"Social tolerance means that we treat other people with respect regardless of their religious views. We believe all people are created in the image of God and therefore have dignity and worth."
"The third kind of tolerance is intellectual; that is, the question of whether one is willing to compromise his fundamental beliefs . . . Those who dialogue with other religions with the intention of integrating such beliefs . . . "
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishing 1994
p. 197
A man or woman is of immeasureable worth, no matter what they believe! But what each person believes bears eternal consequences.
Lutzer warns, rather emphatically, that Christian tolerance has limits--particularly at the point where tolerance begins changing the landscape of God's Word.
We can't mix a little Christianity with a little karma, and a little astrology. What God's Word forbids, we cannot add without sinning--and without deceiving others.
Two Scriptures come to mind: "The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth. Purified seven times." Psalm 12: 6 NKJV
God's Word is not a haphazard word. It is tried and proven. Lutzer wrote another book on the trustworthiness of God's Word. It holds up under scrutiny.
"Dead flies putrefy the perfumer's ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor." Ecclesiastes 10: 1 NKJV
Little flies--little follies become the ruin of something precious.
This has been a pretty heavy couple weeks in my blog; not where I intended to go and frankly, not where I wanted to go. But I feel it's a time and place that God has asked me to take a stand.
EverGrowing--not always willingly,
Lonnie
Thursday, May 22, 2014
Monday, May 19, 2014
LEGAL TOLERANCE
"As Christians we must fight for legal tolerance; that is, the freedom for individuals to believe as they wish. No one can be coerced to believe in Christ; no one should be rejected because he belongs to another religion."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 197
Lutzer refers to three kinds of tolerance, as explained by Harold Netland in Dissonant Voices: Legal, Social, and Intellectual.
America was founded on the freedom of religion; freedom to worship according to our own consciences. That doesn't mean freedom just for Christians. I admit, that's hard for me to swallow. And I think one reason might be because that freedom isn't necessarily reciprocal.
"The religions of the Far East," writes Lutzer, "often give an aura of tolerance that is particularly directed toward Western audiences. However, those who have lived in(those) countries . . . tell stories of repression, persecution, and ostracism . . . " p. 196 I see those attitudes coming to the United States. But--reciprocal or not, everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choice. And like Lutzer writes, they can't be "coerced" to believe Christ. Nor is that what we desire. The rich life we experience with Christ is because of our own "heart" decision.
I think another reason I struggle with freedom-for-all is two-fold: My own conviction that accepting Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the only way to heaven; my conviction, also, that there are only two possible destinations, and the other option is equally "eternal." I want everyone to know the truth/Truth and to go to heaven.
The other fold is concern; my own uncertainty of where God-honoring solitude, silence, and meditation become too influenced by Eastern practices of meditation. And the possibility of the Body of Christ being deceived.
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the decendents of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." Isaiah 2:6 NIV
Psalms and Joshua tell us to meditate on God's Word/Law, on His unfailing love, on His mighty deeds, on His promises. I'm, frankly, unsure about meditating on a waterfall, eagle, or one particular word. But that's me. I've yet to work all this out. And, within the subject of this blog, I must let others work it out for themselves, as well.
How do you practice freedom-for-all? Do you incorporate meditation into your relationship with Jesus? What does it look like?
EverGrowing--Sometimes Rambling,
Lonnie
PS: Next time Social and Intellectual Tolerance to conclude my walk with Lutzer through "Christ Among Other gods."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 197
Lutzer refers to three kinds of tolerance, as explained by Harold Netland in Dissonant Voices: Legal, Social, and Intellectual.
America was founded on the freedom of religion; freedom to worship according to our own consciences. That doesn't mean freedom just for Christians. I admit, that's hard for me to swallow. And I think one reason might be because that freedom isn't necessarily reciprocal.
"The religions of the Far East," writes Lutzer, "often give an aura of tolerance that is particularly directed toward Western audiences. However, those who have lived in(those) countries . . . tell stories of repression, persecution, and ostracism . . . " p. 196 I see those attitudes coming to the United States. But--reciprocal or not, everyone deserves the freedom to make their own choice. And like Lutzer writes, they can't be "coerced" to believe Christ. Nor is that what we desire. The rich life we experience with Christ is because of our own "heart" decision.
I think another reason I struggle with freedom-for-all is two-fold: My own conviction that accepting Jesus Christ's death and resurrection is the only way to heaven; my conviction, also, that there are only two possible destinations, and the other option is equally "eternal." I want everyone to know the truth/Truth and to go to heaven.
The other fold is concern; my own uncertainty of where God-honoring solitude, silence, and meditation become too influenced by Eastern practices of meditation. And the possibility of the Body of Christ being deceived.
"You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the decendents of Jacob. They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines and embrace pagan customs." Isaiah 2:6 NIV
Psalms and Joshua tell us to meditate on God's Word/Law, on His unfailing love, on His mighty deeds, on His promises. I'm, frankly, unsure about meditating on a waterfall, eagle, or one particular word. But that's me. I've yet to work all this out. And, within the subject of this blog, I must let others work it out for themselves, as well.
How do you practice freedom-for-all? Do you incorporate meditation into your relationship with Jesus? What does it look like?
EverGrowing--Sometimes Rambling,
Lonnie
PS: Next time Social and Intellectual Tolerance to conclude my walk with Lutzer through "Christ Among Other gods."
Thursday, May 15, 2014
SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS AND DOCTRINAL HAIR-SPLITTING?
"How can we be active witnesses for Christ in an era of unprecedented tolerance, an era in which converting someone else to your religious views is labeled bigotry and predjudice? If tolerance is indeed a national icon, how can we witness without the stigma of self-righteousness and a penchant for doctrinal hair-splitting?"
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 195-6
I'm going to pull a mean one, here. I sat with this question through twelve chapters. Not unlike a novel, I hoped upon hope that I would find an answer(s) at the end. Can I ask "you" to sit with this question for a day or two? Have you struggled with it before? "I" feel like I face it every day. Concern for the lost--how do I share Jesus without turning people off? -- Should I "care" if I turn people off? Don't they at least need an "opportunity" to accept or reject the truth. Their eternity is at stake.
When I read Scripture, I like to exhaust "Word on Word" resources, if you will: cross-references, concordance, multiple readings. Once, I feel like I have an idea of what the passage means, I'll check with a commentary or two. I think that might be good to do with this subject. Without outside resources, how would you answer Lutzer's questions?
Pondering and Growing,
Lonnie
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 195-6
I'm going to pull a mean one, here. I sat with this question through twelve chapters. Not unlike a novel, I hoped upon hope that I would find an answer(s) at the end. Can I ask "you" to sit with this question for a day or two? Have you struggled with it before? "I" feel like I face it every day. Concern for the lost--how do I share Jesus without turning people off? -- Should I "care" if I turn people off? Don't they at least need an "opportunity" to accept or reject the truth. Their eternity is at stake.
When I read Scripture, I like to exhaust "Word on Word" resources, if you will: cross-references, concordance, multiple readings. Once, I feel like I have an idea of what the passage means, I'll check with a commentary or two. I think that might be good to do with this subject. Without outside resources, how would you answer Lutzer's questions?
Pondering and Growing,
Lonnie
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
A "PASTOR" SAID "THAT?!"
"Years ago I was sitting next to a popular woman pastor at a banquet. I asked her, "'Do you believe Christ is the only way to God?'
"She replied, 'Of course! Why do you ask?'
"'Do you believe that all the religions of the world are equally valid?'
"Again the reply, 'Of course!'
"When I asked her how this could be reconciled with the view that Christ was the only way to God, she refused to answer. Undaunted, I persisted until she leaned over and whispered in my ear, 'When I speak about Christ, I'm not talking about Jesus of Nazareth!.'"
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p.115
Seriously, who'd have thought!?
Lutzer knew of this woman and her beliefs; that's why he pushed a bit in this conversation. But how many of us would have thought we were talking to another Christian? And frankly, what disturbs me is that she leaned over and "whispered." In other words, she was well aware that her words were deceptive. That while she said one thing, she meant quite another.
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God . . . " 1 John 4: 1-3
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12 NIV
(all emphasis mine)
Thank you, Erwin Lutzer, for allowing us to eavesdrop on your conversation; for showing us the need to "test the spirits" and showing us how to do so, according to God's Word.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
"She replied, 'Of course! Why do you ask?'
"'Do you believe that all the religions of the world are equally valid?'
"Again the reply, 'Of course!'
"When I asked her how this could be reconciled with the view that Christ was the only way to God, she refused to answer. Undaunted, I persisted until she leaned over and whispered in my ear, 'When I speak about Christ, I'm not talking about Jesus of Nazareth!.'"
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p.115
Seriously, who'd have thought!?
Lutzer knew of this woman and her beliefs; that's why he pushed a bit in this conversation. But how many of us would have thought we were talking to another Christian? And frankly, what disturbs me is that she leaned over and "whispered." In other words, she was well aware that her words were deceptive. That while she said one thing, she meant quite another.
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God . . . " 1 John 4: 1-3
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:12 NIV
(all emphasis mine)
Thank you, Erwin Lutzer, for allowing us to eavesdrop on your conversation; for showing us the need to "test the spirits" and showing us how to do so, according to God's Word.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Monday, May 12, 2014
ALL RELIGIONS EQUALLY TRUE?
"If all the religions of the world are equally true, logic requires that they all are equally false: The conflicting doctrines would cancel one another!
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 49-50
Logically, Lutzer explains, all religions of the world may be false. But logically, they cannot all be true.
I beg you to think this through. Christians believe in one God. Hindus believe in thousands. Many religions believe Jesus was a great man; a great prophet. He is all that and more. He is God! "When the Parliament of the World's Religions issued a Global Ethic, it did not even use the word God because some Buddists would have been offended." (Lutzer/p.48)
We are not talking baptism by sprinkling or immersion, here. We are not talking about tongues or not tongues. We are not discussing whether Saturday or Sunday is the appropriate Sabbath; or what constitutes dishonoring that Sabbath. We are talking about God's first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me."
In the name of tolerance and diversity . . . maybe in the name of Minnesota Nice, I feel "required" to accept everyone's religion. I'm required to appreciate their culture, their beliefs. We have much to learn from one another and all religions, after all, have similar results--peace, love of mankind . . . and all the more so when agree.
I can appreciate. I can learn. I can love; and I do. Oh, my goodness, I encounter incredibly special people every day!
I cannot agree. Scriptures forbid that I do. I, at this point, have to choose --to please man or to please God. Because I have grown to love my Creator, my companion, and my Savior; and because this God holds eternity in His Hands, I choose to please Him.
By His Strength,
Lonnie
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 49-50
Logically, Lutzer explains, all religions of the world may be false. But logically, they cannot all be true.
I beg you to think this through. Christians believe in one God. Hindus believe in thousands. Many religions believe Jesus was a great man; a great prophet. He is all that and more. He is God! "When the Parliament of the World's Religions issued a Global Ethic, it did not even use the word God because some Buddists would have been offended." (Lutzer/p.48)
We are not talking baptism by sprinkling or immersion, here. We are not talking about tongues or not tongues. We are not discussing whether Saturday or Sunday is the appropriate Sabbath; or what constitutes dishonoring that Sabbath. We are talking about God's first commandment: "You shall have no other gods before Me."
In the name of tolerance and diversity . . . maybe in the name of Minnesota Nice, I feel "required" to accept everyone's religion. I'm required to appreciate their culture, their beliefs. We have much to learn from one another and all religions, after all, have similar results--peace, love of mankind . . . and all the more so when agree.
I can appreciate. I can learn. I can love; and I do. Oh, my goodness, I encounter incredibly special people every day!
I cannot agree. Scriptures forbid that I do. I, at this point, have to choose --to please man or to please God. Because I have grown to love my Creator, my companion, and my Savior; and because this God holds eternity in His Hands, I choose to please Him.
By His Strength,
Lonnie
Friday, May 9, 2014
FREE TO WORSHIP PRIVATELY
"The Emperor Diocletian has issued a new order, requiring all people to attend the religious/political ceremony designed to unify the nation and revive lagging patriotism within the empire. Specifically, this ceremony involves burning a bit of incense and saying simply, 'Caesar is Lord.' Those who do this receive a seal of approval; those who don't might well be put to death.
" . . . they would actually not have to stop worshiping the true God; after they have sworn their allegiance to Caesar as Lord, they are free to privately worship whatever god they wish. Every religion is tolerated; freedom to choose one's own god is generally accepted. Indeed, there is richness in diversity."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody 1994
p.43
Worship your God. You absolutely have that freedom. But -- do it privately. Take down the crosses, remove the Ten Commandments. Hide your nativity scenes. And please (!) don't pray in school or in public. Some may be offended. And for the sake of peace, diversity, and fairness, we can't have that.
Every religion is tolerated; dare I say encouraged? Every religion, it seems, except Christianity. I feel that way; and others around me express that irritation often. BUT why are we surprised?
"This is the verdict. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."
John 3: 20 NIV
Symbols of, and especially words of Christ expose sin. They expose our sins, as well. Christians, however, use such "lights" to also remind them of God's forgiveness.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you . . ."
John 15: 18-19 NIV
We don't belong to the world, so it hates us.
"Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."
Luke 6: 22-23
Sometimes, this presents a quandry for me. The closer the coming of Jesus becomes, the more hatred (intolerance) of Christianity there is likely to be. We have already lost freedoms of expressing our faith. There's a good chance that pattern will continue. Do we "accept" what we "expect?" Do we quit standing up for Christ and worship privately?
Here's my thought, even if I don't like it. I believe we have to continue fighting for our freedoms, so long as we have the freedom to do so. But . . . I think we need to do so for the love of Christ and for the people He died for, knowing this: we may suffer for doing so. The suffering, my friend, is temporary. For those who don't know Christ, their suffering is just beginning. When we are willing to suffer for our faith, doesn't it speak to the truth and reality of Christ? Perhaps, our willingness to suffer will draw others to Him.
EverGrowing
Lonnie
" . . . they would actually not have to stop worshiping the true God; after they have sworn their allegiance to Caesar as Lord, they are free to privately worship whatever god they wish. Every religion is tolerated; freedom to choose one's own god is generally accepted. Indeed, there is richness in diversity."
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody 1994
p.43
Worship your God. You absolutely have that freedom. But -- do it privately. Take down the crosses, remove the Ten Commandments. Hide your nativity scenes. And please (!) don't pray in school or in public. Some may be offended. And for the sake of peace, diversity, and fairness, we can't have that.
Every religion is tolerated; dare I say encouraged? Every religion, it seems, except Christianity. I feel that way; and others around me express that irritation often. BUT why are we surprised?
"This is the verdict. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed."
John 3: 20 NIV
Symbols of, and especially words of Christ expose sin. They expose our sins, as well. Christians, however, use such "lights" to also remind them of God's forgiveness.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you . . ."
John 15: 18-19 NIV
We don't belong to the world, so it hates us.
"Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man.
"Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets."
Luke 6: 22-23
Sometimes, this presents a quandry for me. The closer the coming of Jesus becomes, the more hatred (intolerance) of Christianity there is likely to be. We have already lost freedoms of expressing our faith. There's a good chance that pattern will continue. Do we "accept" what we "expect?" Do we quit standing up for Christ and worship privately?
Here's my thought, even if I don't like it. I believe we have to continue fighting for our freedoms, so long as we have the freedom to do so. But . . . I think we need to do so for the love of Christ and for the people He died for, knowing this: we may suffer for doing so. The suffering, my friend, is temporary. For those who don't know Christ, their suffering is just beginning. When we are willing to suffer for our faith, doesn't it speak to the truth and reality of Christ? Perhaps, our willingness to suffer will draw others to Him.
EverGrowing
Lonnie
Thursday, May 8, 2014
CHRIST AMONG OTHER gods
"You've heard of 'political correctness,' that doctrine based on a new American right--the right to never be offended. If your views run counter to the official liberal agenda, it is best to remain quiet or be accused of 'verbal violence.'"
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 30
I love that Lutzer and Moody use smaller case letters for "gods." Because, there is only one God. I'm likely to spend a few blogs in this subject and in this book. Ray and I attended a Changing Times conference, where Lutzer and others spoke. My prayer since has been, " Help us to be ready in season and out to give a reason for the hope that is in us."
This seems like a dangerous time to be a Christian, but it is no time to be silent. We have already lost freedoms in living and expressing our faith. The speed of continuing losses will only increase with our silence. Or -- another way to look at it is this: many don't yet know Christ, nor have they claimed the promise of eternal life. Let's tell them while we can.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
Erwin W. Lutzer
Christ Among Other gods
Moody Publishers 1994
p. 30
I love that Lutzer and Moody use smaller case letters for "gods." Because, there is only one God. I'm likely to spend a few blogs in this subject and in this book. Ray and I attended a Changing Times conference, where Lutzer and others spoke. My prayer since has been, " Help us to be ready in season and out to give a reason for the hope that is in us."
This seems like a dangerous time to be a Christian, but it is no time to be silent. We have already lost freedoms in living and expressing our faith. The speed of continuing losses will only increase with our silence. Or -- another way to look at it is this: many don't yet know Christ, nor have they claimed the promise of eternal life. Let's tell them while we can.
EverGrowing,
Lonnie
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