part of the story line dealt with a homeless man who had died and another man trying to arrange a funeral for him. The show got me to think about the way we often deal with people. When we are confronted by people who find themselves in a, let's just say, a less than desirable situation we often base our decision to provide assistance to them based on the known or the assumed reason for them being in that situation. For instance, we may gladly help people who are struck by a natural disaster. An earthquake, tornado, or hurricane destroys homes without prejudice and there is nothing that one can really do to prevent such occurrences. However, if we know someone is homeless often our (or perhaps I should simply say my and not presume to know your thoughts) first inclination when deciding to help is to first determine the cause of their predicament. Are they in this condition because of a hurricane or are they in this predicament because of drug use, alcoholism, and/or criminal behavior? Perhaps they simply fell on hard times because it's a bad economy? Perhaps they made some really bad financial decisions? Maybe they are just too lazy to work?
It seems to me that our decision to help someone is largely based on the answers to these questions. Now, as I was watching this TV show I began to think about what motivates us to help one person (or group) over another. I began to think about these questions that we often ask and use to judge who is worthy of being helped. Then I thought about the cross. I thought that when Jesus went to the cross He did not ask about our past and what caused us to be in the situation we were in. Of course, He knew what caused us to be in our situation. He didn't base His decision to save us on our past performances and whether those past performances were worthy of His sacrifice. He went to the cross despite our pasts and despite the fact that we weren't worthy. He simply went to the cross for His enemies, the ones who harmed Him, the ones who were against Him, the ones who did not want His help. The question isn't really how did one get to where they are, the question is do we believe that God can pull them out of that situation? Can He change them? Can He give them new life? The other question is are we willing to be obedient to God and to be His hands and feet to whomever despite their past and despite what caused them to be in their current situation? Is grace for everyone or just those whom we deem worthy?
It seems to me that our decision to help someone is largely based on the answers to these questions. Now, as I was watching this TV show I began to think about what motivates us to help one person (or group) over another. I began to think about these questions that we often ask and use to judge who is worthy of being helped. Then I thought about the cross. I thought that when Jesus went to the cross He did not ask about our past and what caused us to be in the situation we were in. Of course, He knew what caused us to be in our situation. He didn't base His decision to save us on our past performances and whether those past performances were worthy of His sacrifice. He went to the cross despite our pasts and despite the fact that we weren't worthy. He simply went to the cross for His enemies, the ones who harmed Him, the ones who were against Him, the ones who did not want His help. The question isn't really how did one get to where they are, the question is do we believe that God can pull them out of that situation? Can He change them? Can He give them new life? The other question is are we willing to be obedient to God and to be His hands and feet to whomever despite their past and despite what caused them to be in their current situation? Is grace for everyone or just those whom we deem worthy?
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
Give me Revelation - Day 12 of Lent
I know that yesterday I said that I was not going to be posting about my Lent journey everyday but I just had to share something with you. Today, I read Revelation (sticking with my John books from the previous days) and, wow, what a book. You know Revelation is one of those books that to be perfectly honest you read (particularly as a pastor) when you are wanting to preach about the lukewarm church or else you are doing a study of the end times. As such you read it trying to pick apart all of the beasts and dragons and lake of fire. You try to figure out who is who and what represents what. And perhaps what we really look for is "signs of the time."
However, as I sat down and simply read it straight through not concerning myself with if I fully understood all of the imagery and time line, I found myself pulled into a wonderful story. I remember years ago hearing someone say that we in America often read the book of Revelation and focus on the tribulations, while people in the Soviet Union (again this was years ago that I heard this) when given the opportunity to read the book do so with a focus on the hope of which the book speaks. That's what I saw this morning. Sure the book has plenty of tribulation, plenty of destruction, death, and horrifying images but what is really there is the triumph of the Lord. What is spoken of by John with grand and magnificent words, almost beyond his own ability to describe is the glory of God.
"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." Revelation 22:17
Come. Drink. Glory in Him.
In His grace, for His glory,
John.
However, as I sat down and simply read it straight through not concerning myself with if I fully understood all of the imagery and time line, I found myself pulled into a wonderful story. I remember years ago hearing someone say that we in America often read the book of Revelation and focus on the tribulations, while people in the Soviet Union (again this was years ago that I heard this) when given the opportunity to read the book do so with a focus on the hope of which the book speaks. That's what I saw this morning. Sure the book has plenty of tribulation, plenty of destruction, death, and horrifying images but what is really there is the triumph of the Lord. What is spoken of by John with grand and magnificent words, almost beyond his own ability to describe is the glory of God.
"The Spirit and the Bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price." Revelation 22:17
Come. Drink. Glory in Him.
In His grace, for His glory,
John.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Day 11 of Lent
I apologize for not writing more as I have been going through this journey in observance of Lent. Since my last post I have read Ezra, the Gospel of John, and staying with John, I read all three letters from John. I'm thinking next I'll read Revelation but that will have to wait until tomorrow for that determination.
It has been rather fascinating keeping to this commitment to read a book each day. I must confess though that I did split the Gospel into 2 days. I haven't been writing as much because I found that as I was reading I was thinking about what I would be writing. That preacher's occupational hazard kept creeping around. So, I decided to stop writing. As you can see, I won't be stopping entirely but it isn't going to be an everyday item.
I do find that the time in just reading, for no other purpose than to hear from God and to spend that time with Him, is deeply satisfying to the soul. I am finding that by reading that whole book, without effort to dissect it and outline it for a sermon, allows for the personality of the book, the character of the book, to infiltrate my heart and my mind. Obviously, I believe strongly in Bible study of the sort where one works to understand and properly interpret even a single verse or perhaps a phrase. This reading of the whole book though, again with the intention of just enjoying His Word, allows for a connection with the heart and mind that causes one to be able to say, "I understand." I may not know everything, for example when reading Ezra, unless you have some good study notes or commentary you may not know who the various kings are in the story and how each one relates to the story or you may not know the time line of the story that well. However, I believe that reading the book through, just to hear it, allows for one to walk away and understand why God has this book in His Scriptures. It isn't just something you now have mental knowledge of, instead it is something that you know, in your heart and in your mind, and it is now part of you.
It has been rather fascinating keeping to this commitment to read a book each day. I must confess though that I did split the Gospel into 2 days. I haven't been writing as much because I found that as I was reading I was thinking about what I would be writing. That preacher's occupational hazard kept creeping around. So, I decided to stop writing. As you can see, I won't be stopping entirely but it isn't going to be an everyday item.
I do find that the time in just reading, for no other purpose than to hear from God and to spend that time with Him, is deeply satisfying to the soul. I am finding that by reading that whole book, without effort to dissect it and outline it for a sermon, allows for the personality of the book, the character of the book, to infiltrate my heart and my mind. Obviously, I believe strongly in Bible study of the sort where one works to understand and properly interpret even a single verse or perhaps a phrase. This reading of the whole book though, again with the intention of just enjoying His Word, allows for a connection with the heart and mind that causes one to be able to say, "I understand." I may not know everything, for example when reading Ezra, unless you have some good study notes or commentary you may not know who the various kings are in the story and how each one relates to the story or you may not know the time line of the story that well. However, I believe that reading the book through, just to hear it, allows for one to walk away and understand why God has this book in His Scriptures. It isn't just something you now have mental knowledge of, instead it is something that you know, in your heart and in your mind, and it is now part of you.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Love Songs - Day 6 of Lent
OK, I know I'm a little behind on my blog post - forgive me.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that for Day 6 of Lent I read the book of Song of Solomon. By the way, after reading this book I think the name is wrong which, of course, is probably why it is often called Song of Songs. Even that name doesn't really seem to fit. I don't think Song of Solomon fits because most of the songs in the book are actually from the woman not Solomon. I also don't think Song of Songs works because it isn't just a song but several songs.
Anyway, as I was reading this most interesting book I realized that over the years I have heard many sermons and teachings on marriage based on such passages as that found in Ephesians but rarely have I heard anything out of this book. Strange really, because the book is a manual on developing and maintaining a passionate and loving relationship. Of course, it is also very graphic which we Christians feel very uncomfortable with. Perhaps this is the lesson for today - learn to enjoy what the Lord has created as He intended it to be enjoyed.
Anyway, I wanted to let you know that for Day 6 of Lent I read the book of Song of Solomon. By the way, after reading this book I think the name is wrong which, of course, is probably why it is often called Song of Songs. Even that name doesn't really seem to fit. I don't think Song of Solomon fits because most of the songs in the book are actually from the woman not Solomon. I also don't think Song of Songs works because it isn't just a song but several songs.
Anyway, as I was reading this most interesting book I realized that over the years I have heard many sermons and teachings on marriage based on such passages as that found in Ephesians but rarely have I heard anything out of this book. Strange really, because the book is a manual on developing and maintaining a passionate and loving relationship. Of course, it is also very graphic which we Christians feel very uncomfortable with. Perhaps this is the lesson for today - learn to enjoy what the Lord has created as He intended it to be enjoyed.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Hey Jude - Days 5
This journey through Lent has certainly proved interesting and the first week isn't even over. One interesting aspect has been my choice of what books to read. Yesterday I read the book of Jude. I chose this book merely because I mentioned it in my previous post and had it on my mind. I also read it because it's Jude. I mean Jude isn't the book that you often hear someone quote their life verse from. I don't believe I've ever seen anyone holding up a poster board at a football game with "Jude 20" written on it. I suspect a good many church goers don't know where to find the book and many would probably begin in the Old Testament. I don't recall ever hearing a sermon from the book (although, after some thought I do believe I preached out of it once on a Sunday evening service - and any good Southern Baptist will tell you that that really doesn't count). Let's just be honest, Jude is a strange, little book. In just a few paragraphs there are a number of references to obscure Old Testament passages and even one reference to an apparently long lost Jewish story featuring the archangel Michael arguing with the devil over Moses' body. It's a book that, if one isn't careful, they can easily miss what is being said by getting lost in the details of the illustrations. In the end, Jude, in my humble opinion, is about contending for the faith. In doing so Jude makes it clear that we must be aware of those who infiltrate the church with false teaching but his main point is one of encouragement to believers. As Jude writes:
"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the
Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the Love of God, waiting for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Reading Jude is a reminder that all Scripture is God-breathed. I'd like to encourage you to take some time to read some Scripture that perhaps you have personally neglected. There just may be something there that you need to hear.
"But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the
Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the Love of God, waiting for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life."
Reading Jude is a reminder that all Scripture is God-breathed. I'd like to encourage you to take some time to read some Scripture that perhaps you have personally neglected. There just may be something there that you need to hear.
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Southern Baptist Struggles with Lent - Day 4
Well, Saturday was the third day of Lent and my goal to read a book of the Bible each day fell short. Sure, I could blame it on having a house full of kids, errands to run, and spending a good deal of the day trying to figure out what was wrong with my sermon for Sunday morning. The truth of the matter is, I just never said, "OK, I need some time to go and read." Even if Saturday was busy, I could have found a few minutes to read Jude or Philemon. I mean really, how long do those take to read. Never the less, I never made it.
So, even though traditionally Sunday does not count in the 40 days of Lent, I read a book on Sunday. Even here, I cheated myself. I chose to read the book of Ruth. Now Ruth is a great book to read with its story of God's providence, love, and redemption but I was reading it in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone. You see, I was reading it because I wanted to keep to my Lent commitment and I read Ruth because it was my text for my Sunday evening sermon. Now, you might recall, that one of the reasons for reading a book each day for Lent is because I had fallen into that rut that many preachers fall into in which every time they are reading Scripture it is for the purpose of preparing another sermon. Well, here I was reading to further solidify my sermon.
The lesson here is that even as one practices a discipline of the faith there will be times that you really learn and grow. There will be times that you experience an intimacy with the Lord unlike you have ever experienced. Then there will also be times where it feels as though all that you have done is checked something off your to do list. The important thing is to learn from even the so called "lesser" moments (which in the end may be your best learning moments) and to perpetually be moving toward God.
I wonder what today's reading will reveal?
So, even though traditionally Sunday does not count in the 40 days of Lent, I read a book on Sunday. Even here, I cheated myself. I chose to read the book of Ruth. Now Ruth is a great book to read with its story of God's providence, love, and redemption but I was reading it in an attempt to kill two birds with one stone. You see, I was reading it because I wanted to keep to my Lent commitment and I read Ruth because it was my text for my Sunday evening sermon. Now, you might recall, that one of the reasons for reading a book each day for Lent is because I had fallen into that rut that many preachers fall into in which every time they are reading Scripture it is for the purpose of preparing another sermon. Well, here I was reading to further solidify my sermon.
The lesson here is that even as one practices a discipline of the faith there will be times that you really learn and grow. There will be times that you experience an intimacy with the Lord unlike you have ever experienced. Then there will also be times where it feels as though all that you have done is checked something off your to do list. The important thing is to learn from even the so called "lesser" moments (which in the end may be your best learning moments) and to perpetually be moving toward God.
I wonder what today's reading will reveal?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Lent and Tiger Woods - Day 3
For my reading today I chose the book of Colossians. It should be understood that during this process I have no reading plan. Other than a desire to read all 4 Gospels during Lent, for my 36 other reading selections I am randomly choosing which book to read when I sit down to read. I chose Colossians this morning because I had a Dallas Willard book nearby and I know that Dallas really enjoys Colossians 3. I know this doesn't sound very spiritual but it's what happened.
Anyway, prior to reading Colossians, I actually watched the big speech today by Tiger Woods. Now, I don't think I need to go into detail about what Tiger has done or what he said in his speech. I'm sure by now you know what he did and much of what he said today. I'm sure that you have said something about it or will say something about. As a preacher I almost fill compelled to address. After all, shouldn't I use this opportunity to address faithfulness in marriage, the sin of adultery, or perhaps even fatherhood and being a good role model? I could do that I suppose and maybe I still will. However, if I do use this very public downfall of a man as an illustration of some sort I pray that I'll remember the words I read today:
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5-6.
Anyway, prior to reading Colossians, I actually watched the big speech today by Tiger Woods. Now, I don't think I need to go into detail about what Tiger has done or what he said in his speech. I'm sure by now you know what he did and much of what he said today. I'm sure that you have said something about it or will say something about. As a preacher I almost fill compelled to address. After all, shouldn't I use this opportunity to address faithfulness in marriage, the sin of adultery, or perhaps even fatherhood and being a good role model? I could do that I suppose and maybe I still will. However, if I do use this very public downfall of a man as an illustration of some sort I pray that I'll remember the words I read today:
"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." Colossians 4:5-6.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
A Southern Baptist Observes Lent - Day 2
I'd like to begin today with a quick clarification. I did not mean to imply yesterday that everyone who gives up something or practices the discipline of abstinence (that is not meant in the merely sexual sense of the word but in the technical sense of abstaining from any thing or activity) are only doing so for some other motive than to grow closer to God. Many honestly practice this discipline throughout Lent with the desire to know God and His grace and to use this time and this discipline to reflect on the suffering of Christ and rejoice in His resurrection and glory. My blog yesterday was more of a reflection of my personal experience (or lack of experience) with the observance of this season.
Now as for today, one of the reasons I choose to read a book of the Bible for each day of Lent was that I wanted to get away from picking apart a verse or two to find every detail in preparation for a sermon. Mind you this is something important that every Christian should do. However, it can also lead to a missing the forest due to the trees kind of effect if we (most specifically preachers) aren't careful. I wanted to take some time to read a book and really get a feel for the book as a whole. For instance today I read the book of Ecclesiastes. Typically, this book brings to mind "all is vanity" and a poem on there being a time for everything. Well, today when I read it I was constantly confronted with a desire to stop and just focus on one or two verses. Instead, I might have re-read those verses a few times but then continue on. In reading the whole book in a concentrated amount of time, I got a whole new feel for the book that I never had before. Ecclesiastes has this message of everything being a vain endeavor of life. To be perfectly honest, I've always felt that Ecclesiastes was a bit of a negative book. Today, I realized that the tone of the book is actually one of great freedom for the person who lives to fear God and keep His commandments. There is freedom when your life is lived for God and not for yourself (this is the vanity that the Teacher speaks of). It is exactly for this type of revelation that I choose to read a complete book of the Bible each day.
One final note as to why I am reading a book a day. By doing this I am obligating myself to stop, slow down, and to simply devote myself to hearing His Word. This isn't simply about completing reading assignments but about abiding in Him.
Now as for today, one of the reasons I choose to read a book of the Bible for each day of Lent was that I wanted to get away from picking apart a verse or two to find every detail in preparation for a sermon. Mind you this is something important that every Christian should do. However, it can also lead to a missing the forest due to the trees kind of effect if we (most specifically preachers) aren't careful. I wanted to take some time to read a book and really get a feel for the book as a whole. For instance today I read the book of Ecclesiastes. Typically, this book brings to mind "all is vanity" and a poem on there being a time for everything. Well, today when I read it I was constantly confronted with a desire to stop and just focus on one or two verses. Instead, I might have re-read those verses a few times but then continue on. In reading the whole book in a concentrated amount of time, I got a whole new feel for the book that I never had before. Ecclesiastes has this message of everything being a vain endeavor of life. To be perfectly honest, I've always felt that Ecclesiastes was a bit of a negative book. Today, I realized that the tone of the book is actually one of great freedom for the person who lives to fear God and keep His commandments. There is freedom when your life is lived for God and not for yourself (this is the vanity that the Teacher speaks of). It is exactly for this type of revelation that I choose to read a complete book of the Bible each day.
One final note as to why I am reading a book a day. By doing this I am obligating myself to stop, slow down, and to simply devote myself to hearing His Word. This isn't simply about completing reading assignments but about abiding in Him.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
A Southern Baptist observes Lent
I have been a Southern Baptist most all my life and Southern Baptist traditionally do not observe Lent. So, I have never observed Lent. I've never been part of an Ash Wednesday service and I have never given up anything for these 40 days prior to Resurrection Sunday (that's Easter to all you laymen). I remember the first time I saw a man with ash on his forehead in college. Nearly made a fool of myself until one of my professors bailed me out (thank you Dr. Sansom, that's one more thing I'm indebted to you for). My point is that Lent has never meant anything to me other than it being the time that Catholics don't eat something and, well, I happen to like eating what they give up. Just another point in the protestant column as far as I was concerned.
Over the past several years I've begun to realize that there just might be some merit in various religious traditions. Often, if observed correctly, they can have much spiritual value to them. For example, I'm not a Jew, but I love celebrating Passover. There is so much to learn from this tradition. So much that speaks to us about God being the Deliverer. I've been known to add the observance of Advent into our Christmas traditions. Again, a tradition that isn't emphasized in Southern Baptist circles but never the less is one that can be very helpful in focusing on the true meaning of the Christmas season.
So, here we are at Lent. Over the past several years I have considered observing Lent in one way or another. To be honest, about the only thing I really knew about Lent was the act of giving something up. For some reason, I hear a lot of people giving up chocolate. I didn't realize that chocolate was such a vital part of life. Of course, you have people giving up meat, or caffeine, or something that they spend their money on regularly that they will then give the money they save to a charity. All of this is fine and well and I understand it all to a degree. For me though, it all seemed to be missing something. In many ways, it seemed that people were giving up things that, in all honesty, they needed to be giving up anyway. They were just using the motivation of Lent to help them do it. It's as if one was saying, "I need to lose weight and so I'll give up sweets for Lent. I'll kill 2 birds with one stone." Somehow connecting your weight loss with a religious motive is suppose to help.
For me though, I just wasn't getting it. I thought the idea was not so much to give something up but to get closer to God? To use the time and the circumstance you find yourself in by giving something up to become more aware of Christ? To prepare our hearts and minds to grieve at His suffering and to rejoice at His glory in the resurrection? I didn't think that this was simply a time to try to relieve ourselves of a bad habit that I wasn't able to get rid of a month and a half earlier when I made a New Year's resolution.
So this is my plan, and I intend to write about, so that people following along can help me be accountable just as they were in my adoption blog (www.raymersadoption.blogspot.com) when I was going through my "Great Coffee Experiment." I have put a great deal of thought into what would perhaps benefit me in growing closer to God at this stage in my life. I came to the conclusion that I need to read Scripture. Now, this may sound funny coming from a preacher but many preachers will understand. It is a danger in a preacher's line of work that because we spend so much time studying for the next sermon or the next lesson that we will be teaching that we often neglect our own time in simply reading God's Word for the sake of growing closer to Him and hearing from Him. I've been far too guilty of this lately. So, for the next 40 days of Lent I am going to read a different book of the Bible each day. Obviously, I will have some days where I may read a book like Philemon. Then there will be days where I'll read Jeremiah. I haven't decided what exactly I'll read other than I do plan to read all 4 Gospels. Today I am reading Mark. Throughout this time I plan to blog about my journey and whatever experiences that may come. I hope you will join me.
Over the past several years I've begun to realize that there just might be some merit in various religious traditions. Often, if observed correctly, they can have much spiritual value to them. For example, I'm not a Jew, but I love celebrating Passover. There is so much to learn from this tradition. So much that speaks to us about God being the Deliverer. I've been known to add the observance of Advent into our Christmas traditions. Again, a tradition that isn't emphasized in Southern Baptist circles but never the less is one that can be very helpful in focusing on the true meaning of the Christmas season.
So, here we are at Lent. Over the past several years I have considered observing Lent in one way or another. To be honest, about the only thing I really knew about Lent was the act of giving something up. For some reason, I hear a lot of people giving up chocolate. I didn't realize that chocolate was such a vital part of life. Of course, you have people giving up meat, or caffeine, or something that they spend their money on regularly that they will then give the money they save to a charity. All of this is fine and well and I understand it all to a degree. For me though, it all seemed to be missing something. In many ways, it seemed that people were giving up things that, in all honesty, they needed to be giving up anyway. They were just using the motivation of Lent to help them do it. It's as if one was saying, "I need to lose weight and so I'll give up sweets for Lent. I'll kill 2 birds with one stone." Somehow connecting your weight loss with a religious motive is suppose to help.
For me though, I just wasn't getting it. I thought the idea was not so much to give something up but to get closer to God? To use the time and the circumstance you find yourself in by giving something up to become more aware of Christ? To prepare our hearts and minds to grieve at His suffering and to rejoice at His glory in the resurrection? I didn't think that this was simply a time to try to relieve ourselves of a bad habit that I wasn't able to get rid of a month and a half earlier when I made a New Year's resolution.
So this is my plan, and I intend to write about, so that people following along can help me be accountable just as they were in my adoption blog (www.raymersadoption.blogspot.com) when I was going through my "Great Coffee Experiment." I have put a great deal of thought into what would perhaps benefit me in growing closer to God at this stage in my life. I came to the conclusion that I need to read Scripture. Now, this may sound funny coming from a preacher but many preachers will understand. It is a danger in a preacher's line of work that because we spend so much time studying for the next sermon or the next lesson that we will be teaching that we often neglect our own time in simply reading God's Word for the sake of growing closer to Him and hearing from Him. I've been far too guilty of this lately. So, for the next 40 days of Lent I am going to read a different book of the Bible each day. Obviously, I will have some days where I may read a book like Philemon. Then there will be days where I'll read Jeremiah. I haven't decided what exactly I'll read other than I do plan to read all 4 Gospels. Today I am reading Mark. Throughout this time I plan to blog about my journey and whatever experiences that may come. I hope you will join me.
Sunday, February 07, 2010
What is Love?
Earlier today, walking around one of the holy temples of consumerism, I looked up and hanging above one of the aisles filled with stuff, that has literally no benefit to anyone, there was a sign that read, "Love is candy."
I don't think any further comment is needed.
Happy Valentine's Day!
I don't think any further comment is needed.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Monday, February 01, 2010
This just blew my mind...God is greater than I knew.
The following quote is from John Frame's "A Primer on Perspectivalism."
"God knows absolutely everything, because he planned everything, made everything, and determines what happens in the world he made. So we describe him as omniscient. One interesting implication of God’s omniscience is that he not only knows all the facts about himself and the world; he also knows how everything appears from every possible perspective. If there were a fly on my office wall, my typing would look very different to him from the way it looks to me. But God knows, not only everything about my typing, but also how that typing appears to the fly on the wall. Indeed, because God knows hypothetical situations as well as actualities, God knows exhaustively what a fly in that position would experience—if such a fly were present—even if it is not. God’s knowledge, then, is not only omniscient, but omniperspectival. He knows from his own infinite perspective; but that infinite perspective includes a knowledge of all created perspectives, possible and actual."
"God knows absolutely everything, because he planned everything, made everything, and determines what happens in the world he made. So we describe him as omniscient. One interesting implication of God’s omniscience is that he not only knows all the facts about himself and the world; he also knows how everything appears from every possible perspective. If there were a fly on my office wall, my typing would look very different to him from the way it looks to me. But God knows, not only everything about my typing, but also how that typing appears to the fly on the wall. Indeed, because God knows hypothetical situations as well as actualities, God knows exhaustively what a fly in that position would experience—if such a fly were present—even if it is not. God’s knowledge, then, is not only omniscient, but omniperspectival. He knows from his own infinite perspective; but that infinite perspective includes a knowledge of all created perspectives, possible and actual."
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