Sing Unto the Lord...as long as you do it my way.

Found this in my drafts. 

I went to a small (around 500 students?), conservative, Christian college. I had worked a year after graduating High School, but the realities of adult life were confusing. I had a job as an apprentice mechanic in a small shop (7 mechanics) that would have been a satisfying and decent paying career, but the drama and politics of the adults in that place were sometimes beyond childish. Although I enjoyed the work, I wanted something different. I decided to go to college. I would probably just go a year or two. I wanted a Christian college, because I felt that I had so much to learn about my faith and the Bible. 

And I thought the shop guys were childish.

I ended up going 4 years and graduating from this institution. I learned a lot along the way, some things in class, some things outside of class. This story deals with something that happened outside of class.

My freshman year I was a part of a male quartet that traveled for the school. We were ambassadors for the school that did church events for churches that supported the school. We were the only all male group (we had a female pianist), and somewhat popular. Going in to the second semester, we had several appearances booked, including one at the home church of the pianist and another at the home church of two of the men in the group. That's when we got the news.

Apparently, two of our members grades were below the expected standard for extra-curricular participation, and our group was put on academic probation. This meant we could still practice, but not travel for the school. They were graciously (sarcasm) willing to allow us to fulfill our January obligations (which happened to be traveling to churches where school trustees were members), but then probation would take affect until the next grades in March. This was disappointing to us, as our 2 February dates were to churches of members of the group. When this was brought to the schools attention, the made accommodations for us to be able to travel to those as well. So now, we are only two weeks away from being off probation because grades come out mid-March. 

Now I had a problem with this. If the purpose of academic probation is to allow the students the extra time to focus on getting their grades back up to par, and we were going to be given accommodations to travel in January and February, was the purpose of the probation being accomplished? I thought no, can't remember what the others felt, but this was brought to the administration's attention. Their response was to keep us on probation, and they wanted our group to meet with the president and vice president of the college. At the meeting, they explained their position, which was since the other dates were already set, to avoid any embarrassment, they would be fulfilled, and we would serve out our probation for the first half of March. Just to add some context, I want to state that I was not one of the students on probation, so my problem with this was more about doing what I believed was right rather than defending my own issues. Also, I wonder if this same logic would apply to other areas as well. Example: Since the basketball schedule is already out, we should let the players fulfill their obligation to avoid embarrassment. Don't think that would fly.

If an athlete were on probation, even a star one, would they be granted the accommodation to be able to continue to play games that had already been scheduled? I wanted the rules to be consistent and fair. Silly me. They did not agree. To me, it came down to either we were on probation and should not travel, or we were not on probation, and we could continue a regular schedule. I voiced this, and was told that if it was an either/or situation, then we would not travel and in fact, they would disband our group. Hardball. So we had a decision to make, and we ended up disbanding. Not a big issue for me, as it freed up more time in my schedule, but disappointing because we enjoyed doing this and enjoyed one another.

Footnote: The other two members that were not on probation were offered the opportunity to join another group, the school's chorale, and not lose their 1 credit hour this would earn them. I was never given this choice, and in fact did not find this out until talking to one of the other members years later. They showed me.

Back to Church - Part 3

My journey through high school was fairly uneventful. Life in the youth group was fun, and gave me a sense of belonging. But not all was roses.

My brother was 2 and a half years younger that me. He got involved in youth after the choir thing had died down and disappeared. A new youth minister or two, neither of whom was musically inclined. Basketball became one of the next big things. We even had enough players to have 2 teams. The "A" team was the older, better players and the "B" team was the younger, less experienced players. 

When one of your major draws to church is sports, you pick up people who are there just for the sports. I think that the hope is that being with strong Christians will help draw you in to a relationship with Jesus. I am not sure we had many strong Christians. I do know that we had those there who were only there for the sports. The group that was a few years behind the group I was involved with had a lot of those kids. That would be the group my brother was mostly involved with. I think the adults assume the best, and turn a blind eye to some of the worst.

I believe my brother was in a time of life that would shape who he would become. 

But here is my question: When we use things like sports (or any other activity for that matter) as a means to draw people in to the church, is that an acceptable approach to evangelism? I know that this is a widely practiced method, but is it right? As someone who has been in ministry, and has used activities to draw people in, I now stand and question this tactic.

Perhaps the answer is found in the way it is done. My fear is that we use some events to get people to come to church to see that it is not that bad a place, that we are not the bizarre weirdos they might think, and if the opportunity arises to sneak in some Jesus, great! But what does that teach about Christianity, and about the salvation that Jesus offers? (I will ask lots of questions, but really won't present many answers, mostly because I don't know them.) Perhaps at least a part of the answer lies in the idea that there is a right way and a wrong way to do this. 

I think back to my high school days. One of the teams in our softball league had several members arrested as part of a chop shop operation. How did that witness work out for the church? 

Perhaps a part of the issue is the idea that we have to sneak Jesus in to stuff, like getting used to the water one toe at a time rather than diving in. Which approach is best? Again, just a question for thought. Yet it is a question that should be asked when planning such methods.

I like what I heard Matt Chandler say about why they don't have a coffee bar at their church. He said (not an exact quote) that they don't offer coffee in church to encourage their people to go out and buy coffee on the way to church and interact with the people they meet as they do. Tip the barista. Say thank you and don't cause a scene when the order is wrong. Seems to be in line with Matthew 28:19-20. Jesus said GO, he didn't say, Bring them in with cool activities and nice buildings and etc. Of course, this approach has its drawbacks too. It might take longer. In some instances, the desired result might not happen. And, of course, it takes mature and grounded Christians to pull it off. Whereas the other approach puts the task mostly on the church staff. Did the preacher give a good sermon? Did the Youth Minister give a good devotion? Does the Music Minister look good in skinny jeans and a knit cap?

One of my greatest concerns today is that we have an audience of people who think they are Christian because they go to church. It is as if God is taking attendance. Just as in the days of Jesus, only instead of looking to the scribes and Pharisees, we look to those on stage. Is there any depth? The pool goes on for miles, but there is no need to part the water because if you walk across, only the bottom of your shoes gets wet. And no one wants to get their feet wet.

Back to Church - Part 2

It was the first summer after starting to attend church again. We (the church choir) were taking a trip to Florida and back (from the Chicago area). Stopping at churches along the way, doing concerts, spending the night in churches or at the homes of folks from that church. Making it to Orlando to spend a day at Disney, then back with the same plan. Don't recall a lot of things, but here is one memory.

It was after we had returned from the trip. Someone approached the Youth Minister and asked how things went. He replied that overall, things had gone well, just a few minor bumps in the road. Like the one kids who showed up wearing a Budweiser hat. That was me! It just never dawned on this son of German immigrants, former Catholic, that that would be frowned on. Did he remember it was me? Did he know I could hear him? I recall thinking, if that was an issue, why didn't you talk to me about it? Not one person, adult or youth, made any mention that such apparel might be considered inappropriate by some. I was careful not to wear such apparel around church kids again. In fact. that hat "disappeared" somewhere on the trip. I sometimes wonder...

I look back and see a lot of legalism in the church. Like how we talk about dating. Seems like everything is about finding that magic line, and making sure that it does not get crossed. Forget about teaching people to love and honor God with their lives, just stay away from crossing that line! Thank goodness we weren't Baptist. At least we could go to movies and attend dances. But in many ways it was the same thing, only different rules. Tithe, don't use certain words, look good for Sunday service, etc. The Scribes and the Pharisees were also good a making rules. Got to have a pretty dish. (Luke 11:37-41) We love pretty dishes. Problem is, some people get so caught up in doing dishes that they forget why that is so important. I am not advocating that behavior does not matter, as I have been accused of doing. What I am advocating is that the motive behind the behavior is just as if not more important that the behavior itself. If it were only the behavior that mattered, was Jesus death really necessary? 

Not Without the Spirit (Ephesians 1:15-23)

SCRIPTURE

Ephesians 1:15-23

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

COMMENT

Have you ever wondered how the early church grew, thrived, or even survived without men who had seminary degrees, without bloggers, without TV evangelists? My only conclusion can be that it was the working of the Holy Spirit in the believers of the early church. Paul sees this and is thankful for this. I love the phrase, "having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you." That speaks to me of the fact that no matter what we think or do, God is in control. I fear that we have lost some of this. Not because God is less powerful, but because we place our faith in knowledge over love. The preacher is exalted as the divine orator of God's plans, and we are to fall in line. I think of the millionaire mega-pastors. I think of a pastor in our city who convince his congregation to move to a new site, buy a large parcel of land, and build a mega building. Then, they would attract new businesses to that area, and sell off some of the extra land to pay for it all (at a handsome profit, of course). Then the 2008 recession hit. They ended up having to lay off some of their staff. I am sure that programs had to be altered, and perhaps their giving to missionaries as well. The pastor soon took a position somewhere else. Having been in ministry for a few years, having gone to church for many others, and even working as a teacher in a Christian school, I have other stories I could tell... 

I wonder if the Jews, who did not understand about the true mission of the Messiah, laughed at the Christians when they suffered. Maybe a "How's your Jesus working for you now!" might have been uttered. But these Christians knew that it was not about an earthly kingdom or for our ease and comfort that Jesus bled and died. 

The church, and I mean the real, universal body of true believers is His body, is the fullness of Him. Not the local congregation, although there are some that fulfill this role well. While others put on an impressive show of wealth and piety. I think we would do well to measure our actions against those of the Jewish leaders Jesus constantly had to contend with. I think we would do well to remember that our mission is not to grow or save the church. God has been doing a great job of taking care of that for years. Our mission is to respond to our salvation in love for God and others. Our mission is to reveal His glory through our lives and not our buildings or programs. I think of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

I am not against buildings or programs. But without love, without submission to God' Holy Spirit, it really is in vain.

Proverbs 16:9 The heart of man plans his way,

but the Lord establishes his steps.

Proverbs 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man,

but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.

Wow! I really did not see that going there this morning.

1 Thess 2:9-12

SCRIPTURE

1 Thess 2:9-12

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

COMMENT

How opposite is this of the church today. Today, preachers sit on pedestals. We honor (dare I say worship?) them. They are our Christianity. What they say is what we believe. What they do is what we do. Yes, we expect a lot out of them. But that is the result when they are your belief system. So we treat them gingerly. At least until they offend us. What should the church look like? Here are some thoughts.

Rather than one individual studying the Scriptures to tell us how to believe, maybe everyone studies them. Wouldn't that be novel? I recall taking a survey for a game we were going to play with the youth, a Family Feud type of game. We surveyed the congregation for answers. One question was, "Who is your favorite Bible King?" Number one answer was King James. I was talking with someone the other day who stated, "Well Jesus was not perfect either. He must have sinned as a child." Yet the Bible says that in order for Him to be the atonement for our sins, He must be perfect. But let's forget about the average pew-warmer for a moment, let's talk about preachers and what they sell. Things like "Your Best Life Now" clear the shelves and build mansions for the author. Want a better prayer life, then pray in Circles, just like Mark Batterson does. I am not only offended by the people who write this trash, but by the preachers to promote it, help sell it, hold "Bible" studies around it or preach from it.

What if preachers were just one of us? What is we didn't have extravagant buildings and budgets and programs to sell Jesus to the masses? What if we were all in the trenches and just needed someone more experienced to encourage us, rather than live it our for us? What would a church like that say to the world?  What if we did it like it was written in the book of 1 Thessalonians?

Not Having It My Way (Matthew 14:1-12)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 14:1-12 (ESV)
At that time Herod the tetrarch heard about the fame of Jesus, and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has been raised from the dead; that is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.” For Herod had seized John and bound him and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because John had been saying to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” And though he wanted to put him to death, he feared the people, because they held him to be a prophet. But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before the company and pleased Herod, so that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she might ask. Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me the head of John the Baptist here on a platter.” And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus.

COMMENT

We live in an age of wanting everything to be our way. Burger King capitalized on this idea with their ad campaign, "Have it your way." But this is seen in so many other areas of life. Look at the following of Bernie Sanders. People are upset because some have more wealth than others, and they think that wealth should be shared. Forget about the skill it might have taken, or the effort, or the risk, it just isn't fair! Look at reaction to the Corona Virus. People stealing masks from hospitals, hoarding toilet paper and other items. At least if I get the infection, my hiney will be clean! So many other examples, but for times sake I will leave that up to you as I am sure you have experienced many examples of your own.

So what about John the Baptist? Jesus called him the great (Matt 11:11), yet he met his demise being beheaded at the hands of Herod. Where is your prosperity theology for him? John faced this death because he stood up to Herod for taking his brother's wife. A noble task. Yet that did not spare him an awful fate. Again, I heard of a church today that is continuing to meet during the Corona Virus quarantine. Their logic is that God will protect them if they are acting in faith. John acted in faith, and there was none greater. I am not advocating panic. But if it rains on the just and the unjust (Matt 5:45), will not the Corona Virus do the same?

What I am trying to say is, let the Bible says what it says without making it say what you want it to say.

Can I Do That? (Matthew 12:9-14)

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 12:9-14
He went on from there and entered their synagogue. And a man was there with a withered hand. And they asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?”—so that they might accuse him. He said to them, “Which one of you who has a sheep, if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and lift it out? Of how much more value is a man than a sheep! So it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” Then he said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And the man stretched it out, and it was restored, healthy like the other. But the Pharisees went out and conspired against him, how to destroy him.

LANGUAGE

Vs 14  destroy - ἀπόλλυμι apollymi; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively: — destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.

BACKGROUND

Jesus had just been through the grainfields with His disciples on the Sabbath. While going through the fields, the disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate. The Pharisees saw this, and said to Jesus that His disciples were breaking the law, harvesting on the Sabbath. Jesus referred to the Scripture where when David and those with him were hungry, they entered the house of God and ate the bread of Presence, which was only lawful for priests to eat. Also, he referred them to how on the Sabbath the priests profane the temple, yet are guiltless. Then He goes on to say that something greater than the temple is here, He desires mercy over sacrifice, and He is lord of the Sabbath.

COMMENT

It is still the Sabbath, and Jesus enters the synagogue. There is a man with a hand that is obviously deformed. The Pharisees, knowing of Jesus's ability to heal, ask Him if it is lawful to heal on the Sabbath.

Some questions: Had Jesus not healed anyone on the Sabbath before? I do not know. If Jesus had not healed on the Sabbath before, was He waiting for this opportunity? I do not know. Were the Pharisees asking this only to trap Jesus? I do not know, but my first thought is to say yes.

Mercy: Doing what is right because you are trying to honor God. Sacrifice: Doing what is required by the law. Have you ever been in a situation where you thought it was okay to break the law? Maybe your wife is about to give birth, and you are taking her to the hospital, speeding, running lights and stops signs? What if you saw a child drowning in a lake, but it was posted with several "No Trespassing" signs? Under what circumstance is it okay to break the law?

I find this interesting, because in the previous test, the disciples were hungry, but I doubt they were starving. In this text, the man obviously has a physical impairment that is greatly affecting his quality of life. Is it okay for Jesus to heal this man in the moment? Could he wait until tomorrow, or even perhaps the few hours until the Sabbath has passed?

Another analogy from Jesus, "You have a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath. Will you not take hold of it and lift it out?" But by doing so, the law has been broken. So Jesus continues, "How much more valuable is a man than a sheep? So, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." Then he heals the man.

The Pharisees reaction is just insane. They wanted to destroy him. I personally believe their hatred of Jesus combined with the idea of losing their own power was blinding them. Strong emotions can do that to you. They wanted him gone, even if that meant dead. All for healing a man on the Sabbath.

I see this in churches today. We build walls of laws to follow. Don't drink, smoke, cuss, watch "R" rated movies, etc., and then we judge those who do. Hate allows some to bomb abortion clinics and justify it. Don't question the pastor! All the while, love and care for the hurting has been put on the back burner. Churches spend millions to have showcase buildings with built in coffee houses, gyms, and more while people nearby live in poverty. Where is mercy?

Follow me Matthew 9:9-13

SCRIPTURE

Matthew 9:9-13
As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, “Follow me.” And he rose and followed him.
And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” But when he heard it, he said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ​‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”

LANGUAGE

Vs 13 mercy - compassion
Vs 13 sacrifice - the act or the victim

COMMENT

The choices that Jesus made for His disciples are interesting, and I think should speak clearly to us about what kind of followers he does and does not expect.

Take Matthew for instance. Matthew was a tax collector. On the scale of socially acceptable people, you could not get much lower than a tax collector. For one thing, tax collectors bought the privilege to be a tax collector, and then used that job to get wealthy by taking extra tax money from those they were collecting from. Another thing is, as a tax collector, they had to be in contact with gentiles, thereby defiling themselves constantly. So, if you really want to make a statement and tick off the established rulers, you definitely want a tax collector as one of your disciples.

So when Jesus was in the house (not sure from the text if it was Matthew's or not), it just made sense that some of the others would be friends and acquaintances of his disciples as well, including Matthew. And that appears to be the case. Here was a Rabbi who not only tolerated this type of individual, he embraced them! Boy, did this get him noticed. The Pharisees questioned His choice of companions, interestingly here not too Jesus's face, but to His disciples. Why does your teacher hang with such riff-raff? (To which they might have answered, "You mean people like us?) But Jesus must have overheard their question. Or perhaps the disciples went and brought the question to Him. Either way, Jesus makes two important statements in his answer.

The first one is that He came for the sick, and not the healthy. He came to set the prisoners free (Isaiah 51:14). He came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). This again, goes back to the type of person Jesus was talking about in the Sermon on the Mount. Humble, hurting (mourning), meek people who need a physician (think Savior), and not proud and self-righteous people who God owed salvation. Healthy people don't go to the doctor, and self-righteous people don't need to go to the cross.

Second is that Jesus desires mercy over sacrifice. In other words the heart of compassion is what Jesus desires, not just the mere act of sacrifice (obedience). Again, go back to the Sermon on the Mount. Or better yet, think about the Pharisee who prayed, "God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get." (Luke 18:11,12) Now here was an obedient man, one who had sacrificed mightily for his faith. Yet it was the tax collector who went away justified.

I recall being asked to talk to a youth who was a Junior or Senior as I recall, very active and faithful in church, but had not been baptized. During our conversation he explained, "But I am a sinner, and there are some things I need to fix before I do that." I told him he had it backwards, we don't fix ourselves in order to come to Jesus, we come to Jesus because we need Him to fix us. I pray that we  all might understand and pray like the tax collector, "God, be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13)

The Truth of the Matter

Yesterday our study in the books of John, by Dr. Tony Evans, concluded with the book of Third John. Evans spoke a lot about truth, which I find ironic, because he apparently denies the doctrine of original sin and also believe that Jesus is not the only way to God. At least, that is what the internet says, so it must be true.

Book of 3 John

Our leader asked a question during the lesson, "What is truth?" Answers were vague and the expected Sunday School answer to almost every question was given, "Jesus." Yes, Jesus is the truth, but I do not think that is what John is referring to. In fact, in verse 2 when John says, "I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul," I am not sure that John is referring to physical health here. The word translated "well" here directly applies to health, but it also states that it figuratively applies to sound doctrine. Perhaps John is referring to both, but since he speaks so much about truth in this short letter, I tend to think the emphasis would be on the latter.

So what is truth? I believe John is referring to sound teaching, doctrine. I go back to the book of Galatians, where some came in who were teaching the necessity of circumcision. They too, like Diotrophes in 3 John, were strong men who apparently like to put themselves first. Paul has strong words for them, going as far as to say, "I with those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves." (Galatians 5:12) In Galatians, it is clear that Paul is battling a teaching that said that in addition to faith, certain requirements must be met. Perhaps John is combating a similar idea. Or maybe it is just that this person is stirring up dissension through other means. Whatever the case, truth is obviously important to John. And finding out and following the truth should be just as important to us. Getting into the word of God, and not just trusting others, even if those others seem important or righteous, does not remove the burden of our individual responsibility. With so many different opinions out there, it just makes sense to check things out for yourself.

Thoughts on Aaron Rodgers interview with Danica Patrick

• Aaron was intrigued by Matt Hawk because he was a Christian, yet he swears and he loves and coaches sports. Makes me wonder what kind of Christians he had interaction with prior to meeting this guy. While cursing is not something I prefer to hear Christians (or anyone else for that matter) do, it is an imperfection that many Christians possess. As far as loving and coaching sports, if he thought that was out of bounds for Christians, no wonder he has struggled with faith as it was portrayed to him.
• I love how he sees his mission trips as "really meaningful." But again, in light of how he perceived Christianity, I would love to know 2 things: ONE-What was your reason for going on these trips? TWO: How has this experience impacted your spirituality today?
• I understand your not having connection with certain Christian groups, especially if your view of Christianity growing up was skewed. It is hard to separate what we learned about Christianity growing up and what Jesus really taught about how his followers should live. I appreciate your efforts to search out what it really means to be a spiritual being. 
• I question your statement that "rules and regulations and binary systems don't really resonate with me." Sounds like your upbringing was at least somewhat legalistic, if not very strongly legalistic. I question if you really had a balanced view of Christianity. I also though, think it is dangerous to reject God because those things do not resonate with you. I can't get out of a ticket by telling an officer, "That speed limit really does not resonate with me."
• If you look at Jesus, and you look at the church you went to on Sunday mornings, the two don't match up. Jesus did not reject the outcast, in fact, he rejected those who looked down on the outcast. Sounds like your Monday evenings were more in line with that than your church experience.
• I agree with your distaste for a binary system like the one you described. But the picture of the the Christian in the Bible is not like what you experienced. You describe those who take pride in their position with God. The Bible speaks of approaching God with humility, with fear and trembling. We love God and we love others because of God's grace and love for us. We don't look down on anyone because of their sin. Anyone. 
• Again, approaching God in humility goes along with your statement, "I don't know how you can believe in a god who wants to condemn most of the planet." In your view, it seems that God has created us just to destroy us. But perhaps rather than wonder why God does not save all, humility says "Why would He save any?" Look what we have done, how we have rejected Him and His righteousness. The fact that He would send Jesus to die for even one who would accept Him then takes on an amazing facet of grace.
• You mention only 144,000 being saved. Is that what your church taught?

Aaron, I can resonate with some of your feelings. I have had a variety of church experiences, many of which have not been pleasant or representative of Jesus. But I pray that as you continue to dig into what truth is, you will be led to see that perhaps your current views about God and religion are not in line with what is taught by Jesus, his disciples, and the Bible.

Put 'em up!

Authority in the Church is not meant to be wielded as a weapon.

Chandler, Matt; Geiger, Eric; Patterson, Josh (2013-11-26). Creature of the Word: The Jesus-Centered Church (p. 184). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition. 

Fear. It paralyzes. It causes us to do things we might not otherwise do. We feel boxed into a corner and we just want to fight our way out. Perhaps we react first, then think.

Leadership in the church begins with following. Ironic, isn't it? If you don't truly see yourself as a follower first, I question if leadership is for you. Jesus always saw himself as a follower of God first. So even in those times of confrontation, you see a sense of purpose and compassion. I think of his encounter with Nicodemus. How frustrating that must have been for Jesus. For Nicodemus claimed to be a teacher of Israel, but did not grasp the concepts Jesus spoke of. Sure, these were not the concepts that the Jewish leaders understood the Scriptures to teach, but they were apparently the ones God intended.

I think back to my time at University Christian Church in Muncie. As I read some old posts lately, I was reminded of the meeting with the elders. How they dictated everything to accomplish their purposes. Made accusations but felt above the need to verify their accusations. Or even in some cases understand their accusations. It was about fear. Probably fear of another split. Had they chased others out before? Probably, but in different ways. Those who stayed stayed for one another.

Fear. It paralyzes.

Love your neighbor?

God has such an interesting sense of humor.

After attending our Sunday School classes dinner at a local eatery last week, I was a little put off by the behavior of a few of the class members. I happened to be facing the other way, so I did not see the sight in question, but the fella opposite me did, and made it a point to comment about. Apparently, the moon was showing in a way that would make a plummer blush on a gentleman who had just gotten up to use the restroom. Comments and laughter continued as he made his way to the door, where he paused a few moments before exiting. But some of the commentors did not notice this and continued making remarks. I wondered if he heard and understood that they were talking about him.

So today's Sunday School lesson was about loving your neighbor. The point was made that this is more than just loving people metaphorically. It was more than just loving people in far away places. It was about what you do right here at home. In fact, our "homework" was to find out our neighbors' names (the ones who live right by you) and something interesting about them.

My neighbor sat at a table in a restaurant. He did not dress as well as some of the others there.

A woman who does not live in our neighborhood was in need. We did not know what to do, so we went to talk to one of the pastors for advice. Their advice was simple, have her call some local government agencies to see how they could help, because we surely did not want to risk our savings or our children's needs to take on this family. How neighborly.

I guess I should be glad that this thing called Christianity is so much easier than the Bible actually makes it seem. But somehow I am not. Somehow it bothers me. But maybe I am alone it that. And that bothers me too.

Peter, have you misplaced the keys to the kingdom again?

Seeking to be relevant, the church too can become a shopping mall of false promises that yields despair or self-righteousness, rather than faith and the fruit of the Spirit. (Ch. 6)

I will say that what I see going on in churches is my biggest struggle right now. Having attended one church for 8 years, but then getting involved with leadership and seeing what the actions and attitudes were behind closed doors was a struggle. A serious struggle. A minister embezzling funds, poor treatment of people who just want to serve, blind eyes turned to serious issues, and an attitude that said, "God put us in charge, you need to deal with it." A culminating moment for me at this place was a weekend leadership retreat. Upon realizing that very little time had actually been spent in prayer, the lead minister stated, "That's okay, because we are doing God's work." Yikes!

Our next experience was even worse. We had dared to question something the minister had said during our small group discussion, and were called before the eldership. No one was allowed to speak on our behalf, it was a closed meeting. Even the minister himself was not at the meeting. Lots of lies and accusations, but nothing can be challenged if those who made the accusations are not present. Nor was anyone else at the meeting allowed to attend. But they had t-shirts that said "Be the church." And folks were encouraged to wear them as they did a once a year service project for the community.

So now we sit in relative silence, worshiping in a church that is so large, I doubt they would notice if we disappeared. Participating in a Sunday School class with a group of good people, but feeling like we are on the outside looking in. That statement in the above quote, "false promises that yields despair," I can relate to that. So desperately hungering for a gospel-centeredness that seems to be unreachable.

I won't give up on Jesus, I won't give up on church, but it is a struggle right now.

Bet you didn't see that coming!

Natural religion, spirituality, and morality are in fact our chief means of running away from God. (Chapter 2)

For some reason I went back into the archives of my blog and read the letter the pastor sent to us after we had met with him.

Yes, many of my comments were sarcastic and harsh. But my writing was my venting. It's cheaper than a gun and doesn't get you in as much trouble. (There goes that sarcasm again!)

As I read that, and then this quote, a feeling of sadness comes upon me. It serves to validate this quote to me. It is that whole idea of working our way toward God rather than letting God come to us. But how can we come to God, when all our best works are but filthy rags? How do we dare approach him? Is not Isaiah's attitude better, knowing that we are people of unclean lips? Shouldn't we instead fall down at our knees and be afraid?

As I read the words of that letter, and as it caused me to think about that later meeting with the elders, it breaks my heart. Surely this is not what Jesus had in mind for his church. I think of the verse where we are told that the path to heaven is narrow, and few find it. But how few is few? Perhaps that few is a bit smaller than we might be comfortable with. Perhaps that few does not have as many American Christians on it as we would like to imagine. But all I get out of this for right now is that I need to watch where I am stepping, I need to make sure that my feet are on the right path.

It's okay to vent, but I pray for these people. And for the souls of those they lead. God help us all.

Which way do I go?

Galatians 4:21-31

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,

“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
    break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
    than those of the one who has a husband.”

Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.”  So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.

I think that to understand what this passage is about, we have to look at who Paul was just talking about. He is warning the Galatians about those who would steal their joy by subjecting them to the requirements of the law all over again. He is talking about people who make much of themselves, who put themselves up in places of honor, much like the Pharisees did, while placing large burdens on their followers. Notice that I said their followers, not their fellow followers of Christ.

Paul gives an illustration from the Old Testament to prove his point.He begins by asking them if they follow the law. Are they in complete compliance? Because if you rely on the law, you must rely on the law alone. And through his illustration, Paul shows that the law leads to bondage. But freedom comes through the promise, and the promise if from God.

Look at the burdens that are placed on their followers. They preach the tithe, and some buy into it. But if the tithe they give is an obligation, if it is done out of an attempt to appease God and have Him look more favorably on you, rather than your response of the joy of your salvation, then all it is is a burden. God loves a cheerful giver, not an obligated one.

Or look at special service projects. One church I know spent one week encouraging people to serve in the community. They gave out t-shirts, and had people report on all of the ways that they had worked during that week. Then they could sit back and feel good about all they had done. But one week out of 52 isn't even a tithe of your time.

I could go on, but the point of the passage, I believe, is freedom, joy, and a response to God that is based on freedom and not obligation. It is not about what we do, but what God has done. And this plan that God had, was not based on an obligation to us. We have no hold over Him that could ever cause him to be obligated to us. No, it was based on His love and mercy. So it makes sense that what He wants in return is not a moral obligation to give Him a portion of what He so freely gave us, but rather a response of love as well.

I was doomed to hell! (That is what I heard, anyway)

I was going through my old posts, and found this as a draft. I didn't want to discard it, so here it is...

A remembrance from childhood...

I was raised by a Catholic mom and Lutheran Dad, so we were sent to mass at a Catholic Church when we were younger. My older brother was even an altar boy, a fact I find very ironic! (You would have to know my brother to understand that.)

I must have been about 7 when this happened. It was a weekday evening, and my brother was at church. I was looking for him, so I stepped inside to see if he were there. I cracked the door open and scanned the sanctuary. I did not see him, so I left. Apparently, there was some kind of service going on at the time.

As I was leaving the building, a priest asked what I was doing. I told him I was looking for my brother, and did not see him, so I was leaving. He then proceeded to tell me that I had just committed a mortal sin. (I am not sure what that sin was, perhaps leaving a church service? Talking to a priest? Looking for my brother?) I remember thinking, "Well, that does it, I just blew it and now I am damned to hell for all of eternity." I don't recall if I had any further conversation with the priest, but I do recall going home, all the way thinking what it was going to be like in hell.

We tend to remember strange things from our childhood.

Jesus was there that day, as he always is. And he took care of me as he always does. I ended up leaving the Catholic Church a few years later, but story is for another time.

I see the signs now, "Catholic Come Home." They make me chuckle. Come home to eternal damnation is what I hear when I read those signs, and I am not interested in that. I read a lot about people who have left the institutional church for a variety of reasons. I can understand why sometimes. Is it just me, or has the church (as a whole, and not just the Catholic church) gotten away from what it was intended to be?

Story 3

One of the churches we visited was a Presbyterian church. I had high hopes for this church, because of their Reformed roots. A couple of people made an effort to be friendly and engage us in chit-chat. The pastor was not one of them. Not that I expect the pastor to be the first person to engage everyone in the church, but when it is a small congregation (around 200, but less than 100 at this service), and he walks right by you a few times without even an acknowledgment, it makes you wonder. Good or bad, the pastor sets the tone for much of what the congregation will do. A third issue that I struggled with was the plans that the church had for an addition. It just seemed that the focus of the service was more about the proposed addition than it was about the reason for that addition, Jesus Christ. everything was geared toward that goal.

Now I don't discount the need for church buildings. But I also struggle with the lavish amounts of money that are spent while other needs, needs that there are definite Biblical mandates for, go by the wayside or receive a fraction of the attention they deserve.

I don't want to take anything away from this church or judge their hearts, I just knew that this place was not going to be a good place for us.

The Story

The church I attended last week was going through "The Story." It is a book written by Max Lucado. They are passing out the book, have the large posters up, and are preaching through it. Someone is making a lot of money somewhere, me thinks.

I was okay with the sermon. He was talking about Joseph and of the many trials that he went through, and how God was in complete control. Then he spoke of what was obviously a difficult trial he experienced. I am not sure if the child he spoke of was close to him, or if it were the child of someone in his congregation. In any event, in his illustration the child died. He then went on to say, "God did not do that, I could not worship a God who would do such a thing."

Read on in the story, because that is what God does to David's son. It is what he does to his own son. Dare we draw a line and say, "God, if you cross this line, I cannot worship you?" Did Joseph stop worshipping God because he was sold into slavery, accused of rape, put in prison, etc.? Was he not listening to his own sermon?

My brother used to say the same thing, I cannot worship a God who lets little children die. There is a fine line of difference between the two thoughts. In one, God is the cause. In the other, God watches helplessly. But I don't see the difference from a worship standpoint. If God is sovereign, then we should worship Him without reservation.

I think what we do is water down God, rather than lift Him up.

I think of my daughter, stricken with an awful disease. Currently she is under care and doing okay. We don't know what the long-term will bring. There are many complications in our life because of her health. Did God bring this on her? Even if not, He could remove it. So am I justified in ceasing to worship Him? David knew better. He prayed for his son, but to no avail. God took his son's life. And what did David do after his son was dead? He worshiped God.

When are we going to start preaching that truth?

Another Sunday Morning...

Today, many people will go to church to pay their penance worship God. As I struggle with what it means to worship, I also struggle with church.

Story 1: I attend a nearby church that has a good reputation and is doing some good things in the community. I am greeted by friendly people and introduced to others. I took a seat and enjoy the music. The speaker's pastor's message was next. He mentioned the name of Jesus several times during hte message, a plus. I really can't remember his title, but he spoke of our need to have Christian friends and surround ourselves with others who are Christians. It was all about me and what I needed to do to be a better person.

While I agree with the idea of communing with those of like faith, he seemed to take it to an extreme. Is this the picture of Jesus? Was he one who surrounded himself with "Yes men?" The speaker (I really can't call him a pastor) spoke of the need to give and accept criticism as brothers and sisters in Christ. We need to be challenged (apparently be having others watch over us and correct our errors).

I took him to heart. A few days later, I received a letter from them, thanking me for my visit. Inside the letter was a gift, a $5 gift card from them redeemable at a local grocery store because that is what Jesus would do. I also recieved an e-mail thanking me for my visit and asking me to respond by rating and commenting on various aspects of my visit.

I rated them high for their friendliness and their music. I rated them weak in the area of the preaching sermon  message. I was not mean or confrontational, I just stated that I thought it was the weakest part of my visit. I never heard from them again. Apparently our need to talk to others does not include visitors who don't love every aspect of our service. Apparently the need to have thick skin when someone talks to us doesn't apply to preachers. Or maybe, if a $5 gift card and an e-mail are not enough to get someone back into a pew, then that person is just not reachable. I can handle that burden.

The First Visit

We are at a place where we are looking for a church home. Yesterday, we traveled 13.5 miles to visit a Baptist church that we had heard some good things about. I had listened to a couple of sermons and thought they were good.

We arrived and parked in the lot. There were no signs to lead us to where to enter, but we saw several people heading to the back. We followed suit, and discovered that was where the main entrance to the sanctuary is. We entered and found a seat. Someone did hold the door for us and we were handed a bulletin, but other than that, we received no greeting or acknowledgement. We sat within 3 feet of where a man was standing and talking to others. Turns out he was the pastor. No, I don't believe that the pastor has to greet every visitor, but I also believe that the church will often follow the pastor's lead. If he only talks to the same people every week (and I am not saying that is the case here, but it could be) then the church often follows suit. My wife did comment about how they seemed friendly amongst themselves.

If I could say anything about this visit, I would say that is was clinical. The message was good, but lacked passion or challenge. It was very intellectual. It was well researched and delivered. The church was the same. The people were nice and appeared to enjoy one another, but it seemed to lack depth. Lots of handshakes, brief conversations, and then off to their seats.

So on the way home, my wife asked what I thought. I told her it was okay, and that there were some positive things but also some things that bothered me. The bottom line for me was that we needed to look closer to home. Not to find a better church, but to find a place where we can get more involved without being hindered by a 25 minute drive one way. We need to and hope to find a place in our own community where we can be a part of a family, even if is slightly dysfunctional.