Are You Guilty of Anthropomorphism?

If you regard animals as “thinking or feeling” similarly to the way a person does, then you are guilty of anthropomorphism. Although animals may show fear, anger, and pleasure, it is difficult for humans to tell how much of their behavior is actually from instinct and how much is reflex. Animals do not feel emotions in the same way that man does, but because our world is seen from a human perspective, it may be hard to resist being anthropomorphistic. Saying that a bird “sings” to keep intruders from its territory, and saying that some animals hide under bushes when they are “afraid” of a predator such as a hawk, are examples of anthropomorphism.

Many animals are quite intelligent. Many invertebrate animals behave mostly by reflexes and instincts, and some vertebrate animals have more complex brains and are capable of learning. However, a vast gap still exists between human behavior and the most intelligent animals.

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Some significant differences between human and animal behavior are as follows:

Humans are capable of appreciating beauty such as music and art, but animals show no evidence of having this aesthetic sense.
Humans have a complex language that expresses many ideas. Animal language consists of mating calls, warning notes, etc., but they do not use their “words” as symbols of ideas.
Humans must learn skills; animals behave by instinct. For example, a person must learn some carpentry in order to build a house, whereas birds and wasps build their homes by instinct.
Humans have a reasoning ability that is unmatched by any animal.
Humans accumulate knowledge with each generation, building on the accumulated knowledge of previous generations; but animals just continue to behave as their ancestors did. For example, a mother dog can learn many tricks, but she does not pass any of her knowledge on to her puppies.
Humans have the ability to love (or hate) other people in manners unmatched by animals. Human mothers generally love their children throughout their lives; but mother animals protect their young until they are able to care for themselves. After that, she gives them no further attention.
Most importantly, humankind has a moral sense of right and wrong. Animals are considered amoral, neither moral nor immoral. So, where does this sense of morality come from? We must look into the Word of God to answer this question.

man wearing black crew neck shirt reading book

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Genesis, the first book of the Bible, gives us the account of creation. We read that God created the world and all that is in it in six days, and then rested on the seventh day. Genesis 1:26-31 gives the account of the creation of man. We see that man was created separately from the animals on the sixth day of creation, and was the “grand climax” of all that God has accomplished during His creation week of miracles. Genesis 2:9 says that God formed man’s body from the dust of the ground, and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and “man became a living soul.”

Although Genesis 3:1-24 gives the account of the “fall of man” and the “curse”, humans still retain the image of God that was bestowed upon them at the time of creation. James 3:9 reminds us that we are “made after the similitude (likeness) of God.” We recognize that only humankind has the capacity to choose the free gift of eternal life that God offers. Moral discernment, self-consciousness, fellowship with God and man, and the practice of worship are all possible because we are made in the image of God.

Humans are the only creature that was made in the image of God, so we can rejoice with the writer of Psalm 139:14-17 when he says, “I will praise you; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well. My substance was not hid from you when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes did see my substance, yet being unformed; and in your book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious are your thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them!” (These verses make it very clear that we are not just fetal tissue when in our mother’s womb).

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I’d like to use a short passage from “The Mystery of Memory” by Alfred M. Rebwinkel as a summary. “Man was created a rational being, endowed with intelligence. This means that man was endowed with the faculty of reason and the ability to learn. Man is not like the animal, limited by instinct to a fixed pattern of life; he can benefit by past experience and direct his course of action accordingly. He is free to select a course of action, weigh the consequences of his choice, and act accordingly….” I pray that each of you who read this blog post would use your free will, and choose to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, and then walk in this “newness of life” (see Romans 6).

As in the Days of Noah

The condition of the world at the time of the Lord’s return is compared to the days of Noah and the Flood. The condition of humanity at the time of Christ’s return will be pleasure-oriented and motivated by self-interest. Unconcerned about God’s purposes, they will instead mock God’s Word. The eating and drinking, and marrying and giving in marriage probably refers to being busily caught up in the normal course of life without heeding the warnings of the coming judgment. Just like the people of Noah’s day didn’t know the severity and suddenness of the coming destruction, so this present generation seems totally unprepared for Christ’s return.

Although Matthew 24:36 says that we won’t know the exact day or hour of His return, verses 1-6 in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 tells us that as followers of Christ, we will not be totally surprised. Just as a pregnant woman knows the approximate time that she will have her baby, believers know from prophecy and what Jesus told His disciples in Scripture the “approximate season” of His return. However, for those who are in darkness, His coming is compared to a thief coming in the night. Verses 4 and 5 tell us that believers shouldn’t be surprised, because it says that we are children of light and not in darkness concerning His return. Therefore, we are to be alert!

1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman; and they shall not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief. You are all children of light and children of the day: we are not of the night nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as others do, but let us watch and be sober.”

Ever since Adam and Eve sinned in the garden of Eden, there has never been a time in life where sin hasn’t existed. However, due to the extreme wickedness that will exist in the end times, there’s a verse in the Bible that asks if there will be any faith on earth at the time of Christ’s return; Also, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 gives a description of that wickedness that will be prevalent in the last days: “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

Just as in Noah’s day, there was widespread corruption and violence, rebellion against God, immorality, etc., so these things are all characteristic of the days in which we are living. And yet, even with so much apathy in our nation and our world, as Christians, we must not allow apathy to dull our senses. We must not allow our love for God and others to grow cold, nor forget that there is a coming judgment.

Much of the world is indifferent to the hope of Jesus Christ, and many are working to bring in a new world order based on evolutionary humanism. Some deny the existence of God, and others do not believe in a personal Creator God–a God who out of love for humanity, sent His Son to take all the sin of the world upon Him; He died this horrible death on a cross to reconcile mankind to a holy God.

I want to encourage everyone who reads this blog to take these warnings seriously. I would also like to encourage you to visit the Answers in Genesis replica of Noah’s Ark (Ark Encounter). If you are already a follower of Jesus, you will find this museum a real faith-builder, and if you are not a believer, you will find answers to many of the questions that have made you doubt the historicity of the universal flood and the record of Noah and the ark.

I have also included 3 of the main passages of Scripture I used to write this blog:

Matthew 24:37-44 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then two shall be in the field; one shall be taken, and the other left. Two will be grinding at the mill; one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for you know not what hour your Lord comes. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. Therefore be also ready: for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man will come.
2 Peter 2:4,5 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment: and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly.
2 Peter 3:3-10 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days mockers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? for since the fathers died, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation. For this they are willingly ignorant, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water: but the heavens and the earth which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

Check out this post from a fellow blogger: http://roadlesstraveledtours.com/our-help-in-time-of-trouble/

As a Peculiar People, Shine as Lights in a Dark World

The following verses in the Bible use the term “peculiar” to describe a people set apart for God:

Psalm 135:4 and Exodus 19:5 call them “a peculiar treasure” or His special personal property.
Titus 2:13 and 14 says, “….to purify for Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “thou art a holy people unto the Lord thy God…, a peculiar people”.
1 Peter 2:9 says…, “a peculiar people, that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

What is meant by a “peculiar people”? Some of the Webster’s dictionary definitions for “peculiar” are listed as “out of the ordinary, different, special, distinctive, exclusive, and unique; and the definition for “light” is brightness or illumination.

In 1 John 1:5 and 6 we read, “God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all”, so in order to have fellowship with Him, we must walk in His light. The light of the world describes the mission of Christians in this dark world. Our light is to shine forth into the darkness of all human depravity. Even the small light of a candle can dispel great darkness, but darkness can never dispel light.

Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world” (and says that even a candlestick gives light to everyone in a house), and Matthew 5:16 says to “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Two other imperative verses in the Bible concerning our call to be light in the world are John 12:36 which says, “….be the children of light”, and Ephesians 5:8 says that since we are no longer in darkness, we are to “walk as children of light.”

So what does it mean in practical terms to be a peculiar people and to walk in light? 1 Peter 2:12 helps us to understand. First, we are to have an honest or honorable lifestyle, so that others “may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God…”
Philippians 2:15 says”that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation….”

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Matthew 5 is too long to write it out, but if you take the time to read it, you will see many examples of how to be a holy and unique individual “fit for the Master’s use” (2 Timothy 3:21). As you read it, pay particular attention to verses 3-12 and verses 38-48. When we become followers of Christ, our lives are changed. The command of Christ to love our enemies (verse 44) is based on the love that comes only from God, since it is not possible to love them on the basis of mere human affection. Love is the ultimate reflection of what it means to be a holy, peculiar people. Choosing to love our enemies is not an option. The Holy Spirit will work in us, ever conforming us to the image of Christ. The natural man often lets his anger control him; he wants to get even and strike back at others; and he has a hard time forgiving anyone who has hurt him or done him wrong. However, as Christ’s disciples, since we no longer walk in the flesh, we receive the supernatural power of God to walk in the Spirit. Now we are able to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21), and as peacemakers, we are able to be ambassadors of the gospel to our troubled world.

As I was preparing this blog post, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my negligence in this area of spiritual maturity. He showed me that even if we haven’t been living as light in this dark world, it isn’t too late to become a peculiar people. During this time of division, unrest, and turmoil, the world desperately needs our light.

Is Not This the Carpenter’s Son?

When a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, there will be some major changes that take place in his life. The ungodly desires and habits of his old life will pass away (some immediately and some over time), and his friends and family will be surprised by his new conversation and behavior. A few may actually envy his “new life in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17), and wish that they could change their ugly behavior for the love (1 John 4:7,8), joy (John 15:11), and peace (Philippians 4:7, John 16:33) that they now see in him; others may be hateful and jealous, like Cain, who killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8) and may want to hurt or even kill the new believer (this is common in some Muslim countries). Other people that know him may say things like, “He’s just going through a stage”; “This will pass”; “I’ve known him since he was a kid, and he’s always been different and up to something”; or “Since when did he become so ‘holier than thou’ that he can’t go partying with us?”, etc. In Scripture, we see a similar example of this reaction toward Jesus Himself.

Matthew 13:54-58, Mark 6:1-6, and Luke 4:16-24 all record the unbelief, doubt, and rejection that He got in His hometown of Nazareth. The following passage comes from Matthew 13, and says, “And when He was come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence has this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not His mother called Mary? and His brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? And His sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then has this man all these things? And they were offended in Him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honor, save in His own country, and in his own house.” Since even Jesus was rejected and experienced such unbelief, we should not be too surprised or disappointed if we receive the same reactions. [Sadly, Christ performed His first miracle in the area of His home town (John 2:1), but He didn’t do many other works there, because of their unbelief.]

Here is a word of caution for some new Christians. You may want your friends and family to experience what you now have, so you may be tempted to either try too hard to persuade them with your words, or you may find yourself hanging out with old companions with the purpose of trying to persuade them to become Christians. However, we must be careful that we don’t fall back into ungodly habits by going places or doing things that would not be pleasing and glorifying to God. 2 Corinthians 6:14 tells us that we are not to be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?” And other Scripture tells us not to argue or strive with others. It is best to share the gospel with them, and tell them what God is doing in your life, but then, just put them in God’s hands by praying diligently for them.

Also, as I mentioned above, when you have this new relationship with Jesus, you will experience some immediate changes (for some, they no longer have some of the desires that they had before coming to Christ), but some of the other changes will take place as you grow in the Lord, and often the they will be the consequences of the choices you make as you learn to obey the teachings of Christ. In Romans 12:2 we read, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” So then, more transformation comes as we grow in the faith. Romans 10:17 says that faith comes through the hearing of the Word of God. Reading and studying God’s Word on a daily basis, and talking to God frequently will keep that relationship alive and flourishing.

Happy Mother’s Day!

May 10th is Mother’s Day here in the USA. This is a special day to honor the woman who carried you in her womb for 9 months, brought you into this world, and most assuredly, gave of herself sacrificially for you for at least some of your life, even if your family situation was far from ideal.

First, I want to mention two very special mothers in the Bible, who gave sacrificially to their children, and how they dedicated them to the Lord. In Exodus, chapters 1 and 2, we read how the family of baby Moses risked their lives to save him, even after the Pharaoh of Egypt commanded that every baby boy was to be killed during birth, or to be cast into the river after he was born. Moses ended up being the leader that brought the Israelites out of Egypt, through the wilderness, and to the Promised Land.

Then, in 1 Samuel 1 and 2, we read about Hannah, who had been barren (and provoked by another woman, because she was unable to have a child). Here are some facts about Hannah that ended up making her an ideal mother when she finally did have a son. She realized that being a mother was a beautiful, lofty calling, so she prayed fervently and persistently that God would bless her with a child. She promised God that she would dedicate and give this child to the Lord; She gave her son, Samuel, lots of time, training him in the ways of the Lord; Then, she kept her promise to God, and I’m sure her prayers followed him throughout his life. At a time in Israel when no one was hearing from God because of rampant sin, God used Samuel as a prophet to bring His message to the people.

Well, the circumstances in my life weren’t as ideal as the above ones, and my siblings and I didn’t often get the time and attention that we needed; but in spite of the many hardships my mother faced in life, she truly was an exceptional mother in many ways, and deserves admiration and respect. I didn’t understand and appreciate how remarkable she was until I got to know her better shortly before she passed away by caring for her and reading her poetry that she had written through her difficult years, but by then it was almost too late. So, I really do love her dearly and wish I could give her a hug, and tell her that, as I wish her a “Happy Mother’s Day!”

Fear Not! Death is Not The End! Happy Easter!

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people find themselves experiencing some anxiety due to their fear of death, or the fear that they may lose one of their loved ones to this virus. People are certainly hoping and praying that the spread of Covid-19 would end soon, but as they think about the possibility of death, I hope they take some time to consider what comes after death. Even if you live a full life to the age of 75, 80, or perhaps 90, this is still so brief in comparison to eternity, and a person should actually be more concerned about eternity than about death. We know that nothing in this life is really certain, except death. That fact reminds me of a message I once saw printed on a t-shirt that said, “Statistics prove that 10 out of 10 people die”, so unless we are fearing the suffering that may be involved in death, most of us realize that death is in store for each one of us.

Okay, then what comes after death? Science cannot tell us what happens after death; there is no proof for reincarnation or annihilation either. Most religions and philosophies don’t have very satisfying answers to this or to other questions. However, after searching for answers, I found that The Bible, God’s Word, actually addresses and gives the most reasonable answers to all of life’s tough questions. In fact, many questions are answered just by reading the first eleven verses of Genesis; but don’t stop there– you will find many more answers throughout the Bible.

First, you must believe that there is a God who created all things. That really isn’t so hard to do if you look honestly at the incredible design in everything; and if there is design, then there must be a Master Designer/ Artist. Evolution and random chance doesn’t, and never will, give beauty, intelligence, and order to anything. (Woops! This is actually my topic for another blog)

Now, I want to whet your appetite for the Bible by looking at some verses to see what Scripture says about life, death, God’s judgment, and eternity:

“In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1)
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let him have dominion… over all the earth, and over every creeping thing upon the earth” (Genesis 1:26)
“As by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” (Romans 5:12)
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,2a)
“For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“But commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, He has made us alive together in Christ.” (Ephesians 2:4,5)
“To live is Christ, to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21)
“For we know that if our earthly house [physical body]…were destroyed, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1)
“You know not what shall be tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.” (James 4:14)
“All flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls away: But the Word of the Lord endures forever.” (1 Peter 1:24,25)
“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:26)
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:54,55)
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
“Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)
“Death and hell were cast into the lake of fire…And whosoever was not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:14,15)
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46)
“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth…Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

Therefore, if you belong to Christ, you don’t have to fear death. Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; yea, I will help you; yea, I will hold you with the right hand of my righteousness”, and 1 John 4:18 says, “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear” (and there are many, great verses that give us good reasons not to fear.) So, conquer your fears with the Word of God. I can assure you that death will not have the last word! Jesus conquered the grave when He rose from the dead, and we too, will rise again!

That is the real reason that we celebrate Easter. Praise God! We serve a risen Savior! This weekend, I hope that you focus on His resurrection, and rejoice that soon He will be coming back for those who are His. (Also, instead of weakening your immune system by eating too much candy on Easter, why not spend some extra time praying to the God who created you and who loves you dearly, and reading His Words of Truth in the Bible? You won’t regret it!)

A story He is writing…

“The shape of true love isn’t a diamond. It’s a cross.” Alicia Bruxvoort

Something that I wish I had learned when I was young, is that life really is “His Story”. Right from the beginning of Genesis (1:1, and 2:1), in the first chapter of the book of John (1:1-3), in Psalm 90:2 (“from everlasting to everlasting, you are God”), and in 1 John 1:1, we can see that God was here “in the beginning”, and each person’s own story is really just a part of His story. Now it is difficult for our finite minds to comprehend an infinite mind. Children seem to accept this fact more easily than adults. Perhaps that is why Ecclesiastes 12:1 tells us to “remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.”

The most awesome part of this story is told in Romans 5:8 (“God demonstrated His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”) Knowing that mankind has sinned in every conceivable way, why would Christ then choose to die for us? It is because of His agape (unconditional, Godly) love for us. Again, the answer is simple, but difficult for some us to understand, especially, if we have not had loving, nurturing, sacrificial relationships with a father and mother.

However, we cannot truly understand this story He is writing until we actually become one of His children. We do this by acknowledging our sinful condition before God, and turning away from it (repenting), while believing the Gospel (Mark 1:15). The gospel in a nutshell is that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried, and He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures”. So then, we are putting our trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.

As His child, you will begin to understand the wonderful love relationship that He has for each one of His children. His story is everything that is written in the Word of God, and it also includes everything that is past, present, and future. That means it includes everything about every person who has ever lived, and is especially personal for those who are His children. He has a wonderful plan for each of us, and as we grow in the Lord, we will want to make choices that are pleasing to Him. However, we must get to know His Word in order to obey it. There will be certain “disciplines” involved in our walk with Him (reading and studying the Bible, praying, sometimes fasting, meditating on His Word, worshiping with our praises and thanksgiving, etc.), but be careful not to fall into the trap of legalism. “Legalism says God will love us if we change. The gospel says that God will change us, because He loves us” (Tullian Tchividjian). Someone once said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” Get a sweet taste of His unfathomable love, and experience the abundant life, which will include mountaintop experiences and valleys; but know that “He is for us and not against us” (Romans 8:31) in this story He is still writing.