Lend Me an Ear

The judge was half way through interviewing a room full of prospective jurors when an elderly lady raised her hand and said, “I can’t hear a word you’re saying.” The court clerk quickly hooked her up with a hearing device and then the judge patiently revisited the pertinent questions while the others listened to the replay. As I watched the scene unfold I imagined the Spirit lecturing on Faith 101 to prepare believers for a test and seeing the lackluster response of some he knew they weren’t hearing a word he was saying. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches  ...” (Rev 2:7b NIV).

ShareFest

Last weekend 300 volunteers turned out for ShareFest, a daylong event of community helping community. Originally the event was promoted as assisting the elderly, widows and the less fortunate — pulling weeds in the yard, painting fences and building entry ramps. From the believer’s perspective there was great satisfaction in loving our neighbors and doing unto others. Interestingly some larger projects that are now on the to-do list were once done by service organizations and municipalities. Painting the high school baseball fence, picking up trash along recreational trails, and building a gazebo at an elementary school. All are worthwhile and appreciated projects; however, “loving your neighbor as yourself” seems to have morphed into simply loving your neighborhood.

Focus

Twice a week I go to an exercise class for seniors and the instructor has us stretching, marching in place, and keeping time to oldie-moldy music. I’ve learned that if I keep my eyes on the instructor I do pretty well following the sequences of moves. However, if I look at fellow participants and they happen to make a misstep, I wind up following their example. Something similar can happen in the Body of Christ when we start watching others. Even though we are all in the same spiritual exercise class, if we lose focus of the Shepherd’s voice we’ll be out of sync. “The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice” (Jn 10:3-4 NIV).

In Remembrance of Me

As with most nationally recognized holidays, Mother’s Day was interwoven in our Sunday worship service. Mothers were acknowledged in the announcements, communion meditation, sermon, as well as with a token flower gift at the end of the service. While we mothers love the recognition, I think these special occasions can sometimes take a commanding presence in the service. For instance, our lengthy communion meditation became more of a tribute to the speaker’s mother than it was a memorial representing the body and blood of Christ. The mother’s story was well told with wonderful imagery, but I wonder which story, the mother’s tribute or the Lord’s Supper, is most likely to resonate with the audience in the week to come. On the night Jesus was betrayed he took the cup and the bread and gave it to the disciples saying, “…do this in remembrance of me” (1 Cor 11:24 NIV).

Shades of Gray

Earlier this week I visited with member of a New Age church who mistakenly thought we were kindred spirits. As though picking through a sampler box of chocolates, she tempted me with delicacies from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Rejecting her “all paths lead to God theory”, I told her I would stick with the Bible being the inspired Word of God. “Oh, I believe it’s the inspired word of God too, I just don’t think it's all black and white. I can’t agree that some people are saved and others are not.”  She was so convinced of self-salvation that I finally came right out and ask if she thought she could become like God. She acknowledged God as Creator, yet his position over creation didn’t diminish her views on man’s spiritual prowess. Obviously the same old line Satan used on Eve in the Garden of Eden is still effective today, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Gen 3:5 NIV).

Algebraic Weeds

I’m just about ready to give up on college classes. Seriously, no one my age should have to do Algebra. In desperation I purchased, “Algebra for Dummies” but even then I’m still struggling with the foreign language of mathematics. Aside from doing all the required problems and equations, I must write a short paper exploring the relationship of mathematics to our Christian faith. I’m to answer the question: Did God create mathematics and men discover it or did men create mathematics as a way to understand the amazing structure of creation? Maybe I’m too close to the situation right now, but I can’t for the life of me think of any supporting Scripture for either theory. What does come to mind however, is the parable of the weeds. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared” (Matt 13:24-26 NIV).

Converted

For a college assignment I interviewed people from four different denominations to find out about their conversion. The object of the lesson was to discover if they experienced a point of conversion, or if conversion took place over a period of time. However, what really caught my attention was that three of the four subjects never mentioned Jesus Christ. It was as though Jesus didn’t factor in and their idea of “conversion” was based solely on a spiritual relationship with God. Somehow I don’t think that idea qualifies as conversion. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Ro 1:20 NIV).

Calling All Fishermen

Navigating the waters of college I’m overwhelmed with the words, terminology and concepts of scholars and theologians. Their blending of archaic words with newly invented words is beyond maddening for the lay person. I suppose, since they are always quoting and referencing one another, that they are speaking the same language. I have found a whole new appreciation for the unschooled, ordinary fishermen that Jesus called to carry his message. I’m even thinking of the King James Bible as being light reading.

Taking a Tally

Our church attendance was down a little yesterday, but I was surprised at my reaction. For the first time ever, the numbers didn’t mean anything to me one way or the other. They weren’t a measurement of spiritual health, evangelism, or even a vibrant fellowship. I didn’t mentally factor in excuses for weather conditions, vacations, or illnesses. I suppose the detached feelings may be partially attributed to recent studies on cross-cultural evangelism. Globally speaking, I can’t imagine God using numbers as a measuring rod for Body of Christ. I’m now wondering how God views the church’s preoccupation in validating themselves with numbers. Paul said, “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise” (2 Cor 10:12 NIV).

Standing on the Corner

The director of the conference was a powerful woman of prayer. However, her corporate prayers became so burdensome for me that by the second day I quit bowing my head and closing my eyes; by the third day I quit praying altogether. Her practice of talking to God about everything resulted in continually slipping in and out of prayer mode in mid-sentence. As the leader for the conference, and the one with the microphone, we were praying for lost glasses, technical difficulties with the Power Point, travel connections, and lost luggage. Sadly, I began questioning the motive behind the excessive public prayers.  Jesus makes a good point when he says, “But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matt 6:6 NIV).”

Retention

A method for old-school preachers in presenting their message is to, “tell your audience what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them.” Supposedly the reinforcement helps the listener retain the message; however, it occurs to me this pattern of speaking is unique to the church. If this same methodology were used in writing for publication the article would be rejected by editors, publishers and readers alike. Readers would feel they were being talked “down to” if the point of the article or book was restated three times. Certainly the hearing audience can’t go back and re-hear the message like a reader might re-read for clarification, but I’m wondering if the thrice telling of the point of the sermon leaves me tuning out part of the message.

The Importance of the Source

In doing reports for college classes I’ve sampled a variety of worship services and sometimes the differences are subtle, other times startling. One pastor dressed casually in jeans, stood behind a music stand and glanced at typed notes. Another pastor dressed casually in slacks and a tie, stood behind a podium and glanced at typed notes, but he also read scripture references from the open Bible he held throughout the service. For me, the Bible gave one pastor the edge over the other simply because he referenced the authority he held in his hands. Jesus went to the synagogue on the Sabbath and when he stood up to read the scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him. Unrolling the scroll he read a passage. “Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:17 NIV)

Power Surge

We have motion sensor lights in our backyard and we also have a neighbor cat that strolls around at all hours of the night. Normally a cat’s character is one of superiority, so I can just imagine him strutting around in power and authority every time he sets off the lights. I’m reminded of James and John’s indignation toward a Samaritan village that didn’t welcome Jesus because he was going to Jerusalem. Sensing an untapped source of power they ask Jesus, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them (Luke 9:54b NIV)?”  We’d like to think we wouldn’t have had such a response, however, the more we mature as believers, the more likely we are to test the power available to us through Christ — and we’re not immune from having a power surge of our own.

Honestly

Our local paper has come under fire for being biased and in a recent editorial they tried to justify their actions saying. “It takes nearly everyone to keep our government transparent. “[We] … and other media outlets need public support to keep our representatives open and honest.” Seriously? The print media, who holds the power of the pen, are asking for public support to do their job. And when, pray tell, did they appoint themselves to be the honesty-police over others?  Certainly the media needs to report the facts and expose dishonesty, but the implication here is that without them, government types are not open or honest. Unfortunately, we believers are not immune from setting ourselves up as judges and juries. “Honest scales and balances are from the LORD; all the weights in the bag are of his making (Proverbs 16:11 NIV).”

Empty Tomb

I attended Easter worship services at two different churches and was surprised by the lack of focus on the resurrection. While the music selections pointed to the empty tomb, the sermons themselves were basic and could have been delivered on any given Sunday in July. A cloud hung over the remainder of my day, as though I’d gone to the tomb only to find the stone still covered the entrance. Catherine Hankey (1834-1911), wrote the beloved hymn, I Love to Tell the Story and the third stanza says,

“I love to tell the story, ’tis pleasant to repeat,
What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet;
I love to tell the story, for some have never heard
The message of salvation from God’s own holy Word.”

I’m reminded that every Bible story, regardless of how familiar, needs to be told and retold. At the empty tomb, “The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you (Matt 28:5-7 NIV).”

Repetition

Recently I attended a worship service packed with praise songs. Similar to a needle stuck in a groove of an old vinyl record, the four-time repeats of each of the choruses struck an irritable chord. Interestingly, something similar seems to be cropping up in sermons where I’ve heard the word “power” was used over 60 times, “valuable” over 35 times and “patience” over 25 times. I’m still trying to understand the need for repetition in the message. Is it lack of preparation and the need for filler on the part of the speaker? Or, does the speaker think the audience we won’t “get it” unless it is hammered home? In all of 1st and 2nd Corinthians Paul used the word “patience” or a derivative, only three times and as a reader, I get it.

Withering

Wood turners are always on the lookout for tree branches and stumps to turn on their lathes. Six weeks ago Bill had an opportunity to pick up some willow and he immediately sealed the ends of freshly cut logs to keep them from cracking as they dry. A couple days ago I went out into his shop and found seven inches of new growth sprouting out of the logs. I suppose by sealing the ends the moisture is retained, but I can’t get over the fact the logs are acting like they are alive even though they are dead. I thought of the Lord’s analogy of the vine and the branches. “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned (John 15:6 NIV).” It occurs to me that there are folks who are cut off and withering, yet they’re unaware they’re ready to be picked up and thrown into the fire.

Gratefully Yours

I’m becoming more and more aware of ways people in directorship roles try to elicit a response from an audience. Recently a church music director told us to, “Sing with gratitude in our hearts for all God has done for us.” My reaction surprised me. Just as we all may get a different take-a-way from a sermon, we may each be inspired differently by a hymn. I was leaning toward thinking the worship leader was a little presumptuous to be directing my worship thoughts and then I read Paul’s opinion, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God (Col 3:16 NIV).”

Self-Correction

My cousin Diana, who is a fourth grade teacher in California, told me about students asking questions which were so lacking in thought they didn’t even deserve a response. In such instances Diana gives her student a glance, but then returns to her work without answering the question. The student, thinking he hasn’t been heard, persists and Diana simply says, “Yes Johnny, I heard you. I’m just giving you an opportunity to self-correct.”  I can just envision the Lord dealing with believers in a similar fashion as he gives us time to come to the right conclusions. “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).”

The Beneficiary

Earlier this week I received a call from a woman trying to locate my sister, Shelly, who passed away in 2009. It seems that a longtime friend listed her as the beneficiary on his life insurance policy. Since I am Shelly’s only survivor, the woman gave me the contact information for the insurance company and the policy number. After some research I finally sorted out the situation. Since Shelly is deceased and there was no contingency beneficiary, the policy reverts back to the deceased’s estate and will go into probate. Even though I had not asked the woman, or the insurance representative, the payout amount of the policy, that didn’t stop me from going on a mental spending spree. No doubt the Lord was doing an eye roll at my fleeting thoughts of inheriting something that didn’t belong to me. Unfortunately this same faulty thinking can be found on the religious landscape. A lot of people, who are expecting to inherit eternal life, will be shocked to see they are not listed as a beneficiary in the Lamb’s Book of Life.

It Really is the Cross

A video has surfaced showing a large meeting of Al-Qaeda in Yemen. We all understand their hatred for America and their determination to eliminate our influence in the world. However, the video showed Al-Wuhayshi, a new leader and second in command of Al-Qaeda, wanting more attacks on the US because, “We must eliminate the cross … and the bearer of the cross is America.” Ah-ha! So United States of America is not their enemy, but rather it is the cross of Christ. I shouldn’t be surprised, but I’ve never actually heard it put into words. In talking to his disciples about the signs of the End of the Age, Jesus said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me.”

Code of Ethics

Believers are often tried in the court of public opinion as our detractors hold us to their idea of a Christian Code of Ethics. Certainly we often fall short in our walk, but I’m not sure those infractions deserve the accusation, “And she calls herself a Christian!” Interestingly many of my college classes have lessons that deal with ethics. For instance, the code of ethics for the Society of Professional Journalists has four main points – (1) Seek the truth (2) Minimize harm (3) Act Independently and (4) Be accountable.  With all the bias in the liberal media I wonder how they might react if someone said to them, “And you call yourself a journalist!”

Requesting Prayer

Recently I received a follow-up prayer request for a fellow believer who has for some time been in debilitating pain. It’s not unusual for someone to ask the prayer chain to pray specifically, however, this request included five selected verses that a family member felt corresponded with the condition. I looked up the verses and while they were impactful, to me they seemed spiritually restrictive. Whether or not we have a coordinated prayer voice, our prayers are heard. From the Lord’s perspective it’s not always about what we pray for, but how we pray. Jesus said, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer (Matt 21:22 NIV).”

Touch

When people come through the front door of church they run a gauntlet of handshakes, hugs and, for the children, high-fives.  Last Sunday I overheard one of the widows telling some of the men, “I just need to come here every week to get my hugs and pats. I need that human touch.” There are multiple accounts of people wanting to touch Jesus, and Jesus wanting to touch them. In a sense, elements of the Lord's touch are still possible through the Counselor, the Spirit of truth and his human host, the believer. Jesus said, “…The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you (John 14:17b-18 NIV).”

Purpose of a Fence

A middle school aged youngster lives a couple houses down from me. Except for the freestanding basketball hoop on the driveway, his yard seems void of childhood attractions. This young man is good at making baskets, but fairly often he misses the basket and ah shucks it just happens to land in the neighbor’s yard. To retrieve the ball he climbs over a four-foot chain link fence and once inside the neighbor’s yard he traverses the split rail fence as if he were a gymnast on a balance beam.  He jumps off the fence, picks up the ball, and retraces his steps back into his own driveway. This carnival act goes on all the while keeping a watchful eye out for adults in case he needs to pull out a prefabricated excuse. I found these antics funny until I realized adults do something similar.  How often do we throw our toys into forbidden territory just so we can retrieve them? “When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed (James 1:13-14 NIV).”

Cross-Cultural Evangelism

I’m struggling with a college class on cross-cultural evangelism. The thrust of the class puts a prerequisite on the missionary to become part of the culture – language, customs – in order to spread the Gospel effectively. That part I get. What I’m not seeing is any responsibility being placed on those who are hearing the message. Certainly there are examples of the disciples fitting into the culture of their day in order to reach people. However, there are also examples of people responding to the message with what appears to be very little effort on the part of the messenger – Jonah and Nineveh, Phillip and the Ethiopian eunuch, Peter and the centurion. What I question is who has the greater responsibility, the messenger or the responder. In the parable of the pearl, the merchant did not need anyone to learn his language or culture in order for him to see the value in the pearl. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it (Matt 13:45-46 NIV).”

Getting to Know You

Growing up I really didn’t know my father. In my formative years our relationship was blurred by alcoholism (literally) and in my pre-teen years divorce freed him to be an absent parent. Over the years when we had an occasional visit the communication was surface level and awkward. The disciples knew the Father, but they didn’t “know” the Father. Questions run through my mind when I think about the disciples asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. I suppose each could have had different reasons for wanting to know how to pray. Had they in the past been distant from God and didn’t know how to communicate with Him? Was the relationship Jesus had with the Father something they wanted to tap into? As students did they think this was just another component to their education? Jesus said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation’ (Luke 11:2-4 NIV)”

Identifiers

A college class assignment required that I analyze the community for the sources we use to present the Gospel. I began by looking through the church directory published in the newspaper and I found the names of churches to be very telling. Denominational churches often use identifiers such as Catholic, Lutheran, and Baptist in their title; about a quarter of those listed in the directory included a derivative of the godhead – Assembly of God, Church of Christ, and Christian Church. Along with the common names I also came across: Waves of Mercy Pentecostal Church of God, Roca De Refugio, Cross and Spurs Cowboy Fellowship, Baha’i Faith = Divine Unity, Catch the Fire Soaking Prayer Center, Church 180, Iglesia Horeb Church, Journey, and Quaker Silent Worship Group. No doubt a great deal of thought went into selecting these names, but I’m wondering if people actually live up to the implied church name, or if the name is a vision of what they want to become.

Spiteful

I recently participated in a round-table discussion where the topic was local media. A newspaper publisher from a neighboring town didn’t mince words when it came to elected officials. He smirked, “We need to make them sweat!” Certainly the media needs to hold elected officials accountable, but make them sweat – really? This seasoned journalist seemed uneasy when I questioned his terminology and he said, “Well, I guess it’s personal.” The more he talked it was obvious that his personal reasoning applied to all politicians and, from an editorial perspective, he considered them fair game. It’s interesting that before these people were sworn into office they were our friends and neighbors, but taking an oath of office puts a target on their back. Paul reminds us, “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Cor 13:6 NIV)

Enemy Oppression

Joann was contemplative when I ask her about enemies. “I guess I need a definition. How can I have any enemies if I’m supposed to love everyone all the time? The word that comes to mind is nemesis.” For over 45 years Joann’s father-in-law held animosity towards her because she was “too religious.” The breaking point came during his wife’s funeral when he called Joann aside and taunted her for ruining his son’s life. It was only then that Joann found the resolve to say, “I want you to know that I love you, but this will be the last time you will see me.” Joann had already worked through forgiving her father-in-law when she learned that he had stroke which has left him paralyzed, unable to speak and dying. With an exasperated laugh Joann said, “Now I can’t talk to him. But here I am, putting him on the prayer chain. It’s still not too late for the Lord to reach him.” Referencing the oppression of an enemy the Psalmist said, “My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, “Where is your God?”  (Psalms 42:10 NIV)

Living With the Enemy

I asked Peggy if she had any enemies and she laughed, “Yes, but can I pick more than one?” Then, on a serious note, she told me about being married to her 90 year-old husband, a man who is 25 years her senior. Early into the marriage he attended church with her, but he soon dropped all pretenses. “He is what I would call a spiritual enemy. He mocks me, makes snide remarks and ridicules what I’m doing.” Peggy is determined to have a Christian home, with or without a believing husband. “I love him, but I’ve stopped taking responsibility for him. All I can do is pray and be a good example.” The book of Numbers offers insight into living with enemies, “When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the LORD your God and rescued from your enemies.” (Numbers 10:9 NIV)

Room at the Cross

Today we hear a lot from environmental folks about the overpopulation on the earth. However, it was reported in 1991 that the entire world population could fit into a rectangle that was 40 mile long and 30 mile wide and each person would have one square yard of space, with room to spare. Interestingly the New Jerusalem described in Revelation is a city 12,000 stadia in length, height, and width – a cube of 1,400 miles. The county Gospel song, There’s Room at the Cross For You brings us to the foot of the cross, but maybe we should also be singing about all the room available in the Great City. (Rev 21:15-27 NIV)

Enemies

When I ask fellow believers about their enemies the normal reaction is to recoil – Christians don’t have enemies; Christians love one another. Eighty year-old Edward struggled with the thought of having enemies, “I guess my daughter made me mad. She needed money to buy a house so my wife and I gave her a loan from my retirement.” It wasn’t long before his daughter missed installment payments and declared bankruptcy. The relationship was severed for years, but when Edward’s wife passed away their daughter asked another family member to find out if she could come to her mother’s funeral. “My daughter did nothing but bring heartache and cause grief in the family. I didn’t see her at the funeral – I don’t know whether or not she came.” Had Edward’s daughter been a stranger he would have taken legal action, but instead he avoided having anything to do with her or ever seeing her again. “… a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” (Matthew 10:36 NIV)

Personally Speaking

One of my current college classes is on interpersonal communication. I found it interesting that some social scientists estimate that 93 percent of the emotional impact of a message comes from nonverbal sources – body language, eye contact, gestures. No doubt our charismatic friends would put nonverbal communication as a high priority on their religious landscape. I have a hard time thinking that body language in worship, that seen during fellowship, song and sermon, has such a large emotional impact. I’m afraid if anyone, including the Spirit, used 93 percent nonverbal clues on me I’d miss something. However, I can say to the Spirit, “talk to me” and if I listen, I can hear Him. Jesus said, “He who has ears, let him hear.” (Matt 13:9 NIV)

Expelled

Occasionally there are known issues of sin within the body of believers and many of us look to the leadership to deal with the situation. I’m not absolving the leadership from their responsibility since the authority given them by God carries a huge measure of accountability.  However, Paul addressed sexual immorality among believers saying, “And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of your fellowship the man who did this?” (1 Cor 5:2 NIV) Later in the same chapter Paul includes the greedy, the idolater, slanderer, drunkard, and swindler. To these categories he instructs that we not associate with them, nor even eat with them; rather we are to expel them from amongst us. It occurs to me that I can follow Paul’s instructions even if my leadership fails to do so. I have the ability to put the sexually immoral brother out of my personal fellowship, I can refuse to associate with him and eat a meal with him. These passages indicate expelling the wicked person from the church, but the reality is that “we” are the church. As individual believers we can mentally expel the wicked person from fellowship.

Double-Edged Sword

Most of us would say that when we’ve listened to a sermon we’ve heard the Word of God. However, as I’ve been analyzing sermons and meditations for their structure and content, I’m taken back with how much of the presentations contain jokes, filler, opinion, illustration, examples and rabbit trails. It gives me pause to compare all this extraneous material to the Word of God. The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double–edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb 4:12 NIV)

Babes in Christ

A missionary friend from Columbia gave me some interesting insight into discipleship. “In America when someone gets baptized you give him a Bible.” He laughed, “It’s like, here you go, here’s your manual. In Columbia we give the new believer a children’s Bible.” Andrew went on to explain that the children’s Bible has lots of pictures, big words, and it gives the reader a panoramic view of the Bible. “After they’ve had time to read the children’s Bible and get the big picture, then they get an adult Bible.” It occurs to me that even though I am a student of the Bible, I might relate better to babes in Christ if I too took a remedial read of a children’s Bible.

Spirit-Less

We can learn the sermon topic from the church bulletin, but we won’t actually know the intent of the message until we hear it preached. For instance, Paul gave Timothy the charge, “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Tim 4:2 NIV) If I had my druthers, I’d opt for the encouragement sermon. However, sermons that correct and rebuke are infused with the Spirit and His presence is convicting. Unfortunately some pastors, under the guise of correction and rebuking, craft sermons of manipulation for furthering an agenda. I guess they just don’t realize the Spirit doesn’t participate in a message that contains ulterior motives and manipulation.

Paid in Full

For safety reasons Sam, a missionary to the Muslims, was incognito. “I’ve been deported three times; kicked out of the country two times.” He laughed, “There is something to be said about not getting beat up.” It was interesting to hear that Muslims believe man was created the best of the best of the best and they do not accept the idea of being a sinner. If I understood Sam correctly, Muslims consider themselves sinless, yet understand there is a price to pay for sins committed that they don’t know about.  According to Sam you can actually see the countenance for the wages of sin in the Muslin faith. Up to the age of 17-18 all children are happy, but after this age of maturity they start paying for sins. Between the ages 25-45 a Muslim become sad and downcast, wondering “did I pay for that sin.” Then between the ages of 45-55 their shoulders drop and they give up realizing they cannot possibly pay for their sins. “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NIV)

Give ‘n Take

It’s interesting how words can be in the same context, but a change in the written order makes a profound impact. I normally think in terms of Jesus taking my sins, but inspirational writer Rich Maffeo reorders the words saying, “I asked God to lay my debt on Jesus Christ and forgive me.” The phraseology vividly moves me to the foot of the cross and makes me a participant in the crucifixion. It is at the cross that Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV)

World View

One of my college classes requires interviewing missionaries and asking about the “world view” of the country where they are serving. One missionary said, “It is the United States that has an interesting world view; they think they rule over everything.” He laughed, “Americans even think they can change the weather!” I chuckled at the global warming reference. The missionary continued with other examples of American innovations such as creating air conditioning because they’re too hot and central heating because they’re too cold. Other cultures live within their environment, but people in America are always trying to control their environment. I suppose we do have to give Americans credit for taking the Genesis account literally. “Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Gen 1:26 NIV)

Old Dog, New Tricks

During the missionary conference we were told that the effectiveness of the traditional three-point sermon is lost on the upcoming generation and it’s going to have to be replaced. “The only way to grab these kids coming up is with a story.” My first thought was not for the next generation, but for traditional pastors who have based their whole preaching life on the three-point sermon. Oh my! I can just see them struggling to tell a story with three points. Paul was willing to put on different personas in order win people to Christ – a slave, a Jew, one under the law, or not having the law – and maybe we could add storyteller to the list. “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” (1 Cor 9:22-23 NIV)

Reproduction

One missionary I spoke with had changed the focus of his ministry from planting churches to making disciples. “The Great Commission doesn’t tell us to evangelize and plant churches, it tells us to make disciples.” This change of direction appears is taking hold on more than a few mission fields and missionaries are talking in terms of building relationships, rather than building church memberships. “The idea is that we are to multiply, to reproduce ourselves.”  The concept has merit, but I told the missionary it was a scary thought when you consider that there are some of us that just should not be reproduced. He laughed and made a great point, “Then maybe they need to be discipled!”The Great Commission: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt 28:19-20 NIV)

 

Using the Culture

I came away from a recent missionary conference with some thought provoking ideas. One missionary referenced Paul’s evangelistic tactics during a meeting of the Areopagus in Athens. Paul was distress by all the idols in Athens, but among the altars to various gods was an altar with the inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD”. Many of us in that situation might focus on all the false gods and how we could eliminate them. Paul, however, did not attempt to discredit the false gods, but rather showed missionary wisdom by using the cultural idols of the day to point to God. Making the unknown known, Paul said, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.” (Acts 17:24-25 NIV)

Slip ‘n Fall

The trial for the captain of the Costa Concordia, the cruise liner which ran aground off the coast of Tuscany two years ago, is still underway. His defense for abandoning ship and leaving 32 passengers to perish is that he slipped and fell into a lifeboat. The defense seems absurd, but it made me think Jonah who “slipped and fell” into a boat headed for Tarshish. Both of these men abandoned their duties and will forever have a record of desertion. Unfortunately, there are shades of the captain and Jonah in all of us. On the night Jesus, “…Then all the disciples deserted him and fled.” (Matt 26:56b NIV)

Mellowing

One of my college classes required me go to public place where I was to survey strangers with four evangelistic questions.  I chose to go to the senior meal site where I knew I could at least find a few friendly faces willing to help me complete the assignment. Seven of my eight “new friends” grew up in religious homes and are still active in their respective denominations.  All of these folks were happy to talk about the influence of parents, their beginning faith and their personal witness. Interestingly all of the participants reference a strong faith, but a faith they are now reluctant to share unless someone else approaches them first and begins the conversation. At first I thought their evangelistic spirit must also have mellowed with age, but then I recalled the observation made by Jesus concerning his disciples, “… the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” (Matt 26:41b NIV)

Life Support

The majority of my congregation is made up of the older generation. Recently a church leader remarked, “If we don’t do something this church is going to die.” Really? Certainly some of our older folks are passing away, and I would agree that most of those coming in the front door are not getting baptized or placing membership. However our attendance remains consistent and from my perspective we are far from being terminal. I find it interesting that my friend speaks in terms of “we” need to save the church, as though “we” have the power to control the size of the body. Similar to God breathing into Adam the breath of life, the Spirit blew the breath of life into our congregation. I’m sure God has his finger on the pulse of the church and if necessary He is capable of CPR.

The Garden Path

In recently published articles the Mormon Church wants to divert attention away from their idea that in the afterlife the members get their own planet. Rather, they would prefer to focus on the belief that in eternity their faithful will be like God and have creation abilities. Unfortunately these folks are walking down the same garden path taken by Adam and Eve. The serpent, craftier than any other wild animal, convinced Eve to eat the fruit by saying, “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen 3:5 NIV) It seems the serpent and the church leadership speak the same language when they tell their members they can become like God.

Timing is Everything

Tinkering with time has been going on for years, but interestingly it wasn’t until the Uniform Time Act of 1966 that everyone in the US got on the same schedule. Even though Daylight Savings Time is on my calendar and happens twice a year, I’m just never quite ready for it. We know the time has already been set for the Lord’s return, but even Jesus does not know the day or the hour of His will return. I’m thinking a good time for the Lord’s return would be on one of the days when we change our clocks. I can just imagine people trying to figure out if they were “left behind” or if they simply forgot to set their clocks to spring forward, or fall back. “Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1 Thess. 5:1-2 NIV)

Body Makeover

I’m still chewing on why a congregation would forgo Biblical leadership and choose to be directed by a steering committee. Scripture gives elders the charge of directing the affairs of the church and that position excludes women. It occurs to me that instituting a steering committee as the authority in a church might be a clever way to put women in leadership roles. After all, who could possibly object to women serving, or even being the chair of a steering committee? Unfortunately manipulation of Biblical authority in many churches is getting more common place and acceptable – women serve as priests and ministers, and homosexuals are ordained. Clearly Jesus is the head of the church, but we can anticipate that one of these days the church is going to experience an extreme body makeover.

Yeast of the Pharisees

My friend, who is an elected official, has worked single mindedly to build a reputation as a fiscal conservative. However, in a recent editorial concerning her support of a tax increase she said, “I’m a strong fiscal conservative and ordinarily oppose any effort to raise taxes or increase fees. Concerning the recreation district initiative I am making an exception.” Certainly we all have the right to change our minds on issues, but I’m surprised by the flip-flop. What I find really interesting is that regardless of her decision, she still wants to hang on to the label of “strong fiscal conservative.”  Believers are not immune from such shades of hypocrisy. We set ourselves up on a biblical foundation as strong people of faith and then we make exceptions on abortion, adultery, co-habitation, and homosexuality. Speaking to his disciples Jesus gave the warning, “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”  (Luke 12:1b NIV)

Created By

I’ve started another set of college classes and one class, a pre-algebra class, is about to drive me over the edge. I never understood algebra when I was in high school and in the years since there has been no improvement.  Paul tells me, “For by him [Christ] all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Col 1:16 NIV) I’m not one to ever disagree with Scripture, but I have to tell you I’m having a real hard time thinking that algebra is something the Lord created!

Preparations

As I continue to analyze and critique speakers I’ve come to the conclusion that everyone is entitled to an off-day when it comes to the presentation, but we are not entitled to a pass when it comes to lack of “preparation”. For instance, if you’re not feeling well during a presentation the audience will cut you some slack. However, if the presentation is weak because you’re not prepared, the listeners will not be as understanding. Surprisingly, most speakers fail to realize that the audience is pretty savvy and can tell the difference. “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3:17 NIV)

Directing the Affairs

My daughter, who recently married, moved to the metro area is now church shopping. During one such church visit Leslie noticed that the bulletin did not contain any information about elders, deacons or communion. When she had the opportunity to ask, a friendly woman said, “We have communion once a month, but we don’t have elders or deacons - we have steering committees. They seem to do a good job directing the church.” I’m at a loss for words. I can just imagine the Lord cringing at the thought that the direction of the Body of Christ is in the hands of a steering committee. Paul tells us, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Tim 5:17 NIV)

Economics 101

An upcoming ballot issue will ask voters for a sales tax increase to build a recreation center. The proposed cost is over $25 million, but it is being pointed out that with interest, the total cost will come to over $45 million. Yesterday I was dumbfounded when I overheard a tax-supporter say, “What difference does it make if it is $45 million? No one cares about the interest. When you’re buying a house you don’t think about the interest, you just think about the price of the house.” Unfortunately many who come into fellowship with the Lord are of a similar mindset. They think that the only cost to becoming a believer is to accept Jesus, repeat the Good Confession and get baptized. However, there is a continued interest believers pay and it comes in the form of then doing what the Lord asks of us - obedience, turning away from evil, loving our neighbor, etc. Using an analogy for discipleship Jesus said, “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, saying, ‘This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30 NIV)

That’s Entertainment

I understand that many entertainers use a surrogate to warm-up an audience before the headline act takes the stage. Likewise, before beginning a presentation, a speaker often tries to connect to the audience with a story, a joke, or a Q & A welcome. I’m amazed how this practice has taken hold in the worship service, and it’s not simply done by one person. Each person, from the music leader, meditation leaders, to the preacher tries to ingratiate themselves with the congregation before they begin their part in the service.  Certainly the congregation doesn’t want to feel like they are in a lecture, but the jokes and fillers seem to enhance the speaker, not the message. I have to laugh when I think that Jonah didn’t need any warm-up to be successful, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overturned.” (Jonah 3:4 NIV)

How Do We Begin?

I’ve started professionally critiquing speakers, including those making presentations during the worship service – those who give announcements, meditations and preach. I am amazed by how often speakers begin their talk by telling the audience about their preparations. Recently a communion meditation started (paraphrase), “I thought I would talk about … but then I thought that was wrong and I thought of something else … then the Lord put on my mind to talk about what I was going to originally talk about. I think this is what I should be telling you today.” I can’t even imagine Jesus, Paul or Peter prefacing their remarks in a similar manner. Peter stood up at Pentecost, raise his voice and addressed the crowd, “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.” (Acts 2:14)

Stay on the Path

I just re-watched the apocalyptic movie The Book of Eli starring Denzel Washington (2010). Eli is on a 30-year unstoppable mission to get his precious cargo, the only Bible in existence, to a west coast sanctuary. There are hoodlums and thugs along the way, and in one scene Eli, from a hillside advantage, witnesses a gang attack of a woman on the highway below. He did not intervene, but averting his eyes he said to himself, “Stay on the path, it’s not your concern. Stay on the path, it’s not your concern. Stay on the path, it’s not your concern.”  I’m reminded that Jesus did not minister to everyone He came into contact with either, rather He stayed on the path that led Him to the cross. I wonder if we believers aren’t often distracted by the cries of the world, but the situations are really not our concern.

Spoiler Alert

For the last two weeks TV newscasts have been issuing spoiler alerts to warn viewers they are about to reveal the results of Olympic competitions. It’s understandable that some people want to watch the competition at a later time without first knowing the winners of events. It crosses my mind that there are those who might use the same thought process when it comes to reading the Bible. They just don’t want to know the results of failing to accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. Spoiler Alert – “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” (Heb 12:28-29 NIV)

A Safe Place

Our local library recently organized a woman’s writing group for the purpose of encouraging one another to know themselves and the world through their writing. “It will be a safe place to express themselves, without judgment, critiquing, or negativity.” There are those who would like the church to be just such a “safe place”; a panacea of sorts. However, Paul reminds us that with great patience and careful instruction we are to always to be prepared to correct, rebuke and encourage. “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.” (2 Tim 4:3 NIV)

Claim Jumpers

“Prospectors” is an interesting program on the Weather Channel that highlights four teams of seasoned prospectors searching for gems in the Colorado high country. The stars of the show are digging for anything from jewelry quality aquamarine and topaz, to museum quality specimens of quartz crystals attached to amazonite. Much of the mining takes place at 14,000 feet and danger comes in all sizes - weather, rockslides and claim jumpers.  When the miners leave their digging site, because of nightfall or weather, they often cover it up so no one will find it until they can get back to finish their work. The cast member’s enthusiasm for finding the gems they seek is contagious and the celebration is joyous. Spiritually speaking, we too need to watch out for claim jumpers; and it wouldn’t hurt if we also had a little bit more enthusiasm for the precious treasure we’ve uncovered in Christ. Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” (Matt 13:44 NIV)

A Snake is a Snake

A few days ago a snake handling Pentecostal preacher, whose worship services includes handling poisonous snakes, was bitten by a rattlesnake and died. This was not the first time the pastor had been bitten, but it was the last. In an interview an immediate family member displayed genuine surprised at the snake’s quick action. The group had the snake for four months and this was the only time they’d had a problem with it. It does seem a little dumbfounding until you consider how often we believers do the same thing with sin. We keep it caged, but then bring it out to show the world evidence of great faith and that’s when it turns around and bites us.

Foot in Mouth

The last few years a local letter-to-the-editor writer has gotten away with spewing toxic waste on conservatives, Republicans and Christians. Interestingly, it is people of faith who began standing up to her by responding to her letters. Those “calling her out” seem to be hitting a nerve because she is now complaining that her objectors are simply not intuitive enough to realize her comments were tongue-in-cheek.  Granted, tongue-in-cheek may be hard to identify, but most of us know foot-in-mouth when we see it. Jesus said, “But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” (Matt 12:36-37 NIV)

Perspective

In a recent Dear Abby column a letter writer, who described herself as an atheist, was pressured by her husband to accompany him to church. Apparently the husband grew up attending church, drifted away, is now reconnecting, and wants his wife to join him. However, because the wife was raised just the opposite, she felt uncomfortable in church and with the sermons. Abby considered the situation from both the husband’s and wife’s perspective, and then advised the woman not to attend. It’s interesting that none of the three looked at the situation from the perspective of the church. Certainly the church doors are always open to anyone who wants to worship, but having a person who does not even believe in the existence of God as a pew partner is a little strange.  “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What 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.” (2 Cor 6:14-16 NIV)

Making Love

A love message from John, “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 Jn 4:11-12 NIV)

On The Job Training

This week’s news headlines included the accidental detonation of a bomb during a training session for how to make car bombs. According to the report, 21militants were killed and two dozen injured. My laugh felt as warped as the idea that terrorists could blow themselves up before they could kill and maim innocent people. “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” (Gal 6:7-8 NIV)

Reluctant

Kathleen Parker, columnist for the Washington Post Writers Group, wrote about President Obama’s comments during the National Day of Prayer Breakfast. I was struck my Ms. Parker’s opening sentence, “President Obama gave a lovely speech at the recent National Prayer Breakfast – and one is reluctance to criticize.” I find it fascinating people are “reluctant to criticize” those things that fall under the umbrella of religion. It’s almost as though scrutinizing anything with a hint of religion is somehow scrutinizing God, or at the very least, God’s envoy. Jesus was not so inhibited or reluctant, “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” (Matt 6:5 NIV)

Out of the Overflow

Many believers are kept from publically proclaiming the Good News, not because they are uneducated in the Gospel, but because they lack confidence in presenting the Gospel. Jesus said, “ … For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt 12:34b NIV). Because our hearts come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, strengths and weaknesses, the overflow of the heart takes on myriad of possibilities. Recognizing the Spirit in one another is easy, but polishing the overflow that can be tricky.

Coaching

A fellow Toastmaster of mine attended a training session and then gave a report to our club. At the session the guest speaker noted that some people are uncomfortable with the term “evaluation” and that we might consider changing the terminology to “coaching.” Really. I wonder how my college professors would react if I ask them to coach me in my assignments, rather than grading my homework. I see this same temptation of softening our vocabulary in the church. For example, many people are uncomfortable with God in the role of Judge and they would rather demote Him to the position of evaluator, or maybe even coach. The writer of Hebrews said, “For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” (Heb 10:30 NIV)

Naming Names

I’m almost finished with one college writing class, and while I’ve learned a lot, the biggest “aha” I’ve gained is the ability to write honestly and without hesitation. For instance, if I want to write about my childhood, broken fellowship, or sin marching down my street, I don’t have to worry about hurting anyone’s feelings or making someone angry. I can write with complete abandon and even name names because, other than my instructor, no one is going to read what I’ve written. I’m now considering how honest and forthright I am with the Lord. Of course I know that He is omniscient, but His knowing my thoughts is not the same as expressing those thoughts to Him. Maybe the Lord would like me to tell Him about my childhood, broken fellowships and the sin marching down my street. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 NIV)

In Need of a Heart Attack

There are three seats open on the City Council and one unopposed candidate slated for each seat. The newspaper lamented the lack of interested people running for the seats and their editorial headline asked, “Where are the leaders?” Interestingly that same question is often echoed in the church. In both cases it’s not the lack of qualified people, but rather a lack of qualified people who are willing to serve. Paul writes, “Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Tim 3:1 NIV) It appears that we don’t have a leadership problem, we have a heart problem.

Picture Book

I’m reading a new book on blogging and it stresses the importance of using photos to accompany a post. Surprisingly, the picture doesn’t even have to relate to what is written, any generic photo will catch a reader’s eye and draw them in. Thankfully the writers of Scripture chose painting word pictures to produce the Word of God, rather than giving us a “Picture Book of God”. Reading Revelation I can’t even imagine the debate that would be raging if there were accompanying pictures. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” (Ps 119:105 NIV)

Making Preparations

I have a knack for cutting hair, so I’m the resident barber for my family and a few friends. One friend, Mary, is in her 90’s and every couple of months for the last 20 years we get caught up on our visiting while I cut her hair. Mary called me yesterday to tell me her health has been failing rapidly, so her daughter would be moving in with her. Mary has always been fastidious about her hair and I had to laugh at God’s provision … her daughter just happens to be a retired beautician. “So, I won’t be coming to you anymore to get my hair cut, but I’m really going to miss our visits.” There was a catch in Mary’s weary voice and I wondered if she was not only tidying up the loose ends of lost independence, but if she was also telling me goodbye. I can imagine the disciples having a similar feeling during the Last Supper as Jesus began putting His earthly house in order.

Making Tracks

Over the weekend our local law enforcement nabbed a couple of evening home invaders who had just attacked an elderly couple. The perpetrators were armed, so this was a serious manhunt, but it was relatively short lived. It seems that the new 7-9 inches of snow lying undisturbed on the ground, except for the men’s fresh footprints, made them easy to track down. You just got to love it. Interestingly, sometimes we believers aren’t all that bright either and we leave a few tracks of our own. “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.” (1Tim5:24-25 NIV)

Losing Control

In 1517 the Protestant Reformation turned the Roman Catholic Church on its head. No longer was the Catholic Church able to control the Word of God and the religious thinking of the masses. I see a similar situation erupting between the media and social media. There was a time when almost all of our information came from mainstream media. To their credit they do have a code of ethics; however questionable it is at times.  The “real” media is now struggling with their loss of control over information and literally no control over social media types who have no rules. In the world of texting anyone can say anything they want to say regardless of proof, facts or basic standards of good behavior – and they can text it in real time.  In the long run it may serve us well that the media, particularly the liberal media, is losing their stronghold. Consumers will need to be on their discerning-toes, but that is the case whether we are reading local newspaper or reading someone’s interpretation of the Word of God.

The Sins of the World

I wonder if we sometimes hear a phrase so often that it loses its impact. Our preachers will talk in terms of Jesus taking upon Himself the sins of the world, but I’m not sure that I personalize that thought to be “my sins.”  Martin Luther (1520) wrote that when we accept Jesus, as a bride is united to the bridegroom, Christ and the soul become one and have everything in common. “This means what Christ possesses belongs to the believing soul; and what the soul possesses belongs to Christ. Thus Christ possesses all good things and holiness; these now belong to the soul. The soul possesses lots of vices and sin, these now belong to Christ.” Paul’s words to the Corinthians is similar, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Cor 5:21 NIV)

Fixer-Upper

I’m studying the Holy Spirit and in my text, A Faith For All Seasons, author Ted Dorman said, “During his earthly Incarnation Jesus was uniquely the bearer of the Spirit.” Subconsciously I know the Spirit dwelled in Jesus during His earthly ministry. However, what sticks in my mind is Jesus telling his disciples, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17 NIV) I now have this image of the Spirit being downgraded. The Spirit goes from the earthly vessel of Jesus, a spiritual mansion by anyone’s estimate, and has to move into a fixer-upper, the earthly vessel of man.

Oh My God

In a neighboring community a man in his 30’s drove through a neighborhood during the wee hours of the morning throwing large firecrackers out the window of his car. Unfortunately one firecracker exploded in his hand. When his car came to rest against a fence, neighbors ran up to the vehicle and found the man holding his handless wrist saying, “Oh my God! Oh my God!” I’m just guessing, but I think it’s safe to say there is a lesson in there somewhere. This whole scenario gives me pause when I hear Jesus saying, “And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” (Matt 5:30 NIV)

Uncorrected

In writing about the atonement, Anselm of Canterbury (c.1033-1109) said that without the sacrifice of Christ, the only possible way to correct sin would be punishment. “…not to punish it, is to leave it uncorrected. But God cannot properly leave anything uncorrected in His kingdom. Furthermore, to leave sin unpunished would be tantamount to treating the sinful and sinless alike, which would be inconsistent with God’s nature.” In Scripture homosexuality is no different than any other sin. However, since participants openly practice and celebrate this particular sin; it is quite easy to see that there is not even the smallest resemblance of repentance. We really shouldn’t be uncomfortable asking a practicing homosexual, “Don’t you know that your sin will not go unpunished?” Really, when you stop and think about it, labels like intolerant, judgmental, and bigoted may be thrown around, but they just don’t stick to God.

Chosen

Every once in awhile we’ll look at another person through our spiritual glasses and think, “You just don’t get it.” It’s intriguing that God doesn’t give all of us the same sight, even though we all have the same written Word. On the third day God raised Jesus, but rather than being seen by all people, Jesus was seen only by, “…witnesses whom God had already chosen…” (Acts 10:41b) In my college class, Historical Christian Belief, I continue to struggle to understand the writings of theologians, both past and present. Even though they back up their theory with Scripture, their thoughts make no sense to me…I just hate it when I’m the one who just doesn’t get it!

Democracy

Last year Colorado legislators passed stricter gun control laws and people who were angered by the restrictions responded with a first ever recall of two of the legislators. One of the recall organizers is quoted as saying, “If the people had been listened to, these recalls wouldn’t be happening.” I love seeing democracy being played out right before my eyes; however, we believers sometimes drag elements of democracy into the church. Aaron fell victim to such a predicament during the golden calf incident when he listened to the voice of the people, rather than following God through the voice of Moses. Church leaders today are no different than Aaron, in the sense that they too can be pressured and burdened by the will of the people. “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” (Heb 13:17 NIV)

Addressing the Issues

Many congregations have annual meetings where they allow members to submit questions to the board of elders and deacons. More often than not the questions have to do with music, ambiance, facilities, and the direction of the church. On the bright side, the lack of any theological questions probably indicates the church teaching and preaching is on a firm foundation Biblically.  I’m sure the church leaders get weary of such topics as the hymn vs. praise songs controversy, but the reality is that these types of issues are not new, nor are they going away. Even in the early church, “…the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1 NIV) Not a very spiritually thought provoking issue, but none the less, an issue that was important to church members.

Treasures on Earth

Last Saturday I spent a few hours helping my 90 year-old mother-in-law thin out her closets and kitchen cupboards. I wasn’t sure how the day would go. Would she easily let go of things, or would this be a traumatic exercise in getting rid of possessions? Our walk down memory lane in the clothes closet was filled with history, laughs and bewilderment over pieces of clothing that had no linage. We had honest discussions on her need for eight house coats, 20 night shirts and a couple dozen knock-around shirts.  After we finished for the day, any reservations I had evaporated when Ruth said, “Now I won’t feel so guilty if I want to go out and buy something new!” I had to chuckle. Ruth wasn’t as concerned about losing her treasures as she was about gaining new storage space. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matt 6:19-21 NIV)

For or Against

An incident was reported in the newspaper about Martin Luther King Jr. being arrested in the 1960’s. Both President Kennedy and his brother, Robert Kennedy, worked behind the scenes to help garner Mr. King’s release. It’s interesting that King tried to minimize their participation in his release from jail because, campaign-wise, he didn’t want the Kennedys to benefit from his name recognition. I was reminded of the disciples trying to stop a man from using the Lord’s name to drive out demons simply because the man was not one of them. Jesus said, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not against you is for you.” (Luke 9:50 NIV)

The Greater Debt

I stumbled onto an interesting phrase that apparently has been around for a long time, but it was new to me. “If I owe you $1,000 I’m in trouble; if I owe you $1,000,000 you're in trouble.” The thought provoking observation has a familiar sound. Jesus was having dinner at the home of a Pharisee when he told his host about two men who owed money to a moneylender. One man owed 500 denarii, the other 50. Neither had the funds to repay their loans, so the moneylender cancelled the debt for both. Jesus then ask Simon, “Now which of them will love him [moneylender] more?” Simon judged correctly when he said, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt cancelled.” So, now I’m wondering about our debt in salvation and whether one person’s debt is greater or less than another’s.  (Luke 7:42-43 NIV)

Excommunication

One of my on-line college classes is titled “Historic Christian Belief” and it has my head spinning with all the theories and heresies that have been handed down through the centuries. On the day of Pentecost, A.D. 431, during the Third Great Ecumenical Council, Nestorius was excommunicated before his supporters could arrive.  Then, “When the bishop of Antioch and his party arrived a few days late, they in turn excommunicated the Alexandrians!” And today we get heartburn and change churches over hymns vs. praise songs…seriously?

Déjà vu

We recorded the Denzel Washington movie Déjà vu on our cable box and the movie it true to its title because now it refuses to be deleted. Apparently it has taken up permanent residence on our movie list. As believers we also deal with a spiritual déjà vu of sorts. We have inactive sin issues sitting on the shelves of our minds and while we may not always be able to erase the identifying titles, we don’t have to replay them just because they are there. Paul addressed this struggle, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” (Ro 8:5 NIV)

Unencumbered

In this type of weather Charlie the dog climbs over snow banks and gets snow packed between his toes. Then he stands there with his paw in the air waiting for you clean off his foot. When we’ve put booties on him, he gets indignant and sidesteps down the sidewalk shaking first one leg and then another trying to throw off the booties. If you think a one-dog Conga Line you get the picture. Charlie’s antics remind me that I too have a few things I need to throw off. “…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Heb 12:1 NIV)

One-Way Ticket

A Utah man, who is one of 1,058 applicants, is one step closer to getting a one-way ticket to Mars. The proposed flight is more than a decade off, but if chosen he would be leaving behind his wife and four young children; the youngest of which is now only six months old. The man admits to being, “kind of selfish”, which at first blush is a good assessment. Surprisingly, the wife is trying to be supportive. However, she feels rejected and has considered divorce so that she can go on and make a life for herself and the children. This scenario does give me pause when I consider that believers also hold a one-way ticket which was purchased for us by the blood of Christ. It’s curious that the loved ones we will be leaving behind don’t seem at all concerned. No one knows the day or the hour when Jesus will return, but He says we are to plan ahead and keep watch, “Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.” (Matt 24:40-41 NIV)

Assertive

In a letter to a newspaper advice column a woman wrote that she is not a confrontational person, so she didn’t how to confront an ongoing family issue.  The columnist prefaced her response with, “You don’t need to be confrontational. You need to be assertive.” I love this change in vocabulary and thought. Many of us, including myself, often confuse the two. Without going into deeper study on the subject, my sense is that Scripture would have us be confrontational with sin and the believer caught up in sin, but be assertive in matters of faith and obedience. I’m wondering if my Christian character and witness might be strengthened if were I to adopt these two words as my new best friends.

Show of Support

During a potentially confrontational meeting the audience was silent and the chairman then complimented them saying that their silence on the matter was a “show of support” for the work that went into an agreement. I love the way this was handled on all sides because it toned down and defused the situation. However, when I apply this same scenario to the Church I come away with a different feeling. Around every corner people of religious convictions avoid awkward situation with silence, not only in our beliefs, but for any and every potential demonstration of the faith we have in Christ. Our keeping quiet on Scriptural matters results in a show of support to those who want to silence the Lord.

Identity

The lines between various Christian denominations are getting more blurred all the time. There are some leadership-types who would have believers compromise away our differences, all for the sake of their version of a unity. I like the fact that during the foundation of the Church Peter and Paul were sent to different audiences; Peter to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles. These pillars of the church didn’t ask their respective followers to give up their own culture or history for one another. For instance, Paul would not let the Jewish believers impose their practice of circumcision on the Gentiles. Maybe rather than having a “denominational demolition derby” we should take a page from the early church and realize we can have unity in Christ without giving up our identity in fellowship.

Woe to You

My newly married niece, who is gay, recently sent out invitations for a wedding celebration. I was disappointed that one of the invitations, along with an RSVP, went to her 90 year-old grandmother. This older generation did not accept homosexuality and grandma found herself in an impossible situation. Trying to run interference, I discovered it was my sister-in-law who actually suggested to her daughter that she send the invitation. At first blush I thought there was a terrible lack of judgment all around. However, I then realized that God has already passed judgment in sexual immorality, so the issue is not with the gay niece, her marriage, or the invitation. The real problem is with those who encourage others to take part and celebrate sin. Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. (Luke 17:1 NIV)

Hurtful

I am amazed at the number of gays coming out of the closet and how they are welcomed with open arms, even in the church. One pastor recently lamented that he can see how his past sermons were hurtful to gays. If a believer in the church is a practicing homosexual, Paul says, “But 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. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1Cor 5:1-13 NIV) We all have sin in our life, but if a person in the church is practicing adultery, practicing greed, practicing homosexuality, etc. we are not to associate with him. The Word of God is not negated because someone may find it hurtful.

Truce

An on-line article in Leadership Journal was about fighting Christians calling a truce during the holidays. I liked the premise of the article because sometimes we do look for reasons to pick a fight with one another over interpretations, denominations, and doctrinal points. The author, Pastor Bob Hyatt from Portland, Oregon called for a one week holiday truce saying, “Let’s forget, just for a moment that we are progressives, conservatives, emergent, Anabaptist, young-restless-and-reformed -that we are pro-gay marriage or pro-traditional family, that we are egalitarians or complimentarians, Protestant, Catholic or Orthodox…and just be followers of Jesus Christ.” For a moment there I thought maybe the author wanted me to play the game of “what doesn’t fit in this list”. Scripture is pretty clear that God has already passed judgment on same-sex relationships. It’s wrong for the pastor to put up a stumbling block by asking believers to reconcile with the sin of homosexuality, rather than reconciling with God. I have to wonder if the writer wants a truce with the pro-gay marriage contingent, would he object to a truce with the pro-abortionists, or pro-idol worshipers.

Slavery

During a TV interview a woman lamented she needed to dust off her resume because her unemployment benefits would soon expire. The AP is also reporting that even though jobless rates would drop, analysts were concerned that stopping the long-term unemployment benefits would result in less money, “…for consumers to spend on everything from clothes to cars.” Sadly many people in our country have become enslaved by government subsidies. Paul talks about the slave/master relationship for believers of his day, “Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.” (1 Cor 7:21 NIV) It will be interesting to see if eliminating the 96 weeks of long-term unemployment benefits might somehow force people to gain their freedom from government entitlements.

God Saw It Was Good

God’s first creation was light and He saw that it was good. The light He called “day” and the darkness “night”. God has already seen the light and the darkness of 2014…and He saw that it was good.