I introduce 2 songs on Yacht Rock radio station Top 100 Countdown

 

 

We went to see the Doobie Brothers

 

Are these the last days? -- Bonus message

 

Good gifts come from God -- Full message

 

 

Rachel is now a caterpillar momma!

 

Mourning the loss of our troops in Afghanistan

 

Wait a minute…! It’s National Dog Day?

 

Nadia makes a weather prediction

 

You know it’s time to hire a new campaign manager when even your own family…

 

 

Cremation or Burial?

I have been asked if—as a Christian—it is okay to be cremated as opposed to a traditional burial.

This is another one of those questions that is not addressed—at least not in a direct manner—in the Bible. In my opinion (this is one person’s opinion) the issue is a personal matter and is not mandated one way or the other by scripture.

The main concern that typically arises when it comes to debated issues such as this one has to do with eternity. If a person is cremated can the person still go to heaven?

In a way, the answer to that question is actually pretty simple and straightforward. Whether or not a person goes to heaven depends on this: salvation in Jesus Christ.

“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Romans 10:9-10

These verses from Romans chapter 10 indicate that salvation has to do with faith and belief in Christ, not cremation or traditional burial.

The following passage from Titus 3:4-7, also addresses the issue of salvation in Jesus Christ:

“But—when God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.”

The salvation we have in Christ, described in the Titus chapter 3 passage above, has to do with God’s love, grace and mercy. Forgiveness of sins is mentioned along with new birth and life in the Holy Spirit. Jesus is specifically identified as “our Savior.” We are made righteous (which is necessary in order for us to be with the Lord in heaven) because of the work of Jesus. Clearly, the manner in which a person’s body is dealt with (cremation or traditional burial) is not a factor. Our salvation is provided by Jesus. It is rooted in Jesus.

I believe, in some cases, the people who argue that a Christian should not be cremated but rather should be buried in the ground probably feel like this is a more reverent and respectful way of dealing with the body. I can understand how a person may feel that way and I appreciate such a view. However, it appears to me, based on the Bible, that cremation is not prohibited and we can be confident that cremation will not prevent a person from going to heaven.

Salvation is dependent on Jesus alone.

 

Sometimes we forget... that life is fleeting - Full message

 

Dan and Rachel get some gourmet(?) food

 

 

Hey Dan, what about suicide?

Over the years I have been asked about suicide a number of times. In particular people are curious about this question: If a person commits suicide does it mean the person is automatically disqualified from heaven and bound for eternity in hell?

To the best of my knowledge the Bible does not offer a direct answer to that question. And I suspect if you posed the question to several Christian theologians it is possible you would get different answers.

It is very fair to say that suicide is not good. It is tremendously painful to the people who loved the person who has committed suicide. It is possible the loved ones may experience extreme guilt and question themselves for years wondering: what could I have done differently? Could I have prevented this from happening if I was more observant, caring, attentive or loving?

Also, the position of the Bible is that we should not take a person’s life. [Exodus 20:13] I believe that command applies not just to others but to our self, as well.

So suicide is not good but that still leaves us with the question: what happens to the person who commits suicide, when it comes to heaven and hell?

Again, I will admit the Bible does not offer a direct answer to the question, however, I am inclined to think: The person who commits suicide does not automatically go to hell.

Here are several thoughts which lead me to this position:

First, any person who commits suicide is clearly experiencing thoughts, pressure, stress, anguish, mental pain, emotional pain, etc., that we probably do not understand. I’m not trying to make excuses I’m just pointing out that the person is in a state in which something extreme is occurring. So what does that mean in terms of their responsibility for their actions? I do not know for sure. We do not know for sure. It involves thoughts, feelings, circumstances which we cannot know with any certainty.

Who does know with certainty? God. Who can bring fair, merciful, honest, gracious, totally informed judgment to the matter? God.

“The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.” Psalm 33:5

Second, the person who commits suicide, on some level, is not thinking properly. So what does that mean in terms of their responsibility for their actions? Once again, as I described in the first point, above, we do not know with any type of certainty. It is impossible for us to know all the details which come to play. This is God’s domain.

I believe He will be able to bring a fair, merciful, honest, gracious, and totally informed judgment to the matter. We can trust Him to be completely just.

Third. What happened, perhaps, even just seconds before the person who committed suicide actually expired? Answer: we do not know. In the Bible there is a man who acknowledges Christ and trusts in Jesus just before he dies. In fact, this man is being crucified on a cross right next to Jesus. You might say this was a last minute conversion. Jesus promises the man that he will be with Him [Jesus] in paradise. [Luke 23:43]

The person who commits suicide, in the final seconds before life ends, might have some type of encounter with Jesus. By the way, I’m not even suggesting this is likely, I’m simply suggesting: 1) it is possible; and 2) we do not know for sure what has happened in the person’s heart and mind in the final moments of life. But the experience of the “thief on the cross” with Jesus gives me hope that a person who commits suicide could have some type of brief but significant connection with Jesus which effects the person’s eternity.

Fourth, the condition of the person’s heart may be different than the hurt, broken, unstable condition of the person’s mind when suicide is involved.

“…The LORD doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

And I believe it is possible the person’s heart may still be in relationship to God even though the mind may be damaged. We cannot possibly know the details about a specific person’s heart, but God can. And this gives me hope that even though the person has taken his/her life, the person may still be with God in heaven.

I am aware of the fact that we could ask this question: Is a person who has genuinely experienced salvation in Jesus Christ, capable of an action as drastic as taking their own life?

Answer: I don’t know. But I think it is very likely the answer is yes. Extremely drastic circumstances or experiences can result in extremely drastic actions even for an authentic believer.

Please know, I am not claiming to have theological certainty regarding this question and this is not a matter of being intentionally vague. I believe there are questions for which it is truthful to say: We do not actually know. (Or put it this way, I’ll speak for myself. It is accurate for me to say: I do not actually know.)

And I am aware of the fact that some would disagree with my position. Such a reality is inherent in deep, profound theological questions.

I hope it is true and I, personally, believe it is true—based on my understanding of the Bible—that a person who has committed suicide can still be in heaven with God.

 

We will stand before God someday

 

God's word resonated with him...

I held the hand of an elderly man today and read a number of scripture verses to him.

He is very frail and weak. His ability to communicate is greatly diminished. He tries to speak but the words don’t come and if they do they are faint and hard to understand.

As I read words from the Bible to him—words he has heard many times before—he squeezed my hand. His grip was surprisingly strong. The truth and assurance of God’s word resonated. God can transcend the circumstances.

These words from Jesus seemed to be particularly meaningful:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

When I reminded my friend that God will always love him, he smiled.

Another day of hunting for Lucy

 

Wisdom is valuable!

In the Bible wisdom is described as a characteristic of great value.

Part of the reason wisdom has such importance and worth is that it involves not just having knowledge or information but wisdom involves utilizing knowledge or information in such a way that it is helpful, effective and constructive when it comes to the practical realities of life, especially the relationships in our lives.

“Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.”  Proverbs 3:13-15

I Choose Freedom

Sometimes people do not want freedom because freedom carries with it greater responsibility and accountability. More freedom typically means there will be less of a safety net. When the voices of those who want to be in charge sound bold, strong and confident it can seem reasonable to just relinquish freedom. After all, there is a sense in which it can be easier to have some authority tell us what to do.

I would still rather have freedom. One reason I desire freedom is because history indicates that when a few people at the top have control and authority over the many, those with the power typically do not handle it well.

The old saying that “power corrupts” seems to be a pretty reliable truth.

I choose freedom.

What Paul knew to be true

The Apostle Paul testified that the resurrection of Jesus was true. And he held to this truth at great personal cost to himself.

It’s one thing to hold a position when it brings great benefit. It is much more significant, and much more persuasive, when a person holds a position in spite of great pain.

Paul wrote this about Jesus:

“…Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said. He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-8

God's wisdom

 

Rachel scores some great K-Pop merch at the bookstore

 

Distorted views of God and love -- 8/8/21 -- Full message

 

Kick back... Have a snack... And I’ll play with this track

 

Fashion talk with Dan and Rachel

 

I'm only visiting this planet

For the follower of Jesus our primary allegiance and commitment is to God and God’s kingdom. We are citizens of God’s kingdom first.

And so it is interesting that Peter describes believers as “foreigners and exiles” in this world. (1 Peter 2:11)

Theologian, William Barclay, writes that the Greek words for “foreigners” and “exiles” used in the passage “describe someone who is only temporarily resident in a place and whose home is somewhere else.” Commenting on the 1 Peter 2:11 passage, Barclay also writes, “Christians are not permanent residents upon earth; they are on the way to the country which is beyond.” [God’s kingdom.]

With this passage of scripture in mind, an influential early Christian rock artist, a man named Larry Norman, titled one of his albums: “Only Visiting This Planet.” One of my friends in college played this album a lot on a device we called a “record player.” (The record player sat right next to the lava lamp which I stared at wistfully while wearing my platform shoes.)

Sometimes when this world seems to be even more chaotic, difficult, hurtful, crazy, evil, and far-from-God than usual, I remember that I’m only here temporarily. (I know, my “temporary” status—much like the record player and platform shoes—is very good news to some people.)

Hey believers? We are “only visiting this planet.” Our eternal home is with the Lord.

 

Many thanks to the Secret Gift Giver

 

Instead of stressing out about the future, deal with today’s challenges

 

False teaching: All people are ultimately saved – Full message 8/1/21

 

…And white haired ministers bug me, too!

 

How do you celebrate 30 years of a wonderful, terrific, tremendously beloved son? Here’s how…