Dogmatic Pontification

I haven't read the above book. I just stumbled upon it while considering a graphic for this post. However I'm absolutely certain it accurately addresses this topic.  I know without a shadow of a doubt Judy J. Johnson is onto something.  I know that being dogmatic about anything is absolutely wrong and very dangerous. :)

??

Unfortunately being dogmatic comes fairly natural for many of us.  (My previous paragraph included.)

according to Webster:

dogmatic: expressing personal opinions or beliefs as if they are certainly correct and cannot be doubted

I have been thinking lately about our tendency towards being dogmatic around things we believe.

I have realized something recently. I respect people that study a topic.  If you are going to voice your opinion on something it is good to study it first. My respect grows when I discover they have studied different viewpoints on the topic.  It is good to acknowledge that not everyone who has studied the topic is in agreement.

The challenging part comes next. I admire when someone is able to communicate that they see value in different perspectives on a topic, that the choice isn't necessarily crystal clear, even though they have come to rest favoring a particular position.  I am recognizing the value of approaching debatable topics with a good dose of humility.

In most situations after studying a topic, people will weigh the positions as they see them and pick a side.  This should be expected.  However when we become dogmatic about the answers we discovered, we do all we can to invalidate the fact that there were different positions to consider in the first place.  When we are dogmatic we do not allow others to study the topic freely and openly on their own.  When we acknowledge that we had to sort through some competing positions to arrive at where we currently rest, we give others permission to follow the same process we took to study the topic from different angles, in their own quest for meaningful answers.  When we avoid being dogmatic, we may even encourage them to consider our position as well.

So I have recently recognized this when listening to others. Will I be able to change and move forward applying this to how I communicate with others?  This is my challenge.  I don't know if I need to start by editing all my old blog posts, that would be a challenging activity.

Here is another angle. Since being dogmatic comes naturally for most of us, I wonder if we can consider being dogmatic about different things than we have in the past:

• What if we were dogmatic about placing the interests of others above our own?
• What if we were dogmatic about humbly counting others more significant than ourselves?
• What if we were dogmatic about love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control?
• What if we were dogmatic about praying for unity and recognizing it when it stands before us?

But that is just my humble thoughts for today. There may be value in being dogmatic about other things as well. :)  

Difficult Passage Mark 9:42-49

 I am continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom, taking a look today at Mark 9:42-50 (NIV). If you haven't been following this series, I'd suggest following this link for some of the better posts of the series.

⁴² “And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. ⁴³ If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. ⁴⁵ And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. ⁴⁷ And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, ⁴⁸ where

“‘their worm does not die,
    and the fire is not quenched.’

⁴⁹ Everyone will be salted with fire.

This is a difficult passage. It raises more questions than answers for me.

• Verse 43 - 47. Has my hand, foot, or eyes ever been involved in sin?  Wouldn't everybody be guilty of these? I hope Jesus is not really encouraging us to do physical harm to ourselves.  I sort of get the point. Let's be serious about sin. But really? I find it difficult to understanding a teaching that sounds like self mutilation or self-harm.  I wonder if I am missing something.
• Verses 43 - 47. The term behind 'hell' in these verses is Gehenna, which was a valley outside the walls of Jerusalem that was a burning garbage dump and was a place where some children were sacrificed to other gods by fire.  Was Jesus talking about the Gehenna that they knew, or was he also talking about another type of Gehenna?  There had also been other views on Gehenna related to the underworld, Jesus doesn't really work at defining what he is referring to here.
• Verse 48 is a reference to Isaiah 66:24. Note that the dead bodies do not fit well with the traditional view of hell. "And they will go out and look upon the dead bodies of those who rebelled against me; their worm will not die, nor will their fire be quenched, and they will be loathsome to all mankind.”
• Verse 49. Is this a reference to something like purgatory?  Everyone? I thought only the wicked had to worry about some fire in the afterlife.

So I apologize. As I work through a secrets of the kingdom series, I think I have gained some valuable insights related to the kingdom of God.  But this passage joins with some others that are still a mystery to me.

Feel free to share some light on the matter.

Parable of the Ten Virgins

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom with the Parable of the Ten Virgins Matt 25:1 - 13 (NIV)

“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them.  The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.  The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.  “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’  “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps.  The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’  “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’  “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.  “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’  “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’  “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

First I want to note that "At that time" in verse 1 would refer to the previous chapter where Jesus is talking about the destruction of the temple, and answering questions about the end of the age. So this passage is talking about what the kingdom of heaven was like or will be like during those days.

Matt 24:34 confuses me in that it seems this passage may apply to things in the 1st century church. "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened." (NIV)

So I don't think I understand the timing of the events of chapter 24 enough to make many conclusions about this passage.


I also wonder what the extra oil represents?  It seems to be a another key point in this parable.  It is the only difference between the 5 virgins that went to the wedding banquet and the 5 that were left outside.  Some believe the oil represents the Holy Spirit.  Others believe it is other things that are essential for salvation. 



Matthew 22:1-14 (NIV) also speaks of  a wedding banquet where some people show up but are not allowed in.  In that passage the factor that keeps some out is that they are not wearing proper wedding clothes.  I hope that doesn't mean I need to wear a suit and tie all the time. :)

The point could be made that some 'Christians' are/were waiting for Christ's return, but are/were unfortunately lacking something. Just hanging around  with other Christians, and doing what they do may not be enough.

Sorry, I'm not shedding much light with this one.  It's being labeled with other passages I don't fully understand.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Kingdom Taken Away

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom.

Matthew 21:33-46  (HCSB)

“Listen to another parable: There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a watchtower. He leased it to tenant farmers and went away. When the grape harvest drew near, he sent his slaves to the farmers to collect his fruit.  But the farmers took his slaves, beat one, killed another, and stoned a third.  Again, he sent other slaves, more than the first group, and they did the same to them.  Finally, he sent his son to them. ‘They will respect my son,’ he said.  “But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let’s kill him and take his inheritance!’  So they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.  Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”  “He will completely destroy those terrible men,” they told Him, “and lease his vineyard to other farmers who will give him his produce at the harvest.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This came from the Lord and is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its fruit.  Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; but on whoever it falls, it will grind him to powder!” When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables, they knew He was speaking about them.  Although they were looking for a way to arrest Him, they feared the crowds, because they regarded Him as a prophet.

Here is another parable where Jesus speaks of the kingdom of God. 


the kingdom of God will be taken away from you...

I welcome your feedback.  Does Jesus take away the kingdom, or is this simply a natural result of how the story goes?  I can't say I fully understand this part.

The farmers repeatedly rejected the landowner. At some point it makes sense that the land is given to someone else who will submit to the will of the owner. In the same way the priests and religious leaders repeatedly rejected Jesus, so it makes sense the offer of the kingdom would go to those who would submit to the rule of the kingdom.



... and given to a nation producing its fruit.

Some translation say "and given to a people producing the fruit of it".

So what type of people would "get" the kingdom of God?  I can't help but think of Gal 5:22 - 23, a familiar verse about what the  "fruit" of the Spirit is.  I'll make the connection then that those who produce the fruit of the Spirit are also those who are part of the kingdom or reign of God. Those with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.

Here are some other verses that speak to who 'gets' the kingdom:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:3 NIV)

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 5:10 NIV)

 Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Luke 6:20 (NIV)

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matt 18:3-4 NIV)

"Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?" James 2:5 (NIV)

This parable speaks of people who were  given responsibility, and the task to produce fruit for the master.  If the Priests and religious leaders were somehow the keepers of the kingdom of God in the days before Jesus, it sounds like things were going to change.  God had entrusted these men to care for His kingdom, but it seems they wanted to claim the kingdom for themselves.

So when Jesus comes things change.  A different type of people are given the responsibility of caring for the kingdom and producing fruit for the master.   He doesn't just replace the old religious leaders with a new set of religious leaders. It seems this time he entrusts His kingdom to the least, the poor, and the lowly ones.

Asset or Liability in the Kingdom

Continuing my series on the secrets of the kingdom. Earthly kingdoms are interested in wealth. The more money you have the more power and influence you have in this world. Money and possessions are real assets in our society. In many ways money rules. Those with money are king.

But when Jesus talks about money and His kingdom in Matthew 19 we see the opposite.

The stage is set in Matt 19:16-22 (HCSB)

"Just then someone came up and asked Him, “Teacher, what good must I do to have eternal life?”
“Why do you ask Me about what is good?” He said to him. “There is only One who is good. If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
“Which ones?” he asked Him. Jesus answered:
Do not murder; do not commit adultery; do not steal; do not bear false witness; honor your father and your mother; and love your neighbor as yourself.
“I have kept all these,” the young man told Him. “What do I still lack?”
“If you want to be perfect,” Jesus said to him, “go, sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow Me.”
When the young man heard that command, he went away grieving, because he had many possessions.

Was Jesus pushing this rich young ruler on the issue of "loving your neighbor as yourself"? The young ruler claims to be following these commandments, but to what degree? Selling his possessions and giving them to the poor could be evidence of loving his neighbor as himself... but this was too much to ask of this rich young ruler.

Jesus goes on in Matt 19:23-30 (HCSB)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “I assure you: It will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven! Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
When the disciples heard this, they were utterly astonished and asked, “Then who can be saved?”
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Then Peter responded to Him, “Look, we have left everything and followed You. So what will there be for us?”
Jesus said to them, “I assure you: In the Messianic Age, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses, brothers or sisters, father or mother, children, or fields because of My name will receive 100 times more and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

I'm with the disciples, I don't fully understand what Jesus is saying here.

But it seems Jesus is saying that money and possessions are not assets in His kingdom.

It seems that money and possessions are more like liabilities in the kingdom of God.

Those with the most are in a way those with the least.

Here are a few other related verses:

Matthew 5:3 (NIV)

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 6:20 (NIV)

"Looking at his disciples, he said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."

Matthew 11:5 (NIV)

"The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor."

Luke 4:18 (NIV)

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,

Luke 7:22 (NIV)

So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.

James 2:5 (NIV)

"Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?"

This logic seems upside-down to what we are used to. It doesn't make complete sense to me. I'd love you hear your thoughts.

Not Taste Death Until Kingdom

If you try to live you will die. If want to live you must die. Some will not die.

Got it?

I'm trying to make some sense of passages related to the kingdom, since it was a major theme for Jesus.

Matt 16:24-28 (HCSB)

Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will find it. What will it benefit a man if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will reward each according to what he has done. I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”

It can be easy to get hung up on this one. Is Jesus saying that some people standing there with him 2000 years ago would not die before Jesus' 2nd coming? That Jesus was going to come back and take believers to live with Him in heaven, within a timeline of that generation?

Some have concluded this statement did not come true.

But when we look at the rest of this passage there are some other aspects that don't really make sense at first glance either.

There is the idea that if we want to live we must follow Jesus' by taking up our cross. But in those days taking up a cross did not usually increase your lifespan. If we want to live we must deny our life? Now this doesn't make sense. But we tend to accept this hard teaching when we understand that our self centered (sinful) self must die if we want Christ's life to live in us.

Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but if you lose your life you will find it? Another upside down teaching. On the surface it seems backwards. But we can accept it when we understand that if we hold tightly to our life and try to be in control, we will not find the life Christ has in store for us.

Does this help us understand the last part of this passage? Some of the people listening will see and experience the reign and rule of God in their lives and in the world around them. They will follow Jesus and take up their cross. As a result they will not taste death but find life.

I admit this is a tough passage to understand. I am not sure that I have it figured out. There are likely other ways to make sense of it.

I'd love to hear your thoughts.


Related Posts:

• Secrets of the Kingdom Summary
• Take Up Your Cross

I Don't Understand Predestination

I'm putting this out there. I am quick to admit I don't understand predestination.

Predestination is a mystery to me.

How can God know the future, and be in control of everything - yet love all of His creation and allow us to have free will.

The way I see it, both Calvinists and non-Calvinists have points where they must admit they don't understand something.

I think Calvinist see other points further down their logic path that become their mysteries.

Calvinist don't have a problem with predestination.

They remove free will from the equation.

They conclude that God is in 100% control of everyone's desires, choices and actions.

They conclude that God has chosen them and they have nothing to do with it, it's all for God's glory.

They conclude that Jesus only died for the elect.

Some conclude that God hates sinners.

For them the mysteries come at some different points in their responses to questions like these:

• What criteria would God have to predestine some people to a future in heaven, and some to a future in Hell?
  
• Why does God predestine billions of people to Hell? Why bother creating them if he knows where he is sending them?
  
• If God hates sinners should we?
• Can't sinners choose to do good, and can't they choose to follow God.
• Doesn't 2 Peter 3:9 and Acts 17:30 sound like God wants everyone to be saved, not just the elect?
• Doesn't 1 John 2:2 sound like unlimited atonement?
• Doesn't Matt 23:37 sound like some resisted God's irresistible grace?
• Doesn't Matt 6:33 sound like people have the choice to seek God's kingdom?

From my experience, at some point in these conversation you will likely get the response that it is a mystery. We shouldn't expect to fully understand the ways of God.

If we all have points in our logic where we fall back and admit it's a mystery of God...

I think I'd rather pick a point earlier in the logic process before defending some of these other positions.

What's it called when you say something about someone that is false and makes them out to look like a monster?

I think Calvinists are running on dangerous ground, falsely accusing God of hating sinners.

I wouldn't want to go there.

If I'm wrong. I believe I'll be slightly disappointed when I get to heaven and discover I was actually a robot or puppet. I can live with this.

If they are wrong, I suspect they will regret spreading the message that God hates sinners.

So I am OK publicly stating I don't understand predestination.

Related Posts:

• 95 Thesis - Point 5 - Calvinism
• Does God hate the world?
• Total depravity
• John Calvin
  
• Five points of Calvinism

Learning one bite at a time

Sometimes I wish Jesus didn't use parables to teach us, or that the Bible was a bit clearer about what doctrines and beliefs are essential.

But there is a beauty in parables, and the narrative style of scripture.

God speaks truth one bite at a time.

There are some things we learn once, and we are good for life. Consider when you learned to count to 10, or how to tie your shoes. It's done. I no longer have an interested in learning more about tying shoes or counting to ten. Since I've mastered the topics, my interest in them have gone.

But not so with the kingdom of God. I don't have it all figured out yet. There are things I just don't understand.

So I enjoy it when God teaches me something new. So I can be thankful it is just a little bit at a time. That will mean there is still lots more to learn for years to come... and even into eternity.

I can't figure it out

Ahh... I can't figure it all out.

I wish the Bible was written like a catechism or statement of faith.

Why do I find more than one answer to the question "What must I do..."? And neither of the answers Jesus gives sounds like the typical evangelical gospel message and sinners prayer.

What is the deal with God's wrath. Does God love sinners, or does he want to torture them for eternity? If God hates sinners can I too? (No - just in-case you think I'm really nuts). But there are verses that speak of God's wrath. I want to ignore them, but they are there.

I don't buy that my sin separated God from me. I understand that when I go my selfish ways, like the prodigal son, I am separating myself from God. But do I ever go so far that God is not able to reach out and love me in my sinfulness? While we were sinners Christ loved us. Satan was even in God's presence in Job. Jesus was a friend of sinners.

Why did God have to kill Jesus? Or was it my sins that killed Jesus? Was it simply to symbolize an end to the Jewish sacrifice system, being the final perfect lamb of God? Or is there also a meaning that I (a non-Jew) need to understand? Because to be honest, I don't understand why a loving Father would kill his own son.

I know God loves me.

I know he wants to reign in my life, be my Lord, and be my Savior.

I know he wants me to respond in love to himself and to others.

I know I need to learn to listen to His voice, and follow.

I'm just not sure what to do with some of our beliefs. Do I focus on the verses that speak of God's wrath towards sinners, or do I focus on the verses that speak of God's love and desire to be in a deep relationship with me.

Do I need to figure it all out? Or should I just start living?

Chocolate Covered Christ Follower

Luke 14:25-34 bothers me.  This passage is tough to understand.  I wish it wasn't so harsh.

Luke 14:25-35 (NIV)

Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'
"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.
"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

I don't want to hate my father, mother, sister, wife, children and myself.  I sometimes wish I could hate my enemies, but this.... ?

I wish Jesus had simply said, "Make me a priority in your life.  Sure you can love lots of other things, just make sure you love me too. "

I want to follow Jesus, but do I need to take up a cross, does there need to be sacrifice?

Do I need to be salty?  I prefer sweets.  Can't I be a chocolate covered Christ follower?

Didache on paying prophets and apostles

I've read this a few times, and I don't understand it... I really don't know what to make of it.

2 Chapters from the Didache, or Teaching of the Twelve Apostles 50 - 120 A.D.
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/didache-roberts.html

Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets. Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.

Hades brother of Zeus

I just learned that Hades was the older brother of Zeus in Greek Mythology. He was the god of the underworld, the unseen realm where the dead go when they leave this world. Eventually the term also came to refer to the abode of the dead.

So when Hades is mentioned by Jesus and other New Testament writers, were they referring to the Hades of Greek mythology? To what degree did they believe this stuff?

I'm just journaling this for now. I don't know what to do with this.

Hopeful Skeptic

"We need to acknowledge, even embrace, both the doubts and the hope of our faith, says Nick Fiedler, author of The Hopeful Skeptic. Thinkfwd host, Spencer Burke, and Nick talk together about some of the topics that Nick wrestles with in his life and book—like scripture, church structure, and prayer." - TheOoze.tv

I feel this video lines up with the journey I'm on.

I think a healthy dose of skepticism can be a good thing. Think about any influential leader of the past... Christian or otherwise... or even Jesus himself... and you will find a degree of skepticism... questioning and challenging the current state of affairs.

Yet spending too much time in a state of skepticism becomes unhealthy and unproductive. We need to recognize the good that God is also doing in His Church, re-focus, and follow.

Playdough Scripture Hebrews 11:1-2

Now faith is being sure of our systematic theology what we hope for and certain that our Biblical worldview is truth of what we do not see. This is what theologians in recent centuries have worked hard to figure out for us the ancients were commended for.

Hebrews 11:1 - 2 (Playdough Version)


What do you think? Have we re-defined what faith is?

Is our faith more like a box of answers or like an unfinished puzzle?

Is Obama the Antichrist?

Growing up in evangelical churches I've run into many people who speculate on who the antichrist is or will be. Recently a friend showed me some youtube videos that made the case that Barack Obama was the antichrist.

I'm no expert at biblical prophecies, I haven't focused much on trying to figure stuff like this out... it usually just makes my head spin.

But I thought I should at least look at what our Scriptures say about the antichrist.

I discovered there are only 4 occurrences of the word antichrist in the Bible.

1 John 2:18 (NIV)

Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

1 John 2:22 (NIV)

Who is the liar? It is the man who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a man is the antichrist—he denies the Father and the Son.

1 John 4:3 (NIV)

but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world.

2 John 1:7 (NIV)

Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

A few things to note here:

• John was talking to people during his time, saying "this is the last hour"
• There was more than one antichrist during the days of John. Note the plural antichrists in the first verse, and the word 'many' in the last one.
• The word antichrist supposedly can mean 'false messiah' or 'false anointed one'
• John labels people antichrist anyone who is trying to deceive others to believe Jesus was not Christ and did not come in the flesh.
  

So from these verses do we have reason to be looking for a future super antichrist? I think John was talking to people in his day to keep a watch for false messiahs. If there was a 'super antichrist' it may have been Nero or one of the other Roman Emporors of those days who claimed to be gods.

There's likely many false christ's in our day as well... but from these verses there is no indication that we are to be waiting, watching and speculating about a unique antichrist in our day.

Matt 25:31-46

OK, here's the rest of the passage I was looking at the other day here.

Matt 25:31-46

"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Aside from my lack of ability to fully understand the afterlife... there are some other important points to note from this passage.

In this passage what is the difference between the righteous and the unrighteous? It is how they responded to others in need - the poor, needy, lonely, and sick. Life under the reign of God is much more than just belief in the truth (or belief in Jesus). Justification by faith alone? Faith is obviously required, but this passage makes it clear we must respond to the needy in the same way Jesus would respond.

To be a follower of Jesus, we need to follow his example.

From what I can tell, I don't see the Scriptures giving a completely clear description of what the afterlife will be like. There are small references to what comes after life here and there, but it's not laid out clear enough for me to fully understand. I think the main message of Scripture does focus on how we should be living here and now.

Believe in Jesus, and wait around for the afterlife? - NOPE

Believe in Jesus, follow now, and trust God to work out the details of the afterlife. Yes, this is what I need to do.

Aeon Everlasting or Age-during

Matt 25:46 (NIV)

"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Other passages state the alternative to eternal life is death or perishing. Matthew 25:46 is one verse that seems to clearly support the option of eternal punishment.

I have previously understood one way of making this verse fit into the 'perish' view: Consider someone getting multiple life sentences for a crime. It does not mean the person will live as long as the sentence. Is it possible that the punishment is eternal, but the life of the person is not eternal?

However the more I research, the more complicated it gets.

Supposedly the eternal in this verse is the greek αἰώνιον or aionios.

aionios comes from aion which usually means age.

There seems to be some connection between the greek work used in Matt 25:45, with the one in Matt 28:20.

and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (NIV)

But it wouldn't make sense here to say "to the very end of eternity".

So Young's literal translation translates Matt 25:46 as:

And these shall go away to punishment age-during, but the righteous to life age-during.'

And that's as far as my non-greek mind can take me for now... there's a range of ways of reading this passage. I'm not prepared to take any firm position with this verse alone.

What I used to Believe

I've read a few bloggers do similar posts here, here, and here. The format of the meme is what one used to believe contrasted by what one believes now. Here is my list:

I used to believe a small number of denominations were correct enough to make the cut. I was very confident the narrow road to salvation was filled with conservative protestant evangelical churches like Baptists, Alliance, and other congregations who refer to themselves as 'Bible believing'. I now think there are many outside this group who have true love for the same Jesus I love, and are seeking to allow Jesus to reign in their lives.

I used to think very little about church unity. Now I think unity is essential to our faith. If there is less scriptural support for any other issue we are debating than there is on the topic of unity then we need to recognize that maintaining unity is more essential.

I used to think protestants followed the doctrine of Sola Scriptura. Now I realize that a lot of language used by protestants is not found in the Scriptures (Sola Scriptura, saved by faith alone, Jesus paid our debt, and more). A lot of protestant language has been passed on through protestant tradition. If all traditions stuck to language that is strongly supported in Scripture, we would have much less division.

I used to believe the gospel message could be summarized using verses from Romans - following the 'Roman Road' method. Now I believe a complete gospel message must start with an understanding of the good news of the kingdom of God. This message was central to the life and teachings of Jesus, it should be the starting point in our description of the good news.

I used to believe the wicked were punished in hell for eternity. Now I can't find much scriptural support for that idea.

I used to think the Bible and 'church' leaders were to teach me all things. Now I realize I need to rely more on the Holy Spirit to teach me all things (John 14:26, John 16:13, 1 John 2:27)

I used to believe the Bible should be used as a road map on all issues of morality. Now I realize the harm that is often caused when the Bible is used give support to any issue. I question if the Bible gives clear answers on all issues. I think we should focus on the main good news of the reign of God. I still think it is wise to look to scripture and study what it has to say on all issues. But if it is outside the central message of scripture, let's not get too dogmatic about it - and seek the Holy Spirit to guide us forward.

I used to be a Calvinist. I didn't know the whole story of John Calvin and the other leaders in his church. Now I'd rather just follow Christ.

I used to say 'church' to refer to a location, event, and/or building. Now I get confused trying to describe all those things. I try to use 'church' to refer to Christ's church.

I used to think it was dangerous to not have everything figured out. Now I think it is dangerous to think you have God figured out. If you have God in a box, you'll likely exclude everyone who has a different looking 'God box'. And again, I believe unity is essential. Now I'm content having faith like a child.

I don't understand Hebrews 8

Wow, amazing passage here... not sure if I totally understand it tho.

Hebrews 8:7-13 (NIV)

For if there had been nothing wrong with that first covenant, no place would have been sought for another. But God found fault with the people and said:
"The time is coming, declares the Lord,when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.
It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant,
and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.
This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord.
I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God, and they will be my people.
No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
By calling this covenant "new," he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear.

"No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest."

Huh? What do you mean we won't be teaching our neighbors and relatives about God? Yeah, I don't get this verse.

Does this verse say that all people know God? If so, I don't know what to do with the rest of the Bible... do we not have to share the good news with anyone?

Or is it saying that everybody who is part of this new covenant already knows God. Once someone joins this new covenant with God, they don't need to be taught more about God... that God will take care of the rest. "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts."

Does this thinking match with these other passages?

John 14:26 (NIV)

But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

John 16:13 (NIV)

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

1 John 2:27 (NIV)

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him.

1 Cor 2:10-15 (NIV)

but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment:

Any thoughts? Why so much emphasis in Christian circles on teaching each other all truths? Are we letting others replace the role of the Holy Spirit?

I don't understand Luke 6:24

Luke 6:20-21 (NIV)

"Looking at his disciples, he said:
"Blessed are you who are poor,
for yours is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now,
for you will be satisfied.

OK, I think I get this. Those (of His disciples ?) who were hungry would be blessed later.

Luke 6:24-25 (NIV)

But woe to you who are rich,
for you have already received your comfort.
Woe to you who are well fed now,
for you will go hungry.

Yikes, I'm not feeling so good about the sounds of this part.

Were these words written directly to me? Or is this a record of Jesus' words to His 12 disciples and some other specific rich people in that audience?

I'm hoping Jesus was talking about some other rich and well fed people - not directly to me!