No Refutation for Creation

Now, How many of you who claim to be Christian found this amusing? I am hoping the answer is none.

This comic represents just one other method of attack the secular humanist side of the world is lobbying against Bible-Believing Christians. To break this comic down, one could see it is full of inaccuracies regarding it's view of the Bible and God. Sadly, not many will be willing to break it down....I think i'll take a shot.

First, some background. If I were to begin by saying that there is Intelligent Design in the world, I will have already lost over half of my readers I'm sure. And I could live with that if it was just non-Christian people who wouldn't believe the Bible if God came down and told them who He was to their face. Rather, it's the Christians who would deny this principle that I have issue with.

Paul says in Corinthians we are to judge our fellow believers on sound doctrine and behavior; that God can take care of judging the non-believers for the time being. The reason that cartoons like this can appear normal to even Bible-believing Christians is because over time we have compromised our value system in favor of political correctness and general tolerance. 

Christians who would still claim belief in the Bible's description of Creation (an account that can be backed with just as much evidence as any other system of belief),  are laughed out of the room---often by fellow believers.

Paul says in Romans 14 that we are not to throw stones at each other over differences in practices, if the Bible neither commands or forbids said practices. In this way, I realize that the Christian faith's adoption of the theory of evolution as compatible with God's creation is not an issue that will define our salvation as Christians. Personally, I find much better explanation (Bible Based) with sites like http://www.answersingenesis.org

That being said, if Christians continue to allow the belief systems of the world to pervade their thinking and practices, we will likely be out of true, Bible-believing congregations within the next few decades. The world will take us over because no one is willing to stand for Biblical belief for fear of hurting someone's feelings or offending them.

I've said before that Jesus Christ was one of the most "offensive" speakers out there in terms of tolerance and political correctness. He called the world on its behavior and did not sugar coat his words in the name of equality and tolerance. Jesus also showed love to his neighbor. It is the combination that results in good Christian practices. We rebuke out of love, not hate. Some Christians have forgotten this.

If I tell you that Jesus is the only way to God, I am not saying it for you to take as optional, I'm saying it because Jesus said it. A Christian who denies this tenant of the faith, may as well go join one of the other false religions out there. We cannot compromise on these things. 

If I tell you Jesus suffered, died, was buried, resurrected and ascended into heaven; and is still active in our lives today, as a person claiming Christianity, you better be saying AMEN BROTHER. These are non-arguable facts of the faith. Without them, you might as well call it "insert your name here"anity. Because that's exactly what is happening. You are putting your belief system and idea of morals above that of the God of the universe. 

This is where we can take a closer look at the cartoon above and break down some of the inaccuracies of its view of the Bible and God.

Analysis/Breakdown

Evolution

1)All the evidence does not support evolution-

-I will be brief here so the non-believers still with me will stay for the whole show. Evolutionary Theory came about as a way of taking God and God's moral standard out of creation. Yet by looking around at the majesty of creation, and the complexities of life on earth, it is clear there was a divine hand. 

What kickstarted evolution? And what kickstarted what you just said kickstarted evolution? And what created those molecules you just mentioned? The questions pile up and one is left with less solid fact and more speculative inquiring.

Christianity, and at the very least belief in Biblical creation offers the explanation. God, who is an infinite, eternal being that has always and will always exist, is outside of our space/time/universe in a way that it is conceivable for Him to create existence out of nothing. God is not bound by our laws--in fact, He created those same laws. This is a much more satisfactory answer because at the end of the evolution argument, the burden of proof will always fall on the evolutionist to explain who/what started the processes. Creation speaks of a creator.

Romans 1:20 "For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence, are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have no reason for wrong doing." 

Genocide/Suffering/Sin

2)God did not "Create" genocide and suffering

The cartoon above is happy to blame genocide and suffering on God, as if it was all part of the original creation. We are told in Genesis multiple times that God called the whole of His creation "Good" and even called the creation of man, "Very Good." What happened then between creation, and the worldwide flood? We DID!

God created non-robotic beings who have the capacity to Love him. We are endowed with free will to choose whether or not to love our creator. God designed us in his own image, full of attributes of love, and a clear conscience to denote right from wrong. When man disobeyed God in the garden, God's holiness made it necessary to move fallen man away from eternal life.

However, God knew from before creation that there was a plan, should man decide to choose sin over life. God's creation was very good until man sinned against God, by his own choosing.Over time the sin became so bad on the earth, that God decided to revive righteousness in creation by eliminating much of the sin element, and justly judging sin for what it was. He had already told man the penalty was death. God had given the world plenty of time to repent and turn back. The world (much like today) was resistant to the call of their creator, and instead worshipped creation as a god.

God didn't just bring a flood over the earth out of nowhere, there was plenty of warning. Even as Noah was building his ark, people had a decision to repent and turn back to God.

Romans 1:21 "Because having konwledge of God, they did not give glory to God as God, and did not give praise, but their minds were full of foolish things, and their hearts, being without sense, were made dark."  

The world at this time was worse than in any other time in history according to the word. 

-The flood came, and humanity began anew through another man whom God had chosen (Noah). 

-Anyone could have turned to God through Noah's warnings (first prophet?), but instead they kept on in immorality and sin. 

So, to say god "CREATED" genocide, is completely inaccurate. Man, through embracing of sin, chose to live apart from God in unrighteousness. To violate God's provision, and for that, they chose their own fate----even after REPEATED warning. Referring back to Romans 1:20---everyone sees evidence of God in creation, and everyone has equal opportunity to know the God of the Bible (and Christ, who is God).

Longevity of Life

3) Ages of men in Genesis- 

Simply put, Man was created as an immortal being. In the garden, God's provision for us was eternal existence with our creator. 

-By sinning (just as God warned) death and suffering entered into us, and the entirety of creation

-Sin did not just cause man's suffering and eventual death, but the suffering of the earth as a whole (natural disaster)

When immortal man became suddenly mortal, the life span of the time would still have been quite high. Our science and humanist belief systems of today would seek to call foul against people living to be nearly 1000 years old at times. But as the earth was still near perfection at the time, disease and death had not fully taken hold of creation---it was a gradual process. 

Therefore, it is not out of the realm of possibility (in Biblical context) to accept Noah's age in the 600 range. Or even Moses living to 110. By Jesus' time, the Apostle John lived to be 100 easily. 

-God controls our lives and our appointed time to die, is not something we control. If we are in God's will, our lives will not be complete until the completion of our purpose in glorifying God. 

-Noah had a huge purpose from God and it is conceivable that without the full on disease of our day, God could have sustained Noah hundreds of years

Animals and the Ark

As an added note, Creation was originally created to eat vegetables and fruit, not meat. Animals were created "vegetarian" so the threat of attack of wild beasts to Noah would have been minimal--though once exiting the ark, God gave meat to man as food (genesis 9:2-3)

Genesis 1:29-30, "And God said, see I have given every plant producing seed on the face of all the earth, and every tree which has fruit producing seed, they will be for your food. And to EVERY beast of the earth and to every bird of the air and every living thing moving on the face of the earth, I have given every green plant for food, and it was so."

Genesis 9:2-3 ,"And the fear of you will be strong in every beast of the earth and every bird of the air; everything which goes on the land, and all the fishes of the sea are given into your hands. Every living and moving thing will be food for you: I give them all to you as before I gave you all green-things."

So considering this, prior to the global flood, every creature was vegetarian. After the flood, Noah has the fear (respect) of all creatures (including Dinosaurs -more in a minute), and is given meat as a food option from this point on.

4) Noah did have Dinosaurs--(alternate title: Chris just lost his mind)- So if you made it this far, congratulations, the Holy Spirit must be impressing upon your heart the truth of God's word---or you are gathering ammo for Facebook comment attacking me later. 

If God created every beast, land and sea, and gave man dominion over them, this would seem to imply, that even dinosaurs were existing at the beginning of creation. This would coincide with the mention of a "behemoth" creature in the Book of Job 

-Job is considered by most Biblical scholars to have lived in the "Genesis" timeframe, despite the Book of Job being placed later in the canon

The " obvious problem" then becomes how on earth did T-Rex fit inside Noah's Ark?

To be sure, this seems odd, considering the Sunday school pictures we are used to seeing of Noah's giant wooden boat. The actual dimensions of the ark, and consideration to the fact that it was not meant to be a sea-faring vessel, but rather a vessel that would withstand the flood waters, would indicate that it is quite possible Noah could fit the 2 of every unclean, and 7 of every clean animal in the ark. 

The kicker is that the Bible never says Noah took the fully grown, adult versions of these animals. Therefore, it is conceivable that an adolescent (and peak of fertility) version of the animals could have been sufficiently small enough to fit.

As mentioned above, if it was after the flood that animals and Noah were given to meat eating, this would also explain how are "carnivorous" dinosaurs could be in the same "boat" as lambs.

 The Bible also does not say anything against changes in a species over time. Noah could have taken the "dog," "cat," "monkey," species and over time, the variations and breeds could have developed. This allows for a more spacious ark experience, as it would not have been required to have one of every big cat, monkey, etc...but simply the primary "father" of the big cats, monkeys, dogs, etc...

RECAP

So, we have shown then that Evolution (at least on the Macro scale and existence coming out of nothing without the aid of God) is at best an explanation/theory, not a fact. 

-We have demonstrated Biblically how it is possible man could have had much longer lifespans in the past, despite the lack of our medical advances of today (needed because of the advance of disease and suffering as creation groans under sin). 

-We have explained that God's original design was not with genocide and suffering, but that man disobeyed God and brought sin and suffering into the world by their free will and choice

-Their ignoring of God's loving call back to his morality was ignored, and justice was served (God is JUST as well as love you know, and sin cannot go unpunished).

-We have shown that technically it is feasible that dinosaurs could have been in existence at the beginning of creation and even through the flood

-We have shown how so many different animals could have fit in the ark (common dog ancestor bred other dog types over time after flood, etc...)

5) Extinction of dinosaurs/Fossil record- One final thought to the two of you who are still reading is this--

-The fossil record would seem to indicate a catastrophe that would have killed off many animals/plants at once. A global flood, quickly occurring, would have buried these animals in nutrient rich sediment, and preserved them in the fossil record. There needn't have been any other "Grand catastrophe" because the Flood of the Bible explains this. Over time Dinosaur's, creatures, and even Noah's descendants could have used land bridges and spread out like "evolution" would seem to indicate, spreading to all of the various continents.

A Call to Repentance

Science and the Bible in some ways are fine coexisting, though Christians would be wise not to accept the Religion of Evolution into their own belief systems. At best, use scientific evidence as proof of a loving designer/creator; a Creator who is personal with His creation, who designed it beautifully. Christians will know this God as Jesus Christ, who was and is and is to come. Secularists can call him "a being or thing of intelligent design," but they have to know in the back of their mind that the God of the Bible, Jesus Christ, is the ultimate explanation for creation and scientific design.

If we continue to place our own set of morals and presuppositions on God, we are claiming knowledge higher than that of a being who has existed and will exist from time eternal to eternity future. Last I checked, even the brainiest among us couldn't claim divine nature. 

Let the Spirit of God convict us of our sin nature. Let God's spirit manifest itself throughout creation, and even in scientific study. The evidence will always point back to God, if we take our own arrogant desire to be rid of God out of the equation. The evidence has been corrupted in many places over time to continue the lie that God does not exist. There are some checks and balances in the scientific community, but even a scientist with much integrity can still skew the results away from God.

I will close with the entirety of Romans 1:18-32 because more than many other verses, it acknowledges God's creation and plan, and simultaneously condemns the wrongdoing of man, all in one neatly written package by the Apostle Paul. 

Paul was a great persecutor of Christians who had a major conversion experience and went on to become one of Christianity's greatest advocates. There is much evidence of his existence and writings, and the fact that a murderer of Christians became a Christian is evidence of the changing power of God on our hearts. The anger you feel towards me and God after reading this, is conviction of the holy spirit. We are all guilty of sin and wrongdoing (including me), and cannot find forgiveness and cleansing within ourselves. We need the sacrificial love of a God who saw creation groaning under the pain of sin, and chose to enter into history, and die sacrificially to appease the sin problem once and for all, if only we would trust in him. Jesus Christ is God and offers salvation as a gift to any who would believe.

If you won't believe because you feel you have too many unanswered questions, just know that the transforming power of God's holy spirit can fulfill that longing for answers. With salvation comes a new creation within, a desire to do the will of God who created you, and a knowledge that the scriptures are the inerrant word of God. Repent, turn away from wrongdoing, accept Jesus Christ as savior, and let God's peace which transcends all other understanding guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

For more reference to the above discussions visit http://www.answersingenesis.org

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Wrap-up

Romans 1:18-32, "For there is revelation of the wrath of God from heaven against all the wrongdoing and evil thoughts of men who keep down what is TRUE by wrongdoing; Because the knowledge of God may be seen in them, God having made it clear to them. 20. For from the first making of the world, those things of God which the eye is unable to see, that is, his eternal power and existence are fully made clear, he having given the knowledge of them through the things which he has made, so that men have NO EXCUSE for wrongdoing. 21. Because having knowledge of God, they did not give glory to God as God, and did not give praise, but their minds were full of foolish things, and their hearts, being without sense, were made dark. 22. Seeming to be wise, they were in fact foolish. 23. And by them the glory of the eternal God was changed and made into the image of man who is not eternal, and of birds and beasts and things which go on the earth. 24. For this reason, God gave them up to the evil desires of their hearts, working shame in their bodies with one another. 25. Because of them the true word of Good was changed into that which is made, and not to him who made it, to whom be blessing forever. So be it. (Worshiping creation over creator) 27. And in the same way the men gave up the natural use of the woman and were burning in their desire for one another (homosexuality), men doing shame with men and getting in their bodies the right reward of their evil doing (disease). 28. And because they had not the mind to keep God in their knowledge, God gave them up to an evil mind, to do those things not right; 29. Being full of all wrongdoing, evil, desire for the goods of others, hate, envy, putting to death, fighting, deceit, cruel ways, evil talk, and false statements about others; 30. Hated by God, full of pride, without respect, full of loud talk, given to evil inventions, not honoring father or mother, 31. without knowledge, not true to their undertakings, unkind, having no mercy: 32. Who though they have knowledge of the law of God, that the fate of those who do these things is death, not only go on doing these things themselves, but give approval to those who do them." 

If you read that whole section, you see that God made known in his creation and in knowledge of His word, who He is, and what is required of all of us. Most of us fall into the second half, ignoring God and giving ourselves into the pleasures of this life, and every depraved thing we can think of.

The cartoon which inspired this writing, should be offensive to the Christian person, strong in their beliefs. God is long-suffering, but will only give man so long to repent and turn back. We saw it with the flood, and we see it today with the delay of Christ's return. God is still patiently waiting on you to repent and know him in Christ Jesus. The extended gift offer does not last forever, though, and if the current state of our world is any indication, it may not last much longer at all. 

Separation from God eternally is not what you think right now. It is not the desirable alternative to a 'boring' heavenly existence. It is in fact something we were not even created for--we were created for eternal existence of God. Even now, nonbelievers are under God's common grace. Imagine a world where God's plan did not exist, where God did not exist. I assure you it will be much worse than any possible thing you can imagine in this life. 

Do not let your arrogance or desire to please PEOPLE instead of God, be your undoing. God loves you. I love you. There is no shame in worshipping the true God of the Bible. There is no shame in accepting God at his word, no matter how hard to grasp sometimes in our worldly minds. God will turn your hearts and minds to Him and your eyes will be opened to truth. And the peace which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, AMEN. 


http://www.answersingenesis.org
http://www.arkencounter.com (this is awesome for Christians to see)

What a Friend We Have...

What would we consider true friendship? Is it someone who hang out with you whenever you call? Is it someone with common interests?

Most of us would say we have at least one “true” friend. Likely we also have numerous “lesser” friends, and finally some acquaintances and coworkers. Facebook allows us to categorize friends now I think, and in all honesty, I could probably place people in the proper category fairly easily. Some of you would be “Close Friends,” some “Work” and others “Acquaintances.”

Juliet used to make fun of me because I always used the word friend to describe anyone who I felt a connection with. She informed me that acquaintance was usually a more fitting term for the majority of people that I was referring to as friends. In reality, most were simply co-workers with shared common interests.

If I were to list my closest friends, I would say it would top out around 10 total, with 2 specifically standing above the rest. But what is it that places those 2 people higher than the 10, and those 10 higher than the hundreds of people I know? 

I want to focus less on the answers to those somewhat rhetorical questions, and rather look at probably the greatest example of friendship in all history. That of Jesus, and his closest disciple, John.

Now before the theologians and scholars come running, I am well aware that Peter is generally spoken of more as being closest to Christ. But if we really look at it, it is John who has the closest relationship of his 3 inner disciples (Peter, James and John).

Jesus and John’s relationship is similar to that of an older and younger brother. John is the youngest of the disciples, and is more introverted than someone like Peter. Jesus loved John like a kid brother, like family.

We can see this in the 5 books of the Bible penned by John (Gospel of John, 1,2 and 3 John and Revelation). Take a moment and think about what John was privy to...

He had breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday for 3 years with Jesus. 

-He was informal with him, could laugh with him, and at one point even sings with him. It is very close to what we would consider a “best friend”ship now days. Except it was more. 

-John is with Jesus when he is transfigured on the Mount of Transfiguration, and is eyewitness to Moses and Elijah appearing with Jesus. While Peter begins running his mouth about buidling a house at that site to commemorate it, John is quietly contemplating what he is witnessing. For a devout Jew of that day, seeing Moses and Elijah in one location had to be like seeing your greatest heroes in front of you at the same time. It must have been amazing.

John is the disciple in charge of arranging the Last supper, and seats next to Jesus. At the end of the meal, Matthew’s gospel tells us, they sang a hymn together. 

-John is the first to ask if he is the one whom Jesus predicts will betray him. He loves Jesus so much and is so worried that He might be the one, that he cannot contain his question. He probably was desperately hoping Jesus wasn’t referring to him.

-When Jesus prays at Gethsemane, John is seated closest to him. He likely sees Jesus sweat blood while praying. When Judas betrays Jesus, John is there.

-After Jesus’ capture, John follows him to the false trials and accusations. He is witness to the beatings and humiliation that his friend and savior is experiencing. 

-John is at the foot of the cross, and Jesus appoints him to look after his mother. Appointing someone that high of a task is a sign that Jesus fully trusts John and that their relationship is close.

-When the women see the empty tomb and tell the disciples, John is the first to arrive. 

-John would have witnessed Jesus appearing to the disciples and then to as many as 500 people at one time (1 Corinthians 15). Finally, John witnesses Jesus’ final commission and ascension into Heaven. 

Now, imagine seeing your closest friend go through all of that pain and suffering. Imagine witnessing all of this, knowing he would rise again from death, but still mourning the loss. Imagine the excitement seeing your friend rise again in victory---imagine your friend is the Lord of Heaven and Earth....

-John becomes the preacher who helps teach and train many of the early church leaders. He establishes congregations. 

-John lives through two horrible season of Christian persecution under Nero (considered the worst persecutor of Christians in history). 

The other 11 disciples all die martyrs deaths, and the Roman Government tries to kill John by burning him alive in oil. Miraculously he survives. 

Does John throw in the towel and say that’s enough? NO. His friend and savior died for his sins, and commissioned him to preach the good news to the world. John continues preaching, likely scarred all over from the burning. 

During this time as well, Many Christians from John’s congregation would have been tortured and murdered. Imagine being a preacher and each day seeing a new stack of naked, dead bodies of your congregation members. Imagine each day having to read the list of the brothers and sisters in Christ who had died.

Would you put yourself through all of this if you weren’t absolutely convinced of the truth of Salvation in Christ? 

We can know that what Jesus and the early church fathers said is true because they were so convinced of Jesus being God that they were willing to die and be tortured, yet never recanted the faith. 

In addition, Over 500 witnesses saw Jesus in his resurrected, glorified state (a preview of what believers can expect in future glorified bodies). John literally spent every day with Jesus for 3 years, and witnessed his death, burial and resurrection---and then writes it down so that we may all remember that same truth.

See friends, what John experienced with Jesus is the same closeness that we can take part in. Jesus Christ is God, and God so loved the world that he took on a form of fully God and fully man, to live among us as example and die without sin to eliminate our sins once and for all, if we believe. 

The old song “Jesus loves me this I know” is very relevant to adults and well as children. Jesus loves deeply those who trust in him for salvation.

Denial of Christ as the one and only true God is simply vain human arrogance. It is us wanting to be our own gods, and refusing to acknowledge our creator. We worship the creation not the creator--making gods out of sex, food, entertainment, celebrities and just about everything else available to us to potentially worship. We try to worship anything but Christ, when Christ has shown us, HE IS the ONLY TRUE GOD, and the ONLY way of salvation.

The political correctness of this day and age is nothing but arrogance. All roads do not lead to heaven or Christ would not have said repeatedly that he is the only way to God. People will do anything to not have to be accountable for their sins, and denying what Jesus said, or fluffing it up to appeal to the masses is the current trend.

How insulting to Jesus, but also to those who gave their lives to spread to us the good news! John risks life and limb, is literally boiled then exiled to preach the news of salvation in Christ, and our generation says there are many ways to God. It’s enough to turn your stomach. And John is just one of many who preached the same gospel and suffered for it.

While in exile on the island of Patmos (Modern day Turkey) John writes the book of Revelation (a book Christians love to avoid). This book is about hope for Christ’s bride, the church. It shows us through literal writing and figuratively literal writing that Christ is present among his believers today. Through the Holy Spirit we reach Christ, our mediator to the Father. A perfect trinity. 

John is filled with the spirit of God and writes only what he witnesses. This was not some druggy acid trip where he thought philosophically and randomly wrote what came to mind. This is Jesus Christ in glorified and kingly form, showing what will come to pass. 

The Book of Revelation is hope for believers and despair for non-believers. It speaks of the joys believers will face, and the condemnation non-believers will face.  But don’t think this is the only place this occurs.

More than anyone else in the Bible, Christ spoke of hell. Christ says multiple times that He is the only way to eternal life, and denial of Him will lead to eternal damnation. 

We have a friend in Jesus. Sure we can’t eat next to him in the morning, but we can pray to him. Sure we can’t walk next to him, but we can walk with him in spirit and trust. John had the privilege of being the disciple closest to Jesus, and he preached and told stories about what it was like walking day to day with Jesus, all the way until he died at age 100. This means that for many years after the event of Jesus’ death and resurrection, an eyewitness was still telling the stories of what he had seen to 2nd, 3rd, and likely even 4th generations. 

To deny Christ is arrogance, and until the Holy Spirit convicts you of that fact, it is easy to continue in idolatry, worshipping the things of this world, instead of the one who created this world. 

John knew what true friendship entailed. Our only TRUE friend is found in Christ, through his salvation. We become his friends. The Holy spirit still convicts us of our wrongdoing, even when we are new creations in Christ. And as a new creation, we are not compelled to simply sin, knowing we are forgiven, but rather to live righteously, as Christ would have us to do. Grace covers us, but is not a free pass to sin. Christ will be your friend, but still convict you of your sin. 

With all of the evidence available for Jesus as God, it is hard to imagine how hurt someone like John would be (and more importantly how hurt Jesus is) seeing what some of the church has become. It is full of the same types of people who were persecuting Christians in the early days. We have thrown out Jesus as our God and replaced him with other idols. 

Jesus loves me, this I know--Jesus died for me, this I know---Jesus is Lord of Lord and King of Kings, this I know----The Bible, the Word of God tells me so!

The 5 Types of Christians

We are aliens in this world. In many ways our life is simply a trial, leading towards our ultimate verdict, sanctification or damnation.

We all grow up hearing that everyone who dies is now in "a better place," and for those who have lived lives in Christ, that is true. They are essentially back in the place they were meant to be all along. The Earth was originally meant to be our home, but once sin entered the world, things changed.

During Christ's time here, while fulfilling prophesies and ultimately dying so that we may have forgiveness of sin, he mentions that he will be going to prepare a place for us. He tells us that if it were not so, He basically wouldn't have bothered telling us. This is pretty good indication (this and his infallible nature) that He is telling the truth. There is a place prepared for us. After this life, after the resurrection of all peoples from all eras, backgrounds, cultures, etc... Every human who ever lived will stand before Christ in judgment.

If this is not something that gives cause for some extended thought, then I would say already that a change in thinking needs to occur.

Christians understand that this judgement will not be to determine their entrance into eternal existence in the presence of God, they have that assured through the blood of Christ. Christians rather will have their works put to the test. After becoming Christians, the works and "fruit" produced, will either withstand the trial as by fire, or burn up. For those whose works survive, it is counted to them for reward. Those who were Christians but did nothing to further the kingdom, will have to stand by watching everyone else receiving specific praise. They will still be in the presence of God eternally, but their position in Heaven will likely be less authoritative.
Paul writes that he desires above all to remain faithful, fight the good fight, and receive his eternal reward. He indicates this should be the desire of all Christians. We are saved by faith, not of works, but in salvation we become a new creation, in-dwelt by the Holy Spirit of God which propels us to do good things.

In a much more tragic note, those who never chose to follow Christ or accepted salvation from him, will be judged on their eternal resting place. They will be condemned, not praised. And while they will still receive judgment of their works, they will be eternally separate from the presence of God.

Imagine that separation for a moment. Look around at everything you see. Every person, place, things is under God's common grace. The Lord causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. We are all under common grace. Even in the darkest alley of the darkest part of town, God's presence exists. Can you imagine what it would be like if it didn't? We take for granted this common grace and knowledge that even now, as sinners, God is with us. This is our test. IF we pass, we are ushered into the Heavenly kingdom. Failure will come by choice. And those who choose to fail by ignoring God's grace and salvation through belief in His one and only Son, will have selected their own fate. God does not send people to Hell, we send ourselves.
Christianity is not always supposed to be a cake walk. Grace preachers will focus on the favor of God, and blessings of God. This is all well and good, but I think it is more helpful to those who have already come to know Christ. The favor of God is merited by our actions, and if we are continuing in sin, why would we expect God to bless that sin. It is only after salvation and true repentance that we could even begin to expect that. Blessings before that time are under common grace, not saving grace.

But, saving grace does not set us up for a life of relaxation. Rather, if we look to the early church for example, it sets us up for a tough life. Christians especially are under constant attack from the enemy, and need to be aware that their actions, much like those unsaved, can still have drastic consequences.

Take the life of Peter, for example. Here is a guy who had the privilege of walking with Jesus, was counted as his chief disciple, led thousands to salvation at Pentecost, and yet was still subject to the effects of sin.
Multiple times, Jesus rebukes Peter. Peter denies Christ, to the point of cursing out loud, 3 times to a servant girl. Even after His resurrection, Jesus has to confront Peter and ask, "Do you love me?" He was really a bit of a screwup.

How great is that?? The chief disciple was a screwup, just like you and me and everyone else who has ever walked this earth. The greatest disciple, who wrote two powerful books of the Bible (1 & 2 Peter), preached at Pentecost, and walked with Jesus was subject to the SAME types of sin and temptation as us. Yet in the end, he died a martyrs death for not denying Christ as Lord. He said he was not worthy to even be crucified in the same way as Christ, and opted instead to be crucified upside down. This same Peter who had denied his relationship to Christ, died a martyrs death for Christ. If Jesus wasn't who He said He was, why would he have bothered. Peter had already experienced what it was like to deny Jesus. If Christ was not God incarnate and messiah, Peter could have easily gone back to his old life. Instead, he was influential in the early church, and eventually died for his beliefs in a pretty terrible way.

*THAT IS CHRISTIANITY*

Too many of us Christians nowadays would just as soon deny our involvement with Christ or deny our association with Christianity. Why do we do this? The answer is simple.

We are people pleasers, seekers of the approval of Man, when we should be seeking the approval of God. Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church breaks down 5 important types of Christianity that we need to be aware of. Keep in mind, 4 of the 5 are NOT how we should be. I have elaborated on these a bit.

Privatized Christians- More than likely, most of you will fall into this category, as I have many times in my life
-These Christians tend to just "Shut up" around any discussion of Christianity in a negative light
-They could be in a crowd of family or friends, and if the subject of Christianity comes up, they act as if they know nothing of those "Jesus Freaks."
-They play along, and follow the crowd seeking man's approval
-Worst of all, they refuse to WITNESS to the faith, for fear of rejection from the world.

I was this type while working at DCI. I wanted to stand up for my faith, but so much negativity directed at it, and myself, caused me to just keep quiet. When I did speak up, it was inconsistent with previous behavior and just gave the enemy that much more ammo.

*DO NOT BE THIS TYPE*

2)Fighting Christians- This is another all too common type of Christian in our society today. Now keep in mind, these are still people claiming to be Christian--but certainly not living the way we are called to live--seeking to please Christ
-Always looking for a spiritual debate
-Always arguing about the faith, and at times getting angry at others
-Politicians that claim Christianity often fall into this category
As a result, these Christians are the perpetuators of the negative stereotype Christianity has developed in recent years.
-They are the reason the media hates us, and calls us hypocrites
-We preach one message, and then scream and fight those who disagree, rather than engaging in meaningful discussion--in an attempt to lead them to Christ
-I get the impression these types would rather just see their enemies go to Hell than try to convert them

3)Quitter Christians- Another very common thing these days is those who will have a "salvation experience" only to recant and deny the faith later
-Very common among college students who, once on their own, are exposed to worldly philosophies that paint Christianity as "the non-educated man's view."
-Can lead easily to agnosticism, where once someone believed, but something shook the belief and they quit being a "full Christian" and prefer to stay on the fence
-Could just be flat out quitting the faith, never to return


4) Liberal Christians- I'm sure this one will get under some people's skin, but if you disagree, check scripture for the final word (though this is usually not the Liberal Christian's method)
-Love is their religion, though they claim Jesus, they see him as an embodiment of Love and good feelings, not as a savior
-All other religions are ok if that's what they want to believe, because Jesus couldn't be the only way
-They focus on Christ's "Good teacher" persona and not his "God incarnate savior" persona, though if asked they will claim Christianity as their faith
-This leads to dangerous heresies such as Universalism and Unitarianism (denial of Hell and denial of trinity respectively)
-Foundational doctrines of the faith are pushed aside for a more "Tolerant" view
-Very good at pulling out certain scriptures (out of context) and quoting them to keep everyone getting along with one another
-Liberal on views of homosexuality, abortion, sex before marriage and other types of sin
-"I believe in Christ, but I think other people have a right to their opinion, and surely a loving God wouldn't send them to Hell.....(common statement)"

PLEASE DO NOT BE THIS ONE....

5) Missionary Christians- This is not just Christians who are missionaries, but rather Christians, Bible/Jesus believing, who seek to witness to the world, as Christ intended.
-Not afraid of their faith and wear it openly
-Do not care what MAN thinks as what CHRIST thinks is more important
-Fully trust in Christ for salvation, and would not recant even in the face of death or ridicule
-Doctrine and beliefs based fully on scripture in its full context
-Term "missionary Christian" because we are "missionaries" in this world, as it is not our final home
-While here, like Paul and Peter, seek to bring as many to faith in Christ and salvation as possible


This final type is what we should strive to be. Christ has called Christians to seek to spread the Gospel to the world. We are not to care what our families, friends and others think of our faith, but wear it openly.
-Too many Christians, including me at certain times, will fall into one of the first 4 categories, and actively avoid the 5th correct category.
-People will say "oh he's too Heavenly focused to be any earthly good"
-What they miss is that the more Heavenly focused we are, the MORE Good we do to a world of people in need of salvation through Christ.
-If we are thinking ahead, it is out of love for our fellow brothers and sisters. WE understand what is at stake, and strive everyday to live the best we can to be an example---to be a light----to the world

It doesn't always pan out like I would like in my own life, but I am trying to be a Missionary Christian
-Family will likely turn on me...many have in thought already
-Friends have abandoned me because of "radical" views and "intolerance"
-I thank God for a spouse who agrees with me on this, and together we can hopefully fulfill God's purpose in our lives

I don't want to be afraid to pray at dinner with family. I don't want to be afraid to speak to family member about Christ who at best has a "Casual" Christian mindset (6th type?)
-I want to honor my Heavenly Father, while still honoring my earthly parents--but obviously one of those trumps the others--even as Jesus said..who are my brothers? who is my mother? ---

We are not called to abandon society...but we are called to be set apart as a light to the world.

Earth is not our home. We are aliens. That statement may make you run to get me a tin foil hat---but it is scripturally sound.
-The early church didn't care what "the world" thought of them---they just worshipped the risen Christ (who many had seen with their own eyes)

Christ visited over 500 people after resurrection, in the flesh, glorified physical body (a preview of ours someday)---how can we discount 500 testimonies---we don't have them all written..but we have it on good authority through Paul (previously the great persecutor and hater of the Christians) that many were still living who had seen Christ when Paul wrote some of his epistles acknowledging the resurrection of the living Christ.

The words of the Bible will be foolish to those not filled with the spirit of God. But to those who pray for understanding, it all becomes so clear.

In Christ I am a new creation--I am born again of the Holy Spirit. I will seek to be an unashamed Christian, so that through my testimony and witness, many will be saved. And someday, when people say "they're in a better place," they won't be wrong about it.

Be blessed friends!