“Regarding
his Old testament verses, Jesus Christ has overcome the world and our
duty is to preach the Great Commission and transform the world (we are
ecumenical Evangelical Bible-believing Christians at MOVIEGUIDE®, so we
do not buy into the doom and gloom approach of Dispensationalism, which
is a controversial end-times construct that is a very recent addition to
Christian theology with disputable,
highly dubious connections to the apocalyptic prophecies actually recorded in the biblical documents).”
In his comment, Tom Snyder challenged Alan’s biblical exegesis. Alan did two things. First, he highlighted OT themes (which, incidentally, are also found in the New Testament) regarding the material success of the unrighteous and temporal triumph of the wicked, showing that nowhere does the Bible demand redemptive themes for all stories within this life. Mr. Snyder felt this suggested a dispensational construct, wherein there is no hope of redeeming the world and therefore no reason to commit to supporting redemptive themes.
Second, Alan suggested a more developed reading of Philippians 4:8, arguing that it is not limited to blocking us from artistic portrayals of sin, and that it might even value considering the artistic value and quality of movies. Here, Mr. Snyder feels Alan uses Philippians 4:8 out of context as an excuse to support the secular methods of non-Christian movie critics. So then, Alan is wrongly taking the word, “excellent,” and applying it to movie excellence as defined by those with a secular rather than a religious worldview.
As we’ve mentioned in several places, both arguments are simply incorrect. We are not dispensationalists, and Alan was asking for a fuller interpretation of Philippians 4:8, rather than using it to uncritically support non-Christian movie critics. It would be easy for us to ignore Mr. Snyder’s comments.
However, Philippians 4:8 is one of the most oft-quoted verses in relation to interacting with the media for everyone from the Christian Ph. D student studying film and culture to mothers telling sons why they cannot have video games (I have personal experience with that one). It seems important to spend some time thinking about the verse.
I have broken the key issues up into a few simple questions. They are designed to draw what we CAN say from the text, and also to highlight what we CANNOT say about the text.
Philippians 4:8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Q1: What is the GOAL of the verse? In other words, what does the author intend to do with it?
A1: We see a joyful and upbeat tone throughout the book. This verse comes in the section Paul habitually used to make some simple closing exhortations – his arguments finished, he could give some helpful final bits of guidance. It is very short, without any supporting argument or theology. It seems that Paul’s goal was to offer a simple, pithy statement designed to challenge the Philippians to live wisely. Based on its location in the text, it is questionable whether his desire was for this statement to give specific, inflexible direction for the acceptability of various pieces of art. It does seem designed, however, as a reminder for believers to think in a God-honoring way.
Q2: What does the verse actually say? In other words, how would an expert translate what the key words of the verse are trying to get at?
A2: One of the best sources for explaining the Greek text is Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest. He breaks down the individual words, gets at their meaning, and then offers this more fleshed-out translation of what Philippians 4:8 is saying (emphasis mine).
“Finally, brethren, whatever things have the character of truth, whatever things are worthy of reverence, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are attractive, whatever excellence there be or fit object of praise, these things make the subject of careful reflection.”
This construction is very helpful. As we can see, the intent of the words is not to set up systems for avoiding all possibility of non-Christian thinking. Instead, Paul calls the Philippians to spend time thinking carefully and deeply about the best things – things that are true, revered, righteous, pure, and so on. This is certainly something which every pastor wants for his congregation: that they spend time contemplating beauty and righteous character and those things which are worthy of being revered. However, nothing about the more fleshed out version of the verse (beyond repetition of the value of thinking reflectively about pure things) seems to demand avoidance of non-redemptive narrative themes for the purpose of maintaining purity. It even seems, as Alan says, to support the idea of spending time reflecting carefully on truth found in the excellence of even secular art.
Q3: How does this verse fit in with the larger themes of Philippians?
A3: I’m glad you asked! One interesting point is that in several places, the book of Philippians highlights the importance of discernment as an exercise for recognizing right from wrong. Here are some examples.
Philippians 1:9-11. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:27-28a. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.
Phil. 2:12-13. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Phil. 3:17. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
All these verses advocate a careful wisdom and discernment to working out the Christian life in a secular context. They ask for thoughtfulness, care, knowledge, and maturity. However, nowhere do they seem to advocate a sense of isolationism, as though Christians are to fight for an alternative society where their views are predominant. They are also not commanded to try to take back the culture, making their world look Christian even among the non-Christian members. Instead, they are told to live wisely and thoughtfully within the context of carrying the gospel to those who have not yet heard. Perhaps most interestingly, they tie concepts such as purity and righteousness to knowledge and discernment; it seems that much knowledge and the ability to discern right from wrong in that knowledge are important tools in the process of sanctification.
Q4: What about the larger principles of Scripture as a whole?
A4: I think there are three basic things we can say pretty clearly about how Scripture relates to various forms of art.
First, Scripture clearly supports artistic skill when it supports the worship of God.
This is especially clear with music, as the entire book of Psalms uses the value of artistic skill in music to praise God. It is also true visually, however, which can be clearly seen in the construction of the tabernacle and the Temple. Leland Ryken (in The Liberated Imagination) points out two especially telling set of verses from Exodus 31:1-11 and 35:30-36:2. 31:1-5 says, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”
Second, Scripture clearly condemns artistic skill when it is used for idolatry.
When Aaron fashions a golden calf in Exodus 32:4, God is clearly angry. He repeats the command against idolatry in Exodus 34:17. He is consistent in condemning this practice through his prophets (and often using it as a key comment on the morality of the people) throughout Judges, and again throughout the period of the Kings. In Romans 1:22-23, those who exchange God’s glory for the glory of images resembling men and animals are called fools.
Third, the Bible does not say much else!
Apart from praising and accepting worship WITH art and condemning worship OF art, the Bible does not seem to take much position on the visual arts. In fact, we might say it seems to be neutral! However, the artistic skills of those who create art for the tabernacle are clearly God-given. I believe we can say Scripture’s impressive silence on this topic shows that we can view the creation of morally neutral art (meaning it is not designed to assist worship or be worshipped) as being just that- morally neutral.
Conclusions
Philippians 4:8 is not guidance from God telling us to find creative ways of forcing secular society to make art that only supplies certain themes. It is not telling us to avoid seeing themes of sin, even when those themes are portrayed negatively (and thus truthfully). Instead, I think we can say it is a call to wisdom and discernment- a call to describe what is right and what is wrong. It asks that we think carefully and deeply about the world around us, and seek to emulate those things that are true and beautiful and right in society. How will we know the right from the wrong if we refuse to spend time comparing them?
There are limits, of course. We should not view things we know will immediately draw us into sin. We should never pursue sinful desires and then vindicate ourselves by claiming we were just, “thinking critically.” And yes, we SHOULD have some value for artistic themes that truthfully mirror the redemptive themes in Scripture.
However, true discernment is able to see the truth in artistic expression whether it portrays the actual moment of redemption or not. A story that portrays sin as destructive and evil is speaking more truly than a movie that portrays human love as offering ultimate redemption. As Christians, we must be able to see the difference between the two as they compare to the truth of Scripture.
On the whole, I believe the vision Alan articulates for Christian criticism of movies is a faithful “working out,” of the commands and themes found in Philippians. It accepts the importance of contemplating truth and beauty and things worthy of reverence. It accepts and makes use of the call to discernment. It helps Christians increase in sanctification for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Perhaps most importantly, it helps us clarify for non-believers how the Christian worldview contrasts with secular society’s, forcing the non-Christian to be confronted with God’s truth in opposition to the wisdom of the world. This is the highest calling a Christian critic can have, and yet it is within grasp for one who correctly understands that calling.
The language of Genesis 6:8 gives us insight into Noah’s character. “Found” is a simple active perfect verb, not a passive one. Thus, Noah found favor—grace—in God’s eyes because he was actively looking for it. Likewise, Adam found no helpmate from among the animals that was suitable for him (Genesis 2:20), and Noah’s dove did not find rest for the sole of her foot (Genesis 8:9). Laban did not find his household images that Rachel had stolen and hidden (Genesis 31:35), and Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses
(2 Chronicles 34:14-15). God could have used a passive verb in reference to Noah, but He did not.
What can we learn from the life of this great man?
Evidently, God intended for us to know this key factor: Noah’s life was righteous—in spite of the horrible condition of the world of his day. He was looking for God’s direction and for the answers to his heart’s cry. Noah wasn’t merely hanging around waiting for the inevitable destruction that he sensed must come as a result of the awful rebellion that surrounded him. Noah was anticipating a response from God—and when God finally did give him instruction, Noah “found” the favor that he sought!
Captain of Industry
Many centuries later, God warned Ezekiel of future judgment that would happen to the land of Israel because of its wickedness. God identified three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—as examples of the best “righteous” men in history (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). If that comparison has any meaning, Noah was much more than a mere chance recipient of God’s grace.
Job was “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3). His livestock resources (mainly those for caravan duty) were enormous. That certainly meant that he was a successful trade broker and possibly a source for prized stock. He had multiple houses and land—so much so that “bands” from nearby nations were necessary to destroy his wealth.
God had labeled Job “my servant...there is none like him in the earth, a perfect [blameless] and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth [shuns] evil” (Job 1:8). Job was much more than a “nice guy.” He was probably the wealthiest man of his day, and yet he was of such godly character that God used him to teach Satan a lesson!
Daniel was one of the king’s descendants and nobles from Judah taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3). The account of Daniel and his three godly friends is well known among Christians, but the young adult experiences of Daniel often overshadow the long life that he led as the leader of the “scientists” (learned men) of that day. He was commissioned as a “great man” by Nebuchadnezzar and “sat in the gate of the king” (Daniel 2:48-49). Daniel served in some form of senior political and advisory position for six kings over some 70 years. Not bad for a captive!
God identified Daniel as a “man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11). He was privileged to have unusual spiritual insight, which he could have used to his personal advantage. But he always made it clear that he was gifted by God’s grace—to whom he always gave credit. Furthermore, God used Daniel to record several of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture. Scholars are still discussing the book of Daniel. He was a significant person indeed!
If the comparisons of the righteous men listed in Ezekiel 14 are to be genuine comparisons, Noah must have been a person of significance in his region—if not well known throughout the world of his day. He clearly possessed or had access to the resources and skills needed to accomplish the monumental task that was assigned to him. Since God’s instructions to build the Ark are somewhat general, it is not beyond reason to assume that Noah ran an architectural and contracting business of some kind.
The pre-Flood civilization would certainly have been advanced enough for such an enterprise. The evolutionary cloud has mesmerized most of the world into relegating the “ancient” world into some sort of pre-human existence—living in caves and grass huts with animal skins for clothing. The Bible paints a much different picture! There were cities during Noah’s day, as well as developed technology that included metallurgy and the skills to build and market musical instruments (Genesis 4:17-22). Somebody had to construct the habitations for the growing population, and someone had to coordinate the distribution and development of those manufacturing places that produced the products needed by that society.
The world of Noah was very wicked, but it functioned with much the same needs as our current world. When the Lord Jesus wanted to emphasize the suddenness of the destruction in the coming end-times judgment, He did it by drawing a comparison with the “ordinary” life of the populations around Noah.
Walked with God
The Bible says that Noah was one of only two men in all of history who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The other is Enoch, who may be more well known since he was taken up into God’s presence without dying (Genesis 5:24). Efforts by some to portray Noah as a bumbling, drunken hypocrite are simply not true. God’s commentary is that Noah was “just” and “perfect” (upright, without blemish). The Creator entrusted him with a monumental task that is unique in all of history.
Noah was “just.” That simply means that he was known for his equitable dealings with others. Even in the wicked world that disgusted the Creator, Noah was “justified” in his dealings. He charged reasonable prices for his work. He gave a good product (whatever it was) to those who employed his services. His honest dealings gave rise to his influence in the community. He was proven to be a man of integrity (Genesis 7:1).
Noah was “perfect.” That precious reputation, at least from God’s perspective, means that he was a man without condemnation. His “just” dealings resulted in a “blameless” record. Whatever the wicked people of his day may have said behind his back, they knew that Noah was above reproach. Just as folks today often resort to rumor-mongering and distortion of facts to cover their own guilt, those around Noah no doubt employed some of the same practices to discredit righteous Noah. He may well have had that kind of treatment, but God saw that he was “perfect.”
Preacher of Righteousness
Peter called Noah a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). Think of what that means in the context of Genesis 6! The whole earth was “filled with violence” and “every heart” only thought of evil. The social milieu must have been a real mess. Yet Noah had the guts to stand up publically for the righteous behavior that just about everyone else openly and loudly rejected.
Perhaps his extended family members, and even some or most of his employees, were under his influence. But by the time the judgment of God fell, only Noah, his wife, and three of their sons and their wives were willing to follow his leadership into the Ark. Many would consider a ministry with such results a failure today, and yet God insisted that Noah’s faith not only “saved” his family but the future world from extinction (Hebrews 11:7)!
We are not told in Scripture what Noah preached about. Enoch (the other man who walked with God) preached about the return of the Lord in judgment (Jude 1:14-15). Noah may well have preached about the coming judgment of the Flood and the desperate need of the world’s people to turn back to their Creator for salvation. Whatever he may have preached and however he implemented his heart’s desire, Noah was labeled a “preacher of righteousness” by the only Judge that ultimately counts.
God’s grace is always available. It is not hidden from anyone. But it must be “found” by God’s servants as we “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.- JOHN 14:6-7
Bishop Uchenna Celestine Okonkwor
472 Amherst St
Suite 732225
Nashua, NH 03063
highly dubious connections to the apocalyptic prophecies actually recorded in the biblical documents).”
In his comment, Tom Snyder challenged Alan’s biblical exegesis. Alan did two things. First, he highlighted OT themes (which, incidentally, are also found in the New Testament) regarding the material success of the unrighteous and temporal triumph of the wicked, showing that nowhere does the Bible demand redemptive themes for all stories within this life. Mr. Snyder felt this suggested a dispensational construct, wherein there is no hope of redeeming the world and therefore no reason to commit to supporting redemptive themes.
Second, Alan suggested a more developed reading of Philippians 4:8, arguing that it is not limited to blocking us from artistic portrayals of sin, and that it might even value considering the artistic value and quality of movies. Here, Mr. Snyder feels Alan uses Philippians 4:8 out of context as an excuse to support the secular methods of non-Christian movie critics. So then, Alan is wrongly taking the word, “excellent,” and applying it to movie excellence as defined by those with a secular rather than a religious worldview.
As we’ve mentioned in several places, both arguments are simply incorrect. We are not dispensationalists, and Alan was asking for a fuller interpretation of Philippians 4:8, rather than using it to uncritically support non-Christian movie critics. It would be easy for us to ignore Mr. Snyder’s comments.
However, Philippians 4:8 is one of the most oft-quoted verses in relation to interacting with the media for everyone from the Christian Ph. D student studying film and culture to mothers telling sons why they cannot have video games (I have personal experience with that one). It seems important to spend some time thinking about the verse.
I have broken the key issues up into a few simple questions. They are designed to draw what we CAN say from the text, and also to highlight what we CANNOT say about the text.
Philippians 4:8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Q1: What is the GOAL of the verse? In other words, what does the author intend to do with it?
A1: We see a joyful and upbeat tone throughout the book. This verse comes in the section Paul habitually used to make some simple closing exhortations – his arguments finished, he could give some helpful final bits of guidance. It is very short, without any supporting argument or theology. It seems that Paul’s goal was to offer a simple, pithy statement designed to challenge the Philippians to live wisely. Based on its location in the text, it is questionable whether his desire was for this statement to give specific, inflexible direction for the acceptability of various pieces of art. It does seem designed, however, as a reminder for believers to think in a God-honoring way.
Q2: What does the verse actually say? In other words, how would an expert translate what the key words of the verse are trying to get at?
A2: One of the best sources for explaining the Greek text is Wuest’s Word Studies From the Greek New Testament, by Kenneth Wuest. He breaks down the individual words, gets at their meaning, and then offers this more fleshed-out translation of what Philippians 4:8 is saying (emphasis mine).
“Finally, brethren, whatever things have the character of truth, whatever things are worthy of reverence, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are attractive, whatever excellence there be or fit object of praise, these things make the subject of careful reflection.”
This construction is very helpful. As we can see, the intent of the words is not to set up systems for avoiding all possibility of non-Christian thinking. Instead, Paul calls the Philippians to spend time thinking carefully and deeply about the best things – things that are true, revered, righteous, pure, and so on. This is certainly something which every pastor wants for his congregation: that they spend time contemplating beauty and righteous character and those things which are worthy of being revered. However, nothing about the more fleshed out version of the verse (beyond repetition of the value of thinking reflectively about pure things) seems to demand avoidance of non-redemptive narrative themes for the purpose of maintaining purity. It even seems, as Alan says, to support the idea of spending time reflecting carefully on truth found in the excellence of even secular art.
Q3: How does this verse fit in with the larger themes of Philippians?
A3: I’m glad you asked! One interesting point is that in several places, the book of Philippians highlights the importance of discernment as an exercise for recognizing right from wrong. Here are some examples.
Philippians 1:9-11. And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Phil. 1:27-28a. Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.
Phil. 2:12-13. Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
Phil. 3:17. Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
All these verses advocate a careful wisdom and discernment to working out the Christian life in a secular context. They ask for thoughtfulness, care, knowledge, and maturity. However, nowhere do they seem to advocate a sense of isolationism, as though Christians are to fight for an alternative society where their views are predominant. They are also not commanded to try to take back the culture, making their world look Christian even among the non-Christian members. Instead, they are told to live wisely and thoughtfully within the context of carrying the gospel to those who have not yet heard. Perhaps most interestingly, they tie concepts such as purity and righteousness to knowledge and discernment; it seems that much knowledge and the ability to discern right from wrong in that knowledge are important tools in the process of sanctification.
Q4: What about the larger principles of Scripture as a whole?
A4: I think there are three basic things we can say pretty clearly about how Scripture relates to various forms of art.
First, Scripture clearly supports artistic skill when it supports the worship of God.
This is especially clear with music, as the entire book of Psalms uses the value of artistic skill in music to praise God. It is also true visually, however, which can be clearly seen in the construction of the tabernacle and the Temple. Leland Ryken (in The Liberated Imagination) points out two especially telling set of verses from Exodus 31:1-11 and 35:30-36:2. 31:1-5 says, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft.”
Second, Scripture clearly condemns artistic skill when it is used for idolatry.
When Aaron fashions a golden calf in Exodus 32:4, God is clearly angry. He repeats the command against idolatry in Exodus 34:17. He is consistent in condemning this practice through his prophets (and often using it as a key comment on the morality of the people) throughout Judges, and again throughout the period of the Kings. In Romans 1:22-23, those who exchange God’s glory for the glory of images resembling men and animals are called fools.
Third, the Bible does not say much else!
Apart from praising and accepting worship WITH art and condemning worship OF art, the Bible does not seem to take much position on the visual arts. In fact, we might say it seems to be neutral! However, the artistic skills of those who create art for the tabernacle are clearly God-given. I believe we can say Scripture’s impressive silence on this topic shows that we can view the creation of morally neutral art (meaning it is not designed to assist worship or be worshipped) as being just that- morally neutral.
Conclusions
Philippians 4:8 is not guidance from God telling us to find creative ways of forcing secular society to make art that only supplies certain themes. It is not telling us to avoid seeing themes of sin, even when those themes are portrayed negatively (and thus truthfully). Instead, I think we can say it is a call to wisdom and discernment- a call to describe what is right and what is wrong. It asks that we think carefully and deeply about the world around us, and seek to emulate those things that are true and beautiful and right in society. How will we know the right from the wrong if we refuse to spend time comparing them?
There are limits, of course. We should not view things we know will immediately draw us into sin. We should never pursue sinful desires and then vindicate ourselves by claiming we were just, “thinking critically.” And yes, we SHOULD have some value for artistic themes that truthfully mirror the redemptive themes in Scripture.
However, true discernment is able to see the truth in artistic expression whether it portrays the actual moment of redemption or not. A story that portrays sin as destructive and evil is speaking more truly than a movie that portrays human love as offering ultimate redemption. As Christians, we must be able to see the difference between the two as they compare to the truth of Scripture.
On the whole, I believe the vision Alan articulates for Christian criticism of movies is a faithful “working out,” of the commands and themes found in Philippians. It accepts the importance of contemplating truth and beauty and things worthy of reverence. It accepts and makes use of the call to discernment. It helps Christians increase in sanctification for the purpose of bringing glory to God. Perhaps most importantly, it helps us clarify for non-believers how the Christian worldview contrasts with secular society’s, forcing the non-Christian to be confronted with God’s truth in opposition to the wisdom of the world. This is the highest calling a Christian critic can have, and yet it is within grasp for one who correctly understands that calling.
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the
LORD. ( Genesis 6:8 )
My Dear in Him,
Please follow me to study this words of hope from
the beginning to the end of the messages so you can found grace in the eyes of
The Almighty Father in obedience to The Divine direction to His prophet.
The word “grace” appears for the first time in the Bible in this verse. Noah
lived in the midst of the most heinously evil society the world had known, but
because he had found grace, God favored him with personal instruction about the
coming catastrophic judgment and the details for a new beginning on earth.The language of Genesis 6:8 gives us insight into Noah’s character. “Found” is a simple active perfect verb, not a passive one. Thus, Noah found favor—grace—in God’s eyes because he was actively looking for it. Likewise, Adam found no helpmate from among the animals that was suitable for him (Genesis 2:20), and Noah’s dove did not find rest for the sole of her foot (Genesis 8:9). Laban did not find his household images that Rachel had stolen and hidden (Genesis 31:35), and Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses
(2 Chronicles 34:14-15). God could have used a passive verb in reference to Noah, but He did not.
What can we learn from the life of this great man?
Evidently, God intended for us to know this key factor: Noah’s life was righteous—in spite of the horrible condition of the world of his day. He was looking for God’s direction and for the answers to his heart’s cry. Noah wasn’t merely hanging around waiting for the inevitable destruction that he sensed must come as a result of the awful rebellion that surrounded him. Noah was anticipating a response from God—and when God finally did give him instruction, Noah “found” the favor that he sought!
Captain of Industry
Many centuries later, God warned Ezekiel of future judgment that would happen to the land of Israel because of its wickedness. God identified three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—as examples of the best “righteous” men in history (Ezekiel 14:14, 20). If that comparison has any meaning, Noah was much more than a mere chance recipient of God’s grace.
Job was “the greatest of all the men of the east” (Job 1:3). His livestock resources (mainly those for caravan duty) were enormous. That certainly meant that he was a successful trade broker and possibly a source for prized stock. He had multiple houses and land—so much so that “bands” from nearby nations were necessary to destroy his wealth.
God had labeled Job “my servant...there is none like him in the earth, a perfect [blameless] and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth [shuns] evil” (Job 1:8). Job was much more than a “nice guy.” He was probably the wealthiest man of his day, and yet he was of such godly character that God used him to teach Satan a lesson!
Daniel was one of the king’s descendants and nobles from Judah taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1:3). The account of Daniel and his three godly friends is well known among Christians, but the young adult experiences of Daniel often overshadow the long life that he led as the leader of the “scientists” (learned men) of that day. He was commissioned as a “great man” by Nebuchadnezzar and “sat in the gate of the king” (Daniel 2:48-49). Daniel served in some form of senior political and advisory position for six kings over some 70 years. Not bad for a captive!
God identified Daniel as a “man greatly beloved” (Daniel 10:11). He was privileged to have unusual spiritual insight, which he could have used to his personal advantage. But he always made it clear that he was gifted by God’s grace—to whom he always gave credit. Furthermore, God used Daniel to record several of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture. Scholars are still discussing the book of Daniel. He was a significant person indeed!
If the comparisons of the righteous men listed in Ezekiel 14 are to be genuine comparisons, Noah must have been a person of significance in his region—if not well known throughout the world of his day. He clearly possessed or had access to the resources and skills needed to accomplish the monumental task that was assigned to him. Since God’s instructions to build the Ark are somewhat general, it is not beyond reason to assume that Noah ran an architectural and contracting business of some kind.
The pre-Flood civilization would certainly have been advanced enough for such an enterprise. The evolutionary cloud has mesmerized most of the world into relegating the “ancient” world into some sort of pre-human existence—living in caves and grass huts with animal skins for clothing. The Bible paints a much different picture! There were cities during Noah’s day, as well as developed technology that included metallurgy and the skills to build and market musical instruments (Genesis 4:17-22). Somebody had to construct the habitations for the growing population, and someone had to coordinate the distribution and development of those manufacturing places that produced the products needed by that society.
The world of Noah was very wicked, but it functioned with much the same needs as our current world. When the Lord Jesus wanted to emphasize the suddenness of the destruction in the coming end-times judgment, He did it by drawing a comparison with the “ordinary” life of the populations around Noah.
And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be
also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married
wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the
ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. (Luke 17:26-27)
Noah was an important man in his day. Whether he was a general contractor,
an architect, or a business baron is pretty much an educated guess. But the
fact that he found grace is important. Noah was fully dedicated to the
work of God during his life.Walked with God
The Bible says that Noah was one of only two men in all of history who “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). The other is Enoch, who may be more well known since he was taken up into God’s presence without dying (Genesis 5:24). Efforts by some to portray Noah as a bumbling, drunken hypocrite are simply not true. God’s commentary is that Noah was “just” and “perfect” (upright, without blemish). The Creator entrusted him with a monumental task that is unique in all of history.
Noah was “just.” That simply means that he was known for his equitable dealings with others. Even in the wicked world that disgusted the Creator, Noah was “justified” in his dealings. He charged reasonable prices for his work. He gave a good product (whatever it was) to those who employed his services. His honest dealings gave rise to his influence in the community. He was proven to be a man of integrity (Genesis 7:1).
Noah was “perfect.” That precious reputation, at least from God’s perspective, means that he was a man without condemnation. His “just” dealings resulted in a “blameless” record. Whatever the wicked people of his day may have said behind his back, they knew that Noah was above reproach. Just as folks today often resort to rumor-mongering and distortion of facts to cover their own guilt, those around Noah no doubt employed some of the same practices to discredit righteous Noah. He may well have had that kind of treatment, but God saw that he was “perfect.”
Preacher of Righteousness
Peter called Noah a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5). Think of what that means in the context of Genesis 6! The whole earth was “filled with violence” and “every heart” only thought of evil. The social milieu must have been a real mess. Yet Noah had the guts to stand up publically for the righteous behavior that just about everyone else openly and loudly rejected.
Perhaps his extended family members, and even some or most of his employees, were under his influence. But by the time the judgment of God fell, only Noah, his wife, and three of their sons and their wives were willing to follow his leadership into the Ark. Many would consider a ministry with such results a failure today, and yet God insisted that Noah’s faith not only “saved” his family but the future world from extinction (Hebrews 11:7)!
We are not told in Scripture what Noah preached about. Enoch (the other man who walked with God) preached about the return of the Lord in judgment (Jude 1:14-15). Noah may well have preached about the coming judgment of the Flood and the desperate need of the world’s people to turn back to their Creator for salvation. Whatever he may have preached and however he implemented his heart’s desire, Noah was labeled a “preacher of righteousness” by the only Judge that ultimately counts.
God’s grace is always available. It is not hidden from anyone. But it must be “found” by God’s servants as we “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).
My Most Beloved,
If you look for God with your whole heart you will find Him and He
will remove that affliction out of your life, family, marriage and business.
God is great and also the wisest personage in the
universe. Your decision to look for Him today as the solution to the problems
that have weighed you down in this life is the only key to the problem.
You might be among those who are searching for God but
not with your whole heart. You might also be searching for God and at the same
time going to the places you know from your heart that is not pleasing to God
Almighty.
God is everywhere you go though not accessible from all
places you have fixed your heart for the solution to your needs.
So many people have looked for this God through many
gods of various religions and yet they are still confused of life and why they
even came into existence.
Others have believed that joining different kinds of
Self Realization organizations is the key to actualize and realize what they
are looking for.
I have seen others who are tired of other gods of other
people but now they have decided to create their own gods to worship. Can a man
create God?
Yet many men have created gods and deceived you to
worship them.
Many are calling upon the names of other gods they do
not know about simply because they want to try a certain kind of worship and
see how it can be with them. Some others
are busy looking for a place to discover another strange god which is not yet
discovered by any other man. If we move
a little into the Bible book we will discover the exact message of God
concerning searching and developing gods in any other scientific method which
the Bible rightly stipulated, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath,
or that is in the water under the earth:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve
them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me;
And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me,
and keep my commandments.” – EXODUS 20: 3-6.
God is warning you from this portion of the scripture
to stop developing any form of worship that will
entice you to worship other gods.
God is also warning you in particular to remove and
throw away those gods you kept in secret places which men do not know you are
worshipping.
Stars and other things in the skies are not made to be
worshipped by The Almighty Father and the Creator of universe. God commanded
you also never to worship gods of woods, silvers, gold and iron.
God
spoke to us through Moses and said. “And
the LORD commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that ye
might do them in the land whither ye go over to possess it.
Take
ye therefore good heed unto yourselves; for ye saw no manner of similitude on
the day that the LORD spake unto you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire:
Lest
ye corrupt yourselves, and make you a graven image, the similitude of any
figure, the likeness of male or female,
The
likeness of any beast that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl
that flieth in the air,
The
likeness of any thing that creepeth on the ground, the likeness of any fish
that is in the waters beneath the earth:
And
lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the
moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to
worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all
nations under the whole heaven. - Deuteronomy
4:14-19
God is angry with you as you are bowing down to them
and this is the source of those problems that refuses to go out of your life.
The Almighty Father does not want you to worship the gods of your land.
Some people do carry the gods of their lands in wooden
form to another country for worshipping purposes but The Almighty Father cannot
be carried in a wooden form because He is accessible from any place and any
condition you can call Him in truth and in Spirit wholeheartedly.
There is no good gods in seas and oceans. There is no
marine good gods that is capable to do what Almighty God cannot do for you.
He warned you never to bow down to any of them. Your
destiny is purely in the hand of The Almighty Father. None of your blessings
comes as a result of worshipping idols.
God is jealous and will not be happy if you are giving
the glories that are due to His Most Holy Name, Jehovah to other gods of
nations and other gods who have ears but cannot hear.
If you believe me today, and decide to drop those gods you
are serving and to come to The Almighty Jehovah through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The
Bible warned, “As
many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold,
I stand at the door, and knock:
if any man hear my voice, and open the door,
I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
To
him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also
overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the
Spirit saith unto the churches. The Revelation of Saint John 3:19-22.
Why not decide right now as you are reading this
message and give your entire life to your Creator so it shall be well with you,
your family and all your businesses?
Will you continue to serve the gods that demands for
the blood of your children for ritual purposes and sacrifices so as to bless
and protect you?
Will you serve the gods that takes away your fertility
in other to give you unrealistic financial blessings and fame?
Reason well before you go.
God is telling me that some group of people is trying
to initiate you into a cult, an occult group, a satanic system of worship.
Please beware and run away for your dear life so you
will not regret the final outcome of it.
There is nothing absolutely good in Satan. He is a liar
and father of all liars.
If you believe this message is for you in particular
and you wants to be saved before it is too late. Why not call my attention for
my direction to establish your faith in Jesus Christ?
Accept and Confess the name of Jesus Christ so He shall
come into your life and be your God as you have totally dropped all form of
other gods with sincere heart.
Jesus
saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the
Father, but by me.If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.- JOHN 14:6-7
Am available to assist you to develop your faith in God
and also to pray with you for instant divine solution to those problems that has
taken you far and wide without hope for solution.
“And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy
father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the
LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts:
if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will
cast thee off for ever. - I CHRONICLES 28:9.
God bless you for giving a listening ear to this
message of God that is specially made for you today for your upliftment.
If you are moved by the Spirit of God to
support this work. Please don’t hesitate to tell us of how you are led by God
to assist. Or you can send us your Check to our office below for our mission to
Africa and building of schools for Orphans and Orphanage .
We need an offering and a monetary donation
motivated by the Spirit of God for the poor and less privileged because God
loves a cheerful giver.
Please
kindly send us Check of the amount placed in your heart by the Spirit of Most
High GOD JEHOVAH to- Bishop Uchenna Celestine Okonkwor
472 Amherst St
Suite 732225
Nashua, NH 03063
U.S.A.
Tel:
781-569-0201.
Alternatively, I will also suggest that you
forward your donation to us for the poor through Our Payoneer Bank Account
details below to make the deposit…
Bank Account Holder: Uchenna
Celestine Okonkwor
Bank Name: Bank Of America
Account #: 00003503352939167
ABA (Bank Routing) #: 061000052
Account Type: CHECKING.
Bank Name: Bank Of America
Account #: 00003503352939167
ABA (Bank Routing) #: 061000052
Account Type: CHECKING.
You may as well send your financial
donation in support of this missionary work through our paypal account at
zionagency@yahoo.com.
You can visit our outreach and ministerial sites below
for perusal to enable you understand our mission practically well. We need up to $2,ooo,000 to facilitate the
schools building project for the poor and less privileged. This will have
primary, secondary and University educational system. We are pleading that you
give us your financial contribution and support as you are capable and also led
by The Spirit of The Almighty God.
http://agnes-orphanage.blogspot.com/
God bless you.
Bishop Uchenna C. Okonkwor
472 Amherst St
Suite 732225
Nashua, NH 03063
Suite 732225
Nashua, NH 03063
781-569-0201.
U.S.A.
JESUS CHRIST IS THE LORD.
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