doxologies

the 31 day experiment

2012-02-01T08:10:00.000-06:00

Day three. A small distance in a larger journey I began last Sunday.

We began our study on The Lord’s Prayer [see Prototype] and learned that prayer isn’t automatic to the spiritual life. Jesus’ followers asked, “Lord, teach us to pray” [Luke 11:1]. Prayer is a learnable discipline. And it takes time to build discipline in the spiritual life.

In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Paul describes the spiritual life as a race and a fight. Both require effort and training. To his young disciple Timothy, Paul urged, “[T]rain yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come” [1 Timothy 4:7-8]. The Godward life requires deliberate work. But, this work yields a payout for those who discipline their mind, heart and body. Donald Whitney affirms, “The Gold of godliness isn’t found on the surface of Christianity. It has to be dug from the depths with the tools of the Disciplines” [Spiritual Discipline for the Christian Life]. Speaking of the disciplined life, I’ll never forget the teaching of the late Vernon Grounds, “Ruts of routine are God’s grooves of grace. They are the roads that God uses to direct us to Himself.”

There are a number of spiritual disciplines practiced by Christians throughout history: Bible Study, verse memory, fasting, verse memory, meditation, silence, solitude, worship and prayer. In The Lord’s Prayer, Jesus’ gives His disciples a template—a prototype prayer. One writer calls this “The prayer that teaches to pray.” The Lord’s Prayer isn’t intended to be prayed [though you can] as much as it’s intended to lead me into deeper praying. Each phrase unfolds something of the glorious nature of God and the depth of my human need. In fact, the very practice of prayer leads me into more prayerfulness.

When I was in college, I stumbled across a book titled The 31 Day Experiment. The author pitched that good habits are formed by 31 days of discipline. Do anything for a month and it becomes lifestyle. So, I choose to discipline myself in prayer. Not just spontaneous praying when I see a sunrise or think about my friend in need. But a focused, regular rhythm of prayer. I need more of this.

In November 2010, Tiffany talked me into running. I had resisted the exercise for 45 years. Then, on a whim, we went out for a casual, 3-mile jaunt. It took me three days to catch my breath. Over the next few months, my body adjusted to the habit and, very soon, breathing became easier and three miles became five and more. I recently ran 15 miles—a goal that seemed impossible to me a year ago. But, discipline makes distance possible.

I want to run further in knowing God, hearing God, experiencing God, being changed by God. This spiritual distance is possible through spiritual discipline. It’s day three. And, I’m running.

good to go?

2011-11-12T14:26:00.001-06:00

This week, I've had three conversations with/about people who have changed churches--either leaving their church to come to PBC or leaving PBC to go elsewhere. In a consumer culture, it's not surprising that any of us would so easily jettison one experience for another. But, in community culture--the Christian should think otherwise. Several years ago, I was asked to write an article about Christians switching churches. I came to three biblical conclusions:

Preserve Community. Healthy churches are formed around community relationships where people invest in one another.When people leave a church, the greatest sadness is experienced most often by those they leave behind--people who suddenly feel expendable. In a community culture, people think about others and seek to preserve relationships rather than sacrifice them on the altar of preference. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul encourages the church, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." I confess, this commitment to the many, rather than the one, is a constant struggle in the spiritual life.

Seek Harmony. Most people change churches because of interpersonal conflict. They are misunderstood, misinformed, mishandled. This doesn't surprise most people who understand that the church is an imperfect community, learning to do life with one another. When we operate from a consumer culture instead of a community culture, we fallaciously think the next church will be better [not realizing that we were part of the problem in our previous place and we will be in the new place, making our next church as imperfect as the former one].

Community-oriented people courageously strive to reconcile differences within the Body of Christ. They run to conflict instead of from it. Remarkably, when we apply the principles of peacemaking from the Scriptures, we not only discover better, deeper, richer relationships, but prevent another church from welcoming wounded, unreconciled people into their midst. God has given His church the supernatural ability to work through differences and grow through difficulty.

Affirm Diversity. It might surprise some readers to learn that there are things I don't prefer in my present church. There were also things I didn't prefer in my previous church...and the church before that...and every church before those. On the one hand, I think God designed it this way to remind me that church isn't simply about what I come to get, but what I come to give. At the end of the day, it's not about me.

On the other hand, I think God is ever-challenging His people to live beyond their preferences and to accept the wide diversity within the church. For every person who wishes the Worship Center was lighter, there is someone who wishes we'd make it darker. For every person who wishes we had life-stage home groups, there's another who treasures intergenerational community. So many opinions, dreams, desires. Stay long enough at this church or the next and you'll discover something or someone you wish were different. Perhaps the reason that the New Testament doesn't give us much detail on how to do church, but instead, how to be the church, is because God is more concerned about our personal unity [heart connection] than our protocols.

On more than one occasion, I have talked with someone at their departure and they have assured me that "God was calling them" to move on. However, my study of Scripture has yet to yield instances where God called someone away from His church. Instead, He places a high premium on relationships, reconciliation and diversity. I do find a covert strategy of the Devil to discourage, divide and destroy. The Christian must discern one from the other. Something to think about the next time we feel that we're good to go.

election reason

2011-10-15T15:56:00.003-05:00

In my last post, I broached the potentially dangerous topic of divine election. Because human beings are spiritually helpless, we need God's assistance in loving God. Only if God intervenes in human hardness will anyone come to faith.

This raises an emotional question: "Why?" Few people ask the question "Why does God choose people?" though we should. More often, we want to know why God doesn't choose others. Don't the Scriptures say that God so loved the world [John 3:16] and that God doesn't want anyone to perish but wishes for all to come to repentance [1 Peter 3:9]? Why would God leave anyone behind?

Three reasons are worthy of our consideration:

ELECTION ELEVATES GRACE.

When salvation is put squarely in the hands of God, there is no room left for personal pride. Paul conceded that his only boasting was in the cross of Jesus, not in any human effort [Galatians 6:14]. If salvation depended on any human work---human ingenuity, human intellect, human will---the cross of Jesus would be diminished in its necessity [1 Corinthians 1:17].

But, the cross, wasn't just an extra "boost" to help mostly-competent people bridge a little gap. The cross did 100% for us what we were 100% unable to do. Thus election reveals the grace of God. The fact that God chooses to save some magnifies the greatness of His kindness and grace in salvation. If God didn't elect some, none would ever be saved.

ELECTION AMPLIFIES JUSTICE.

Romans 9 provides one of the most helpful insights to God's purposes in election:

"What if God, choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath–prepared for destruction? What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory– even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?" [Romans 9:22-24]

This is an interesting argument that is sure to raise the eyebrows of some. Paul highlights the prerogative of God to execute His wrath. Instead, God chooses to save some, in order to "show His wrath and make His power known" [v. 22]. I take this to mean that God chooses not to save some in order to amplify His justice among the redeemed.

Before we cry "foul," we must remember that justice is one of God's attributes. And, just as God wishes to make His love, mercy, power, wisdom, holiness and beauty known, He also wishes to make His jealousy, justice and wrath known. When we ask, "How could a loving God ever send someone to hell?" we prove that we have a limited view of God. God doesn't condemn people because of a lack of love, but out of a fullness of justice. And, His decision to elect is a demonstration of this justice.

ELECTION AFFIRMS SOVEREIGNTY

Often, in the election discussion, focus is on why God doesn't save all people. In fact, we should wonder why God saves any people. No one deserves to be saved. All are justly condemned because of sin. Therefore, God's decision to save whomever He may ultimately points to His sovereignty. God answers to no one. The potter has the right to use the clay however He wishes [Romans 9:21].

So, we could try to figure out the "why" of election. Or, like some, unable to come up with a satisfactory reason, we could just dismiss it. But, perhaps God never intended for us to tie up the loose theological ends. Perhaps God prefers the emotional dissonance. Because, when we can't figure things out, all we're left with is faith. Election presents an opportunity for us to affirm God's sovereignty over all things and trust Him when answers don't make immediate sense.

election results

2011-10-03T10:17:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, I preached on the conviction, calling and conversion of the Holy Spirit [3rd Person sermon series]. The moment I highlighted Romans 8:30 -- "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified" --I could feel the emotion in the room grow tense. It was like someone had pulled the drawstring of a bag very tight.

Predestination is a difficult theological pill for many to swallow. Though the idea is unapologetically mentioned in God's Word [Mark 13:20; Romans 8:29-30; Romans 9; Ephesians 1:5, 11; 2 Timothy 2:10; 1 Peter 1:1], the prospect that God chooses anyone seems to offend our expectation that all people are equal and God is neutral when it comes to matters of eternal life. We would think it unkind for a parent to play favorites. How much more unloving it would be if God were not an equal opportunity Father. The result is that many throw predestination out the window in order to rescue God from any appearance of being uncharitable.

But, I believe in predestination. And, I arrive at this conclusion, not because it's easy, but because it fits the biblical data best. Let me explain in four comments:

SIN RENDERS US HELPLESS. Most Christians understand the universal problem of sin. All people are sinners, separated from God [Romans 3:23]. But, fewer understand the effects of sin. Sin makes us reject God, not seek Him [Romans 3:10-12]. Sin makes us spiritually ignorant, unable to understand spiritual truth [1 Corinthians 2:14]. Sin enslaves us [Romans 6:17], so that any notion that human beings have a free will --able to make any decision they want-- is thrown out the door. And, sin makes us spiritually dead [Ephesians 2:1-3]. We are unable to do anything for ourselves.

So, sin isn't just a moral problem that needs to be forgiven. The effects of sin are debilitating. No one seeks God, understands his truth or has the ability to make good decisions. We may not reach this conclusion about our neighbor who brings us fresh made pie and picks up our mail while we are on vacation. But, this is the conclusion of God's Word.

The next truth is the logical outcome of the first:

ALL PEOPLE NEED HELP COMING TO GOD. The philosopher Seneca once commented, "I have fallen into the pit of my besetting sins and I cannot get out and will not get out unless a hand is reached down to draw me out." Because of our ignorance, slavery, disinterest and death, none of us can reach God on his or her own. God must reach down to us.

GOD MOVES FIRST. If people are stuck in sin, unable to do anything for themselves, then God must be the initiator of grace. He must extend His hand toward helpless obstinate people. Jesus said "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" [John 6:44]. It's not that God moved second, responding to people who broke the chains of their own slavery, suddenly decided to pursue God, overcame their spiritual dullness and raised themselves from spiritual graves. Rather, God moved first. "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions" [Ephesians 2:4-5]. One commentator writes, "The Holy Spirit takes the initiative in the drama of rescue." Salvation isn't God responding to us; it's us responding to God. Otherwise, salvation is not by grace.

On these first three points, Christians on both sides of the predestination table can find some agreement. But, the jury still remains out for the election of God. For some non-predestinationists might argue, "I concur that all people are helpless and need God's intervention and that God graciously intervenes. But, God does this for everyone." This is the argument of neutrality. God gives everyone equal opportunity.

Theologians have referred to this as "prevenient grace"--a salvation footstool given to every person so that they can reach the upper shelves of God's blessing. Of course, the problem with this idea [other than the fact that it isn't mentioned in Scripture] is that people either understand spiritual truth or they don't. They are either free or not. They are either dead or alive. No one comes into the Kingdom because they have a shadow of truth, only have one spiritual shackle loosened and are spiritually comatose, wavering between life and death. Whatever grace God gives wakes the dead, sets captives free and opens minds to believe and hearts to desire.

This leads to a final comment:

GOD'S POWER IS POWERFUL. This is where the conversation about predestination hinges, in my opinion. Advocates of universal neutrality might suggest that God offers salvation to all and provides an infusion of grace to all to make His offer possible, but some simply reject the offer. This view makes God's calling impotent. Either God doesn't gives enough resources for a person to believe. Or, God gives all of His resources, but they are unable to accomplish their purpose.

Yet, Jesus said, "All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away" [John 6:37]. Paul writes that those were called, get justified [Romans 8:30]. So, the calling of God isn't a "first-come-first-served invitation." Rather, it is an effectual call, with the power to accomplish its goal.

To conclude, I back into my theology of predestination:

If people are spiritually dead and cannot do anything for themselves,
and if those people need help coming to God,
and if God moves first,
and God's help is always powerful, never failing,
then no one comes to God unless God works in them,
and everyone God works within does believe.

In my next post, I'll consider the reason why God might predestine some, but not all, to salvation.

lessons from ground zero

2011-09-10T15:47:00.005-05:00

In the 10 years since the Twin Towers fell, the American landscape has changed. Families no longer greet daddy at the gate as he steps off the plane from a business trip. Backpacks and purses are checked at ballparks. And, the nightly news usually reports on at least one international incident related to our military presence in terrorist hotspots.

But, it’s the spiritual shift--the internal change to our personal landscape--that is most significant. Reflecting on the last 10 years, these lessons have been most important to me:

WE ARE NOT INVINCIBLE. In Genesis 11, the people of the world decided to build a tower, reaching to the heavens, so that they could “make a name” for themselves. Their mighty monolith was going to be a testimony to their ingenuity, their power and their will. America prides itself on being “the most powerful nation on earth.” And, I am privileged to be born in and enjoy all of the resources available to me in our great country. But, our success puts our souls in danger. Our ability to invent, overcome, solve, construct and win---the very things that put us on top of the world—actually prevent us from humbly relying on God. Jesus said that it was difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of heaven [Matthew 19:23] because his riches prevented him from realizing his great need. Today, Jesus might also add that it is difficult for accomplished architects, fund managers, trial lawyers, expert physicians, published professors or technology entrepreneurs to enter the Kingdom too. The tragedy of 9/11 reminded all of us that our greatest accomplishments are nothing compared to the greatness of God. Apart from Him, we can still do nothing. We are not invincible.

This reflection leads me to a second thought.

IT ALL FALLS DOWN. I write these words on my computer as I sit in the Fort Worth Water Gardens. It’s an idyllic setting…that will one day pass away. So will my computer. And the buildings that surround me. Second Peter 3:10 foreshadows a day when “the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.” Only God and the souls of men are eternal. This reflection doesn’t drive me to fatalism. It does, however, help me invest in the right things.

This leads to a third reflection.

LIFE IS PRECIOUS. The greatest loss on 9/11 wasn’t buildings, equipment, office files or the architectural legacy of two great towers. Loss is measured in almost 3000 people who didn’t make it home for dinner that evening. Loss is hundreds of infant children who never met their fathers. Loss is first responders who paid the ultimate price. 9/11 awakened us to the value of human life, no matter what age, what socio-economic category, what color their skin. When Jesus said “God so loved the world,” I think he meant the overweight woman smoking a cigarette a few yards from me. He meant the little boy with Down’s Syndrome playing on the stairs. He meant the homeless man in a straw hat with a cane, staring blankly into another world. All of these people have a beating heart, a life-story, future dreams and a family who would grieve if anything ever happened to them. And, each of them are priceless treasures to God—“red and yellow, black or white, they are precious in His sight.” The loss ten years ago taught us all about the value of human life.

I HAVE THE HEART OF A TERRORIST. I’ll never forget the general tenor of the words Billy Graham spoke at the memorial service for victims of the Alfred Murrah attack [Oklahoma City] years earlier: “The evil you have seen committed this day is in the heart of every one of us.” As sharp as these words were, Graham was reminding us of the fundamental truth of sin. As I have watched the nightly 9/11 news retrospects during this last week, I have reminded myself that I could have just easily devised a plot to hijack a plane. I could have bombed a building. I could have hated people. In fact, I have. I have wanted to harm people. I have wanted to push my agenda at all costs. I have wanted to make whole groups of people “pay a price.” I have participated in conspiracies. It’s in me. It’s in all of us. What the terrorists did on American soil was only a matter of degree.

EVIL IS A PERSON. With all the talk of “terrorists,” we might think that the enemy of 9/11 was a coalition of evil, power people. But, driving the sinister, self-centered actions of people [plural] is a person. Not Osama Bin Laden. Not Saddam Hussein. Not any extremist leader hiding in the hills. Evil is the mastermind of Satan, a very real spiritual person. He is a created being [therefore, not the equal, opposite of God], not simply an impersonal “force” in the world. Paul affirms this in Ephesians 6:12, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Because our enemy is spiritual, military might in the Persian Gulf will not ultimately defeat him. He must be fought with spiritual weapons of truth and prayer [see 2 Corinthians 10:3-5]. Because He is a person, we can be sure that he has a will, an agenda and a strategic plan leading to a strategic end. Peter warns us, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” [1 Peter 5:8]

JUSTICE IS FIERCE. The work of the devil is dangerous. But justice is even more furious. When the smoke cleared from ground zero, the Pentagon and the Pennsylvania field, Americans were left with a lingering sense of injustice. Freedom had been violated. Innocence was robbed. What happened “wasn’t right.” The response that followed in the days and months afterward may have looked like revenge. But, it was no doubt motivated by a commitment to “make things right.” Justice is hardwired into every human being. It’s part of what it means to be made in the image of God [Genesis 1:26]. This global pursuit of justice is in-line with God’s purposes [because it reflects His character]. But, it is also a reminder that God will have the final say on justice—among all people. The whole world is accountable to Him. One day, we will all stand before His fierce judgment. And, the only way that anyone will stand secure is if the violence of their life has avenged at the cross of Jesus Christ.

GENUINE VIRTUE GIVES INSIGHT INTO THE ETERNAL. As the drama of 9/11 unfolded, hundreds of stories began to unfold. Brave firefighters climbed up the stairs as terrified workers streamed down. Teachers protected elementary school students. Flight passengers took matters into their own hands. Tributes have been written about calling, courage, community, and commitment. Each of these virtues is simply a shadow of a greater, eternal reality. Since we are made in the image of God, it’s not surprising that we would look and live like Him. So, just as our need for justice [see above] reflects the perfect justice of God, so each beautiful act of kindness, generosity, or bravery is a window into who God must be—but infinitely more.

GOOD TRIUMPHS. Just as the period ended the last sentence, so the good of God will be the final stroke in the history of the world. Every terrorist will be caught. Every evil will be recompensed. Every life will be restored. Every loss gets repaid. Every uncertainty gets clarified. This isn’t just a hope; it’s a promise. In the end, good triumphs because God triumphs. Dawn awakens the night. And for this reason, we can lay our heads down to sleep.

transplant timing

2011-08-16T15:56:00.005-05:00

Meet Stu and Jackson. A father and his bright-eyed 6-year old son. They share a bond that is more than family. Stu and Jackson had heart transplants in the same week.

Stu's heart had been failing for some time and, eight months ago, he was placed on the transplant list. On July 27, his close-knit community began a 30-day prayer initiative asking God for the perfect donor. Five days later, the phone call came that a donor had been identified and Stu and Teresa made their much-anticipated drive to Medical City in Dallas. At 7 a.m., they were at the hospital waiting for the donor heart to arrive and, by 2 p.m., Stu had been wheeled back to pre-op. At 4 p.m., Stu received word that the donor's family withdrew consent. Disappointment ran deep for a man who was still confident in God's faithful provision and a community of friends who continued to stand firm with compassionate support.

Rewind the tape a month earlier. Stu and Teresa brought Jackson (then 5 years old) to Pantego Bible Church to talk with Keith Smith about getting baptized. As Pastor Keith listened to Jackson's emerging faith, he encouraged Jackson with a book that he could take home to learn more about Jesus. His heart wasn't ready.

Jackson was scheduled with a follow-up conversation with Pastor Keith on August 3. Because of his father's sudden dash to the hospital, the meeting was expected to be delayed. But, because of his daddy's missed opportunity, Jackson was able to keep his appointment. He sat in Keith's office and expressed unwavering, articulate faith in Jesus. Now, his heart was ready. In a moment, he was new.

Miraculously, on August 6, Stu received another call. The donor heart was good and the surgery was successful. Stu's recovery was spectacular. And, nine days later, he returned home to a crowd of supportive friends. In a moment, he was new.

In Ezekiel 36:26, God expressed the coming covenant this way: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh." Jesus came to perform a heart transplant--to replace calloused, hardened hearts that are opposed to God with vital, pulsing hearts that beat for a relationship with God. The story of Stu and Jackson remind me that each spiritual transplant is the work of God. We may never know why Stu received the second transplant instead of the first one. But, I'm confident that the God who makes hearts beat was operating before the surgeons ever were. Similarly, I have no idea why God providentially arranged for Jackson to talk with Pastor Keith on August 3 instead of July 27. But, heart-change is always according to God's timetable, not ours.

This week, we begin a sermon series on personal evangelism and the story of these two heart transplants encourage me with great freedom when it comes to sharing my faith. I have no idea where people are on their spiritual journey. I cannot be sure whether their "body" will accept or reject the message. I don't control the time or receptivity. All I can do, as a Good News donor, is give away my faith. And, I trust God to do the rest.

the heart of the matter

2011-08-08T14:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I preached on James 5:1-6. It's one of those passages where a casual gloss of the text could easily lead the reader to conclude that the passage doesn't apply to them. Who of us thinks we're really rich? What's the standard of luxury? Few of us have unpaid farmers who have mowed our fields. So, we do nothing.

But, the Bible is written to get to the heart of matters. And, while a text may not seem applicable to me on the surface, there's always a deeper principle that God has designed to impact my life [see 2 Timothy 3:16-17]. For example, the deeper principle of James 5:1-6 is the stockpiling of resources to benefit oneself to the loss of others who needed the resources more. While I didn't think that I had personally refused blessing to anyone in need, the Lord brought to mind the saving of mission resources in our church budget "for a rainy day." This potential "hoarding" of mission riches stood in stark contrast to the the growing famine in the horn of Africa. Poor people desperately need what we could give. We just needed to apply the biblical principle and act.

And we did. Pantego Bible Church committed $40,000 to famine relief through our partnership with World Vision, a ministry that has a long track record of caring for children and families in the developing world. Through government grants, this contribution will be matched five times, for a total of $200,000!

The remarkable thing is that a seemingly irrelevant passage suddenly sprung personally to life! This is the way God's Word operates. If we really don't want to be changed--to continue living a Christ off-centered life--then the Bible will never be more than ancient letters written for someone else. But, if we approach the Bible expecting to be changed, we position ourselves where the Holy Spirit can take us beyond the surface facts to the heart of the matter.

camping out

2011-05-20T08:58:00.000-05:00

The world will end tomorrow. That's what a small band of religious people are expecting. Sometime between 7 and 9 p.m. They have more than 500 billboards around the country warning of the impending judgement. Many have left their jobs and homes to travel in an RV caravan to urgently share their message before a cataclysmic earthquake strikes and a sudden rapture snatches more than 200 million Christians off the planet.

This May 21 date is the calculated conclusion of 89-year old Bible teacher, Harold Camping. He figured God's time-keeping formula from 2 Peter 3:8 ["With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."]. Then, he noticed that God told Noah that He would destroy the world in "7 more days" [Genesis 7:4]. Camping concluded that the world would be completely destroyed 7000 years [1 day = 1000 years] from the beginning of the flood, which he figured at 4990 B.C.

Camping's calculations call to mind an unforgettable quote from a seminary theology professor: "That is an interesting theory, sir. However, it has been bludgeoned to death by a gang of angry facts." There are several lessons I learn from this Bible teacher---though likely not the lessons he wanted me to learn.

First, no one can determined the times or dates which have been set only by the Father [see Acts 1:7]. Even Jesus didn't know the period determined by God. Many have tried. In fact, even Camping claimed the Rapture would take place in September 1994. Then, when he woke up the day after, he quickly decided to reboot his calculator. If he had read beyond 2 Peter 3:8 to verse 10, he would have discovered that the end will come "like a thief"--suddenly, surprisingly and unannounced. Not only is it a waste of time trying to figure the end times math, it is potentially dangerous.

Second, leaders are held responsible. In James 3, the writer sternly warns that "not many should claim to be teachers" because those who say "thus sayeth the Lord" will be held to a strict standard. Preachers and teachers carry authority. This means they have the influence to lead the way and lead astray. Camping will be held accountable for leading his band of followers and countless others to sell their possessions, quit their jobs, abandon their families and drift off mission because of his leadership.

Third, every Christian is personally responsible with the way they handle the Scriptures. Paul writes, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" [2 Timothy 2:15]. His admonition reminds me that it is possible to incorrectly handle the Word of truth. When we neglect the careful study of Scripture and allow ourselves to be led into faulty interpretation by unqualified teachers, we indict ourselves as we stand before God. The Bible is God's word to us. So handle it well.

Finally, be prepared for the Day. Since we cannot know the days or times when Jesus will call His children home, it is right to always be ready. Peter urges Christians,

Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. [2 Peter 3:11-13]

If Camping's campaign has done nothing but alert God's people to the certain return of our Savior, then the headlines are worth it in the end.

redefining normal

2011-05-09T17:13:00.001-05:00

It's been a month since I last posted and 5 months since I preached a series "Redefining Normal." This is a good time to get back on track with both.

In this vision series, I offered the possibility that what many Christians think is the radical life is really "normal" in the eyes of Jesus. And, what many Christians think is the "normal" spiritual life would be considered quite abnormal from Jesus' perspective. What we need is to redefine what we think is normal. In the 3-part sermon series, I offered the normal, biblical point of view on connection, transformation and mission.

COMMUNITY | The normal spiritual life is lived in community with others. There's no place for individualism and privatization in the church. We were made to BELONG to Christ and each other. In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul writes that if we have been united with Christ and if comforted by His love and if we have any life-change...then pursue one another in selfless, humble community. He offers the example of Jesus who gave Himself completely to us. A Christian who "does" church but has no connection with community isn't normal.

CHANGE | Paul goes on in Philippians 2:12-18 to redefine change. The common experience for many Christians is the experience of incidental life-transformation. That is, the change that comes accidentally, by chance, simply because they happen to be at the right spiritual place and the right spiritual time. But, normal change the Christian should be intentional--choosing to join God's Holy Spirit in the life-long journey of sanctification. In 2 Peter 1:5-7, the author charges his readers to "make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love… be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure." While the Holy Spirit ultimately brings about life-change, we have a responsibility to grow in vision, knowledge, character and skills.

CAUSE | The Christian who is connected in community and changed by God makes themselves available to be used by God to change their world. They have a cause worth living and dying for. To conclude chapter 2 in his letter to the Philippians, Paul mentions Timothy and Epaphroditus. These two men served faithfully and were even willing to sacrifice all for the Gospel of Jesus. They stand out as examples of the what it means to live life on mission. The normal Christian life gives itself away.

To listen to the three messages on "Redefining Normal," click HERE and scroll down the page to the sermon series. Finally, post a comment to get the conversation going. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

poverty and generosity

2011-04-01T12:43:00.006-06:00

After preaching on principles of generous living last Sunday, I received an email from a friend encouraging me to remember those who have been stretched thin by the economy. That is, as we talk about greater giving, remember those who have been hit hard by the recession. Some have lost their jobs. Some people have urged me not to make poor people feel guilty for not being able to give.

I appreciate my friend's compassionate caution. In fact, as I started our series, I made four promises including a promise to be gracious. When it comes to money, no one wants to be kicked when they're down. So, let me offer a few guiding principles to those who may feel they have nothing to give or to those who are searching for answers on how the teaching of Scripture applies to those who are financially low.

First, there is a difference between those who must unfortunately adjust their standard of living to fit unique circumstances and those who are actually below the poverty line. A family who lives on a double income totalling $80,000, and faces the loss of one job [ie, $30,000], will certainly have to reset their bill structure, cut out entertainment and not be able to sign their kids up for two soccer leagues. That change will be very difficult, no doubt. But, a $50,000 household income still puts that family in the top 1% of the richest people in the world [see http://www.globalrichlist.com/]. The problem for many [guilty here, too!] is that we increase our standard of living to meet our income rather than set a modest standard of living and give the rest away. So, when we face financial loss, we also face emotional and living loss too.

Second, those who are not financially well-off will often experience greater joy in the Lord's reward when they give than those who are wealthier. When I attended seminary, our household income was less than $20,000 a year. Tiffany took advantage of the seminary food pantry each week and she shopped for clothes at the seminary clothes closet. Even by economic standards of the early 1990s, we were considered to be at lower end of the financial food chain. Still, we gave 10% of our income every week. We chose to eat rice and beans rather than rob the Lord of what was His. And, the reward was extraordinary. We eagerly looked for God's blessing and, when we received it, we celebrated greatly realizing that faithfulness pays spiritual dividends.

Third, for those who are truly impoverished, the Bible welcomes you to receive rather than give. According to my calculator, 10% of 0 = 0. So, if a person has no income, God expects no tithe. In fact, the tithe was collected from God's people who did enjoy an income in order to support those who were impoverished. When a person ends up at rock bottom, the church becomes the Lord's grace to them.

Fourth, generosity is somewhat relative to our present circumstances. While the Bible taught a specific tithe (10%) in the Old Testament, the concept is not prescribed in the New Testament. To be fair, the responsibility of God's people to contribute to God's work never changed. The principle of generosity never changed. Neither did the importance of trusting God with all our resources. But, a single mother making $15,000 a year may express generosity by giving $65 a month (5% of her income). But a couple making $175,000 may need to give $2000 a month (13.7%) to truly express generosity. In the end, God isn't operating with a magical formula as much as He is expecting a spiritual response.

Finally, in God's mind, there is no line of financial security by which a person should begin tithing. Sometimes, when we engage in the conversation about "Not talking to Greg and Marcie about tithing because Greg has been without a job for 6 months," we sound like we think giving is only a responsibility for those who live above the line and can afford it. This natural, but unbiblical, thinking completely misses the point of the financial stewardship. God commanded His people to trust Him with their finances all the time. If we only give when "we get back on our feet," then we've put our trust in ourselves and will only give God His due once we've been able to manage things to a level where we feel comfortable. For this reason, poor people end up with some of the greatest testimonies through their giving.

where does your money go?

2011-03-28T08:42:00.001-06:00

I have started a short series on money called "The Great Give: The Discipline of Generous Living." Financial stewardship has been called "the one area of our spiritual lives we cannot fake." Our giving says so much about our spiritual living. Perhaps that's why Jesus taught more about money than He did about heaven or hell.

Once the topic of money is broached, a whole host of practical questions follows. How much? How often? Net or gross income [I love the answer: "If you want a net blessing, give on net income. If you want a gross blessing, give on gross."]? A very important question concerns the destination of our giving. To whom/where should we direct our generosity?

I'd like to answer this question on two fronts. First, I believe it is important for Christians to focus a majority of their charitable giving on Kingdom-centered initiatives. To be sure, the local symphony, animal shelter or policeman's banquet are all noble causes. But, when the souls of people are at stake, the greatest investment we can make is in ministries which are strategically and intentionally designed to make Jesus Christ known. This doesn't mean that every ministry is financially accountable or equal in regards to its effectiveness. But, when the Christian has to decide whether to save the trees or save people, give to people. In this, you lay up for yourselves treasure which are heavenly and eternal [Matthew 6:19-20].

Second, I believe it is important for Christians to give to their church first, then to support ministries. Throughout the Bible, God's people were commanded to give their tithe ["tenth"] to the priests, the apostles or the church. The Israelites were not allowed to take a tenth of their crop and distribute it at will. The early church brought their money "to the apostles to give to those who had need" [Acts 4:35]. Each time, God's people entrusted their resources to leaders who were given the responsibility to steward and safeguard the resources.

I believe there is a logistical and spiritual reason for this plan. Logistically, or practically, the community leaders [Levites, apostles, elders, etc.] are charged with seeing the needs in the whole community. As leaders of God's people, they are better able to disburse the funds of God's people in an equitable, balanced, strategic manner. Conversely, if all the people in the church gave to whomever they wished, the church would have no means to accomplish it's central mission. Spiritually, the act of giving is intended to be a step of faith wrapped in surrender. There is the ever-present temptation to go half the distance of faith/surrender by giving, but still attempt to maintain control by personally choosing where my money goes and how it is spent. In this, I miss the full "losing" and "gaining" that God has planned for me [Matthew 16:25].

Having offered this perspective, let me also address the other side. I do believe it is important for Christians to support initiatives within their community. Supporting participants in a breast cancer awareness walk-a-thon or giving a contribution to the local Girl Scouts can be a great thing. In addition, I do believe it's important for Christians to support ministry beyond the scope of their church. Hopefully, every believer has a relationship with a missionary whom they support. There are thousands of God-honoring, non-profit organizations who are committed to spiritual life change [I sit on the board of a an incredible Christian fraternity, http://www.betaupsilonchi.org/] and they deserve our partnership, over and above our commitment to our churches.

The good news is that all the money to accomplish all of God's mission is available. Let's seek the wisdom of God to give faithfully, regularly and strategically to the places where we might see the greatest return on our generous investments.

Q&A: a brief theology of work

2011-03-08T15:53:00.007-06:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Theology of work: Why should I bother to work with any excellence at all if all I do is temporal and will all burn in the end? Does God think I am wasting my time? --Miki Anzai

A: Miki, first of all, let me tell you how much I miss you. Ministry with you in Austin was a real privilege. I will never forget your testimony of quitting your job, in lieu of an opportunity to serve on a short term mission trip, trusting that God would line up new employment when you returned. Your investment in the eternal puts your question above in sharp focus. Does our work matter?

I have previously been tempted to start forming my theology of work in Genesis 3 where God announces to Adam,

17 "Cursed is the ground because of you;
through painful toil you will eat of it
all the days of your life.
18 It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
and you will eat the plants of the field.
19 By the sweat of your brow
you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
and to dust you will return.”

Sin brought the curse of painful toil, thorns and thistles, and laborious sweat. My conclusion was that work was the curse. People sinned, so God sentenced us to hard labor.

However, Genesis 3 simply declares the new, qualitative aspect of work. In chapter 2, before sin arrived in Eden, God put man in the garden to "work it and take care of it" [v. 15]. Work was a pre-fall design, not a post-fall discipline. I believe that God set Adam to work in the garden as an expression of man made in the image of God [Genesis 1:26-27]. Just as God is creative and productive [expressed in creation], so He made human beings to reflect His creativity and productivity. In other words, work is an opportunity for each of us to express our connection to God Himself.

It's in this realization that work may become worship. Paul writes that "we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" [Ephesians 2:10]. Of course, the Apostle is referring to the "good works" of Christian virtue and service, not vocational work per se. But, God's "work" in our salvation is intended to reproduce itself in our "working" in a way that pleases God. So, "whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God" [1 Corinthians 10:31]. We work with excellence because God is excellent. We work with diligence because God is diligent. We work with perseverance because God perseveres. It's not the work that honors God, but how we work which has possibility of glorifying Him. And, in the end, it matters little whether we dug water wells of built widgets. Our work is a reflection of our Divine design and, therefore, becomes an opportunity to magnify the Lord.

And, worship is never a waste.

Q&A: real faith

2011-02-23T16:13:00.001-06:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Is it possible to believe that Christ died for my sins and was the Son of God, but still not be saved? --Rick Lawson.

Q: I'm always uneasy when I read Matthew 7:22-23: "Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" How can they have His power if they don't know Him? --Lewis Crow

Rick and Lewis, your questions are related and foundational for understanding the nature of authentic salvation. Both questions are connected because both deal with profession vs. practice. There were many in Jesus' day who were "card-carrying" religious folk. But, their lives failed to correspond with their lips; They didn't practice what they preached.

In Matthew 7:22-23, Jesus noted that there would be some who would stand before His judgment seat and be surprised. They will argue that they preached and perform miracles "in the name of Jesus," but Jesus won't give any claim to them. He will call them "evildoers" and sentence them to eternal separation. To Lewis' point, these condemned will feel as if there religious work was substantive [even believing that they had experienced the power of God in their ministry], but they will in fact still be enemies of Christ.

The Apostle James offers the strongest warning in James 2:14-17:

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Verbal faith without corresponding action is useless. James calls it "dead" faith. It's not that action saves a person. We are saved by grace alone [Ephesians 2:8-9]. Rather, action, produced by authentic faith, is the evidence of faith. So, those who claim to have faith in Christ have no other evidence of the genuineness of their faith except their changed lives. To say it another way, "Talk is cheap" and "Put up or shut up."

To support his point, James writes, "You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder" [v. 19]. His point is sobering: Demons are good theologians. They have the right answers and can conclude correct answers. What separates them from the rest of creation is their failure to act on what they believe. Thus, the person who claims to be a Christian, but whose life is void of evidence, is no better than demons and is in danger of missing out on Christ's best when they stand before Him.

I hope this helps. I look forward to your comments.

Q&A: holding the line

2011-02-04T15:13:00.002-06:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: It seems like what is "acceptable" in the "Christian" community keeps changing. The line keeps moving in the sand about what is OK. The Bible hasn't changed yet what is OK seems to be. i.e., movies that are acceptable, language, etc. Seems like the line keeps getting pushed further and further.--Kristin Keilstrup Kimmell

A: Kristin, you highlight the ever-constant challenge of the Christian: living in the world but not letting the world live in them [Romans 12:2]. In the Old Testament, God's people were commanded to keep themselves "holy" [literally "set apart"] and not co-mingle their values and practices with those of the surrounding culture. When they entered into Canaan [Book of Joshua], they were to tear altars to Ball and Ashterah poles, reject intermarriage with foreigners and stay true to the Law of God. In fact, the reason for widespread annihilation of pagan people was to protect God's people from the ungodly influences of their culture.

The same charge is given to God's people today. In 2 Corinthians 6, Paul cautions the church about co-mingling with culture. He writes,

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said:

“I will live with them
and walk among them,
and I will be their God,
and they will be my people."

Therefore,
“Come out from them
and be separate,
says the Lord.
Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
[2 Corinthians 6:14-17]

Unfortunately, today, too many Christians throw their hands up and concede, "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Rather than draw sharp lines, they allow the world to "squeeze them into its mold" [Romans 12:2, JB Philips translation].

How do we stand firm and stay pure? Let me offer 4 suggestions:

CONSIDER what God has said. Many Christians don't know where the lines are because they've never seen where they're drawn. God's Word is remarkably clear in so many areas of life. My one-year Bible reading has been a great refresher for me, reminding me of God's high standard and right reward for holy living.

CONVICTION ahead of time. Daniel "resolved" that he would not eat the kings food [Daniel 1:8]. That is, he formed a conviction based on what he knew from God's commands. For example, my son has an immovable conviction not to entertain female friends at our house if we're not at home. His conviction is a reflection of his commitment to holiness.

COURAGE in the crowd. People with convictions stand up to stand apart. Eventually, they will end up standing out. People will ask questions. Someone will roll their eyes. Your kids might be the "odd man out." To be sure, there are many things not worth "dying for." But, when the time arrives for you to make a decision based on conviction, you will need godly courage to endure. Just before the Israelites entered Canaan, God assured them, "Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go...Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go" [Joshua 1:7,9].

CULTIVATE a heart of humility. The danger of holiness is that it can breed a kind of haughtiness. Pride is ever on the heels of principled living. The more separated I am from the world, the more sensitive I must become to my world around me. God wants to use me to change my world. And, if I ascend the the peak of the mountain, I become distantly useless to my neighbors in the valley. Monks make terrible evangelists. So, ask God to help you remain humble as you pursue holy living.

motive and motivation

2011-01-14T14:21:00.001-06:00

It's been four and a half months since I last posted. So many changes and transitions. I received an email from blog follower today who challenged me to begin posting again and asked a good question in the process. She wondered when it's appropriate for Christians to "highlight" their commitments. Specifically, this last Sunday, I challenged our congregation to "Redefine Community" [see http://ow.ly/i/7dNc ] and practice some "new normal" commitments this week. Then, I encouraged them to prayerfully consider a new rhythm in their spiritual life that would reflect a biblical expression of community. Write their commitment on the insert provided and post it on the back wall of the Worship Center this Sunday.

My friend rightly wondered how this fit with Jesus' warning in Matthew 6:1-4:

“Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

By posting our new resolutions, do we risk violating Jesus' command? Would it be better for our commitments to be secret? Should we prevent the left hand from knowing what the right hand is doing?

The issue comes down to motive and motivation. The issue Jesus was addressing in this text is one of motive: What is the reason why anyone might publicly announce their works of righteousness? If their intent is "to be seen by men" [v. 1], then the applause of men becomes their reward [v. 2] and they miss the greater reward of God's pleasure. Jesus' point: It's better to have heaven cheer for you than to receive a pat on the back from others.

However, when our intent is to motivate others, the public testimony of our works can be very helpful. Take, for example, the platform testimony of a missionary. When they explain their commitment, the suffering they have faced, the obstacles they have overcome and the victories that they have experienced, they stir the hearts of their hearers. Their stories aren't intended to draw attention to themselves, but to excite the hearts of people of what is possible with God. Their motive is to motivate. For this reason, we have asked people not to put their names on their posted inserts this Sunday.

In a day when so much of religion is considered "private," it's good to remember that God encourages His people to be public with their spiritual lives. Boldly highlight what God is doing in your life. And, if you say it, write it, express it in a way that makes less of you and more of God, you have done it with the right motive and great motivation.

why go to Ethiopia?

2010-09-30T09:04:00.001-05:00

17 hours of flight time and we will land in Addis Ababa. Considering the financial investment and the amount of preparation to make sure our kid's schedules stay on track back home may leave a person wondering, "Why?" Wouldn't it be less and disruptive and more cost-effective to simply wire money into an Ethiopian account for a well-trained African minister to use?

On the one hand, missions must steward God's resources wisely. In many cases, supporting indigenous workers makes the best economic and cultural sense. We could probably pay the annual salary of an African pastor for the cost of sending one of us to his village for a week. Supporting others to do the work of ministry is often exponentially better. Still, there are several reasons why we choose to GO:

We go because Christ commanded us to. Matthew 28:18-20 records the Great Commission [often treated as a great omission by many in the church]. He called His followers to "go into all nations." A disciple does what he/she sees their master doing. Christ came to the "world" so we go to the world as well.

We go because it stretches our faith. Missions is one of the greatest ways to challenge our walk with God, move us outside our boundaries and force us to trust Him along the way. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." My life in Christ is incomplete apart from faith and missions going makes me rely on Him.

We go because the need is great. This trip is primarily focused on taking care of dental needs among the needy in Addis Ababa, the capitol city of Ethiopia. To be sure, I probably won't be filling any cavities or performing any extractions, but the main players on this trip made a decision to go because they assessed their present resources and the world's great need. There are more than 150 dentists in the city of Arlington and only 75 dentists in the country of Ethiopia! In comparison, that would be only one dentist serving the population of Arlington, Mansfield and Fort Worth. Serving is what happens when people discover that they have been entrusted with God's great resources, not to bless themselves, but to be a blessing to those who need it. Missions in what happens when those servants go in the name of Jesus and for the purpose of serving in the context of the Gospel so that God is made famous.

We go because it models the normative Christian life to our children. Missions is the standard--not an option-- for every Christian. I disciple my children to care about people, value the Gospel's power and make their life count by practicing what I preach. If my kids chose to throw away a lucrative career for 3rd world ministry, I would be thrilled.

We go because we don't want to go. Every time I have had opportunity to go on a mission trip--Russia, Estonia, Ukraine, China, Spain, Mexico, and Africa--I have hesitated. I can always think of so many reasons why not to go: time away from family, preparations that have to be made, working ahead and getting caught up at work, numerous vaccinations, packing, long flights, jet lag, etc. If I choose to give in to the constant tug in my soul that wants to lead me to the easy life instead of suffering for Christ (we really have no idea what "suffering" is all about), I will miss all that God wants for me and from me. Saying "yes" to missions is a spiritual resolution to say "no" to my flesh.

We go because it gives us stories to tell of our living God. From the beginning, this trip has been a remarkable grassroots effort by radical Christians who were just following God's leading. As a bystander to this effort (I'm usually leading), I have had the great opportunity to watch God move in people's lives. If this is what he does on this side of the ocean, I can't imagine what He wants to do when we arrive and completely surrender to Him! Missions fills our hearts with incredible stories of how God proved Himself faithful, powerful, beautiful and good. I look forward to sharing these stories with our church family.

Q&A: drugs and the Bible

2010-08-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: What is the proper biblical view of psychoactive drugs particularly in the treatment of mental disease? Sometimes I am concerned that we over-diagnose and over-medicate when the root cause is spiritual. What does the Bible say about the intersection of medicine, the soul, and the brain? --Matthew Pittner

A: Matt, you get the prize for the most out-of-the-blue question! Yet, like you, I am concerned that the all-too-often solution for life's difficulties is a prescription. To be sure, there are some chemical problems in which responsible diagnosis and prescription are necessary.

There is very little about medicine mentioned in the Bible. In 1 Timothy 5:23, Paul encouraged Timothy to use "a little wine" as a digestive aid. Similarly, the Good Samaritan used wine to help an injured traveler. He "bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine" [Luke 10:34]. A "balm" is mentioned in Gilead [Jeremiah 46:11] and the leaves of some trees are noted for their healing properties [Ezekiel 47:12; perhaps the same tree in Revelation 22:2?]. However, beyond a handful of references, the Bible doesn't tell us much about "the intersection of medicine, the soul and the brain."

Fortunately, the Bible does give me some other principles that help to determine the "outer boundaries" of my convictions on this topic.

First, since all sickness has it's root in the spiritual, our first regimen should be prayer. In James 5:14-15, we read, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." When Jesus' disciples found a man afflicted by a demon, Jesus said, "This kind can come out only by prayer" [Mark 9:29]. So, it seems to me that all kinds of human ailments should be addressed with spiritual resources first.

Second, we must have proper respect for our bodies, made in the image of God and worthy of special guardianship. Paul writes that our bodies are "temples of God's Holy Spirit" and, as such, we should "glorify God" with our bodies [1 Corinthians 6:19-20]. In the context of this passage, the Apostle is speaking specifically of rejecting sin. The larger implication is that we should be wise with what we join ourselves--whether it is drugs, drinking or debauchery.

Third, second opinions are good ideas. A multitude of counselors produces great wisdom [Proverbs 15:22]. So, in matters of significance [and, our mental health is pretty significant], it's important and wise to seek additional information and insight. Second opinions are good stewardship.

Finally, give God a chance. All too often, we rush to quick fixes for the complex challenges of life. But, the most basic prescription of the spiritual life is: Faith. Proverbs 3:5 urges us to "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." This verse applies to every part of life: financial, relational, occupational, material...and psychological. This doesn't mean that a person should never take medicine for mental illness. But, every life decision must be weighed in the shadow of God's sovereign leading of our life.

Q&A: the problem of evil

2010-08-16T08:29:00.001-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: In reference to today's sermon: It seems to me that the unanswered question of the message was where does evil fit in? How do we reconcile that Jesus is the creator and hold all things together and yet evil still get a foot hold? --Matt Benton

A: Matt, I appreciate your question and so will a numkber of others who have talked with me in the last 24 hours, all wondering the same thing. Reconciling the sovereignty of God and the presence of evil isn't a new discussion (as you know) and is one of the greatest stumbling blocks to belief for many.

The problem is a simple one, actually: Either God isn't Creator of all things and/or lacks soveriegnty over all creation, conveniently taking the problem of evil out of His hands...or...God is Creator and is soveriegn and appears to be the author of things like floods in Pakistan and African genocide. The answer, isn't so simple.

As I've modeled in other posts, let's begin with what we know for certain. First, I know that God is "first cause." That is, He is the starting placeof all creation. Our Bible opens with the words, "In the beginning, God." He is the creative genesis behind everything. As we heard in yesterday's sermon, Jesus Christ brought "all things" into being [John 1:1-2, Colossians 1:16].

Second, I know God created Satan. That's right. Satan isn't self-existant; he is a created being [Ezekiel 28:13]. He was created perfect and beautiful as a high-ranking angel in the order of the Cherubim [angels that guarded the holiness of God; Ezekiel 28:14]. God not only created Satan, but appointed him to serve God.

Third, I know that Satan brought evil into the world. His heart was filled with greed and pride and said "I will" have God's place [notice the number of times the phrase "I will" is mentioned in Isaiah 14:12-15]. In his effort to overthrow God's rightful place of rulership, Satan violated God's commands and led the world into evil.

Fourth, I know that love permits freedom. Someone may ask, why did God allow Satan to bring such violence into His perfect creation? The answer is "love." God could have created a world that had no choice but to love and serve Him. In that condition, we would be nothing more than automatons, pre-engineered to live only one way. However, we would not be able to express true love any more than if I forced my children to love me. True love gives another the freedom to love. This means that it necessarily gives another the freedom to hate. This is what Satan did, and the world after him.

Fifth, I know that sin set the world off-course. Sin isn't just a moral disruption in the hearts of people. Sin had creation-wide implications. All of God's creative order was set on tilt and longs to be redeemed [Romans 8:19-23]. This principle of sin in the world is what causes monsoons and cancer. Someone might ask, "Then why doesn't God simply eradicate sin?" The answer is that sin begins in the hearts of people--those deeply loved by God--and to destroy sin is to destroy people [see "on suffering" post below]. Strange as it may seem, God's grace allows evil to exist because of God's saving purposes to rescue people.

So far, we have determined that God was not the original author of sin. He did, however, create Satan who, in turn, because of divine freedom, asserted his will and led the world astray. The whole of creation is perverted by Satan's fall. As such, God is not the immediate cause of natural disasters and human sickness. The principle of evil, launched by Satan, is the cause.

But, this doesn't answer the whole question. Someone may wonder, "If God has the power to prevent a tornado, and nothing comes into being apart from His decision, then isn't God ultimately responsible for the tornado." Surprisingly, the answer is "yes." While sin is the immediate cause, God is the ultimate cause. Tornadoes can't form without Him.

The difference between immediate and ultimate cause might best be understood in the following illustration. Suppose a teenager finds a handgun, loads it and robs a corner store. Who is responsible for the robbery? The police will charge the boy. Moreover, the police will definitely not charge Smith and Wesson, the maker of the gun. But, of course, had Smith and Wesson never manufactured the gun, the robbery could not have taken place as it did. The gun maker is the ultimate cause; but the teen is the immediate cause of the robbery. Only one of them is responsible for the act.

This limited illustration breaks down in several places, of course. The main point is to help us appreciate the sovereignty of God who is behind all things and the culpability of Satan and sinful people who propagate the principle of sin in the world.

I can only hope this answer begins to help...

Q&A: divine calling

2010-07-26T08:19:00.003-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Can you just decide to become a Christian, like deciding to go to this school or that, or take this job or not, or does it first take a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit, and that work is what so pulls a person to fully trust and be reborn? I've heard quoted - no man can come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit has first come to him. Why is the man centered decision the emphasis? Is it biblical? --Brittany Pruitt

A: Brittany, your great question gets to the heart of conversion. How does a person enter into salvation and a relationship with God. For many years, I used the phrases "Accept Jesus into your heart" or "Come to Christ." To be fair, I don't think these phrases are heretical for they express the human experience of salvation. Twenty seven years ago, it seemed to me that I was making a choice to step from unbelief to belief. Moreover, the Bible is filled with commands in regards to salvation: Confess, believe, repent and choose. So, there is a human element to the transaction from death to life.

However, the Bible starts with God. And, in the work of life transformation, God moves first. In John 6:44, Jesus states "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him." God speaks, people hear and believe. Similarly, in Acts 16:14, when Lydia heard the truth, "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message."

This work of God is known as "effectual calling." That is, God moves in the heart of an individual--a heart otherwise stone-cold with sin--and begins the work of transformation. Paul writes that "Those whom [God] predestined He also called; and those whom He called he also justified" [Romans 8:30]. So, God's calling precedes the work of justification and is "effectual" [see John 6:33] in bringing people to faith.

For this reason, I choose to use the word "respond" when I talk about the Gospel today. I did not choose God; He chose me. And, any movement that I express toward God is a faith response to the voice of the Good Shepherd calling my name. While I may not completely understand it at the moment of salvation, the whole work of the whole Gospel is really the whole work of God. None of me; All of Him.

Q&A: God and goodness

2010-07-15T10:00:00.002-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: I know God can use bad things for good and for His glory, but when you hear of child being horribly ill or being badly abused, it's hard to see how to trust in God's goodness or explain it to others. --Susan Sheldon

A: Susan, more than a few people have had a hard time trusting in God because of the terrible evil they see and experience in the world. When bad things happen--especially to "innocent" people--it's tough not to question the goodness of God, the power of God or the knowledge of God. If a child is abused, God must be unkind, unknowing or unable to prevent it. Perhaps all three.

To be sure, no one can give a completely comforting answer for the sad traumas and tragedies in our world. However, there are a few truths that we can put our hands on to give us a better perspective.

First, bad things are the result of the principle of evil in the world [see previous blog post "on suffering" below]. Terrible things happen because sin was unleashed in the world in the Garden of Eden. This sin affects and infects every aspect of life: the natural realm [tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, etc.], the biological realm [birth defects, premature death, Alzheimer's, etc.], the moral realm [lying, cheating, stealing, etc.], and the relational realm [divorce, abuse, anger, etc.]. God doesn't orchestrate tragedies in life. The pervasive principle of sin makes our world a very difficult place to live.

Second, the presence of sin is an expression of the goodness of God. I know, this sounds strange. But, once we read the first point above, we immediately wonder, "Why doesn't God rid of evil in the world?" and "Why did God ever allow evil in the first place?" Truth is, God could have limited the opportunity for sin, but to do so would have limited human freedom. In other words, for God to allow the free-est expression of love, He had to permit the possibility of un-love. To say it differently, only when my children have the possibility of not loving me can their love be proved genuine. If they only had the option of love [i.e, if option of sin and rebellion were removed], they would be nothing more than automatons--creatures without volition. This would not be loving and it would not be good. So, while it doesn't feel like it, the goodness of God is demonstrated in the original and ongoing freedom that He gives for people to love... or not.

However, the answer doesn't end here. God is able to redeem even the worst of tragedies to accomplish greater purposes. This is the hope of Romans 8:28. Though God permits sin to remain for a time [Be sure that God, for reasons we do not understand, does intervene and limit evil today so that the world isn't as evil as it could be!], He uses the terrible outcomes and weaves them together in a tapestry of His eternal purposes. For example, I know of a little boy, abandoned by his natural mother [his father died when he was young], who has met adoptive parents who, in the process of his adoption, have led him to Christ. God's ways are bigger [see Isaiah 55:8] and, in time, God's sovereignty will always bring beauty out of the ashes of pain.

I hope this helps.

Q&A: when do we get to heaven?

2010-07-12T09:40:00.001-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Based on what I have read and what I think I understand to be correct, those that are saved but have died are not in Heaven now. They aren't whisked to Heaven after death. They will not go to Heaven till the second coming. There's always talk about Grandma being in Heaven watching but I don't understand it that way. --Debbra Ledbetter

A: This question is an interesting one because it challenges simple presuppositions that many of us have held for a lifetime with the facts of the Bible that sometimes suggest otherwise. Before I go further, let me assure the reader that, if Grandma is a Christian, she is safe at her death. The question is exactly where does Grandma go at the moment of her death?

Using the process mentioned two posts ago, I start my decision-making process by stating what I know for certain:

1. I know that to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of the Lord [2 Corinthians 5:8]. This is written from a distinctively Christian point of view.
2. Jesus assured on thief that "Today, you will be with me in paradise" [Luke 23:43].

3. Christian will not receive their final, glorified body until the Second Coming of Jesus in the future [1 Corinthians 15:50-58]. It is this renewed body that will enable us to enjoy and appreciate heaven and the presence of God unencumbered.

4. Human beings are a unity of body and soul [Genesis 2:7]. The soul does not live in a disembodied way from the tent of our physical self. Neither does the body live apart from the soul.

These four certainties enable me to set the boundaries of my theological conclusion. Thus, I believe that when a Christian dies, they enter into some kind of presence of God [this is not purgatory as Catholics teach from another point of view]. It is not a "holding place" for Paul believed that to depart this life would be "far better" [Philippians 1:23]. However, because Christ has not returned yet, our new bodies will not be reunited with our souls and, therefore, our heavenly experience will not be complete until then. These principles have led theologians to posit the idea of an "intermediate state"--in the presence of God, but not fully. So Grandma is on her way to her full inheritance...much better off than her life on earth, but not yet fully enjoying all of God's best which is yet to come.

[NOTE: Someone has suggested that, because heaven is outside of time, the moment a person dies is the return of Christ and, therefore. each person does receive a glorified body and enter fully into the presence of God. However, this is a bit too "fourth dimensional" for me.]

Q&A: saved or not?

2010-07-09T16:03:00.002-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Say you accept Christ as your Savior and you take communion and pray a little, but you don't have a personal relationship with Christ. You didn't "die to self" so Christ (Holy Spirit) could take over and guide your path. You continue on with your life as if acceptance was a mere bump in the road of your life. The question is: Are you really saved from day one? Or is being saved a lifelong transformation? And if death occurs before the relationship is solid with Christ, then what? --Debbie Reddehase

A: Debbie, your important question deals with two issues: 1) Is salvation a point in time or a process? and 2) If a person doesn't demonstrate life change, are they saved? The two are related, but let's look at them in turn.

First, the Bible describes salvation as a point in time transformation and a process. The moment we profess faith in Christ, we are justified--that is, declared righteous before God. Romans 5:1 affirms, "since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This is a past tense, completed act. Some people cannot remember exactly when they made a profession of faith. But, make no mistake about it, our salvation is secured at a specific, conscious moment in time where God changed our heart and we moved from death to life.

While this eternal, legal transaction of justification took place instantaneously, the ongoing process of sanctification takes a lifetime. Sanctification is the cooperative work of God and people to make them what they already are. One writer said, "sanctification is simply getting used to our justification." Throughout life, God uses a variety of things to produce the life transformation made possible through the singular work of justification.

Paul described sanctification this way in Philippians 2:12-13, "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose." Notice that this verse doesn't tell us to work for our salvation but work out our salvation. Because God is "at work" in us, we can work with God to become the people He wants us to be. This is the normal Christian life.

This brings us to your second question: Can a person who doesn't experience life transformation truly be saved? In a very important passage [James 2:14-26], the Apostle states quite plainly that "faith without works is dead." In a very detailed study of this passage in seminary, I summarized James' words this way: "Authentic faith is proved by the works that it produces." The genuineness of our faith is found in the evidence of life-change. Jesus said we would be able to tell a tree by its fruit [Luke 6:43-44]. So, saved people produced salvation fruit. People who have been changed [justification] produce fruit of present life-change [sanctification].

This leaves us with a final question: What do we conclude about a person who attends church, goes to communion and even prays a little, but doesn't exhibit any substantive life change? The answer, I believe, is ultimately between that individual and God. But, the Scriptures give such a person reason to be concerned about their eternal destiny. Without the fruit of transformation, no one can be confident that they are rooted in Christ, the Tree of Life.

Q&A: substitution

2010-06-28T14:00:00.004-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: I've never understood the "how" behind Jesus' substitutionary sacrifice. How does his righteousness get transferred to us and our sin to Him? Why is a substitution acceptable to God, even in the Mosaic law? --Lewis Crow

A: Lewis, this question of substitution has been on my mind as well. In the Law, God allowed a penal [legal] substitute for human sin. Declaring that the penalty of sin is death [Romans 3:23], He chose to allow one to die for another. Before Christ, an unblemished lamb [aka "scapegoat"] could serve as the substitute for a penitent sinner. In the New Testament, Jesus becomes the perfect Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world [John 1:29].

This idea of substitution is known as "imputation." Three imputations are found in the Bible and in our human experience. First, Adam's sin is imputed to us. Sin entered the world through this one representative man and was laid upon everyone who would be descended from him [see Romans 5:12ff].

Second, our sin is imputed to Christ. While some cry "foul!" because we are held responsible for something Adam started, they don't mind letting Jesus bear the punishment for something we did. Isaiah writes that "God laid on Him the iniquity of us all" [53:6].

The last imputation is Christ's righteousness given to us. Paul writes, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" [2 Corinthians 5:21]. As we trust in Jesus Christ, His righteousness replaces our sin. In this great exchange, we become acceptable to God.

These three imputations are mysterious principles of creation ordained by God. I consider them an expression of His grace--making it possible for sin to be justly condemned and sinners to be reconciled to God through the substitutionary work of a perfect God-man.

I hope this helps.

Q&A: age of accountability

2010-06-22T13:19:00.003-05:00

This is a post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Another question for when you get around to it: Age of Accountability. It doesn't appear to be very supported biblically (that I can see), yet I really want to believe it. However, if it is true, could you justify abortion as being the loving thing to do since it doesn't allow for the baby to not believe in Jesus. Is it all a mute point because God elects those He will? -- Jennifer Benton

A: Jennifer, I appreciate this question because it's not just about salvation. It's about what we think about God. Is He just and fair? How do we reconcile the exclusivity and necessity of Christ with the inability of some (infants) to exercise conscious faith?

Before we get to the answer, let's talk methodology. When I am confronted with a theological question, I start by asking "What do I know for certain?" As I draw conclusions about what I know to be true, I begin to establish boundaries for which the answer to my larger question will have to fit. Let's try this on your important question.

1. I know for certain that all people are sinners [Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:5]. It's a human condition that is our nature--inside us. That is, I'm not a sinner because I commit sins; I commit sins because my fundamental nature is sinful.

2. I know for certain that sin separates all people from God [Romans 6:23, Psalm 15]. The holiness of God cannot tolerate the contaminating and compromising presence of sin. Only a holy person can enter the presence of a holy God.

3. I know for certain that Jesus Christ is the only way for a person to be saved [John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Acts 4:12].

4. I know for certain that goodness, mercy and justice are part of God's character [Psalm 136]. Everything that God does will correspond to His character.

5. I know for certain that David had expectations of seeing his infant child again [2 Samuel 12:22-23]. When the eight-day old boy died, David remarked, "I will go to him, but he will not return to me." David believed that he would "go" to be with his son. This text is used by some to hint at a special dispensation for children.

So, as I read the Scriptures and declare what I know for certain, I conclude that the right answer must address human need, not dilute the necessity of Jesus, maintain the character of God and allow for David's hope to come true. At this point, I have "staked" the boundaries of a plausible answer.

In the context of these boundaries, I bring two other theological ideas. The first one comes from Romans 1. Paul writes that God's general revelation (knowledge of God through nature, human conscious and providential acts) persuades people of the reality of God and His righteous demands. But all people, having received this revelation, "suppress the truth of God" [Romans 1:18]. This rejection is what makes them guilty. If this is true, we could conclude that an infant does not possess the capacity to "know" God through nature, perceive through their conscious or delight in the providential acts of God. Unable to accommodate this general revelation, they are not personally guilty. This does not mean that they are not born with a sin nature; It simply suggests that perhaps they are not personally culpable.

An age of accountability [the Jews recognized age 13 as a marker] would be the time when a child has the ability to learn, perceive, discern and decide. At that point, the child is morally accountable to God. I have wondered if this is what Paul meant in Romans 7:9, "Once I was alive apart from law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died." At one time, he was alive [safe] because he had not received the requirements of the law [before he could understand good from bad]. But, once he was able to understand, sin was awakened as a force for disobedience in him. So, in regards to this first idea, I believe the Bible does hint at an experience of personal responsibility which leads to our guilt before God.

This, of course, does not relieve a person--no matter how young--of the sin nature that resides in them since birth. While a baby may not be able to comprehend the providential kindness of God enough to reject it, they are nonetheless sinners. For this, a second theological idea is presented. In 1 John 2:2, John writes, "[Jesus] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." I personally believe that John is writing from the perspective that Christ's death is beneficial, not only for his readers, but for many others far beyond the scope of their cities and homes. However, his statement highlights the completeness of Christ's atoning sacrifice. There is power in the cross and the sacrifice of Jesus. So, perhaps, [perhaps!], the substitutionary work of Christ is specially applied to an infant who doesn't have the capacity to understand truth yet. If this were true, we wouldn't say that God just "let's some people off the hook." Rather, we uphold all of what we know to be true: the need, the guilt, the necessary sacrifice of Jesus and the mercy of God.

To your question on abortion: I would never condone abortion as an answer to any theological dilemma. Somehow, the condition of man, the mercy of God and His command not to murder must be able to be supported with a conclusion that validates each. perhaps my answer above helps.

I hope this response, while not definitive, helps us to appreciate the deeper theological issues while considering a response that is plausible given what we know to be true.

Q&A: love is blind

2010-06-15T08:16:00.005-05:00

This is the third post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: Someone told me that you were answering difficult Bible verses. I know a man who is engaged to a non-believer and uses 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 to justify his decision. What do you think? --Anonymous

A: Anonymous, thanks for taking time to raise a question that is becoming increasingly more challenging in our contemporary culture. There are two issues at stake in your question. One is interpretation and the other is sanctification. Let's look at both.

FIRST, the use of this passage to justify courtship and/or marriage to a non-Believer is an example of self-serving interpretation. To be fair to your colleague, we all tend to read the Bible through our own personal lens and it is a discipline to let the Bible interpret itself rather than us force our own hopes and dreams within the words of Scripture. In the case of this text, the reader has missed two very important interpretive insights. Paul writes,

"To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy. But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?"

The first insight is that the text must be read in the context of the overarching argument. This passage actually begins in verse 10 where Paul is raising the topic of divorce. His question is, "When is it right to divorce?" Having raised the question, he is sure that new converts in his audience will raise the question, "What if we have become people of faith and our spouse isn't? Should we divorce?" Paul's answer is, "No. Stay married. Be sure that God will guard your marriage and your children. In fact, your spirituality has potential to become a sanctifying influence on your non-believing spouse." In other words, Paul taught that it is better to keep your marriage covenant than to divorce when it one marriage partner becomes a Christian.

However, Paul is not giving instructions on who to marry! He is not suggesting that Christians marry non-Christians in order to win them to Christ. It would be like me telling my children, "When you find yourself caught in debt, make sure that you adjust your standard of living and cut back on your luxuries." My instruction in no way encourages them to go into debt! I'm simply giving them counsel should they find themselves in this unfortunate situation. So, once again, to read 1 Corinthians 7:12-16 as a guide to courtship and marriage is to misread the passage.

This raises another interpretive issue: The principle of consistency. The Bible does not contradict itself. Verses in Matthew will compliment the writings of Isaiah. The Old and New testaments fit together. The Bible is a unity. So, when I read 2 Corinthians 6:14 [also written by Paul!]--"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"--I must discover how to reconcile this verse with his command in 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. The right interpretation of both verses is the one that enables one to support the other and both be applied truthfully. I cannot choose to selectively obey one verse, but not the other.

So, the first problem with your colleague's decision is one of interpretation. The SECOND problem is one of sanctification. The word means "to be/make holy." And, in the passage quoted above [2 Corinthians 6:14], Paul highlights the sure conflict that will arise when people from two differing religious backgrounds attempt to become "one flesh" [Genesis 2:24]. Believers should never "yoke" themselves [in farming cultures, young bulls were hitched to more seasoned ox to plow fields] to unbelievers. This relational unity will threaten the spiritual maturity of the man or woman who is seriously pursuing holiness.

Some might argue that this reflects a spirit of intolerance and that genuinely loving people can find a way to get along with one another. However, if our religious perspective reaches down to the core of who we are, it drives everything we say, think and do. To say it differently, the only way that a couple from two different religious perspectives can live in harmony is for both of them to jettison what they believe for the sake of one another. In doing so, they have lost a part of themselves and they both lose.

Let me give you a real example. A Christian woman falls in love with an agnostic man. According to her belief in God and His Kingdom, she disciplines herself to give a portion of her income to ministry. She also values attending corporate worship every Sunday morning. He husband is completely opposed to giving money to charity and wants to golf every Sunday. This couple has 4 alternatives:

1. The wife abandons her religious convictions. Their marriage is "unified" but she loses.
2. The husband abandons his non-religious convictions. Their marriage is "unified" but he loses.
[NOTE: This doesn't mean he "converts." He just lives a personal lie.]
3. Both husband and wife "give a little" [compromise] and they both lose a little.
4. Neither gives in and they are in constant conflict.

At the end of the day, none of these options express genuine marriage where both people grow according to truth and unity is based on an affirmation and encouragement of each other. Moreover, for a Christian to compromise truth [even for the sake of "love"] is to make Christ the servant of our affections. It is to make God play second chair to someone greater in our life.

In this, the Christian doesn't ever move forward to maturity. They are not sanctified. They are ever-battling with their spiritual priorities and, more often than not, their earthly relationship wins over their heavenly one. After a whole series of compromises, the once-vital Christian finds themselves having given away the farm...for love.

Love is blind. And, for this reason, I encourage people to keep their eyes wide open when it comes to courtship and marriage. Let the Word, not your heart, lead you. And, build a lifelong relationship with a spouse where both of you already have a common, sure foundation.

Q&A: free will?

2010-06-12T13:56:00.003-05:00

This is the second post designed to answer deeper theological questions. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q. How free is the will? --Bo Frazier

A. Bo, this question is one of my favorites. I think this question represents an idea that we've all grown comfortable with--one that reflects our human experience and desire--but has no biblical support. I hear people say, "God helps those who help themselves" or "God will not give you any more than you can handle." These popular sayings are also unbiblical. The idea of "free will" seems to fit what we feel in life and, therefore, has uncritically made its way into our theological framework.

But, the Bible doesn't teach free will.

In fact, the Bible teaches quite the opposite. In Romans 6:17, Paul writes that we all "used to be slaves to sin." His point is that, apart from Christ, people are under the control of sin. They're not free. They are mastered by unrighteousness.

To be sure, we feel free. Many people, outside of Christ, feel as if they can do anything they please. Truth is, sin has so contaminated our humanity, that our will is subject to our sin nature and, until God breaks through, we will never be able to do what ultimately pleases God and leads to life.

My seminary professor used a very vivid illustration. He invited a student to stand on a chair, jump...and not fall. Of course, it was impossible because the student was bound by the laws of his physical nature [gravity]. In the same way, we are bound by spiritual laws. We are free to do everything that our nature permits us to do. If our nature is enslaved to sin, we are free to do whatever an enslaved nature can do [i.e., a convict in the prison yard is "free" to do whatever he wants...though his freedom is clearly limited. He is free to do push ups, but he cannot go to the beach.]. But, we are not free to do absolutely anything we want.

In this, there is no such thing as free will before coming to Christ.

However, once a person is set free by Christ [Galatians 5:1, Romans 6], we have a greater capacity to live a life pleasing to God. The sin nature has not been annihilated. But, it has been broken so that it no longer has mastery over the Christian. This is what it means to be free and only in Christ can our wills be liberated to be the people God designed us to be.

Q&A: on suffering

2010-06-10T09:00:00.009-05:00

Today, I start a Q&A forum. I've asked Facebook friends to post questions for discussion. I'll make a humble attempt to explore these questions from a biblical perspective.

Q: "Well, my question is not sophisticated or brainy... But I still struggle with why God allows us to be in danger, get hurt, suffer, and die. Why pray for safety and protection? God says he will hem us in behind and before, but sometimes He doesn't. He doesn't guarantee our safety or the protection of the people we love... My only consolation for this insecurity is that He ultimately provides believers with final comfort and wholeness in heaven. But, here? It doesn't seem so (or seems so sometimes, but not others... At His mysterious whim). So is this God causing calamity? Or is He simply allowing sin and Satan to work? Either way, how do we trust Him on earth?" --Cynthia Cobb Oelkers

A: Cynthia, thanks for asking this bold and relevant question. This may be one of the most-asked questions in history. Why does God allow bad things to happen? The answer, I believe, is found in three spiritual realities.

FIRST, evil exists because sin is in the world. From the beginning, at the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden [Genesis 3], sin has contaminated God's created order. In Romans 8:19-22, Paul writes, "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time."

This lingering principle of sin has so skewed God's perfect design that tornadoes sweep across farm towns, babies are born with defects and oil rigs explode in the ocean. Every part of us and our world is impacted by the contaminating influence of sin.

It's important to keep this in mind. Otherwise, God takes the blame for sin's destruction. By way of illustration: Suppose a man walks into a convenience store and robs the clerk at gunpoint. He shoots the shop owner and flees as customers look on. Someone might argue that the clerk died because no one stopped the criminal. While it's true that the events might have turned out differently if someone had stepped in, the customers aren't culpable for the criminal act. The clerk died at the hands of a robber, not the others in the store that day. Similarly, I believe we must keep in mind that danger, hurt, suffering and death are the work of enemy who introduced sin into the world and it is that principle of sin that is behind every unfortunate event we face.

SECOND, evil is rooted in the hearts of people. While we talk about the contaminating effect of sin in our natural creation, sin is essentially a moral problem. It resides in the hearts of people. This is important to remember because, for God to remove sin, He would have to remove us.

Let's face it, there are only three options:

1. God doesn't overcome any difficulties.
2. God overcomes some difficulties.
3. God overcomes all difficulties.

In the first option, God removes Himself from the world, ignore the problem of sin and turns a blind eye to the suffering of people everywhere. This would be the god of the deists who think that God wound the world up and permits it to "tick" on it's own. But, of course, we do see God at work in the world. So, this option isn't reality.

In the last option, God overcomes all pain, suffering and hardship in life. But, because sin is a moral problem, God would have to drill down to the source of sin and extinguish it there. In the words of CS Lewis, "If we asked God to get rid of all suffering at midnight tonight, who of us would be left at 12:01?" He adds, in Mere Christianity, "I wonder whether people who ask God to interfere openly and directly in our world quite realize what it will be like when He does....When the author walks on the stage the play is over." There is a day when Christ returns and everything that has been undone will be remade according to God's Divine design. Until then, God will not totally annihilate pain because to do so, He would have to strike at the source leaving too many with no hope at all.

This leaves us with the middle option: God intervenes in some difficulties. And He does. We know He does. We just wish he would intervene in ours...all the time.

This brings me to a THIRD and final spiritual reality: God is good in our suffering. While the source and the suffering of the trauma we face in life is quite "bad," God is at work accomplishing great things in the process [ala Romans 8:28]. God is for our transformation and His exaltation. The two go hand in hand. When we are changed, God is glorified. Second Corinthians expresses these two: "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." As we are changed by God, we reflect more and more of His glorious image.

Suffering is how God accomplishes that end. Note the Scriptures that speak to this truth:

"[W]e also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." [Romans 5:3-4]

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." [Romans 8:18]

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." [James 1:2-4]

In the end, suffering accomplishes God's great goal for our lives--to make us more like Jesus [who suffered, by the way] and, in conforming us to the image of His Son, bring great glory to Himself. This is our predestination [cf. Romans 8:29].

So, the principle of sin is at work; it is rooted in the hearts of people; and God permits it to linger because, through the havoc of suffering, God produces holy people for His glory. And our hope is that, one day, sin will be dealt a final blow, all of God's creation will be changed and God will get the glory. In this, we rest.

dress rehearsal for joy

2010-05-26T08:25:00.002-05:00

This morning's Bible study was on the topic of joy: "I have inner contentment and purpose in spite of my circumstances." Joy is a "soul peace" that isn't based on external conditions, but based on what we know as the answer to three questions: "Who is God?", "Who am I?", and "What is God doing?"

Whenever I face difficulty, I begin by reflecting on who I know God to be. Too often, we start with the question "Why" instead of this fundamental consideration of "Who." But, joy is to be found in a person, not in a solution. As I think about the truth of God, I remember that He is sovereign, He is powerful, He is wise and He is good. While I might be surprised and undone by losing my job or losing my dog, God isn't. He remains on His throne, ordering the universe as He always has.

Next, I consider who I am---not who I was, but who I am. This is a reflection of identity. As a Christian, I remember that I am loved by God, precious to Him, protected by Him and forever safe by His grace. God is more concerned about my cancer diagnosis or missed flight than I am. Because I am His child, He will always [guaranteed!] look out for my best interest.

This leads me to the last question: "What is God doing?" The answer may be surprising. When God permits suffering in the life of a Christian, He is always aiming for one goal: Death. Every challenge, difficulty or obstacle is moving us one step closer to surrender, self-denial and...sanctification. This is why James commands us to have joy in the midst of trials [James 1:2-4]. Because, "you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" and "perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." Joy in suffering comes from the realization that God is using the hard stuff to help us become the people He wants us to be. He is ever-conforming us to the person of Jesus. And, to look like Jesus requires death. Not a physical death [though it could lead to that], but daily "deaths" where our pride, self-centeredness, control, perfection, etc. is chiseled away. I think this is what Paul meant when he wrote, "I die daily" [1 Corinthians 15:31]. In the trials of life, God is teaching us about giving up, giving in and becoming less and less like our old self and more and more like Jesus.

In this, I find joy.

To this point, one of the men in our Bible study countered, "I get this idea, but I still don't think I would ever be able to muster up 'joy' if the doctor told me I had cancer." To be sure, many people would collapse at the sudden, unexpected trial for which they had no preparation. Perhaps this is why God allows us ongoing challenges in life--fender benders, interpersonal misunderstandings, financial hardships, back problems and the like. These smaller sufferings are dress rehearsals for the larger trials that may one day come. So, rather than take the detour around these lesser difficulties, maybe God wants us to drive right through them, being confident in who He is, who we are and what He is ultimately doing.

We'll die a little. But, the benefit is that we will discover joy.

reGenesis

2010-05-12T08:20:00.002-05:00

I think this is the longest I've ever gone without blogging since starting several years ago. I don't want to be presumptuous that my handful of followers are logging on each morning hoping that there's a new nugget of truth. Nonetheless, I personally feel the gap. My apologies.

Part of what has drawn me away is an exciting, growing work with reGenesis, our emerging African Mission at Pantego Bible Church. During the last few years, we have watched God synthesize a variety of efforts that have ended up in Africa:

MISSIONARIES We have sent 4 missionary couples to different regions in Africa to lead seminaries, assist with Bible translation, support medical missions and church plant among Muslims.

REFUGEES We have welcomed a rich partnership with Burundi, Rwandan, Congolese and Tanzanian refugees living in the Fort Worth area. Their church meets at PBC and our church is encouraging their families through ESL classes, tutoring, providing basic essentials, training and other needs.

ORPHAN CARE PBC is about to throw the doors open on an orphan care ministry locally and abroad. With such a large population of adoptive families in our church, it makes sense to provide ministry support and explore ways to encourage more Christians to look after those in need [James 1:27]. Interestingly, in our church, there has been an increase in adoptions from African countries in the last several years. A special Orphan Care ministry is scheduled for Sunday, May 23 to explore this opportunity even more.

BIBLE TRANSLATION During our recent series in Jonah, we invited attendees to sponsor a verse in Jonah [there are 48] for $100 each. We raised approximately $4500 to support an African national worker to help one of our missionaries in audio/video duplication in a Bible translation ministry. This amount will almost cover one year's salary!

ETHIOPIA OUTREACH A medical mission is being planned among a select group of individuals at PBC and beyond to minister to the medical needs of people in Ethiopia. While this trip is limited, it may open up possibilities for many in the church to use their areas of expertise on future trips.

AND MORE... Today, I am scheduled to meet with a leader in ministry committed to helping rescue children from slavery in Ghana and give them a secure place to live with a Christian education.

With all of these signposts, how could we say "no" to Africa? I am amazed at how God puts the pieces together. And, I'm excited to see how God uses His church here to bring about a regenesis--a rebirth--in people halfway around the world.

application: doers of the word

2010-03-24T11:01:00.002-06:00

We finished our TXT MSG series this last Sunday, but the discovery of God's incredible Word continues. Our focus, from James 1:22ff, was to "be doers of the Word." That is, we must work to apply the Scriptures to our life for them to have any effect. Like a mirror which exposes a person's imperfections, the Bible reveals our spiritual shortcoming. But it is powerless to bring about change unless we surrender to the Spirit's leading into a life of obedience.

One of the points of personal discipline that I mentioned was the importance of studying the Bible. James commends the person who "looks intently into God's Law" [v. 1:25]. To help you develop study habits with your Bible, I remind you of several previous posts related to personal Bible Study:

Introduction
Step 1: Preparation
Step 2: Observation [part 1]
Step 2: Observation [part 2]
Step 3: Interpretation [part 1]
Step 3: Interpretation [part 2]
Step 3: Interpretation [part 3]
Step 4: Application

translation: word of life

2010-03-03T15:38:00.003-06:00

As we continue with series on the Bible --TXT MSG: What We Believe About the Bible--I invited two guests from The Seed Company to join me on the platform at Pantego Bible Church. Greg Morris, Director of Executive Partner Relations, and Randall Lemley, Vice President of Information Technology, shared a compelling perspective on the importance of Bible translation around the world.

Paul explains that calling requires believing; believing requires hearing; hearing requires preaching and preaching requires sending [Romans 10:14ff]. Indeed, "faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ" [v. 17]. But, what of a people group who do not have the Scriptures in their native tongue? If God does not speak their language, how could He possibly be for them? If Scripture possesses the power to change lives, then it is imperative for Scripture to be accessible to people everywhere.

The first translation work took place in 200-300 BC when a group of 70 Jewish scholars recognized the need to translate the Hebrew Scriptures into Greek to accommodate the dispersion of Jews throughout the world. The Septuagint [from Latin "seventy] enabled God's Word to continue transforming lives. Likewise, John Wycliffe saw the need for the Bible to be translated from the clerical Latin to the common English of his day. In 1382, the Wycliffe translation made the Scriptures approachable by everyone.

Some 350 million people still do not have the Bible in their language [see statistics on the Wycliffe Bible Translators website]. This represents 2000 languages in the world. In the spirit of Jesus, the living Word, who spoke in ways that all who had ears could understand, it is important that we continue to support the work of Bible translation today. Check out current projects with The Seed Company and see where you might be led to participate. Let's work to make the Word accessible--until all the world hears.

word design

2010-03-03T14:38:00.003-06:00

I found this interesting article about how the design of the Bible affects our reading and interpretation of it. It's a good, short read---probably not of the genre that you have read lately. Enjoy it here.

canonization: rule of law

2010-02-21T14:51:00.004-06:00

Today, we charted the historically thick terrain of the Bible's canonization. The Bible isn't one book, but a collection of 66 books and, at some point, somebody had to decide which books were "in" and which ones were "out." Before we dive into history, let's set the context from Scripture.

As Jesus finishes his revelation to John, He leaves one stern caution:

"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book" [Revelation 22:18-19].

While I'm not sure exactly what the plagues would look like in an individual's life or what tree-of-life loss a person would experience, there is no question that this text warns against trifling with God's Word. We must be careful not to add or subtract from it. And, because the warning is intended to be obeyed, it must be possible to determine the outer limits of Scripture. Otherwise, how could someone add or subtract from an indefinite collection of writings?

Canonical limits were set by several important councils in church history [the word "canon" means "measurement" or "rule"]. In AD 90, the Council of Jamnia finally set the limits of the Old Testament canon. Throughout time, there had been little debate that the 39 books we presently have--the Law, the Writings and Wisdom literature--were recognized as canonical. Jamnia simply codified what was already understood and accepted.

It is significant to note that Jesus quoted from 24 of the OT books and the whole NT references 34 of the 39 OT books. Equally important is the fact the none of the NT writers refer to the Apocryphal writings. These writings, scribed between 400 BC and the birth of Jesus, reflect the ongoing history of God's people and the Jewish expectation of the coming Messiah. But, neither Jewish rabbis or later church fathers recognized the apocryphal writings as having the same authority of Scripture. As such, these works are not considered a part of the Protestant canon and were added much later by the Catholic church at the Council of Trent in 1546.

The New Testament was written over 40-60 years and records the life and death of Jesus as well as the emergence of the early church. Like the Old Testament, the New testament writings faced very little controversy regarding their authority. Some questions were raised about Luke, Acts, Mark, Hebrews and Jude because of a lack of direct apostolic authorship. Second Peter also raised questions because it's style was noticeably different than Peter's first letter. But, concerns were in the minority and each of these books met all other strict criteria and were accepted into the canon. The tests for canonicity were:

1. Apostolic/prophetic authorship
2. Widespread acceptance among early churches
3. Internal consistency with other Scripture
4. Historical accuracy
5. Spiritual attestation to inspiration

Books which did not meet these criteria were rejected. For these reasons, the famous Gospel of Mary, Gospel of Thomas, Gospel of Judas and Secret Letter of Mark were not considered to be from God. These, any other writings, either lacked clear authorship, were not used in the early church, contradicted known Scripture, were historically inaccurate or promoted a political/philosophical/religious agenda rather than affirm the work of God. The Gospel of Mary, for example, made famous in Dan Brown's The DaVinci Code, promotes a heavy feminist agenda and was written between 150-200 AD--far too late to have really been written by Mary.

This academic study of the canon does lead to a few important points of personal application. First, we must submit ourselves to God's Word. Because the Bible is "rule" the moment it was spoken [not when councils decided it], it has the right to command my life and action. I must not live with the Bible under me or even beside me, negotiating with it and picking which parts I'll follow. Instead, I submit to it's law and discover all of the blessings that God has reserved for me in a life of spiritual surrender.

Second, I must be a steward of God's Word. While I'm not likely to write my own secret gospel and promote it later, I may misuse Scripture and "add" or "subtract: from it through misinterpretation or misapplication. Paul gives Timothy--and all of us--a strong caution: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth" [2 Timothy 2:15]. I want to steward God's Word in such a way that I don't make it say more or less than what it really says. So, I work hard to interpret and apply it as God intended.

Finally, I resist other substitutes for God's Word. I love the writings of John Piper and Philip Yancey. I think CS Lewis is spectacular. I enjoyed reading the Left Behind series. But, as engaging as these authors are, none compare to the life-changing benefit of the Bible. I must be on guard not to let well-intentioned authors or media channels shape my opinion of truth and history without asking the question, "Where stands it written?" For there is no substitute for God's great Word!

inspiration: breath of God

2010-02-19T07:44:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday, we started an exciting new series designed to cultivate greater appreciation and confidence in our Bible. We started TXT MSG with the fundamental question, "Where did the Bible come from?" This question of origins is beautifully answered in 2 Peter 1:19-21:

And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Peter writes that we "do well to pay attention" to the words of the prophets, or "prophecy of Scripture" [at this point in history, "Scripture" is the Old Testament.] The reason is that Scripture is a light shining in darkness. The psalmist likewise declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" [Psalm 119:105]. It's not surprising that the Scriptures would possess such valuable guiding and guarding light because Scripture comes from God "in whom there is no darkness at all" [1 John 1:5].

Peter goes on to amplify this idea by stating that Scripture never came about by a prophet's own interpretation for Scripture didn't start in the will of men. In verse 16, Peter states that neither he or the other Apostles were communicating "cleverly invented stories." The writers of Scripture didn't create myths and fables to promote their own spiritual agendas. Authorship began much earlier: In the heart of God.

This is Peter's crescendo in verse 21: Men were "spoke from God." God spoke to men who recorded God's speech to us. Paul gives us even greater insight when he writes "All Scripture is God-breathed" [2 Timothy 3:16]. The breath--or Spirit--of God was the animating force in Genesis 1 when God scooped dirt from the ground and breathed life into the first human being. God's breath is Himself. It's his His life. Similarly, at moments in time, God spirited the writers of Scripture so that they penned God's language and His life for all to read.

This wasn't a matter of dictation, for even a cursory reading of Paul's letters compared to John's gospel reveals individual style. In the same way, Isaiah's writings are far more sophisticated than the words of Amos. The writers were not linguistic automotons. Rather, they were "carried along by the Holy Spirit" [v. 21]. In the same way that the Holy Spirit overshadowed and empowered Mary to carry the sinless Son of God [Luke 1:35], so the writers of Scripture were moved to to scribe the inerrant Scriptures. Both God's living Word and written Word were born flawless.

As we learned Sunday, the implications of this important truth are twofold. First, the Bible is truthful. I can trust it to speak accurately and authoritatively on all matters it addresses [Note: The Bible doesn't speak to all matters of life]. Second, because it is truthful, the Bible becomes immensely valuable and helpful to me. After declaring that "all Scripture is God-breathed," Paul adds, "and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" [2 Timothy 3:16-17]. My Bible is the most useful resource I possess to live all the life that God gives me to live.

Check back on this blog for next week's reflection on the important TXT MSG topic of "canonization"--How do we know which books should be in our Bible?

what does your parrot say?

2010-02-08T15:30:00.005-06:00

I live in a fish bowl. That's the experience of most pastors...always on display, ever scrutinized. I'm not complaining; It's part of the calling. Every day, people peer into my life to see if my practice matches up with my preaching. That's good accountability.

As I think about this, two things come to mind. First, it's good to be normal. If you look close enough or long enough, you'll discover that most leaders are human. I get indigestion, bark unreasonably at my kids on occasion and forget to change the oil in my car. No one has reached the magical level of perfection [despite the way some preachers act]. Truth is, I love being a regular person because it helps me relate to all the other regular people around me. It's good being normal.

The second thought is, while leaders are normal, they must strive to be better. Respect is earned, never given away. And so, all leaders must live so that "they're not afraid to sell the family parrot to the town gossip" [I've always loved that saying]. Respectable leaders must arrive early, cheer loudly and stay late. They must serve those they lead. They should never read their own headlines. They must handle the resources entrusted to them with the highest integrity. And, they must humbly admit failure.

Ironically, it's this kind of exemplary character that gains a following of people who are simply looking for an ordinary person, living as an extraordinary example.

goochie goo: tickle-me teaching

2010-01-20T08:31:00.002-06:00

"Tickle me, daddy!"

I'm glad my daughter is still young enough for me to chase her around the house, capture her and hear her squeal as I tickle her feet. The benefit is mutual: She gets the pleasure of feeling secure and I get the pleasure of being needed.

While this relationship is appropriate for fathers and their children, it's terribly dangerous for spiritual fathers and their spiritual children. The Apostle Paul warned Timothy:

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. [2 Timothy 4:1-3]

In his charge, Paul commands Timothy to "preach the Word" at all times [also see 1 Peter 3:15] and to "be careful" in his instruction of others. Then, he warns that a time will come when people will trade the truth for teaching that will tickle their ears. While I am grateful that God's Word is always reliable, in this case, I am equally grieved that Paul's prophecy has come true. All around us are pastors and teachers who are gifted speakers, creative communicators and polished presenters, but the substance of their message is lacking. They tickle their audience with what they know people want to hear because there is a double-benefit: People get what they want and the leader continues to feel significant.

Christians must be discerning of the messages they listen to and be on guard for these tickle-me teachings from the pulpit and on their bookshelves:

1. Messages that do not tell the truth. Some communicators claim "thus sayeth the Lord" when the Lord never "thus sayethed." Some leaders, to gain a wider audience, are unwilling to preach the exclusivity of Christ, the inerrancy of God's Word and the severity of sin. They argue that theology has changed over time to accommodate new cultures. This view ignores the timeless, immutability of God and reflects an egocentric view of righteousness. Be on guard against those who do not say what is true.

2. Messages which do not tell the whole truth. A second problem is preaching that only tells part of the story. This is a buffet approach to Christianity: Take what you like and leave the rest. This is the present criticism of the prosperity Gospel. Some claim that life in Christ will produce continual blessing and goodness if you have enough faith. Try preaching this message in Haiti today. It doesn't work for the godly man I met a week ago who faced the trauma of his triplets being stillborn. It is true that life in Christ produces greater blessings than life outside of Christ and it is true that God sometimes blesses the believer in wild and wonderful ways. But, the whole truth is that God causes His sun to rise of the good and the evil [Matthew 5:45] and that the spiritual life is a continual death to gain life [see James 1:2-12, Philippians 1:29, Acts 20:24]. To preach only half the truth is to preach no truth at all.

3. Messages that tell something other than the truth. Many ticklish teachers fill their messages with ideas that are true, but are not necessarily biblically true. For example, a whole message about how getting organized will simplify your life may be spot-on, but may have no biblical relevance. The problem with these messages is twofold: 1) The audience becomes accustomed to a diet of secular information and loses an appetite the life-changing Word of God, and/or 2) People begin to settle for any truth instead of seeking biblical truth. I can read a book about how to truly understand my unique personality and gain useful information, but if that truth never intersects with God's truth, I've just become smarter, not more spiritual.

I admit that I am tempted to be enamored with big audiences, published books and CDs, well-branded ministries and the proliferation of blogs and the such. These are all signs of a leader that "everyone should listen to!" But, the real measure is: Did they take me to the life-erupting Word of God? Did they explain it in a way that reflects a fearful accountability to God, the Author? Did they leave me impressed with them, or with God and His grace? Did they speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?

Or, as a spiritual father, did they just chase me around the house of God to tickle my ears?

not too late

2010-01-04T08:37:00.000-06:00

It's not too late to make some resolutions for 2010. Here's a great list to spur on your thinking. See Donald Whitney's "Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year or On Your Birthday."

change is good

2010-01-03T20:16:00.005-06:00

This Sunday, we begin an exciting new series at Pantego Bible Church titled "Change is Good!" We are going to explore three fundamental changes that God desires in and through us. As we prepare to take possession of our new Connection expanded campus, I am hoping that everyone will follow Change is Good on Twitter and Facebook. Click the links to get started!

year in review

2009-12-23T00:40:00.006-06:00

Since I started Tweeting, I've written less on my blog...and feel quite guilty about it every time I think about it. Before I end the year, I'd like to reflect on a few great lessons God has been teaching me in the last 12 months.

1. Dying is gain. Paul said it first [Philippians 1:21]. Never more has this spiritual principle found such personal confirmation as in the last year. Through our family relationships with several homeless friends and our timely connection with our African brothers and sisters, I have learned the joy of giving myself and my stuff away. I'm reminded that my money isn't mine. Neither is my house, my clothes, my kids or my time. I'm just a steward of God's resources. And, as often as I sacrifice, lose, give and die, I discover the blessing of true life.

2. The power of words. There's a difference between saying something and having something to say. Through my cautious adoption of Twitter and Facebook, I have been challenged to use social networking as an extension of my ministry. This means that I guard what I write and endeavor to write what matters. Proverbs 18:21 is a powerful reminder of the potential good and evil of subjects and verbs.

3. Holy Spirit proof. I have been fortunate enough to be the bystander of several lives that have been radically changed this year. I study and preach about the Holy Spirit and the inward transformation He accomplishes. But, it's only a theological proposition until you see people start giving their money, their time and their life away to be the biggest blessing to others.

4. I'm never off. As a pastor and a parent, I'm always "on." This is true of every Christian. None of us take a vacation from our life with Christ. We are always influencing our neighbors, employees, community and children...for better or for worse. The question is not whether I'm discipling people but which direction I'm discipling them in.

5. Books, books, books! The written word still has more nutritional value over television any day. Be a voracious reader.

6. One Kingdom. I am terribly tempted to build any number of Kingdoms: my kingdom, my family's kingdom, the kingdom of our church. But, only the Kingdom of God matters. If what I'm doing makes God look so great that I'm forgotten amidst the deafening applause of others for His glory, I'm doing the right thing. Make God famous in all I do.

chirp chirp

2009-12-09T16:23:00.002-06:00

My daughter was born to chirp. Her name, Jenna, means "little bird" and she hasn't stopped tweeting since she took her first breath. I've never met another human being who sings so often...all the time....everywhere. But, that's how her Creator made her and she is most content when she lives out her God-given design.

We could see it on her face during last night's Christmas Concert. Jenna sings with the Arlington All-City Boys and Girls Choir and they were invited to share the stage with the Master Chorale for a special Christmas program. My little girl, front row and center, wouldn't have chosen to be anywhere else. A song in German, one in Spanish and a finale with show choir hand motions---our little bird chirped, smiling ear to ear.

Jenna proved an important reality: We are most glad when we do what we were designed to do. God made each one of us as unique creations, specially fashioned to do "good works which God prepared in advance for us to do" [Ephesians 2:10]. There are many things we can do. But, when we discover what which we were Divinely designed to do, our heart is glad. For me, it's preaching. For another, it might be composing and presenting music. A friend of mine is most glad when she's giving. Another feels at home when he's listening to others.

Don't settle for what you can do. Find out what you were made to do. And do it. And, as you do, God will put a song in your heart. Chirp, chirp.

its all mental

2009-11-17T05:51:00.003-06:00

I went running with Tiffany last week--my first time in 25 years. My legs were burning before I made it to the end of the driveway. As we scaled the hills near our neighborhood, Tiffany continued to remind me, "It's all mental." This was a hard sell to my feet, ankles, shins, knees, calves, thighs, lungs, sinuses and backside. For three miles, my body sent urgent messages to my brain begging me to stop. Then I realized: It is all mental. The physical challenge I faced ultimately ended in my head where I wrestled with whether to continue on or not.

In Romans 12:2, Paul urges Believers to be transformed by the "renewing of our mind." I will not overcome the hills ahead of me in life through physical training, but through spiritual renewal of my mind--what I trust to be true about God and His purposes.

I renew my mind by thinking, meditating on and engaging what is true and good. Philippians 4:8 states, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Paul's charge suggests that we don't form opinions, values and ideas simply as passive participants in culture. Rather, we can choose to invest ourselves in the kinds of literature, dialogues and influences which will cultivate godly thinking, wondering and creativity.

A few points of action:

1. Immerse yourselves in God's Word. The way of God is revealed in the Word of God.

2. Select your books with care. I fear that there are more mediocre books about the spiritual life published each year than truly valuable ones. Remember that "best sellers" are not always best.

3. Variety makes for a good diet. Explore theology, Christian fiction, devotionals, contemporary and ancient writers. Branch out.

4. Clear your coffee table. I have subscriptions to 4 magazines that taunt me every month. I don't have time for that many. Some people do. Manage the number of data channels [subscriptions, social networks, books, television, etc.] you take in. Remember, garbage in, garbage out.

you can do it!

2009-11-09T07:44:00.005-06:00

I jokingly told Tiffany that the real work in her marathon wasn't her running, but my mapping, driving, parking, unloading and waiting at about a dozen checkpoints along the course! Saturday evening, I loaded my iPhone with coordinates that directed me to the next location where the kids and I were ready to applaud Tiffany and her running mate, Kelly McCullough. In the end, she reflected on how important it was for both of them to know that there was a small cheering section, just around the bend, challenging them to stay the course to the end.

The book of Hebrews states, "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching" [Hebrews 10:24-25]. The writer must have understood the lonely difficulty of running the spiritual race with no one on the sidelines urging him on. Without the encouraging support of community, most Christians are destined to fall out of the race.

This "spurring one another" comes in different forms. Sometimes, it's just personal presence. On race day, the kids and I were joined by our friends, the Lynches, the Carsons and the Porters. Just seeing these supporters lifted Tiffany's heart and urged her to go one mile further. Similarly, there is a value in community--not only in what we do together, but just the warmth and encouragement that we bring by just sharing life together.

Second, we may spur one another through our words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds me that words have the power of life and death. What we say may hurt or heal. Dozens of people called, texted and tweeted me and Tiffany before and after her run. Each connection strengthened her with courage and support. In the same way, my comments, brief note or loving email to a friend can give them a little push today.

Finally, we spur one another by running with them. From the beginning, Tiffany has trained with her friend Kelly and their partnership brought them to and through their marathon. Then, as Tiffany began to feel the burn just before mile 12, our friend, sweet Laurel Lynch, jumped into street and began to run alongside Tiffany as well. It was an incredible picture of love. This was Tiffany's race. But, Laurel wasn't going to let her fail. I wonder who needs me to come alongside them today. To look them in the eye and tell them, "I know your legs are weak...Life's been tough. But you can count on me. I might have enough strength for both of us for a while."

milestone metaphors

2009-11-09T07:01:00.005-06:00

You'll have to forgive me, but I have marathon on my mind. Yesterday, Tiffany ran her first 26.2 mile race and this personal milestone for her has generated so many metaphors for life. Runners say a marathon is more mental, rather than physical [I wouldn't know personally....]. Watching from streetside, I couldn't help but notice an abundance of spiritual connections. Perhaps this is why the Bible describes the Christian life as a race [Acts 20:24, 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 4:7, Hebrews 12:1] So, my next few posts will reflect a few race principles to encourage you to cross the finish line.

the blessing

2009-11-01T17:00:00.001-06:00

Many people have asked me to reprint the "Blessing" that I use each Sunday at the close of our worship services at Pantego Bible Church. For 4 years, this pastoral charge has been my heart's desire for the people God has called me to lead. It is a combination of Scripture and personal mission:

"And now brothers and sisters, go and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Consider your very lives worth nothing if only you may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to you--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace. And, as you go, become disciples so changed by God that God may use you to change your world. And, all of this that God--the living God--will make Himself famous through you."

Here's the source of each phrase:
And now brothers and sisters, go and grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [2 Peter 3:18]. Consider your very lives worth nothing if only you may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given to you--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace [Acts 20:24]. And, as you go, become disciples so changed by God that God may use you to change your world. [my personal Mission Statement]. And, all of this that God--the living God--will make Himself famous through you [the chief end of man: the Westminster Catechism].

no rinse required

2009-10-30T07:47:00.003-06:00

This morning, as I emptied the dishwasher and reloaded it [don't be impressed, I'm too often not that helpful], I was disappointed by two realities. First, I loathe stacking "clean" dishes in the cabinets only to find that they're not really clean. The wash and rinse cycle cleared most of the food, but the dry cycle only served to baked remaining particles to the ceramic. I go out to the garage and get a chisel from my workbench.

Because of the first irritation, I have a second one: I must rinse each piece of dinnerware [even water glasses, just to be safe] to guarantee that everything will be clean. In the end, I have become the dish washer and the appliance under my counter simply stores plates, bowls and silverware until someone gets around to putting them away.

One of the biggest reasons why we "work" for our salvation is that we don't believe that the cross of Jesus is sufficient to wash away the stain of our sin. Grace sounds too weak. And so we believe that we must pre-rinse our lives in order to present ourselves on the rack to Jesus so that He might finish the cycle of making us clean. My good deeds underestimate the deep power-scrubbing of the cross and overestimate the added benefit that any of us could bring to our own life change.

Truth is, we are saved by grace alone so that "no one can boast" [Ephesians 2:8-9]. In other words, grace makes human effort unnecessary so that saved people end up proudly pointing to the cross instead of their own contribution. We make the mess. But only God can sanitize our souls. We bring nothing. But the cross is powerful enough to make me clean. The old hymn asks and answers the question: "What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus."

shock value

2009-10-18T21:43:00.001-05:00

Six weeks ago, my outdoor spotlights stopped working. So, I removed the switchplate in my foyer and stared at the twist of wires linking four toggles together. I had flipped the circuit breaker in the garage but the thought of navigating bare wires gave me pause. I hate electricity. Actually, I love electricity [I wouldn't be typing this blog without it], but I can think of 120 shocking reasons why I'd prefer to keep my distance.

So, I called my friend, Kevin Hill. He's a professional. Kevin is well-grounded in all things electric [pun intended]. He immediately went to work snipping, stripping and switching wires...while they remained hot. That means that a current was still flowing to the switches Kevin was fixing. But, time and familiarity have enabled him to handle the power without fear.

Ravi Zacharias, noted contemporary speaker, once commented, "Do not let your familiarity with God rob you of the wonder of God." His warning was to every God-lover who could grow so used to God, that they cease bowing in holy fear at His holiness, cease standing awestruck at His beauty, cease being humbled by His majesty. In short, they "handle" God without any trepidation of His Divine voltage.

Notice the warning in Exodus 19:10-12:

And the LORD said to Moses, "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because on that day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, 'Be careful that you do not go up the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death.

God's people were cautioned to consecrate themselves before God. That is, they were to prepare themselves before meeting God. The next day, when God descended, they were to restrain themselves--not rush the mountain--lest God's power knock them off their feet forever. If God never changes, He possesses the same "electricity" He's always had. I must be on guard not to let my own familiarity with Him rob me of the everlasting wonder of who God still is.

I've been 'called'

2009-10-16T08:52:00.003-05:00

You've heard someone say this before: "God called me." Sometimes, this little phrase is used like a 357 Magnum--to neutralize objection. If God called me to protest that cause, leave this church, kiss that girl or change academic majors, who's to argue? I wonder how many selfish (and sinful) pursuits have been undertaken under the guise of God's calling.

Still, there are times when right-minded people are impressed with Divine leading. I have a friend in Austin who was called by God to launch a new church. It wasn't a kind of self-centered neo-church venture to make a name for himself. Instead, God was moving him to launch a church to reach a marginalized group of people his present church wasn't designed to reach.

Good call. And, God-called.

But, how do we distinguish between the genuine call of God and the temptation to do our own thing and simply affix God's name to it in the end? I think we must look at the subjective and objective elements of Divine "calling."

SUBJECTIVE NATURE OF CALLING
On the one hand, God's "call" is subjective. Many biblical people had the benefit of hearing God's voice, having angels appear at their bedside or stumbling across blazing bushes with unmistakable directions on what to do next. However, God more often moved "in the hearts of His people." Men and women experienced God's movement internally. It's that moment when we are suddenly excited or alerted to a need; where our spirit resonates with an opportunity; where our heart is weighted with a burden. At this point, a person cannot study or test these subjective feelings. All they know is that the Spirit of God is moving them in a particular direction [John 14:26].

OBJECTIVE NATURE OF CALLING
The problem with the subjective nature of calling is that it's...well...subjective. I know that my heart is deceitful above all things [Jeremiah 17:9] and, what I "feel" may not be what is true. So, if I'm not careful, I may conclude God is calling when, in fact, I'm just pushing my own agenda. What I need are "objective" confirmations of God's subjective calling on my life. I have relied on several objective benchmarks to help me discern when God is leading:

1. The truth of Scripture. What I feel in my heart must correspond to what is written in God's Word. If God has spoken one way long ago, He will not lead me in another today.

2. The affirmation of community. If I am being led by God's Holy Spirit, and the same Spirit in me resides in other godly people, then the Spirit in them will resonate with the Spirit in me. This is one of the grand benefits of community. Together, the whole Body works toward common purposes and the protection of its members.

3. Correspondence with my resources. God gives each person spiritual gift[s] for the work of ministry [1 Corinthians 12]. Most often--though not always--God's mission for me will align with the resources God has already given to me for the work of mission. In other words, God will not usually call people to something that does not align with spiritual gifts, natural abilities, personality or passions. [To be fair, I must admit that Moses didn't feel completely qualified to stand before Pharaoh. But, his prior leadership position in Pharaoh's palace was a resource that gave him standing at a later time].

4. Curious change in circumstances. When I graduated from seminary, I felt that God was calling me back to our church in Austin. The greatest obstacle to our departure from Denver was the sale of our home. Immediately after the church asked me to come, I received a phone call from a friend who said, "I've heard that you might be leaving. I'd like to buy your house." No kidding. That call was God's confirmation of His calling. When the circumstances of life curiously line up to support what God is saying, that can be a great confirmation of where God is leading.

Many times, God provides one or more of these benchmarks to clarify His calling. But, in the end, to follow God's calling is an act of faith [Hebrews 11:6]. And, while we might search for the signs, we ultimately say "yes" to Him because we trust Him in wherever He leads.

overcoming spiritual deafness

2009-10-12T14:17:00.003-05:00

We have been studying the 7 churches in Revelation 2-3 for the last couple of weeks. IN these two chapters, Jesus speaks to a select group of churches in Asia Minor and issues a unique message to each--sometimes commendation, sometimes condemnation and sometimes, a little of each. But, the common element of each letter is in the last lines: "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says."

At one level, the command is silly because we all have ears. I've never met an ear-less person. But the command is also serious because the presence of ears on either side of our head is no guarantee that anything is getting inside. We must choose to listen to what the Spirit is saying to us. In the case of Jesus' letters through the Apostle John to each of the churches, the Spirit's message was quite clear. At other times, the Holy Spirit isn't so obviously clear. So, how do we "hear" what the Spirit is saying?

The Holy Spirit speaks in a variety of ways. First, the Spirit speaks through conviction [John 16:8]. Because the Spirit resides in the Christian [John 14:17, Romans 8:11], He "speaks" to us in the way He moves our heart. When we feel uneasy about something we're doing, we are likely sensing the directing hand of the Spirit.

Second, the Spirit speaks through God's Word. In John 14:26, Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." When we read and study the Bible, God's Spirit resonates within us as we decipher and digest truth. It is His Spirit which is communicating His heart to us [see also 1 Corinthians 2:6-16].

Third, the Holy Spirit also leads us through other Believers. Because every Christian is indwelled with the same Spirit [1 Corinthians 12:13] and grafted into one Body, we can count on the Spirit in one person to "coordinate" with the same Spirit in another. This is another reason why biblical community is so important. As we spend time together, the Holy Spirit leads us in our life with one another.

The anticipated danger of Jesus' message to each of the churches is that, though having ears, they might choose not to listen. And, for each of us, it's possible that we might suppress the Spirit's conviction, ignore the Spirit's truth and isolate ourselves from the Spirit living in community. If we do, we'll become spiritually "deaf." On the other hand, if we listen to what God is telling us through His Spirit, then we become spiritually in tune to the living God.

lessons in purity

2009-10-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

For the last several weeks, I have been preaching a new series: "SEVEN: Pursuit of the Perfect Church." Through this survey of the 7 churches of Revelation, we are learning how to become a less-than-imperfect church. Through the church of Ephesus, we learned a lesson about love. At Smyrna, we learned about persecution and suffering. In Pergamum, we learned about the importance of truth. This week, we travel to Thyatira and are reminded about moral purity.

To help us hold a high standard, my family uses an Internet filter. I know there are a hundred different software programs available. But, I personally endorse SafeEyes. I have been incredibly impressed with how the software blocks or allows sites and allows me to manage the amount of time that my children spend on the Internet. If you don't have a program, let me encourage you to check it out. It's a very low price to pay for high living.

from busy to burnout

2009-09-15T09:49:00.004-05:00

I think God might be trying to tell me something. the cover story on seveeral Christian magazines have been about "Running on Empty" and avoiding ministry fatigue. The topic at a recent Senior Pastors' gathering was dealing with burnout. And, a friend recently confessed that he was in a fog with so much ministry.

So, last Sunday evening, I talked briefly with our ministry leaders about burnout. When we "burn the candle at both ends," we're liable to find the flame of ministry eventually snuffed out completely. Through my conversation with other ministry leaders and some research on the topic, I presented the following 10 Symptoms of Ministry Burnout:

1. Longing for “greener grass”-- Desire for a new ministry, new community, or a new church.
2. Dream of escape --Desperately needing to get away. You spend more and more time scanning the Travel section of your newspaper.
3. Anger and cynicism --Conversely, a lack of humor.
4. Increased addictions -- To fill the voids in life, you busy yourself with other distractions. television and Internet are often the worst culprits.
5. Lack of joy in your calling -- You no longer delight in or get excited about successes.
6. Task-orientation -- With an increasing feeling of hopelessness and failure, you begin attending to tasks to “get something done."
7. Loss of creativity and newness -- Your mind shuts down to new ideas and creation.
8. Isolation -- The fear of being exposed causes you to retreat from community.
9. Neglected responsibilities -- What you used to do naturally, you now forget.
10. Unhappy spouse -- Your unhappiness and discontent are mirrored in your mate.

Truth is, we all can experience some of these challenges during the best of times in life. But, when several of these show up in my soul, I need to take inventory to see if I'm about to go down in flames.

fellowship of the unashamed

2009-09-09T19:34:00.001-05:00

I recently heard the testimony of a very brave teenage girl who stood resolutely for Christ. On her Facebook page, she posted the following quote originally written by Dr. Bob Moorehead:

I am a part of the fellowship of the Unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit Power. The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slowdown, back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, and my future is secure.

I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tame visions, mundane talking, chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need preeminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don't have to be right, first, tops, recognized, praised, regarded, or rewarded. I now live by presence, learn by faith, love by patience, lift by prayer, and labor by power.

My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, my Guide is reliable, my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, lured away, turned back, diluted,or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of adversity, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity.

I won't give up, back up, let up, or shut up until I've preached up, prayed up, paid up, stored up, and stayed up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until He returns, give until I drop, preach until all know, and work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear for "I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes." (Romans 1:16)

application

2009-09-04T08:58:00.002-05:00

[NOTE: This is the final post in a series of entries intending to help readers learn how to study their Bible.]

For those following this series of posts, I have very briefly touched on 3 steps of effective Bible study: Preparation, Observation and Interpretation. Preparation puts me in line with God's Holy Spirit so that I can discern spiritual things. Observation is the discipline to "search out" the details in a text. Interpretation is the business of making sense of what I see. But, my study is complete only when I apply what I have learned.

Two key texts come to mind when I think about this principle of Application. In Luke 6:46, Jesus asks, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" His point, of course, is that submitting to Jesus as "Master" requires not just understanding what He teaches, but doing it. Similarly, James highlights the foolishness of observation and interpretation without application:

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does." [James 1:22-25]

The key word in this text is "do"--intentional application of what we learn. In fact, James explains, to read and study the Bible without applying truth is like looking at ourselves in the mirror and walking away without correcting our problem. Just as mirrors and designed for self-improvement, so the Bible is designed to change our lives.

Howard Hendricks, distinguished professor at Dallas Theological Seminary writes, "Interpretation without application is abortion of God's Word." He goes on to highlight 4 "substitutions" that we may be tempted to make:

1. We substitute interpretation for application.
Disciples feel that if they understand a passage, they have mastered its content.

2. We substitute superficial obedience for substantive life-change.
Disciples come to believe that if they begin to apply the scripture or demonstrate a life which may only hint at intended change, they have accomplished the intent of a text.

3. We substitute rationalization for repentance.
Namely, we explain away our sin, our complacency, our refusal to be more than mere hearers of the Word. We give excuses as to why a text doesn't exactly apply to us.

4. We substitute emotional experience for a volitional decision.
Our excitement about a text or our passion about its implication becomes the end result of our study. While we might be emotionally captivated by spiritual truth, we are nonetheless unchanged.

True application is a change in our lives: a change in what we believe, in what we feel or in how we live. The Bible is designed to transform our mind, our heart and our behavior. So, once we discover what a text means to the original audience, we must decide what implication it has for us personally. The following is a list of questions to ask as we work to apply God's Word:

1. Is there an example for me to follow?
2. Is there a sin to avoid?
3. Is there a promise to claim?
4. Is there a prayer to repeat?
5. Is there a condition to meet?
6. Is there a verse to memorize?
7. Is there an error to note?
8. Is there a challenge to face?

Today, you might print this list and tuck it inside your Bible as a reminder to not only be hearers of the Word, but doers as well. I pray that your study of the Scriptures yields great fruit for life transformation.

let the nations be glad!

2009-08-31T08:14:00.002-05:00

For all the planning that goes into a worship service at Pantego Bible Church, no one can orchestrate the work and ways of God. Sunday was one of an increasing number of God-moments.

Six weeks ago, three men visited our church and introduced themselves at our Guest Reception afterwards. They represented a growing community of refugees from Burundi, Rwanda and Congo. Many had been settled in the United States within the last three years through a special refugee plan in 2007. Though there may be more than 2000 of these foreigners in the DFW area, these men are connected with a known community of 100+ in south Fort Worth. After gracious introductions, they made one request: Would our church grant them a place to worship in their own tongue?

Burundi is one of the most Christianized nations in central Africa and the spiritual roots of these beautiful people run deep. As Pastor January, Method [the most English-speaking interpreter] and elders of their newly-forming church met with a group from PBC, they humbly requested a room..or a tent...or even a patch of grass to meet as a Body and worship each week.

It took little convincing of our Elder Board to give this church a place to begin worship services on the PBC campus. yesterday, many from their African community joined their pastor on our stage for us to welcome them and forge a partnership that unites 2 nations under one Lord. As we received our morning offering, the Burundi community sang songs to God and, while none of us understood a word, we translated their hearts with no problem.

I am looking forward to the days ahead as we learn more about our friends and determine how we, the church, might be able to meet their needs. Already, we have been richly blessed by their arrival. We pray that God will be made famous in this work.

To learn more about the history of the Burundi refugees, see a very informative article HERE.

discipline

2009-08-27T08:06:00.004-05:00

Oh the beauty of discipline:

You can also view it HERE.

interpretation | #3

2009-08-26T11:13:00.004-05:00

[NOTE: This is the 7th post in a series of entries intending to help readers learn how to study their Bible.]

As we consider the importance of responsible interpretation of the Bible [remember 2 Timothy 2:15?], I think we should pause and consider the topic of translations. The difference between "interpretation" and "translation" is like the difference between a chef and a dietitian. A chef takes raw ingredients and "translates" them into a delicious meal. He could fry, bake, grill or sear fish...depending on his customer. In the end, fish is fish, but the chef has the job of presentation. The dietitian, however, isn't given such luxury of personal preference. He or she must analyze the meal and draw conclusions about the amount of sodium, calories, protein, etc. These conclusions are based on the substance, not presentation. Still, the dietitian will be limited by the meal that the chef prepares.

We have a variety of translations of the Bible. However these translations differ in presentation. They are the result of different scholars who are writing the language of the Bible for particular audiences to digest. I think about the multitude of translations in three basic categories:

LITERAL TRANSLATIONS: These translations are true to the original, Hebrew and Greek manuscripts of the Bible. However, because they are word-for-word designed, some find them to be too "wooden," or stiff. In other words, they don't sound like we speak. They are the most accurate for personal study. Example of literal translations include the New King James Version, the English Standard Version and the New American Standard Bible.

FREE TRANSLATIONS: Opposite of literal translation are those translations which are freer in their syntax, grammar and word content. The translators have taken liberty to rearrange the parts to smooth out the readability of the text. While these translations often "flow" and have an easier readability, they are not as dependable for deeper study. They are paraphrases, relying on the translator's style and perspective. Free translations include The Message, the Living Bible and J.B. Phillip's The New Testament in Modern English.

DYNAMIC EQUIVALENT: A moderating option between literal and free translations is the dynamic equivalent translation. These phrase-by-phrase versions maintain the historical distance between the original language and the current language, but updates style and grammar. Examples of these translations include New International Version and the New English Bible.

Here is a list of Bibles from most literal to most free:

King James (KJV)
New King James (NKJV)
English Standard (ESV)
New American Standard NASB)
Revised Standard (RSV)
New Revised Standard (NRSV)
Updated NASB
Amplified Bible
New American Bible
New International (NIV)
New English Bible
Good News Bible
Phillips Modern English
Living Bible (LB)
New Living Bible (NLT)
Jerusalem Bible
Contemporary English (CEV, "The Promise")
Today's English Version
The Message

Which version should you choose? I encourage Bible students to use whichever version is most readable to them for their personal, devotional time. However, when it comes to serious study, the student should use a Bible that is closer to a literal translation. I enjoy reading The Message, but it does not provide the necessary accuracy of the ESV or NASB when it comes to thorough study. Good interpretation starts with the right translation.

refreshment for free

2009-08-20T13:15:00.004-05:00

interpretation | #2

2009-08-18T21:04:00.002-05:00

[NOTE: This is the 6th post in a series of entries intending to help readers learn how to study their Bible.]

In the last several posts, I have lightly surveyed the basic steps to good Bible Study. We start with the Spirit, then learn to see, then make sense of what we see. This is the discipline of interpretation. Once I have answered my interpretive questions, I attempt to summarize the passage several ways. This task of summarizing is a very helpful exercise.

One way to summarize a passage is to determine a "topic" for the passage. Try and reduce the passage to one word [two, if you must]. This one word must take the entire passage into account. It's a challenge, but forces the Bible student to look at the big picture. For example, after studying the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes [John 6], a person might conclude that the topic is "provision."After studying the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego [Daniel 3], they might choose the topic "conviction" or "perseverance."

Another way to interpretively summarize a passage is by drafting a "Big Idea." Every passage in the Bible answers an implied question. In John 3, the question is obvious: "How can a man be born when he is old?" [Nicodemus asked, v. 4]. So, this passage more generally answers the question, "How can people be 'born again'?" The challenge is to discern the question being asked and answered in each passage.

Here's an easy example. James 1:2-18 deals with trials. The question implied may be, "How should a Christian deal with trials in their life?" The answer [summary of the passage] might be: "...by choosing joy, seeking wisdom in faith, looking to the greater reward in the end, and resisting the inherent temptation that is sure to come." Put the question and answer together and the Big Idea is: "The Christian endures trials in life by choosing joy, seeking wisdom in faith, looking to a greater reward and resisting inherent temptation that is sure to come." Reduce the phrase a bit more and one might write: "We overcome trials with joy, wisdom, hope and fortitude."

Let's try another: Matthew 5:13-16. After a quick study, I might summarize:

QUESTION: Why must the Christian be salt and light in their world?
ANSWER: Because it reflects who they truly are and illumines the glory of God to others around them.
COMBINE: The Christian should be salt and light to reflect who they truly are and illumine the glory of God in the world.
REDUCE: We shine to reflect the glory of God in a dark world.

If I wanted, I could spend time writing and rewriting each question/answer to refine what I really believe the passage is about. This exercise is a great interpretive process.

Now it's your turn.

and now for reality

2009-08-17T08:43:00.000-05:00

View this movie at cultureunplugged.com

interpretation

2009-08-11T21:53:00.008-05:00

[NOTE: This is the 5th post in a series of entries intending to help readers learn how to study their Bible.]

Preparation. Observation. The first two steps of good study. In the former, we invite the Holy Spirit's leading. In the latter, we stop to see. This process is known as the "inductive Bible Study" method [from "induce" = "to produce" or "flow out"]. Instead of bringing our preformed opinions to a text, we work hard to let the meaning of the text flow out to us.

The next step is "interpretation." Interpretation seeks to answer the question "What does it mean?" All of us are natural interpreters. We are ever analyzing and making sense of colors, shapes, textures, messages and events around us. In fact, we're forced to rapidly "draw conclusions" every moment. But, interpretation, as a Bible Study discipline, requires taking ourselves out of the mix and using good tools to better understand the meaning of a text.

Once I have made my observation "list," I began to move back through the list and find definitions, answer questions or understand connections. There are a variety of resources that a Bible student can use to help:

* Lexicon: Defines Greek and Hebrew words. You may think this is too "heady," but wouldn't you like to know that "joy" [James 1:2] means more than just a feeling of happiness? Joy is an inner confident contentment. I can't get that meaning simply by reading the word.

* Bible Dictionary: A lexicon provides the meaning of words while a dictionary provides the meaning of words, phrases, people and events. My lexicon helps me to understand that the word "train" in 1 Timothy 4:7 is the Greek word gymnaze which means "to exercise naked." When I look up "training" in my dictionary, I may get the broader understanding of how people trained, the influence of the Greek games on Paul's thinking and other words associated with the word I'm studying. In my dictionary, I can also look up places, people and events.

* Atlas: Once you begin studying your Bible, you'll appreciate the color maps in the back. A larger, more complete Bible atlas will become beneficial. For example, when Mary and Joseph traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the trip covered approximately 100 miles--not a short jaunt for an expectant mother!

* Other translations: Reading the text in another translation can often shed light on the meaning of a text. Remember that our present translations are not translations-of-translations. That is, the editors didn't simply translate from the most recent edition. All reputable translations have been crafted from a study of original texts.

* Commentary: It is tempting to read commentaries first. But, scouring a text, learning definitions and putting pieces together first allows the Holy Spirit to work in us before we hear from human authors. There is a time, however, when it is good to read the research of studied writers.

As I interpret a text, there is a mental list that I follow to help me discover the meaning. I seek the answers to these questions:

1. What is/are the key word(s) and what do they mean? [Usually, this is a word that repeats or a major theological word that is set apart]
2. What are the connections? [cause and effect; if/then conditions; statement and reason; chronological comments]
3. What is the context? [I pay particular attention to the preceding and following verses to get the larger meaning]
4. What is the tone? [forceful, warning, persuasive, defensive, compassionate, etc.?]
5. What are the commands or questions?
6. What cross-references support this passage? [use the center column cross-reference tools to help you]

Once you have done the heavy lifting of this study, there is one more interpretive discipline you can exercise to help arrive at the meaning of the text. I'll write about this in my next post.

observation | #2

2009-08-08T12:45:00.003-05:00

I started this series of blog postings on how to study the Bible and then found out that I wouldn't have efficient Internet access for 2 weeks. So, I've been slow in updating. Now home, I am able to resume this important topic.

In my last 2 posts, I have highlighted the first two steps of good Bible study: Preparation [prayerful dependence on the Holy Spirit to teach us] and Observation [the discipline to "What do I see?"]. Interpretation without observation ends in presumption.

Before moving on to the next step, I think it might be helpful to model the process of Observation. Consider Galatians 3:26-29:

26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Here are my initial "observations" on these four verses:

1. The author is Paul, the Apostle
2. "You" are the Christians in Galatia, a church established by Paul
3. They become sons of God "through" faith in Christ Jesus. Does this mean that all people are not automatically "children of God"?
4. "all" is repeated 3x
5. "for" indicates reason or cause: The reason we are sons of Christ is because we have been baptized and clothed in Christ.
6. What does it mean to be "baptized into Christ"? Is this water baptism?
7. What does it mean to be "clothed with Christ"?
8. The "clothing" is something we do [i.e., "clothe yourselves"].
9. Why does Paul raise the issue in v. 28?
10. What does it mean that we are all "one in Christ Jesus"?
11. Is there any reason why Paul uses "Christ Jesus" instead of the more common "Jesus Christ"?
12. Conditional statement in v. 29: "If you..."
13. Does "belonging" parallel "sons" and "clothed with Christ"?
14. What is the significance of "Abraham's seed"? Does the concept appear in other places?
15. "seed" is singular--We might expect "seeds"
16. An "heir" to what [v. 29]?
17. What "promise" is Paul talking about?
18. What problem does Paul seem to be addressing?

Just by recording these observations, I guess that this passage is about clarifying who is included in God's promise to Abraham and, therefore, true children of God. Of course, I won't jump to this conclusion without a more thorough investigation. But, the work of observation [notice that I haven't even done the work of answering my questions] already begins to shed light on the meaning of the text.

Now it's your turn. Find James 1:22-25 in your Bible and make 10-20 observations about the passage. Good practice.

observation

2009-08-03T12:00:00.001-05:00

In my last post, I mentioned that studying the Bible is like appreciating and discovering the meaning behind a beautiful piece of art. We begin our journey by connecting with the artist/writer: God Himself. Prayer prepares us with the mind of Christ.

The second step to good Bible study is "observation." This is the discipline of seeing, and it's not easy. Truth is, most of us are not very observant of life around us. We can't describe the order of instruments on our car dashboard though we sit behind the wheel every day. Moreover, we approach the Bible with presuppositions, bias, background, ideas--a whole host of baggage that has potential to lead us to wrong interpretations. So, we must stop, resist jumping to conclusions [literally] and ask, "What do I see?"

This exercise begins with larger questions about the text: Who wrote it? To whom? Why? Knowing that a letter was written to combat a known heresy rather than to provide encouragement through persecution might cause us to read the phrase "be strong" as "don't give in to the lies" rather than "don't be afraid."

Next, begin to observe the pieces:

* Which words are repeated in the text?
* Are there conditional [if/then] clauses?
* Are there cause/effect statements [since, because]?
* What verb tense is used?
* How does this passage fit with the surrounding context?
* What is the "flow" of this passage?
* What is the tone of this passage [stern, hopeful, etc.]?
* What words are unclear [need to be defined]?
* List commands, promises, warnings.

Yes, I know it sounds like alot of work. But, as with any discipline, the more you do it, the more intuitive it becomes. Fortunately, as we slow down and begin to observe, we will see things we have never before noticed in God's Word.

To learn more about this method of Bible Study, go to one of my favorite sites for serious Bible Students: Precept Austin.

preparation

2009-07-30T15:08:00.002-05:00

Many people "study" their Bible like they tour an art museum. Perhaps you've stood in front of an Expressionist masterpiece--paint splatters and unrecognizable forms--scratched your head and left without any idea what the painting means. You know there's a truth hidden beneath the color, shapes and textures, but you have neither the tools or the patience to discover it. The same applies to our approach to God's Word. God is the Master Artist who has left us with a marvelous work/Word filled with life-changing truth. What we need are the tools to make sense of the meaning.

The first step to appreciating God's Word is "Preparation." It's the work before the work. We prepare to study our Bible by inviting the Holy Spirit to lead us. In 1 Corinthians 2:10-16, we learn that the Spirit of God reveals the heart and mind of God. And, Jesus said that He would send His Holy Spirit as a counselor (aka "advisor" or "teacher") to lead us into truth. So, apart from the Spirit's influence, I cannot make sense of the meaning of the Scriptures. On the other hand, because of the indwelling Spirit, I may discern God's leading.

It makes sense, therefore, that I prepare my heart before I dive into my study. I want to read with the "mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). So, I start my study praying: "Holy Spirit, open my eyes that I may see; open my mind that I may understand; open my heart that I may receive what You want to show me; and open my hands to do what I learn."

The first step to Bible Study is to get in step with the Spirit.

right tool, right way

2009-07-24T08:37:00.003-05:00

I remember a fellow once using the phrase "Right tool, wrong way." This was probably his response to me using a hammer to break rocks or a screwdriver to scrape dried paint off a table. For a tool to be useful, it should be used as it was designed.

This week, our Bible Study looked at 2 Timothy 2:15: "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." These words were penned by the Apostle Paul who was warning his young disciple to use the tool of God's Word in a way it was intended. Included in this verse are several coordinate truths.

First, there is an incorrect way to handle God's Word. It is possible for me to read, study and use my Bible the wrong way. While it might sound strange [don't we all get credit for simply opening our Bibles up this morning?!], I must remember that the worst of heresies were forged by people with the best of intentions. They just didn't handle the Word correctly.

Second, to be cavalier in the way I handle God's Word may lead to my shame. The word literally means "accusation." Flippant interpretation and application of spiritual truth makes me guilty. When life doesn't "work," I've got no one to blame but myself.

Third, I am accountable before God in the way I wield His weapon [the Bible is called a "sword in Ephesians 6:17]. Because the Bible is God's Word[s], I want to make sure I represent God accurately. A seminary professor once told our class, "You better not say 'Thus sayeth the Lord unless the Lord thus sayeth'!"

In the coming posts, I will spend a little time writing about how to study the Bible well. A few great resources for those who want to go deeper include Dr. Howard Hendrick's Living By The Book and Fee and Stuart's How To Read The Bible For All It's Worth. I hope you'll follow the next few posts to learn how to use the right tool the right way.

from kislev to nisan

2009-07-17T23:12:00.002-05:00

Four months to respond. If it took my kids that long to obey, they'd be grounded for a very long time. Yet, that's the distance from Nehemiah 1:1 to 2:1. In that time, God's servant sensed a calling to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls. But, it took a while for him to actually pack his bags and head west. Four months.

I sat outside this morning, studying my Bible and noticed this interesting delay. Then, Jenna joined me and we had a brief conversation about "impulse purchases"--the temptation to buy last-minute mints, batteries and tabloids at the checkout counter. I counseled her about the value of waiting. Wisdom is born out of the time spent to make good decisions.

Perhaps this explains Nehemiah's delay. He could have immediately saddled up the royal camels and followed his heart to his homeland. Instead, he waited--perhaps to confirm God's direction, perhaps to complete his commitments, perhaps to gather his resources or perhaps to simply let any residue of self-serving impulsivity evaporate. Whatever the reason, his waiting seemed to be the right thing to do.

When God calls, I don't want to delay in doing what I know I should do. Still, I don't want to foolishly move forward without taking time to pray, seek godly counsel, gather my resources, and exercise wisdom. In the end, the time between Kislev and Nisan may just be what enables me to not only do God's will, but do it well.

I have to remind myself...

2009-07-15T10:49:00.000-05:00

peacefully over-par

2009-07-13T13:32:00.002-05:00

I picked Pearson up from his golf tournament today and listened as he described every stroke for his short, nine holes of play. He found himself trapped in several bunkers and even got caught in the weeds once or twice. Yet, surprisingly, his spirit was positive, optimistic and looking forward to a second round of play tomorrow.

In their book, The Mulligan: A Parable of Second Chances, Wally Armstrong and Ken Blanchard highlight the "NATO" principle. It affirms that, no matter what, I am "not attached to the outcomes." In other words, I am not my score. No matter how many shots I strike poorly or where I land, who I am isn't ultimately determined by how well I perform [which is really great news if you've ever seen me on the golf course]. With God, there is no scorecard.

This fits my focus on position and condition in yesterday's sermon [Colossians 3:1-4]. Some days, I'm on my game. Every mechanic of my spiritual life comes together and I play like a pro. I'm loving God, serving my family and making great choices with my time, money and resources. On other days, I feel like a Christian amateur, failing at all the fundamentals. My life is in the weeds or out of bounds. However, because of my position Christ, I am not my score. My condition may change, but my position is always par for the course. That truth keeps me coming back to the tee box, hoping to play a better hole each day.

deep[er] thoughts

2009-07-08T18:56:00.004-05:00

Since I began "tweeting" a few days ago, I have found myself thinking more deeply. I know the networking function is intended to be more casual, but I have chosen to use it primarily to "spur others on to love and good deeds" [Hebrews 10:24]. While I do occasionally post random notes about my sometimes random life, I am finding that many tweets are causing me to stop and ask "What's important?" or "What do I see?" or "What does it mean?" This is a great way to invest my mind.

For a pastor's view on the value of Tweeting and a huge motivation for my new practice, see this article.

I hope you'll follow me.

tweet tweet

2009-07-02T23:48:00.005-05:00

We had an amazing meeting at PBC today with Matt Powell who led our staff through some of the basics and benefits of social networking. So, I jumped aboard Twitter and will probably find myself in the deep end soon. Follow me at: @Pastor_Daniels or click on "Follow Me" on the Twitter list in the margin below. Hopefully, I'll figure out how to start tweeting before any of you wake up from your nests in the morning.

2 kinds of suffering

2009-06-30T08:23:00.004-05:00

As I continue to converse with others regarding Sunday's message ["The Satisfaction of Suffering"], I find the most common comment has been a clarification between suffering for being a Christian and suffering for simply being human. Peter writes, "If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name" [1 Peter 4:16]. This means there is a suffering that is distinctly "Christian" and is different from other sorts of suffering experienced by people everywhere.

So, in Colossians 1:24, when Paul writes, "Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church," he isn't rejoicing in his cancer diagnosis, his job loss or the untimely extra expense of replacing his air conditioner. He is talking about the unique suffering he experienced because a) he was a Christian and, b) was making Christ known with his life.

In a conversation with one of our elders, I described it this way: We should suffer to communicate the Gospel and we can communicate the Gospel in our suffering. In the first case, we accept difficulty, inconvenience and loss along the way as we choose to make Christ known. In the second case, we have opportunity to make Christ known through the unexpected and usual suffering we face in our life. In both cases, Christ may be exalted. But there is a distinctive difference in the suffering.

when dying is gain

2009-06-28T09:31:00.001-05:00

This week, I preached Colossians 1:24-2:5...one of the most challenging passages of Scripture to me. Several years ago, I was riveted by a sermon by John Piper first preached to students at Wheaton College in 1996. The title of the message--"Doing Missions When Dying is Gain"--is convicting enough to make most folks not listen to the message at all. However, I promise that you will never think the same about suffering and the Kingdom when you're done. You may download an audio copy or manuscript HERE.

turncoats and tradition

2009-06-13T18:47:00.002-05:00

On Thursday and Friday, we took Grant to Texas A&M in College Station to explore the campus. he is two years away from high school graduation, but is getting a head start to begin making decisions about his future. While the tour was wonderful, I felt like I was selling my soul--betraying my Longhorn history.

One of the things I appreciated about the A&M environment was its strong commitment to tradition--from the 12th Man story, to the game time yells to the beautiful "century tree." There is a statue on the main mall of A&M founder with a stack of pennies at his feet. Lore has it that if a student "pays" homage to the man, they will do better on their exams. As our tour guide explained the pastime, I could see Grant doing the math, wondering how much money he would be leaving if he got his degree there.

There is a difference between tradition and traditionalism. The former is a perpetuated pattern of behavior or belief that maintains a respect for the past. Tradition roots us in memories and meaning. Tradition is what families and communities carry forward in a new generation. In contrast, traditionalism doesn't encourage the present with the past; It traps it. Traditionalism forces itself on the present and refuses to budge.

In Matthew 15:2, the Pharisees wondered why Jesus' disciples broke with "the tradition of the elders." In Colossians 2:8, Paul warned about the "traditions of men." In these cases, the problem wasn't tradition per se, but traditionalism. The religious elite couldn't break with the basic principles of the past in order to embrace what God was doing in the present. They were driving forward looking in their rear view mirror.

As a pastor and father, I want my church and immediate family to cherish tradition. I long for a continuity between what God is doing today and what we will remember tomorrow. But, I am on guard against traditionalism. In this case, I'd rather be an Aggie than a Pharisee.

take me out to the ballgame

2009-06-10T21:47:00.004-05:00

I took Pearson to the ballpark to catch the final game between the Rangers and Blue Jays. A storm blew in from the west--the likes of what I've never seen before. The stands emptied and everyone escaped to the concourse, packed like sardines. As the lightning flashed, the winds picked up and the torrent increased, I silently studied the exits and safe places. My senses were on alert.

Several biblical thoughts ran through my mind to pass the time:

1. What must Noah have thought?

2. 1 Corinthians 10:13 -When tempted, God always provides a way of escape.

3. 1 Peter 5:8 - Be on guard, against the Devil's attack.

4. Matthew 5:45 - God causes his rain to fall on the righteous and the unrighteous.

5. Luke 17:24 - The Son of man will come with flashes of lightning and thunder.

my new hobby

2009-06-06T00:30:00.004-05:00

Thanks to Craig Porter for the lessons in lake surfing. Not too graceful, but a whole lot of fun!

truly rich

2009-05-23T07:58:00.003-05:00

I have been meeting with a small group of men in my community for the last 8-9 weeks to encourage one another in our spiritual lives. We have been studying the 30 Core Competencies of our church: 10 Beliefs, 10 Virtues and 10 Practices. For a while, I've decided to add some thoughts about each Competency to my blog so that readers can follow our discussions.

This week, we looked at the Core Belief of "Stewardship" which simply affirms: "I believe that everything I am or own belongs to God." We studied 1 Timothy 6:17-19 where the unmistakable theme of Paul's charge was "riches." First, he cautions Timothy not to put his hope in material riches but to put his hope in spiritual riches found in God. If Timothy pursues rich deeds instead of dollars, he will eventually discover a treasure in heaven. This passage echoes Jesus' words in Matthew 6:19-21:

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

The main point of both texts is that the truly rich life is determined, not by what we gain, but by what we give. In this way, it really is "more blessed to give than to receive" [Acts 20:35]. God supplies us with material riches to bless others in need. Through acts of generosity and grace, we enjoy spiritual richness which lay an eternal foundation and leads to true life.

In his excellent book, What's So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey reflects on "the atrocious mathematics of the Gospel." Jesus suggested that the first should come last, the least would become greatest, and leaders are servants. Paul noted that "dying is gain." The constant theme is that God's people are to become the "biggest losers." Addition by subtraction. Which means that stewardship is not about me simply managing my stuff. Rather, stewardship is me recognizing that my stuff is God's stuff, given on loan, to give away to others. As I spend myself to meet the needs in my community, I live. And then I realize how very rich I truly am.

maintaining unity

2009-05-21T23:02:00.002-05:00

This morning, during our staff chapel, I used Pastor John Piper's excellent reflections on preserving unity amid diversity. As a leadership team, we must strive to "preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" [Ephesians 4:3]. Piper's six principles are worth reading for anyone. See his Taste&See post here.

humility wins out

2009-05-20T21:08:00.003-05:00

Kris Allen wins. He's the newest American Idol--a dark horse leading from the back of the pack. He is the exact opposite of his contender, Adam Lambert. He's understated, unspectacular and unpretentious. And, for this reason, he was the underdog...not expected to win according to Idol blog posts. But, character upstaged talent. In a surprising move, America voted for humility.

No doubt, Kris will need some coaching to help him stand in the spotlight. But, I'd like to think that his meekness, not his music, won the day. It makes me wonder if this is what attracted so many people to Jesus. The Lord would never have gone platinum with back-up singers, yet He was humble--completely unexpected for a Messiah.

As I watched Kris' genuinely-surprised win, I longed to be more unvarnished and less perfected. More heart, less haughtiness. A little more like Kris, and much more like Christ.

mom to me

2009-05-09T19:55:00.002-05:00

Almost 20 years ago, I "left and cleft" [my made-up past tense of "cleave"]. Snipping the apron strings of my natural mom, I married my college sweetheart who became mother to our three fantastic kids. During our marriage, she's also been quite a "mom" to me. Tiffany is tireless in the way she takes care of our family needs, invests in our children and serves me as a perfect helpmate. She inspires my walk with Jesus Christ and makes me want to be more of a husband to her. So, this Mother's Day, I thank God for my mom, Fran Daniels. But, I also thank God for a mother who takes first place, at least in my heart. Tiffany, I thank God for you!

for you and 10 friends

2009-05-06T17:01:00.003-05:00

This week, I received three seemingly unrelated emails that converged into one very disturbing reality. The first email offered me free money (amazing!). That's right. Apparently, the federal government has stacks of cash laying around in the basement of some building just waiting to be claimed. If I would respond quickly, I might qualify! First come, first served. Honest.

The second email urgently pleaded with me to sign a petition to fight a piece of legislation. The tone of the letter was reminiscent of Edmund Burke's warning: "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing." If I "click here" I really could make difference.

Like you, I get dozens of these emails a day. Fortunately, most of them get rerouted to my junk mail folder and I never have to deal with them. It's the third email that troubles me. It's a reflection on "the joy that comes from appreciating the little things in life," or something nostalgic like that. I get one of these messages, usually with an attached Powerpoint presentation, embedded hymn audio, Thomas Kinkade painting or tear-jerking story scribed in 8 different exotic fonts.

This week's email of the "little things" included puppies, the breath of a sleeping baby, fresh laundry on the backyard line and the tinkle of wind chimes in the spring breeze. Then [and this is my frustration], I read the line: "Send this to at least 10 friends right now and see what God does! Don't break the chain. If you REPLY and add nine friends to this list, you will be amazed at the incredible 'little things' that will begin to happen in your own life."

Oh brother. In the words of John Stossel, "Give me a break!"

Do we really believe that there's a blessing to be gained because we spammed 9 friends (now former friends) with an email framed with 1980's clip art pictures? Does anyone really think they can twist God's arm into giving them the goods because they passed on the poem? If you do, I know a rich woman in Uganda who would like to send you $100,000.

I can guess three reasons why we continue to get these emails...even from well-intentioned Christians. First, many people are desperate for a touch from God. Their time with God has grown so cold that they're genuinely hoping that something--anything--will ignite the fire of revival. Second, some have lost a view of sovereignty. Many people in the Bible viewed God's blessings as something to be earned. No doubt, God rewards faith [Hebrews 11:6]. But, God does many good things apart from human action. He isn't a divine marionette waiting for us to pull His strings. He does act in mysterious ways. Finally, some are unsure of their identity. To confess, I have been tempted to forward some of these emails because I haven't wanted to be the one that copped out, broke the chain or caused the universe to spin off its axis. That's fear. And, it's a misunderstanding of who I really am in Christ.

So, please don't be offended if I don't pass the emails along. I'll connect with God and enjoy His goodness the old fashioned way: by grace. I hope you will too.

[Please send this posting to 10 of your friends in the next 10 minutes so they will be encouraged too :-)]

looking up

2009-05-06T13:36:00.002-05:00

A temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember. Finally, she went to the pastor's study and asked for help. The pastor came into the room and began to turn the dial. After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment, and then he looked serenely heavenward while his lips moved silently. Suddenly he looked back at the lock and quickly turned to the final number, opening the lock. The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, pastor," she said. "It's really nothing," the pastor answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."

Tomorrow morning, I'm scheduled to attend a gathering at a downtown church to support my friend, Jerry McCullough, Arlington School Superintendent, who will be speaking at a breakfast for the National Day of Prayer. Though our President has chosen not to recognize the day like previous Presidents [see today's news report], thousands of other Americans from all walks of life will pause to remember the importance of prayer.

I preached on prayer this last week as a conclusion to our short, Spiritual Warfare series. But, let me be honest: Prayer is hard for me. It always has been. I actually enjoy the dialogue of prayer. It's just the discipline of getting to the conversation that is a daily challenge for me.

Still, I am convinced that prayer is where spiritual battles are fought. Prayer is how we lay claim to the power of God to "stand firm" with spiritual victory. Prayer is how we wear the armor of God [Ephesians 6:10-20]. Prayer is turning to God, talking to God and trusting in God. Apart from the practice of prayer, none of us can unlock the supply cabinet of heaven--God's resources for abundant living. So I write to remind you--and me--to keep looking up in prayer.

this means war

2009-04-28T15:28:00.006-05:00

For the last few weeks, I have been preaching on spiritual warfare. And, waking the dragon sure makes things heat up. I know that I'm not the only one facing the assault of the devil, the flesh and the world. How important it is to "stand firm" and be courageous.

One question I raised on Sunday is "What is spiritual warfare?" We blame difficulties in life on spiritual warfare but sometimes have no idea what it actually "is." I suggested the following definition: Spiritual Warfare is any conflict or challenge that threatens my confidence in who God is and what God is doing and tempts me to think, feel or act in an ungodly way. When I encounter something in life that causes me to forget the truth of what I know about God and leads me into temptation, instead of holiness, I am being spiritually attacked.

My friend, Scott Raines, woke up Monday morning to find that someone had stolen all four tires and rims off his truck. Finding my car on blocks isn't the way I want to start my week. I imagine my irritation, my anger, my overwhelming temptation to take revenge [if I could only find the culprit]. These feelings could cause me to be short with my wife, cynical about our police force and increasingly prejudicial toward certain groups of people. Having forgotten the sovereignty of God and His guarantee of final justice, I miss who He is and what He is doing and go right to ungodly thoughts, feelings and actions. That's spiritual warfare.

Fortunately, Scott handled things much better than I might have. He wrote me: "They are just wheels & tires. The funny part is I needed tires. During my prayer time on Monday after this, I thanked God for this knowing something good will come from it. Genesis 50:20 'You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.'"

My buddy took up the full armor of God [Ephesians 6:14-18] and survived the spiritual attack...only to be ready for the next one that is sure to come his way.

reading and writing

2009-04-23T10:38:00.002-05:00

This morning, God brought an image to mind. It was the thought of famed author, J.K. Rowling, writing another one of her "Harry Potter" tomes. I don't know why...I've never read one of the over-sized stories. But, I imagine that, as soon as one of sequels is released, she begins working on the next volume. But, her fans consume her material faster than she can produce it. They read faster than she can write.

Not so with God.

God is ever creating, ever planning, ever arranging, ever scripting. He is always adding to the story of what He's doing. And, He's doing it faster than we can live it. In other words, I will never get close to the end of what God is doing. I will never have to wait for Him to catch up with me. He will never run out of plot for my life and His purposes. I cannot out-read what God is writing.

Praise be to the Author of Life!

if you have no job

2009-04-21T18:50:00.003-05:00

And, a guy got arrested for it. Slow day on the town square.

words at war

2009-04-19T21:59:00.005-05:00

In June 1940, German troops pressed across Europe heading toward Great Britain. Winston Churchill spoke his famous "Words at War" speech to rally English forces to war. His conclusion is powerful:

The whole fury and might of the enemy must very soon be turned on us. Hitler knows that he will have to break us in this Island or lose the war. If we can stand up to him, all Europe may be free and the life of the world may move forward into broad, sunlit uplands. But if we fail, then the whole world, including the United States, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new Dark Age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science. Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will still say, 'This was their finest hour.'

Churchill is a great commander communicating a great charge. Similarly, in Ephesians 6:10-13, the Apostle Paul is a military general rallying spiritual soldiers to war:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

In this passage, Paul warns about the reality of our spiritual adversary. This enemy is:

1. ...spiritual, not physical. Our struggle isn't "against flesh and blood" but against forces in heavenly places.

2. ...multiple, not one. Our enemy is the Devil and his legion [see Mark 5:9] of demons. Our enemy is also our flesh and the world. These three converge in Ephesians 2:1-3.

3. ...purposeful, not passive. The devil's "scheme" is to turn to chaos what God has created. He undoes what God does. That's why, when God's people decide to pursue spiritual things, they can expect greater spiritual attack.

Knowing that our enemy is real and the danger is real, Paul's charge is for Christians to stand up and stand strong. Be alert and steadfast resting in and relying upon the power of the Lord. Greater is He who is in us than He who is in the world!

convergence

2009-04-16T16:41:00.004-05:00

The last several months have been interesting for me. God has used a variety of seemingly unrelated experiences and events to sharpen my spiritual focus on the need for personal and corporate renewal and a return to the fundamentals of the faith. Here are a few key influences for me:

1. I finished Why We're Not Emergent [DeYoung and Kluck]--a very thoroughly researched and thoughtfully presented exploration of a movement sweeping throughout the United States that is supplanting historical Christianity with a pseudo-experiential knock off. I am reminded that, "in the last days," people will become peddlers of "new truth."

2. Tarrant Net's Pastor's Renewal Conference with Jim Cymbala, Tony Evans and Alec Rowlands was better than I ever anticipated. Rather than give a formula for revival, the speakers continued to call for a return to God's Word and His Spirit. These two [see Ezekiel 37] are non-negotiables for renewal.

3. I have started reading two books of revival: Revival Praying [by Leonard Ravenhill-a recent influencer of contemporary revival] and Rut, Rot or Revival [by A.W. Tozer]. I am not expecting new information, but additional layers of encouragement to pursue God's Word and His Spirit.

4. I am starting a sermon series on spiritual warfare this week. My understanding of this topic has been greatly enlarged by Ray Stedman's Spiritual Warfare and Clinton Arnold's 3 Crucial Questions About Spiritual Warfare. I am reminded that, while the devil, the flesh and the world continues to exert influence on me, they are, in no way, irresistible. God's power in me has set me free and God's power through me enables me to "stand firm" [see Ephesians 6:10-13].

5. I am challenged by events that are happening at Pantego Bible Church. We just experienced what one longtime minister said was "perhaps the greatest Easter weekend at our church in over 10 years." Indeed, there was a marvelous spirit of unity, joy, expectation and power. It seems like God has been readying us for certain challenges that every God-centered church will face. I am pleased that the response of our Elders is to pray.

6. I have enjoyed discipling 4 men on Wednesday mornings, walking through each of the Core Competencies of our church one-by-one. How refreshing it has been to see spiritual lights turn on and truth hit its mark in the hearts of eager learners. I remember how exciting it was, as a college pastor, to invest my life in the lives of others.

As all of these things are converging into something yet unknown. I'm not sure I can connect all the dots. I feel a little like a guy who has been given a string, a stick and a streamer only to learn later that he's supposed to build a kite. But, based on where I've been, I'm excited to see where all of this is going!

preaching to myself

2009-04-06T21:45:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, I preached about humility and service, looking at the ultimate example of Jesus in John 13. As we reflected on the Last Supper scene and Jesus washing the feet of His disciples, I posed three principles to my congregation. To follow Jesus' example in serving [v. 15], we must:

1. Choose our bowl: Pilate dipped his hands in the bowl later and washed his hands of all responsibility [Matthew 27:24]. Jesus, on the other hand, dipped His hands into the servant's basin and blessed His disciples. It's a matter of basin theology. We were made for a mission; saved to serve. So, we must choose our bowl.

2. Follow our nose: The moment we decide to serve, serving opportunities will abound. All we have to do is open our eyes, follow our nose.

3. Reap the reward: There is a blessedness when we serve others [v. 17; also see Acts 20:35]. We enjoy uplifting grace [1 Peter 5:6] and God gets the glory [Philippians 2:11].

So, I decided to grab a burger for lunch today and decided to put my own principles to the test. I left the church parking lot deciding that I would serve. I prayed very specifically and asked God for a rendezvous with my friend Charlie. I drove to the typical spots where I sometimes see him on the street, but he was nowhere around. I pulled in to the MacDonald's parking lot [no comments necessary regarding my dietary choices] only to find the drive-thru backed up. So, I chose to run in and grab lunch to go. I ordered, paid and had my hand on the door to exit when a voice from the rear of the restaurant called out, "David!"

I turned to see Charlie smiling ear to ear. "Where have you been?" he asked.

"Me?" I shot back, "Where have you been?" He laughed and gave me a great hug. The fact that he gladly moved toward me, remembered my name and welcomed a lunch partner made my day.

Tonight, Charlie rests warmly in Pearson's bed. We enjoyed listening to his military stories at the dinner table over homemade soup. He shared stories about playing bass in a rock band and reminisced about his sweet aunt, the English teacher. We watched "24" together and talked about all the incredible people at Pantego Bible Church who have shared with him during the last few months.

I love my friend. I love giving to him and receiving from him. I also love seeing the truth of Scripture come to life. God is faithful to give us opportunities to be faithful to Him. So, I'll keep sniffing, seeking, and serving. And, I'll boast only in the cross of Jesus where I see true service most humbly displayed.

who was Jesus?

2009-04-05T20:18:00.004-05:00

I'm watching a Discovery Channel "documentary" on the person and ministry of Jesus. Usually, around this time of year, major magazines and television stations springboard off Easter to delve into Christianity and the person of Christ. Tonight's episode is titled "Who Was Jesus?"

In Mark 8:27, Jesus asked His own followers, "Who do men say that I am?" Jesus wanted to know how the headlines read regarding his controversial, yet growing ministry. His disciples answered that word on the street is that Jesus was John the Baptist back from the dead [John had been executed by Herod; see Mark 6:14-21] or Elijah or one of the prophets. But, the disciples affirmed that Jesus was "the Christ."

The question of Jesus' identity is still vigorously debated today. Some, in religious circles, claim that it doesn't matter. Yet, the unique divinity of Jesus is essential to His mission and credibility. The evidences help me to trust that Jesus was God:

First, Jesus claimed to be God. Some people doubt this assertion stating that Jesus never actually claimed equality with the Father. Yet, Jesus said, "I am the Father are one" [John 10:30]. Similarly, in John 14:7-9, Jesus spoke to Philip, "If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him . . . Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father."

In Mark 14:61, before the Jewish high priest, Jesus was challenged, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Living God?” He replied, “I am and you shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God with power." Most significant in this response was that the people accused him of blasphemy--equating Himself with God. So, the evidence is clear that Jesus claimed equality with God.

Second, Jesus believed that He was equal with God. In other words, He lived consistent with what He claimed. For example, in Mark 2, Jesus forgave sins, an authority only given to God. In Matthew 9:18, a ruler comes and kneels before Jesus [the Greek word used suggest paying homage] accepting worship--a privilege reserved for God. Jesus acted with anger in the temple, His "father's house" [Matthew 21], said that all judgement was in His hands [John 5:27] and claimed eternality with God [John 8:58]. Jesus lived what He believed.

Third, Jesus proved His divinity. Specifically, He healed the sick [Matthew 14:36, Mark 6:53-56], raised the dead [John 11] and taught with authority [Matthew 7:28-29]. Moreover, He lived a sinless life [Matthew 4, John 8:46, 2 Cor. 5:21, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 2:22]. But, the most convincing proof of Jesus' divinity was His resurrection. Every other major religious leader in history died and remained in the grave. But, Jesus is set apart as God's Son through His defeat over the grave and His rising, never to die again.

Who was Jesus? Just who he said He was. Just who He believed He was. Just who he proved He was. And, those who believe in Jesus have life with Him forever.

renewal summit 09

2009-03-26T05:58:00.005-06:00

Today, I am looking forward to the Renewal Summit 09 being hosted at Pantego Bible Church. This ministry conference, hosted by Tarrant Net, is sure to be a refreshment to local ministry leaders through the teaching of Dr. Tony Evans, Pastor Jim Cymbala and Dr. Alec Rowland. The focus will be on prayer as a means of renewal in our churches, cities and world. The sessions are open to the public from 7-9:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday evenings [$10 suggested donation].

strange sights

2009-03-25T19:07:00.003-06:00

We're home, safe and sound. My time in Hong Kong was over-the-top incredible. What an honor it was for me to be at Island ECC and I'm grateful for the opportunity to minister in a cross-cultural setting. By the end of the week, I had spoken 7 times, slept very little (jet lag was brutal) and made a handful of unusual connections.

Here are a few unusual facts/observations I learned in Hong Kong:

1. Portions of the island were expanded by "filling in" the ocean. This construction process of making "artificial islands" added 1% to Hong Kong's overall size when the present international airport was built in 1998. To think, we were landing on water.

2. There are only 2 funeral homes on the island to serve the needs of more than 7 million people. One was several blocks from our hotel. Flowers everywhere. Non-stop memorial services. Professional mourners grieve and wail.

3. Spread citizens out in the United States and we end up with about 80 people per square mile. There are more than 14,000 per square mile in Hong Kong. Thick.

4. The island is a melting pot. The church itself represents more than 20 nationalities. English is a staple of a very educated people [the kind of education where a student doesn't get extra credit for not using their bathroom pass for 6 weeks].

5. It's a small world after all. I met students from my former college ministry, people who had just moved from DFW (who knew mutual friends), and a young man who knew someone who knew someone who knew someone. It was like 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon. I'm amazed at how we can still be known in a world of strangers.

Hong Kong bound

2009-03-13T11:09:00.002-06:00

On Monday, Pearson and I head across the ocean for a privileged trip to Hong Kong. Tobin Miller, college friend, missionary and pastor at the Island Church, invited me to speak at the Iron Men Conference on Saturday, March 21. I will also speak at a couple's banquet on Thursday evening and preach at the church on Sunday morning and evening. Please pray for our safety and ministry effectiveness during this time! May all the nations hear the name of Jesus!

God doesn't need us

2009-03-04T09:54:00.004-06:00

Harsh thought. I was sitting with a group of men this morning, reflecting on Acts 17:25:

"[God] is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else."

Theologians refer to this as God's aseity or self-sufficiency. It means that God is not dependent on anything else. Quite the contrary, we are dependent of God for everything. We need Him to give us "life and breath and everything else."

This independence raised the question among the Starbucks-drinking group, "But, surely God needs our love. That's why He created us. Because, if God doesn't need our love, then we're potentially one mistake away from being dumped by Him."

SIDEBAR: This led to a great dialogue about truth vs. our emotions. As humans, we default to feeling over fact. We tend to formulate what we believe to be true by what we feel in our hearts. However, feelings and experience cannot be the locomotive of life (to use an old Campus Crusade for Christ analogy). The unwavering truth of Scripture must inform, shape and translate my experiences...not the other way around.

Now let's get back to the self-sufficiency of God. If God doesn't need me, does that make His love less extraordinary? After our study, the image of a foster family came to mind. A little girl is placed in foster care and the family later chooses to adopt her. The parents don't need the child, yet they choose to love her. Now, which is a more extraordinary love: Parents loving the girl because they need to be loved by her...or parents who do not need her love but choose to adopt her and love her as their own? Suddenly, I begin to see the bigger picture. And, this truth of God's independence leads me to an even greater view of my heavenly Father and a more humble appreciation of just how much I am loved!

the next best thing

2009-02-25T10:31:00.004-06:00

Last week, Ron Hall and Denver Moore, co-authors of Same Kind of Different As Me, were guests at Pantego Bible Church. Not surprisingly, their reflection on the journey that God placed both of them on was an incredible inspiration to everyone who heard them.

One comment that stuck with me was the charge not to simply "tell people about God, but show them God!" Without minimizing Gospel proclamation, the speakers reminded me that the greatest Gospel is the one with flesh on it. The message of Jesus wasn't just words, but life.

This week, preaching from Micah 6:6-8, we will conclude our "Down & Out" series with several practical tips to reach beyond to our neighbors in need. The most important principle is "Do the next best thing." I mentioned this several weeks ago. It's a motto that sums up my limited research and experiences among the poor during the last several months. I've learned that there are very few rules, no sure-fire fixes, no tidy protocols, very little that any of us can count on. Each person and problem is unique. Therefore, my response can never be prepackaged or pat. To be a true blessing, I must discern the best thing, relying on the wisdom of God who sees all. I must not attempt to see to the end (how can I fix the problem) but just look to how I can help in the "next" thing. Then, I just "do it."

I am moved by the words of Gary Haugen, president and CEO of the International Justice Mission. In his book, Just Courage, he writes, “It seems that we cannot rid ourselves of this primal, unquenchable yearning to make our lives matter. By divine hard wiring, we desperately want our lives to count—really, significantly count— for God’s rescuing work in the world." He continues later, "I believe many Christians are yearning to walk in a pathway to courage. They yearn for liberation from small and trivial things and to experience the passion and power of God on the more jagged edges of faith, where true glory lies.”

I have a yearning, an aching to make a difference. I don't want to leave a tiny legacy of insignificant things. So, I am trusting God to give me courageous faith to go beyond. To not just preach Jesus but proclaim Jesus with my life. I don't know where this leads. But, I look forward to doing "the next best thing."

justice for all

2009-02-12T09:39:00.003-06:00

In my study of "justice" and trying to better understand Jesus' charge of meeting the needs of the poor, I have wrestled with the concept "distributive justice" [see a good, but technical article in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy]. The phrase means, basically, "fair distribution among all people." Distributive justice explores the social welfare topic of what equality means, who should be equal, how equality is expressed and what the measurement of equality is. More simply, distributive justice seeks to address questions such as, "How much should I help the homeless man on the street?" and "Should I feel bad about my higher standard of living. I did, after all, work hard to get here" and "What basic services should everyone be entitled to?"

If we're not careful, we can swing the social pendulum too far in either direction. Extremely far to the right and we conclude that, as free people, living in a capitalist state, every person has equal chance to provide for themselves and succeed. The only limiting factor is human will and determination. After all, you can be President if you just put your mind to it! So, society/government shouldn't step in to interfere with the progress of free individuals. Of course, this extreme position doesn't account for the uncontrollable factors that can limit an person's ability to reach their dreams [download "The Downward Spiral of Poverty"].

Swung too far to the left, socialism comes to light. Equality is ensured through government intervention in health care, income, housing, etc. This neutralizing force destroys the entrepreneurial spirit and rewards those who self-limit themselves through bad decisions.

I appreciate the insight of Ronald Nash in his research, Social Justice and the Christian Church. Nash explores both sides of the issue and concludes that distributive justice means "equal opportunity, not necessarily equal outcome." It is equal means, not equal results. This is a significant reflection. Because it it shows me where I fit into alleviating the problem of poverty. Justice means that I practice and promote equality among people--the kind of justice that meets the basic needs of freedom, food, shelter, clothing and dignity. My job isn't to raise all people up to a particular standard of living. I can't be responsible for the outcomes of my assistance. All I can do, in the Spirit of Jesus, is seek to level the playing field of the poor around me by helping them enjoy the basic opportunities I enjoy. Beyond that, I trust God to be in charge for the outcome.

the shadow of spring

2009-02-02T08:00:00.001-06:00

On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler's Knob--in front of thousands of followers from all over the world--to predict the weather for the rest of winter. According to legend, if Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

This notable event reminds me of Peter's ministry in ancient Jerusalem. The writer notes, “people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by” [Acts 2:15]. The word for “shadow” here is also used by the writer in Luke 1:35 when the Holy Spirit "overshadowed" Mary so that she could miraculously conceive the Messiah and Luke 9:34 when a "cloud overshadowed" the disciples at Jesus transfiguration. So, the "shadow" of Peter was nothing less that the power and presence of God working through Peter to heal the sick and set people free.

As I think about the ministry of compassion, I am reminded from this text: The church is the shadow of God’s presence and power in the world. As we are changed by God's Spirit, He sends us into our neighborhoods and unto the nations so that we might overshadow others with the glorious life-changing majesty of our great God. Then others might enjoy the newness of Spring. Then God might be worshipped by more and more.

Happy Groundhog Day.

putting faith to work

2009-01-31T15:03:00.005-06:00

This morning, Pantego Bible Church elders and their families arrived at Oakcrest Family Church (a supported Compassion agency of our church) and got busy. We worked alongside Oakcrest faithful folks pulling up carpet throughout their building, painting the exterior and organizing children's ministry classrooms. At noon, we threw burgers on the grill and shared lunch together. The hours drew us closer in deeper relationships and gave us an up-close look at this vital east Fort Worth ministry to the down and out. I am personally grateful for Fred Breese, PBC Elder Chairman, who has been leading the charge in this neck of the woods for many years. It's just another expression of how, in community, people are putting their faith to work!

the homeless count #2

2009-01-30T08:18:00.005-06:00

Last night, Grant and I joined Stephanie Gillespie, Arlington police officer and Pantego Bible Church attendee, for the 2009 Tarrant County Homeless Coalition "Homeless Count." In one evening [all over the country], a team of volunteers canvasses their city looking for the truly homeless staying in temporary encampments, under bridges, behind buildings and near vacant homes.

First, we met a beautiful women, on the road to recovery, who has recently adopted a young boy (from another mother who is an addict) and is re-starting a new life. Susie was a picture of hope and a reminder that the Gospel of Jesus Christ can dramatically rescue a person from sinking sand.

Next, we travelled to the pay-by-the-day motels in east Arlington. Tenants, living under the shadow of a multi-billion dollar stadium are packed into 300 square foot rooms--sometimes 7 or 8 in a unit. From there, two teenage boys led us back into the dark woods to a little settlement of a tent, blankets, rain tarp and folding metal lawn chairs. Nobody home.

At a nearby park, we interviewed "Bob" who claimed to be a former white collar worker, now on the street because of unemployment. We talked to "Jimmy" about how accustomed he's become with jumping around the social services that keep him making it day to day. Through a toothless smile, he spoke of a dream of having a steady income one day. We passed by pimps and their call girls, street corner drug dealers, a couple living out of the trunk of their car and grade school kids too young and innocent to be playing outside at 10 o'clock when the temperature was below freezing.

As we approached the end of our night, we spotted a pile of blankets on the back dock of a warehouse. As we pulled closer, a head poked out from beneath the mounded cocoon. A fifty-something man, unshaven and a wild mane of hair, was clearly put out by the disturbance. I wrote "unresponsive Caucasian male" on my survey and we left him alone.

The unshakable truth from our evening ride is that people are ever-moving toward something. The motel misfits are "moving" each day just trying to make it to the next. Kids caught in the cycle of poverty are "moving" through life, perhaps looking across their classroom [the only structure to their life] and dreaming that they might have a home and vacations and cool back packs like the other kids...one day. The "Bobs" and the "Jimmys" of the streets are "moving" from place to place. Home is where they lay their head. They have the keep "moving" because movement is survival.

And Susie---the adoptive parent that started our adventure---proved that God can "move" anyone to new places. When His Spirit is on the move, He can move hearts and move obstacles and move the hopeless to higher ground. With this in mind, I am once again reminded that people matter. All people. The mentally incompetent who picks up trash in his shopping basket, the deceptive drug pusher, the child with lice and a shirt she has worn for a week, the prostitute who waves and winks, the man who sits on the sidewalk and tells us mostly half-truths. The homeless do count. They count to a God who numbers the hairs on their heads, the fears they posess and the days of their lives.

May God move me more and more to make the poor count in my heart too.

lunch with Jesus

2009-01-28T13:01:00.004-06:00

Though officially closed to pay homage to our "ice day," I decided to come into the office today. An hour later, I ventured out for lunch and exited Wendy's with a couple of chicken sandwiches. To make the loop back to the church, I had to pull through several parking lots and there I encountered Charlie.

As I passed him, my conscience kicked into overdrive. I circled down the hill and into the parking lot of a liquor store hoping that all my congregants were snugly at home and wouldn't see me idling there. Charlie made his way cautiously down the ice-covered sidewalk and stepped over the guard rail to make his way under the bridge. I hollered across the creek bed, "Hey, have you had lunch?" Like a cat hearing the can opener, Charlie came the half-block toward me and we introduced ourselves.

"I thought you were Gary," I said, referring to another fellow I met a month ago.

"Gary?" he said. "You mean 'Big Green'?" We laughed as he described the monstrous post-six-foot friend that also lived in his secluded encampment.

"Have you had lunch today?" I asked.

"No," Charlie answered, still unsure where this connection was heading.

I said, "Well, it's either Panda or Jack-in-the-Box. You choose."

Charlie's eyes lit up. "Panda of course!" Why would anyone settle on a burger when the opportunity for a 3-entree meal was offered? As he tossed his backpack on the front floorboard of my SUV, he added, "It's nice to know that there are still good people in the world."

Good? My mind raced quickly to Mark 10:18: “Why do you call me good?“ Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone." Funny thing is, Jesus, as God, could have easily claimed that virtue for Himself. But me? I occasionally stumble over good things. But I have such a long way to go to be "good."

Lunch was chow mien noodles, shrimp, orange chicken, ragoons, shrimp crispers, chicken egg rolls and Gatorade. If Charlie pointed to it, we packed it up for him. Then, I ordered my modest "Panda Bowl"---a meal portion foreshadowing the fact that I would have another opportunity to eat in 5 hours. It's something I never even have to think about.

Charlie has been on the streets, off and on, for 10 years. He was remarkably cogent and shared his story: growing up in Savannah, Georgia (I spent 3 years in Lithonia); joining the Marines at age 19; building tractor trailers at 23; plucking chickens at a Butterball factory for several months; married twice; two 20-something children. I laughed when he told me about "plotting" the coordinates for air attacks when he was in the Marines. "And, I was no good at math in school!" he said. "The thing about math is that you just can't know the answer. You gotta know how to get the answer. It's the formula that matters!"

Wisdom. Pure wisdom. As a Christian, I know that Jesus is the "answer." Getting people to Jesus is equally important. It's seeing people like Jesus did, perceiving their need, loving the unlovely (aren't we all!?) and being Christ with flesh and bone to the world around us.

I invited Charlie to have dinner at our home tonight. The offer clearly made him uncomfortable. "I'd hate to put you out," he mumbled. His eyes shifting down to the restaurant floor.

"Charlie, I would be our highest privilege to have you as our guest. Think about it. At 5 o'clock, I'm going to come back to the parking lot and honk a couple of times..."

"I don't want to be rude, but I don't think I'll come. I'll be alright..."

"Charlie, please think it over," I insisted. "Five o'clock. If you're there, great. If not, we'll catch up with each other later."

Before I left, I gave him the two Wendy's chicken sandwiches still bagged in the back seat of my car. At least he'll have dinner tonight. And, I got to have lunch with Jesus today [Matthew 25:31-46].

out of bounds

2009-01-27T15:47:00.004-06:00

As I continue to learn about the Down & Out of our community, I am coming across a variety of resources that put flesh onto the bone of poverty. You might consider checking some of these out:

An incredible, 1987 Life magazine photo essay on homelessness [NOTE: some strong language]

Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger resource that gives one perspective of the global issue

Fort Worth and Arlington Plans to End Chronic Homelessness

A timely collection of music from known artists to support compassion

the homeless count

2009-01-26T07:12:00.001-06:00

I have continued to be personally challenged by all that I am reading and studying regarding the poor and marginalized in our world. Truth is, the more I read, the bigger the issue becomes. What I thought was a social topic actually proves to be economic, political, global and spiritual. I have been grateful for those who have accommodated interviews for me to learn more about showing compassion to those in need.

All of this is in preparation for a sermon series starting next Sunday, February 1, titled "Down & Out: Reaching Beyond to Our Neighbors in Need." I am so hopeful about each message and initiative that we will take on as a church to make a difference in our community.

To gain a bigger picture, I am excited to ride out with Stephanie Gillespie, PBC attendee and officer with the Arlington Police. This Thursday evening, Grant and I will join her for the Tarrant County Homeless Count. We will venture into wooded areas, under bridges and among vacant buildings to count and connect with those who won't be sitting on their sofa watching a sitcom this evening.

Please be in prayer for this series and all of our hearts and we learn more about what it means to "go BEYOND".

I hope you caught each installment of George Lynch's explanation of his triptych "You Are Here"--a 3-painting series designed specially for Pantego Bible Church. Each 4' x 6' canvas is designed to illustrate a piece of our spiritual life pathway. We come out of darkness into the place where we BELONG. As we discover what it means to belong to Christ, His church and community, we move into the current of life-change. This is the place where we BECOME more like Jesus Christ. Through this life-transformation, we overflow into the world BEYOND. This is the place of personal mission.

You can catch George explaining each canvas under the "You Are Here" series archive at the Pantego Bible Church sermon site.

You can enjoy more of George's art at http://www.glynch.com/.

Explore more about the spiritual pathway for your own life at http://www.inagodplace.com/.

the habit of enjoying the disagreeable

2009-01-13T09:43:00.000-06:00

As I continue to reflect on my previous post--leanring to resolve and reconcile conflict in relationships--I am reminded of a profound devotion by Oswald Chambers on May 14. You can read more from the late Chambers at www.myutmost.org.

May 14th
THE HABIT OF ENJOYING THE DISAGREEABLE
"That life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." 2 Corinthians 4:10

We have to form habits to express what God's grace has done in us. It is not a question of being saved from hell, but of being saved in order to manifest the life of the Son of God in our mortal flesh, and it is the disagreeable things which make us exhibit whether or not we are manifesting His life. Do I manifest the essential sweetness of the Son of God, or the essential irritation of "myself" apart from Him? The only thing that will enable me to enjoy the disagreeable is the keen enthusiasm of letting the life of the Son of God manifest itself in me. No matter how disagreeable a thing may be, say - "Lord, I am delighted to obey Thee in this matter," and instantly the Son of God will press to the front, and there will be manifested in my human life that which glorifies Jesus.

There must be no debate. The moment you obey the light, the Son of God presses through you in that particular; but if you debate you grieve the Spirit of God. You must keep yourself fit to let the life of the Son of God be manifested, and you cannot keep yourself fit if you give way to self-pity. Our circumstances are the means of manifesting how wonderfully perfect and extraordinarily pure the Son of God is. The thing that ought to make the heart beat is a new way of manifesting the Son of God. It is one thing to choose the disagreeable, and another thing to go into the disagreeable by God's engineering. If God puts you there, He is amply sufficient.

Keep your soul fit to manifest the life of the Son of God. Never live on memories; let the word of God be always living and active in you.