You can’t love and not give

Posted on October 26, 2015 by glenn

I now work in the field of philanthropy. An examination of the word reveals a simple definition. The word comes from 2 Greek words, phileo and anthropos. Phileo is brotherly love and is a reason we refer to Philadelphia as the city of brotherly love. Anthropos is mankind. Think about the word anthropology meaning the study of mankind. Thus the word philanthropy simply means love of mankind.

We usually associate philanthropy with giving. We read of wealthy philanthropists donating huge sums of money to a charitable cause. But in reality, most of us are philanthropists in one sense or another. We love mankind and we want to give. There is an unmistakable connection between giving and loving. A wise man once said, “You can give and not love but you can’t love and not give.” If you love, the giving will follow.

We associate philanthropy with giving financially. However, it is not limited to just money. Any nonprofit organization will tell you they not only have to have the finances to survive but also depend on the volunteers and their time and abilities. So giving covers a broad spectrum of areas.

Apart from finances, as I consider giving, what comes to my mind first is the marriage relationship. A strong marriage is built on selflessness. One partner should always be concerned with what is in the best interest of the other person. Ephesians 5:25 describes the love a husband is to have for his wife as a sacrificial love. Men are to love their wives as Christ loved the church. And that was enough to give Himself for her. Sacrificial love is not limited to being willing to give your life. It is being willing to live every day of your life sacrificing your selfish desires for her best interest. Giving.

Actually the Bible teaches us that this should be an attitude in all our relationships. Philippians 2: 3-4 reminds us to be considerate of others and beware of selfish actions. Let nothing be done through selfishness but always looking out for the interest of others. Giving.

What normally comes to mind when we consider giving is our financial contribution to church or charity. And certainly our premise, you can’t love and not give, is true when we consider the church. GOD has richly blessed us. He gives us all things to enjoy (1 Timothy 6:17). His greatest gift was His Son (John 3:16) without which we have no chance at eternal life (John 14:6). When we comprehend this, we love Him. And when we love Him we have no problem with our giving.

But again I think we miss a point if we limit giving to materialistic means. 2 Corinthians 8 is a lesson in giving. In verses 1 – 8 Paul makes 7 points concerning the giving of the Macedonian churches. I have these points underlined in my Bible along with a one word characteristic of their giving.

  1. The churches of Macedonia (v.1) – Anonymous – He did not specifically identify any of the individual congregations.  When we give it should not be for show (Matthew 6:1).
  2. Their liberality (v.2) – Generous – Even though in poverty themselves, they gave generously.
  3. According to their ability (v.3) – Proportionate – 1 Corinthians 16:2 notes we are to give as we have been prospered.
  4. Beyond their ability (v.3) – Sacrificial – The widow’s two mites was a sacrifice (Mark 12:42).
  5. Freely willing (v.3) – Voluntary – One’s giving cannot be coerced.  1 Corinthians 16:2 has a phrase sometimes overlooked, “let him…”
  6. First gave themselves (v.5) – Personal – One’s giving is personal.
  7. I am testing the sincerity of your love (v.8) – Proof – See verse 24 of the chapter to emphasize our focus; one can give and not love but cannot love and not give.

Now I want to note number 6 on the list above. When self is sacrificed, when my desires become secondary, giving will not be an issue.

If philanthropy, giving, is a problem, particularly toward the church, I suggest one examine self. When the Macedonians first (emphasis on rank, priority) gave themselves, all else followed.   If we do this sacrificial giving will follow.

Giving is not limited to finances. Giving begins with self. If we would put this into practice, our relationships at home, among friends, and more importantly with our GOD, would improve.

 

Posted in discipleship, giving, sacrifice, service, stewardship | 2 Comments

Ransom

Posted on October 22, 2015 by glenn

Imagine for a moment that one of your children is missing and you later get word that they are being held hostage. Perish the thought because that would be a nightmare for any parent to just think about. But imagine that scenario and ask yourself what would you be willing to pay to get the child released? I remember cases where the parents have spent their all trying to obtain the release of a child in such a situation.

Romans 6:6 describes the faithful Christian’s former state as children being in a similar state of being held hostage. It describes the sinner’s circumstances as being held captive or slaves to sin.

A few verses before that we find, “being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” This phrase is found in Romans 3:24. And it makes for a thrilling study. Let us note very briefly the words of this passage.

Being – the word is in the present tense in the Greek which means it is happening now, even as we read the words, i.e. it is continuously occurring.

Justified – a dear friend once said he thought of this phrase as “just as if I’d” never sinned.

Freely – whereas it is said of Joseph in Genesis 39:4 that he found favor or grace in the sight of his master, this was because of something Joseph did. His master saw that what Joseph did prospered and because of that the master favored Joseph. The grace of Romans 3:24 is freely given; it is not because of what we can do for GOD.

Grace – grace is sometimes defined as what we need but don’t deserve. Titus 2:11-12, tells us this grace has appeared to all men. Sadly, all will not accept it.

Which brings us to the word redemption. The Greek word translated redemption is the word apolytrosis. The meaning of this word is to release on a payment of ransom.

Man, being held captive to sin, cannot pay his own ransom. But Christ paid it for us. He redeemed us from being slaves of sin with His blood. While the grace we receive from GOD is freely given to us, it was not free for Christ. He paid dearly for our ransom.

The last words of the phrase are “in Christ.”  We must note that the redemption is found only in Christ Jesus. Paul uses the phrase, in Christ, in Him, etc. 169 times in his writings. It is found 12 times in one sentence alone in Ephesians 1:3-12.

So while we are thrilled that Someone was willing to pay our ransom we must realize the necessity of being “in Him” in order to receive the pardon.

How do we get “into” Him? Romans 6:3-4 describes the process clearly. We are baptized “into” Christ; that baptism representing a burial. Symbolically, our old man serving sin was crucified with Him and we are no longer slaves of sin. We are raised from our watery grave of baptism to walk in newness of life no longer being held hostage to sin. My ransom was paid. I hope yours has been too.

What a thrilling thought to begin my day!

 

Posted in discipleship, faith, forgiveness, salvation | Leave a comment

The Fear Factor

Posted on August 15, 2015 by glenn

“Also they are afraid of height, and of terrors in the way;”

This is found in the closing chapter of Ecclesiastes in a section of Scripture describing growing old. Verse 2 addresses the mental state, verses 3 and 4 are the physical changes, and verse 5 describes the literal change, a fear of height and terror in general.

Maybe this fear of heights comes from losing one’s sense of stability and balance. I know my fear of heights didn’t come with aging. I have always had a fear of heights. Maybe not a crippling fear but I just don’t like heights. I remember a trip to Pikes Peak and my struggle driving up the switch backs. As I looked over the edge of the road I remember thinking that I was about to get completely locked up with fear. And just for the record  I don’t particularly enjoy riding those glass elevators either.

And the second part of the verse, terror, is certainly a concern of all today.

Fear. In general, think about all the things that cause fear.

I want you to consider a simple truth: You can fear GOD OR you can fear everything else.

Solomon’s search for meaning led him to this conclusion: Fear GOD and keep His commandments for this is the whole of man.

The word fear is translated from the Hebrew term yare. This term means revere, respect, etc. So Solomon’s conclusion was two-fold. We are to fear or revere GOD and we are to obey Him. Respect and obey. One is an attitude and one is an action. This is in keeping with what is found in John 4:24 – GOD is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and truth. Spirit is the attitude and truth is the action. For our thoughts today let us consider the attitude.

To fear GOD. Fear should develop into respect. Think about how our fear of an earthly father should morph into a respect. As a young child, fear of a father might be a healthy caution of consequences. As a child there were things I dared not do because I knew there were unpleasant consequences awaiting if I did. But as we grow older it is not the fear of physical or even emotional consequences that govern our behavior toward our fathers. But if the relationship with our earthly fathers is what GOD intends we will always give them respect.

This is what we read in Hebrews 12: 9, “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us and we paid them respect.”

The older I get the more I appreciate this thought. But as much as I respect and revere my GOD, there will always be the fear factor. I love Him but I am afraid of Him. I want to live my life through Christ so that I can be treated as an adopted son and therefore have nothing to fear. But as long as I am on this side of eternity, I fear Him.

You can fear GOD or you can fear everything else. Now consider the “everything else.”

Living for GOD, fearing Him, means I don’t have to fear all the other stuff. I don’t want to live my life in fear of what might happen.

What if the economy collapses?

What if the U.S. were to fail?

What if Korea or Iran or China launches the missile?

What if?

What if?

If I am a faithful child of GOD, the best is yet to come.

Think about it….

No tears in heaven….

No more pain….

No more regrets….

No more anxieties….

Romans 8:31 reads, “What shall we say then to these things? If GOD is for us, who can be against us?”

I remember once attending a gathering of spiritual leaders when the fire alarm went off. The speaker very calmly said “Well we hope that is just a false alarm; but if not I’ll see you over there shortly.” As a faithful Christian this is how we live. We enjoy the here and now but we realize the best is yet to come.

If I fear GOD I have nothing else to fear. Seems like a pretty easy choice to me.

Posted in death, faith, God | Leave a comment

Hold Fast the Pattern

Posted on July 26, 2015 by glenn

Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.       2 Timothy 1:13

When my older son was about 3 years old, our family was visiting an arts and crafts festival. We came upon an artist doing charcoal sketches. Though we really couldn’t afford it at the time we had her do a sketch of Nick. I remember clearly the process she followed. She would look at him for a long time and then almost close her eyes for a moment. It was as though she was imprinting the image in her mind. She then would turn to her paper and sketch the features.

The first sketches were very general. But following the patterns she formed in her mind, the picture began to take shape. I loved every minute of the process. It didn’t take all that long until a wonderful picture of my son emerged on the paper. She framed it and we hung the picture on the wall at home.

A few years later our second son was born. I knew that when he was about the same age I wanted to get a similar sketch done. I thought it unlikely to have the same person do it but to my surprise we visited the festival and found the same artist. I told her our story of about 4 years earlier. She was happy to hear our story and glad to do the print of our son Drew. I saw her follow the same process. She looked, closed her eyes forming the pattern, and then sketched.

I was very happy with the result. In a few months, my younger son will turn 30 but as I sit in my study and write I can see these 2 images hanging in an adjacent room. These are treasures of mine and they evoke wonderful memories of years gone by.

Hold fast the pattern. The connection between the artist’s process and the verse from 2 Timothy should be apparent. The pattern. The Greek word translated pattern in the above verse is the word hypotuposis and it perfectly describes the process described above. The meaning is a sketch or a first draft to follow. It is actually made up of two Greek words. Hupo meaning under, and typos meaning a figure, or image, formed by an impression. So the figure is formed and then from the impression the sketch is produced.

It is found only one other time in the New Testament, that being in First Timothy. Most of the Bible translations render this word as pattern, standard, or form. There is a pattern, a standard, to follow. Paul says “hold fast the pattern of sound words.” Follow the standard and hold it dear.

Sound words. This is what should be producing our pattern. Sound words.  This is our standard. The source of sound words is GOD’S word, the Bible.

Imagine if we treated GOD’S word like the artist treated the image of the boys. Imagine if we looked on the Word, closed our eyes, imprinting the word in our minds, and then let our lives follow the pattern we hold. This is exactly what Paul is encouraging Timothy to do. And us as well.

There are countless verses that teach us the same lesson. Psalms 119:11 comes to mind. “Your word have I hidden in my heart…” More than just committing the word to memory. Imprinting this on my heart.

Let us realize that just as there are sound words, there are countless sources of unsound words. Let us hold fast the pattern of sound words.

Posted in discipleship, family, judgement, memory, reflection | 1 Comment

Concerns in these Anxious Times

Posted on July 2, 2015 by glenn

Concerns in these Anxious Times

Where are we headed? There are things that have happened in our country in the last few years that have caused us all a great deal of anxiety. I have prayed for many years for GOD to bless this country so that my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will have a place to peacefully serve the LORD. The events of recent times cause me to wonder if GOD will answer this prayer in the affirmative.

Even last night a fine young man stopped me in the parking lot to express his concern. He said he just felt like the world was crashing down on us. I encouraged him to stand firm on his faith; to join me in vowing never to give up, to fight the good fight unto the end, whatever that is.

But I too am concerned. So this morning it has driven me to the Word. This was only after my time in prayer to the One who “removes kings and raises up kings” (Dan 2:21).

My thoughts this morning will center on chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. There are several points I would like to note concerning this passage of Scripture. Philippians 4:6 begins “Be anxious for nothing…”

1. I am no Greek scholar but sometimes there are lessons to be learned by examining the original language of the New Testament. The Greek tense, mood and voice for this familiar passage is – Present, Imperative, and Active. The Present tense simply means it is an ongoing continual action. In the negative sense it means to stop the continual action. We are to stop this ongoing anxiety.

And the Imperative mood means it is a command. Paul’s admonition by Inspiration is not a suggestion. It is a command! We are to STOP our worry and anxiety. Admittedly, on our own this is easier said than done but if we look at the context of the passage we see the directions we are to follow.

2. In the context from verse 4 he tells us to rejoice in the LORD always. Why are we to rejoice? The answer is found in the closing line of verse 3 – because our names are in the Book of Life. This perspective helps us to deal with any and all anxieties. When we take an eternal view of our present status, the problems and concerns look different. Again, not easy but necessary. When we view any problem of life we should ask ourselves ‘what difference will it make in 100 years?’

3. Verse 6 begins, “Be anxious for NOTHING…” Read Matthew 6:25ff for a listing of the things for which we are NOT to be anxious. This listing includes all the necessities of life, namely food, clothing, shelter, etc.

4. And continuing – “In EVERYTHING by prayer and supplication” – don’t miss the obvious contrast between nothing and everything. In nothing we are to worry; In everything we are to be in prayer. The text notes we are to make our requests known unto Him. 1 Peter 5:7 reads, “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Now when we give our cares to Him, don’t try to take them back. He has promised that He cares for us. Let Him handle the problems. We just remain faithful to Him.

5. And if we handle our anxieties in this way, what is the promise given to us? Read Phil 4:7. “And the peace of GOD which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts…” We can’t comprehend the peace described here. But the word guard comes from a Greek word that is a military term for protecting a fort. The term is garrison. If we handle our anxiety according to the formula found here, we are promised a peace beyond our imagination that will protect us emotionally.

6. And we should not stop our reading here at verse 7. Continue with verse 8 to see how we counteract these negative worries. Paul gives us a laundry list of good things to think on – things that are true, just, pure, lovely, good report. On these things we are to meditate.

7. Our minds are going to be filled with thoughts of some kind. These thoughts will either be positive or negative. Paul gives us several categories of positive thoughts with which to fill our minds. It is not enough to tell ourselves NOT to think on these anxious thoughts and concerns. We must proactively replace them with something of a positive nature. These are categories worthy of our thoughts.

8. The word meditate means more than just a casual, passing thought. It means to ponder, to focus one’s attention for an extended period of time. Doing so prevents us from getting so caught up in the immorality of the world and the concerns of the direction in which we are headed.

9. Finally, we examine a part of Phil 4:6 skipped over earlier. In the midst of all of this, we are to be in prayer with thanksgiving. How might you ask can we be thankful during a time of great concern and anxiety? It is a mindset. Choose to see the glass half full.

One can always find the bright side for which to be thankful. I give credit to Burton Coffman’s commentary on Philippians for sharing the following from a sermon by George Henry Stephenson of Memphis, Tennessee.

  • In youth one may thank God for the brightness and prospect of life beckoning to the future.
    In age one may thank God that life has been extended so long.
    In health one may thank God for the greatest of physical blessings.
    In illness one may thank God for wise physicians, kind nurses and the tender concern of loved ones.
    In wealth one may thank God for having been made the steward of such large accounts.
    In poverty one may thank God for Him, who though He was rich became poor that He might make many rich, and for His special promise, “Blessed are the poor.”
    In the event of great loss one may thank God for blessings he is yet permitted to retain. In death itself the Christian can thank God for the hope of eternal life.

As Christians, let us all be diligent in our prayer life for our country and for our succeeding generations of loved ones. And let us remember that at all times and places, in all circumstances and situations, the Christian will thank God for Jesus Christ our Lord, for the life He lived, the death He died, His resurrection from the dead, for His everlasting gospel by which we are saved, and for the peace that passes all understanding.

Posted in faith, God, government | 1 Comment

It’s the little things that count

Posted on June 26, 2015 by glenn

It’s the little things that count….

It was Jesus who said, “I was thirsty and you gave Me drink…”

I now work with local charities and in so doing I come in contact with some heartwarming stories. Recently an executive of the local adult day care facility shared the following true story. This particular nonprofit organization provides care for adult clients, most of them suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Caring for the patients during the day hours allows the family members to work.

One day my friend received a phone call from a man searching for a place for his parents. They had just been as he phrased it, “kicked out” of the nursing home and had no place to go. The man explained that his father was particularly difficult and had problems relating to and getting along with other people. My friend said that her agency would certainly give it a try.

So the man and wife were brought the next day. I will call the man James although that was not his name. James kept to himself mostly and was quiet but otherwise seemed to adapt to his new day surroundings.

On one particular day my friend went by James and asked him “Have I told you today that I love you, James?” James asked her to repeat it. And then he said no. So my friend proceeded to say “I love you, James.” Upon hearing this James said, “Can you put that in writing?”

So my friend proceeded to her office and retrieved a pink index card. On this she wrote out the words and carried it back and gave it to James. She assumed the card would end up on the floor and thought nothing more of it.

Time passed and one day James’ son called and said James would not be there that day because he was sick and in the hospital. He expected his father would be back in a couple of days. James never returned to the day care. A few days later the son called to say that his father had passed.

And the son had another message for my friend. He said that at his father’s request, when he was buried he held in his hand the pink note from my friend.

You see, what my friend did that day was no big deal for her. In fact, she probably does those kind of things every day. She never gave it a second thought. It cost her nothing. But it was a big deal for James.

We never know when those opportunities will arise. When we have the opportunity to give that glass of water. When we can perform that kind act that will make a difference in another life.

Can we just get outside of self, long enough to realize that life is not about what we get? It is about what we give. And more often than not, what we give is not things. It may just be a kind word of encouragement.

Galatians 6:10 tells us to look for those opportunities to do good to our fellowman.

Luke 12:15 makes it clear life is not about the things we possess. Life is about relationships. It is about helping others. It is about bringing honor and glory to the One who created me. And I can do that by looking for the little things…

 

Posted in discipleship, giving, humility, influence, opportunity, reflection, service, stewardship | Leave a comment

40 and Counting…

Posted on June 21, 2015 by glenn

40 and Counting…

No, I’m not 40 years old this year. Passed that a long time ago. But I attended my 40 year class reunion this year. Wow, just saying that sounds unbelievable. Where did the time go? I remember attending the 10 year reunion. It seemed like such a long time since we had graduated. Everyone had changed so much. Looking back, that really was a very busy decade. Marriage, education, careers, moving, having children, etc. really meant a lot of change for most people.

Then the 20 year reunion and then the 30 year mark passed. I really understand now what people mean when they observe how time flies by the older we get. I guess that is understandable since early on in life a decade can mean half the time one has been alive. And now a decade represents less than 20 percent of my life. Oh well, I really enjoy my life and am anxious to see what the next 10 years brings.

Recently I began to think about the number 40 and its significance. The study of numbers is called numerology and it is particularly interesting as it relates to the Bible. For example, it is really important to understand the significance of numbers in the study of Revelation.

In general, the number 1 represents unity or togetherness. Think one GOD.
The number 2 represents strength or confirmation. Think two witnesses.
Number 3 is a sacred number representing Divine completion. Think of the Trinity.
4 is an earthly number as in the 4 directions, the 4 seasons, etc.
5 (and multiples of 5) signify human completeness. Think 5 fingers and toes.
6 (being 1 short of 7) represents imperfection.
7 represents perfection or completeness.

This study of the numbers in the Bible is very interesting. Another example is the number 3 (Divine) and 4 (earthly) multiplied together yields 12. The number 12 is a perfect number in Hebrew numerology. Think of the 12 tribes, the 12 apostles, the 12 gates, etc.

So what about the number 40? The number 40 is associated with testing and trials. It is found very often in the Scriptures. Below is a sampling of the use of 40.

• 40 days of rain with the Flood (Genesis 7)
• 40 days Moses was on the mountain (Exodus 24)
• 40 years the children wandered in the wilderness
• 40 years old was Joshua when he was sent to spy out the land
• 40 years Saul reigned as King
• 40 years David reigned over Israel
• 40 years Solomon reigned
• 40 days and Nineveh would be destroyed prophesied Jonah
• 40 days Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness
• 40 days was Jesus on earth after the Resurrection

In most of these one can see the element of testing and trials. Wow, that is really not a comforting thought as I observe my 40th class reunion. But the truth is as I observed my fellow classmates, we all have our trials and struggles. Admittedly some appear greater than others, but all struggle.

Job in the long ago observed, “Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” It is important only in how we deal with those troubles.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” He began that chapter with this comforting thought, “Let not your hearts be troubled; you believe in GOD, believe also in Me.”

So classmates and dear reader, I pray that you will seek and find the only true Comfort.

Posted in reflection, time | 1 Comment

The Trees versus the Bramble

Posted on April 27, 2015 by glenn

Hanging in my office is a framed excerpt from a speech by Theodore Roosevelt. You have probably seen it. It has been called “the Man in the Arena”. Without sharing the entire quote, it simply says the credit belongs to the man in the arena. Not the sideline observer or the Monday morning quarterback. The credit goes to the doer of deeds. It is a necessary ingredient in leadership.

I have many articles written by men such as Vince Lombardi and John Wooden that address this idea of leadership. And I am sure not the first one to observe that this is the crisis of our time. Leadership in government, in the home, in the church, in the workplace, etc. appears to be in short supply.

Recently I was considering the idea of parables. Parables are generally defined to be earthly stories with heavenly meanings. We associate parables with the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament. Much of His teaching was done through these stories designed to illustrate deeper truths. The parable of the prodigal son is a widely recognized story and teaches many wonderful lessons.

However the parables are not confined to the New Testament alone. There are many parables in the Old Testament as well. An example of this is the story Nathan told David in 2 Samuel 12: 1-7 in order to help David realize and confront the sin he had committed with Bathsheba.

Today I would like to focus our attention on the parable of the trees found in Judges 9: 8-15. The parable has strong lessons concerning the selection of leaders.

The story is told that the trees of the forest went forth looking for a tree to anoint as king over them. They first approached the olive tree. This was the most valued and respected of the trees. But the olive tree refused.

Next the trees sought the fig tree. This tree was less valued than the olive tree but still respected nonetheless. It too refused. And the search continued all the while lowering the standards.

The vine was approached and after refusing, lastly the bramble was selected. The olive tree, the fig, and the vine were all plants of great importance to the people because they produced fruit. The bramble however was completely worthless and unsuitable for the task.

The bramble was probably the thorn bush, a scraggly bush common in the hills of Canaan and a menace to farming. It produced nothing of value. But note the lowly bramble was the only one who would accept the mantle of leadership.

The scripture in Judges was applied to Abimelech. He was an unworthy leader and it was a mistake to select him for the position. The bramble was an appropriate figure for Abimelech.

The parable has application to us today. Whether we are selecting church leadership or leaders otherwise, the lesson is the same. When those qualified refuse to lead sometimes those less qualified take the lead. This is a very dangerous situation.

Even our nation is not immune. Just look back at our history over the last 50 years, note the decline in morality, and consider the role weak leadership has played in this.

Whether we are talking leadership in the church, at home, or in the pursuit of career success, I wish to make but one point. Leadership doesn’t just happen. It takes a concerted effort to prepare oneself for the mantle of leadership.

As far as church leadership goes, I am convinced this is one of the most crucial areas facing the church. Let us prepare the next generation of leaders. And you younger Christians, realize it is a project that you must work on for yourself.

The preparation is not done overnight. Study GOD’S word, make application of it, have an active prayer life and prepare yourself for that opportunity. Seize it when it comes but be sure you are an olive, fig or vine. Don’t be a bramble.

Posted in authority, government, influence, stewardship | Tagged | 1 Comment

What is in a Name?

Posted on April 21, 2015 by glenn

Is it just me or are there some unusual names today? I spent my first career in education and there were always names I could not begin to pronounce. I often wondered where those names came from. But there are also some names that stand the test of time. In fact, some very traditional names are gaining popularity today. I am always thankful to see children named for Biblical characters. Those names will never go out of style!

There is something about a name. I am sure you have researched your name to find the meaning.

In the Old Testament, one of my favorite verses is found in 2 Chronicles 7:14. Here scripture records GOD saying “If My people who are called by My Name…”

To examine the various names given to GOD is a profitable study. When Moses asked GOD what was His Name in Exodus 3:13, GOD replied “I AM”.

Let us consider the Hebrew name for GOD, EL. The first verse of the Bible uses the plural, Eloihim, giving us immediate insight into the Godhead. This plural form of the Name along with verse 26 of Genesis 1 introduces us to the 3 members of the Godhead.

“If My people who are called by My Name…” Have you considered that in Old Testament times, GOD’S people were called by His Name? GOD’S people were referred to as the children of Israel. In Genesis 32:28 Jacob’s name was changed to Israel which literally meant “wrestles with or triumphant with GOD.”

The name Israel ends in EL, thus denoting the name of GOD. Consider other names ending in EL and their corresponding meaning:
Michael – Who is like GOD?
Daniel – GOD is my Judge
Samuel – GOD heard
Gabriel – GOD is my Strength

Incidentally, Jacob named the place in Genesis 32, Peniel and reasoned “For I have seen GOD face to face.”

Let us make another observation with respect to names. The second letter of the Hebrew alphabet is the letter Beth. This letter’s name means house. It is very common for us to see the name Bethel. Close examination of Beth-El reveals the meaning to be “house of GOD.”

EL is a Hebrew name for GOD. So in Old Testament times when we read of GOD’S people being called the children of Israel we now know that in one sense they were being called by His Name.

Now let us change our thoughts somewhat and consider another name.

Isaiah 62:2 reads “You shall be called by a new name which the mouth of GOD will name.” Isaiah prophesied there would be a new name for GOD’S people. And he further prophesied the new name would come directly from the mouth of GOD.

In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Note just as the children of Israel wore the name of GOD (EL), so also the New Testament followers of GOD, Christians, wear His Name (Christ).

Now there is an interesting lesson in the original Greek language found in Acts 11:26. The term translated “were called” comes from the Greek word Chrematizo. This word carries with it the meaning to be divinely instructed or commanded. Now note, Isaiah prophesied the new name would come from the mouth of GOD. And that is precisely what we find in the Greek translation, they were divinely called Christians.

This new name of Christian was not a name given by man. No, this name came from GOD Almighty in fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophesy.

What is in a name? The name of Christ is your only means of salvation according to Acts 4:12.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

If you wear the name Christian, there is a lot involved in that name. Wear It proudly!

Posted in authority, God, salvation | Leave a comment

Merry Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2014 by glenn

Merry Christmas!!
From Glenn Taylor
December 2014

This week we celebrate the holiday many hold to be the most holy of all holidays. The nation pretty much goes all out with decorations and choir concerts not to mention the commercial aspect of the season. The shopping season now begins long before Thanksgiving!

But what about Christmas? We are not told when Christ was born. Even if we knew, the scriptures do not authorize a religious holy day for this celebration. To be sure, the Old Testament had many such holy days such as Passover and Pentecost. There are no such days in the New Testament to be celebrated on a yearly basis. We gather weekly to celebrate His death, burial and resurrection each Sunday. But what about His birth?

The fact is, it is very unlikely Jesus was born on December 25th.

Luke 2:8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

Winter is wet and cold in Judea. It is unlikely shepherds spent a December night in the open fields. It is more reasonable to think this was probably during the lambing season. During this time, the nights are balmy and shepherds are awake tending the ewes. The fact is early historical writings show the early Christians thought Christ was born in March or April.

So what is the origin of Christmas? The word was coined in the 11th century but the celebrations began much earlier. Records show there was an observance of Jesus’ birth as early as 180 AD. However, it was not until 386 AD that it was moved to December 25th.

Why December? The Roman Empire dissolved around 400 AD. Prior to this it was deeply involved in paganism. There was a pagan festival celebrated in December called Natalis Invicti or Saturnalia. This festival actually began on December 17th and ran for several days. It was called the festival of Saturn and celebrated the “Return of the Sun”. Remember Rome being in the same hemisphere as we, experiences the Winter Solstice on December 21st, (this of course being the shortest day of the year). This festival, Natalis Invicti, was a boisterous affair. Over time the Romans had pulled their Christian friends into the partying. By 386 AD the official celebration was called Christ’s Mass which means “Christ is coming”. Several centuries later we find the word Christmas.

Incidentally, many of our traditional celebrations can be traced back to this very festival. The decorated Christmas tree is said to have its roots when the ancient Romans decorated trees with small pieces of metal during Saturnalia, the winter festival in honor of Saturnus, the god of agriculture.

The question remains “Should the Christian celebrate Christmas?” Using Galatians 4: 10,11 and Colossians 2:16 some will say no.

Galatians 4: 10,11: You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain.

Colossians 2: 16: So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths,

Others pointing to the freedom of Romans 14: 5,6 say it is a matter of opinion.

Romans 14: 5,6: One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks.

We have no precept or example for its observance therefore faithful Christians do not keep it as a religious festival. I am reminded of Guy N. Woods when he said, “Many people consider it as no more than a holiday around which many family, social and national traditions have gathered, and there is in it for them no religious implications. I grew up in a home where these views prevailed and though the season contributed much to my happiness and enjoyment, I was never under the impression that we were observing Christ’s birthday. Christmas, when thus regarded, is simply an occasion when gifts are exchanged, families get together, and hearts are warmed by the happy festivities.”1

He goes on to address the argument that some will not use the word Christmas (Christ’s Mass) because it is of Catholic origin. “It is inconsistent to offer this objection and to refuse the use of the word Christmas, because of its origin, while using, without question, many others of similar objectionable origin. These words through the years have undergone modification to the point they no longer convey an improper sense. Sunday derives from “sacred day of the sun”; Monday, “sacred day of the moon”; Wednesday “Woden’s Day”, (Woden was one of the chief idols of mythology.); Thursday designates the day of the war god Thor; and Saturday comes from the very same god, Saturn that was mentioned earlier. To us, the days of the week bear no connection to earlier usage and we use them in harmony with their meaning to us and not to others. Similarly, Christmas is not a “mass for Christ” but a day of joy, gladness and warmth when friends and loved ones take occasion to meet and mingle, exchange gifts and good wishes, and relax in a season of happiness and good will.”2

The season is one of my favorite times of the year. I do not attach religious meanings to the season but I do relish and enjoy what this season stands for otherwise. I hope each of you enjoy the season and have time to visit family and friends. May we each count our blessings, one of which is that we have been allowed to live and see another year come and go. Merry Christmas to each of you.

1 Woods, Guy N. Questions and Answers, Open Forum. Henderson: Freed-Hardeman University, 1976, 203-204.
2 Ibid.

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