Does God Like Me?

"I know God loves me, but does God like me?" It seems the answer to this question should be obvious. Yet, sometimes it is not clear if God really does like someone. It is, however, clear that God loves everyone. In good old John 3:16 it is written that God loves the world, but loving and liking do not always go together. For example, Jesus says His followers should "love their enemies," (Matthew 5:44). Jesus also says His followers' enemies will hate them (Matthew 10:22) and want to arrest them (Mark 13:11). Now, who in their right mind would like someone who hates them and puts them in chains? It is more than possible that God could love someone without liking them, which is why the question remains, "Does God like me?" Well, what's the answer?

Liking someone and loving them is not the same thing. While love looks past an individual to cross over a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), liking directly focuses on an individual. Whether someone likes someone else, is a matter of similarity and preferences. Liking someone usually involves having shared interests or similar traits. People who enjoy watching the same sports, movies or TV-shows will probably want to hang around each other. Additionally, people who admire the same things or think in similar fashion will enjoy each other's company. How much people have in common helps determine whether they will like each other.

People often like each other, because they are like
each other. In other words, liking someone
often relates to how similar someone is
to someone else.

This is also true of God. He likes people who admire what He admires, think how He thinks or act as He acts. This is written all throughout Scripture, but sometimes it is a bit hard to tell. One reason for this is that most Bible verses do not use the word "like" but use a more Biblical term, "delight." When someone sees that God's "delight" in someone is the Bible's way of saying "God likes them," suddenly the picture of God's preferences becomes clear.

God's delight in His people is abundant in the book of Psalms. Take Psalm 18, for instance. In it the author calls on God to save him, and then writes, "God rescued me because He delighted in me," (18:6,19). Why did God delight in the author? Because the author acknowledged God as his savior. Similarly, God thinks of Himself as the great savior, so the author and God share a common belief. Later on in Psalm 149, another author writes, "The Lord takes delight in His people; He crowns the humble with victory. Let His faithful people rejoice in this honor," (4-5). The Psalmist notes that God's people are faithful. God delights in faithful people, because He too is faithful (Psalm 36:5). Even in Psalm 36 it is written that God's people "feast on the abundance of His house; He gives them drink from His river of delights," (8). God delights in those who want to be in His house, because He too likes where He lives (John 14:2). Yes, God delights in others who want to be like Him.

God likes those who are like Him, but He dislikes

those who are not like Him. This is why the

Bible says of a truthful God, "The Lord detests 

lying lips, but He delights in people who are

trustworthy," (Proverbs 12:22).

Well, in light of God's delight, why do a lot of believers still question whether God likes them? It might be because they are thinking, "If God really liked me, He would give me this thing, but He hasn't given me it, so He must not like me." God, however, does not want to give us everything we want. Instead, Jesus says, "your Father in heaven [gives] good gifts to those who ask Him!" (Matthew 7:11). This does not mean God will give His people anything, but He will give them the best things they could have. Sometimes, this includes hardships and struggles, because God knows that these things can produce great faith, which is "of greater worth than gold," (1 Peter 1:7). What God wants for us is better than what we could ask of God.

"Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you 

the desires of your heart," (Psalm 37:4).

So, the answer to our question appears undeniable. God loves everyone, but He likes those who want to be like Him. This is one reason why God says of such people, "He is not ashamed to be called their God," (Hebrews 11:16). Think about it. When God introduced Himself to Moses as "the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob," (Exodus 3:6) God was making Himself to literally be the object of these people. He is gladly connecting Himself to Abraham, an impatient man who often took matters into his own foolish hands. The Almighty is saying He is the one who helped out Isaac, a man who became blind and weak in his old age. God is even relating Himself to Jacob, the same guy who deceived his own brother and father. God is associating Himself with these people who are far lower than Him. By doing this, essentially, God is saying He likes them. This is what it means for God to gladly say someone's name, which is exactly what He will do when He acknowledges the names of everyone who follows Him, (Revelation 3:5). Just imagine how it would be for God to say of you, "I am their God." It would be one of the many ways for God to say He likes you.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• OpenBibleInfo: God Delights in You
• John Piper: Desiring God Interview (Inspired by)
• Bible Time With Melonie Mac (Inspired by Psalm readings

Do I Have Free Will or Fate?

Have you ever looked up and wondered, "Does mankind have free will or is it just fate?" What is being asked is, "Do I get to make my own choices, or is my life in someone else's control?" Oftentimes, this question is posed with regards to God and eternity. People want to know if they can choose to go to heaven or if God just sends people to hell. Which is it? Could it be both? Neither?

People have looked into these questions but they can get surrounded by them, disoriented and then completely lost. If we are going to travel down these same unfamiliar paths, we will need a guide. The best one anyone could get is the Bible. There is no better way to find answers. The Bible is "completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place," (2 Peter 1:19). It is a firm foundation on which people can orient themselves (Matthew 7:28-29). So, with Scripture as our guide, let us explore and find out what God's Word says about free will and fate.

Starting this journey, without pause, the Bible shows humans have free will. Consistently, Scripture teaches that people can make choices. Joshua spoke for the Lord and told the people to "choose for yourselves this day" whether they will follow God or not (Joshua 24:14-15). It was their choice, as it is ours. Jesus says anyone who believes in Him "will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in Him will never die," and He then asks, "Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26). People have a choice to trust or reject. If anyone rejects, then God will respect their choice. He says, "Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them," (Luke 9:26). Conversely, God will respect the choice of anyone who chooses to believe in Him, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved," (Joel 2:32). Everyone has a choice.

When God created you, He gave to you an ability 

that He did not give to any of his other creatures. 

He gave you the ability to choose. You can 

live any kind of life you want to. 

And I say this reverently, there is nothing 

God can do about it, because you 

have a will of your own.

- Billy Graham

Further along, again without pause, the Bible shows humans have a fate. God has said this, from the beginning of Scripture. When the Lord called on Abraham, God promised He would shape Abraham's future, (Genesis 12:1-3). He said, "I swear by Myself," meaning nothing Abraham could do would change it (Genesis 22:16). God made a promise that Abraham's descendant and His children would bless the whole world (Genesis 22:18). Further Scripture makes it clear that this promise about Jesus (Galatians 3:16) still holds true and is "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure," (Hebrews 6:17-19). Jesus, Himself, says that those whom God blesses receive it as an "inheritance," (Matthew 25:34). For anyone to receive an inheritance, they must be a member of the family. No human, though, has been directly born into God's family (Psalm 51:5), so God's children must all be adopted. When does God decide to adopt someone? Scripture says that before the creation of the world, before anyone could make a choice, "God predestined us for adoption," and this was done "in accordance with His pleasure and will," (Ephesians 1:4-5). Everyone has a fate.

This is common truth in the early church. He will 

sustain you to the end guiltless in the day of our Lord 

Jesus Christ. God is faithful by whom you were 

called, meaning if He called you, it's done! 

You will be kept. This is what it means to 

have a faithful God.

- John Piper

"WHOAH!" Some of you might say. "Did we go down a wrong turn? Is Scripture contradicting itself?" No, Scripture can never contradict itself. When someone contradicts themself, one or both of the things they have said must be a lie, but God "cannot lie" (Titus 1:2). God's Word will lead people to the truth (John 17:17). "So, which is it?" Some could ask. "Is it free will or is it fate?" Simply put, Scripture guides us to both, so both must be true.

Human beings are incapable of fully grasping a concept such as this. Yes, God is absolutely sovereign and knows all. Yes, human beings are called to make a genuine decision to place faith in Christ unto salvation. These two facts seem contradictory to us, but in the mind of God they make perfect sense.

- GotQuestions

Usually at this juncture, people can throw themselves off-balance: They can seek help from things distant from God's Word. They can trust in their knowledge of how the world is supposed to work. This would be a mistake. People should not trust in their own understanding (Proverbs 3:5) and should focus on heavenly standards over earthly ones (Matthew 6:33). So, let's see how Scripture can clear up some common misconceptions about Biblical free will and Biblical fate:

The Bible can be difficult to understand, but a
misconceived view of it will lead to destruction
(2 Peter 3:16), so people should put effort and time
into seeking out the Bible's wisdom. "Though it cost
all you have, get understanding," (Proverbs 4:7).

• Misconception - "When I chose to follow Christ, I was good enough to make that choice."
• Truth - "No one is good—except God alone," (Mark 10:18). Everyone desires to turn away from God, because "we all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way," (Isaiah 53:6). Anyone who is crooked cannot make themselves straight (Ecclesiastes 1:15), but God can make things crooked or straight (Ecclesiastes 7:13). No one is good enough or wise enough to follow God, without God coming to them first (Romans 5:10). He makes people good, for "every good and perfect gift," including the gift of salvation, comes "down from the Father of the heavenly lights," (James 1:17).

• Misconception - "God is a bad man, because the Bible says He predestines people to hell."
• Truth - "This is the evil in everything that happens under the sun: The same destiny overtakes all," meaning everyone apart from God will "join the dead" and be "in the realm of the dead," (Ecclesiastes 9:3,10). This destiny is in accordance with everyone's choice to continue in sin (Genesis 3:19). However, Jesus can overwrite this destiny. He did this for Jonah. While he was inside the fish, he proclaimed "the earth beneath barred me in forever," but "God brought my life up from the pit," (Jonah 2:6). God can place a new destiny in front of (or preceding) our natural one. It's similar to how He writes someone's days before they are alive, (Psalm 139:16). This is why believers can be predestined by God (Romans 8:29), but those without God are destined by their sin (Ephesians 2:1).

The fullness of eternal life in heaven is a
marvelous mystery, but God sees it as one of
the multiple beautiful trees He created for us
to enjoy (Genesis 2:15-16, Revelation 22:1-2).

• Misconception - "You have to choose whether you believe in free will or predestination."
• Truth - "Everyone who believes in God will not perish but have eternal life," (John 3:16) and "Jesus gives them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of His hand," (John 10:28). Since Scripture affirms that God's children have free will to choose and are predestined to receive, then no one should be ashamed of this Gospel, "because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes," and in it "the righteousness of God is revealed," (Romans 1:16-17). One day the children of God will be described as those who have "triumphed over the devil, by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony," (Revelation 12:11). They will be honored because of Jesus' fated sacrifice (Ephesians 1:11) and for their free will to testify to this sacrifice (1 Corinthians 15:2).

Sometimes, Christians who believe in free will call 

themselves Arminians (promote Arminius' teachings) 

and those who believe in predestination say they 

are Calvinist (promote Calvin's teachings). The 

assumption is that Arminians and Calvinist have 

to oppose each other, however these schools of 

theology are not opponents but are different 

focuses on the same salvation.

• Misconception - "Someone can only preach on free will or predestination."
• Truth - "In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus...I give you this charge: Preach the word," (2 Timothy 4:1-2). The Bible teaches about decisions and destinies, so anyone who preaches Scripture must be willing to preach from all of it (2 Timothy 3:16). Along with this, Jesus' followers need to teach what their audience needs to hear "so that by all possible means they might save some," (1 Corinthians 9:20-22). They could preach to a western culture that believes in freedom and "every man for himself," or to an eastern culture that believes in fate and "the whims of the spirits." In both cases, Jesus' children are to "preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block" that trips up everyone (1 Corinthians 1:23). When people let Jesus' teachings shake up their common understandings, then that stumbling block can become "precious" to them, and they can see that what they originally rejected is "the cornerstone," (1 Peter 2:7).

After seeing what Scripture shows about fate and free will, it could be hard for someone to have peace with it. There may be a part of it that they want to change, but what human being could "talk back to God?" (Romans 9:20). They may want to stay longer and wrestle out their thoughts, until they are just right, but no one should try to become "overwise—why destroy yourself?" (Ecclesiastes 7:16). At this point, it is considerably best to take what has been gained and return back to what is familiar. Except now, some familiar things might appear different.

It may have been confusing, earlier, to hear that the seeming opposites of fate and free will could be conjoined. Yet, a quick look at many common things Christians say and do shows that this truth has been present all along. Look at how a believer prays. They ask God for things from their own desires and then say, "In Jesus' name," submitting their request to the Lord's preordained approval (James 4:2-3). Check out what people say when they quote Psalm 23. They state that God leads them and prepares a reward for them (verses 1-3,5). In the same Psalm, they also say they walk through dark valleys and they choose to accept God's offer to live in His house (verse 4,6). Even in worship music, decisions and destiny continually go hand-in-hand. Believers can sing about their choice to follow Christ as well as their need for God to carry them. This is rarely questioned as a puzzle, but is shown as something wonderful and powerful.

When You call to me, I will run to You.

When You reach for me, I lift my hands to You.

When I'm tired and weary, You lift me up.

You place me on the wings like eagles.

That's where I'll find my freedom.

I'll find my freedom in You.

- Martin Kolb

Humans have a fate, as well as a free will. Both are necessary to fulfill God's plan for salvation. When this salvation comes, people will see that the Children of God "follow the Lamb [Jesus] wherever He goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb," (Revelation 14:4). God will give them a crown of victory (Revelation 2:10), and they will hold onto it throughout their life (Revelation 3:11). But, when they get to heaven, then "they lay their crowns before the throne," (Revelation 4:10) and say, "Salvation belongs to our God," (Revelation 5:10). We will not be able to make perfect sense of this now, but one day everything will clear up (1 Corinthians 13:12). For now, though, the nature of this is an unknown environment. But not so for God. It is His garden.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Billy Graham: Ability to Choose
• John Piper: Called and Kept
• GotQuestions: Calvinism vs Arminianism
• Martin Kolb: You Are My Hope

How can a Christian Relax?

This one is for the believers who know their task. It's for those who see the Christian walk as a race, and "run in such a way as to get the prize," (1 Corinthians 9:24). They "fight the good fight of the faith," (1 Timothy 6:12). It's for those who are "not ashamed of the gospel," and feel the world judge them when they do not join in its reckless wild living, (1 Peter 4:4). This one is for those who deny themselves, "take up their cross daily and follow Jesus," (Luke 9:23). Those who put their love into action (1 John 3:18) are doing a good work for Christ. However, work can be exhausting. So, how can a righteous undying Christian relax?

It's ready, set, go it's another wild day

When the stress is on the rise 

in my heart I feel You say 

Just Breathe, just breathe

Come and rest at My feet

And be, just be

Chaos calls but all you really need

Is to just breathe

- Jonny Diaz

One might be convinced that since God's Word spurs people on to run and fight, then it cannot also be used to rest and relax. This is not the case.

The Bible says it can help believers relax in much the same way they already do. Many people relax by taking a nice warm bath. The Bible says it can cleanse someone "by the washing with water through the Word," (Ephesians 5:26). People relax by lighting scented candles, and God says He makes His people like a sweet fragrance (Hosea 14:6), that can smell of "nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon," (Song of Songs 4:14). People even relax by getting a foot rub, and the Bible says how beautiful and happy "are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace," (Isaiah 52:7). Sometimes people just want to relax by eating delicious chocolate, and so too is God's Word sweet to the taste, (Psalm 119:103). Needless to say, Jesus is sincere when He says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," (Matthew 11:28).

That's what the Sabbath principle is in the Bible. God forbade this agrarian people from working who thought that their livelihood depended on working seven days a week. What a thrilling thing to be told not to work, right? "You cannot work, you have to relax today."

- John Piper

As the Bible says, those who delight in the Word
meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:2) and
they should encourage other believers
with it (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

So, believer, let's take a moment now to relax with God's Word.

Jesus will give us rest. There is rest for the people of God, and "anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest," (Hebrews 4:9-11). Those who rest in the Lord will find comfort in Him. He is the "God of all comfort" and "our comfort abounds through Christ," (2 Corinthians 1:3-5). So, He speaks "comfort, comfort" and to His people is tenderly saying, "her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins," (Isaiah 40:1-2).

There is peace found in the Lord, for "the Lord blesses His people with peace," (Psalm 29:11). He "will take great delight in you; in His love He will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing," (Zephaniah 3:17). God's people may become anxious, but when anxiety is great within them, God's consolation brings them joy, (Psalm 94:19). Cast your cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) and "do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself," (Matthew 6:34). Trust that "the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore He will rise up to show you compassion." (Isaiah 30:18). 

God is the defense of His people, and "He has become my salvation," (Psalm 118:14). Anyone who believes in God is His child (John 1:12). His messengers proclaim, "I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one," (1 John 2:12-13). His Word tells you this, "so that in Jesus you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! He has overcome the world," (John 16:33).

"Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be
with you wherever you go," (Joshua 1:9) "being confident
of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day
of Christ Jesus," (Philippians 1:6).

I pray this time with God's Word has been restful and encouraging. So, believer, remember to relax in the Bible anytime you need it, and as you go throughout the day take this to heart: "Peace to the brothers and sisters, and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love," (Ephesians 6:23-24).

May the grace of our Lord be with you

Now and always may you stay

Blameless till He comes

May the love of our Lord be with you

Now and always may you stay

Blameless till He comes

- Rebecca st. James

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Jonny Diaz - Breathe
• John Piper: What do you do to Relax
• Bible Study Tools: Encouraging and uplifting Verses
• Rebecca st. James: Omega

Do I Pass God's Test?

Have you had this nightmare? You're back in school and the teacher hands out a test. You go into the test confident. You can answer most of the questions, but there is just one thing on there that you do not understand. The teacher, though, says this unknown thing is the key to passing the test. How could you not know something the teacher says is so important? Did you not study hard enough? Was the teacher hiding this from you? Whatever the reason, because of this one thing, you fail the test. Concerning this scenario: here's a follow-up question: Do you ever think maybe God is like this teacher? Is there ever the worry that when God looks at your life, He'll say, "Hey, you forgot this one thing. Now, you won't get to heaven." These thoughts can lead people to ask themselves, "Will I pass God's test?"

Let's examine this scenario and see if it reflects reality, starting with seeing if God is our teacher. The Bible, indeed, says God is a great teacher. The prophets refer to God as the "Wonderful Counselor," who is a "Mighty God," (Isaiah 9:6). The Psalmist says of God that He "will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go," (Psalm 32:8). When Jesus, who is God, spoke in front of crowds, the people who heard Him thought "He taught as one who had authority, and not as their [other] teachers of the law," (Matthew 7:29). So, God is absolutely a great teacher. 

Does our teacher give out tests? Well, the point of a test is to see how someone "measures up". The Bible says that some of God's angels hold "a measuring line" and they use this line to measure out nations, cities and people (Zechariah 2:2-5). The prophet Amos once saw God holding such a measuring line, and God used it to show how His people were not "measuring up" (Amos 7:7-9). Jesus also says there is a way to test whether someone is speaking truthfully or false (Matthew 7:15-16). The Apostle John wrote about how believers are to test whether something is Godly or not (1 John 4:1). Finally, the Bible says everyone who ever lived will be judged by God, and God will see whether they pass His examination (2 Timothy 4:1, Hebrews 9:27). So yes, our great teacher does have a test.

Not only is God our teacher, but He cares 

for His students (1 Peter 5:7) and He would love 

to see them all pass His test (2 Peter 3:9). 

Is God, by chance, like the teacher in the nightmare, hiding information? Adam and Eve thought so. They entertained the question that God hid crucial knowledge from them (Genesis 3:1-5). God, though, says He has not hidden anything from us that we need. It is written, "the things [God] revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow" Him, (Deuteronomy 29:29). Now some have thought that God keeps information from them, because He wants them to look dumb. This is a lie. God longs to give people what is best for them (Matthew 7:11). He has given everyone the knowledge they need, but many have rejected it. The Psalmist says people have rejected what they needed most, and what they rejected "has become the cornerstone," (Psalm 118:22). If someone fails God's test, it will not be because God hid something they needed. It will not even be because someone did not study enough. It will be because someone rejected what God gave them to pass His test.

So, what is God's test, and what is the key to passing this test?

Many have asked this question, but it was once asked by a fearful man; a man who worried he was lacking something crucial. This man was a jailer. He oversaw multiple prisoners, but two in particular were the Apostle Paul and his companion Silas. One night while these two disciples were under his guard, "there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken," (Acts 16:26). The jailer was terrified that his prisoners would use this opportunity to escape. Fearing his life would be taken for his negligence, the jailer "drew his sword and was about to kill himself," (Acts 16:27). Before he could, Paul shouted to him that no one left the jail and all his prisoners were safe (Acts 16:28). The jailer was astounded that these men did not run away when they had the chance. Trembling, the jailer fell before Paul and Silas and asked them, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:29-30). In other words, "What must I do to pass God's test?"

Jesus says His teaching is easy (Matthew 11:29), and
if anyone wants to pass God's test, then they
must be willing to learn (Proverbs 4:1-2).

Paul and Silas told this man one thing; the key to passing or failing. They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved," (Acts 16:31). That's all. The Jailer heard this, and in that hour "he and all his household were baptized," (Acts 16:33). The jailer even washed his prisoners wounds and served them a hot meal, (Acts 16:31-34). He did this because "he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God," (Acts 16:34). He had found the one thing that truly matters (Luke 10:42) and nothing could ever take it away from him (John 10:28). He believed in the Lord Jesus and passed God's test.

If believing in Jesus is what saves someone, then what does it mean to believe in Jesus? Anyone can believe Jesus walked the earth, lived a pretty decent life, taught some nice things, but believing none of that will truly save. Paul says someone must believe Jesus is Lord; someone must acknowledge Jesus as their God (John 8:58), master (John 6:68) and, of course, teacher (Matthew 28:20). Someone must see the one who suffered and died on a cross and rose again (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) as the one who is their creator (John 1:1-3), deliverer (Jeremiah 15:21) and savior (Luke 2:11). Believing in these things is all it takes for someone to pass God's test. There are no other "hoops" through which someone has to jump. It's simple.

The Apostle Paul writes, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved," (Romans 10:9). So, when God gives you His test and He asks you what is the one thing you need to pass, you now know the answer. Everyone who says Jesus is their Lord will not fail but will pass from this life into eternal life (John 3:16). There is no need to lose sleep over this nightmare. Rest well child of God.

Source

• The Bible (New International Version)

Why Can't People Say What they Mean?

Life would be easier, if everyone would say what they meant. If someone could perfectly describe their thoughts, then they could effectively communicate with anyone on earth. People would know exactly what someone is thinking, without having to inspect their words. Groups could do amazing work, if they had no miscommunication. Yet, no matter how hard people try to listen to others, it seems inevitable that even the closest of friends will (at some point) misunderstand each other. Why is it apparently impossible for people to speak clearly?

The Bible reveals the origin of miscommunication. It is recorded in Genesis chapter 11. At the world's beginning everyone "had one language and a common speech," (1). With everyone on earth able to perfectly understand one another, they all gathered to build "a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that they may make a name for themselves," (4). As they built, God looked down upon their tower and the city around it. He said, "If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them," (6). The Lord then said, "Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other," (7). Having done this, the Lord scattered all the people and caused them to stop building (8). So it was that God "confused the language of the whole world," creating different forms of speech, dialects and other aspects which lead to miscommunication (9).

God made humans unable to perfectly understand each other, so humanity would not be able to "make a name for themselves," (Genesis 11:4). What this means is the Lord did not allow people (or any person) to make themselves into a lasting name, or rather a legacy. It might appear unjust for God to be "a jealous God," making sure only His name lasts forever (Exodus 34:14). The truth, though, is it would not be right for anyone to have a name that can challenge God's. The Lord  is the good creator and sustainer of all things, so anyone who chases after another name (even their own) would be a fool. No name or legacy can compare to the Lord's. He is "far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come," (Ephesians 1:21). Everyone should "praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is exalted; His splendor is above the earth and the heavens," (Psalm 148:13). If only God's name is to be exalted (praised above all), then it is good that no other name comes close.

Concerning humanity's name, the Lord gave people misunderstanding, but concerning His own, He did something different. It was after Jesus (who is God) resurrected and ascended into heaven. 12 of His apostles gathered in a city in an upper room (Acts 1:12-14). What happened next is recorded in Acts chapter 2. As the apostles were praying, a great wind from heaven filled the upper room (2). Then all 12 apostles "began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them," (4). Many in the city heard the apostles and said, "How is it that each of us hears them in our native language?" (7-8). They even exclaimed, "We hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!" (11). The apostle Peter then stood before them and began to preach (14-17). He did not preach his own name, but the name of "Jesus of Nazareth" (22). After the people in the city heard of Jesus' legacy, many of them committed their lives for His namesake (38,41). So it was that "all the believers were together and had everything in common," understanding each other and what was preached about God (44).

Communication is a powerful tool, however people primarily use it to explain themselves and get others to do what they want. This main way that humanity uses communication is self-serving. God, however, did not create people so they could simply serve one another (Colossians 3:23). He created people so they could glorify the Lord (Isaiah 43:7). This is one reason why God brought confusion down upon the self-obsessed who tried to build up their own legacy, but He brought understanding to those who praised Jesus' name. God's purpose for communication is for all people to speak of His wonders and glory. With this in mind, anytime humans misunderstand each other they should see it as a sign; the only human whose name should be lifted high is the name of Jesus.

One name is higher

One name is stronger

Than any grave, than any throne

Christ exalted over all

The only Saviour, Jesus Messiah

To You alone our praise belongs

Christ exalted over all

- Vertical Worship

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Open Bible Info: Name Above All Names
• John Piper: Created for Glory
• Vertical Worship: Exalted Over All

Is the Bible a List of Do's and Don'ts?

How many times have you heard a Christian say the following: "Hey, what are you doing? Don't do that! You should do this. Why? Because the Bible tells you so." The thought process behind these words is fairly logical: "The Bible says people should do something, so I'm going to tell them to do that." It makes sense for a Christian to think like this. Someone who speaks this way, though, makes God's Word appear to be a series of commands. In more common terms: This kind of teaching makes people believe the Bible is "a list of do's and don'ts." Is that all the Bible is?

Now, the Bible is absolutely the authority on what is "useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness," (2 Timothy 3:16). It is full of commands; all of which have been given by the only wise God (Job 12:13, Romans 16:27). Those who do not respect God are fools who "despise wisdom and instruction," (Proverbs 1:7). Someone who respects and fears God is humble. They will be richly rewarded, because "humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life," (Proverbs 22:4). This is one reason why it is written, "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord," (Psalm 1:1-2). Those who obey God are His "treasured possession," (Exodus 19:5); the ones who respect God's "do's" and avoid God's "don'ts".

If a believer, though, only sees God's commands as "a list of do's and don'ts," then they are gravely mistaken. Ray Comfort, founder and CEO of Living Waters ministry, says most people misunderstand why God gave His commands. People wrongly think "God's law was given as a standard for us to live by. Well, try and live by it." God's law is to love the Lord with your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as you love yourself, (Matthew 22:37-40). This is "the essence of the law" and Comfort rightly acknowledges "we can't do it." Jesus says, "No one is good except God alone," (Mark 10:18), yet He commands, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect," (Matthew 5:48). No one can be perfect. If God's law was just a way to show how much stuff someone needs to do to be blessed, then no one would ever experience one sunrise or eat a decent meal. The Law was not given to simply teach people what to do.

When we try to simply make people behave better, and I know that there are fruits to that. I get that it is better that there's pro-life legislation. I'm not trying to completely obliterate any benefits, but we need to keep our eyes on the prize. What is the prize of moralism? Failure.

- Todd Friel

The Law was not given just so people could obey God, but was given so everyone could be saved. No one can obey God enough. No one can perform a satisfactory amount of "do's" over "don'ts", and "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin," (Romans 3:20). This is meant to cause people to cry out for salvation from themselves, (Romans 10:13); salvation made possible through the blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:1-2). Those who believe this will become righteous in the Lord's sight. He will give them His Spirit and "move them to follow His decrees and be careful to keep His laws," (Ezekiel 36:26-27). A believer will show they have God's Spirit by their "love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law" that teaches these virtues outside of God's Word (Galatians 5:22-23). The Law was given so people can see themselves, as if looking in a mirror (James 1:23), and when they see themselves rightly they will call on God and be rescued (Psalm 91:15).

"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord
will be saved," (Joel 2:32).

The Bible's commands are not "a list of do's and don'ts," but are given to show how "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23). God's laws show His glory, because all His commands are a reflection of Himself. For example, Jesus' law to sinlessly submit to human authorities (Matthew 22:21) reflects how Jesus sinlessly submits to His Father in heaven (John 6:38). Another example is that God commands His people to make sure their neighbor's animals do not wander off (Deuteronomy 22:1). This demonstrates how God will make sure all of His lost sheep come back to Him (Isaiah 53:6, Luke 15:4-7). All of God's laws are depictions of His love, and "if anyone obeys His Word, love for God is truly made complete in them," (1 John 2:5).

The Bible should never be used to simply tell people what to do and what not to do. In fact, the Scriptures prophesy that those who use the Bible in this way are leaders who do not listen to the Lord. These words of woe (meaning sadness and grief) are written of these teachers in Isaiah chapter 28 from verses 9 to 13:

“Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast? For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”

Very well then, with foreign lips and strange tongues God will speak to this people, to whom He said, “This is the resting place, let the weary rest”; and, “This is the place of repose”—but they would not listen. So then, the word of the Lord to them will become: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there—so that as they go they will fall backward; they will be injured and snared and captured.

God's glorious commands are meant to strengthen people's love for God, so it is devastating  when His laws are misrepresented. Those who simply teach the "do's and don'ts" of God's commands will be like the unwise who dig a pit and fall into it (Proverbs 26:27). They are teachers who feed their listeners only milk, and "anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness," (Hebrews 5:13). God's true teachings are a resting place of repose. Jesus says, "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,” (Matthew 11:28-29). Those who believe in God will never find rest, until they rightly honor God's teaching and learn from Him. As one of God's commands is to honor your father (Exodus 20:12), so believers should honor their father in heaven by "correctly handling the Word of Truth," (2 Timothy 2:15).

Those who know the teachings of righteousness
will be able to say, "Let the wicked fall into their
own nets, while I pass by in safety," (Psalm 141:10).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• American Gospel: Christ Alone
• Wretched: Moralism Teaching

How Does Someone Give God a Hug?

How does someone show God love? It's possible everyone's considered this question, especially one of Jesus' closest disciples, Mary Magdalene. She was a sinner from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). Some even speculate Mary was the adulteress Jesus saved in John chapter 8. What is certain, though, is Mary loved Jesus. She loved Him so much that His death on the cross devastated her (John 20:11). She was crying at His grave, until she cried out with joy when she saw her Savior alive (John 20:16). One could imagine Mary rushed to give Jesus a big loving hug, and this might be why Jesus tells her, "Do not hold on to Me," (John 20:17). How could someone not hold on to their Savior? The most common way people show love is through physical affection. How then can someone show love to God, if they can't give Him a hug?

One way someone can show love to God is by serving Him. Now, God does not need anyone's service (Acts 17:25), but He grants His children the privilege of doing so. Jesus explained this, when He told a parable about "the Son of Man coming in His glory," (Matthew 25:31). In His parable, Jesus says to those who follow Him, "I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in, I needed clothes and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you came to visit Me," (Matthew 25:35-36). Naturally, those who hear this will be confused. If God does not need service (no need for food or clothes), then how can someone serve God (feed Him and clothe Him)? In response, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me," (Matthew 25:40). What any Child of God does for another son or daughter is ultimately done for God Himself. So, if a Child of God gives a comforting hug to one of Jesus' disciples, then they have given Jesus a hug.

"If anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one
of these little ones who is My disciple,
truly I tell you, that person will certainly
not lose their reward," (Matthew 10:42).

So, it is possible to give Jesus a hug, but is a hug the best way to love Jesus? Physical affection may be how people instinctively show love, but God's ways are greater than anyone else's. He says, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts," (Isaiah 55:8-9). If someone wants to love God in the best way, then they must learn what God's thoughts are on the matter. The apostle Paul affirms this, when he says a Christian's love abounds "more and more in knowledge and depth of insight," (Philippians 1:9). A Christian's love for God will develop, as they grow in knowledge of Him.

One way people can grow in their knowledge and love for God is by learning His commands. In fact, God shows people His ways through His commands. When God gave the titular ten commandments, He described Himself, saying "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me," (Exodus 20:2-3). God's giving of commandment one illustrates how He sets people free (John 8:36). When someone obeys the ten commandments, they acknowledge that only God can save them. Their obedience shows they know God. If love grows through knowledge, and knowledge of God is shown through obeying Him, then to obey God is to love Him. Right along with this, Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commands," (John 14:15). So, it's possible God loves hugs, but Scripture says a better way to show God love is by learning about Him and obeying Him.

"In fact, this is love for God: to keep His commands.
And His commands are not burdensome," (1 John 5:3).

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Keith Green: The Sheep and the Goats (Inspired by)

Was Jesus a Superhero?

"Look up in the sky! Is it a bird? No, it's...a flying man!" I imagine this is how the first crowds reacted when they saw a man ascend to heaven (Acts 1:9). They were in awe, but not for the first time. Oh, no. The man they saw soar above also performed incredible feats of strength. He walked on water (Mark 6:48), flipped tables (Matthew 21:12) and was impervious to spears (John 20:27). More than this, He had the power to heal any sickness (Matthew 4:23), combat the forces of evil (Luke 8:30-33) and face any challenge (Matthew 4:1-11). Who was this man? By day He worked among the people as Jesus of Nazareth (John 9:4), but when the need arose, He revealed His true form (Matthew 17:1-2). He is the God-Man, and when you describe Him this way, He sounds like a superhero!

Superheroes are modern legends created by authors and artists, capturing people's imaginations with their stories. Many who read these comic tales are also intrigued by the stories of Jesus. It makes sense, since Jesus shares commonalities with superheroes. Jesus tried to have a secret identity (Mark 7:36), but like Iron Man He couldn't keep it for long (John 8:58). Jesus foiled the plots of dastardly villains (Matthew 22:15-22), much how Batman does. Jesus assembled a team in His name (Luke 6:13), which Captain America did. It may sound strange, but Jesus even communicated with fish (Luke 5:4-6) a couple times (Matthew 17:27), and that is uncannily familiar to Aquaman. Of course, anyone could share an amount of qualities with someone else (be they impressive or ordinary attributes). To get the bottom of how our caped crusaders compare to Christ, it would be best to examine Jesus next to the most famous superhero, Superman.

Some have said Jesus is the original Superman, but how is the match-up between the last son of Krypton and the only Son of God? Well, Superman is not from earth. Similarly, the earth is not Jesus' or any of His followers' home (1 Peter 2:11). Superman enjoyed telling people about his home planet, Krypton, and Jesus also told of His beautiful home, heaven (Matthew 13:44). Superman lived on earth and appeared human, but he was an alien. Jesus did not just appear human (John 1:14) but was fully human (Philippians 2:7). Superman had the power to do, essentially, whatever incredible thing he wanted. Jesus, though, could only do what His Father in heaven wanted (John 5:30). Superman had an altar-ego, Clark Kent. Jesus, however, did not wear a costume when He appeared before crowds (Matthew 21:10-11) or when He was at their homes (Luke 7:36). When Superman would pretend to be Clark Kent, he would change his attitude and demeanor, so people would not know who he was. Jesus did not put on an act, and He told people that when they would see Him they would see that He was the fullness of God in flesh (John 14:9). When you start to look at the superhero of heroes versus the King of Kings their differences quickly overshadow whatever they have in common.

Here's the final round between these two mighty men: The way they died. Superman died unexpectedly and suddenly. He stayed dead for a long time and many great men and women mourned at his grave. Eventually, Superman came back to life, thanks to the help of others. This is nothing like Jesus' death. Jesus knew He would die (Luke 9:22) and knew how He would die (Luke 24:7). He stayed dead for a brief time (Matthew 12:40), and the only ones at His grave while His body was there were the guards watching Him (Matthew 27:65-66). On the third day, Jesus came back to life, without help from any man or force (Luke 24:6-7). In fact, Jesus raised Himself to life, for He says, "I lay down My life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord," ( John 10:17-18).

If superheroes overcome unforeseen challenges with great power,
then what do you call someone who charged in to defeat
the world's greatest threat by surrendering Himself?

Jesus is more than a silly superhero. Every comic book character was created by an imperfect person, but no one created Jesus (John 1:1-3). Any whacky masked vigilante is a mere work of fiction, but Jesus really lived, and He is still alive, for "He cannot die again; death no longer Has mastery over Him," (Romans 6:9). No person can master Jesus, but He is master over all as "Lord of Lords," (Revelation 19:16). He is not the work of imagination for people's entertainment. He is the fulfillment of all good works (Matthew 5:17), in order to be everyone's savior (1 Timothy 1:15). So bring on the best the world has to offer, and see how they fall before Jesus (Philippians 2:10). He will one day come back to earth (Revelation 1:7), and I imagine everyone will look up on that day and say, "Is it a hero? Is it a warrior? No, it's...God!"

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• The Superman Prayer (for putting this in my head, since summer camp)

Should Christians be Certain?

"Are you certain?" If you haven't asked this question, chances are someone has asked it to you. Why are people concerned about certainty? It's because people are truth seekers. The highest rulers and the lowest citizens have asked, "What is truth?" (John 18:37-38). Many people, though, claim they have found the truth, even Christians. When someone tells others about the truth they have found, do they have to be certain? How certain does someone, even a Christian, have to be?

One group of Christians say, "People need to always be certain and never doubt." This belief is taught by those in the "Word of faith" movement. Joel Osteen, senior pastor of Lakewood Church and a weekly televised minister, is a "Word of faith" teacher who says people should say positive words and be certain they will come true. Osteen taught, "Don't use your words to describe the situation - use your words to change the situation," and even if "it may not happen overnight, you have to keep speaking victory, keep calling yourself healthy, keep declaring your children almighty in the land, keep declaring your dreams are coming to pass." Bill Johnson, senior leader of Bethel Church, also teaches unwavering certainty about God's will to heal. Johnson once wrote, "How can God choose not to heal someone when He already purchased their healing?...When He bore stripes in His body He made a payment for our miracle. He already decided to heal." Two more "Word of faith" teachers who want people to never doubt are Kenneth Copeland, founder of Eagle Mountain International Church whose messages are broadcast worldwide, and Benny Hinn, a faith healer whose ministry is broadcast worldwide. Copeland wrote that people need to, "Make a solid decision to trust in and act on the Word of God. Settle it forever. Resolve never to entertain doubts again." Hinn once wrote, "Never doubt the leading of the Spirit. If your inner man is troubled, don't move. Listen to His voice as He speaks to your very soul." Copeland and Hinn believe they receive personal revelation from God that cannot be found in the Bible, so when they refer to God speaking they are often talking about God giving direct messages outside of the Bible. All of these teachers claim people should be undoubtedly certain of what they teach.

These "Word of faith" teachers, though, are speaking beliefs that are not certain. Osteen's teachings contradict what the Bible says about the weakness of one's words, for "you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life?" (James 4:13-16). Even the apostle Paul could not use positive words to speak away the "thorn" in his side (2 Corinthians 12:7-9). Johnson's teachings distort what the apostle Peter tells us "by His wounds we are healed" actually means (Isaiah 53:5). That verse is about how "you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls," so Jesus heals us from our sins to bring us back to Him (1 Peter 2:24-25). On top of this it was not always Jesus' will to heal everyone (Mark 1:34-38). Copeland and Hinn teach that someone should not doubt God's personal revelations to them, and so they deny that believers should test all prophecies and only "hold on to what is good," (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Christians should not be blindly certain of things but should instead, "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world," (1 John 4:1).

The intensity of my belief doesn't make it so. The object of belief makes it so. Do you hear the difference? Just because I really really believe it, people have been really really wrong. Correct? Right, and that's okay. Just the intensity of faith doesn't mean a thing. It's the object of faith.

- Todd Friel

On the other end of the spectrum, many Christians say "People can never be certain of anything." This belief is taught by those in the "Progressive Christianity" movement. A "Progressive Christian" teacher named Steven Furtick, founder and senior pastor of Elevation Church and songwriter of Elevation Worship music, once taught, "the opposite of faith is not doubt. The opposite of faith is certainty." Richard Rohr, a Roman Catholic Priest and popular author, has taught about the need for uncertainty through non-dualistic thinking. Rohr wrote that this thinking is "our ability to read reality in a way that is not judgmental...Reality is not totally one, but it is not totally two, either!" meaning anything is always something and something else (A=B and B=B, but A and B are different). One more "Progressive Christian'' who teaches about a Christian's need to resist certainty is Brandon Robertson, a gay writer, activist, minister, and religious influencer. Robterson has called himself a Christian agnostic, and said, "Christianity gives me a form, a set of stories and myths to help ground my search for meaning and truth, but I don't believe Christianity itself as a religion encapsulates the fullness of truth, because nothing can do that." Robterson also said, "Jesus is the one in whom I find the most meaning and rhythm for my life...but at the end of the day, I stand in humble reverent awe at the bigness, the mystery, the beauty and the majesty of the universe, and admitting, 'I don't know. You don't know. We can't know.'" All of these teachers agree that the only thing of which people can be certain is that nothing is certain.

This uncertainty among "Progressive Christians" is certainly not Christian. Furtick's assertions oppose the Bible, for it says the opposite of faith is unbelief in God, and those who believe "do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved," (Hebrews 10:39). The faithful should "not throw away their confidence; it will be richly rewarded," (Hebrews 10:35). Rohr's claims about non-dualistic existence go against God's words of "woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness," (Isaiah 5:20). Spiritual things always exist dualistically, for God allies with His own servants and never the forces of darkness (Matthew 12:26-28). Robertson's beliefs that nothing can encapsulate truth, are struck down, when Jesus says, “I am the truth," (John 14:6). It is through reading the Bible that God "sanctifies us by the truth; His word is truth," (John 17:17). The idea that people should be uncertain about God contradicts the way people live their lives. Jesus says of these people, "When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times." (Matthew 16:2-3).

They were saying they could not know how to interpret Jesus and His words and ways. "It's all so uncertain. Who can know? We need more signs; more explanation," but when it comes to their livelihood they trusted their powers of interpretation just fine.

- John Piper

Believers should be certain of God's truth. The Bible is written "so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught," (Luke 1:4) for everything in God's Word is "written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name," (John 20:31). Christians should be certain of these things, for they are reality and reality "is found in Christ," (Colossians 2:17). So, when you, as a believer, tell people about the truth you have found, people will ask back, "Are you certain?" When they do, "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you," (1 Peter 3:15). Tell others about God's truth and be certain of it, because what does truth matter if you're not certain.

Sources

• The Bible (New International Version)
• Joel Osteen: Positive Speaking
• Bill Johnson: God Always Heals
• Kenneth Copeland: Never Doubt Again
• Benny Hinn: Never Doubt the Leading
• Todd Friel: The Object of Faith
• Steven Furtick: The Opposite of Faith
• Richard Rohr: Non-Dualistic Thinking
• Brandon Robertson: I Don't Know
• John Piper: You Don't Live that Way