July 2, 2011
I just learned this morning of the passing of my dear friend George Wrigley on June 16. George was my oldest friend. He was 94. (I have some I have known longer, but not that old. (SMILE!) )
George and I first met when we were assigned to U. S. Navy duty on Midway Island in 1958. He was a Naval aviator flying S&R out of Midway. At the time, Midway was a very active Pacific Ocean anchor-end to the Airborne Early Warning system the U. S. was using to help keep us safe. The radar planes were constantly taking off and landing as they flew the loop to Alaska and back, which required the presence of lots of support personnel and equipment to keep all this going.
George was raised in an orphanage in Kansas and at the earliest opportunity had joined the Navy, serving early-on in China in the late 1930’s. A full obituary is available at: http://cochranfh.frontrunnerpro.com/runtime/78643/runtime.php?SiteId=78643&NavigatorId=292016&op=tributeObituary&viewOpt=dpaneOnly&ItemId=791045.
Even though George was a little older, his wife Betty was more my age and it was through our families that our lives became intertwined. The only church on Midway was the Navy chapel, giving us many opportunities to share in those activities. What blessed memories!
Through the years we were able to stay in touch and enjoy many good times together. Even though our hearts are aching right now for you George, we look forward to seeing you on “the other side”. Anchors aweigh my friend!
Our love and prayers to your family.
John and Jo Ann Stroman
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
My Father's Genes - Part X - Postamble
(As opposed to a Preamble? )
To literal-minded men like Nicodemus (and many of us), Jesus’ command to be “born again” posed a physical impossibility bringing into question the validity of the command itself. Other Biblical commands raise the same logical hurdles to our greater understanding (e.g., “it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (see I Peter 1:16. KJV) How is that possible?)
But if we agree that God does not command the impossible, it would then follow that our task is to apply the intellectual capacities He has so graciously given us so we can begin to understand and enjoy the goodness He intends for us in giving the command in the first place.
In this series, which we have called “My Father’s Genes” (and are now concluding), we have compared the human and spiritual facts of life. This in turn should enlarge our comprehension of what it really means to be born again and to serve, fellowship with, and worship our great and gracious Creator, Sustainer and Heavenly Father!
A quick review:
(Remember, because of the nature of most blogs to show the latest postings first, the series appears on the website in reverse sequence. To review Part I, e.g., and other original and succeeding parts, you will probably need to access the website archives.)
In PART I we suggested that a working knowledge of the science of human conception and birth will help clarify our understanding of Jesus’ command to be “born again”. As the series progressed, some important questions were posed to help frame the discussion.
PART II examined the Biblical connection between the “original” sinful nature of mankind and our common understanding of the propagation of this nature through the human birth process. The subject of human genetics is raised in conjunction with the possibility of the existence of spiritual genetics.
PART III delved deeply enough into the principles of genetics and DNA to equip us with sufficient working knowledge and understanding to progress into a discussion of the whole conception and birth process.
PARTS IV & V compare the rather astounding details of the “complexity of conception” to the simple yet complex act of being “born again”.
PART VI expanded our understanding of the extreme (to us) complexity of DNA. PART VII directed our thoughts to the concept that if we think and/or speak of God’s attributes as DNA, it may help us understand being “born again”. Just as human conception combines two people’s DNA to create a new and distinctive person still containing and reflecting the original DNA contributions, so being “born again” should reflect not only our DNA, but God’s as well.
PARTS VIII & IX clarify the differences between “Gifts of the Spirit” and “Fruit of the Spirit”. Perhaps a clear understanding of these will help us live the joyful “born again” life God wants for each of us.
Our challenge is to correctly prioritize the blending of our DNA with God’s. This blending will reflect God’s will as we give Him preeminence in every area of our lives. As John the Baptist correctly points out in John 3:27b-36 (especially v.30 - ASV), “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
To literal-minded men like Nicodemus (and many of us), Jesus’ command to be “born again” posed a physical impossibility bringing into question the validity of the command itself. Other Biblical commands raise the same logical hurdles to our greater understanding (e.g., “it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (see I Peter 1:16. KJV) How is that possible?)
But if we agree that God does not command the impossible, it would then follow that our task is to apply the intellectual capacities He has so graciously given us so we can begin to understand and enjoy the goodness He intends for us in giving the command in the first place.
In this series, which we have called “My Father’s Genes” (and are now concluding), we have compared the human and spiritual facts of life. This in turn should enlarge our comprehension of what it really means to be born again and to serve, fellowship with, and worship our great and gracious Creator, Sustainer and Heavenly Father!
A quick review:
(Remember, because of the nature of most blogs to show the latest postings first, the series appears on the website in reverse sequence. To review Part I, e.g., and other original and succeeding parts, you will probably need to access the website archives.)
In PART I we suggested that a working knowledge of the science of human conception and birth will help clarify our understanding of Jesus’ command to be “born again”. As the series progressed, some important questions were posed to help frame the discussion.
PART II examined the Biblical connection between the “original” sinful nature of mankind and our common understanding of the propagation of this nature through the human birth process. The subject of human genetics is raised in conjunction with the possibility of the existence of spiritual genetics.
PART III delved deeply enough into the principles of genetics and DNA to equip us with sufficient working knowledge and understanding to progress into a discussion of the whole conception and birth process.
PARTS IV & V compare the rather astounding details of the “complexity of conception” to the simple yet complex act of being “born again”.
PART VI expanded our understanding of the extreme (to us) complexity of DNA. PART VII directed our thoughts to the concept that if we think and/or speak of God’s attributes as DNA, it may help us understand being “born again”. Just as human conception combines two people’s DNA to create a new and distinctive person still containing and reflecting the original DNA contributions, so being “born again” should reflect not only our DNA, but God’s as well.
PARTS VIII & IX clarify the differences between “Gifts of the Spirit” and “Fruit of the Spirit”. Perhaps a clear understanding of these will help us live the joyful “born again” life God wants for each of us.
Our challenge is to correctly prioritize the blending of our DNA with God’s. This blending will reflect God’s will as we give Him preeminence in every area of our lives. As John the Baptist correctly points out in John 3:27b-36 (especially v.30 - ASV), “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Thursday, November 4, 2010
My Father’s Genes – Part IX – Fruit of the Spirit
As we continue our discussion of the difference between “gifts of the Spirit” and “Fruit of the Spirit”……….
Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a)
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matt. 7:16-20)
In the mid-1970’s I heard Richard Jones, a Sears-Roebuck Vice President at the time, speak from the Galatians passage above at a church laymen’s retreat in Pennsylvania. The gist of the talk was that fruit grows best when tended, nurtured, fertilized, watered, weeded and otherwise treated with tender, loving care and not neglected. He of course elaborated in wonderful detail how we nurture and grow our own spiritual fruit.
The Matthew passage above clearly describes the fruit expected from each kind of tree. The Galatians passage delineates the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. Some folks have said that this “fruit of the Spirit” is plural and not every Christian will possess all those attributes, thinking of them more as gifts as discussed in the previous post.
I would suggest that this fruit is singular and is to be expected in every Christian, though not necessarily in the same proportions in everyone. The fruit of the orange tree is the orange. Each orange may have the same attributes but in different proportions. For example, they will all have a skin but the skin may be a different thickness or even shade of color; the seeds may vary in number; the sweetness may vary; the quantity of juice may be different; the number of slices and the membrane thickness may vary; etc. The farmer may cultivate the enhancement of the more desirable attributes by how he cares for the trees.
In the same way, when we are born again and God’s DNA is in control of our lives, our fruit should be recognizable. If we feel lacking in any of the attributes listed, we should be getting in the Word and letting God direct us in ways to cultivate them to grow.
There is a story harvested from the Internet that seems at least somewhat appropriate here:
Fruit of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a)
“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." (Matt. 7:16-20)
In the mid-1970’s I heard Richard Jones, a Sears-Roebuck Vice President at the time, speak from the Galatians passage above at a church laymen’s retreat in Pennsylvania. The gist of the talk was that fruit grows best when tended, nurtured, fertilized, watered, weeded and otherwise treated with tender, loving care and not neglected. He of course elaborated in wonderful detail how we nurture and grow our own spiritual fruit.
The Matthew passage above clearly describes the fruit expected from each kind of tree. The Galatians passage delineates the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit. Some folks have said that this “fruit of the Spirit” is plural and not every Christian will possess all those attributes, thinking of them more as gifts as discussed in the previous post.
I would suggest that this fruit is singular and is to be expected in every Christian, though not necessarily in the same proportions in everyone. The fruit of the orange tree is the orange. Each orange may have the same attributes but in different proportions. For example, they will all have a skin but the skin may be a different thickness or even shade of color; the seeds may vary in number; the sweetness may vary; the quantity of juice may be different; the number of slices and the membrane thickness may vary; etc. The farmer may cultivate the enhancement of the more desirable attributes by how he cares for the trees.
In the same way, when we are born again and God’s DNA is in control of our lives, our fruit should be recognizable. If we feel lacking in any of the attributes listed, we should be getting in the Word and letting God direct us in ways to cultivate them to grow.
There is a story harvested from the Internet that seems at least somewhat appropriate here:
Malachi 3:3 reads: “He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot, then she thought again about the verse that says: “He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.” She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy - when I see my image in it." If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has His eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
There may be times when God is doing His own processing in the development of the attributes of our fruit of the Spirit. We should not neglect the gardening that is within our power to increase our own “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”. And we should not be surprised when God is refining us so that not only He, but also others, can see His image in us.
I find it useful when the Bible refers to the “fruit of the Spirit” to use this template and not confuse “fruit” with “gifts” or vocational results from the exercise of those gifts. Our job is to plant the seed wherever we are gifted, and let God do His job which is to give the increase. At the same time, we can be doing our “fruit enhancement” gardening by seeking more of God and less of self, including self-gratification pursuits.
Lord, I pray that Your image and fruit may be seen in me!
Friday, October 15, 2010
My Father’s Genes – Part VIII – Gifts of the Spirit
Building on what we learned in Part VII, it may be useful to understand the difference between “gifts of the Spirit” and “fruit of the Spirit”. The scriptures below are powerfully explanatory without much, if any, comment from me!
Gifts of the Spirit
“… for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)
“But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”
(1 Cor. 7:7)
“6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
“14 Do not neglect your gift,… Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely...” (1 Tim. 4:14,16)
“6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:6,7)
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:4)
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Cor. 14:1)
“…try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Cor. 14:12)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)
So we see that different people have different spiritual gifts and that each of us have been gifted with at least one gift, and often with more than one. From these verses I think it safe to conclude that God gifts us according to His will and the needs of His church and His kingdom. The development and exercise of these gifts is a reasonable expectation that God places upon us. I do believe it is incumbent on us to validate that God is the One who has gifted and called us, and not some personal agenda we develop on our own.
In our next posting we will examine the concept of the “fruit of the Spirit”. It may be a little different than our common understanding of the subject, but hopefully will be helpful to us as we travel on our spiritual journey.
Gifts of the Spirit
“… for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29)
“But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.”
(1 Cor. 7:7)
“6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” (Romans 12:6-8)
“14 Do not neglect your gift,… Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely...” (1 Tim. 4:14,16)
“6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Tim. 1:6,7)
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:4)
“Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts…” (1 Cor. 14:1)
“…try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” (1 Cor. 14:12)
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8)
So we see that different people have different spiritual gifts and that each of us have been gifted with at least one gift, and often with more than one. From these verses I think it safe to conclude that God gifts us according to His will and the needs of His church and His kingdom. The development and exercise of these gifts is a reasonable expectation that God places upon us. I do believe it is incumbent on us to validate that God is the One who has gifted and called us, and not some personal agenda we develop on our own.
In our next posting we will examine the concept of the “fruit of the Spirit”. It may be a little different than our common understanding of the subject, but hopefully will be helpful to us as we travel on our spiritual journey.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
My Father’s Genes – Part VII – God’s DNA
Part VI expanded the scope of our vision regarding the universe of DNA combinations. If human conception and birth is the method of propagating human DNA, then is being “born again” the method God provides for propagating His spiritual DNA in humans? And if so, which if any of His attributes (or DNA) should we expect to receive?
God’s DNA
How can we even begin to investigate such an awesome idea? The only way I can think of is to try to discern how much He has chosen to reveal to us through His word. It would be the height of presumption to suggest that we as humans could ever receive the same measure of holiness as God possesses, but it is not unthinkable to believe on the authority of His word that we can possess the same quality of His holiness. Else why would He command us “… just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15,16 with references to Leviticus chapters 11, 19 and 20) Peter picks up the theme again in 2 Peter 3:11,12: “…what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God….” I only need a thimble full of the Pacific Ocean to possess something qualitatively equivalent to the whole ocean. Since there are many excellent books available on the subject of holiness, I am confident that the serious reader can find sufficient material at sites such as Beacon Hill Press and similar publishers.
There are many books and Bible studies also available listing and discussing the attributes of God. I’m confident that any list I would make of the attributes of God would be far from complete. However, I’m also confident that we can list many directly from the Bible and infer others. Since we believe in the Triune God I believe it appropriate to include attributes of Jesus the Christ and the Holy Spirit as well.
A partial list might include:
• Omnipotent
• Omniscient
• Omnipresent
• Reason/Discernment
• Compassion/Gentleness
• Generosity
• Grace
• Eternal/Everlasting
• Truth
• Father
• Fortress
• Invisible
• Jealous
• Judge
• Law-giver
• Merciful
• Shield
• Strong Tower
• Shepherd
• Absolute existence
• Infinite
• Single yet triune
• Spiritual
• Eternal
• Transcendent and Immanent
• Intelligent
• Good
• Integrity
• Love
• And many others, too numerous to list.
It’s obvious that many of the attributes of God are reserved for Him and Him alone and not available to us in any “DNA” form, such as His omniscience, omnipotence and omnipresence. These are attributes used by Him in His role as Creator and Administrator of the universe and all that’s in it, and are important to us as we try to gain some understanding of this whole subject of being born again.
I think it would be useful at this point to take a deeper look at God’s omnipotence. The power of God is so much greater than we can even imagine that most of us put away our imagination on this subject and move on to things we think we can get our mental arms around.
There are important reasons for us to gain some understanding of God’s power. First, we don’t want to be lumped in with the Sadducees who Jesus reprimanded: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matt. 22:29)
On another occasion:
17 One day as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law, who had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem, were sitting there. And the power of the Lord was present for him to heal the sick. 18 Some men came carrying a paralytic on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. 19 When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus.
20 When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
21 The Pharisees and the teachers of the law began thinking to themselves, “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
22 Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.…” He said to the paralyzed man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” 25 Immediately he stood up in front of them, took what he had been lying on and went home praising God. 26 Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.” (Luke 5:17-26)
There are many facets to God’s power. Some of the observable ones are:
• Creation power
• Physical power
• Intellectual power
• Medical power
• Salvation power
• Forgiveness power
• Transformation power
Other attributes of God, given us in our born-again state in order that we may reflect Him to the world around us, we can infer from many scriptures. In succeeding Parts in this series we also want to examine more closely those dealing with the “Gifts of the Spirit” and the “Fruit of the Spirit”.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
My Father’s Genes – Part VI – DNA Diversity
As we proceed on into Part VI it is important that we try to understand some of the principles and mathematics associated with DNA so that we have a greater appreciation for how God designed all this structure for our benefit.
DNA Diversity
In Part III we learned that the DNA in each organism is chemically identical, but its arrangement in genes and chromosomes determines what the cell will become, e.g. animal, plant or human.
We also learned that there might possibly be over 200 TRILLION combinations of human DNA possible (3 billion times 70,000). There is also the possibility that the total number of possible combinations is not just a straight multiplication of the two numbers above, but rather something on the order of 200 trillion raised to the power of 70,000; i.e., a number exceeding my ability to comprehend, and perhaps yours as well.
As I write this I am sitting in a timeshare condominium situated adjacent to the 12th green of a golf course where I can watch the outside world through the dining room window as I write. Just observing the variety of God’s creation in this limited view puts me in awe of the diversity of DNA as I see the different kinds of trees, the green grass, the sand in the trap, the water in the hazard (complete with fountain) on the other side of the green, the blue jays and robins and squirrels, the multiplicity of plants and shrubs enhancing the beauty of the houses across the fairway, and then realizing that what is within my sight is only an infinitesimally small sample of God’s creation. Add to this the diversity of things I cannot see with the natural eye, such as the air we breathe and the electrons that enable my computer, and I quickly want to return to considering only human DNA before my mind completely explodes with such large numbers. Then I realize again that even the number of human DNA combinations is larger than I can get my mental arms around. It’s time to bring my mind back inside even as I watch the fallen rain rush down the cart path between the condo and the green as it obeys the drainage plan designed by the golf course architect and I thank God for such a beautiful, warm, dry and safe place to work this week.
When I began my professional life many years ago one of the things I learned was how to program a computer. The passing of time saw the evolution of programming methods, enabling programs to be written more efficiently and proficiently. Early programs depended solely on the whims and imaginations of the programmer for their efficiency and proficiency. Testing and debugging of programs became ever more complicated as programs grew not only in size but as the number of entry and exit points “grew like Topsy”, creating almost unmanageable numbers of program interaction combinations. Software scientists eventually developed what came to be loosely called the “theory of interactions”. Basically this said that the number of interactions in a program was not just the sum of the total number of entry points into the program, but was actually almost the number of entry points squared. This discovery spurred the development of functional program modules with only one entry point and one exit point, which greatly simplified testing and debugging programs since it so greatly reduced the number of interactions that required accountability.
These staggeringly large numbers that enable the diversity of humankind do not confuse our omnipotent, omniscient God. Adam and Eve were not “beta test” models, but were fully functional and complete “products”, including free will. It would appear that the supply of human DNA combinations is virtually inexhaustible.
We also learned in Part III that genetic structure is fully formed from the beginning, but is not effective until the egg is penetrated. This may help us understand the Psalmist who says “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.” (Psalm 139:13-16)
In the next Part we will undertake a careful and reverent look at “God’s DNA”, which we might or might not expect to impact our own “born again” status.
DNA Diversity
In Part III we learned that the DNA in each organism is chemically identical, but its arrangement in genes and chromosomes determines what the cell will become, e.g. animal, plant or human.
We also learned that there might possibly be over 200 TRILLION combinations of human DNA possible (3 billion times 70,000). There is also the possibility that the total number of possible combinations is not just a straight multiplication of the two numbers above, but rather something on the order of 200 trillion raised to the power of 70,000; i.e., a number exceeding my ability to comprehend, and perhaps yours as well.
As I write this I am sitting in a timeshare condominium situated adjacent to the 12th green of a golf course where I can watch the outside world through the dining room window as I write. Just observing the variety of God’s creation in this limited view puts me in awe of the diversity of DNA as I see the different kinds of trees, the green grass, the sand in the trap, the water in the hazard (complete with fountain) on the other side of the green, the blue jays and robins and squirrels, the multiplicity of plants and shrubs enhancing the beauty of the houses across the fairway, and then realizing that what is within my sight is only an infinitesimally small sample of God’s creation. Add to this the diversity of things I cannot see with the natural eye, such as the air we breathe and the electrons that enable my computer, and I quickly want to return to considering only human DNA before my mind completely explodes with such large numbers. Then I realize again that even the number of human DNA combinations is larger than I can get my mental arms around. It’s time to bring my mind back inside even as I watch the fallen rain rush down the cart path between the condo and the green as it obeys the drainage plan designed by the golf course architect and I thank God for such a beautiful, warm, dry and safe place to work this week.
When I began my professional life many years ago one of the things I learned was how to program a computer. The passing of time saw the evolution of programming methods, enabling programs to be written more efficiently and proficiently. Early programs depended solely on the whims and imaginations of the programmer for their efficiency and proficiency. Testing and debugging of programs became ever more complicated as programs grew not only in size but as the number of entry and exit points “grew like Topsy”, creating almost unmanageable numbers of program interaction combinations. Software scientists eventually developed what came to be loosely called the “theory of interactions”. Basically this said that the number of interactions in a program was not just the sum of the total number of entry points into the program, but was actually almost the number of entry points squared. This discovery spurred the development of functional program modules with only one entry point and one exit point, which greatly simplified testing and debugging programs since it so greatly reduced the number of interactions that required accountability.
These staggeringly large numbers that enable the diversity of humankind do not confuse our omnipotent, omniscient God. Adam and Eve were not “beta test” models, but were fully functional and complete “products”, including free will. It would appear that the supply of human DNA combinations is virtually inexhaustible.
We also learned in Part III that genetic structure is fully formed from the beginning, but is not effective until the egg is penetrated. This may help us understand the Psalmist who says “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.” (Psalm 139:13-16)
In the next Part we will undertake a careful and reverent look at “God’s DNA”, which we might or might not expect to impact our own “born again” status.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
My Father's Genes - Part V - The Delivery System continued
In Parts I – IV, we reviewed the Biblical background that established the connection between human birth, sin, and the need to be born again. The discussion then laid the foundation for examining the scientific and genetic principles involved in human birth and introduced the principles involved in delivering the life- giving/life changing elements needed in the spiritual realm. We now continue this in Part V.
The Delivery System - Continued
When we have reached the point of God’s convicting word reaching our willing and open mind and heart and we “confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 NIV) It is important to be able to recognize God’s convicting word. Oswald Chambers states strongly:
Just as in human conception, this is the point at which the “sperm” of God’s DNA enters the “egg” of our ready spirit and our spiritual membrane hardens against the things of Satan and this world; our mind, body and spirit are now tuned in to God and His desires for us and we begin to learn and grow as Christians. This is the “crisis experience”, the “moment of conversion”, the “know-so” anchor of our faith. Our Christian life now begins. We are “born again”! And just as in human life, we begin our growth, first with baby food (Paul called it milk in his first letter to the Corinthians) and then food of more substance as we enjoy our Christian growth. In a later Part we will look in more detail at God’s DNA.
Oswald Chambers continues:
Chambers frequently refers to “the Supernatural Grace of God”. Lewis, in his book “Miracles”, has a useful definition of “supernatural”. Actually, it isn’t so much a definition, in a dictionary sense, as it is a rather long homily developing the idea that the supernatural exists only in the realm of God, not in the realm of man or nature as we know it and believe God created it. Thus when we see the supernatural it is an act or condition bestowed by God from His realm to ours and not otherwise available to us. Therefore, the term “supernatural grace of God” further illuminates the generally accepted definition of “the grace of God” as the unmerited favor of God; i.e. not available to us through any human means, but only through a unilateral decision of God for His own reasons. We joyfully and deliciously bask in His grace even as we are thankful for it, knowing we have done nothing to earn or deserve it. When we are tempted to view God’s bounteous gifts as the fruits of our own labor, let us remember that it is God Himself who gave us the ability and the circumstances to produce those fruits. This may help us catch a glimpse of the unfathomable supernatural grace of God in sending His Son to provide a way for our salvation.
1 Oswald Chambers, in his book My Utmost For His Highest (Oswald Chambers Publications Association, copyright 1963)
The Delivery System - Continued
When we have reached the point of God’s convicting word reaching our willing and open mind and heart and we “confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9 NIV) It is important to be able to recognize God’s convicting word. Oswald Chambers states strongly:
“…conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit blots out every relationship on earth and makes us aware of only one—‘Against You, You only, have I sinned …’ (Psalm 51:4). When a person is convicted of sin in this way, he knows with every bit of his conscience that God would not dare to forgive him. If God did forgive him, then this person would have a stronger sense of justice than God. God does forgive, but it cost the breaking of His heart with grief in the death of Christ to enable Him to do so. The great miracle of the grace of God is that He forgives sin, and it is the death of Jesus Christ alone that enables the divine nature to forgive and to remain true to itself in doing so. It is shallow nonsense to say that God forgives us because He is love. Once we have been convicted of sin, we will never say this again. The love of God means
Calvary—nothing less! The love of God is spelled out on the Cross and nowhere else. The only basis for which God can forgive me is the Cross of Christ. It is there that His conscience is satisfied.”1
Just as in human conception, this is the point at which the “sperm” of God’s DNA enters the “egg” of our ready spirit and our spiritual membrane hardens against the things of Satan and this world; our mind, body and spirit are now tuned in to God and His desires for us and we begin to learn and grow as Christians. This is the “crisis experience”, the “moment of conversion”, the “know-so” anchor of our faith. Our Christian life now begins. We are “born again”! And just as in human life, we begin our growth, first with baby food (Paul called it milk in his first letter to the Corinthians) and then food of more substance as we enjoy our Christian growth. In a later Part we will look in more detail at God’s DNA.
Oswald Chambers continues:
“Forgiveness means that I am forgiven into a newly created relationship which identifies me with God in Christ. The miracle of redemption is that God turns me, the unholy one, into the standard of Himself, the Holy One. He does this by putting into me a new nature, the nature of Jesus Christ.”1C. S. Lewis, is his book titled “Miracles” states:
“…if it is, as the theologians say, ‘born again,’ if it surrenders itself back to God in Christ, it will then have a life which is absolutely Supernatural, which is not created at all but begotten...”John, in the first chapter of his Gospel, records that Jesus “…came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” (John 1:11-13)
Chambers frequently refers to “the Supernatural Grace of God”. Lewis, in his book “Miracles”, has a useful definition of “supernatural”. Actually, it isn’t so much a definition, in a dictionary sense, as it is a rather long homily developing the idea that the supernatural exists only in the realm of God, not in the realm of man or nature as we know it and believe God created it. Thus when we see the supernatural it is an act or condition bestowed by God from His realm to ours and not otherwise available to us. Therefore, the term “supernatural grace of God” further illuminates the generally accepted definition of “the grace of God” as the unmerited favor of God; i.e. not available to us through any human means, but only through a unilateral decision of God for His own reasons. We joyfully and deliciously bask in His grace even as we are thankful for it, knowing we have done nothing to earn or deserve it. When we are tempted to view God’s bounteous gifts as the fruits of our own labor, let us remember that it is God Himself who gave us the ability and the circumstances to produce those fruits. This may help us catch a glimpse of the unfathomable supernatural grace of God in sending His Son to provide a way for our salvation.
1 Oswald Chambers, in his book My Utmost For His Highest (Oswald Chambers Publications Association, copyright 1963)
In the next Part, we will begin examining what, if any, relationship or comparison exists between human and spiritual DNA.
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