The Culture of Death [sadly and pathetically] is alive and “well” today (3/29/09)

The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format For Home Worship

I remember when I was the volunteer Chairman of the Board for the Niles MI Pregnancy Care Center. The one counselor was detained for a few minutes. In walks a young pregnant soon to be mother. We engaged in conversation. This girl was in turmoil thinking of securing an abortion. She wanted a quick fix to her “predicament.” When she referred to her pregnancy she talked about “the” “fetus” inside her. It was obvious she was brainwashed by the pro-death [so-called, “pro-choice”] culture.

When I asked the simple question: “Have you considered adoption?” Her quick reply was: “Oh no! I could never give 'my' 'baby' up!” What a transformation for this young would be mother! That [“the”] “fetus,” instantly became (to this pregnant woman] a [“my”] “baby.”

Hence, the intellectually immoral bankruptcy of the pro-death [“pro-choice”] position and crowd! When faced with life for her child this would be mother who was considering the opposite, all of a sudden and schizophrenically did an about face. She would be selfish enough to kill her baby rather than experience someone else having her child. In her clouded mixed up mind, the baby wasn’t her responsibility – while it lived within her. But if her child were to reach the light of day and be given to someone else, this child, was worthy of death. I call this type of pro-death [pro-choice] mentality, “Demonic.” And, I am reminded of the Scripture:

“But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” [Proverbs 8:36]

The Culture of Death has always existed:

Note: Definitions of “Culture:”

“The application of labor or other means to improve good qualities in, or growth; as the culture of the mind; the culture of virtue” [Webster]:

"Culture is the way of life of a people, or nation" [Consevapedia.com]:

“Culture Wars:” "Conflicts over moral or religious values and have been part of European and American history for over a thousand years" [Conservapedia.com]

The culture of death has existed since sin entered the world [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:12] By its very [intrinsic nature] the culture of death chooses death over life. It chooses to rid the earth of innocence. [Acts 3:14-15] It chooses to ignore the Creator and worship the creation. [Romans 1:18-32] That which is contrary to a Holy Creator God and His Commandments and perfection belong to the culture of death.

Death was never meant to be part of life:

The Scriptures explain the transition from perfection to imperfection; from holiness to ungodliness; from a rightful place and position before Holy God to an inferior contaminated position before His holy presence and Divine expectations. [Genesis 3 ; Romans 5:10-24]

The Culture of Death’s temporary triumph:

No greater example can be given for the Culture of Death’s triumph than what it did to Jesus Christ. Shortly the Christian world will be celebrating Good Friday. It was on that day 2 millennia ago that the sinless person of the Lord Christ was crucified. To most of the people at the site of this common Roman punishment, Christ’s crucifixion was just another common ultimate and just penalty carried out against the worst of criminals. However, it was Creator God's plan and manner to provide a remedy for human sin in the sacrifice of Christ who was [is] the spotless "Lamb of God." [John 1:29]

The Culture of Death was defeated at the Roman Cross:

Christ was not, and is not a god, who is the figment of a person’s imagination or liking. Christ was a genuine flesh and blood person whose birth upon the human scene was prophesied hundreds of years before His birth. His whole life was prophesied in the Holy Scriptures. [Isaiah 53] His holy life was a special life, of teaching, suffering, death and resurrection from the dead. [1 Corinthians 15] It was a life, whose purpose was to break the Culture of Death forever, and to make it possible for sinners to be forgiven of their sins and to be granted a right standing before a holy and just God, who must punish sin to its fullest.

Friend, if you can’t comprehend what I’ve been saying, I can somewhat, understand your quandary. You, of your own, cannot make yourself a believer in these priceless spiritual truths. [1 Corinthians 2:14] Human reason or effort will not bring you and your sins to an end of yourself. Your human faculties do not have the power or strength to make you a believer in Jesus Christ and all that He has to offer you. Your own struggle cannot save you from God’s just wrath and punishment upon your human soul. Unless the grace and mercy of the Triune God attends your being, [Ephesians 2] you will be separated from Him now and in the forever future. [Luke 16:19-31]

Then, what is your hope? What is your lot? What is your future? That hope, lot, and future can only be found in the Lord Christ, who gave his perfect life up in sacrifice for you and all your sins. As you read and hear about this Christ, by God’s grace, your heart will be moved to believe and accept that Divine sacrifice on your behalf. [John 1:12-13 ; 3 :14-21] Don’t wait for another day when you feel it is convenient to seek after true wisdom. [Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 ; Colossians 2:3] Rather seek the Lord where He may be found. [Isaiah 55] May you become a member of the culture of life and not remain with the culture of death.

Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"

Old Testament:

Proverbs 1 ; Proverbs 8 -- Then read: Colossians 2:3 ; 1 Corinthians 1:24 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30

New Testament:

Acts 8:26-40 -- The account of the Ethiopian Eunuch coming into the Christian Faith

John 15 -- Christ's disciples, abiding in Him, will not be affected by the Culture of Death

See also: The Wisdom of God -- personified in Jesus Christ (3/8/09)
___________________________

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? _________________________

Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
_________________________________

Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
_________________________________

Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan

The Grim Reaper respects no age – Life can often be short (3/22/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format For Home Worship

It is often said that there are (only) 2 things certain in life – death and taxes. At least with taxes, we know when we must pay them. With death, we never know. We never know when our time “is up.”

This week Hollywood was all a “buzz” with another “passing.” No – it wasn’t a drug overdose, or, a suicide of another nature. It was a freak accident of a wife and mother of two young children. The news media were busy reporting about the unexpected (“untimely”) death of Natasha Richardson, a gifted and attractive 45 year old woman. The wife of actor Liam Neeson experienced what was first thought to be a minor skiing accident. Little did the actress know that her refusal to seek immediate medical attention would result in an “epidural hematoma, which causes bleeding between the skull and the brain's covering.”

On Monday this well liked, young, vibrant, physically active, well known Hollywood actress was alive and well, skiing on a beginner’s slope. On Wednesday, the plug was pulled as she had become brain dead.

Baring suicide, and acute terminal illness, death comes, suddenly and unexpectedly:

I never was one, much for poetry. But in high school I did memorize a few notable lyrics. The one that was an easy one, because it was so short, was: “The fog comes on little cat feet." [Robert Frost] I thought about that short poem this past week as I heard the news of the Hollywood actress’ untimely sudden life departure. I thought of my father’s letter to me while in college. He related his busy week as pastor and the one funeral with which he officiated. His aside comment was: “We never know when we will die; it is so important to be prepared.”

Here today; gone tomorrow [Psalm 103:15-16 ; 1 Peter 1:24] That is the description which the Divine Revelation of the Scriptures give to us. We share the same fate as the animals. [Psalm 49]

Most people will be careless with their most important appointment:

The Scriptures teach that, "....it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." [Hebrews 9:27] We will not avoid the inevitable. Everyone who is born, dies, unless they are present at the Second Coming of the Lord Christ [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ; 1 Corinthians 15:50-55] Christ’s parables of the Rich Man and Lazarus and, The Wise and Foolish Virgins, illustrate the truth of the Gospel Words of Christ -- building our lives upon Him, and, upon no other. [Matthew 7:13-29]

We cannot forecast our own death – but we can prepare for it:

Our Creator God does not leave us without a clue. He has given us the Written Revelation of the Scriptures. He instructs us what to do. [Proverbs 1:20-33 ; Psalm 9:12] As the Scripture teaches, those who die expecting heaven above, must be clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, -- [Philippians 3:7-12] whose birth, life, suffering, death, and resurrection from the dead was [and is] for our present and priceless eternal benefit. [Mark 16:14-20]

It is estimated by Biblical scholars that Christ’s physical life on earth was short by modern standards. He was only 33 years old when he met the torturous fate of Roman spikes upon a cross. Old Testament Hebrew Scripture prophesied hundreds of years before His birth that Christ would be “cut off out of the land of the living.” [Isaiah 53:8] Yet it was [and is,] God’s perfect plan to offer by Christ’s blood bought sacrifice, the forgiveness of personal sin, sparing us from the just wrath and punishment of Holy Creator God, who cannot allow unredeemed souls into His holy heaven. He must punish sin and the sinner to the fullest extent, unless, of course, there is acceptance of His Christ packaged gift of forgiveness and life. [John 1:1-18 ; John 3:14-21]

May all who have ears to hear – actually listen and "number our days" in keeping with the Divine perspective. [Psalm 90:12] Amen.

Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"

Old Testament:

Psalm 49 -- The vanity of trusting wealth. No one can take it with him. Death is the common experience of all

Psalm 90 -- Our lives in light of the Triune God's governance

New Testament:

1 Corinthians 15:50-55 -- The Second Coming of Christ will exempt the disciples of Christ from death

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:

1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]? __________________________________________________

"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
______________________________________

Complete Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
______________________________________

Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan

A Reminder for the Discouraged Christian -- the petition in the Lord's Prayer that will find its fulfillment - 'but deliver us from evil' (3/15/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format For Home Worship

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]

There are some segments of Christianity that will use as a sales pitch: "Become a Christian and your life will be a fulfilling." I've always disagreed with this approach, simply because it is patently deceptive. An unbelieving soul's life, can be fulfilled in a number of [earthly] carnal ways and that person can feel quite, "fulfilled."

When Christ calls those to join Him and become His disciples, Christ did not (and does not) promise "fulfillment" as an end in itself. Christ's message to His disciples, was [and will , as long as this earth remains] be a call to commitment and persecution. [John 15 ; 2 Timothy 3:12]

The road of commitment peppered with persecution can be a long and hard one. It can be a very frustrating experience as the Christian is not only misunderstood, but ridiculed and gossiped about in a culture that is becoming evermore (increasingly) hostile and abusive. Right becomes wrong and wrong becomes right [Isaiah 5:20] and the Christian often feels all alone like the little boy with his finger in the dike, attempting to hold back the tidal wave of evil.

Upon the death of my father, one of his pastor friends comforted me by saying: "You know, Nathan, the prayer that your father often prayed in the Lord's Prayer -- "......but deliver us from evil......" -- that prayer has now been answered for him. Your father is delivered from this world."

But I would hasten to add, that this prayer will also be fulfilled for every believer in Christ -- not only deliverance from an evil world, but the wicked in our world -- and those who directly deal blows of persecution against the Christian.

For those who have ears to hear, allow me to share the following message that I prepared for September 3, 2006. I not only wish for you to be encouraged, but also pray that you would envision a future rest from your discipleship labors. Take great confidence in the Lord and His prophetic Word and be comforted that your faithful endeavors, in the Lord, will be rewarded and that the Lord will, Himself, in His time, deal with the wicked who, inhabit this [sinfully] fallen world.

The Eternal Relief Of The Righteous (9/3/06)
Psalm 9:5-17
“The wicked shall be turned into hell and all the nations that forget God.” (Psalm 9:17)

One key to understanding Holy Scripture:

The culture of our day is increasingly changing its understanding of the definition of the “truth.” “’Scientific’ truth” is regarded paramount and all other reality is beneath this “cultural god.”

Recently my wife and I viewed a history channel special on the “Exodus.” Without exception, all the miracles recorded in Scripture dealing with the Israelite exodus, were explained by some sort of “naturalistic” explanation.

What, by and large, our culture fails to realize, is, that the God who created the universe, needs no natural phenomena to take place in order to make the type of changes in human history that He desires to make. The same God who created the universe is the same Triune God who created human history. He is, by definition “supernatural.” And, what He does, He does, “supernaturally.” His supernatural behavior and acts supersede the scientific. I prefer to refer to “science” not so much as truth, but reality.

When it comes to the truth, Christians who believe in the Triune God look to Christ who claims to be the Truth. For us, “the truth” is a “no brainer.” The Scriptures tell us that in Christ, “are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” [Colossians 2:3]

Scripture is replete with examples, that to the unregenerate mind, are contradictory. One example keeps “cropping up” with unbelievers who charge God with not being true to His loving nature. They ask the question: “How can a loving God be a loving God that He claims to be and then send people to hell when they die?”

Some people will continually view God’s Gift, the Bible, as contradictory because they don’t realize that there is such a reality as the “paradox.” A “paradox” is “a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable, or absurd but that may actually be true in fact.” (Webster)

To say that God is not a God of love, simply because He allows those who choose not to have anything to do with Him, to go to hell, is very unfair. God is, a “God of Love” – but, at the same time, He is a “God of Justice.” He gives the unbelieving soul their “free will” choice. He will not force the sinner and drag him into His Holy heaven! This is not contradictory. This reality is more of a “paradox.” God loves the sinner. But God will punish the sinner if he does not repent. No contradiction here -- only in the unregenerate mind.

The Psalm 9:17 Scripture Focus and Subsequent Understanding Of It:

Certainly if a Christian is living as Christ’s disciple, he will possess his share of enemies. Jesus makes this clear when it comes to even one’s own family. We are also told in one of the New Testament epistles [2 Timothy 3:12] “....all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

We also know from the Scripture that we are to find no amusement in the demise of our enemies:

“Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth: Lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath from him.” (Proverbs 24:17,18)

Finally:

And so, very briefly, I propose that there is no contradiction with the reality of the wicked being cast into hell and with the righteous finding relief in that fact. Usually when we think of the “eternal ‘relief’ of the righteous” we think in terms of heavenly bliss, comfort and perfection. But for a moment, think of the Christian disciple’s relief as an eternal relief apart from his enemies, knowing assuredly that they are no longer able to wreak havoc upon his life and soul!

Without contradiction and without rejoicing over the eternal damnation of the wicked -- those unrighteous enemies of Christ, the Christian disciple can find sweet comfort in the reality that God is true to His Word and that God ultimately punishes the wicked and gives them their chosen destiny! It is a sweet relief to know that the unrighteous will not inhabit heaven to wreak havoc anymore upon the righteous.

It is a sweet relief to know that the wicked will not contaminate the believer’s existence anymore. This is not rejoicing in the pathetic demise of the unbelieving wicked. It is rather, a triumph of victory that the dear soul who trusts Christ, is finally without strife and in a perfect place that cannot molest or destroy his sweet communion and companionship with His Righteous God and Savior. Amen.

Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"

Old Testament:

Psalm 1: The righteous as compared to the wicked

Psalm 37: The admonition not to fret over evildoers

Psalm 73: The frustration of the righteous over the wicked and the judgment end of the wicked

New Testament:

Matthew 7:13-29: Those who build their existence upon Christ, as compared to those who don't

Romans 1:18-32: The fate of those who disobey God

2 Timothy 4:1-7: The good fight of faith and finishing the course [race]
____________________________________________

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:

1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
__________________________________________________

"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
__________________________________________________

Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
__________________________________________________

Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan

The Wisdom of God -- personified in Jesus Christ (3/8/09)

NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship

“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]

Most of us have heard the adage: "One man's trash is another man's treasure." Value of something or somebody is "in the eye of the beholder." A man marooned on a remote island, all alone, would rather have within his grasp ample food supplies and fresh water rather than treasure chests of gold and diamonds.

Worth and value are often subjective personal assessments, contingent upon attending circumstances. When I was a denominational pastor, I had the privilege of ministering to one of the richest [money] personalities in the area. An accident coupled with older age cut his life short. Not once during my death bed visit with this gentleman did he make mention of his earthly wealth. When I think of it, all the people that I have visited on their death beds never spoke of their material possessions. Family; loved ones; and concern over one's own soul are usually first and foremost a ready topic of conversation and discussion.

The Wealth of Wisdom offered in the person of Christ who died on a Roman cross:

No greater wealth can be had, than in the "Wisdom of God." This wisdom is wonderfully described in the New Testament Christian Scriptures of 1st Corinthians 1:18-2:16. Last week I briefly touched on "Wisdom -- something not often found in today's culture." I related that "true wisdom is that which finds its expression in the true God." [Proverbs 1:7]

The Scripture makes it clear that Jesus Christ, is the Wisdom of God, personified [1 Corinthians 1:24 ; 1 Corinthians 1:30] . It further makes clear that Christ's life and death -- especially His ignominious death upon a Roman cross (for the sin sacrifice of human sin) is "foolishness" to them who do not [believe] accept this Divine gift. [1 Corinthians 1:20-24]

For the most part, Jews still look for a Messiah and reject the Christ [Messiah] of the [prophesied] Hebrew Scriptures -- and, the Christ [Messiah] of the [fulfilled] New Testament Scriptures. The Jesus Christ of the Scriptures, to them, is not their promised and genuine Messiah. Their eyes are blind to the clear divinely inspired, revealed prophetic and fulfilled, Word of God. [Please note]:

"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth

The "stumbling block" to the Jewish people:

Most Jewish people do not and cannot accept the Christ [Messiah] of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. The historical Christ, is more or less an embarrassment for them. Why? Because their Messiah couldn't possibly [in their minds] suffer the fate of being crucified on a Roman cross. Roman crucifixion was only reserved for the worst of criminals. Hence, to the Jews, this idea of their Messiah being crucified was "scandalous." The Greek word for "stumbling block" is "σκάνδαλον" [skandalon]. We derive our English word, "Scandal," from this Greek word.

Rejecting the Christ of human history who suffered and died on a Roman cross under the direction of Pontius Pilate was indeed offensive -- and still is, for the non [Christian] Jew. Yet, this was the Triune God's plan. It was his plan that Jesus Christ was to be born into human history; live a sinless life; suffer and die on a Roman cross; and then, later rise from the dead. [1 Corinthians 15] God, essentially became a man [without sin] to accomplish the supreme (once for all) sacrifice for human sin and all its damning ramifications. Such an activity by a Jewish Messiah was and is offensive to unbelieving Jews. Their refusal to accept the Christ of the Scriptures [Isaiah 53] is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 1 as a "Stumbling block."

The preaching of Christ and his cross to the non-Jewish world, [Gentiles] is also regarded as "foolishness" [1 Corinthians 1:20-24]:

Why to the non-Jew is the preaching of Christ's cross such "foolishness?" To the non Jewish people -- those who do not believe in the Christ of the Scriptures, this message of a man dying on a cross is just too simple. It is insulting to human reason and intelligence. Surely there has to be some other way and some grandiose method to right the world's wrongs and absolve human beings of all the bad things that they do, and experience!

To those souls who don't believe in the Christ of the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, the preaching of Jesus Christ suffering and dying upon a cross for the sacrifice of human sin, is utter foolishness. Yet, this is what the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures is all about. This Divinely inspired message [2 Timothy 3:14-17] is about the God / Man person, Jesus Christ. Simple? Yes, but this is the Triune God's plan and method to provide forgiveness of human sin and save humanity [people] from sin's present devastation and eternal damnation. [Romans 5:6-21 ; John 3:14-17]

Friend, never doubt the wisdom of God. Never allow your human reason to stand in the way of His offer of forgiveness for all your sins. [Isaiah 1:2-20 ; 1 Corinthians 2:1-2] Your sins are flagrant transgressions against God's laws. [Isaiah 59:1-2] Human personal sin is the cause of physical death and ends up, damning your soul. [Romans 5:12 and 5:18] Refusal to truly listen to the Triune God, to remedy your situation will seal your sorry fate. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 7:13-29] Only in the person of Christ, who was sent by God for the purpose of dealing with the world's sin disorder, can you find present and eternal peace and life eternal, rather than death, eternal. [John 1:1-34] Amen.

Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"

Old Testament:

Isaiah 53 -- The prophecy of the Messiah, Christ hundreds of years before His birth

New Testament:

The Gospel of John, 1:1-34 -- God's plan to send Christ for the world

1 Corinthians 1:18-2:2 -- The wisdom of God and the "foolishness" of preaching the Cross of Christ

The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:

1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
___________________________________________________
"Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" by By Victor Buksbazen -- an in-depth view of Isaiah 53 and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.

___________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
___________________________________________________
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.

Rev. Nathan Bickel -- Bay City, Michigan