ASK, Inc.

2010 Newsletters
from Dr. Stoll

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2010 Newsletters

1st Quarter: THE GENIE IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE

2nd Quarter: LIFE IN THE BOX

3rd Quarter: THE GREAT DIVIDE

 

 

 

 

THE GENIE IS OUT OF THE BOTTLE

John H. Stoll, Ph.D.

Executive Director, ASK, Inc.

           Everywhere it seems as if people are asking, what is going on in our country and the world today?  Nothing is like it was before, and everything is declining in all aspects of life.  Seemingly, there is a lack of civility among our politicians, as well as citizens, nothing is according to ethical and moral behavior; all is out of control. It starts at the top, and goes even to wrongful behaviors among children. What is the root cause, and is there anything that can change our society?

           The short answer is specifically given in Jeremiah 17:9, where God said, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked, who can fathom it?” (See also: Genesis 6:5). Jeremiah 2:13 gives us an illustration of the wickedness in Israel, which resulted in God’s judgment on that nation. He noted that Israel had committed two evils: they had forsaken God, and made idols, which they worshipped. We see both these elements all pervasive in our society today. We have ungodly organizations trying to squeeze every last element of God out of our society, our schools, and our homes, unlike the historical past, in which the home, the school, and the Church, which were the foundation of society, all worked together, upon Biblical principles, to raise children to be responsible adults and citizens. In its place we have allowed materialism, greed, power, and unholy elements to take over every aspect of society. Our nation is ripe for the judgment of God. The “genie is out of the bottle” in that anything that caters to the basest desires of mankind is accepted, and seemingly cannot be restrained, and that which is right and true is despised. Our political leaders are no longer statesmen, whom we can look up to; they are politicians, on the take, selfishly, and seemingly unconcerned for the basic principles of our Constitution, and Biblical principles, upon which our country was founded.

           Biblical principles, which have been given to mankind, for our welfare, are as valid for today, as when God gave them to the Prophets. In Proverbs 22:28, and Deut. 19:14, we are told to honor the landmarks (i.e. principles) which our forefathers have set. But, as we note in Jeremiah 6:16,17, Israel was told to stay in the old ways which were the ways of God, but Israel said, “We will not walk in them, and we will not listen”. This is exactly the way of our country today. Just as Israel felt the wrath of God for their wickedness, we are ripe for the impending judgment of God on our country and the world.

          The Bible tells us that mankind is responsible for his worldview, which we know is alien against God. In Romans 1:18-20 ; 2:14,15, and 3:19, that God will ultimately judge all mankind, according to His revelation to every person. As one radio talk show host commented that, “People who are politically on the left, employ a willful denial of reality in favor of their dogma, which in essence is their religion”.  It is interesting to note what Ecclesiastes 10:2, 3 has to comment on this.

           How then, should Christians respond to the overwhelming wickedness exploding on mankind today? It is of primary importance that every Christian  maintain a philosophical worldview that is consonant with Biblical principles.

When these principles come in conflict with worldly elements, one should be respectful of others, but remain firm in their beliefs. So, one may ask what about obeying laws that are contrary to Biblical principles, since Christians are told to obey the law (Romans 13: 1-2) ?  An excellent illustration of this conflict is seen in Acts 4:19,20 and 5:29. The Apostles were before the magistrate saying they only were telling things they saw and heard. Then, in Acts 5:29 they noted, “We ought to obey God, rather than men”. The application to the Christian is, that one should obey and be respectful of the laws of the land, but when any law is contrary to the law of God, then, the Christian is responsible to obey the higher law of God. If that comes into conflict, then, one may ask of God wisdom to know how to act (James 1:5).

          The Church, as the earthly corporate body of Christ, also has a responsibility to its constituents,  as to how to instruct them to behave as citizens of Heaven, as well as citizens of the country. The Church as an entity, should not be involved in trying to legislate worldly laws, etc. but to teach the truth of Biblical principles with regard to one’s dual citizenship, as a member of God’s kingdom, as well as a citizen of the country.  The Bible nowhere tells the Church to be involved with worldly political elements, but it does tell the Church to teach the principles to the believers, who in turn apply the principles to involvement as a citizen, who should vote, as well as become involved in the political marketplace as a citizen. The Christian has a perfect right and obligation to contact one’s legislative representatives, to be critical of how our Constitution is not being adhered to, to vote in accord with one’s conscience and Biblical principles, as well as to enter into the field of politics, if so desired.

           Finally, as Christians, we have no cause for worry, and should  be  optimistic, since Hebrews 13:5,6 notes, “God has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you, so that we may boldly say, the Lord is my helper, why should I fear?”

(Isaiah 58:11; Psalms 48:14).  A Christian government politician  stated that he was, “A theoretical pessimist, but an operational optimist”.  This is exactly the way a Christian should think. We know that someday the whole  world will be brought under the judgment of God, so the future does not look good for wicked mankind, but as Christians living in a wicked world, we have the most going for us, since the Bible tells is, if God be for us, who can be against us, and in  I John  4:4, we are promised that, “He that is in you (i.e. the Holy Spirit) is greater than he  (i.e. Satan) that is in the world. So, cheer up, God is sovereign, and all is under His control.

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LIFE IN THE BOX

John H. Stoll, Ph.D.

Executive Director, ASK, Inc.

           With all the vaunted scientific expertise in today’s world and mankind constantly exploring life outside our earth, or questioning the origins of mankind, as well as looking to the future, it seems reasonable to consider what the creator of the universe and mankind has to say to us. The primary source of these answers is found in the trustworthiness of the Bible.

           It is well known that mankind has limits to his existence and knowledge, but God is limitless. The reason for this difference is seen in the fact that humans live in a “box” of time and space. All that we can know is limited to these two domains, whereas God exists outside the box, and not only knows the domain in which mankind operates, though he operates and controls the universe outside the box. If we assume that God created all things, which is a plausible assumption, it is also reasonable to assume that, we who are a part of his creation, and were created in the “image of God” (i.e. His moral likeness, not a physical likeness), as well as for fellowship with him, that he would convey for our understanding how he desires us to live in relation to him.  This is why he gave to us a “manual for living” called the Bible. It is God’s directive showing his creative design for our lives, the entrance of sin (i.e. man’s self will) and separation from God, and the story of mankind’s reconciliation to him, with an outline of how we should live in this world, as his children, as well as showing us the outline of our future eternity with him. This is the story of the Bible. 

          The world of mankind is basically alienated from God, does not seek after God (Romans 3:11), and by his own devices seeks to explore the universe outside the box.  In Psalms 19:1-4 it notes, “The Heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows his handiwork”. As one looks upon the beauty of nature, the sky, the Sun and Moon, etc. we see the beauty of God’s handiwork. Because selfish mankind does not honor the creative God, he seeks to find understanding of the universe by his own devices, so goes about it through inter planetary searching for knowledge and control. Much money and effort is put into these fruitless efforts. In Acts 17:26, it tells us that God created of Adam all peoples to dwell on the earth, and determined the bounds of their habitation. God never intended mankind to dwell outside the box of both time and space,  therefore  he created the earth in    which his creation was to live, not outside it. Again in Psalms 115:16 it lets us know that, “The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord’s: but the earth has he given to the children of men”. It doesn’t say the earth and beyond. God never intended mankind to live anywhere else beside the earth, which he created for our habitation, only.

           It is a well known scientific fact that mankind cannot live outside the box of both time and space , as well as the earth, for life itself cannot live outside without manmade elements accompanying him, in going to the Moon and beyond. Both human beings as well as the elements of the earth only, are suited to our existence, and within those limitations. It is foolish for mankind to tempt God, by trying to control what God has not given to him.

           The Bible, which is God’s revelation to all, and specifically to those who are his children, by faith and commitment to Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and Lord, is for our understanding of him and how he desires us to live our lives on this earth. The Bible is clearly a revelation of three basic elements: ) The revelation of the entrance of  SIN into mankind and his separation from God’s holiness, 2) The manner of one’s SALVATION  from sin, and reconciliation back to God, and 3) The manner of SANCTIFICATION  (i.e. holy living in accordance with Biblical principles). This is the main theme throughout the Bible, with the basic foundation of absolute TRUTH, upon which these three revelations rest. The Bible is focused on and geared to human beings, who live in the box of time and space only.

           In order for us to fully comprehend these three foundational truths, and live by them, God gives us illustrations of these in the lives of his people, Israel in the Old Testament, and the Apostles and Christians in the New Testament. Analogies and/or Parables are used to help us understand what God is conveying to us, from outside the box, to those of us who operate within the box. That is why it states in 2 Corinthians 4:6, “God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness (i.e. outside the box) has shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of  God, in the face of Jesus Christ”.  What is stated here is that an understanding of God, who is limitless, became flesh (like us in the person of Jesus Christ), so we who live in the box could understand God himself, as personified in the person of his son, Jesus Christ. Otherwise, we who live in the  box, could never understand God. That is why Jesus said in John 14:9, “He that has seen me, has seen the Father”, and again in John 10:30, “I and my Father are one”. So, God, who operates throughout the universe, and is incomprehensible to limited mankind, who lives in the box,  has been revealed to us, by sending his son, Jesus Christ, to be born as a human, inside the box, so we could understand God himself. This is the reason why a person who is not a child of God, by faith in Jesus Christ, cannot understand the Scriptures, whereas a person who has made a commitment to Jesus Christ is able to comprehend what the Bible says, as is fully described in  First Corinthians 2:9-14. The differential here is that the Christian has Holy Spirit discernment, and the non-Christian does not.  

          As Christians read the Bible, with discernment, there are many questions in one’s mind that come up, of which the elements stated, consist of things that are outside the box of our limited understanding. Many times one desires to know what all these things mean. In some places the reading of the Bible explains eternal things that are outside the box, in language that we can understand who are limited by time and space. Example: the Bible speaks of Heavenly rewards which the Christian is to strive for in this life, and to be awarded in Heaven. They are called “Crowns”. Certainly they are not diadems to be placed on one’s head, but probably are rewards of such eternal value that we cannot comprehend the worth by life’s evaluation, because they are outside the box of our understanding. However, they are worth our seriously striving for them, eternally. 

          But, Christians are constantly searching for understanding in spiritual matters, even though the Bible is a combination of things both within the box of our comprehension, as well as eternal elements, which we cannot fully realize. So, how do we meld these divergent elements together. The Biblical answer is found in Deuteronomy 29:29, “The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law”.  Thus, God’s directive to his children is to concentrate on living according to Biblical principles, as revealed by him to us, and open ourselves to the impartation of these principles in our lives and daily living. Since we cannot fully understand things outside the box, we are to concentrate what has been revealed to us, and applied with understanding by the Holy Spirit to our daily living.  

          “O the depths of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out”. (Romans 11:33).  “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may overflow in hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit”.  “But, grow in grace,  and  the  knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

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THE GREAT DIVIDE

John H. Stoll, Ph.D.

Executive Director, ASK, Inc.

          Today, such as never before, mankind is beset with division and confrontation that is engulfing the world.  In most every aspect of life rancorous conflicts are seemingly the order of the day.  For the Christian, who understands the Bible this should not be surprising. It all began when our common forefather, Adam, set himself against God, by turning from him, to becoming self centered. Consequently, all the problems of the world throughout history, have been an evidence of this, which, as mankind becomes more selfish, has produced greater conflict.

          From the beginning there have been two domains: the universe which God controls, which is the spiritual world that mankind cannot understand, and the time/space world of things, which is the domain of humans. God controls both domains, and in the beginning created mankind and gave him the earth in which we live, and are bound by both time and space (See: Acts 17:26; Psalms 115:16). Humans have fought each other since for control of  the earth , as well as trying to fruitlessly conquer outer space.

          Today, God’s purpose in the kingdom of mankind, is to bring people into a personal relationship with Him, by reconciliation through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4).  People in the world have falsely accused Christians of trying to bring in a Theocratic Kingdom of perfection, which is not God’s purpose today. Acts 15:13-17 makes this very clear.  Someday, God, in the person of Jesus Christ, will set up a universal kingdom of both domains (See: Luke 1:31-33; Rev. 19:11-16; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28).

          The conflict and division among the peoples of our nation and the world today,  is not that of differences in political parties, nor even between those on the  “Left” or “Right”, but between those who acknowledge a higher power in the universe (i.e. God), and those who don’t. It is not a physical conflict, but rather a differing worldview conflict  between spiritual forces of light and dark, right and wrong, even though it manifests itself in the domain of mankind’s world of time and space. Today, both humans and the material world are in disarray, through  the selfishness of humans, and a desire to be like God, in control. Someday, God will judge both the world He created for our habitation, and those who are in the process of destroying it, as well as judging all mankind (See: Romans 3:19; John 5:22-27).

          For the past number of years, the world has witnessed increasing catastrophes, both among humans as well as the earth itself. Many questions as to what this all means, what it portends, and what of the future, are constantly in people’s minds.  God’s answer to these questions may be found in Job 12:12-25.

Consider what God says as a basic premise in v. 12,13: i.e. to God belongs wisdom, power, counsel, and understanding.  Note: Proverbs 2:6; 3:5-7. The application of these attributes of God, as He administrates them in the domain of mankind today,  are found in Job 12: 14-25, following what is stated in v. 12,13. Let us seriously consider the statements God pronounces upon the world and peoples. Most of these are to a greater or lesser degree evident today, probably as a pre-curser of what will transpire universally during the Great Tribulation, which is coming upon all the world  to try mankind (Revelation 3:10). Not all these come directly from God; mankind brings many of these imprisonments on himself, through his selfish behavior.  (Note: the translation is the NIV)

1)     v. 14 - What He tears down cannot be rebuilt: earthquakes,  volcanos?

2)     v. 14 - The person He imprisons cannot be released: addictions, etc.?

3)     v. 15 - If He holds back the waters, there is drought

4)     v. 15 - If He lets the waters loose, they devastate the land.

5)     v. 16 - To Him belong strength and victory

6)     v. 16 - Both they who are deceived and who deceive are in His control.

7)     v.17 - He makes fool of Judges

8)     v. 18 - He unshackles those put on by rulers

9)     v. 19 - He strips away religious leaders, and men who are longtime leaders. May these be longtime liberal religious leaders?

10)v. 20 - He silences the lips of advisors and elders

11)  v. 21 - He pours contempt on those in high places and disarms the mighty.

12)  v. 22 - He reveals the sinful secrets of mankind, and brings to light the darkness.   Could these be political and business frauds?

13) v. 23 - He makes nations great, and then destroys them.  USA?

14. v. 24 - He deprives world leaders of their reasoning and sends them wandering in a wasteland.

15)  v. 25 - World leaders grope in darkness with no light, and they stagger like a drunken man.  Groups of  world  leaders in confusion and disarray?

Though these prophetic words of Job were written over 3,000 years ago, one cannot but realize how this condemnation of people, nations, etc. has rung true in various ways and at various times through the ages, but seemingly  are all coming together in our world today.  In 1898, a Bishop of the Methodist church speaking at Emory College said, “A nation ashamed of its ancestry, will be despised by its posterity”. Is our nation experiencing this today? The Apostle Paul noted in 2 Timothy 3:1, “Know this also, that in the last days perilous times will come”. Does what God say is true, will soon bring to pass the coming of Jesus Christ, in judgment on the world, and His righteous reign over all forever? As the Apostle John proclaimed in Revelation 22:20, “Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so come, Lord Jesus.”  Remember, faith consists in believing, when it is beyond the power of reason to believe.

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THE MISSION STATEMENT OF ASK, INC.

For 30 years, ASK, Inc. has stood for the above principles, both in its professional counseling, as well as its Bible teaching. Our ministry to people, Christians or not, is administrated in Christian love, and based on these thirteen principles. The goal of our service for the Lord, has been plainly stated in every newsletter. We make no apology for our commitment to God’s revealed word, the Bible, and  our experience over these many years, has proven to be true and beneficial, to all who have used our services, in counseling and/or Bible teaching. By God’s grace, we shall continue to carry on for Him.

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