Three Quintessential Truths on My 32nd Birthday

Posted on by under Theological Reflections

Today is the day that I thank God for 32 years of life. Thanking Him is important because although I planned to live this long, I had no way of making sure that I did. To go even further, I wasn’t even responsible for getting myself into the world to think about reaching 32. So, who should I thank? God! So on this day I’ve chosen to share with you all some things that I have learned in life. You may call them lessons, principles, etc. All that is important is their relevance in my life, and potentially yours.

1. The biblical God is real

Depending on your religious orientation you may or may not agree with that statement. As a Christian, Seventh-day Adventist, I’ve been reminded time and again of the realness of that God. I’m not referring to experiences where I’ve pinpoint God’s hands in motion, but to emphatic throbbings at the mind that shout of God’s realness. It is a profound thing.

The hardships that I’ve faced did not deter me from leaving the congregation of the saints because of this profound truth. As simple as it may sound, it is profound. I was hoping that during these times that God would have made a grand gesture, or ease the confusion by pulling the mind to meditate on some profound theological truth. However, that was not the case. Instead, I found my mind centering all its energy on the existence of God.

Everything else that I believe in or live by revolves around this essential reality. The reality of God’s existence affects everything I say, do, or think. Of course it is not to the degree of perfection, which is the goal. However it is the building block upon which my house stands. I believe that if I remain on this foundation then my house will continue to stand. This block will preserve the most important thing: my character.

2. A few good friends

I’ve never been a socialite. This may seem unbelievable since I was a public speaker for a number of years. The idea of having many friends and acquaintances was never appealing. Being in so many friendships leaves no time to really develop anything deep with a few individuals because you are always being pulled in one direction or another. The more people that you are building with, the more of yourself that is exposed. These people are not necessarily sharing with you as much as you are sharing with them. Thus, it mostly winds up being one sided.

The people that you suppose are your close friends may not view you in that light. That is to say that if you believe X is your close friend, but X thinks that J is his close friend, then X, naturally, shares things with J. Some of the things that are shared may be about you. All one really needs is a few good friends in the truest sense of the word.

3. Don’t talk too much

We all have a group that we are known to be around, places that we visit, and activities that we partake in. In these common areas we feel free to express ourselves as we naturally are. All this is fine and well. But there are times when we are around people, are in places, or partaking in certain activities where we should refrain from saying all that is in the mind. In fact, the general principle is that one should never talk too much. Talking too much leaves you open to saying things that are not filtered—meaning, assessed as being appropriate. Once it is out of the mouth it is impossible to bring it back in. If it is a blessed saying than it will bring forth its’ fruit, and vice versa.

Too often I’m amazed at the inability of people my age, and in general, to control their mouths. Surely it is impossible to do this at all times. Sometimes we may respond before we are even aware of what is going on. We are human, it happens. However, if we cultivate the habit of thinking before speaking we will see it happen less and less.

There is a philosophy that is embraced by many of my generation which encourages saying how one feels without regards for the words that are chosen, the time and place. I think it is irresponsible and shows a lack of either, home training or positive response to said training. Some parents do educate their children concerning proper conduct. They were diligent in doing all that they possibly could to ensure that their children were taught correct ways of behaving. But sometimes, despite parents’ best efforts, children resist and reject what is taught. When this happens parents can’t be blame.

Of all the things that goes through my mind these are the 3 simple, yet utterly necessary, things that I would like to share. They have played invaluable roles in my life, and if God sees fit for me to continue, they will continue to do so.

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The Justified Way of Praying: An Exposition of Luke 18:9-14

Posted on by under Meditations, The Gospel According to Luke

Luke 18:9-14

9 Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

The parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector found in Luke 18:9-14 is Jesus’ attempt to teach a particular group a lesson. A parable is “an example by which a doctrine or precept is illustrated” (Strong 3850).  Before I begin let me dismantle a barrier that will prevent this message from getting through. Usually when we read the Bible we associate ourselves with a particular group or person, the person that is good or is being mistreated. A lot of amens are thrown out during a sermon not because the congregation is saying that what they hearing is true and is the word of God, but because they want to throw a subliminal punch at somebody that they believe is the villain in the narrative. Today I ask that you all put yourselves in the position of the Pharisee.

The parable begins in vs. 9 by stating Jesus’ motivation for speaking it. It is address to individuals with two problems: 1. Self righteousness and 2. Criminalization of others—by this I mean, placing others in the category of law breakers. In this context, it is the laws of God.

The Bible says that Jesus told the parable to “some people.” It doesn’t indicate who these persons are or their ranks in society. They may have been rich, poor, Pharisees, tax collectors, or a mixture. He uses Pharisee and tax collector in the parable, but it is important that we understand that one doesn’t have to be a church leader to possess such an attitude.

Vs. 10 establishes the setting of the parable, the individuals involved, and their reasons for being there. The story that is told is profound to a first century audience because it is taking place in the temple, a place viewed as sacred and worthy of all type of reverence, it is the place where the Jew gather with others to worship God—a God which they believe personally was involved in their establishment as a people. It is in this sacred place that Jesus’ set one person that is viewed highly and another that is hated.

If we were living with Jesus at this time, raised up under first century conditions and culture, we would have already picked a favorite as soon as he mentioned Pharisee and tax collector. The tax collector, who was viewed as working against his own people by collecting for the hated Romans, would be comparable to a Haitian working in the deportation section of immigration, deporting his own kind. The Pharisee, on the other hand, is the beloved teacher of the law, a person that would have received the same respect as a doctor or a lawyer in the Haitian community. This is an illustration of what would have gone on in the mind of the people before Vs. 11 showed up. What probably would really have caused a sort of confusion in the mind of the people is the reason behind the arrival of the tax collector at the temple. No one would have actually believed that the tax collector was someone who prays. Therefore automatically they would have dismissed the seriousness of the tax collectors’ intention. Why would someone like that be serious about prayer? Don’t we do that sometimes?

The truth is that we all do it, but so often we place ourselves in the seat of one who is poor, who is humble, who is lowly, that we forget that this is not the point. We want to feel good about ourselves so badly that we are looking for anywhere in the story that we can find justification. It’s not about us being poor, you can be poor and still be arrogant, prideful, and look at everyone as if they are evil.

Verses 11 and 12 zooms into the Pharisee’s prayer. It is one that is done in secret, meaning that it wasn’t meant to be heard by others. In the prayer, the Pharisee thanks God that he—the Pharisee—is good. The goodness that he is referring to is one that he understands in comparison with others. So confident is this Pharisee about his state of goodness that he begins to talk bad about people, claiming that he is not an extortioner, unjust, adulterer, or even as this publican—the tax collector.

Notice, he places the publican in a list of law breakers. He regards that occupation as evil, showing you the amount of hatred that they had for the tax collectors at that time. I doubt that anybody prays and say people’s names or occupation, but I do believe that sometimes we pray with hatred or dislike of people in our hearts and think that God is none the wiser. As if He doesn’t realize that the particular words that we use are really bullets aimed at someone we wish would disappear.

After saying what he is not, the second half of his prayer, in vs. 12, is a presentation of what he is. Let me be quite clear, the prayer is about bragging to God about what he doesn’t do and what he does do. Concerning what he does do, he brags about fasting and tithe.

Vs.13 begins with Jesus saying “but.” To the close reader, the appearance of the word but after such a declaration by the Pharisee indicate that something negative is about to be said or that a comparison is about to be made. In this case, it is a comparison. Vs.13 contains the prayer of the tax collector. The tax collector was a good distance away—perhaps this is suggesting that the Pharisee was somewhere near the front and the tax collector was near the back or distant from the Pharisee.

So conscious was the tax collector of his sinfulness that he wasn’t even willing to lift up his eyes to heaven. This is not to say that if you are truly sorrowful about your sins that you will be unwilling to lift your eyes to heaven. If you say that, then you miss the whole point of the parable. Some people will bow down very low to the ground, some will have their entire upper torso facing heaven pleading for God’s forgiveness. These are expressions. There are no laws, to my knowledge, that states that there is a particular way you must position yourself to pray. if one chooses to lift ones’ head to heaven, then great, if not, great, but the emphasis is a comparison between humble and lowly manner of addressing God in contrast with the Pharisee’s arrogance.

The tax collector, so burden by his condition, goes on to beat his chest. This second expression adds more emphasis to his humble state. But what ties it all together is what he says. Instead of speaking about how he is not as evil as other people, he begs for the mercy of God. Perhaps he committed less sins than the Pharisee, so maybe he could have bragged and said that he wasn’t like so and so. But that wasn’t what he was interested in, he looked at himself and saw a sinner, one who is not as he ought to be and who knows that he deserves punishment.

Generally speaking, mercy is a word that is used to encourage one who punishes to deter from his punishing act. Ideally, it is the guilty who usually ask for mercy, the innocent would plead, well, innocent. Fundamental to those who are of the Christian faith is God’s giving of mercy to those who deserve to be exterminated.

Jesus concludes the parable in vs.14 by stating the answer that the tax collector received from God what he asked for. If the man who prayed the second prayer went home justified, then the first man who prayed _________. Remember that the parable was geared towards those who thought they were righteous, but in fact weren’t because they trusted in a righteousness that they establish. Jesus reiterate the theme when he says that the tax collector was justified. He didn’t do nothing to receive justification except for presenting to God a true repentance. The proverb illustrates that when it comes to exaltation, we can’t do it. Rather, we humble ourselves in order for another to take us up. The verse doesn’t show the uplifting being done by us, but it’s being done by another. Those who go to uplift themselves will be brought down.

Since we are all Pharisees here, I guess we have a lot of changes to make, not only in our thinking of ourselves but in our views of others. No one is innocent, everyone is guilty, but today we can all ask for what the tax collector asked for, the mercy of God for sinners like us. There is no mercy for the self righteous because they can’t bring themselves to sincerely ask for it, but there is mercy for those who want to take that step today.

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Mommy is Still Mommy

Posted on by under General

I was born on June 12, 1980 to a woman in her early twenties that I’ve been calling mommy since I was able to speak. The fact that I’m in my early thirties hasn’t propelled me to upgrade to a more “adult-like” word. Mommy is still mommy no matter what the age. Although the word functions as a welcoming door to those desiring to label me a “mama’s boy,” mommy is still mommy. I’ve made several attempts to call her mom, but those have failed. I’ve even felt a bit disrespectful for having the audacity to even think that such a change was necessary, or that it was my place to attempt such a change. Why? Because mommy is still mommy.

Leaving me with my grandmother in Au-Cap Haiti, mommy went to the United States to work and set up an environment for me to one day live with her. She had her mind set on providing better opportunities for her children. She worked hard until she was able to send for me. This was a turbulent period because by that time, I had it in my mind that my real mother was my grandmother. I thought I was in the U.S. in the hands of an imposter. Slowly I began to re-acquaint myself with mommy.

Mommy proved to be mommy indeed by providing food, shelter, clothing, and strong religious orientation. It was because of mommy that I learned Psalm 1. This small fact may have planted the roots for this deep interest in the study of everything theological—or perhaps it was my father’s family deep roots in church ministry. The motivation behind learning what was contained in the Word was the desire to make mommy proud.

Mommy had such a presence that with a look all her children would fall into place. It is a look that still commands profound respect to this day. It is a look that has turned into a smirk when she reminds herself that her children are not as young as they use to be. She doesn’t view us as adults. This is made clear when in reference to us she repeatedly says “my kids.” And in a way, we are proud to be called that. The thought of being the offspring of a woman with such an august presence invoke feelings of majestic belongings. These grand imaginings do not eclipse the greatest thought of all, that of mommy being mommy.

It is this mommy with a head for numbers, and perhaps drawing upon the sayings of her own mommy, that says “money loves money.” This she utters as financial counsel concerning how knowing how to hold on to money can lead to having more money. Thus mommy has been able to manage herself through the turbulent economic waves that have been pounding the American homeland. It is foresight and smart plans that have been the backbone to mommy’s economic stability.

Mommy is a master chef in the kitchen. Although she admitted that she didn’t care too much for cooking as a youth, when the need came for her to do what was necessary, she did it with great success. None that have ever tasted her cooking wished for anything else. She revels in knowing that she is able to make something that is enjoyable by all. In my book, mommy’s cooking can’t be topped. It is a forced to be reckoned with.

Mommy wasn’t settled with coming to the U.S. and not having a degree under her belt. She attended university and used that medically tuned mind to conquer the nursing classes and the NCLEX one after the other. No hesitation. Her car became a second apartment as she studied during breaks. Although she was exhausted from the combine work and school load, she pressed on with tenacity to achieve her objective. They all view her as nurse Jackie, but I see her as mommy.

Mommy is a jokester. Put her in a room with a lively bunch and she will quickly rise to the top as the most boisterous. She is the only one in the family that is able to maintain the attention of everyone for a long period of time. At times she may seem quiet and composed but in a second the energy will seep through lively eyes, erupting into a grand smile. To this day mommy is the greatest exaggerator of stories that I know. There aren’t many that can take a small event and mutate it into a grand narrative of seemingly credible facts. The art of story-telling is a skill that mommy mastered.

That’s my mommy. She is imperfect, but she is saved by the blood. It is this type of mommy that gives counsel that “will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck” (Prov. 1:9 NKJV).

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The Relevancy of the Fourth Commandment: The Need for a Biblical Worldview

Posted on by under The Relevancy of the Fourth Commandment

 

INTRODUCTION

This is the second article in a series entitled, The Relevancy of the Fourth Commandment. The series seeks to address issues that have been raised in dialogues with Christians concerning the Seventh-day Sabbath doctrine. The first article in this series, The Relevancy of the Fourth Commandment: An Introduction to Contemporary Issues Concerning the Seventh-day Sabbath, not only presents the issues that are to be explored, but also calls for improvement, patience, and care in the communication of the doctrine.

The Seventh-day Sabbath doctrine, as is espoused by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, has long been viewed by many in the wider Christian community as a needless teaching promoted by those who emphasize a justification by works gospel. Even those who admit that it may have some relevance for the modern Christian are quickly discouraged from putting it into practice when they realize the large amount of change it will bring to their weekly routines.

This article hopes to address this issue by presenting parts of scripture that will aid in the creation of a biblical worldview[1]. Of course, the immediate concern for non-Adventist readers is that they believe they already possess a biblical worldview. If this is indeed the case (and I believe whole-heartedly that there are many non-Adventist Christians who are true followers of Christ), then they can’t justify their reluctance to follow the Sabbath commandment by saying, “I don’t want to,” or “it will bring too much change in my life.” Their hesitancy should be base on its lack of biblical support. In other words, if you are a Christian and you are not going to follow the Sabbath commandment, let it be because you have studied the material from scripture and have not been convinced of its’ relevance in this present age.

The following consists of some foundational beliefs for building a biblical worldview. Seeing that this is not a comprehensive treatment (and the fact that I’m not a theologian), further study will be necessary for one to become fully immersed into a biblical worldview.

FOUNDATIONAL BELIEFS FOR BUILDING A BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW

The Bible as Inspired by God

Essential to building a biblical worldview is the belief that the Bible, Old and New Testaments (66 books[2]), is inspired by God.[3] In other words, God called those who wrote the text of the Bible to do so. He allowed what is written to be written and saw to it that it would be beneficial to all who read. The Bible reveals God’s character, His will, and His role (past, present, and future) in the history of the world.[4]

Scripture testifies of its own origin. It is in Paul’s final council to Timothy that we find one of the most definitive statements concerning the Bible’s origin: “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16[5]). This statement denies any claims that many have made about the Bible simply being literature placed together by a group of conspirators interested in controlling the masses. Contrary to such thinking, the Bible came not through “the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:21).

This essential belief doesn’t arrive at the same time or the same way for every person. Being raised in a Christian home doesn’t mean that one will be a Bible believer. What it does do is provide earlier exposure to the God of the Bible. It’s not about when one is exposed, it is about what one does with what is exposed when it is exposed. That is truly what is essential when it comes to Christianity.

Guide to Life

If one believes that the Bible is inspired by God, then the next logical step in a thought system is to believe that what is written is beneficial. Once it is clear in the mind that the Bible is a product that was brought about through the will and control of the Divine, then acceptance of its teachings will be based on whether an individual desire to follow the God of the Bible. Believing that the Bible is inspired does not necessarily mean that the believer will automatically submit to its teachings. Some may choose not to follow certain parts knowing full well that it is written, within their ability to do so, and relevant—Lucifer was in heaven when he rebelled (Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:12-18; Rev. 12:4-9[6]).

Belief in the inspiration of the Bible makes it easier to believe in its claims concerning the tools contain in there for aiding one to navigate through life. The psalmist says it best: “your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path” (Ps. 119:105). The implication is that things in this world are dark and unclear and therefore we need a navigation system that will prevent us from stumbling. Although “stumbling” may seem like an insignificant word, it may result in no injuries, minor scratches, or even death. Sometimes it is not what you stumble over, but what you stumble into that is the problem.

THE BIBLICAL NARRATIVE

Beneficial towards the grasping of a biblical worldview is a familiarity with the biblical narrative. The more one reads the more a grander of the history of God’s works through the earth is understood. A tentative layout of such a narrative can be as the following (each person is encouraged to develop their own):

  • The Beginning
    • Creation
    • The Fall
    • The Flood
    • Restoration
  • God’s People Israel:
    • The History of the Patriarchs
    • The History of Israel
      • History of Wandering Israel
      • History of Monarchical Israel (and Judah)
    • Captivity
    • The Return
  • Jesus Christ:
    • His Birth
    • His Life and Teachings
    • His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension
    • Post-Ascension Descriptions of Jesus’ Ministry
  • Post-Jesus NT History and the Eschaton
    • The History of Paul and the early followers of Jesus
    • New Testament Counsels for Daily Living
    • New Testament Descriptions of the Eschaton (the end) and Eternity

CONCLUSION

Without going into too much detail, one can take this broad look at the Bible and discover major themes in all of these sections. Looking at the big picture can help with understanding why certain particulars are necessary. Thus a good opening step for those seeking to view the world and history as the Bible describes it, is for them to take in a broad look at how the Bible lays out that history.

Perhaps it can be stated that God loved and therefore created. When His creation turned their back to Him, the same love that brought about their Genesis, not only anticipated their rebellion, but also provided a way for them to return, to be “at one” with Him. This love brought God to the cross, where He offered Himself as sacrifice so that “whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV). This same God is coming back to restore mankind to how it ought to be.

[1] That is to say, in this context, a different way of looking at life in general. A way that is base on how the Bible looks at the world: creation, journey, and end. God must be seen as the being that is worthy of one’s complete attention.

[2] Excluding the 15 apocryphal books: The First Book of Esdras (also known as Third Esdras); The Second Book of Esdras (also known as Fourth Esdras); Tobit; Judith; Additions to the Book of Esther; The Wisdom of Solomon; Ecclesiasticus (as known as the Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach); Baruch; The Letter of Jeremiah; The prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men; Susanna; Bel and the Dragon; The prayer of Manasseh; The first Book of Maccabees; and The Second Book of Maccabees.

[3] See Seventh-day Adventists Believe: An Exposition of the Fundamental Beliefs of the Seventy-day Adventist Church (Boise, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 2005), 11-21.

[4] Although this statement on the Bible’s revelation concerning God is rather broad, I hope that it suffice for the time being.

[5] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scriptures in this article are taken from the New International Version.

[6] I’m using Rev. 12:4-9 purely for illustrative purposes, as in to describe who was on what side of the war. I believe that Rev. 12:4-9 is not a reference to the original casting out, but rather to the one that occurred after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ.

Can a Christian Masturbate?

Posted on by under Social Commentary

The answer to that question may be an obvious yes to some. The reasoning is that Christians are not robots and can do what they want. Those who subscribed to that line of reasoning believe that the flaw is in the question. They prefer to ask: should a Christian masturbate? Whereas I have no interest in presenting an exhaustive commentary on this topic, I did feel it necessary to write a few words for those that have been inquiring concerning my take.

There are many ways to approach this topic. Generally, I believe that the best approach, from a Christian standpoint, is to begin by laying the ground work through an analysis of what the Bible says about pre-marital sex. With that foundation in mind, one can then move to applying what is derived from that analysis to (1) what goes on in the mind in preparation for and during masturbation, and (2) what is taking place physically during the act.

However, I have decided to begin this commentary with some brief words concerning what I assume is going on in the mind. But first, what is masturbation? Without going into too much detail (which would probably get me into trouble with members of the clergy), masturbation may be viewed as a tool for assisting those who want to experience the pleasures that come with sexual release. The reason that they choose masturbation may be because (1) they are unable, for whatever reason, to get sex at the time that the desire arise (this category is purposely meant to encompass a lot of reasons), or (2) they simply prefer doing it themselves over a partner. If I’m wrong, feel free to correct me.

Do those that masturbate do it in a vacuum or are they thinking of someone? Someone is always the object. Thus, what is going on in the mind as a precursor to and doing the act is the imagining of the act with a person(s). The physical act then is an accompanying tool for the objective of the mind: experiencing sexual release with a person in mind. With these two working together, the mind and the hands, or whatever else one may use, the objective is achieved.

Ok, what does that have to do with the Bible? Is the word masturbation even in there? All these are fair questions that often go overlook simply because some of those being asked have never fully thought out the answers. The word masturbation is not in the Bible. Neither, according to my knowledge at this present time, is direct reference to it with other words or phrases. If any wish to present evidence contrary to this, feel free to do so. However, I will not accept anything that is not evident. If it has to be nuanced and accompanied with a detailed commentary, then it is not as clear as it needs to be.

Whereas the Bible does not address masturbation explicitly, it does deal with what one thinks of the other gender sexually. Jesus says that looking at a woman “with lustful intent” is adultery of the heart (Matt. 5:28 ESV). This means that it is not just doing the act that is a sin, but thinking about it. In a way it shows us how deep in sin we are. It also calls us to the higher power of God, who is able to save us from “this body of death” (Rom. 7:24 ESV).

Let’s layout the foundation for the principle: embracing thoughts of doing the wrong thing is sin. Here are some verses that will help us solidify this argument. A man’s true self is evident in his thoughts (Prov. 23:7). This mind of ours is also the  starting place of sin: “For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness” (Mark 7:21-22 ESV). The reason for sin coming from the mind is because we are tempted and have to make a decision concerning that temptation (James 1:14-15).

Assuming that you agree with my analysis, well, how do we apply what we have looked at to masturbation? Good question. As we stated before, masturbation needs a mental picture of some sort to aid with achieving the objective. This is where the verses come in. If we are thinking about sleeping with someone then how can we as Christians say it is ok? The truth is, we can’t. Understanding that since thinking of sleeping with somebody that you are not married to is wrong is, I believe, enough to dethrone masturbation. If what I do is to accompany what I think, then if I change what I think, what I do will be changed to. How’s that for Biblical thinking?

I truly believe that the argument is done. However, there are always extras. The pleasure of sexual release was meant to be experienced by those united in matrimony. A man using his hands to accomplish this is close to, shall we say, homosexuality. Why? You’re a man, pleasuring yourself. Far-fetched? Perhaps. However, I think there is enough there to make that case. And what does the Bible say about homosexuality? Enough to be clear concerning God’s position (cf. my articles here, here, and here).

Although this commentary was not exhaustive, I hope that it provided content that will aid in reflections concerning whether the act of masturbation is appropriate for Christians. I don’t expect any to buy the argument hook, line , and sinker. I do, however, hope that they investigate to see whether there is an argument to be made for forgoing the act.