An American Missionary

“The R-word is = to the N-word” is a poster frequently seen at protests against the NFL’s Washington Redskins. The pressure to change the name suddenly increased after the NFL’s failure in the Ray Rice incident of 2014. Like sharks the protesters smelled blood in the water and went into attack frenzy. Some sports commentators refused to use the name. There was even talk about Congress getting involved to remove the NFL’s legal status as a non-profit organization. 
 
Not having researched the word I don’t know whether or not it’s a racist term in the same category as the poisonous N-word, though it doesn’t seem to have the same disdain and malice. Let’s leave it to the Native Americans to decide. If enough decide it’s offensive then let’s stop using it - voluntarily. 
 
In the meantime the debate creates an interesting discussion about the matter of good and evil. That sign relates the word to the evils of racism, slavery and genocide. Yet, if asked, most of the protesters would defend a woman’s right to choose. Since they agree with me that racism, slavery and genocide are evil, why can’t they agree that the murder of innocent unborn babies is also evil? What’s the difference? 
 
It’s simple; these are the same people who irrationally state that there's no such thing as absolute truth, right or wrong, or good and evil. It’s irrational because they confirm the absolutes they deny by the very statements themselves, and then compound it by saying the use of a word is wrong, or even worse – evil. If they are correct in the first part then nothing is evil. NOTHING! The N-word, the R-word, murder, slavery, and genocide are all just things we humans do. Irrationality is what our new gods give us (Deuteronomy 32:15-18) and who are we to judge?

“The R-word is = to the N-word” is a poster frequently seen at protests against the NFL’s Washington Redskins. The pressure to change the name suddenly increased after the NFL’s failure in the Ray Rice incident of 2014. Like sharks the protesters smelled blood in the water and went into attack frenzy. Some sports commentators refused to use the name. There was even talk about Congress getting involved to remove the NFL’s legal status as a non-profit organization.

Not having researched the word I don’t know whether or not it’s a racist term in the same category as the poisonous N-word, though it doesn’t seem to have the same disdain and malice. Let’s leave it to the Native Americans to decide. If enough decide it’s offensive then let’s stop using it - voluntarily. 

In the meantime the debate creates an interesting discussion about the matter of good and evil. That sign relates the word to the evils of racism, slavery and genocide. Yet, if asked, most of the protesters would defend a w

Our New gods Are Irrational Deuteronomy 32:15-18

You are a fragment of my pigmentation. Oh, wait, it’s – You are pigment of my fragmentation. No, wait, that’s not correct. It’s – You are a figment of my imagination. Occasionally it’s fun to trot out that old tongue twister when jokingly arguing with someone who says something we don’t want to hear. We know we’re joking, but a lot of people in the world say it and mean it. Seriously, in the quest to understand what it means to be some have concluded that nothing is real. Life is just a dream and one day we will awake to the real. In the meantime our daily life is made up of the things we imagine. So you really are a figment of my imagination. 
 
One of the problems with denying reality is that nothing means anything. Or, to put it another way, what anyone thinks means anything, or nothing, or everything. The point is that if all we know is purely a creation of our own mind, then earth and sky don’t exist, people don’t exist and I have no relationships, just wisps of dreams in my mind. Then why do I have so many problems with the people in my dream? Why don’t they always agree with me? As one fellow put it when arguing with someone who believed this stuff: “If I’m not real then my irritating arguments about God are your fault.” 
 
Another problem is that if life's just a dream why do we all get old and die? Why can’t we dream a better ending? Plus, how do we know when we wake up? Reason and reality die when we step off the unmovable Rock of Jehovah. Standing on nothing we lose our balance and fall to our destruction (Deuteronomy 32:36-39). Let’s wake up to the reality of The Rock, the ultimate reality - God.

You are a fragment of my pigmentation. Oh, wait, it’s – You are pigment of my fragmentation. No, wait, that’s not correct. It’s – You are a figment of my imagination. Occasionally it’s fun to trot out that old tongue twister when jokingly arguing with someone who says something we don’t want to hear. We know we’re joking, but a lot of people in the world say it and mean it. Seriously, in the quest to understand what it means to be some have concluded that nothing is real. Life is just a dream and one day we will awake to the real. In the meantime our daily life is made up of the things we imagine. So you really are a figment of my imagination.

One of the problems with denying reality is that nothing means anything. Or, to put it another way, what anyone thinks means anything, or nothing, or everything. The point is that if all we know is purely a creation of our own mind, then earth and sky don’t exist, people don’t exist and I have no relationships, just wisps of dreams in my mind. T

The Ultimate Reality – God Deuteronomy 32:36-39

"The Lady or the Tiger" is a classic story of choices. Standing in the arena facing two doors the young man had to choose. One led to a beautiful woman who would become his wife. The other to a tiger and certain death. The dilemma was that he had to choose, but didn't know which door led to life and which to death. The short story, published in 1882 by Frank Stockton, contained a twist in that the young man’s lover knew the answer, but did she want him to live without her? The story ended without an answer. 
 
Life is like that. We face many choices not knowing the outcome. But the biggest dilemma of life has an obvious one. At the end of his life Moses explained Israel’s options in very clear, but stark, terms; the choice between life and death (Deuteronomy 30:19). They could choose obedience, which led to life, or disobedience, which led to death (v20). It can't get any simpler than that! 
 
Yet we insist on making it more complicated! Not liking just two options, we convince ourselves there are many; thinking we get to create our own doors. There’s only one (John 14:6). Or we attempt to open both doors at the same time, as if we can handle both options. "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money" (Luke 16:13). We know what choice God wants us to make. Why not choose life?

"The Lady or the Tiger" is a classic story of choices. Standing in the arena facing two doors the young man had to choose. One led to a beautiful woman who would become his wife. The other to a tiger and certain death. The dilemma was that he had to choose, but didn't know which door led to life and which to death. The short story, published in 1882 by Frank Stockton, contained a twist in that the young man’s lover knew the answer, but did she want him to live without her? The story ended without an answer.

Life is like that. We face many choices not knowing the outcome. But the biggest dilemma of life has an obvious one. At the end of his life Moses explained Israel’s options in very clear, but stark, terms; the choice between life and death (Deuteronomy 30:19). They could choose obedience, which led to life, or disobedience, which led to death (v20). It can't get any simpler than that!

Yet we insist on making it more complicated! Not liking just two options, we convince ourselves t

Choose Life Or Death Deuteronomy 30:19-20

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned" is from the 1697 play "The Mourning Bride" by William Congreve. We're more familiar with the paraphrase "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". While we frequently use it in jest, or as a response to an anger driven event, the saying is rooted in the fact that God's wrath at sin can rage with a fury we don't want to see. 
 
Over and over in Deuteronomy 27-28 God explains how the curses are driven by their refusal to listen and obey (28:15, 20, 45, 58, 62). This refusal was especially painful because of all God had done for them in rescuing them from captivity and giving them their own land. Remember, He had promised to rain down blessings from heaven if they would obey (28:1-14), but the curses came from their defiant refusal to listen and obey or to even be thankful for His blessings (29:25-28). 
 
While we're not under the OT law, there is a scary similarity to the description of the destruction sin brings on Gentiles spelled out in Romans 1. God's wrath is revealed (v 18) in our unclean lives lived for our own lusts (v 24), vile passions (v 26), and wicked conduct that brings nothing but death (vs 28-32). All because we refuse to recognize and glorify God for all His goodness or even be thankful (v 21). All of us stand undone before God, justly deserving His wrath for our sin. Only Christ can rescue us - if we will obey!

"Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned" is from the 1697 play "The Mourning Bride" by William Congreve. We're more familiar with the paraphrase "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned". While we frequently use it in jest, or as a response to an anger driven event, the saying is rooted in the fact that God's wrath at sin can rage with a fury we don't want to see.

Over and over in Deuteronomy 27-28 God explains how the curses are driven by their refusal to listen and obey (28:15, 20, 45, 58, 62). This refusal was especially painful because of all God had done for them in rescuing them from captivity and giving them their own land. Remember, He had promised to rain down blessings from heaven if they would obey (28:1-14), but the curses came from their defiant refusal to listen and obey or to even be thankful for His blessings (29:25-28).

While we're not under the OT law, there is a scary similarity to the description of the destruction sin b

The Wrath Of God Deuteronomy 29:25-28

Nadia Comaneci rocked the sports world by scoring a perfect 10.0 in gymnastics in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Not just once, but seven times. The world had never seen anything like her incredible performance that raised the level of competition, and our expectations, beyond most gymnasts' ability to perform. 
 
Consider the process of gymnastic events and the profundity of her performance becomes even more unbelievable. For each event she was scored on technical perfection as well as difficulty. So the gymnast has to push to the edge of her ability and perform an intensely complex and difficult exercise. While stumbles can happen even on the simple exercises, the probability of a mistake grows higher with the level of performance needed to score a perfect 10.0 
 
This is a perfect analogy of the curse of the law spelled out in Deuteronomy 27:26. It was at the end of a string of curses placed on certain sins wrapping up as a catch-all curse in that it catches us all. That's why Paul referred to it as the reason all men are under a curse: because no one does them (Galatians 3:10). No matter how hard we try we won't score a perfect 10 on this life exercise. We all stumble at some point (in reality a lot of points) and instead of winning the gold medal we're cursed; disqualified from the contest for heaven entirely. 
 
As good as anyone is at life we don't always score a 10.0, which is why we can't earn our way to heaven under a law system. Think of it like a gymnastics competition where we have to score a 10.0 every time to earn our own right to enter heaven. Zero mistakes, ever, because the first mistake is an automatic permanent disqualification. No amount of effort gets us back in competition. We've lost everything for all time. Thankfully Jesus scored the perfect 10.0 for life, which qualified him to remove our disqualification by taking our punishment on the cross (Galatians 3:13-14).

Nadia Comaneci rocked the sports world by scoring a perfect 10.0 in gymnastics in the 1976 Summer Olympics. Not just once, but seven times. The world had never seen anything like her incredible performance that raised the level of competition, and our expectations, beyond most gymnasts' ability to perform.

Consider the process of gymnastic events and the profundity of her performance becomes even more unbelievable. For each event she was scored on technical perfection as well as difficulty. So the gymnast has to push to the edge of her ability and perform an intensely complex and difficult exercise. While stumbles can happen even on the simple exercises, the probability of a mistake grows higher with the level of performance needed to score a perfect 10.0

This is a perfect analogy of the curse of the law spelled out in Deuteronomy 27:26. It was at the end of a string of curses placed on certain sins wrapping up as a catch-all curse in that it catches us all. That's why Paul referred 

The Curse Of The Law Deuteronomy 27:26

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right." The 1972 song about an adulterer's refusal to stop an affair could very well be the theme for modern day America. We're going to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want, even if it is wrong. Deep down we may know that some things are just wrong, but we don't care. All that matters is being "happy", whatever that means to me. 
 
But do we really get away with it? Can we do wrong with impunity? Of course not! Our society is living in the garbage dump of broken and destroyed lives as people chase "happiness" without any concern about the consequences. Other people are used up and tossed aside like tissue paper. But, who cares as long as I'm happy! 
 
No free society can long survive if it does not accept and determine to live by what is right, even when it is personally painful. The Law of Moses, and American law, are built on a moral foundation. If the foundation is removed the law and society will eventually collapse in chaos. 
 
That's why at the end of his life Moses instructed Israel to reaffirm their covenant with God by building a stone monument on Mt. Ebal, cover it with plaster and write the law on the outside, then they were to build an altar to worship God and reaffirm their promise to obey God (Deuteronomy 27:1-10). That's the loving and right thing to do.

"If loving you is wrong, I don't want to be right." The 1972 song about an adulterer's refusal to stop an affair could very well be the theme for modern day America. We're going to do what we want, when we want, with whomever we want, even if it is wrong. Deep down we may know that some things are just wrong, but we don't care. All that matters is being "happy", whatever that means to me. 

But do we really get away with it? Can we do wrong with impunity? Of course not! Our society is living in the garbage dump of broken and destroyed lives as people chase "happiness" without any concern about the consequences. Other people are used up and tossed aside like tissue paper. But, who cares as long as I'm happy!

No free society can long survive if it does not accept and determine to live by what is right, even when it is personally painful. The Law of Moses, and American law, are built on a moral foundation. If the foundation is removed the law and society will eventually collapse in chaos

Society’s Moral Foundation Deuteronomy 27:1-10

“Is a Christian to give all or loan all he has to anyone who asks? Is Matt. 5:42 to be taken literally, or does it teach an attitude of mind?” 
 
This question was answered by Robert F. Turner in PLAIN TALK magazine in September 1972. The context from which the question arose was Matthew 5:38-42, and deserves a great deal of consideration in today’s financially and emotionally troubled times. Watch the video for the full answer, but here is Robert’s conclusion 
 
“Jesus is teaching against taking vengeance or retaliation. Put positively, Jesus urges mercy, with good grace and cheerfulness in the place of resentment. A Christian returns good for evil, unselfishly…Jesus goes to the heart of these earlier laws: showing that measured retaliation, and giving (without usury) to brethren is not enough. We are to cultivate a generous, unselfish, 2nd mile attitude far exceeding anything found in the Old Law…It establishes an ideal toward which we can spend a lifetime of seeking, pressing, and striving. As certain also of our own poets have said, “The gift, without the giver, is bare,”.”

Is a Christian to give all or loan all he has to anyone who asks? Is Matt. 5:42 to be taken literally, or does it teach an attitude of ...

Giving Generously Deuteronomy 23:19-20

Modern man "has educated himself into imbecility". That quote from Malcolm Muggeridge came to mind years ago in a discussion with a co-worker about a basic legal principle that had been tossed aside by 20th century “reasoning”. Our aversion to pain, and an unbalanced desire to “be fair”, have caused us to reward the wicked and punish the righteous in both civil and criminal law. It is "not fair" to reward someone for their own self-destructive actions by punishing another person for their reasonable actions. Yet that's what our “educated” society is doing - to its own destruction. 
 
That kind of thinking is irrational and, not coincidentally, un-Biblical. A basic principle under the Law of Moses was that judges were to "justify the righteous and condemn the wicked" (Deuteronomy 25:1-3). That meant they should not "respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty" and, as one version translates it "You must be fair when you judge your neighbor." (Leviticus 19:15). Fair means doing what is right. Doing what is right means following the law. Following the law leads to justice. Therefore, justice is “fair”. 
 
None of us really want justice when we've done wrong. Instead we want mercy, and in the pursuit of it have mistaken mercy for fairness. If we really want to understand justice and mercy we should look at God. He is absolutely just, but He is also merciful. In the Cross God's justice and mercy met to bring salvation from our sin (Romans 3:21-26). And our irrational world thinks that's foolish (1 Corinthians 1:23)!

Modern man "has educated himself into imbecility". That quote from Malcolm Muggeridge came to mind years ago in a discussion with a co-worker about a basic legal principle that had been tossed aside by 20th century “reasoning”. Our aversion to pain, and an unbalanced desire to “be fair”, have caused us to reward the wicked and punish the righteous in both civil and criminal law. It is "not fair" to reward someone for their own self-destructive actions by punishing another person for their reasonable actions. Yet that's what our “educated” society is doing - to its own destruction.

That kind of thinking is irrational and, not coincidentally, un-Biblical. A basic principle under the Law of Moses was that judges were to "justify the righteous and condemn the wicked" (Deuteronomy 25:1-3). That meant they should not "respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty" and, as one version translates it "You must be fair when you judge your neighbor." (Leviticus 19:15). Fair 

Justice, Mercy, And Fairness Deuteronomy 25:1-3

"You made me do it” and “It's all your fault" are two favorite sayings of blame shifters and guilt trippers. Except no one makes you do anything nor do you make anyone do anything. When you or I do something wrong, our sin does not transfer to another nor does their sin transfer to us. When anyone chooses to do something wrong it is by choice - their choice. 
 
The Bible is very clear on that teaching, even in the OT law. When Moses was reviewing the Law with Israel before they entered The Promised Land he included a discussion of this principle in the middle of a lengthy discussion of applying equal justice under law (Deuteronomy 24). In verse 16 we're told that no one should bear another's punishment. The father shouldn't bear the son's and vice versa; concluding with the idea that each person should be punished for "his own sin". 
 
So why do we do it? Well, blame shifting goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve, and, by extension, God, for his own sin (Genesis 3:12). One of the problems with sin is that none of us wants to accept responsibility for our own. Oh, we may admit it, but then excuse it by blaming..., well - you. One of the blessings of the Gospel is that Jesus broke the chain of blame shifting and voluntarily took the punishment for our sin (Romans 5:6). We just have to admit that it's our fault and stop sinning.

"You made me do it” and “It's all your fault" are two favorite sayings of blame shifters and guilt trippers. Except no one makes you do anything nor do you make anyone do anything. When you or I do something wrong, our sin does not transfer to another nor does their sin transfer to us. When anyone chooses to do something wrong it is by choice - their choice.

The Bible is very clear on that teaching, even in the OT law. When Moses was reviewing the Law with Israel before they entered The Promised Land he included a discussion of this principle in the middle of a lengthy discussion of applying equal justice under law (Deuteronomy 24).  In verse 16 we're told that no one should bear another's punishment. The father shouldn't bear the son's and vice versa; concluding with the idea that each person should be punished for "his own sin".

So why do we do it? Well, blame shifting goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden when Adam blamed Eve, and, by extension, God, for his own sin (Genesis

Stop Blame Shifting Deuteronomy 24:16

True believers in man-made climate change will do almost anything to curtail human activity in their quixotic frenzy to "save the planet". Convinced that humans are destroying the planet and harming all life, including humans, they seek to silence all opposition. 
 
First they assume the moral high ground of “saving the planet”. Then, trying to guilt everyone into agreement, they assert that anyone who disagrees with them wants to pollute the world. If that doesn't work, the next step is thought suppression through consensus assertion, using lies; "all scientists agree" or "the debate is over." If that doesn't work then force becomes necessary including calls to arrest climate change deniers, or threats to kill us. 
 
Don’t become too harsh though because God is concerned about pollution (Deuteronomy 21:23; Leviticus 18:24-25). However, His concern is about the pollution of sin. Repeatedly God called on Israel to remove sin and sinners because they pollute and defile the people and the land. Think about that in light of a previous post about God ordering the execution of sinners under the Law of Moses. The God who created us and the world was well aware of the destruction sin brings. That's why He constantly warned against it, and demanded that His true believers fight it. 
 
I may be a 'climate change' denier, but that doesn't mean I support pollution. I just look at the true believers and see them worshiping the creation instead of the Creator (Romans 1:25). God knows what he's doing and man doesn't. If we want to preserve the planet we need to attack the true pollution - sin.

True believers in man-made climate change will do almost anything to curtail human activity in their quixotic frenzy to "save the planet". Convinced that humans are destroying the planet and harming all life, including humans, they seek to silence all opposition. 

First they assume the moral high ground of “saving the planet”. Then, trying to guilt everyone into agreement, they assert that anyone who disagrees with them wants to pollute the world.  If that doesn't work, the next step is thought suppression through consensus assertion, using lies; "all scientists agree" or "the debate is over." If that doesn't work then force becomes necessary including calls to arrest climate change deniers, or threats to kill us.

Don’t become too harsh though because God is concerned about pollution (Deuteronomy 21:23; Leviticus 18:24-25). However, His concern is about the pollution of sin. Repeatedly God called on Israel to remove sin and sinners because they pollute and defile the people and the l

Fighting The Pollution Of Sin Deuteronomy 21:23

"Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers!" Have you ever found something that belonged to another and decided to keep it, using that little ditty to salve your conscious and justify your actions? Actually, under law a finder does have some rights to found property. If it is abandoned or lost he has a greater claim than most. The landowner where it's found could claim a right to it, and may have a greater right than the finder. But again, the true owner always has the greatest right to his own property, which creates an obligation on the finder to return it. 
 
This goes all the way back to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 22:1-4). In the text both ideas are noted. If I find something that belongs to another I'm obligated to return it. No hiding it; no exceptions, no excuses. But, if I don't know the owner I must take it with me and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Again, the principle is that it’s his property, not mine. That means there's an implied duty to attempt to identify the owner. Also by implication, if the owner cannot be identified and never comes looking, the item becomes the finder's. 
 
Can you see a connection to the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39)? How can one love his neighbor as himself if he takes his neighbor’s property? Beyond that it is built on the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37). My neighbor belongs to God and I should never want to hurt God by harming my neighbor. We are lost property because we wandered off and were stolen by Satan and sin, but Jesus came to find us (Luke 19:10). Will we let ourselves be found or keep in hiding?

"Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers!" Have you ever found something that belonged to another and decided to keep it, using that little ditty to salve your conscious and justify your actions? Actually, under law a finder does have some rights to found property. If it is abandoned or lost he has a greater claim than most. The landowner where it's found could claim a right to it, and may have a greater right than the finder. But again, the true owner always has the greatest right to his own property, which creates an obligation on the finder to return it. 

This goes all the way back to the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 22:1-4). In the text both ideas are noted. If I find something that belongs to another I'm obligated to return it. No hiding it; no exceptions, no excuses. But, if I don't know the owner I must take it with me and keep it until the owner comes looking for it. Again, the principle is that it’s his property, not mine. That means there's an implied duty to attempt to identify the ow

We Belong To God Deuteronomy 22:1-4

Jesus and Batman are two of the most dissimilar characters known to man, right? Except of course for the commonality that all super-hero stories draw from the story of Jesus. In a literary and literal sense Jesus is the ultimate super-hero. Literary in that His exploits are captured in writing, and literal in that He was real. He is the all-powerful God-Man who sacrificed Himself to save the world (John 3:16). 
 
But Batman and Jesus have two other unique similarities that were discussed in the 2008 movie; "The Dark Knight". In one scene Gotham's beloved prosecutor, Harvey Dent, fell to his death despite Batman's effort to save him. Rather than reveal how Dent had become evil, Batman fled so people would chase him. He was willing to take the blame so he could save them. And so was Jesus. 
 
The first similarity is that Jesus was willing to be considered cursed even though He was innocent. God had instructed Israel to not leave an executed criminal hanging on a tree over night because he was considered cursed and leaving him there would defile Israel (Deuteronomy 21:22-23). When Jesus came to earth and took flesh He lived a sinless life, but became the enemy of the Jewish leaders who arranged His execution by crucifixion - hanging on a tree (Matthew 27:35). Paul explained how Jesus became a curse to free Israel from the curse of the law and bring salvation to all (Galatians 3:13-14). The second similarity is that He let it happen rather than fight back physically or even verbally (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus silently accepted the insults and abuse (Matthew 26:63-68). 
 
There is one critical difference though. Batman is pure fiction. Jesus is real. His death was real and the blessing is real for all who will believe. He took the punishment we deserve. Will we take the salvation we don’t deserve?

Jesus and Batman are two of the most dissimilar characters known to man, right? Except of course for the commonality that all super-hero stories draw from the story of Jesus. In a literary and literal sense Jesus is the ultimate super-hero. Literary in that His exploits are captured in writing, and literal in that He was real. He is the all-powerful God-Man who sacrificed Himself to save the world (John 3:16).

But Batman and Jesus have two other unique similarities that were discussed in the 2008 movie; "The Dark Knight". In one scene Gotham's beloved prosecutor, Harvey Dent, fell to his death despite Batman's effort to save him. Rather than reveal how Dent had become evil, Batman fled so people would chase him. He was willing to take the blame so he could save them. And so was Jesus.

The first similarity is that Jesus was willing to be considered cursed even though He was innocent. God had instructed Israel to not leave an executed criminal hanging on a tree over night because he wa

Jesus Was Cursed For Us Deuteronomy 21:22-23

"One Riot, One Ranger." Legend has it that a Texas town facing a riot called for the Texas Rangers to help. When the Ranger arrived the town folk were upset that only one came, and asked why just one. The Ranger quipped; "One riot, one ranger." While very loosely based on an actual event the story illustrates the reputation of the Rangers as a group of tough, brave men. Formed and forged during a lawless time of transition they had to be tough to survive and to succeed in stopping bandits, raiders, thieves and murderers. 
 
One of the theme's flowing through both the Old and New Testament is the importance of God's people being brave in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition. One text advised them to not be afraid when going to battle against a larger army because God was with them (Deuteronomy 20:1). God went on to instruct the priests to remind the people before a battle; "Don't be faint-hearted. Don't be afraid, don't panic, and don't be terrified to face them." (20:2-3).. 
 
While the NT doesn’t call us to pick up a physical sword to fight God's enemies we are called to pick up the "sword of the Spirit" for battle against our spiritual enemies (Ephesians 6:10-17). They may use physical force to stop or even kill us, but in Christ we are "more than conquerors" (Romans 8:35-39). For most of us here in America the battle is purely words and ideas; on the job, in school, at social events. Yes, the numbers are against us, but let's change the motto to: "One Riot, One God."

"One Riot, One Ranger." Legend has it that a Texas town facing a riot called for the Texas Rangers to help. When the Ranger arrived the town folk were upset that only one came, and asked why just one. The Ranger quipped; "One riot, one ranger." While very loosely based on an actual event the story illustrates the reputation of the Rangers as a group of tough, brave men. Formed and forged during a lawless time of transition they had to be tough to survive and to succeed in stopping bandits, raiders, thieves and murderers.

One of the theme's flowing through both the Old and New Testament is the importance of God's people being brave in the face of seemingly overwhelming opposition. One text advised them to not be afraid when going to battle against a larger army because God was with them (Deuteronomy 20:1). God went on to instruct the priests to remind the people before a battle; "Don't be faint-hearted. Don't be afraid, don't panic, and don't be terrified to face them." (20:2-3)..

Whi

Stand And Fight For God Deuteronomy 20:1-3

In Deuteronomy 18:21-22 the Israelites were told to test the words of the prophet. If he turned out to be false he was summarily rejected. The gravity of false teaching is emphasized by the fact that the prophet who claimed to speak for God, but who spoke falsely, was condemned to death. (vs. 20) God wanted them to be careful “lest a fast talking preacher lead them astray.” 
 
But the prophet was not the only one who was subject to testing. The failure, or success of signs did not remove the hearer’s responsibility! In Deuteronomy 13:1-23 the hearer was also subject to a testing. Was he willing to listen to teaching that questioned the nature of God, and the principles of truth previously learned? Even when the signs apparently came to pass — THE WORDS, NOT THE SIGNS, were the final determinants. 
 
Truth is a UNIT, and all so-called new truth must conform to that which has been previously established. It’s true we sometimes confuse traditional orthodoxy with established truth, but there’s a serious warning here for those who think themselves pragmatic, and quickly believe “new” doctrines that fit today’s subjective spirit. Faith must remain objective, and God constantly tests whether we put His word before modern signs.

In Deuteronomy 18:21-22 the Israelites were told to test the words of the prophet. If he turned out to be false he was summarily rejected. The gravity of false teaching is emphasized by the fact that the prophet who claimed to speak for God, but who spoke falsely, was condemned to death. (vs. 20) God wanted them to be careful “lest a fast talking preacher lead them astray.”

But the prophet was not the only one who was subject to testing. The failure, or success of signs did not remove the hearer’s responsibility! In Deuteronomy 13:1-23 the hearer was also subject to a testing. Was he willing to listen to teaching that questioned the nature of God, and the principles of truth previously learned? Even when the signs apparently came to pass — THE WORDS, NOT THE SIGNS, were the final determinants.

Truth is a UNIT, and all so-called new truth must conform to that which has been previously established. It’s true we sometimes confuse traditional orthodoxy with established truth, but there’s

Testing The Hearer – Robert F. Turner Deuteronomy 18:21-22

The president’s oath of office is a simple but solemn statement accepting the obligation to faithfully fulfill his duties. Because the office carries great responsibility it's proper to begin with such a solemn promise. 
 
However, anyone who claims to speak for God has an even greater, more solemn, responsibility. After all the U.S. President was only chosen by voters, but the prophet of God is chosen by God. Notice how God made it clear that He selects His prophets and tells them what to say (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18). There have been millions of government officials throughout history; the U.S. has had 45 Presidents. But in the history of the world relatively few have been entrusted with the work of a prophet, though many have falsely claimed the authority (Matthew 24:11). 
 
What does God say about how we should react to prophets: true and false? First notice that the false prophet doesn't speak for God, and will answer to Him, so we must reject him (Deuteronomy 18:20, 22). Second, we are obligated to listen to the true prophet. If we do not, we will answer to God (Deuteronomy 18:19). This simple concept permeates God's word - listen and obey. Even though the presidential oath of office is short, it's still binding. The simple duty to hear and obey God's prophet is even more solemn and binding (Hebrews 2:1-3). Maybe that's why so few do.

The president’s oath of office is a simple but solemn statement accepting the obligation to faithfully fulfill his duties. Because the office carries great responsibility it's proper to begin with such a solemn promise.

However, anyone who claims to speak for God has an even greater, more solemn, responsibility. After all the U.S. President was only chosen by voters, but the prophet of God is chosen by God. Notice how God made it clear that He selects His prophets and tells them what to say (Deuteronomy 18:15, 18). There have been millions of government officials throughout history; the U.S. has had 45 Presidents. But in the history of the world relatively few have been entrusted with the work of a prophet, though many have falsely claimed the authority (Matthew 24:11).

What does God say about how we should react to prophets: true and false? First notice that the false prophet doesn't speak for God, and will answer to Him, so we must reject him (Deuteronomy 18:20, 22). Second, we are

Prophets And Duty Deuteronomy 18:15-22

"We all hear voices, it’s just a matter of choosing which ones we listen to…" That line is from the 2001 movie "A Beautiful Mind" by Russell Crowe who portrayed the mathematical genius John Nash. The movie pulls you in long before revealing that, because of Nash’s severe schizophrenia, many of the characters and events existed only in his mind. Then it unfolds how he learned to distinguish between what was real and what was made up in his mind. He learned which voices to listen to. 
 
That's a powerful illustration of the dilemma for all humans; whose voice will we listen to? As Israel was getting ready to enter the Promised Land it was clear that Moses would soon die. God had used him as His spokesman to lead them out of Egypt and for forty years in the wilderness. How would they know what to do? God first told them not to listen to the soothsayers and charlatans that he was driving out of the land (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Then He told them that He would send His chosen prophets to deliver His message (Deuteronomy 18:15-22). 
 
This is where it gets difficult for all of us because so many people claim to speak for God. How do we sort through the voices and choose the right ones to listen to? God knew it was an issue so he asked and answered the question in the text. The simple answer is truth. If the prophet is from God the prophecy will come true and if it doesn't come true then the prophet is false (Deuteronomy 18:21-22). Since the ultimate fulfillment was Jesus, the embodiment of all truth, (John 14:6), and ultimate prophet (Acts 3:20-23), the real question is simple; Will we listen to him?

"We all hear voices, it’s just a matter of choosing which ones we listen to…" That line is from the 2001 movie "A Beautiful Mind" by Russell Crowe who portrayed the mathematical genius John Nash. The movie pulls you in long before revealing that, because of Nash’s severe schizophrenia, many of the characters and events existed only in his mind. Then it unfolds how he learned to distinguish between what was real and what was made up in his mind.  He learned which voices to listen to.

That's a powerful illustration of the dilemma for all humans; whose voice will we listen to? As Israel was getting ready to enter the Promised Land it was clear that Moses would soon die. God had used him as His spokesman to lead them out of Egypt and for forty years in the wilderness. How would they know what to do? God first told them not to listen to the soothsayers and charlatans that he was driving out of the land (Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Then He told them that He would send His chosen prophets to deliv

Hearing The Voice Of God Deuteronomy 18:9-22

"Chuck" is a fictional TV character who was a simple computer nerd working at a chain store until a secret government computer program was downloaded into his brain. Suddenly he was thrust out of his so-called loser life into the role of important government spy. 
 
How many of us have joked about putting a book under our pillow, maybe even the bible, and waking up the next morning having absorbed it via osmosis? That way we can be a scholar without having to do the hard work of constant study. Here in the real world we know that doesn't happen any more than "Chuck" received that computer program download. We learn God's word by spending long hours reading it. 
 
After the passages instructing Israel to choose judges who follow the law is an important section directed to Israel's kings (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God would choose him. He had to be an Israelite. He wasn't allowed to acquire horses, wives or wealth because those would draw him away from God (16-17). More importantly he was required to write out his own copy of the law, always keep it near, and read it - daily (18-19). That way he would know the law and learn to respect God. And when he learned to respect God he would keep the law and remain humble, leading to a long and prosperous reign (20). 
 
Learning God's word by daily reading and meditation benefits everyone. It reminds us that we can't absorb it by osmosis or direct download. It trains us to be diligent in our study, creates a hunger for more, and keeps us humble. We may not be kings, and we certainly can't download the Bible into our brain all at once, but we can keep a copy, read it daily, learn to revere God and live. God’s word has the power to transform our hearts and minds (Romans 12:2).

"Chuck" is a fictional TV character who was a simple computer nerd working at a chain store until a secret government computer program was downloaded into his brain. Suddenly he was thrust out of his so-called loser life into the role of important government spy. 

How many of us have joked about putting a book under our pillow, maybe even the bible, and waking up the next morning having absorbed it via osmosis? That way we can be a scholar without having to do the hard work of constant study. Here in the real world we know that doesn't happen any more than "Chuck" received that computer program download. We learn God's word by spending long hours reading it. 

After the passages instructing Israel to choose judges who follow the law is an important section directed to Israel's kings (Deuteronomy 17:14-20). God would choose him. He had to be an Israelite. He wasn't allowed to acquire horses, wives or wealth because those would draw him away from God (16-17). More importantly he was req

Learn God’s Word For Our Own Good Deuteronomy 17:14-20

Laws or lawyers: which system do you prefer? A legal system, like the U.S. constitution, which is founded on the primacy of law over the lawyer prevents a system of mere “might makes right”. The Law of Moses is the same kind. Judges are required to hold up the law and seek justice for all. At the same time all the people are required to obey the law. Today on TBT let’s hear from Joe Fitch, who wrote about this in PLAIN TALK magazine in June 1982. 
 
In an article entitled Handling Accusations, Joe points out how the presence of an accusation imposes duties on the one making the accusation, the one being accused, and those hearing the case. First and foremost is a duty to seek justice. He pointed out how a witness has a duty to justice and cannot ignore evil (Leviticus 5:1). He must do the right thing and address the sin, or become a sinner himself by letting it go. The accuser has to provide sufficient evidence or accept the possibility of a stalemate where God has the final say (Deuteronomy 19:15). He must also seek to restore the accused, which is the ultimate goal. And, must stand ready to be corrected if he is wrong. 
 
The accused also has necessary duties. If he sinned, the accused must repent humbly and do what is right. If the accusation is false he must confront the accuser and demand proof. He must clear himself and expose the lie. The accusation must not be ignored. His second duty is to the false accuser. He must accuse him of his sin and seek to restore him (Matthew. 18:15ff). 
 
Finally the hearers (the jury) have an incredible responsibility to listen carefully to understand the accusation and demand evidence. Justice demands it. If proven the accused must be corrected and, hopefully, restored. If it is unproved and untrue, the hearer must rebuke the false accuser. Law and justice demand a serious commitment from everyone of us.

Laws or lawyers: which system do you prefer? A legal system, like the U.S. constitution, which is founded on the primacy of law over the lawyer prevents a system of mere “might makes right”. The Law of Moses is the same kind. Judges are required to hold up the law and seek justice for all. At the same time all the people are required to obey the law. Today on TBT let’s hear from Joe Fitch, who wrote about this in PLAIN TALK magazine in June 1982.

In an article entitled Handling Accusations, Joe points out how the presence of an accusation imposes duties on the one making the accusation, the one being accused, and those hearing the case. First and foremost is a duty to seek justice. He pointed out how a witness has a duty to justice and cannot ignore evil (Leviticus 5:1). He must do the right thing and address the sin, or become a sinner himself by letting it go. The accuser has to provide sufficient evidence or accept the possibility of a stalemate where God has the final say (Deutero

Handling Accusations Deuteronomy 19:15

"You can't make me!" are classic words of defiance typically found in movies and TV shows when a not so bright character defies a cop or judge. The defiance is usually dealt with swiftly; sometimes humorously, but most often not. Even if it’s funny on the screen, that kind of defiance is never funny in real life. Whether it is a little child defying his parents or a grown up child foolishly defying authority it needs to be dealt with swiftly without humor. Just as judges were to uphold the law so the people were obligated to follow the law. 
 
Back then, just as today, the rulings were not always popular and the people could be tempted to ignore it, especially when everyone returned home. So, God made it very clear that defiance of the law was not acceptable (Deuteronomy 17:10-12). 
 
Notice first the positive instruction that they were obligated to carry out the sentence exactly as handed down. They had to listen carefully so they could carry it out without any deviation. Buried in that command was a recognition that it would be based on "the terms of the law" (v11). Second, the person who defied the ruling of the court was to be dealt with swiftly as well (v12). Third, was the goal: an obedient people (v13). 
 
God’s ultimate goal is a people who speak like Jesus "Not my will, but yours" (Mark 14:36).

"You can't make me!" are classic words of defiance typically found in movies and TV shows when a not so bright character defies a cop or judge. The defiance is usually dealt with swiftly; sometimes humorously, but most often not. Even if it’s funny on the screen, that kind of defiance is never funny in real life. Whether it is a little child defying his parents or a grown up child foolishly defying authority it needs to be dealt with swiftly without humor. Just as judges were to uphold the law so the people were obligated to follow the law.

Back then, just as today, the rulings were not always popular and the people could be tempted to ignore it, especially when everyone returned home. So, God made it very clear that defiance of the law was not acceptable (Deuteronomy 17:10-12).

Notice first the positive instruction that they were obligated to carry out the sentence exactly as handed down. They had to listen carefully so they could carry it out without any deviation. Buried in that c

Obey The Law Of The Lord Deuteronomy 17:1-13

In the movie "Liar, Liar", Jim Carrey played an attorney who was the living embodiment of the old saying: "How do you know when a lawyer is lying? When his lips are moving." (It’s a joke, lighten up) In the movie he was such a good liar that his firm loved him, but he was losing his family. It all came to a head when he missed his son's birthday party and was hexed by his son, who wished that his dad couldn't lie for one whole day. The wish came true and, try as he might, every word that came out of his mouth was true. Of course this caused havoc in the court room when he couldn't tell any lies, even little ones. 
 
One problem with lying is that once we go down that road, it's hard to turn back. Every lie is justified and necessary in our minds. And, even if we tell ourselves that we'll only do the small ones, we are violating ourselves, corroding our souls, just the same as with a big lie. Any attorney should tell you that he has an obligation to the truth and can't swear to a lie in a court of law. Every attorney should be the contradiction of that old saying. 
 
God has made it clear that lying is a serious matter to Him as well. In a short section of Deuteronomy God reviewed the importance for judges in every city to make right decisions. They had to be honest and could not twist justice, take bribes, or respect persons if they wanted to last long in the land (16:18-20). God knew then and knows now that lying destroys lives. Lies can be forgiven, but let's remember that Christ paid the price for every time we lie and take a stand for honesty and truth.

In the movie "Liar, Liar", Jim Carrey played an attorney who was the living embodiment of the old saying: "How do you know when a lawyer is lying? When his lips are moving." (It’s a joke, lighten up) In the movie he was such a good liar that his firm loved him, but he was losing his family. It all came to a head when he missed his son's birthday party and was hexed by his son, who wished that his dad couldn't lie for one whole day. The wish came true and, try as he might, every word that came out of his mouth was true. Of course this caused havoc in the court room when he couldn't tell any lies, even little ones.

One problem with lying is that once we go down that road, it's hard to turn back. Every lie is justified and necessary in our minds. And, even if we tell ourselves that we'll only do the small ones, we are violating ourselves, corroding our souls, just the same as with a big lie. Any attorney should tell you that he has an obligation to the truth and can't swear to a lie in a

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