Applying The Bible to Our Culture and World

These are the opinions of Jeff Phillips, pastor of an inner city Southern Baptist church in the heart of the bible belt. These views do not represent Woodfield Park Baptist Church, Ashley my wife, our 3 dogs or 3 cats.







Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Of God and Country

In the last few days I've been engaged in numerous conversations regarding the Glenn Beck event that took place this past Saturday. These conversations have been with beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Beck has long irked the political left because of his views which greatly differ from theirs. But Beck is now dividing the political right, not because of his political views, which most agree with at least in part. He is dividing the political right over God. More succinctly, Beck, a professing Mormon, is gathering together different faiths; Christianity, Mormonism, Judaism and Islam, in a call for our nation to return to God.

The question we must ask, on a spiritual, not a political level, is: Are these faiths calling our nation to the same God? I agree with Beck in his generic premise that what our nation needs is a return to God in order for this mess that the United States is today to be rectified. But when examining these different faiths, one cannot in intellectual honesty say that they represent the same God. The god of Islam as represented in the Koran is vastly different than the God of the bible. The god of Mormanism, as represented through the book of Mormon, other texts and the words of their leaders whom they consider prophets having authority over God's written word, is vastly different from the God of the bible. Even Judaism is not following the God of the bible who sent Jesus, Messiah, only to have "His own," Jews, "receive Him not."

It is a concern to me, and many others, that in the name of political agreement, we as Christians find it acceptable to join together with other gods to further a political viewpoint. As I look at scripture I feel we may be making politics a false god, placing those core beliefs over the teachings of the bible.

I am reminded of the children of Israel, who always professed Jehovah God, yet found themselves drifting in to idolatry on a regular basis. They would continue to appear to follow the Lord as they attended the feasts and offered their sacrifices in the tabernacle and temple. But at the same time they would go to the "high places" and also offer sacrifices to the baals. Has the political arena become our "high place" as Christians? Do we believe that political change apart from a true movement of the True and Living God of the bible will impact the kingdom of God? The command of scripture is to "Seek first the kingdom of God," not political change. When we yolk together with other faiths in the name of God, do we try to serve both God and baals for the perceived betterment of our nation?

I ask these questions not to condemn my dear brothers and sisters in Christ. I love and respect them. But I do believe this type of conversation is necessary in Christian circles in order for us to see true revival in our nation. Beck states he believes our nation would be better off if we return to the Judeo-Christian values we were founded upon. I agree with him. But as Christians we must ask a deeper question. Will the kingdom of God be better off if we return to those values but do so apart from Jesus Christ, the Jesus of the bible?

The bible teaches us that we cannot have it both ways. We are either focused upon the kingdom of God, or the things of this world. In fact, the bible teaches us if we compromise and try to serve both we serve neither, we cannot "love both God and mammon." The bible teaches us we provoke God when we do this. Psalm 78:58 states, "For they provoked Him to anger with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their carved images." When for the sake of political expediency, we join together with other faiths in the name of God, have we not erected an altar to a political baal while still claiming the mantle of the Living God?

Is what is best for our nation automatically best for God's kingdom? "What good does it do for a man to gain the whole world, but lose his soul?" We could see a return to the values that made our country great, but if we embolden and condone false gods and religions in doing so, what have we truly gained? Beck has become the most bold and visible proclaimer of God in our nation today. His movement may indeed be good for our nation. But is his Mormon church affiliation an asset for the kingdom of God?

Many Christians proclaim that from his testimony they believe Beck is indeed saved, "born again." But the questions that need to be asked of Beck, in Christian love, are do you believe the things the Mormon church teaches of Jesus? Do you believe Jesus and Satan are brothers? Do you believe God the Father begat Jesus not through the Holy Spirit, but rather through physical intercourse with Mary? Do you believe the words of Joseph Smith or Brigham Young supersede that of scripture? Do you believe that God was once man who through living a godly life, attained Godhood? Do you believe as the Mormon church teaches that all men can also attain Godhood?

Beck has done a wonderful job of expressing what the bible teaches about Jesus. But the faith he claims as his own teaches "another Jesus." Satan, who the bible teaches, will appear as "an angel of light," knows scripture inside and out. His method is not to ignore scripture, but rather, subtly twist it so it appears authentic, yet deviates from the truth. This is what the doctrine of the Mormons does. They teach the Jesus of the bible, but add to it. That is against the commands of God's word to neither "add too" nor "take away" from His word.

Beck is a political powerhouse who is now calling our nation to a return to God and revival. But unless he espouses the God of the bible, and nothing in addition, this is a hollow call. As Christians we must determine where true change will come from. Will it come from political reformation, or will it come from a true return to Jesus Christ? For my Christian brothers and sisters I make this plea: we can all agree with Beck or anyone else concerning political issues, but we cannot join together with him in God's name until we first know which God he serves. I pray that Beck would be open to sitting down with someone and fully discussing his beliefs and answering the tough questions regarding the faith he has chosen. Their is no part of the bible I am afraid or ashamed to proclaim. Does Glenn Beck have the same convictions regarding Mormon teachings? His answers could determine whether we are in the "high places," or truly acting on God's behalf.

Beck has stated regarding "liberation theology," that if you find yourself in a church preaching a social gospel, you should leave that church. I agree. He has stated if you find yourself in a church telling you which political candidate to vote for you should leave that church. I agree. Is he willing to state that as the bible teaches if you find yourself in a church that preaches "another Jesus," you should leave that church? And is he willing to act on that? I applaud Beck's sincere love for our country. But if we are to join together in the name of God, we must worship the same God.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Another Jesus

2 Corinthians 11:3-4, "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted-you may well put up with it!"

Paul's admonition here to the church at Corinth seems to have a special importance to us today. Paul warns sternly of us as the church accepting "another Jesus," one not revealed by the bible, and then states that unfortunately, for many reasons, many in the faith will put up with this heresy. Why?

The Greatest Commandment tells us that unless we love God first and foremost, and then our neighbor as ourselves, we cannot be right with God. Today, maybe more than at any time in history, we seem willing to set aside the Jesus of the bible for the sake of unity regarding issues we hold dear. These may political issues, moral issues, personal issues; but when we do this we set up idols in our lives, as our opinions and personal desires have taken the place of God being first and foremost in our lives.

Who is this other Jesus, and what is this other gospel? Well, as Paul says, it's any Jesus or any gospel that is not revealed to us through scripture. The Jesus of the bible was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died for the sins of all mankind and will save any who have faith in Him and His atoning sacrifice. He was buried and rose from the dead on the third day an His presence was witnessed by hundreds. He ascended into heaven where He is now seated at the right hand of the Father and one day He will return to this earth the judge the wicked and establish His kingdom. Any other Jesus is another Jesus!

This is the Jesus of God's inspired word. He is a Jesus that said of His work upon the cross regarding our forgiveness of sin, "It is finished." Nothing but the blood of Jesus is needed for our sins to be forgiven. Any Jesus that says we need works, is another Jesus. Any gospel that says we need sacraments, is another gospel. Any belief that does not declare Jesus is fully God and fully man, is a false belief.

Paul writes in Galatians 1:8-9, "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." Yet as Paul warned, we seem more willing than ever to put up with another Jesus and another gospel than ever before to further personal ambitions.

The question we must ask ourselves, is which Jesus is being proclaimed? Is it the Jesus of the bible, or another Jesus? Jesus warned that many would come in His name saying; "There He is." Paul warned us again in 2 Corinthians 11:13-14, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles for Christ. And no wonder, For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light." For the Christian, the first question we must ask when the discussion centers upon God is; are we speaking of the Jesus of the bible? Or, is this another Jesus?

The only Jesus who can save is the Jesus of the bible. The only Jesus who can forgive our sins is the Jesus of the bible. The only Jesus who will return is the Jesus of the bible. So what of those who accept and follow another Jesus? Well, Jesus Himself tells us of their fate. In Matthew 7:23 Jesus says, "And I will declare to them, "I never knew you, depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." Is the Jesus you know the Jesus of the bible?

Friday, August 27, 2010

Glenn Beck's 8/28 Event

On Saturday, August 28, Glenn Beck will be heading an event at the Lincoln Memorial in our nations capital he says is not a political event, not a Christian event, but a God event. Beck is the highly influential and popular Fox News host who has rightly been railing on the socialistic tendencies of our government of late and has done a wonderful job showing some neglected facts regarding our history. But now Beck, a self professed Mormon, is moving in the religious realm. For Beck's event, since he is a Mormon, we must ask: What God is this event really about?

Ephesians 5:11-13 tells us, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of those things done by them in secret. But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light." Beck is billing this event as one that will restore America's road to honor and America's divine destiny. While it is true that God is the only one who can do this for our nation, it is only the God of Christianity that is real, and able.

I've been amazed as I have watched Christian ministers yolk themselves with Beck. While it may be acceptable to join forces with unbelievers regarding a political issue, how can one in good conscience and sound doctrine link themselves to a self proclaimed "God" event with someone who believes in another God? Beck himself asked on his TV show on 8/27 whether this was permissible, and without hesitation, all the ministers nodded in agreement. Beck asked whether Christians, and Mormons, and Jews, and Muslims could join together to try to bring our nation back to God. Every minister present said yes. Simply astounding.

How can people who call upon a different god join together to call upon the One God of the Christian bible? The answer is, they cannot. Beck though has effectively tapped into an ecumenical lurch by Christianity that we can put aside doctrinal differences to join together for the common moral good. While we can have doctrinal differences regarding some things that are not absolutely spelled out in the bible, how can we yolk together with those who do not believe that Jesus is God, the Savior, the only way to the Father? How can we join forces with those who worship another god and expect God to move?

Beck proclaims we will be seeing miracles in our nation. Let me remind everyone, Satan is capable of great miracles. Friends, I tell you, I love my country. But I fear in my heart we are putting the welfare of our nation above the Greatest Commandment. Is Beck right on many political issues? Yes, I believe he is. Does that mean we should overlook his following a false god in a false religion and join forces with him in the name of God for our nation? God forbid!

Instead of embracing Beck here, we should be presenting the clear gospel to him. These Christian leaders who have compromised the faith instead of "earnestly contending" for it should be pulling Beck aside to try to show him the error of his beliefs, not appearing beside him in the name of God. Brothers and sisters, if we do not agree upon Jesus, we have no agreement about God.

Mormons believe that Jesus and Satan were brothers. They believe they are of the so-called lost tribe of Israel. They believe America is the "Promised Land" and that the New Jerusalem will be in Missouri. They believe that by living the "Mormon" life that each man will one day be God(as they believe God was once man and attained Godhood) and will have many goddesses and their own planet to be God of one day. I ask you, does this sound like the God of the bible? For further understanding please read 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

Christian ministers are telling Beck and America that God is using him. Now many times in the past God worked through the ungodly, but do they believe the Holy Spirit will work through a person who espouses the god of Mormonism? Have they been deceived to believe that Mormonism and fundamental Christianity follow the same God? Where is our discernment? Where is our backbone to stand for the fundamental teachings of the bible over the good of our nation? Where is Christianity heading when we cannot see these things for what they are?

Darkness and light have no place together. Like at twilight when the two are intermingling, we do not see well, nor clearly. It appears more and more as though God's light is setting over the horizon, and darkness is enveloping our world. And sadly, we are helping extinguish the light due to and ungodly desire for our nation to be right, apart from Him. Different faiths means different gods. For this event tomorrow, which God will be exalted?

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Revisiting Gossip

On Facebook today a friend of mine made the observation; "Even if I don't know what I'm doing someone else will." Now we live in a very small town, and this woman being a native here, was swamped with "likes" and comments supporting the unfortunate fact that some unsubstantiated and untrue tidbit was being passed along about her. Such is the case with gossip.

I must admit I have never lived in a town like Chesterfield. I honestly hope no one takes offense at this remark, but in many ways it's like a "bizarro" Mayberry. I've never lived anyplace where a town's own enjoy talking about those they claim as friends and family and to love as some people do here. Now don't get me wrong, I've had the opportunity to befriend many fine people here and value the friendships that I've made. That said, their is something about such an intimate environment where most people know each other or are related in some way that seems to bring out the worst in otherwise good folks when it comes to gossip.

I could commiserate with my friend and her frustration today on Facebook, as I myself had to deal with 2 separate incidences today where someone claimed I said something I did not. Both were resolved, but still, it makes me wonder when people will ever learn that nothing good can come by spreading hearsay or rumors. By taking as fact something someone says but who won't let you know the source.

The very sad fact is that some folks lives are so regrettable that the only joy they can find is in perpetuating the misery of others. They can say my life is not so bad if your life is worse, so they are willing to listen to and repeat anything that crosses their ears. I'm sure their is plenty of gossip to go around in large cities as well, but the closeness of a small community just seems to accentuate it's impact on people's lives far worse than an area where most don't know you instead of where most do.

For my Facebook friend, I encourage you to do these 3 things to help you deal with gossip. 1) deal with the source and try to get things straight as soon as possible, 2) Be able to have a sense of humor about it, and 3) If a source cannot be identified, just ignore it. It's honestly not worth the trouble. God knows the truth, and ultimately, He is the only One who matters. Is it frustrating and sometimes downright angering, you bet. But it's not worth losing sleep over. Pray for the sorry people whose lives revolve around drama and be thankful you have true friends and family in your life. For more on gossip see my blog from June 29, 2010.

Monday, August 23, 2010

No Turning Back

Often during the invitation of a service an old hymn will be played. The lyrics are as follows: "I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back, no turning back." Yet for many who claim the name Christian, they seem to be in full retreat when it comes to following Jesus. As denominations and church leaders struggle to find the answer to this problem, the symptoms are easy to identify. It's the solutions that seem to be avoiding us.

You've seen me cite statistics on this blog regarding my denomination, the Southern Baptist Convention. How of the people we baptized and supposedly led to Christ 10 years ago, we can find exactly 2 of 10, 20%. Another major denomination several years ago baptized 294,000 people. Of those they baptized, they could find 14,000 when they researched their church rolls. Apparently, their has been alot of turning back.

It's often easy to identify a problem, but far more difficult to implement a solution to correct the problem. I honestly don't believe their is a denominational answer to a problem such as this. What we are dealing with, are individual hearts. I believe when we look at this as a group problem we miss the point, and the supposed solutions we come up with will produce little fruit.

I wrote earlier this month how these statistics appear to point out with little ambiguity that many if not most of the people we are baptizing are false converts. They have decided to try Jesus, or they have decided to follow a Jesus that it has been promised them will give them joy and peace. Then, when what the bible promises that the Christian will endure; persecution, suffering, trials, tribulations, hatred from the world occur, they abandon Jesus as just another thing that didn't work out for them. I honestly don't know how else to explain why so many who at one time come forward and profess to decide to follow Jesus, are no longer following Him.

When dealing with someones heart, honesty is a required attribute. My denomination has set an ambitious goal of baptizing 1 million people in the year 2012. Since we baptized a total of 350,000 in 2009 we are speaking of almost a threefold increase. But what good does it do to set such an ambitious goal if between 80-90 percent are simply going to fall away. Doesn't it first make sense to try to address the fall away rate before we focus on baptizing a far larger number of people than we have at any point in our history? Why are we trying to fill the bucket with water before we've patched the hole?

This has to begin with individuals. It has to begin with members of our congregations actually leading someone to Christ in a biblical way, by showing them from the Law their sin and need for a Savior before introducing them to the one who can save them. And then that person must be taken under someones wing to be discipled and supported when the challenges of following Christ will surely come. This must happen on a 1-on-1 level, so in order for this to happen biblically, we as churches need to be sure that when someone does trust Christ and become a blood bought, born again, new creation in Jesus Christ, they will have instruction. We must invest in people 1-on-1 and in very small groups to begin with to insure they are instructed and supported as they need to be. To focus on growth without this infrastructure in place is to be a people simply chasing our tails.

And church members, this means you will have to do this. A pastor cannot and should not be the only person in a church giving instruction or leading someone to Christ. A lost truth of the bible is that it's the pastor's job to equip the saints to do these things, not handle them all himself. The question in so many of our churches is; how many church members actually want to be equipped? If we go by our fruit, the answer is not many.

I'm not a young man but I am a young pastor, and I have to tell you I'm already tired of this method or that new latest book that will make us an effective holy army in the world making disciples. In order to do this we must deny ourselves and put Jesus first, not have a denominational or church focus on nickles and noses. And sadly, far to many self professing Christians are self centered, carnal Christians concerned only with what their church can do for and give to them, and not what they should be doing for Jesus. Jesus said of these, they were unworthy to follow Him. I was unworthy of my salvation as I had no right to expect God, Jesus, to die for me. But since I claim to have trusted Christ and pledged to follow Him, because of His sacrifice, He does have a right to expect me to surrender all to Him. Until we have this heart set, the words to that hymn; "no turning back, no turning back," will ring hollow and hypocritically in our churches across this land. And we'll continue to rehash the same issues we have been the last 100 years.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Observations from an SCBC Listening Session

Earlier today I was part of a South Carolina Baptist Convention listening session hosted by Providence Baptist Church in Pageland, SC. Present was head of our state convention Jim Austin. These sessions are designed to let those interested know what is going on in our state and to hear from us our praises, opinions and concerns. Here are a few observations from today's session:

As a convention we are in serious decline. The latest polling from Ed Stetzer indicates that approximately 86% of SBC churches nationwide are plateaued(not growing numerically) or in decline(shrinking numerically). Of the 14% that are growing numbers wise only a measly 3% are growing due to winning people to Christ. The rest are adding people in the pews, but most are simply leaving one church to join another. This is a recipe for irrelevance within a generation.

There are many suggestions to reverse this serious decline, but very few real solutions. As a convention we will be attempting major structural re-organization to address these trends, but restructuring is not the answer to our issues although it could help in small ways.

It was identified to us that a major issue we face is discipling our flocks. This has long been an issue. The latest data shows that even in churches with an aging congregation base(most churches in Chesterfield county and the entire SBC) those who attend have never moved from being a babe in Christ to a mature believer spiritually. A child wants what he or she wants, not what the authority figure(in our case God) wants. When you have immature believers making important decisions and providing the witness, the fruit will not be plentiful. I've asked the question, how does one make a disciple of someone who has no desire to deny themselves and fully follow Jesus? I'm not sure you can. Until we begin to grow in our faith, we will never grow our churches numerically in a biblical manner. This is one of my issues with the SBC Great Commission Resurgence agenda. No matter how many we claim to win to Christ, if we are bringing them into congregations that are a mile wide and an inch deep, true spiritual growth is being hindered, and thus discipleship. We will never truly grow the kingdom of God until we make disciples instead of padding baptism numbers with many false converts or more spiritual babes with no instruction or desire to grow.

Many local pastors feel as though the small rural church is no longer a part of the SBC plan. I can understand their feelings, seeing as much money will be shifted from areas like South Carolina where their is a very strong SBC presence to areas where we have few churches. The SBC emphasis for the foreseeable future will be planting churches in largely unchurched metropolitan areas. While this may mean hardship for some state and local ministries, I ask this question; do we really need any more churches in our area? In Chesterfield county we now have 62 Southern Baptist churches, and countless other denominations and non-denominational churches serving a county of around 45,000 people. We don't need any more buildings, what we need is for the people who are the church in those current buildings to begin living and being a witness as the bible instructs. The sad truth is we have many in church who claim the name Christian, but few who look like the bible says a Christian should look like.

God is moving in mighty ways in pockets across our state. But it's only in pockets, not a wide movement that is obvious to all. This has been the case for over 150 years in our state and nation since the last "great awakening" in the late 1800's. It's always encouraging to hear the testimonies of these places where God is blessing.

At the end of the session my opinion on things had not really changed. In my heart I know that no true change is going to occur because of denominational restructuring, planting more churches, changing our strategy, or funding one area over another. The only way the SBC, and Christendom as a whole changes is if we repent from our disobedient ways and begin doing things God's way instead of our way. In Luke 18:27 Jesus says, "The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." Until we are "with" the ways of God and running as far as we can from the things that are "with" man, Christ's body on earth will continue to die. Until we confess we are what is standing in the way of God truly moving, and desire in our hearts to follow Him and see Him work, we will continue to produce little fruit. Until we are willing to get out of our comfort zone, and show the true love of Christ to the lost, we will see no revival. Until we die to self, are crucified with Christ, and surrender to His authority, we will work in our own power, and not His. Is the church that surrounds us and that most of us are a part of on this earth not enough evidence that our ways will not work? God, do whatever it takes to truly draw your church to You and Your ways! You are our only hope!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Ground Zero Mosque

A national news story that has taken center stage here of late involves the efforts of the Muslim community to build within blocks of the former site of the twin towers a 15 story mosque and community center. What is emerging for some is a battle over religious freedom, for others a slap in the face regarding the perpetrators of the greatest mass murder in U.S. history. This is an extremely divisive issue that is only going to grow more contentious.

Speaking at an annual gathering to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, president Obama had this to say; "As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan in accordance with local laws and ordinances." It may surprise some that I am in agreement with president Obama here. The Muslims do have a constitutional right to build this mosque. But a central question is missing with the president here, that being, does having a right to do something mean that it is the right thing to do?

In our nation, by our constitution, we as U.S. citizens have a constitutional right to practice our religion freely. If a person or group of people desires to worship a turnip, they have the right to do so. But does religious freedom supersede respect for others and in this case common sense? Does having the right to do something always make it right? Certainly the Muslim community knows how divisive this building would be? They must realize how people feel about this particular piece of real estate? Surely they are aware that the buildings that once stood here were destroyed by Muslims in the name of Islam? In a spirit of consideration and respect for others over this national disaster, the Muslim community could acknowledge the feelings of most Americans and find another place to build their building. They have the right to build it, but in their hearts, do they believe that it is right?

Many Muslims, to their credit, have expressed great discomfort with this effort to build a mosque at ground zero. They realize that the memories of 9/11 will linger forever and they are under suspicion from many still because of the acts of a so-called few in their religion. You believe this is not fair? Well, Christians have been ridiculed for years when an over zealous few have bombed an abortion clinic or grossly protested a soldiers funeral. Is this right? No, but it is reality. And the reality of the ground zero situation is that it takes great arrogance and lack of concern for others to even fathom building a mosque to celebrate the religion that executed the events of 9/11.

Do Muslims have the right to proclaim their faith? Absolutely! Just as I as a Christian have the right to proclaim that I believe Islam is part of the "wide road to destruction" Jesus teaches on in the bible. But just because I believe that, does not mean that Muslims do not have rights. But this is not about rights, it's about doing what is right. And the right thing to do here is for the Muslim community to cease this effort. They ask for tolerance, and they have it. Tolerance being something totally absent in Muslim ruled countries. But if one expects tolerance, one must also be willing to extend tolerance. The Muslim community should rally as a whole and do something only a few prominent in their religion have done: Condemn those who murdered in the name of their god and stop this disrespectful and divisive effort at once. It's the right thing to do.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Proud Heart

In Luke 18:9-14 we have a famous parable of Jesus. A parable is a story that illustrates a truth, and in this parable we have a parable of contrast. On one hand we have a Pharisee, a religious stalwart. He's in church every time the door opens; He's recognized as a leader; He's a visible, vocal church member. On the other hand we have a publican, a tax collector, an outcast. So who do you believe is accepted by God?

The bible tells us that God "resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." It does not say God honors the religious but detests the sinner. In this parable we see the danger of religion. Salvation and following Christ are not about our position in the church, and how faithful we are about the visible things of external religion. Salvation and being a disciple are about a humble heart. A willingness to deny one's self, and truly follow Christ. So why is it so difficult for some who appear so faithful and religious to truly follow Christ? The answer is simple, a proud heart.

Notice the words of this very religious man. In verse 11 he prays and thanks God for not making HIM like other men, lowly sinners. In verse 12 he establishes his religious credentials as a faithful tither and one willing to fast twice a week even though the Hebrews were only commanded to fast once a year. My what a fine, God fearing man he is. God is surely delighted that one such as him populates His body.

Now look at the words of the outcast in verse 13; "And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying. 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'" He saw himself as having no standing before God. He saw himself as unrighteous and in need of mercy. His heart was broken over his sin. So of these two men, which is honored by God?

The Pharisees sadly in scripture represent an outward religion that is a wide road to destruction. Previously, just in the gospel of Luke, Jesus had exposed the Pharisees as self-righteous unbelievers(Lk 11:39-54), debtors to bankrupt to pay what they owed to God(Lk 7:40-50), prideful men seeking honor for themselves(Lk 14:7-14), and proud people concerned with outward obedience but unconcerned for others(Lk 15:25-32). They had religion but lacked repentance and humility before God and man.

In Matthew 23, one of the most scathing chapters in the bible, Jesus strips clean the ungodliness of outward religion. Seven times Jesus calls the Pharisees hypocrites. He says in Matthew 23:25, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self indulgence."

Contrast this attitude with that of the tax collector. The tax collector acknowledges that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," even him. He recognizes that their is "none righteous, no, not one," even him. This outcast is concerned with the sinfulness of his heart and cries out to God for mercy, he does not recite his deeds on behalf of God.

In Matthew 23:26 Jesus tells us how to overcome an outward, hypocritical religion and be humble before God. He says, "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also." Until our hearts are broken and humbled before God, and we deal with our own sin, no amount of outward religion can save us. So we must ask ourselves, does our pride prevent us from doing this like the Pharisee, or can we be transparent and meek like the tax collector, and thus get right with God?

If we cannot humble ourselves, Luke 18:11 tells us our "religion" is not for God, but for ourselves. Luke 18:14 explains this clearly as Jesus says, "I tell you, this man(the tax collector) went down to this house justified rather than the other(the religious Pharisee); for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." In our hearts, is our pride causing us to exalt ourselves? Or are we broken and humbled before God? How we answer that question will tell us whether we are justified through Christ before God, or simply a "whitewashed tomb" which on the outside "appears beautiful," but on the inside is full of "dead men's bones and all uncleanness." Are you religious, or redeemed?

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Hot or Cold?

In several places in the New Testament; Matthew 24-25, Mark 13, Luke 17 and 21, we see Jesus teaching at length regarding His Second Coming. In these discourses Jesus reveals to us the signs that we should be able to see that will signify His return is nearing. Many are well known; false christs, wars and rumors of wars, famine, pestilences, earthquakes in various places. One to me stands out though as the predominant sign of His imminent return. In Matthew 24:12 Jesus says, "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." For the Christian, love is the Greatest Commandment. So what does it say about the church that a mark of Christ's return will be hearts growing weary, and love growing cold?

I'm a Southern Baptist so I will use my denomination as an example for the point I hope to make. But let me say this, every major denomination has statistics that either mirror the SBC or are worse. In the calendar year 2008, 30% of SBC churches did not baptize one person, and 50% baptized 5 or less. Of those baptized, though the statistics are not available, I wonder how many were actually people we won in the world as the bible instructs and how many were our children or others already in our churches? The fact that the SBC, with tens of thousands of more churches, millions more church members and countless millions more people in the United States is baptizing fewer people now than we did in the 1950's is indicative of one very clear thing; our concern and love for the lost is at an all-time low. "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

Of those people baptized by SBC churches 10 years ago, we can locate about 20% of them. 2 out of 10 people who made a profession of faith and obeyed in the commandment to be baptized can now be found in an SBC church. In others words, of the nearly 400,000 people baptized 10 years ago, we can find about 80,000. 320,000 are whereabouts, unknown. "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

Their are many theories as to why these statistics are so discouraging. Some say, and I believe rightly, that we have not discipled well those we have supposedly led to Christ. Some blame the hypocrisy that exists in many church peoples lives for driving new believers away from the church. Others say, and I believe rightly, that many who call themselves Christians do not desire the "sincere" milk of the word, and instead want their "ears tickled," so they reject proper biblical preaching in favor of being entertained. I have yet another opinion on the subject, one echoed by some but not many, at least yet. What do I believe? I believe we've lost the biblical way of presenting the gospel and are thus not making disciples, but rather, false converts who fall away from the truth as all false converts do.

The gospel when it comes to evangelism has been watered down to the point to where Jesus is our buddy, our pal, who will make everything in our lives better if we'll just say a prayer and ask Him into our heart. Now I believe a heartfelt prayer is part of receiving Christ, but if I do not pray that prayer as one broken over my sinful condition, but rather, as someone looking for a better life, can I be truly converted? If we read the bible we'll see that when Jesus talks to a sinner He first uses the Law to reveal their sins. Then, and only then, is the good news of the gospel and Jesus Christ presented. Evangelism has become about numbers instead of radically changed lives, and as a result we see the church at large not only winning few souls, but of those they supposedly win, few remain in church.

Think of it like this. On a cool spring morning many times we'll wear jacket out early in the morning, but by lunchtime it's warmed to the point we no longer need the coat so we take it off. With Jesus, it's the same thing. Unless we realize the need for Him because of our sinfulness and wickedness, eventually, when a trial or valley, when something happens where Jesus is not our pal in our eyes anymore occurs, we'll take Him off. Have we increased our numbers by presenting an unbiblical gospel? The answer, I fear, is yes. We've tried to make Jesus palatable to sinners, and as a result they have not been truly converted. And because of this unbiblical gospel, folks have discarded Jesus like a coat when the day warms up. If He can't help them, they don't need Him.

In my short time in ministry I've heard the call from many of the need to evangelize better and make disciples. I've seen uncountable numbers of classes offered and methods proposed to address this issue that haunts the church. But the answer, in my mind, is simple. Are we hot or cold? You can't be both and you can't mix them, as they become lukewarm. If we were hot, things WOULD be different. If we are cold or lukewarm, the statistics make sense. "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

Friday, August 6, 2010

Desiring the Return of Christ

One of my favorite verses in the bible is Titus 2:13. Here Paul exhorts us too where our focus should be as we live our lives here on earth when he says we are to be "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Our focus is to be on heaven, not on the trials of this world. And when we have this focus we will be more faithful to the things God has called us to here on earth.

In Luke 17:20-37 Jesus gives us one of His more extensive teachings on His Second Coming. What I find interesting though are the first 8 verses of chapter 18. In Luke 18:1, after the extensive teaching in chapter 17, Jesus says, "then He spoke a parable to them(the disciples) that men always ought to pray and not lose heart." As I read this, it struck me, are we honestly praying for Christ to return, or have we lost heart? Do we have a sincere desire to see Him appear? Is our focus on heaven, or here on earth?

In the parable that follows, called the parable of the "Unjust Judge," we get a lesson on prayer. In this parable Jesus draws a contrast. We have a judge that Jesus says does "not fear God nor regard man." We also have a widow who would not give up in seeking justice for a wrong done against her. The widow shows such persistence that the judge finally gives in to he request, not because he desires to do the right thing, but to simply rid himself of the burdonsome widow. Now if we do not see the contrast Jesus is making here, would could jump to the wrong conclusion on what Jesus is teaching us.

Jesus is not teaching us that we can nag God into doing something for us. He is not teaching that we are a burden to Him. What Jesus is telling us is that if justice can be gained through persistence on this unjust earth amongst unjust people, will not God surely bring justice in His timing. The question is, are we persistntly seeking God to fulfil His promises to us and for His will to be done?

Let us ask ourselves, is it God's will for Christ to return? Absolutely it is! Is it God's will for us to seek His will ragarding His plan for this earth? You bet it is. Are we actually praying as Christ did, "not My will Father, but your will be done?" Sadly, I think far more of us are focussed in prayer upon our will and needs, instead of God's will and promises.

The last prayer in the bible, is the next to last verse in the bible, from Revelation 22:20. Here John the apostle cries out, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Do we actually pray for Jesus to return? When Jesus instucted the disciples in how to pray in what we call the "Lord's Prayer," He said we should pray, "Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Do we realize that if we pray for the kingdom of God to come, we are praying for Christ to come?

If we were focussed upon the return of Christ and the kingdom of God as we should be, we'd live far more fruitful lives for Jesus here on earth. We'd have a passion for the lost realizing He could return at any momemnt and would be faithful in being His witnesses. We'd truly strive to be obedient, not wanting to be ashamed at His appearing. We'd be faithful in fulfilling the "Greatest Commandment" to love God above all others and love our neighbors as ourselves. But does this describe this world, and more importantly, Christ's church today?

Verse 8 in Matthew 18 gives a troubling view from heaven of this age. Jesus asks a question after stating that God will justly avenge His own here on earth. That question; "...Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?" When we see a question asked in this imperitive in the Greek language, sadly, the answer is always no. When Jesus comes, will He find His people desiring His return with all of their heart? No. When Jesus comes, will He find His people passionately seeking to "save that which was lost?" No. When Jesus comes, will He find His people showing their love for Him by living obediently to His commands? No.

1 John 2:28 tells us, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His appearing." If Christ were to return today, would you be confident in the life you are leading for Him, or ashamed? Do you desire His return or the things of this world more? Do lost people mean anything to you? How you answer these questions can show you whether you are living in God's will or not. If you are not, are you willing to repent and change? Or are you content to be ashamed before Him?