The Pastors' Corner

Full of Ourselves, Part I

We are all afflicted with it.  It comes naturally.  It does not discriminate.  It has its male form and its female form.   It is intoxicating, distorts one’s perspective, keeps one from pleasing God and, if unattended, will lead to personal destruction.  It marches down the streets of life for all to see.  It is pride.  Pride is an unrealistic and unbiblical opinion of oneself.  A man may think he is God’s gift to women.  A woman becomes obsessed with her appearance, her weight, and her perceived rivals.  The strange thing about pride is that it has the audacity to sit in judgment on God.  God, according to the proud, is supposed to dance to our tune.  He owes us good health, money, and a long life.

Pride comes in many disguises.  Not only does it think God owes us something, it is a know-it-all.  Pr0ud people love to talk about themselves, talk too much, and talk down to others, try to control others, and are consumed with what others think about them.  The proud think more about what others can do for them than what they can do for others.  They also argue a lot because they have to always be right.  Disrespect, thanklessness, manipulation, impatience, lack of compassion, defensiveness, and a refusal to ask for forgiveness are manifestations of those who are having an affair with themselves.

By now we are probably all reeling and staggered by how much pride is a part of our very being.  It is ugly.  The Bible hammers pride unrelentingly.  It was Satan’s downfall (e.g. the “I wills” of Lucifer’s attempt to become God, Isa. 14:12-17).  Pride creates strife (Prov. 13:10), boasts (Prov. 25:14, 27), rebels against authority (Prov. 10:17; 15:12; 1 Tim. 6:3-4), and treats God’s Word with disdain and out-right rejection (Deut. 8:11-20).  Nations that have flaunted their pride through arrogance and haughtiness have paid a bitter price; Babylon, Moab, Assyria, Edom, and even Israel were taken to the wood shed for strutting across the stage of human history worshipping their little idols.

Pride in the realm of religion is seen in self-righteousness (Matt. 23:6-11; Lk. 20:46).  Prayer, giving, and reveling in human titles of honor are the stuff of the religiously proud.  God hates pride and resists the proud (Psa. 101:5; Jas. 4:6).  The proud have their own hall of shame in Scripture; Haman (Est. 5-7), Ahithophel (2 Sam. 17:23), Uzziah (2 Chron. 26:16-19), Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:30-34), and Diotrephes (3 Jn.) are a few who preened themselves on their own self-importance.

What do we do?  Is it hopeless?  Does pride that lurks in the human heart win the day?  It does not have to.  Satan, the father of the evil of pride, has been defeated at the cross.  God the Son humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death.  In a cosmic act of supernatural judo (using the strength and weight of an opponent to his disadvantage), Jesus Christ showed that the way up is down. Satan’s pride and his attempt to destroy Jesus became the occasion for his own defeat. By taking the form of a servant, Jesus Christ gave pride a lethal blow (Phil. 2:7-8; Heb.2:15).  The cross of Christ is God’s answer to the sinner’s self-worship.  The Savior came to serve, not to be served. He came to seek and to save that which was lost (Lk. 19:10).  We guilt-laden sinners can come to the one who is gentle and humble in heart and find rest for our souls (Matt. 11:28-30).  The grace of God (we don’t get the judgment we deserve) knocks pride in the head.  For the Christian pride is seen for what it is.  It no longer exercises its tyrannical rule.  The overcoming weapons of Christ’s righteousness and the power of the Holy Spirit are in the hands of the children of God.  There is still a battle to be fought.  But a winnable fight it is.

To be continued…

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

I Confess

He committed adultery.  Tried to cover it up and finally resorted to having the husband of his bed partner killed.  It is an ugly picture.  It gets worse.  The adulterer goes on as if nothing has happened, for almost a year.  Well insulated by his high political office, he thinks he is protected from any accountability.  Then his guilt is exposed.  A man of God shows up and, on behalf of an offended, righteous God, says to King David, “You are the man.”  The king had committed a grievous evil. Finally David confesses; “I have sinned against the Lord.”  The sharp pain of a stricken conscience produces an acknowledgment of the seriousness of what had been done.  Though belated, it was not too little, too late.  Adultery is not simply a wrong committed against another, though it is certainly that, it is rebellion against Almighty God.  This is what drove David to say later in his psalm of confession, “Against thee, Thee only, I have sinned, and done what is evil in Thy sight” (Psa. 51:4).

David’s confession of adultery is in striking contrast to Tiger Wood’s recent public confession regarding his serial adultery.  To his credit he did say, “I was unfaithful. I had affairs. I cheated.”  However, his Buddhist faith shaped his assessment of the gravity of the sin he committed.  There was no “Godwardness” in it.  The familiar words, at least to an audience influenced by Christianity, of repentance, sin, forgiveness, and God were nowhere to be found.  In the end all were asked “to believe” in him (Tiger).  True, Tiger Woods cannot be blamed for not using Christian terms.  He is a Buddhist.  His explanation of his wrongdoing was that he had failed to suppress his desires.  By Buddhist standards it was solely a personal and internal matter.  Suffering, according to Buddhist teaching, is caused by craving.  It is the craving that got the world’s best golfer into trouble.  He has indicated that he is currently undergoing “therapy” to get his life back in order.

It was journalist Brit Hume who publicly advised Tiger Woods to look to Christ and Christianity for the forgiveness and redemption needed in his life.  For this, Hume was verbally lynched by many in the media for his attempt to foist his Christian beliefs on Tiger.  What does Christianity believe about confession of sin and forgiveness?  Psalm 130 offers one of the best summaries in the Bible of the offer of forgiveness by God’s grace apart from human works.  Though it was written before Christ’s death on the cross, it nonetheless rests upon Christ’s atonement (Lk. 24:27).

“Out of the depths,” the psalmist cried to God (v. 1).  The sin of the poet had overwhelmed him.  The truth revealed is that sin and its misery is a dark hole from which only God’s grace and mercy can deliver us.  Sin creates a sense of distance and alienation from God.  It’s like descending down in the depths of the sea feeling helpless and hopeless.  That is why depression is often a symptom of sin.  Is your adversity related to sin?  It can be.  Are you covering up something?  Is your pride resisting contrition and humility?  The first move in confessing sin in a biblical way is looking to God for the grace needed.  This grace must come from outside of ourselves.

“There is forgiveness with Thee” (v. 4). No more consoling words can be found.  They are filled with hope.  For that reason it must be proclaimed from the housetops, God’s forgiveness is the only hope for sin.  This forgiveness is free for the asking.  You don’t have to buy it.  It has already been paid for.  Christian, do you need it now for some sin that has been hidden from the sight of others?  God sees it.  It’s known to him.  Perhaps it is a lie that has been told that has not been confessed.  Maybe it is some bitterness that is poisoning the well of your heart.  Find freedom.  Ask God for the forgiveness you need.  God will be become nearer and dearer to you as you taste the sweetness of His forgiving grace.

“My soul waits for the Lord” (v. 6).  Fellowship with God is restored when our sins are forgiven.  The psalmist was waiting for God Himself, not forgiveness.  He had already received that.  Intimacy with God is like a jug of honey that spills over the soul.  That sense of God’s pleasure comes with the certainty of the hope that is in God.  Sin is a muddy, messy business.  You will leave tracks wherever you walk when you fail to confess it.  Renew your joy in the Lord.  Delight in Him.

“He will redeem Israel” (v. 8).  Forgiven people are liberated people.  When God’s forgiveness is experienced we are liberated to praise God and to proclaim the Lord’s redemption to all who will listen.  That is what the psalmist does.  What was good and true for him is good for everyone who comes to God for the grace of forgiveness.  The forgiven person will want to spread the good news.  In this way the psalmist anticipates the Redeemer who was still unrevealed to him.  The scent of Romans 3:24 was in his spiritual nostrils, “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.”

That is what Brit Hume wanted Tiger Woods to know.  For that matter, all who are without the hope of God’s forgiveness in Christ are candidates for that insuperable grace.  Do you, my friend, know that God’s forgiveness in Jesus Christ is available to you?  Dear Christian, do you know that parental forgiveness is offered to you?  When sin comes between you and God, confess it.  You have His word that “He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).  That is a jug of honey.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

The Offering Box

As this is being written the headline of the day is an Austin, Texas plane crash. It appears at this point that the pilot of the plane posted some kind of manifesto on the internet, set fire to his house, and crashed his private plane into an office building. The pilot was killed. Clarity on the meaning of all this will undoubtedly unfold. It seems that anger at the IRS was a motivation. Daily we hear dire predictions of where the US economy is going if responsible measures are not taken. Some are saying that inflation (more money for less in return) will skyrocket. The national debt is the Titanic headed toward the iceberg. Spending is out of control. Many Americans are outraged at this. However, it is conjectured that an equal number are spending, borrowing, and up to their ears in debt. This is no time for panic. We need to engage in some God-revealed wisdom.

The churches in the region of Macedonia at the time of the writing of 2 Corinthians were experiencing economic hardships. However, this did not deter the Macedonian churches from giving generously to needy fellow Christians in Jerusalem (2 Cor. 8:1-2). The Corinthian congregation needed to be stirred by the bold example of their brothers and sisters to the north. Follow Paul’s thinking as he challenged the Corinthian church.

He says that all true giving begins with the grace of God (8:1). Generosity is not based on human resources. It derives its motivation from God’s work in the hearts of his children. Grace giving cannot be coerced. It flows out of a willing spirit (8:3). Grace giving is a fruit of love which looks for ways to sacrifice for the eternal well being of others (8:7). It is not without planning and order (8:10-11). Grace giving is consistent (not impulsive) and proportionate (according to what one has and has left). It is administrated with the highest integrity for the glory of God (8:18-19). Blessing for the giver is part of the overflow of grace giving (8:6-11). It is an investment in the Lord’s work with eternal spiritual dividends. Most of all grace giving displays the perfections of God (9:12-15). Christian giver, do you want to make God look good? There is no doubt about God’s beauty. His children reflect the beauty of grace when they give as they have received grace from Him.

Our church has the tremendous privilege of sending out some of our own families in obedience to Christ’s Great Commission. What a joy. What an honor. It is God’s doing but we have responsibilities. As God’s church we must choose to live in a way that makes generous giving possible. Our missionaries must be able to count on us. They are living and serving in places where we cannot go. They need our generosity and consistent giving. How can we pray for them and at the same time withhold our contribution to their financial support? It is time to recommit ourselves to the joy of grace giving. It is a special moment of worship when we approach the offering box with our gifts. “Lord, here is my gift for your kingdom and the spread of the gospel. May your fame be carried to the ends of the earth.” The offering box is the place from which our investment in the lives of others will take wings and fly to Bosnia, Kazakhstan, Senegal, and North Africa.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

Creationists Beware

Christian creationists live in a very hostile world.  The theory of Darwinian evolution has captured the academic world, the media world, the entertainment world, and to a large extent popular culture.  It has even affected the Christian church.  Students (elementary, high school, and college) who profess faith in Jesus Christ are under special assault from an educational system wholly given over to a worldview alien to their own.  Is God the Creator of all things or is He not?  There are those who claim there is a middle way by trying to construct a compromise called theistic evolution (“God is big enough to use chance through time,” i.e., evolution).  A young Christian or, for that matter, any believer who is not well grounded in the Scriptural truth of God as the Creator of all things must beware.  There can be the temptation of abandoning confidence in the Bible and worshiping a lesser God.  This need not be.  The following are some guard rails for living as a creationist (that God created the universe ex nihilo, out of nothing, in six literal days, supernaturally, suddenly, and with the superficial appearance of history.  This is my interpretation of the biblical data, recognizing that there are “old earth” creationists.) in a world given over to Darwinian evolution.

Know God.  There is a danger of pursuing knowledge about God and His wonderful creation and yet not getting to know God.  “Let now a wise man boast in his wisdom…but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me” (Jer. 9:23-24).  The Creator has made us to have a relationship with Him.  God doesn’t need us to defend Him against the onslaughts of evolution.  The truth is, “He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them” (Psa. 2:4).  Since the Lord is not frightened, neither do His people need to be.  Speak up for the truth about the Creator and His creation and love Him with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.

Know what the Bible teaches about origins.  Give yourself to personal study and become informed regarding biblical creationism.  Study Genesis, read books by scientists who are creationists.  The Institute for Creation Research, Answers in Genesis, John Whitcomb’s ministries and others offer excellent resources for studies in creation issues.  Attend conferences sponsored by biblical creationists where you can develop an information network and hear well-trained theologians and scientists committed to the biblical account of creation.

Stay closely involved with a strong Bible believing, Bible teaching church.  What does your church believe about creation?  Does it take the first eleven chapters of Genesis seriously?  Sadly, there are pastors and churches which refuse to take a strong biblical stand on the subject of creation versus evolution. When young people are searching for answers to the questions evolutionists raise about biblical creationism, they need a truth-rich environment in their local church.  Students, when you go off to college find a church that teaches the Word of God.  You need protection, encouragement, and the support of fellow believers.

Don’t be intimidated by the dogmatism and bluster of evolutionists.  They would have you to think that true science and belief in evolution are one and the same.  This is not true.  There are biologists, for instance, who for various reasons have to publicly align themselves with the “party line.”  The reality is that some biologists have their doubts about Darwinism but are under tremendous peer pressure to defend evolution.  This is not to say that there are no evolutionist bullies.  Many are persuaded by their educational experience and ignorance of biblical creationism.  In the classroom they have the upper hand.  The best advice is to listen and learn but don’t believe everything you are being told.  Ask questions in a respectful way.  Don’t try to embarrass a teacher in front of the class.  There are teachers and academics, though firm believers in Darwinism, who are courteous and open to discussion.  Even then you will hear such assertions as “most scientists believe” or “many theologians and pastors agree that belief in evolution and God are not incompatible.”  It seems to have been forgotten that science is not conducted on the basis of consensus (“Scientific truth is never determined by majority vote.” Dr. Henry Morris).  Also, there are dozens of fully credentialed biologists in the Creation Research Society and other creationist organizations.

Beware of certain vocabulary traps fostered by evolutionists.  One of those is the use of the word “evolution” as a synonym for change.  The two concepts are not the same.  For example, it may be said that a certain kind of business has “evolved” through the years to become something else.  This is a misuse of the word evolved.  Did the business become a kangaroo or an ape?  Another term that has caused some confusion is “microevolution” (adaptations and variations within a species, e.g. adaptation of insects to pesticides).  The fact is that creationists believe in what is called horizontal variations (e.g. the different beaks on the Galapagos Island finches).  The creationist believes that such changes, adaptations, are not a proof of evolution but evidence of an infinitely wise Creator’s forethought.   Macroevolution is the belief (note the verb here) in the transmutation of reptiles into birds and mammals, or of apes into men, or other “upward changes” (Henry Morris, “Willful Ignorance”). Macroevolution is a myth devoid of any scientific proof.

This does not exhaust the evolutionist traps that are set for unwary creationists.  The Book of Proverbs warns seekers after God’s wisdom to beware of remaining or becoming “simple” or “naïve” (“The naïve believes everything, but the prudent man considers his steps.” Prov. 14:15).  Christian creationists, know what you believe and why.  Is your God big enough?  Are you strengthening yourself in what the Bible teaches about God’s stupendous work of creation (“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” Psa. 19:1).  It has been said that “a man who is empty-headed will end up wrong-headed.”  A word to the wise is sufficient.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

A Disaster in Haiti

The recent earthquake in Haiti is a disaster of incalculable magnitude. Haiti, a nation only a few hundred miles from the coast of Florida, is in another struggle for survival. Life in Haiti is not easy. It lacks many of the institutional structures that provide for the basic well-being of the population. A devastating earthquake has rocked the island nation which is already the poorest in the western hemisphere.

History is littered with natural disasters. Earthquakes, tsunamis, forest fires, floods, drought, and hurricanes plague the human condition. We live in a world under the curse of sin and death. When Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator, the planet on which we live became a hostile environment. Thankfully, nature did not become totally ruined but it is broken badly enough to make us yearn for a better world. Even creation itself is said to be one great symphony of sighs waiting for its redemption (Rom. 8:22). God has not abandoned a fallen sinful human race. There is hope.

How can hope be transferred to the broken and bleeding people of Haiti? It starts with immediate expressions of compassion. The parable of the Good Samaritan tells us that we are to love our neighbor and our neighbor is the person we encounter who is in need (Lk. 10:25-37). We love our neighbor when we show mercy. The Haitians need our mercy. There are multiple ways we can direct our mercy. Find a reputable mission agency which has a history in Haiti of day-in and day-out Christ exalting ministries that is making a difference. Give your money to these missionaries and ministries. We can pray for Haiti. Pray that a good and stable government will rise to lead the island nation. Pray that the Christian community in Haiti will show Christ’s love through its gospel witness and mercy ministries.

One thing Haiti doesn’t need is more U.S. aid without accountability. There are many who, wanting to feel better about themselves, think that American tax dollars thrown at a problem is the solution. True compassion does not ignore truth and real long term solutions. Nation building, which is what is needed in Haiti, requires a foundation of character strength, liberty, a strong work ethic, a government that works for the good of the people, justice, entrepreneurial capitalism, and a high view of God. This is not to say that Haiti lacks these qualities. They must be more widespread. Here is a report received recently from Haiti.

But let me change to something more encouraging. Even though a food delivery had been promised, and about 5000 people waited patiently until 4 pm, no food arrived today. So the people do not get fed. What do they do? They hold an outdoor praise session! They have been singing songs of praise for about two hours now. Hungry, tired, suffering people praising the Lord. I wish you could hear it – songs that say: ‘I am not afraid because I have Jesus in my heart.’ Or ‘Thank you, thank you Lord because I know you.’ The songs were upbeat, joyful. Some people were dancing, arms raised in the air to God. I am so humbled.

Cynics may scoff at this and say much more is needed than prayer and singing. The truth is that such resilience in a time of calamity is the stuff from which a better future is made.

Was the earthquake in Haiti an act of God’s judgment? This question in one form or another always seems to enter the public conversation about natural disasters. Some think that we are better off, as one Opinion columnist in the AJC has stated, “When God and Satan are given a holiday from the news cycle.” Attempts at immediate explanations for earthquakes, hurricanes, and other such eruptions in nature are fraught with hazards. Jesus’ disciples tried to get Him to explain why a tower fell over and killed eighteen people. He “dodged” the question and went to the important issue, namely, that disasters are warnings to everyone. We assume that God owes us a good turn of events when the truth is, we all deserve death because we are sinners. The message of God in all calamities is that we all need to repent. If the Haitians are suffering because of generations of Voodoo, then why isn’t America experiencing catastrophes for having slaughtered millions of innocent babies in the wombs of their mothers? It is best to leave those questions with God. In the meantime, we must pray that Haitians and Americans will abandon their idols and turn to God’s salvation in Jesus Christ.

Saving Unborn Children

Abortion is a critical moral issue in our time. Previous generations have had to overcome the evils of slavery and segregation. The culture of death with abortion as its centerpiece is an evil that must be exposed, resisted, and defeated. On January 22, 1973 the United States Supreme Court found the right to abortion on demand in the Constitution. It was an appalling decision which has led to an average of 1.6 million abortions annually.

Abortion is the extraction or expulsion of the immature human fetus from the mother’s womb prior to natural birth. The pro-life movement has called attention to fundamental moral issues that are involved in the protection of innocent human life in the womb. First, every human life is sacred. Its value is absolute. Secondly, the deliberate killing of an innocent human being is wrong. Thirdly, the fetus is a complete person possessing a soul from the moment of conception. Fourthly, the purpose of law is to protect human life. After all is said and done, abortion is about God.

God has made it very clear that the developing fetus is already human life (Jer. 1:4; Psa. 139:13-16; Ex. 21:22-24; Lk. 1:24; 2:1). The embryo is a human life and must be accorded the same rights as life outside the womb. It has been noted that “at eight weeks all the organs are present- brain functioning, heart pumping, liver making blood cells, kidney cleaning the fluids, fingerprints formed, etc. Yet almost all abortions happen later than this date.”

Fetal life is defenseless and will be vindicated by God (Psa. 10:17-18; 146:9; 68:5; Deut. 10:18; Amos 1:13; Prov. 6:16-18; Jas. 1:27). God was committed to the care and protection of the fatherless in Israel. He promised blessings upon those who shared His care for orphans. This responsibility has been committed to the church as well. In ancient Israel children who had no father were to be protected. The motherless were also objects of God’s compassion (Ezek. 16:4-6). A nation that legitimizes, through its legal system, the destruction of innocent human life is in for hard times. God holds that nation responsible for its moral failure. Woe be to a nation that declares war on the defenseless (children in the womb, child abuse, pedophilia). The judgment of God fell upon Ammon for ripping open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their borders (Amos 1:3). It has been said that “societies that have nothing sacred, especially not human life, die.”

The arguments that are used to justify the destruction of fetal life are morally and ethically flawed.

“A woman alone has the right to choose what is done to and in her body.” Other versions of this argument are articulated in terms of “reproductive freedom” or “a free society should not invade the privacy of a woman’s body.” In response, let it be said that that so-called “freedom of choice” can never justify freedom to take innocent lives at will. What about the rights of others? What about the rights of the innocent fetus the mother has chosen to conceive? Who gives the unborn child a choice? Who is his or her advocate? It was Lewis B. Smedes, the Christian ethicist, who said, “a free society does not allow people to follow their consciences if their consciences lead them to kill an innocent human being.”

“What right do the pro-lifers have to impose their particular view of morality on others? It is said that you can’t legislate morality in a pluralistic society.” The issue is really whose morality will be reflected in our law and public policy. John S. Feinberg and Paul D. Feinberg (Ethics for a Brave New World) effectively sully this popular argument by pointing out that “the issue…is not whether a morality should be imposed, but whether the one being imposed is the correct one. We are not embarrassed to impose a morality on society that requires us not to kill another human being on whim. Why, if abortion is wrong, should we be afraid to impose on society a ban against it?”

Answering the flimsy and morally vacuous arguments of the pro-abortion movement is not enough, however. There are measurable and meaningful things that we can do to challenge and correct the culture of death in which we live. In the first place, we who are pro-life are to live in such a way as to be a purifying influence on the moral corruption in our society (Matt. 5:13-16; 1 Pet. 2:11-17). We are to take responsibility for our own lives to live God’s way (“abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul”). Our lives are to be placed on display for all to see the presence of God. Love one another. Be kind. Show compassion. Keep ourselves morally pure. Don’t go to bed with your boyfriend or girlfriend. Tell the truth. Secondly, we are to live in submission to divinely ordained cultural institutions (the state, one’s employer, family). This is to be done for the Lord’s sake. The world is suspicious of Christians. Our teaching unsettles the unbeliever. Any charges of treason (being un-American, anarchists, rebels, etc.) are best dispelled by godly living.

Thirdly, we are to identify, resist, and denounce the evils that exist in our fallen world (Eph. 5:11, “And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret.”). Pro-life Christians have a right and responsibility to speak out against the evils of our age. The evils of racism, adultery, pornography, illegal drugs, abortion, etc. must have the light of truth cast upon them. The moral evil of abortion on demand ought to be challenged by the persuasion of a greater power, namely changed attitudes and values. Finally, we are to be a merciful community by providing assistance to those who are crying in the darkness. Love for God and others translated into good deeds can speak volumes to a watching world. The unsaved can’t understand the language of truth but they can observe lives that practice the truth. Unwed mothers considering abortion need loving counsel and prayer. Saving unborn children is a cause with God’s stamp of approval.

Dr. Howard E. Dial
Berachah Bible Church

The Weight of Words

Unconditional Election – Some Questions

Hard Hearts

Enduring for the Sake of the Gospel