Head-dibs

One topic often heard from objectors concerns the repentance of God where is often quoted, “God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” (Nu 23:19 KJV) against “And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (Gen 6:6 KJV). These and other scriptures seem to suggest contradiction concerning the nature of God. Perhaps in it’s most simplistic form, the question is really “how can one who does not change have a change either in mind or heart?” One way to answer the question is found in the Hebrew word "nacham", which is often translated “comfort” throughout Genesis (5:29; 24:67; 37:35; 38:12; 50:21--to select one book). This demonstrates how the Hebrew mind understands a wider range of meaning beyond simply, “to be sorry.”  The word carries the concepts  of lamenting, grieving over one’s actions ...

So . . . what happens when the 40 days are over? Does repentance bribe God? What does the ritual prove? What is repentance? Things on my mind in preparation for 2Corinthians 7 this week at Calvary Chapel Blythewood .

Next time you eat a “Danish,” repent. Great Prayer Day is a Danish holiday that began in the 1600’s. The liturgical calendar was packed with days of prayer and repentance and someone got the idea (difficult to pinpoint “who”, as many countries share the same calendar) that it would be easier to condense all these days into one; hence, the “Great” of the Prayer Day. Danish bakers particularly sought to make life easier for their customers by making special loaves that could be easily warmed on the Prayer Day--less work, more prayer.  Make certain to spend time today and every day before the Lord, keeping “short accounts.” Repentance means turning from sin to the finished work of Christ by faith. God forgives those who repent. We pray because He loves to hear from those who are His children by faith. Enjoy a Danish, and enjoy time with God today!

Ash Wednesday is the day many show an outward sign of repentance before God by wearing an imposing application of ash on the head or in the hair. This is derived from the biblical practice of mourning over sin “in dust and ashes.” What does it mean to mourn over sin? Consider the question in light of A.W. Pink’s thoughts on the Apostle Paul’s inspired teaching, "The sorrow of the world works death." (2 Corinthians 7:10): “Just as surely as happiness is the attendant of holiness--so misery is the certain result of sin. The sorrow of the world is not occasioned by mourning over sin as sin --but over the retribution which sin brings. The sorrow of the world does not arise from just views of sin, nor does it proceed from any concern that God has been offended. It does not lead the soul to God in true penitence, nor to turn to Him for consolation. When the worldling's dream of earthly happiness has been dispelled by misfortune--he feeds only on the sour bread of self-...

This is New Year’s Eve, the day before New Year’s Day. Congratulations, you made it! Make this day (and the next) meaningful by taking time for personal reflection. Someone once likened our lives to be like a stirred-up pond--murky, cloudy. When the sediment settles, the bottom can be clearly seen. Perhaps you need to get to the bottom of something with God or with someone else. There is no better time than the present to take care of business, to work toward peace and reconciliation with someone. If you need peace with God, no work is required as He's already made the way by the cross of Christ if you will repent. New Years 1863, the Emancipation Proclamation was enacted. What freedoms do you need in your life? While fireworks are a common feature of New Years, some magazine and newspaper publishers burn publications of the past year, really putting behind everything that happened the previous year. What do you need to finally put behind you on the cusp of a new year? Ancie...

I spoke with a woman was told me she could not wait to get to heaven because she would see her mother there. The woman explained her excitement further: her mother had been an atheist all her life, but now she was enjoying the presence of God in heaven! Really? Time after time I’ve heard people speak of the forgiveness and grace of God as if were automatic, as if God was obligated. Are mercy, grace and forgiveness part of the package deal of life simply because God knows we are sinners? Does God owe anyone forgiveness simply because they repent? People tell me, “I repent all the time! God just forgives!” He does? Let’s think about David for a moment. Most people remember him for killing Goliath, the champion of invaders. David is also known for murdering a man and taking his wife. He later repented and was granted forgiveness and we have evidence of this in a few places in scripture, namely Psalm 51: David cries out, God responds. That settles it, right? Hebrews 12:16-17 (fro...

I once met a man on the street who in the course of our conversation made a point to say that words have no meaning and are without power. I told him I did not understand. He explained, completely missing his point. Martin Luther knew the power of words. His famous “Mighty Fortress” contains one little word that we to this day still strive to grasp exactly that which fells the prince of darkness grim. Regardless, whatever the word is, it abides above all earthly pow’rs (no thanks to them). Yes, one word sends us reeling. Consider “on” and “off” or “hot” and “cold.” Indeed, words are powerful, meaningful. Have you ever pondered the most dangerous word? Martin Luther’s word is the word of victory, the word that leads to life. Our word is the opposite. It is the most perilous. Some words can kill a conversation, or suck the breath right out of someone’s chest. Present discussions center on “Bullying” and “President.” What about “Death” or “Poverty” or “Revenge?” Deceitfulness? ...

The following question came to me from Ghana, West Africa (as part of a longer conversation).  I post the question and a response here for your encouragement as you go into all the world with the gospel: Question: "[A Missionary said] 'When a christian sins God requires him/her to repent (be sorry) and ask His forgiveness. He will forgive your sin'. No wonder sin is prevalent on earth. Now tell me, If I kill your child, then I go to steal, I slap you for no reason. In all these instances I become sorry and ask for His forgiveness and continue this cycle till I die I will not be punished? Even disbelievers too feel sorry for some wrongs they do." Answer:   Imagine you find yourself in court with a $50,000 fine. Will the judge let you go simply because you say you’re sorry and you won’t commit the crime again? Of course not. You should be sorry for breaking the law and, of course, you shouldn’t commit the crime again. But only when someone pays your $50,000 fine...

A reader from the Philippines wrote me with the following: "I have not prayed to receive Christ and I would like to investigate more.  I want to trust Jesus with all my heart but How?"  I post my reply here for your encouragement as you talk with others about Jesus. Thank you for writing with such an excellent question. I will not only answer your question, but I will also tell you God’s will for your life. First, let’s look at what God says about the heart in the Bible: “ The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds .” (Jeremiah 17:9-10). How do we trust Him who is Perfect with something He says is deceitful and sick? Think for a moment about what is in your heart. We can do this by looking at God’s perfect standard (the Ten Commandments) which acts like a mirror to help us see what He sees—here...

I saw the following “conversation” (one of three, actually) written by a young man named Lev Novak posted on a website (forgive me if I don’t provide the link): “God: Noah, all the people of earth are sinners. You alone are righteous. Noah: Thanks God. Long time fan, first time prophet. God: So, I have decided to smite the entire world with a flood. (pause) Noah: Couldn’t you just teach man goodness? God: No. I’m thinking “flood.” Noah: So you’d rather just kill every- God: What part of “flood” do you not understand?” The act of God flooding the earth is a noteworthy matter for consideration, but is the conclusion correct? What we call “Noah’s Flood” was not a stand-alone incident and sudden whim of God.  The young man gave the reason for God’s judgment by flood in the very first sentence, “all the people of the earth are sinners.” The Bible says, “ The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his h...

There are programs today that allow teenagers to experience prison with the intent of saying, “you don’t want to be here.” It is a legitimate scare tactic that helps deter unlawful behavior and not only keeps the peace between citizens, but keeps families together and allows one to enjoy a better life. You should be thankful for programs like this! Who knows the kinds of people you rub shoulders with in this world! Consider public service announcements like this that were very common years ago: Are you aware that the number one causes of car accidents are trees? Did you know that the number one killer in the world is death? Have you ever seen what happens to a person who did not wear a seat-belt? I have. He did not go home that night and hasn’t been home since. When announcements like this are made, nobody complains because of the reality of the situation. Let’s be clear about one thing. The message of the gospel is not about relocation; that is, being saved from one place to go to ano...

Since one blogger already asked the question, I will merely catalogue a few responses received to the question, “ What is the gospel ?” "The gospel is the good news (not good advice) of the announced end of the age of decay accomplished in the incarnation and crucifixion of Jesus Christ and inaugurated in his resurrection into creation 2.0;" "It meant the announcement of a new King and a new Kingdom;" "The kingdom of God is among you;" "God's grace can prevail over my depravity;" "The good news. The kingdom is here. Is coming. Has arrived;" "The Gospel is John 3:16 followed by carrying out the 2 greatest commandments- Love God, love your neighbor as yourself;" "Son of God comes to earth, saves mankind, sparks religious unrest for next millennium;" "The Gospel is the announcement that, in Jesus, God is setting in motion a revolution to begin to make things as they will one day be;" "I don't know...

Langston Hughes cried the night he got saved. Actually, Langston Hughes cried because he knew he was not. A small section of his first autobiography, “The Big Sea” (1940) records what happened. He was twelve years old when he attended a revival at his aunt Reed's church. Days beforehand, Hughes' aunt told him about the meetings (especially the one special meeting that would be held just for the children) and what it was like to be saved. “My aunt told me that when you were saved you saw a light, and something happened to you inside! And Jesus came into your life! And God was with you from then on! She said you could see and hear and feel Jesus in your soul. I believed her. I had heard a great many old people say the same thing and it seemed to me they ought to know.” The night finally came, and Hughes was escorted to the front row, placed on the mourner's bench “with all the other young sinners, who had not yet been brought to Jesus” and waited “for Jesus to come to me.” T...

“ He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end .” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, ESV). Clement of Alexandria was not a spectacular theologian and has been the object of as much adulation as criticism. He has quoted extensively from the both Old and New Testaments in his writings and his primary work was in laying the foundations for catechism for new believers. His predecessor at the Alexandrian school was a philosopher and Clement was not lacking in the area of study himself. Reading Clement leaves one with the feeling of eavesdropping, as oftentimes he engages authors in a conversation, allowing his readers to hear. Clement often dialogued with Plato in his writings, which lead many to conclude that Clement favored Plato to the point of allowing his philosophy to influence his theology. This writer is not prepared to comment on this possibility; however, one cannot mi...

Ever hear the expression, “turning over a new leaf?“ The saying is trite today, but the principle is often applied to one’s spiritual journey, “I’ll just turn over a new leaf.” Many over-spiritualize and ask God to turn over a new leaf in them. God does not turn over leaves--He makes new ones. Here is a simple 15th century prayer to Christ (author unknown). This prayer, and others like them, are nearly forgotten. “Good God, make me for Thy love & Thy desire Lay doune the burden of fleshly myer; And erthly lykingis to lothe; My will of the flesh haue ladiship Reson of my wille haue lordship; & Thy grace be lorde upon them bothe; And so throw me withinne & withowte; To soget ondir Thy wille alle abowte; To alle that is reson Right & sothe.” Immediately one is struck by the brevity and sensitivity of the poem. “ Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few . “...

"Almighty and most merciful Father, I again appear in Thy Presence, the wretched misspender of another year which Thy mercy has allowed me. O Lord, let me now sink into total depravity, look down upon me, and rescue me at last from the captivity of sin. Impart to me good resolutions, and give me strength and perservance to perform them. Take not from me Thy Holy Spirit, but grant that I may redeem the time lost, and that by temperance and diligence, by sincere repentance and faithful obedience I may finally attain everlasting happiness, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord." (Samuel Johnson, 1709 - 1784).

"The evidence of true conversion is not simply that one time in your life you made a decision and you beleived you were sincere . . . the profession of faith: has it continued on?"

"Repentance is but a kind of table-talk, till we see so much of the deformity of our inward nature as to be in some degree frighted and terrified at the sight of it. There must be some kind of an earthquake within us, something that must rend and shake us to the bottom, before we can be enough sensible either of the state of death we are in or enough desirous of that Savior who alone can raise us from it." (William Law, 1686-1761)

"Everyone things of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself." (Leo Tolstoy, 1828 - 1910)