Category: Shadows (Page 7 of 25)

Most would agree that the principal responsibility for raising a child lies with the parents.

(Proverbs 22:6)¹NIV New International Version Translations“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

What is often missed is the generational impact of good parenting and Godly training. Deuteronomy 4:9 states, ” Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and their children after them.” To understand this point further, we can look at the generational impact of one family on biblical history. Antipater the Idumaean founded the Herodian Dynasty, ruling from 47 BC to 42 BC. His descendants, however, ruled Judea until its conquest by the Romans in 70 AD. This covers most of the period of the New Testament itself.

To begin our history lesson, there is Antipater’s son, Herod the Great. Herod the Great was a Roman Jewish “client king” of the Herodian Kingdom of Judea. He was born around 72 BC and died around 4 BC (Jesus’ birth is thought to be between 4 BC and 6 BC). A client king meant that Herod’s rule depended on the continued approval of the more powerful State, Rome, to keep his authority. Herod the Great’s reign is recorded in the works of the Jewish historian Josephus. Herod the Great first appears in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1–22 as the ruler of Judea who orders the Massacre of the Innocents at the time of the birth of Jesus. He sought to kill Jesus by ordering the massacre of all infant boys in Bethlehem. Herod the Great also tried to trick the Wise Men into revealing the location of the Christ child. It was the first interaction the Herod family had with Jesus. While there is some evidence of a successful legacy as king, most historians view him as a tyrannical ruler.

On Herod the Great’s death in 4 BC, the Romans divided his kingdom among his three sons and his sister. His son, Herod Antipas, received the tetrarchy of Galilee and Peraea. The word “tetrarchy” means “rule of four.” Other family members of Herod the Great include Herod’s son, Herod Archelaus, who became the ruler of Judea, Samaria, and Idumea.  Herod the Great’s son Philip was a half-brother to Antipas. Philip was a product of his father’s fifth wife and became ruler of territories north and east of the Jordan River. Herod the Great’s sister, Salome, became ruler of the cities of Jabneh, Ashdod, and Phasaelis. Family life around the Herod household must have been interesting!

(Isaiah 40:3-5) – ” A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’”

We see a similar foretelling in Malachi 3:1. These prophecies foretold the coming of a forerunner who would prepare the way for a Messiah. John the Baptist was this person, forming the link between the Old and New Testaments. John the Baptist is also known as Saint John the Forerunner. He was born in the 1st century BC in the Herodian Tetrarchy and died around 30 AD in Machaerus. According to the Gospel of Luke, John and Jesus were relatives. His mother, Elizabeth, was a cousin of Mary, the mother of Jesus. His father was the priest Zechariah. John the Baptist is revered and a major religious figure in Christianity, Islam, the Baháʼí faith, the Druze faith, and Mandaeism. These faiths consider John the Baptist to be a prophet of God. The angel Gabriel also foretold his birth and outlined his divine purpose, setting the stage for John the Baptist’s destined role as a “herald of the Messiah.” This is emphasized in Luke 1:16–17: “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”

John the Baptist anticipated a messianic figure greater than himself. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus identifies John the Baptist as “Elijah who is to come”, a direct reference to the Book of Malachi. John used baptism as the central symbol or sacrament of his pre-messianic movement. Most biblical scholars agree that John baptized Jesus, and several New Testament accounts report that some of Jesus’s early followers had previously been followers of John. John’s use of baptism was a call to repentance and a symbol of cleansing from sin. His purpose was to prepare the people to receive the message of salvation directly from Jesus. His central theme was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2). He baptized those who responded to his message and had sincerely repented.

Herod Antipas is first mentioned in the New Testament in Matthew 14:1–12 and Mark 6:14–29.  John the Baptist directly confronted Herod Antipas for divorcing his first wife, Phasaelis (something Herod Antipas learned, no doubt, from his father) and then unlawfully marrying Herodias, the wife of his half-brother Herod Philip. Herodias, Herod Antipas’s new wife, was not pleased with John the Baptist’s public disapproval of her bigamous marriage to Herod Antipas and his half-brother Herod Philip. She would not rest until she saw John the Baptist killed. At the request of Herod Antipas’ soon-to-be mistress Salome (his stepdaughter, child of Herodias and Herod Philip), Herod Antipas carried out Herodias’ demand to murder John the Baptist (Matthew 14:6–11; Mark 21:21–29). John was beheaded by Herod Antipas around 30 AD.

In the Gospel of Luke, Herod Antipas is also mentioned in Acts 4:27 as having a role in the trial of Jesus. The first mention is where he is referred to as just “Herod,” one of those guilty of the crucifixion of Jesus. When Jesus was arrested in Jerusalem, Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator of Judaea, sent Jesus to Herod Antipas because Jesus was a Galilean, under Antipas’ jurisdiction. Herod Antipas was eager to see Jesus, expecting him to perform miracles. However, instead of seeking the truth from Jesus, Herod Antipas wanted him to perform a miracle for his entertainment. When Jesus did not comply, Antipas and his soldiers mocked Jesus. Then, instead of freeing this innocent man, Herod Antipas sent him back to Pilate, who had the authority to have Jesus crucified. Herod Antipas’s actions during Jesus’ trial improved his relationship with the chief priests and the Sanhedrin and started a friendship with Pilate. Therefore, Herod Antipas is considered one of the co-conspirators who carried out the condemnation and execution of Jesus Christ. This might also be an early example of political alliances’ perversion of a nation’s justice system.

When we look at the history of the Herod family, it is easy to see the dysfunction. Murder, divorce, immorality, corruption, and the list goes on. How might history have changed if the patriarch, Antipater the Idumaean, had formed a Godly dynasty? What if the Herod brothers and Aunt Salome were raised to fear God? Antipater the Idumaean, the founder of the Herodian Dynasty and father of Herod the Great, died by poisoning due to his unpopularity. The people had grown tired of his leadership style. His death occurred in 43 BC. Herod the Great died in 4 BC. He passed away at his winter palace in Jericho. His death was due to a gruesome, painful, and mysterious illness. Herod Antipas, son of Herod the Great, ruled Galilee and Perea until 39 AD. His nephew, Agrippa I, accused him of conspiring against the Roman emperor Caligula. Herod Antipas was exiled to Gaul, accompanied by Herodias, his wife. The exact date of his death is unknown. The daughter of Herod Antipas and Herodias, who gave history the Dance of the Seven Veils²“Dance of the Seven Veils” was popularized in the 1894 English translation of Oscar Wilde’s 1893 French play “Salome”. The dance was also incorporated into Richard Strauss’s 1905 opera “Salome”., is rumored to have died in a tragic accident. As she was passing over a frozen river, the ice broke, and she sank up to her neck, freezing to death. Missing from history are details on Salome, sister of Herod the Great, who died around 10 AD, Herod Philip, who died around 18 AD, and Herod Archelaus, who died about 34 AD. One might conclude that God was far more interested in sustaining the legacies of John the Baptist, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus than the Herod family.

Contemplations

• An American educator, A.E. Winship, decided to trace the descendants of Reverend Jonathan Edwards, an American revivalist preacher, philosopher, and Congregationalist theologian. Winship would do this almost 150 years after his death. His findings are remarkable, especially when he compared Edwards’ genealogy to “Max Jukes.”³Max Jukes is a pseudonym used in sociological studies to refer to the patriarch of a New York family studied in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with a less-than-stellar reputation. (see footnote)
  • Jonathan Edwards’ legacy included: 1 U.S. Vice-President, 1 Dean of a law school, 1 dean of a medical school, 3 U.S. Senators, 3 governors, 3 mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 60 doctors, 65 professors, 75 Military officers, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers, 100 clergymen, and 285 college graduates.
  • Max Jukes’ descendants included: 7 murderers, 60 thieves, 190 prostitutes, 150 other convicts, 310 paupers, and 440 who were physically wrecked by addiction to alcohol. Of the 1,200 descendants that were studied, 300 died prematurely.
• Ideas to Explore: https://ywam-fmi.org/news/multigenerational-legacies-the-story-of-jonathan-edwards/

• What will your genealogy look like in 150 years?
  • Ideas to Explore: The seeds of faith planted by parents and grandparents now will produce the fruit harvested by future generations.

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  NIV New International Version Translations
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  “Dance of the Seven Veils” was popularized in the 1894 English translation of Oscar Wilde’s 1893 French play “Salome”. The dance was also incorporated into Richard Strauss’s 1905 opera “Salome”.
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  Max Jukes is a pseudonym used in sociological studies to refer to the patriarch of a New York family studied in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with a less-than-stellar reputation.

Our nation today struggles to educate its youth¹ https://www.theedadvocate.org/10-reasons-the-u-s-education-system-is-failing/.  State and private schools struggle to produce graduates who understand our nation’s government, know the fundamentals of life, such as budgeting or can demonstrate skills that make them employable. Many colleges are undergoing widespread unrest. Increases in costs are leaving students in untenable debt. Graduates find that their learnings have not prepared them for future technologies and needs of our nation.

Reverend Thomas Reid (1710–1796), a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, is known for his philosophy of the “Scottish School of Common Sense”. He believed that both human behavior and the use of language provide overwhelming evidence to support truths such as the existence of a material world and the retention of personal identity amidst continuous change. Reid’s philosophy valued intuition and common sense, encouraged critical thinking, and promoted understanding of the world as it is experienced in everyday life.

Benjamin Franklin was a significant figure who was influenced by Reid’s empirical approach. Franklin was a disciple of John Gregory, who was Thomas Reid’s cousin and a member of Reid’s “Wise Club.” Franklin’s commitment to practical wisdom, self-improvement, and public education helped create our great nation. Others, like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, would also benefit from the principles of Reid’s common sense philosophy. Yet in the last several hundred years, this proven approach to education has morphed into a failing system. What happened?

In the context of education, discernment, and wisdom are important for learning and teaching. This implies that education should not only impart knowledge but also foster the development of practical wisdom and sound judgment.  Our nation’s first colleges established in the American colonies intended to train ministers and were heavily influenced by religious beliefs.  They also set out to teach the advancement of all good literature, arts, and sciences and the education of both English and Indian Youth “in knowledge: and godliness.” These goals applied to colleges like Harvard College, the College of William and Mary, Yale, and Princeton.  Over time, these schools evolved to become comprehensive universities offering a wide range of academic disciplines intended to provide a well-rounded education, including but not limited to religious studies.

What went wrong? Is it technology, or the lack of human interaction in education? Could it be a lack of diversity in thought and opinion? Reverend Reid strongly felt that to understand the Natural Laws of our universe, students needed to be taught to reason, solve problems, and recognize revelations from our Creator. Aimee Arrambide, the executive director of the abortion rights nonprofit “Avow Texas” testified before the House Judiciary Committee on May 18, 2022. During her testimony, she stated that she believes men can become pregnant and have abortions. This is not unique. We now have little or no oversight as to exactly what our youth are being taught as science in our schools. If that is the problem, what would God tell us the solution is? 

Common Sense

Beginning with Solomon’s wisdom, Proverbs²NIV New International Version Translations states, “My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them” (Proverbs 3:21). This verse emphasizes the importance of common sense and discernment, which can be interpreted as a call for practical wisdom in education. Proverbs 10:21 states, “The words of the godly encourage many, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.” This verse suggests that common sense is crucial for success and survival in the world. Here are a few samples found in God’s Word to guide humanity as it struggles to educate its generations.

Mathematics

 “As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams” (Daniel 1:17 ). This verse suggests that God values knowledge and wisdom, which includes mathematical understanding. Luke 14:28 tells us, “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” This verse highlights the importance of planning, budgeting, and calculation. Genesis 6:15–16 gives specific measurements for the construction of Noah’s Ark, indicating the importance of accurate measurements. Psalm 90:12 suggests that we number our days, suggesting the importance of counting and understanding the value of time.

Morality

Young people are encouraged to be role models in their behavior and faith. “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 ). Proverbs 1:8–9 states, “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck.” This verse emphasizes the importance of parental guidance in teaching morality. The teaching of morality should not be outsourced! Teaching morality to youth is the responsibility of parents and elders, and it should be grounded in the teachings of the Bible.

History

Psalm 78:2-4 states, “I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.” This emphasizes the importance of passing down stories and lessons from past generations. The importance of remembering and teaching about significant historical events is highlighted in Deuteronomy 4:9–10. “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—how on the day that you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words, so that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children so.’”

Gender

The Bible acknowledges the existence of two genders, emphasizing the spiritual equality of both. “So God created man in his image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Deuteronomy 22:5 adds, “A woman shall not wear a man’s garment, nor shall a man put on a woman’s cloak, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord your God.“

 Winners and losers

The importance of winning or losing is often viewed in terms of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and glorifying God, rather than worldly success or failure. In Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, Solomon emphasizes the importance of community and helping each other, rather than focusing on individual victory or defeat, “Two are better than one because a good return comes when two work together. If one of them falls, the other can help him up. But who will help the pitiful person who falls down alone?”  Matthew 5:16 tells us, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew suggests that the ultimate “win” is glorifying God through good works, rather than achieving personal success. The importance of winning or losing should be viewed in terms of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and glorifying God, rather than worldly success or failure. Participation trophies do not count!

Reality or Fantasy

The Bible encourages us to focus on reality, truth, and spiritual wisdom rather than illusions or fantasies. Ecclesiastes 5:7 tells us, “But against all illusion and fantasy and empty talk There’s always this rock foundation: Fear God!” We are cautioned against illusions and fantasies, emphasizing the importance of fearing God, who exists in our real world, not a virtual world. Our Apostle Paul encourages focusing on what is true and real. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). God’s word can help us discern our thoughts and intentions and reinforce the importance of aligning our thoughts with reality. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

Language

Our Bible cautions against using language in a way that confuses or misleads others, especially those who are young or impressionable. The trick is an old one. In (Genesis 11:7),  we read, “Come, let Us go down and confuse their language so that they will not understand one another’s speech.” There is a special warning to those who teach: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Those who teach, especially to the youth, have a responsibility to provide clear and truthful instruction. Ephesians 4:14 gives the students a warning too. “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” This verse warns against being too easily swayed by deceptive teachings, which could include confusing or misleading language. Thomas Reid called the best protection, “Common Sense.”

Conclusion

What we are witnessing is the dissolution of societal absolutes. We live in a state of ethical relativism, where no absolute moral truth exists. What is morally right or wrong varies from person to person or differs from one society to another. Morality has become subjective and varies greatly among individuals. We have confusion and disagreement about what is morally and socially acceptable. Right and wrong change based on personal experience or cultural consensus. Actions that cause harm to others become justified. Without universal moral and societal standards, those in power impose their moral standards on others, causing oppression and injustice. Therefore, you will have little hope of teaching morality to the younger generation if there are no fixed standards to base moral education on.

Contemplations

• Do you know what your children are learning?
  • Ideas to Explore: God lays the responsibility of educating children upon the parents.
• Do you know what your children have already learned?
  • Ideas to Explore: Parents, grandparents, siblings, and family now hold the only hope for our society.
• What would you add to education to ensure that our world does not lose sight of God?
  • Ideas to Explore: We all have opinions. However, when good people fail to act and protect the upcoming generations, the risks to those generations are eternal.

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  https://www.theedadvocate.org/10-reasons-the-u-s-education-system-is-failing/
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  NIV New International Version Translations

Trinity Chapel

Not many people take exception to the concept of “eternity.” What always was and what always will be is seldom disputed. Our world, however, has been searching for the perfect “exit plan.” This Bible Study looks at whether it is advisable to have a formal exit plan or strategy that takes you from this world into the eternal world that has always existed and will always exist.

Humanity has used a lot of different strategies over time. During the Egyptian Era, careful planning left us the Great Pyramids and earthly tombs filled with the remnants of wealth. All this was meant to secure comfort in eternity. People also focused on their legacy, creating institutions and endowments to live on after they pass from this world. For Christians today, we can look to a roadmap leading from sin and spiritual death to eternal life. God tells us that all humanity is sinful and subject to His judgment. Through God’s Grace, we can find eternal life through Jesus Christ. While faith in Jesus is the source of salvation, we are called to redemption. Redemption means that after accepting Jesus as our Savior, we strive to lead a life that avoids sin.

Isaiah 1:16-17¹NIV New International Version Translations captures two sides to repentance: “Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, learn to do right! Seek justice and encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.” Repentance is not merely remorse or regret; it’s a transformative act that leads to reconciliation with God. Biblical repentance is a heartfelt change—a turning from sin and self toward God’s grace and forgiveness. What is missing in all of this is “good works.” In 2008, I accompanied approximately 3 dozen high school children and a dozen adults on a mission trip to Pittsburg, PA. It would be there that an amazing story of a man’s exit plan emerged.

Richard Beatty Mellon was part of the Mellon family. He and his brother, Andrew Mellon, were frequent business partners. Both were sons of Judge Thomas Mellon. Richard served under Andrew at Mellon Bank and later became president in 1921 when Andrew was appointed Treasury Secretary. Richard Mellon played a significant role in the Pittsburgh Reduction Company, which later became the Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa). He was heavily invested in the Pittsburgh Coal Company. Richard Mellon then helped form the Mellbank Corporation, a holding company that supported affiliated banks during the Great Depression.

2009 Mission Trip Team working with East Liberty members

Our youth and adults would do many acts of service while on our mission trip. One particularly memorable activity was assisting the “Meals on Wheels.”

Our work was conducted at the East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 S Highland Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206. The congregation of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church was founded in 1819. The cathedral structure, dedicated in 1935, covered the entire city block. The Mellon coat-of-arms is mounted on the south wall of the east transept. A brief history of the East Liberty Presbyterian Church is also inscribed there, documenting the congregation’s gratitude to the Mellons for their gift of the building. Five Christian virtues are carved as symbols on the west wall of the east transept on shields: Charity (a sheep), Wisdom (a serpent), Faith (a chalice and cross), Chastity (a phoenix), and Patience (a yoked ox). The shield of the Presbyterian Church is carved on the east wall of the nave. The Mellon Family provided funding for construction and the endowment that still supports this church. The present-day endowment is approximately 25 million dollars and provides about two-thirds of the church’s annual budget.

East Liberty had converted a section of their lower level into a large kitchen and filled it with food-handling automation. There were specific menu items prepared for Meals on Wheels participants that were based on both their likes and their needs. Our service work was to assist the regular volunteers with cooking, placing food in serving trays, sealing the food trays with a protective covering, and staging them for drivers who would deliver the meals. During a break, one of the church’s staff members offered to give me and our pastor a tour. As we walked through the sanctuary, the beauty and presence of God were overwhelming. Moving down one of the aisles, we came to the east side of the nave, called the Trinity Chapel, which serves as a crypt for the remains of Richard Beatty Mellon and Jennie King Mellon. The stained glass windows in this chapel are a visual representation of the Apostles’ Creed. My guide commented, “This was part of Mellon’s exit plan.” I will always remember his remarks. I thought for a moment, could all that generosity and wealth influence one’s eternal life?

Good works are an expression of gratitude in the believer’s heart. They demonstrate our appreciation for the gift of God’s Son. Scripture emphasizes that our obedience to God’s Word is evidence of our love for Christ (John 14:15; Colossians 2:6) Good works can bolster our assurance of faith. When we actively live out our faith through acts of love and obedience, it affirms our relationship with Christ (1 John 2:1-6). Good works serve as a means of encouraging fellow Christians by demonstrating Christ-centered love. This inspires others toward greater acts of kindness and service (Hebrews 10:24).

(Matthew 5:16) – “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew highlights the importance of living a life that exemplifies love, compassion, and selflessness, ultimately pointing others toward a heavenly perspective. Jesus Himself set the ultimate example of leadership through His actions, teachings, and sacrifices. This verse highlights the importance of living a life that exemplifies love, compassion, and selflessness, ultimately pointing others toward a heavenly perspective. Your good works are a witness pointing to Jesus.

While good works are not the basis of anyone’s salvation, generosity, combined with good works, is a necessary component of a Christian life. God’s grace saves us through faith in Jesus Christ, but our faith is never alone. Faith must also be accompanied by a desire to honor God through our actions. The best exit strategy is recorded in the pages of the Bible. God’s exit plan delivers us from sin and spiritual death by our repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. The foundation of our salvation is faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8–9) clearly states that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. However, Christians are God’s workmanship, created to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). These works are not for salvation but are a response to God’s generosity. Good works don’t save us, but they do matter. They reflect our faith, obedience, and love for God. We are called to honor Him through our actions while trusting His grace for salvation.

(John 3:16 ) – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Through their generosity, the Mellon family created a place for a community of believers to gather and serve their neighborhoods. All are welcome at East Liberty Presbyterian Cathedral, including a group of tired high school kids on a mission trip from Florida. Each child was embarking on their faith walk, learning to serve God. The staff at East Liberty Presbyterian open their doors to yearning spirits and questioning minds, helping the spiritual development of people of all ages who seek God’s presence. What is your plan?

Contemplations

• We do not know and should not speculate on the faith of the Mellon family. Their walk with God is something between themselves and God. Their legacy is, however, subject to our viewing.
  • Ideas to Explore: Can you see the good that has been spread throughout the area surrounding East Liberty Cathedral? The people who may have found their way to Jesus. The help those in need have received. All that is visible.
• Where do you see good works and Jesus’ forgiveness working to serve those in need?
  • Ideas to Explore: Local food banks, churches with service programs, and local missions supporting those with special needs. Maybe a local Meals on Wheels?
• Will your legacy include things that last here in our world?
  • Ideas to Explore: Assisting churches to grow. Making a lasting gift to society. Serving those in need well after you are gone.
• Knowing your gifts, those given to you by the Holy Spirit can be an excellent guide to building an exit plan. Do you know yours?
  • Ideas to Explore: Have you taken the time to assess your spiritual gifts? Do you know how to find them?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

Evil is complex, and our Bible provides insights that we cannot find anywhere else. The simple story is that Satan, a fallen angel who rebelled against God, seeks to lead humanity away from righteousness, away from God. Satan is at liberty to wander the earth, even visit heaven, where he can engage in a dialogue with God. He tempts individuals to sin (1 John 3:8; Matthew 4:1–11). The Scriptures allow us the privilege to hear directly from Satan. In the opening of the Book of Job, he talks to God directly about Job. It will be here that we can gain an understanding of the power of evil in our world. Satan’s role in the story revolves around testing Job’s faith. Satan is portrayed as a spiritual being with the ability to affect human lives, often causing harm. He argues that Job’s piety is contingent on his blessings. We first learn that Satan is ultimately subservient to God. Although he has the power to harm people, it is only because God grants him this authority. For instance, at the beginning of the Book of Job, God allows Satan to harm anything that belongs to Job, except Job’s own body. In Job 1, God says to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil.” Yes, Satan causes disasters, but his actions are always within the boundaries set by God.

When God allows Satan to afflict Job with physical suffering, Job’s unwavering faith surprises Satan. Despite immense hardship, Job refuses to curse God. Job 2 begins to document the painful sores inflicted on Job by Satan. Despite Job’s suffering, he remains solid in his faith and does not sin by denigrating or blaming God. We can begin to see one of Satan’s characteristics emerging that plays to the advantage of evil. It is sin! Sin, came into our world when our first foreparents, Adam and Eve, directly disobeyed God, leading to their fall and banishment from Eden (Genesis 3). This disobedience introduced sin and evil into the world (Romans 5:12–14). But the “Gorilla in the Room” lies with humanity’s original creation with free will. We are a separate creation from God, with the freedom to choose how we will interact with the world around us, including God. This thing called “free will” grants each of us the power to break our relationship with God on our own, Satan is free to lead us to evil and suffering if we choose to follow him.

(Isaiah 45:7)¹NIV New International Version Translatiosn – “I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”

The verse from Isaiah tells us that God says, “I make peace and create evil.” The Hebrew word for “evil” here is ra’ah, which refers to calamity, disaster, or hardship. It does not imply moral wickedness. God never causes anyone to sin! The Bible never attributes the creation of moral wickedness (rasha’) to God. God is consistently described as good and just (Mark 10:18; Psalm 111:7). What we learn about Satan from Job is that evil comes from a combination of Satan’s influence, human choices, and the risks inherent in free will. God did not directly create evil but allowed us the freedom to choose love and a relationship with Him.

In Hebrew, Satan means “The Accuser” or “The Prosecutor.” He searches out wrongdoings and appears as an accuser. Satan isn’t acting as a tempter here but rather as someone who challenges religious pretensions. To be religiously pretentious is to claim a level of religious devotion, knowledge, or piety that you do not genuinely have. It involves presenting oneself as more devout, righteous, or spiritually advanced than one truly is.

There is one more place that we can use to fully understand the nature of evil in our world. It is in the story of how Jesus, after fasting for 40 days, faced three specific temptations from Satan. Jesus responded to each temptation with Scripture, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to God (Matthew 4:1–11; Luke 4:1–13). Satan tempts Jesus directly, knowing that Jesus is the Son of God. Jesus’ authority is evident, and Satan’s efforts are futile. Jesus is without sin, and His will is that of His Father, not subject to humanity’s many flaws. Satan tempts Jesus with three specific challenges:

• To turn stones into bread (appealing to physical needs).
• To throw Himself down from the temple (appealing to pride and testing God’s protection).
• To worship Satan in exchange for worldly power (appealing to ambition).

Jesus resists all temptations, asserting His unwavering commitment to God. Satan departs, and angels minister to Jesus. How many of today’s leaders could come close to passing that same test?

(1 John 3:8) – “The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”

In Summary

From these two encounters between God (and Jesus) and Satan, we can finally list Satan’s characteristics.

• Who is Satan? An accuser who stands against God’s chosen people (Zechariah 3:1–2).
• Deceit: Satan is associated with the serpent who deceived Eve in the Garden of Eden (2 Corinthians 11:3).
• Impact on humanity: Satan’s influence on human hearts and his role in deception are well documented in Scripture (Acts 5:3). Satan is real, and he is effective.
• The source of false information and murder: Jesus describes Satan as a murderer, liar, and the source of falsehood (John 8:44).
• Satan has influence: Jesus directly addresses Satan’s influence when Peter opposes God’s plan (Matthew 16:23).
• Impact on our World: Satan is a thief who seeks to harm and destroy, contrasting with Jesus’, who came to bring abundant life (John 10:10).
• Humanity’s response must be: To resist Satan’s interference in our world through submission to God (James 4:7).
• The End Game: This passage speaks of Satan’s ultimate defeat by God (Romans 16:20).

The verses above provide us with an insight into Satan’s character. Can you identify evil? Just look for deception and direct opposition to God. Be reassured that God’s Truth and Jesus will prevail.

God’s Word does not answer the question directly of why God permits evil to exist. We know that our free will lets us make choices independently, including choosing good or evil. Evil emerges when individuals turn away from God’s intended design. Sin disrupted the perfect harmony of creation, leading to suffering, pain, and moral evil. God allowed this consequence as a result of human disobedience. Trials can strengthen our character, deepen our dependence on God, and lead to spiritual growth (1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4). Our experiences of pain allow us to comfort and support those who suffer (2 Corinthians 1:3-6). Through Jesus Christ, God provides a way to overcome evil and reconcile humanity to Himself. This world is temporary compared to the glory of eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). God promises to make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Some aspects of evil remain mysterious. Our understanding is limited, and we cannot fully comprehend God’s purposes. Despite the existence of evil, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom, goodness, and sovereignty. All things together for His ultimate purposes (Romans 8:28).

Contemplations

• How do you spot evil?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is it moving you farther away from God’s Truth? Is hatred present? Does it ever bring people closer to God? Does the source have a track record of unbiased influence on our world, bringing them together?
• Do you take stories like that in Job literally, or do you view them as figurative lessons on the character of our God?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is the lesson within Job that God is in charge? God even controls the extent to which evil can persist. Note: Parables are also not intended to be taken literally. They are lessons to aid in our understanding of our Creation story. What might the lessons that you see be within the Book of Job?
• Do you think that evil in our world is a problem?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are the risks of war higher? Why is the average lifespan dropping in our nation? Why is there such a political divide based on hatred?
• If you had to pick a source in which you would place both your physical and spiritual future, what would it be?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is wealth stable enough? With manufactured diseases, is anyone safe? Do governments have the interests and freedoms of their people at heart?
• If you had to offer the ultimate protection to yourself and your family from evil, how would you do it?
  • Ideas to Explore: Where would you look? Where would you live? What would your plan look like?
• Is there any safety outside of Jesus Christ?
  • Ideas to Explore: This is a serious question. Knowing you have free will and will never be sinless, how is it that people will reconcile themselves with their Creator? Do we still care as a nation? Do we still believe in eternal life?

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  NIV New International Version Translatiosn

Lying, and the spreading of falsehoods have been part of humanity since creation. Our dictionaries hold hundreds of variants of these types of lies. Occasionally, we see a few new terms pop up, like “gaslighting.”¹The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 British play “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton, which was later adapted into films in 1940 and 1944. The story involves a husband who manipulates his wife into believing she is losing her mind as part of his plot to steal from her. He does this by dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying any change when his wife notices it. The term has since entered the realm of psychology to describe a type of psychological manipulation where one person seeks to undermine another person’s confidence in their understanding of events or their surroundingsGaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person is made to question their thoughts, beliefs, and even their memories of the events occurring around them. By manipulating history, facts, and the obvious, gaslighting has become a tactic used to gain power over someone. In some cases, people can do it to themselves by ignoring the true world around them.

Recognizing a lie is always challenging. We have our own biases, and experiences that cloud our reasoning. Sometimes, we just trust the wrong people. The Bible doesn’t provide direct advice on how to spot a lie, but it does offer wisdom on discerning truth from falsehood.  For example, in Ephesians 4:25, believers are encouraged to “speak truthfully to your neighbor,”²NIV New International Version Translations which implies the importance of honesty and truth in interactions with others. Additionally, Proverbs 12:22 states that “lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,” suggesting that God values truth and detests lies. As believers, we are also encouraged to pray for discernment and wisdom, which can aid us in recognizing when we are being deceived.

”Gaslighting,” however, is different. There are psychological and social attributes, heavily influenced by self-interest and the desire to control others. It is professional lying on a large scale, sometimes, so large that the truth cannot even be seen. It might even be called “team lying,” where groups band together using the complexities of our world as a smoke screen. Today, politics, media, large corporations, social media, and search engines are at the heart of this cooperative deception. Add to this concern that Artificial Intelligence is coming, and it is cloaked in secrecy, which adds additional risks. Many people have their fingers on the lamp of our nation’s freedoms—people we do not know or see.

While the term “gaslighting” is modern and not used in the Bible, the sin of gaslighting-like behavior, where individuals are deceived or led to doubt their perception or memory, was alive and well a long time ago.  We will look at two short stories to better understand this deceptive technique.

Anointed by the prophet Samuel, Saul was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel. We find this history in the First Book of Samuel. Saul was initially humble and successful in uniting the tribes of Israel and leading them against their enemies. Saul’s reign began to take a turn for the worse when he began to disobey God’s commands. For example, Saul failed to destroy the Amalekites³The Amalekites were the first nation to attack the Jewish people after their Exodus from Egypt. They launched a vicious surprise attack on the Jews while they were encamped in Rephidim in the Sinai Desert. Although the physical nation of Amalek no longer exists, its name symbolizes evil and enmity toward the Jewish people. and their possessions. as God had instructed him to do. It had been his prime duty to protect the Israelite nation. Because of his disobedience, God eventually rejected Saul as king and had Samuel anoint David as his successor.

This now becomes a story of jealousy.  After David’s victory over Goliath and his growing popularity, Saul’s behavior toward David led to erratic behavior and a decline in Saul’s leadership. Saul, approaching the end of his life, sought guidance from a medium at Endor (1 Samuel 28:3-25). This was paramount to abandoning God because Saul was fearful and not in communication with God. Saul’s actions and the resulting spiritual and psychological turmoil he experienced can be likened to the confusion and self-doubt that are hallmarks of being gaslighted. Saul’s increasing paranoia and erratic behavior, particularly towards David, reflects the inner conflict and distress that can result from prolonged exposure to manipulative behaviors driven by jealousy. Remember, “gaslighting” involves manipulating someone to doubt their memory, perception, or sanity. While Saul himself is not a victim of gaslighting by Samuel, his actions, and the consequences of those actions, as narrated by Samuel, led to a situation where Saul’s grasp on reality and his kingship became increasingly tenuous. God’s Word shows us how deception, whether self-inflicted or from external sources, can lead to doubt and confusion. The consequences of turning away from God’s guidance caused Saul to make a desperate move and ask a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel.

Let’s stop for a moment and look at our world today. How many people fall into that same trap? Having abandoned God, they have no plan and go searching for self-proclaimed experts. We have an entire government filled with “experts” doing the same thing.  What we are missing is God! The medium in Saul’s story calls up a spirit who is presumed to be Samuel. The spirit then predicted Saul’s defeat and death. Saul’s life ends tragically in a battle against the Philistines.⁴As a nation, Philistia no longer exists. The descendants of the Philistines inhabited the heartland of ancient Philistia along the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Their cities included Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.When Saul realized the battle was lost, he took his own life to avoid capture.

Saul’s disobedience and subsequent rationalizations of his actions could be interpreted as attempts to manipulate reality to fit his narrative, especially when facing the prophet Samuel. Saul’s increasing paranoia and erratic behavior, particularly towards David, also reflected the inner conflict and distress that resulted from prolonged exposure to manipulative behaviors. Yes, most were self-inflicted, but some also came from external sources. For “gaslighting” to work well, it takes a team effort. When governments hide the truth and align with groups loaded with nefarious motives, it is just another form of lying.

You might want to also add the story of how quickly the triumphant entry of Jesus’ ride into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday was replaced with His crucifixion and death. The leaders and the high priests manipulated the attitude of the crowds by holding a bogus trial. Jesus, an innocent man, was sentenced to death, by an unjust court and false witnesses. Those leaders were able to erase a three-year ministry filled with healing, hope, and love, substituting in the minds of the crowd hatred and revenge. The Romans were also more than happy to join in. This is just one more example of how a little sleight of hand and psychological turmoil were strong enough to even impact the apostles, making them question their knowledge of the Savior Himself.

The risks to a nation begin when the focus is lost, no longer prioritizing obedience and faith in God. Suddenly, the consequences of turning away from God become secondary and are substituted for more worldly concerns like personal safety and the health of the economy. The question that is at hand is whether this is by chance or by design. Is this another successful attempt at team lying, you know, “gaslighting.”

When the truth is absent, stress and discomfort quickly fill the void. “Gaslighting” undermines the trust and authenticity of any relationship. Whether political, social, or professional, lasting relationships must be based on the truth. Add in a bit of fraud, defamation, or other serious matters, and what you have before you is a divided nation, abandoning the very God who created us. God’s Truth has been clear, lying is a sin, and truthfulness is a virtue to be upheld. When the Apostle John responded to someone about lying, here is what he said:

(John 8:44) – “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

John was referring to a woman who had been caught in the act of adultery. The Pharisees were involved in using the woman to try to trap Jesus in an ethical dilemma.  They asked Him whether the woman, who was caught “in the very act” of adultery, should be stoned as per the Law of Moses. Jesus’s wisdom and His message of forgiveness and grace had been calling for repentance and forgiveness.  The dilemma was to instill in Jesus, a conflict in His beliefs. Our lesson is just to keep it simple. Demand nothing less from anyone, “Do not steal. Do not lie. Do not deceive one another” (Leviticus 19:11). Not much wiggle room is there.

Contemplations

• How does the idea of manipulation and unequal justice work against the truth?
  • Ideas to Explore: Where in our contemporary world are we losing sight of truth because of manipulation and lies? Why is it dangerous to have politics, the media, search engines, social media, and large corporations team up to control the narrative?
• In a world of increasing complexity, how is it that you find what is true?
  • Ideas to Explore: Is any source of information that the world provides free from bias, and misrepresentation? What is your secret to digging for the truth? In what way does simplicity protect against “gaslighting?”
• Leadership’s role is to bring people together and bring people to God. Where do you see the idea of complex untruths and gaslighting, being applied to hide the real objectives being implemented in our world today?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you sure you know the truth about topics like immigration, the national debt, the scope of the drug crisis in our nation, the real risks to our environment, or other issues affecting us today? There are lots of issues, pick a few.
• What is your plan?
  • Ideas to Explore: Can you spot it? Can you avoid it? Can you fight it? Can you help to stop it? What is the role of God’s Word in your plan? Satan has a plan. Do you?

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  The term “gaslighting” comes from the 1938 British play “Gas Light” by Patrick Hamilton, which was later adapted into films in 1940 and 1944. The story involves a husband who manipulates his wife into believing she is losing her mind as part of his plot to steal from her. He does this by dimming the gas lights in their home and then denying any change when his wife notices it. The term has since entered the realm of psychology to describe a type of psychological manipulation where one person seeks to undermine another person’s confidence in their understanding of events or their surroundings
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  NIV New International Version Translations
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  The Amalekites were the first nation to attack the Jewish people after their Exodus from Egypt. They launched a vicious surprise attack on the Jews while they were encamped in Rephidim in the Sinai Desert. Although the physical nation of Amalek no longer exists, its name symbolizes evil and enmity toward the Jewish people. and their possessions.
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  As a nation, Philistia no longer exists. The descendants of the Philistines inhabited the heartland of ancient Philistia along the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Their cities included Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath, and Gaza.

Heaven’s Door

Lostpine has spent a lot of time over the years writing about God’s Truth. You know, that which is righteous behavior and the absolutes established at the time of our world’s creation by God. If you go back to the very beginning, Genesis, God’s Word describes a pretty nice place. There was no stress or strain in the Garden. No fear, no anxiety. The Tree of Life was there, providing physical and spiritual nourishment. Today, we might call this the good life, the life we all seek to find. What in the world happened? Oh yes, there was that slippery serpent that changed all of that for us.

(John 8:44)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

In one rather creative lie, Satan destroyed our heritage too. We are the heirs of Adam and Eve. Our first couple of humanity would leave us an estate filled with “thorns and thistles” (Genesis 3:18).  This new world, Satan’s world, now requires constant labor to survive. Adam and Eve would watch one of their offspring murder the other over nothing more than simple jealousy. The idea of pain and death in their new world became much too real, and it is much too real in our world today. The hope Adam and Eve had for eternal bliss quickly faded. It must have looked like a future without hope. Maybe you think our future today looks the same—not too hopeful.

Reflecting for a moment, Satan reminded us to trust our abilities rather than rely on God. King David tells us that “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18). It is the oldest trick in the book. Satan says, “You too can be as smart as God.” Eve was so convinced, that she ate the forbidden fruit just to “be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:5). If anyone is expecting our world to ever be an easy place to live in, you may want to reset your expectations. Eve had to do quite a reset. We will always be tired, and anxious, and we will live with stress and fear. Why? We keep trying to shoulder the responsibilities of our Creator. There is no history of that ever working!

Humans make lousy judges and lawmakers. Our idea of moral order has never worked for long. We try to create but only manage to destroy. We try to be shepherds but only manage to lead others away from the very God who loves us and created us. If we can accept the science (facts), our world has not existed forever, nor will it exist forever. It is only safe to assume that our world is the place where you and I are right now. It is also the only place we will find the door—the gateway out of this world back into eternity. This should be everyone’s goal because that is where we will find God.

Know this:

• Our God loves us. He loves His world and desires a relationship with all of humanity.
• We must acknowledge that sin has separated us from our God, and without intervention, this separation leads to spiritual death, the kind that Adam and Eve experienced.
• That door, that latch to eternity, is nothing less than Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay the penalty for human sin, and rose from the dead to prove to us that “He and only He” is the door, the latch to eternity from our world into the next.

Our vision in this world will always be clouded by pride. To see the door, to see the latch, and to see Jesus Christ, we must be willing to repent of our sins and place our faith in Him as our Lord and Savior. That Tree of Life is sitting inside that door, along with the Tree of Eternal Life. Jesus is ready to forgive our sins, reconcile us to God Himself, and transform our lives back to that which was lost so long ago by Adam and Eve.

 If you are tired:

(Matthew 11:28-30) – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

If you are anxious:

(Philippians 4:6-7) – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

If you are tempted:

(1 Corinthians 10:13) –  “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

If you are fearful:

(Isaiah 41:10) – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

If you are under stress:

(Romans 12:2) – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

Still Looking for Hope? Others have fought that same fight too!

(2 Corinthians 4:8-9) – “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

The above Scripture verses are all a small part of God’s Truth, conveniently packaged in book form entitled, “The Bible.”

Contemplations

• When our world is filled with despots, liars, thieves, and sadists, and the list goes on, we will have chaos. Are you surprised that we have anxiety, fear, war, and stress, and must deal with other human anomalies?
  • Ideas to Explore: Why is society surprised by economic difficulties when we have incompetent leadership? Do you think we are being led by thieves? What is it about the pride of position that drives those to power and crime? Does over 34 trillion dollars in debt concern you? It should, it is your debt!
• Do you think that those who elect and support corrupt leaders recognize their failure?
  • Ideas to Explore: Half of the population of the world disagrees with the other half. How can this be reconciled? Do you think knowing God’s Truth might help sort this out?
• Why is it often insufficient to tell someone with health issues, financial issues, or other severe problems that they should just “keep the faith?”
  • Ideas to Explore: Does keeping the faith mean the pain stops? Have good people, who do not deserve the problems of the world, experienced suffering not at their own hands? What is our role when we see this? Are we helping people find the latch to heaven’s door?
• Do leaders of today have the competence to lead?
  • Ideas to Explore: How do you measure competence?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

This study finds us in the Gospel of John, after the end of Jesus’ last meal with the disciples. Jesus is praying before entering the garden of Gethsemane.  It is hard to imagine what our Lord was going through at that moment. He was worried about the men who had lived beside Him for the last three years. The future of the world and His ministry were about to fall into their hands. And yes, the impending sequence of suffering and death by crucifixion was in His thoughts. When a person (Jesus was a human by all standards) is in such a position, His thoughts and prayers are most revealing.

(John 17:13-23)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

For us today, this should be considered the ultimate prayer. What is it that the Incarnate God wants for humanity? This might be called the “Priestly Prayer,” asking humanity’s creator on behalf of those chosen to carry on the ministry here on earth.  Jesus prays for three things: joy, protection from Satan, and sanctification through the Truth. Jesus is asking that, through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers will be set apart from sin and consecrated for God’s service. He is asking God to separate believers from the influence and power of sin and to consecrate them for God’s Holy purpose.

(Romans 6:22) – “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

In this prayer, Jesus is emphasizing the unity between Himself and His Father, as well as the unity He wants for His followers. Jesus is also praying for future believers, asking that they may experience unity with God and each other. This unity is to be a light for the world, reflecting the divine love and glory of God. In these last moments, before His ministry on earth ends, Jesus is focused on the mission left to us to complete. Jesus is asking His Father to guard us against the chaos and falsehoods of the world. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:5–6). What unites us with all other believers should be far greater than what divides us. Our unity should be our joint mission on earth.

• Our Belief in Jesus Christ: We believe in Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God and the savior of humanity. His life, death, and resurrection are central to our faith, based on the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life with God.
• The Bible: We consider the Bible, consisting of the Old and New Testaments, as sacred Scripture. Because it is the inspired Word of God, it is our primary source of guidance and authority while living in this world.
• The Trinity: We believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches us that God is a unity of three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we overcome sin and guide our human reason to the necessary revelations of God’s mysteries.
• The Resurrection: We believe that Jesus was crucified, died as a sacrifice for our sins, and, on the third day, rose from the dead. It is our faith in Christ that brings victory over death to us.

As believers, we practice sacraments or rituals, such as baptism and communion, which hold special significance to our faith. We engage in communal worship such as church service and prayer to celebrate our faith. Despite differences, the core beliefs mentioned above, as well as other common beliefs, serve as a unifying foundation for believers worldwide. Our takeaway must be that we have one faith and one God. Therefore, as believers, we are to live in a manner worthy of our one Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Test yourself:

• Do you love one another? (2 Corinthians 13:11)
• Do you forgive each other? ( Ephesians 4:32)
• Do you serve each other? (1 Peter 4:9–10) 
• Do you pray for each other? (James 5:16)
• Do you encourage each other? (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Conclusions

The unity Jesus spoke about is not an organization. It has nothing to do with denominations or versions of the Bible. Nor is it about how sacraments are to be administered. Jesus did not expect us to dress alike, believe the same way, or raise our children with the same beliefs. Jesus asks you and me to share His life for eternity with Him. We are to walk with Him, learn from Him, care for each other, and be a light to the world.

(Matthew 5:14-16) – “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In Jesus’ priestly prayer, He was not praying for the world. He was specifically praying for you and me today. Jesus was asking God to protect all those who had placed their faith in Him. In this, we should all be united!

Contemplations

• Can you express your beliefs in a few seconds?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do you name denominations? Do you include rituals? Is your faith simple? Does your explanation make others want to know more about your faith?
• Do you see the common bond between people of faith?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you too political? Are you too secular? Are you too rigid?
• Who do you align with when it comes to personal comfort?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are you more comfortable with believers or non-believers? Do you compromise your beliefs because of your desire to be friends with someone? How are you around family members who believe differently than you?
• Does your life mirror how Jesus lived?
  • Ideas to Explore: Do you show joy even in suffering? Are you the “light” that points to Jesus? Will you be missed by those around you when you are gone because of how you loved them?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

What is compromise? We are told that a successful compromise involves finding a balanced solution that addresses the interests, needs, and desires of all parties involved. There is increasing pressure on Christians and conservatives to compromise more. It’s us, they say. We must learn how to balance our conflicting interests with the rest of society. But what if the interests in question cannot be reconciled? What if there is a direct conflict between God’s Truth and what the world desires?  Is there a way to make sure that the best outcome, one that God Himself would be pleased with, succeeds? God’s Will and His Truth cannot be compromised!

This study will look at four biblical Truths to see how they might help in this task of difficult compromises. Lostpine calls them the “Four R’s to Compromise.” These are Reverence, Respect, Repentance, and Reconciliation.

Reverence

To begin, the necessary Reverence is for God Himself. It will not be possible to seek the goals of successful compromise without God becoming part of the solution. Reverence begins with a profound, adoring, and awed respect for God. This is much more than just honor. It signifies that we must have a deep sense of awe and humility for God’s wisdom—something greater than our wisdom will ever be.

(Hebrews 12:28)¹NIV New International Version Translations – “Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe.”

(Proverbs 9:10) – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

The characteristics of God are vast, beyond human understanding. Humanity is finite. God is infinite. God is self-existent, without origin or dependence on anything. He exists eternally, existing everywhere simultaneously. God’s knowledge is perfect, knowing all things, past, present, and future. His character is unchanging, pure, existing with moral perfection, and separated from sin. The concept of one God in three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is mysterious and beyond human analogy or comprehension. The character and eternal nature of God existed even before creation. He exists beyond the limits of the material universe. God is timeless, existing without the constraints of the past, present, and future. He is self-sufficient and needs nothing external. Humanity falls short in even describing God’s glory, beauty, and majesty. Humanity, in its fallen state, cannot begin to bridge the gaps of compromise without God because it continually attempts to raise itself above God.

(Romans 1:21-24) – “For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”

Add to the verses above the rest of Romans 1:25-32 and humanity’s track record is very bad!

Respect

Whether it is between people or nations, respect must be present for compromise to occur. Disagreements such as those over God’s Truth can destroy any attempts to find a balanced and lasting solution. The same is true when hatred is present between affected parties. Amazingly, humanity all began as the same creation, patterned after its Creator’s image. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). Being made in God’s image sets humans apart from all other creatures, and signifies our unique dignity, value, and purpose. While our physical attributes are not those of God, humans share an ability to reason, create, and establish relationships. We have been entrusted by our Creator with responsibility over His creation. Everyone is considered equal in the eyes of God! For respect to exist, there must also be forgiveness. Humanity’s free will and sinfulness have given us a history of pain, suffering, and destruction. Sin works against all that is good. Forgiveness, therefore, is necessary to foster respect by promoting emotional health, restoring relationships, and modeling God’s Grace and His forgiveness of humanity. All parties must take this to heart. If there is hatred or a lack of respect for one or the other, it is foolish to expect a successful and lasting compromise.

Effective compromises seek to strike a balance between conflicting interests. While the solution should ensure that no one feels unfairly treated or left out, there must be “common ground” that is consistent with God’s Truth.

(Hebrews 3:14) – “Unlike Solomon, we cannot compromise the wisdom God has given us by His spiritual revelation if we are to ‘hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.’”

Solomon was known for his wisdom and initially followed God but later compromised his beliefs. He had married foreign wives who influenced him to worship their gods (1 Kings 11:1-8). Solomon’s compromises resulted in his spiritual decline and his divided loyalty. Like Solomon, we can start with a strong faith but drift away if we are not careful about the compromises in our lives. This is a warning! As believers, we share in all the blessings procured by Christ’s death and offered in the Gospel (such as pardon, holiness, and eternal life). However, this is conditional. The condition for this participation is that believers must hold fast to their initial confidence in Christ until the end. Compromising God’s Truth undermines our faithfulness and integrity. Staying steadfast in His wisdom and revelation is essential. This defines a boundary that cannot be crossed.

Repentance

Repentance means acknowledging that there is a need to change the direction of thinking and beliefs for both parties. Repentance requires a genuine change of heart and a commitment to follow a new way. While compromise is generally desirable, there will be situations where it’s simply not possible to agree. You should always be open to alternative options, including the possibility of walking away from the negotiation if necessary. God’s Truth is never negotiable.  Repentance begins with an honest self-reflection of the issues. Both sides should approach compromise with an open attitude, and both sides should be willing to examine their own biases and misjudgments. Repentance requires humility before God. Humility allows people to listen, learn, and consider alternative viewpoints. The purpose behind repentance is to prioritize reconciliation over just being “right.” Repentance acknowledges our own need for forgiveness. The Bible consistently presents repentance as a pivotal aspect of the spiritual journey, emphasizing its role in forgiveness, restoration, and a renewed relationship with God. It works the same way with relationships with others.

(2 Chronicles 7:14) – “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

(Jeremiah 15:19) – “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman.’”

The connection between repentance, restoration, and service to God is part of any lasting compromise. We must always prioritize obedience to God’s commandments over obeying human authorities or any instructions that contradict God’s laws. “Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!‘” (Acts 5:29). The apostles chose to continue proclaiming the Gospel despite facing persecution and threats, demonstrating their commitment to obeying God’s commands above all else. It underscores the importance of maintaining fidelity to God’s Truth even in the face of opposition or pressure to accept a worldy compromise.

Reconciliation

Reconciliation involves moving from a state of separation, hurt, and brokenness to a place of healing, wholeness, forgiveness, and reunion. The Greek word for reconciliation is “katallage”, meaning “adjustment of a difference” or “restoration to favor.” The Hebrew word is “kapar” or “kaphar”, which translates to “cover over” or “atone.” It’s the process of taking what is wrong and covering it with the cleansing power of God, restoring it to a new state of unity.

The Bible’s narrative begins with humanity in perfect harmony with God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2). Adam and Eve spoke with God directly and felt no shame. Their disobedience changed all of that (Genesis 3). We were cast out from the garden, breaking our original relationship with our Creator. The Bible, God’s Truth, is about the path to finding our way back to Him. The ultimate solution to God’s plan of reconciliation is through Jesus: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). The entire Gospel centers on reconciliation. Despite humanity’s repeated sins, God offers Jesus as a model and a way back to Him. This model, Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, acknowledges the need for forgiveness so that ultimate forgiveness and unity can occur.

Jesus is the Incarnation of God in human form. He experienced human life firsthand, including its joys, sorrows, temptations, challenges, and compromises. This makes Jesus relatable to humans in a unique way that God, as an omnipotent and transcendent being, is not. Jesus’ teachings and life demonstrate qualities like love, compassion, forgiveness, humility, and selflessness through his actions and interactions with people. These qualities serve as practical examples for us to follow in our daily lives. God is transcendent and beyond human comprehension. Jesus is approachable and accessible through prayer, reflection, and the following of His teachings. His life, death, and resurrection model redemption and salvation for us.

Reconciliation becomes impossible if it requires abandoning God’s Truth. That is not a compromise, that is a capitulation. Reconciliation can only take place between parties when the spirit of the compromise is consistent with God’s Truth.  Using Jesus as a model, we are asked to extend grace to each other, recognizing our imperfections. The positions taken in our world are often misrepresented or are part of a history of hatred and mistrust between parties. The world will tell you that understanding truth is subjective and influenced by personal experiences. Just be aware that there are different types of truth—the truth of the world and God’s Truth. One is ever-changing, and one is evermore! Remember that reconciliation involves humility, compassion, and a willingness to find common ground. Understanding God’s Truth can be much more complex because it impacts core principles and values that should never be compromised.

(Ephesians 4:17-24) – “So I say this, and insist in the Lord, that you no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking… But you did not learn about Christ like this, if indeed you heard about him and were taught in him, just as the truth is in Jesus. You were taught with reference to your former way of life to lay aside the old man who is being corrupted in accordance with deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and to put on the new man who has been created in God’s image—in righteousness and holiness that comes from truth.”

The Apostle Paul calls us to abandon the world’s ways and embrace a new life in Christ. This should always direct us toward a decision that aligns with God’s Truth and righteousness.

Summary

(Ephesians 6:13-14) – “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place.”

Paul emphasizes the importance of being equipped to defend God’s Truth and righteousness. As believers, we are called to stand firm against any challenges and temptations to our faith. A good compromise should always allow us to defend the message of the Gospel, and, in the end, draw all parties closer to Jesus Christ. The most concise response to compromise is provided by a shepherd and prophet, Amos.  “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3) People cannot ever walk together unless they agree on the destination. The same holds for God and humanity. Unless we seek God’s glory together, we cannot walk with Him. We should never presume, for even righteous reasons, that we somehow control the journey.  Without God’s sanctifying grace, we are lost. The threats outlined in the Word of God against sin, the definitions of God’s Truth, and God’s judgment of us all have been clearly stated throughout history.

Contemplations

• Where do you see the difficult compromises in our nation, in society?
  • Ideas to Explore: Spending; the environment; social justice; what else do you see?
• Are any of the really tough ones incompatible with God’s Truth?
  • Ideas to Explore: Should either party have expectations of a successful compromise if there is not a choice consistent with God’s Truth? Can you find this issue—incompatibility with God’s truth—in any of the difficult compromises our society is trying to make now?
• From the items you described above, how do you recommend we begin to come together? Which ones do we defend?
  • Ideas to Explore: Put God back into our nation, schools, and government. Defend freedom of religion, free speech, and other basic human rights. Defend the right to life?
• Why do you think people hate God’s Truth so much?
  • Ideas to Explore: Evil (Satan) is in control of this world. Sin is fun. Sin is profitable. Paul’s writing in Romans describes humanity’s positioning of themselves above God. People just want to fit in and be happy.
• Would you defend God’s Truth at any expense?
  • Ideas to Explore: This is a hard question because humanity is weak. However, we must find ways to keep our faith alive. To give up is to find ourselves eternally separated from God.
• Do you have personal limits to what you are willing to compromise on?
  • Ideas to Explore: Are they based on biblical Truths? Are they based on personal experiences? Are they biased by where you get your information?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

The Bible describes sin as “missing the mark.” It means that we fall short of the intended target when we deviate from God’s perfect standard or fail to align with His will. The word “sin,” whether in Hebrew or Greek, signifies that the same definition holds. If, for a moment, we can imagine the target as God’s Word, His commands, choosing to do something contrary to God’s desires, is sinful. Besides God’s written code, we have also been given a moral code, placed in everyone’s heart.

“Our sins are simply the outward manifestations of our personal decision to suppress the Truth about God and thereby to pursue whatever it is that we have decided to put in the place of God.” ~ Alistair Begg

The Bible speaks extensively about sin. No one is exempt. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)¹NIV New International Version Translations. “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:9). The nature of sin is destructive. “Jesus replied, ‘Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin’” (John 8:34). Sin dominates, controlling a person’s life.

• Sin offends. It involves violence, lovelessness, and rebellion against God.
• Sin corrupts the heart. It leads us toward evil.
• Sin rejects God’s way. It steals, curses, and lies, often because it seems more attractive or reasonable.
• Sin disrupts. It keeps us separated from our Creator.

The Bible teaches us that humanity chose to sin, and this choice has had profound consequences.

(Genesis 3:16-19) – “To the woman, he said, ‘I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.’ To Adam, he said, ‘Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat from it,’ Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil, you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow, you will eat your food until you return to the ground since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.’”

Sin has had far-reaching impacts on the world, affecting both individuals and society. Sin has separated humanity from intimacy with God. People hide from God, denying His existence or creating idols to worship instead. Our world believes that nothing produces everything, non-living things produce life, randomness produces precision, and chaos produces order. Sin gave us death. No one escapes this gift of sin! Sin affects every aspect of humanity, including the mind, will, and emotions. Our world’s history acknowledges the existence of this corruption. The Apostle Paul said, “Nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh” (Romans 7:18). Sin damages relationships. It creates division between people and God, as well as among us. Suspicion, fear, and self-centeredness result from sin. Wars, death, destruction, human catastrophe, and hatred are all the aftermaths of sin.

Sounds bad so far, doesn’t it? Hold on, it gets worse. Our world, influenced by the deceptions of evil, often tries to convince us that sin is not so severe. Sin is just an affront to our human rights granted through “free will.” A notable example can be found in the story of the Israelites constructing the golden calf, as recorded in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament. In Exodus 32, while Moses received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and asked Aaron to make them gods to lead them. Aaron complied and fashioned a golden calf out of their jewelry. The people then worshipped the golden calf, attributing their deliverance from Egypt to it. This act of idolatry was a clear violation of the commandments God had given them, particularly the commandment against worshipping graven images.

However, Aaron and the Israelites attempted to redefine their actions by stating that the golden calf represented the God who brought them out of Egypt. In Exodus 32:4-5, Aaron even proclaimed, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” Nice try, don’t you think? They attempted to rationalize and redefine their actions as somehow beneficial to God. Unfortunately, God considered their idolatry still a grievous sin, which resulted in severe consequences for the Israelites.

Is abortion a health choice? Is justice without repentance what God wants for thieves? Is a politician’s dishonor beneficial to the people they serve? Do the profits of war supersede the death and destruction it causes?  Is corrupt justice better than no justice? If people continue in spiritual death without repentance, they will eventually experience eternal death. What is eternal death? Eternal separation from God’s goodness forever. Only God sets the mark and defines what is sinful, only God!!

(Ezekiel 18:19-20) – “Yet you ask, ‘Why does the son not share the guilt of his father?’ Since the son has done what is just and right and has been careful to keep all my decrees, he will surely live. The one who sins is the one who will die. The child will not share the guilt of the parent, nor will the parent share the guilt of the child. The righteousness of the righteous will be credited to them, and the wickedness of the wicked will be charged against them.”

God’s principle of individual responsibility is clear, the soul who sins is held accountable. Satan, though influential, does not bear the guilt of sins committed by humanity. Each person bears responsibility for their own choices. When people choose sin, there are profound consequences. That is what “free will” is all about!

(Acts 4:12) – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Simply stated, Jesus is the only Way and Truth to find Eternal Life. Recognize and confess that you are a sinner, separated from God.  Believe that Jesus died on the cross for YOU. Repent of your sins. Publicly declare that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.  Welcome to eternity!

Contemplations

• Where do you see sin being redefined in society?
  • Ideas to Explore: Politics, news, education, what about religion and churches?
• What is the risk you see in normalizing sinful behavior?
  • Ideas to Explore: Does it depend upon your goal, eternity, or not? How is faith strengthened by normalizing sinful behavior?
• Do you believe that the world was created or just happened?
  • Ideas to Explore: The answer to this question has eternal implications.
• Can true justice be given without repentance?
  • Ideas to Explore: Where do the ideas of lowering thresholds on crime, no bail, or social justice lead society?

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  NIV New International Version Translations

We often miss the obvious. In most churches, we watch hundreds of baptisms. They are all similar. The candidate, the person being baptized, is asked to answer the question: “Who is Jesus Christ?” If the person is a child, the parents, family, and church members are asked to raise the child knowing the answers to this question. The answer is always the same, “My Lord and Savior.” A simple but provocative question and an obvious answer, or is it? What does it mean to call out publicly that Jesus Christ is my or will be a child’s Lord and Savior?

• Jesus as Lord: This requires that we see Jesus as our master, leader, and ultimate authority in life. We must believe in His teachings and strive to follow His example. This acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord involves surrendering our will to Him and seeking to live according to His principles, not our own free will.
• Jesus as Savior: This requires that we believe Jesus is the one who saves us from sin and its consequences. Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is our atonement for humanity’s sins, offering salvation and eternal life to those who accept Him.

By professing Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are placing our faith in His redemptive work and trust in Him for forgiveness and eternal salvation. But not so fast! Before we peel this onion, what are the expectations that go with this statement of faith? What is the Fine Print? Are we dependent on theological beliefs, and denominal interpretations, or is it something much greater? Many religions interpret salvation as eternal life with God. Is our belief based on Jesus different?

(John 3:16)[¹NIV New International Version Translations – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Our faith in Jesus Christ comes from the belief that He is the Incarnate Son of God and the only Savior of humanity. Our faith involves acknowledging Jesus as Lord and believing in His sacrificial death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. But there is “fine print.” There are a few things, requirements for this grace—that have been extended to us. Repentance is a crucial aspect of salvation. It involves acknowledging one’s sins, turning away from them, and seeking forgiveness from God. True repentance is accompanied by “a change in behavior” and “a desire to live by God’s will.” If you are not willing to live like Christ, you might want to spend some more time in prayer and reflection before making your commitment to follow Jesus. This is not an easy thing to do. It takes work, it takes effort, and it takes a lifetime.

Human beings were made in God’s image.  “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified:” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).  There is no other higher goal for God in His universe. Yet, humans cannot sanctify themselves. The Triune God sanctifies. The Father sanctifies (1 Corinthians 1:30) by the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2) and in the name of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). God’s plan, however, has been disrupted by sin. Evil in our world deprives us of the good that God intended for His creation, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).

What brings you to Christ is a gift from God, given by His Grace. It cannot be earned through good works or personal merit but is freely given to those who accept it through faith. We all seek eternal life with God in heaven. Salvation is not just a future hope but also a present reality that transforms believers’ lives. God has an expectation for you that you experience spiritual renewal and growth as you are conformed to the likeness of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit. If no change is present, no sanctification is happening either. It is a wonderful measure to help us on our journey to eternity.

We are called to live lives of obedience and discipleship in response to God’s love for His creation. This includes following Jesus’ teachings, serving others, and living out the values of the Kingdom of God. It is not about baptism; it is not about the water; it is about committing to live a “Christ-like life.” When a child is baptized, those around the child commit themselves to praying for the child, be the child’s teachers, and set Christ-like examples for the child. Why? So that one day, when the child understands who Jesus is, they can answer the question: Who is Jesus Christ? “He is my Lord and Savior!”

(Matthew 16:24) – “Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'”

There will be lots of self-denial and a daily willingness to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, even to the point of sacrificing one’s desires and preferences. We may even find that the world hates us for our choices.

(Romans 12:1-2) – “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”

We are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to God, implying a surrender of one’s will to His purposes and a transformation of our mindset to align with His will. Jesus was a humble, obedient servant, serving as a model for those who place their faith in Him. Lest we forget, Jesus Himself, chose a public declaration of surrendering His will to His Father. In the Dead Sea Scrolls (found at Qumran), texts describe rituals involving washing, bathing, sprinkling, and immersing. These practices influenced early Christian baptism. John the Baptist, considered a forerunner to Jesus, used baptism as a central sacrament in his messianic movement. John the Baptist’s form of baptism was characterized by immersion in water, symbolizing purification, and repentance. Jesus Himself underwent baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:13-17). With this public example, Jesus instituted the sacrament of baptism for the Christian Church.

(Matthew 3:13-17) – “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’”

Today’s baptisms continue to use water and a Trinitarian invocation, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Baptism symbolizes the end of an old way of living, and a new birth (being born again). While baptism represents the forgiveness and cleansing from sin that comes through faith in Jesus Christ, it will also be the public declaration of one’s confession of faith and belief in the Gospel’s message, “Who is the Christ? He is my Lord and Savior.” that draws us into the kingdom of heaven with Jesus.

Contemplations

• What is your opinion on baptism? Is it a requirement to be saved? Once you are baptized, are you guaranteed to go to heaven?
  • Ideas to Explore: There are a lot of opinions formed on and around baptism based on denominational beliefs. Which ones did you grow up with?
• Why is a “public declaration” more effective than one done in silence?
  • Ideas to Explore: Human pride, soliciting help from others to live for Jesus, public vows like marriage, courts, etc. depend on them.
• How do you get to know Jesus?
  • Ideas to Explore: Read about Him in the Bible. Go to church. Attend discussion groups. Watch people who claim to know Him. Please share your story.
• What is the benefit of symbolism like water, emersion, and public declarations of faith?
  • Ideas to Explore: Could they simplify the mysteries concerning faith? They are seen by many. Marriages and baptisms bring families together. Allow people to relive their vows.
• Why are sacraments important?
  • Ideas to Explore: Sacraments are Christian rites that symbolize and convey God’s grace and love for humanity. Christ Himself initiated them, representing important spiritual milestones in the lives of His believers. They provide us with opportunities to feel God’s presence more strongly.

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  NIV New International Version Translations