Friday, January 25, 2013
Friday, July 20, 2012
The Theology of Ugliness
"There are no ugly people. Everyone is beautiful. God made them so you can't say they're ugly - They are beautiful."
Have you ever heard any of these? I'm sure you have. You may have even been the one saying them and believing them. I however believe they are wrong. There really are ugly people in the world - Let me explain.
In Isaiah 3:24 when God describes the condition of backslidden Israel, he describes her as a woman stripped of her beauty. He even says that something will replace her beauty- Sin leaves Israel in a state of ugliness. This picture can only be presented if ugliness is a real possibility.
What does scripture mean when it says that man was made in the image of God? The vast majority of bible scholars agree that this word image has nothing do with physical features, after all there are so many varieties of physical features in all the peoples of earth. Man is made in the image of God in the fact that he bears his moral nature - Man is a moral creature unlike the rest of creation.
Genesis 1:27,31 (ESV)
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people:
He will beautify the meek with salvation.
Have you ever heard any of these? I'm sure you have. You may have even been the one saying them and believing them. I however believe they are wrong. There really are ugly people in the world - Let me explain.
Scripture Call's People Ugly
The KJV Bible describes Leah (Jacob's first wife) as having “weak eyes.” Whether that meant she was cross-eyed, half-blind or needed thick glasses is unclear. Other translations do change the wording and suggest quite the opposite, stating that she had pretty eyes. What is apparently clear however is that she was not as beautiful as her sister. Scripture describes her younger sister, Rachel as “lovely in form, and beautiful.” (Gen. 29:17) Apparently, Jacob had an eye for beauty, because he chose to marry Rachel.In Isaiah 3:24 when God describes the condition of backslidden Israel, he describes her as a woman stripped of her beauty. He even says that something will replace her beauty- Sin leaves Israel in a state of ugliness. This picture can only be presented if ugliness is a real possibility.
God's Creation
The most basic of arguments for the "Everyone's Beautiful" doctrine is the fact that every single human being is created by God in His image. This one of the foundational truths of Christianity which I sincerely believe but I do also believe that saying this is the reason for everyone being beautiful is a great misinterpretation of this truth.What does scripture mean when it says that man was made in the image of God? The vast majority of bible scholars agree that this word image has nothing do with physical features, after all there are so many varieties of physical features in all the peoples of earth. Man is made in the image of God in the fact that he bears his moral nature - Man is a moral creature unlike the rest of creation.
Man Was Originally Beautiful
With that said, I must be clear that I do not believe Adam & Eve were ugly. I believe they were beautiful in every sense of the word and even more so than we would consider today:Genesis 1:27,31 (ESV)
27 So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.
31 And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
When God created the first people, they were perfect. There were no flaws that we would consider unattractive at all. Their skin was clear, there was no blemishes, spots or acne. They had perfect limbs, 10 fingers, 10 toes, perfectly aligned teeth, and whatever else you may consider to be a physical sign of perfection in beauty.
Man's Beauty Was Lost
The event's of Genesis 3 (Man's fall) are most important to this subject. I am convinced that one of the consequences of the fall was ugliness.
What is ugliness but imperfection? How did man get imperfect except by sin?
I am certain that anyone reading this would know of someone with a physical defromity. Did God create man that way? No he didn't. Why then do we have people with deformities? It is only because of sin in the world.
I believe that just as sin caused sickness to enter the world, so ugliness entered the world through sin also. In fact the reality is that every single one of us has something ugly about us. This is the reason why even the most beautiful among us can sometimes be dissatisfied with their appearance. They look in the mirror and still see the imperfections. These imperfections may be small, even insignificant to some but the reality is that they are there.
Why A Theology of Ugliness is Important
If all of us, as a result of sin are affected by ugliness even the most beautiful among us, there has to be some meaning to this.
Ugliness and the lack of beauty both serve an important purpose of teaching us that sin has robbed us of the true beauty that God intended us to have. The most beautiful of people of in this world are never satisfied with their appearance. They look into their mirrors and see faults and flaws that need fixing, they spend thousands of dollars to fix things that others may consider insignificant. The truth is that they will never be satisfied because they have not identified the fact that what they see is far deeper than a physical flaw.
You must understand this; Man's recognition of his ugliness and desire to be free from it is exactly what Paul spoke of many times in his writings:
Romans 8:18–21 (ESV)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
God has programed man to not be satisfied with his physical appearance because that very feeling is an indication of his spiritual condition.
Central to the message of the Gospel is the doctrine of substitution (Or as Martin Luther called it, "The Great Exchange". This doctrine simply teaches that Christ took something of ours and gave us something of his. So Christ takes:
You must understand this; Man's recognition of his ugliness and desire to be free from it is exactly what Paul spoke of many times in his writings:
Romans 8:18–21 (ESV)
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
God has programed man to not be satisfied with his physical appearance because that very feeling is an indication of his spiritual condition.
The Hope in Ugliness
In Isaiah 53 we are presented with a picture of our suffering savior. He is said in verse to be without form or beauty. With a face that no one would desire, all of this was because he bore our sin. Just as man's sin caused ugliness to enter humanity, Christ became ugly when he bore our sin.Central to the message of the Gospel is the doctrine of substitution (Or as Martin Luther called it, "The Great Exchange". This doctrine simply teaches that Christ took something of ours and gave us something of his. So Christ takes:
- Our sin and gives us his righteousness
- Our separation from God and gives us the position of children and heirs of God.
- Our ugliness and gives us beauty
I believe that the final point will only be fully realized in the resurrection - When Jesus returns and reconciles all things in himself, there will be no ugly people. In the coming heavenly kingdom, perfection will rule. No-one will have any physical disability, and there will also be no ugliness there. We will look into the mirror and be completed satisfied with the perfection of Christ. It is then and only then we will fully understand what the Psalmist said:
Psalm 149:4 (KJV)
For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people:
He will beautify the meek with salvation.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
On Worship & Excellence
There are many core values within Christianity as a whole. One is these is worship. All Christians, while holding different views of how it is to be done, everywhere agree that worship is so central to the Christian experience that it cannot be done away with. Our worship is an acknowledgement and response to the person, greatness and holiness of God.
Being Raised an apostolic pentecostal, I grew up with this great inescapable awareness that worship was incredibly important. Every so often you would hear preaching on the subject. This message would almost always highlight these points:
Anyone familiar with Apostolic or Pentecostal churches will know that the second point is in fact a huge part of our identity. We so treasure giving God our everything (heart, mind soul and strength) that our worship is very demonstrative. Pentecostal worship includes various physical expressions such as shouting, clapping, jumping, dancing and signing. We give God everything we have physically. Our worship is Exuberant.
I have thought about it for a while now and am led to the conclusion that one often ignored point of worship is excellence. This is particularly interesting to me, especially considering the fact that scripture speaks so much on the topic. One of the most obvious examples of this is found in the records of the Old Testament Prophet Malachi:
Mal 1:6-14
6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
ESV
One may question the relevance of such a scripture to Christian worship, but I believe it presents itself many times in our worship music. I have heard many people bring the argument that it does matter if the signing is off key and off beat as long as its anointed and touches somebody. I have also heard many defenses of a poorly planned worship service with poor musicianship and music. Sadly all these arguments have NO backing from scripture, especially this text.
Every time I hear one of those arguments I cringe, people are essentially saying, firstly that worship's goal is to bless us, ignoring that it is all about God. God is to be blessed not us, we deserve no blessing, but only receive blessings because of his grace that we recognize in worship. Additionally the arguments leave me with the impression that God has to accept anything. Its kind of a take it or leave it attitude. This does not seem like a right attitude to approach the creator of the universe with.
It is sad that we now posses this attitude when there was once a time when all art forms were dominated by Christians and were great expressions of Christian truth. Nowadays the word Christian before anything seems to suggest mediocrity. To quote a phrase I've heard somewhere "Why does the devil have to have all the good music?"
We must never forget the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon's Kingdom in Israel. She was in awe of many things, among which was his assent into the Temple for worship. Seeing this left her breathless an marveling. Solomon had an excellence in everything he did and had gotten an excellence for worship from his father, the one who wrote these words that should be the worship leaders motto:
Ps 33:1-3
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
ESV
Being Raised an apostolic pentecostal, I grew up with this great inescapable awareness that worship was incredibly important. Every so often you would hear preaching on the subject. This message would almost always highlight these points:
- The importance of worship
- Passion in worship (giving God your all)
- The blessing of worship.
Anyone familiar with Apostolic or Pentecostal churches will know that the second point is in fact a huge part of our identity. We so treasure giving God our everything (heart, mind soul and strength) that our worship is very demonstrative. Pentecostal worship includes various physical expressions such as shouting, clapping, jumping, dancing and signing. We give God everything we have physically. Our worship is Exuberant.
I have thought about it for a while now and am led to the conclusion that one often ignored point of worship is excellence. This is particularly interesting to me, especially considering the fact that scripture speaks so much on the topic. One of the most obvious examples of this is found in the records of the Old Testament Prophet Malachi:
Mal 1:6-14
6 "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' 7 By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the Lord's table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord's table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, 'What a weariness this is,' and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.
ESV
One may question the relevance of such a scripture to Christian worship, but I believe it presents itself many times in our worship music. I have heard many people bring the argument that it does matter if the signing is off key and off beat as long as its anointed and touches somebody. I have also heard many defenses of a poorly planned worship service with poor musicianship and music. Sadly all these arguments have NO backing from scripture, especially this text.
Every time I hear one of those arguments I cringe, people are essentially saying, firstly that worship's goal is to bless us, ignoring that it is all about God. God is to be blessed not us, we deserve no blessing, but only receive blessings because of his grace that we recognize in worship. Additionally the arguments leave me with the impression that God has to accept anything. Its kind of a take it or leave it attitude. This does not seem like a right attitude to approach the creator of the universe with.
It is sad that we now posses this attitude when there was once a time when all art forms were dominated by Christians and were great expressions of Christian truth. Nowadays the word Christian before anything seems to suggest mediocrity. To quote a phrase I've heard somewhere "Why does the devil have to have all the good music?"
We must never forget the account of the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon's Kingdom in Israel. She was in awe of many things, among which was his assent into the Temple for worship. Seeing this left her breathless an marveling. Solomon had an excellence in everything he did and had gotten an excellence for worship from his father, the one who wrote these words that should be the worship leaders motto:
Ps 33:1-3
Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
ESV
Monday, January 11, 2010
How Do You Pray in 2010
It’s the new year and many of us have had time to reflect on our lives both naturally but more importantly spiritually. Many have determined to read the bible through and even pray more. The desire to do these things must be commended and I will begin by doing just that: I commend all who have begun the year by putting increased emphasis on their spiritual well being.
Prayer is one of the foundational practices of almost all religions. People everywhere pray to “god”. This , however may be the only similarity because a true examination of theses prayers reveals that everything else is different; One begins with the very being being prayed to and continue to the manner in which the prayer is being prayed and see there is a world of a difference between the true Christian and the heathen. (Or is there?)
During my time in and around church I have heard much preaching and teaching on this subject. Many a man of God will quote the words of Paul “First of all PRAYER” or even the words of Jesus “Men ought always to pray and not faint” I have heard that we should rise early and devote time to seeking God because David said “Early will I seek You”. Beloved these word are right and must be headed.
I must say with sadness however, that in all the preaching and teaching on prayer, it is rarely that you would hear one expound Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Jesus says some words that put shocks on any Pentecostals prayer life. They are words that after reading and considering them, I have changed the way I prayed because I realized my prayer had become no different from the bushmen in Africa.
Matt 6:7-9 ESV
7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matt 6:7-8 KJV
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
I will be honest, allot of my fiery Pentecostal prayers have been just that – Vain repetitions & empty phrases. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, JESUS, LOOOOOOORD, God touch, Touch Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power LORD, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name” Sound familiar? That’s just what Jesus said don’t do.
Some would question that these verses speak of this and suggest Jesus is speaking of reciting prayers like many denominations do. This however is not what the Gentiles did, they were known for reciting mantras in their idol worship.
A casual reader of the scripture will observe that many biblical prayers are actually recorded. Their language is clear and sometimes even poetic. The pray-ers of these prayers used their brains as well as their hearts. The words were well thought out. They expressed to God the desires of their hearts, the seriousness and desperation of their situation and what they wanted God to do for them. At the end of one such prayer in Acts 4, the building shook by the power of God and the disciples were re-filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
One reason why repetitious prayer may be so common is that it is so easy to do. We can (as my father would say) go into auto-pilot and still feel excitement. It does not take much really to this. In truth, we have not expressed everything to God. We do sound spiritual though, because our repeated words are spoken in crescendo and we very often do feel God’s spirit in them.
I urge anyone trying to move up in their prayer life to move pass the repetition of religious words and start really talking to God. This of course will be difficult and strange at first but you will find it well worth it in the end.
Prayer is one of the foundational practices of almost all religions. People everywhere pray to “god”. This , however may be the only similarity because a true examination of theses prayers reveals that everything else is different; One begins with the very being being prayed to and continue to the manner in which the prayer is being prayed and see there is a world of a difference between the true Christian and the heathen. (Or is there?)
During my time in and around church I have heard much preaching and teaching on this subject. Many a man of God will quote the words of Paul “First of all PRAYER” or even the words of Jesus “Men ought always to pray and not faint” I have heard that we should rise early and devote time to seeking God because David said “Early will I seek You”. Beloved these word are right and must be headed.
I must say with sadness however, that in all the preaching and teaching on prayer, it is rarely that you would hear one expound Jesus’ teaching on the subject. Jesus says some words that put shocks on any Pentecostals prayer life. They are words that after reading and considering them, I have changed the way I prayed because I realized my prayer had become no different from the bushmen in Africa.
Matt 6:7-9 ESV
7 "And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Matt 6:7-8 KJV
7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
I will be honest, allot of my fiery Pentecostal prayers have been just that – Vain repetitions & empty phrases. “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, JESUS, LOOOOOOORD, God touch, Touch Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power Lord, With Your mighty power LORD, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name, In Jesus Name” Sound familiar? That’s just what Jesus said don’t do.
Some would question that these verses speak of this and suggest Jesus is speaking of reciting prayers like many denominations do. This however is not what the Gentiles did, they were known for reciting mantras in their idol worship.
A casual reader of the scripture will observe that many biblical prayers are actually recorded. Their language is clear and sometimes even poetic. The pray-ers of these prayers used their brains as well as their hearts. The words were well thought out. They expressed to God the desires of their hearts, the seriousness and desperation of their situation and what they wanted God to do for them. At the end of one such prayer in Acts 4, the building shook by the power of God and the disciples were re-filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
One reason why repetitious prayer may be so common is that it is so easy to do. We can (as my father would say) go into auto-pilot and still feel excitement. It does not take much really to this. In truth, we have not expressed everything to God. We do sound spiritual though, because our repeated words are spoken in crescendo and we very often do feel God’s spirit in them.
I urge anyone trying to move up in their prayer life to move pass the repetition of religious words and start really talking to God. This of course will be difficult and strange at first but you will find it well worth it in the end.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Reasons to Beleive The Doctrine of the Absolute Oneness of God in Christ
There is no biblical reference to the term trinity but the bible does emphatically state that there is only one God.
- Deut 6:4 Hear, Oh Israel, The LORD our God, The LORD is one.
- Rev 4:2 …and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.
- Isa 44:6, 8, 24 "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, And his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: 'I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God. 8 Do not fear, nor be afraid;Have I not told you from that time, and declared it? You are My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed there is no other Rock; I know not one.'" 24 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: "I am the Lord, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself;
- Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,
- 1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.
- Col 2:8-9 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead (Deity) bodily;
- Psa 71:22 Also with the lute I will praise you; And Your faithfulness, O my God! To You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel.
- Isa 12:6 Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, For great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"
- Mar 12:32-33 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.33 "And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Sermons That Have Impacted Me The Most In 2008
This is the first in a series of posts looking back on 2008. (A bit late, but better late than never.)
The sermons listed were not necessarily preached in 2008 but I did listen to them then and they did have an impact on my life. I will try my best to provide links to them so readers will be able to enjoy them as well.
The sermons listed were not necessarily preached in 2008 but I did listen to them then and they did have an impact on my life. I will try my best to provide links to them so readers will be able to enjoy them as well.
- We Won't Stop Praying Untill They Start Praying - Jerry Wayne Dillon
- Changing Hearts - Nathaniel Haney
- God Is Never Behind - George Glass Sr.
- God Is For You - George Glass Sr.
- I Will Pray With The Spirit - Davis Lake
- Prayer Is The Womb of the Spirit - Raymond Fraizer
- Justice - Morton Bustard
- Don't Give Up On Life While You're Still Living - Henry Ritchie
- I Refuse to Be Denied By God & I Refuse to Be Tormented By My Adversary - Nathaniel Haney
- Overcoming Fears That Your Family Members Won't Be Saved - Neil Rhodes
- Do You Understand - Carlton Coon
- People God Killed - C.J. Mahanney
- How Sharp? Christ, Controversy and Cutting Words -Mark Driscoll
- The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit in Luke & Acts - Mark Driscoll
Thursday, November 27, 2008
What The Fear Of God Must Do In Us
People will do anything to escape death. They will listen to and obey every word of a kidnapper. Giving to him the things they consider dear, lowering themselves to the place of a slave or animal - All for their life, all that a bullet would not pierce their skin or a razor slit their throat.
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 ESV" With all that the fear of death causes man to do; should not God's righteous judgment produce a fear that brings holiness and purity in us?
"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Matthew 10:28 ESV" With all that the fear of death causes man to do; should not God's righteous judgment produce a fear that brings holiness and purity in us?
Not my best but please comment.
D.C. Lake
D.C. Lake
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