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The opening text for Solomon’s agreement with Hiram reads:

1st Kings 5:1-3
1 When Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king to succeed his father David, he sent his envoys to Solomon, because he had always been on friendly terms with David. 2 Solomon sent back this message to Hiram:

3 "You know that because of the wars waged against my father David from all sides, he could not build a temple for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD put his enemies under his feet. 4 But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster. 5 I intend, therefore, to build a temple for the Name of the LORD my God, as the LORD told my father David, when he said, ‘Your son whom I will put on the throne in your place will build the temple for my Name.’

Concerning the agreement between Solomon & king Hiram of Tyre, Matthew Henry writes …(commentary courtesy of Biblegateway)

Here is Solomon’s design to build a temple. There is no adversary, no Satan, so the word is; no instrument of Satan to oppose it, or to divert from it. Satan does all he can, to hinder temple work. When there is no evil abroad, then let us be ready and active in that which is good, and get forward. Let God’s promises quicken our endeavors. And all outward skill and advantages should be made serviceable to the interests of Christ’s kingdom. It Tyre supplies Israel with craftsmen,

Israel will supply Tyre with corn, Ezekiel 27:17. Thus, by the wise disposal of Providence, one country has need of another, and is benefited by another, that there may be dependence on one another, to the glory of God. (1st Kings 5:10-18)
(commentary courtesy of Biblegateway)

Hiram was from the Phoenician culture which practiced the pagan worship of Molech, the star –god Saturn, & Asherah (or Atorte) the fertility goddess. Though Hiram praises the God of Israel for the wisdom He has given to Solomon (1st Kings 5:7); there doesn’t seem to be a clear indication that Hiram actually followed the God of Israel. The NIV Study Bible suggests:

NIV Study Bible Comments ref: 1st Kings verses 5-7:

In polytheistic cultures it was common practice for the people of one nation to recognize the deities of another nation. (see: 10:9;11:5) and even to ascribe certain powers to them see: 2nd Kings 18:25; see also 2nd Chronicles 2:12)

Assuming that the commentary I read was an accurate reflection of the dealings between Israel and some of it’s neighbors, it springboards some other thoughts and questions.

So here we have Solomon a man of God and full of wisdom having this business association with pagans. On the surface the conclusion to draw might be to say that its “not right” to partner up with pagans, especially with something as sacred as the Temple. After all doesn’t Paul says in 2nd Corinthians 6…?

14Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

 2nd Corinthians 6:14 was used in a sarcastic manner in hopes of helping to illustrate a point or two. Paul’s command to the Corinthians of “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" is addressing the issue of Christian having sexual relations with an idolater (not that two unwed Christians should be “hooking up” either).

As is the case with any portion of Scripture, the intent (the spirit of the text) can be misunderstood, thus an improper conclusion is drawn. One misunderstanding; a common I suspect, is to ascertain that  the command from Paul instructs the Christian to not have any dealings with unbelievers. However! Considering Jesus’ giving of The Great Commission (“…go and make disciples of all nations…"); Paul’s commands become antagonistic to Jesus and The Great Commission if that command is believed to be an all inclusive statement vs having a narrowly defined criteria. Looking back to Christ though, let’s survey several instances where He engaged sinners.

• Jesus and the faith of the Syrophoenician woman - Mark 7:24-30
• Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman - Luke 7:36-50
• Jesus & Zacchaeus the tax collector - Luke 19:1-9

Given the past examples from Christ, it seems clear then that a Christian will almost surely have to engage unbelievers/”sinners” in some form or another which, brings us back to 1st Kings 5:1-3.

Reading the text from 1st Kings 5:1-3, I began to wonder as to what is the significance of the Bible mentioning Hiram’s respective relationship with David and Solomon. "What’s the big deal with this pagan being the supplier of lumber for the building of the Temple?"

First, glory to God the Father and the Holy Spirit because I’m just not too sharp on my own to figure this out. So it occurs to me that an implication to conclude from the text is that just as David and Solomon “partnered” up with a pagan to accomplish their respective God-given tasks; Christians today may find themselves in a similar situation. No not speaking of building a temple, rather in a broader  view such as the participation of the building up of God’s Kingdom.

See? I think that sometimes we turn our faith in Jesus into  a religion of our own making by imposing restrictions upon ourselves that God has not instituted. What I’m driving is that it’s not uncommon for denominational “rules”, a faulty understanding of Scripture, or a legalistic attitude to create spiritual blinders. These spiritual blinders (prejudices) can then inhibit the Christian from accomplishing the work that God has planned for us.

Ephesians 2:1-10
1As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Riding on that last idea, final thoughts that come to mind revolve around the gospel itself. I suppose  with regard to the previous thought it could be considered a principal or something or practical value (in a Christian context).  Principles and practicality aside there is I believe, a Gospel implication that rides underneath the account of Solomon and Hiram’s agreement.  “What’s to say that partnering up with a non-believer for an mutual material benefit  isn’t also part of the Lord’s way of providing the non-believer an opportunity to hear the Gospel; and you the Christian an opportunity to preach the Gospel to them?” (see also: Luke 16:1-14)

Grace and peace be with you.

For the past week or so, there’s been a desire to weigh in on the ‘situation’ with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.  I’ve been slow to formulate a post as I wanted to steer clear of the common “he said, she said”  speculation as well as many of the secular lines of reasoning/thought towards the topic.  The intention is not to focus on Ben Roethlisberger and what he allegedly did, and it’s not to defend or condemn his alleged actions.  I’m merely reflecting on the situation, and hoping to look at issues beyond the obvious things that we subjectively point a finger at or dismiss…

From an earlier exchange of thoughts on the matter in emails between my blogging buddy “E.B.”  at R3, something clicked that I finally felt was worthy of making a Christ focused comment or two on.  E.B. shared in his comments that he like myself is displeased with  Ben Roethlisberger’s conduct.

I find this really tests the loyalty of my team against my faith.  There’s no doubt  that Ben’s an awesome QB, but if he’s abusing women, then he needs to be punished and kicked off the team.  As much as it pains me to think of losing a great QB, God has to come first.  I suppose this is why Jesus said you can’t serve two masters.

It is “funny” in that I had the same feelings, ie; how does my loyalty to the Steelers conflict with my faith?  Speaking for myself, I was feeling challenged spiritually to reconcile specifically Big Ben’s conduct in light of firstly being a Christian.  What I mean to say is, “How does a Christian, that happens to be a Steelers fan(insert your own team. player or idol as applicable) honestly weigh the situation and give a consistent explanation for their abandonment or continued support of the Steelers, and or Ben Roethlisberger.”  What bought about this reflection for me was the fact that in the past weeks I had taken some time to visit various online sports forums that were discussing the Roethlisberger situation, firstly the allegations, then the speculations.

What I found to be disturbing in drive by forum visits was a fair share of assumed Steelers fans that propped up their defense of Ben Roethlisberger on one specific fact, that being that he had won the franchise 2 Super Bowls.  I digress for a moment by stating that…

Speaking as a “fan” of football, the argument in and of itself is shallow as no QB wins without the contributions of his teammates, some teams managing to win in spite of their QB. Eh Ravens fans?”

 But onto the spiritual matter at heart.  In this case; the sports fanatic that would argue or otherwise excuse Roethlisberger’s conduct on the premise of how many trophy’s he’s won, has in my opinion missed the boat on principles by constructing a  pragmatic “conclusion” to  rationalize & justify Big Ben’s behavior.  I for one can’t comprehend how someone could, with a straight face even table such a notion; then again pragmatism is merely a philosophical compromise of principles.   Sadly some in the church embrace pragmatic “reasoning” as a validator of methods and fidelity, all the while being oblivious to the fact that underneath this philosophy, God’s Word is relegated to an after thought instead of serving as the standard. Therefore Christian’s need to be careful to not let peripheral aspects of their life sway them from their principles which are hopefully grounded in the Word of God.

Both the Rooneys and NFL Commissioner Goodell have stated that the issue for which Roethlisberger is being disciplined is not a matter of whether he’s been legally charged or convicted per sexual misconduct allegations. It’s an issue and of  how Ben Roethlisberger has conducted himself as a representative of his employers… period!  Conduct in this case being defined as…

• decision making process in general (allegations of sexual misconduct, twice in a 12 month period)
• off field conduct that reflects negatively upon the NFl and the Steelers franchise (for a Christian perspective, simply look at this as a case of whether or not one’s actions & decisions glorify Christ)

Based on previous decision making and conduct by Roethlisberger, I assume that Big Ben either isn’t a Christian or is one that is fallen back into a sinful lifestyle.  Trying to keep the facts in order concerning this case, I come back to what Paul says in 1st Corinthians 5, realizing that as a Christian firstly,  it’s not my place to condemn Ben Roethlisberger.

1st Corinthians 5:9-13
9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.

12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."

I hope that what I’ve said today is taken in the larger context of how we view life and how we either make a stand or not on principals that we proclaim.

Grace and peace be with you.

From what I’ve gathered from the reading, here’s a “short” outline/summary along some verses that came to mind for further referencing of those requirements that the Apostle Peter laid out in 1st Peter 1 verses 13-25 for Christians to live a holy life.

REQUIREMENTS FOR LIVING A HOLY LIFE

1. Have a mind prepared for action
   1. Being self controlled v13
      See Galatians 5:22-26, 1st Thessalonians 5:1-11, 2nd Timothy 3:1-5
   2. Having hope in the grace given by God through Christ Jesus our Lord & Savior v13
      See John 3:16-20,Romans 3:23-25, Romans 5:20-21
   3. Do not continue to live as though you are still a sinner v14
      See 1st Peter 2:11, Ephesians 2:11-22, John 15:18-19
   4. Live in Christ and with the knowledge of knowing Christ through God’s Word v14
      See John 5:36-40,John 15:3-5, 2nd Corinthians 4:6
   5. Be obedient and submit to God and His will v14
      See Deuteronomy 11:12-14, Matthew 22:35-37,Luke 10:26-28, John 14:21-25
      1. In heart
      2. In mind
      3. In body
         1. In deeds
         2. In word(s)
2. Live as aliens of the world, not as it’s citizens do v17
   See John 15:18-19, 1st Thessalonians 5:1-5
3. Fear the Lord out of reverence v17
   See Deuteronomy 6:23-25, Psalm 19:8-10, Psalm 33:17-19, Psalm 111:9-10
4. Be eternally minded v18
   See Isaiah 26:3-5, Matthew 25:31-46, John 3:15-17,2nd Corinthians 4:16-18
5. Cherish the new life given to you by the blood of Christ v18-20
   See 2nd Corinthians 5:16-21, Galatians 6:12-15 & 1st  Peter 1:23
6. Remember that you are saved and why you are saved v21
   1. By God’s mercy & grace
      See 2nd Corinthians 4:6
   2. By and through Christ’s blood, and atoning sacrifice to appease God’s coming wrath against sinner
      See Romans 6:19-25
7. Abide (continue) in the love of God v22
   See 1st Corinthians 13:7-9, John 14:22-24, 1st John 2:4-6, 1st John 5:2-4
   1. Deeply
   2. Unconditionally
   3. Sacrificially
   4. Selflessly
8. Remember God’s promises v24
   See Ephesians 2:11-13, Psalm 33:17-19, Daniel 9:4

Grace and peace be with you.

1st Thessalonians 2:1-2
1You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

One of the challenges a Christian will face is to remain faithful to Christ when their pride or feelings come under attack. Had Paul, Silas & Timothy lived by their natural sinful desires, they would have most likely lashed out at those hurling insults at them while in Philippi. Their actions would/could have undermined their God ordained efforts to effectively preach the gospel to the Thessalonians.

Thin-skinned Christianity will always fail to show Christ as evident in your life as it is a selfish attitude at work instead of the Holy Spirit being front and center in your life. When the Christian responds to objections with hateful words versus a Biblical response to an unbeliever’s objection(s) it serves to undermine Christ. Angered or spiteful remarks (stemming from the flesh) are in direct contradiction to the working of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:19-21
19The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

The next time you’re challenged to lash out at rejection and objections, recall how a family member friend, neighbor or perhaps a stranger at the time, took the time to share with you the good news of Christ crucified for the forgiveness of your sins. Recall how you were shown to be a sinner in God’s eyes, yet in spite of that condemnation hanging over your head, Christ died for you, for all the sins you committed and will continue to commit. Remember the relief you found in Christ.

Galatians 5:16-18
16So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law.

The Apostle Paul says in verse 1, “You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.”; the visit (to proclaim the gospel of Christ) was a success!  The important point as to why the visit was a success is that they relied upon God to strengthen them (v2) in those times of adversity, hostility and opposition at Philippi.  That lifting up by the Lord allowed  Paul, Silas & Timothy to overlook those previous transgressions and to focus on the ministry at hand in Thessalonica .  What mattered mostly was not the insults received; precedence for the calling from God became priority.  Though the Lord tells us to go out and preach the good news we would be wise like Paul to not assume that we ever have to go at it alone.

Suggested readings: Mark 8:31-38; 2nd Corinthians 9; Romans 6; 1st Corinthians 15;

Grace and peace be with you.

"In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation–having also believed" (Ephesians 1:13).

After stating salvation from God’s perspective in verse 12, Paul here states it from man’s perspective. Faith in Christ is your response to God’s elective purpose in your life. Those two truths–God’s initiative and man’s response–co-exist throughout Scripture.

Paul rightly called the gospel "the message of truth" because truth is its predominant characteristic. Salvation was conceived by the God of truth (Psalm 31:5); purchased by the Son, who is the truth (John 14:6); and is applied by the Spirit of truth (John 16:13). To know it is to know the truth that sets men free (John 8:32). Believers are people of the truth (John 18:37), who worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24), and who obey the Word of truth (John 17:17).

Yet as profound and powerful as God’s truth is, people have rejected, neglected, redefined, and opposed it for centuries. Some, like Pilate, cynically deny that truth even exists or that it can be known by men (John 18:38). Others foolishly think that denying truth will somehow make it go away.

Perhaps you’ve heard someone say, "Jesus may be true for you but that doesn’t mean He has to be true for me." That view assumes that belief somehow determines truth. But just the opposite is the case. Truth determines the validity of one’s belief. Believing a lie doesn’t make it true. Conversely, failing to believe the truth doesn’t make it a lie.

The gospel is true because Jesus is true, not simply because Christians believe in Him. His resurrection proved the truth of His claims and constitutes the objective basis of our faith (Romans 1:4; 1st Peter 1:3).

You enter this day armed with the message of truth and empowered by the Spirit of truth. Truth is your protection and strength (Ephesians 6:14). Lost souls desperately need to hear that truth. Represent it well and proclaim it with boldness.

Suggestions for Prayer:

Thank the Lord that by His Spirit He has enabled you to understand His truth (1st Corinthians 2:14-16).
Ask for wisdom and boldness to speak His truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

For Further Study:

Read 1st Corinthians 15:1-11 and Acts 17:30-31.

What key elements of the gospel does Paul list?
What is the relationship between Christ’s resurrection and God’s judgment on sinners?

From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.