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.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)