The Rules of God Are Protective



If you are like me, you hate arbitrary rules. You question why they exist and usually chalk it up to misuse of power.

When it comes to the rules and laws of men, this is often an accurate assessment.

Many of us are quick to dismiss regulations, whether they come from society, parents, or even religious texts, as unnecessary restrictions on our freedom.

But as far as Biblical law is concerned, there’s more to these laws than meets the eye.



The Human Tendency to Rebel

We all have a rebellious streak. When faced with rules we don’t like or understand, our first instinct is often to reject them.

This is purely natural.

We might view rules as:

  • Unnecessary constraints
  • Overly controlling measures
  • Obstacles to be ignored or eliminated

This knee-jerk reaction isn’t limited to societal laws or parental guidelines.

Even divine commandments found in religious scriptures can fall to our skepticism.

But as we will see, if we look deep into the purpose of the test, the reason for the law will become apparent.



Rash Judgments

Sometimes our quick dismissal of rules we don’t agree with stems from a place of arrogance.

We assume we know better than the authorities tasked with creating and enforcing these regulations.

While this might be true with man made laws, it cannot be correct when it comes to the laws of God.

This attitude ignores the possibility that there might be well-thought-out reasons behind restrictions that aren’t immediately apparent to us.



A Rational Perspective on God’s Laws

When it comes to divine commandments, we have to use a different perspective than with the law of man.

Unlike human-made laws, which can be flawed or self-serving, God’s laws are described as perfect, rational, and ultimately beneficial.

Consider Deuteronomy 6:24:

“And the Lord commanded us to observe all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is this day.”

God’s laws serve a greater purpose beyond mere restriction. They are designed for our ultimate good and well-being.

And in truth, many times good comes from restriction.

We place restrictions on our diet and train to better our bodies.

God places restrictions on our lives to better our lives – even though it seems like we are just missing out on all the enjoyment.



The Wisdom Behind God’s Laws

God’s laws aren’t random or pointless.

They are rational.
They are logical.

They’re crafted with wisdom that is not obvious to us, though we can undercover it with study.

God’s Law and divine statutes are filled with:

  1. Rationality and reasonableness
  2. Inherent wisdom
  3. Justice and fairness
  4. Long-term benefits for adherents

Human laws frequently fall short of these ideals, divine commandments are described as consistently aiming for our best interests.

The law of God improves the lives of men.



Practical Benefits of Following God’s Laws

Obedience to divine commandments isn’t just about spiritual improvements – it can have benefits in our daily lives that can be felt, seen and sometimes even measured.

The Bible teaches that following the laws of God can/will:

  • Improve our overall quality of life
  • Potentially extend our lifespan
  • Provide guidance in complex scenarios
  • Create peace in communities



The Protective Nature of God’s Laws

When we look deeper into the purpose of God’s laws, we discover a hidden truth: God’s commandments often serve as a protective barrier against the harmful consequences of sin.

The laws of God are divine guardrails, designed to keep us on a safe path.

For instance, the law against adultery isn’t meant to restrict our sexual freedom, but to protect the sanctity of marriage, prevent emotional trauma, and maintain family stability.

Similarly, laws against theft and dishonesty aren’t mindless limitations, but safeguards for social trust and economic fairness – preserving the social fabric within a. Moral,God-fearing nation.

Even those dietary laws found in Leviticus and other passages are early forms of public health measures, protecting Israel from foodborne illnesses found in weird animals in times before we even knew about the dangers these foods possessed.

By obeying the law of God, we’re not just blindly following rules, but actively shielding ourselves from the practical consequences of sin.

With this perspective, God’s laws are seen for what they truly are: behavioral guidelines based on rationality and wisdom.



Conclusion: Rational Thought

We must learn to step back and consider the purpose of the law of God. By doing this, by understanding the reasons behind the laws, we can bolster our motivation to obey.

Instead of obeying out of blind adherence, we can obey out of understanding.

That understanding of the law makes it more tolerable to obey the laws that are extraordinarily difficult to obey such as the laws of sexual morality and management of material possessions.

If we approach the text with a searching mindset, hunting the reasons behind the laws, we can discover wisdom and benefits we hadn’t previously considered.

The next time you encounter a rule that seems pointless or overly restrictive, pause and ask yourself: Could there be a greater purpose behind this that I’m not seeing?

You might be surprised by what you discover.

Men Don’t Complain

The world encourages venting and complaining. That is their way. That is the world’s strategy for emotional management.

Men are built to be different.

Masculinity stands apart. 

The essence of being a man is not in complaining, but in taking action to improve your circumstances. 

In fact, complaining is a waste of time. Complaining is the opposite of taking action to improve your situation.

It is to suffer because of what is instead of taking action for what could be.



Feminine Complaining

Whining and complaining are passive, feminine behaviors that rarely lead to positive outcomes. 

They:

1. Waste valuable time and energy

2. Reinforce negative thought patterns

3. Push away potential allies and supporters

4. Create a victim mentality



None of those are outcomes we want.



The Masculine Approach: Taking Action

We understand that life is full of obstacles, but we must choose to face them head-on rather than complain about them.

We must choose to hit the waves of life instead of having life hit us.

That shift in attitude makes a significant difference. 

Here’s why:

1. Responsibility: Men take ownership of their lives, recognizing that they are the architects of their own destiny. You are in command – act like it. 

2. Problem-solving: Instead of dwelling on issues, men focus on finding solutions and implementing them. Use all that negative energy as fuel to push yourself to do what must be done. That will create solutions to your problems. 

3. Resilience: Challenges are seen as opportunities for growth and self-improvement, not reasons to complain. Everything is an exercise. Everything is a chance to get better and improve. 

4. Leadership: By tackling problems proactively, men set an example for others to follow.



The Power of Stoicism

The ancient philosophy of Stoicism embeds itself with this masculine ideal. 

Stoics emphasize:

– Focusing on what’s within one’s control

– Accepting what cannot be changed

– Cultivating inner strength and virtue

Masculinity is not about complaining about problems.

It’s about channeling energy into productive actions rather than fruitless complaints.

By fixing our life circumstances instead of whining about them, men demonstrate strength, resilience, and leadership – qualities that define quality masculinity.

“Remember Me”: The Profound Meaning Behind Christ’s Words at the Last Supper



In the final hours before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a meal with His disciples that would become known as the Last Supper.

During this moment, He uttered words that have echoed through centuries of Christian worship: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).

So simple and so profound – and so severely misunderstood by the common religionist.

How easy it is to confuse what Christ is actually saying with what we want Him to say.

While these words might seem to call for a general remembrance of Christ, a closer examination reveals a much more specific and profound meaning.



The Context of Christ’s Command

To understand the full significance of Jesus’ words, we must consider their context:

  1. The Passover Setting: The Last Supper took place during the Jewish Passover, a biblical feast commemorating God’s deliverance of Israel from slavery in Egypt.
  2. The Impending Crucifixion: Jesus spoke these words on the eve of His death, fully aware of the sacrifice He was about to make. With that impending death in full view of our Savior, He spoke some of His last words.
  3. The Symbols Used: Jesus chose bread and wine as tangible representations of His body and blood. Note that these were the only emblems used.



Why This Is Not About General Remembrance

While remembering Christ in all aspects of His life and ministry is important, the specific context of the Last Supper points to a more focused remembrance:

  1. Explicit Connection to His Death: Jesus directly linked the bread and wine to His body and blood, saying, “This is my body given for you” and “This cup is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20).
  2. Paul’s Interpretation: In 1 Corinthians 11:26, Paul explains, “For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” This clearly emphasizes the focus on Christ’s death.
  3. The New Covenant: Jesus referred to the cup as “the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:20), pointing to the sacrificial nature of His impending death.

These are the components of the Lord’s Supper that Christ wanted us to focus on. Notice how simple and concise these emblems and mediations are.



The Significance of Remembering Christ’s Death

Focusing on Christ’s death during the Lord’s Supper is crucial for several reasons:

  1. Central to the Gospel: Christ’s death on the cross is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It is the means of our salvation (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Without the death of Christ, there is no Christianity.
  2. Reminder of God’s Love: It serves as a reminder of the extent of God’s love for humanity (John 3:16). God loved the world so much that He was willing to save it even though this would require the death of Christ on the cross.
  3. Call to Self-Examination: Remembering Christ’s sacrifice piques our mind and pushes us to examine our own lives and relationship with God (1 Corinthians 11:28).
  4. Proclamation of Faith: Partaking in the Lord’s Supper is a public declaration of faith in Christ’s atoning work (1 Corinthians 11:26).

These are the components of faith that we focus on when remembering Christ.



Related Scriptures and Their Significance

To continue on this line, there are other scriptural references looking forward to the life and death of Christ. Even those passages stand to reflect the death of Christ – they focus on the savior.

  1. Isaiah 53:5: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.”

    This passage notes that Christ’s death was a sacrifice.
  2. Hebrews 9:22: “In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”

    This verse shows the necessity of Christ’s blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.
  3. Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.“

Conclusion: A Focused Remembrance

When Jesus said, “Remember me” and “Do this in remembrance of me,” He was not calling for a general recollection of His life and teachings.

He didn’t want you to remember that He wore sandals, had to wash his feet or that He ate bread.

Instead, He was instituting a specific practice focused on His sacrificial death.

The Lord’s Supper exists as a somber and repeated (weekly) reminder of the price Christ paid for our redemption. That is what we are to remember.

If we want to honor Christs instructions regarding this event, we have to meditate on His death.

Bathsheba Wasn’t a Victim



Challenging the Pedestalization of Women in the Church



In Christianity, Women are frequently elevated to an untouchable status, often regarded as morally superior or sinless, especially in contrast to men.

This trend is particularly evident when discussing biblical figures like Bathsheba, where the modern narrative has been crafted to portray her as an innocent victim of King David’s power and authority.

But if we examine the situation critically, there’s ample reason to question this assumption.

Bathsheba was not an innocent victim; she was just as complicit as David in their shared sexual sin.

In the church culture, this pedestalization of women—presenting them as incapable of significant wrongdoing—has led to a distortion of biblical truth.

Let’s break down the case of Bathsheba, explore her potential motivations, and dismantle the harmful ways that men in the church, influenced by modern feminist ideals, minimize women’s sins while overemphasizing the sins of men.




Bathsheba’s Role: Not a Helpless Victim

The typical narrative often attributes David’s sin with Bathsheba solely to his power, authority, and unchecked lust.



They assume Bathsheba had no choice in the matter.

But this assumption is based on nothing more than speculation.




There is no biblical evidence that Bathsheba was coerced or forced into committing adultery.




The passage in 2 Samuel 11 clearly indicates that David saw Bathsheba, desired her, and sent for her—but it never suggests that she resisted or was reluctant.

Bathsheba, like David, knew what she was doing was sinful.

While it’s possible that she was intimidated by David’s status as king, it’s also entirely plausible that she knew the benefits of sexually engaging with the king.

Let’s be honest about the societal dynamics of that time: women sought financial security and protection through men.

Bathsheba could have very well seen an opportunity for herself by aligning with David.



Being connected to the king brought lifelong security. If she bore his child, she would secure not only her own future but the future of her family.

This wasn’t just a matter of attraction; it was a power play.

Bathsheba’s compliance may have been driven by the recognition of what a relationship with the king could mean— status, power, and security that no ordinary life could provide.

For all we know, Bathsheba may have seen this as her moment to secure a place in the king’s court.



The Double Standard: Bathsheba vs. Esther

Let’s contrast the church’s treatment of Bathsheba’s story to the story of Queen Esther.

In the book of Esther, we celebrate her as a hero for bravely approaching King Ahasuerus to save her people, even at the risk of her own life.


We honor Esther’s courage and admire her strength in standing up to the king, breaking protocol, and putting herself in danger for a greater cause.




Had Bathsheba resisted David’s advances and reminded him of God’s commands, we would have celebrated her in a similar way that we celebrate Esther.


But instead, based on the biblical record, Bathsheba made no such stand. She did not stand firm in righteousness, nor did she attempt to dissuade David from sinning.

She participated willingly, and for this, we cannot absolve her of responsibility.




Yet, the church often excuses Bathsheba and paints her as a victimwhileglorifying Esther for doing the exact opposite.


Why?

Because the modern narrative has adopted a warped view of gender roles, particularly in regard to women.


Women are viewed as pure, innocent, and incapable of wrongdoing.

Meanwhile, men are always framed as the aggressors or oppressors, especially when it comes to sins involving power, sex, or authority.




The Pedestalization of Women in the Church

What we see in the story of Bathsheba is a microcosm of a larger issue in the church today: the pedestalization of women.

This tendency to treat women as sinless or morally superior to men is a direct consequence of the feminist influences that have infiltrated the church.

Even the most conservative religious circles are not immune from this influence.





Men are viewed as inherently flawed, their sins seen as worse and more dangerous, while women’s sins are minimized or excused altogether.


The church, eager to distance itself from accusations of sexism, has adopted the idea that women are inherently better than men—morally, spiritually, and emotionally.



This idea has become so ingrained that even when women engage in clear acts of sin, they are given a pass.

Bathsheba’s sin with David is ignored or downplayed, while David’s actions are highlighted and condemned as evidence of his failure as a man and leader.

How many sermons have you heard about David and Bathsheba?

Likely dozens.

How many preacher even dare to suggest that Bathsheba was complicit in sin in any of these sermons?

I’ve never heard it done once.

But the Bible does not teach that men and women are to be held to different moral standards. Romans 3:23 (NKJV): “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”

Both men and women are equally capable of sin, and both are equally accountable before God.




The Weakness of Men in the Church

Part of the reason this pedestalization persists is because of the weakness of men in the church.

Many men have been taught, either explicitly or implicitly, that their natural masculine traits are bad or sinful.

Masculinity, leadership, and strength are often vilified in modern discourse, leading men to retreat into a passive, apologetic stance.

Men, in an attempt to remain in the good graces of women, have bought into this pedestalization.



They downplay women’s sins in the hopes of securing approval, attention, or sexual access.

These men have sacrificed their God-given authority and responsibilities in exchange for the illusion of harmony, but this “harmony” comes at the cost of truth.

Instead of standing firm on biblical principles, men have abdicated leadership and allowed feminist ideas to take root.

The church has created a culture where men are expected to bear the full weight of sin, while women are absolved by virtue of their genetalia.

This is neither biblical nor just.



Bathsheba’s Story: A Lesson for the Church

The story of Bathsheba is a reminder that both men and women are responsible for their actions.

Bathsheba was not a helpless victim in her encounter with David; she was a willing participant in sin.

To excuse her behavior is to deny the reality of human sinfulness and to perpetuate the false idea that women are inherently more righteous than men.

The Bible calls us to hold both men and women accountable for their actions. Bathsheba’s sin was real, and her motivations—whether driven by fear or ambition—do not excuse her complicity.

• James 1:14-15 (NKJV): “But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.” This applies equally to men and women. Both David and Bathsheba were drawn away by their own desires, and both sinned as a result.

The church must stop excusing women’s sins while condemning men’s. Pedestalizing women does a disservice to the entire body of Christ. It is time to return to a balanced, biblical view of sin, where both men and women are equally responsible for their choices and actions.




The Truth About Bathsheba

The pedestalization of women has distorted our understanding of biblical narratives like Bathsheba’s. Bathsheba was not a victim, nor was she innocent.

She was a woman who very likely made a calculated decision to engage in sin with David, just as David made a calculated decision to pursue her.



Both David and Bathsheba were equally guilty.

It’s time for the church to stop excusing women’s sins, stop vilifying men for their masculinity, and return to the biblical standard of accountability for both sexes.

Only then can we address the real issues of sin and righteousness that affect all believers, male and female alike.

The Lord’s Supper: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice, Not Celebrating His Resurrection



In recent years, there’s been a growing trend in some Christian circles to transform the Lord’s Supper from a solemn remembrance of Christ’s death into some “joyous celebration” of His resurrection.

Everything has to be about “joy” or “positive emotional experiences” these days.

While the desire for positive religious experiences is understandable, this shift fundamentally misunderstands the purpose and significance of this somber act of worship that Christ instituted on the very night He was betrayed.

The act is somber, serious and sorrowful because it is a moment we are told to concentrate on the suffering of Christ.

Focusing on Christ’s suffering and death during the Lord’s Supper is not only appropriate but essential to the meaning and purpose of the act of worship that is the Lord’s supper.



The Human Tendency Towards Comfort in Religion



The Desire for Positive Emotions

Human nature often gravitates towards comfort and positivity, even in religious practices. This has created endless problems in religion.

This is because people will inevitably choose to elevate their own emotions and experiences above the commands of God.

This all-too-human tendency can lead to:

  • Avoiding difficult or uncomfortable aspects of faith
  • Emphasizing feel-good messages over difficult truths
  • Reinterpreting solemn observances as celebratory events

As you know, each of these philosophical errors are frequently made in liberal churches and mega churches.

The emotions become the object of worship instead of God.

Personal comfort and positive emotional experience becomes the goal of worship.

Each of these lead directly to a perversion of the acts of worship, as we will see has happened with the Lord’s Supper.



The Danger of Emotional Comfort in Faith

While positive emotions have their place in religious life, an overemphasis on comfort frequently does the following:

  1. Dilutes the depth of spiritual experiences
  2. Glosses over important and difficult aspects of faith
  3. Leads to a shallow understanding of religious practices

And this is where most religious groups are today.

The significance of acts of worship is forgotten.

The seemingly “negative” aspects of the biblical narrative or faith are ignored and buried because they would put a damper on the emotional experience that most people search for in religion.



The Lord’s Supper: Its True Purpose and Meaning



Christ’s Clear Instructions

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, His words were specific and focused:

“This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

“This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20)



These statements clearly point to His impending death, not His future resurrection.

As modern religionists attempt to shift the focus of the Lord’s Supper from His death to His resurrection, they do so without biblical support.

The only reason for doing this is to avoid the negative, sad part of the story (the death of Christ) and quickly run over to the happy parts of the story (the resurrection of Christ).

It’s a philisophical error reflecting the immaturity of this position.



Apostolic Understanding

The Apostle Paul reinforces this focus in 1 Corinthians 11:26:

“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”



Paul explicitly states that the purpose is to proclaim Christ’s death, not celebrate His resurrection.

The inspired instructions from Paul and the example of what Christ did on the night of His betrayal are the only information we have about how the Lord supper is to be conducted and what is to be focused on.



Therefore, to go outside these instructions is to modify the Bible, add to the words of the Bible or outright ignore the teachings of scripture on this topic of communion.



Why Focusing on the Resurrection During the Lord’s Supper is Inappropriate



1. It Contradicts Christ’s Direct Command

Jesus specifically instructed His followers to remember His death.

Shifting the focus to the resurrection goes against His direct instructions.

Who wants to be guilty of ignoring the explicit commands of Christ?



2. It Diminishes the Significance of Christ’s Sacrifice

By emphasizing the joyous outcome (resurrection) over the painful process (crucifixion), we risk minimizing the cost of our salvation.

This is not something we want to be guilty of.

Even Paul indicates that if we concentrate inappropriately during the Lord’s supper, we are guilty of the body and blood of Christ.

The most disciplined we can be with the Lord’s Supper is the best guarantee of proper worship because it is the approach that follows the Bible the closest.



3. It Misses the Point of Self-Examination

Paul warns against taking the Lord’s Supper in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27-29).

This self-examination is directly tied to recognizing the gravity of Christ’s death for our sins.

That is the “self-examination” that is referenced within the immediate context of the scripture is related to proclaiming the death of Christ.



4. It Disrupts the Historical and Theological Continuity

Though a lesser point, the Lord’s Supper is connected to the Passover, which was an event to remember deliverance through sacrifice.

Focusing on the resurrection breaks this important link.



The Importance of Remembering Christ’s Suffering and Death



1. It Reminds Us of the Cost of Sin

Focusing on Christ’s suffering and death during the Lord’s Supper:

  • Emphasizes the seriousness of sin
  • Emphasizes the price paid for our redemption

These are not happy things to think about. But they are what we are required to think about each first day of the week.

The biblical narrative clearly lays out the fact that our focus during this act of worship is on the death of Christ – An act that was required to pay the price of sin.

That’s not joyous.




2. It Deepens Our Gratitude

Remembering Christ’s sacrifice:

  • Shifts our mind to a profound sense of thankfulness
  • Creates a somber humility in the face of undeserved grace

These mental states are only accessible when we concentrate on the cost of our salvation.

Without concentrating on what’s difficult, we default to chasing happy feelings at the expense of true worship.



3. It Strengthens Our Resolve Against Sin

Reflecting on the suffering Christ endured:

  • Motivates us to live in a manner worthy of His sacrifice
  • Helps us resist temptation by recalling its cost

When we concentrate on the death of Christ, it reignites our motivation to resist sin. It creates a hatred and disgust towards the sin that required His death on the cross.



4. It Unites Believers in a Shared Experience

Focusing on Christ’s death:

  • Creates a solemn, shared experience among believers
  • Reinforces our common need for salvation



Addressing Common Arguments for “Celebrating” the Resurrection During the Lord’s Supper



Argument 1: “The Resurrection is the Happy Ending“

While the resurrection is indeed vital to Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is specifically about remembering Christ’s death.

There are other times and ways to celebrate the resurrection. The Lord’s supper is not authorized as being one of those moments.

We have the remainder of each week to be joyous and happy bout the benefits of Christianity.

In the moment of the Lord’s super, we are asked to remember Christ’s death.



Argument 2: “We Should Focus on Victory, Not Defeat“

Christ’s death was not a defeat but a necessary sacrifice.

Focusing on it doesn’t negate the victory but acknowledges its cost – something many are unwilling to do because it makes them feel bad.



Argument 3: “Positive Emotions Draw People to Faith”

While positive emotions can have their place, Bible-Based faith must wrestle with difficult truths.

The Lord’s Supper provides this important opportunity.

Christians are not made stronger by shirking away from negative emotions and difficult topics – this makes them weaker.

Instead we should press head-on into discomfort to allows for an uncovering of the truth.



Practical Ways to Maintain the Proper Focus During the Lord’s Supper

  1. Read relevant Scripture: Focus on passages that describe Christ’s suffering and death.
  2. Use appropriate hymns or songs: Choose hymns that reflect on Christ’s sacrifice rather than triumphant resurrection themes.
  3. Encourage moments of silence: Allow time for personal reflection on Christ’s death.
  4. Provide guided meditation: Offer prompts that direct thoughts towards Christ’s suffering and its meaning.
  5. Educate the congregation: Regularly teach about the purpose and significance of the Lord’s Supper.



Conclusion

The desire for positive religious experiences is natural, but it’s far more important to maintain the integrity and purpose of sacred observances like the Lord’s Supper.

We focus on Christ’s suffering and death, and in so doing we honor His explicit instructions, deepen our understanding of salvation’s cost, and engage in meaningful self-examination.

This approach doesn’t negate the joy of the resurrection but recognizes that there is a time and place for different aspects of our faith.

The Lord’s Supper is a solemn reminder of the sacrifice that made our salvation possible, calling us to gratitude, humility, and renewed commitment to Christ.

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