Glory to God, to Me, a Sinner, Mercy

Born of Adversity

2012-01-31T04:35:00.000-08:00

Judges, Jeremiah, 1 Corinthians, Colossians, what do these biblical books have in common? These four, like many of the biblical books, were born of adversity. Had Israel not descended into chaos after the death of Joshua, we would not have the book of Judges. Had Judah not rebelled against the Lord in the days following the death of Josiah, we would not have Jeremiah. Had the church in Corinth been peaceful, united and holy, we would not have either First or Second Corinthians. Had Paul not been imprisoned and unable to visit the church at Colossi, or if they had not been tempted to embrace a dangerous false teaching, we would not have the book of Colossians.

So, what is the moral of the story? Does that make the chaos of the Judges era good? Does that make the sin of Josiah’s sons positive? Does that make the disunity at Corinth or the false teaching at Colossae desirable? No, of course not.

But it does remind us that the troubles and frustrations we face are not new. As God has used troubles in the past in a positive and helpful way, so he can today. The Bible will never contain a book called The Letter to Toledo. But what happens here, even though it be frustrating and often negative, will be used by God for good.

Try to remember that. I will try to remember it too.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. James 1:2-3

What Would It Prove?

2012-01-24T05:13:00.000-08:00

The claims started long ago. The claims were meaningless, and turned out to be false. Yet, some people let them shake their faith. I was just a youngster, and Lyndon Johnson was President, when a couple of scientists claimed that they had created life. Further investigation proved their claim to be so exaggerated that one might have been tempted to call it an outright lie. They had managed to blast some soup they had mixed up with enough electricity to form a few random amino acids. That was all. But to hear the atheists crow you would have thought that they had produced a human baby without the use of either egg or sperm.

Last week a few papers again carried the claim that life had been created in a laboratory. Reading further, it turns out that a single cell form of life, brewer’s yeast, was coaxed into becoming a multicelled form of life. So, once again, the supposed great proof of the general theory of evolution, turns out to be so exaggerated as to be nearly a bold faced lie.

Suppose that someday they do it, what will it prove? If after a hundred years of trying, with trillions of our tax dollars spent, some scientist really does manage to produce life from non-life, what will it prove? Perhaps all they will have proven, if they ever do it, is that it takes intelligence and effort to do it. They will have proven, in fact their efforts already have proven, that it could not have happened on its own. Left to itself, non-living things do not become living things. We know that. But those who are desperate to disbelieve refuse to face the fact.

If they ever do it, they will have proven nothing we did not already know. But perhaps, as Aaron Dicus, professor of physics at Tennessee Tech, predicted, "Secure is life from mortal mind; God holds the germ within his hand. Though men may search they cannot find, for God alone does understand."

Those Who Give Approval

2012-01-17T05:47:00.000-08:00

"Though they know God's decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them." (Romans 1:32)

When I was a boy it was believed that Christians did not dance. But every election year I find Christians dancing. They are not literally dancing; but they are dancing all kinds of rhetorical jigs trying to justify the unjustifiable. Whether we choose to face the fact or not, the person who gives consent to wrongdoing is as guilty as the person who does the wrong.

The person who knows that murder is wrong is guilty if he gives someone else permission to carry out a murder. Although no blood has literally stained his hand, he may be even more guilty than the person who did the deed. While the one who plunged the knife may have been confused and thought that he was doing right, the one who stands back and says, "I would not do it myself, but I will allow him to do it" knows that murder is wrong and will be held fully guilty. This is the plain teaching of passages like Romans 1:32 and Luke 12:47-48.

Those who vote for pro-abortion candidates are as guilty of sin as any woman who seeks an abortion, any doctor who performs an abortion, or any politician who justifies abortion.

I would not want to stand before God guilty of shedding innocent blood. If I vote for those who justify it, I am as guilty as if I had done it myself. You can dance if you wish. I will stand firm on that plain and rather obvious fact.

Knowing God

2012-01-09T07:32:00.000-08:00

The most critical matter in a church, or in the lives of individual Christians, is not what they do or how they worship but what they think of the Lord. Right ideas about God will lead us to correct errors in our lives and worship. Wrong ideas about our Lord will lead us into errors in life and worship. So, even if we are in the wrong in some of our actions, where there is a right understanding of God, there is every hope that improvement will come over time. But where we have wrong ideas about the Lord, even if we are good moral people and worship according to the biblical pattern, there is a good chance that we will be led astray.

A.W. Tozer said, "We tend by a secret law of the soul to move toward our mental image of God." Those who believe God to be unjust are likely to become unjust in their dealings with others. Those who believe God to be undisciplined and undisciplining tend to become overly permissive with those they are called upon to supervise.

There are nearly as many false ideas about God as there are people on this planet. In the beginning, he made us in his image; but, ever since the fall, we have been trying to make him in our image. In our thinking we lower him to our level (Ps 50:21), instead of seeking to know him as he really is.

People say that they want eternal life. But they are not interested in knowing the God of the Bible. They prefer to cling to the God of their imagination. We cannot have eternal life without knowing God, the real God, not the God of our imagination. Jesus said, "this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" (John 17:3).
Live right, worship right, but most of all, know God! Knowing God through his word, this is what will sanctify our lives (John 17:4-17).

The Illusion of Sudden Change

2012-01-03T08:39:00.000-08:00

An earthquake seems to be a sudden event, but, in reality the forces that bring about an earthquake have been building slowly for months, years, decades, even centuries. What seems to us a sudden event is the culmination of a long process.

The same is true spiritually. There are times when we seem to make sudden progress in our spiritual life. There are times when someone seems, quite suddenly, to fall away from the Lord. But in both cases there was an unseen preparation for that moment. A long period of prayer and consistent Bible study is capped with a seemingly sudden enlightenment. Or a long period of neglect ends in a catastrophe that seems sudden, but which is, in reality, the natural result of our failure to feed the spiritual life.

A crisis may bring the strength or weakness of the soul to light; but the strength or weakness is the result of our daily walk with the Lord. When a crisis forces a decision upon us, we appear to make a decision in that moment. But, in reality, our preparation or failure to prepare will have already made the decision. The crisis reveals our character, it does not create our character. Our spiritual character is formed by our daily practice, not by those rare moments of crisis.

What will your daily practice be in 2012? The crisis that will prove the nature of your character may not come this year, but the moments that will produce your character will come. They will come every week, every day, every hour. How will you use this year?

Immanuel

2011-12-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

Immanuel means "God with us" but what does that mean? In our biblically illiterate minds we tend to assume that the presence of God is always a pleasant experience. But this is not so.

When the promise "Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" was first given, it was a message of judgment. It was a warning that Judah needed to set its house in order. Read the passage (Isaiah 14) for yourself. King Ahaz is being warned that, since he has refused to trust in God, a child will be born who will be named "God-with-us." But this child will not be evidence of blessing on Ahaz and his kingdom. No, this child will symbolize God’s judgment on Ahaz and his kingdom. The land will become desolate. The few who remain in the land will have plenty of curds and honey to eat, but only because the majority will have suffered God’s wrath for their lack of faith.

Why do we forget that at this time of year? Why do people talk so lightheartedly about God-with-us? Do you really think that the presence of God would be an entirely pleasant experience?

Yes, Jesus came to seek and save (Luke 19:10). He also came for judgment (John 9:39). His presence in our lives means salvation, but only if his presence is accepted with humility, repentance, and faith.

We ought to remember the incarnation with joy and with awe. There is more to remembering the incarnation than singing carols and picturing the manger scene. There is the matter of repentance, turning our hearts (Luke 1:17). He is called Immanuel because he is God with us. He is with us to judge, to purify, and thereby to save. He is not with us to condone our sin, but to save us from it.

The Worthwhile Way

2011-12-20T04:57:00.000-08:00

There are two ways of describing Christianity to the non-Christian.

The Madison Avenue approach tries to sell Christianity as an easier, more pleasant lifestyle. "Come to Christ and have your problems solved," it says. Sometimes this is watered down a bit more and becomes, "Come to our church; you will like us."

The other approach might be called the Via Dolorosa approach. This approach reminds people that Jesus died on a cross, called upon his followers to carry a cross, and made it plain that the way he marked out was difficult (Mt 7:14).

A.W. Tozer commented, "The regenerate man often has a more difficult time of it than the unregenerate, for he is not one man but two. He feels within him a power that tends toward holiness and God, while at the same time he is still a child of Adam’s flesh and a son of the red clay. This moral dualism is to him a source of distress and struggle wholly unknown to the once-born man."

The Madison Avenue approach is not the truth, but it does contain a grain of truth. The Via Dolorosa approach is the truth, but not the whole truth.

The true way has its difficulties, but it leads to the "peace that passes understanding" (Phil 4:7). There is internal conflict whenever the demands of God are introduced into the sinful heart of man. But this conflict is the only path that leads to a lasting resolution of our problems.

Christ is the answer. He can heal us. He is the great physician. His prescriptions will always be effective, but that is not to say that they will always be pleasant.

Home Trained Is Best

2011-12-13T10:39:00.000-08:00

Homegrown vegetables and homemade bread taste better. Home trained children do better.

The world says, "Get your children into preschool as soon as possible. Keep them in school as long as possible. Let the experts raise the children. Keep the children segregated in groups with only their age-mates. Minimize their interaction with the older generation."

The facts do not support the world’s view. Research indicates that early schooling is not effective in the long run. A child that learns to read at four appears to be brighter than a child that learns to read at nine; but by sixteen the difference has disappeared or even shifted in the opposite direction. Studies of the long-term effectiveness of early childhood schooling indicate a negative effect - that while children isolated from their parents at a young age may do better in first grade than those who stayed with their parents, in the long-run (at the high school and college level) they tend to do worse.

Maybe that is why God placed the responsibility for training children in the things that really matter not on government institutions but on parents, and why he stated that instruction should be from the older generation, not from peers or near peers. (Genesis 18:19; Ex 12:26-27; 13:8; Deut. 6:6-9; Psalm 78:4; 145:4; Proverbs chapters 1-5;13:1; Isaiah 38:19; Ephes. 6:4)

The government will continue to offer schools, and I suppose that most people will use them. But the children who do best will continue to be the children who are getting training at home. The church will continue to offer Sunday school classes and youth activities. But the children who do well will continue to be those who get consistent training at home. Schools and church activities can sometimes be a helpful supplement to home training, but the primary responsibility rests with parents. Parents are to be the primary educators in a child’s life. Teachers (both weekday and Sunday) are supplemental. Let us not reverse the relationship.

Count The Cost

2011-12-06T08:33:00.000-08:00

Jesus could have used a course in salesmanship. He had a great product, but he did not know how to close a sale. Instead of urging his customers to look at the benefits of what he offered, he instructed them to consider the cost. He put it this way once, "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:27-30).

In his book Basic Christianity, John Stott has made the same point in different terms. He wrote, "If, then, you suffer from moral anemia, take my advice and steer clear of Christianity. If you want a life of easygoing self-indulgence, then do not, whatever you do, become a Christian."

Stott went on to say, and I agree with him here as well, "But if you want a life of self-discovery, deeply satisfying to the nature God has given you; if you want a life of adventure in which you have the privilege of serving him and other people; if you want a life in which to express something of the overwhelming gratitude you are beginning to feel for him who died for you, then I urge you to yield your life, without reservation and without delay, to your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ."

Yield your life to him, for "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 10:39).

An Active Church Member

2011-11-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been active in the church? That may seem a strange question to put in a church publication, but it is not really. Most people, even most church members, have never been active in the church.

My wife was talking with a friend who was, at one time, active in the church. But then this sister moved and she confessed that she has not yet become active in her new church home. She attends Bible class twice per week, and worship twice per week, but she is not active yet. She intends to get active soon.

Does it occur to you that this sister defines being active in the church a little differently than the average person? If you are like most people, you may think that just showing up at a third of the public services ought to qualify you for the term "active church member." Sorry to burst your bubble, but, according to Jesus, most people are going to be eternally lost (Matthew 7:14). That being the case, I do not recommend basing your actions on what most people think.

We can watch the World Series every year for a lifetime but we still will not qualify for a pension from the players union. Watching NFL games does not qualify us to be known as football players. In a similar vein, watching church services does not qualify us for anything.

Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. (Luke 12:43 NRSV)

Gift-Giving Ideas

2011-11-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

I do not know about you, but I find it hard to choose a gift for some people. When a gift giving occasion rolls around, there are some people I want to honor who do not really need anything that I could give them.

A couple of years ago I faced that situation with my oldest son. I could not think of anything he needed that I could buy with the money I had available.

At the same time I heard of an opportunity to give to Nigerian Christian Hospital -- to underwrite a hernia surgery. Doing this would cost about the amount I planned to spend on my son. So, for Christmas that year, Joseph received a certificate stating that someone had been blessed with a needed surgery. That was it. That was his Christmas present, and I think he enjoyed it as much as any he ever received.

Right now, I know of dozens of opportunities like that. I know of a very fine young lady in Tanzania who is trying to get an education so that she can help care for herself and her family, but she needs $50 per week ($200 per month) for rent and food while she is in school. You could tell some of those ‘hard to buy for’ friends that you provided a week or two of room and board in their name. Sponsoring a routine surgery at Nigerian Christian Hospital would cost about the same, $50. Sponsoring a student at school in Zambia is $130 per month. Sponsoring an orphaned infant in Zambia is $75 a month. If you would prefer to provide a bicycle for someone to enable them to go out and preach, $130 will provide a Zambian with a good bike and the basic tools needed to maintain it.

Many of us do not need any more neckties, handkerchiefs, or knickknacks on our bookshelves. So, if you have a few such people on your shopping list, consider giving to an organization that would do something far more worthwhile with the money. You can request a list of such organizations from the office.

God's Will For Us

2011-10-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

What is God’s will for us? He desires that we be saved, of course. That is taught in 1 Timothy 2:3 where we are told that God "desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." But what does it mean to be saved?

I am sorry to have to say it, but what most Christians think of when they read those words is not what God has in mind. For most Christians, to be saved simply means that we will go to heaven, not to hell. But God’s intention is greater than this. He desires not just that we go to heaven but that we be made fit to go there. His will is not that we be saved just from the consequences of our sins, but that we be saved from our sins. As Paul tells the Thessalonians, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thess 4:3).

To be sanctified is to be made holy; it is to be separated from the world in how we think, speak, and behave. We are not to practice immorality. We are not to satisfy the desires of the flesh, but are to learn to live by, and to love living by, a different standard.

I am sorry to say it, but I cannot imagine the Lord taking the average church member to heaven. It would be too cruel. Little of what they love would be there. They would have nothing to do but worship God continually, and judging by the way they try to avoid worship here on earth, I fear that eternal worship would be a very bitter experience for them.

His will for us is sanctification, for without sanctification there can be no lasting salvation. Heaven would be hell for those whose hearts have not really been transformed.

When The Lord Stays Away

2011-10-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. (John 11:6, ESV)

When the Lord seems to stay away, when he does not respond immediately to our pleas, we are apt to conclude that he does not love us. We are specifically told that Jesus loved Lazarus and Lazarus’ sisters (John 11:5). Yet, when they send for him, he does not come right away. Jesus, as much as he loves them, is willing to let them suffer.

The end of this illness appeared to be death, but that was a deceptive appearance. The end of this illness was the glory of God (John 11:4). As much as he loved Martha and Mary and Lazarus, Jesus was willing to let them suffer this loss so that something greater might happen.

The glory of God means more to Jesus than the temporal comfort of his friends. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, like all of us, were created to glorify God. If they accomplish their purpose through suffering, then Jesus is willing that they (and we) suffer.

Jesus set the example. He glorified God though suffering. He gave up more than he asks us to give up; he suffered more than we will be called upon to suffer.

When the Lord seems to stay away, when he seems to not care about our suffering, we must remember that he loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. He loved them, but he knew that they would accomplish their life goal through this suffering. And it may be that we will accomplish our life goal better through failure than through success, better through pain than through comfort.

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21, ESV)

One Thing You Lack

2011-10-04T08:39:00.000-07:00

Mark 10:21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, "You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

Whether the score is 35-0 or 35-34, the team that lost still lost. The deficit may have been only one point, but one point is the difference between winning and losing. At the end of the game, lacking one (point or run or wicket) is the same as lacking 100.

Spiritual realities do not exactly parallel these sporting realities. Every one of us is lacking before God. We are not lacking in just one or two ways, but in many ways. Since we are saved by grace, that does not matter; we can still be saved.

But here in Mark 10 we have Jesus telling a young man that his lack of just one thing will keep him from the spiritual peace that he seeks. To correct the one thing he lacks he does not need to acquire something, but to give something up. What he must give up is himself.

Like many of us, he defined himself largely in terms of his possessions. Perhaps he was a man "worth millions." He had to give that up.

Like nearly all of us, he wanted to be in control of his future. He wanted to decide where he would go and what he would do. But Jesus says, "You must give that up as well. You must follow me."

The one thing he lacked was total commitment to the will of God. Lacking that one thing, he could not be saved, not even by grace.

He was a fine young man. He was highly moral, highly religious, highly respected, and wealthy. But all of this could not save him. He trusted in self rather than in the Lord; and he went away sorrowfully.

We must give up on self; we must depend on Christ alone; or we too will go away sorrowfully in the end.

The Wind In Our Face

2011-09-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

Samuel Rutherford is one of my favorite authors. A.W. Tozer is another. So when Tozer quotes Rutherford, it gets my attention. Tozer once quoted Rutherford's famous advice, "God hath called you to Christ's side, and the wind is now in Christ's face in this land; and seeing ye are with Him, ye cannot expect the leeside or the sunny side of the brae."

Tozer goes on from that to comment, "To accept the call of Christ changes the returning sinner indeed, but it does not change the world. The wind still blows toward hell and the man who is walking in the opposite direction will have the wind in his face. And we had better take this into account when we ponder on spiritual things. If the unsearchable riches of Christ are not worth suffering for, then we should know it now and cease to play at religion."

We have the "peace that passes understanding." But we do not have the promise of ease. Rather, if we are following a man headed to a cross, we ought to expect there to be difficulties.

"Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." John 15:20

Pastime

2011-09-20T06:50:00.000-07:00

I read the Bible out of different translations. As soon as I finish reading from one translation, I switch to another one and begin again. I do not use any of the one-man paraphrases (Living Bible, the Message, Phillips...). Those may have their place, but I stick to more literal translations carried out by a committee of scholars.

One reason for using different translations is that the change in wording will sometimes make me notice something that I have overlooked in previous readings. For example, the English Standard Version of Proverbs 21:17 reads, "Whoever loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich." I suppose that I have read that verse a score of times, at least, but I do not recall having a serious discussion with myself about its application to me. I have never been a wine drinker, and somehow the word "pleasure" did not challenge me. But this year I am reading from the Geneva Bible (the translation that was most popular in England before the King James). The Geneva Bible translates this verse, "He that loveth pastime, shall be a poor man; and he that loveth wine and oil, shall not be rich." I found that a little more challenging.

We do not think of ourselves as people who love pleasure, but if we allow our pastimes to become a major measure of our lives, we are doing wrong. The time, money, and effort put on pastimes in this country is incredible. The extracurricular activities have overrun the curricular activities in many schools. Sports dominate the family schedule in many households.

A pastime has its place. We need some forms of recreation for the down times between duties. But when the pastimes become the main event and work and worship must be scheduled around the sporting activities, we are headed for poverty (materially and spiritually).

The Battle

2011-09-13T04:26:00.000-07:00

Someone has defined professional football as "40,000 people who need exercise gathering to watch 22 men who need rest."

At a football game, or a baseball game for that matter, no one expects or wants anyone to climb down out of the stands and join in the game. But the church is different. Everyone is supposed to be involved.

Some of the epistles are addressed to individuals; Timothy, Titus, and Philemon are examples of this. But most of them are addressed to the whole church. Second Corinthians is addressed to the church and emphasis is placed on the fact that it is intended for all the Christians in the region (2 Cor 1:1). The instruction in this book is for all, not just the elders, deacons, and evangelists.

What are they all to be doing?

They are all to be engaged in the battle. They are told, "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete" (2 Cor. 10:4-6)

Are you taking every thought captive for Christ? Are you engaged in the battle? Or are you merely watching the action and perhaps cheering occasionally?

Christianity is not a spectator sport, it is a battle. Christians are soldiers, not spectators. Watching, when we should be engaged in the battle, is unfaithfulness.

Self-Justification

2011-08-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. Job 32:2

Job was a good man, but Job was not perfect. Job had his sin, of which he eventually repented (Job 42:6). That sin was that he "was righteous in his own eyes" and "justified himself rather than God."

Many people behave as if one religion is just as good as another. The Bible certainly does not agree. Large portions of the Bible are devoted to condemning false religions, and this would not be the case if all religions were equal.
Much religion is a form of self-justification. Many highly religious people practice their religion not because they want to honor God but because they want to seek honor for themselves. This is true of religious people in general, and it is true of many who call themselves Christians.

What is the goal of our faith? What is the purpose of our Bible study? What is the aim of our worship? Are we trying to draw near to God? Are we seeking to praise his glory? Or are we seeking to justify ourselves?

"Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 18:10-14

Bearing Fruit

2011-08-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2, ESV)

What does it mean to bear fruit? Many Christians mistakenly think that, to bear fruit, they must bring others to Christ. Evangelism is important. We all need to be doing what we can to bring others to Christ. But evangelism is not fruit bearing. A new Christian is a new branch on the vine, not fruit on one of the branches. We ought to bring others to Christ, but, the Lord is not going to sever us from the vine for failing to bring others to Christ.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires." (Galatians 5:22-24, ESV)

Fruit is seen in our lives as our lives are transformed into the image of Christ. As the ugly works of the flesh (Gal 5:19-21) are replaced with the fruit of the Spirit, then we are fruitful branches. Such fruit bearing is not an optional extra for those Christians who desire it. Such fruit bearing is expected of all. Jesus is saying that those who are not producing such fruit will be pruned off of the vine. Even those who do produce such fruit will be further pruned so that they may produce more fruit.

For too long, too many Christians have sought salvation from the consequences of their sin, instead of truly seeking salvation from their sins. Too many Christians are content to be fruitless branches, church members but not really disciples.

Does that describe you? If so, do not despair. Repent, but do not despair. The Lord can transform us, if we are willing to be transformed and made fruitful. It is a painful, but glorious, process.

Third Party Apologies

2011-08-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

At least twice in my life I have received a third party apology. I did not accept either of them. In Nigeria, a father came to plead concerning his twenty-five year old son. "Forgive the boy for my sake," he said. I could not. A school board member once asked that I forgive wrongdoing by the school superintendent. I could not.

In neither of these cases could I forgive the wrong, because in neither of these cases had the wrongdoer admitted wrong. It is impossible to forgive a wrong that has not been repented of or confessed. When we overlook an unrepentant wrong we are not forgiving the wrong, we are condoning the wrong.

Now if the boy had come with his father, admitted his wrong, and then the father had spoken, that would have been fine. If the superintendent had admitted his wrong and then the school board member had asked that the wrong be overlooked, that would have been excellent. But a third party apology is no apology at all.

A third party can mediate for us, but a third party cannot confess or repent for us, even if that third party is named Jesus. We must confess our wrongdoing or there can be no forgiveness. Jesus is eager to be our mediator, but apart from an admission of guilt on our part, not even he can serve as our mediator.

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3, ESV
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted. Luke 18:13-14, ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1:9-10, ESV

Embracing Our Task

2011-07-26T05:53:00.000-07:00

And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward. Matthew 10:42

The service of God is not just for those with some amazing talent. Most of what needs to be done can be done by ordinary people. Too many Christians hold back and refuse to do what they could do, often because they are focused on what they cannot do. Those who cannot sing and cannot preach focus on that, instead of thinking of the many things they could do to honor the Lord.

There is more to the work than singing and preaching. Floors need to be vacuumed; grass must be cut; classes must be taught; people must be visited, invited, and encouraged. You may not be able to preach a sermon, but you could make a phone call and say, "We missed you; and you missed a wonderful time of praising God." Such a contact will often do more to encourage a weak brother or sister than would be done by another sermon.

Do not focus on what you cannot do. Instead embrace what you can do. If the Lord has given you the ability to share a cup of water, then share it.

As J.R. Baxter wrote, "There is room in the kingdom of God, my brother, for the small things that you can do: just a small, kindly deed that may cheer another is the work God has planned for you. There is room, there's a place in the kingdom of God for you; there is room, there's a place, there is work that we all can do."

No Remedy

2011-07-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

But they kept mocking the messengers of God, despising his words and scoffing at his prophets, until the wrath of the Lord rose against his people, until there was no remedy (2 Chronicles 36:16).

My father died because he had a little cancer that went unnoticed. Had it been noticed early, it would have been treatable. But it grew and spread and was not noticed until it was beyond remedy.

According to the text quoted above, the people of Israel went into exile because they were beyond remedy. They scoffed the words of the Lord until there was nothing else to do but to send them out of the promised land. If they had dealt with their sin at an earlier stage it would have been forgiven. But they allowed sin to have its way in their lives so long that they placed themselves beyond remedy.

The same can happen to you. The same can happen to me. The same can happen to people we know and love.

Do not wait to repent, you could end up beyond the hope of repentance, beyond remedy. Do not wait to speak to those you know who are drifting away from the Lord. It is possible for them to continue in sin so long that they become beyond remedy.

July 4th in England

2011-07-12T06:29:00.000-07:00

Contrary to rumor, they did have a 4th of July in England; they just did not celebrate it. Why should they? The day is nothing special to them. We celebrate it in this country because it marks the date on which our founding fathers declared the original states an independent country. We celebrate it, but we do not expect people in other countries to celebrate it. If they were to move here and become citizens, then we might expect them to celebrate it. But the day is nothing special to a Canadian, an Englishman, or a German.

Sunday is a special day to Christians. It marks the day on which our Lord was raised from the dead, sealing his victory over sin and death. His victory is our victory, in that he suffered death on our behalf and overcame it for our blessing.

Resurrection day worship is nearly meaningless to the non-Christian. They are no more expected to celebrate it than an Englishman would be expected to celebrate July 4. It is OK to invite someone to worship with you on a Sunday (just as you might invite an Englishman to a July 4th picnic), but realize that they will attend as outsiders. The day carries no special meaning until we have been united with Christ.

This is why it is so critical to teach the gospel, to explain the meaning of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Trying to get them to celebrate with us, when they do not have anything to celebrate, just does not make sense.

Life In Christ

2011-06-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

Satan is constantly trying to place us in a false dilemma; he is constantly trying to get us to choose between two falsehoods. We debate nonsense questions like, "Must we work for our salvation, or can we be saved without repenting?" Neither of these is a biblical alternative. Salvation by works is clearly wrong (Eph 2:8-9). Salvation without repentance is just as clearly wrong (Luke 13:3).

Those who do not live the life Christ has prepared for them have not experienced the true grace of God (Eph 2:8-10; Titus 2:11-14). Those who attempt to live the Christian life, thinking that by doing so they will save themselves, are equally unacquainted with the Lord (Gal 2:16).

We ought to live lives that honor our Lord (1 Thess 2:11-12; Phil 1:27; Titus 2:esp verse 10). Those who refuse to live thus are not to be acknowledged as brothers by the church (1 Cor 5). Yet we must never pretend that we are living lives that will save us. We must not boast in our own deeds but in the righteousness, sanctification, and redemption imparted to us in Christ (1 Cor 1:30-31).

We are not saved by our (imperfectly) holy lives, but by the (perfectly) holy life of our Lord. But we must seek to live out the righteousness that he imparts. The life in which his grace is working will be a life of increasing holiness. That is the life to which he has called us, and the life for which he saves us.

Put It In Perspective

2011-06-21T06:18:00.000-07:00

Whenever I feel sorry for myself, whenever I think that I have it difficult, I remember a few people that I have known. The memory puts things into perspective.

Fikile was a young widow with two children to raise. Fikile was thankful that she had good drinking water near her house. "Nearby" and "good" are relative terms, of course. The stream was just a mile from her house.

Francis Smith was one of the hardest working men I have ever known. Francis took 1 Timothy 5:8 very seriously. He provided for his two (adopted) daughters, cared for his mother, and never complained. Francis is one of only three men who I have ever seen run a wheelbarrow load of concrete up the stairs. Francis had lost his right arm in an accident while still a youth. His wife was legally blind. And I think that I have problems?

People are such complainers these days. I remember hearing of a family who complained, "We are so poor that the baby has to sleep in the box that the color television came in." That story does not even make sense to most people today. They cannot imagine life without color television.

As Robert Fulghum said, "One of life's best coping mechanisms is to know the difference between an inconvenience and a problem. If you break your neck, if you have nothing to eat, if your house is on fire, then you've got a problem. Everything else is an inconvenience. Life is inconvenient. Life is lumpy. A lump in the oatmeal, a lump in the throat and a lump in the breast are not the same kind of lump. One needs to learn the difference."

When You Near The End, Sprint

2011-06-07T06:44:00.000-07:00

When distance runners near the end of the race they sprint. So should we.

I was ordering some tracts this week to replenish the racks in the foyer. I noticed on the web-site of Haun Publishing that Sister Haun still shows up at work everyday. I do not know her exact age, but I am pretty sure she is in her late 80s. Sister Haun is not showing up for a paycheck, but because she believes that what she is doing honors the Lord.

I have said it before, I will say it again, the biggest difference between the church of today and the church of 50 to 100 years ago is not the sound systems, the buildings, the preachers or the elders (as different as some of those things are). The biggest difference is the level of involvement. It used to be expected that every member would be involved in the work -- not just coming to worship and class, but actually involved in the work. With many Christians, that is no longer the case.

Earlier today I saw a notice of a church that wanted a preacher. The church promised to be supportive of his work! What? Since when is it the preacher's work? The work is the Lord's work and everyone who truly belongs to the Lord has a share in it. A preacher should not be promised that the church will support his work, rather, the preacher should be invited to assist the congregation in carrying out their work.

Rev. 3:15-17,19 "I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. ... Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."

Abijah, Son of Jeroboam

2011-05-31T08:37:00.000-07:00

1 Kings 14:13 And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him there is found something pleasing to the Lord, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam.

In worldly terms, Abijah is to be pitied. He died young. But in the Lord's judgment, he was the only person in his father's house who was pleasing. Others in the house of Jeroboam lived to adulthood. They fought battles. They ruled the country. They did things that would have been considered noteworthy. But only Abijah, the one who died young, pleased the Lord.

What is our standard of success? What goals are most important to us? What accomplishments please us in our relatives? In ourselves? Do we seek long life, material wealth, human notoriety, or do we seek to please the Lord?

To consider more recent examples, Idi Amin lived thirty years longer than Abraham Lincoln, almost exactly twice as long as Martin Luther King Jr. Which was the more successful life?

The true measure of a life is not a matter of days and years but of commitment to God's will.

Abijah died young, but was pleasing to the Lord. Whether we live long or die young, may it be said of us that "the Lord found something pleasing" in us.

No Insignificant Sins

2011-05-24T07:42:00.000-07:00

Arrows do not fly as far or as true as bullets. But, strange as it seems, a broadhead arrow will kill more quickly than a bullet (assuming that both hit the mark). Arsenic will kill more quickly than tobacco, Malaria more quickly than Kwashiorkor. But all are deadly. None is to be trifled with.

There are weightier matters of the law (Matt 23:23), so it stands to reason that failure with regard to the weightier matters is more serious. But we must never think that any disobedience is a light matter. All sin is serious, very serious (James 2:10). We will give answer for every deed, including our idle conversation (Matt 12:36).

Some sins destroy the soul more quickly, but all are soul destroying. We should trifle with none of them.

All willful sin is, essentially, a claim on our part that we know better than God. The person who says, "I know that God said that we must not x, but I choose to do it" is being arrogant. He is claiming to be wiser than God. It matters not what the x may be. Any disobedience of God is a claim that we are wiser than God. Thus all sin is rebellion, all sin is a form of blasphemy.

The more clear the command, the more clear and soul destroying the blasphemy, but none of it is trivial. Some sins destroy more quickly, but all destroy. Even mild rebellion is rebellion; and when directed against an infinite being, rebellion is infinitely sinful.

That is why Jesus warns us, "unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). There are no insignificant sins.

One Thing You Lack

2011-05-17T05:29:00.000-07:00

Rodney Rockwell worked for Lubrizol Monday through Friday. On Sundays he preached at my home congregation. One of his favorite lines was, "Some people have just enough religion to make them miserable."

Through the years I have met many who have enough Christian commitment to know that they ought to do something, but not enough to do it. They are miserable.

Jesus met one such person as well. Jesus loved the rich young ruler and because he loved him Jesus issued the challenge, "sell all that you have and give to the poor, then come follow me" (Mk 10:21). Jesus did not say this because he wanted to discourage the young man, but because he wanted to save him. Jesus wanted to save him from his miserable lukewarmness. It did not work for that young man, he went away sorrowfully (Mk 10:22). It did not work, but it was the only hope.

There is no cure for miserable religion other than wholeheartedness.

"But we never can prove the delights of his love until ALL on the altar we lay; for the favor he shows and the love he bestows are for those who will trust and obey."

Membership Agreement

2011-05-10T07:06:00.000-07:00

I received an e-mail this week with a sample "membership agreement." It seems that many people want to call themselves Christians, and claim membership in a church, but they do not want to live as Christians and they absolutely refuse to allow the church to discipline them. In a number of cases, law suits have been brought against church leaders who have attempted to fulfill their duty to discipline the flock.

The solution that is suggested is to get every member to sign a kind of legal contract. In this membership agreement each member promises to live by the standards of Christian morality, and acknowledges that if they fail to do so they may be disciplined by the church.

We have no plans to introduce written membership agreements. If you are a member of this congregation, you made your commitment by actions rather than words. The Christian life begins with baptism, an act in which we publicly commit ourselves to end our old life, symbolically bury that old life, and rise to live a new life (Romans 6:1-14).

If that is not contract enough, why would a two-page membership agreement change anything? If people who have publicly stated their commitment to Christ's church in baptism are willing to walk away, why would signing a paper sober them? People who go on living in sin after baptism, or who just let their commitment to his church die of neglect, are publicly despising the Son of God (according to Hebrews 10:26-31). People who would do that are not going to change their behavior just because they signed a membership agreement.

The terms of Christian membership are clear -- death to the old life, unbroken commitment to the life of Christ. No legal contract could spell it out more clearly than it was spelled out in your baptism. Live up to that commitment, or bear the stigma of one who has reneged on life's most sacred commitment.

"Go To The Ant"

2011-05-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Researchers at Georgia Tech have discovered how fire ants survive. It seems that a single fire ant is rather easily drowned, so it was kind of a wonder to understand how these ants, native to rain forests, swamps and coastal regions prone to be hit by hurricanes, have managed to survive.

They survive by sticking together. When the rain begins, the whole colony will link arms, forming a huge, living life raft. A single ant will keep its head above water for only a short time. But a raft of linked ants can float for days.

When Proverbs tells us to "go to the ant" (Pr 6:6), it is speaking primarily of considering the work ethic of the ants. But perhaps we should consider their social ethic as well. They stick together to survive. So should we.

Genesis 2:18 It is not good that the man should be alone...

Psalm 122:1 I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

PC In the NBA

2011-04-25T07:02:00.000-07:00

I did not catch the player's name or even the team, but I heard on the radio that an NBA player will be fined for making derogatory comments about the sexual orientation of another person. In other words, he used slang terminology to call someone a homosexual. That is wrong. To call someone an insulting name in anger is wrong. If the player did this, the league has a responsibility to fine him.

But I have a question. How many times per week, or even per game, do NBA players insult God? How long has it been since one of them was fined for this?

Let's face it, we live in an un-Christian, in fact an anti-Christian nation. So maybe I should expect that organizations like the NBA would fine people for insulting homosexuals but honor people who insult God.

But here is my real problem with this -- I meet many who call themselves Christians and yet say nothing and do nothing to reverse this trend. They are no longer offended at the abuse of God's name. They buy entertainment that engages in it; they allow their friends and even their children to abuse God's name without correcting them.

The NBA is hypocritical to fine people who insult homosexuals while they do nothing to stop the flood of profanity that comes out of the mouths of their players. But where do you really stand on this? Are you doing anything to cause the name of God to be honored?

"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain." Exodus 20:7, ESV

Know the Dangers

2011-04-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

A car can be a good thing. Used responsibly it helps us in innumerable ways. But used carelessly cars can, and often do, kill and cripple. The same can be said of a knife, a gun, prescription medicines, and many other things.

I just received an e-mail from a counselor that I know slightly. She says that her counseling practice has recently experienced an incredible upsurge of people facing marital problems. In nearly every case the difficulties were related in some way to use of the Internet. Some of the cases involved Internet sites that are clearly and openly sinful, but others did not. Many of these marital difficulties began with Facebook - a site that is not necessarily sinful, but which must be used responsibly.

Facebook can be a good thing. Used responsibly it may help people stay connected with people that they love. But used carelessly, Facebook can, and often does, kill and cripple relationships. Facebook, while it may keep people connected, keeps them connected on a very superficial level, which can be very harmful to long-term relationships. This is not just a preacher talking. CNN, an organization with which I very rarely agree, has recently reported twice on a significant increase in marital infidelity among those who use Facebook.

I am not saying that we should not use the Internet, Facebook, or cars or knives or even guns. All of these have legitimate uses, but all of them also have significant dangers. If used, they must be used in keeping with godly principles. If used, they must not be used in a way that encourages the wasting of time or the superficializing of our most important relationships.

Consensus Theology

2011-04-12T06:24:00.000-07:00

I recently heard Dr. Carlus Gupton of Johnson Bible College speak. Frankly, I did not enjoy it. What he said was too hard hitting to be enjoyable.

He said one thing that really stuck with me. He described the activities of some churches as, "The sharing of ignorance with the intent of developing consensus theology." Wow, did that hit hard.

How much of what churches do could be described in such terms? How often do Sunday school classes, small group meetings, and other church activities descend into efforts to come up with something we can all agree to, but which may not, in fact, be in keeping with God's will.

We live in a world that loves consensus. We live in a world that has forgotten that it is more important to be right than to be popular. We live in a world that makes decisions on the basis of polls instead of facts. We live among churches that make decisions based on popularity rather than biblical commands or examples.

Such an approach might make a church grow, although the empirical evidence suggests that it is a failure even in this regard. But, whether it 'works' or not, it is sin. The will of God, not man, is the measure of Christianity.

This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:8-9 ESV

Let's Keep Talking

2011-04-07T17:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, a "Let's Start Talking" training session was held at our building. Three groups of college students (from Purdue University, OVU, and Northwestern Michigan College) prepared themselves for the work they will do this summer trying to bring the gospel to people in various parts of the world.

The concept of "Let's Start Talking" is simple. Lots of people around the world want to learn English. So college students spend their summer offering classes in English. They use the Gospel of Luke as a text, they read together with those wanting to learn English. In many cases the conversation goes beyond nouns and verbs. An opportunity to teach something more important than English often presents itself.

We cannot help people if we are not speaking to them. We need relationships with non-Christians if we are ever going to help them to know the Lord. But the truth is, most of us have plenty of relationships with plenty of non-Christians. We are already talking with them -- about the weather, sports, politics, work -- anything and everything except what really matters.

Let's continue talking with our neighbors, friends, coworkers and non-Christian family members. But let's not stop at trivial topics or current, transient events. Let's keep talking. If we are not afraid to express ourselves about matters of little or no importance, why should we hold back about what really matters? Let's keep talking until we have said something worth hearing.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9, ESV

Curiosity or Responsibility?

2011-03-28T09:08:00.001-07:00

Bible study is good, but it makes a difference how and why we study. Some people study out of curiosity. They just want to know what the Bible says. They have no intention of allowing the word to reform their character. They treat the study of scripture as a game of trivia.

Instead, we should study the Bible with a sense of responsibility. We should start with the question, "What does the Bible say?" But we should not end with that question. Our end goal should be to allow the Bible to inform our actions so that our lives might give glory to God.

The curiosity angle is nothing new. The Israelites sometimes wanted to know things that were not for them to know. Moses had to tell them, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law" (Deut 29:29, ESV). The Apostles wanted to know things that were not for them to know. "So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth’" (Acts 1:6-8).

We must not let our curiosity get the better of us. The end goal of Bible study is not knowledge; knowledge is only an intermediate goal. The end goal is the glorification of God (1 Peter 4:10-11). And we best glorify God when we leave the unrevealed things alone and get on with the task of obeying what has been revealed.

Fellowship

2011-03-19T04:59:00.000-07:00

Occationally, I search the web for my own name. When you have a name as unusual as mine, it works. You can find out what people are saying about you. Earlier this week I tried it and I came across this article, which I had written so long ago that I had almost forgotton it. Someone in Texas thought it worth reissuing, after nearly thirty years. Maybe it will be useful to others as well.
_____________________________________

The problem with a lack of fellowship is that we haven't the slightest idea how to solve it, many of our efforts to do so are counterproductive, and the New Testament says little, directly, about it. This seems like a bleak picture, but really, it isn't. Within the Bible's seeming lack of information is our cure.

We read nothing in Acts 2 of how their wonderful fellowship program worked simply because they didn't have one. The Jerusalem church was drawn together by a common faith, not by a comfortable building or good food. The churches that had erred in regard to fellowship were not instructed to map out a program, but to "be of the same mind in the Lord." Like-mindedness, not bodily proximity, is the first and most important step toward true fellowship.

The church today is, unfortunately, like that lonely teenager we all know. All he wants in the world is a friend. In fact, he wants a friend so badly that friendship is all he can think about. Thus, when someone talks to him about their car, he is uninterested. All he wants is a friend; he doesn't care about cars. When someone tells him about a good book, he is disappointed. He doesn't want books, he wants a friend. What this type of person needs is to forget friendship and learn to love cars, or books, or baseball, or something other than friendship. Then, and only then, will friendship happen.

The church that has a fellowship program needs to forget about fellowship. If one hundred people sit together and try to force themselves to fellowship, they will likely reap only frustration. But if the same one hundred people develop the same heart-melting love for the Lord, the same mission concern, the same thirst for righteousness, then suddenly they will each find ninety-nine friends to fellowship with.

2011-03-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have seen the billboards around town.

Harold Camping of Oakland, California is predicting that Jesus will return and bring the world as we know it to an end on May 21 of this year. Is that what Jesus taught? Is that what Christians believe?

Not as a stunt, but simply as a part of our ongoing series of lessons from the Gospel of Matthew, I will present a lesson on “The End of the Age, Matthew 24.” I am not as interested in mathematics as Mr. Camping. My lesson will be based on what Jesus said, rather than on Mr. Camping’s cyphering. You may not completely agree with my understanding (that’s OK with me). It may not answer every question that you may have. But I think you will find it interesting. If you are anywhere near Toledo, try to join us on Sunday, March 27.

Looking Ahead

2011-03-01T09:06:00.000-08:00

In our Sunday morning series from Matthew, we will be coming to chapter 24 fairly soon (likely on March 27). Discussion of this passage always seems to interest people. Right now, with billboards going up around town predicting the end of the world in May, the interest may be even greater than normal.

There are two things you need to keep in mind as we get ready for this sermon on Matthew 24.
1. It will be longer than a normal sermon. Sorry, but I cannot do justice to this passage in 30 minutes. Be prepared to start a little early and end a little late.
2. Keep earlier lessons from Matthew in mind, especially events recorded in chapters 20-23. One of the main reasons chapter 24 is so badly misunderstood is that people ignore the context.

As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?" Matthew 24:3, ESV

The Blessing of Snow

2011-02-08T07:33:00.000-08:00

Snow has caused us some inconvenience and extra work recently. Too often, we focus only on this. We ought to ask ourselves, "What are some of the benefits of snow?"

Snow is often beautiful and sentimental (as Bing Crosby still reminds us), but it has other benefits as well. According to a University of Nebraska web site (and the University of Delaware agrees), snow insulates the ground and keeps it from freezing too deeply. There are also various recreations, such as skiing and sledding, that are dependent on snow.

But the greatest benefit of snow probably is its inconvenience. That is right, inconvenience is a blessing. Snow, when it comes in sufficient amounts, reminds us of our human limitations, and we need that reminder.

Jeremiah 10:23 tells us, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. Romans 5:6 also reminds us of our human limitations. "For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly."

We need to be aware of our limitations. We need to heed the imperative of psalm 46:10"Be still and know that I am God." But we stay so busy. What does it take to get us to be still? Sometimes it takes a snowstorm to get us to stop, and, if that is what it takes, then "Lord, bring on the snow."

"Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"

Spiritual Voyeurism

2011-02-01T09:51:00.000-08:00

Jamie Oliver, a British chef, has sold one million copies of his latest cookbook. It is the best selling nonfiction book in Britain in at least ten years. Yet, most observers believe, there is less cooking being done in British homes than at any point in history.

Here, as in Britain, food shows and cookbooks are popular, but cooking is not. People talk about cooking, they watch shows about cooking, they may even read books about cooking, but they do not cook. "There's never been so much interest in cooking and we've never talked so much about food," said Martin Caraher, professor in the department of food policy at City University London. "But we call it 'gastroporn'. People look at the cooks but don't necessarily put (what they learn) into practice."

Something similar may be happening in the spiritual realm as well. Fifty years ago, religious bookstores were rare. There were a number of religious programs on regular radio stations, but there were no stations devoted to religious programing. Today, every city of any size has two or three evangelical radio stations and at least a handful of religious bookstores. No longer is the spiritual diet limited to the Sunday sermons. Some people may listen to dozens of religious messages in an average week. But is it being put into practice or is this just spiritual voyeurism?

No Ordinary Man

2011-01-25T05:44:00.000-08:00

An ordinary man can do good work when conditions are right, when the weather is favorable, when there is peace in the land, when there is harmony in the home.

An extraordinary man works on, and works well, even when all seems to be against him. The skillful farmer manages a crop during drought; the master carpenter builds a lovely home of scrap; the deep thinker produces a masterpiece of logic and insight in the midst of confusion and strife.

But it takes God incarnate to make peace out of pain, to create holiness by bearing injustice, to forge salvation from sin. It takes God and a cross.

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV)

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree"— (Galatians 3:13, ESV)

A Long Obedience

2011-01-18T05:12:00.000-08:00

Some books have great titles. Sometimes the titles are so great that the book may seem almost anticlimactic. Eugene Peterson’s A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society is such a book for some people. The book is actually an exposition of the songs of ascent (Psalms 120-134), which may not be what people are expecting when they hear the title. Some people may be disappointed in the book, but that is a great title.

We are so used to getting everything fast. With our cars and airplanes, television, and microwaves we have sped up travel, entertainment and the preparation of food. Can we do the same with spirituality? Very sorry, but no.

Even with regard to the things we have sped up, we have not been as successful as we may imagine. Does anyone really believe that instant oatmeal has the same nutritional value as the oats our great-grandparents prepared? Crossing the ocean on a ship takes longer than in an airplane, but when you figure in the days lost to jet lag, how much have we really gained? Yes, we can switch on the idiot-box and be distracted immediately; but don’t you really wish that you had learned to play an instrument well enough so that you could make your own music?

Music is not learned in an instant. Chemistry is not understood overnight. English literature cannot be mastered in a semester. Nothing truly worthwhile is accomplished in an instant.

Learn any earthly subject or skill, really master it, and you will be blessed for a lifetime. Draw near to God and you will be blessed for eternity. It takes time. It take persistence. It takes "a long obedience in the same direction."

Should We Speak Falsely For God?

2011-01-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him? (Job 13:7)

It happened twice in the last week. One came via e-mail, the other was contained in a slick magazine. In both cases, someone who wanted to promote faith in God repeated claims that are false. The e-mail repeated statements supposedly made by a famous media personality. The slick magazine claimed that Samuel Driver (1846-1914), Regius Professor of Hebrew at Oxford, had made certain statements. In both cases, the claims were false. The individuals to whom the quotes were attributed never made the statements.

We do not help God by telling lies for him. It is the truth that people need (John 8:31-32). Of course those who sent the false information did not know that it was false; they really believed what they repeated. It was not intentional deception; it was just the thoughtless repeating of rumors. But are we not responsible to check out the facts before we repeat what we have heard?

Those who have the facts at their disposal are less given to repeating baseless rumors. Anyone will occasionally misspeak, but it is an epidemic of false reporting that we have going on today. People fill their conversation, their e-mail, even their magazines with hearsay. Why? Is it not because they having nothing but hearsay to repeat? Having not studied the scriptures as they ought to have, they cannot give a reasonable answer to explain their hope (1 Pet 3:15). So, in place of a reasonable, biblical explanation, they repeat false rumors.

Let’s open the book and get the facts. Then we will not be so tempted to repeat the rumors.

Praising God or Praising Ourselves?

2011-01-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This article is intended to be thought provoking. It is not intended to condemn either of the songs referred to, or the people who sing those songs. It is intended to make us think more deeply about what we sing and what our songs might imply.

Jeff Moore and Steven Curtis Chapman have written a popular worship song that proclaims, "We will use the words we know to tell You what an awesome God You are. But words are not enough to tell You of our love, so listen to our hearts."

John Newton wrote a song which states, "Weak is the effort of my heart And cold my warmest thought; But when I see Thee as Thou art, I'll praise Thee as I ought."

In both hymns the idea is expressed that our words are inadequate praise to our God. But in the older hymn the cause of this inadequacy is traced to the worshipper’s inadequately converted heart. In the modern hymn the problem is one of language -- our hearts are fine, we just do not have the right words.

Which is the truth? Are our hearts just fine? Do we purely, fully, constantly desire to praise him? Is the primary difficulty the inadequacy of language, or is the inadequacy of human language a symptom of the inadequacy of our hearts? Should we come into worship believing "I’m OK, you’re OK"? Or should we come acknowledging that "nothing good dwells within us" (Rom 7:18), that our hearts are deceitful (Jer 17:9)?

I sing the Moore/Chapman song when it is led, but I sing it with some concern for the mistaken estimate of ourselves that it may imply.

"...let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. 10:12).

Who Matters & Why?

2010-12-28T05:03:00.000-08:00

Who matters?
The world says, "We do." "Man is the measure of all things," is the judgment of the prevailing philosophy. "Be religious if you want to; go to church if that works for you; worship God if he meets your needs. But, if he does not meet your needs, then abandon him (and his church). You are what matters, not him, not his church." These are the answers of the world.

God’s importance is derived, in the judgment of most. God is important only to the extent that he satisfied our desires. His importance is derived from us.

Who matters?
"God does." That is the answer of the Christian. Humans are important, but they are not the measure of all things. The importance of humans is a derived importance. Humans matter more than animals because they, uniquely, were created in God’s image.

Humans have a purpose. They were not created as consumers. They were not to created to consume the Lord’s creation for their own pleasures, instead they are to care for creation (Gen 2:15). Contrary to what you may have been taught, we did not call God into existence so that he might serve us, rather God spoke us into existence that we might glorify him (Isa 43:20-21; 1 Peter 4:10-11).

Our lives are not to be measured in terms of how well we satisfied our own pleasures, but in terms of how we glorified God (although, interestingly, those who have discovered this truth are the most satisfied people I know).

From Quill To Tweet

2010-12-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

E-mail is now old fashioned. The up-to-date crowd is texting, tweeting, or posting on facebook. Most folks do not know what a fountain pen is, and they certainly have never used one. Hardly anyone has used a dipping pen, either steel or quill.

We might shun the new technologies as works of the devil. This is how many reacted when the printing press was invented. God’s word had always been read off a page where it had been painstakingly preserved by scribes. The newfangled printed page was viewed as too easy, too likely to cause disrespect for the holy word.

We might embrace the new technologies blindly. People like the speed of the new means of communication and feel that the new means can be used without hesitation.

In my judgment, neither of these is the correct response.

We should make use of new communication technologies carefully and prayerfully. Marshall McLuhan exaggerated in saying that "the medium is the message," but the medium certainly molds the message. The medium chosen for communication will effect how a message is received. Certain media are not suitable for certain messages. That is a fact that we ignore at great peril.

Whether we like it or not, the Lord proscribed visual arts within worship (Ex 20:4). Instead he emphasized, throughout scripture, the use of words rather than images.

All means of communication have their disadvantages. I can type faster than I can write with my fountain pen. Speed, however, is not an unmixed blessing. The handwritten note carries a more personal touch. The pace of the fountain pen encourages contemplation, while a speedy medium discourages depth of thought.

We ought to make careful use of all available means of communication. We ought to study the advantages and disadvantages and try to match the medium to the message. Sometimes we need to write rather than typing; often we need to communicate face to face rather than through an electronic or written means.

Those who have cut off face-to-face communication, who avoid dealing with their fellow Christians (or even their fellow humans) in this old-fashioned and direct manner, need to prayerfully consider what they are doing. Texting is fine for messages of little depth, but the really critical messages need to be delivered in person.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14).

The Christian Atheist

2010-12-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have always loved oxymorons, but this is one I could have done without. Craig Groeschel has written a book called The Christian Atheist. It is about people who live as if God does not exist, even though they claim that he does, and even claim to be Christians.

I do not plan to buy a copy of the book, but I understand why it has been written. When Christians spend their money pretty much the same way their non-Christian neighbor do, are they not living as atheists? When the entertainment choices of Christians and non-Christians are virtually indistinguishable, does this not indicate a problem? When people who claim to be Christians consider it a burden rather than a blessing to worship God, are these people not Christian atheists?

No, they may be ‘church member atheists’ but they are not Christians. Sorry to burst your bubble, but the Lord’s judgment will be "I never knew you" (Matt 7:23).

Ask yourself (perhaps as you stand in front of the mirror), ‘Do I know any church member atheists?’

Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

John 14:15 "If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

More Blessed to Give

2010-12-10T05:25:00.000-08:00

"We have come to pay him homage." Matthew 2:2, NRSV

This time of year most of us are busy buying gifts for family and friends. Although it may have gotten out of hand in many ways, this is a good practice, for "it is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).

This seasonal gift giving is traced back to the Magi, or wise men, who brought gifts to Bethlehem; but rarely do we reflect on why they brought gifts. They came to worship (or pay homage, NRSV). They came to acknowledge the greatness of the child and their submission to him.

While giving gifts to our friends, let us not neglect to bring gifts of homage to our Lord. He does not need a new tie, or a shaver, or a shirt, or a book. He does not need anything that we can bring; but we need to bring him homage. We need to bring thanksgiving for his mercy, praise for his goodness, we need to acknowledge his greatness. We need to give these, although he has no need of anything.

As we worship, today and everyday, "let’s forget about ourselves and magnify the Lord and worship him."

It truly is more blessed to give than to receive. I have found that those who ‘come to church’ to be blessed usually go home empty. It is those who come not to get for themselves but to give homage to their Lord who most often go home blessed.

Gardening

2010-11-26T13:16:00.000-08:00

I just came across a new approach to gardening. In his book, A Novel Approach to Growing Vegetables, Mr. Les Pro Duction suggests that we are making a big mistake trying to keep weeds out of our gardens. Instead, he suggests, we should encourage the growth of some weeds. According to his theory, the presence of weeds will be good for the vegetables. "I believe that weeds will make the garden more productive by toughening up the vegetables to the challenges that naturally come in a garden," according to Mr. Duction. He went on to say, "I am so convinced of this that not only am I not going to pull any weeds next year, I may even plant a few in the spring, along with my tomatoes."

I was a little skeptical about this new approach to gardening until I reflected on the fact that it fits right in with the way most people approach their spiritual lives. Even many church leaders seem to agree that it is good to encourage some sin in the church, as if too much holiness would be a problem.

I guess if it works in the Christian life and in the church, it might work in the garden as well. I do not know if I will go so far as to actually plant weeds, as Mr. Duction plans to do, but I guess it would be nice to have an excuse to leave off hoeing and weeding.

Insincerely yours,

Thayer

Galatians 6:7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

The All-Seeing Eye

2010-11-23T12:45:00.001-08:00

How does it make you feel to remember that God sees everything you do and knows everything you think? Most of us feel a little embarrassed at that thought. We know that we have done things that we ought not to have done; that we have left undone tasks we should have done; and that we have harbored thoughts that we should not have entertained.

There is also a comforting side to knowing that God knows all and sees all. While we are not as good as our friends may think, we may not be as bad as our enemies would pretend. Yes, we have dwelt on evil thoughts at times; we have done wrong things; we have a lot of hidden evil; and God knows all about it -- no matter how well we hide it from others. But God also sees the hidden potential, the good possibilities that are hidden from our enemies, from our friends, and even from ourselves.

"I know the plans that I have for you," the Lord told Jeremiah (Jer. 29:11). Jeremiah did not know what the Lord would accomplish through his ministry. He knew only the frustration of being a prophet in a period of spiritual decline. Jeremiah did not know how God would preserve and use his words through the centuries. God’s plans for Jeremiah were greater than Jeremiah could imagine, and his plans for you are likely greater than you ask or imagine (Eph 3:20).

God knows all about us. That is a healthy warning when we are tempted; but it is a tremendous encouragement when we are discouraged. Our lives have meaning; they have a purpose. He has a plan for us. He sees all that we may do for his glory, even when no one else sees or understands, even when we do not understand it ourselves.

So she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her, "You are a God of seeing," for she said, "Truly here I have seen him who looks after me." (Genesis 16:13)

The Long Silence

2010-11-18T05:58:00.001-08:00

Sorry that I have not posted anything for several weeks. As many of you know, I have a good alibi. I spent a couple of weeks in Morogoro, Tanzania teaching a seminar of Ephesians, and doing other things to help the church there. I am back home now and will try to post regularly again.

Thanksgiving in the Age of Advertising

2010-11-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

Human beings, at least since the fall into sin, have found it difficult to be thankful. We tend to place ourselves at the center of the universe. We expect our needs (and wants) to be met. If our desires are met, that seems no reason for comment. But if our expectations are not fulfilled, we have plenty to say.

By high school, the average American has seen 350,000 television ads. Nearly every one of the those ads is designed to make the viewer unhappy with ‘whatsoever state he is in.’ The goal of the advertiser is to get us to buy what they want to sell. To do that, they have to make us unhappy, at least a little bit, with what we have now.

So add it up. The tendency of our sinful nature is to be ungrateful. Our society has trained and cultivated this tendency for commercial reasons. Is it any wonder that most families, including most Christian families, will have a ‘Turkey & Football Day’ instead of a ‘Thanksgiving Day?’

Go ahead, eat the turkey and the pumpkin pie. But take time to give thanks. Set aside time, at some point in the day, to really pause and count those blessings. Sing praises to our God. Recount his wonderful works. Make it a real day of thanksgiving.

Meeting Them Where They Are, & Getting Them To Move

2010-10-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

In a recent Wall Street Journal Article on a modern crisis in education, Thomas Spence made the brilliant observation that, "If you keep meeting a boy where he is, he doesn't go very far."

That is true in secular education. It is also true regarding the faith. We need to meet people where they are, but we must not leave them there. The goal is NOT to keep meeting them where they are, but to get them to move on to where they need to be.

Read Acts two with this in mind. Peter met them where they were, but urged them to move elsewhere. We need to do this for our children, our friends, our neighbors.

Expectations & Growth

2010-10-13T08:20:00.000-07:00

A first grader does not know what a college graduate knows; a new Christian does not know what a mature Christian knows. So we cannot expect the same thing of the first-grader or new Christian that we expect of the college graduate or the mature Christian, right? Wrong. We should expect the same thing. The thing we should expect was expressed by Paul in this way, "let us hold true to what we have attained" (Phil 3:16).

Our level of knowledge and our experience of the faith will not be the same, but we must "hold true" to whatever level of knowledge and faith we have attained. We must expect, even of new Christians, that they hold true to what they have attained or they will never grow. If we once begin to allow the expectation of giving second-best to God, if we treat halfheartedness as acceptable, maturity will never come.

Lack of knowledge is understandable in the new convert. Lack of resolve is not. Lack of maturity is understandable, but it is never acceptable to give halfhearted commitment to the Lord.

I often hear it said that we cannot expect much commitment from new Christians, but my experience contradicts this. New Christians are often very aware of the blessings of God’s grace and highly committed to honoring Him with their lives. They stay committed until they learn that lukewarmness is the expectation in the modern church. Rarely is it high expectations that hinder growth. Most of the time, growth is hindered because we expect too little, not because we expect too much.

The little ones are caused to stumble not because we expect too much of them but because we expect too little of ourselves. Let us "hold true to what we have attained" and encourage others to do so as well.

Regarding The Basic Necessities of Life

2010-09-21T10:23:00.000-07:00

Sundar Singh wrote, "There is no evil or harm in using any of God’s created things, provided that we do it with thankfulness and with a proper sense of their value. But the danger lies in giving the Creator’s place in our hearts to the creature. ... We can neither live without water nor live in the water. We must drink, but not sink. If we do not drink we shall die of thirst; if we sink we shall die of drowning. So we must use things of the world in such a way that, while they sustain our bodies, they do not become too strong for us and choke the vital breath of our lives, which is prayer."

Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:25-33)

Concerning Qur'an Burning

2010-09-14T06:27:00.000-07:00

As you all know, we did not burn the Qur’an here on September 11, nor will we in the future. There are three reasons.

First, and of least importance, I only own one printed copy of the Qur’an, and I do not want to have to buy another one.

Second, and only slightly more important, the Qur’an is probably the wrong book to burn, if one were into book burning. The implication of burning the Qur’an on September 11 is that the teaching of the Qur’an led to the attacks in 2001. I doubt that very much. While there are a number of things in the Qur’an with which I disagree, it is not the main source of radicalism within Islam. If books were to be burned on September 11, it should have been the Hadith, not the Qur’an. Muslims consider the Hadith as well as the Qur’an to be scripture; and it is to the Hadith rather than the Qur’an that most of the violence is to be traced.

Third, and by far the most important reason for not burning the Qur’an, is that we as Christians are not called to condemn other people’s errors so much as we are called to lead them to the truth. Getting everyone in the world, including all Muslims, to burn a Qur’an would save no one. They will not be saved until they submit to the gospel. Burning the Qur’an will make it more difficult to reach others with the good news of Jesus.

Christians are not commanded to pull annoying stunts like this but to "be all things to all men that by all means we might save some" (1 Cor 9:22). There is no way to reconcile the public burning of the Qur’an by so-called ‘Christians’ with that exhortation.

Clarity of Purpose

2010-09-07T10:21:00.001-07:00

Last week I read two interesting works on education. One was written by Henry Adams (grandson of John Quincy Adams, great-grandson of John Adams), the other by John Milton (best known as author of Paradise Lost). Henry Adams wrote over four hundred pages, John Milton wrote less than twenty-five pages. Adams was by far the more entertaining; but I would judge Milton’s work the more useful.

The trouble with The Education of Henry Adams is that Adams did not know where he was going, so he could never figure out how to get there. He sought education at Harvard, in London, in Italy, all over Germany and the United States, but he was never satisfied that he received an education.

Were Henry Adams living today, he would fit right in. Our society is plagued by lack of purpose. People do not know where they are or how they came to be there, let alone where they are headed.

Milton knew where he was (outside of paradise), how he had gotten there (through sin), and what he needed to do. The purpose of education, according to Milton, is to repair the damage of the fall into sin by leading us back to God. That purpose may sound narrow, but only if we have a narrow view of God. Because he recognized the greatness of God, Milton proposed that every student study all the sciences (since God is the author of nature) and all the major languages (since all human languages are produced by fallen humans and none is capable of expressing God on its own).

We need a broader view of God, and a clearer sense of our purpose. We are not here to be consumers but to "glorify God and enjoy him forever." Let’s remember that in our studies, and in all that we do.

There Comes a Point When

2010-08-31T07:42:00.000-07:00

I do not know who Mike Jones is, but he sure makes a good point.

If you don’t like how God has run the world -
If you don’t like how God is running the world -
If you don’t like how God will run the world -
If you don’t like what God has said about you -
If you don’t like what God has said about your friend -
If you don’t like what God has said about the churches -
If you don’t like what God has said about preaching -
If you don’t like what God has said about the necessity of the Gospel -
If you don’t like what God has said about hell -
If you don’t like what God has said about marriage -
If you don’t like what God has said about sin -
If you don’t like what God requires of every single person -
If you don’t like what God has said about those who disobey -
If you don’t like what God likes (like holiness) -
If you don’t like God’s justice -
God’s holiness -
God’s righteousness -
If you don’t like what God has said about Himself -
If you don’t like how serious God is about His glory -
If you don’t like the exclusive revelation of God in Christ Jesus -
And that it requires the absolute allegiance of everyone on this planet -
And if you do like those things of which God disapproves -
There comes a point, when, despite all protests to the contrary, one fact becomes tragically obvious:
You just don’t like God.
And whatever you do like -
Well, whatever that is, it isn’t the true and living God.

[reprinted, with permission, from http://alwaysonenote.blogspot.com/]

The Lesson of the Mosque

2010-08-26T04:43:00.000-07:00

I lived under a government controlled by Muslims in West Africa for four years, and have experienced the ‘religious freedom’ of America for over forty years. I have seen both sides, and perhaps that is why I see this matter of the mosque in New York in a different light.

The question that seems to interest most people is, "What does the building of the mosque tell us about America?" Frankly, that question does not interest me. The more interesting question to me is, "What does the building of this mosque tell us about the fundamental difference between Islam and biblical Christianity?"

What would Christians do, more importantly what should Christians do, if the place they had chosen to build a church building turned out to be a location that would offend the locals? The answer is given in Romans 12:18 and Hebrews 12:14. The first says, "If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." The second reads, "Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord."

Christians should, as much as possible, avoid giving offense. Provided that we were not being refused permission to worship, we should be glad to move to a different location, if doing so would help.

Muslims are making a terrible mistake by building this mosque. They are reinforcing their image as a group of people who run roughshod over the feelings, traditions, and concerns of other people.

Christians should educate people regarding this fundamental difference between these two faiths. Christianity teaches us to avoid unnecessarily offending others. If people find the gospel itself offensive, as they often do, we must, none the less, proclaim it. But Christians are not to needlessly interfere in the lives of those they seek to evangelize. Islam, on the other hand, seems to rejoice in overriding the culture of others.

It was Christianity, not Islam, that recorded and preserved the languages of Africa in the face of European colonialism. Christianity teaches that one may approach God in any language, and that his word ought to be conveyed in every language. Therefore Christian missionaries recorded the languages of each tribe where they worked, so that the Bible could be given to every tribe. Islam insists that only Arabic is a fitting language for approaching God, and that God’s word is given only in Arabic. So they have had little interest in learning the languages of Africa, and have often sought to impose Arabic.

Christians must never stoop to the tactics of cultural imperialism. Rather, they should be involved in reaching across cultural barriers with the gospel.

"I Never Heard That Before"

2010-08-20T11:49:00.001-07:00

I get this comment all the time, so I guess it should not have surprised me. I had just finished a sermon in which I presented nothing new, only truths which I am sure I have presented several times before. Then came the comment, "I never heard that before." People often tell me that they never heard truths that have been in the Bible for centuries, and which I know I have presented before.

Normally, I get this comment from someone who does not listen very well, often from people who do not attend regularly. But this time the comment came from someone who is always here and always listens attentively. So how is it that they never heard that which I know had been presented before?

Our minds do not immediately grasp things that are foreign to our thinking. Something compatible with the thinking we have learned from the world may be quickly accepted; but thoughts that run against the flow of modern culture seem to bounce off our minds, at least at the first hearing. It takes time to open the mind to a new idea. Often, it is not until the third statement of the same truth that it begins to break through the prejudice that Satan has set up against it.

That is why we ought to be here every time. That is why we ought to be reading God’s word daily. God has a lot of teach us that runs counter to the ways of the world. But it cannot happen in a lesson or two. Our hearts have been hardened, our minds have been closed by the stifling effects of the God-hating culture in which we live. To open our minds, to soften our hearts, to learn God’s ways in place of human ways takes time. It takes the repeated application of his word before we become able to hear that word.

Deut. 6:6-7 "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Philip. 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Acts 2:42, 46-47 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ...................
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Fix Your Own Bible

2010-08-13T12:17:00.000-07:00

The trouble with sarcastic blog posts is that many people have no sense of humor. Someone sent me a link to a blog promoting "Fix Your Own Bible." The blog described a mythical 900 number that you could phone and have a Bible prepared with the parts you might not like taken out. If you want an abortion, but are troubled by those condemnations of shedding innocent blood, they will print a Bible without those verses. If you don’t like what the Bible says about homosexuality, they will get rid of Romans 1, and all the other passages on the subject. If you want to sleep around before or during marriage, they will get you a Bible that omits the verses that condemn it.

The post was hilarious, the comments were not. Most people who commented thought this was serious. I guess brain death is more common than I realized.

You cannot really order a special Bible with the parts you do not like taken out. As far as I know, you will have to keep doing what people have been doing for centuries. You will just have to take the Bible as it is and ignore the parts you do not like. I do not recommend that procedure, but, until someone really starts a company that will edit the Bible to suit your preferences, it is the only thing the willfully disobedient can do.

Don’t phone 900-349-872-4253 (900-fixurbible). It is not a real number. There is not a company that will edit the Bible for you, but of course you can do it yourself. People have been doing it for years.

But remember, the practice has serious long-term consequences. Maybe you ought to read Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; and Proverbs 30:5-6 before you start editing. Also consider the question Jesus asked, "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you?" (Luke 6:46)

Pepsi Generation Priorities

2010-08-05T12:38:00.000-07:00

Pepsi is giving away a lot of money, and getting themselves a lot of advertising in the process. Their method of giving away the money is designed to get them as much attention as possible. It is also effectively demonstrating what modern Americans really care about.

Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch is asking for $50,000 to help fund a transitional facility for young men between 18 and 21. Under current law, the government stops supporting most homeless children as soon as they reach 18. Of course, most of them are not really ready for adulthood, so many of them drift into trouble.

Jerry Hill is one of my favorite people in all the world. I cannot say how much I admire this man. When their son, Timothy, was killed in 1972, Jerry and Fern Hill did not wallow in self-pity. They got busy working on a dream that their son had been planning. Although he was only 13 at the time of his death, Timothy Hill had big plans. He wanted to build a ranch where orphaned boys could learn to live productive lives. Jerry and Fern Hill built that ranch. Now they want to add to that concept a transitional center for the older boys that the State of New York refuses to help.

They are seeking a grant from Pepsi to help with this. Pepsi awards the grants based on the popularity of the proposed projects. People can vote once per day, every day in August. As of Wednesday morning, Jerry Hill’s plan to help young men is in 165th place. I have not checked all the standings, but I notice that a project to help stray dogs and cats is in 85th place, and a project to increase the honeybee population is in 63rd place.

Even if I did not know Jerry Hill, those figures would upset me. Our nation is mentally sick. It is morally dark. It is spiritually dead.

Let’s try to do what we can to help Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch get one of these Pepsi grants. More importantly, let’s do what we can to wake up this nation. A nation that puts dogs, cats and honeybees ahead of children, is a nation in serious trouble.

To support Timothy Hill Children’s Ranch in their bid to get a grant from Pepsi, go to http://www.refresheverything.com/timothyhillchildrensranchproject
Between when I wrote the above article (on Wednesday morning) and now, Thursday evening, Timothy Hill has risen from 165th place to 53rd place. If they can finish in 10th place or higher, they will receive the $50,000 grant. Vote early and vote often.

Are We Good Enough?

2010-07-30T06:26:00.000-07:00

I have no idea who Howell Ferguson is, but I read this story and it was credited to him.

"Three men meet at the end of a dock on a Florida beach. One of the men is an alcoholic and homeless. The second man is just an average guy. The third man is a fine, honorable man, well respected in the community. Suddenly, the alcoholic runs and jumps off the edge of the dock, landing five feet out into the water. The other two men standing on the dock yell, "What are you trying to do?"
"The man in the water yells back, ‘I’m trying to jump across the Atlantic Ocean!’
"The second man, the average Joe, says, ‘Watch me, I can do better than that!’ He quickly runs across the dock, jumps and lands ten feet out into the water, twice as far as the alcoholic.
"The third man, the outstanding man, laughs and says, ‘That’s nothing, Watch this!’ He backs up about fifty feet and makes a mad dash across the dock and lands twenty feet out, twice as far as average Joe, and four times as far as the homeless alcoholic."

What is the point of this silly story?

It seems to me that, the more we trust in ourselves, the more we get in over our heads. The respected citizen lands further from the shore, and therefore in much greater danger. None of them comes significantly nearer to jumping the ocean.

Two passages, Romans 9:30-10:4 and Ephesians 2:1-10, came to my mind as I read that story. We may be better than others, and that may be our greatest danger.

Romans 9:30-10:4 ESV
What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; 31but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. 32Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33as it is written,
"Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense;
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."
10:1Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. 2I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

Ephes. 2:1-10 ESV
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— 6and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Snatching Them From the Fire

2010-07-16T05:32:00.000-07:00

John was stunned as he turned the corner. Those fire trucks that passed a few blocks back were pulled up in front of his house, and the house was going up in flames. The entire house was engulfed. Before he even had time to take it all in, he was out of the car and running toward the house. His precious stamp collection was in there. All he could think of was that stamp collection. He never stopped to consider the insanity of what he was doing. He was so focused on his pride and joy that he acted without thought.

Mercifully, officer Riley had seen John jump out of his car. The policeman anticipated his path and intercepted him as he neared the house. Without time to explain Riley simply tackled John and restrained his hopeless effort.

I don’t know about you, but I don't think the neighbors will call officer Riley a narrow-minded, hateful bigot for what he did. They might even call him a hero for snatching John from the fire. But a Christian who strives to save another from eternal destruction, that is a different matter. No matter how kindly you try to phrase it, they will often hate you for trying to save them.
Do it anyway.

Jude 1:22-23 And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

A Tragic Choice

2010-07-09T07:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it amazes me what people give up for some small, fleeting pleasure. You can buy an official Rawlings Major League Baseball for $14.95, but a fan in Arlington, Texas nearly died as a result of trying too hard to get one. A fan in the upper deck, trying to catch a foul ball, fell approximately 30 feet to the stands below. His fall was broken by landing on top of people below, otherwise the incident might have ended tragically. [As it is he has a fractures to the skull and ankle.]

I trust that none of us would risk our lives for a baseball. We recognize the terrible mistake that this man made. But how often are we risking even more? How often do we, unlike Moses, choose "the pleasures of sin for a season" (Heb 11:25) and thereby sacrifice our eternal happiness?

Are we too focused on the here and now, too drawn to instant gratification, too undisciplined to seek what truly satisfies?

"For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life? Or what shall a man give in return for his life?" Matthew 16:24-26, ESV

"As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life." 1 Tim. 6:17-19, ESV

MacArthur & McChrystal

2010-06-25T10:54:00.000-07:00

They now have more in common than the prefix on their surnames and their occupation. Harry Truman relieved MacArthur of his duties in Korea in 1951, and now Barak Obama has relieved McChrystal of his duties in Afghanistan.

There are points of similarity and of contrast in the two incidents. Only one point (one of similarity) concerns us here. In both cases, the men were dismissed for disagreeing with their commander-in-chief, and allowing those disagreements to become public knowledge.

I do not happen to agree with the dismissal of General McChrystal. Nor do I agree that Mr. Truman was right to dismiss General MacArthur. But, while it was perhaps too heavy-handed to dismiss the generals, it was also wrong of the generals to criticize their commander.

MacArthur believed that President Truman was violating the constitution in ordering the Army into Korea. He further believed that, if the war in Korea was so important to Truman that he would violate the constitution to fight it, then he ought to fight it all out -- including bombing the bases in China being used by the communist forces. Perhaps MacArthur was right. But, even if right, he should have challenged the President directly on these matters, and not allowed his convictions to leak out by means of actions he took in Korea.

McChrystal’s criticisms of Obama may also have been correct; but it is still a soldier’s duty to support his chief, or, if he cannot in good conscience do so, to resign. Truman and Obama are both human leaders. They may have been wrong, but it is the duty of their subordinates to submit.

I am thankful that my commander is not human, that he does not err, that I can obey him without doubt or question. MacArthur and McChrystal should not have openly second-guessed their chief, even though their chief may have been wrong. We who serve a perfect leader, have no excuse for our insubordination.

"Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

"Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19:10-16, ESV)

LAW & GOSPEL

2010-06-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

William Perkins wrote, "If anyone is to receive this righteousness in Christ for himself he must seek it where it can be found, namely in both the law and the gospel; not in the gospel alone; but first in the law, and then the gospel. We must never try to taste the sweetness of the gospel when we have not first swallowed the bitter pill of the law. If, therefore, we want to be declared righteous in Christ, then we must be content first to be pronounced sinful and unrighteous in ourselves."

What Mr. Perkins has said is not congenial to our modern emphasis on positive thinking, but it is the truth. The gospel is good news to those who have faced the fact of their sinful unworthiness. But to those who claim "I’m OK, you’re OK" the gospel is a pointless story, the solution to a nonexistent problem, the satisfaction of a thirst they do not feel.

Peter presented the good news of forgiveness only after he had cut his hearers to the heart (Acts 2:37). Those who are seeking righteousness within themselves will never, can never, grasp the gospel (Rom 9:30-10:4).

We are not under the law of Moses. We must never teach that law, or any law, as a means of salvation. But until people know enough of God’s law to know that they are hopelessly, completely, eternally lost, their ears will be closed to the gospel of Christ. Until we know that we are undone, we never welcome the hot coal of God’s purifying forgiveness (Isa 6). The law, taught as a means of salvation, is falsely taught. Law taught as salvation confirms us in our arrogance.

Paradoxically, the gospel, if taught without first demanding repentance by the teaching of God’s law, likewise leaves us feeling that we are acceptable, that we have little need to seek forgiveness.

Law and gospel, we must teach both. We must believe both.

Of No Effect

2010-06-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Themba Maseko, a spokesman for the South African government, has said that a strike by marshals assigned to protect World Cup fans "will not affect security." Well, I have a question (or two). If their not working is not going to affect security, why were they hired in the first place? In saying that their refusal to work will not have an effect, are you not admitting that they were of no use to begin with?

Now, let’s consider this in relation to the church.

Place your name in the blank at the beginning of the following paragraph. Then read the paragraph and ask yourself if the shoe fits. Is your involvement in the church about as effective as these South African marshals?

"Since ________ ________ is no longer a member of the church, the committee chairmen met to consider the impact this would have on the church. The education committee is not going to search for a new teacher because this member never helped with a class. The trustees do not have to find someone else to help with the cleaning and repair of the building, because this member never helped with these tasks. The worship committee is not concerned that the absence will have an impact on our singing, because this person rarely sang out anyway. The treasurer suspects that there will be no noticeable drop in the contribution due to this departure. The benevolent committee reports that this member was never known to provide assistance to those in need. The mission and outreach committee is unaware of any effort on this person’s part to help evangelize or to teach new converts. We are sorry to see them go, but it appears that the departure of this member will not actually affect any aspect of the church’s work."

Does that accurately describe you?

Neglected Blessing

2010-06-15T08:35:00.001-07:00

It is not uncommon for preachers to focus on the disadvantages of life in full-time ministry. There are difficulties. As a general rule, there is a lack of financial security; there is the burden of an uncertain schedule; and there are certain emotional burdens involved in the task (cf. 2 Cor 11:28). But there are also tremendous blessings in this work.

I am writing this on Tuesday morning. This morning I have been able to read a number of interesting comments on the two parables that will serve as the text for my sermon Sunday morning. I am blessed with more opportunity to do this than most. I enjoy finding out what others think about the scriptures. Although I do not always agree with what they say, they often point out a line of thought that I may have overlooked.

Many of you work jobs that prevent you reading as much as I am able to do. Few of you have as many good Bible study resources as I have. In studying Matthew 13, you may not have the opportunity to consider the thoughts of John Calvin, Alfred Plummer, Craig Blomberg, Robert Mounce, Richard France, R.V.G. Tasker, Richard Lenski, Leon Morris, William Barclay, and Neil Lightfoot as I will have this week. That is a blessing and I am thankful for it.

But what do you have? What can you use to stimulate your thinking about God’s word? What can you do to make sure that you do not overlook significant truths when reading the Bible?
You have our Bible classes. The comments of the teachers and fellow students in these classes are intended to serve a purpose for you similar to that served for me by my library. What the comments in class may lack in scholarliness, they often make up for in timeliness. Our classes are far from perfect, but they are often stimulating for those who attend and participate. Are you neglecting this blessing?

"In the Name of Human Dignity"

2010-06-04T06:26:00.001-07:00

Madonna has said that homosexuals jailed in Malawi should be released "in the name of human dignity." Pardon me for asking, but what does Madonna know about dignity? Exactly what does she imagine to be dignified behavior? I know very little about the woman, but everything I do know indicates that she is as undignified as anyone on earth.

A sane concern for human dignity would lead us to condemn rather than excuse perverted behavior. When a child takes something and puts it to a use for which it is clearly not designed, we excuse it on the basis of their ignorance. But when adults, who clearly know better, take the body God has given them and use it in an unnatural and unhealthy manner, concern for human dignity is exactly why humanity has, throughout the centuries, condemned their actions.

I am not familiar enough with the Malawian situation to say if the sentence handed down was completely just; but it is clear that the reaction of Madonna (and the Western media in general) has been completely illogical.

These men have offended human dignity. We may disagree as to how we should deal with such wrong. But it is wrong. That is beyond question. They have perverted the use of the human body. They are the ones who stand guilty of offending human dignity.

The Point, Exactly

2010-05-26T06:15:00.000-07:00

A South African newspaper recently published a cartoon depicting Mohammed, lying on a couch, speaking to a psychiatrist and saying, "Other prophets have followers with a sense of humour!"

The reaction of the Muslim community has reinforced the point made by the cartoon. They did not recognize that the cartoon was calling on them to develop an ability to laugh a little at their own foibles. Instead they called the cartoon an insult to the prophet, and some of them threatened violence. The threats came from a few, but the missing of the point was nearly universal. The reaction of even the most educated and moderate Muslim leaders seems to have proven the cartoon to be accurate.

This lack of humor is a trend in our world. Our past political figures could take a joke, and even poke a little fun at themselves. But our current leaders tell jokes only on others. This is a shame and it is a greater shame that it is spilling over into the church.

Are we sometimes guilty of taking ourselves too seriously? Are we ever guilty of taking a joke concerning our own foibles as an insult to Christ? Can you chuckle when someone suggests that you must be a member of the church of Christ if you can read shaped notes, or if you think seperateandapart is all one word? Most Christians seem to have a pretty good sense of humor (or humour, as the South Africans would say). But a few are getting too uptight to keep things in perspective.

An ability to laugh at one’s self indicates a healthy realization of our failings and foibles. A tendency to take ourselves too seriously shows that we are mistaken about our place in the universe. As Christians, we are not drawn to Muslim theology. Nor should we be drawn toward Muslim personality with its lack of humor.

Health News

2010-05-18T06:21:00.000-07:00

I recently read of a research project that found an interesting (although unexplained) link between coffee and diabetes. The research found that people who drink coffee at lunch are less likely to get diabetes than those who do not drink coffee at lunch. Coffee at other times of day did not seem to help. Fancy coffee did not seem to help, just plain black coffee.

These researchers did not pretend to know why this might be true, which is good and right of them. But I am not a diabetes researcher, so I am going to take a wild guess. I am going to guess that people who drink coffee at lunch stay busy throughout the afternoon, leading them to get more exercise and helping them fend off diabetes.

Now, I will go a step further and state that, if Christians would take a healthy spiritual stimulant in the middle of their day (week, lifetimes), and stay more active in the Lord’s work through the afternoon (rest of the week, rest of their lives), they would be less likely to develop many of the spiritual ills that beset them.

Is it not painfully clear that many have grown spiritually ill from lack of activity? We were created for good work (Eph 2:10). Anything that fails to fulfill its purpose will rust or decay. Any living being that is not fulfilling its natural function will suffer health problems. Any Christian who is not active in good works will be ill.

So give yourself a little spiritual caffeine in the form of a midday psalm or spiritual song, a midweek Bible study, or a mid-life Christian retreat. Then get out there and DO SOMETHING. Help someone in need; invite your neighbors to worship, explain the gospel to a loved one, or send a card to someone who needs encouraging. Maybe no one will appreciate your effort, but the exercise might keep you from spiritual illness, so that alone makes it worthwhile.

A Neglected Quality

2010-05-04T06:32:00.000-07:00

When discussions arise about church leadership there are three passages to which people regularly turn. First Timothy 3, Titus 1, and Acts 6 are always brought into the discussion. These three are relevant, and they ought to be studied prayerfully before making decisions about church leadership. But there are other passages that should also enter into the discussion.

One such passage is 1 Corinthian 16:15-16. It reads,
Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. (ESV)

The point here is not that the first convert in town ought to be a church leader, but that those who are workers, those devoted to service, ought to be the ones under whom we place ourselves in the church.

Bad things happen when we ignore this principle. A man might be married only once, and be able to teach, and fulfill a lot of the other qualifications listed in the passages we normally use; and yet, if that man is not a worker and servant, he is not fit to be an under shepherd of Christ (see 1 Peter 5).

Let us consider the whole council of God regarding leadership. And may we never forget this vital matter of service. May we always be willing (even eager) to submit ourselves to the leadership of those who are known to be hard workers for the Lord.

Taming the Tongue

2010-04-27T06:46:00.001-07:00

Sometimes it seem that we speak and no one listens, we write and no one reads. But at times our words do more than we realize.

I can still quote the little note my roommate left for me when I was having a difficult freshman year in college. He lived near campus and was able to go home every weekend. I was often left alone in the dorm. Knowing my difficulties, he left this note one Friday, “James tells us that the fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful. I may not be very fervent or very righteous, but I am going to pray for you anyway.” I did not keep the note, I did not need to keep it, I remember it word for word. Thirty-five years later, those words still lift my spirit.

On the other hand there are those thoughtless words, the ones we wish we had not spoken. Some of them are burned in our memories, and perhaps in the memories of others.

Our words are powerful, more powerful than we realize. “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5).

Our words reveal the content of our hearts (Matt 12:34). We all speak wrongly on occasion, for there is an element of evil in the best of human hearts. If we speak ill often, it indicates that evil is gaining the upper hand in our heart.

No human can tame the tongue (James 3:8), only with God’s blessing and help can it be tamed. Do you have trouble speaking the truth? Do you have trouble speaking words that build up? Don’t deny the problem, but don’t tackle it on your own, either. Consider the rest of that verse my roommate quoted to me, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

No Retirement From the Lord’s Work

2010-04-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

We are to remember our creator in our youth (Eccl 12:1); Christianity is a movement that involves and uses the youth; but this does not mean that those of us past fifty (or even past eighty) ought to be put out to pasture or placed on a shelf. There is no retirement from the Lord’s work.

Enoch walked with God all of his 365 years (Gen 5:23f). Moses was 120 when he handed Israel’s leadership over to Joshua. Joshua was near 80 when he accepted that leadership. Caleb, was 85 when he requested that he be given a “mountain” to subdue for the Lord (Jos 14:10-12). John was still working for the Lord and writing in his eighties.

Last week I wrote of the importance of involving teens and young adults in the work. This week I emphasize the usefulness of our older members.

Those between the ages of sixty and ninety have an opportunity that never existed before. The idea of retirement is fairly new. Prior to the 1930’s it did not normally happen. Throughout history people worked until they could work no more, and we may be returning to that situation. But a few generations were blessed to receive an income, without having to report for work and while they were still able to work. Some Christians have used their retirement years as a gift from God. They have used retirement to His glory. Sadly, others have used it selfishly.

There are hundreds of tasks that need to be done. There are classrooms that need decorating or cleaning. There are Bible studies that need to be taught. There are young families that need to be encouraged. Some of these tasks can be accomplished more effectively by a retired person than by anyone else. If you are retired - are soon to retire, or if you just are not asked to work as many hours as you used to work - you need to consider how you can use the extra time to the glory of God.

Whether you walked with God in your youth or not, be sure you walk with him to the end of your days. There is no earthly retirement from the Lord’s work.

A Youth Movement

2010-04-15T05:58:00.000-07:00

In the minds of some sad and misguided souls, Christianity is for the old and the very young. The teens and twenties are seen as a time to pursue other interests. Sunday school is thought to be for children, and worship for the middle-aged or older. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus was only thirty when he began his ministry (Lk 3:23), and his apostles seem to have been younger. More than twenty years after the death of Jesus, the Apostle Paul writes that most of the five hundred that witnessed his resurrection were still alive (1 Cor 15:6). Given the life expectancy at the time, this indicates that most of them were young when he was raised. His movement was, at the start, a youth movement.

Think of the heroes of the faith. Some were old, but many were young. What do Jesus, John the Baptist, Timothy, and Jeremiah all have in common? They were all thirty or younger when they began their ministry.

The work of the church belongs in the hands of the young. Those who are older should provide guidance and direction, but the energy of youth is needed to make the work a reality.

“Nineteen hundred years ago,” J. S. Stewart wrote, “a group of young people under Christ changed the world. He is counting on young men and women today to do it again.”

They can do it again because he is still willing to work in and through them to make it happen. Let us not worry so much over what the world will do to our children, let us rather rejoice in what the Lord may do to the world through our children.

Responding to a Conspiracy

2010-04-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Driving home from Cleveland the other day, I listened to a feature story on NPR. It was about a British chef who came to Huntington, West Virginia to work with the schools to improve their lunch program. Three days later I learned, from another source, that actually the chef was in Huntington to film a television show at a church. What he did at the school was a side light. Why did NPR leave his work at the church completely out of their report?

Why is it that last year, when a group of homosexuals attacked a church service in Michigan, it was not mentioned by most of the major networks and downplayed by those that did mention it? Why is it that when the FBI recently arrested a group of people who are accused of plotting to kill a police officer, every news report claimed that this was a "Christian" group (without indicating any evidence to support the claim or defining what they meant by the term)?

Did you know that the President is legally obligated to appoint an ambassador-at-large to keep track of abuses of religious freedom and to report this abuse directly to the Secretary of State so that it can be factored in to foreign policy decisions? Did you know that the position has been vacant since January of 2009? Why would this neglected duty not be mentioned by CNN, CBS, NBC, ABC, FOX, or NPR?

We are not playing on a level field. I am not suggesting that we cannot count on the news people. We can count on them -- we can count on them to distort the truth so as to demean Christ and stir prejudice against his followers.

How should we respond to this situation?

Jesus faced a conspiracy against him. His reaction to that very real and certain conspiracy should serve as our guide to responding to the conspiracy we fear is developing.

According to Matthew 12, when faced with a conspiracy against him, Jesus did not seek needless confrontation or undue notoriety. When necessary he did confront (13), but when he could he withdrew from confrontation (15). He did not "sound the trumpet" regarding his good deeds (16), but rather avoided the limelight, while continuing to do good. There may be many reasons for this. Chief among them is the need to teach the disciples -- something that could not happen if the crowds were too big or if the cross came too soon.

Jesus was called -- he was chosen -- for a purpose (17-18). He quietly fulfilled his calling. He knew his purpose and he worked steadily at it. He quietly, firmly, and persistently proclaimed his message (18, 20). Jesus occasionally engaged in controversy, but he was not one to seek a quarrel or make needless noise in the street (19). Nor was he one to give up on the downtrodden (20).

So, let us go and do likewise. We must know our purpose. We must quietly, firmly, and persistently proclaim His message and do good.

Will it work? I AM NOT saying that it will result in the changes we might like. I am not promising that it will make the conspiracy go away, or that it will make people look on us more favorably. It did not "work" for Jesus, and it may not "work" for us. He ended up on the cross, and we must be prepared for that, if such be God’s will. He did it, not because it would work, but because it was God’s will.

Sign some petitions if you wish, but depend on prayer more than petitions; trust in God rather than in some so-called political messiah. Don’t let worldly means and messages distract you from your calling (1 Peter 2:9). Don’t let worldly promises of peace and prosperity keep you from the peace that passes understanding. A peace that you will know only if you submit your life wholly to Christ.

The Power of the Word

2010-03-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

“...nothing so endures as a truly spoken word.” (Thomas Carlyle)

As Christians, I think we are obligated to believe that words are powerful. The Bible certainly teaches that they are.

God’s word is powerful. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8) "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty,but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. ... And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-3)

His word is powerful not only in its incarnate form and its written form, but when we speak it as well. That is why Paul urged Timothy to “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.” (2 Tim. 4:2)

Even our own words are powerful--for good or for ill. “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” (James 3:5)

So let us be careful how we speak. Let us, as often as possible, present God’s word to others. And even when we speak our own words, let us be careful that they are spoken to provide a blessing to those who hear.

Meditate, Imitate

2010-03-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

It was Charles Sheldon who first popularized the question, “what would Jesus do” (WWJD)? But, as has often been pointed out, we cannot profitably ask what Jesus would do in our situation until we first know what he did and taught in his own life. Those who ask, ‘what would Jesus do?’ without first gaining a solid understanding of his life and teachings, are in no position to answer their own question. WDJD (what did Jesus do?) must come before WWJD (what would Jesus do?).

Having said that, we must hasten to add, the first question is of little value without the second. While we cannot know what Jesus would do without first knowing what he did do, to know what he did without imitating it in our own lives is of little value.

We need a combination of the meditative and the imitative. We must study, but we also must practice. It is not on those who know his will that Jesus pronounces a blessing, but on those who act on what they know (John 13:17).

We tend to separate the doctrinal from the practical and the meditative from the active.

There is nothing more practical than his doctrine; and there is no worthwhile activity that would not be done better if we would pause a moment to meditate on the life of Christ before beginning. Rushing past the principles to get to the practice never works. We must understand the principles or the practice will be flawed. To understand the principles of Christ, we must meditate on his life and be well versed in his teaching.

But having studied the principles, we must then put them into practice. We meditate in order to imitate. Never attempt imitation without meditation. Never meditate without also imitating.

The Awe-Inspiring Part

2010-03-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. (Matthew 3:14-15)

“And with that,” as J. S. Stewart said, “they went down into the water together and there happened the event which the very angels might desire to look into -- a man baptizing his Lord.”

Indeed, there were many things about the earthly life of Jesus that may have inspired the awe of the angels (1 Peter 1:12). I do not know about you, but for me the most awe-inspiring events of Jesus’ life are not the miracles but the little things -- like his submitting to baptism at the hands of his cousin, John. That the one who created the universe and upholds it by his power (Heb 1:1-3) should change water into wine, multiply loaves, or even raise the dead, is not so surprising. That he should walk on water is not unexpected. The shocking part is in the simple stuff.

He asked John to baptize him. He is going to prepare a mansion for us, but he slept on the ground (Matt 8:20). For our sake, he who knew no sin became sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).

That is the really awe-inspiring part.

The Praise of a Stone

2010-03-09T05:12:00.000-08:00

'Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?' (Luke 13:7)

It may have been Richard Baxter who said, “To do no harm is the praise of a stone, not of a man.” It was Jesus who indicated, in his parable of Luke 13, that fruitfulness is expected of all God’s children. In his parable, to do no harm is the praise of a stone, not of a tree.

It seems to me that there are three kinds of people in the church today.

There are those who are taking their ease in Zion (Amos 6:1). They contribute nothing to the work and see no reason why they should. Their favorite song is titled “Jesus Paid It All;” but they are a little uncomfortable with the line of the song that reads, “All to Him I owe.” They live as if their life still belongs to themselves, even though they claim to have been bought with a price. They are unfruitful, unconcerned, and, in reality, unsaved.

There are those who are disturbed, even depressed, because they see no results from their efforts. They want to glorify the Lord with their lives, but they often feel that they have failed.

Then there are those (or at least I hope there are) who do their best to honor the Lord in everything they do. They are active in the work of the church and in trying to build a home that honors God. They are active, yet not worried. They are satisfied to do what they can and leave the results in God’s hands.

To become this third kind of Christian, we first need to start with a little self-examination. We need to know where we are now, if we are going to get to where we ought to be.

Where are you now? What are you doing to get where you ought to be?

Whether I Die or Live

2010-03-04T11:46:00.000-08:00

I found this credited to Richard Baxter, although I could not find the exact location in his works. Baxter was dead before there was a copyright law, so this must be in the public domain. It certainly is worthy of a careful, prayerful reading.

Lord, it belongs not to my care, Whether I die or live;
To love and serve Thee is my share, And this Thy grace must give.
If life be long I will be glad, That I may long obey;
If short--yet why should I be sad To soar to endless day?
Christ leads me through no darker rooms Than He went through before;
He that unto God's kingdom comes, Must enter by this door.
Come, Lord, when grace has made me meet Thy blessed face to see;
For if Thy work on earth be sweet, What will Thy glory be!
Then shall I end my sad complaints, And weary, sinful days;
And join with the triumphant saints, To sing Jehovah's praise.
My knowledge of that life is small, The eye of faith is dim;
But 'tis enough that Christ knows all, And I shall be with him.

Avoiding Sin

2010-03-02T06:14:00.001-08:00

It is by the grace of God, made available through Jesus, that we are saved. In appreciation of his grace, the Christian desires to live free of sin. The true and faithful Christian desires to be saved from sin, not just from the consequences of sin. Here are three simple strategies to help us avoid sin (there are others, but we have room for just three).

Be Careful of Companions
"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals'" (1 Cor. 15:33). If we sleep with the dogs, we will wake up with fleas. We run into enough evil in this world without seeking it. When we seek evil influences, we are sure to fall. Rather than seeking evil influences, we should have the attitude expressed in Psalm 101:6-7. "I will look with favor on the faithful in the land, that they may dwell with me; he who walks in the way that is blameless shall minister to me. No one who practices deceit shall dwell in my house; no one who utters lies shall continue before my eyes."

Get Plenty of Rest
Sometimes long hours come on us unavoidably; but often people willingly keep late hours for no sound reason. When we are tired our judgment is impaired. We may sin because we were not thinking clearly, but if our weariness was self-inflicted, we are fully accountable for our actions. When we choose to impair our judgment by keeping late hours, or by other foolish activities, we will answer for the consequences.

Avoid the Little Sins
One sin often leads to another. Do not give in on the little things, it will only weaken your resolve and make you more susceptible to greater sin. One minor victory over temptation strengthens us to win a greater victory. As the song says, "Each victory will help you, some other to win."

Exhausted

2010-02-26T14:37:00.000-08:00

Perhaps some of you may be wondering why there has not been a new posting on this blog in several weeks. I have just returned from a trip that took me from Toledo, to Frankfurt, to Addis Ababa, to Juba, and from there out into the bush of Eastern Equatorial Province. I am exhausted, but I did learn some things.
1. Do not believe the clerk at the check-in desk when they tell you that, although your first flight is delayed, and you will miss your connection, you can get another flight on the same airline 12 hours later. That might be true going some places, but not when going to Ethiopia.
2. It is amazing the way some people bounce back from twenty years of war. South Sudan may be the first place I have visited in Africa where I was not confronted with serious cases of malnutrition. There is a lot of poverty, no doubt, but I have seen worse conditions in places that were considerably more peaceful.
3. When the sign says, "Land mine removal in progress," stop the car, and do not wander too far from it.
4. The one who pays the fiddler will continue to call the tune.
5. If you have a lot of extra luggage, agree to be "bumped" to the next flight. Ask that your luggage be taken as your compensation. I saved $440 that way.

A Moral Wasteland

2010-01-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

I know that many Christians are cheered by the news of a Republican victory in the Massachusetts Senate election. I know that other Christians are horrified whenever a preacher mentions politics. Sorry, but this article may offend both. It is not that I like to upset people, but sometimes I have no choice.

If you fear that my commenting on an election is a violation of the law, do not worry. I am not going to endorse a candidate (which is today called illegal, despite being obviously constitutional). I am only going to comment on certain moral issues. I have not only a legal right but a moral responsibility to do that.

If you have been rejoicing over the election of a Republican, please ask yourself how much you know about this man. Has a party label perhaps blinded some to the facts about his moral stance? While it has become common to assume that Democrats tend to be on the wrong side of nearly every moral issue in our country today, are you really confident that a man who has appeared as the centerfold of a racy magazine (and whose wife has done similar things) is likely to be on the right side, morally speaking? Do you even know his stance on issues like abortion, cloning, homosexuality, pornography, and the free exercise of the faith?

Unless I am greatly mistaken, the major parties presented the people of Massachusetts with the choice between two moral reprobates. The people (not surprisingly) chose a moral reprobate. Whether or not this election proves anything about what will happen in future elections, I do not know. But what I do perceive is that it proves (if we needed any proof) that America has become a moral and mental wasteland where people do not think clearly or morally.

This special election fell near the anniversary of the notorious Roe vs. Wade decision. In that decision the Supreme Court of this country took a position that is neither morally nor constitutionally defensible. Yet no representative (that I can recall) submitted a motion for their impeachment. They clearly demonstrated in their decision, that they had no respect for our foundational law, yet neither major party took a stand against such arrogance then, and neither major party has taken an effective stand since.

Sorry, but I am not much cheered by the news from Massachusetts. Perhaps the presence of another Republican will lead to a little more gridlock in Washington, and perhaps (under the circumstances) gridlock is a good thing. But the chilling fact remains. We are living in a moral wasteland where good is called evil and evil is called good.

This is nothing new. Isaiah lived in such a time (Isa 5:20). Jesus was born in such a time (Matt 2:1-18). We should not be fooled by either party, we should face the fact of the moral wasteland in which we live; but we should not give way to despair. Zechariah and Elizabeth were not dismayed at the moral wasteland into which their son was born. They did not mourn over what the world would do to their son. Instead they anticipated how the Lord would change the world through their son (Luke 1:57-79). The early Christians did not give up in the face of the murder of Stephen and the persecution that followed. They responded to these events by going about preaching the word (Acts 8:4).

And that is exactly what we should do. Senator Brown is no more the anointed savior than Barack Obama. He, like nearly everyone in this nation, is a lost person in need of salvation. We live in a moral & spiritual wasteland. We are not going to fix that politically (although we should vote as morally as we can). The good news that this country needs is not a new health care plan, or a new banking plan, they need the gospel plan. That is the only plan that will save them. Scott Brown is not going to deliver the gospel any more than Ted Kennedy did. The question is, are we?

Just One Key

2010-01-26T05:53:00.000-08:00

There are more than 80 keys on my keyboard. Nearly all o them work. The only one that does not work is the key (the one between d & g). It stopped working yesterday. But since all the rest o the key work ine, it will be OK. Or will it?

No, on second thought, I am going to have to go and buy a new keyboard. Even though 98% o the keys are doing their job, having one key out o order is making a mess o my work.

Oically, there are 142 members o this congregation. But some of them are unreliable, they do not engage in the work o the congregation on a consistent basis. They are like that key -- sometimes they work, but often they do nothing.

Having one key out o order messes up my typing, so what do you suppose your ailure to do your part does to the work o the church? Sure, we manage to get the work done somehow, but it does not look right. It takes all o the keys to type properly, and it takes all the members of the body for the church to unction as it should.

Who Has Come To the World

2010-01-19T05:11:00.000-08:00

A recent article in House to House reminds me that there is a radical difference between the way Christians talk now, and the way the earliest Christians talked. Christians today are constantly bemoaning the state of the world. The phrase, "Look what the world has come to," sums up their attitude.

The early Christians had a different approach. No doubt they were equally aware of the evil in the world. In fact, judging from Romans chapters 1 through 3, they may have been more aware of human evil. But the attitude then was not "look what the world has come to." The early Christians were more often saying, "Look who has come to the world."

Yes, the world is in terrible shape. We must point that fact out to the few who have not noticed it. But, to the many who have already noticed the evil of this world, we must take the message of the world’s redemption.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." Luke 2:11

"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

"Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

"In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him." 1 John 4:9

Yes, the world is in rotten shape. But when we point that out, without pointing people to the solution, we are not helping; we are making matters worse. Let us point them to the one who has come to the world. Let us teach them the good news.

Rx: Bib Overalls

2010-01-16T15:46:00.000-08:00

Mr. Rutledge went to his doctor. The doctor told him to buy bib overalls, loose dress trousers and suspenders. He told him that if he would keep his clothes loose his blood pressure would go down ten to fifteen points. The doctor told Mr. Rutledge’s daughter (a nurse) to take her father’s blood pressure. Then he loosened his belt and collar and had her it again. It was down more than ten points.

Loose clothing is not a cure for all blood pressure problems, but it would help many people. Changes in eating habits would also cure a lot of high blood pressure. So why are people paying big money for pills when bib overalls and better eating would solve the problem (without all the side effects)? Bib overalls are not in style. People would rather pay big money for pills than to change the way they eat or the way they dress. Most doctors have learned to prescribe what is wanted, rather than what is most needed.

Church leaders face the same problem. People want an easy solution, one that does not involve any change of lifestyle. They want preaching that condones lukewarmness, or even open sin. Most preachers have learned to go along with what people want. Cheap grace is preached all over town. Short-list legalism is also popular. The straightforward preaching of the cross is almost unknown.

Paul never would have been stoned, if he just would have given the people what they wanted, instead of what they really needed. Paul never learned. I hope we never learn.

Cannibals or Worms, Does It Matter?

2010-01-05T05:11:00.000-08:00

John Patton wanted to be a missionary. He believed that the Lord wanted him to go to the Islands of the South Pacific with the gospel. Others thought him insane. One brother told him, “You will be eaten by the cannibals!” That was a very real possibility in the mid-19th century. John Patton’s reply was classic,

“Mr. Dickson, you are now advanced in years, and your own prospect is soon to be laid in the grave, there to be eaten by worms; I confess to you, that if I can but live and die serving and honouring my Lord Jesus, it will make no difference to me whether I am eaten by cannibals or worms; and in the Great Day my body will arise as fair as yours in the likeness of our risen Redeemer.”

The danger of facing cannibals is now past, but are we not often held back from honoring the Lord because of some parallel (although lesser) fear? We need to take more seriously the words of our Lord, “do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 10:28-33

Why Cry Now?

2009-12-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

The British government is outraged that China executed a British subject for drug smuggling. The news reports quoted officials of the British government, and the man’s daughter, saying that he should not have been executed because he was mentally ill, and therefore not responsible for his actions.

Perhaps the government was not aware, but clearly the daughter was aware of her father’s mental condition. Where was she when the government issued his passport? Where was she when he planned this trip? Why, if he was so mentally ill, did she not take action to protect him from himself? If you knew he was mentally ill, what was he doing in China? Why cry now?

Families have responsibilities -- parents to children (Dt. 6; Eph 6), and children to parents (1 Tim 5). Those who have neglected their duty to a family member have no right to blame others for the result of their own neglect.

I hurt for that family, and I hate to write this for fear that they might see it and that it might add to their distress. But, for the sake of those tempted to make the same mistake, I must not be silent.

The family is the first and the best protection against this kind of tragedy. Families must learn to shoulder that responsibility, and governments must acknowledge the family’s primary role in matters like this.

Tell of His Salvation

2009-12-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth!
Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Psalm 96:1-2

We have not all been equipped to preach. We are not all suited to serve as missionaries. We have not all been gifted with the ability to lead the congregation in song. But everyone of us can fulfill this scripture in some way. We can all bless his name and tell of his salvation in some form or fashion; and we ought to do so.

We need to learn the attitude expressed so well in the words of Ina Ogdan,
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

May this be our attitude in 2010. Let us dedicate ourselves to the task at hand. Let us face each day with the determination to use it to God’s glory. Let us each, in our own humble way, as God gives us opportunity from day to day, tell of his salvation.

Search Me, O God

2009-12-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

Search me, O God, and know my heart!

Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalm 139:23-24

There are people who object to the idea, but the Bible clearly indicates that we must invite the Lord to examine our hearts.

He knows what is in our hearts, of course; whether we invite him to examine our hearts or not. But it is healthy and right that we should invite him to examine our hearts.

Self-examination may be good, but God-examination will always be more complete, more reliable, and -- I would suggest -- more encouraging.

If the Lord examines me, he will, doubtless, bring more evil to light than I would find without his aid. But evil brought to light by his loving examination will have been brought to light in hope. I sometimes get depressed when I examine myself, for I often find errors that I cannot correct, ills that I cannot heal. He finds much more than I find, but he never finds any fault that he is not more than equal to correcting.

Rather than engaging in hopeless self-examination, we are better off to pray, "Search me, O God, and know my heart."

Surrender your heart to the Lord. Allow him to examine and to heal it.

Search me, O God, and know my heart today,

Try me, O Savior, know my thoughts, I pray;

See if there be some wicked way in me;

Cleanse me from every sin, and set me free.

I praise Thee, Lord, for cleansing me from sin;

Fulfill Thy word and make me pure within;

Fill me with fire, where once I burned with shame;

Grant my desire to magnify Thy name.

Lord, take my life, and make it wholly Thine;

Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine;

Take all my will, my passion, self and pride;

I now surrender, Lord, in me abide.

O Holy Ghost, revival comes from Thee;

Send a revival, start the work in me;

Thy Word declares Thou wilt supply our need;

For blessings now, O Lord, I humbly plead.

James E. Orr

Good Tidings of Great Joy

2009-12-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

The incarnation of Jesus is one of the most important events in history. He could have redeemed us without walking on water, without feeding 5000, without raising Lazarus, but he could not redeem us without coming in human form. Without the baby in the manger there could be no Calvary, and no salvation. What happened at Bethlehem is not on par with everything else. It is one of a small number of events of which we can say, “without that, there would be no Gospel, and no hope for us.”

Remembering the incarnation could be done without a special day, although many people find the special day helpful. There is nothing wrong with having special days, provided they do not become an excuse for neglecting duties on other days (Rom 14:5). Most of us take some note of our wedding anniversary. This is good, so long as we do not then forget our marriage vows the rest of the year. In November we set aside one day to give thanks. Most find this helpful, but it does not excuse us from giving thanks at other times. The coming of Christ also should be remembered all year. Either observe a special day, or do not do so, based on what helps you remember best.

Criticizing others for giving thanks on the fourth Thursday of November might not be the ideal way to get others to give thanks the other 364 days. Criticizing our neighbors or fellow Christians for remembering Jesus on December 25 may not be the best way to get them to think about him on the other 364 days. If we remember best without a special day, that is fine for us, but we should not put down those who remember by means of a special day. If we think a special day helps us remember, that is fine, provided we do not insist that others honor the day the same way we do.

The bottom line is pretty clear. He came as a baby, but he came for a cross. May we always remember his coming and the purpose for which he came. May we give glory to him December 25 and every other day as well.

Making the Best of Difficulty

2009-12-15T05:50:00.000-08:00

In the early days of television advertising, it was popular to demonstrate the durability of a product. One early commercial involved strapping a watch to the propeller of an outboard motor. The motor was lowered into a drum of water and run for a few seconds. At that point the camera was supposed to show the watch “still ticking.” Unfortunately the commercial, which was shown live, did not turn out as intended. The camera zoomed in to show a watch badly in need of repair.

Quick thinking by the announcer prevented disaster for the watchmaker. The announcer took this as a opportunity to picture them as an honest company that did not make unreasonable claims. It worked. Their sales went up.

Some try to pretend that storms never descend on good people, that Christians never have difficulties. This is unbiblical and just plain wrong. God sends his rain on the just and on the unjust (Matt 5:45). The peace that Jesus promises (Jn 14:27) is not an absence of difficulty (Matt 10:34ff) but a sense of purpose and faith which brings peace in the midst of difficulties (Matt 10:19). Suffering will sometimes be the lot of the follower of Christ (1 Pet 2:18-24).

If Christians respond to difficulty with complaint, especially if we become whiners, we bring reproach on the name of Christ. But if we respond to adversity as Christ responded, we “adorn the doctrine of God” (Titus 2:10).

The life of Christ was far from trouble free. It is unreasonable to expect that we, as his followers, will have trouble free lives. Honesty demands that we admit this.

Let’s be honest in how we advertise Christianity. Some of us, like that watch, have taken a beating and are badly in need of repair. We cannot always hide that fact from others; but we can respond in a Christ-like manner.

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good” (1 Peter 4:19).

Climate Change Solutions

2009-12-12T05:05:00.001-08:00

I have a problem with what is going on in Copenhagen (Washington, and East Anglia). It is not that I am opposed to measures to reduce the amount of fossil fuel being consumed. I am very much in favor of reducing the use of fossil fuels; I just wonder why certain obvious measures are never discussed, while other, more questionable ones, are vigorously promoted.

In many parts of the United States it is illegal to hang your clothes out to dry. Vegetable gardens are also forbidden in some communities. If we really want to reduce the emission of 'greenhouse gasses’ does it make sense to allow such ordinances? If the climate change alarmists are right, and we urgently need to take action, why not start with the simple action of federal or state laws that encourage clotheslines and gardens?

Clotheslines would save a lot of fuel (and a lot of emissions). Clothes dried on a clothesline are not dried in a dryer, and that is a significant savings. Our vegetable garden means that we can pick our own lettuce; no need to truck it in from California or Mexico. Again, we are saving fuel and emissions.

But no one in Washington is interested in such simple solutions. The only solutions they are interested in are solutions that increase their power over citizens. They do not want solutions that involve decreasing the regulation of our lives. They want solutions that increase regulation.

Pardon me, but I am getting rather cynical. I get the feeling that climate change is not their real concern. It is little wonder that so many are quick to believe that the whole climate change ‘science’ was just made up.

Disappointed?

I hope that you are disappointed by this posting, so far. I hope that you are understanding my point, but that you are disappointed that I seem to have taken off on a political issue. If you wanted politics, you could get that elsewhere. This blog is supposed to help us spiritually, so I really ought to leave the politics out of it.

Good, glad we agree.

There is a spiritual point to all of this, I am just slow getting to it.

The political leaders are overlooking the simple straightforward solutions (for some reason). Are we not often guilty of the same error in our daily lives?

We sin and, instead of confessing, we try to talk ourselves out of it. We justify ourselves. Why not just go to our Father and say, "I have sinned"?

We say that we want to be near God, but instead of approaching him as he has instructed, we develop our own theories of his nature and our own means of approaching him. He gives us his word, but we want to know him by means of our own feelings and experiences, instead of buckling down to studying (and practicing) the message he gave us.

Maybe Copenhagen is not a conspiracy. Maybe it is just human nature to look for a complicated solution and ignore the obvious one. Looking at our lives, I am inclined to suspect it is just our fallen human nature.

Personal Salvation or God’s Glory

2009-12-08T06:07:00.001-08:00

Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

This is a passage that amazes most Christians. As far as most Christians are concerned, THE reason for being a Christian is personal salvation. So how can Paul say that he would be willing to be lost for the sake of saving others?

The goal of personal salvation is nearly always prominent in conversion, and there is nothing wrong with that (Acts 2:37-40). But Paul has reached a point, and every Christian should reach a point, where the glory of God is more important to them than their own salvation. Paul being lost would not cause his nation to be saved, but if it were possible, and if their being saved would honor God more than Paul’s personal salvation, then Paul is willing to be lost for the sake of this greater good. Of course, Paul wants to be saved, and expects to be saved, but his personal salvation is not the most important thing to him.

It does not disturb me that a new born baby is self-focused. For the sake of survival they must be, and there is nothing they can do to serve others anyway. But when a child of eight or ten is still fully self-focused, I get concerned. When a teenager is still fully self-focused, it is alarming. When an adult is self-focused, it is depressing.

It does not disturb me that a new convert is focused on personal salvation. But it alarms me when I meet Christians who ought to have grown beyond that point who are still totally preoccupied with their own salvation. It alarms me because they ought to have enough confidence in Christ that they would not be doubting their salvation; and because they ought to have grown to the point of being more focused on helping others and glorifying God.

Yes, we want to be saved, that is appropriate. But it is not all about us, it is about the glory of God (Isa 43:21; Phil 1:10-11; 1 Peter 2:9; 4:1-11).

Half of Christ

2009-12-01T05:44:00.000-08:00

I have long been concerned about those who speak of “accepting Jesus as your personal Savior.” There is great danger in asking Christ to be our Savior, instead of admitting him to be Lord of our lives. If we accept the Lordship of Jesus, he will certainly save us. But if we ask him to be Savior, while refusing his Lordship, we are insulting him. We must not expect salvation while willfully continuing in sin.

The problem is not a new one.

In a letter to James Lindsey (7 Sept 1637), Samuel Rutherford wrote of our tendency to divide Christ and take only half of him. We desire him as savior, “but ‘Lord’ is a cumbersome word; and to obey ... is the cumbersome and stormy northside of Christ....” Later he adds, “...to rely on Christ, and not to be weary of sin, is presumption, not faith. Faith is ever neighbour to a broken and contrite spirit; and it is impossible that faith can be where there is not a cast-down and contrite heart, in some measure, for sin. Now it is certain that God commandeth no man to presume.”

John tells us, “If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 Jn 1:6). And “Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (2:4). John also tells us, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (2:15). And “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him” (3:6).

Jesus himself has said, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (Jn 14:15).The whole Christ, that is what we need. He is first and foremost Lord, then he is Savior. It is presumption to speak of him as Savior while not obeying him as Lord.

Comprehensive Thankfulness

2009-11-24T05:03:00.000-08:00

"Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things! Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield. "Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. "The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. I will restore to you the years that the warming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. "You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame." (Joel 2:21-27 ESV)

This passage is appropriate for the week when we in America have our minds on giving thanks to God.

It is unfortunate that so few give thanks. It is unfortunate that so many of those who give thanks seem to be so narrow in their thankfulness. The passage is concerned with thankfulness for material blessings. After a destructive locust plague, they are now being blessed with an abundant harvest. But the thankfulness does not stop there. It is the presence of God in their midst which is the primary blessing (27). All other blessings flow from this.

May we also seek, first and foremost, the presence of God, and trust that in that presence all that happens will turn out to be for our blessing (Rom 8:28).

The Doctor & The Garbage Man

2009-11-20T05:27:00.000-08:00

A couple of years ago, Chery and I had lunch with Jack Thorn, a Vice President of Ohio Valley University. Also included in the group was Don Lallathin, an assistant to the VP that I have known for several years. About half way through the meal a funny thing happened. Don made a reference to my father, and Jack turned pale.

You see, before Don joined us, Jack had told me about how Don used to attend a small church that had a doctor, a policeman, a farmer and a garbage collector as members. Whenever he took his out of town friends with him to worship, Don would always tell them to try to pick out these people. Normally the doctor would be mistaken for the garbage collector, the garbage collector would be mistaken for the policeman, the farmer or the policeman would be mistaken for the doctor.

The reason Jack turned pale was that he suddenly realized that I knew all about this and that my father was the garbage man.

I see three lessons in this.

First, you really cannot judge people by the surface. I suppose that most of us will keep doing so, but it does not work and it is not right (James 2:1-7).

Second, we need to be careful what we say and how we say it. We never know how close to home we may be hitting. The situation would have been very different if Jack had told the story in a tone that indicated disrespect for garbage collectors. He had not spoken in such a tone, and so I was not offended.

Third, honest work is honorable. I was not bothered by the conversation because I have never been ashamed of the work my father did at the close of his working life. In fact, I was proud of the fact that my father would rather work at a menial task than fail to provide for his own.