Opus 2024-121: Just Perfect

People quarrel over the idea of perfection as expressed in the Bible.  Some say no such thing is possible.  Check out these two verses, one in the OT and one in the NT.  The word “perfect” appears in both the KJV and NASB,

(Psa 19:7 KJV)  The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

(1Jn 4:18 KJV)  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

The problem is not that this perfection is impossible.  The problem is using our cultural definitions of a word rather than seeking to understand how it is used in the Bible.

I am sitting outside this morning and, to be honest, it is a perfect morning.  It is positively awesome.  There is a refreshing breeze and I’m told it’s about 73°.  It is a perfect morning.

Yesterday was also a perfect morning.  I am told it was 71°.  It was a very light breeze.  It was a perfect morning.

I can go on like this.  There are numerous perfect mornings and yet each one is different.  Why do we have so much trouble with his word perfect?  We know in our hearts what it means.  Why do people refuse to accept it?  Much of the problem is beginning with a theology that says there is no such thing as perfect in spite of the examples of the word.

Another word we have trouble with is “sovereign”.  We have trouble with the conflict between the idea of God, being omnipotent, and us having free will.  We have the trouble with so many other issues.  Lighten up, broaden your mind, think.  The universe is beyond you.  God never said you would understand every mystery.  He also gives you permission to contribute crazy ideas that might answer the paradox.  

Who knows, you might get lucky and be right.

homo unius libri

Opus 2023-195: A Nefarious Review

I don’t know if you have seen the movie “Nefarious”.  It was well done and stimulates the mental synapses.  Biblically and theologically it had a lot of rough edges and holes but it gives insight into what is happening in our country and what the two sides are like.

If I were a demon trying to bring down the United States I would stage a demon possession that would look just like what we have in president Biden:  An empty suit with a past that deserves possession, often himself but with key moments of announcements and signings where he is taken over to advance the agenda.  It would explain a man who can on occasion actually complete a sentence and other times just wanders around looking for Jill.

Reversed, it might be like the filling of the Spirit in the OT.  There you had the Spirit bestowed only on selected individuals and for a period of time.  Saul is a good example.  That changed at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit became available to all believers.

We are in a spiritual battle in this country and we are finding out what would happen if they had a war and nobody showed up.  The one side that came late has the whole field to themselves.

I am not worried about the type of encounter in Nefarious.  Why would the devil waste his time manipiulating people who are already doing his will?  Believers don’t need to worry about demon possession as much as the drunk coming toward us at night.  Remember,

(1Jn 4:4 KJV)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

homo unius libri

Opus 2015-420: Zombie Theology: Demon Possession

One of the kids at school was talking weird and I postulated that he was demon possessed.  What surprised me was that the kids knew what I was talking about.  Somehow in the discussion it came out that I was not worried about it.

I am not worried about being demon possessed.  Why?  Because I am filled with the Spirit.  That spot that a demon might get a toe-hold is already full. 

(1 John 4:4 KJV)  Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

It is the difference between trying to crush an empty soda can compared to one that has not been opened.

Now my question here is about becoming a zombie.  The pagans like to look at the world as only material or, if there are spirits, you only hear about the evil ones.  The popular theme is that once you are bitten by a zombie you become a zombie.  As a Christian I question that.  If there are no spirits and the world is purely physical the process is purely nonsense.  Consider:  A body with all of its organs shot out, except its brain, somehow rises up and starts looking for brains to eat.  What physical process keeps the muscles contracting?  It ain’t going to happen. 

Then it requires a belief I spirits and requires it to be understood as some kind of demon possession.  By definition a true, regenerated, spirit filled disciple of Jesus Christ cannot be possessed by a demon.  Thus, I and my brothers and sisters become zombie-proof.  Bite away.  I may get an infection from your dirty mouth but God gave me an army of macrophages to deal with that invasion. 

And He gave me the Holy Spirit to send your zombies running the other way.

Sorry to rain on your parade, zombie fans.  It doesn’t need to ruin your day.  I figure you can suspend belief and enjoy the genre just as I can suspend my knowledge of the laws of physics while watching X-Wing fighters bank and roll in a vacuum. 

homo unius libri

Opus 2013-367: Basic Beliefs: God Is..., Part 3 of 3

In addition to being spirit and light we see that God is love.

(1 John 4:8 KJV)  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

“Love” here is the Greek agape.  It is a type of love that the world does not accept.  It is summarized in I Corinthians 13 where the KJV calls it “charity.”

We hear a lot about love in our day and age.  It is portrayed as something of great value.  It is said to be lacking.  It is supposed to be a panacea for all that is wrong with our world.

The problem is that the “love” that the songs, posters and counselors talk about is not agape love.  The “love” of the songs is basically lust and physical gratification.  The “love” of the posters is spineless accommodation to narcissism.  The “love” of the counselors is self centered. 

Agape love is summarized in patience, kindness, forgiveness, self sacrifice.  It is a commitment, not an emotion.  Agape love is what is sometimes called “tough love.”  It makes hard choices and does not make excuses.  When correction is needed, it corrects.  When punishment is needed, it punishes.  But it always acts this way for the improvement of the target.  It is full of encouraging hope based on reality.  It is not about the lover or lovee feeling good.  It is to make good.

It might help if we said “God is agape” rather than “God is love.”

So.  God is spirit.  God is light.  God is love.

Something to think about.  Something to believe.  Someone to follow.

homo unius libri