How then do I live?

Paul wrote in Colossians: See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Col 2:8

So what are these human traditions, and basic principles that Paul was talking about...?

First, we must understand the time frame he was writing in, and to whom... Paul was writing to a greek church, in Colosse and the hollow and deceptive philosophy and traditions had to do with celebrating rituals, and Gnosticism (a form of secret wisdom, which also decried all things physical) see http://www.answers.com/gnosticism for more information on this heresy.

Second, The point that Paul made frequently in his writings, preaching, and life, is that just as he was not justified in God's sight when he was a zealot in his Judaism, no one can be, or is, justified by works, or by doing anything... We are justified in God's sight ONLY because and THRU Jesus' Suffering, Death on a cross and Resurrection. God has provided grace (unmerited [undeserved] favor) to all who would call out to Him, and admit that we cannot make it to Him, thru our works, efforts, or any other thing, except the substitutionary death of Christ.

No one understood this more than Paul, who as Saul (his name before becoming Christian) was a leader in the Jewish religion, and was responsible for the death of many Christians, because the Christians were preaching heresy (according to Judaism). Christianity was teaching that Jesus IS God, and that He was raised from the dead.

So, how does this relate to the theme of this blog, and what makes Christianity different from all other religions? Simple, all religions (except Christianity) have to do with man's efforts to reach and to worship some deity, or become divine. Christianity has to do with God's efforts to reach out to, and save humanity from our own sins, and restore His relationship with us. He created us, we rebelled (and still rebel) and yet God loves us, and sent His son, (Himself incarnate [the concept of the Trinity is too much for many people to handle]) to be the sacrifice required to pay the penalty for our sins, and restore fellowship with Him.

Therefore, when the Colossians were being led astray by these philosophies and traditions, Paul had to straighten them out by getting them focused again on Christ.

Prayers for death?

There was quite a bit of discussion recently about a "Christian" pastor, who said that he prays that President Obama dies, and dies of cancer, and goes to Hell.

So what is the REAL CHRISTIAN response to this? There are several. First, Jesus Christ, from Whom we get the name Christian (meaning Little Christ), was persecuted, even murdered by the Chief Priests, with the cooperation of Pontius Pilate, because Jesus said He is God.

Jesus was flogged, had his beard plucked, was spit upon, cursed at, had the robes ripped off his back after the blood congealed into it, carried an approximately 200 pound cross to His own crucifixion on the top of Golgotha, Was nailed to the cross, and mocked, scorned, ridiculed. His response, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Lk 23:34

Therefore, if we are to be "Little Christs," we need to pray for our enemies, not curse them. When one of the most wicked men of the 20th and beginning of 21st centuries (Saddam Hussein) was executed (Definitely deserved, as he was single handedly responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of his own people,) I found myself praying, and hoping that he had repented, and found Christ and forgiveness prior to his last breath, so not even he would spend eternity in Hell.

Although I do not pretend to be the best Christian in the world, I do have a pretty good handle on what a Christian should be and do. Jesus prayed for his persecutors, even at His death. A horrible, painful, lonely death. The lonely part is food for another post, but I digress. Paul, one of the main leaders (not of the Church per se, but of the movement -- called Christianity) said that he would almost rather be cursed himself, if his fellow Jews could be saved by his condemnation.

Therefore, a Christian response to this Christian preacher who said he wished, even prayed for the President's death by cancer and confinement to Hell for eternity, is to pray for him, that he may see the error of his ways, and repent of his evil attitude. I pray that our President will receive wisdom from God, and that he will make good decisions, and lead our country well. I also pray that he will repent of any sin in his life, or that he supports. May God be merciful to us all.

Christians and the Law (part 2)

Continuing our discussion on whether Christians must obey the law, I point out that there are many facets to this question...

First, Christianity is founded upon freedom. We are free to choose what to do and what not to do. However this freedom is not license to harm or walk on others. Paul wrote in Romans 13:⁸ Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. ⁹ The commandments, “Do not commit adultery,” “Do not murder,” “Do not steal,” “Do not covet,” and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁰ Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ro 13:8-10). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Further, He wrote in another place, that if by eating meat, he offended his brother, he would never eat meat again... Therefore, although we have freedom to do what we want, we should always be considerate of others in what we actually do.

Second, we have the obligation to abide by the (civil) laws enacted by governments, except when they contradict God's Laws... for example, murdering an unborn baby is "Legal" but murder is specifically forbidden, and carries with it a hefty penalty.

Romans 13:1-5 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ² Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³ For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴ For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵ Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience.The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ro 13:1-5). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Third, the Law was written, not so that we could obey it, but to prove to fallen man that we cannot be good enough, obedient enough, to fix the relationship problem we have with God due to our sin. The Law was set up so we would know WE NEED A SAVIOR. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for ALL SIN once for all on the Cross, hence His words "It is finished." His work was to redeem fallen man so that we could be truly free.

So, a Christian does, and does not have to follow the Law. We are required to be obedient to God, and to live our lives in a way that glorifies Him. How each Christian works this out, is up to him, and those who love him. After all, we are called to community, and to holding each other accountable, see Galatians: Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. ² Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (electronic ed.) (Ga 6:1-2). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.