West
Why the West Thrived, Part 2
20/07/14 20:10
A widespread positive response to the Bible's message enabled God to make the Western world different.
For example, the West has tried to honour the Bible's opening words which show that, like the man, woman is made in God's own image. Genesis 1.27.
So, first, in Western countries men don't use women as beasts of burden.
Second, the West followed more closely the Bible's marriage instructions - the man not allowed to take a second wife, not allowed to have a mistress, not allowed to covet his neighbour's wife or commit adultery. And divorce is discouraged. See Exodus 20.14, 17, etc.
Third, a husband is not even allowed to hate his wife. Instead, the Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives.” Ephesians 5.25.
Fourth, the Bible goes further. Mothers are to be honoured equally with fathers: “honour your father and your mother” Exodus 20.12; Ephesians 6.2.
But today the West has a problem. It is moving away from God's teaching, dishonouring and demeaning women, especially degrading them through pornography and even using this to poison the minds of our young children.
Can the West survive? Not unless we restore our wonderful Biblical heritage. Will we?
Here's good news: if the West repents, God will forgive.
For example, the West has tried to honour the Bible's opening words which show that, like the man, woman is made in God's own image. Genesis 1.27.
So, first, in Western countries men don't use women as beasts of burden.
Second, the West followed more closely the Bible's marriage instructions - the man not allowed to take a second wife, not allowed to have a mistress, not allowed to covet his neighbour's wife or commit adultery. And divorce is discouraged. See Exodus 20.14, 17, etc.
Third, a husband is not even allowed to hate his wife. Instead, the Bible says, “Husbands, love your wives.” Ephesians 5.25.
Fourth, the Bible goes further. Mothers are to be honoured equally with fathers: “honour your father and your mother” Exodus 20.12; Ephesians 6.2.
But today the West has a problem. It is moving away from God's teaching, dishonouring and demeaning women, especially degrading them through pornography and even using this to poison the minds of our young children.
Can the West survive? Not unless we restore our wonderful Biblical heritage. Will we?
Here's good news: if the West repents, God will forgive.
* * *
It's what we know about God that's important - not what we may feel about him.
Why the West Thrived, Part 1
20/07/14 20:03
God transformed the West.
First, after Europe's 15th Century invention of printing, it was Western Bible-believers who, despite strong opposition, went on to spread God's Word far and wide via print.
Now we should remember God's special promise, “Those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Samuel 2.30.
Second, it was therefore in Europe that mythological nonsense about life on earth was bypassed. Instead, Bible-believers like Kepler, Newton, Pasteur and many others went on to examine our world sensibly and logically, thereby laying the foundations of modern science.
Third, in the East, the Chinese had invented printing in the 1100's, but it didn't reform China! Did they lack material that was universally worth printing and reading?
Fourth, nowadays when God's Word reaches the non-Western world it isn't always welcomed. But the current social upheavals in many such places show that, more than ever, those nations do need Christ's powerful and positive message of love, forgiveness and salvation.
Fifth, notice too the West also championed human rights and equality. Who told the West we are all equal? God did. His Word (John 3.16) teaches that all people worldwide are equally loved by him.
First, after Europe's 15th Century invention of printing, it was Western Bible-believers who, despite strong opposition, went on to spread God's Word far and wide via print.
Now we should remember God's special promise, “Those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.” 1 Samuel 2.30.
Second, it was therefore in Europe that mythological nonsense about life on earth was bypassed. Instead, Bible-believers like Kepler, Newton, Pasteur and many others went on to examine our world sensibly and logically, thereby laying the foundations of modern science.
Third, in the East, the Chinese had invented printing in the 1100's, but it didn't reform China! Did they lack material that was universally worth printing and reading?
Fourth, nowadays when God's Word reaches the non-Western world it isn't always welcomed. But the current social upheavals in many such places show that, more than ever, those nations do need Christ's powerful and positive message of love, forgiveness and salvation.
Fifth, notice too the West also championed human rights and equality. Who told the West we are all equal? God did. His Word (John 3.16) teaches that all people worldwide are equally loved by him.
* * *
God's Word is timeless, speaking to every generation.