By Shawn Thrasher
I had the great pleasure this past Saturday of attending a Seminary graduation of a dear brother. I am not a big fan of graduations because I have always felt like the administrators know you are ready to just get the diploma and go but for this graduation I was excited to attend because I was able to witness the great power of God.
As I entered the graduation I was excited to see a dear friend not only graduate but be united with family from afar as they come to bask in this celebration. I know your probably thinking "this is just a graduation"! O no, I have had the opportunity to learn of my friends testimony. Here is a young man who was born into a home without a father, involved in drug dealing, drug consumption (alcohol included) and whatever else the mean streets of New Orleans could offer; but when God cleans you up......
In John chapter 9 verses 1-41, Jesus healed the man that was born blind. The first thing the disciples asked Jesus " “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” Jesus answered, “It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. Our situations and our lot in life is so that the works of God might be displayed in us. God cleans us up to put Himself on display! The blind man gained his sight and people did not believe he was once the blind man who was a beggar. When God cleans you up many people won't believe in the fact that you are not who you used to be. The blind man's parents had to come and testify that the man that now can see was the one who was born blind.
The blind man made it clear when he said " although I was once blind, now I see"! The blind mans testimony reminds me of my friends testimony in that he was blinded by sin an but has been made to see by Christ Jesus. The text goes on to say that the blind man knew that Jesus had made him to see and that the blind man became a disciple of Christ. My brother Ricardo has been made to see and has become a disciple of Christ. Jesus has given him sight and has blessed him as a Husband and father of two daughters, a preacher of God's word and someone who is trying to lead a righteous life. This new life is far from the life of old, many might not recognize him as that once blind man, but when God cleans you up.... What more can I say.
In conclusion not only has Ricardo turned from the ways of the streets to Christ, but one other thing excited me as I sat in my pew and opened the program; to see my friend and knowing his testimony graduate from his class Magna Cum Laude!!!! Praise God for his cleansing hand!!
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 9:3.
New American Standard Bible : 1995 Update (LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), Jn 9:2.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
A Stroll in the Park: I need help!
By Ricardo Barber
A group of Theologians were discussing predestination and free will. When the argument became heated, the dissidents split into two groups. One man, unable to make up his mind which group to join, slipped into the predestination crowd. Challenged as to why he was there, he said, “I came of my own free will.” The group reacted, “Free will? You can’t join us!” And he retreated to the opposing group and met the same challenge. “What are you doing here?’ I was sent here.” “Get out!” they stormed. “You can’t join us unless you come of your own free will.”
- Leslie Flynn, Great Church Fights
As I take a walk in the park of philosophy and theology, I realize one thing: the walk never ends. Please can someone help me, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery and feed the birds. But now I find myself entrenched in a whirlwind conversation with a man while sitting on a bench. I didn’t ask for this or did I?
The worldview topics of metaphysics and anthropology in relation to determinism and indeterminism (predestination and free will) are an ongoing discussion in Christian Theology. One of the hindrances of progress in this area of discussion is people’s failure to define key terms. Be that as it may, I must define determinism and indeterminism. Ronald Nash defines determinism as the belief that everything that occurs in the universe is caused by prior states of affairs.1 Indeterminism is the belief that human choices can sometimes be independent of prior causes.2 Other terms that are important to this subject matter are compatibilism and incompatibilism. A compatibilist holds to the theory that freedom and determinism can somehow be reconciled, while an imcompatibilist believes they cannot.3 Each of these terms is important to the doctrine of salvation and man’s responsibility. Calvinist and Arminians differ especially in determinism-indeterminism. Hyper-Calvinists are considered hard determinist because they believe God causes everything in salvation. Hard determinism can and has led to fatalism because every event is caused by God. So they must answer the questions: Did God create evil and is this an all-loving God? There are implications of extreme Arminianism as well, some being the problems of the uninfluenced will. If actions are uncaused, conduct is unexplainable. Being able to observe these concepts from a philosophical standpoint helps one to avoid the extremes in Soteriology. It can really help us maintain a balanced view of God’s sovereignty and man’s will. Compatibilism could be that balance, it will take more time (which means I’m stuck in this park) biblical, and philosophical study, to determine the answer, if one is possible. I guess this is a good place to be. Come join me!
1 Ronald H. Nash, Life’s Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), 326.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid, 327.
A group of Theologians were discussing predestination and free will. When the argument became heated, the dissidents split into two groups. One man, unable to make up his mind which group to join, slipped into the predestination crowd. Challenged as to why he was there, he said, “I came of my own free will.” The group reacted, “Free will? You can’t join us!” And he retreated to the opposing group and met the same challenge. “What are you doing here?’ I was sent here.” “Get out!” they stormed. “You can’t join us unless you come of your own free will.”
- Leslie Flynn, Great Church Fights
As I take a walk in the park of philosophy and theology, I realize one thing: the walk never ends. Please can someone help me, I just wanted to enjoy the scenery and feed the birds. But now I find myself entrenched in a whirlwind conversation with a man while sitting on a bench. I didn’t ask for this or did I?
The worldview topics of metaphysics and anthropology in relation to determinism and indeterminism (predestination and free will) are an ongoing discussion in Christian Theology. One of the hindrances of progress in this area of discussion is people’s failure to define key terms. Be that as it may, I must define determinism and indeterminism. Ronald Nash defines determinism as the belief that everything that occurs in the universe is caused by prior states of affairs.1 Indeterminism is the belief that human choices can sometimes be independent of prior causes.2 Other terms that are important to this subject matter are compatibilism and incompatibilism. A compatibilist holds to the theory that freedom and determinism can somehow be reconciled, while an imcompatibilist believes they cannot.3 Each of these terms is important to the doctrine of salvation and man’s responsibility. Calvinist and Arminians differ especially in determinism-indeterminism. Hyper-Calvinists are considered hard determinist because they believe God causes everything in salvation. Hard determinism can and has led to fatalism because every event is caused by God. So they must answer the questions: Did God create evil and is this an all-loving God? There are implications of extreme Arminianism as well, some being the problems of the uninfluenced will. If actions are uncaused, conduct is unexplainable. Being able to observe these concepts from a philosophical standpoint helps one to avoid the extremes in Soteriology. It can really help us maintain a balanced view of God’s sovereignty and man’s will. Compatibilism could be that balance, it will take more time (which means I’m stuck in this park) biblical, and philosophical study, to determine the answer, if one is possible. I guess this is a good place to be. Come join me!
1 Ronald H. Nash, Life’s Ultimate Questions: An Introduction to Philosophy (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1999), 326.
2 Ibid.
3 Ibid, 327.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Just One Look (Issues of Lust)
By Ricardo Barber
To say that we live in a highly sexualized society today is an understatement. From fashion to music, commercials, television, and movies, sexuality confronts us everywhere we turn. The old axiom “sex sells” is so true. Unfortunately, it can also lead to experiences that cause a lifetime of regret, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, premarital and extramarital sex, addiction and a host of other problems.
Every Sunday in churches throughout America, members of our congregations are dealing with sexual issues. God’s Word has the definitive answer to our problems and is the guide we know it to be, turning to non-Christians sources (i.e. Oprah or Dr. Phil) only makes the problem worse.
How does Satan tempt you? Or how are you enticed by sin? Perhaps by an attractive person who passed in front of you? What went through your mind as you looked at him or her? Were your thoughts honorable or not so honorable?
We all know the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:1-27). It was only a look (v. 2) that led to David’s sin. David had time on his hand because he was not at war with his army. How are you using your free time? There’s an old saying’ “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” That idle mind can look upon another person with a lustful eye; it can watch a movie or T.V. program that is morally bad. It can lead to websites on the net that then lead to impurity. David’s look would bring about adultery, murder, the death of a child, and chaos for his family as well as the nation.
David’s look led to a plan (vv. 3-17). Verses 3 and 4 reveals David’s plan. It’s bad enough that he was looking at Bathsheba while she was bathing; he then decides to inquire about her and send for her. This one sexual sin leads to another sin and another and another to where he eventually kills her husband Uriah. Looks and plans have consequences. James makes it very clear when he writes in James 1:14-15: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Do you see the progression? First desire (the look), then the sin, and last the consequences.
David’s plan led to destruction (vv.25-27). His life goes downhill after that. Verse 25 shows us how repeated sin can harden the individual, helping us to become more desensitized. What you begin to do seems too innocent and harmless. You trivialize it by saying, “It’s no big deal.” You rationalize it: “Everyone does it.” You internalize it: “Only I will know what I am doing.” There is no such thing as a secret sin. God who is our judge sees all.
The best time to deal with temptation is before it happens. Woodrow Kroll gives five memorable ways to avoid temptation: First, anticipate it, always be sober and paying attention. Second, avoid it; situations and people we know create temptation. Third, admit it, the potential and actual areas in our lives. Fourth, appraise it; understand temptation by reading God’s word. Every temptation presents the possibility of failure, but it also creates an opportunity for growth. Fifth, is activating your dependence on the Holy Spirit.
God is with you, walk by the Spirit and DEAL with the LOOK first!!!!
To say that we live in a highly sexualized society today is an understatement. From fashion to music, commercials, television, and movies, sexuality confronts us everywhere we turn. The old axiom “sex sells” is so true. Unfortunately, it can also lead to experiences that cause a lifetime of regret, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, premarital and extramarital sex, addiction and a host of other problems.
Every Sunday in churches throughout America, members of our congregations are dealing with sexual issues. God’s Word has the definitive answer to our problems and is the guide we know it to be, turning to non-Christians sources (i.e. Oprah or Dr. Phil) only makes the problem worse.
How does Satan tempt you? Or how are you enticed by sin? Perhaps by an attractive person who passed in front of you? What went through your mind as you looked at him or her? Were your thoughts honorable or not so honorable?
We all know the story of David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11:1-27). It was only a look (v. 2) that led to David’s sin. David had time on his hand because he was not at war with his army. How are you using your free time? There’s an old saying’ “An idle mind is the devil’s playground.” That idle mind can look upon another person with a lustful eye; it can watch a movie or T.V. program that is morally bad. It can lead to websites on the net that then lead to impurity. David’s look would bring about adultery, murder, the death of a child, and chaos for his family as well as the nation.
David’s look led to a plan (vv. 3-17). Verses 3 and 4 reveals David’s plan. It’s bad enough that he was looking at Bathsheba while she was bathing; he then decides to inquire about her and send for her. This one sexual sin leads to another sin and another and another to where he eventually kills her husband Uriah. Looks and plans have consequences. James makes it very clear when he writes in James 1:14-15: “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” Do you see the progression? First desire (the look), then the sin, and last the consequences.
David’s plan led to destruction (vv.25-27). His life goes downhill after that. Verse 25 shows us how repeated sin can harden the individual, helping us to become more desensitized. What you begin to do seems too innocent and harmless. You trivialize it by saying, “It’s no big deal.” You rationalize it: “Everyone does it.” You internalize it: “Only I will know what I am doing.” There is no such thing as a secret sin. God who is our judge sees all.
The best time to deal with temptation is before it happens. Woodrow Kroll gives five memorable ways to avoid temptation: First, anticipate it, always be sober and paying attention. Second, avoid it; situations and people we know create temptation. Third, admit it, the potential and actual areas in our lives. Fourth, appraise it; understand temptation by reading God’s word. Every temptation presents the possibility of failure, but it also creates an opportunity for growth. Fifth, is activating your dependence on the Holy Spirit.
God is with you, walk by the Spirit and DEAL with the LOOK first!!!!
Friday, May 1, 2009
Should Christians use Birth Control?
By Ricardo Barber
Should Christians use birth control? In the twenty-first century this has been an ongoing discussion among Protestants. Most evangelical Protestants welcomed the wave of new technology that brought about birth control. But a growing number of evangelicals are rethinking the issue of birth control. The number one reason for this swift turn in philosophy is the emerging abortion uprising. In the 1980’s conservative Protestants came along side the Catholics in the defense of the unborn and the veracity of abortion forced a reconsideration of other issues as well. After establishing that human life must be recognized and protected from the moment of conception, evangelicals recognized Intrauterine Devices [IUDs] as abortifacients, and rejected birth control with any abortifacient design or result.1 The Pill, Depo-Provera and Norplant are aborifacients as well. These contraceptives terminate, rather than prevent pregnancy. Instead of stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg they prevent the egg from effectively implanting itself in the lining of the womb. This horrible method is nothing short of abortion. The mentality of contraception sees children as problems to be avoided rather than as gifts to be received, loved, and nurtured. Albert Mohler states, this line of reasoning must be rejected because it is an insidious attack upon God’s glory in creation, and the Creator’s gift of procreation to the married couple.2
Implications from a medical standpoint arise from the use of birth control. The Pill contains steroid hormones that are a thousand times more powerful than any natural hormone in the woman’s body and that alone causes health risks. What’s so ironic about contraceptives is that it is the only time in medicine when potent drugs are given to a healthy person whose health declines after taking the drugs.3 Pharmacist John Wilks in his book looks at the development of the birth control pill and their often-under publicized side effects. He says the woman’s chance of developing cervical cancer is increased, since it causes the production of a type of cervical mucus that makes it easier for cancer- causing agents to gain access to a woman’s body.4
After all that is said and done it seems that the natural process of family planning that the Catholics preach is less dangerous and more toward the divine order. The Bible nowhere in Scripture mandates to maximize the largest number of kids possible. The focus should then be not on what to do, but how to do. How should Christians go about developing a family? Natural birth control carries less threats and one of the great positives is that it requires more communication on part of the couple. It takes faith to use NFP: in both God and the partner. “This faith is well rewarded,” Stanford suggests, a stronger “courtship/honeymoon” among NFP users.5 The contraceptive mentality is running without restraint in society and Christians should not buy into it. Children are a gift from the Lord and not seen as troubles to be shunned, but always as gifts to be appreciated and received.6
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).
1 Albert Mohler, “Can Christians Use Birth Control?” Http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-05-08 (assessed May 8, 2006).
2 Ibid.
3 Jason Evert, Love, Sex, and Babies: How your Marriage can benefit from Natural Family Planning (San Diego: Catholic Answers, 2004), 38.
4 John Wilks, A Consumer's Guide to the Pill and other Drugs (Stafford VA: ALL Inc 1997), 30.
5 Joseph B. Stanford, “Sex, Naturally,” First Things 97 (1999): 29.
6 Albert Mohler, “Can Christians Use Birth Control?” Http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-05-08 (assessed May 8, 2006).
Should Christians use birth control? In the twenty-first century this has been an ongoing discussion among Protestants. Most evangelical Protestants welcomed the wave of new technology that brought about birth control. But a growing number of evangelicals are rethinking the issue of birth control. The number one reason for this swift turn in philosophy is the emerging abortion uprising. In the 1980’s conservative Protestants came along side the Catholics in the defense of the unborn and the veracity of abortion forced a reconsideration of other issues as well. After establishing that human life must be recognized and protected from the moment of conception, evangelicals recognized Intrauterine Devices [IUDs] as abortifacients, and rejected birth control with any abortifacient design or result.1 The Pill, Depo-Provera and Norplant are aborifacients as well. These contraceptives terminate, rather than prevent pregnancy. Instead of stopping the sperm from fertilizing the egg they prevent the egg from effectively implanting itself in the lining of the womb. This horrible method is nothing short of abortion. The mentality of contraception sees children as problems to be avoided rather than as gifts to be received, loved, and nurtured. Albert Mohler states, this line of reasoning must be rejected because it is an insidious attack upon God’s glory in creation, and the Creator’s gift of procreation to the married couple.2
Implications from a medical standpoint arise from the use of birth control. The Pill contains steroid hormones that are a thousand times more powerful than any natural hormone in the woman’s body and that alone causes health risks. What’s so ironic about contraceptives is that it is the only time in medicine when potent drugs are given to a healthy person whose health declines after taking the drugs.3 Pharmacist John Wilks in his book looks at the development of the birth control pill and their often-under publicized side effects. He says the woman’s chance of developing cervical cancer is increased, since it causes the production of a type of cervical mucus that makes it easier for cancer- causing agents to gain access to a woman’s body.4
After all that is said and done it seems that the natural process of family planning that the Catholics preach is less dangerous and more toward the divine order. The Bible nowhere in Scripture mandates to maximize the largest number of kids possible. The focus should then be not on what to do, but how to do. How should Christians go about developing a family? Natural birth control carries less threats and one of the great positives is that it requires more communication on part of the couple. It takes faith to use NFP: in both God and the partner. “This faith is well rewarded,” Stanford suggests, a stronger “courtship/honeymoon” among NFP users.5 The contraceptive mentality is running without restraint in society and Christians should not buy into it. Children are a gift from the Lord and not seen as troubles to be shunned, but always as gifts to be appreciated and received.6
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).
1 Albert Mohler, “Can Christians Use Birth Control?” Http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-05-08 (assessed May 8, 2006).
2 Ibid.
3 Jason Evert, Love, Sex, and Babies: How your Marriage can benefit from Natural Family Planning (San Diego: Catholic Answers, 2004), 38.
4 John Wilks, A Consumer's Guide to the Pill and other Drugs (Stafford VA: ALL Inc 1997), 30.
5 Joseph B. Stanford, “Sex, Naturally,” First Things 97 (1999): 29.
6 Albert Mohler, “Can Christians Use Birth Control?” Http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-05-08 (assessed May 8, 2006).
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