For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Matthew 6:21We Americans are so money conscious. Everything in life seems to have a price tag attached to it. Most of our decisions are based on "what it will cost us" with the "cost" being translated into dollars and cents. The "things" that are usually considered in the concept of "materialism" have been narrowly translated into "currency." The dictionary tells us, in addition to currency being "a medium of exchange," it is also something that has, "general use, acceptance, or prevalence: the quality or state of being current." That fits doesn’t it? So overwhelming is the influence of money in our lives that we invariably translate the passage from Matthew directly into money or the things it can buy – the "things" of this world. Rightly so, because they do, as recorded in Mark 4:19 choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful.
But, there are other places where our treasure might be that will just as easily distract us from His intention for our lives. February is Super Bowl month where the titian’s of the NFL clash for National honors! How many of us can name the two teams playing in this year’s Super Bowl? How many of us can name the starting lineup for these two teams, give their "stats," name the coaches? How many of us know everything about the Seattle Seahawks and the Pittsburgh Stealers right down to the name of the water-boy? How many of us can name the twelve Apostles? Isn’t it appropriate that the Super Bowl is played on Sunday. How many will skip church in preparation and anticipation of the 3:00 PM kickoff? Do we ever consider such concentration on a football game, to say nothing of a season, as a "treasure" that chokes the word, and it becometh unfruitful? Are we saying we can’t even watch a football game?
It gets better than that. Who won the Golden Globe Awards? Who will win the Academy Awards– the PGA and the NBA? Then there is the Winter Olympics to consider. Who cares? Evidently a lot of people do. Super Bowl advertising costs will be $2.5 million for each 30 second commercial aired. Since we generally "put our money where our mouth is" Budweiser is betting a lot of the 90,000,000 people expected to watch the game will be persuaded to try their beer by the 5 minutes of commercials they will air on Super Bowl advertising. Burger King, Pepsi Cola and many other advertisers will be there too. All this money is eloquent testimony that we are in the presence of SUPERSTARS!
Adulation is the term. Whom do we admire and look up to? Isn’t that just as much a gauge of where our heart is? Couldn’t it be argued that the adoration we heap upon movie stars, performers of all sorts as well as professional athletes is really misdirected and, as such, is distracting? We could even throw into the mix the "superstar" preachers of modern Christianity, the "televangelists" or even the "pastor" of our local congregation to whom we give deference. Without even considering the character of a Rae Carruth, Mark Ingram, Kobe Bryant, Britney Spears, Howard Stern, Mariah Carey or an Elton John isn’t such "hero worship" misdirected? An admired professional athlete, performer or preacher is human. They are susceptible to the same "weakness of the flesh that we all are and putting them on a pedestal simply increases their fallibility. We often describe such celebrity reverence as "hero worship." We confess that we idolize them – don’t we? Aren’t they our idols? It isn’t a play on words; one meaning of an "idol" is a "false god."
Aware of it or not, what we are likely to do is begin to emulate our superstars. One might think if that were a superstar preacher all the better while, in fact, his/her very stature should not be admired. During His earthly ministry, wasn’t Christ Jesus the epitome of meekness, humility, and modesty? Did He seek the spotlight or satisfy Himself to be in the shadow of His Father? Should we be any different? Whom should we admire, boastful pride or confident assurance – maybe we could say "blessed assurance?" We are warned about this you know, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted Matthew 23:12. And Paul wrote, Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 1 Corinthians 13:4. Just as much as the role money itself in our lives, the worship of heroes and superstars, who they are, is very telling on where our heart lies. An old hillbilly saying states, "Until you can walk on water in the summertime or put your pants on both legs at the same time, we’re all equal. As for my house, and me, my superstar is Jesus. Don’t know about the pants, but He sure walked on water."
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am
meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Philippians 4:13
In American we are taught to be ambitious. The promises are unbounded – "rags to riches." It is though American capitalism secularized Paul’s statement from Philippians and made it our National theme. Ambition has "done us well." We are the most "successful," prosperous Nation on earth. We are the envy of the world. People come here; we don’t go there. Like success, progress and what Herbert Hoover called "a greater and fuller life," are defined in terms of "creature comforts." No country in the history of the world has achieved such "unparalleled greatness" or amassed so much wealth.
If there is a second theme considered responsible for the success of the "American Dream" it is "individualism." "Rugged individualism," we are taught, made this country what it is. In the throes of our struggles with world communism, like the generation before which divested itself of all things German or Japanese, we viciously resist all things communal. An earlier Pope divided the world in half; one part Christian, the second heathen. So phobic is our distrust of anything collective, after World War II we, the United States, divided the world into "free" and "communist" along the 38th parallel – Russia to the north and America to the south. Not to embrace the dual themes of "success" and "individualism" is tantamount to being un-American.
It would be un-American not to discover the winner in us. Competition, perhaps the third leg of the "American Dream" is the mechanism for discovering that champion who then is rewarded the prize. It separates the cream from the milk – "cream always rises to the top," "you can’t keep a good man down." Losers are (excuse the pun) "left behind." Of course, there is no time for losers.
Little wonder then that so much of today’s Christianity reflects the themes of personal ambition, competition and individual success. Just look around – it works. It works in the secular world and it seems to work in the Christian community as well. Nothing succeeds like success and there is not better example of this trilogy in operation than what can be found in some of the largest and the fastest growing churches in America. But are such success stories in Christendom and the secular sufficient evidence to use these models in our personal lives as followers of Jesus the Christ?
At the age of 30 He, Jesus, put down the tools of His trade and took up the word of His Father as did all of His disciples in their turn. We don’t know how successful Jesus and His dad were at their carpentry work but Matthew, by all accounts, was a reasonably successful tax collector. Andrew and Peter worked in their dad’s fishing business in Galilee. We don’t know much about Judas Iscariot beyond the fact that he, unlike the other eleven was from Judah making him the only non-Galilean among the disciples. The rest, including Paul, had occupations prior to their calling. Paul, you may recall, was actually a rabbi (Acts 22:3) in the sect of the Pharisees (Phil 3:5). Simon was already a troublemaker. He belonged to a radical group known as Zealots inciting Jews to rise up against Roman rule.
What if they had refused the call to "full-time ministry" and continued to pursue their careers? Imagine Jesus continuing on in His dad’s shop and tending to His ministry on Saturday and during His vacations? Matthew could have responded to Jesus’ offer by saying, "Now just a minute friend, I’m flattered by your offer, but I have a good thing going. Besides, I don’t know a thing about fishing. Tell you what, I’ll go along with you on weekends and when business is slow. How’s that?"
The world is appealing which shouldn’t be a surprise considering who is in charge. Getting to the top, therefore, has enormous allure. But mustn’t we ask ourselves, getting to the top of what? Judas, you know, was the only one who did not give up his prior occupation (a thief) to follow the Christ. Speaking of him Jesus said, Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil! Please notice a devil. We seriously need to inquire about the nature of the heap of which we desire to be on top. "In Judas" it is said, "a foul sin is gilded over with a plausible pretence…The reigning love of money is heart-theft." In America, what more plausible pretense could possibly be offered for not heeding His call than success – getting to the top? Rather than blame and admonition, admiration would follow such a choice – in this life.
WHAT IF IT WERE TRUE?
For the priesthood being changed,
there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Hebrews 7:12
This passage from the Book of Hebrews seems as odd as it is rarely quoted. The unknown author is discussing the superior order of the priesthood of Jesus over that of the Levitical priesthood. To his Jewish audience, he raises the rhetorical question why there was such a need for Him/Jesus. He writes, If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron? Peter the apostle further radicalizes the concept of "priesthood" by stating the more familiar passage, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood. How is this possible since neither Jesus anymore than ourselves were proclaimed "priests" under the Law of Moses? We are an holy priesthood because He is our high priest forever.
If we really believed this caveat were really true, how would it change our lives – perhaps even the world? Hiereus the Greek translated as "priest" as used in the Book of Hebrews means we Christians have been, "brought into close intercourse with God, [we] devote [our lives] to him alone and to Christ." That would be something of a change for most of us. We would "attend to anything, that may serve another's interests" such as taking care of the sick and the poor. Like apostles, we would proclaim "salvation through Christ." We would openly and tell others what we receive by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, concerning the future, especially relating to the cause and kingdom of God and human salvation. We would see to the consecration and purification of our brothers and sisters in Christ. In our congregations, moved by the Holy Spirit, we would "instruct, comfort, encourage, rebuke, convict, and stimulate" others to study the Word.
Now if all of this seems like it would be a lot of work and take away from the other important things we are/were involved with, it is. If it seems like it would be a complete metamorphosis, a drastic change in our life-styles, it would be. So, aren’t we just delighted that this isn’t really required of us? Aren’t we simply ecstatic that Jesus ordained for the church to be run by pastors or ministers or whatever you want to call them. That’s what they are for and why we pay them to do this sort of thing so we can get on with our lives. Isn’t it excellent that when Paul wrote, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: when, speaking of Jesus, he said, Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament he wasn’t talking about us but about the priesthood! Wow, what a disaster that would be. How would we ever be able to pay off the mortgage or buy that new H3 to tow behind our new "pusher" RV? Well, we couldn’t. Maybe we should raise our preacher’s salary – nah that’s too extreme.
What if, when Jesus said to His disciples, But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth He meant us? Wow, that would mean we’d have to start witnessing, testifying and all that sort of stuff. What a disaster that would be. We’d never get anything done. People would start avoiding us – what a bunch of "Bible thumpers" that would make us. Then there’s that part about, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Talk about a drastic change in vacation plans.
There is a point when Paul seems to suggest everyone has a part in church services (even, heaven forbid, speaking in tongues) but that was probably then, not now. Today, we’re in the "dispensation of the church," or something like that, aren’t we? It’s just like a sermon once about some performing miracles and others making prophecies and some able to discern. That was then, not now. Probably the preacher was just trying to rope us into volunteering. Its like when he starts talking about bringing tithes to the storehouse during stewardship month – you know that part about give and it shall be given unto you. What would the world be like if we all tried to be disciples – without going to seminary or any formal training at all? Maybe that raise for the pastor isn’t such a bad idea after all.
- And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams
I Felt Called Into the Ministry
And say to Archippus, Take heed to the ministry which thou
hast received in the Lord,
that thou fulfil it. Colossians 4:17
How many times have we heard people say this? The chances are that every pastor on the planet feels this way and probably has said as much. Well it should be since such a statement strongly suggests a heartfelt commitment. And, clearly, it is far superior to what we hear now and then, "I chose to go into the ministry." Should your pastor make such an utterance in your presence, may we humbly suggest you find another church? However, going back to the original statement, we might take exception to its tentative nature preferring a more certain affirmation – "I Was Called into Ministry." Do we say, "I think I am saved," or "I believe I am a Christian." Hopefully not. But, perhaps shyness or modesty is really responsible for its pensive nature rather than an expression of some degree of uncertainty. But shouldn’t it really be "I was called into ministry?" "Called" or "felt called" the overwhelming second step individuals who make such proclamations take is to enroll in a seminary to pursue their "calling."
There should be sadness when we hear this proclamation regardless of how positive it might be made. The sadness doesn’t come from people who feel so "led" make statements that are tentative. It stems from how seldom we hear Christians making such a statement. If we are Christian, if we are saved, we are called into the ministry. "Well," one might protest, "I’m talking about full-time ministry, a full-time vocation." The sadness remains. If we believe that we are all gifted with the Holy Spirit to equip us for the service of the "church." The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia suggests this is the case, "service, [is] the function to which every Christian [is] called and the purpose to which every one of the special gifts [are] to be devoted."
As with other pagan societies, we in America as well as our cousins in Europe have incorporated the values and objectives of our capitalistic society into Christianity. To us it is natural to think a distinction between the "scared" and the "profane" is logical and obvious. Thus, we think of our "work" as that activity(s) which pays the bills, puts a roof over our heads, clothes our bodies and puts bread on the table. We sell our abilities and time to the highest bidder which Deffinbaugh considers "prostituting your labor." We might go further to suggest it is a near total miss use of those gifts. Doesn’t the lesson our Master teaches found in Matthew 6:25-34 deal directly with such matters? First, Jesus tells us not to worry about our lives, about what we will eat or drink or what we should wear (v.25a). He asks, Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (v. 25b) Then He points out how God takes care of them though they don’t "work" at all. He asks if any of us can even so much as add one cubit unto his stature (v.27). And then He utters one of the more quoted Scriptures, Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these (vs 28-29). What does this say to us? Is He saying our work, our labor for wages is of the utmost importance? We know better. Yet we toil endlessly, most of our lives, sacrificing other thing on the altar of labor to acquire those things to which He tells us to give no thought.
Then Deffinbaugh suggests, "people often consider secular occupations spiritually insignificant." That’s the sacred/profane schism at work. In fact, quite probably God gives a person the gifts he has in order for him to minister in that occupational field to which his Spiritual gifts suit him. Expressly to labor and to minister. Is it possible ones "coworkers" are his "flock?" He is in frequent contact with them; he shares a common frame of reference where/who better to serve? Instead, we have encapsulated service to the confines of the "church" and ministry to the pulpit.
One famous television preacher suggested, "bloom where you are planted," meaning our ministry just might be who we are with and what we are doing right now. It does not mean running up and down the corridors of our office yelling, "are you saved?" any more than any other tactic we’ve come to call "Bible thumping." It does mean living a Christ-like example for our coworkers to see. It means being compassionate and charitable. But why should we listen to him when we ignore our Christ?
- And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
CONQUERING HEROES
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day
long;
we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Romans 8:36
A hero is a person admired for his achievements and for his outstanding qualities. There is no question that we are a "hero worshipping culture. The question is who we worship what have they achieved and what it is about them we admire. The list of those we say are our heroes is lengthy, made up of historical, political, military, business and even religious figures. The fields of sports and entertainment abound with heroes. Probably every American would place George Washington on their list of historical heroes. Among the many, most would agree that WWII General Eisenhower and Douglas MacArthur were heroes. But that was a generation ago. What about today? We probably would have even more trouble agreeing on a contemporary political or business figure and religious our heroes would likely be colored by our beliefs. Its interesting that there are few whom people would agree are contemporary heroes in these fields (politics, military, business.) Was President John Fitzgerald Kennedy; Ronald Reagan? Only to some. The absence of such modern-day heroes says something about the condition we are in. In many ways, heroes are models we use as examples to follow, targets we aim for, scales we use to weigh our accomplishments and rulers to measure our progress.
As "contemporary" Christians, what are our targets the examples we are shooting for? It makes a difference. We can’t "hit the "target" until we know what we’re aiming for. So, when we contemplate our "conquering heroes," who comes to mind, Dr. Phil, Barry Bond, Donald Trump, Martha Stewart, Britney Spears, Kobe Bryant, Tom Cruise, Ophra Winfrey, Bill Gates? Imagine the difference the hero we worship makes and the conquest it takes to become that hero. There are several ways to find out just who our heroes are: First, where we spend our money; second, where we spend our time, who we try to model our lives after - who we try to imitate. We recognize their names and faces and we can cite their accomplishments. Is there anyone on that list not recognizable? That may mean these folks are our "champions." Does Jesus ever come to mind? Is He at the top of our list or just an afterthought? It makes a difference.
If someone challenges us to "discover the champion in you," who comes to mind as the champion we wish to discover? Is it someone in business, politics, sports, entertainment we want to be our "model champion," or does it have to do with spirituality? Maybe we think in more general terms such as success, prestige, fame or wealth, – "prosperity." If we are counseled about "Living An Abundant Life" what does that mean? Does God really want us to be satisfied and content with the things of this life? Is the purpose of Christianity to "enjoy life?" Do integrity and prosperity go hand in hand? Some preachers actually give us a formula for conquest, if we: "Say it; do it; receive it; tell it," then we can "claim the riches God has promised [Christians], whether in material goods, health, social position." Well, Romans 8:37 does say that we are more than conquerors. The only question is what are we supposed to be conquering?
We are conquering heroes. Paul wasn’t schizophrenic in contending on the one hand that we are to suffer and be martyred for the cause while on the other proclaiming we are conquerors. Being counted as sheep for the slaughter doesn’t seem compatible with the idea of heroes, but it is. Being killed all day long doesn’t seem agreeable with, conquering but it is. In Romans 8:36, Paul was laying out for the congregation in Rome what they could expect as followers of Jesus. Undoubtedly he was familiar with Psalm 44:22 that said essentially the same thing.
If Jesus, our conquering hero, suffered and be counted as a sacrificial lamb, why should we want or expect better treatment? Yet, too often, what we are taught by contemporary preachers leads us to believe that we will not suffer; we will conquer our wildest dreams and rise to the pinnacles of success to the accolades of an admiring throng. The litany of those making such declarations is long, loud and persuasive, just not Scriptural. The exact things they tell us to seek are the things we are to overcome: worldliness, greed, pride. Before we can use Romans 8:37 as a foundation for such foolishness, we must reconcile that passage with Matthew 19:14 in which Jesus explain the impossibility of a rich man entering the Kingdom of Heaven and His advice to the rich young ruler to sell all he possessed and give to the poor (Luke 18:22)
- Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall
PATHOS
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not
God:
1 Timothy 4:5
In the KJ New Testament Greek Lexicon, six words are translated into English as "lust." One of the more interesting is "pathos," the arousal of emotions, particularly pity and sorrow for the misfortunes of others – closely akin to "pity." Mention "lust" to an American, however, and it isn’t pity that comes to mind. Listen to a sermon on the topic and, likewise, it isn’t about pathos. No, no, we’re much more in tune with Jesus statement on adultery in Matthew 5:28, But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Actually, in our vocabulary "lust" has practically become synonymous with "cuckoldry" (promiscuity.) "Lust" is also translated as "fain," "desire," "to long" and "pleasure." It seems in the writings of Paul that the Greek words are most frequently translated into "promiscuity."
Well, so what! It isn’t that such translations are incorrect any more than it suggest Paul had a problem as much as it excuses us from a lot of other things that may be just a sinister. Please notice in Jesus’ caution found in Mark 4:19, what he actually says in Mark 4:19, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful. There are three things mentioned: (1) the cares of this world, (2) the deceitfulness of riches, and (3) the lusts of other things. All of which will choke the word and make us unfruitful. "Care" is the Greek for "anxiety." A synonym for "deceit" is fraud and concealment. And the "lust" is a desire or craving of other things, not just for persons of the opposite sex.
Sigmund Freud (Remember, there is only one letter difference between Freud and fraud.) the self-proclaimed master of the human psyche reportedly said that if a society sanctioned cauliflower in the same way we do carnal appetites, all our obsessions would be about cauliflower – or words to that effect. Reluctantly, he seems to have a point. We are so mesmerized with carnal desires, which we seem to have inordinate guilt about that everything else, anything else we obsess over is down right virtuous. So it is OK to lust after mountains of money to the exclusion of everything else. It’s a parent’s moral duty to provide a lavish lifestyle upon their children although the process requires the full and undivided attention and effort of both "parents" leaving the children essentially orphans in the care of the State. Frank Pastore, James Dobson and others scream about the evils of government and then do nothing to stop the hemorrhaging of the family on the alter of the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things that make our children wards of a monstrous public "educational" system. We don’t hear "mega-church" pastors lamenting the Esclades, Hummers, Ferraris, Silver Clouds, "Beamers" and other luxury automobiles inhabiting their church parking lots any more than words of caution about the luxurious homes and lavish life-styles of their members. Yet these are the very things Jesus repeatedly warns against. For that matter, it would be extraordinary to hear a pastor of any sized church criticizing lusting after such acquisitions. After all, the stewardship drive or building fund is right around the corner. This isn’t "pathos," it is pathetic – materialism at its finest.
"What are you saying! That such pursuits are sinful?" What is Jesus saying in Matthew 6:25-34, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? (v. 25) What is He saying? Take no thought; your Heavenly Father cares for you; what can we do alone. That’s what He is saying. Do we possibly think because He does not specify $100,000 automobiles and million dollar houses; because He says nothing about investment funds or savings accounts that they are excluded? Read verses 32 and 33 of this passage, (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Now, in all truth, are such pursuits following His edicts or are they sinful – lustful?
Satan, in the temptation of the mother of us all was neither a slithering snake nor some garish clown in a red suit with horns and a forked tail. He was suave, sophisticated, probably very handsome, and appeared to Eve as her friend and confidant. And so do those who urge we seek ye other than the kingdom of God, and his righteousness and to prepare for tomorrow. In or out of robes, they are snakes in the grass.
Are
Disciples
Parrots
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.
Luke 12:12
There are some who believe that giving Christians a verbatim script of their sermons to parrot back to their congregations is all that is needed to make them "disciples." In some instances, audio visual materials and films are supplied with the suggestion that all it takes for a layman to "lead" a small group is to be able to turn on the projector or TV/VCR. They may take the passage from Luke as justification for such a position. May we be so bold to suggest that the Holy Spirit teaching us what to say and a "pastor" telling us what to say or actually saying it for us are different things. Even Mark 13:11 that seemingly endorses the "parrot argument" actually speaks of inspiration and discernment rather than miming.
Even were it the case that the Holy Spirit gave us verbatim instruction on what to say there is such an infinite gulf between such an occurrence and a human being, however well instructed, pulling a disciple’s strings as to be unbridgeable. How much more foppishly egotistical could one be than, in the first place, presume to believe that his wisdom and knowledge were so flawlessly superior as to merit anyone taking notice. In the second place, how much more demeaning could a "teacher" be than to presume his "student" incapable of learning, discovering and speaking for himself from that base?
Is that what the Scriptures teach? In order to lead a group or spread the Word all a "disciple" has to do is parrot back what the Holy Spirit tells them to say or what a renowned preacher has given them to read? When Paul told Timothy to, Study to shew thyself approved (2 Timothy 2:15) shouldn’t he, instead, have told Tim to, "Just sit back and relax because when the time comes the Holy Spirit will put the proper words in your mouth?" They didn’t have projectors or televisions back then or his advice could have been to turn the set on, sit down and shut up – follow the "fill-in-the-blank" already prepared study guide accompanying the video presentation. If "discipling" was simply "parroting" denominations could close their Bible colleges and seminaries and churches could dispense with Bible studies and sermons – the latter could have most grievous consequences because when else, where else could they solicit donations, tithes and offerings?
Study does not diminish the significance of the Holy Spirit, discernment, prophecy or any other God given spiritual direction. To the contrary, it complements and preserves the integrity of such directions. It helps us separate the wolves from the sheep, the chafe from the wheat the Truth from evil. Twenty-nine times in the Gospels we are told that Jesus taught (Didasko). He taught as one having authority (Matthew 7:29). He instructed His disciples to learn. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; (Matthew 11:29). Twenty-four times in the New Testament we are instructed to learn (Manthano).
There is another word used in the New Testament (Paideuo) that, interestingly, is translated as chasten, chastise, learn, instruct and to teach. Now surely there wouldn’t be this emphasis on teaching if no one was learning. Would Jesus instruct if no one were to learn and can one learn without studying? As an interesting footnote, considering the Apostles "duh" attitude at the time of His ascension we could just as well conclude His teaching was ineffectively useless – a total waste of time. Or we can understand that which is spiritual is meaningless until the Holy Spirit removes the blindness of our foolish ways. Nothing makes this more transparent than the happenings at the Day of Pentecost when Peter’s eyes were finally opened to the full import of what he and the others had been taught by our Master.
Other than the promises given in Matthew 10:19, Mark 13:11 and Luke 12:11 the accounts of Jesus’ words to His disciples about their pending persecution, in nineteen versions of the Bible, there is only one other record of someone being told what to say verbatim. Jesus said He is told what to say by God John 12:49 (NRSV). The Scriptures show one instances in which disciples were told what to say – by the Holy Spirit – and another in which Jesus was so told by God. God and the Holy Spirit can so dictate. Peter could not, Paul could not, a pastor today, however studied and renowned cannot.
Unlike ourselves, the disciples did not have our Bible or literally millions of volumes written by scholars on and about the Bible to study. Their teachers were Jesus Himself or those who learned under His instruction. In many ways, our condition is less favorable than theirs. We are confronted with conflicting authorities. Who is in greater need of the guidance of the Holy Spirit? Who in this multitude is speaking the Truth? Prayerfully, we are parrots of His Word and faithful witnesses to His will.
- Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets
Fellowship
- Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
The word "fellowship" found in the King James Bible is actually four words in the original Greek: (1) koinonia - association, community, communion, joint participation – 18 times, (2) koinonos - a partner, associate, comrade, companion a partner, sharer, in anything – 10 times, (3) sugkoinoneo - to become a partaker together with others – 3 times (4) metoche - a sharing, communion, – once. Most Eskimo tribes have many words for our "snow" that describe exactly what the snow is like and/or doing. Snow is very important to them. Linguists say that one way to determine what is important to a culture of people is to observe their vocabulary. If that is correct, fellowship was much more important to the Greeks than to us.
The Greek word translated as "fellowship" in the above Scripture is "metoche" which implies "sharing and communion" as one would expect to find in an informal, intimate, small group is found just once in the New Testament. What Paul told the saints at Corinth was that they should not invite non-believers into their "communion" or have intimate associations with them. We must hasten to add that this warning only applies to those special times when they are gathered together in His name in close association with one another, rather than to a general shunning of unbelievers. Various translations reinforce the idea that we aren’t to "team up" with or "partner" with unbelievers. They suggest it is impossible to work together with unbelievers – such relationships are impossible because we are mismatched.
Perhaps the most forceful argument for not being unequally yoked comes from the pages of Rick Warren’s own writings about small groups. He states, "You will be a New Testament Christian! The book of Acts is very clear about how God intends for His people to grow and have their needs met in the church. We will never be able to hire enough professional pastors to meet all the individual needs in our family. God never intended for it to be that way!" To which we can only say Amen! "Worship can take place in big groups," he continues, "or whenever/wherever we are centered on God. But the very size of the assembly, the sermon, the musical presentations, cameras and the rest, all means, the offering plate can prove distracting. Small, intimate groups often help us develop a deeper understanding of worship. Sometimes small is good. Such settings allow us to discover and apply our God given gifts and talents that we would never be able to do in the "sit and listen" spectator climate of the "mega-church." (ref.)
If we look at some other reasons given for small groups, especially in very large congregations, we are often told they are more effective for personal application of Biblical principles, people can ask questions and discuss and exchange ideas and insights that is not possible in the larger assemblies. Many large churches rely upon group relationships to help people really feel like part of God’s family; that their greatest advantage is the close relationships and friendships that develop. Once again, Saddleback Church tells us that, "We are instructed to love one another, encourage one another, pray for one another, accept one another, bear one another’s burdens, and build up one another. The only way you can obey these commands is in a small group!" What communion," Paul asks, "does light have with darkness. And, once again, the connotation of the Greek for the word "communion, (Koinonia) implies the trust and intimacy found only in groups that are homogeneous with respect to essential, important and fundamental things such as religious beliefs - kinship. It won’t happen, it can’t happen in a heterogeneous, diverse, mixed group.
For example, if we interject non-believers into the formula, don’t we become defenders of the Word rather than students? Isn’t that what Paul is telling us? There is nothing like a good argument to clarify issues, but that is defending principles rather than applying them. How can we "feel like a part of God’s family" if part of the group is not part of His family? How can we "learn to participate in prayer by having a conversation together with God" if some in the group are non-believers? If our small groups are to promote "close relationships and friendships;" and to be "support in times of crisis, change, and stress? If they are to provide us with a sense of stability and security through knowing there are people who really care for us and are committed to standing with us;" if worship is to happen in our small groups through prayer and singing together; if we want to serve the Lord´s Supper, isn’t that going to be awkward with unbelievers? Doesn’t all of this seems to be at "cross-purposes"
- If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
HOW CAN I GET ANY WORK DONE
WITH YOUR CONSTANT INTERFERENCE?
I indeed have baptized you with water: but
he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mark 1:8
If the Holy Spirit were more assertive, more inclined to speak His mind for the many things He does and is involved with, we might hear Him say, "So much of what you are doing is supposed to be my job. If you will check the record, you will find that its not what you learned in some seminary but what or college class on philosophy, psychology or ethics or what some ‘Biblical scholar’ teaches, preaches or writers but what I will teach you. (1 Corinthians 2:13). Just for example, I will teach you the deep things of God and about Jesus. No course in Theology can do that any better than I. Would you believe I am the one that make it possible ministers to teach and preachers to preach? I do (1 Corinthians 12:8). If I’m allowed, which is very rare, I’ll even direct the decisions of the church (Acts 15:28). It wasn’t/isn’t your job to start the church in the first place or decide its nature and mission although you seem eager to take credit for it. Have you forgotten how and when the it came into existence? Maybe you never bothered to find out. Remember the event recorded by Luke, And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them (Acts 2:3)? That was a visible symbol of my energy filling the disciples. Take notice of how Luke recorded the event, and sat upon each of them, not just one or two, not some more than others, but upon all the assembly – the church. Remember this that Peter wrote to the saints, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). By all means remember that – please."
If He were in a really talkative, somewhat confrontational mood, we might hear Him saying, You may not remember, in your rush to take credit for your efforts, but it is I that will convict the world of its sinful ways (John 16:7). As a matter of fact, it is through me that you have come to the Lord for, as the Scriptures say, no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 12:3). Actually, I call all saints to duty (Acts 13:2, 20:28), direct and support them in their service (Acts 13:4-9), inspire their decisions (Acts 15:28) and declare God’s divine message to the congregations (Revelation 2,3). You’re just too busy to even hear me. I don’t think you even know that I’m around. When you’re not working things out to suit yourself, the only other thing you are concerned with is what other people think of you and what you say. You’re more concerned with your appearance than with what I am trying to tell you. To tell the truth, you’re more concerned with what "will go over well," what will bring in the crowds, what is more "politically correct" than what I have to declare. Well, I can’t compete with any of that since the path I follow is straight, narrow, unchanging and certainly not subject to the whims of any crowd. I have never entered a popularity contest. Actually, if you will check the record (the Bible, remember) you will find that what I teach will certainly be unpopular, could get you into trouble and might even get you killed. What did my Alter Ego (since you seem to be into psychology) say on the subject, do you remember? Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matthew 7:14. Now you remember? – Good! By the way, I don’t take surveys before I speak to determine what people think they want to hear and I certainly don’t go in for any of this prosperity business."
"You know," The Holy Spirit might continue, "as disciples of Jesus you aren’t expected to know all the answers. You don’t have that kind of mental capacity. That sort of thing should be left up to Us. So, it is perfectly alright to say to someone asking a lot of questions for which you have no answers that you don’t know. Really, that’s a lot better than lying or misleading someone with a bunch of incorrect information. The next time you find yourself in such a situation, instead of faking it, why don’t you ask for help in prayer? Now, you don’t have to prostrate yourself or even move your lips, just say, ‘I need your help,’ and I’ll be there. And do I have a bulletin for you! You are not the boss and you certainly are not in charge - God is."
Jesus told His disciples, For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light Matthew 11:30. It is "easy" to be one of His disciples because the basic requirement is faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Just how "easy" it turns out to be is how much we try to substitute everything, anything else for that faith. As far as His "burden," all He asks is to love God without reservation and to love one another (Matthew 22:37-40). And traffic gridlock will show the difficulty of bearing His "burden."
-
Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. 1 Corinthians 12:3
Servanthood
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; Ephesians 4:11
Isn’t it odd that, as we bump and shove our way past others for a seat at the "head table," Jesus the Christ," without any peer in heaven or on earth is washing our feet? He even warns us of those who love to walk around in their clerical robes and allow others to worship them, call them "father", stand as they enter and bow as they pass by. He even warns us, many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first, but we go right ahead shoving our way into first place. We seem to aspire to stand in Christ’s stead; the "overseers of the Christian assemblies;" "kings and princes," rather than be humble washers of feet. Remember Peter’s resistance to Jesus washing his feet?
We forget that the "officers" of the "church" reflect lowly service rather than prestigious positions of influence and power. The "pastor" found in the Bible means shepherd, which was the lowest occupation in the days of Jesus sojourn. We also call pastors "minister." The most commonly found word in the King James Bible for minister is "Diakoneo" translated as, "to be a servant, attendant, domestic, to serve, wait upon." It also means, "to wait at a table and offer food and drink to the guests - of women preparing food (same ref.). He is know as a waiter and one who serves food and drink. Then, there is this, Huperetes that in Greek means, "servant (a) an underrower, subordinate rower (b)any one who serves with hands: a servant."
Would it surprise anyone to learn that "apostle," means "a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders" – sounds like a servant doesn’t it? True, it came to be, "specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers." but by whom? An evangelist, is a "herald," one who brings the good tidings of salvation through Christ who are not apostles. That should be all of us shouldn’t it? Teachers, are those of us "who give others instruction, with the help of the Holy Spirit." Actually, who among us should not be a teacher? Are any of these less that performing a service to believers and non-believer alike? Finally of those listed by Paul are the prophets, "who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, declares future events, and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation." Isn’t Paul saying we are all called to be servants for Christ?
Repeatedly Paul writes that we don’t have the same work to do or possess the same Spiritual Gifts. His epistles to the saints in Rome, Corinth and Ephesus say nearly the same thing. In fact in Romans he writes, Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits (v. 16). "Condescend" in this verse translates as, "to lead away with," "to yield or submit one’s self to lowly things, conditions, emplyoments." The Apostle Peter wrote, As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Minister here is Diakoneo – serve, servant. Jesus the Christ tells us, And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted (Matthew 23:12). With such forceful counsel, to the contrary why do we insist upon seeking fame and glory for ourselves? John Gill counts, entertaining too high an opinion of himself, by boasting of his gifts, as preferable to others, and as if he had not received them; by assuming, or eagerly coveting titles of honour among men" as an absence of humility. Today, how often are we inclined, perhaps encouraged to be and to do exactly these things?
Don’t we have to ask who is to be our example for life and what our life goals are? Such assessment isn’t just for the young anymore than it is a one-time decision but, rather, a life-long assessment often referred to in Christianity as sanctification – striving to become Christ-like. If we imagine a fork in the road, one leading to such things as prestige, success, fame and distinction and the other leading to servanthood most often without recognition, which path will we choose to continue along? In contemporary Christian literature, there is no better proclamation of choosing servanthood than Rick Warren’s Purpose Driven Declaration. Contrast this with so much else being espoused from the pulpit touting personal accomplishment and we might get some insight into why servitude is such a rare commodity today. Look at the preaching and life-style of so many prominent "pastors" today and you’ll more likely find a Pharisee than a Christ. If the shepherd is following the wrong trail how are the sheep to know better?
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 23:11
- Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which
is good.
He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.
"Boys will be boys You oughta know by now baby" is one of the rare "clean" phrases from a "rock" group whose lead "singer" now claims to have returned to his "Christian roots." As a result, the group finds their venue increasingly that of "up-beat" Christian churches attempting to be "mod" and attract the younger generation into their stale halls. A full paged photo of a 46 year-old mother in a short "mini skirt" with her 17 year-old daughter is blazoned on the pages of a local paper chronicling the "success" of a local pastor and his mega church. A smaller photo shows this same mom in the same outfit "worshiping" in that church. At the same time, a pastor of another church laments the fact that only 23% of Christians responding to a survey believed in an absolute standard of values. In that same survey, only 6% of Christian teens reported that they did. Surprise, surprise, with that kind of "mentoring" from the church/pulpit what would one expect?
If we look more closely at the scene, we might be inclined to agree with one pastor who declared we are living in a "Post Christian America." Perhaps it would be better stated that we live in a "Post Christian Christianity." We want to blend in and avoid being seen as different which might be "misinterpreted" as bigotry, prejudice or narrow-mindedness – heaven forbid. Some pastors before starting a church sample their potential constituents and build their churches and programs to conform to what the majority expressed as what they wanted from a church. Since when has Christian doctrine and practices been determined by a majority vote? What ever happened to those words of Jesus the Christ, because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. It is obvious, we are running head long away from any such confrontations into a position of "cultural relativism" in which what is preached from the pulpit is what tickles the ears of most of the "audience."
Indeed the drift has been ever so slight for so many centuries as to be almost unnoticeable. Luther noticed it. His 95 Theses were an attempt to call attention to the matter and try to rectify it. He didn’t believe the Bible taught that the souls of dead ones could be bought out of purgatory and he knew that only God, not priests could forgive sin. Wycliffe and many other voices of the Reformation recognized many of the beliefs and practices of the church were foreign to what Christ taught. Indeed, much of the illness that afflicts Christianity today crept into our beliefs through this backdoor. They knew the Bible.
Paul, in a confrontation with some of the Apostles over the matter of requiring Gentiles to be circumcised said speaking of the Aposties, for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me. He knew Jesus the Christ never taught such a thing. In many ways Paul was as we are. He did not have direct contact with Jesus, but he got his teachings directly from Him. Paul was a very well educated man having studied under the best of the best teachers in Jerusalem. Yet the Holy Spirit (Jesus) taught him Christianity.
Remember, Jesus said that only the truth, which we are to know will set us free. Anything else will enslave us. It isn’t the only time He said such a thing. In Matthew 13:11 Jesus said, it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. There is a responsibility that every Christian must to know the Gospel. In the Book of Hebrews we are taught, But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Strong meat refers to the fullness of the Gospel rather than the pabulum we knew as infant Christians. Notice that we have to exercise our Spiritual senses to be able to discern God’s Truth. It isn’t out there lying on the ground anymore than Christ’s parables were discernable to unbelievers. We are required to study, and to pray, but probably the most important thing we are to do is found in John 16:13, Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. We are to be attuned to the Holy Spirit. He is the final arbiter of what is right and true, not the church, not church doctrine or liturgy, not the preacher/priest. Yes, we are to take instruction and we are to study the Bible (constantly in the Word) but when questions, conflict o controversy arise, which they will, it is He who will set us on the Right IF we have been exercising our discerning skills and manifest a willingness to listen to His still small voice.
- And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
RIGHTLY DIVIDING THE WORD OF TRUTH
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old
. Matthew 13:52Jesus had been teaching in parables. After some time His disciples asked Him why He taught in parables. He told them, Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. He went on to say, When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. Prayerfully, we are not in this camp – those who hear and read but do not understand. What’s worse, those about whom He was speaking evidently did nothing to find out; nothing to improve their understanding. The initial lack of understanding is excusable. The lack of study is not. It is one thing to be ignorant and another to remain that way. Evidently those He was talking about were doing nothing to lessen their ignorance.
One of those parables was of the "sower" that expresses what happens in classrooms as well as in congregations. The teacher dispenses the lesson and some of those present get the message, ask questions, go home and study while others do nothing. What Jesus was saying about the group before Him was that they were uneducable, not because of any lack of intelligence or ability, but because of a lack of interest. At the top if the list of those who are "uneducable" are they who know it all – or think they do. Knowing everything, the teacher clearly has nothing of any interest to say at all to such a person. Probably He had quite a few of both the disinterested and arrogant around Him.
It just might be true as someone once expressed that the message of Christianity is simply expressed in Christ’s great commandments, And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. Such knowledge is indispensable and will see us through until a "seeker" says to us, "You don’t really believe all that stuff in the Bible do you?" Oh, really? Why?" Our inquisitor continues, "Doesn’t your Bible say "Thou shall not kill? Then what about war and capital punishment?" Before we can take a breath, he is on us with this challenge, "Don’t tell me you are one of those who doesn’t believe in evolution. Oh, and I guess a battered wife has to stay with her abusive husband too. And while we are on the subject of marriage, I guess you are against all divorce and gay marriage too." He takes a breath. Now’s our chance. What are we going to say? Well, we’re saved (in a manner of speaking) because before we can collect our thoughts to answer, he’s at us again. "Doesn’t it say in the Bible that money is the root of all evil? What about where it says we aren’t to worry about food, clothing and housing, or something like that, that your God will take care of all of that sort of stuff. Do you really believe that?" Wait, he’s not finished. "And I suppose you’re going to tell me that everyone who doesn’t believe in your Jesus is going to hell. Is that right? Do you believe that? Well, I know a lot of really good people. Are you telling me that just because they aren’t Christians they are going to fry? How do you know there is a heaven and a hell? What about those who believe in Buddha, Mohamed, Krishna, you’re telling me they’re going to cook? How come the followers of the ‘Prince of Peace’ make so much war?" Yup, Christianity is pretty straightforward. Now if only non-believers thought so. We’d better just pass this guy on to someone else, but who? That’s ok until the inquisitor is a son or daughter; a mother or father, a friend, loved one, spouse then what do we do?Paul wrote Timothy, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. You see Timothy wasn’t an apostle yet, he journeyed with Paul through Ephesus, Macedonia and Corinth and into Asia Minor. Are we to suppose he never had to answer such questions as our supposed inquisitor? The fact that Paul encouraged him to be prepared to present the word of God in an accurate and diligent way to those he met and had discussions with says not.
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. John 21:15
COMPLACENT CHRISTIANITY
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
James 4:4Strong words
from the brother of Jesus, according to some. Whatever his kinship to the
Lord, he speaks in truth with the voice of authority. Here, note what he
says to us about the world in which we live – friendship of the world is
enmity with God. Nothing could be more plain. There is little dispute in who
wrote the Book of John. He says in 1 John 2:15, Love not the world, neither
the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the
Father is not in him. If the questionable authorship of the book of James is
cause to dismiss his warning, Is there is no such excuse to dismiss John’s
warnings. Christians are inescapably in the world, but they must not be “of
the world.” That means there must be a visible, noticeable difference
between the way we go about things compared to the ways non-Christians. To
paraphrase, if we walk like everyone else, talk like everyone else, act like
everyone else, we are everyone else – not a Disciple.
Looking at it
from the other side, Jesus says, If ye were of the world, the world would
love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out
of the world, therefore the world hateth you. If we are of this world, then
the world will love us. This little formula simply says, “if the world loves
us, we are not Christian. That is if we have the same aspirations, the same
methods, the same desires and wishes as everyone else, we do not belong to
the family of God. It is only when we are discernibly different in what we
desire, do and say that we are His and that will inevitable produce enmity
with those around us who are not Christian. It is as simple and unequivocal
as
Christ telling us
we can’t serve two masters.
If someone is
unpopular for what the do, say or believe we automatically assume that
he/she is wrong as if the majority voice is invincible. Well, Christianity
is not a democracy and it does not decide what is right by a 51% majority
rule. Quite the contrary, it is a theocracy ruled by one sovereign God who
does not take kindly to those who choose to dispute His authority – witness
Lucifer.
He hasn’t yet been forgiven for his audacity. As a matter of fact, it is
quite correct to say that if the majority accepts something as good it is
probably bad. Look where the herd is going and go the other way. Or, if most
people think we are wonderful, if we are “successful” in their eyes, we’d
better find out what we are doing wrong – in the eyes of God. A Catholic
could say, “Popularity with the masses is probably a good reason to go to
Mass. God is a majority of One. If this isn’t scriptural, then what is? In
the Bible, this theme is turned every way but loose. Who could mistake that
intent? Evidently, a lot of have been, are, so misled.
Just like so
many other things in our ancient theology the age of being an unpopular
minority, just like prophecy, speaking in diverse tongues and martyrdom are
now things of the past. We no longer hear
Jesus telling us,
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say
all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Today we think we hear
Him say, “I’m on your side and you’ll know it by the praise, adulation and
approval you get from everyone. When they cherish, pamper and respect you,
you’ll know you are doing the right things. Take you lead from the crowd,
follow the herd. Broad is the way. Avoid the straight and narrow.” The
“pulpiteers” of today manipulate their marionette congregations by playing
on the “strings” of success and fame. The productions they stage (previously
called church services) play on the theme of we Christians demanding the
promises God will make us all champions.
It is Biblical
as one pulpiteer proclaims, “as children of God, we are overcomers and more
than conquerors and God intends for each of us to experience the abundant
life He has in store for us.” The question is what we are to overcome and
conquer as much as it is what abundant life does He have in store for us.
“Ancient” Christianity, that found in the Bible, makes it abundantly clear
that we are to overcome the lusts, temptations and snares of this life so
that we may enjoy an abundant eternity with Him. That same ancient faith did
speak of “victorious Christian living” which was mostly represented as
rejecting the things of this world, not embracing them. The “Fruit of the
Spirit” will never be found within the pages of Fortune Magazine or as part
of the Forbes 500 list any more than in a scheme to win friend and influence
people. We have a choice, our reward now or in eternity.
ON LOVE AND WAR
ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
James 4:2
We seem to be in a period of increasing conflict and war,
not just on the global world scene, but in our towns and cities; even in our
very own homes and schools. Few would disagree that there is an increasing
crescendo of violence, violence that goes no where. As this passage from
James observed about conditions over two thousand years ago, their conflicts
and wars didn’t give them security in their persons or possessions. Times
haven’t changed much at all. In a span of less than a century, the United
States has engaged in titanic international conflicts that, at the time,
seemed to fulfill the qualifications to be the coming of Armageddon. Each,
turned out not to be and succeeding generations barely remember their
passing. War has not ended war. 9/11 might go down in history, if there is
any, as a watershed, an icon pointing to a renewal of global violence like
that not seen since the end of World War II. Who is to say they are wrong?
We may not choose to call it war, but the costs in loss of property and life
to crime on our streets and in our homes exceeds that of all the wars we
have ever fought. According to the
Federal Government,
“Crime in the United States accounts for more death, injuries and loss of
property then all Natural Disasters combined.” Over the last two years,
violent crime has reversed its downward trend and is on the rise again.
Property crimes against the elderly is on the increase while young adults
and teens are experiencing the highest rates of violent crimes. Domestic
violence claims the live of two women a week in the United States and "1,500
children die from abuse each year. There are 140,000
injuries to children from abuse each year.” Even more disturbing, there is
“an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 new cases of sexual abuse [of children]
occur each year." These are causalities of war just as surely as if they
were engaged in those international conflicts that capture the headlines –
and just as costly. One study you might find interesting to review
calculates that crime in the Unites States costs $1.7 trillion dollars
annually. That amounts to $4,118.00 per person each and every year. By the
way, there were
292,131
combat related deaths in World War II and the per capita costs of the four
years of fighting (1990) was $15,665.17 – four years of crime will cost us
over $16,000.00. What did James say, “ye fight and war?”
What are we to do? So far, we answered Hamlet’s question and decided it was
nobler to take up arms against our seas of troubles, but unlike in the
Shakespearean sonnet, in so doing we have not ended them. Of course not.
That’s what the first part of James 4:2 tells us will be the results of our
efforts, Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot
obtain. Isn’t that what crime is all about – lust/desire – and how much
different is war? With a myriad of laws, programs and punishments crime
persists. It has from the beginning they have been about unrequited lust.
The first lie ever told was in the Garden of Eden. The first murder could be
described as a case of domestic violence in the home of Adam and Eve. We
proclaimed one of our “great” wars as the “war to end all wars - to make the
world safe for democracy.” It obviously didn’t. Our current efforts in Iraq
to further the war on terror, or to spread democracy or whatever reasons
given won’t work either. They can’t because in the vernacular we are
“barking up the wrong tree.”
James
in the passage just prior wrote, From whence come wars and fightings
among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your
members? If he is right, our efforts to “make the world a safer place” is an
exercise in futility. In the Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary, we are
told, “God promises to those who pray, not to those who fight. The petition
of the lustful, murderous, and contentious is not recognized by God as
prayer.” This isn’t as much an appeal for pacifism as it is recognition of
who is in control. Not only is crime and war the acquisition of things, but
these “solutions” are just as worldly. Instead of “leaning on the
everlasting arm,” we are relying upon our might and power. Jesus,
at the tender age
of twelve recognized He was to be about His Father’s
business. Perhaps it is about time we were as well. Maybe the time is past.
How does He tell us to
treat our enemies?
What does He say about the
things of this
world? All His allusions about war were mostly predictions
of things and times to come or metaphors. War, “Polemos”
is mentioned 16 times in the NT, and just 4 times in the Gospels. Mostly it
is found in the Book of Revelation. If we are about our Father’ business, it
seems unlikely we are literally at war?
UNDER THE BRIDGES OF
THE SANTA ANA RIVER
But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
Luke 10:29
The Scripture cited from Luke is about a "lawyer" trying to "trip up" Jesus. More than likely, he was one of the infamous Scribes since in the New Testament a lawyer/scribe was "an interpreter and teacher of the Mosaic law" (ref.). Hopefully, Jesus’ answer would restrict his liability for "loving his neighbor to those close to him. Instead, he got the parable of the Good Samaritan. Not only does He teach us that our "neighbors" are all those people in the world who are in need, but our responsibility to our needy neighbors is more than just a quick fix. The Samaritan took care of all the stranger’s needs – until he was "well." This is not the only time Jesus speaks about caring for our neighbors. In Matthew 25:35b He says, I was a stranger, and ye took me in. On this occasion, He was talking about His Second Coming and the Final Judgment. Those who ministered to the stranger, we are told, are saved while those who turned away are not. Please notice in this passage Jesus said (1) the stranger’s immediate needs [hunger and thirst] were provided for, (2) He was a stranger and (3) His long term needs were also cared for - they took Him in. (4) They were also surprised, they did not know they had performed such acts of charity. Jesus seemed fond of such unknown or little recognized acts – praying in our closets rather than the public square for example.
In one of the most quoted passages in the Bible, Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His followers that ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. We use this to justify our "missionary" trips to "Timbuktu," but its real significance may be in the fact that He is telling us to begin at home. Is it unreasonable to believe the application for us is the same – begin "preaching" (even using words) the Gospel at home? Jesus was speaking to the apostles whom he had chosen. They were the "ye" in this passage. Paul’s mighty journeys, Peter’s great sacrifice, all the efforts of the apostles whom he had chosen (minus one) did not accomplish the mission of evangelizing the uttermost part(s) of the earth. The Judaea in Jesus’ time, is now part of modern day Syria. It is not known to be a Christian nation. Samaria is today the West Bank – not exactly a bastion of Christianity either. Jerusalem is now a divided city – partly Jewish, partly Moslem, partly Christian and a little bit of everything. Its most outstanding piece of architecture is the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim shrine. Looks like a little bit of "backsliding." Perhaps the implementation was not right. We know it’s not the plan although it is a plan that will not take days, weeks, months or years but centuries – thousands of years.
Orange County, California has been described as one of the most desirable places to live in the United States which is the same as saying one of the most desirable places to live in the world. In contrast, the city of Santa Ana has been described as one of the least desirable places to live. Virtually dissecting this Orange County contrast is the Santa Ana River running from the "Inland Empire" to the sea. There is no question about the "quality of life" under the bridges that cross its path. Here live some of the most destitute homeless people one could find anywhere in the world. Homelessness and hunger right here. For those of us living in Orange County, the city of Santa Ana and the bridges over the river are literally our backyard. Yet these pockets of desperate poverty exist, unnoticed in the midst of unbelievable opulence.
If we were to apply these Scriptural lessons to our local communities, we would be compelled to treat our destitute and homeless as the Samaritan treated the stranger alongside the Jerusalem to Jericho road. There really is no difference other than time? Jesus did not intend His message that "charity begins at home" just for the disciples of the First Century. If that was the case, none of the Bible is relevant for today. There is another zinger waiting in its pages. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. (Matthew 5:42) So much for the "teach them to fish" or "they could find work if they really wanted to" arguments. He offers us no way out, no excuses. Furthermore, it isn’t just 40, 80, 120 days of whatever, anymore than it is a "vacation with a purpose" Jesus is talking about. It is a transition from self-centeredness to a lifetime of commitment and service to others – strangers, friends and foes alike. It must begin in our homes and in our communities and only then to neighboring countries and around the world. It starts with food for the body and ends with salvation for the soul. Anything less is "let’s pretend Christianity" only He won’t be fooled by our deception anymore than with the Scribe’s.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Matthew 22:39
Thou shalt not steal.
Exodus 20:15
Most of us wouldn’t think of robbing a bank anymore than we’d shoplift an expensive item from Nordstrom’s – well maybe. It is doubtful that any of us would "stick a gun in someone’s ribs" and demand money or burgle our neighbor’s house. Not paying our taxes is less clearly a case of stealing, but it is. Just like cheating on our taxes, many of us are a little fuzzy about taking things home from the office. But, did you know that, according to The U.S. Chamber of Commerce $50 billion is lost annually through employee theft and fraud? In comparison, about $65 million is lost in bank robberies every year. The Chamber also reports that 20% of all business failures are do to the same thing. That’s serious business. Along with "big ticket" items are little things like pens, writing tablets, paper clips that are hardly worth mentioning and that no one will really miss are routinely stolen. But, that’s not really stealing is it? One survey found employees agree taking $10.00 from the cash register is stealing but taking the same amount in such things doesn’t count. What about leaving early, taking an extra long lunch, making personal calls or taking care of personal matters on company time? Cheating? Shouldn’t Christ’s disciples refrain from any appearance of cheating?
To the saints in Rome, Paul wrote, I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1) The idea that something called "reasonable service" is expected of us is well established in Christianity. Spiritual Gifts are not given to us for our entertainment or gratification. Rather they are the tools we need to accomplish that reasonable service. In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul tells us that these manifestations of the Spirit are for the benefit of all the saints. (1) Reasonable service is expected of us. (2) We are given the "tools" with which to accomplish that service. (3) It is for the benefit of all the saints and, as such, for all humanity. That’s part of what is behind Jesus’ parable of the talents recorded in Matthew 25:14-30. If we need of further convincing we have assigned work to complete, it is found in Jesus’ own words in Matthew 9:37-38, Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest. Herein is my Father glorified. He said in John 15:8 that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. Please notice Jesus tells us that our competence and our efforts are to glorify our Father. We must be about our Father’s business. Surely we don’t need to ask the nature of His business.
What about earning a living? When we spend our time and abilities in ways other than direct service to Him, are we cheating "The Boss?" Paul wrote in a letter to the saints at Corinth that, Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. (1 Corinthians 9:14) We are aware that in the very next sentence (v. 15) he announces he would not take such support from them lest they doubt his motives. This same reference to his supporting himself is also found in Acts 18:3. Maybe this question can be resolved by three questions. First, who might be entitled to "live of the gospel" because they "preach" it? The answer is all of us (even if we have to stand on a "soap box and use words). The second must be about the nature of our "work." It is doubtful that Paul or anyone else for that matter would condone Christians earning a living through embezzlement, fraud, gambling, prostitution, pornography or in any dishonest/deceitful manner – which might, on the last count, close down a lot of Christian churches. Finally, the question must be addressed of "how much is enough." Earning a living is subject to interpretation. What we want and what we need are really two different things. In teaching us to pray, Jesus tells us that, your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him (Matthew 6:8). Actually, just a few verses on, (vs. 31-34) He (Jesus) tells us not to worry about food to eat, clothes to wear. Rather, we are to do what we know God wants us to do. May we not apply these same standards to our leisure time and everything else we do – or don’t do? If the talents we have been given are used for our own pleasure is that not "cheating the Boss?" Jesus did give us this warning, If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (Luke 16:11) And later He tells us, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:24) He’s the "Boss!"
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Part IV (Sharing)
Christians are very familiar with this Second Commandment Jesus the Christ gave to us. Many times we act on it; during times of disaster, Thanksgiving and Christmas. As Americans, we like to think we are known around the world for our generosity – we try to be. Too often, unfortunately, we are not generous. To the contrary our behavior toward others can only be described as down right stingy. Its almost like we’re saying, "Let the devil take the hindmost."
Increasingly, we Christians are known more for what is considered our intolerance and what is regard as our bigotry than for our generosity. More and more what used to pass for "fundamentalism" is now regarded as fanaticism. These "slings and arrows," slurs, are having their effect. Not long ago, several Christians were discussing their beliefs. In the exchange one Christian indicated he thought John 3:16 was an intolerant statement. Another Christian said that Jesus statement that, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) was such a fanatical statement that no self-respecting Christian could possibly believe it to be true. Both of these believers felt such attitudes condemned millions unfairly and that Christians who believed such things were narrow-minded. "There are many other religions" the conversation continued, "and just as many ways of worshiping God."
Interestingly, our generosity is at least partly responsible for 21st Century Christians rejecting what millions upon millions over thousands of years took as the very foundations of our faith. Giving comes from a compassionate heart. It also comes from a desire not to hurt and not to exclude or ostracize people. Admirable, praiseworthy. It was Paul who said, Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. (1 Corinthians 8:13) Doesn’t James seem to be setting inoffensiveness as a goal, For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body (James 3:2)? More and more there is a reluctance to confront non-believers with the Truth of Christ for fear of alienating them – driving them away. As more and more "churches" try to co-mingle worship and evangelism, this reluctance is spreading to the pulpit. Both individually and collectively the reasons most often given for such reluctance is love and concern for non-believers – we don’t want to offend them or drive them away.
There is another side to this discussion we don’t hear much about today. Its sharing the Gospel. Its caring for the poor in spirit. Its being generous and compassionate with what counts – the way to salvation. Unless we disagree that worldly things are of little consequence then giving and sharing those things are also of little consequence. On the authority of Jesus the Christ the Son of God, we must know this, For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26) Therefore, if we choose not to share the means of salvation with others we are truly mean spirited. We are depriving them of that which is everlasting – eternal. We are being incomprehensibly stingy by selfishly keeping the treasures of heaven to ourselves while condemning others to, "be consigned to everlasting torment and misery, be banished from the divine presence" (ref).
If we accept the authority of Jesus, we are obligated to inform non-believers of the Truth of the Gospel regardless that it may hurt and even alienate them. This is what our Master said about this, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake (Luke 6:22). It isn’t really being kind or loving, generous or compassionate to stand by and allow another to lose heaven because of their unrepentant sinfulness. Call it bigotry if you will, intolerance, extremism, whatever you wish. Better such denunciations be cast upon us than, because of our silence borne of mistaken attempts to be "broad-minded," someone be denied the knowledge with which to gain their salvation. It is not a matter of opinion, Jesus said, strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (Matthew 7:14). Does that sound like "anything goes?" It doesn’t seem He was "broad-minded" now does it?
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words
in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man
be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Super-Christian
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Philippians 4:13
How often have you heard this passage used in a sermon to
support the preacher’s argument that as Christians we are consummate super
heroes capable of doing anything and everything – over comers, champions?
Talk about taking Scripture out of context. But this misuse fits in well
with the American ethic that says there is a winner in all of us. We only
have to try harder, study longer, even pray more and we can move those
mountains and overcome any barriers and obstacles in our way. Failure, then
is a matter of individual shortcoming rather than something in the system
that needs fixed like racism and prejudice. We, personally, haven’t tried
hard enough, quit too soon, didn’t study enough or didn’t pray the right
way. That last epitaph is the most damaging.
Strangely, this ilk of Christianity is quite comfortable for most of us.
Never mind that Paul intended nothing of the sort with what he wrote, such a
world-view is very familiar. Probably, that’s the appeal – we fit in. When
we become Christians, we don’t have to forsake our drive for success. Quite
the contrary, such motivation has been elevated to a moral principle. We
Christians were “born to win.” “Its about winning!” “We can realize our
untapped potential!” WoW! We just have to overlook the materialism that is
the essence of the “mountain” we can, with enough motivation, move.
Actually, the word “do” in the passage at had can be
translated as “to have the strength to overcome.” That means this passage
could have been written I can endure all things through Christ which
strengtheneth me. This comes much closer to what several Bible authorities
agree is the actual intent of Paul’s writings. Matthew 9:12, for example
uses the same Greek word, ischuo, only here it is translated in the KJV as
They that be whole need not a physician. It would be just as fair for Paul
to have said, “I can be whole through the strength Christ gives me.”
For all we know, that is exactly what he said. Which is more consistent with
Christian beliefs, to make this passage imply we can be winners,
superheroes, in this world or that the strength Christ provides us will
allow us to endure whatever comes our way? The “superhero creed may be
reassuring, it just isn’t good Biblical theology
Actually, that may not be a fair question to ask this “dispensation” of
Christians since we have been brought up on the milk of worldliness. Instead
of resisting the lusts of life, we have been taught to seek after them. The
rationalization being that through our material success we can show the
world the power our Great Leader possesses to grant us our heart’s desires.
In Matthew, Jesus does tell His disciples that if they have sufficient faith
and tell a mountain to be removed and cast into the sea, it shall be done.
Also in Mark, He is reported as saying What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And likewise
Paul writes
about having all faith so that I could remove mountains. Well,
isn’t that a redefinition of a “mountain top experience?” Aren’t these
sufficient foundations for our “SuperChristian Theology?”
Those who cite these “you can do it” passages, don’t seem interested in
drying up fig trees or moving mountains to the sea? Nor do they seem
interested in healing the sick, helping the poor, or engaging in any
humanitarian act. Instead what this exalted force is turned upon is
egotistical desires. The mountain faced is not human misery but unmitigated
selfish ambition. That which is striven for, that is “tunneled through,
around or underneath is greed. These passages were intended to convince His
reluctant disciples that they too were miracle workers. They could heal,
drive out demons, speak in tongues, prophesy – for the purpose of
propagating the Gospel, not propagating bank accounts or enhancing prestige.
Such prostitution of these Gospel messages is totally unworthy and
completely misrepresents the teachings of our Lord and Master Jesus the
Christ. He who preached so vigorously on humility and the evil deception of
this carnal is not a deceiver, nor does He contradict Himself as those
children of the great deceiver wanting us to believe. What Christian really
believes that His statement,
What things soever
ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have
them really includes answering a prayer for the
fortune of Microsoft’s Bill Gates, a garage full of the world’s most
expensive cars ( say a
Saleen S7 Twin
Turbo or a
Pagani Zonda)
or a nice
intracostal lot at
Manalapan Beach Florida for a little summer cottage??
Answer – only the deceived or the deceiver.
Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Matthew 28:19
For most of us, this is a familiar passage from the Book of Matthew but most of us don’t really see it as applying to us. After all, Jesus was speaking to His disciples. Besides that, we probably think that such tasks are for the professional missionaries, evangelists and pastors. Since we aren’t any of these things, we read it and forget it. However, testified to by the 1,000,000+ websites found by Google, to say nothing of the countless local homegrown variety that do not have websites, Christian discipleship training is a booming business. There are retreats and camps, online training and degree programs. There are books, videos, CDs, MP3s, iPod downloads, you name it, by the thousands – interestingly Google lists 666,000 such titles. Some even include Bibles studies. You name it, they’ve got it. And most of the training cited is for "lay" people. Evidently many organizations and groups, , don’t think such training is restricted to the "ordained." The real question is what does the training involve and what do we do after we have completed one or more of them?
Without exception, the discipleship training programs we looked at indicated the goal was service. That’s a good start. Many see "church growth" (more members) as the goal of such training. These programs are essentially evangelical in nature teaching participants how to approach non believers or those Christians who are not attending a church. On many church web-sites, a search for "discipleship" leads us to what they call "ministries." Not uncommon in such listings are things as ushers, a hearing-impaired ministry, helping hands ministry, a parking lot ministry, language translation ministries and transportation ministries. One mega-church proclaims, "No matter how limited your time, we have a ministry area that will be just right for you. You can even complete some assignments from your home in the evenings." Such lists become an "operational definition" of what different churches regard as discipleship. While such involvement in the local congregation is essential, it isn’t even the tip of the iceberg of being His disciple.
In, Growing True Disciples, George Barna cuts to the heart of the matter. Here is an adaptation of his definition of a disciple. (1) Worship every day of the week wherever we are. (2) Discover new insights into your faith and to convert that into personal application. (3) Completely submit to the Holy Spirit. (4) Have a Heart that that is sensitive to sin. (5) Joyfully share your resources with those in need, especially those who share a love of Christ. (6) Have a deep commitment to building a lasting and life-changing community. (7) Have selfless compassion toward those in need of emotional, physical, financial or spiritual assistance. (8) Share your faith in natural and unforced ways based on relationships and supported by lifestyle modeling. (9) Live differently than the norm, lead a life that conforms to the dictates of Scripture without cutting corners or trying to interpret biblical passages for personal comfort or advantage. (10) Belong to a church body that is in fact loving, caring. (11) Be continually linked to God through prayer and meditation. (12) Take the initiative to use our gifts, skills and training for the benefit of our church.
The several Greek words translated into English in the Gospels as "teach" can mean training, instruction, to correct and to counsel as well as to command and to hand down. In the verse cited from Matthew above, the Greek is matheteuo, to instruct. Jesus also spoke of didasko meaning "to hold discourse with others in order to instruct." We seem to focus on the "didactic" method forgetting that in addition to His preaching, Jesus mentored those closest to Him. And, who would disagree that the greatest lessons are to be learned from the way He lived? C. S. Lewis who reportedly said something like, "preach constantly and occasionally use words" seems to agree Christ’s life was our greatest instructor. Isn’t that what the New Testament is about – His life? In Luke, Jesus poses this very question, And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Jesus finishes by saying those who do His will are, like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. If we could be more of what Barna gleans from the life of Jesus as True Disciples and less of the churchly, pontifical sort, how quickly would the world be transformed? In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye.
Help Wanted
and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 19:6
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We do such interesting things with the English language. So much so that our fellow Englishmen prefer we not refer to it as English. Preferring instead that we call what we speak as the American rather than the English language. A case in point is something we frequently see around us. A business in need of extra help advertises in the "Help Wanted" section of the classifieds and post signs in their window saying "Help Wanted." To be perfectly correct, shouldn’t those classifieds and signs read "Help Needed?" If the help weren’t needed, few companies would advertise for help now would they? So, why don’t they say so?
Actually, only God could correctly advertise "Help Wanted." Unlike business, He doesn’t need our help, He wants it. He is perfectly capable of getting along on His own without any sort of help from anyone at all. He is totally, completely self-sufficient. To the contrary, humanity needs God. We should be advertising, "God Needed." The very thought that the Lord God omnipotent needed anything at all from us is preposterous. Does someone who describes Himself as, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty really sound like someone who needs our help? The mystery is why He wants us around at all. Think how pastoral and pristine the world would be without our fouling it at every turn. And, we act like we’re doing Him a favor going to church on Sunday and volunteering to greet people as they come in the door.
God’s (Shadday) relation to us could be likened to a corporate executive offering a job to us and for which we are wholly and utterly unqualified and for which we have neither the experience or the skills. Knowing this, actually it is the reason he wants to hire us, He forthwith sets about giving us everything we need to our assigned tasks: the education/training at the finest universities/trade-schools; the tools and equipment; even the proper uniforms – everything. Once He is finished equipping us, we are the premier workers for the jobs He has assigned to us. In fact, we are the only one’s so qualified – we are uniquely qualified, capable, competent, skilled. "We don’t do it, it don’t get done" (sorry King George).
Talk about bringing out the champion in you! Time and time again, God pointed His finger at a person and said, "you de man!" Ever hear of Moses? From a burning bush Shadday said to him, Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt. Moses responded, "Who me? Not me, I stutter." He went. The rest is history. He pointed His finger at Jonah and said Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it; for their wickedness is come up before me. Originally unwilling, we might say he had no stomach for it, but once the fish belched, he went and did as he was told. We wouldn’t want to overlook Jacob who wrestled with God and won or his son Joseph who ruled Egypt and, in the process, saved both Egypt and Israel. There was Rahab, Ruth, Deborah, Joshua Samson, David, Esther, Daniel. Reluctant, unqualified heroes heroines every one. Each uniquely fitted for His Work by Him. We mustn’t forget Jesus’ cousin John or Stephen the first martyr, the eleven disciples (maybe even Judas) and surely we can’t over look Saul. Paul received his education directly from Jesus. So do we. Paul was willing, are we? What do we say to the calling of Jesus the Christ?
Paul wrote, But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. Jesus first uttered what he was saying. He said, Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. He also said, But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. He’s called the Comforter and He is, but He is also our helper, the one who gives to each believer the "gifts of the Spirit" that are designed to provide us with the necessary tools for the Kingdom Work assigned specifically to us. They are powerful tools as the various lists show. He is the reason Christ’s Ascension is as central to Christianity as His Resurrection. With out it, the Holy Spirit would not come and we would have no part in bringing about the Kingdom. With Christ’s Ascension, God, in effect God has a posted a sign in the window of heaven reading "Help Wanted," the fields are ripe and ready for the harvest. The workers are few. What are we doing with our assignment and our gifts, making a "stink" (pew) of them? "Warming the bench?" Are we claiming that we stutter or we don’t want to go to Nineveh? God doesn’t need our help He wants it.
- Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet.
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Before modern technology, coal miners would carry a canary in a cage with them as they descended into the mine to do their shift deep underground. The reason was simple, the canary was much more sensitive to the deadly effects of methane gas the humans. As long as it was alive, they were ok but if it got sick and died they headed for the exits. The canary was a harbinger of disaster.
Josh McDowell, long associated with ministering to our young people through his affiliation with the Campus Crusade for Christ argues that young people, especially young Christians are just like the canaries coal miners carried down into those damp, dark mines. He’s written a book about his concerns titled The Last Christian Generation in which he lays out the argument that our youth have a distorted view of Christianity, the truth, reality and the "True Church." He bases his concerns on research from the Barna Group. It is interesting to compare how we might think young people respond to moral questions and to how they actually did. The results are astounding. 63% of our youth think, "All people pray to the same God." 70% believe there is no such thing as absolute truth." One conclusion of the study was that while teens participate in "church activities" more than adults, their participation is "often motivated by relational opportunities rather than by the promise of spiritual development." Even when the majority agrees with traditional Christian values, the percentages that disagree are disturbing. We have a generation of "dead canaries." Where did they get such ideas? What/who killed them?
Whether the religious views of our youth are symptoms or consequence, there are many other indications that Christianity is rapidly descending into apostasy. We don’t have to look far and we certainly don’t have to turn to the public schools, government laws, policies and programs or even the despised ACLU to find the culprits. All we have to do to find the culprit is look around us, maybe even in the mirror. They are Sunday Schools teachers. They are preachers. But most importantly, they are moms and dads. Years ago, a comic strip character named Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he are us." It is we who are turning our children into "dead canaries." We are responsible that’s who. We are passive recipients of the Word. We don’t challenge what we’ve been taught. We don’t live as we have been taught – which in many cases is a good thing that just might be a "heresy virus" we picked up in church. If so, we are the "dead canary" and the "methane gas" that killed it. We are "dead canaries" in our faith and a "poisonous gas" to those looking to us for Christian examples.
What’s the evidence supporting our culpability? Look around, turn on the television, as if we need an invitation, hop on the Internet, read the paper. Compare how much time we spend studying His word and worshipping to these activities. If we gave an honest response, which would we consider the most important activity in our lives, work or worship, following Christ or "following the buck?" In case you haven’t noticed, we vote with our feet – where do we spend the most time? We’re encouraged to journal our prayer life, maybe we should to the same for how we spend our time away from church"
A nationally know preacher in one of his televised sermons lamented that he and other pastors he knew had to practically beg their members to become "active in the church" – by which he meant volunteering for such things as ushering, and traffic control. Others extol us to become active in evangelism and missionary work. They offer us books and pamphlets to distribute, excursions to far away places to deceive us into believing we’re fulfilling our Christian responsibilities. As worthwhile as volunteering in "church" may be, as valuable as this kind of evangelism is, it isn’t "where the action is." It doesn’t make us any more "alive in the faith."
St. Francis of Assisi once said, "Preach the Gospel
continuously and when necessary use words." If we understood what he said,
we’d know none of this makes us any less spiritually dead canaries. It’s the
examples we set in our daily lives that count. Jesus’ brother said,
faith without works is dead.
It’s there. It’s in the Bible. We must deal with it. But don’t suppose for
one minute this means earning our way into heaven. Instead, he’s showing us
the fruits (the proof) of our faith are found in what we do. You are
converted and continue to live as before – not. If we dismiss his statement,
what are we to say about Christ’s? And why call ye
me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
Luke 6:46
Catalytic Converters
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Titus 3:5
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According to the dictionary, a catalytic converter is "an automobile exhaust-system component containing a catalyst that causes conversion of harmful gases (as carbon monoxide and uncombusted hydrocarbons) into mostly harmless products (as water and carbon dioxide). We will have to forgive Webster’s for the non-word "uncombusted" that it doesn’t even show up as a word. Maybe that can be forgiven, but the idea expressed that "a catalyst causes" something or other would be rejected out of hand by any sophomore chemistry student as totally false. A catalyst, you see, doesn’t "cause" anything. This very same dictionary correctly tells us that instead of it "causing" anything, a catalyst is, "a substance that enables a chemical reaction to proceed at a usually faster rate or under different conditions (as at a lower temperature) than otherwise possible: an agent that provokes or speeds significant change or action." Now that we have our sophomoric chemists on board, the rest of what Webster’s says about catalytic converters is very interesting – apart from its automotive applications.
In deference to our chemistry lesson, may we restate the definition of a "catalyst" to read, "it enables a reaction to proceed at a faster rate or under different conditions than without." It is an agent that provokes or speeds up change (if you will, a conversion.) Now that’s a good thing. Think of how many hundreds of millions of tons of carbon monoxide and "uncombusted hydrocarbons" we have been spared from breathing in since their introduction in the mid-1970’s. Actually, they, "have cut pollution by more than 1.5 billion tons in the U.S" – impressive. Back to Webster’s, note how it describes the process as the, "conversion of harmful gases into mostly harmless products." For our purposes, we’ll need to modify the process somewhat to say from something harmful or negative into something beneficial or positive. May we then submit our definition of a catalytic converter for your consideration? It is an agent that provokes or speeds significant up the conversion something harmful into something good. Notice the CC doesn’t do the converting, it speeds it up. So who is interested in a discourse on automobile mechanics? No one.
But, isn’t it apparent that here we have the design, the model, if you will, the paradigm, for Christian evangelism? First of all, because the Christian Converter works behind the scene. We are not the elegant trim, the plush interior nor the fancy grillwork. We certainly aren’t the engine, transmission, the steering wheel or even the seat belts – although we may experience many a bumpy evangelical road. Unquestionably, we aren’t the quadraphonic, stereophonic music system blaring away anymore than we are the GPS navigational system. However, we do our vital work, unseen, everyday as we go about our normal routines. Get it? We don’t "save people" nor do we "bring them to Christ," regardless of how many times we have heard others ("preachers," "evangelists" not withstanding) make such preposterous and pretentious claims. Paul makes this abundantly clear in his letter to the saints at Ephesus, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Where does that leave those of us who fancy ourselves to be evangelists of the first order or how are we to satisfy our missionary wanderlust?
Not to despair, both are alive and well, but as catalysts speeding up the process rather than the major component. Another analogy would be that we are support actors rather than the main character. This would be even more applicable if we were to see ourselves as mute actors in this drama of salvation. If we aren’t to brag about our own salvation, it is even more the case about "bringing others to Christ." That’s arrogant boasting. The prophet Isaiah best describes the worth of our works. He described them as "filthy rags" – that is the very best we have to offer. Paul of his fellow Jews said, For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. We frequently forget with whom we are dealing – the Lord God Almighty of the universe, that’s who. If we truly understand the full significance of that; if we can even begin to comprehend the momentousness of the sacrifice of His Son upon that Cross then, only then might we be able to see how filthy our clothing before His Throne actually is. Are we so much lovers of our own selves, that being a catalyst for conversion is beneath our dignity?
Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me,
except it were given unto him of my Father
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Poof!
Where’d It Go?
And they shall make an ark of shittim wood: two cubits and a half
shall be the length thereof,
and a cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and a cubit and a half the
height thereof.
Exodus 25:10
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We read a lot about the Temple at Jerusalem. All that went into its construction. The fact that David did everything but build the first one. We know that the Babylonians destroyed it in 580 BC. Two years, two months after their return from exile in Babylon, its reconstruction began. According to Scripture, the temple was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. In between, Herod Basileus (The Great) in order to gain favor with the Jews, started remodeling it in18 BC. "The main part of the building was completed in ten years, but the erection of the outer courts and the embellishment of the whole were carried on during the entire period of our Lord's life on earth (John 2:16,19-21), and the temple was completed only A.D. 65." When finished, it was something of a wonder of the world. We know its dimensions overall and the exact dimensions of every courtyard and room; about all of the furniture therein, how and of what it was made. The Romans destroyed Owdwrwh Nyynb "the building of Herod" in 70 AD. We know a lot about the Temple.
We, in the Christian and Jewish communities, look forward to the Temple’s eventual return. Sadly our wait is in vain. Some even scheme on building their own and not waiting for God. In short, we have a terrible fixation on a Temple that is no more. It will never be again. John, in describing the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, and all its glorious features said, But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. It will never be again because it is no longer needed. Just like the sacrifices made in the Temple at the hands of an intercessory priesthood, its day is past. Jesus saw to that.
But, it never really was about the Temple, its dimensions, its furnishings or anything else like that. It was just that, an "it." Sacred, to be sure, but just a building. What made it sacred wasn’t its features, its dimensions or its contents. It was about the Ark of the Covenant. Even there, we so often confuse its features and what it was made of for what it was. In the first place the Ark wasn’t an "it," a thing of this or that dimension made of such-and-such materials. Not at all, the Ark was the Spirit that made the thing special – sacred. It was the presence of God that made the thing so very, very sacred. Actually, the Temple was a building designed to house the Ark of the Covenant that, in turn, was a box to contain the Law on top of which was the Mercy Seat. There is where God would meet and commune with Moses and later the High Priest. It wasn’t the tabernacle that served as a consolation to the people but the Ark, which symbolized that God was with them. It wasn’t the Ark that served as an intermediary, it was God’s presence. It was a visible sign of His invisible presence. What is amazing is the great concern shown for the Temple and the near total lack of regard given to the Ark. Is the Temple without the Ark like a "whitewashed tomb which appears beautiful outwardly, but inside is full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness?" Sometime during the Babylonian invasion, the Ark of the Covenant vanished completely, and is never referred to in the Bible again. Where’d it go? Surely something as precious couldn’t just disappear. Some suggest (2 Maccabees 2:4-8) it was taken away and hidden. The Bible reports, They shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of the LORD: neither shall it come to mind: neither shall they remember it; neither shall they visit it; neither shall that be done any more. The Ark is never mentioned among the furnishings of the second temple. So, from 580 BC, when the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies at Yom Kippur he entered an empty room.
Please notice the condition of the Nation of Israel today. Actually, since the death of Solomon, when civil war rent it asunder, "Israel hasn’t really been a nation. It certainly isn’t today. Therein lies a warning for us. The covenant with the "Father of Israel" said he would be blessed and his name would be great and all the people of the earth would be blessed through him. Fulfilled. Not as we so often think through a Temple, an Ark or "nation," that hasn’t existed since around 930 BC, but through Jesus the Christ. It isn’t through church buildings, doctrines of through a so called "Christian nation" or even the "restoration of Israel that His plan will be fulfilled, but through our doing what He tells us to do – out of gratitude.
SAVED!
and shall go in and out, and find pasture
As Jesus prophesied, there are many ravening wolves among us today, many false prophets. We to know who they are by their fruits. And, they aren’t too hard to spot because they preach what people want to hear, make themselves the center of attention and in other ways to and say things not to the glory of God. But such as these has a alter call and hundreds/thousands "come forward and are " saved." They are "properly" baptized according to the directions given by our Lord and Savior, in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. But are they saved? In the passage just cited (Matthew 28:19), the first thing it tells us is to teach the doctrines of the Gospel. As a matter of fact, in verse 20 Jesus elaborates. He tells his disciples to teach "converts" to obey all that He had taught them. They were to (1) go into all the world, (2) baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, (3) and they were to teach obedience. These passages are particularly important because it is the resurrected Jesus speaking to the then eleven Disciples. By the way, these aren’t requests He is making, they are orders – commands. Will the "ravening wolves" and "false prophets" and even the "false Christs" (also Matthew 24:5,11,23-25; Mark 13:6,21-23; Luke 21:8) follow these instructions? If there is any doubt, the answer is no.
That means those who follow these sorts of "preachers" will be inadequately instructed and, even worse, lied to? Its interesting to note that "ravening" means to plunder, rob and spoil. Actually Matthew 23:25 translates "ravening" as extortion. Through no fault of their own, they have been deceived. They do not know the "doctrines and ordinances" of the Gospel. They have not been brought to "His religion and faith" perhaps to a shadow of the real thing, but still falsely taught. Are they saved? If false prophets abound in these latter days, do those also abound who think of themselves as "Christian" and are not because they do not know the Truth but have been lied to by those claiming to be teachers of the Gospel.
In fact, Jesus tells us that not everyone who calls out His name is saved. In fact, in that very same passage, He says only those that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven are saved. He actually repeats Himself in verse 24. Now, if our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ says the same thing twice, is that any indication He thinks it important? He goes so far as saying, those who do God’s will are His brother, sister and mother. That’s pretty emphatic. How can it be misunderstood? Paul puts it this way, Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. We haven’t even had to resort to James’ "outrageous" statement, But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? "Not as the causes of his justification," as John Gill points out, "but as effects of it." Words we rarely hear, explanations rarely given.
The Disciples should not have had to say a word. Their very demeanor should have been quite sufficient for those with whom they came in contact to see the difference Christ had made in their very being. Seeing the transformation would have made them curious as to the cause. It is written that such did happen to those eleven followers of His. Its called Pentecost. Much like the scales being removed from Paul’s eyes, they awoke to what they had been experiencing over the past several years. They spoke in tongues (gracious), Peter preached his first sermon and 3,000 were saved. Words were spoken but without the kindled spirit within, they would not have been heard or even noticed.
How preposterous, how vain, to presume that knowing who
Jesus really is, to grasp the extent of His degradation in condescending to
become human; to comprehend His suffering the pain and humiliation of the
Cross; to realize the importance of His resurrection and to understand the
meaning of His ascension and to continue life unchanged – simply absurd. Not
even to fully grasp these things, but to have just an inkling and then to
teach, to believe that life goes on as before, is sheer unadulterated
vanity. Taken singly, any one of these should be sufficient to bring us to
our knees in uncontrollable sobbing. "Thank you Jesus." "Praise God!"
Hallelujah! Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is
good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
Psalm 106:1 Full awareness of His sacrifice would immobilize us. It is
Jesus who knocks at the door, not Santa Clause. He said,
If any man will
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 Amen
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