The Battle for Truth Pt 4: "I Would get THAT Professor!"
From the file of "just in case you thought I was kidding around," the below is from one of our college students, who titled her email to me: "I would get THAT professor." :)
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Hi Pastor!
I honestly don't know where to begin with this email, haha, so I'm sorry if it doesn't really make much sense, but here goes!
So, I remember being in church and watching you mimic those college professors, and laughing because it's pretty hilarious how you portray them. And I was sort of hoping that teachers weren't really like that, but boy was I wrong in hoping for that! You pretty much embody this professor that I have right now perfectly.
The class is Hebrew Bible, and I thought it would be pretty neat, studying the Bible in class. Turns out though, it "seeks to impart biblical literacy together with a functional appreciation of the relationship between history and myth," and that is an exact quote from the syllabus. I'm pretty certain that my professor isn't a Christian, even though he won't say it (every time he says God he does air quotes). I mean, really? hahaha . Not to mention he treats everything we read as if it's myth and calls it as such, and he keeps making this point that nothing needs to be concrete, everyone will see it differently, blah blah blah "we don't need to see it the way Christian literalists see it." So...it's sort of a problem. To make it even better, the textbook we're using along with the Bible itself is just...wrong. I can't think of any other way to put it besides by giving an example.
It talks about how in Genesis, God said "Let us make humans in our image, according to our likeness." which is plural because of the Trinity, right? But the book compares it to "the divine council, the assembly of the gods" of Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation story where the god is Marduk, where there are just a bunch of random gods hanging around, and just...isn't right.
So, I'm worried and the entire situation is disturbing. It's reassuring because there are other Christians adding to the discussions, but up against the teacher and the textbook...it's rough. What's more, I don't know about everyone else in the class. I'm worried that so much wrong is being taught, and what if the people that aren't Christians in the class believe it's true? Lastly, I don't want anything compromising my faith. I don't want to believe anything that isn't true, so i mean...
I guess what I'm asking is for prayer. For stuff like discernment and wisdom and strength, and for the other Christians in there and for all the people that aren't Christians, and especially that professor because he's just another thing all on his own, haha.
Also, I'm sorry this email got to be so long, but thank you so much for bothering to read it! I figured if anyone knew about situations like this it would be you, so thank you so much again!
Sincerely,
A CRCC College Student
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I guess the slightly sacastic but nevertheless all-too-true impression I do sometimes on Sundays of the college professor, glasses down on the nose, spewing his version of "truth" while berating those who hold to biblical inerrancy is on the mark.
THE BATTLE IS FOR TRUTH.
Over and out
7 Personal Questions
John 12:24-26 (ESV) - Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (25) Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. (26) If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
7 Questions the Lord asked me through the Scriptures:
1. Will you be faithful to my Word?
a. Who said it was going to be easy? I certainly didn’t…particularly when NOT being faithful is so easy.
b. Will you stand on the Sufficiency of Scripture or return to pragmatism to please people?
c. I am your primary “audience.” Will you do what it takes to please me?
2. Will you pay the price for that faithfulness?
a. When people want what’s popular, will you still be faithful?
b. Remember, each one of my servants has to go through this.
c. It’s one thing to preach it; it’s quite another live it out day to day.
3. Will you love when loving is hard?
a. Love must be tested. Will you love others hard when they act unlovable?
b. When you are misunderstood and your motives questioned…will you love?
c. When you are persecuted for righteousness sake, will you love?
4. Will you serve when serving is hard?
a. If you don’t see “results” but you are following me, will you keep serving?
b. Even if you do see “results” will you let your “success” move you away from me?
c. When you are tired, frustrated, angry, and ready to quit…will you honor me anyway?
5. Will you learn to see your life though my eyes?
a. Instead of imagining and dreaming for your own sake, will you learn to see yourself through me?
b. Do you REALLY see your life as a fragrant offering for my glory?
6. Will you trust me?
a. Will you really, truly trust me with your gifts, your ministry, your calling, your marriage, your money…with your life?
b. Will you allow me to make it into what I want it to be?
7. Will you be willing to die for me and my glory?
a. When it is all said and done, will you sacrifice everything for me?
b. When you know I have spoken by my Word, will you give up everything to see MY will done?
The Battle for Truth Pt 3: Rambling, Trusting, and Gearing Up
Whew....what a season. You know, I knew the battle for the Truth of Christ and His Word would be fierce, but wow. Anyhoo...
GOD IS GREAT!!!!
My rest time is coming to an end and the work looms. I've actually learned quite a bit during the last several weeks. In no particular order....
1. Truth Matters. It matters to God and it should matter to us.
2. Life is short. We really should spend more time on the most important things...the stuff that matters for eternity. We should also see the honor in hospitality and serving others.
3. Love is critical. We must really really strive to love Christ as others as hard as we can every single day.
4. Scripture really is sufficient!
5. I talk too much. I have to learn to shut up sometimes. LOL
6. Our children are worth the fight. Bring it on devil.
7. Our vision process works. It truly was God-given. We just have to do it.
8. People are really hurting. We must go after every single lost soul we can and give them the Gospel.
9. Loss is a part of this journey. Don't fear it; lean into God more when it happens.
10. I need to get in shape. Exercise and health is really important if we are to do all that God wants us to do.
:)