Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Olympics Oscars Politics- Winners and Losers
Pastor’s NewsViews
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
Wins and losses define success in this 21st century world. This week, newspapers, magazines and the Internet headline several events where winners and losers are recognized in virtually every facet of life. There are actually only a few life situations where no one keeps score. Winners are honored and losers are eliminated in sports, entertainment, business, politics, and education. For example, athletes trained for the 2014 Sochi winter Olympics with goal of winning medals. Certainly there are other lofty ideals such as fostering positive international relations, but the focus is on winning and losing. They keep score at the Olympics with the medal count updated every day.
The entertainment industry is also highly competitive with the 86th annual Academy Awards this Sunday March 2nd. Although the nomination itself is an honor, producers, actors and studios care deeply whether or not they win the Oscar in the numerous categories. The box office is also a scorecard as blockbuster or bust measured by profit or loss due to high or low ticket sales.
Politics is another arena that is highly competitive and affects the quality of life of virtually all residents coast to coast. Elections never result in ties. There will always be a winner in every election! The March primaries signal the beginning of a very volatile, competitive 2014 political season. It matters greatly who wins or loses this March as nominees are chosen for the general election next November. Winning versus losing is the only goal for those who are now inundating the media with attempts to get your vote.
In this highly competitive world, a Biblical perspective regarding winners and losers must be modeled by the current generation and communicated to the next generation. Some persons devalue the importance of striving for excellence with attitude that all should be treated equally regardless of their actions or attitudes. This is mentality of playing a game and just not keeping score. Those with such a non-competitive philosophy often have very good intentions, but the ultimate result is a loss of productivity. Specifically, this attitude fosters laziness in children and youth if they do not learn the value of study and hard work. The contrast to this devaluing of competition is the philosophy that a person’s worth is measured by their performance. An overemphasis on winning has potentially dire consequences with the possibility of pride by winners and depression by losers.
The Biblical balance is to recognize the limitations of success relative to the eternal spiritual values. Paul expressed this contrast in his Holy Spirit inspired letter to 1st century church and pastor, Timothy. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God… 1 Tim 4:8-11
Biblical teaching is for Christ-followers to do all we do to honor God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father Col. 3:17 The Scriptural rationale for giving our best efforts in all ventures applies to athletes, employees, and students in 21st century just as it did to 1st century slaves to whom it was originally addressed. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, Eph. 6:6-7.
Olympic medalists, Oscar presentations, and 2014 political campaigning are a NewsViews reminder to Christ-followers that the Ultimate Winner is Jesus Christ. Thus, we are victorious in our relationship with Him. We are never losers, but always winners in Jesus...we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:37-39
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
Wins and losses define success in this 21st century world. This week, newspapers, magazines and the Internet headline several events where winners and losers are recognized in virtually every facet of life. There are actually only a few life situations where no one keeps score. Winners are honored and losers are eliminated in sports, entertainment, business, politics, and education. For example, athletes trained for the 2014 Sochi winter Olympics with goal of winning medals. Certainly there are other lofty ideals such as fostering positive international relations, but the focus is on winning and losing. They keep score at the Olympics with the medal count updated every day.
The entertainment industry is also highly competitive with the 86th annual Academy Awards this Sunday March 2nd. Although the nomination itself is an honor, producers, actors and studios care deeply whether or not they win the Oscar in the numerous categories. The box office is also a scorecard as blockbuster or bust measured by profit or loss due to high or low ticket sales.
Politics is another arena that is highly competitive and affects the quality of life of virtually all residents coast to coast. Elections never result in ties. There will always be a winner in every election! The March primaries signal the beginning of a very volatile, competitive 2014 political season. It matters greatly who wins or loses this March as nominees are chosen for the general election next November. Winning versus losing is the only goal for those who are now inundating the media with attempts to get your vote.
In this highly competitive world, a Biblical perspective regarding winners and losers must be modeled by the current generation and communicated to the next generation. Some persons devalue the importance of striving for excellence with attitude that all should be treated equally regardless of their actions or attitudes. This is mentality of playing a game and just not keeping score. Those with such a non-competitive philosophy often have very good intentions, but the ultimate result is a loss of productivity. Specifically, this attitude fosters laziness in children and youth if they do not learn the value of study and hard work. The contrast to this devaluing of competition is the philosophy that a person’s worth is measured by their performance. An overemphasis on winning has potentially dire consequences with the possibility of pride by winners and depression by losers.
The Biblical balance is to recognize the limitations of success relative to the eternal spiritual values. Paul expressed this contrast in his Holy Spirit inspired letter to 1st century church and pastor, Timothy. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God… 1 Tim 4:8-11
Biblical teaching is for Christ-followers to do all we do to honor God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father Col. 3:17 The Scriptural rationale for giving our best efforts in all ventures applies to athletes, employees, and students in 21st century just as it did to 1st century slaves to whom it was originally addressed. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, Eph. 6:6-7.
Olympic medalists, Oscar presentations, and 2014 political campaigning are a NewsViews reminder to Christ-followers that the Ultimate Winner is Jesus Christ. Thus, we are victorious in our relationship with Him. We are never losers, but always winners in Jesus...we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom 8:37-39
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Snakehandlers
An example of a gross misunderstanding of scripture is in the news during this last week of February. Jamie Coots was co pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Jesus Name, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. On Saturday night, February 15th, he died from a rattlesnake bite after he “took up” the serpent in a religious ritual at church services earlier that night. Coots refused treatment for the snake bite both at the church and later at his home. Coots and his church are one of an estimated 125 USA congregations that practice a religious ritual of “taking up” snakes. This bizarre ritual is based on a misunderstanding of a phrase in the Gospel of Mark. They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. Mark 16:18 Coots was featured last year in the National Geographic reality show Snake Salvation. He is a 3rd generation pastor leading his church in the snake handling ritual in their church services. The ritual is illegal, but local authorities generally tend to not prosecute snake handlers. Virtually all of the groups that hold to this belief are located in rural communities such as Middlesboro. Coots has led his church in this ritual for many years, and this was the 10th time he was bitten in a church service. Several years ago, Coots lost a portion of a finger as it literally rotted away to the bone due to a snake bite. The family views Coots death as simply God’s will. His son, Cody Coots said, The snake that bit him, we've been carrying him to the church for about four months. It's been carried hundreds of times, handled all kinds of times but now when it's your time to go, it's just your time to go.
Andrew Hamblin, whose mentor is Coots, is another pastor featured in the Snake Salvation reality show. Hamblin’s church, Tabernacle Church of God is across the state line in La Follette, Tennessee. In Tennessee, the conflict between over religious freedom is more than just a philosophical debate. The possession of the snakes is a clear violation of a 1947 law banning ownership of poisonous reptiles. These sincere snake handlers base their religious ritual on the Mark 16:18 scripture. Proper interpretation is that Jesus is simply stating the supernatural power of God in the lives of His followers. One example of that power is an incident recorded in the book of Acts. The apostle Paul was not hurt and God was glorified when he was bitten by a poisonous snake after surviving a storm and being shipwrecked. (Acts 28:5)
In response to this recent tragedy, please note two NewsViews conclusions. The 1stapplication is that all have every right to practice their religion as they choose. Neither the government nor other Christians have the right to prohibit the free expression of any religious belief, regardless of how bizarre it may be. Even to the point of death, these sincere, yet misguided believers must be free to express their religion. If the government is ever given the right to determine which religious rituals are acceptable, even the most orthodox church has the potential of being controlled by government. The 2nd application is that churches & Christians must make it a priority to train believers in the application of scripture. Paul’s challenge (accurately handling the word of truth 2 Tim 2:15) is just as practical in 2014 as it was in the 1st century.
The snake handling heresy is bizarre and dangerous and brings ridicule by those who are skeptical of Christians. There is, however, an even greater heresy regarding scriptural truth far more prevalent than snake-handlers in rural Appalachian states. This truly dangerous doctrinal error is the widely held belief in a universal grace. Biblical truth is that grace and justice complement each other. There cannot be one without the other. If there is grace, there must first be consequence for sin so that Christ’s sacrifice has purpose. Universalism is a worldview that must be challenged by truth. It is heartbreaking that a very sincere man, like Pastor Coots, would die with snake venom in his veins due to his misapplication of scripture. It is even more heartbreaking that millions of people are inflicted with the venom of sin. This venom brings eternal death and separation from God. As recorded in Genesis, Satan deceived humanity as the serpent in the garden. The promise from the very beginning is that God will ultimately crush the power of Satan. God cursed the serpent and spoke prophetically. He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel. Genesis 3:15 The power over the “serpent” is Jesus’ death burial and resurrection! All humanity has the venom of sin, but truth is now a song of triumph. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:55-57
Today’s NewsView is a call to fervently defend our Constitutional rights for religious freedom. NewsViews is also a reminder to clearly teach salvation by grace instead of the heresy of universalism… but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:55-57
Andrew Hamblin, whose mentor is Coots, is another pastor featured in the Snake Salvation reality show. Hamblin’s church, Tabernacle Church of God is across the state line in La Follette, Tennessee. In Tennessee, the conflict between over religious freedom is more than just a philosophical debate. The possession of the snakes is a clear violation of a 1947 law banning ownership of poisonous reptiles. These sincere snake handlers base their religious ritual on the Mark 16:18 scripture. Proper interpretation is that Jesus is simply stating the supernatural power of God in the lives of His followers. One example of that power is an incident recorded in the book of Acts. The apostle Paul was not hurt and God was glorified when he was bitten by a poisonous snake after surviving a storm and being shipwrecked. (Acts 28:5)
In response to this recent tragedy, please note two NewsViews conclusions. The 1stapplication is that all have every right to practice their religion as they choose. Neither the government nor other Christians have the right to prohibit the free expression of any religious belief, regardless of how bizarre it may be. Even to the point of death, these sincere, yet misguided believers must be free to express their religion. If the government is ever given the right to determine which religious rituals are acceptable, even the most orthodox church has the potential of being controlled by government. The 2nd application is that churches & Christians must make it a priority to train believers in the application of scripture. Paul’s challenge (accurately handling the word of truth 2 Tim 2:15) is just as practical in 2014 as it was in the 1st century.
The snake handling heresy is bizarre and dangerous and brings ridicule by those who are skeptical of Christians. There is, however, an even greater heresy regarding scriptural truth far more prevalent than snake-handlers in rural Appalachian states. This truly dangerous doctrinal error is the widely held belief in a universal grace. Biblical truth is that grace and justice complement each other. There cannot be one without the other. If there is grace, there must first be consequence for sin so that Christ’s sacrifice has purpose. Universalism is a worldview that must be challenged by truth. It is heartbreaking that a very sincere man, like Pastor Coots, would die with snake venom in his veins due to his misapplication of scripture. It is even more heartbreaking that millions of people are inflicted with the venom of sin. This venom brings eternal death and separation from God. As recorded in Genesis, Satan deceived humanity as the serpent in the garden. The promise from the very beginning is that God will ultimately crush the power of Satan. God cursed the serpent and spoke prophetically. He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel. Genesis 3:15 The power over the “serpent” is Jesus’ death burial and resurrection! All humanity has the venom of sin, but truth is now a song of triumph. O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; 57 but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:55-57
Today’s NewsView is a call to fervently defend our Constitutional rights for religious freedom. NewsViews is also a reminder to clearly teach salvation by grace instead of the heresy of universalism… but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor 15:55-57
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Valentine Gay Agenda
Pastor’s NewsViews
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
Valentine Day is celebrated each year with multiplied millions of expressions of affection and love. Husbands and wives schedule a date night or weekend together; sweethearts search for just the right gift to send to each other; children give homemade cards to parents and friends. All such gifts and statements of love are consistent with a Biblical worldview of love and family. The sad reality in 21st century USA is that the very foundations for traditional Valentines continue to be under siege. Cultural attacks on the family include potential legalization of same sex marriage in more states, blatant disregard for the Defense of Marriage legislation that is still the law of the land, and granting same sex benefits to couples by some secular and governmental employers. The irony is that more heterosexual couples choose to cohabit without marriage commitment, while same sex couples are lobbying to redefine marriage and family to accommodate their desires. There are many overt political issues in this cultural struggle as traditional Biblical definitions of love and family are attacked.
There are also many subtle attacks as the gay rights agenda is championed in popular media. The recent interview with an All American football player from the University of Missouri is one such example. The announcement that he has same-sex attraction is giving this Southeastern Conference (SEC) co-defensive player of the year huge notoriety. He is hailed in the media as courageous for his efforts to be the first openly gay player in the National Football League. It is ludicrous to treat any person as a hero just because he or she redefines sexuality by cultural standards and not scriptural truth. His sexual choice does not give him special status. It is responsible journalism and good football strategy to just discuss his football abilities and draft him to play defensive tackle in the NFL if he can compete at the next level. He is no hero- just another very good football player. There is no reason to discuss bedrooms; just determine if he has the talent to be in an NFL locker room and play on Sunday afternoons next fall.
Those with same sex attraction and heterosexuals are constantly tempted by sexual sin. The temptation is not the sin, but acting on the temptation violates God’s standards. Homosexual behavior is one of many choices where people live by their own standards instead of accepting Biblical truth. Other sexual temptations include heterosexual sex without a marriage commitment, adultery, pornography. All these temptations are a battle, but can be overcome by persons who choose that their first love is Jesus Christ. The issues of love and marriage on Valentine’s Day in the context of 21st century culture are far more complex than can be addressed in this brief NewsViews article. The short-version of this Valentine’s challenge for authentic love is defined by the 1st century Holy Spirit inspired love poem in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christ-followers in ancient Corinth. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Tim Edwards, Pastor
First Baptist Church Highlands
Valentine Day is celebrated each year with multiplied millions of expressions of affection and love. Husbands and wives schedule a date night or weekend together; sweethearts search for just the right gift to send to each other; children give homemade cards to parents and friends. All such gifts and statements of love are consistent with a Biblical worldview of love and family. The sad reality in 21st century USA is that the very foundations for traditional Valentines continue to be under siege. Cultural attacks on the family include potential legalization of same sex marriage in more states, blatant disregard for the Defense of Marriage legislation that is still the law of the land, and granting same sex benefits to couples by some secular and governmental employers. The irony is that more heterosexual couples choose to cohabit without marriage commitment, while same sex couples are lobbying to redefine marriage and family to accommodate their desires. There are many overt political issues in this cultural struggle as traditional Biblical definitions of love and family are attacked.
There are also many subtle attacks as the gay rights agenda is championed in popular media. The recent interview with an All American football player from the University of Missouri is one such example. The announcement that he has same-sex attraction is giving this Southeastern Conference (SEC) co-defensive player of the year huge notoriety. He is hailed in the media as courageous for his efforts to be the first openly gay player in the National Football League. It is ludicrous to treat any person as a hero just because he or she redefines sexuality by cultural standards and not scriptural truth. His sexual choice does not give him special status. It is responsible journalism and good football strategy to just discuss his football abilities and draft him to play defensive tackle in the NFL if he can compete at the next level. He is no hero- just another very good football player. There is no reason to discuss bedrooms; just determine if he has the talent to be in an NFL locker room and play on Sunday afternoons next fall.
Those with same sex attraction and heterosexuals are constantly tempted by sexual sin. The temptation is not the sin, but acting on the temptation violates God’s standards. Homosexual behavior is one of many choices where people live by their own standards instead of accepting Biblical truth. Other sexual temptations include heterosexual sex without a marriage commitment, adultery, pornography. All these temptations are a battle, but can be overcome by persons who choose that their first love is Jesus Christ. The issues of love and marriage on Valentine’s Day in the context of 21st century culture are far more complex than can be addressed in this brief NewsViews article. The short-version of this Valentine’s challenge for authentic love is defined by the 1st century Holy Spirit inspired love poem in the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Christ-followers in ancient Corinth. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Legalize Pot is a bad idea!
Laws that define behavioral, moral parameters in a nation, region, or local community are not an option but are absolutely essential. These parameters must be established for the best interests of individuals and the group as a whole. The United States is a constitutional republic, and the rule of law derives its authority from the people. If laws are established to wield political clout, such totalitarianism enslaves people. By contrast, libertarianism also chains people with the bondage of no rules. Both extremes regarding the rule of law have a fatal error due to a false foundation. In the United States, the basis for enacting the various laws has traditionally been the Bible, the Word of God. National, state, and local entities have legislated and continue to enact laws affecting morality and behavior. For over 225 years, the USA has been singularly blessed by God.
Whether or not morality should be legislated is not debatable. The only question is regarding which moral issues will be addressed. All levels of government, national state, county, and municipal always are involved in legislating morality. Behavioral issues for either prohibition or regulation include the sale and consumption of alcohol, penalties for driving under the influence, gambling, prostitution, pornography, advertizing of tobacco products, and the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use and recreational use.
The legalization of marijuana is increasingly in the news. It is an issue that has been and continues to be addressed with significant misinformation. Christ-followers must confront the issue from the perspective of Biblical truth. It is likely that the issue of legalization of marijuana will continue to be a referendum for multiple states during the next few years, perhaps as early as the November elections in 2014. Two states, Washington and Colorado, recently voted to legalize recreational pot and the logistics of the sale and use of the drug are now being enacted. Baptist Press cites an interview with the New Yorker magazine in which Prsident Obama states his viewpoint regarding marijuana use. “I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes that I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life. I don't think it is more dangerous than alcohol." Apparently, a majority of the voters in the two states that have legalized the drug hold that viewpoint.
It is likely that some people in our community also believe this to be true, but the facts do not substantiate assertions of the harmlessness of marijuana. Although unlikely as a referendum in the near future, it is highly possible that voters in Texas will deal with the issue of whether or not to legalize the recreational use of marijuana at some time in the future. The principle that must guide all Christ-followers regarding this moral issue and any other moral/social issues is that Christ-followers must vote by the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit inspired letter of the Apostle Paul to 1st century Corinth offers insight to 21st century Christians on how to live as responsible citizens . All persons in our country have the responsibility and the freedom to speak and vote your personal convictions.“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble” 1 Corinthians 10:31-32 In political/moral concerns and in your own personal habits, the goal of the Christ-follower must be to glorify God at all times. Be aware of the issues, and speak truth in love!
Whether or not morality should be legislated is not debatable. The only question is regarding which moral issues will be addressed. All levels of government, national state, county, and municipal always are involved in legislating morality. Behavioral issues for either prohibition or regulation include the sale and consumption of alcohol, penalties for driving under the influence, gambling, prostitution, pornography, advertizing of tobacco products, and the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use and recreational use.
The legalization of marijuana is increasingly in the news. It is an issue that has been and continues to be addressed with significant misinformation. Christ-followers must confront the issue from the perspective of Biblical truth. It is likely that the issue of legalization of marijuana will continue to be a referendum for multiple states during the next few years, perhaps as early as the November elections in 2014. Two states, Washington and Colorado, recently voted to legalize recreational pot and the logistics of the sale and use of the drug are now being enacted. Baptist Press cites an interview with the New Yorker magazine in which Prsident Obama states his viewpoint regarding marijuana use. “I view it as a bad habit and a vice, not very different from the cigarettes that I smoked as a young person up through a big chunk of my adult life. I don't think it is more dangerous than alcohol." Apparently, a majority of the voters in the two states that have legalized the drug hold that viewpoint.
It is likely that some people in our community also believe this to be true, but the facts do not substantiate assertions of the harmlessness of marijuana. Although unlikely as a referendum in the near future, it is highly possible that voters in Texas will deal with the issue of whether or not to legalize the recreational use of marijuana at some time in the future. The principle that must guide all Christ-followers regarding this moral issue and any other moral/social issues is that Christ-followers must vote by the truth of God’s Word. The Holy Spirit inspired letter of the Apostle Paul to 1st century Corinth offers insight to 21st century Christians on how to live as responsible citizens . All persons in our country have the responsibility and the freedom to speak and vote your personal convictions.“… whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble” 1 Corinthians 10:31-32 In political/moral concerns and in your own personal habits, the goal of the Christ-follower must be to glorify God at all times. Be aware of the issues, and speak truth in love!