The proclamation of the Divine Word has a twofold result; it softens some; and it hardens others.
"We are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: to the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life." 2 Corinthians 2:15-16.
As Calvin reminds us of the Gospel of Christ, "it is never preached in vain, but has invariably an effect, either for life, or for death." The sweet fragrance of the Gospel has a deathly smell to the impenitent and results in everlasting death.
In the above quoted Scripture the apostle goes on to ask, "who is sufficient for these things?" Indeed, who can be the instrument of so momentous a task and shoulder a responsibility so stupendous as this? Paul quickly gives the answer: "not that we are sufficient of ourselves,...our sufficiency is from God" 2 Corinthians 3:5. None but the men who see their own utter weakness can know and experience the sufficiency of God's grace. No self sufficiency of ourselves could ever bear the responsibility upon which rests the salvation or damnation of the hearers. This is not to overlook the fact that men are lost whether or not they hear the Gospel. The all too common assertion of many evangelists that men go to hell only for rejecting Christ, finds no support in Scripture. Where would men have gone if Christ Jesus came not into the world? But the rejection of the Gospel confirms the sinner in his guilt and adds to his punishment (Matthew 10:15, Luke 12:47-48).
Sunday 26 May 2019
Sunday 12 May 2019
Should a Christian practice karate? a brief study.
I recently learned that the headmaster of a local Christian school practices the art of karate, he is a regular church goer (the now apostate Church of Scotland); says it all really!
The man in question has a quiet and humble demeanour, and to a worldling is the epitome of how a Christian should be. Many Christians think what is the harm of such an activity? and any who denounce it are being "righteous over much" Ecc.7:16, but you really don't have to dig too deep to realize that it's philosophy is anti-Christian. The word karate literally means "empty hand, bare hand" kara, is Japanese for empty. However, it goes beyond the empty hand, for those who engage in this art are taught to empty their minds, to purge oneself of selfish and evil thoughts (as if we can do this- sinners that we are!), however, its devotees do just this, such is their enthusiastic zeal to become a master of the art.
The emptying of one's mind is something that the Christian is exhorted not to do;
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor.10:5 (my emphasis).
"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth." Col.3:2 (RV)..
The Lord severely reprimanded Peter for taking his attention off Him, telling the Saviour that He would never be crucified! (therefore nullifying the salvation of God's elect!) "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." Matt.16:23 (RV). And this was said to Peter immediately after He told His disciples that He must be crucified! Little wonder Peter went on to write those inspired words in 1 Pet.1:13! "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind..." We are then exhorted to gird up our minds-strengthen them through the Scripture of truth, not to empty them! The incarnate Deity Himself said "Love the Lord your God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matt.22:37. See also Eph.4:23, 2 Tim.1:7. It can be clearly seen that we as believers are to guard our minds, that is fortify them, not to empty them and let this be a conduit for a malevolent spirit to take possession of them!
The emptying of one's mind is a trait common to all eastern religions and mysticism, most notably Buddhism which sadly has a very high following in todays western world.
Empty your mind of Christ, who-knows what evil spirit God will allow to enter? There is only one-for all evil is of the devil, Satan himself!
The man in question has a quiet and humble demeanour, and to a worldling is the epitome of how a Christian should be. Many Christians think what is the harm of such an activity? and any who denounce it are being "righteous over much" Ecc.7:16, but you really don't have to dig too deep to realize that it's philosophy is anti-Christian. The word karate literally means "empty hand, bare hand" kara, is Japanese for empty. However, it goes beyond the empty hand, for those who engage in this art are taught to empty their minds, to purge oneself of selfish and evil thoughts (as if we can do this- sinners that we are!), however, its devotees do just this, such is their enthusiastic zeal to become a master of the art.
The emptying of one's mind is something that the Christian is exhorted not to do;
"Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exhalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2 Cor.10:5 (my emphasis).
"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth." Col.3:2 (RV)..
The Lord severely reprimanded Peter for taking his attention off Him, telling the Saviour that He would never be crucified! (therefore nullifying the salvation of God's elect!) "Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men." Matt.16:23 (RV). And this was said to Peter immediately after He told His disciples that He must be crucified! Little wonder Peter went on to write those inspired words in 1 Pet.1:13! "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind..." We are then exhorted to gird up our minds-strengthen them through the Scripture of truth, not to empty them! The incarnate Deity Himself said "Love the Lord your God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." Matt.22:37. See also Eph.4:23, 2 Tim.1:7. It can be clearly seen that we as believers are to guard our minds, that is fortify them, not to empty them and let this be a conduit for a malevolent spirit to take possession of them!
The emptying of one's mind is a trait common to all eastern religions and mysticism, most notably Buddhism which sadly has a very high following in todays western world.
Empty your mind of Christ, who-knows what evil spirit God will allow to enter? There is only one-for all evil is of the devil, Satan himself!
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