GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Cards That Hallmark Won’t Be Using”

Posted on June 10, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Cards That Hallmark Won’t Be Using

FRONT: As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am
INSIDE: That you’re not here to ruin it for me.

FRONT: Congratulations on your promotion.
INSIDE: Before you go though, would you like to take this knife out of my
back? You’ll probably need it again.

FRONT: I’ve always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love.
INSIDE: After having met you, I’ve changed my mind.

FRONT: I must admit, you brought Religion in my life.
INSIDE: I never believed in Hell ’till I met you.

FRONT: When we were together, you always said you’d die for me.
INSIDE: Now that we’ve broken up, I think it’s time you kept your promise.

FRONT: We have been friends for a very long time,
INSIDE: let’s say we call it quits.

FRONT: I’m so miserable without you,
INSIDE: it’s almost like you’re here.

FRONT: If you ever need a friend…
INSIDE: buy a dog.

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“Should a Christian go to a chiropractor / seek chiropractic treatment?”

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 There is no biblical reason why Christians should not seek any kind of legal medical treatment available to them, including chiropractic treatment. The Bible exhorts us to take care of our bodies and to do what we can to stay healthy. If chiropractic treatment can aid in this, there is no reason why we shouldn’t see a chiropractor.

The Bible presents good health as a positive thing and something to be sought and appreciated. Common greetings in both the Old and New Testaments included wishes for good health and long life (1 Samuel 25:5-6; 3 John 1-2). Husbands are to love and care for their wives as they nurture and care for their own bodies (Ephesians 5:28). Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit and, as such, are to be cared for and kept in good health (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

Many people see chiropractic treatment as preferable to taking drugs—which can have negative side effects—and invasive procedures such as surgery. Others see chiropractic treatment as having dubious value and have concerns regarding the connections between chiropractors and practitioners of other “alternative” medical options. However, the goal of chiropractic care, namely, to keep the vertebrae loose and non-compacted, is almost universally accepted as having some medical value. Some have found relief/healing from chiropractors when all other medical options have failed.

As in all things, Christians should seek God’s wisdom and guidance regarding the type of medical treatment they choose for themselves and their families. God has promised to grant wisdom generously to His children (James 1:5).

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: “Everyone’s Against Me”

Posted on June 9, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

Everyone’s Against Me

A speeding motorist was caught by radar from a police
helicopter in the sky.

An officer pulled him over and began to issue a traffic ticket.

“How did you know I was speeding?” the frustrated driver
asked.

The police officer pointed somberly toward the sky.

“You mean,” asked the motorist, “that even He’s against me?”

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“How do you balance leave and cleave with honoring your parents?”

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 Both Christian parents and their married children can have difficulty with the balance between the concept of “leave and cleave” and honoring parents. Some pertinent Bible passages:

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined (cleave) to his wife, and they shall become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1).

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).

There are three aspects to the statement of Genesis 2:24: 1. Leave – This indicates that in a family there are two types of relationships. The parent-child relationship is the temporary one and there will be a “leaving.” The husband-wife relationship is the permanent one—“what God has joined together, let man not separate” (Matthew 19:6). Problems occur in family life when these two roles are reversed and the parent-child relationship is treated as the primary relationship. When an adult child has married and this parent-child relationship remains primary, the newly formed union is threatened.

2. Cleave – the Hebrew word translated “cleave” refers to (1) the pursuing hard after someone else and (2) being glued or stuck to something/someone. So a man is to pursue hard after his wife after the marriage has occurred (the courtship should not end with the wedding vows) and is to be “stuck to her like glue.” This cleaving indicates such closeness that there should be no closer relationship than that between the two spouses, not with any former friend or with any parent.

3. And they shall become one flesh – Marriage takes two individuals and creates a new single entity. There is to be such sharing and oneness in every aspect (physical, emotional, intellectual, financial, social) that the resulting unity can be best described as “one flesh.” Again, when there is greater sharing and emotional support gained from a continuing parent-child relationship than from the husband-wife relationship, the oneness within the marriage is being threatened, resulting in an unbiblical imbalance.

With these three aspects of Genesis 2:24 in mind, there are also the scriptural admonitions to honor one’s parents. This includes treating them with a respectful attitude (Proverbs 30:11, 17), obeying them when their commands are in keeping with God’s laws (“in the Lord” Ephesians 6:1), and taking care of them as they get older (Mark 7:10-12; 1 Timothy 5:4-8).

The line between these two commands is drawn where one is being asked to comply with one principle in such a way that it will violate the other principle or command. When the meddling of a parent violates the “leaving” because it is treating the parent-child relationship as primary (demanding obedience, dependence, or emotional oneness over the desires of, dependence upon, or oneness with the spouse), it should be respectfully rejected and the spouse’s desires honored. However, when there are genuine needs of an aging parent (either physical or emotional, assuming the emotional “need” does not supersede the “leaving” principle), that need is to be met, even if one’s spouse does not “like” the parent-in-law. Biblical love toward the aging parent is given based on choosing to do the loving thing, even when one does not feel like doing it.

The balance between these scriptural mandates is similar to the command to obey those in authority (Romans 13) and the example of the apostles violating that principle when the authority figures ask them to act contrary to God’s mandates. In Acts 4:5-20, the apostles rejected the Jewish authorities’ demand to stop preaching the gospel because their command violated God’s, but the apostles did so in a respectful manner. Similarly, Jesus says we are to honor our parents but that the parent-child relationship is secondary to our relationship with Christ (Luke 14:26). In like manner, when parents violate Genesis 2:24 principles, the parents should be respectfully disobeyed. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, a spouse’s desires should be overlooked if he/she is unwilling to expend the time, energy, and finances required to meet the needs of an aging parent; keeping in mind that one must distinguish true physical and emotional needs from the “felt needs” of an overbearing, demanding parent.

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Armed Services”

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

The Armed Services

One reason the Armed Services have trouble operating jointly is that
they don’t speak the same language.

For example, if you told Navy personnel to “secure a building,” they
would turn off the lights and lock the doors.

Army personnel would occupy the building so no one could enter.

Marines would assault the building, capture it, and defend it with
suppressive fire and close combat.

The Air Force, on the other hand, would take out a three-year lease
with an option to buy.

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“What does the Bible say about child abuse?”

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 The Bible does not specifically use the term “child abuse.” There is no record of a single instance in the Bible where a child is being abused. What the Bible does tell us is this: children have a special place in God’s heart and anyone who harms a child is inviting God’s wrath upon Him. When Jesus’ disciples tried to keep children from coming to Him, He rebuked them and welcomed little children to His side, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Mark 10:14). Then He took the children in His arms and blessed them (v. 16).

Children are abused and mistreated in several different ways, all of which are abhorrent to God. Too many children are the victims of angry beatings and other physical abuse as their parents take out their own anger and frustration on their children. Anger is almost always sinful, and anyone who abuses a child in anger commits multiplied sins. “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins” (Proverbs 29:22). There is no place for unrighteous anger in the life of a Christian, as Paul reminds the Ephesians: “In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold” (Ephesians 4:26-27). Anger should be confessed to God long before it comes to the point of physical abuse against a child or anyone else.

Psychological and emotional abuse is also forbidden in Scripture. Ephesians 6:4 warns fathers not to “exasperate” or provoke their children, but to bring them up in the “training and instruction of the Lord.” Harsh, unloving discipline alienates children’s minds from their parents and renders their instructions and corrections useless. In addition, it often leads to sin against God, as it is difficult in the best of children to be angry and yet not sin. Parents can provoke and exasperate their children by placing unreasonable requirements on them, belittling them, or constantly finding fault, thereby producing wounds that are far worse than any physical beating can inflict. Colossians 3:21 tells us not to “embitter” our children so they will not become discouraged. Ephesians 4:15-19 says we are to speak the truth in love and use our words to build others up, not allow rotten or destructive words to pour from our lips, especially toward the tender hearts and minds of children.

So, even though the Bible does not specifically mention child abuse, it is abundantly clear how God feels about the issue. Anyone who suspects a child is being abused has the obligation to report it to appropriate authorities.

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Cowboy Without a Horse”

Posted on June 7, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

The Cowboy Without a Horse

A cowboy rode into town and stopped at a saloon for a drink.
Unfortunately, the locals always had a habit of picking on
strangers, which he was. When he finished his drink, he found
his horse had been stolen.

He goes back into the bar, handily flips his gun into the air,
catches it above his head without even looking and fires a shot
into the ceiling.

“WHICH ONE OF YOU SIDEWINDERS STOLE MY HOSS?” he yelled with
surprising forcefulness.

No one answered.

“ALRIGHT, I’M GONNA HAVE ANOTHA BEER, AND IF MY HOSS AIN’T BACK
OUTSIDE BY THE TIME I FINISH, I’M GONNA DO WHAT I DUN IN TEXAS!
AND I DON’T LIKE TO HAVE TO DO WHAT I DUN IN TEXAS!”

Some of the locals shifted restlessly. He had another beer,
walked outside, and his horse is back!

He saddles up and starts to ride out of town.

The bartender wanders out of the bar and asks, “Say partner,
before you go…what happened in Texas?”

The cowboy turned back and said, “I had to walk home.”

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“THE TRINITY: How can 1+1+1=1?”

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

THE TRINITY: How can 1+1+1=1?

The word “Trinity” is not mentioned in the Bible.  It is also true that the word “Bible” is not mentioned in the Bible.  The word “Rapture” is not mentioned in the Bible.  “Trinity” simply means “triunity.”  God is not a simply unity; there is plurality in his unity.

The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Christian Faith.  The Trinity goes beyond reason but not against reason.

Before the creation of man, God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness..” (Genesis 1:26)  The plural pronouns “us” and “our” must refer to the two other members of the Trinity (God the Son and God the Holy Spirit).

The Father Is God.  Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father which art in heaven.”  (Matt. 6:9)

The Son Is God. Jesus prayed, “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.”  (John 17:5)

The Holy Spirit Is God.  “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”  (Matt. 28:18-19)

The record of the baptism of Jesus gives a picture of the Trinity.  “And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”  (Matt. 3:16-17)

The concept of the Trinity is illustrated and accepted in different ways:
A Geometric Illustration:  A triangle has three corners, which are inseparable from, and simultaneous to, one another.

A Mathematical Illustration: Critics make a point of saying 1+1+1=3.  This is true when you add three components together.  The Trinity (Godhead) is eternal.  One did not add another.  They compliment or magnify each other.  It is true that 1x1x1=1.

A Moral Illustration:  The Bible informs us that “God is love.”  (I John 4:16)  Love involves a lover, a beloved, and a spirit of love between lover and loved.  Love can not exist unless these three are united as one.

A Time Illustration:  In time you have past, present and future.  All are different, but all are part of time.

A Space Illustration:  In space there is depth, height and width.  All are different, but all are part of space.

The Mind Illustration:  The human mind has ideas and words to express these ideas.  There is a unity among all three of these without there being an identity.

A Biological Illustration:  A chicken egg has a shell, yoke and white.  These three components are different but they united make up the egg.

Let’s praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

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GRIN AND SHARE IT: “The Birthday Wish”

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

The Birthday Wish

A man asked his wife, “What would you most like for
your birthday?”

She said, “I’d love to be ten again.”

On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright
and early and off they went to a theme park.

He put her on every ride in the park–the Death Slide,
The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Everything
there was, she had a go.

She staggered out of the theme park five hours later,
her head reeling and her stomach upside down.

Into McDonald’s they went, where she was given a
Double Big Mac with extra fries and a strawberry shake.

Then off to a theater to see Star Wars–more burgers,
popcorn, cola and sweets.

At last she staggered home with her husband and
collapsed into bed.

Her husband leaned over and asked, “Well, dear,
what was it like being ten again?”

One eye opened and she groaned, “Actually I meant
dress size.”

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“Is born again virginity possible?”

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Dr. Mike Harmon

 Born-again virginity is the claim that after having sex, a person can be restored to virginity by a spiritual renewal, vowing sexual purity until marriage and asking God for forgiveness. Some women have taken the idea of born-again virginity so far that they actually have had surgery to physically restore themselves to a “virgin” physical-sexual state.

The pressure upon some Christians to become “born-again virgins” is likely due in large part to the fear of condemnation from Christian brothers and sisters, or perhaps fear that God will not accept them unless they take steps to become “born-again virgins.” Neither of these reasons should be a concern because God offers forgiveness and grace to all who ask with a sincere heart (1 John 1:9). We need not try to restore for ourselves what God has already restored in us spiritually.

The Bible says that when we are born again, we are new creations, our old selves are dead and gone, and we have new life given to us by the Holy Spirit of God (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that God chooses to no longer remember our past transgressions (Jeremiah 31:34), including losing virginity before marriage. Our sins are as far away from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). There is absolutely no doubt that God will forgive sex before marriage. God’s love for a person is not diminished because of the mistakes that person has made.

However, though our sins are no longer counted against us, they are still very real and still carry with them earthly consequences. Once an act is done, it’s done. It is, therefore, not possible to claim physical born-again virginity, just as it is not possible to reverse the consequences of any other sins we commit. What we can be done with, though, are the guilt feelings associated with having had premarital sex. This kind of guilt can cause us to doubt the power of God’s forgiveness because we can’t forgive ourselves. We can be tyrannized by our emotions and feel we are too bad to be forgiven. There are several reasons for this. First, the conscience speaks against forgiveness. The only thing our conscience knows about is guilt and conviction. It knows nothing of grace and mercy. Second, Satan is the “accuser of the brethren” (Revelation 12:10), and he will do all he can to obscure the love and graciousness of God. But Satan is a liar and the father of lies (John 8:44). Once we recognize that it’s to his advantage to keep us incapacitated and immobilized by our guilt feelings, we can reject his lies, cling to the promises of Scripture, truly believe that we have died to sin, and begin to live for God in Christ (Romans 6:11).

Consider the apostle Paul—consumed with rage against Christ and “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1), full of blasphemy and ungodliness, yet God forgave him and made Paul His chosen vessel to preach the Gospel to the whole world. Notice that God never required Paul to become a born-again anything other than a born-again believer in Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to tell us that although some of us were sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexual offenders, thieves, greedy, drunkards, slanderers, and swindlers (1 Corinthians 6:9-12), yet through the infinite goodness and free grace of God, we are washed from the filth and guilt of our sins, justified by the righteousness of Christ, sanctified by the Spirit of Christ, and decked and adorned with the precious grace of Christ, holy and perfect in the sight of God. Knowing this, how can we possibly hold onto our guilty feelings?

Rather than seeking born-again virginity, a Christian who has made the mistake of sex before marriage should commit himself/herself to God and to abstaining from sexual intercourse until marriage. Claiming born-again virginity is not biblical. Believing wholeheartedly in God’s total forgiveness and making the choice to live righteously and in ways that are pleasing to Him—that is biblical.

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