And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” – 1 Kings 18:27 (ESV)

I often hear Christians engaging in sarcastic remarks… sometimes in a playful mood, poking fun at someone’s downright silliness. For the target of the witty comment, the temptation is to be offended. I propose a different response. As humans, we do really stupid things, so why not admit it and laugh with others at our own silly behavior? As I mature, my friends are helpful enough to point out my immaturity. In these times, I find it helpful to laugh at my stupidity. It is humbling to remember my fallibility! Thank you dear friends for the moments of laughter and the opportunities you provide to remind me of my creature status.

But other times, I hear Christians use sarcasm in more tense situations… in settings of disagreement. I would classify these words as “fighting words.” Does Scripture provide us with any guidance on what type of sarcasm we should use? Scripture says that our speech is very important. For out of the overflow of our hearts, the mouth speaks. What we say reveals our heart, which is full of sinful tendencies.

If Elijah was sarcastic, are we to emulate Elijah’s style?

It is helpful to remember that Scripture is directly inspired by God and is God-breathed. The words that proceed out of my mouth are not! While I don’t see a flat out prohibition of offensive sarcasm, I wonder how appropriate it is to use. Consider Paul’s admonition:

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. – Ephesians 4:29

Questions to think about:
- Do our words build others up and give grace to our hearers?
- Is sarcasm ever helpful in communication, to prove our point?
- Is sarcasm ever appropriate, period?

When one of you has a grievance against another, does he dare go to law before the unrighteous instead of the saints? Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! So if you have such cases, why do you lay them before those who have no standing in the church? I say this to your shame. Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers, but brother goes to law against brother, and that before unbelievers? To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded? But you yourselves wrong and defraud–even your own brothers! – 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 (ESV)

In thinking through this passage, it struck me that scripture appeals to us not only through mandate, but also through a pleading for wisdom. (As a presuppositionalist, I am struck by the wisdom of Paul’s admonition.) How can we take our conflicts to the world to decide? While unbelievers may have a sense of justice because of common grace, they do not accept the things of God. They do not see the world through the same lenses. 1 Corinthians 2:14 states: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”

The NIV puts verse 4 this way: “Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!” Paul seems to be saying that even lowly Christians are wiser than the most astute secular judges. How can this be? Because the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. (Proverbs 1:7) Those who have a relationship with the Supreme law-giver are wise unto salvation. The Lord, who does not treat us as our sins deserve, requires us to act justly and to love mercy. (Micah 6:8)

Let us apply this passage to our lives and fear the Lord, the only righteous judge.

A competitive system is one in which we test our abilities and find if we can do something better than others, and so be paid for it. The system works well when we reward better work and greater quantity of work with greater reward… In fact, if you have ever shopped around for the lowest price on a shirt or a computer or a car, your actions show that you approve of competition in the economy, because you are making competition work.

By encouraging competition, we encourage others to fulfill their callings and be good stewards.

Grudem is very balanced. He notes that competitions can also bring temptations to sin. Grudem explains that there is a difference between trying to do a job better than others and trying to harm others and prevent them from earning a living. He also warns us to watch for pride.

The constant theme throughout this book is that God can be glorified in business if we seek Him first. Grudem gives a brief but thought-provoking systematic theology on the moral goodness of business. I was reminded that Christians are needed in all types of occupational fields. We must seek God’s glory in whatever we do and do it well. (Find out more about this book here.)

Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

The sermon explained that humans naturally and sinfully show partiality. We like to be with people that are most like us. We like to stay in our comfort zones. We create barriers, distinguishing between classes, occupations, races, and age groups. When we set up unbiblical barriers, we create disunity. This may hinder the spread of the gospel message and the glory of God.

My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? – James 2:1-4

But Praise be to God, for He transcends the man made boundaries which we have erected.

Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! – Psalm 133

This makes me wonder: why would we try to split up churches by race?

I need to be careful in what I say here: I am not criticizing all racially based churches, for perhaps God has given a church a special mission to reach a particular people group with the Gospel. This is particularly effective when there are language barriers. But God would have us consider why we do the things we do and how we can most effectively serve Him.

I have a few questions to ask concerning cliques in churches. These may be questions of wisdom and prudence (in distinction from questions of morality), but my hope is that these questions can shed light on wrongful attitudes that we have that need change. The heart of my questioning is a motivation for effective gospel service and a church that reflects God’s glory. Consider these pragmatic questions:

1. Is your church effectively fulfilling its mission? (What is its particular mission?) Are you playing a part in that mission? Are you effectively serving those God has already placed around you?

2. Are you closing the door on windows of opportunity? Are you afraid to get out of your comfort zone? For those that go to racially based churches: Would it be easier for you to invite your co-workers, neighbors, and friends to a church that was not racially based?

3. What would God have you do to maximize opportunities for your growth, fellowship, and ministry? What do you base your fellowship with other Christians around? Is it Christ or is it simply matters of small importance? Are you uncomfortable around “different” Christians? Can you relate to and serve people who are not like you?

The whole world needs to hear the gospel. This is primarily through the ministry of local churches. Let us consider how we can proclaim the gospel most effectively. Soli deo gloria.

This look interesting… America by Religions and Denominations.

I wonder if I can use my law degree to start up Christian schools and churches. There are so many areas where ministries need legal counsel: By-laws and constitutions, property, taxes, etc… I am also very interested in Christian counseling and education. I hope I don’t have too many interests. Well rounded? Or too many dull knives? Would I be able to multi-task and work from home?

As I think of all of the career possibilities, I need to remember God’s goodness. I’d like to have a family soon, but how can I, if I go to school forever? But with God, all things are possible.

Maybe this book, Faithful God, would remind me of God’s care of his own. I envy the Dean of my law school, who is resigning and taking some time off, now that my law school now has provisional ABA approval. He has stated that the 27 books he ordered is on its way.

In listening to one of Grudem’s sermons, what struck me about his research into a particular Greek word was that he was driven by a motivation to apply scripture faithfully and to live rightly before God. His particular findings had practical implications for proper Christian living. Similarly, Al Mohler did a great job in developing a countercultural thesis and presenting a Christian worldview to young men.

Kris Lundgaard, in The Enemy Within, comments on the study of scripture:

Never let it be your goal to search the Scriptures to find a new insight to tickle your hunger for learning or to have something neat to share with your small group. And never study and pray without God’s help. He is the one who revealed his truth, and only he can enlighten your mind to know it. … Ask him to open his mind and will to you, so that you may know him and love him more. He delights to do it. – p.72

Although Kris was talking about scripture, the same principle can be applied to academia in general. Nuclear physics, biochemistry, contract law, and abstract algebra are not definitive guides to life and godliness like Scripture is. But we can study them to bring every thought captive to Christ and to know God more fully. We don’t study those subjects simply to have more head knowledge. We study them to bring God glory and praise.

May we remember that what we study has a purpose. Whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. – 1 Peter 2:9

The Bible forbids mixed marriages. Not interracial marriages, but marriages between Christians and non-Christians. In 2 Corinthians 6, God commands Christians not be yoked with unbelievers. The marriage bond is such an important bond. The two become one flesh, both physically and spiritually. What fellowship does light have with darkness?

It is amazing what unity Christians have because of Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise. – Galatians 3:29.

(This verse does not mean there are no differences in roles between male and female, but rather, that Christ is Lord over all and there is no partiality with him. See Eph 6:9)

If you claim Christ as your Lord and Saviour, know this: you are Christ’s and you have been bought with a price. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corin 6:19) Christ would have us put away prejudice and look to what really matters.

Points of application:
1. You should seek to marry someone who is a child of Abraham. We should not waste our energy pursuing spouses from the wrong crowd. (See Romans 3:29, Romans 9:6, and Galatians 3:7-28-29)

2. Look for the right things in a spouse. (Proverbs 31, 1 Peter 3, Ken Ham’s book.)

3. Realize that all Christians are brothers and sisters in Christ. (1 Timothy 5:1-2)

4. Understand that unbelievers need to hear the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:9-13)

On a somewhat related topic, check out this short clip. Dr. Ryken explains what he sees as the “single greatest threat to romantic love in America today.”

Christian Hedonism all the way!

We are skeptical of claims for the ability of random mutation and natural selection to account for the complexity of life. Careful examination of the evidence for Darwinian theory should be encouraged.

The signers hold degrees from “well-respected national academies of science” such as MIT. (Several Grove City College professors have signed the dissent.)

Although this is not new information, Phillip E. Johnson, a bright man and a former clerk to the U.S. Supreme Court, has written Darwin on Trial. As a lawyer, science would seem out of his area of expertise. However, Johnson uses his sharp analytical and lawyering skills to help ‘prepare the way’ for scientists in the field to debate the issues. I’m surprised how versatile a law degree is.

This week, I was able to browse some blogs. Tim Challies, a web designer by trade, has a popular and theologically astute blog. Tim is a layman that is well read. He has reviewed the Amazing Grace DVD and C.J. Mahaney’s Humility book among other things. Did you know of The Passion’s Porn connection? The new phenomenon on blogs seems to be interviews. Tim interviewed Wayne Grudem. Adrian Warnock interviewed Josh Harris about being mentored by Mahaney. I also read some of the thoughts of Phil Ryken, Ligon Duncan, and Josh Harris. In particular, it was interesting to see what people were saying about Christmas and how some churches were not having Sunday worship this Christmas.

I spent some time researching Theonomy. I found a lot of articles and even a sermon series on the “Law of God and Law of Man” by Tenth Presbyterian church. I also heard sermons from SermonAudio.com and churches that I formerly attended at Grove City.

Here’s a blurb that William J. Murray emailed in his Religious Freedom Coalition newsletter for this week:

BAD CHRISTMAS NEWS ON FOX

While I like FOX and appreciate all they are doing to bring a more balanced message to the public I am not a blind follower. As you can tell from my criticisms of President George W. Bush I don’t hold punches to make sure I am invited to receptions and the same is true when it comes to FOX News. I received information on a Saudi Prince having the ability to spike news on FOX: The e-mail to me read as follows: Saudi Prince Walid bin Talal made these remarks during the Arab and World Media Conference in Dubai (today and tomorrow) where he was a speaker, and the quote was picked up and published by Middle East Online. The Prince was remarking on his own influence over what gets aired on Murdoch’s Fox News Channel now that he (the Prince) is a voting shareholder etc. He said: “During last month’s street protests in France, Fox ran a banner saying: ‘Muslim riots’. I picked up the phone and called Murdoch to tell him these are not Muslim riots, these are riots out of poverty…Within 30 minutes, the title was changed from Muslim riots to civil riots.” He was referring to Rupert Murdoch, the CEO of News Corp. which owns the Fox News Channel. It appears extremist Saudi Muslims have bought their way into FOX News.

What are other good news sources? Some friends mention drudgereport.com. Maybe an assortment of sources are needed if one wants a broad picture.