Today's post from Seth Godin was thought provoking... You can click on the link below for Seth's original post... Great stuff...
When data and decisions collide
Seth Godin
Until recently, most of the decisions we were called on to make were based on hunches, insight and a little bit of data...
It took Ignaz Semmelweis more than twenty years (he died before it happened, actually) to persuade doctors that washing their hands could save the lives of mothers giving birth. He had the data, he had the proof, but that wasn't enough to change minds.
Data mining and the proximity of the internet to most of what we do is changing the proximity of proof to decision. Now, you don't need to do a lot of research, the data is just a click away.
What are you going to do when your hunches don't match the data that's now pouring in?
The data shows, for example, that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving drunk. It doesn't feel that way, of course, but will you respect the data and stop, cold turkey?
The data shows that the vast majority of wine drinkers can't tell the difference between a $20 bottle and a $100 bottle. Will that keep you from buying the fancy wine? How much is the placebo effect worth?
The data shows that famous colleges underperform many cheaper, friendlier, smaller colleges. How much is your neighbor's envy worth?
These are just a few of the millions of examples of counter-intuitive data-driven findings. It took Galileo decades to persuade people the light objects fell as fast as heavy ones... even though he was busy dropping them off buildings for all to see. I wonder how long it will take us to get our arms around this avalanche of insight. Probably longer than most of us think...
* * * * *
Rick Warren said it years ago. "Most of us don't change when we see the light, but only when we feel the heat."
In my opinion, Seth's post presents a source of tension for believers... As believers, it's crucial that we be "led by the Spirit," but it's also reasonable that our decisions be informed by the data / or "cold, hard facts." When the two meet and "push back against each other" that's when the real action starts...
So, what do you do when the Spirit is leading you to do something that goes totally against the grain of all the data you've gathered? How do you process this leading? How can you make certain it's inspiration and not indigestion?
Just a few questions for
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
TIP TOEING THROUGH T.U.L.I.P.
Calvinism gets its name from a French Theologian named John Calvin. Don't hold his country of origin against him...
The core tenets, brass tacks, or bare essentials of Calvinistic theology is summed up in the acrostic, T.U.L.I.P.
T – Total Depravity
It's interesting that Calvinists and Arminians agree on this core tenet of theology... They both recognize the reality of human sinfulness.
Total Depravity is the basic idea that according to the Bible, we’re all in the same condition… By nature and by choice, we’ve all SINNED against God…
The concept of "total depravity" doesn’t mean that we’re “utterly depraved.” We’re not all as bad as we “could be.” We could all probably manage to “up the ante” when it comes to sin, and commit worse sins or sin with greater frequency…
Total depravity means that we are all marred by sin… There’s not one aspect of my being that has been left “untouched” by sin… Sin has affected my mind, will, my body and my emotions…
There are scores of passages in the Bible that describe this reality.
Romans 3:10-12 (ESV), "None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." (Cross Reference Psalm 14)
Romans 3:23 (NIV), …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Ephesians 1 paints a stark picture of our "BC" - or "Before Christ" state.
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV), As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...
Paul is saying, “Because of Adam’s sin, human beings enter this world spiritually DEAD… We don’t have any inclination or responsiveness to God, at all… We’re DEAD…”
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV), As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
Once again, both Calvinists and Arminians agree on this belief...
U - Unconditional Election
The “U” in TULIP stands for UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, which basically means that when God gets ready to choose you, there are no caveats or conditions… You may be hell bent against the purpose and plan of God – like Saul before he became Paul – but because of His extravagant grace, amazing love and endless mercy, God unconditionally selects you to be a part of His purpose and plan…
L - Limited Atonement
This may be the most controversial point in the core of Calvinistic theology… In fact, some avowed Calvinists have trouble with this one… It basically teaches that when Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t die for EVERYONE… His death was only for the “elect.” The idea is that the “shed blood of Jesus” would never be “WASTED” on anyone whom God had not chosen to respond to what Christ accomplished on the cross…
I - Irresistible Grace
The “I” stands for IRRESISTIBLE GRACE… This tenet basically says that when God comes to you and chooses you, YOU WILL SAY “YES.” You won’t be able to resist the extravagant grace of God…
Think of it like this… When God sets His affection on you, your eyes will be opened! Somehow you’ll see the beauty, extravagance and magnitude of God’s grace, over against the ugliness and pain of your sin and the reality of where your sin will ultimately lead… And when you get that kind of clarity, you won't be able to HELP but respond to God’s invitation…
P - Perseverance of the Saints
This is basically the idea that once you are chosen, God will sustain your faith all the way to the end… God will make sure your faith LASTS until you ultimately reach heaven…
It’s interesting that while most Southern Baptist wouldn’t define themselves as Reformed Calvinists, they do agree with this core belief of Calvinism… It’s basically the idea of ETERNAL SECURITY… In other words, a person who was genuinely converted will be saved in the end… Their faith will remain steadfast until they reach their ultimate destination.
Here are a "few" of the things I "like" about this position:
1) First of all, it makes a REALLY BIG DEAL out of the SOVEREIGNTY of God.
People on this "team" usually see God as BIG, powerful, AWESOME, and MIGHTY and moving with purpose to accomplish His kingdom objectives in this world…
2) Second, this position makes a REALLY BIG DEAL out of God’s GRACE.
People who adhere to this position correctly understand that there is NOTHING we can do to earn our way onto God’s TEAM… If we’re a part of God’s Team, it’s because we were chosen by God… It’s because God’s grace drew us IRRESISTIBLY to the cross… It’s because God’s purposed to redeem us by the blood of Jesus Christ, and He planned our REDEMPTION in eternity past before we had done ANYTHING that could possibly merit God’s favor or grace…
I don't know what that thought does to you, but it drives me to my knees in worship and adoration...
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV), Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV), For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
In my opinion, there are some problems with this position, as well.
1) First up, what about the scores of passages that seem to indicate HUMAN CHOICE is vital?
For example: Joshua 24:15, Matthew 7:25-27, Mark 10:17-22, etc.
2) Some who subscribe to this position believe that God willed into creation and predetermined some people to suffer the eternal condemnation of hell. Isn't it difficult to reconcile this belief with passages that indicate that it's "not God's will for anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16-17).
3) The idea of "limited atonement" seems to be the most difficult aspect of Calvinistic theology for a growing number of adherents. Even guys like Bruce Ware and Mark Driscoll have presented nuanced positions on this core belief... (See Mark Driscoll's book and mp3 sermon download, Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions; and Bruce Ware's podcast dealing with Arminianism and Calvinism via The Resurgence Podcast for more info.)
Tomorrow, I'll attempt to describe the core essentials of Arminian theology...
My purpose in posting these notes is not to "debate" the issue, but simply to describe core beliefs and point out those areas that provide encouragement and those tenets that pose possible problems...
The core tenets, brass tacks, or bare essentials of Calvinistic theology is summed up in the acrostic, T.U.L.I.P.
T – Total Depravity
It's interesting that Calvinists and Arminians agree on this core tenet of theology... They both recognize the reality of human sinfulness.
Total Depravity is the basic idea that according to the Bible, we’re all in the same condition… By nature and by choice, we’ve all SINNED against God…
The concept of "total depravity" doesn’t mean that we’re “utterly depraved.” We’re not all as bad as we “could be.” We could all probably manage to “up the ante” when it comes to sin, and commit worse sins or sin with greater frequency…
Total depravity means that we are all marred by sin… There’s not one aspect of my being that has been left “untouched” by sin… Sin has affected my mind, will, my body and my emotions…
There are scores of passages in the Bible that describe this reality.
Romans 3:10-12 (ESV), "None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one." (Cross Reference Psalm 14)
Romans 3:23 (NIV), …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…
Ephesians 1 paints a stark picture of our "BC" - or "Before Christ" state.
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV), As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...
Paul is saying, “Because of Adam’s sin, human beings enter this world spiritually DEAD… We don’t have any inclination or responsiveness to God, at all… We’re DEAD…”
Ephesians 2:1-3 (NIV), As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath.
Once again, both Calvinists and Arminians agree on this belief...
U - Unconditional Election
The “U” in TULIP stands for UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, which basically means that when God gets ready to choose you, there are no caveats or conditions… You may be hell bent against the purpose and plan of God – like Saul before he became Paul – but because of His extravagant grace, amazing love and endless mercy, God unconditionally selects you to be a part of His purpose and plan…
L - Limited Atonement
This may be the most controversial point in the core of Calvinistic theology… In fact, some avowed Calvinists have trouble with this one… It basically teaches that when Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t die for EVERYONE… His death was only for the “elect.” The idea is that the “shed blood of Jesus” would never be “WASTED” on anyone whom God had not chosen to respond to what Christ accomplished on the cross…
I - Irresistible Grace
The “I” stands for IRRESISTIBLE GRACE… This tenet basically says that when God comes to you and chooses you, YOU WILL SAY “YES.” You won’t be able to resist the extravagant grace of God…
Think of it like this… When God sets His affection on you, your eyes will be opened! Somehow you’ll see the beauty, extravagance and magnitude of God’s grace, over against the ugliness and pain of your sin and the reality of where your sin will ultimately lead… And when you get that kind of clarity, you won't be able to HELP but respond to God’s invitation…
P - Perseverance of the Saints
This is basically the idea that once you are chosen, God will sustain your faith all the way to the end… God will make sure your faith LASTS until you ultimately reach heaven…
It’s interesting that while most Southern Baptist wouldn’t define themselves as Reformed Calvinists, they do agree with this core belief of Calvinism… It’s basically the idea of ETERNAL SECURITY… In other words, a person who was genuinely converted will be saved in the end… Their faith will remain steadfast until they reach their ultimate destination.
Here are a "few" of the things I "like" about this position:
1) First of all, it makes a REALLY BIG DEAL out of the SOVEREIGNTY of God.
People on this "team" usually see God as BIG, powerful, AWESOME, and MIGHTY and moving with purpose to accomplish His kingdom objectives in this world…
2) Second, this position makes a REALLY BIG DEAL out of God’s GRACE.
People who adhere to this position correctly understand that there is NOTHING we can do to earn our way onto God’s TEAM… If we’re a part of God’s Team, it’s because we were chosen by God… It’s because God’s grace drew us IRRESISTIBLY to the cross… It’s because God’s purposed to redeem us by the blood of Jesus Christ, and He planned our REDEMPTION in eternity past before we had done ANYTHING that could possibly merit God’s favor or grace…
I don't know what that thought does to you, but it drives me to my knees in worship and adoration...
Jeremiah 1:5 (NIV), Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.
Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV), For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
In my opinion, there are some problems with this position, as well.
1) First up, what about the scores of passages that seem to indicate HUMAN CHOICE is vital?
For example: Joshua 24:15, Matthew 7:25-27, Mark 10:17-22, etc.
2) Some who subscribe to this position believe that God willed into creation and predetermined some people to suffer the eternal condemnation of hell. Isn't it difficult to reconcile this belief with passages that indicate that it's "not God's will for anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9; John 3:16-17).
3) The idea of "limited atonement" seems to be the most difficult aspect of Calvinistic theology for a growing number of adherents. Even guys like Bruce Ware and Mark Driscoll have presented nuanced positions on this core belief... (See Mark Driscoll's book and mp3 sermon download, Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions; and Bruce Ware's podcast dealing with Arminianism and Calvinism via The Resurgence Podcast for more info.)
Tomorrow, I'll attempt to describe the core essentials of Arminian theology...
My purpose in posting these notes is not to "debate" the issue, but simply to describe core beliefs and point out those areas that provide encouragement and those tenets that pose possible problems...
Monday, November 2, 2009
This Is It
Tonight me and Janet checked out Michael Jackson's, This Is It.
Here are a few of my thoughts:
1) MJ was a gifted entertainer. No doubt about it. The guy was amazing. Should this concert have ever made it to a live audience, it would have been unlike anything we've ever seen. Director Kenny Ortega and MJ had created an experience that would have been astounding... I really enjoyed the glimpses the film gave us into the creative process of MJ and Ortega from concept to performance.
2) Contrary to some reports, MJ seemed to be ready for this series of concerts. In the film, He dances, sings, the works... I don't know of many 50 year old guys who could of kept up with him...
3) While the film only gives us glimpses into the rehearsals, MJ seems to be a gracious guy... He's kind and courteous to band members, dancers, singers and stage hands... When the sound techs, dancers or members of the crew applaud his dancing or singing, he regularly responds with, "God bless you... God bless you..."
4) People need a purpose to live for... The last segment of the film contains a pretty strong message regarding the environment... Towards the end of the film as the crew gathers for a group huddle, Jackson tells the crew that their cause is important. "We've only got four years to turn things around, before the damage to the planet becomes permanent."
While I disagree with Jackson's theory, it did make me think about how important it is to have a reason or purpose to live for, and absent the desire or drive to live for "God's glory," we will construct any number of things to give our lives meaning and purpose...
5) MJ was committed to excellence... He believed if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right... And even though all we're viewing is rehearsal footage, Jackson often delivers some amazing moments... No doubt, before an actual live audience, it would have been "magic." Jackson goes over segments again and again and again, to make certain the band, singers, dancers, etc. have things just "right." Jackson did all of this for a show... A live concert...
This made me think... Every day in our professional lives... Every week in our corporate worship experiences, many of us claim to be worshipping the God who spoke the world into existence, the God who sent His Son to die on the cross - for our sins, in our place - and we casually bring Him less than our absolute best... Sometimes we even give him work and worship that is "shoddy" or "second rate..." According to Malachi 1, this doesn't get it with God, and it shouldn't be okay with us...
6) I know that there were scores of rumors about Jackson's alleged "weirdness..." Some of it caused by Jackson himself... This saddens me... It seems that we are "cannibals" when it comes to celebrity... We devour our very own... I wonder how much of all the "weirdness" that seemed to surround Jackson the last 10 or so years of his life was created by a press and paparazzi that could not be satisfied, and sometimes even created stories out of nothing...
We may never know the truth...
7) At the press conference in London announcing the concert series, Jackson announced the concert by saying, "This is it. The final curtain call..." Little did he know, this really was "IT."
This should remind all of us just how short and fragile life really is... You never know when "this really will be IT," and in the next breath you will stand to give an account to a Holy God of what you did with your one and only life...
This is sobering to me... To use John Piper's words, I don't want to "waste my life." I want to pour it out for something that matters, for something that brings God glory, for something that lifts up the name of Jesus...
8) The film left me feeling sad... Sad for Jackson... His band, singers and crew... It seemed that they were really looking forward to the series of concerts... Sad for his fans...
I'm certain music execs and the Michael Jackson Company will find some other products to roll out over the next few weeks and months... But in a very real way, This Is It really was "IT."
Here are a few of my thoughts:
1) MJ was a gifted entertainer. No doubt about it. The guy was amazing. Should this concert have ever made it to a live audience, it would have been unlike anything we've ever seen. Director Kenny Ortega and MJ had created an experience that would have been astounding... I really enjoyed the glimpses the film gave us into the creative process of MJ and Ortega from concept to performance.
2) Contrary to some reports, MJ seemed to be ready for this series of concerts. In the film, He dances, sings, the works... I don't know of many 50 year old guys who could of kept up with him...
3) While the film only gives us glimpses into the rehearsals, MJ seems to be a gracious guy... He's kind and courteous to band members, dancers, singers and stage hands... When the sound techs, dancers or members of the crew applaud his dancing or singing, he regularly responds with, "God bless you... God bless you..."
4) People need a purpose to live for... The last segment of the film contains a pretty strong message regarding the environment... Towards the end of the film as the crew gathers for a group huddle, Jackson tells the crew that their cause is important. "We've only got four years to turn things around, before the damage to the planet becomes permanent."
While I disagree with Jackson's theory, it did make me think about how important it is to have a reason or purpose to live for, and absent the desire or drive to live for "God's glory," we will construct any number of things to give our lives meaning and purpose...
5) MJ was committed to excellence... He believed if it was worth doing, it was worth doing right... And even though all we're viewing is rehearsal footage, Jackson often delivers some amazing moments... No doubt, before an actual live audience, it would have been "magic." Jackson goes over segments again and again and again, to make certain the band, singers, dancers, etc. have things just "right." Jackson did all of this for a show... A live concert...
This made me think... Every day in our professional lives... Every week in our corporate worship experiences, many of us claim to be worshipping the God who spoke the world into existence, the God who sent His Son to die on the cross - for our sins, in our place - and we casually bring Him less than our absolute best... Sometimes we even give him work and worship that is "shoddy" or "second rate..." According to Malachi 1, this doesn't get it with God, and it shouldn't be okay with us...
6) I know that there were scores of rumors about Jackson's alleged "weirdness..." Some of it caused by Jackson himself... This saddens me... It seems that we are "cannibals" when it comes to celebrity... We devour our very own... I wonder how much of all the "weirdness" that seemed to surround Jackson the last 10 or so years of his life was created by a press and paparazzi that could not be satisfied, and sometimes even created stories out of nothing...
We may never know the truth...
7) At the press conference in London announcing the concert series, Jackson announced the concert by saying, "This is it. The final curtain call..." Little did he know, this really was "IT."
This should remind all of us just how short and fragile life really is... You never know when "this really will be IT," and in the next breath you will stand to give an account to a Holy God of what you did with your one and only life...
This is sobering to me... To use John Piper's words, I don't want to "waste my life." I want to pour it out for something that matters, for something that brings God glory, for something that lifts up the name of Jesus...
8) The film left me feeling sad... Sad for Jackson... His band, singers and crew... It seemed that they were really looking forward to the series of concerts... Sad for his fans...
I'm certain music execs and the Michael Jackson Company will find some other products to roll out over the next few weeks and months... But in a very real way, This Is It really was "IT."
Cow Tipping Takes On Calvinism vs Arminianism
Yesterday we tackled the 500+ year old debate between Calvinism and Arminianism... I know... I know... Sounds really, really exciting, right?
While the subject matter challenged me, I really feel that studying these historic positions is incredibly important...
Over the next few days, I'll try to post some of the notes from Sunday's message. As always, the mp3 audio download of the message is already available on our website at www.a2church.org or via iTunes.
Are we predestined or free to choose?
Ephesians 1:4-8 (NIV), For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.
There are two phrases in those five verses that mess with a lot of people’s minds…
Verse 4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world…”
This verse basically says that when it came to your salvation, God took the initiative… He CHOSE YOU IN CHRIST in eternity past, before the world even began… And because of that, none of us can take any credit for our salvation or relationship with God… In fact, some would go so far as to even say, God was DETERMINED to make us His own before the world even began…
The other phrase that messes with a lot of people shows up in the last two words of Verse 4 and the first part of Verse 5.
"In love 5 he predestined us to be adopted as his sons…"
The word “predestined” means, “previously ordained or appointed” to some position… You could even say, “predetermined.” In this case, God “pre-ordained or predetermined” to adopt YOU as a member of his family…
For about the last five hundred years there have been two primary THEOLOGICAL TEAMS when it comes to passages like this…
While I will admit that the description below is a very broad generalization of these positions, and while both of these teams contain people and groups with some pretty nuanced positions on a variety of issues, by and large, these theological teams could be described like this:
In the next two posts we'll describe the core tents of Calvinistic and Arminian theology.
Thanks for dropping by...
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Cow Tipping Gets Really Serious
What does the Bible really say about homosexuality and sexual orientation?
Today we attempted to address the most challenging issue I think we've ever addressed in a weekend message: the subject of homosexuality...
I'll post an abbreviated set of notes, but if you really want to get at the heart of what we shared this morning you need to download the podcast. An mp3 is available on our website at www.a2church.org or via iTunes - just type a2 Church into the iTunes Store Search Engine. It should bring up our podcast...
Here are the notes:
What does the Bible really say about homosexuality and sexual orientation?
Cow Tipping – Part 2
Seven Important Insights:
1. The church has largely blown it in terms of how it has addressed this difficult issue.
Our greatest need: A combination of biblical conviction and personal compassion.
Here's God's heart for people:
John 3:16 (ESV), For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8 (NIV), But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. Human beings are created in the image of God, and God has a specific intention for our life in general and our sexual experiences in particular.
This is the concept of original intent. God’s original design for human sexuality is described in the first two chapters of Genesis.
Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT), Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 2:21-25 (NLT), So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
23 “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”
24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
25 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
Matthew 19:4-6 (NLT), “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ 5 And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’] 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
3. We live in a fallen, messed up world and we are fallen, messed up people. The “fall” messed up every aspect of our existence and experience, including our sexuality.
Psalm 51:5 (NIV), Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Romans 5:12 (NLT), When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
4. The way sexual orientation is formed is an extremely complex issue.
Possible Contributing Factors:
• Developmental factors: A history of destructive and dysfunctional family dynamics.
• Early childhood sexual abuse.
• Environmental conditioning.
• The “God made me this way” theory.
“There’s no compelling evidence your loved one was born gay. Genetic makeup may have made him or her more susceptible to other factors that helped create the homosexuality, but the condition – or orientation – is not, in and of itself, a genetic, immutable trait.” ~ Joe Dallas, When Homosexuality Hits Home
5. Regardless of the complexity surrounding the issue, God’s Word indicates that homosexual behavior is ultimately a result of our fallen state and a violation of God’s original design, purpose and intent.
Leviticus 18:22 (NLT), Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. (Cross Reference: Leviticus 20:13)
Romans 1:21-23 (ESV), For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV), Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
6. Our deepest desire is not for a sexual experience, but for an intimate relationship with God.
Story of Jacob and Leah
Genesis 29
“Jacob’s behavior was that of an addict… Rachel was not just [Jacob’s] wife, but his ‘savior.’ He wanted and needed Rachel so profoundly that he heard and saw only the things he wanted to hear and see. That’s why he became vulnerable to Laban’s deception.” ~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods
“If you get married as Jacob did, putting the weight of all your deepest hopes and longings on the person you are marrying, you are going to crush him or her with your expectations. It will distort your life and your spouse’s life in a hundred ways. No person, not even the best one, can give your soul all it needs. You are going to think you you have gone to bed with Rachel, and you will get up and it will always be Leah.” ~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods, pages 38-39
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world…” ~ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
7. Grace, forgiveness and freedom are available in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV), Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Resources: Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller, When Homosexuality Hits Home by Joe Dallas, 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality by Mike Haley
Today we attempted to address the most challenging issue I think we've ever addressed in a weekend message: the subject of homosexuality...
I'll post an abbreviated set of notes, but if you really want to get at the heart of what we shared this morning you need to download the podcast. An mp3 is available on our website at www.a2church.org or via iTunes - just type a2 Church into the iTunes Store Search Engine. It should bring up our podcast...
Here are the notes:
What does the Bible really say about homosexuality and sexual orientation?
Cow Tipping – Part 2
Seven Important Insights:
1. The church has largely blown it in terms of how it has addressed this difficult issue.
Our greatest need: A combination of biblical conviction and personal compassion.
Here's God's heart for people:
John 3:16 (ESV), For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Romans 5:8 (NIV), But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
2. Human beings are created in the image of God, and God has a specific intention for our life in general and our sexual experiences in particular.
This is the concept of original intent. God’s original design for human sexuality is described in the first two chapters of Genesis.
Genesis 1:26-27 (NLT), Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us…” 27 So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 2:21-25 (NLT), So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man.
23 “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’”
24 This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
25 Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
Matthew 19:4-6 (NLT), “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ 5 And he said, ‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’] 6 Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
3. We live in a fallen, messed up world and we are fallen, messed up people. The “fall” messed up every aspect of our existence and experience, including our sexuality.
Psalm 51:5 (NIV), Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.
Romans 5:12 (NLT), When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned.
4. The way sexual orientation is formed is an extremely complex issue.
Possible Contributing Factors:
• Developmental factors: A history of destructive and dysfunctional family dynamics.
• Early childhood sexual abuse.
• Environmental conditioning.
• The “God made me this way” theory.
“There’s no compelling evidence your loved one was born gay. Genetic makeup may have made him or her more susceptible to other factors that helped create the homosexuality, but the condition – or orientation – is not, in and of itself, a genetic, immutable trait.” ~ Joe Dallas, When Homosexuality Hits Home
5. Regardless of the complexity surrounding the issue, God’s Word indicates that homosexual behavior is ultimately a result of our fallen state and a violation of God’s original design, purpose and intent.
Leviticus 18:22 (NLT), Do not practice homosexuality, having sex with another man as with a woman. It is a detestable sin. (Cross Reference: Leviticus 20:13)
Romans 1:21-23 (ESV), For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV), Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
6. Our deepest desire is not for a sexual experience, but for an intimate relationship with God.
Story of Jacob and Leah
Genesis 29
“Jacob’s behavior was that of an addict… Rachel was not just [Jacob’s] wife, but his ‘savior.’ He wanted and needed Rachel so profoundly that he heard and saw only the things he wanted to hear and see. That’s why he became vulnerable to Laban’s deception.” ~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods
“If you get married as Jacob did, putting the weight of all your deepest hopes and longings on the person you are marrying, you are going to crush him or her with your expectations. It will distort your life and your spouse’s life in a hundred ways. No person, not even the best one, can give your soul all it needs. You are going to think you you have gone to bed with Rachel, and you will get up and it will always be Leah.” ~ Tim Keller, Counterfeit Gods, pages 38-39
“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world…” ~ C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
7. Grace, forgiveness and freedom are available in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (ESV), Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Resources: Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller, When Homosexuality Hits Home by Joe Dallas, 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality by Mike Haley
Monday, October 19, 2009
Pics from Yesterday's Water Baptism Celebration @ a2
Nine people followed the Lord in water baptism yesterday @ a2! Yeah, God! Here are a few pics...
a2's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
a2 First Anniversary Celebration
November 22, 9:45 am
a2 Church, Vestavia City Center
I'm amazed! In a few days we'll celebrate a2's first anniversary! Our first service in the space in Vestavia City Center actually took place on November 9, 2008. We'll celebrate on November 22.
Here's the graphic. Here's the date. Hopefully, you can save the date and join us for what promises to be an incredible day.
We're pulling out all the stops and bringing our absolute best to our GREAT GOD! We'll sing LOUD, worship with PASSION and celebrate the stories of radically changed lives!
And that's just the beginning. We'll follow up the action packed worship experience with an old fashioned Thanksgiving Dinner, along with give-aways, inflatables games for the kids and a live house band. If you've been a part of our first year in any way, or just want to check things out, we hope you'll join us for the party.
Plan your trip to Birmingham... Ask for the a2 Special Rate on airline tickets and hotels... JK... But maybe one day their will be a special rate...
Seriously, we would love to have you all join us for an incredible day celebrating the faithfulness of our AWESOME GOD!
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