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, July 27, 2010

Dealing with Failure

In Romans chapter 8 we have what many call the greatest chapter in the bible. Romans 8 opens with us who are in Christ suffering no condemnation due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Romans 8 closes with us never being separated from the love of Christ. It is indeed a chapter that stirs the soul and encourages the spirit. But for me, Romans chapter 7 is an equally great chapter in the bible. Romans 7 is the valley before the heights of chapter 8. It is a chapter about failure, yet ultimate victory.

To paraphrase the message of Romans chapter 7 is to basically say this: The things that I want to do, I don't do, and the things I don't want to do, those things I do. Now for many of us this is a description of our walk with Christ at many times. No matter how hard we pray, how desperately we struggle, how sincerely we try, we enter periods in our life where we seem to continually fall short of what God desires. In other words, we fail. We fail in our witness. We fail in obedience. We fail in faithfulness. We fail, and yet, we are not alone.

You see, Romans was written by the apostle Paul. Paul is viewed by many as the greatest Christian of all time. Paul, called as an apostle by Christ Himself on the road to Damascus. Paul, who Jesus revealed the mystery of the church too. Paul, who suffered, and persevered, and exalted Christ as much as many man ever has. Paul is the one who wrote; the things that I want to do, I do not do, and the things I don't want to do, I do.

You want to know about Paul, take a minute and read 2 Corinthians 11:18-33. View for yourself in scripture the sacrifice Paul made for the gospel. Yet even Paul dealt with failure. As discouraging as it is when we fail in our walk with Christ, we can take heart that even the greatest soldiers in the bible have also failed Jesus at times.

So how did Paul, and how should we respond when we fall short of the standards of God? Are we capable in our own power of overcoming our sinful nature? Is the answer what someone like Oprah or Dr. Phil will advise us to do? Where should we look for the answer to overcoming our sinful nature? We should look the same place as Paul.

As heartbreaking as it is when we read of Paul in Romans 7 or experience in our own lives the failure that comes with falling short, their is victory in one place. Romans 7 closes with these words in verses 24-25; "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin."

Friends, this is the transition from the failure of Romans 7 to the victory we view in Romans 8. How do we pass from failing God to receiving no condemnation and never being separated from His love? "I thank God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!" It is only through Jesus we can overcome the flesh and the world. It is He only who has gained victory over death and the world. Are you struggling with failure in your walk with Christ? Reflect on the words of Paul in Romans 7. Claim the victory that Christ has already won! The more wretched we recognize ourselves as, the more we will depend upon Him.

This is what Paul did. Paul in his ministry, as he walks closer and closer with Christ, views himself with less and less esteem. He goes from the "least of the apostles," to the "least of all the saints," to at the end of his life he views himself as the "chief of all sinners." Is this how we view ourselves: wretched, the least, the chief of sinners? When we do realize that the closer we draw to Christ, the less we become, we'll gain victory instead of suffering failure. As John the Baptist said in John 3:30, "He must increase, and I must decrease." You see, the more of us their is, the more we'll fail. The more Jesus their is in us, the more victories we'll experience. Are we willing to humble ourselves to gain the victory?

Sunday, July 25, 2010

What is Leadership?

Whether it be in church, or business, or politics, we hear a cry from people everywhere for true leaders to step up, and well, lead. Across the landscape of our culture their is no shortage of books, seminars, and classes all claiming to instruct one to be a leader. While I've found many of these things useful in identifying certain leadership principles and characteristics that leaders will have, we as Christians must look at things through the lens of scripture. And their is an inherent difference between leading in business and politics or another secular venue, and leading in the body of Christ. The bible teaches us that leadership is a spiritual gift, and many of the leaders God has gifted and raised up are far different than those in the world.

One of the biggest differences between secular leadership and spiritual leadership I believe is that in the world, leaders always have many followers. Even evil men like Genghis Khan, Stalin and Hitler had many followers. In spiritual leadership many if not most of God's men who were called out as leaders often stood alone or in sparse company. The Old Testament prophets are a great example of this. For the most part God raised up these leaders to try to correct Israel's sinful behavior, but hardly anyone ever listened or followed them. Jeremiah preached for 45 years yet their is no record of a single convert. Does this mean he was not a leader? In the world's eyes, probably, but not in God's. So what are some characteristics we see in a leader for God?

The life of Jesus, as usual, is the best teacher for us on leadership. How did Jesus lead?

1) He led by example. Jesus never asked anyone to do something He Himself was not willing to do. A true leader for God must be willing to humble himself to do even the most menial task before he can lead others in doing so.

2) Jesus Himself was willing to be led. For Jesus, it was about the "Father's will," not His will. A leader for God must first be willing to submit to God. Without a surrender of our will to God's, we cannot lead on behalf of God. A prideful leader is not a Godly leader.

3) Jesus did not compromise on absolute truths established by God. He stood for God in the face of persecution, ridicule and even death. A true leader of God will not back down on biblical issues no matter how strong and determined the opposition. Their are simply some things we cannot give on, and the truth of the bible defines those things.

4) Jesus spoke the truth in love, but He always spoke the truth. We cannot be a leader for God and shy away from communicating difficult truths.

5) Jesus did not concern Himself with what the world thought of Him or His teaching. He was not concerned with pleasing men, but only with pleasing God, and as a result many were not drawn to Him but rather driven away. He realized the things of God are offensive to a lost world and did not fret when the world hated and rejected Him.

Their are many other characteristics that define Jesus's leadership "style." The one thing I believe we must acknowledge about being a leader for God is that if we truly lead as Jesus did, some will follow, but many more will walk away from the teaching and demands of a holy God. Their is no doubt that Jesus Christ was the greatest leader to ever walk this earth, but even He, at the end of His ministry, had a mere 120 people who were praying in an upper room after His ascension.

So if we believe ourselves to be a leader for God, let us ask ourselves these questions: Is the example I'm setting Godly? Is my ministry about God, or me? Am I willing to take the bullets that will come with standing for God and not compromise truth? Am I willing to communicate those truths even though many will reject them? If we are, we are on the right track. It's when pleasing and gaining the approval of men instead of seeking to please God takes precedent in our lives that we cease to be a Godly leader. Oh Lord, raise up Godly leaders in our midst!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Giving Thanks to God

I've found myself struggling with my Sunday morning message from Luke 17:11-19. In this passage Jesus tells us of 10 lepers which he heals. He sends the lepers to the priests to verify their healing which was the law of the day. All of these 10 men were healed of their terrible disease, but only one, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to thank Him for the healing. As I've meditated on this scripture I've found myself asking the question: Am I as thankful to God as I should be? After much thought and serious conviction, I have to say I've neglected thanking God as I should for all He has done and is doing for me.

It's easy for us as Christians to get complacent sometimes. We can fall into ruts and allow the things of the world to take away our joy in the Lord. When this happens we find ourselves neglecting God and we become self sufficient. This is a path that leads us away from proper praise and giving of thanks to the One who has done more for us than we can innumerate upon.

As I review my life I have so much to be thankful for. Heaven knows I am thankful for God's love, mercy, grace and patience with me, a fallen creature who came to Christ later in life. Yet in spite of my wicked ways for most of my life, those sins are remembered no more(Heb 10:17), as they have been wiped away by the blood of Christ.

I have a wonderful wife and a family I certainly do not deserve. God has entrusted me with a church family that has supported and followed me as shepherd. He has blessed me with provision during hard times and correction during times of wandering. And while I have not exactly been in a "woe is me" state of mind, I know in my heart I have not thanked God as much as I should. I have taken Him for granted many times, allowing my heart to be overtaken by concerns instead of overflowing with thanks.

Thanking and praising God should be the first thing we do everyday. When we awake we should thank Him for a new day to serve Him. We should thank him for the people He brings into our lives that give us an opportunity to be His witness and to minister in His name. We should thank Him for the opportunity to come to His "throne" in prayer through Jesus Christ. We should thank Him for His word to instruct, enlighten, encourage and rebuke us in absolute truth. If we truly have our hearts right with God, praise and thanks will fill our day, and our hearts will exhibit a spirit of humility and dependence upon the only One in control.

Many messages come easy. They can be great, Holy Spirit filled sermons that touch hearts among the faithful. But for me, I'm glad I struggled with this message this week. It led me to examine and closely look at the blessings which overflow in my life. God has been abundantly good to me, and I'm truly thankful He chose me through His Son Jesus Christ. I love Him because "He" loved me "first." To Him be the glory, forever and ever, Amen.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Home

Over the last 5 days I've spent more time in my hometown than I have at any point since I moved in January, 2008. One of the realities of being a pastor is their are few weekends off, so extended travel time is a rarity. Greenville, SC is where I grew up and it is a city that has changed immensely since my childhood. What once was a charming small southern city is now a thriving international community. And while more years of my life have been spent here than any other place, is home really about a location on a map, or a destination in the heart?

Over the years I've lived throughout South Carolina. From Greenville, to Florence, to Greenville, to Anderson, back to Florence, to Camden, to Effingham, back to Greenville, to Chesterfield where we currently reside. Each place holds special memories and I have called each home. Greenville is where my family is, so it will always be a place to call home. But is it really home?

For a servant of God, home is where God calls you to be. That may be a town, or a local church. For us their is no doubt that home is Chesterfield right now. It's where God has placed us and prayerfully, He is the only one who would call us away from there. But for the Christian living as God would have them too, home is only one place. Our home is in heaven.

The bible tells us that we are merely "pilgrims and sojourners" here on earth. We are passing through, as I have passed through many towns over the years. This earth is a decaying place, stricken by the same sin that separates us from God, crying out for the day when it can be restored by the return of Jesus Christ. Sadly though, many Christians are very at home in the world. The bible tells us we must be a part of this world. We'd have to leave it not to be. But the word also tells us we are not to be a part of the world and it's ways, and are to separate ourselves from them. In far too many Christians lives, the world we live in today holds far more allure and power than our everlasting home in heaven, and we fall and stumble because of our refusal to biblically separate from this earthly abode.

This world is the home of Satan. While nothing happens here outside of the permissive will of God Almighty, the bible clearly teaches the world now is Satan's domain. He is the "prince" of this world. Satan uses the world to tempt us and draw us away from God. And this world we live in today has more temptation than at any time in history. We fall to temptations of this world because we focus more on it than our eternal home in heaven.

For the Christian we all have a choice to make. Will we focus on our temporary home here on earth, or our eternal one in heaven? If we want to avoid being sucked in by the temptations of this world, the answer is to have our eyes and hearts on heaven. If the eminent reality of the return of Christ for His church were pressing on our hearts as it should, heaven would be a daily thought. It is not exaggeration to say we could all be in heaven with Jesus today. If that were our focus the world here in which we live would not hold the power over so many that it does today.

We sing about heaven, preach about heaven, read about heaven, but do we acknowledge that heaven is closer than it's ever been before? Many times it seems as though some Christians would rather stay here on this fallen earth than begin eternity in heaven with God. You can picture some kicking and screaming during the rapture to stay with the things of this world that dominate their lives. If we would instead focus on heaven, and make it the home in our heart, those things would have little significance for us. Our life here on earth is but a "vapor." Our eternal home and rewards await us in eternity in heaven. For you as you live this life here on earth, where is your home really at in your heart? As the old saying goes, "home is where the heart is." Is your heart in heaven with God, or overtaken on earth with Satan.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

The Generational Church

As I'm on vacation this week I read an interesting article in the Greenville News this morning. The article dealt with the problem many churches are facing as their congregations age and their buildings begin to suffer from a lack of maintenance and care. These formerly powerhouse churches have seen their receipts dwindle as their crowds have shrunk and they no longer can provide proper infrastructure or ministry to a younger generation that demands the best and brightest to satisfy their techno-desires. The quandary of younger versus older in the church is a popular topic when I speak with friends and fellow ministers from across the southeast. How can we satisfy to desire to see young people and families come to our churches without alienating older saints and compromising with the world?

As we look at the landscape that is America today, we see a clear divide in what is desired from church. The 60 and over crowd for the most part still desires strong biblical preaching. They have more traditional values and see church as a place of solemnity and tradition. The under 40 crowd is tech savvy and loves the bells and whistles that accompany many church services today. In between, the 40-60 year old crowd could go either way. The problem comes in that very few churches are willing to take the best that the other has to offer and incorporate it so that a strong biblical church can still be modern and relevant to differing generations. Oh, you see a few scattered about, but for the most part, a congregation is either far to young or far too old, eliminating the necessary influence that the different generations should have on each other.

The older generation rightly objects to many of the methods used to draw younger people to the church and the lack of biblical substance in it's ministry. The younger generation rightly objects to the older generations rigidity and unwillingness to release traditions that are not based upon the bible. What we fail to realize is that both generations are necessary for a true New Testament church.

The bible is full of exhortations to respect our elders and appreciate the wisdom they have gleaned from years of serving Christ. Yet many younger Christians pridefully reject the years of experience that an older Christian can offer, failing to discern that the old ways of bible focused preaching instead of felt-needs sermons; true discipleship instead of social-club small groups; and reverent, respectful worship instead of a secular concert atmosphere are needed today as they have always been.

Many older Christians are so stubborn in releasing power in some churches to the younger generation and clinging to a their way or the highway mentality that they drive away young people who simply have a different vision in how to worship God. Disputes over methodology and worship style has been responsible for killing more churches than Satan himself. The unwillingness to incorporate younger ideas that are biblical just for the sake of maintaining control is a sinful condition that exists in many churches and divides us into unbiblical groups.

You see, young people, YOU need those older warriors for God. They have fought battles you have yet to face and can spiritually discern things you cannot many times. A person who has spent a lifetime following God has value, and we are to seek them out on spiritual matters.

Conversely, you older saints, YOU need those younger folks able to do the ministry you no longer can. Without them the local churches you love so dearly will cease to exist in a few short years. Their is nothing sadder than a church with no children or young people in it. If you attend a church like this, you can be sure, that older leaders have failed to yield power to younger ones, or worse, failed to train them, and thus stunted the growth of the very people they will need one day.

And you younger folks, if you attend a church that has few if any senior saints, you need to be keenly aware of things that contradict the bible. Without the godly wisdom of older saints, discernment often fails, and we become very susceptible to worldly ways and error. You may have many people attending, but why are they there? Are they drawn by Jesus as the bible says they should be? Or, are they drawn by the entertaining services and fun programs you offer. Many a worldly person loves a church that offers entertainment but lacks biblical foundations.

You see, the thing is, in order to have a truly biblical, New Testament church, we need all ages. We need enthusiasm and we need experience. We need workers and we need wisdom. We need each other. We need children and grandchildren in the same churches as their grandparents. We need the retired Christian to mentor and disciple the younger. We need each other. When one or the other is lacking, we lack gifts that are necessary for a full perspective of God. Will we ever be willing to look at church in this way, instead of what we want? Only if we are willing to humble ourselves and seek more than what we want. Whether it's an older congregation or a younger one, when church becomes about us instead of God and others, we build barriers that cripple us in ministry. Whether you are old or young, ask yourself a question: in the church you attend, are you receptive and welcoming to ways that are biblical but may differ from your personal preference? Or, are you stubbornly committed to what you desire and nothing else? In our churches, are we willing to give a little to gain alot? Will we do what is necessary to bring the generations together?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Deadliest Catch

Over the last year or so I've found myself hooked on a Discovery Channel T.V. show called "Deadliest Catch." The show chronicles the real life adventures and trials of Alaskan crab fisherman on the Bering Sea. 4 boats and captains: Sig Hansen of the Northwestern; Andy and Jonathan Hillstrand of the Time Bandit; Keith of the Wizard; and Phil Harris of the Cornelia Marie are the main characters in this intriguing, real-life drama.

Of these captains, Phil Harris has become my favorite. While I would not recommend this show for children as we are talking sailors here(language is rough), each has his own distinct personality that transfers to his boat. Sig is the hard-core crab fisherman. Andy and Jonathan the pranksters. Keith can be a jerk, and Phil, well Phil is the old hippie who has mellowed over the years and has a charisma that is magnetic. Last night on the show however, Captain Phil died from complications from a major stroke.

As I've watched these men battle a job that is beyond grueling, and weather that is unimaginable, life and death has been a constant theme. Every season has featured a boat of some other fisherman sinking and many times life being lost. Crab fishing is billed as the world's most dangerous profession, and one viewing of the show reveals why. As these men have stared death in the face I've often wondered to myself, are they saved? How could anyone pursue such a dangerous line of work without a sincere faith in God that if death were to come, heaven would await?

As I've become engrossed in the show, I've never really noticed an active faith among any of the main characters. God's name is rarely mentioned, except in vain, and talk of "crab god's" far outweighs talk of Jehovah God. As Phil's condition has been unveiled the last few weeks, I've found myself hoping in spite of the lack of a Christian witness, that somehow he did know Jesus. I really like this guy.

As the tribute to Phil aired last night, words of praise were showered upon him. Friends and his sons spoke of what a good, decent man he was. A good father beloved by all his fishing comrades and millions now across the world because of this T.V. show. To close the show last night, following a special show from New Orleans, an old fashioned New Orleans street walking wake took place and Phil's life and death were celebrated. Keith remarked that Phil was surely in heaven.

Is Captain Phil in heaven? I can't answer that. What I do know is that no matter how fine a man he was, that will do nothing as to determining his eternal dwelling place. Only faith in Jesus Christ; the heartfelt belief that He paid the price for our sins on the cross, was buried and rose again on the 3rd day, can insure our place in heaven. Did Phil know Jesus in this way? I hope he did, but from his life we saw on television, theirs no real evidence of this.

From a show named "Deadliest Catch," I've found myself pondering life's deadliest choice; a life without Jesus as Lord and Savior. A life without Jesus will lead to an eternity in hell. Eternal torment and separation from God. Like Captain Phil, none of us is guaranteed tomorrow. The end could come quickly here on earth, and eternity will be staring us in the face in the person of Jesus Christ. When we stand before Him, only one question will matter: Have you accepted Him as Lord and Savior? Many times, I actually found myself praying for these brave men and crews, for them to come to a saving relationship with Jesus. Have they? We can't know, as only God can judge the heart. But for the rest of this fishing fleet I pray that Phil's death will give reason to consider this question of eternal importance. I really like these guys.

Phil Harris clearly touched many lives. I know I'll miss him. I pray one day I meet him in heaven, but that decision has already been made. It was made in his life here on earth. Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "that man is appointed to die once, and then the judgment." Phil's eternal destination has already been determined. Has yours? It is never too late to change that destination. Accept and receive Jesus Christ today as your Savior and follow Him as Lord of your life. No matter how good of a person you believe yourself to be, you can never meet God's standards of holiness and sinlessness apart from Christ. And while we cannot know what tomorrow will bring, we can know what eternity will bring. Today, make sure of your eternal dwelling place. Pray to Jesus for Him to forgive you of your sins, turn to God from those sins, and receive Him as your Savior. Don't face death here on earth without the assurance of eternal life with God in heaven.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The War in Afghanistan

I don't tackle political issues often in this blog. Yes, we may address moral issues such as abortion or gay marriage that have become political footballs, but somehow war is not portrayed as a biblical issue often. I believe it is, and God has truly laid upon my heart the situation in Afghanistan here lately, especially in regards to our presence there.

Many do not like to discuss war, but war is indeed a common theme in the Old Testament. The children of Israel and their many enemies were engaged in constant conflict throughout the pages of scripture. Their are 2 important lessons we can take from the battles and wars we see waged in the bible: 1) When Israel fought in the power of God, they fought total war, and won. 2) When they did not go to war in the will and power of God, they were defeated.

What is total war? Well, a friend of mines nephew who recently returned from Afghanistan I believe defined the role of the military exactly. He said the military exists to "kill people and break things." Now many may say, how is that Christian? Well, this young man is a pastor's son. But he understands that our military is not trained to be a police force, an instrument to provide humanitarian aid, not trained to be political brokers. They are trained to wage war.

God knows all about waging total war. Total war meaning the complete destruction of your enemy. In the Old Testament we read countless scriptures of how Israel with the blessings of God brought total destruction upon her enemies. At Jericho God destroys the entire city. Gideon, and his army of 300, watch God bring about a complete slaughter by turning Israel's enemies upon each other. In 2 Samuel 17 David battles the giant Goliath. We all know the story of David slaying the giant with one stone and a sling, but David also, after Goliath's death, takes Goliath's sword and decapitates the brute to send an unmistakable message to Israel, who showed cowardice, and the Phillistines, whom God then had Israel slaughter. In Isaiah 37 God sends an angel and wipes out 185,000 Assyrians in 1 night. God waged total war, but we most times are unwilling to heed this lesson.

Since World War II, our military has been hamstrung by politicians from waging total war. In Korea, our military was not allowed to actively engage the Chinese above the Korean border, and thus invited a war we still are paying for today. We could not even call it a war, it was deemed a "police action," and we could not win. The tension today on the Korean peninsula is a direct result from not waging total war in Korea nearly 60 years ago.

In Vietnam, our military was not allowed to fully engage in enemy strongholds in Laos and Cambodia, thus providing a staging ground that led to the first military defeat in U.S. history. In the first Gulf War, we could not take out Saddam Hussein due to international agreement, inviting another war a decade later. In Afghanistan today, we once again are fighting a piecemeal battle that puts our troops in grave danger, as they cannot fight to truly win.

The question we must ask ourselves is, is this battle the Lord's? In 2 Samuel 17:45 as David confronts Goliath, he powerfully proclaims that he comes "in the name of the Lord!" If we go in the will and the name of God, their is no way we lose. In World War II against the evils of Hitler and fascism, their was no doubt we were in the right. The same can be said of World War I, the Civil War to end slavery, the War of 1812 to preserve freedom and the Revolutionary War to establish freedom. Can the same be said now? That is the question we must answer as a nation.

My personal opinion after much prayer is, yes, we are fighting a war for God here. Our enemies, radical Islam, have no problem declaring theirs is a war for their false god, Allah. As un-politically correct as it is to say, Islam is the enemy of God. It preaches a false gospel and is part of the "wide road" to "destruction." For the majority of Islam that is not a harmful threat to our nation, as Christians, our call is not to go to war, but rather to witness to them. But, for the extremists in Islam who have sworn destruction of our nation and values, we have the right to defend ourselves and vanquish our enemies. Their is nothing unbiblical or un-Christian about this. But we must be certain this is the path God wants us to take.

I have struggled with prayer for this war. As I've prayed I've prayed a simple prayer, leaning upon the wisdom and power of God for His will to be done. As I pray, I ask our Lord that if it is His will for us to be there in defense of our nation and others, then let us wage a war that will end this conflict. Let us wage total war. But, if it not be His will that we be there, then get us out of there.

As I stated, I do believe we fight a righteous war here. Radical Islam is a threat and enemy of the United States and of God Himself. If I am wrong, I will face God one day and be rebuked and corrected. As a nation, for the sake of our men and women dying daily, we must either commit to winning this war, or getting out. Total war, when fought in the will and power of God, is of God. Compromise is a certain way to bring about the wrath of God if defending ourselves and war is the will of God.

If you want a biblical example of this, I refer you to 1 Samuel 15. In verse 3 God instructs King Saul to utterly destroy the Amalekites. God instructs Saul to wipe out everything, but Saul does not do this(v. 4-9). Saul is later judged for this(1 Samuel 28:15-19). While the teachings of the bible are clear, that we must be at "peace" with others "as much as is possible," can we honestly say peace is an option with radical Islam? If we cannot, and we believe our cause is just, we must wage total war. As a nation we must determine and commit to either destroying our enemies, or getting out. God's will be done in this horrible situation. Let us be unceasing in our prayers to be sure of His will.

Sunday, July 11, 2010

The Joy of Forgiveness

This morning at the end of my message, I had to ask forgiveness from the congregation. At the end I spoke too emotionally about our failure to witness as we should, to have passion for those who are lost and hurting. I stood by everything I said, I just said it in the wrong way. So I did what was required and appropriate.

As is usually the case, I found that most of the congregation was not offended at all. But for those who may have been, me humbling myself and admitting a wrong was necessary. In the bible the act of asking for and granting forgiveness is one of the most blessed things God reveals to us. Us being forgiven by God for our transgressions is our invitation to heaven. Our granting forgiveness to those who have sinned against us is us being Christlike, and living in the power of the Holy Spirit.

As difficult as it sometimes to forgive someone a wrong, it is not an option for the believer. Through the blood of Christ, their is no sin of ours against God that is not forgiven when we confess and repent of the sin. As a believer their is no sin someone commits against us we are not to forgive. This does not mean we have to forget. We are not called to place ourselves in a position where continued harm can be done to us. What we are called to do is unconditionally release the hard feelings, the anger, the bitterness that can result from someone offending us, just as God has released all we have done to Him through Christ.

The act of forgiving someone allows us to truly appreciate the forgiveness we receive, from other people and from God. To know that in spite of our sinful acts at times, that we can experience the grace that is granted through forgiveness should compel us to forgive as surely and completely as we have been forgiven. Sadly, for many Christians, the sin of unforgiveness permeates their soul far for than the joy of forgiveness.

As freeing as releasing our hard feelings and forgiving someone is, the conscious act of not forgiving someone is binding. Unforgiveness imprisons our souls with anger and bitterness. It harbors feelings that grow like a cancer, underneath the surface, but deadly none the less. Instead of being Christlike, we are bound by our flesh, that is, until we release those feelings and forgive.

So on this Lord's day, I openly plea to you. If their is someone whom you have not forgiven in your life, do so now. For perspective just reflect upon all of the things God has forgiven you of. Is there anything as wicked as you have done to God that someone has done to you? If we desire the grace of God in our lives, we must forgive. To not do so serves only Satan, and inhibits the work of God in our lives, churches and nation.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

PCUSA and the Homosexuality Issue

From this mornings Charlotte Observer the headline reads, "Presbyterians Still Divided." First let me clarify, there are 2 main branches of the Presbyterian church in the United States: The PSUSA(Presbyterian Church United States of America) and the PCA(Presbyterian Church of America). The PCUSA is the liberal(do not take the bible literally) wing and the PCA the conservative wing(they do take the bible literally). In these 2 denominations we see the results of not taking the bible literally, in this case regarding homosexuality in the church. The PCUSA voted this week to allow non-celibate homosexuals to serve in clergy positions. The PCA takes the biblical view of homosexuality, that it is sin.

This issue is coming to a head in our nation and churches. The supreme court of the state of Massachusetts ruled this week that homosexual partners are entitled to equal benefits, overruling the federal DOMA(Defense of Marriage Act) passed in 1995. Their is a court challenge in California to overturn Proposition 8 which passed last November defining marriage between and man and a woman. In the church, the issue has been dividing denominations for years. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, U.S. Episcopal Church, United Methodist Church, United Church of Christ, Unitarian Universalist Association and now PCUSA have all decided to allow sexually active homosexual clergy to serve in ministerial positions.

A quote from the Observer this morning from the Rev. Ray Bagnuolo, an openly homosexual pastor at Janhus Presbyterian Church in New York City, sums up the pro-homosexual view in the church. He says, "Progress takes time. But to gay and lesbian people, it says their relationships, who they are, does not matter to the church. I don't call that Christian or loving." He speaks in reference to those who oppose the rights of homosexuals to be recognized as in a right relationship with God.

How difficult is this issue? If we look to the bible, it really is quite simple. Search and determine for yourselves what scriptures such as Exodus 20:14, Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13, Deuteronomy 23:17 in the Old Testament, and Romans 1:24-31 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 in the New Testament, say in regards to God's view on homosexuality. The Old Testament calls the act an abomination. In Romans Paul says it is unnatural and debase. In 1 Corinthians he says, along with many other sins, that those who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God." In other words, homosexuality, just as heterosexual sexual relationships outside of marriage, stealing, lying, adultery, idolatry, drunkenness, gossip, and many other things are called sin by God. If it is sin, it means we have a choice in the behavior.

It is not a civil rights issue, as one does not choose to be black or female. One does choose who they have sexual relations with, hetero or homosexual. In regards to these, we always have the choice to say no, just as we do in regards to stealing something or telling a lie. And while we cannot control what the government decides regarding these issues in the public forum, we can decide how we view them in the church. Do we view them as the bible says, or as we see them through our own experiences and emotions.

The Rev. Bagnuolo demonstrates the humanistic view. Notice how he says, "I don't call that Christian or loving." What he fails to acknowledge and understand is it is not about how we view things, it's about how God views things. Is it unloving to tell someone what scripture says about sin? According to some, it obviously is. Ask yourself, in your church, would it allow a pastor who is stealing from the church treasury, or one who lies about his personal life regularly to continue to serve? Would it allow a clergyman to live with someone outside of marriage or cheat openly on his wife to continue to serve? If it does, God help that church. So why are some churches disregarding what God says about homosexuality, that it is sin, and allowing openly sexually active homosexuals to continue to serve? The answer is simple: They do not accept or acknowledge what the bible clearly teaches.

Now understand me here. I believe we must show love to sinners. But the biblical definition of love and man's definition of love are 2 entirely different things. The bible tells us love will be exhibited by our obedience to Christ, that means confessing and repenting of our sinful lifestyles. The bible tells us that true agape, Godly love, will fill our hearts with a desire to see others turn to God and His ways and away from open, unrepentant sin. The bible tells us we are to gently come beside those overtaken by sin(Galatians 6:1) to help them overcome their sinful lifestyles. The worlds view of love is we must tolerate all things, and to not do so is unloving.

This is what happens when we stop taking God's word literally and instead substitute our own personal views and feelings for God's. My message in love to those who are trapped by the sin of homosexuality, or stealing, or adultery, fornication, idolatry, drunkenness, drug abuse, or anything else God says is sin is simple: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." This was the message of Jesus. I say this as one who had to repent of many sins, and as one who still struggles with sin. I also speak as one who knows personally the power of God to help me overcome my sinful lifestyle. I say this in love, to instruct in what the bible says.

Do we recognize that all unrepentant sin, sin not covered by the blood of Christ, will be judged. In Genesis 19:4-8 we read of God's judgment of Sodom, where homosexuality was rampant and the word sodomy comes from. Do we understand the words given by God to the prophet Malachi, "I am the Lord, I do not change." I realize denying these types of feelings is extremely difficult. But the call of Jesus is to "deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him." How we answer God's call to receive Jesus and repent of our sins is the determining factor in our eternal future. Their is a real heaven for those who repent and follow Christ, and a real hell for those who do not. If we stand before Christ at judgment outside of His atoning blood, no argument we make will be satisfactory. He will condemn us to hell. In love, I plead with anyone overtaken by what the bible calls sin, come and receive Jesus and turn from your wicked ways. Will you listen to what God says in His word, or base your eternal soul on what you believe.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Examining our Motives for Service

Luke 17:7-10, "And which of you, having a servant plowing or tending sheep, will say to him when he has come in from the field. 'Come at once and sit down to eat?' But will he not rather say to him, 'Prepare something for my supper, and gird yourself and serve me till I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you will eat and drink?' Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"

Who among us does not like a pat on the back for a job well done? A word of praise? A little recognition? As I read the gospels and how Jesus interacted with His disciples, I find it interesting that He never recognizes them for their service to His kingdom. Oh sure, Jesus salutes Peter for correctly answering the question, "Who do they say that I am?" But Peter is never commended for presenting the gospel. John is never praised for serving the hungry. Matthew receives no accolades for following Christ. Why is this? Well, because it is what is expected of us as believers. To obey Christ is our duty. It's not an option if we are living our lives as we should.

In our society today keeping morale high is an important motivational technique. We make sure to recognize a job well done so as to keep our people happy and help them feel appreciated. Is there inherently anything wrong with this? I don't believe so, however, when it comes to our service for God, what is our motivation? Do we serve Him from an expression of love and a desire to fulfill our duty? Or do we serve to gain recognition and applause? Our motivation for our service will be what we are judged for when we stand before Christ. He will know the desires of our hearts, and He will separate our selfish motives from pure ones that glorify Him.

A recent study by George Barna indicates that over 80% of Americans claim to be Christians. So why is it so few seem to be serving Christ in a biblical manner? Why are they so seemingly unmotivated by the sacrifice and deliverance Jesus has provided for us? Are they simply false converts and unsaved? Are they self centered instead of Christ centered? Are they seeking glory instead of submitting to Jesus? Their are probably more reasons not to serve given among Christians than names given in the genealogies in 1 Chronicles chapters 1-9. But for Jesus, their is only one motive that is acceptable for Godly service, duty.

I believe we lack the proper perspective when it comes to our service. We fail to understand that we are engaged in warfare against a powerful enemy, and that we are soldiers in the service of God. In the military a soldier receives his orders and obeys them. They may place him in the line of fire. They may put him in danger. They usually bring no glory or recognition. The military man is driven and motivated by a sense of duty, not a desire for glory and accolades. Most times they receive no reward for their sacrifice. Is that our attitude when we consider our service to Christ?

God has commanded us to be holy, are we? He has commanded us to be His witnesses, are we? We have been instructed to pray without ceasing, does that attitude define us? He has issued the marching orders of obedience and self sacrifice, do we honor them with selfless obedience? When we do obey, do we do it from a sense of duty, or a desire for recognition? As with all things concerning God, our answer determines the position of our heart. Do we lack God providing fruit in our lives because we lack a sense of duty in our lives?

The commands of God are not optional for the person who claims the mantle Christian. It is our sacred duty to obey them. We may never receive recognition, or accolades, or glory for them here on earth, and neither should we desire such things. Why should we desire praise for doing what is expected? In heaven, we will not be singled out for what we have accomplished, but for how faithful we have been. The greatest words we will hear from Jesus will not be, "well done, look at what you accomplished, look how much you did for Me." No, they will be, "well done, good and faithful servant." That service will be measured by our faithfulness to God and our obedience in fulfilling our duty from a pure heart. And we will be blessed with the opportunity to serve God forever. Our service is not about us, but about Christ and His body. so let us ask the question, in our service, is the body of Christ being built up our motivation, or is it to build ourselves up? Where is our sense of duty, to ourselves, or to Jesus?

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Glenn Beck's Message to Pastors

Do you want to get a preacher's neck to bow up? I can tell you one sure way to accomplish this. Tell him what to preach on. Nothing irks me more than when someone tries to tell me that I should preach on this subject or I should not preach on that one. For me, it's especially irritating as I am an expository preacher, which means we tackle books of the bible; chapter by chapter and verse by verse. In other words everyone knows exactly which scripture the sermon will be based upon next week. So yesterday, as I heard Glenn Beck tell millions of Americans what they should expect their pastors to preach on, I felt some righteous indignation.

Beck is a political commentator. He is also a Mormon. Now it's no secret, if you've read this blog, that based upon the bible I believe Mormonism to be a false religion. Many of it's beliefs are based upon extra-biblical texts, including the Book of Mormon. The bible warns us from beginning to end about adding too or subtracting from the word of God, so I cannot see how the Book of Mormon is inspired by God. If it is, God has violated numerous warnings He gives in the bible about adding to His word. The fact that many of the claims of the book of Mormon(such as the Mormons were descended from the Jewish race, and that cities and people groups that have never been proven by archeology exist) to me is fact based proof of the book of Mormon's ungodly origins. Say what you will about the bible, but the fact that the peoples and lands it discusses existed is not in serious question.

Because of this I take what Beck says about religion with a grain of salt. But yesterday he proclaimed that as right thinking Americans we should expect our pastors to be addressing political issues that the Christian right is clearly sympathetic with from the pulpit. God forbid this be the focus of our preaching! Now Beck is correct that far too many pulpits are dedicated to exclaiming the unbiblical gospel of social justice. However, what he fails to realize is that if we take the opposing political view from the pulpit, we are as guilty as those who preach the leftist message of the social gospel.

Beck has wrapped himself in the flag and religion to the point where I'm concerned many who claim a biblical faith are deceived by his unbiblical message. Spiritual discernment seems to be at an all-time low in the body of Christ, and sadly, many want politics and social remedies from the pulpit instead of the bible. Now I'm not saying moral issues of the day that may have become political footballs should not be discussed. While so-called political issues such as abortion, the sanctity of marriage and debt may be hot topics in political forums, they are also moral issues according to the bible. They must be discussed when scripture addresses them. But to purposefully and consistently preach on political topics is an abomination to the message God has called us to preach.

This political preaching style has long standing roots in our nation. For years, democratic political leaders have been welcomed in to liberal churches to expound a political message. Anyone who has heard a supposed sermon by President Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright sees the clear political ramifications. On the right, Jerry Falwell and the Moral Majority were guilty of the same type of political exposition. When this happens from the pulpit we ignore the one thing that can truly transform our lives and our nation; the gospel of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.

For any preacher who claims to be called of God, there is only one acceptable message. The bible. If we preach the whole counsel of God we will touch upon some topics that have become political issues. But we will never deviate from the true message of God: that we are all sinners in need of salvation and that salvation is only available through Jesus Christ. That if we claim Jesus as our Savior their will be a transformation in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit and we will become more Christlike the more spiritually mature we become.

Should Christians be politically active, absolutely. Should we speak our convictions, no doubt. Should a political message trump the message of the bible, God help us! The message of the pulpit is to be "thus saith the Lord." It is not to be thus saith a political commentator or political party. When that happens we deny the power of God for the power of human endeavor. That's a recipe for disaster in the church of God.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

The Price for Freedom

As we celebrate the founding of our nation today and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, I've found myself drawn to many offerings of patriotic fare on TV. Yesterday, the History channel offered a 10 hour installment on the Revolutionary war, a wonderful perspective on the events and personalities at the beginning of the United States. Today, as I returned home from church, I was greeted by the bio-film MacArthur, about the great WWII general. And later tonight, my favorite movie of all-time, Patton.

Whether it be General George Washington, General MacArthur or General Patton; I've always been intrigued by these leaders of men. They have many contradictions, not the least of which is that these men who fought bloody battles and war, abhorred the event of war. MacArthur, in his speech aboard the USS Missouri at the surrender of Japan, called it "the greatest scourge and sin of mankind." But from George Washington on, the men who have served our nation in our military have realized an undeniable fact. Freedom comes with a heavy price tag, and that cost for freedom, is blood.

If one desires to be free from tyranny and oppression, blood must be shed. While as our Declaration of Independence correctly states, that liberty, or freedom, is an unalienable right given to us by God, that right has been purchased at the cost of countless lives in our nation's history. Brave men and now women have willingly shed their blood so that you and I can enjoy the freedom we know today.

God knows all about the price that needs to be paid for freedom. You see, Jesus Christ, God incarnate, shed His blood for our freedom. His blood was shed for our freedom from the oppression of sin. His blood was shed, so that if we receive Him as our Lord and Savior, the sin that we rightfully deserve death for is washed away, and we are forgiven and cleansed of all unrighteousness.

God gave His Son, as hundreds of thousands of American parents have given their sons in the defense of freedom, for a greater good. God knew that mankind would need a way to be restored to a right relationship with Him, so He ordained from the very beginning that His Son would willingly pay that price. Americans have sacrificed for our freedom as well, and those who have died on battlefields across this world willingly gave their lives for others, just as Jesus did. I don't mean to elevate the American soldier to the level of our Savior, but if anyone can empathize with how the Father felt when His Son shed His blood, a soldiers parent can.

Whether it's in defense of a nation, or for the reconciliation and forgiveness of mankind, the price for freedom is the same, blood. I am so grateful for all of those who have served our nation and are serving our nation, who willingly put their lives on the line for us. But freedom here on earth is temporal. Only the blood of Christ can buy eternal freedom for you and me.

So I'll close with the words to an old hymn; "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe. Sin hath left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." Their is indeed "Power in the Blood." It bought our freedom from tyranny and oppression as a nation. It bought our freedom from eternal hell on the cross. God bless America, and praise our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

America, Consider Your Ways

In the short but powerful Old Testament book of Haggai, the prophet is faced with a backslidden people. They have abandoned the work of God for selfish pursuits and personal gain. As the prophet steps on to the pages of scripture, his message is simple and direct. He tells God's people to "consider" their "ways." Oh how America needs to hear that message today!

I do not mean to be vain or boastful, but I believe we live in the greatest country God has ever created. We are a nation founded upon the values of Jehovah God as given in His word, endowed with rights only He can give: "among these: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." As a group our founding fathers were enlightened enough to realize that no man made institution, no government or civic organization, no person can give these rights. Only God can, and our declaration of these rights which we will celebrate tomorrow, so rightly and succinctly declares this. But oh how we've drifted from the vision our founding fathers had for our nation.

The Unites States constitution declares that our government is to be "of the people, for the people, by the people." But people, do you feel in control of your government today? So whose fault is this? Well, it's ours of course. Someone once said, and I paraphrase here; "that when in any democracy the people discover they can vote themselves money, that democracy is doomed to fail." Instead of the servant leadership our founders intended, where the common man would serve and then return to his home, to allow others to serve. Instead we have evolved into a patriarchal government where tenure and the quest for power far outweigh service and the desire to do good.

Our politicians are judged far more for how much "bacon" they can bring home, than whether they have acted in the best interest of our nation and their constituency. The just deceased Robert Byrd was a clear example of this. Half the buildings and roads in West Virginia bare is name. I don't mean to dishonor the dead. Here in South Carolina long time senators Strom Thurmond and Fritz Hollings were about the same. Where has courageous leadership and statesmanship gone? Sadly, into pork barrel projects to satisfy us. And instead of correcting the problem by voting in new, less compromised leaders, we simply press the computer screen and send them back, so our pockets can be filled with other peoples treasure.

Oh how we need men and women in leadership who will "consider" our "ways!" The issues we face do not even touch upon the moral issues leading our nation to the road to ruin. Abortion, the sanctity of marriage, sexual immorality, drug and alcohol abuse, personal and national debt, the list seems endless. Much like the times of Haggai, we have left the word and work of the Lord for what is most convenient and comfortable for us.

The answer now is the same as it was in the days of Haggai. Israel then, and America now, need to return to the ways of God. We need to place our trust in God instead of man, the government and our own ingenuity. Man centered doctrine will only lead us further down the path to insured destruction. For this to change, God's people must lead that change and return to our God. Christ's church looks far more like the world than it does our risen Savior. If morality and justice are to become synonymous with our nation again, it will begin in the church.

So the plea of Haggai rings out. "Consider your ways." Consider them by the standards of God given to us in His word. If our words and actions have strayed from His way, the call is to repent and return to God. In order for us to love our nation properly, we must love God and each other properly. When "thus saith the Lord" means more to us than thus saith Fox News, CNN, our government and pocketbooks; then, maybe then, we can live up to the words we were founded upon. That all men are created equal, and that it is the Creator whom we serve first.

Friday, July 2, 2010

Plea to a Nation

This past Wednesday at Oakland we concluded a wonderful year and a half study of the book of Genesis. From creation to the death of Joseph, Genesis revealed itself to be a book of tremendous application for the world we live in today, as many of the things the people of Genesis struggled with are still the things we battle today. God's word is gloriously relevant whether it's the Old Testament or the New Testament. People are still people, and vulnerable to the same things today as we were then.

The next book we'll begin study in, at our night service on Sunday 7/11/10, is a short Old Testament prophetic book. It's message is to a people who have been miraculously freed to worship God, yet after a short time, the people are far more focused upon themselves and the things they desire instead of what God desires. They fall into self satisfaction and the desire for comfort, and become apathetic to the ways of God. They are intimidated by the enemies of God and convince themselves that the time for God's work has not yet come. They are full of excuses. Sound like any nation you know of today? God's message from the prophet is a short one. A warning and exhortation to turn from their selfish pursuits and return to serving God as He has freed them to do. The prophet simply says to the people, "Consider your ways."

The prophet and book is Haggai, a 2 chapter book with great application to the world we live in today, and in particular to the United States. Haggai is what is known as a "post captivity" book. It is written after a decree from Cyrus, king of the Median-Persian empire who conquered Babylon, allowed any Jew who wished to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple and city to do so. But only a small remnant of Jews take advantage of this miracle from God and choose to return to Jerusalem. The rest, after years of captivity in a pagan nation, had become comfortable separated from their land and their God, and chose to stay in a foreign land.

Historically, the book of Ezra gives the account of this return. It is here we first read of Haggai. The book of Nehemiah records the return of another small group of Jews who are instrumental in rebuilding the city walls. Esther gives us the record of the Jews who remain in the foreign land. The prophetic books of Haggai and Zechariah reveal the hand of God to stir His people who have returned. Malachi, written a generation later, shows how quickly the people fall back in to a useless faith.

As we survey the landscape of our nation today, can we hear a plea from God to "consider" our "ways?" We live in a nation that has more freedom to worship God than any ever on God's earth, yet many of us choose to ignore that opportunity, just as those who remained in the foreign land, or approach it with a half-hearted attitude like those who did return.

As we approach July 4th and the celebration of the founding of our nation, we'll be examining the message of Haggai, to "consider" our "ways," and see how God is calling His people to repentance and a return to Him, even today. We are so blessed to call this nation home and have more opportunity to serve God than any people on earth. Are we responding as God who have us too? Haggai, written nearly 2500 years ago, asks a question relevant to God's people at any time in history. Are we more focused upon Him, or ourselves? And if the answer is ourselves, what are we going to do about it? The fate of our nation I believe squarely rests upon how we respond.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Sunday Morning Comin' Down

I never was a big Johnny Cash fan, that is, until my dad died. You see, my dad died 9/9/03. Three days later Johnny Cash passed away. My dad was as big of a country music fan as God ever created, and my tastes ran toward his. I grew up listening to Hank Williams, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Conway and Loretta and later Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Hank, Jr., and others in the "outlaw" movement. But never Johnny Cash. While going through my dad's immense record and CD collection after his death, I noticed how he had really become a fan of "the man in black," and I began to listen to his music and truly appreciate his talent. So it was with great interest I noticed that on the Biography channel tonight, it's entire prime time schedule is devoted to this man of great contradictions.

Cash was a truly gifted artist. He fell prey to the same battles many stars do; drugs, alcohol and marital infidelity, yet he was also a very devout Christian. Anyone who has seen the excellent biographical movie about Cash, "Walk the Line," saw this battle that clearly raged for years inside of this man. Many may ask, how can someone who clearly loves Jesus find themselves so far from Him for much of their life? Well, Cash's life is an excellent example of what it means to be a "backslidden," and later, a restored Christian.

You see, the bible teaches us that we have 3 enemies in this life. They are the world, the flesh and the devil. But it is the flesh that is the real enemy for us, as it is the one we can exercise control over. We cannot control how the devil will use the world to tempt us. The bible tells us that the world is Satan's domain, that he is indeed the "prince of this world." As we look around at the world it is as full of temptation as it has ever been, and if you listen to the siren's call of the world, it will tell you to ignore the teachings of God, as it's perfectly fine to do as the world says is permissible.

It is then that we fall to temptation, and live in the flesh, instead of the Spirit. Galatians 5:16-17 tells us, "I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish." Any objective look at the life of Johnny Cash reveals that this is exactly the path he took many times: he fell to temptation and the lusts of the flesh, neglecting, and thus "grieving" and "quenching" the power of the Holy Spirit that lived within him.

Cash's faith was always present, even when he was in a drug induced haze or pursuing a woman(June Carter) he would later have a Christian marriage with, while still married to another woman. But Cash, like many of us, fell from fellowship and a close walk with God and became vulnerable to temptation and the lusts of the flesh. Cash later confessed his sins and repented, and experienced the forgiveness only Jesus can give. He kicked his drug habit and properly married June Carter. For the last 25+ years of his life he maintained a strong testimony regarding Christ and confessed Him openly, and unashamed, in spite of the lifelong battles he fought. Cash's life was a powerful witness to us as to how we can fall, and how we can be restored.

Cash was a friend of the disenfranchised, much like Jesus. It was said of our Lord, He was a "friend of sinners." Johnny Cash reached out to criminals in prison, native Americans, fellow drug addicts and many more, treating them like human beings rather than second class citizens. His music was edgy, and controversial, as it dealt with politically incorrect subjects. I've truly grown to appreciate his recordings from prisons such as "Johnny Cash From Folsom Prison" or his covers of such different artists like "Nine Inch Nails" later in life. He spoke from his heart to things that touched his heart. But my favorite Cash moments are generated from a different arena.

I'm not a big fan of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, but I tune in most every Saturday night at 10:00 PM. At this time they re-broadcast old Billy Graham crusades from over the last 60 years. And guess who was a close friend and a regular part of the music with Billy Graham at many of these wonderful crusades? Of course, it's Johnny Cash, usually accompanied by his beloved wife June. It's here you saw what was really important to Cash. His faith. It was his faith that allowed him to overcome his flesh. It was his faith that led to to peace and joy in his life. Johnny Cash is a wonderful example to us of how we can overcome our enemies. Sure glad my dad became a fan!