C.J. Sears's Blog, page 16

The Sting of Death & the Promise of Life

“So it is written: The first man Adam became a living being: the last Adam became a life-giving Spirit. However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural, then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth and made of dust; the second man is from heaven. Like the man made of dust, so are those who are made of dust; like the heavenly man, so are those who are heavenly. And just as we have borne the image of the man made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly man.” (1 Corinthians 15:45-49)

Death is not a natural part of life. In our present age, it must occur, yes, but it is not natural or the intended order. It is the symptom of an alien intrusion into God’s creation known as sin. When Adam rebelled against God by trusting Eve and the serpent, he brought death into the world.

“And He said to Adam, ‘Because you listened to your wife’s voice and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘Do not eat from it’: The ground is cursed because of you. You will eat from it by means of painful labor all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. You will eat bread by the sweat of your brow until you return to the ground, since you were taken from it. For you are dust, and you will return to dust.’” (Genesis 3:17-19)

So through Adam, the curse spread to all of creation. We were no longer permitted to eat from the tree of life, which gives life eternal. Thus was born the human struggle against sin, against the agony of work, and against God. Thus was born the certainty of death.

But as Scripture says in 1 Corinthians, God provided the means for escape from our sinful flesh into His Holy Grace. He sent His Only Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to atone for our sin with His precious blood. In Adam we die, but in Christ we live. Thus we are born to our mothers first, then—when we give ourselves to Christ—we are born again of His Spirit.

Our bodies are not fit for the Kingdom of God, but the soul and the Spirit He gives us will inherit eternal life. And, one day, we will receive new bodies, clothed in His righteousness, forever.

“Brothers, I tell you this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, and corruption cannot inherit incorruption. Listen! I am telling you a mystery: We will not all fall asleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the blink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will all be changed. For this corruptible must be clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal must be clothed with immortality. When this corruptible is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Death where is your victory? Death, where is your sting? Now the sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:50-57)

There is a day coming when the Lord Jesus Christ will return. There is a day where a trumpet will sound and the dead will rise up to meet Him. On this day, the living and dead in Christ will be joined with Him. They will receive new bodies, new flesh. The Lord’s children will rejoice in His Kingdom and once again we will have access to the tree of life.

“Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. The tree of life was on both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse.” (Revelation 22:1-3)

So the next time someone tries to tell you that death is part of a circle of life, correct him/her. Show them the truth that death is a consequence of sin and it is not the intended order of creation. Instruct them in the ways of the Lord, in the knowledge that Christ Jesus has conquered death and that all who believe on Him shall be saved.

Tell them the greatest story that will ever be told. The Author of our lives has already written it on our hearts. Listen to His wise counsel. From the beginning, He has ordained our reconciliation with Him. God made man in His image on the sixth day. Man rebelled against God and abided in the serpent’s deception. But how great is our merciful Lord, whom loved us so that He told of His coming promise:

“So the Lord God said to the serpent: Because you have done this, you are cursed more than any livestock and more than any wild animal. You will move on your belly and eat dust all the days of your life. I will put hostility between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:14-15)

From the beginning, God prophesied the coming Messiah. He told Satan, the cunning serpent, that because of what he’d done, there would be one who would strike his head. Satan, whose pride knows no bounds, thought he had victory when Christ died on the cross, but Jesus rose again, removing the sting of death and providing His people with salvation and eternal life.

And now we know that there is a time when our troubles will end. There is a day coming, the Lord’s coming, that will bring with it a new creation, a new heavens and earth, and in the Kingdom of God, we will be as we should’ve been in the Garden of Eden, free from death and sin, in fellowship with our Creator.

Praise God today, knowing that even as we mourn our loved ones, His coming has and will eradicate the lingering stench and foothold of death.

Thanks for reading, God bless, and have a great weekend.

Weariness, Faith, & Resting in Jesus

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? Yahweh is the everlasting God, the Creator of the whole earth. He never grows faint or weary; there is no limit to His understanding. He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless. Youths may faint and grow weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31 HCSB)

In our daily lives, many of us struggle with even the simplest things. The tiresome burden of living gets to us. Children exhaust their parents. Bosses wear down their employees. Friends test friends. It sometimes becomes a rollercoaster that only ever rushes downward. Many stow their troubles away, drinking them into a distant memory for a short time. We are weak, fragile, and prone to fighting each other and ourselves.

Thank God, then, that there is One above who does not tire. Praise Him, the Lord our God, who persists where we feel that we cannot. He is a great Father who eagerly grants His children an audience. In His Son, we know the way to His embracing arms. In Him, we can rest, lay down our heads, and be content.

For God is not under limits. He has Almighty Power. He says to His people that if they believe on Him, they will be saved. He shouts to those below that whatever burden we carry, He will bear it. We need only ask.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28)

The Lord Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose so that we might live again. If He accomplished so great a task, why are we thus reluctant to cast the smaller cares of our life on Him?

In our arrogance, we believe that we can have control over our lives. We think that if we make this plan or do this thing, everything will fall into place. All that will happen, God allows. Every moment, every step, is only permitted by the Most Wise God. Knowing this, it is only logical to put our faith and trust in God, to rest in His bosom, that will we assuredly see the other end of our trials in this life.

We can fight against His outstretched hand or we can take it, but it doesn’t change who He is. He who created the universe cares for every creature at every time in every place.

“Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid therefore, you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31)

So today, whatever you are struggling with, know that He is there to receive you. Remember that He gave His Son for you and that He loves you. His desire is that we should seek Him, His knowledge, and His wisdom above our own selfish thoughts and home remedies. Give Him your worries and anxieties, knowing that He will make the way for you. Share with Him the things that tax and hinder you, for He is not the stumbling block in your life. And give unto Him your feelings, your exasperations, in confidence that He loves you and grants you peace in Christ Jesus.

What did the Lord say Israel could expect after their 70 years in captivity to Babylon? Scripture says:

“‘I will attend to you and will confirm My promise concerning you to restore you to this place. For I know the plans I have for you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. You will call to Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration – ‘and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and places where I banished you’ – this is the Lord’s declaration. ‘I will restore you to the place I deported you from.’” (Jeremiah 29:10-14)

How great is our God who raises up nations! How holy is He who promises His people that He is there to deliver them from their iniquities and their strife! How loving is He who says to His people that when they seek Him, He will be found!

Whatever your misgivings are today, He listens. However your feelings have misled you, He knows the truth. Regardless of what ails you physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, take comfort in knowing that He is there, ready to hear your concerns.

Thank God that we are not alone in this world, shackled to the whims of coincidence, luck, and fate. For He is real and He is Good. He is our caring Father, as well as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Great Peacemaker, and He is the Spirit through which all wisdom is known.

“Praise the Lord, all nations! Glorify Him, all peoples! For His faithful love to us is great; the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever. Hallelujah!” (Psalm 117:1-3)

Recent Revisions to My Novels

Hello family, friends, and readers. This isn’t really a blog post, but it does contain important information. I thought I’d share with you news regarding recent revisions to my novels. Now, these aren’t significant enough to constitute a second edition (as far as I’m concerned), but nevertheless I thought I’d let you all know what’s changed.

Book Updates:

The Shadow Over Lone Oak is now divided into 18 chapters rather than 17. This is because the penultimate chapter, after much contemplation, ran a little too long for my tastes. It has now been cut into two chapters at a point that was previously a scene break. The first is now entitled “A Heart of Darkness” and the second will remain under its original headline.
Both The Shadow Over Lone Oak and The Smiling Man Conspiracy contained a prologue and an epilogue. These chapters have now been renamed. For TSOL, these chapters are now called “Benefactor” and “The Box” respectively. For TSMC, the prologue and epilogue have been redubbed “A History of Evil” and “New Life” to better reflect their content. Why have I made this change? It’s my intention to maintain all manner of consistency between my books. As such, any forthcoming novels in the series will not have a prologue or epilogue as chapter titles.
Upon revisiting my work, I’ve found (thanks to the Holy Spirit’s conviction) places where I could eliminate profanity without losing the reality of the horror in these books. Because of this, there is significantly less swearing in both novels, though they are far from appropriate for children.
There is minor line editing based on reader feedback and additional proofreading. The most significant alteration is in “The Box” in order to make a particular character’s motives more clearly aligned with their agenda in the sequel. The language previously used portrayed a bit more ambiguity than I intended. Yes, there is such a thing as too much obfuscation/confusion in a mystery/thriller book.
Not a content revision, but still important: The Shadow Over Lone Oak is approaching its one-year anniversary. Because it has been out for a while, I’ve decided to make the Kindle Edition $2.99 again rather than $3.99!
Also not a content revision: the cover for The Smiling Man Conspiracy now has a matte finish like its predecessor.

These changes, while necessary to make from my perspective, do not necessitate a second purchase (unless you so feel inclined). I deemed it best to tell you these things so that you wouldn’t feel as if you’d been cheated with an “outdated” copy. The plot and characters have not changed and 99% of the sentences are almost exactly the same.

Will there be further alterations? I hope not. Unless a significant new error has been introduced, these current versions should be the final iterations of both novels. I don’t intend to make it a habit to constantly update my novels.

Thanks for reading. If you have any questions about this particular post or my work as a whole, feel free to ask me via email, Facebook, twitter, etc. and I will do my best to answer them. God bless, have a good night, and I’ll be back with more writing, more evangelism, and more corny humor soon.

*One last note: for some reason, the “Look Inside” feature on the digital versions does not reflect the updated content. The paperback editions do, however, so I presume this is merely an Amazon.com error.

Who is God? He Can Be Known.

“For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. The dominion will be vast, and its prosperity will never end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

One of the hallmarks of the Old Testament is the consistent prediction of a coming Messiah who will liberate the Israelite peoples. Numerous prophets from Isaiah to Malachi foretell of a great Savior who will lead them to freedom. But the Jews did not understand who this man would truly be.

When Jesus arrived, He fulfilled many prophecies. He was born in Bethlehem to a young virgin, His lineage traced back to David, and much more than I can hope to elucidate on a short blog post. One prophecy, from Zechariah, says:

“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout in triumph, Daughter Jerusalem! Look, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

Toward the end of his ministry, Jesus told his disciples to find a donkey in the village of Bethpage. He instructed them to tell the owners that the Lord had need of it. He knew full well what He was doing by riding this beast of burden into the city. The reaction of the people is quite telling:

“A very large crowd spread their robes on the road; others were cutting branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. Then the crowds who went ahead of Him and those who followed kept shouting: Hosanna to the Son of David! He who comes in the name of the Lord is the blessed One! Hosanna in the highest heaven! When He entered Jerusalem, the whole city was shaken, saying, ‘Who is this?’ And the crowds kept saying, ‘This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee!’” (Matthew 21:8-11)

Here was their Messiah, their King. This was the man whom the Lord had promised to send to them to relieve them of the burden of their yoke. Surely, this man would be a great and powerful warrior who would lead them out of the grasp of Rome and restore Israel to glory. But what did He do?

H went into the temple complex and threw out the moneychangers. He preached from the Mount of Olives and spoke to them in parables. He bore not a sword of steel, but the sword of Wisdom, Truth, and Love. He did not drive out the Romans or even encourage violence against them. In a word, He did not live up to their specific expectations of Him.

Israel believed they would receive a great warrior-king. They thought this descendant of David might be the One who would bring them earthly liberty. But that is not what Jesus did. The kingdom He came to establish is far greater and everlasting. It is an inheritance that we should all crave. His kingdom, the kingdom of God, is one in which there is no war, no strife, no pain, and no sin. This is the burden He came to lift from the shoulders of His people.

When He was crucified, Pontius Pilate wrote the supposed crime Jesus had committed atop his cross. The inscription said:

“THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Matthew 27:37)

“THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Mark 15:26)

“THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (Luke 23:38)

“JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” (John 19:19)

The Jews were offended. Naturally, His crime was that He claimed to be the King of the Jews, blaspheming the name of God – at least in their mind and in their wrongful estimation of the Messiah. But Pilate, who had been reluctant to crucify Jesus in the first place (although certainly he played his role in the procedure of events), said:

“What I have written, I have written.” (John 19:22)

It must’ve been a great dishonor, then, to see His name and His title etched into the wood above the crucified Savior of Mankind. The Jews must’ve felt like they were being mocked. But God is not a mocker. He does not take pleasure in suffering. He is Good.

Who is God? That’s a question many have asked over the course of millennia. Some, in their arrogance, would claim that He does not exist. Others would add that if He does, He must be a malevolent tyrant waiting to hurl thunderbolts at the slightest transgression. This is a false belief. God is not Zeus and Zeus is not the Lord our God (or real, for that matter).

The answer to this question is forever inscribed in the Word of God. God has many titles. He is the Almighty. He is Alpha and Omega. He is the Creator, the Savior, and the Messiah. He is the Counselor, the Redeemer, the Branch, and the True Vine. He is the Prince of Peace. He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

God loves us, but we have not shown Him the love He deserves. He is our Maker, yet we have treated Him as a doormat or, at best, a slave driver. But God has revealed His true nature to us in the form of Jesus Christ, His Son. He has displayed His unflinching mercy and care for His people. He has shown us and granted us the gift of eternal life with Him. We have not earned this gift and we do not merit it. Yet He has bestowed salvation upon us.

What did Paul and Silas tell the jailer who asked this question: “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

“So they said, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31)

God can be known. He is a personal being. Do not be like the Jews of Israel, putting your expectations ahead of reality and the need for a Savior who will nullify your sins. Do not be like the unbeliever, convinced of his own virtue. Instead, be like this jailer, who humbly asked the Lord’s disciples a simple and profound question.

Rejoice in and do not reject the Blessed One, the Only Son of God. Thanks and praise be to Him, for He is Good, He is Kind, and He is our Lord.

The Prodigal Children

We’ve all heard the tale of the prodigal son. We know the story of the young man who squandered his inheritance and returned to his father a broken man. Frankly, it’s a story that applies to each and every one of us.

Or would you disagree that you have neglected the commands of your Heavenly Father? Would you say that you haven’t dismissed the blessings of your life and cast them aside for pleasure? If you think you have not wronged your Father, you are either naïve or a liar.

A man who wastes his life in search of selfish interests has much to learn. But then, so do we all. Haven’t we chased after the things of this life that we don’t need? How many treasures and goods do we store up in the name of having possessions? Do we not horde our money in banks? Don’t we, from an early age, label things as “mine” and “mine alone” because we cherish things we shouldn’t?

The story of the prodigal son is the story of humanity. We are wasteful, arrogant, self-seeking, hedonistic, petty, and unfaithful. We are sinners. But the story of the prodigal son doesn’t end when he’s lost everything and working on a pig farm. No, it ends after he has returned to his dad, seeking forgiveness. What does his dad do? He welcomes him with open arms! He rejoices that which he thought was lost has been found and reunited with him.

In the same way, our Father in heaven is gladdened when we are back in His graces. He is overjoyed that we’ve been called back to His presence. He doesn’t take pleasure in our suffering or our delusions of grandeur, but celebrates the return of His children with a magnificent and bountiful feast of eternal life.

“So he [the son] got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’” (Luke 15:20-21)

Know this truth: we are sinners who have wronged our Father, yet He loves us so that He has made straight the crooked path back to Him. He has sacrificed the Lamb (Jesus) so that we may be reconciled to Him. Does the father in the parable not do the same? Does he not slaughter his best animal so that his son might know the depths of His love and the gladness of his return?

“But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast, because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ So they began to celebrate.” (Luke 15:22-24)

Our Father does not wish that we should perish. He would rather we seek Him and come to know His love. He is not a petulant child who throws tantrums when we mess up, but a loving, gentle, and compassionate Father whom disciplines the ones that He loves. I cannot think of a God more worthy of our worship.

What of the prodigal son’s brother? Is he not, too, a man who has misunderstood the love and grace of his father?

“Then he [the brother] became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’” (Luke 15:28-30)

We can see ourselves in this man as well. This is someone who laments the Lord’s love for all His children. This is a man who has become convinced of his own self-righteousness as to not understand the full saving power and adoration that God bestows on his once-lost children. The brother questions his father’s decision to allow this sinful person back into the fold, with much fanfare, while he has labored for what he perceives to be nothing.

But the Father is Most Wise, as is the father in the parable: “‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” (Luke 15:31-32)

God gave His only begotten Son for us so that we may, like the prodigal, return to Him and be clothed in fresh robes. Jesus came not to condemn the world but to redeem us who believe on Him.

Know then, that no matter how far you’ve fallen, no matter how unworthy you believe yourself to be, your Father in heaven is waiting to greet you with His open arms. In fact, while you are yet far off, He is running to you. Enter into His embrace, receive His love, and know the promise of eternal life.

Male, Female, Marriage, & Hope

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper as his compliment.’” (Genesis 2:18)

“So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. Then the Lord God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called ‘woman’ for she was taken from man. This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:21-24)

The simple nature of the truth of the passage here is apparent. The Lord God created man and then, seeing his loneliness, fashioned woman after him to be his helper and companion. Thus, He created them male and female. As Jesus affirms:

“‘Haven’t you read,’ He replied, ‘that He who created them in the beginning made them male and female,’ and He also said: ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.’” (Matthew 19:4-5)

Jesus restates the Genesis account. Moreover, He emphasizes God’s intention for the bonds of matrimony. From the beginning, God designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. Not between two men or two women. Not between two very ill and confused people who have fallen prey to the deception that they can be whatever they want. The math is simple: (1) man + (1) woman = marriage of (2) people.

Most of us are familiar with the words spoken at a marriage ceremony by the official in charge. But from where do these words come from? See here:

“So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, man must not separate.” (Matthew 19:6)

But from this truth naturally flows the question: what about divorce? Indeed, many of us know the tragedy of a broken marriage and the plight of divorce. I myself am a child of divorce (though I do not hold that against my parents) and understand how difficult it can be for a child to reconcile that his or her parents no longer love each other. At some level, I think, we all realize how wrong such a separation is in the mind of God.

The Pharisees sought to undermine Jesus, so they asked Him about divorce as well. They claimed that Moses commanded the usage of divorce papers. How did He retort?

“He told them, ‘Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because of the hardness of your hearts. But it was not like that from the beginning. And I tell you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery.’” (Matthew 19:8-9)

So Jesus restates that divorce is not God’s plan for His people. Instead, he says that divorce was permitted due to the hardness of our hearts. In our fallen nature, we have made a mockery of His plan. We have chosen to elevate our selfish needs above His design.

We have taken a very beautiful, very significant mandate and corrupted it. One man and one woman, bonded for life has become any number of untruthful, unfaithful, and often downright sickening revisions of God’s command. Not only have we allowed and encouraged separation and divorce, but we have sought to further dilute the purpose of marriage with polygamy, same-sex unions, and any number of unequal and non-complimentary partnerships.

Astute (rather, reckless) scholars will charge that God allowed and even encouraged His people to take many wives. Indeed, David, Solomon, and several others had a plethora of wives and concubines. David had his noted affair with Bathsheba. Solomon himself is said to have “700 wives who were princesses and 300 concubines, and they turned his heart away from the Lord.” (1 Kings 11:13)

Pay close attention to that last part of the sentence. What good did it do for Solomon to have so many women in his life? In fact, it contributed nothing but evil. Because he loved his wives, because he was devoted to so many, he, in fact, began to reject his Lord. He became enjoined with false gods, worshipping alongside his all too many wives. He did what was evil in the Lord’s sight.

I’ll note that the Bible does not explicitly condemn polygamy. But in every example of it noted in the Scripture, the practice leads to evil, suffering, and the Lord’s displeasure. When people mistake their need for pleasure to be greater than the Lord’s will, bad things happen. This applies to homosexuality and every other kind of sexual abomination.

It is not supposed to be this way. Men and women are meant to have different but equal roles in life and in the church. For it is said:

“Wives, submit to your own husbands as to the Lord, for the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. He is the Savior of the body. Now as the church submits to Christ, so wives are to submit to their husbands in everything. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her to make her holy, cleansing her with the washing of water by the word. He did this to present the church to Himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or anything like that, but holy and blameless. In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hates his own flesh but provides and cares for it, just as Christ does for the church, since we are members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:22-30)

Some take issue with what Scripture says. They think it means the wives are treated as slaves. But that is not what is says. What the Bible tells us, what God is saying, is that just as we (the church) submit to His teaching, so are wives to listen to their husbands. But that’s not the end of it. Husbands, then, are charged to love and care for their wives as Christ cares for us. No small feat, considering His love is greater than any we will ever know.

So God created us for His good pleasure. He made us male and female. He gave away the first bride, so to speak, and commanded that man and woman should be bonded together for life as one flesh.

In our sin, we have made every effort to dispute and disrupt that sacred institution which existed from the beginning. Men have elected to lay with multiple women, with men, and even with beast. We have poisoned the well of marriage with our depravity.

Yet, even in this sorrowful state, there is hope. Our sin is great, yes, but we are not without a future. For although sin has marked us for death, there is One who has given us life.

“For this is My blood that establishes the covenant; it is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28)

In the current toxic political climate, Christians are accused of being hatemongers. We are said to promote bigotry and prejudice for speaking the Gospel Truth. We are telling the world to come to Christ, to repent of their sin and seek their Savior, but are maligned for it.

But to cast this failing onto the world, I think, misses the point. Yes, the world presently belongs to the enemy. Sin is rampant in every medium through which we live our lives. It’s not the message that is wrong, but the way in which we deliver it. In our haste to point out man’s depravity, we forget to show the love Jesus has commanded of us, the love He has demonstrated by giving Himself.

Telling people that they have sinned isn’t enough. Pointing out to them their failings only leads to further isolation. You must also tell them of the hope they have in Christ. There are a great many sins committed on this earth and we are ALL guilty of ALL of them. We are at heart evil people who can do no good of our own accord. All of us are proud, all of us lust, all of us put trust in false idols.

Yet still, there is One has given us the freedom with which to live, One above who has paid the price for our iniquity. Let’s show the world that He does not make mistakes. He created us male and female. He created us to be bonded for life and to reflect His image. He made us so that we would bring Him glory.

When we speak the Gospel to those who are lost, remember to show them His love. Do not simply label them by their sin, as the Pharisees might, but provide for them the way to escape and be born again. Tell them the hope and truth that they have in Christ Jesus, our Lord and Savior, Creator and Redeemer.

“He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name, who were born not of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:10-13)

In the beginning, He made them male and female. In the beginning, He bonded them for life. After, we screwed up and tried to make our own way. But in the end, He will reshape us according to His will, if we believe. Thank God for His mercy.

When the Power Goes Out

I think it’s safe to say that in our technology-driven society, we’re constantly on the move. We don’t have patience. We don’t take the time to stop and admire the magnitude of what is at our disposal. All that matters is getting where we need to go regardless of the feelings of others or whether we really need these things at all.

Then, the power goes out. Our world runs on electricity. We’ve all become accustomed to the numerous comforts provided by the electric currents flowing through our homes and devices. Without electricity, we don’t have television, heating and air conditioning, or internet. The food in our refrigerators begins to spoil. Our microwaves are useless. Many of us can’t even take a shower or wash our hands without running electricity.

What are we left with? Darkness, frigid darkness. It’s a claustrophobic sensation to have only the night and the dark at your disposal. You feel helpless. What are you supposed to do without electricity? Read a book? Sleep? There aren’t many options. You can go to town, assuming they aren’t without power as well, but eventually you’ll have to come back to the cold, black house you left behind.

Being so restricted is maddening. How can a person even function without such basic necessities? That’s when you remember that people have coped without any form of electricity for all but one hundred fifty years or so. Of course, most of their time was spent in the field, at work, or in communal meeting places. They didn’t waste hours in front of computer screens like we do.

And yet, as sequestered as we may feel without electric power, there is yet something better. Darkness is pervasive, but there’s always a light coming. We all rejoice when the power company gets into gear and fixes the situation. But that’s not what I’m talking about. Am I thankful when the electric comes back and things return to what we call normal? Yes. I’m glad when the power company comes through, but I’m thankful to God to have any light at all.

The miserable darkness of a house without electricity is frustrating. But it’s far more devastating to walk in the dark spiritually. There’s no hope in that bleak existence except Jesus Christ. Only in Him do have an outlet that will bear the burden of our sins. Only in Him do we have the spark of eternal life. Only the Lord our God can light the fire in our hearts, set aflame the dastardly things we keep, and invigorate our souls with the light of hope.

“This is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and the One You have sent—Jesus Christ.” (John 17:3)

“Then Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’” (John 8:12)

So, yes, I’m definitely pretty happy when the power company gets everything up and running again. But I’m thankful to Him that I know light at all, that in Him I know longer dwell in the darkness. And I’m thankful to Him also that the power company does not delay any longer than they do, because I do appreciate having a working fridge, rejuvenating heat, running water, and access to the internet, television, and games. I wouldn’t be able to submit these posts without Him and His allowance!

So that’s where I am today. I’m thankful to Him that I can, at last, make this post. I’m thankful to Him that although losing electricity is disheartening, losing or not knowing Him would be far worse. I’m thankful to God, my Lord Jesus Christ, that I have my eyes yet upward, not putting my hopes in the powers below.

Thank You, Father, for restoring my sight. Thank You, Jesus, for granting me Your light and hope. Thank You that I may know that the Spirit, the Great Comforter/Counselor, dwells within me because I have believed on You. Thank You that I know each day, You are working within me to make my spirit more like Jesus and less like my sinful, selfish, impatient self.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

There is always a light in the darkness, my friends. Have you found Him?

Blameless Before Him

Truth isn’t based on feelings. It’s not based on conjecture. Whether I’m happy or sad, confused or enlightened, the fact remains that God is everlasting Truth. I can be wallowing in self-pity or soaring on high, but He doesn’t change.

One of the struggles of the Christian life is the issue of trust. We are called to trust in the Lord our God, put our faith on Him, and let Him bear the burdens we endure. Yet, in our egoistic and sinful nature, we don’t often do this with full vigor. There’s always that part of us that thinks we can do something on our own, always that little voice that says we don’t have enough trust or we’re not good enough to bother Him with our problems.

It’s simply not true, but our flesh is in a constant state of warfare with the Holy Spirit. We kick and scream and want our own way. In a way, all our sin can be traced to pride. We’re too proud to admit we’re wrong. We’re too proud to let our Creator take over. We delude ourselves into thinking we’re better than we are. Or, perhaps just as frightening, we delude ourselves into thinking that until we can become better, He won’t listen.

This is a folly I know all too well. It’s so easy, so subtle, to dupe oneself into thinking Christianity is about good deeds. There’s this tendril of darkness luring us away from His truth and into the devil’s lies which says that because we don’t deserve His grace we don’t have it. One lapses into a good works theology, thinking that God hates a person when they’re not doing something explicitly for Him every second of every day.

But we cannot let this lie consume us. We cannot let the tides of scrupulosity, the need to micromanage our own morality, override our devotion to Him and our obligation to Him. Scripture says:

“‘I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’” (John 3:3)

“This Jesus is the stone rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.” (Acts 4:11-12)

So we can do nothing on our own. No amount of good deeds, no amount of aiming to please God of our own will can save us. There is only one hope for eternal life, and that is in our Savior Jesus Christ. So what happens to those who are born again? Scripture says:

“They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:24-26)

“But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Much more then, since we have now been declared righteous by His blood, we will be saved through Him from wrath.” (Romans 5:8-9)

“Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions. But now He has reconciled you by His physical body through His death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before Him—if indeed you remain grounded and steadfast in the faith and are not shifted away from the hope of the gospel that you heard.” (Colossians 1:22-23)

The Scripture is clear that the blood of Jesus Christ saves those who believe on Him. Because of His sacrifice, we are no longer unrighteous in the eyes of the Lord. We can and will still sin, but because we put our faith on Him, we are blessed and saved by His grace. Those who are born again remain in this faith and do not fall away (permanently) to the false teachings of the world. We can do nothing on our own and our works are, to paraphrase Scripture, rags in the Lord’s eyes.

But He has prepared for us the greatest work of all: to serve and delight in Him. Our feelings of malcontent do not change this. My urgent need for perfectionism won’t change this. The Lord knows the hearts of His children and the world at large. He knows that we have all fallen short of His grace. How great is our God that He paved the way for us through the blood of Jesus Christ!

Now, don’t mistake me here. If you think that His grace is a license to sin, then you don’t understand the depths of your depravity or your need for the Savior of mankind. Paying lip service to the Lord is not genuine faith. At the same time, a trueborn believer knows that if he sins, there is a Great Advocate for him or her in heaven.

May we all abide in Him. It’s not easy. I don’t know what tomorrow will bring or how long such thoughts of unobtainable perfectionism may plague me. But I should pray in earnest, as should you, that we do not trust in our feelings and emotions over the Truth of the Lord our God. May He reign over us and snatch from us that which is not true. To Him be the glory, not us.

Thanks for reading and God bless.

Burdens Laid Bare

It’s been over a month since The Smiling Man Conspiracy released. I’m proud of the book I’ve written, but I can’t help being somewhat disheartened by the lack of response and critique. I’d expected to get a few reviews following the free promotion, but alas there was nothing.

My heart is not saddened solely for this reason. There is, I think, a connection to the Lord’s powerful message in my work. Let me say this: I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I do not consider myself a person with multiple identities. I am an author, yet I am Christian. I am a son, yet I am Christian. I am a creative mind, yet I am Christian.

I cannot separate myself from myself. I cannot divide myself into one who worships Christ on one hand and writes books on the other. These are not two persons but one and the same. Therefore, I do not distinguish between who I am in Christ and who I am as an author of fiction. Because of this, my evangelistic posts and the message of my Lord and Savior are of utmost importance and cannot be pushed aside.

So, naturally, His word and His design overflow into my other works. Whereas The Shadow Over Lone Oak was mainly written prior to my rebirth, its sequel was fashioned by a renewed mind. As such, it speaks to the Truth of Jesus Christ.

On the surface, The Smiling Man Conspiracy is about government cover-ups, mad science, grotesque monstrosities, and danger around every corner. But that’s merely the plot of the novel. It is not its essence, not what makes it compelling to read and not what is the cornerstone of its creation.

At the heart of this novel is the burden of guilt. Llewyn Finch is a guilty man. He feels responsible for events that occurred in The Shadow Over Lone Oak. He can’t sleep well at night. Darkness threatens to consume him. When the shadow of his past love reenters his life, the weight of his sin takes its toll. He soon buckles under the pressure. He reaches his lowest point.

I’m about to share with you a selection of pages from the novel. It obviously contains spoilers. If you haven’t yet read either book and still wish to remain uninformed until that time, do not read past this point. But I think it is paramount that those who are in need of hope understand the nature of what Llewyn has gone through and what follows.

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

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(p. 134-136, The Smiling Man Conspiracy)

Tangible, encompassing darkness closed in on Finch, who closed his eyes again and waited. He pictured tendrils of pulsing dark puncturing and encasing his body like barbed wire. The dead hand of his sin reached out to throttle him.

A scent, somehow both mundane and combative butted into the darkness. It was at once flowery and strong, tender yet unyielding to the outer blackness. Although he could not see it, he knew its color must be a bright orange or red.

The scent became noise, full of hope and love and as vocal as a chattering songbird. Her voice rejuvenated the air in his lungs and he felt his strength, his own willpower return. He could fight against the forces that had come to claim and his soul.

“Hatred stirs up conflicts, but love covers all offenses,” said another voice that was at once singular yet a chorus.

Simple and profound, the words soothed him. The darkness started retreating, quelled by the steadfast Truth.

“Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another.”

Again this voice, new, old, and eternal, had spoken the Truth. And the darkness could not stand to be in the presence and reality of Truth.

“Love is from God. God is love.”

The poison of the darkness which brings death quivered and shrank from the dose of Truth which brings life.

“Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.”

“I’m listening,” said Finch, willing and eager and convinced. “I hear you.”

“You must be born again.”

“Lord, forgive me. I once knew You but refused You. I sought You but could not see You. I squandered my heritage and wallowed in despair. I dwelled in darkness instead of light and could not forgive others or myself. But You are the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Now the voice, the golden light of Truth, encircled and cradled him. He wept tears of joy as his great sorrow departed from him alongside the darkness.

“Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.”

He awoke from the dream. The pain in his arm returned but the stain on his being had been removed. Willow loomed over him.

As a child, Finch had believed in Truth. As an adult, he learned and believed in many truths.

Now Llewyn Finch was again a child. And his Father rejoiced.

*SPOILERS END*

Why have I shared with you that which is the most important part of the novel? Because I think this passage stands on its own and speaks of the Gospel Truth. Before He came into my life, I was lost, adrift in a sea of chaos and misunderstanding. But God’s Word does not return void. When I read Scripture and heard His voice throughout the pages, I came to know Him. Like Llewyn, the harrowing darkness of this life nearly consumed me and my being. Yet, He chose me so that I would choose Him. That’s His Love.

So I wrote this book. I made Llewyn’s journey similar to my own. Because it is a reflection of Truth. When He was about to be crucified, what did Pontius Pilate ask Jesus of Nazareth?

“‘What is truth?’ said Pilate.” (John 18:38)

Jesus had already given him the answer – the same answer Llewyn receives in the passage above: “Everyone who is of the truth listens to My voice.” (John 18:37)

What did Jesus come into the world to do? He came to save us, not condemn us. On him, on that cross, our burdens were laid bare. Christ took the just punishment for our sins and offered to us the Way to Salvation.

This is the Truth no matter where or who you are. If you’re rich or poor, arrogant or lustful, self-righteous or unrighteous, or even, as Llewyn Finch proclaims himself, a “harbinger of death” – the Truth of Jesus Christ will set you free. No one who calls on the name of the Lord, who believes on Him, is turned away.

It doesn’t matter if you were part of a motorcycle gang. God wants you to seek Him. It doesn’t matter if you’re addicted to pornography. God wants you to seek Him. It doesn’t matter if you believe you’re responsible for countless deaths and tragedy. God wants you to seek Him.

Christ, our Great Advocate, has already paid the price for our abominable sins. In Him, we have eternal life and the joy of His love.

Please, whatever you’re struggling with, whatever hope you think is lost, learn and know the Truth in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, believe on Him, and you shall be with Him in Paradise.

The Book of John is all about the Love of God and the Truth of Jesus. It’s no surprise, then, that the most quoted part of Scripture is this:

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-17)

There’s a reason I open the first chapter (following the prologue) of The Smiling Man Conspiracy with this verse. It is God’s Truth that anyone can find redemption in Him. Whatever you do or have done, know that He is there, waiting, for you to turn your sorrows and your sin over to Him.

If you don’t know the Truth, if you haven’t heard the Word, now is the time to step up and make that decision to follow Him. The Christian life is not an easy one, but it’s the only one worth living.

May God be with you and may we never forget or forego His Promise.

Guard Yourself

“We know that we are of God, and the whole world is under the sway of the evil one. And we know that the Son of God has come and given us understanding so that we may know the true One. We are in the true One—that is, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, guard yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:19-21)

Many people, including Christians, see exhortations such as the final line of this piece of Scripture as being moot. After all, if you’re a Christian, you’re worshipping the one true God, right? You’re not beholden to demonic entities, false gods, and pagan idols. You belong to Him who made you, not the many false religions of the world.

But this is a simplistic reading. Idols are more than false gods like Baal and Molech, more than demonic oppressive spirits, and more than hand-carved prayer tokens. There exists a component to idols that we don’t often consider: an idol is anything that separates you and God, something which you choose above Him, intentionally, knowingly, or otherwise.

Until recently, I didn’t agree with the definition of idols being anything other than the known pagan gods worshipped past and present. It felt demeaning to equate idolatry and frequent bad habits as being one and the same. How can bowing down at the wrong altar and spending too much time on a cell phone reflect the self-same sin?

But it’s the Truth. God is, as He says numerous times throughout Scripture, a jealous God. That which binds you to the world and not to Him is evil and sin. Thus, He hates it. How then can we go on displeasing Him as we do?

For many, it’s a case of willful ignorance. I know I’ve struggled with the idea that video games can be an idol. I knew they were time wasters, especially if they were all too lengthy, but I didn’t think of them as true separation from God. I had frequent arguments with myself, assuming that it was okay so long as I adored the Lord my God. Games weren’t keeping me out of Church or stopping me from reading the Word, I said. What’s the harm?

God knew my heart, knew it had grown cold on this matter, and revealed to me His Truth. I spent all of Saturday playing a video game, not even particularly enjoying myself, and all I gained from it was undue anger at the game and frustration at what I had done. This was not the first day in which I had dedicated far too much time to that activity. But it is, I hope, the last.

I realized, thanks to Him, that I had succumbed to an idol of my own making. I had trained my sin to be something I could live with and had not known it was what I’d been doing. Again, although I knew God and had been born again, this sin, this poison, had seeped into my life. That is the danger of the corruption we all live with and why we must be on guard at all times.

I know not what the future holds for me when it comes to these games or other, perhaps yet unknown idols and pet sins. Perhaps I can truly live up to the standard of doing all things in moderation. But if I cannot, if the good Lord asks me to cease my frivolity, please let it be so. Pray (and I do pray) that I have ears to hear and that I listen to His command.

In the same way, I hope that this post gets you thinking about your own life as newborn Christian. Are there aspects of your existence which demand more time from you than God would want? Are you addicted to technology or the people in your life? Then, as Christ says:

“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of the parts of your body than for your whole body to go into hell!” (Matthew 5:29-30)

God is our Father and a disciplinarian. He is the Most Wise Almighty and our King of Kings. We should pay attention to Him and listen better than we even did our own dads.

“‘I assure you,’ He said, ‘unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child—this one is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 18:3-4)

May we heed His words as we go about our daily lives. It is for our good and His glory. Praise be to our Sovereign Lord forever and ever. Amen.