Comet-4th Qtr 2013

According to this article (http://www.foxnews.com/science/2013/01/13/comet-2013-among-brightest-ever-seen/) around the beginning of October and lasting through the end of the year, we should be able to see a comet that is so bright, it will shine even in the early daylight hours.

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Understanding Heaven and Human Destiny

Before I get into it, I want to lay the groundwork for the concept so you don’t immediately dismiss it without at least seeing the reasonableness of it. So think…Have you ever known of any government where those in authority exceed (in number) the masses that were being ruled?  How about a government where everybody is ruling and nobody is ruled over. I’m sure you’ll agree both scenarios are ridiculous.

What does this have to do with heaven? Notice what the Bible states about humans going to heaven.  In the last book of the Bible, we read that Jesus: “bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” (Revelation 5:9,10) (The KJV, DRA and NIV all say they will reign “on” the earth; the AMP says they will rule “over” the earth.)

So these “bought” ones are heaven-bound not to play golf or laying around aimlessly on clouds as pictured by so many. They have a very specific purpose—to act as rulers with Christ over the earth, restoring the earth to God’s original purpose. 

But back to the illustration…. Many are also taught that besides living in bliss in heaven, all deserved mankind will go to heaven. That cannot be because that places everyone as rulers in heaven with no one on earth to be ruled over. How can those in heaven be “kings and priests” if they rule over nobody? Yet the scripture above is quite clear that they will rule over the earth.

Indeed, the more sensible concept is that they rule over a large multitude of people on earth. This is mentioned pictorially in Revelation chapter 21, wherein “New Jerusalem,” the heavenly administration, is seen “coming down out of heaven” and the resulting benefits will be a cleansed earth, ecologically, morally and spiritually speaking. So while a small number become rulers, the vast majority of mankind will benefit from that rulership right here on earth.

But some have taken Jehovah’s Witnesses to task about their belief in the literal number of 144,000 being invited to heaven. Ok, so you can’t accept that now. But can you accept that whatever the number is, it has to be a smaller number than those being ruled over? Just as we already covered, it makes sense that the number of rulers would be less than those on earth who are being ruled over.

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The Fine Soil--Matthew 13

Jesus, while on earth, spoke (figuratively) about four types of soil conditions in which the seed might fall. As I understand it, back in those days, those planting seeds would carry them in a fold of their garment and “cast” (spread by flinging, sprinkling generously) the seeds. Naturally, such a method would easily cause the seed to fall in all of the four areas (the “roads” hardened by travel from people, animals and carts, the “rocky places” perhaps around the boundaries of the tilled soil, the “thorns” (also likely at the boundaries) and finally the “fine soil.”) Most likely the farmer tried to get as much of the valuable seeds on the fine soil but accepted that for the expediency of getting the work done, some seed would fall on those other three places.

The explanation Jesus gave for the above referenced illustration (“parable” for those acquainted with that term) is found at Matthew 13:18-23. There we find out that the seed is the publically proclaimed word of God. The various soils are receptiveness of people’s hearts. The thing is, people are not unchangeable soil. However, the way they respond both to the message and circumstances in their life is the point Jesus was making. People’s viewpoints and responses can change. So Jesus was not at all indicating predestination. A case in point is the apostle Paul. He started out as “Saul,” a fanatic Jewish Pharisee who was bent on persecuting early Christians. However, he changed.

I have seen this even in “our day and age.”

I was having numerous conversations with a young man in his early twenties who was raised by a family that held to the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This man was not a rebel. He was kind-hearted and soft-spoken. He was respectful and mild. But after months of talking with him I sensed his level of appreciation for the Bible and commitment to God just wasn’t there. Finally, I took him aside privately and told him the following: “In my experience, there are three types of people. First are the ones that just do not believe in God. Second are the ones that may believe in God, but aren’t convinced that a particular religion (or any religion) is necessarily right. Finally, there are those that may believe in God, and may also see the benefits of the brotherhood espoused by the Bible, but just don’t feel that religion is something they want in their life.” I asked which one fit his situation. He said it was the last. I assured him that I respect his God-given right to free will. I told him that he needed to make some life discoveries for himself, to have some life experiences that would help him discover what he himself felt was true and worthwhile. I told him I’d welcome his call or text messages any time of day. It has been months now since we’ve talked but I am hopeful that in the years to come, he will see things clearer.

On the flipside of that is another young man, same age, also raised around the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses but as a teen, rebelled and turned away. Like the prodigal son, he got involved in all the things that can entice a person in this world. But now he is a young man living on his own and has had years to observe what this world is really about. Instead of speaking fondly of his experiences, it is evident that he feels really beat up by them. All the things he thought would be truly pleasurable and rewarding have turned out to be a burden and a bother to his inner sense of right and wrong (his conscience). He decided to re-learn what the Bible teaches but this time as a young man able to determine for himself what is true and not true. He does not need to feel apprehensive about asking questions for fear of disappointing his relatives. He is encouraged to ask questions and express what he really feels. His expressions of appreciation not only for the Bible but for the patient, non-judgmental care being extended to him are heartwarming.

I think experiences such as these convince me that all the fault-finders of Jehovah’s Witnesses, our teachings and our ways, are shown to be either sadly misguided individuals or outright liars. For example, while doing some web research for my recent article on Philippians chapter 2, I came across a website that blasted Jehovah’s Witnesses as deceptive liars. Having been a former Catholic and associated with many religions before becoming convinced that only Jehovah’s Witnesses accurately teach the truth, I was able to quickly deduce some facts about that website. First, accusations poured out freely but without any concrete proof or reasoning. Second, the reasonings that were provided sounded like a madman’s rants. Finally, search as I might, there was absolutely no way to contact the writer. Now, really, which would you be more inclined believe—someone that readily provides contact information, as I do, as my religion does (www.jw.org), or one that spews vile hatred but hides their identity? Regarding this last point, the one thing I have noticed about the official articles written by the Watchtower about other religions always makes every attempt to do so in a respectful manner. They never resort to insults and are always willing to discuss their beliefs. However, when I see articles written by other religions against us (mostly on the internet), they never seem to find an ounce of good in anything we do. According to them, we are thoroughly corrupt, completely deceptive, without one ounce of redeeming value. My recommendation to you would be to check it for yourself. Can it really be true that people from all backgrounds, all financial levels, multiple educational levels (including scientists and surgeons) could be so easily deceived?

In response to the false claims that we are “brain washed” and forced to be brainless automatons, I can guarantee from my own 41-year-long experience that is completely untrue. Unlike other religions that require financial contributions, we do not. We feel contributions should be a personal matter motivated by heartfelt appreciation. We have no tithing. So, we encourage people to reason, we encourage questions, we promote tolerance and patience, we have no ulterior motive such to soak people for their money or try to control their lives. Anyone that says differently is not telling you the truth about us.

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Understanding Paul’s Words at Philippians chapter 2, verses 6 and 7

There is a long standing difference of (very strong) viewpoint on that passage. Those adhering to the trinity teaching prefer the essence of the wording found in the King James Bible (vs.6): “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God…” Those not adhering to the trinity doctrine (predominantly Jehovah’s Witnesses), use a rendering such as this one:  (New World Translation): “who, although he was existing in God’s form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God”

But what was the point that Paul was making? Was the context of that passage in his letter arguing the identity of the Christ? No, it wasn't.  If you read the context, especially verses 1 through 11, you will notice that Paul was using Jesus as an object lesson, a model of how a Christian should think and live. In verse 3, Paul says that we should not be egotistical or contentious. In verse 5, Paul tells us that we should have the same mental attitude of humility that Jesus had. He then says that not only did Jesus demonstrate humility in leaving heaven and coming to earth, but then he lived a humble human life (not a religious or political leader or rich man). Finally to top it off, he died an ignominious death, being falsely labeled as a fake and slanderer of God.

Wrapping it up in verses 9 through 11, Paul says that because of Jesus’ willing humility, God not only brought him back to life but then raised him to a position that was elevated above every other human to have ever lived or will ever live. Note the underlined (from the King James Version) in the text below:

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So now, would it make sense, after considering the context, that Paul, even in passing, was teaching that Jesus was or is himself also God? No, it wouldn't.  To say that would mean that Jesus glorified and praised himself, directly opposite to what Paul was trying to teach his readers. Paul made it undeniably clear that Jesus was and is “Lord,” not to his own glory, but the Father’s (to God’s) glory.

Ok, so the point Paul was making was that we need to follow Christ’s model of humility. But what about verse 6? First lets consider verses 6 and 7 according to the King James version. Then we’ll look at other, more accurate, recently translated works used by those who believe in the trinity. Verses 6,7: Who, “being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:”

So first the KJV says that Jesus “thought it not robbery to be equal with God,” but then, instead of just allowing the supposed equality, he “made himself of no reputation, took upon him the form of a servant.” Does that make sense to you? First of all, the odd wording of “thought it not robbery to be equal” is confusing enough. But then, instead of accepting his equality, he humbles himself. Of course, even the terms “equal” and “equality” immediately imply that there is more than one person involved. If Jesus IS God, then Paul’s argument is further nullified. What do I mean? Consider: If we re-write that passage in modern English, according to the trinity beliefs, it would read: “Jesus didn't think it was any big deal being equal to himself, but decided to be less than himself.”

So what of the more modern translations? One of the favorites of current church-goers is the NIV (New International Version).  Below, along with the Amplified version, are those renderings:

NIV: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

AMP: Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,

Note these observations:

 Both translations separate Jesus (in his pre-human existence) from God as two distinct individuals. One individual has no choice but to be equal to himself. If Jesus were God, how could he possibly make himself lesser than what he himself is? And once he made himself lesser, he would still be equal to himself, right?

 The NIV says that Jesus was “in very nature God.” And the Amplified, a very-well researched translation, says that Jesus was in the “form of God.” It is interesting that Jehovah’s Witnesses, believe that. Jesus was indeed in the “form” of God. John, quoting Jesus’ own words, at John chapter 4, verse 24 says that “God is a spirit.” Indeed, Jesus, prior coming to earth was “a spirit.” So are the angels. That shouldn't be any huge revelation to Bible readers. And that is the only point Paul was making. Jesus took on a lesser life-form by becoming human. (Hebrews 2:7) But afterwards, the benefit of his loyalty (not to himself but to God, his Father), came with the benefit of being raised even above the angels. (Hebrews 1:6)

Quite simply, then, what Paul wrote was that we should be humble and even accept humiliating circumstances and assignments for the sake of glorifying our Heavenly Father. We do this because we are followers of Jesus Christ who set the pattern and model for us to follow. (1 Peter 2:21)

Additional Notes
Another phrase the Amplified makes is that Christ is "essentially one with God." Again, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that but probably not in the sense that you do. They believe it in the same sense that Jesus used the word at John 17:21 which reads: "in order that they [Jesus' followers] may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us" Yes, the "union," is a unity of mindset and purpose, otherwise we would need to understand Jesus' words from John 17 to mean that all believers would also become "God" in very being. (See 1 Corinthians 1:10)

In contrast to Jesus' humble example, who can you think of that was also "in God's form" (a spirit being) that was not at all humble but was arrogantly, rebelliously interested in becoming a worshiped deity himself? Yes, Satan the devil.

Addendum:
Philippians 2 Revisited

Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen

My wife & I were watching what seemed like a two-hour-long movie on TV. We didn't know until about three-quarters of the way through it that it was a movie sponsored by a purportedly “Christian” organization. The storyline focuses on a male teen about ready to graduate from high school with full scholarship to the university of his choice. He was a likable youth, popular in school, star athlete, highlight at every party, and easy going. He was not the least bit religious and thought of religious people as emotionally “needy” and just plain strange.

Then, in quick succession, his life takes a number of bad turns. He finds out his girl friend is pregnant and his parents are getting a divorce, and some of his close friends turn on him (I wasn't quite clear on the reason for that.) Through a series of events, he finds himself willingly talking with a religious youth counselor. The young man says he isn't religious and feels very uncomfortable in the setting. But after a while he lets his guard down and pleads to understand why all these bad things are happening in his life. (At this point, I had to chuckle--he in effect tries to shirk his own responsibility in the matter of his girlfriend being pregnant and implies that God should have stopped it!)

But the real “stick in  my craw” (aka, annoyance) was what the youth minister said in response: “Nobody knows why God allows bad things to happen to people.” What about you? Have you ever heard a reasonable explanation as to why God allows bad things to happen, or have you also resigned yourself to the answer that there is no answer? It really is not that big a secret but apparently people are not being taught it by their religions. And no, this is not based on mere personal interpretation. It is based on solid research and reasoning and simple scriptural principles that anyone can understand.

The springboard scripture I like to start off with is 1 John 4:8,9. There, John, a man who personally knew and spent extensive time learning from Jesus, said that if we've made any other conclusion about God except that he loves us, we really do NOT know God at all. Then he goes on to talk about one tangible way God demonstrates his love--by allowing his son's life to be put in harms way to provide a ransom for us to live. So God (Jehovah) went to great lengths to demonstrate how much he cares. To illustrate: Imagine you have an adult son whom you treasure and love as much as your own life. You both are on a fishing boat when you notice a large ship sinking. You both are skilled fishermen and very adept swimmers. You want to throw a lifeline but your son dives in the water to save as many as possible. He is able to save many, but stops breathing in the process. You drag him aboard and after several tense minutes, you successfully resuscitate him. Although he willingly gave his life, you had the knowledge and power to bring him back again. But it doesn't negate the sacrifice you both made to save others.That is what God and Jesus did.

However, some might say: "But if Christ’s life “saved” us, why are we humans still suffering? The human condition hasn't changed before or after Jesus came to earth.” Part of the reason that may be true in their lives is that they still haven’t found the true global brotherhood of believers that are unitedly living in peaceful co-existence amidst a world in chaos. For the time being, that Christian brotherhood is source of real peace and comfort. They also have not yet discovered just how concrete and tangible a benefit it is, to have an accurate understanding of the Bible. Having those two things helps people finally make sense of what is happening in this world. But what about the fulfillment of Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:5? It reads: “Happy are the mild-tempered ones, since they will inherit the earth." That time will come but in the meantime there are issues to be resolved--and these are the big reasons why God has allowed bad things to continue on earth.

There are two lies that Satan told that needed time to be addressed. The first issue is a lie Satan told the first humans (Adam & Eve). He said that God was selfish and wanted all power, knowledge and control to himself. Satan told Eve that there was a way to enlightened freedom--by disregarding the direction God had given them. Have we humans successfully, happily set our own standard of good and bad and been able to have human rule that truly satisfies everyone? No, instead, mismanagement, unfair treatment, adamant disagreements, oppression, war, and much more have gone from bad to worse. Yet mankind still insists they can work out their own ways. Just look at the promises being made by politicians and world leaders today. In lands espousing democracy, each successive political candidate promises to “fix” what the prior administration hadn't fixed--and yet it never gets fixed. What conclusion are more and more people coming to realize from this? Just as the Hebrew prophet Jeremiah wrote: “"I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step." (Jeremiah 10:23)

The second lie that Satan said is mentioned at Job 1:8-11. This time, he attacks mankind as a race, claiming in front of God that the only reason some people are faithful to Him is because of the personal benefits they receive. Satan claims that humans are basically selfish and have no pure motives for trying to befriend God. Yes, Satan taunts God every time we selfishly pursue a wrong course. This is the reason God encouragingly reminds us: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me.” (Proverbs 27:11) So Job, and others like him down through history, have proven that even in the severest of trials, they will not disown God or compromise their integrity.

There is much more that can be said about this, but those two main points help to answer the reason why God has continued to allow wickedness to exist. First, it has taken all these centuries, all the different forms of human rule, all the individuals with their new ideas, to come forward and prove Jeremiah’s words as true--we really cannot rule ourselves successfully. Second, it also takes time for generations of people to come and go in order to build up a mound of testimony that there are indeed people that would go so far as to sacrifice their own life in order to prove that they unselfishly love God and humbly obey his direction.

In the meantime, because mankind has chosen and continues to choose an independent course, God allows the suffering we incur from our own choices to affect us. However, as mentioned, He provides the both the Bible and the true Christian brotherhood to help us cope. So now the question comes back to you (each one of us). God didn't make the provision of his Son’s sacrifice so that only a few people would benefit. The apostle Peter, another close associate of Jesus, wrote: “Jehovah is not slow respecting his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) This is yet a third reason why the conditions in this world continue--God is patient with us collectively in the hopes that some individually will come to a realization that they need to get their lives right with God. Does seeing the issues Satan raised make you want to take a stand on God's side? What can you do besides living a "good life"? If you'd like to know what is expected of us, I'd be happy to discuss that with you. But please note, just as in the past when God has acted against disobedience, at some point his patience will run out for this world. At some point, loyal ones deserve and will receive the benefit mentioned at Psalm 37:10,11.

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Free Will Is Not a Free-For-All

This article expands on a previous article that briefly mentioned free-will.

When some hear “free” they equate it with “all you want, all you can take.” However, guests that do exactly that at a dinner are considered rude and socially uncultured.  Social events are just that, a means for socializing, not for emptying the pantry.

When some get a driver’s license, they think it entitles them to do just about anything possible within the laws of physics. They drive as if they “own the road,” being rude, cutting people off, driving recklessly without consideration for pedestrians, speeding and running red lights and stop signs. But that is not the way state laws intended people to view a driver’s license. It is a document that implies you have taken a certain amount of training and passed an on-road driving test. Had you driven poorly during that test, you would not have a license. So the license means you understand you are to conduct yourself responsibly, lawfully, and with consideration for others on the road. We are free to travel on public roads but it is not a free-for-all. We are free to do many things as long as it doesn’t break the vehicle codes or endanger life.

The first time your parents left you alone at home, they did so with the trust that you would respect their wishes and their property. Although you are free of their immediate supervision, chances are they left you with a list of expectations. If they return to find you have broken their trust, you likely will not be trusted to be left alone again for a long while—(not to mention that you will probably be punished for whatever blatant disregard you may have shown).

What do the three items above have in common? They illustrate that freedom is not the same as a free-for-all. We are expected to exercise restraint and good judgment for the freedom we are given. These aptly illustrate the faculty of free-will that God is said to have given us. Within the limits that he sets, we are free to drink alcohol (in moderation), we are free to enjoy sex (within the heterosexual marriage arrangement), we are free enjoy sports (as long as it does not flagrantly disregard safety and the value of life), we are free to do many things as long as it doesn't break God’s laws.

So a driver who misuses their freedom of travel and drives recklessly may find that they lose not only the freedom of travel but are now caged in a prison cell. Likewise a person that uses their freedom as an excuse for loose conduct will find that they have lost God’s favor and, eventually, lose their future opportunity for life. So we all have a choice—act responsibly with the freedom we have, or act irresponsibly, thinking only of what we want regardless of how it affects others or our relationship with God.

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Pigeonholing God (or, God-In-The-Box)

It surprises me as I go about my outreach program how many people pigeonhole God, stuffing him into a convenient box in the back of their mind and opening it on Sunday when they “go to church.” I recently met a woman in her 70s who, after my introduction, piously announced, “Well, I believe in the Lord Jesus as my savior” and then arrogantly challenged, “do you?” I affirmed that I do indeed believe in Jesus but before I could get another word out of my mouth she cut me off and said, “well then, there is nothing more for us to discuss” and closed her mind (and door) on me.

As I reflected on the conversation I thought how clever she was with her question. Regardless if I had said “yes” or “no” to her question, her response would have been the same, “Well, there is nothing more to discuss.” In actuality, this person, like so many I’ve met do not enjoy talking about their faith. I’ve had some use the excuse that I’m cheapening God by talking about him outside of “church.” (They likewise abruptly ended the conversation because they likely knew I would point out that Jesus preached publicly, and not just in the Jewish religious meeting place known as the Synagogue.)  I have also met those who say they don’t discuss their faith with strangers. In saying that, I have to wonder if they even know they are completely disregarding what Jesus told his disciples to do (Matthew 28:19,20) Finally, there is vast multitude of those I meet that say, “I have my own religion” or “I just went to church on Sunday” and then turn aside from me. All of these people put God in a very convenient little box that they open whenever they feel they want to.

So for those claiming to follow the Christianity that Jesus outlined and not whatever flavor of belief the “churches” of today espouse, what is the Bible-endorsed, Bible-promoted attitude and actions to incorporate into your life regarding your relationship with God? First of all, the two “Greatest Commandments” come to mind. The first was to love God with every fiber of our being (not stuff him into the back of our mind and relegate him to one day of the week). Think about it: If we loved God like we love so many other things in our life, wouldn’t we enjoy talking about Him? For example, I have interests in photography and wireless technology and engage in lively online discussions about those topics—as do hundreds of others. So for those that excitedly discuss personal hobbies and interests but then turn around and treat God as of little consequence, what does that say about them? If that were your best friend, your girl friend, you mate or someone else in your life and you treated them that way, how would they feel?—Unappreciated, unimportant?

Even in everyday mundane things such as sports scores and teams, politics, and such, if the person we are talking to doesn’t agree with everything we say, we still enjoy their company. Why does talking about God and the Bible have to be so different, so rigid? In my observation, there are two classes of people that act this way. First are the ones that really have not come to know the Bible (and hence God) that well, so they are embarrassed when they meet others that do know and can show them things they may never have considered. Second are the ones that adamantly have a closed mind to anything but their own opinion on matters related to God and the Bible. These self-righteously condemn anyone that doesn’t agree with their viewpoint. They don’t even want to share what they DO know and demand you leave them alone.

The second of the two Greatest Commandments was to love our neighbor as ourselves. Anyone reading the book of Acts (following the “Gospel” accounts in the Christian Greek scriptures) can readily see that Paul, an “apostle to the nations,” made every earnest yet respectful & calm effort to reason not only with the common people but even with Roman leaders of the time. In like manner, those who adopt the Christianity taught by Jesus and practiced by his early followers recognize that the greatest love we can extend to our neighbors is to bring them the same message of hope and comfort that helped us. We don't just accept the message and then bottle it up inside, not willing to discuss it. Instead, we let our light shine.

"But what if opposing views surface?" That actually is bound to happen. In those cases, I remember advice I was once given: “Its okay to disagree, but you don’t have to be disagreeable.” I was told that by a friend one day when, years ago, I used to become argumentative. Now I’ve learned to respect that others are entitled to their viewpoint just as much as I am to mine. I also remember that when I go from inside to outdoors, my first reaction is to squint and block my eyes from the bright light. Metaphorically, our eagerly sharing the light of Bible understanding can have the same effect. Sometimes people feel the light is intrusive. So I respect their choice and try to part company on a friendly note.

I hope that anyone reading this gives consideration to their viewpoints regarding discussing God. If you truly love your creator, talking about him should be as natural as anything else you discuss. If someone has a differing viewpoint, consider why they view it that way. See if you need to adjust your viewpoint, but don’t shut them out and don’t relegate God to some box called Sunday church.

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