Merlin's Mustache

“You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.” II Timothy 4:3-4 (MSG)

I understand all of us have theology. The question is is whether it’s true or false.

Some pastors, television preachers, & even pod casters play fast and loose with the truth. Much teaching today is popularity-driven, not truth driven. But Charles Spurgeon said, “Christ’s people must have bold, unflinching lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His Truth next, and Christ and His Truth beyond all else in the world.”

We too easily confuse what we want to be true with actual truth. C.S. Lewis said he wrote to expound “mere” Christianity, “which is what it is and was long before I was born and whether I like it or not.”

“Theology is simply that part of religion that requires brains.” G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 64 Harvest House.

merlin’s two cents: Perhaps GK provoked you a trifle, as he did me with his quote above. He had a knack for doing that regardless of the audience as his first writings early on were social criticism (The Defendant 1901); second was literary criticism (Robert Browning-1903, & Charles Dickens-1911 & Robert Louis Stevenson -1927) possessing a spontaneity that places them above the works of most; and third, was theology and religious argument, having written “Orthodoxy” in 1909, but after his conversion from Anglicanism to Roman Catholicism in ’22, “The Catholic Church and Conversion in 1926,” certainly added an abrasive edge to his controversial writings. But the most successful of all his fiction were his five series on the priest-sleuth “Father Brown” during 1911 through 1935, which even I am familiar, thanks to PBS.

I’m sure GK never imagined prior to his death he’d be better remembered in the mainstream western churches in 2025 for his hobby fictional writings rather than those he agonizingly labored over during his younger years. Perhaps the situation is not so different today though, for we being the earlier driven workaholic fathers more consumed by “providing goods & services” rather than “enhancing spiritual sincerity & integrity” who may now be lamenting how our children lack meaningful vibrant faith walks because they only recall those hobby fictional events procuring those shiny object “goods & services.” Just saying, but absolutely, do not despair. Your later in life spiritual authenticity while Spirit driven and prayerfully directed opens doors previously unimaginable to you, because you feeling sorry for your past failures fell far short of God’s requiring that you repent, accept His forgiveness, ask your wife and family for their forgiveness and then, follow His script, today!

The above paragraph about GK are supposedly facts. Right now in our world’s time frame, not to mention each of ours personally, I am much more interested in our journey towards growing in our faith TODAY, than I am ever in understanding why G.K. says theology requires brains. Folks, I must admit, that these verses, and you know them well, from Matthew 18:2-4 and Mark 10:14-15, provide me the faith and grit I need to have bold unflinching lion-like hearts, loving Christ first, and His truth next, and both Christ and His Truth beyond everything else in the entire world,” as Spurgeon was quoted above.

First, consider Matthew 18: 3 “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:15 states ” I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” So very simple, but yet, so very profound.

Perhaps you’ve either given, or received, love of the following magnitude. If you haven’t, ask God to help you imagine this scenario right now. Imagine you’re witnessing a loving emotionally soothing parent caressing, cradling, and consoling a frightened child during or after a devastating storm or family tragedy that literally has taken the child’s breath away. In time, consider the child softly snuggling into their parent’s embrace, and saying, “I love you” as the eyes and the emotions of the child comfortably enjoying and fixated with all their senses on their parent, at peace, without a worry in the world, BECAUSE THEIR childlike FAITH TOTALLY TRUSTS their parent to provide for & protect them, and within seconds, may well be fast asleep.

Consequently, and perhaps the above verses with children is not all that much different from what God had in mind to enhance the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere in our homes surrounding we adults in our marriages and families, whether we be a recently married younger couple, or even well towards three score and ten, with bursting quivers, for after an exhausting day of work and providing, we have the opportunity (hopefully at least once in a while) to physically, emotionally, pleasurably, and intimately bask and relax in the all-encompassing satisfying expression of our triangular relationship as husband and wife with our Triune God. It was God who had so purposed and designed us to enjoy our married lives intimacies in the sanctuaries of our homes, where we as adults, similarly trust our mates, and the Almighty Triune God, just as the child above experienced peace, so will we have the indwelling of His peace, for whatever the situation at that moment, as Paul writes in Ephesians 4:7 that “the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” while we resound with our praise in worship.

Perhaps it is our Trinitarian theology that declared it is the Father who begets, the Son who is begotten, and the Holy Spirit who proceeds, proving that everything comes “from the Father,” “through the Son,” and “in the Holy Spirit.”

Regardless of our age or life experiences, I am reminded of John 10:10 when Jesus says that “the thief comes only to steal and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Folks, the thieving fox is in the hen house. Everything about us that we hold sacred today is under attack, especially our faith, our beliefs, our way of life, our marriages, our children, even our national and global communities. I will close where we began. “You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on junk food – catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages.” II Timothy 4:3-4 (MSG)

Indeed, we did turn our backs on truth and chased mirages. As did many in generations before mine, as I did, BUT thankfully, the jury is still out whether we, as the survivors to date, will come clean admitting our guilt and speak relevant and meaningful truth to those who follow us.

Or, will we merely yawn, switch channels, perhaps to PBS and Father Brown, while we go on pretending “we’re good,” checking the boxes, and in essence, turning the lights out on our children, thus sealing our eternal loneliness. An apt title for a novel, or an honest epitaph, “Almost Deceived By Culture.”

HIS SUGGESTED ANTIDOTE: I just happened to read Romans 5 because of a reference from dailylightdevotional.org this morning firing me up for Sunday worship since it so aptly revealed God’s big picture for us. And I challenge you to read it, perhaps in the paraphrased Message Version as well, in memory of my pastoral engineer friend Glenn, who recently transitioning home, but not before confirming in me an appreciation for using the Message Version, particularly amongst His unchurched huddled masses.

This simple song has a worthy message. Enjoy.

UP NEXT: Is Your Life’s Landscape Embarrassingly Cluttered?

“All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” II Timothy 3: 16-17

If I would listen to the voice of the Spirit, I should “put my ear” next to God-breathed Scripture. Where better today to go to read and hear my Shepherd’s voice than perhaps our digitally written or recorded tablets and phones?

However, for we old-school enthusiasts, a woman in our church self-consciously admitted that before going to sleep each night, she reads her Bible and then hugs it as she falls asleep. “Is that weird?” she asked.

It’s unusual but not weird. Any father would be moved to hear that his daughter falls asleep with his written words held close to her heart, or now, even digitally playing. Surely the Father God treasures such an act of childlike love.

“The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” George Muller

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 62 Harvest House.

NEXT UP: Whence Giveth Theology Flight?

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for.” Hebrews 11: 1-2.

In a world where seeing is believing has crept even into the Church, people believe much that isn’t true. And just as bad, they disbelieve much that is true. Satan is the Master Illusionist! We do not see his sleight of hand, so we fall for his lies – such that what we really want is … sin! Only later do we fully realize we once more took the bait and got “switched” in his shell games.

Rest assured, brothers and sisters, one day we will see sin as God does. It will be stripped of its illusions and will be utterly and eternally unappealing. May God grant us the grace, by the power of His Spirit and His Word, to help us not to wait until the next life to discover what we should have believed and disbelieved in this one.

“Most of us have become so familiar with sin that we no longer see it as a deadly monster.” Nancy Leigh DeMoss Wolgemuth.

NEXT UP: “It Might Not Start Here, But It Certainly Fuels The Process”

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 59 Harvest House.

WARNING: Watch Out For The Failure To Activate Your Heavenly Benefits Clause In A Timely Manner!

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

People sometimes say, “I’d rather have a good time in Hell than be bored in Heaven.”

But the truth is that Hell will be deadly boring – a place where everyone is lonely and miserable, where friendship and good times simply do not exit. Everything good, enjoyable, fascinating, and exciting comes from God. Without God there will never be anything interesting to do.

The New Heavens and New Earth will be expansive because God is infinitely large. The withered souls of Hell will be infinitely small with no room for pleasure to be found anywhere.

BOTTOM LINE:

“Earth knows ugliness and beauty; it’s halfway between heaven and hell. And And the inhabitants of earth must decide whether they are to seek the beauty of heaven, or the monstrous, unrelieved ugliness of hell.” A. W. Tozer

NEXT UP: NO IDEA, although I do find it interesting neither Alcorn or Tozier mention here hell fire or eternal damnation, though these few words from them may certainly not be representative of their perspective on hell. The above words without the usual & customary reference to hell’s excruciating painful physical conditions not mentioning mental remorse, is honestly unsettling to me, as I’m thinking the miniscule pain I’ve suffered from merely 50 broken bones in 76 years, certainly pales to burn victims, such that my inquiring mind loops to thinking whoever is experiencing hell, is really NOT going to care much about being bored, lonely, miserable…. Monday’s post may have a quote from Nancy Leigh DeMoss that explains that further.

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 59 Harvest House.

Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:3

We do live in the age of dialogue. But when it comes to truth, we need some monologue. Better to shut up for a while and listen to God. When we come to know and love His voice, we will “never follow a stranger” because we do not recognize a stranger’s voice” (John 10:5)

Years ago I stopped listening to talk radio because I didn’t like its effects on me. I listen to the Bible instead – and I like what it does to my mind and heart. Scripture and Bible-based audio wisdom books and teaching accompany me as I travel. I never regret investing my time this way. Why listen to mere human opinions when you can listen to the God of the Universe? Seriously now!

“The measure of the worth of our public activity for God is the private profound communion we have with Him. We have to pitch our tents where we shall always have quiet times with God, regardless however noisy our times with the world may be. Oswald Chambers

BOTTOM LINE:

The great cause of neglecting the Scriptures is not want of time, but want of heart, some idol taking the place of Christ.” Robert Chapman.

“Although not widely known today, Robert was one the most respected Christians of his generation. His caring and humble attitude had a marked impact on the lives of such men as George Muller, J Hudson Taylor, and Charles Spurgeon. These notable men agreed that Chapman was a giant among them. He is noted as saying, ” My business is to love, and not to seek that others shall love me.”

NEXT UP: Do You Realize Your Bottom Line On God’s Balance Sheet Is ENTIRELY Your Choice?

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 54 Harvest House.

“Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wave of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” Ephesians 4:14

Inquiring spiritual minds would tend to ask what specifically precedes the “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth…” The blueprint to avoid such disasters is clarified beginning in verse 11 “It was He who gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors & teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ…”

In a nutshell, what happens when we don’t listen to God’s truth? Don’t we tend to become gullible, believing fairy tales that we come from nothing and are going nowhere, that inanimate objects forever existed, or living things arose from nonliving? Given enough time, the impossible becomes the possible. Scripture warns, “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (II Timothy 4:4).

Theological illiteracy has dramatically increased among professing Christian communities. Churches desperately need a fresh infusion of true biblical doctrine. Without it, we have nothing to offer a truth-deprived world. There are no shortcuts to spiritual maturity. The above blueprint offers Identity Tracks for Service, Building the Body to a Mature Unity of Faith & Knowledge for our good & the fullness of His Glory.

BOTTOM LINE:

“Doctrine matters. What you believe about God, the gospel, the nature of man, and every major truth addressed in Scripture eventually filters down and bears revealing fruit in every area of your life.” John MacArthur

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 53 Harvest House.

NEXT UP: Silence At Times Can Be Golden, Whereas His Monologue, Is Divine!

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

God doesn’t merely say that someday we’ll get over or forget our light and momentary troubles. He says they’re purposeful, not random or useless, based on the truth of God’s eternal benefits for us.

If we had no eternal future as resurrected people living with King Jesus, then our present sufferings would be ultimately useless. With Christ’s promise, however, no present suffering – regardless of its scope – will prove worthless. Such sufferings are actually a means to an end: incalculable future goodness and everlasting gladness.

merlin now: Suffice it to say now as a matter of fact, even though America has Christian laurels far surpassing any other nation on earth, that we now as a paper tiger are being bombarded by swirling uncertainities, even atrocities, perhaps surpassing even those of the Third Reich, while we now ourselves pursue what is truth and reality, following our past century of global bullying and fostering lies and deception both within our nation and around the world, such that today I am reminded of our fragility on the world stage by the February 7 reading from “My Utmost For His Highest.” Appropriately named “Spiritual Dejection” based on Cleopas’s statements to their apparently “yet in the dark” unknown travel companion on their Sunday afternoon Emmaus stroll as recorded in Luke 24:21, the text states “We were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, today is the third day since these things happened.”

The Utmost reading continues “Every fact that the disciples stated was right, but the conclusions they drew from those facts were wrong. Anything that has even a hint of dejection spiritually is always wrong. If I am depressed or burdened, I am to blame, not God or anyone else.

Dejection stems from one of two sources – I have either satisfied a lust or I have not had it satisfied. In either case, dejection is the result. Lust means “I must have it at once.” Spiritual lust causes me to demand an answer from God, instead of seeking God himself who gives the answer.

What have I been hoping or trusting God would do? Is today “the third day” and He has still not done what I expected? Am I therefore justified in being dejected and in blaming God? Whenever we insist that God should give an answer to prayer we are off track. The purpose of prayer is that we get a hold of God, not of the answer!

It is impossible to be well physically and to be dejected, because dejection is a sign of sickness. This is also true spiritually. Dejection spiritually is WRONG, and we are always to blame for it!

We look for visions from heaven and for earth – shaking events to see God’s power. Even the fact that we are dejected (perhaps in a not so temporary tizzie?) is proof that we do this. Yet how often do we take time to listen, reflect, and talk with God who is always there with us in all our everyday events and in our spheres of influence with all those persons about us. He is waiting for us to obey, and do the task He has placed closest to us, and when we do, perhaps as when bread was broken after traveling the road to Emmaus, our hearts too will burn within us.

One of the most amazing revelations of God comes to us when we learn that it is in the everyday things of life, be they world catastrophes, national trauma, personal tragedies, a congregational discernment, planning a summer vacation, or even sharing the Gospel and being rebuffed, that the deity of Christ is realized, understood, as we are transformed by his Holy Spirit. Once we’re filled with His wonder and righteousness, the spirit of dejection simply fades away; even while we’re being continually bombarded by the deceit, blasphemy, and iniquity paraded about us, and quite possibly, even by persecution, whether from the world, or even the tares or false prophets from within, until the harvest begins. Remember Jesus’ words that are applicable to all of us, regardless of our situation or source of persecution, as recorded in John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if ye love one another.”

BOTTOM LINE:

“While other worldviews lead us to sit in the midst of life’s joys, forseeing the coming sorrows, Christianity empowers its people to sit in the midst of this world’s sorrows, tasting the coming joy.” Timothy Keller (9/23/50-5/19/23)

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 52 Harvest House.

My lips will shout for joy, when I sing praises to you; my soul also, which you have redeemed. Psalm 71:23 (ESV)

Christians are often perceived as angry, judgemental people, devoid of life’s joys. In light of our redemption in Christ, shouldn’t we radiate such joy, peace, and contentment that others are naturally drawn to us, wanting what we have?

So why aren’t we happier? Unfortunately, many Christians are taught that God doesn’t want us happy; he wants us holy. In fact, many Christians labor under the false notion that God himself is not happy. But nothing could be further from the truth!

Let’s reject the lie and follow God’s truthful admonition: “May the righteous be glad and rejoice before God ; may they be happy and joyful” (Psalm 68:3).

BOTTOM LINE: “If you live gladly to make others glad in God, your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full.” John Piper

NEXT UP: Life Goal: To Pursue & Possess This Pertinent Purposeful & Powerful Perspective!

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 48 Harvest House.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father… He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created. James 1:17-18

God’s best and most perfect gift is Jesus himself: “All things were created through him and for him… and in him all things hold together”(Colossians 1:16-17).

For Your Consideration: If everything that comes into our lives is Father-filtered, how can we be anything less than optimistic? Our optimism is based squarely on realism.

THEREFORE: Jesus is real, atonement is real, resurrection is real, Heaven is real, and the gospel really, really is “good news!!!” Actually, the best news ever!

BOTTOM LINE: “It is a glorious thing to know that your Father God makes no mistakes in directing or permitting that which crosses the path of your life. It is the glory of God to conceal a matter. It is our glory to trust him, no matter what.” Joni Eareckson Tada

NEXT UP: You Ever Wonder Why Church Live Streams Seldom Scan Their Audiences?

Truth: A Bigger View of God’s Word, Randy Alcorn, 2017, Pg 16 Harvest House.