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ASK, Inc.2010 Newsletters 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). 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. THREE STRIKES AGAINST YOU John H. Stoll, Ph.D. Executive Director, ASK, Inc. When we first make our appearance into life, we encounter three strikes against us from the beginning, called S.I.N. No, I’m not speaking about the normal concept of sin, but using the word as an acronym, which consist of three elements that adversely affect us, from day one, over against conflicting issues with which we have no control, nor ability to handle. The first letter “S” stands for our total SELFISHNESS as a baby. The moment a baby is born, he wants to eat, and if that craving is not satisfied, he lets others know, loud and clear. The second letter “I” refers to the fact that one is totally INSECURE. Not only are we totally dependent on others, but we have no inner strength of ability to do anything, nor any resources. The third letter “N” is for the word, NAKEDNESS, meaning physical nakedness. We need to be clothed, fed, nurtured immediately, and for many years, in order to become independent, and hopefully fulfilled in life. The success of overcoming these three initial strikes, depends upon many factors, over the years. Because we are totally dependent on others to provide these three needs, it is important that they are provided in a way that helps one develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. For one to become a well rounded individual, all four developmental processes are vitally important. The physical aspect is obvious for a person needs to be fed, clothed and housed by whoever raises him. The learning process is vital to a person’s ability to achieve in life in relationships and earning a living. The moral aspect is important, since selfishness is so inherent within every person, it takes mature character development to overcome the desire to constantly live a self centered life, with all the corruption that can materialize. Finally, and most importantly, the spiritual aspect of life, which if emphasized and nurtured, and which influences all the other elements of life, will ultimately provide fullness in life, or if ignored, will bring a desperate and elusive attempt by a person to enjoy fullness of life, through his own efforts, which will ultimately arise out of his own selfish character. There are three developing stages of life, through which everyone goes: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Each stage is important, and each stage prepares for the next one. In order to overcome S.I.N., the first stage is of ultimate importance, since children are totally open to external influences, mostly without question. When a child asks, Why?, he asks in order to gain information and understanding, not to bug a parent. The majority of a good character foundation for life, is laid in a child, between birth and puberty. That is why good parental guidance, both by example as well as by precept (i.e. Biblical principles instilled within a child), is so important, along with parental love, guidance, encouragement, and guidance in making right choices. For a parent to shift the weight of decision making from oneself to the child, in an incremental way, and guidance in showing the consequences of the choice, is to prepare the child for a more fulfilling and positive life ahead. Adolescence is the intermediate stage between childhood and adulthood, and is the period when children gradually separate themselves from parents, and prepare to live on their own. This may bring problems between parent and child, but can be resolved, if parents have properly prepared their children during the childhood years. If parents are open to their children’s behaviors, and become more like a friend, with reasoning, rather than demanding, then children will consider the counseling, though results may not be immediate. If through the years, parents work diligently to follow the right path, then God’s promise is found in Proverbs 22:6. We live in a world of individuals today, most of whom are bereft of the proper guidance by whoever raised them, and of the problems associated with S.I.N. and because of these issues, have little resources of how to overcome the magnitude of the problems that engulf the world. This is the reality of life that is all too apparent on a daily basis. How did this all come about, and what can we do, to stem the tide of wickedness that is rampant everywhere? About one hundred years ago, a fourfold attack upon the people of our country, was introduced, which today has born immense “fruit” of evil, with all its consequences for mankind. These four elements focused on the Church, the school, the home, and the government. Around the turn of the last century liberal Theology began to permeate all major Denominations, causing splits, and today most major Denominations have succumbed to non- Biblical teaching. The second attack began with our major land grant universities teaching humanism, evolution, and socialism to fertile, young , impressionable college students , and eventually to many private colleges and universities. The third attack came on the home, for after World War II, many homes had two parents working, TV became the means of entertainment, and families faced divorce, etc. All these elements among many worked to fracture the family and upbringing of children. The last attack came in the political aspect of society, with unprincipled politicians, more interested in their own agenda, rather than the good of the country as a whole, and their selfish desire to get re-elected. All four of these evil elements, which are contrary to biblical teachings, have conspired together to bring ruin to our country. Given these facts of public life, what is a Christian in today’s world able to do. Fortunately, God’s Word has the answer. Psalms 119:109 tells us that as a child of God, we still are in control of our will, and we can willfully do good or bad, but when we follow the precepts and principles of the bible, we are able to enjoy the fullness of life. Along with that God has provided us a “Roadmap” of life for we, who are His children: 1) In Job 12:9-25 , and Psalms 49, we note God’s evaluation of mankind, and his ultimate judgment, 2) Psalms 103, explains God’s way with His children, and 3) 2 Timothy 3 and 2 Peter 3, provide us with His admonition to Christians, as to how to live, until He comes to judge the world. Read all these passages together, to see God’s complete picture for us, as well as for the future of the world. One final delightful promise and admonition is found in the beautiful hymn, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face; and the things of this earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.” As we come to the end of another year, and look forward to the coming year, wondering what will follow, it is comforting to know, that in spite of a dark outlook on the world, that Jesus Christ came into our world, to reconcile believers unto Himself, and that we are able to enjoy the blessings of the Christmas season, as well as trust Him for the year ahead. May each of you rest in God’s goodness and His love, grace and PEACE.
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. |