Faith in the Bleachers

Mar 31

Posted by Chip in Spiritual Topics | No Comments

My father was exceptionally athletic. I remember the first time I saw him ice skating and I was amazed at his speed and dexterity on the ice, especially when I attempted the ice for the first time. Oldest of six boys raised in Newfoundland, Canada, my father cut his teeth on a hockey puck, and was no slouch with a baseball either. At one point, dad was even offered an opportunity to play professional hockey, which he turned down because his life plan to become a Catholic priest left no room for hockey. He hung up his skates and donned the habit, entering the monastery. (Obviously, he did not become a priest.)

As I said, my dad was a great athlete… I am not. I was always the kid who liked playing kickball, but loved shooting my bow or a .22 rifle more. In fact, if given an option, I’d rather hunt rabbits or crows than play baseball any day. For me, a quiet day with my bow was valued much higher than a day in a neighboring pasture playing baseball. Let me clarify, I’m not opposed to sports, and enjoy a live baseball or basketball game, and I love watching hockey, but I’m not a fanatic. I liked the idea of sports, but didn’t possess the desire, drive or ability to pursue sports with passion.

For the 2011 season thus far, I’ve watched a grand total of two UK basketball games, both post season tournament play, and one of which (UK -vs- UNC) I recorded on my DVR and missed the final 2 1/2 minutes due to improper programming. (And my life didn’t end for missing the final moments of the game.) I don’t know all the players, and cannot quote their stats, in fact I didn’t even know their standing going into the tournament. But, I would consider myself a UK fan, or at the least a fan of life in the bluegrass state. I confess my heightened interest with UK now in the Final Four, and I will probably be watching the game with UCONN on Saturday night… probably.

While enjoying the game Sunday night, I couldn’t help but think about my dad. I’ve already mentioned his athletic abilities, which were impressive, however this was not what immediately came to mind during the game. For whatever reason, what came to mind about my dad was his intense passion for the Gospel. My dad was one to jump in with both feet in whatever he did, he wasn’t just committed to something… he became what he was committing to. Nothing has ever made an impression upon me like my father’s conversion to Christianity, specifically (redundantly) his commitment to Jesus. When my dad was converted, it was full sail. In fact, mom & dad made their confession of faith together and that night my father was immersed, and in response he immersed my mother. He understood the call of Christ and for the first time, shedding the traditions he had known all his life and embracing Scripture alone, it made perfect sense to him. What he had earlier committed to (with regard to priesthood) left him empty and confused because he was told to teach tradition and not Bible. He told me of many occasions of discipline for reading to children from Scripture, rather than teaching tradition. This disillusionment caused him to leave Catholicism, but he just couldn’t abandon faith. When a young preacher encouraged him to study the Bible, my dad suddenly had a whole new world open up before him and his focus, priorities and purpose was restored.

From the time of my dad’s conversion forward, I cannot remember a single morning when he wasn’t seated at the kitchen table first thing in the morning reading his Bible. My father was consumed with a passion for the Word. At the time, I was not a Christian, although I considered myself a believer. For a number of months my dad faithfully and patiently led a life of faith and witnessed to me as much as was productive to do so. Our minister frequented our home and became a good friend to me and my family. Eventually I began attending services and listening a little closer as it became apparent my father was not participating in a passing fad, but undergoing a transformation of his life and a renewing of his mind.

The UK -vs- UNC game Sunday night, began at 5PM, and our evening services are at 6:00PM. For some congregations, and some Christians, this would pose a very real dilemma… which shall I choose, to stay home with the HD quality programming of NCAA tournament play or participate in the assembly? Certainly, there is nothing wrong with watching a ballgame per se, so long as it does not impose upon my ability to edify another Christian, or impede my availability to His Word. Some would argue attendance on a Sunday evening as unnecessary, especially if they faithfully attend morning services. Perhaps, but I do tend to believe such thinking reveals something about us. Allow me to illustrate my point.

My wife is my best friend and I enjoy her company, so much so that I am often distracted by thoughts of her through the day and truly long to be with her again. When we have to be apart, it is bearable only in the thought we will be together again and our commitment to one another remains strong in spite of the temporary separation. I cannot imagine “skipping out” on an opportunity to be with her, even if it should only be for a brief while. My wife trusts me and knows me better than any other person alive. Such trust strengthens our relationship through difficulties or challenges. Therefore, should I choose to go out with friends, or some other activity within the bounds of our vows, my wife would be OK and have no doubts or concerns. Concerns could creep in, however, should I choose to neglect her, or avoid her, show less passion or become apathetic toward being with her. Love for my wife constrains me to prioritize my activities and interests in such a manner as to build her up and strengthen our marriage. Again, so long as my priorities remain in cooperation with my vows to my wife, everything is good.

Similarly, Christian faith requires commitment and priority, it demands cooperation of action and words.

James mentions faith and action, a faith which transcends the lip service of shallow “belief only” and bears the grit of substance. Such faith is evidenced by action. Recently, I was referred to as “zealous”, a comment intended to be taken as a punch. In context, it was an argumentum ad hominem employed to silence my disagreement with a prospective change to a city ordinance. Its implication being I am limited in my view and “close minded”. I, however, have an advocate which speaks for me… my actions.

How does this relate to the NCAA tournament? I guess it just got me to thinking of an opportunity to share the Gospel. No doubt, Monday morning was filled with a number of conversations about the game. What a wonderful opportunity Christians have when asked about the game to “open the door” by sharing they didn’t watch the game on live TV because they were occupied by something more exciting… participation in worshiping God. I firmly believe our convictions bear out in our actions, and as a Christian I never want to fail in assembling with the body of Christ if at all possible.

As a preacher, I get teased quite a lot about the length of my sermons. There are always a few jokes about cancelling or shortening services when a big game is on, accompanied by a wink & laughter. Here at Union City, it is understood comments about sermon length which are intended to jibe me a little are not to be taken seriously. Our attendance Sunday night made me very proud of our congregation and my opportunity to serve such a spiritually focused group. Granted, most folks didn’t linger long following the service, however, they were active and present and would never have considered skipping out of the assembly for any reason short of illness or another serious family concern. They chose to participate in the assembly, enjoy opportunity to commune with one another and to increase their faith by studying Scripture. No wonder I thought about my father upon seeing such a strong attendance.

I love assembling with the saints!

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The American conviction of Truth

Mar 21

Posted by Chip in Spiritual Topics | No Comments

I have always enjoyed American history… really, history in general. One of my favorite classes in High School was South Dakota history, and I loved every history course in college. My passion for history has thrust me into the category of fascination with historic facts often ignored or intentionally overlooked. My TV remote is seldom used to navigate from channels like History or the Military channel. However, I am bothered by the once subtle rewriting of history which has recently transcended into an aggressive and intentionally biased presentation of history against Christian faith.

It has always been interesting to observe the tactics of such critics, which have become so predictable. Challenge the event or present doubt in its authenticity. Then, if this does not provide the desired results, turn against the figure of history or the authors involved in preserving the account. Recently, charges have been made against Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and even Abraham Lincoln. Everything from sexual immorality, drunkenness and slave ownership have been thrown out against them… even purporting that Lincoln was homosexual. And there’s no shortage of “history experts” who share this taint of bias to exploit their claims and sell books in the shadow of their fleeting 15 seconds in the limelight.

As mentioned, one of the tactics of the “higher critics” of history is to attack the character of historic figures. It must be noted with no doubt such character bears impact upon the event, however, even if a historic person’s moral fiber is not of highest quality it does not remove their place in history. To attack the moral character of prominent figures in American history is almost always a smoke screen tactic employed to distract the common public from the moral standards these same figures embraced as a whole. I suggest it is entirely possible to have moral failings and, yet, not embrace those moral downfalls or try to justify them. Certainly, every leader in human history (with the only exception being Jesus) have had personal flaws. The current trend of culture is to exploit those failures or flaws into something they are not, to wield them as leverage against such individuals in an attempt to excuse modern moral failings or suggest such leaders would support these same behaviors.

Perhaps no greater charge has been made against American history than that against the influence of Christian faith on the founding and structure of this Republic.

Many have falsely claimed America as a “melting pot” of religious expression, and yet, our founders never intended such. In fact, our founders were quite unabashed about their contempt against other religions.

1796 Farewell Address of President George Washington:

The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so, for it is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize. But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness; that you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now link together the various parts.

For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. Citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations. With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the independence and liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.

But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those which apply more immediately to your interest. Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole.

Washington’s Farewell Address

Notice Mr. Washington’s statement toward the end of the above quote:

With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles.

He is, of course, speaking of the Christian faith. How is it possible our founding fathers could have “intended a culture embracing a melting pot of religious expression” while Mr. Washington celebrates the common faith? You see, American history nor the writings of our founders do not support the melting pot concept. In fact, they condemn other religions by pointing out the highest moral value of Christianity. Those who would suggest the melting pot concept have also twisted the “Church and State” concept presented by Mr. Jefferson in his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association to mean absolutely no Christian influence in American politics. The hypocrisy of such a position is easily shown in the climate of “political correctness” toward our “friendly Islamic” neighbors.

Modern social commentators love to call America a “melting pot” or “mosaic” of cultural and religious expression. However, such a description is not fitting America’s founding principles, nor is it supported in her history.

Simple put, America has the unique founding principles of a nation defined by Christian faith. Our model for justice comes directly from the pages of Christian Scripture, as is so prominently evidenced in the engravings upon nearly every federal building and monument in our nation’s capitol. Our founding fathers provide a wealth of material in support of their entire support of Christian faith, and the establishment of a wall of separation which prevented the government from imposing a particular form of religious expression upon the people. Even founders who have been redefined by history as “unbelieving” or “deist” have printed works which impress their support of Christian faith.

One need not look very far to realize the undercurrent of such a trend. To “dumb down” or remove faith from the pages of history simply opens the door wider for immoral living.

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A Convenient Excuse

Mar 11

Posted by Chip in Spiritual Topics | No Comments

American Criminal SystemIn nearly 30 years of Christian faith, and 25 years of professional ministry, I am still amazed at the ease with which people make excuses for not actively fellowshipping with a Christian assembly.

Recently, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed legislation ending the death penalty and commuting the 15 inmates presently on death row when the law takes effect on July 1, 2011. As justification for the move, Quinn cited potential errors in the system, also chanting the ever popular mantra of racism, citing death sentences “may be imposed on minorities and poor people more than on the wealthy, white defendants.” The AP pointed out that, although Quinn commuted the death sentences of the current 15 inmates, they will still serve life in prison with no hope of parole. “If the system can’t be guaranteed 100 percent error-free, then we shouldn’t have the system;” Quinn said, “It cannot stand.” You can read the AP article by going here.

America is one of 58 nations employing the death penalty (if we may borrow that term) according to Amnesty International, along with China, Thailand, Egypt, Iran, Iraq and Japan.

Interestingly enough, Illinois death penalty inmate Gary Gauger is quoted as saying “The death penalty is a throwback to a time when society did not have the ability to hold homicidal maniacs for the rest of their lives.” To add further consolation to the families of victims killed by these inmates, Governor Quinn offered the “family of Illinois” was with them.

It would seem Americans would grow tired of being treated as less than intelligent by elitists in legislative positions. A simple review of this account reveals a number of shocking “ideals” held by these same elitists which are not commonly held by the average American. Let’s review what is really being said by this move, shall we?

Governor Quinn, in commuting 15 death sentences, has essentially pruned the judicial branch from the American system of government. In his defense, this seems to be a popular trend of late, and however wrong it may be, he is simply parroting our narcissistic culture of relativism. In one fell swoop, Governor Quinn has silenced the voice of “peers” who served as jurors over the trials of these criminals. Additionally, he has removed the penalty for such violent actions by lifting the responsibility of sentencing from our judicial branch and promptly placed it under the subjugation of the legislative branch. It must be noted the elites love to use the sliding rule of government to their advantage, making adjustments between the Judicial & Legislative branches as it suits their agenda, paying no heed to true justice or the protection of the American citizen.

A comparison of the nations which employ the death penalty is deviously cited as more than a simple comparison. It is, in fact, intended to communicate an association with non-progressive thinking. Apart from the United States, Japan is the only other “developed nation” on the list. Such an association adds punch to their position by the absurd conclusion the US judicial system is similar to that of Iran, Iraq or Thailand, and, as such, mutually exclusive to progressive thinking. Ask any of these same legislators if they would prefer to be indicted under charges in the US or one of the other 57 nations and they would not hesitate in choosing America. Why? Because, imperfect as it is, the American judicial system is still better than any other system in the world… or at least it has been until now.

Another subtle tool employed by such civil engineers is to appeal to the masses. I’m going to get on a soap box here, people, so be warned. It really fries my biscuits to hear otherwise intelligent people refer to America as a “Democracy”. Our founding fathers structured America as a Republic, not a Democracy. As a Republic, we depend upon responsible representation of American ideals in government… not the mentality of the majority ruling. Just because the majority wants something, it does not mean it is the most responsible or beneficial thing. Who really cares if more people want violent criminals locked up for life rather than face death as retribution for their crimes against humanity? It still doesn’t make it right. In such an environment, injustice reigns and no culture can stand in an environment of anarchy. I for one am growing increasingly tired of these “wards of the state” and recognize the only way of reversing this downward slope is by imposing greater penalties, not loosening the belt and providing room and board.

I do value human life, and, as such, must impress the ultimate punishment for those who do not.

The “100% Guarantee” can never be implemented in any system by man, nor should it be expected in any other area, yet it is often presented as justification for radical social changes. Similar to “throwing the baby out with the bath water”, power hungry elitists love to use this 100% concept while ignoring the facts regarding actual death penalties. Certainly, there will be mistakes made in the judicial system of criminal penalty; however, in light of the exceptionally small number of executions, they are essentially non-existent. One recent report by the Death Penalty Information Center mentions “mistakes” in their 2010 year end report, however, no citations of such mistakes are offered.

Subjective “moral standards” are neither a standard, nor moral.

Such is the appeal of the “informed” who force radical change upon the common citizen under the plea of enlightenment, tolerance, open mindedness, advancement or whatever rhetorical catch phrase is in season at the time. And, in answer to the argument against the death penalty due to “racism inherent to the system” I must say “give me a break”! No other nation in the world has provided a greater voice for minorities than the USA. This is not a skin color issue… it is a moral issue. Large numbers of minorities are presently incarcerated precisely because of the type of moral flip-flop in our culture. Groups which honor and venerate cop killers, gangstas, drug pushers and civil irresponsibility as a whole will naturally comprise the larger representation within the criminal system. It isn’t because “the man” is holding them down, and it is not exclusive to any single ethnic group.

Please do not misunderstand me to think human life, even of the criminal, is not of value. Au contraire, I do value human life, and, as such, must impress the ultimate punishment for those who do not. It is offensive to think the appeal made by such change is the nobler, honorable, moral high road of valuing human life. In fact, it is just the opposite. What is actually being said by such legislative positioning is the life of the “homicidal maniac” (to quote the aforementioned convict Gauger) is valued above the victims of his mania. The fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees “Due Process” under the law… where is the due process in this legislative move? It is truly absurd to consider such positioning would be tolerated by the American citizen. And yet, it is. Why? Because America has (in large) surrendered her values and abandoned moral standards for the sake of convenience.

Subjective “moral standards” are neither a standard, nor moral.

At this point, you may be asking “What does Illinois have to do with Christian involvement in the assembly?” Well, consider the following.

Governor Quinn’s “100%” appeal is the same ol’ worn out excuse used by the unbelieving, as well as lazy, uncommitted Christians today. Namely, “I don’t attend Church because I’ve known too many Hypocrites who go to Church.” or “I’ve been hurt” or “I’ve seen too much evil” or “I’ve known Churches who have split” and on, and on, and on they go. Are you serious? In an age of “enlightenment, let’s employ a little logical thinking with this excuse and see how well it holds up.

  • Should you stop eating because you’ve noticed gluttony, obesity, eating disorders or waste of food?
  • Should you stop driving because you’ve seen too many people violating the law, engaged in rude behavior or driving recklessly?
  • Have you sworn never to enter a romantic relationship due to the high rate of divorce, spousal abuse or unhappiness you’ve witnessed in others?
  • Have you stopped breathing in a statement against air pollution, the possibility of airborne disease, or in taking a stand against lung disorders?
  • Should you have your teeth pulled as a protest against tooth decay, your hair pulled out in a plea against baldness and refuse to see a doctor due to medical malpractice?

    • Shall I continue? To appeal for the “100%” rule demands consistency in all areas.

    You see, the proper response to injustice, civic unrest or anarchy is to raise the bar of responsibility, not lower it. Criminals must be punished, severely in certain cases and entirely in others for those who have, by their actions, shown no regard for human life.

    Unfortunately, folks who claim to be Christian often succumb to the same tactics employed by culture in an attempt to exempt themselves from active faith. This only underscores our struggle against self, or lack of struggle as the case may be. First of all, we do not “go to Church” anymore than a fish goes swimming. We are the Church and we gather together at a building, or another meeting place. People do not “do Church”, rather… we are Church. Secondly, the contemporary concept of “Church should meet my needs” is completely bogus. God is worthy of our worship, even if we should “get” nothing out of it… the simple truth is we receive much out of true worship offered to God. Honestly, I don’t care so much about catchy songs as I do about honoring God, being challenged to spiritual growth, greater service, stronger faith and edification of someone else.

    Bottom line, be honest enough with yourself to admit why you really choose not to actively assemble with the Church. It just isn’t as high of a priority as other things.

    You can check out another topic along the lines of Democracy by going here.

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    My new digital reader

    Jan 13

    Posted by Chip in Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    First off, let me say that my wife bought a new Kindle 3G wireless for me just before Christmas & I am absolutely thrilled with it. For some time now, I have been attempting to reduce my “hard” volume library by obtaining digital volumes or pdf versions. This is especially helpful with storage space, however, being an old school reader, I have always enjoyed the feel of holding a book in my hand & have never quit transitioned to computer pleasure reading. That is, until now. The Kindle allows me the flexibility & benefits of digital documents, including word search capacity, with the feel of holding a book.

    This purchase was prompted by me geeking out over the Kindle as a gift option for our son. We had discussed this as an option, and my son had even hinted toward this, but when I came home with the results of my research on the reader, well, let’s just say I was pretty hyper and she decided to get one for me as well. The downside was that I had mine a few weeks before Christmas, but had to hide it when my son came home for Christmas break from JBC. Since he works with me on a part time basis during the school year, he was in and out of the office during his break and I couldn’t risk getting my Kindle out to read for fear that he would figure out his gift. So… no Kindle for about 2 weeks… it was a long time to go having been bitten by the Kindle bug.

    Anyway, following the gift exchange & my son ~finally~ opening his Kindle, I could get mine out & settle in for some serious pleasure reading. Shortly after getting my Kindle I purchased a couple historic novels by Newt Gingrich on the life of George Washington. The 1st was entitled “To Try Men’s Souls” and the 2nd was “Valley Forge”. I was dreading having to break my reading up, but managed to get by rather well and definitely enjoyed getting back into the books post Christmas. I would easily recommend these books to anyone interested in this era of American History, or in the character of George Washington. I’ve always admired the American soldier, but, these novels have interwoven history so well that I have a renewed respect of the sacrifices made in battle.

    Now, let me share a few observations about the Kindle, its uses and some helpful software to enhance your digital reader experience.

    First, Kindle plays well with pdf documents, which worked well for me since, as I stated earlier, I’ve been working on enlarging my digital library in an attempt to relieve the space necessary to accommodate my ever increasing library. The downside is that the pdf documents to not retain their links functionality because they are imported in as an image format. (There is a simple solution to this that I’ll address in a moment.)

    Second, the form, function & flexibility of the Kindle makes reading so very pleasant. It keeps you posted with a percentage of the document read which I find compels me to read more/longer than I would typically. The page turning function is well thought out & reflects excellent research and design. Not being backlit is a great feature for those of us who live in front of a PC for a huge number of days and the “page” design is very pleasant and easy on the eyes. The ability to create categories within your library is very intuitive and simple. I’m not entirely sure that I understand the technology employed with the “ink” text display, but I like it & find myself thinking that it could be employed with PC use as well since the display is very crisp. Overall… the only feature that feels awkward to me is the navigation while in web browsing mode, however, I was not attracted to Kindle by its web browsing prowess, so internet browsing is a bonus to me.

    Thirdly, the ability to easily add or remove volumes makes the Kindle a very flexible tool to me. Let me explain a little of my thinking here and why it’s a bonus feature to add & remove so easily. I put a lot of time in study & research. Often, since by nature of my career, my days are filled with interaction with people and less productive office study time, my evening and nights are packed with reading and research. This means that I stay in my office until late in the night (or early morning) or, pack large volumes of books and a laptop to come home with me. Now, I can create documents in my preferred software (Adobe inDesign CS4) and with a little help from a conversion software add them to my Kindle in a fully functional mobi format. This allows me to be in my sweats, on the couch at home with my wife, rather than sitting in my office alone. :) I can keep documents in pdf if necessary, or I can also convert them into mobi format for Kindle.

    Now, here is another little bonus that my son discovered & shared with me. I’ll share it with you now because that’s the kind of guy I am. Calibre is a wonderful, free software service which will allow you to convert any document into your preferred digital reader format. I have friends who have chosen other reader types, and Calibre can handle their format as well. Basically, Calibre feels a lot like iTunes in that it has a great GUI interface which allows drag & drop function to create a library of any document type, then convert it to the format of choice. After conversion, it also helps you to upload your library (or remove books as necessary) to your reader. The interface is very intuitive and this is a great find for me… thank you Calibre.

    In Christ #2, Identified in His Burial

    Apr 15

    Posted by Chip in Sermon Topical Studies, Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    Logo banner for the "In Christ" sermon series.For forgiveness of sin to be granted, one must be identified by and linked to the blood of Jesus. However, since we cannot go back in time to the Cross of Golgotha to physically come into contact with Jesus’ blood, there are two possibilities: 1) God is unreasonable & unjust by placing an expectation upon all mankind which only one generation could fulfill; or 2) There is another way to come into contact with the blood of Jesus. Since the first option is entirely out of the Character of God, we can only surmise that option #2 is the only logical answer to our problem.

    As stated earlier, we are removed from the crucifixion of Jesus, so, although we have solved one issue in our knowledge of God’s character, we must discover the Biblical means of coming into contact with the blood of Jesus in our time. Certainly, based upon what we have seen in Scripture concerning God’s character, we know that He would select a means which would not limit redemption to a small portion of people. The good news is that He has selected a method and agent which is readily accessible to all people groups in all parts of the globe… and it always will be. Additionally, compliance to this method is very simple and fair.

    So, what could possibly fall into all of these categories? Accessible to all people, readily available and simple, economically inexpensive or at no cost. Baptism by immersion in water.

    Now, I know all of the arguments that so many people from denominational groups use against baptism. And, I can say without hesitation, that they are not valid. An honest reading through the New Testament, without viewing through any lens of religious tradition, lands on the same conclusion. Baptism is the only event which links us to or identifies us with the death, burial & resurrection of Jesus. Why is this such a big deal? Well, if God has established conditions for us to enter His family & receive the benefits of salvation (and He has) then we should be urgently concerned with knowing what these conditions are, and just as urgent about complying with these same conditions.

    Chart comparing current forms of baptism with New Testament baptism

    Baptism was a widely known & accepted practice in the Jewish community long before Jesus implemented it as a part of His plan for our forgiveness. Because it was widely accepted as a significant act of devotion, it was reasonable for Jesus to use as a practice for identifying His followers. There is another reason for Jesus using baptism. Romans 6:3-7 states that baptism is the point at which we are identified with the death of Christ, and “raised up” with Him in His resurrection.

    This text provides a wonderful word picture of what actually happens at our baptism. We are “buried with Christ” and “raised up with Him”. This use of phrasing helps enforce the baptism by immersion model, as found in the New Testament. Think about it: do we sprinkle dirt onto a casket & refer to it as burial? No! We cover the casket completely, just as immersion resembles burial by our complete covering over with water. Sprinkling & pouring do not accomplish this.

    Additionally, if we are sprinkled or poured we cannot “rise up from the grave” as is clearly done in immersion. We come up out of the covering of water, just as Jesus came up from within the covering of the grave. As a result, New Testament baptism acts as a proclamation of the Gospel by symbolically referencing Christ’s death, burial & resurrection.

    I have created an article on this topic, which addresses each of the passages in the New Testament dealing with baptism. The article can be found in our resources section of our website, at the following URL: Baptism by Comparison All articles are in Adobe pdf format, and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. You can get the reader at the Adobe site by clicking here.

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    In Christ, identified in His death

    Apr 6

    Posted by Chip in Sermon Topical Studies, Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    Logo banner for the "In Christ" sermon series. The Apostle Paul uses the phrase “In Christ” a total of 87 times in his writings, as provided by the New American Standard Bible, 1995 edition. Obviously, Paul in his use of this phrase, is speaking to the Christian and is referencing a number of truths.

    When someone becomes a Christian, we refer to their placing faith “in Christ”, we mention them being “in the Church” and encourage them to walk “in faith”. Unfortunately, some seem to believe that this simply refers to participation in Church related events, ministries or programs, or in terms of attendance in services. Paul is speaking to something far greater than simple attendance… being counted in attendance is not going to do anything for us in regard to our legal problem with sin. Paul is providing an understanding of a change in our legal standing with God in relation to Christ, from being on our own to actually being identified by the righteousness of Christ.

    The question at hand is how are we identified with Christ? Is there a specific point in time, or an event which can identify us to the person of Christ?

    Paul’s writings provide for us clear identification with Christ in death, burial & resurrection. Apart from this unique identification, we are outside Christ, and thus, unable to receive the benefit of identification with Christ. It should be noted before entering into this study, that the Holy Spirit does not provide an exemption to this identification… everyone must comply in order to be identified as “in Christ”.

    Perhaps the clearest text on this topic, from Paul’s writings, is Colossians 2:9-14. For the purposes of this study, we will use the New American Standard Bible.

    9 For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form,
    10 and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
    11 and in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ;
    12 having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
    13 When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,
    14 having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.
    Colossians 2:9-14, NASB’95

    Paul is speaking of the fullness of Christ (vs. 9) and is very explicit in our need to be connected or identified with Him. His teachings are clear:

    • We are complete in Christ, inversely… we are incomplete apart from Him.
    • Christ is the source of Authority, and so He alone is uniquely and singularly authorized to establish qualifications for those identified as His.
    • We have been circumcised or marked by His hand & not by an action of our own.
    • We are buried with Christ in baptism… thus, we are identified with the death of Jesus.
    • Through our faith in the working of God, we share in His resurrection.
    • All of our transgressions are forgiven.

    To be “in Christ” we must be identified with His death, burial & resurrection.

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    CSI Jerusalem: “Resurrection Evidences”

    Mar 31

    Posted by Chip in Sermon Topical Studies, Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    CSI Jerusalem Logo of a Shoulder X-rayThe Crucifixion of Jesus is one of the best historically documents events in human history.

    Try as they might, skeptics are unable to find evidence to discredit the historicity of Jesus’ death. Common line of thought in the criticism of the crucifixion is that if the cross could be removed, or placed into doubt, the resurrection would be a moot point. However, evidence from both Biblical & extra-Biblical sources, including many non-believers, is simply far too overwhelming to allow a removal of the cross. So, critics have shifted their attention from the cross, which many will now concede as a true historic event, and onto those who provide the accounts of Scripture. By discrediting the authorship of Biblical writings (so goes their thinking) they can cast a shadow of doubt upon the events they record.

    As with the crucifixion of Jesus, this ploy has proven to be a failure, due, in part, to the science of archaeology. Archaeological discoveries have consistently corroborated the people, places, events and timeline of Scripture. Archaeology cannot lie… and cannot be denied. Such is the plight of those who would deny truth. The ever constant of truth is it’s unchanging nature itself becoming the bane of the shifting sands of those who would argue against it. So, since truth cannot be denied, and archaeology corroborates truth, as do the numerous historians who have witnessed & recorded the events of Scripture, focus must yet again be shifted.

    A call of new attention has been given to the account of Jesus’ resurrection. There have been numerous charges made against the resurrection over the years… some of which include:

    • Conspiracy by the Romans to humiliate the Jewish leadership.
    • Conspiracy by the Christian Disciples of Jesus to remove & hide His body.
    • Jesus never really died, was rescued and able to live out a full, natural life in another country.
    • The “Feign Theory”, which suggests that Jesus’ revived when placed in the cool tomb, having passed out upon the cross & mistaken as having died.

    Charges go on & on, yet, it must be noted that with each “new” charge, the account of Jesus’ life, ministry, miracles, public death, burial & resurrection cannot be discredited. Consider the following:

    • Cornelius Tacitus in his annals, AD 115:
      “…Nero fabricated scapegoats-and punished…Christians (as they were popularly called). Their originator, Christ, had been executed in Tiberius’ reign by the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilatus.”
    • Lucian of Samosata: Greek Satirist of the 2nd Century, AD “Christ was the man who was crucified in Palestine.”
    • Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18, Chap 3:
      ”Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”
    • Eusebius, Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History (AD 260-340):
      Compiled & chronicled the early accounts of history for the early Church. Known for his documentation of Josephus & validated his above mentioned testimony of Christ.
    • Talmud, b. Sanhedrin 43a: (Also Sanh. 7:4 & Sanh. 6:4 refer to His crucifixion)
      ”On the eve of the Passover Yeshu [Jesus] was hanged [or crucified]. … Since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover.”

    Please note that men who contributed to the Jewish history writings known as the Talmud were non-Christian Jewish men who took their job very seriously, and even these writers document the crucifixion of Jesus as a historic event.

    • Amoa “Ulla” (A disciple of Youchanan of Palestine at the end of the 3rd century) writes:
      “Do you suppose that for Yeshu of Nazareth (Jesus) there was any right of appeal? He was a beguiler, and the Merciful One hath said: ‘Thou shalt not spare neither shalt thou conceal him.’ It is otherwise with Yeshu, for He was near to the civil authority.”
    • Thallus, a Samaritan-born historian, c. AD 52, quoted by Julius Africanus, c. AD 221:
      “Thallus, in the third book of his histories, explains away this darkness [at the time of the crucifixion] as an eclipse of the sun- unreasonable, of course, because a solar eclipse could not take place at the time of the full moon, and it was the time of the pascal full moon when Christ died.”
    • Mara Bar-Serapion, after AD 73 (this letter resides in the British Museum):
      “What advantage did the Jews gain from executing their wise King? It was just after that that their kingdom was abolished….But Socrates did not die for good; he lived on in the teaching of Plato. Pythagoras did not die for good; he lived on in the statue of Hera. Nor did the wise King die for good; he lived on in the teaching which he had given.”
    • Justin Martyr, Early Christian apologist, made clear reference to a document called the Acts of Pontius Pilate in a letter addressed to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius in AD 150. He describes in detail the passion of Jesus:
      “And the expression “They pierced my hands and feet,” was used in reference to the nails of the cross which were fixed in His hands and feet. And after He was crucified, they cast lots upon His vesture, and they that crucified Him parted it among them. And that these things did happen, you can ascertain from the ‘Acts of Pontius Pilate’ “
    • Tertullian (160-220AD), wrote to Roman officials about the unusual events surrounding the trial, death and resurrection of Jesus. Discussing a time when the Roman Senate
      considered classifying Jesus as a Roman deity due to the miraculous nature of his life:
      “To go back to the origin of such laws there was an old decree that no one should be consecrated a god by an emperor till he had been approved by the senate. Marcus Aemilus followed this procedure in the case of a false god, Alburnus. This reinforces my argument that among you, godhead is conferred by human approval, if a god does not satisfy man he does not become a god, so according to this it is for man to show favor to God. Tiberius then in whose time the name of Christian came into the world, when a report of this doctrine reached him from Palestine where it originated, communicated to the senate making it clear to them that he favored the doctrine. The senate however, because they had not examined the doctrine for themselves, rejected it. But Tiberius stuck to his own view threatening to execute any who accused the Christians.”

    So, if Jesus really died a sacrificial death… even one of the Roman Centurian stationed at His cross freely & openly stated that Jesus was the “Son of God” & “innocent”… then His claims of authority & commission to all must be legitimate as well. Thus, every human is accountable to the only authority over the Church… Jesus. But, can we accept His resurrection, based upon the historical accuracy of His death & burial? Consider the following points, examine the Scripture for yourself, then you decide.

    • Roman guards were placed at the tomb, armed & charged with death upon failure to faithfully execute their duties.
    • Jewish officials conspired with the guards, paying them money, to remain silent about the resurrection.
    • Jesus’ tomb was sealed by the Romans, making it secure & putting grave robbers on notice that it was under Roman protection.
    • Romans & Jewish guards testified about the resurrection.
    • Every guard ‘became as dead men’ at the time of the resurrection.
    • No less than 5 roman soldiers, the Jewish leaders, the Disciples, Pilate & the crowd verified the death & burial.
    • Jesus was witnessed by hundreds of people at a time following His resurrection, according to the Gospel accounts.

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    CSI Jerusalem: “Evidences of Death”

    Mar 24

    Posted by Chip in Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    CSI Jerusalem Logo of a Shoulder X-rayMany have questioned the historical accuracy of the Biblical account of Jesus’ crucifixion throughout the ages of history since that event at Calvary. Since the power of Christian faith lies in the truth of Jesus’ resurrection, the Cross & the tomb have been assaulted by numerous claims, in the hope that Christian Faith would fall if doubt is successfully impressed upon believers. And yet, such attempts fall short of their intended goal.

    One claim is that Jesus survived the cross and revived when placed in a cold, stone tomb. Can this really be true? Is it possible for anyone to survive crucifixion? Is there any evidence in history to support this claim?

    Suffering from severe dehydration, trauma & blood loss, having endured mockery & beatings, nailed to the cross He was forced to carry… no man could deny the serious physical suffering of Jesus.

    Claims about Jesus surviving the cross, and reviving in the tomb, show an extreme ignorance of Roman Crucifixion. The Romans were exceptionally gifted at torture, humiliation & death. A Roman soldier… even a “grunt” was trained to inflict death & to endure suffering in their service. The very culture of Rome at the time of Jesus fully celebrated human suffering & death by exploiting it in their coliseums & arenas on a regular basis. If there ever was a culture which understood & recognized death, Rome was that culture.

    Consider these facts:

    • There is no record of Jesus sleeping prior to the cross; Jesus prays all night long and the only drink he has had was at the Passover.
    • Jesus suffers from Hematidrosis (bloody sweat) a sign of severe dehydration & stress.
    • Jesus is brutally abused by the Jewish leadership having his beard & hair pulled out.
    • Enduring abuse at the hands of the Jewish leaders, Jesus is forced to stand upon the stone of Saturnalia, beaten & mocked in the home of Caiaphas the High Priest.
    • Pilate used the Flagrum on Jesus during his interrogation of Him.
    • Following a beating with rods and having a crown of thorns beat into His brow, Jesus is forced to bear the patibulum through the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha.
    • Arriving at the place of crucifixion, Jesus is stripped, offered a drugged mixture of wine, myrrh and gall (which He refused) & then He is systematically nailed to the cross.

    All within 3 hours of 1 day.

    Roman history records standard protocol for crucifixion: 1 Commanding officer, in charge over 4 elite Roman soldiers who were commissioned to guard the cross. Since Jesus was crucified with two others, this would ensure that no less than 15 Roman soldiers were present as His crucifixion… a fact easy to accept given the Roman Cohort (600-1,000 soldiers) came to the garden to arrest Him only 3 hours previous to His crucifixion. These 4 soldiers each had to confirm death with each one required to “sign off” the official death declaration to their commanding officer, who, in turn, corroborated the evidence of death. One should note that these soldiers were commissioned under threat of death for failure to perform their charged duties.

    Suffering from severe dehydration, trauma & blood loss, having endured mockery & beatings, nailed to the cross He was forced to carry… no man could deny the serious physical suffering of Jesus.

    Further sign of death is offered in the refusal to break Jesus’ legs (as they did to hasten the death of the other victims) and the use of a spear thrust into His side as evidence. Scripture, eyewitness testimony and early historians agree in their documentation of the sign of blood & water. This sign is clear evidence of a clotting of blood, separating the blood from the clear pericardial fluid (water) surrounding the heart. In addition, one should note that a significant audience of Jewish leaders were present at Jesus’ crucifixion. They certainly would not have allowed Jesus to be removed from the cross without sufficient, clear evidence of death.

    There can be no doubt… Jesus was truly dead when they removed His body from the cross.

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    CSI Jerusalem: “Crucifixion”

    Mar 17

    Posted by Chip in Sermon Topical Studies, Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    Implements of Crucifixion Jesus was not the first, nor was He the last to have ever been crucified.

    Crucifixion was a common form of execution, used between the 6th century BC until the 4th century AD. The exact origin of the torture is unknown, though it is commonly accepted as having come from the Persians. Egyptians are also historically known to have practiced this style of execution, though it is believed that the Roman empire learned of the torture from the Carthaginians (Greeks) and adopted it as their own, perfecting the skill with great precision.

    Modern occurrences of crucifixion have been documented during WWI, and as late as WWII where eyewitnesses testify of victims suffering a form of crucifixion while prisoners at the Nazi Concentration camp at Dachau. A French physician named Dr. Pierre Barbet published an extensive document on the crucifixion of Christ in the late 1930s that included information about these WWII accounts, from which he surmised that victims of crucifixion commonly died of asphyxiation. However, his results would not have applied to the crucifixion of Jesus, since Jesus was crucified with outstretched arms, and the Dachau victims were crucified with arms over their heads, and their feet free hanging with no support.

    There are many different forms of crucifixion. Essentially, the form of crucifixion varied based upon the cruelty of the executioner, as well as the location, number of victims & other factors. A typical Roman execution at the time of Jesus included a permanent location in a prominent place outside the city. Stationed at the place of execution would be a series of upright poles already placed in the ground. These poles are called the stipes and would have a tenon cut into the top, upon which the cross-member (called the patibulum) could be secured. The patibulum had a mortise cut in the center of it, so that it would easily slide down onto the tenon of the stipes. Often, a rope or a wooden pin was used to secure the two pieces together, thus preventing them from moving.

    Crucifixion was reserved for the lowest class of citizen, and the vilest offender of Roman law. It became known as the “slaves execution”, and a Roman citizen was protected from such a humiliating death.

    The victim of crucifixion was presented to the citizens of the city before the death sentence was pronounced by the Roman official. Upon receiving the official pronouncement of death, the victim was beaten, commonly with rods, and forced to carry the patibulum through the streets to the place of execution. The victim was always stripped for their beating, and many accounts record that they would remain naked from this point through the crucifixion, though Jesus had robes placed upon Him following His beating. Since the punishment was designed to be a deterrent the victim was further humiliated by a placard or crude sign bearing the official charges being placed on a cord around the neck of the victim so that everyone would know the reason for death. Jesus was stripped as He was prepared for crucifixion.

    Crucifixion was reserved for the lowest class of citizen, and the vilest offender of Roman law. It became known as the “slaves execution”, and a Roman citizen was protected from such a humiliating death.

    Upon arrival at the place of execution, the victim was stripped (if they were not completely stripped previous to the beating) & given a mixture of wine vinegar mixed with gall and myrrh as a mild numbing agent. Jesus refused this drink, though He did accept a little sour wine “vinegar” later. This was a common “cheap drink” used by the Roman soldiers of this era. There are three times that He is offered a drink: 1) Roman drink before execution, 2) The mocking offer by soldiers, 3) The sour wine just before He died. (Mentioned by Luke)

    The historic accuracy of the Scriptural account of Jesus’ death is flawless.

    Biblical skeptics have argued for many centuries that the crucifixion of Jesus is not historically accurate, or perhaps didn’t happen at all. By proving the crucifixion a falsehood, skeptics would be able to disprove the resurrection… the foundation of Christian faith. Therefore, over the years people have made numerous false statements about Christ’s death & resurrection. No claim against the crucifixion has been able to stand up under the test of history. Among these false and ridiculous claims are my favorites:

    • Jesus wasn’t really dead when His body was taken from the cross.
    • No historically reliable source outside the Bible verifies the account of Scripture.
    • Jesus didn’t resurrect, He simply “revived” when placed in the cool tomb.
    • The disciples stole Jesus’ body from the tomb… He didn’t raise from the dead.

    The historic accuracy of the Scriptural account of Jesus’ death is flawless. Additional sources that verify the account of Jesus’ death include (but are not restricted to) the following:

    Cornelius Tacitus in his annals, AD 115:
    “…Nero fabricated scapegoats-and punished…Christians (as they were popularly called). Their originator, Christ, had been executed in Tiberius’ reign by the governor of Judea, Pontius Pilatus.”
     
    Lucian of Samosata: Greek Satirist of the 2nd Century, AD
    “Christ was the man who was crucified in Palestine.”
     
    Flavius Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews 18, Chap 3:
    ”Now there was about this time Jesus, a wise man, if it be lawful to call him a man; for he was a doer of wonderful works, a teacher of such men as receive the truth with pleasure. He drew over to him both many of the Jews and many of the Gentiles. He was [the] Christ. And when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men amongst us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at the first did not forsake him; for he appeared to them alive again the third day; as the divine prophets had foretold these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him. And the tribe of Christians, so named from him, are not extinct at this day.”

    Eusebius, Eusebius’ Ecclesiastical History (AD 260-340):
    Compiled & chronicled the early accounts of history for the early Church. Known for his documentation of Josephus & validated his above mentioned testimony of Christ.

    Talmud, b. Sanhedrin 43a: (Also Sanh. 7:4 & Sanh. 6:4 refer to His crucifixion)
    ”On the eve of the Passover Yeshu [Jesus] was hanged [or crucified]. … Since nothing was brought forward in his favor he was hanged on the eve of the Passover.”

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    CSI Jerusalem: “Jesus’ Final Days”

    Mar 3

    Posted by Chip in Sermon Topical Studies, Spiritual Topics | No Comments

    CSI Jerusalem Logo of a Shoulder X-rayThe crime scene has been laid before us, and the victim has been identified. A murder has occurred, involving numerous witnesses to the crime and a large number of suspects. Modern crime terms would refer to this event as a ‘Hate Crime’, since it was an ethnically charged crime. It also smacks of horrible political corruption, extortion, bribery and deceit.

    With an abundance of evidence presented, we have the task of examining and interpreting all of the evidence in order to come to a correct conclusion regarding the crime which has occurred.

    The task before us involves a somewhat ‘Cold’ crime scene, in that the death occurred nearly 2,000 years ago. However, careful investigation of Scripture, archaeological evidences, eyewitness accounts and reconstruction by medical forensic experts provide a vivid look into the event. A number of false ideas have been presented (and innocently accepted as true) by the Church over the centuries. This is largely due to a lack of investigative effort as well as some flawed research and assertions based upon that research. Such misinformation has tainted the truth of the final hours of Jesus’ life, some of which bear a false doctrinal influence, and must be corrected.

    Although it would seem the task is too great, being removed by time, we are actually at somewhat of an advantage. New research and advanced forensic technology has allowed medical experts to create a very reliable window into the event.

    We know this much:

    • A man in his early 30s has been murdered.
    • He is known to be a resident of Nazareth, from the region of Galilee.
    • The man was called “Jesus”; a common name for men in that region.
    • Many followers referred to Him as a prophet and a teacher.
    • He was thought to be the Messiah by some of His followers.
    • Only days before His death, followers rejoiced at His arrival at Jerusalem.
    • He was betrayed by a friend, one of His disciples named Judas Iscariot.
    • Religious charges and numerous witnesses were leveled against Him.
    • Claims of stirring insurgency against Rome by proclaiming Himself as “King of the Jews” gain the attention of Pilate.
    • He had been savagely beaten by both the Romans and the Jews.
    • Hundreds witnessed his death.
    • Crucifixion was the method of public assassination.
    • It is believed that He resurrected after being buried, though many doubt this.

    Here is our challenge:

    • Examine the Biblical evidence surrounding the final hours of Jesus’ life.
    • Test the forensic evidence based upon the Biblical record.
    • Determine the physical cause of death.

    In preparation for this first sermon in the series, read the following passages:

    • Psalm 22
    • Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12
    • Matt 26:17-30 – 27:31

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