Rev. Lowell Grisham’s recent (Jan. 6) commentary took liberties with biblical teachings using big words and conjecture.
The wise men were astrologers? This event was the fulfillment of prophecy foretold in the Old Testament. They could have been Jewish wise men from afar. God guided them by the star to see His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
The word evolution is man’s design, not of God.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrew 13:8) “For I am the LORD, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6)
I get the feeling the reverend believes man is somehow equal to God? All of man’s virtues are gifts from God, not of man himself.
Jesus said, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words I speak are not my own, but my Father who lives in me does his work through me.” (John 14:10)
The reverend’s familiar phrase “fear, greed, defensiveness, suspicion, self-interest and competition” in our society today is of our government. His declaration was self-serving and appeared misdirected at society.
God commands submission to government in Romans 13:1-5 when He says, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to evil. Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same. For he is God’s minister to you for good. But if you do evil, be afraid; for he does not bear the sword in vain; for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil.
Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake.”
What government forgets is that they are God’s ministers and are not to serve self-righteously but God’s way. Self-righteousness prevails in our government today, not God. Our government has shamelessly separated itself from God.
Psychology, evolution and Bible have nothing in common. Two are of man, one of God.
Jesus forewarned that many will strive to “enter [heaven] by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
HIRAM B. COOPER JR.
Bella Vista
Opinion, Pages 11 on 02/01/2013