The semester is coming to an end and our class has looked into topics involving the Christian worldview. While our class has grown by reflecting on these questions, there are other Christians that need to grow in the understanding of what a Christian worldview is really about.
There are times when Christians are portrayed negatively, especially in political media. Some people proclaim to be Christians, but yet act and say outlandish things. When they proclaim their faith, media shows that they are a representation of Christ and all other Christians in American society. The American society has tensions in political parties and recent issues like homosexuality, abortion, and healthcare. For this reason, Christians have expressed their concerns. However, in doing so, Christians should remember to be mindful: it is not just what they stand for, but rather, how they stand for their values.
In one of my classes, we discussed the issue of the “subchristian.” This term identifies a person who acts inappropriately, shouting harsh words and misusing scripture to make a point, and yet claims to know Jesus. One example from class involved a “Christian” man who attended a homosexual man’s funeral and used violent, slandering language as the homosexual’s family carried him away in a casket.
Jesus was not violent. He came to fulfill the law and still condoned things, but did it in a loving manor. We need a love that comes from God because sometimes working from our own effort or strength is not enough.
“The grace you show other people should act as a reflection of how we have grace with God.” My pastor shared this with me once. He explained that in order to accomplish this, we need to remain in His love. This is one reason why we are encouraged to stay in the Word. It is foolish to try and please God without even knowing him. This could very well be the problem for the subchristian.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
"Be in the world, not of it"
We live in a broken world filled with imperfect people. Christians are included in the category of "imperfect people." The balance of being aware of the world and managing to not get caught up in worldly passions is a consistent battle for Christians. However, this does not give Christians an excuse for acting like everyone else.
As Christians, we are supposed to be like Jesus, set apart, holy and pure. Unfortunately, it is obvious that often times we fail, and non-believers notice. The moment a person is labeled a Christian, people tend to hold them to high standards. Christians' standards are to glorify God in everything we do. However, remember that by no means are we perfect because our human nature holds imperfections too.
For example, the tongue, which has a way of its own, is not perfect. According to the Bible, it is something that we have to tame, consistently discipline, due to our human nature. Today, my professor gave a good example of human nature.
"It is not natural to be calm and collective in an argument... It is natural to call the other person out and count all 'the points' you make from your rebuttals," he said. "Natural? There is nothing natural about it."
Thus, this is why Christians are encouraged to tame their tongue in controversy so they do not use it like a sword. We should remember to take this into account whenever speaking or acting because what we do or what we say effects non-believers' views.
In class, we learned that only 22 percent of non-Christians have a positive view of evangelicals, according to Barna's poll. This percentage does not surprise me. With the way some Christians carry themselves and the unfortunate growing number of conflicts within the church, it is no wonder why people have a negative view of Evangelicals.
As Christians, we are supposed to be like Jesus, set apart, holy and pure. Unfortunately, it is obvious that often times we fail, and non-believers notice. The moment a person is labeled a Christian, people tend to hold them to high standards. Christians' standards are to glorify God in everything we do. However, remember that by no means are we perfect because our human nature holds imperfections too.
For example, the tongue, which has a way of its own, is not perfect. According to the Bible, it is something that we have to tame, consistently discipline, due to our human nature. Today, my professor gave a good example of human nature.
"It is not natural to be calm and collective in an argument... It is natural to call the other person out and count all 'the points' you make from your rebuttals," he said. "Natural? There is nothing natural about it."
Thus, this is why Christians are encouraged to tame their tongue in controversy so they do not use it like a sword. We should remember to take this into account whenever speaking or acting because what we do or what we say effects non-believers' views.
In class, we learned that only 22 percent of non-Christians have a positive view of evangelicals, according to Barna's poll. This percentage does not surprise me. With the way some Christians carry themselves and the unfortunate growing number of conflicts within the church, it is no wonder why people have a negative view of Evangelicals.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
A Sinless World
“This world would be a better place if…”
Many people use this statement before entering in a subject to place blame on. However, whatever that subject may be, it all comes back to the idea of sin.
Sin, deliberately disobeying or acting wrongly, is everywhere. “This world is full of sinners,” the church frequently claims. For this reason, Jesus Christ was sent to save us.
Scriptures explains how “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. I think this would have still held true even if Eve didn’t sin in the garden. God gave Adam and Eve one instruction and they chose to disobey. Eventually, Adam and Eve bore children. If, as parents, they did not sin, I think that someone else would have eventually sinned. If they didn’t sin, I don’t think God would have needed to send his son, Jesus, to save us. However, I do think that He still would have sent Jesus to show us Himself.
On the other hand, I also have a different thought of what a sinless world could be like. Perfect. When I think about how a perfect and sinless world could look, I have similar thoughts of how I view heaven, a place with no pain, sorrow or suffering. In a perfect world, why would we have a need for hoping? There would be no hope because we would have already had what we long for now. Thus, people could be worshiping all the time.
If you know me well enough, you know that I question a lot. I am normally the one who asks the “What if” questions. The most frustrating thing for me, however, is knowing that not all of my questions will have an answer.
Thus, when a “what if” question is posed to me, I normally react with a safe response. It is a response that keeps me out of trouble or places me in a position where people may not judge me for one reason or another. This common response, “I do not know”, although safe, is not always necessary.
I’ve learned that it is okay to question some of the harder things in life because while I may not have a definite answer, I am reassured of the greatness of God, knowing that we cannot wrap our mind around everything.
Many people use this statement before entering in a subject to place blame on. However, whatever that subject may be, it all comes back to the idea of sin.
Sin, deliberately disobeying or acting wrongly, is everywhere. “This world is full of sinners,” the church frequently claims. For this reason, Jesus Christ was sent to save us.
Scriptures explains how “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. I think this would have still held true even if Eve didn’t sin in the garden. God gave Adam and Eve one instruction and they chose to disobey. Eventually, Adam and Eve bore children. If, as parents, they did not sin, I think that someone else would have eventually sinned. If they didn’t sin, I don’t think God would have needed to send his son, Jesus, to save us. However, I do think that He still would have sent Jesus to show us Himself.
On the other hand, I also have a different thought of what a sinless world could be like. Perfect. When I think about how a perfect and sinless world could look, I have similar thoughts of how I view heaven, a place with no pain, sorrow or suffering. In a perfect world, why would we have a need for hoping? There would be no hope because we would have already had what we long for now. Thus, people could be worshiping all the time.
If you know me well enough, you know that I question a lot. I am normally the one who asks the “What if” questions. The most frustrating thing for me, however, is knowing that not all of my questions will have an answer.
Thus, when a “what if” question is posed to me, I normally react with a safe response. It is a response that keeps me out of trouble or places me in a position where people may not judge me for one reason or another. This common response, “I do not know”, although safe, is not always necessary.
I’ve learned that it is okay to question some of the harder things in life because while I may not have a definite answer, I am reassured of the greatness of God, knowing that we cannot wrap our mind around everything.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Divorce: An Unhappy Ending
I was introduced to the word 'divorce' during the time of B.A.Y, the friendship of three best friends. Using the first letter in our names, we created B.A.Y. because we thought we were "cool". Thus, as "cool" best friends, we did everything together. Rather, we tried to do everything together.
My two best friends had divorced parents. However, I wasn't concerned about the term 'divorce' until it started interfering with B.A.Y.'s play dates. We were frustrated as there were scheduled mandatory days and weekends for my best friends to be with one parent. In fear of loosing our friendship, we shed tears and threw fits while our parents tried to assure us that "it was not the end of the world". We believed them until one best friend moved in with her dad, 12 hours away. Shortly after, the other best friend moved due to the relocating of her new Step Dad's job.
After six years of adventures, the best friendship disappeared; B.A.Y. lived unhappily ever after.
You can always learn in an unhappy ending. For example, I learned that divorce is the epitome of an unhappy ending. From observation and experience, I noticed that divorce affects more than two people. It affects everyone, from immediate and extended family, to neighbors and friends.
Today, divorce is common. Although it is accepted by a majority of our society, divorce is still controversial among Christians. The divorce rate amongst the Christian community is significantly higher than other faiths, according to studies from Barna Research Group, a leading research organization, which provides information involving faith and culture. Thus, it is apparent that society's acceptance of divorce has negatively influenced many Christians' worldview. We should still be accountable to one another and not be passive when hear about divorce.
I think that divorce should not be an option in a Christian marriage, unless an unfaithful act is committed by either spouse. Divorce should not be seen as the "get out of jail" card, as I have once heard it referred as. Matthew 19:9 says, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." I still believe this is the only way divorce is allowed and that remarriage is not highly tolerated. However, even with these beliefs, I still have questions.
--Some of my concerns came from my thoughts about how Christ treats his bride(the body of Christ). Even when we sin and abandon him, he never leaves us, so why does he permit leaving the adulterer or adulteress?
--Focusing on the idea of sin, I question why we weigh divorce higher than other sins if there is no sin greater than any other sin.
--Another question is common among many. It involves the question of permitting divorce based off of other exceptions besides adultery. What about those who are currently struggling through an abusive relationship?
With many questions, I tend to shy away from discussions about divorce. I am uncomfortable not knowing where I completely stand on the issue. I fear that by asking questions, I may offend someone. I also fear questioning because I expect negative responses. I automatically think of an unhappy ending. However, this does not mean it is okay for me to stay in my comfort zone. I should remember that sometimes asking questions is a way of showing accountability. Accountability should be present in good and bad situations.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God" - Romans 3:19
My two best friends had divorced parents. However, I wasn't concerned about the term 'divorce' until it started interfering with B.A.Y.'s play dates. We were frustrated as there were scheduled mandatory days and weekends for my best friends to be with one parent. In fear of loosing our friendship, we shed tears and threw fits while our parents tried to assure us that "it was not the end of the world". We believed them until one best friend moved in with her dad, 12 hours away. Shortly after, the other best friend moved due to the relocating of her new Step Dad's job.
After six years of adventures, the best friendship disappeared; B.A.Y. lived unhappily ever after.
You can always learn in an unhappy ending. For example, I learned that divorce is the epitome of an unhappy ending. From observation and experience, I noticed that divorce affects more than two people. It affects everyone, from immediate and extended family, to neighbors and friends.
Today, divorce is common. Although it is accepted by a majority of our society, divorce is still controversial among Christians. The divorce rate amongst the Christian community is significantly higher than other faiths, according to studies from Barna Research Group, a leading research organization, which provides information involving faith and culture. Thus, it is apparent that society's acceptance of divorce has negatively influenced many Christians' worldview. We should still be accountable to one another and not be passive when hear about divorce.
I think that divorce should not be an option in a Christian marriage, unless an unfaithful act is committed by either spouse. Divorce should not be seen as the "get out of jail" card, as I have once heard it referred as. Matthew 19:9 says, "I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery." I still believe this is the only way divorce is allowed and that remarriage is not highly tolerated. However, even with these beliefs, I still have questions.
--Some of my concerns came from my thoughts about how Christ treats his bride(the body of Christ). Even when we sin and abandon him, he never leaves us, so why does he permit leaving the adulterer or adulteress?
--Focusing on the idea of sin, I question why we weigh divorce higher than other sins if there is no sin greater than any other sin.
--Another question is common among many. It involves the question of permitting divorce based off of other exceptions besides adultery. What about those who are currently struggling through an abusive relationship?
With many questions, I tend to shy away from discussions about divorce. I am uncomfortable not knowing where I completely stand on the issue. I fear that by asking questions, I may offend someone. I also fear questioning because I expect negative responses. I automatically think of an unhappy ending. However, this does not mean it is okay for me to stay in my comfort zone. I should remember that sometimes asking questions is a way of showing accountability. Accountability should be present in good and bad situations.
"Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God" - Romans 3:19
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A one way ticket
Accepting Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Savior is your ticket into Heaven. I do not believe that people can "earn" their way into Heaven in any other way. This has always been my understanding since the day I accepted Christ and my parents and leaders helped me stay on a path that was following after him.
Examining verses in the old and new testament help shape my idea of what will lead us to Heaven. Psalm 11:7 says, "The Lord is righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright will see his face". Verses like this may show how some people think that it is by works alone that lead them into Heaven. This understanding is wrong. By looking at the old testament, it can seem like the focus was on good deeds. However, in addition to good deeds, people also had to make sacrifices to please God.
The new testament stresses a different importance. When you look at the new testament, you see that God sent Jesus for the purpose of saving His people (John 3:16). From this point on, it is clear that we should not depend on doing good works alone because at the same time, we are also expected to believe and accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior.
In John, Jesus explains his deity of Him and the Father as one. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand"(John 10:27-28).
When the bible speaks of eternity, I normally think of Heaven, our never-ending home with our Father. Since Jesus was made perfect, Hebrews 5:9 clearly states how it is the only "source for eternal salvation for all who obey him". Thus, in both the good and bad times, my faith rests in him alone.
Examining verses in the old and new testament help shape my idea of what will lead us to Heaven. Psalm 11:7 says, "The Lord is righteous, He loves righteous deeds; the upright will see his face". Verses like this may show how some people think that it is by works alone that lead them into Heaven. This understanding is wrong. By looking at the old testament, it can seem like the focus was on good deeds. However, in addition to good deeds, people also had to make sacrifices to please God.
The new testament stresses a different importance. When you look at the new testament, you see that God sent Jesus for the purpose of saving His people (John 3:16). From this point on, it is clear that we should not depend on doing good works alone because at the same time, we are also expected to believe and accept Jesus Christ as our personal savior.
In John, Jesus explains his deity of Him and the Father as one. Jesus said, "My sheep listen to my voice, I know them and they follow me. I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand"(John 10:27-28).
When the bible speaks of eternity, I normally think of Heaven, our never-ending home with our Father. Since Jesus was made perfect, Hebrews 5:9 clearly states how it is the only "source for eternal salvation for all who obey him". Thus, in both the good and bad times, my faith rests in him alone.
Friday, October 16, 2009
For the purpose of immeasurable love
My overall understanding of tithing rests in the idea of giving. I was taught to give at least ten percent of my earnings. This is one of those things I always wanted to question "why?", but didn't know if it would be appropriate.
As I was hesitant to ask questions, somehow, I began to learn more about tithing. My mom used to tell me that I am easily attached to people. This was something I had to consider when choosing a career route. I was also attached to my stuffed animals and I also had to learn to give them up over time. It wasn't easy. Money was not as hard for me as I didn't really have a lot of work experience at the time. Now that I am older, however, I can admit that I see how it is difficult for people to let go of materialistic things, such as money. I'm always reminded of how holding on to things is never healthy.
Tithing is beneficial for everybody, including ourselves. It is a reminder to “teach you always to fear the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). This alone is clear that tithing is necessary for Christians. It helps us to set our minds on things above so that we can better serve him.
Some people have a good handle on this concept, but they should also realize that this should not just be a dutiful act. It should be something that we take joy in because God takes joy in his people. In giving, we should show love. This means we must give in a generous manner that is pleasing to God. To do so, people should quit thinking about the exact amount of money that they are "losing". Instead, they should think about how little that sacrifice is in comparison with God's immense sacrifice and immeasurable love.
As I was hesitant to ask questions, somehow, I began to learn more about tithing. My mom used to tell me that I am easily attached to people. This was something I had to consider when choosing a career route. I was also attached to my stuffed animals and I also had to learn to give them up over time. It wasn't easy. Money was not as hard for me as I didn't really have a lot of work experience at the time. Now that I am older, however, I can admit that I see how it is difficult for people to let go of materialistic things, such as money. I'm always reminded of how holding on to things is never healthy.
Tithing is beneficial for everybody, including ourselves. It is a reminder to “teach you always to fear the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 14:22-23). This alone is clear that tithing is necessary for Christians. It helps us to set our minds on things above so that we can better serve him.
Some people have a good handle on this concept, but they should also realize that this should not just be a dutiful act. It should be something that we take joy in because God takes joy in his people. In giving, we should show love. This means we must give in a generous manner that is pleasing to God. To do so, people should quit thinking about the exact amount of money that they are "losing". Instead, they should think about how little that sacrifice is in comparison with God's immense sacrifice and immeasurable love.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
"As long as he loves the Lord"
"...Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world..." As a little girl, I remember learning this song in Sunday school. The lyrics of the song gave me reassurance that Jesus finds each one of us precious, no matter what cultural background you may have . Ever since my parents taught me the meaning of this song, I know that race would not be the main concern about the person I bring home.
As an infant, the pastor prayed over me and prayed for my parents as they chose a path to dedicate me to the Lord. Thus, my parents have been committed in training me in the ways of the Lord. After setting examples of this path, they would hope that whoever enters my life would only help me grow further down this path.
In class, we were asked "what would your parents or other family members say if you brought home a person from a different race than yours? What if you were in love with that person and thinking about marrying him, what would they do?" This is a question that I have heard answered before as my older sister dated and is now married. This question came up again once I began dating.
My mom's first question would normally be, "is he a christian?" A christian that only attends church on Sunday mornings or Holidays is not enough in my mom's eyes. My parents would not care about his race; they care about whether or not he knows Jesus. My dad's hope is for my sister and I to have a marriage where we really love the other person. "Make sure you love him" is what they would say.
For as long as I can remember, my dad has always stressed that no matter who it is I choose to marry, make sure I love them and that he loves Jesus Christ. "I don't care if he is purple, yellow, or green. As long as he loves the Lord Jesus, its fine with me," he always says.
As an infant, the pastor prayed over me and prayed for my parents as they chose a path to dedicate me to the Lord. Thus, my parents have been committed in training me in the ways of the Lord. After setting examples of this path, they would hope that whoever enters my life would only help me grow further down this path.
In class, we were asked "what would your parents or other family members say if you brought home a person from a different race than yours? What if you were in love with that person and thinking about marrying him, what would they do?" This is a question that I have heard answered before as my older sister dated and is now married. This question came up again once I began dating.
My mom's first question would normally be, "is he a christian?" A christian that only attends church on Sunday mornings or Holidays is not enough in my mom's eyes. My parents would not care about his race; they care about whether or not he knows Jesus. My dad's hope is for my sister and I to have a marriage where we really love the other person. "Make sure you love him" is what they would say.
For as long as I can remember, my dad has always stressed that no matter who it is I choose to marry, make sure I love them and that he loves Jesus Christ. "I don't care if he is purple, yellow, or green. As long as he loves the Lord Jesus, its fine with me," he always says.
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