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?
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
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!
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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