Musing – Does the Bible Really Support Socialism?

 

Hebraic Musing – Does the Bible Really Support Socialism?

Some point out that Jesus preached compassion toward the poor; and the church in Jerusalem “had everything in common”; and Ananias & Sapphira were struck down because they held back wealth for themselves.  Those shallow arguments are twisted to justify socialism, but maybe they support Capitalism; let’s look more closely.

 “All the (Jerusalem) believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. Acts 4:32 NIV   But vs.34-35 have the explanations of how that worked. “There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.”  Did you notice that they “brought the money”?  Big difference, it was not taken from them!

What did Ananias & Sapphira do to get struck down?  Peter explained “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord?” Acts 5:9  It was because they lied to the Lord; not for holding back their money! 

The Protestant Work Ethic

The Bible teaches Biblical principles – hard work, discipline and frugality.  (“Work” appears almost 400 times in the Bible!)   “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,” Ecc.2:24    “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.” 2 Thess.3:10   And “Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” Prov.10:4     In Socialism, Greed is institutionalized.  There’s no reward for hard work!  I have experienced working in Communist countries with a workforce of people with no incentive.  Sad state of affairs!  Overheard in a Communist country – “We pretend to work; they pretend to pay us.”

Jesus gives us sound wealth management advice - “I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.”  Luke 16:9    Ownership of wealth was obvious and assumed, or why would Moses have to command “Thou Shall Not Steal”?

What happens to Wealth in Socialism?

Germany, Yugoslavia and Venezuela are recent examples of Marxist Socialism being destroyed by inflation.  While Americans are greedily looking forward to receiving “Stimulus Money”, consider this.  My 11 year old home-schooled Granddaughter read an economics book “Whatever Happened to Penny Candy.”  So when the stimulus money came out, my daughter explained to her it was to help people.  So Charity replied “But if everyone gets more money, doesn’t that just mean everything will cost more?  Isn’t it called inflation when the government just gives away money?  Where does it come from?”  That’s understanding and wisdom from an 11 year-old!  Why don’t more people understand economics?  Money is not free!

Capitalism or Socialism, which is better?

One is designed to meet the real needs of consumers/customers; the other operates without need to benefit people.

Could a corporation like Boeing, which requires a motivated workforce, be developed in a socialistic system?

It is often proposed that “Capitalism is based on greed and Socialism is based on need.”   But actually, the opposite is true.  Capitalists are motivated and incentivized to create businesses that meet people’s needs. 

Socialism has failed because of corruption and greed.  It would work if the leaders were unflawed persons (an oxymoron).  Neither system is perfect; even Capitalism has flaws that need correcting because we are fallen humans only capable of seeking the better solution.  Only God creates perfection!

Points to ponder

Socialism always speaks about distributing wealth, never about creating it. 

Why do mice die in mousetraps?  They don’t understand why the cheese is free.

Why did a Kibbutz leader in Israel say “It has become a paradise for parasites”? 

Which system is more open to greed and corruption?

Which system emphasizes “Giving”?  Which one requires “Taking”?

“That your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” Mt.6:4

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 30, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/
Note – Inspired/excerpted by Lutzer’s “We Will Not Be Silenced”  Ch.7 – “Capitalism Is the Disease; Socialism Is the Cure.”

Musing – Why Are Christians the “Happiest People on Earth”?

 Hebraic Musing – Why Are Christians the “Happiest People on Earth”?

In 1966 I attended sales training with Combined Insurance Company, founded by W. Clement Stone, known for promoting the “Positive Mental Attitude”.  The training class had a song drilled into us that is still in me to this day.  ♫ Happiness, Happiness. The greatest gift that I possess. I thank the Lord that I’ve been blessed…with more than my share of Haaaapiness!”♫   

In 1977 I accepted the Lord Jesus as my Lord and Savior.  My pastor’s wife, Arliss Freeman, loved to sing  ♫ Smile awhile and give your face a rest. Raise your hand to the one you love the best, Then shake hands with those nearby, And greet them with a smile! ♫    

There is a classic book titled “Happiest People on Earth” about a businessman, Demos Shakarian. God gave him a vision of millions of men all over the world who had blank looks on their faces.  He then was taken on a trip around the world and he saw that those same men had found the secret to becoming the "Happiest People on Earth".  With God's leading, Demos started the "Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International" that grew to over 8000 Chapters in 143 countries and is still leading Men to Jesus to this day.

The word “Happy” is also translated Blessed, Fortunate & Cheerful.  In Hebrew, avr (Aleph, Shin, Resh) means “Strength Peace Highest.”   What does the Bible tell us about “Smiling” and being “Happy”?

·      This may be the verse that inspired Demos Shakarian. “Happy are the people who are in such a state; Happy are the people whose God is the LORD!“ Psalm 144:15 NKJV

·      The Queen of Sheba saw something in Solomon’s court.  “How happy your men must be! How happy your officials, who continually stand before you and hear your wisdom!”   1 Kings 10:8 NIV

·      God Himself reminded Job - “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects;…”  Job 5:17 NKJV

·      The Psalmist recognized the happiness of raising the children of one's youth.  “Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;” Psalm 127:5 NKJV   Having raised 6 children, I can relate!

·      And who do we look to for hope?  “Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in the LORD his God,” Psalm 146:5 NKJV

·      Let’s smile.  “A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Prov. 15:13 NIV

·      And when Paul had the opportunity to testify to King Agrippa, here is the start of his message – “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because today I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews.” Acts 26:2 NKJV

·      And when ministering a prayer of faith be ready to sing.  “Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.”  James 5:13 NIV

Now we remember why we are the “Happiest People on Earth”!

-    We have the great spiritual reality of knowing that God has created us and wired his universe around us.

-    We know we have the grace of God and the unconditional love of God with new mercies every morning.

-    We love and are loved by our neighbors, our community and Brothers and Sisters in fellowship.

Points to ponder

Are all Christians known for their smiles and happiness?

What face, attitude and personality works best for effective evangelism?

Are we happy when God corrects us?  If not, why not?

Are you ready to tell somebody why you are so happy? 
Who put that smile on your face? 
How did He do it?

♫   Smile a while and give your face a rest. ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 23, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Musing – Are We About to be Persecuted as Jesus Anticipated?

 Hebraic Musing – Are We About to be Persecuted as Jesus Anticipated?

We Americans have a God-given constitution granting us Life, Liberty and the Right to Pursue Happiness.  But those rights have been rapidly disappearing in recent years at an especially rapid and alarmingly rate!  What are some of the ungodly lifestyles, dictates, beliefs and programs we are experiencing that are orchestrated to destroy the America we once knew?  And what does the Bible say about each of them?

·      The Progressive agenda is attacking our social, political, educational, news media, TV programing, religious and familial lives.  Their cultural agenda is right out of the Marxist playbook.  We are being attacked; when do we declare war?  And there are casualties in wars!  Christian, what are you afraid of?   Jude 18 warned us - “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 

·      The LGBTQ agenda(s) and Sexually explicit curriculum in public schools are contrary to Biblical Marriage (see my Book*).  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”  Gen.1:27 NIV   Why do we hear young people asking “Why get married?”?

·      Racial divisions & Marxist funded BLM movements feed Victimhood.   This creates races/groups and pits them against one another.  i.e. women vs. men, cops to defund, critiquing lack of equality in the family, etc.  All those issues ignore the fundamental biblical doctrines of original sin and individual responsibility.  And actually, we are all one race Biblically; all our DNAs trace to Adam & Eve; or more specifically, Noah!

·      Rioting, destruction and world-wide rebellion is the new way of exerting influence instead of utilizing a democratic voting process.  The Bible tells us to respect our elders - “Honor your father and your mother…” Deut.5:16;  “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Rom.13:1   

·      Are Individual rights are more important than group rights?  Jesus said “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 
How often do we cave in to our “self-centered feelings”?

·      Stir up “Feminine ferment” by claiming there is no difference between men & women.  Equality has become an issue – Right to vote, equal pay, etc.   “He created them male and female”  Gen 5:2  I’ve heard the French say “Viva la difference!”  Science identifies many emotional, physical and psychological differences. 

·      As mothers are encouraged or required to go to work, children will have to attend state day-cares and schools.  But the education of a child is the parent’s responsibility. See Deut. 6:6-9 

·      Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger, had notable quotes – “No Gods, No Masters” and “reproductive freedom” and “Submission to husband is evil.”  That is in contrast to the Biblical family structure - “Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” Col. 3:18  NIV

·      Compassion is being used to override our judgement of ungodly lifestyles.  But Paul admonished us. “For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.” Acts 20:27 NIV

·      Exaggerated promises of Free Stuff, Benefits, Hope & Change, Income Equality, Justice, etc.   These all appeal to our Sinful and greedy nature.  “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” Jer. 17:9 

Are Christians trying to find a lighter cross to bear.  “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34  Jesus did not expect the masses to be saved!  “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many… will try to enter and will not be able to.” Luke 13:24

Was Jesus anticipating these times when He told us “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.  Rejoice and be glad,”   Matt.5:10-12   NIV 

And God has encouraged us.  “Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Josh.1:9  NIV

Final question – It might be too late to reclaim the culture; but can we reclaim the Church of Jesus Christ?

Points to ponder

Why might a persecuted Christian consider it an honor to be persecuted?

“Now the earth was corrupt in God's sight…” and what did God do?  Gen.6:11-13

Are we prepared to stand for righteousness WHEN persecution comes?

Are we prepared for “House Churches” as a mode for survival if & as necessary?

What comes after persecution in this world?  And for how long?

“Remember the words I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.'
          If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”  John 15:20  NIV

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 16, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
* “Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired/excerpted from “We Will Not Be Silenced: Responding Courageously to Our Culture's Assault on Christianity” by Erwin Lutzer, Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago.  His stated purpose – “I want to inspire us to have the courage to walk toward the fire and not run away from the flames.   God has brought us to this cultural moment, and our future cannot be taken for granted.  As has been said ‘In a time of universal deception, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.’”

Musing – How Should We Deal with Paganism in Christianity?

 

Hebraic Musing – How Should We Deal with Paganism in Christianity?

Where should Christians draw the line? Paganism is a highly controversial subject. Can we use pagan customs in the church of God?  Actually, we already do. Simply because something has a pagan origin does that mean that it is sinful to use it?  Even for a religious use?  For example:

·    Wedding rings were and are a pagan custom, and there is no biblical command for them, but we use them in church-sanctioned ceremonies. 

·    Funerals include pagan customs based on pagan ideas about the afterlife. Scripture says nothing about putting flowers on graves, etc.  Egyptian mythology said that the dead should be embalmed, and Joseph participated in this custom (Gen. 50:2-3) despite its pagan origin.

·    Pagans created statues of animals and people, life-size and miniature. They had statues in their gardens and in their homes which they worshipped as their god.  Statues have lost their "pagan" roots because people do not believe in such gods anymore; but adoration by some does come close to worship!

·    Money has pagan designs on it. Some U.S. coins used to have the goddess "Liberty" on them. Dollar bills have a pyramid, with an eye over it, and human images of men on bills and coins! (No such images of living things can be found on Israeli coins!).

·    Pagans assigned days of the week to different gods, and we still use these names. And many of the names of our days and months refer to gods and Roman Emperors who were revered as gods.

So the question arises, how careful should we be in weeding paganisms out of our lives?  Where do we draw the line?  Different Christians draw the line in different places.  How much diversity should we allow on these issues?  Some conservative churches used to forbid wedding rings. Some forbid celebrating Christmas and Easter based on the historical pagan source of those holidays. Some are so careful to do what God says they exercise extreme care to avoid paganism. Are they so careful that they might err on the side of forbidding too much?  And they might also make commands about things that God doesn't command. That too is a sin – adding to His Word.

Each Christian needs to decide and draw his/her own lines; and be tolerant of those who draw different lines.  Romans 14:5-13 concludes with a difficult commandment about not judging your brother.  “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind.  He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. … 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? …   12  So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.  Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.” NIV   There is a difference between “discerning behavior” and “condemning.”

Conclusion - Paganism is an emotion-laden subject. Various Christian groups have a history of being dogmatic, legalistic and of misusing Scripture when they argue their point.  With that history, of course, it is impossible to discuss this subject without somebody disagreeing.  Each person thinks himself to be properly balanced, but each person's balance point is different.

Points to ponder

It’s about winning souls for the Kingdom; it’s not about winning arguments.

Should the church legislate which practices are Okay and which are not?
(Do we want to get into the Talmud business?)

How are we to view brothers who participate in Christmas or Easter?
Does pointing out the pagan roots uplift our brothers?

♫ Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. ♫        

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd,                                  March 9, 2021

Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”  “Biblical Marriage”
“Musings v.1 – A Victorious Life”   “Musings v.2 – The Torah and New Testament”
Weekly “Hebraic Musings”      www.InsightsByYosef.com

Musing – Are We Living in the Shadow of the Cross?

 Hebraic Musing – Are We Living in the Shadow of the Cross?

It seems some small churches are still trying to preach the gospel of the Cross, while other churches seem to be growing with messages to please the world by edifying the individual.  Are churches preaching the mercy of God before preaching the judgment of God?  It is the judgement of Almighty God that makes mercy meaningful!  Some have said the weakness of the Church in America is because 90% of the pastors are not ready nor willing to preach about the consequences of sin, especially certain sins that may offend congregants. 

Why are there some Commandments and sins that are not getting preached from pulpits in America anymore?  Why do we put a newborn baby in a crib with padding, instead of putting the baby out on the front lawn?  We love the child and want to protect him/her from danger.  Shouldn’t we be ready to confront our neighbors about the sins they are committing (whether they are saved or not); to protect them from the consequences of those sins and the ultimate danger of condemnation at the final judgment?

Sin is running rampant and the world is judging behavior based upon human passions and desires.  And we have a plethora of actors, athletes, news commentators and pastors promoting world-think! 

I am so concerned with the anti-Christian “Left” slanted new media that I need to recommend two daily news sources I use to keep in touch with the conservative view or “right’s” view of news and events: 
            The Epoch Times – Newsletter@epochtimes.com  or  https://www.theepochtimes.com/newsletter
            The Daily Signal  https://www.dailysignal.com/     From The Heritage Foundation

The world is judging based upon the world’s viewpoint(s).   In contrast, what example did Paul give us in Galatians 2:20?  “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”  NKJV   We are called to put ourselves on the cross every day.  Every morning we are to die to ourselves, crucified with Him; then we spend the day living for Jesus. 

That’s a personal funeral and a resurrection every day for each of us.

What would happen if we viewed the world throughout our day with the same view that Jesus had as he was hanging on the cross looking out at His people?  With that view, it is easier to die to myself, and realize I need to live for the Lord.  I need to be viewing world situations the same way the Lord Jesus Christ did, and not from the way the world does.  Jesus saw sinful people around Him who needed to recognize their sins so they could then seek mercy.

Since the last great awakening there had been about four generations of “easy” preaching about the saving power of the cross.  “Easy” because all one has to do is simply accept Jesus as their “personal” Savior, but not necessarily as their LORD!  How can we raise the Cross so the nation can see and consider what Jesus was seeing as He gave His life on the cross?  Jesus knew He was dying for the sins of the world. 

How much different will the world look to us if we view ourselves, our families, our church, our neighborhood, our nation through the eyes of Jesus on the cross?  We are all in the Shadow of the Cross!

Points to ponder

Do you die and get resurrected in each of your morning devotions?

What did Jesus see, what was He thinking while He was hanging on the Cross, for us?

How are our neighbors, friends and family hurting themselves?

How to get the world to recognize there is a Godly authority over all of us?

♫  At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light And the burden of my heart rolled away,
            It was there by faith I received my sight    ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                                      March 2, 2021
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”  Weekly “Hebraic Musings” http://insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com/

Note – Inspired/excerpted - Tom Hatley’s 1/24/21 message “Missions Casting the Shadow of the Cross” Matthew 24:14