DEFINITIONS

I Was Just Thinking About – DEFINITIONS.

With the emerging gay and transgender culture in this nation, there has now come an effort to change the English Language, especially pronouns, that will reflect neutrality rather than a him or her identity. Just a handful of Universities are allowing for the introduction of neutral pronouns such as: “yo, ze, ve”. Using “ze” as an example, would result in: “Ze laughed.” “Ask Zir.” That’s Zir pen.” That pen’s Zirs.” “Did ‘Ze’ enjoy ‘zirself’?” In sentence form, the example used is: “Ze reminded Zirself to pick up Zir umbrella before going outside.”

The language used should convey some meaningful and more easily understood concept for life. A promotional on the Trinity Broadcasting Network features two of their younger preachers (Joseph Prince and Joel Osteen). The question is: What is the best way for one to begin each new day? Osteen said it is the word, Hope; Prince indicated it is the word Grace. Both ministries are affected and impacted by that which is the point of emphasis. Osteen does go on with the idea of happy and joy, whereas Prince remains more committed to his use of grace. In a totally different context, when a person was engaged in a discussion asked: “Do I look as though I am ubiquitous?” what did he mean when he used that word? Was it used to stifle further discussion of an uncomfortable subject? Did he use it to demonstrate his intellect?

This concept was inherent in the conversation about worship Jesus had with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus said to her (John 4:22-24): “You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.  But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.  God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Jesus defined God as being a spirit, and those who worship Him must do so in spirit and truth. Is that all that God is? Is this the only way one is to understand God? Would the word ubiquitous apply to the Triune God?

When the Westminster Divines were writing the Confession of Faith and Catechisms, they were stalled by the question: What is God? Someone allowed that maybe they asked the wrong question. They might’ve better asked: Who is God? Either question would’ve received the same response: (Q. & A 4): “God is a spirit, infinite, eternal, unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, goodness and truth.” Where does “ubiquitous” become part of this definition? The focus needs to be on the Being of God – Infinite, Eternal, Unchangeable. This bridges us over to His non-communicable attributes: Omniscience; Omnipotence; Immutability and Omnipresence (being everywhere present at the same time - Ubiquitous).

The fact of Who/What God is should bring encouragement and comfort to God’s people. The reminder that should be part of who we are and what we believe is Hebrews 13:5-6, “God has said, I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence, The Lord is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” The song of our hearts should be: “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I've proved Him o'er and o'er; Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh, for grace to trust Him more!”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.