Tis the Season to Follow Jesus

Once again we come to Christmas Eve—that seemingly magical night when Santa travels the world bringing gifts to children. Adults may think they have a clearer understanding of the holiday, but sadly that is not evident. As I was standing in line at the grocery store yesterday (two days before Christmas), I had several minutes to observe the people all waiting to pay for their goodies, many of whom obviously were rushed. These days we don’t have to look at the people in the line because they’ve installed televisions in every line, no doubt enticing us to find that last-minute item on the list; ‘tis the season, right?

Luke 14:33 says, “In the same way, therefore, every one of you who does not say good-bye to all his possessions cannot be My disciple” (The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version. Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 2003). The voice of Jesus in this passage is a blow to the commercial portrayal of a baby who seemingly inspired our notion of giving gifts in celebrating his birthday. Somehow even Christians have gotten sucked into the race for gifts. Is this possession obsession limited to Christmas or even to our culture? It would seem the answer is no. Jesus’ speaks to all generations and cultures, and he’s drawing a line in the sand: true followers will let it all go.

Our problem is our tendency to cling tightly to material treasures or even human relationships. Jesus in verse 26 says “if anyone comes to Me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.” Nolland (2002) writes that the shocking word ‘hate’ is a classic expression of exaggeration where Jesus uses the word hate to connote unrestricted “freedom of action” as one is released from “ties that bind.” Nolland explains that Luke is emphasizing Jesus’ expectation that necessarily includes voluntary divestiture of all that encumbers the true disciple. He expects the follower of Jesus to live free from all human burdens and instead focus on total discipleship—including relinquishing all rights to a comfortable life on earth (Nolland, John. Word Biblical Commentary: Luke 9:21-18:34. Dallas: Word, Inc., 2002. Vol. 35B, p. 762-764). As J. Vernon McGee puts it, “These verses are simply saying that we should put God first. A believer’s devotedness to Jesus Christ should be such that, by comparison, it looks as if everything else is hated” (McGee, J. V. Thru the Bible Commentary. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997. Vol. 4, p. 311).

So, is Jesus saying we must own nothing at all or to act viciously towards our friends and family? I would say no, for even in the context Jesus is not arguing that his follower be a hateful person. “A disciple must subordinate all earthly relationships to loyalty to Christ. Hate does not mean to bear ill will, but to choose Christ over all others” (Spirit Filled Life Study Bible. electronic ed., Lk 14:26. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1997). Thus, returning to verse 33, I believe the context instructs a true disciple to “say goodbye” and live with no strings attached to this world. When a Christian operates in this mode, that person will be generous, self-sacrificing, and passionate about God’s kingdom. They will also not retaliate when wronged, and will trust God for everything they need in this life and in eternity. Let those who claim to follow Jesus demonstrate detachment and show the world the true meaning of Christmas.

Do You Grieve for Your Adversary?

As I continue on my journey in Moody Graduate School this fall, my various assignments, readings, and papers have taken me to places I have seldom visited. In one class we are to write a paper on the Sermon on the Mount, commonly referenced as the Beatitudes. In another class (Old Testament Literature and Themes) I am reading through various Psalms of David. Certainly these two activities would not be related, right?

Wrong! Psalm 35:11-14 says:

Malicious witnesses come forward;
They question me about things
I do not know.
They repay me evil for good,
making me desolate.
Yet when they were sick,
my clothing was sackcloth;
I humbled myself with fasting,
and my prayer was genuine.
I went about grieving as if
for my friend or brother;
I was bowed down with grief,
like one mourning a mother.

So when Jesus declares in Matthew 5:44 "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." I have to wonder how I missed this connection before. As David is called "a man after God's own heart" (1 Samuel 13:14), it amazes me to think Jesus was very much the "son of David." Jesus echoes God the Father's heart as the "exact representation" of the Father (Hebrews 1), and David's heart foreshadowed that of Jesus.

Thus, as a follower of Jesus I must allow both the Old Testament and New Testament to speak clearly. I confess that it's rare when I weep for my adversary as if he were my friend or brother. What may be even worse, I seldom pray for Christian brothers with whom I may be in disagreement. As Jesus continued in the sermon in Mt. 5:46-47, "For if you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Don't even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing out of the ordinary?"

It is time that I do what is out of the ordinary. It's also time for the Church do the same. In our valiant efforts to be "people of the Book" we sometimes whack that Book on the heads of those who may be on the other side. Let us grieve as if for our friend. Let us be genuine in our prayers and love for those who persecute and deride us. Let us have the heart of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world.

Run To Your Weakness?

Having just returned to higher education after a hiatus, I can testify without shame that I'm a little rusty. This week marks my entry into Moody Graduate School, and I just dropped a class after realizing 15 semester hours is too heavy a load. I prefer to avoid death by aggregate paper cuts from reading too much! Of course I still have a lot with 12 semester hours, but I'm breathing a bit easier (just a bit!).

It takes courage to realize one's weaknesses. I know that I'm not the fastest reader, and in fact I prefer to read critically and thoughtfully in a way that is more rewarding to me even as it requires more effort (time). I have a luxury to reduce my load and avoid having my weakness be a problem. Yet there are times when it seems God purposefully leads us to weakness--in fact, it would seem almost always God uses us most often in our weakness.

This is a strange concept for most of us. Our culture tells us to build our self-worth by pursuing our strengths and developing them. Career guidance books often suggest that we consider "what would you do if money were no object?" as a way to ascertain what drives us and in what areas do we see our strengths. Corporate human resource managers strategize over this very idea, attempting to align an employee to the role best suited to one's strengths.

So why doesn't God do that? Simple: we'd take all the credit. Psalm 34:2 says "my soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad" (ESV). What a joy it is to read that. I am, in fact, glad about my weakness as it gives me an opportunity to highlight God's strength. Now we all desire to boast in something really excellent and worthy. Perhaps we should challenge ourselves to run towards our weaknesses, trusting in God to see how he'll display his glory. I know that's what my goal is as I press on in graduate school, facing my fears and weaknesses, but trusting in God's strength to get me through the challenge so that I can boast in him. As it says in Isaiah 40:29 "He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak" (NLT).

The Heavens Declare

And all I can say is Amen...

Psalm 19:1-14 ESV
(1) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
(2) Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.
(3) There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.
(4) Their measuring line goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,
(5) which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.
(6) Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat.
(7) The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
(8) the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
(9) the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
(10) More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.
(11) Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
(12) Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults.
(13) Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.
(14) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

LORD: I thank you for a refreshing time away these last two weeks. I praise you for your lovingkindness to me and how you've revealed yourself in creation and your written Word. Amen.

US-minted Missionary Coin: Head’s we’re Wretched, Tails we’re Dead

American Evangelicals have a proud history of sending missionaries to reach the lost with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. These missionaries have seen a lost world that needs the Lord and have dedicated their life’s work to proclaiming God’s love throughout the world. Those who have responded to this call have usually been gifted, trained, and sent by and through American churches and American mission agencies.

Very often mission agencies have identified target areas are in the greatest need for the good news. Mission agencies have developed statistical analysis to assist in this process. This has recently been demonstrated by what is known as the 10/40 window.

“The 10/40 window is an area of the world that contains the largest population of non-Christians in the world. The area extends from 10 degrees to 40 degrees North of the equator, and stretches from North Africa across to China” http://1040window.org/what_is.htm).

Many mission agencies have set the 10/40 window as their highest priority, and with good reason: “95% of the people living in the 10/40 Window are un-evangelized. Many have never heard the Gospel message even once” http://home.snu.edu/~hculbert/1040.htm#facts. And with two-thirds of the world’s population living in this window, that 95% represents a statistical cry for a new wave of Christian missionaries.

But are we equipped to go? While most would argue that the West and the United States in particular has an abundance of churches and many have heard the gospel, we live in an age of increasingly skeptical, secular people in these very churches.

Many churches are closing: my understanding is that everyday nine churches close their doors in the United States. Of the churches that aren’t necessarily struggling to stay solvent, how many are spiritually alive? While the 10/40 window is clearly in need of the gospel of Jesus, America is showing itself to be spiritually impoverished. Like the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14-20), we say we “are rich…and have need of nothing” yet we are “wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked” (verse 17 NASB).

Jesus’ next words in verse 18 are poignant: “I advise you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness will not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see.” It is difficult to avoid seeing the parallel between Laodicea and America. Before we can toss in another mission coin into the 10/4o window, American Christians need to take a hard look and see if we ourselves are not wretched and poor and naked.

From what I’ve seen, the people of 10/40 don’t need our brand of materialistic Christianity—they need Jesus the Messiah, the One who died for them, whom God raised from the dead, the One who transforms them into the image of Christ—and I am increasingly convinced that America does as well (again).

Real Friend

There are "friends" who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother (Proverbs 18:24 NLT). As most people know, finding a real friend is not easy. It takes effort on our part to be vulnerable to another human being. Every time we attempt that we run the risk of being hurt. Yet when we do find that friend there is great joy.

I have had the joy of such friendships only rarely. It seems God has brought people into my life only to have them move on to a new life somewhere else in the world. I suppose as I've made friends with people who have dedicated their life to God's service I should not be surprised. Yet the pain of their departure is not easily tempered with this understanding. It takes faith for me to let them go; faith to realise that God brought them into my life and that both of us were enriched in such a way as to be useful to God.

"Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God (James 2:23b ESV). Abraham is one of my Bible heroes. He, too, left everything on the word from God to leave his home to a land he didn't know. He left everyone behind except his wife. Abraham's belief and trust in God's word allowed God to act in Abraham's life: to establish a covenant promise, and to enable Abraham to become a friend of God.

If a real friend sticks closer than a brother, then friendship with God is beyond description. He is ever faithful, ever loving, and He becomes our Father when we're adopted into His family. What joy can be found to match His love? I know of nothing in this world.

Divine Intervention: It’s Natural!

In our conflicted days where we cannot decide if the world was the special creation of God or a result of natural processes, it does us good to examine the question of God’s interaction with the world today. It is likely the questions surrounding science and origins will never be answered to everyone’s satisfaction until the “Day of the Lord,” when the new creation and New Jerusalem is revealed with Jesus Himself.

Thus, I submit that we who claim the name of Christ should focus on the nature of God to provide us with a framework for tackling the question of special creation, of Divine intervention, of the God of Israel (YHWH) creating and relating to His creation. Therefore, I leave the questions regarding the literal account in Genesis for another time.

My examination turns to the Creator’s personal involvement in His creation today. For that the following text is useful:

Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; make melody to our God on the lyre! He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills. He gives to the beasts their food, and to the young ravens that cry. His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man, but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.
(Psalms 147:7-11 ESV)

This excerpt is one of several examples that declare God is active in His creation. Notice that YHWH himself creates clouds and rain, and he makes grass grow. To accomplish that would require intimate understanding of atmospheric conditions and of the earth itself. Moreover, He feeds the animals both large and small. YHWH is personally involved in the most basic processes of animal life. From this text it would seem the Creator is not only seen as instrumental in the original creation, but He maintains all life and that which sustains life.

The Psalmist then shifts his focus from the animal kingdom to mankind and specifically on God’s covenant people—those who fear Him. Here special consideration and expectations arise. What is striking is the Lord taking pleasure on those who rely on him in fear. There seem to be no expectations from the animals to respond to the Creator, yet YHWH takes pleasure in those who place their trust in His provision.

At the same time He does not delight in man’s own effort to make a life for himself: “His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man” (verse 10). Yes, man should work (the Bible is clear that laziness is discouraged), and I think in this context the horse's strength corresponds to man's use of the animal. Yet God delights when man recognizes that the fruit of our labor as coming from God. NASB renders verse 11b “Those who wait for His lovingkindness.” Thus, the text encourages us to recognize YHWH as the loving provider and for us to wait on the Lord.

The Hebrew word used in verse 11 is chêsêd (pronounced kheh'-sed). It describes God’s goodness, kindness, faithfulness. It is found 246 times in the Old Testament (NASB):

deeds of devotion 2, devotion 1, devout 1, faithfulness 1, favor 2, good 1, kindly 7, kindness 32, kindnesses 1, loveliness 1, lovingkindness 176, lovingkindnesses 7, loyal deeds 1, loyalty 6, mercies 1, merciful 2, mercy 1, righteousness 1, unchanging love 2
(http://bible.crosswalk.com/Lexicons/Hebrew/heb.cgi?number=02617&version=nas)

It is the loving faithfulness of YHWH for those who fear Him that proves God is active and working in His creation every day. When one reads the biblical stories of YHWH and His dealings with the world, man, and His chosen people with whom He made covenants of promise, one can readily see YHWH regards His creation with love and faithfulness. Moreover, there are countless followers of the Messiah who can testify to God’s lovingkindness and faithfulness in their daily lives and specific circumstances.

As history unfolds and the remaining promises are fulfilled completely, there will be no doubt that God’s design was not only to create but to relate to His creation and the debate will be over. Regardless of whatever scientific research may assert, we must set our faith in YHWH and recognize his lovingkindness and faithfulness to the universe, world, nations, communities, and individuals who “fear him” and “hope in his steadfast love.”

Bethanne & Jared - Tennessee Holiday

Worship Wars: Revenge of the Serpent

With the camera descending amid turbulent fire and the backdrop of the ancient galactic stage, the view reveals the most daring rescue of the lost people of God. Our hero is none other than the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. The lens brings into focus the locus of history—the culmination of a struggle between good and evil. With victory won, the redeemed are given the mission of preaching the gospel; those formerly of the enemy’s camp were now pleading to the world: “Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20b).

As the message of reconciliation spread out, the world witnessed a cause an outsider might consider lost. How could a fugitive band of rebels produce such inroads into Rome itself? Yet this message did move out, “bearing fruit and growing all over the world” (Colossians 1:6b), and those being saved responded to God’s wondrous grace in worship of the Redeemer and pledged their lives to His service.

Yet the dark lord did not take defeat well and he hatched a plan to sidetrack the mission of the church by inciting civil war within. In the early days of the war, false teachers slipped into the church and created division. Factions arose and derided the apostles and the gospel itself. Those seeking personal glory found some success in leading Christian warriors astray. After a few centuries the dark days of tyrannical church rule fell on much of the world and held the pure gospel message captive in its grip.

Nearly a thousand years later the Reformation emerged as a group of freedom fighters rallied around the foundation of biblical truth, and the gospel message resumed its mission. While initially relegated to northern territories in Europe, the Reformation grew and millions joined the cause and rediscovered worship and mission.

Once again that old serpent was not long held at bay and he plotted to destroy the church from within. More and more believers split over doctrinal differences, and worship itself became a tool for emphasizing those splits. By the twentieth century the world would have hundreds of sects all pursuing separate goals and worshipping within their clouded convictions and cultures.

Not content to merely split the larger church itself, the serpent instigated division within local churches by means of the generation gap and disputes over style of music. Satan realized that he could disable the churches if its people could not attain unity within their own congregations. This tactic has now resulted in fragmented churches with “traditional” and “contemporary” services (whatever those mean), and in the 21st century we see this separatist trend being amplified within many Christian sectors. Even now the battle over worship, its form, function, and focus is taking our eyes off of the primary mission and from the Lover of our souls.

We are at war. The stakes are high. Our dim view of the Most High and our focus on the mundane and temporary has blinded us. It is time for us to rediscover the real Force: the Holy Spirit at work within us where we are “speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making music to the Lord in [our] hearts, giving thanks always for everything [without grumbling] to God the Father” where we should “submit to one another in the fear of Christ” (Ephesians 5:19-21)...

...and the saga continues. Let us pray and work towards the next episode where God is glorified in our lives, and where the world once again marvels at this "foolish" gospel.

The Church and Culture: Who’s Leading Who?

The 21^st century finds the western church attempting to redefine itself (again). We have witnessed immeasurable change in our world in last two centuries, and the church right along with it. All one has to do is search the Internet for words like ‘Emerging Church,’ ‘worship wars,’ and ‘gay marriage’ or visit web sites like Christianity Today and Lifeway (just to name a few) to see the myriad challenges facing the church.

For instance, Lifeway surveyed “more than 1,300 ministry leaders from Europe, North America and elsewhere” and identified the 10 top issues facing today’s church (items include sexuality, marriage, leadership, prayer, etc.). These issues are generally focused on areas with which the local church or denomination must respond and act (I define a denomination as a confederation of local churches with a variety of organizational structures, authority, and functions).

Christianity Today seems to address even broader, cultural and inter-denominational topics (e.g. Roman Catholic-Evangelical dialogue, inter-faith ecumenicalism, popular culture and ‘culture wars’, ‘worship wars’, globalization, etc.). These issues seem to face the larger, universal church throughout the world (the universal church defined as the spiritual church that includes all true believers throughout the world).

Within this very limited examination (there are many more websites, books, and periodicals devoted to the aforementioned topics), the careful observer should recognize how the culture seems to drive the church on many of these issues. This is not a new development. Indeed, any study of church history would reveal the repetition of the culture overtaking the church in virtually every aspect. From almost the earliest days the Christian church has flirted with the world with disastrous results. However, with the increasing pace of change in our world the church is struggling to respond and the affects of culture are more pronounced.

Enter the so-called Emerging Church discussion (devotees resist calling it a ‘movement’). Today there is growing dialogue resulting from the dissatisfaction of the younger western generations (‘Gen X’ and ‘Millennial’). The dissatisfaction targets the model of church inherited from the previous generation. Scott Bader-Saye claims “the professed goal of many in the “Emerging Church” is to embody an alternative to the model of the Willow Creek, seeker-driven church that blankets the contemporary evangelical landscape like kudzu on a southern hillside” (The Emergent matrix: A new kind of church? http://www.christiancentury.org/feat_article.html?articleid=1).

This alternative model reflects the bold, brash, techno-savvy, postmodern culture of the 21^st century. The desire seems to be centered on finding a fresh, new way to be the church for a postmodern world. While I am sympathetic to the problems and failures of the church (both local and universal), I do not believe this discussion and new model will bring about spiritual renewal. Moreover, I submit that it is really the same OLD idea of culture driving the church.

Just how old is this problem, and what might be the solution? Luke 10:25-37 may offer a clue. It is the familiar story of the ‘Good Samaritan’. An expert in the Law of Moses tested Jesus by asking: "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" ²⁶ "What is written in the law?" He asked him. "How do you read it?" ²⁷ He answered: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. ²⁸ "You've answered correctly," He told him. "Do this and you will live."

Jesus knew this man’s real intention. This expert was a lawyer hoping to trap Jesus by his argument. The lawyer responded "And who is my neighbor?"

³⁰ Jesus took up the question and said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him up, and fled, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down that road. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. ³² In the same way, a Levite, when he arrived at the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, while traveling, came up to him; and when he saw the man, he had compassion. ³⁴ He went over to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back I'll reimburse you for whatever extra you spend.' ³⁶ "Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" ³⁷ "The one who showed mercy to him," he said. Then Jesus told him, "Go and do the same." (Luke 30-37 Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Jesus’ parable refutes the lawyer and it underscores verse 27 by showing how we are to demonstrate our love to God and our neighbor. The normal interpretation rightly highlights the historical enmity between Samaritans and Jews, showing the Samaritan to be a man of compassion and mercy while overcoming the shame of being a despised foreigner. Additionally, that loving mercy is contrasted against the deplorable, self-righteous attitude of the “professional” religious men who disregarded the desperate man. Thus, the Samaritan illustrated how one is to love God and man, the epitome of God’s law of life.

It is within the two paradigms of personal behaviors shown in this parable that one can observe the failure of the church, both historically and today, and at the same time see the simple solution offered by Jesus himself: love God with everything you have, and risk everything you have for each other.

Matthew 22:34-40 supports this by declaring that our total love towards God and our neighbor supports all other religious activity. If we truly love God and people, we will set aside our pride, endure shame, and find common ground between all who are in Christ. If we do this the church will take its proper place as leading the culture back to God instead of the culture leading the church astray. “And they’ll know we are Christians by our love…”

Fear the LORD

— Psalm 111:10 “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom…”

In an age where we think ourselves so wise, it is unthinkable how we no longer fear the Lord God. Our casual culture has cultivated irreverence and arrogance towards our Creator. How can it be that we who “address as Father the One who judges impartially” (1 Peter 1:17a) do not “conduct [ourselves] in reverence” here in our “temporary residence”? Answer: we do not know Him.

If we took the time to get to know God, our response would be materially changed. In such effort there is no doubt God would inculcate a sense of awe and wonder that would produce a healthy fear of the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…”

It is our shallow and casual disrespect of the Almighty in our churches that has prevented this understanding. While I do not discount the need to incorporate contemporary styles of musical worship (anyone who knows me will attest, as I play drums in church), I lament the side-affect produced in many congregations of turning worship into entertainment. What I find interesting is that it’s not the music per se, but rather the attitude. I could argue modern, even progressive music could set the stage for effective worship. If one defines worship appropriately to be man’s reflection of the worth of God in spirit and truth, then worship can manifest in almost limitless flavors and musical styles.

So if style itself is not the issue but rather attitude and content, then the solution is to develop an authentic, authoritative understanding of who God is. This is accomplished by centering worship on God’s word. Moreover, the Bible should be used not merely as instructional text for sermons, though useful and imperative. It is the story of God and his dealing with his creation that is vitally important to knowing God himself. And the critical result that emerges is a praise-worthy fear of God.

Thus, as we discover Almighty God's power, justice, righteousness, and love, our response comes full circle to fearing God, which leads to praise. As Psalm 111:10 underscores: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Let the children of God fear him, thus resulting in reverent conduct and “obedience to the truth” (1 Peter 1:22a), and let our worship invite us back to the humble view of ourselves and exalted view of the Almighty. "What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul..." (Deut 10:12).

Can we hide under a bushel? NO!

— Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is full of living power… It exposes us for what we really are.”

I have sometimes wondered if other people know what I am thinking. Some have even told me that I easily betray my feelings by my facial expressions and body language; it appears that I am quite transparent. Yet I believe I am quite capable of preventing most people from knowing my inner thoughts. By and large I have come to operate as a creature of privacy and anonymity in a culture that tolerates such attributes and even protects them.

Sometimes I believe that this self-protected isolation from others is impenetrable. As an actor on the stage of life I have learned appropriate behaviours, speech, and attitudes that are adapted and improvised over my lifetime to fit the scene. God by his Word and Holy Spirit has been correcting me and helping me see this is a self-deception and does not reflect what it means to be a new creation.

I can recall with regret my lifestyle at age 20. I found myself in a “consenting” yet inappropriate dating relationship that embodied this deviant behaviour. I portrayed myself a fundamental Christian, yet privately I was in sin. When two people enter into immoral behaviour together our society responds by saying we should not criticize what consenting adults do in private. This is a smoke screen designed by our culture to protect our private, hidden lives from scrutiny. This cultural norm should not surprise us, as during the last two hundred years our culture was learning quickly learning how to remove God from public view. As we make our way through the 21^st century we believe we do so without restraint or review of the Almighty.

So when we (me and thee) read the Bible we should come to realize how foolish we all can be. Hebrews 4:12 explains that “…the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are” (New Living Translation). This should give us pause.

What’s more, Ephesians 4:30a implores us: “…do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live.” We act as though God only sees our public behaviour (if that) and it really doesn’t matter anyway because he forgives us (assuming one has received forgiveness). True children of God have his Spirit inside of us and he sees all things—our hidden motives, thoughts, feelings, and desires. We can’t fool our heavenly Father! We who are “identified as his own” have no secrets from God. While today we fear about protecting our privacy against identity theft, we ignore the One from whom nothing is hidden. We “are naked and exposed.”

The good news is that God doesn’t leave us unprotected. When we seek protection by protecting ourselves through ‘perceived’ privacy of thoughts and actions, we forget that we are exposed to God’s ever-watchful eyes. But as Hebrews 4 continues in verses 14-16: “That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.”

My prayer is that we wake up, open our eyes to this reality, and come boldly to our high priest and the throne of grace. Amen.

Not Ashamed of the Gospel, But...

I am increasingly ashamed to be called an evangelical. This is not for theological reasons. My system of beliefs remains solidly evangelical: I firmly attest that the Bible in its original transmission was God-breathed, reliably inerrant, and the vehicle of God’s authority to man. Moreover, we are made right with God by grace through faith—not of ourselves (Ephesians 2:8). This is arguably the core set of beliefs for evangelical Christians.

Today in America the term ‘evangelical’ has been expanded to include ultra-conservative political ideologies. The ongoing culture wars reveal the increasing political visibility and influence of this self-affirmed demographic. Many leaders within evangelical organizations (churches and parachurch organizations) are energized around political issues. This has generated much publicity, especially with the 2004 electoral campaigns.

Now I do not deny that the role of the Christian includes the reshaping of our world. Indeed history tells us how the Roman Empire was radically altered once Christianity was officially recognized as a tolerated religion. The first three centuries marked growing persecution of Christians, who were seen as subversive and promoting anarchy against Caesar. It was the high moral standards (notably in marital fidelity, charity, and overall moral ethics) that earned credibility for followers of Jesus the Christ. However, once Rome tolerated and later endorsed Christianity as the preferred state religion, the gospel message and personal piety of its followers became distorted.

My fear is that our contemporaries have ignored the lessons of the early church. Christian leaders today (specifically evangelicals) are striving to create a Christian state within our existing government structure. By making this the goal, evangelicals are unwittingly falling into Satan’s trap: the church was at its best when its goal was not targeting governmental assimilation, but rather the great periods of growth occurred during the days of persecution while the simple message of Christ crucified marched on, changing lives through the power of God’s Holy Spirit (Romans 1:16, Colossians 1:6). What’s more, the Bible does not instruct us to Christianize governments. The gospel message (in all its fullness) is to spread though the nations making disciples of people (Colossians 1:6).

I submit that we must return to what it means to be uniquely disciples of the Messiah and to return to the pure gospel message (2 Corinthians 5:20 – “we are ambassadors for Christ…we beg you…be reconciled to God”). We are to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16). We are to “be careful how [we] walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of [our] time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). And we must remind ourselves that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:12). I am almost ready to declare that I am no longer an evangelical, but instead simply a disciple of Jesus the Messiah.

All the World’s a Sanctimonious Stage

— Adjective derogatory making a show of being morally superior. ORIGIN Latin, sanctimonia ‘sanctity’’

The First Lady Laura Bush has just demonstrated for us the ageless principle of hypocrisy. NY Times columnist JOHN TIERNEY wrote of her comedic routine for the press in which she generated more than a few surprised looks from the largely Democratic audience. Even while she did not compose her stand-up act personally, her delivery was warmly received by the media as a welcome breather from the public piety typically on display by the first family. In an age often considered to be increasingly conservative, Laura Bush showed that our new version of conservatism has no problem watching Desperate Housewives and joking about sexual frustration.

However, one need not judge Mr. and Mrs. Bush so harshly. They have simply executed a well-conceived tactic to portray themselves as moderate people who do in fact enjoy worldly pleasures. Moreover, history is replete with examples of sporadic and public piety when it serves their interests, even while private behaviour may not fully line up with public pronouncements of morality. Indeed, this is merely a single example representing countless others who operate much the same way: public piety and private depravity. This spotlights a new twist on the idea of representative government!

The sad truth is that most Christians (including myself, lest anyone think I’m immune) are bad actors on the public stage. We’re more interested in impressing other people with our outward righteousness even while we forget that the Omniscient One sees all, including our hidden motives (Hebrews 4:12). The Bible provides numerous examples of this recurring theme with alarming modern relevance. King Saul is arguably the worst example of this—a man who carefully constructed circumstances to make his actions appear to be congruent with God’s commands, but ultimately God judged his heart and Saul was dethroned.

How is it we so easily fall into this badly written play? We convince ourselves that we are somehow justified by our performance in front of mere mortals, while we ignore the all-powerful Director who critiques our method acting with utter precision. He sees that our service is mostly for show before the eyes of man, and one day the curtain will fall on our pathetic performance.

The good news, however, is that if we willingly submit to God’s cues, we find grace. For Hebrews 4:14-16 reveals that Jesus is our “great high priest” who understands our weakness. He was “tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.” This test was public and private. And because of His victory (both in His life and ministry) He became our living hope and perennial example. Therefore, we must “cling to him and never stop trusting him” (verse 14b)—“so let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it” (verse 16). It is from God’s throne that the perfect performance of His grace transforms us into real people of God, both in public and in private. Only in this way can we stop pretending for the sake of others, and start living for Christ’s sake.

cc: 'Private Obsession' - how do we get objective?

Below is a copy of an e-mail I sent to PAUL KRUGMAN of the NY Times regarding his editorial on conservative leadership's plan for health care (http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/29/opinion/29krugman.html?th&emc=th).

Dear Sir,

After reading your editorial regarding the conservatives’ handling of health care and the “private obsession,” I find myself asking how can policymakers and citizens form objective opinions and create action plans when our information comes to us biased. As you said, “they believe that more privatization, not less, is always the answer. And their faith persists even when the evidence clearly points to a private sector gone bad.” And “all the evidence suggests that we would be much better off under a system of universal coverage.”

What evidence? America needs a process by which data collection and reporting can become at least somewhat unbiased. Surely Martin Feldstein of Harvard has access to data, as does the Bush administration. You did not cite the sources from which you obtained evidence and argued for universal coverage. Now, I agree privatization is risky and do not support the Bush team on this goal. Yet people of intelligence can only form logical opinions when evidence is available and unbiased.

Please help America find the data and promote dialogue based on sound statistical evidence rather than merely on ideological fronts. Accurately measured and reported data offers at least partial remedy to ineffective policymaking and leadership direction.

Regards,
Jared B. Tremper

Starboard bow ahoy!

— ‘Men at War’ at Harvest Bible Chapel exposes truth of every man’s battle

Two points off the starboard bow we see a faint shadow of the enemy frigate. Its gun ports are open and firing at almost point-blank range. The fight is for sexual purity among the men of God in the modern church. The war is raging and several hundred men met this last weekend to rally against the threat.

We discovered the enemy has many tactics, and the battle is fierce. What is remarkable is hearing the songs of victory from men who have faced the enemy undaunted, though not without scars.

Dr. James MacDonald challenged the men to wake up for battle. He identified five signs of spiritual slumber from which we must arise:

1. Spiritually sleepy people prefer warmth over warfare
2. Spiritually sleepy people become angry at the light
3. Spiritually sleepy people are always thinking of comfort (i.e. private comforts like a pillow)
4. Spiritually sleepy people resist the alarm (i.e. snooze – tune out God’s word)
5. Their heart is at rest (no excitement)

As I reflect on my experience this last weekend and the lessons learned from my own battles, I approach Ephesians 6 (battle armor) with more practical appropriation of armour. The commentator E. K. Simpson wrote:

“For this internecine conflict not partial equipment will suffice. The spiritual warrior must be armed cap-a-pie, or his accoutrement rests incomplete. It comprises in all a sevenfold panoply, the first draft of which had already been sketched in 1 Thess. 5:8 and Rom. 13:12. For he will have to dispute every inch of the ground with an adversary unrivalled in crafty ruses as well as open assaults. No constituent part of this divine armour-of-proof for all conceivable exigences can be safely omitted” (Commentary on the Epistles to the Ephesians and Colossians, p. 143)

Our enemy is cunning, and he navigates the waters in his nefarious frigate. But those in Christ belong to heaven’s man-of-war, and the strength of the Almighty empowers us to victory. We must wake up from our slumber, open our eyes to the tactics of our opponent, and “lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith…” (Hebrews 12:1b-2a). Amen.

Pope Benedict XVI is non-negotiable

Allowing for a correction in my initial assesment of the recent selection of the Pope, I now realise Pope Benedict XVI will bring his old-line theology to bear on a distant, secularised Roman church. Today the NY Times stated: "those who expect the 78-year-old Pope Benedict XVI simply to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor may be in for a surprise, say those who know him. They say that he knows he may have a short papacy and that he intends to move quickly to put his own stamp on the Roman Catholic Church and to reverse its decline in the secular West"[1] What seems to be clear now (according to the article) is that many people who may have hoped for change or open dialogue may be disappointed. Moreover, any hope of bringing together other Christian "sects" (so to speak--Protestant demoninations as viewed by some Catholics) is gone. Even within the Roman Church Benedict XVI is likely to come down hard on independent thinkers or those priests who do not agree with virtually every cardinal doctrine.

The NY Times articles continues: "the Rev. M. Price Oswalt, a priest who serves two parishes in Oklahoma City, was exultant about the cardinals' choice. 'He'll correct the lackadaisical attitudes that have been able to creep into the lives of Catholics," he said. "He's going to have a German mentality of leadership: either get on the train or get off the track. He will not put up with rebellious children.'" I suspect Ratzinger will find a number of people may simply find another train.

[1] NY Times, April 20, 2005: An Evangelizer on the Right, With His Eye on the Future http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/20/international/worldspecial2/20assess.html?th&emc=th

Fear and timidity mark Papal selection

Cardinals Name Ratzinger To Lead Catholic Church

— German origin doesn’t offer Lutheran style stand

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL reported on April 19, 2005 4:25 p.m.:

“Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger of Germany, who for more than 20 years was the Vatican's unyielding top authority on doctrine, was chosen to lead the Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, signaling a strong decision that Rome won't veer from the legacy of his predecessor, John Paul II.”

This choice for the first new Pope for the Church of Rome in the 21^st century does little to offer courage in facing the devastating challenge to the catholic faith. Any hope parishioners had in seeing a “face the facts” leadership has currently gone the way of black smoke from the Vatican. While Cardinal Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI) is committed to orthodox beliefs, his old age (he’s 78) assures the Roman church that little change will emerge. Moreover, I suggest he was selected in full knowledge his tenure will be short. This gives Rome a chance to sort out what they think and establish a clearer direction within ten years.

Protestants and Evangelicals should watch carefully, as we too suffer from a vacuum of bold, Christ-centered leadership. Segmented and confused, Protestants are not too different from their Catholic brothers. Both groups rely more on tradition than scripture; both struggle unsuccessfully to find an answer to modern issues; both are generally loosing touch with their people. Worst of all, religion is relegated as an external activity, never sinking into to heart of people.

Many in the Catholic Church desire modification of doctrine to accommodate their new needs, beliefs, and cultural views. While I don’t discount some things should be addressed, the question to ask is: WHAT DOES GOD SAY? We should not look to truth from the ideas of men—Jesus is the way, truth, and life.

Actually, there are some one both sides who humbly walk in the Spirit, who love God as described in Matthew 22:17 (And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind). The prayer we should be offering is that God bring up a new generation who is willing to humbly put their lives on the line for Jesus, to re-examine what they really believe, to seek God’s kingdom and righteousness. Perhaps then God can do in the Church what no man, Pope or otherwise, could do: present his bride (not brides) spotless and holy at the wedding feast.

American conservatism to bring a man-made theocracy? Non Sequitur!

— ORIGIN Latin, ‘it does not follow’

When someone makes an argument employing logic (defined by the Oxford Dictionary as ‘reasoning conducted or assessed according to strict principles of validity’), there is usually a train of thought, as it were, from the beginning to the end. The argument must show consistent flow in its points, not leaping to unsupported conclusions. The points must follow consistently to arrive at its destination, following the path of logic supported by facts. Moreover, observers should be able to assess to validity of the argument and see if it does follow a logical process. As an exercise in logic, let’s examine a perception in our culture and test the logic of the conclusion:

If one has been monitoring American political news since the 2002 election, one would have observed many proclaiming there is a trend towards ‘conservatism’ in America. Many analysts argue the reelection of Bush was largely the result of tapping into this swinging pendulum that appears to be heading towards the so-called right wing. We have seemingly entered a period in US history in which the late President Ronald Reagan would be proud: conservatism. The starting point in the exercise in logic, then, is that America has entered a new era of conservative thought and social values that, in large part, reflect a growing influence of evangelical Christians in society.

To expand on this argument, certain facts must be established. When one thinks of conservatism, the usual ideas are centered on moral behavior in society or of political views. The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines the word conservatism as “tending not to like or trust change, especially sudden change: a conservative society/outlook.” Its secondary definition describes ones appearance, where conservatism in fashion is to avoid trendy, modern looks and instead to dress within the boundaries of historically acceptable codes. Merriam-Webster adds that it is “a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change.”

Let us now add anecdotal evidence to further the argument. Enter Bill Frist and his little war on the judiciary. Whatever one perceives as injustice of the judicial system, which I grant certainly do exist, Frist has used this perception to establish a line of battle against the Senate demanding swift and radical change to the rules on filibuster vis-à-vis presidential appointments of judges.

I submit that this skirmish is merely a smokescreen to a much larger engagement: the establishment of a modern, man-made theocracy in America within the cloak of conservatism. We now have radical, almost predatory elements masquerading in conservatives’ wool. This is not your typical conservative agenda, and this doesn’t seem to follow logically.

To understand just how radical is the idea of a man-made theocracy is paramount to understanding the failure in the argument that America is now trending towards conservatism in relation agendas such as Bill Frist’s. Here are a few data points:

1) Frist’s agenda has captured the attention of the NY Times among other media sources. As most people know, the media has long been a bastion of progressive (aka liberal) forces within our nation. In an editorial from April 16, 2005, the NY Times took issue with Frist’s activities and concluded that “Senator Frist is determined to get judges on the federal bench who are loyal to the Republican fringe and, he hopes, would accept a theocratic test on decisions.” These are strong words that almost reshape the definition of what is conservative and liberal: in this editorial the Times appears conservative and Frist the radical/progressive.

2) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) provides a useful backdrop: a theocracy is seen historically as the fulfillment of God’s will within society within the structure of law and order. Moreover, in ancient times there was virtually no separation between the secular and sacred; “in that sense all governments in antiquity were theocracies.” Yet as Israel failed to follow God’s precepts, and the provisions for monarchy also did not prevent the moral depravity of the nation, God brought judgment on Israel and sent them into exile. In the post-exilic period up through Jesus’ day the modified, man-made theocracy was “run by priests and official interpreters of the law” (ISBE Vol. 3, p. 826). Recalling the attitudes of the Pharisees, one can see the danger of employing a man-made theocracy administered by clerics or those of a particular and zealous religious faith. Moreover, there was little stability during the first century, and by A.D. 70 Jerusalem was destroyed. Hardly a conservative environment—that period was marked by insurrection, anarchy, and injustice.

3) After the nation of Israel became insolvent, the idea of theocracy was slowly replaced with other forms within other nations. Today we see democratic ideals growing, communistic ideals in decline, and monarchies all but extinct. In the world up to World War II, some nations deified their leaders and may have seen their government as somehow sacred. There are, however, few remaining examples of theocracies in existence today (e.g. Iran). Modern, man-made theocracies exhibit extreme legalism within their society along with requisite penalties. It demonstrates that a man-made theocracy is generally tyrannical and does not impart God’s will within a society. Thus, man-made theocracy does not emerge from conservative values, but rather is akin to revolution, tyranny, and false gods.

4) The Bible alludes to an establishment of Messianic, theocratic rule sometime in the future that is established by God himself. Those of the Christian faith recognize this fact and take comfort that all the nations will ultimately answer to YHWH. This will establish perfect justice in the world. It will inaugurate social stability. It will bring healing to the nations. This is arguably the ideal conservatism for which many God-fearing people seek. It is a divine theocracy of perfect origin: “for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants” (Rev 19:2).

Thus, there are essentially two forms of theocracy: man-made and divine-made. One is in direct conflict with the other. Man’s attempt seems to yield less stability, less true piety, and more legalism. It seems to produce tyrants and embolden bureaucrats, all seeking to portray conservative values yet betraying the heart of those values. God’s theocratic rule is from heaven. It is perfect and does not shackle humanity, but rather frees them from bondage to sin.

Now, I am not arguing that we have not entered a period of increasing conservative values in America. There is some evidence to support that claim. However, when fringe elements within conservative people are pushing for radical change within our government resulting in a man-made theocracy, it does not represent traditional, conservative values. It represents radicalism. Mr. Reagan would be appalled!

Bill Frist has garnered support from many evangelicals in his camp, perhaps thinking he represents their views and ideals. Logic suggests, however, that this is not proper conservatism: if Frist (and others) are ultimately seeking to establish a man-made theocracy, then the agenda represents a radical view and that is non sequitur—it does not follow conservative values. Man-made theocracy is not conservative—it is oppressive, prone to abuse, and well outside the bounds of traditional values.

I do not deny our hard-fought rights in a free society to participate within the democratic system. However, the so-called conservative, evangelical “Republicans” must take great care in how they conduct themselves, and with whom they pin their hopes. We must always regard Almighty God as the ultimate judge and ruler, and he will bring justice in his own time and methods. As citizens of heaven we are commanded to “conduct ourselves honorably among Gentiles…to submit to every human institution because of the Lord…For it is God’s will that you, by doing good, silence the ignorance of foolish people” (1 Peter 2:12a, 13a, 15).

The great vanishing act: WISDOM

Isaiah 29:14b
"The wisdom of their wise men will vanish, and the understanding of the perspective will be hidden."

This, of course, was written regarding God's chosen people and their inconceivable abandonment of G-D in their hearts. As verse 13 declares, "these people approach Me with their mouths to honor Me with lip-service—yet their hearts are far from Me..."

As I consider the implications, I find that nothing has really changed over the millennia: the children of Abraham (both by blood and by Spirit) pursue man-made, hollow wisdom instead of that of our Lord. What's more, I find that I myself am not unaffected. This seems to be true in how I read the biblical texts. It would seem I bring much of my own so-called wisdom to the interpretation. I am a latent child of the Enlightenment; secularization of religion borne out of western thought[1]. I am modern and post-modern at the same time—conflicted and confused. Even when seeking the safety of my previously steadfast theology, I now find that greater minds than my own have struggled to unlock the true nature of the Bible and have succumbed to the staggering conclusion that we still know very little and understand even less.

In that light I have come to realise that wisdom itself has vanished because we have turned our hearts away from God. My wife reminded me this week that "the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His instructions have good insight..." (Psalm 111:10). Modernism instructed us to turn away from all that cannot be explained by natural means. Today, post-modernism revisits the spiritual without fearing God or believing that "He exists and rewards those who seek Him [by faith]" (Hebrew 11:6). Thus, even while we see ourselves as intellectual and spiritual (simultaneously holding on to the elements of both modern and post-modern views), Jesus responds that our "worship is a farce, [as we have] replaced God's commands with [our] own man-made teachings" (Matthew 15:9).

While I realise we do well to revisit and re-examine our long-held beliefs, and anyone who knows me would attest this is something of a regular occurance in my journey, we must never allow our hearts to turn from God and His annointed one, the Messiah known as Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus came to this world to embody wisdom itself and to reveal the Father to us. My new-found desire is to return to the gospels afresh, seeking to understand the essential message it contains. I hope to redress my presuppositions and preconceptions to find the real Messiah. It is to HIM I must devote myself, and to the Father who will have my heart. Amen.

[1] "Enlightenment." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 14 Apr. 2005 <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?tocId=9032680>

Interesting Protestant/Evangelical Thinker

I've been doing some reading and listening of a chap named N. T. Wright, Bishop of Durham. He is a scholar from the Anglican Church and presents some interesting ideas that modern Evangelicals should not ignore. There are many pages engaging his ideas, some positive and others against him. What I like is that he encourages people to take Jesus and the biblical texts historically first, not merely allowing preconceptions to drive interpretation of the gospel narratives.

Check some of it out:
http://www.ntwrightpage.com

Jared from the old country (that is to say, as IF from the old Confederacy)