Friday, September 23, 2011
Why We're Men Of Few Words
Why Pastors Don't Often "Speak Up"
Ralph Hephzy Ehiabhi (His Inextinguishable Power Hovering Over People is Life Ministries {HIPHOP is Life Ministries}.)
www.hephzy.blogspot.com +234-806-5976-701, eazyraph@yahoo.com
A few years go I had the opportunity to volunteer for a dear friend of mine who was running for Congress in the district in which I live. I was heavily involved--my job was to rally evangelical leaders to support the candidate, whose views lined up with evangelicals, especially on the social issues like abortion, marriage, etc. Among the things I did was to set up special prayer breakfasts, individual meetings with pastors, and to have my candidate visit churches on Sundays, arranging to have my candidate introduced publicly. We found that a candidate's mere visit to a church, low-key with no endorsement, sent a message to the church members that he cared about them and stood with them.
I found this very difficult, because I got great resistance from pastors. They didn't want to be seen as endorsing one candidate or another. At the time, I didn't understand this. The election was important, I thought, why wouldn't they lend their favor to my guy, whom they knew and would likely vote for?
Well, fast forward a few years and now it's me in that role as Senior Pastor. Now, granted, we don't have a very large church and my influence is minimal at best. But surprisingly, I'm finding myself in the position of those other pastors. I'm hesitant to publicly endorse a candidate.
That's because I understand now why my fellows evangelical clergy are often so hesitant to endorse or be seen as endorsing a political candidate. It isn't because they feared losing their tax exempt status. It was because they feared that it would hurt the mission of the church. I believe this more strongly now than I have ever believed it before. Politics, even movements that support worthy causes, can creep into the mission of a church and get us off of our main goal, which is to represent Christ in the community.
I'm writing this now, because a new movement has sprung up: Speak Up Movement. It's sponsored by a worthy organization, the Alliance Defense Fund and is endorsed as a movement by leading pastors I admire like David Jeremiah, Henry Blackaby, Wayne Grudem and others. The idea is that pastors are too often muzzled from speaking on political issues for fear of losing their tax exempt status. This is why, in their view, churches are often softer on leading cultural issues than they need to be. They actually advocate strengthening the law so that a pastor's sermon is free from scrutiny which would lead to a losing of tax exempt status.
Now, on the whole, I think this is a good cause in that a) we should encourage pastors to preach the Word, despite the cultural/financial/political ramifications and b) we should strengthen the legal rights of pastors and all Christians to freely speak their mind.
But it's the premise of the movement that bothers me a bit. They assume that pastors are not "speaking out" on political issues for fear of losing their tax exempt status. Now, to be sure there are some who have that fear and a clarification of our rights is important. But in my limited experience in politics and now my experience as a pastor, I have not found this to be the reason pastors don't speak out on political issues. In fact, I've rarely had a pastor express this to me.
The reason we don't get all political every Sunday is because we have pledged our lives to being faithful to the text of Scripture in front of us. Pastors like me who preach systematically through a book of the Bible don't have the luxury to cherry pick hot cultural issues and hammer them home. Some pastors do this and are known for their political advocacy. This may win them points in the cultural wars, but I think it's a poor way to shepherd your people.
Look, the Bible touches on a variety of these issues, but we should only speak where the Scripture speaks. On the issue of abortion, the Bible is loud and clear and for this reason, our church sets aside a Sunday every year to discuss the pro-life cause in a biblically faithful way. But on the whole, we should only raise our voices against issues when they arise in the flow of our text. In those moments, we shouldn't silent against what might be politically unpopular.
Our job, as pastors, is to feed the Word to our people, not advance a political movement. If we're in submission to the Word of God, then we will find it often cuts against all parties. Sometimes it cuts against the conservative movement. Other times it cuts against the liberal movement. And many issues are matters of preference and process, not clearly spelled out in Scripture. As a pastor, I must be faithful to the Word of God, not to a party or even a political movement, even if I am in agreement with many of their positions.
The pulpit is a unique place. From this space we must deliver and preach the undiluted Word of God. People coming into our doors don't need a sanitized version of Fox News or MSNBC, they don't need regurgitated talking points from Rush Limbaugh or Keith Olberman. They are coming to hear the Word, preached with power, humility, and confidence. Where that word touches politics, I pray we possess the courage to speak out. But to insist that pastors get more political in their messages, that they rearrange their sermons to help one party or another, this I believe, is unfaithful.
Our job is to preach the Word in such a way that we equip Christians to live in this world of evil, to make a difference at every level, from politics to Hollywood to the marketplace. Pastors can, at times, shape public debate and opinion and perhaps special times in history, we should dive into the Bible and speak forcefully against a cultural evil. Men of history like Jonathan Edwards and Dietrich Bonheoffer come to mind. But even in that, the flow of the text should guide us, not cherry-picked Bible verses compiled by a movement with an agenda. And there are other forums where pastors can more specifically articulate an opinion, such as in a blog post or a non-preaching time. They may even endorse, in a personal way, a candidate of their choice.
But the next time you hear someone rail on pastors and say, "Why don't they speak out about this issue?" You might answer, politely, "Maybe the text they are on doesn't speak to that." That may not please your favorite candidate or party.
But this is the approach, I believe, pleases God.
The Top 12 Things to Remember Just Before Worship Meetings.
The Top 12 Things for a Pastor to Remember Just Before Worship Meetings.
Ralph Hephzy Ehiabhi (His Inextinguishable Power Hovering Over People is Life Ministries {HIPHOP is Life Ministries}.)
www.hephzy.blogspot.com +234-806-5976-701, eazyraph@yahoo.com
This is the moment the preacher has had on his mind and heart all week long. Now, he has done this for years, and by now you would think he's got it down to a science and he can do this blindfolded--lead worship, read scripture, offer prayers, preach the Word, inspire the congregation--but not so.
This is not like anything else anyone on the planet does.
This man is attempting to speak for God. Not because of egomania. Not from an inflated sense of self. Not even because he wants to.
He was chosen. Hand-picked. Called.
Chosen and called and sent.
Sometimes the preacher tries to bolster his confidence as he enters the sanctuary by remembering the caution God gave Jeremiah at his call: Do not be dismayed before their faces, lest I dismay you before them (Jer. 1:17).
God will have no weakling speaking for Him. No coward afraid to be bold, no milquetoast fearing to be strong, no sycophant who cowers before the rich and powerful among the congregation.
Again and again, the Lord told Joshua, Be strong and courageous. That admonition is found in Deuteronomy 31:6-8,23 and Joshua 1:6,9,18. Evidently, Joshua was a lot like us in that some things he had to be told again and again.
All right. Pastor, you're about to walk into the sanctuary and do what God has told you in the quiet of your study (as well as in the car as you drove, in the neighborhood as you walked, and in bed as you tried but were unable to sleep).
This is the most important hour of your week.
Knowing it could be the most important hour of someone's life is what intimidates you. God has big plans for this moment. You don't want to fail Him.
Here are my 12 suggestions for you at this moment, preacher.
1. Keep saying to yourself, "It's not about me."
Now, in a sense it is. So much depends on your having sought the Lord in prayer, in having searched the Scripture, and in faithfully prepared all you are about to do. But ultimately, your goal is not to win anyone to yourself.
If people walk out of the service raving about what a great speaker you are, how impressed they were with you, and how that sermon should be repeated throughout the land, you have bombed. The goal is to preach Jesus. He is the Savior, the Redeemer, the Lord, the Master, the Beginning and the End.
2. Relax. Remember to smile.
It's easy to forget this. After all, you've labored hard all week--and possibly for hours this morning--on this sermon, and you are intense about it. Your heart is burdened with the needs of the world, your mind is filled to overflowing with things to remember, and all eyes are on you to deliver God's message. Smiling at children, hugging old ladies, and making small talk with newcomers is not what you have in mind.
But do it. Dial it back a notch, preacher. Unless you relax a bit, you will begin today's service by launching the congregation into the deep end of the pool and many will not survive.
3. Remember to worship.
More and more, the preachers I know are sitting on the front row instead of on the platform. That way, they're not on display and can worship as a participant. At the appropriate times, they will stride to the pulpit to fulfill their role as worship leader.
If you sit on the platform, worshiping can be done, but with a little more difficulty. You sit there wondering if your shoes needed shining, if your hair is combed, and who that is sitting beside Clyde Etheridge this morning. ("It's not his wife. Where is Vicki?")
4. When you lead the congregation in prayer, remember two things: this is real prayer, so tell the Lord what you and others truly will be needing this morning, and there are people among the congregation with genuine needs only God can meet.
5. Trust God to do more than you have planned or asked.
In fact, ask Him to do more than you have asked. After all, we are assured, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).
Never forget the Lord wants this worship service to succeed more than you ever will. His heart's desire is for those in darkness to be given light, the redeemed to be stirred, and the hurting to be comforted. So, trust Him to do that, even though you know your words alone cannot accomplish any of this.
6. Expect the unexpected; welcome it even.
From what we know of our Creator (our Creative God), He takes no joy in doing the same thing twice. He loves variety, and delights in surprising us. Ask Him to surprise you and the worshipers. Expect Him to do so. And--this should go without saying--don't be discombobulated when He does.
Not all worship service surprises appear to be heaven-sent at first. Sometimes, it's a crying baby, a tramp who has ambled in off the street, a light that blows, a sound system that balks, or a visit from the local Christian motorcycle club. Go with it, whatever it is. The unexpected event might be heaven-sent, after all.
7. Do not undermine your effectiveness by constantly second-guessing yourself.
I should have worn that other suit. This tie is all wrong. Where is my other Bible? Oh, there's Sister Powell and she looks upset. Wonder what I've done wrong this time. I knew I should have gotten out of bed and gone to her house Thursday night when she called me all upset over the neighbor's barking dog.
I should have studied harder. This illustration doesn't work as well as I had hoped. Wonder if anyone knows I took this outline from Jim Henry's book. Where is that scripture reference found? Hope I don't get it wrong.
Whatever made me think I could preach? I'm just not cut out for this kind of stress and anxiety. And irony of ironies, I'm preaching on the peace of God today. What a joke. I know so little of His peace. Help me, Lord.
He will. He's with you, preacher. So, stop bleeding all over the platform.
8. Do not let yourself be tricked into discarding today's sermon for a message you feel more comfortable with.
I've done it; I'll bet you have, pastor. And I cannot count the times I've heard preachers announce, "Today, the Lord has laid on my heart a different sermon from the one I had planned to preach."
One has to wonder what goes through the minds of the worshipers when the preacher says that. I'll tell you what does not go through their minds. They do not think, "Oh, how godly is our pastor, that he receives messages from the Lord like this."
More likely, they're thinking either "The Lord must not be able to make up His mind" or "So, the preacher didn't spend enough time with the Lord in prayer this week. Had he done so, the Lord would have told him what to preach then."
Stay with the plan, preacher. Trust the Lord. Do not give in to your fears.
9. Do not grade yourself on how well you did today. You are not your master, not your own professor and most definitely not your own grader.
A servant stands or falls to his own master, Paul said in Romans 14:4. Since we are not our own master, we are not qualified to judge ourselves.
Trust Him. Do not trust your time in the study, your mastery of the languages, your degrees, or your reputation. None of these change people's hearts and lives. This is the work of the Spirit. You are only His instrument.
10. Trust Him. You'd be surprised what He can do with nothing.
He inspired a nation with a shepherd boy and a sling. He parted the sea with an old man holding a rod. He fed a crowd with a little boy's lunch. He inspired millions with a widow's tiny offering.
He can probably do something with you and me, too. If we are willing to be small enough.
11. When they compliment you at the conclusion of the service, be cool.
This is no time to launch into your faux-humble "all the glory belongs to God" soliloquy. The complimenter did not mean to imply it was the greatest message in the history of the world. They were being nice. So you be nice, too. Say something like, "Thank you," and let it rest.
12. Resist the temptation to beat yourself up over the poor job you did. See Point 9.
Leave it with the Lord. Go home and have lunch with the family--and be fully present. This is no time to pick the sermon apart, no time to bleed family members for their reactions, and no time to do anything but relax with those you love most and take some nourishment. Then, take a nap.
All is well. After all, you have to do this again next Sunday. Or, even tonight. Oh my.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
WHAT IS THE SEED GERM?
Saints,
The seed germ is a soul in seed form OR a soul that is not yet active or quickened. When God breathe into Adam's flesh, formed from the earth in Genesis 2:7, the breath of life (Holy Ghost breath), this breathe came upon something that was quickened. The bible said Adam became a LIVING SOUL. Now His soul became alive or was quickened by the Holy breathe of God.
This breathe of God was the same that came as a rushing mighty wind in Acts 2. It came to do the same thing, which is to quicken, to make alive something.
Soul is the real YOU. It is a being, YOU. It is the nature on the spirit realm. It is the inside of the inside. It is the control tower of the human being. It has only one sense, doubt or faith. Soul is what identifies YOU. It is not a body, it is not celestial. It is way beyond the spirit realm, and it's the nature on the spirit. It is what controls the spirit realm. Animals don't have soul. They have no being controlling their spirit realm.
Now there is a process to the emergence of SOUL. It starts as a THOUGHT (eternal or temporal). This THOUGHT expressed is called SEED (or Word, for God's children). This SEED when quickened or made alive is called a LIVING SOUL.
What is Christianity?
It's amazing to many that Christianity is actually Jewish, both in its roots and heritage. It is the culmination of Judaism. Jesus (Yeshua) was Jewish. He was brought up by faithful parents who regularly took Him to synagogue. He observed Torah perfectly. The last recognized Jewish prophet, John the Baptist, declared that Jesus was the perfect "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
The Apostles, the first disciples of Yeshua, were Jewish men. After His resurrection, in Luke 24:25-27, Jesus explained to them how all the Hebrew prophets of former times pointed to Him, saying, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the [Hebrew] Scriptures.
The central message of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is God the Son who came to earth to rescue sinners not only from a life of sin but also from eternal damnation in hell. Christians believe that the 66 books of the Bible comprise the true and inerrant Word of God. As such, they read it, love its truth, come to know God more deeply by it, and live by its counsel.
The Bible teaches that the only way to know God and enjoy a right relationship with Him is through faith in Christ. Faith assumes that one turns away from his sin and submits to Jesus Christ as the ruler of every aspect of his life, calling Jesus "Lord," a synonym in that context for God (see Romans 10:9-10). Merely nodding the head and giving intellectual assent to truths about God is what characterizes demons, not the children of God (James 2:19).
Who Can Be a Christian?
At the heart of what it means to be a Christian is justification—being right with God (see Romans 4:20-25). So, another way of asking this question is, "Who can be considered right with God?" John 1:12 says that "...as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." In other words, not everyone is automatically a child of God simply because he or she is born.
Galatians 3:26 says that one becomes a child of God "through faith in Christ Jesus." Notice that a person is not saved by faith. We are saved by Christ through faith in Him. It is the object of our faith, the Divine God-Man Jesus Christ, who saves us. In other words, every person who will cry out to be delivered from his sin and will trust Jesus Christ, the Lord—the Divine Messiah—alone for forgiveness will be justified. Not only will that person be right with God, he will also be a child of God.
Such full forgiveness and reception into this new family relationship produces deep allegiance to God and to His people. An observable result of this new allegiance of heart and mind is that the life of a true child of God is characterized by good works, thoughts and attitudes. Good works do not serve as any ground for one's justification, however. As Romans 10:9 states, "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Good works, rather, serve as corroborating evidence that one has truly been "born again" by the Spirit of God who now dwells in the believer (see John 3:1-20; Ephesians 1:13-14).
One of Christ's closest followers while on earth, the Apostle John, wrote these inspired words of Scripture: "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)
Note well the exclusivity of the Bible's claim. It is not a mistake, nor is it arrogance. It is, quite simply, truth. Therefore, any religion or individual who alters, adds to, or teaches a message contrary to this gospel does not speak in alignment with the true God and eternal life but is teaching damnable heresy.
What makes Christianity different?
1. It is a spiritual belief that is open to all, regardless of age, religion, sex, or economic status.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
2. It is a faith relationship with God that solves the problem of sin. In other words, deliverance from sin is not achieved by one's personal adherence to a system of works. One is delivered from sin by receiving God's grace in Christ. A sinner is declared to be right with God as the merits of Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension are applied to him through faith. Second Corinthians 5:21 says it this way: "He [God the Father] made Him who knew no sin (i.e. Jesus, God the Son) to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Other faiths believe that salvation is based on good deeds or keeping certain laws. Christianity recognizes that "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).
The Bible clearly says that "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy." (Titus 3:5)
3. Unlike Buddha, Mohammad, and other religious leaders, Christianity accepts that its Messiah, Jesus Christ, is still alive today.
"...Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." (Romans 8:34)
Jesus died on the cross for sinners, but was resurrected after three days. His resurrection vindicated the truthfulness of His message. He was witnessed by many who were eventually martyred for their faith. The historic truth of Christ's life and message has stood the test of time and will ultimately triumph over all other beliefs (Revelation 21:1-8).
Isn't Christianity Just a Political Movement?
No. Real Christianity is not a political movement that seeks to change the world from the outside in. Rather, it is truth that radically changes one's entire worldview from the inside out. Twentieth century British author, C.S. Lewis, said it well: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
There are many hypocrites and counterfeits in the world. And Christians can and do sin. But the general direction of a real Christian's life is to increasingly love the things that are dear to God's heart such as (see Acts 2:42-47) faithfully handling, believing and obeying His Word, being relationally committed to the people of His Church, worshipping Christ sincerely from the heart, and being winsome in the way one lives and shares His message of hope to the lost.
What's Missing from the Average Person's Picture of Christianity?
One Christian author* has answered the question like this:
It's like we're in a war—in a concentration camp—and suddenly you're hearing on the smuggled-in radio that the troops of deliverance have landed in helicopters five miles away. They're conquering everything in their path and they're just about to get to the gate and open the doors. And having lived all your life in this concentration camp, you're now going to be set free.
That's Christianity. It is news that God sent rescue troops into the world, namely Jesus Christ, and that at great cost to Himself He has conquered our enemy the Devil, opened the gates of the concentration camp, and welcomed us home.
And then you add the beautiful image of bride and bridegroom and realize that this is not just a soldier who simply frees you to go and do what you want to do. He's your Husband, as it were, who has been separated from you for years and years, and you're the wife who has been in the camp. And when the gates are opened, there He stands on the other side, and the affections are huge.
I remember watching at the end of the Vietnam war some of those magnificent videos of men who had been away from their wives—some of them I think up to five years. I remember watching them run toward each other and seeing them sweep their wives off their feet. My heart leapt and my tears flowed when I watched that kind of reunion. I believe it is this deeply emotional response to being rescued and united with God that is missing from so many people's picture of Christianity.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
*Adapted from the article "Is Christianity just a bunch of rules for how to live?" is by John Piper. © Desiring God Website: desiringGod.org
The Apostles, the first disciples of Yeshua, were Jewish men. After His resurrection, in Luke 24:25-27, Jesus explained to them how all the Hebrew prophets of former times pointed to Him, saying, "Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?" Then beginning with Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the [Hebrew] Scriptures.
The central message of Christianity is that Jesus Christ is God the Son who came to earth to rescue sinners not only from a life of sin but also from eternal damnation in hell. Christians believe that the 66 books of the Bible comprise the true and inerrant Word of God. As such, they read it, love its truth, come to know God more deeply by it, and live by its counsel.
The Bible teaches that the only way to know God and enjoy a right relationship with Him is through faith in Christ. Faith assumes that one turns away from his sin and submits to Jesus Christ as the ruler of every aspect of his life, calling Jesus "Lord," a synonym in that context for God (see Romans 10:9-10). Merely nodding the head and giving intellectual assent to truths about God is what characterizes demons, not the children of God (James 2:19).
Who Can Be a Christian?
At the heart of what it means to be a Christian is justification—being right with God (see Romans 4:20-25). So, another way of asking this question is, "Who can be considered right with God?" John 1:12 says that "...as many as received Him [Jesus], to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name." In other words, not everyone is automatically a child of God simply because he or she is born.
Galatians 3:26 says that one becomes a child of God "through faith in Christ Jesus." Notice that a person is not saved by faith. We are saved by Christ through faith in Him. It is the object of our faith, the Divine God-Man Jesus Christ, who saves us. In other words, every person who will cry out to be delivered from his sin and will trust Jesus Christ, the Lord—the Divine Messiah—alone for forgiveness will be justified. Not only will that person be right with God, he will also be a child of God.
Such full forgiveness and reception into this new family relationship produces deep allegiance to God and to His people. An observable result of this new allegiance of heart and mind is that the life of a true child of God is characterized by good works, thoughts and attitudes. Good works do not serve as any ground for one's justification, however. As Romans 10:9 states, "...if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." Good works, rather, serve as corroborating evidence that one has truly been "born again" by the Spirit of God who now dwells in the believer (see John 3:1-20; Ephesians 1:13-14).
One of Christ's closest followers while on earth, the Apostle John, wrote these inspired words of Scripture: "And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20)
Note well the exclusivity of the Bible's claim. It is not a mistake, nor is it arrogance. It is, quite simply, truth. Therefore, any religion or individual who alters, adds to, or teaches a message contrary to this gospel does not speak in alignment with the true God and eternal life but is teaching damnable heresy.
What makes Christianity different?
1. It is a spiritual belief that is open to all, regardless of age, religion, sex, or economic status.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:16)
2. It is a faith relationship with God that solves the problem of sin. In other words, deliverance from sin is not achieved by one's personal adherence to a system of works. One is delivered from sin by receiving God's grace in Christ. A sinner is declared to be right with God as the merits of Christ's life, death, resurrection and ascension are applied to him through faith. Second Corinthians 5:21 says it this way: "He [God the Father] made Him who knew no sin (i.e. Jesus, God the Son) to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."
Other faiths believe that salvation is based on good deeds or keeping certain laws. Christianity recognizes that "There is none righteous, not even one" (Romans 3:10).
The Bible clearly says that "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy." (Titus 3:5)
3. Unlike Buddha, Mohammad, and other religious leaders, Christianity accepts that its Messiah, Jesus Christ, is still alive today.
"...Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us." (Romans 8:34)
Jesus died on the cross for sinners, but was resurrected after three days. His resurrection vindicated the truthfulness of His message. He was witnessed by many who were eventually martyred for their faith. The historic truth of Christ's life and message has stood the test of time and will ultimately triumph over all other beliefs (Revelation 21:1-8).
Isn't Christianity Just a Political Movement?
No. Real Christianity is not a political movement that seeks to change the world from the outside in. Rather, it is truth that radically changes one's entire worldview from the inside out. Twentieth century British author, C.S. Lewis, said it well: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else."
There are many hypocrites and counterfeits in the world. And Christians can and do sin. But the general direction of a real Christian's life is to increasingly love the things that are dear to God's heart such as (see Acts 2:42-47) faithfully handling, believing and obeying His Word, being relationally committed to the people of His Church, worshipping Christ sincerely from the heart, and being winsome in the way one lives and shares His message of hope to the lost.
What's Missing from the Average Person's Picture of Christianity?
One Christian author* has answered the question like this:
It's like we're in a war—in a concentration camp—and suddenly you're hearing on the smuggled-in radio that the troops of deliverance have landed in helicopters five miles away. They're conquering everything in their path and they're just about to get to the gate and open the doors. And having lived all your life in this concentration camp, you're now going to be set free.
That's Christianity. It is news that God sent rescue troops into the world, namely Jesus Christ, and that at great cost to Himself He has conquered our enemy the Devil, opened the gates of the concentration camp, and welcomed us home.
And then you add the beautiful image of bride and bridegroom and realize that this is not just a soldier who simply frees you to go and do what you want to do. He's your Husband, as it were, who has been separated from you for years and years, and you're the wife who has been in the camp. And when the gates are opened, there He stands on the other side, and the affections are huge.
I remember watching at the end of the Vietnam war some of those magnificent videos of men who had been away from their wives—some of them I think up to five years. I remember watching them run toward each other and seeing them sweep their wives off their feet. My heart leapt and my tears flowed when I watched that kind of reunion. I believe it is this deeply emotional response to being rescued and united with God that is missing from so many people's picture of Christianity.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
*Adapted from the article "Is Christianity just a bunch of rules for how to live?" is by John Piper. © Desiring God Website: desiringGod.org
Pastoral Ministry & Wartime Thinking
When you’re hurting and needing spiritual counsel, do you immediately think of scheduling an appointment with a soldier? A General, perhaps? No, and that’s why the Army has chaplains.
My guess is during the Civil War young soldiers who became gripped with fear and dread did not seek comfort from General Grant. And no one during WWII looked to Patton for a listening ear. Can you imagine the “counsel” Patton would have given to a young man who came to him needing comfort during the march through France in 1944? More than a slap, I’m sure.
Of course, we expect a certain demeanor from Generals. We want them to always have a wartime mindset for the simple reason that we want them to win wars as quickly and efficiently as possible.
But pastors are not Generals. Which is why I’ve been thinking about a recent article by Paul Tripp titled, “Pastoral Ministry is War.” Tripp argues that the “war” is waged on two battlefields. The first battle is to remember that as pastors we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ and His kingdom. The second battle is for the gospel — to remember that it is not only the “fundamental paradigm for every ministry of the church,” but also “the resting place of our hearts as pastors.”
Both things, of course, are true. All Christians are called to remember that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Therefore, we “put on the whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11). And I know we have passions that are at war in us (James 4:1) as we’re called to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). What I think is unhelpful, however, is framing pastoral ministry in terms of warfare. For if we only think of ourselves at war it will be very difficult to announce peace. And isn’t this the great news of the gospel? “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Our message is the triumph of Christ (Col. 2:13-15).
Unlike a General leading an army into battle, we are pastors helping people live in the victory our Lord has already won. This is not to deny the intense struggles we have against the world, the flesh, and the devil (I’ve written about this recently). But it is to challenge the usefulness of the paradigm of “warfare” for pastoral ministry.
Brothers, we are pastors, not Generals. So more than thinking of pastoral ministry as war, I pray I think of it more like the Apostle Peter:
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1 Peter 5:1-4
My guess is during the Civil War young soldiers who became gripped with fear and dread did not seek comfort from General Grant. And no one during WWII looked to Patton for a listening ear. Can you imagine the “counsel” Patton would have given to a young man who came to him needing comfort during the march through France in 1944? More than a slap, I’m sure.
Of course, we expect a certain demeanor from Generals. We want them to always have a wartime mindset for the simple reason that we want them to win wars as quickly and efficiently as possible.
But pastors are not Generals. Which is why I’ve been thinking about a recent article by Paul Tripp titled, “Pastoral Ministry is War.” Tripp argues that the “war” is waged on two battlefields. The first battle is to remember that as pastors we no longer live for ourselves, but for Christ and His kingdom. The second battle is for the gospel — to remember that it is not only the “fundamental paradigm for every ministry of the church,” but also “the resting place of our hearts as pastors.”
Both things, of course, are true. All Christians are called to remember that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places” (Eph. 6:12). Therefore, we “put on the whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:11). And I know we have passions that are at war in us (James 4:1) as we’re called to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Tim. 6:12). What I think is unhelpful, however, is framing pastoral ministry in terms of warfare. For if we only think of ourselves at war it will be very difficult to announce peace. And isn’t this the great news of the gospel? “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1). Our message is the triumph of Christ (Col. 2:13-15).
Unlike a General leading an army into battle, we are pastors helping people live in the victory our Lord has already won. This is not to deny the intense struggles we have against the world, the flesh, and the devil (I’ve written about this recently). But it is to challenge the usefulness of the paradigm of “warfare” for pastoral ministry.
Brothers, we are pastors, not Generals. So more than thinking of pastoral ministry as war, I pray I think of it more like the Apostle Peter:
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.
1 Peter 5:1-4
Five Points and a Poem
“...In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." —John 16:33
I wonder how Jesus feels listening to some of the messages preached from our American pulpits. I wonder if He’s noticed the same thing I have--that most of the messages in our “me-centered” culture come from one of two angles:
1) Either they are nice messages that tell people how to be a better person, how to get their prayers answered, or “how to…” This type of message is usually a very well organized three- to seven-point message that leaves the listener feeling encouraged and ready to go (all too often just to a big lunch). Or...
2) They focus on the fact that Jesus said in John 16:33, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This makes us feel good if we’re going through life’s trials, which truly can be very tiresome. (Incidentally, use of this verse is also a great way to get people to read articles, which is why I put that scripture on the top of this article; I knew this piece would be a bit challenging, and having it there might get you to read it).
I can’t help but notice that we as ministers spend more time preaching to make people feel good than drawing the body of Christ into a deeper relationship with Him. I know that people need to be encouraged (myself included), but isn’t the emphasis supposed to be on Jesus? It may seem a bit “simple” to some, but in Hebrews 11:6 Paul told us that it is impossible to please God without faith. So shouldn’t the focus of our faith in any situation be Him? If the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, then the shortest way to answered prayer might be faith in God and the finished work of Jesus His son. Lately the old hymn Jesus Paid it All keeps resurfacing in my life, so I thought I would share the words of that incredible work of art with you as a focal point:
Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Refrain
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
Refrain
And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Refrain
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Refrain
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
Refrain
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.
WOW! It is finished! Jesus Paid It All! Isn’t it about time we turn to Him for our answers? After all, he truly paid the price for our sins, sickness, weakness, etc. When do we realize that our methods of working the five point sermon becomes "leaning to our own understanding"? I don’t mean to be critical of these types of messages, I too have preached them and been lifted by them. I think that the reason many folks are going through intense tribulation might just be because it took such trials for them to look at Jesus’ work and throw themselves on the mercy of God through the finished work of redemption.
Just a few days ago I was in the woods where I often go to pray and had a very unique encounter with God. I began my prayer time by reading Galatians 2:20:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
I prayed this verse as a reminder that I needed to get out of the way and let God be God. As I prayed, my eyes fell on the phrase, “…I live by the faith of the Son of God…” I was somewhat taken aback. I asked God to please give me a glimpse of what Jesus’ faith looked like. Very quickly within myself I heard “It’s too big for you to grasp.” I replied, “I know God, but could you just show me one element of it”? Almost instantly these words flooded my heart: “That you would complete what I have called you to do.” I was (and still am) dumbfounded.
For the last couple of weeks He has been making elements of this statement plain to me and He’ll do the same for you. As we press into Him and focus on what Jesus’ faith looks like then we begin to see that Jesus Paid It All for us. We’re the head and not the tail. We are above only and not beneath, the victors and not the victims. All of our needs are met according to His riches in glory. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus. All my sins have been washed away, not just coved as with the blood of a lamb in the old testament, but washed away!
I wonder how Jesus feels listening to some of the messages preached from our American pulpits. I wonder if He’s noticed the same thing I have--that most of the messages in our “me-centered” culture come from one of two angles:
1) Either they are nice messages that tell people how to be a better person, how to get their prayers answered, or “how to…” This type of message is usually a very well organized three- to seven-point message that leaves the listener feeling encouraged and ready to go (all too often just to a big lunch). Or...
2) They focus on the fact that Jesus said in John 16:33, “…In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." This makes us feel good if we’re going through life’s trials, which truly can be very tiresome. (Incidentally, use of this verse is also a great way to get people to read articles, which is why I put that scripture on the top of this article; I knew this piece would be a bit challenging, and having it there might get you to read it).
I can’t help but notice that we as ministers spend more time preaching to make people feel good than drawing the body of Christ into a deeper relationship with Him. I know that people need to be encouraged (myself included), but isn’t the emphasis supposed to be on Jesus? It may seem a bit “simple” to some, but in Hebrews 11:6 Paul told us that it is impossible to please God without faith. So shouldn’t the focus of our faith in any situation be Him? If the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, then the shortest way to answered prayer might be faith in God and the finished work of Jesus His son. Lately the old hymn Jesus Paid it All keeps resurfacing in my life, so I thought I would share the words of that incredible work of art with you as a focal point:
Jesus Paid It All
I hear the Savior say,
“Thy strength indeed is small;
Child of weakness, watch and pray,
Find in Me thine all in all.”
Refrain
Jesus paid it all,
All to Him I owe;
Sin had left a crimson stain,
He washed it white as snow.
For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim,
I’ll wash my garments white
In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.
Refrain
And now complete in Him
My robe His righteousness,
Close sheltered ’neath His side,
I am divinely blest.
Refrain
Lord, now indeed I find
Thy power and Thine alone,
Can change the leper’s spots
And melt the heart of stone.
Refrain
When from my dying bed
My ransomed soul shall rise,
“Jesus died my soul to save,”
Shall rend the vaulted skies.
Refrain
And when before the throne
I stand in Him complete,
I’ll lay my trophies down
All down at Jesus’ feet.
WOW! It is finished! Jesus Paid It All! Isn’t it about time we turn to Him for our answers? After all, he truly paid the price for our sins, sickness, weakness, etc. When do we realize that our methods of working the five point sermon becomes "leaning to our own understanding"? I don’t mean to be critical of these types of messages, I too have preached them and been lifted by them. I think that the reason many folks are going through intense tribulation might just be because it took such trials for them to look at Jesus’ work and throw themselves on the mercy of God through the finished work of redemption.
Just a few days ago I was in the woods where I often go to pray and had a very unique encounter with God. I began my prayer time by reading Galatians 2:20:
"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."
I prayed this verse as a reminder that I needed to get out of the way and let God be God. As I prayed, my eyes fell on the phrase, “…I live by the faith of the Son of God…” I was somewhat taken aback. I asked God to please give me a glimpse of what Jesus’ faith looked like. Very quickly within myself I heard “It’s too big for you to grasp.” I replied, “I know God, but could you just show me one element of it”? Almost instantly these words flooded my heart: “That you would complete what I have called you to do.” I was (and still am) dumbfounded.
For the last couple of weeks He has been making elements of this statement plain to me and He’ll do the same for you. As we press into Him and focus on what Jesus’ faith looks like then we begin to see that Jesus Paid It All for us. We’re the head and not the tail. We are above only and not beneath, the victors and not the victims. All of our needs are met according to His riches in glory. We are healed by the stripes of Jesus. All my sins have been washed away, not just coved as with the blood of a lamb in the old testament, but washed away!
10 Ways to Tell You're Slipping
It's surprising how God's people awaken one day and suddenly realize they have fallen away from the closeness they used to enjoy with the Lord. The signs have been there all along, but they were not paying attention.
Here are some tests I have discovered for spotting signs of slippage in my own walk with the Lord, evidence that I'm losing the intimacy with Him that always meant so much in my personal life.
10. You know you're slipping when the big thing you look forward to on a Sunday is a football game.
9. You know you're slipping when reading the Bible no longer excites you, angers you, or challenges you.
8. You know you're slipping when you finally get up off the couch and get involved in some ministry the Lord has been laying on your heart and the first thing you do is start criticizing all the other couch potatoes who are only doing the same thing you have been doing all this time.
7. You know you're slipping when, after slacking off in your tithing over the past year, instead of feeling guilty, you find yourself criticizing the regular tithers for their self-righteous and legalistic attitudes.
6. You know you're slipping when you can read the Ten Commandments and give yourself a passing grade on all of them.
5. You know you're slipping when you can go a whole day without praying and it not bother you one bit.
4. You know you're slipping when you can have a dirty thought and justify it as "what normal humans do."
3. You know you're slipping when you feel a nudging from the Holy Spirit to speak to that person or give to this one or make a phone call to another and you squelch it.
2. You know you're slipping when you decide to reward yourself for doing well by skipping your Bible reading and prayer for that day.
1. You know you're really, really slipping when the problem of slipping doesn't cause you great concern.
(Feel free to take a moment to respond below and share ways you've noticed when you are slipping from your faithfulness).
Here are some tests I have discovered for spotting signs of slippage in my own walk with the Lord, evidence that I'm losing the intimacy with Him that always meant so much in my personal life.
10. You know you're slipping when the big thing you look forward to on a Sunday is a football game.
9. You know you're slipping when reading the Bible no longer excites you, angers you, or challenges you.
8. You know you're slipping when you finally get up off the couch and get involved in some ministry the Lord has been laying on your heart and the first thing you do is start criticizing all the other couch potatoes who are only doing the same thing you have been doing all this time.
7. You know you're slipping when, after slacking off in your tithing over the past year, instead of feeling guilty, you find yourself criticizing the regular tithers for their self-righteous and legalistic attitudes.
6. You know you're slipping when you can read the Ten Commandments and give yourself a passing grade on all of them.
5. You know you're slipping when you can go a whole day without praying and it not bother you one bit.
4. You know you're slipping when you can have a dirty thought and justify it as "what normal humans do."
3. You know you're slipping when you feel a nudging from the Holy Spirit to speak to that person or give to this one or make a phone call to another and you squelch it.
2. You know you're slipping when you decide to reward yourself for doing well by skipping your Bible reading and prayer for that day.
1. You know you're really, really slipping when the problem of slipping doesn't cause you great concern.
(Feel free to take a moment to respond below and share ways you've noticed when you are slipping from your faithfulness).
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