Today the Supreme Court of America in a 5-4 decision struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. And the Supreme Court decided the defense of Prop 8 had NO standing in California. As the homosexual community celebrates, Christians must wake up and realize that America has indeed changed.
Religious Liberty is officially under attack!
Here are some questions that highlight this new day and the dangers therein:
1. If churches deny marriage ceremonies to homosexual couples - what will the Government do?
2. If a Pastor refuses to marry a homosexual couple - what will the Government do?
3. If a church continues to preach and teach the Bible and what it says about homosexuality - what will the Government do?
And if that is not enough:
4. If the Government says churches cannot discriminate against homosexuality - what will the churches do?
5. If the Government says a Pastor must marry heterosexuals and homosexuals - will Pastors still participate in the marriage ceremonies?
6. If the Government says the Bible cannot be taught where it deals with homosexuality - what will churches, Pastors, and people of faith do?
These questions are no longer hypothetical. These questions today became real for Christians in America.
And by the way, it is not the fault of the Supreme Court of our President. It is we Christians who have sat idle in our clubs excusing ourselves from witnessing for way too many years! And when we did teach, we did so in such a weak manner that few learned much of anything!
We will now see what all of this means. When will we wake up?
It is time we realize that our only path now in America is the path that Daniel lived within 2 evil forms of Government. In both, he rose to power and even more importantly, he was respected. Our conduct, words, actions, and ministry will now be under a microscope.
All is not lost! God is still on the throne and we have NO excuses in realizing that Christianity must be busy about reaching people. We must leave our club mentality at the altar and get out in the communities serving and sharing. We must care and love!
We must be Christians!
Blogging for the purpose of Spiritual Growth and Edification
Showing posts with label GCR. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GCR. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sharing Your Faith - Simple and Profound
Today's America reveals that Christians seldom share their faith in Jesus Christ outside of church circles. In fact, the truth is that often in the functions and activities of the church, little is shared by anyone except key figures. We hear of preaching to the nations but we hear little of sharing to the individuals we meet and interact with on a daily basis.
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
We have retreated as Christians into our safe cocoons. In ministry and life we only want the "Christian" brand and scene. We have Christian schools, sports teams, hangouts, etc.. I asked a question in our Bible Study group yesterday that gets to the heart of this - how many non believers do you know and interact with in your life? I remember growing up and attending public school that I was around many. In public school I had teachers who were Christians. They shared and cared and taught. Yes there were a few that were not believers. Yet there was a respect present. During pewee football, we would load the guys up after practice and go to our church Revival meetings. Most of the team was happy to go.
Today, we discover the shelter approach being implemented by parents. We talk about protecting. We emphasis fear from evil influences. We have withdrawn from the public and thus, rarely except within family do we find anyone that we have close relationships with that provide opportunity for sharing the Gospel. We talk about events at church that we hope will attract people. But we do not share Jesus with those we do not want to be involved in our lives. One could rightly say that we have adopted a "cult like" attitude towards our faith and lives. But not totally! For in our version, we are NOT as faithful to our beliefs and to God as the cults are to theirs. We miss worship and Bible Study for any reason. We put things before God that cult members would never put before their beliefs.
We have forgotten the role that God placed us in here on earth - we are missionaries. We have a calling to reach people! Yes, we have a calling to preach to the nations also. But our simple beginning starts with GO and share Jesus with all people! We can send money for special projects and do offerings to support missionaries serving around the world but we are to also BE missionaries. We are to care that people who die without Jesus go to Hell. it should disturb us that our lack of sharing has led to such an increase in people who have not seen a Bible nor have heard that Jesus died for them. Why is there no remorse and sadness?
We are quick to tell people how to live and yet we are selective in whom we desire to attend church with. It is easier for us to promote our soapboxes and feel good projects than it is to reach a world that needs Jesus. Lives all around are falling apart. People are experiencing things that many of us have never had to deal with. Children are growing up in homes where the normal roles of parents are corrupted and the lack of love and interest from parents to their children screams from every direction. And we as Christians just sit in our cocoons safe and feeling good. We point out the evil. We are good at that. We attack politicians as if they really could or would do anything that could fix our issues. But we keep Jesus to ourselves. As Christians we only seek to practice the parts of the Bible that we like. We are as selective with our faith as we are with sharing Jesus. We create man made systems of theology that excuse our sharing and we seek churches that only emphasis the certain things we like to attend.
Sharing our faith is simple! The only requirement needed is obedience to God. He promises that if we will be faithful, He will save! The Gospel is profound! The fact that someone loves us - period! The fact that someone died for us! The fact that we can avoid Hell! The fact that God has given us a guide book that fits our lives no matter where we come from and answers our most difficult questions! The fact that anyone can receive Jesus! Profound may be to small of a word! The Gospel goes beyond our understanding. The Gospel is freeing! The Gospel is life giving! The Gospel is AWESOME!
So can we answer why do we not share it and live it?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Salvation: Free Gift and Fear and Trembling
Eph 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(NKJ)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.
(NKJ)
Salvation is a free gift from God to everyone who will believe. Yes, salvation is that simple. The faith required to receive Christ is small. We know this. We teach this. We also teach something else.
Phil 2:12
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
(NKJ)
Salvation is not to be taken likely. It is simple. But it is not as simple as saying "I do not want to go to Hell!". Salvation is simple. But it is not as simple as saying "I want to go to heaven!".
How do we put these two passages together. No doubt there has been in our history those who would emphasis the easy without much attention to the work. No doubt there are many parents and grandparents who want their family to be in heaven. And many times, these desires allow our emotions to control our sharing and teaching more than the Word of God. This issue is not new. This issue is not going away anytime soon.
As a Youth Pastor I dealt with this on many occasions. I can remember back when we would Baptize 30 to 40 teenagers a year. I remember a large portion of those who had "made decisions" as children wanting to avoid Hell and now as teenagers discovering that just avoiding was not the real deal. I can still hear many parents saying "but they were Baptized...".
I know as a Pastor the struggle of young parents wanting to answer the questions the right way for their children. The time spent reviewing the answers before they meet with me or one of my staff. I hear the words "they are almost there, they are getting it" only to discover that often they may not be as close as we would like to think.
I want everyone to go to Heaven! I do not want anyone to go to Hell! And this demands that people get a Biblical salvation. It is simple - Jesus died to pay for our sins. It is easy - we must simply accept through the exercise of faith in Jesus. But it is tough - to work out the repentance aspect. And some will say "what?" Indeed this is what Jesus said.
Mark 1:14-15
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."
(NKJ)
Without the act of repenting, there is no salvation. This is the most difficult aspect of sharing about Salvation. To repent means more than "I am sorry". It is not a head knowledge of right and wrong. It is more than realizing that we have sinned. To repent is to see the sin in our lives as the very thing that put Jesus on the cross. It is to see sin as Jesus sees it. To repent is to respond to our sin with godly sorrow. A sorrow that is deeper than regret.
2 Cor 7:10
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
(NKJ)
Matt 7:21
21 "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.
(NKJ)
And now you see why though simple, salvation must be worked out within our lives. Do we repent? Do we have godly sorrow?
Salvation is a free gift that requires fear and trembling in getting it right. To miss it, is to spend an eternity in Hell with no hope forever! To say you believe in God and Jesus means nothing. To make a quick decision for Heaven to avoid Hell won't cut it. Being Baptized or sprinkled only gets you wet. To say love wins out and repentance is not too difficult is to fall for the trap of this world.
Where are you? Do you know with zero doubts? Are you sure? What is your connection with Jesus? Is it His connection or your religious way?
I Jn 5:13
13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.
(NKJ)
Why and how?
John 3:16
16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
(NKJ)
Rom 10:9-13
9 that 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.
10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.
13 For "whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."
(NKJ)
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Christians in America and Baseball
"The church is full of hypocrites!" OK - tell me something new! The media in America love to pick up on responses such as the opening line to attack American Christianity. And even the following statement is used by many today: "Christians get on my nerves." Lifeway Research has conducted several studies in regards to the issue of church relevance and perception among the people of America. The numbers are not good regardless of your perspective.
Ideas as to what Christians should be doing now are everywhere. An honest look at American Christianity finds little passion and motive. It is as if we are coasting unaware of how we are to finish the game of life. Do we know the rules? Are we done? Is it over for us on earth? So what do we do?
I think the game of baseball has a few answers for us as Christians living in this time.
Get Back to 1ST Base
Beyond anything else we are to bring glory to God! Yet few churches focus on this. The seeker movement of the 90's turned our attention to many other issues. We saw our outreach struggling. People were not coming to Christ! We knew we needed a fix. The fix we applied has not worked as a whole. No church can accomplish pleasing people. It is more than difficult for someone to surrender to Jesus while the attention is on their own "wants" being met. That is why we are to bring glory to God and seek to please Him alone! Evangelism flows from glorifying God. We see first hand His provision in sending Jesus to mankind. We begin to grasp the heartbeat of God in drawing people to Himself. We realize our role in sharing the Gospel. We see the fruit of lives changed once they surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Don't Get Picked off 1ST
Moving from 1ST base to 2ND is a must. But before we get to 2ND we must avoid getting picked off at 1ST. Distractions are everywhere. People, good and bad, bring multiple distractions into our lives. A simple thought expressed of something negative can start the ball rolling. A thought unchecked can do it as well. As eager as we are to move on, distractions will try to force our eyes off the goal. And don't think that this doesn't happen daily. And please understand, distractions come from those we would not think would want to distract us.
Touch the Bases as we Move Forward
Once we have the green light to move from 1ST Base we must not forget a simple rule - be sure to touch all the bases as you progress. What does this mean. In baseball, a base runner must actually touch each base or they are called out. As Christians, we love the idea of making it home and scoring runs. But we must touch each base. We must realize the importance found at each base. Getting ahead in our thoughts can cause us to miss important things. The distractions that come into our lives are actually designed to get us off track - miss each base. It is important to know our goal. It is important to reach our goal. But the rules say there is a specific way to do this. Be sure to touch each base. Stay with the progression instead of trying to take short cuts. Stay with with the Word of God, our rule book, and know that straying will bring consequences. As we bring Glory to God, lives will be added to the Kingdom at each base.
Tune Out the Fans
Everybody has an opinion. Opinions are dangerous. Lives are so influenced by those who are cheering for us and yet their advice is often misleading. Once you know your goals and the rules, block out the many opinions that are thrown your way from fans. They can create havoc in your life. They want you to score. They want you to win. But they may not understand completely what that means. Seek advice from grounded people - coaches. But know that too many coaches never works. Not many of our fans are really invested in us as individuals. They want a win more than anything. But they are in the stands and NOT on the field. Stick with the coaches on the field. And don't forget there are fans who do not want you to win! Ignore them! They are not cheering for your victory! Can you tell the difference?
Leave it All on the Field
In my office is a framed rendition of Vince Lombardi's "What it Takes to be #1". I also have a copy of a plaque that President Ronald Reagan kept on his desk that says "It Can Be Done". These two things remind me daily of the above. They remind me that I must commit to finishing strong. Only commitment will keep you focused. They also remind me that giving my all is required to actually score and reach home plate. Christians cannot hold back in this life on earth. We are to give our all to the One who paid for us and gives us life. We are to finish our course wiped out ready for our reward. Too many of us our coasting. We trot around the base path as if we are good to go. Jesus ran to the finish line for us with all He had. Will we run the bases of life to reach home with every ounce of strength we have? Will Jesus say of us "well done, good and faithful servant!"?
The true test for American Christianity is now upon us. Our days of easy believe-ism are long gone. The game of life on earth has reached the bottom of the ninth. We are up to bat. What will we do? It is now our time to bring this game to a successful victory. A victory that is assured. Only problem though is that there are lives in the balance as we complete the game. Our victory is other peoples salvation. We are to reach home with others with us.
And this we cannot afford to lose!
Play ball!
It's rally time!
Ideas as to what Christians should be doing now are everywhere. An honest look at American Christianity finds little passion and motive. It is as if we are coasting unaware of how we are to finish the game of life. Do we know the rules? Are we done? Is it over for us on earth? So what do we do?
I think the game of baseball has a few answers for us as Christians living in this time.
Get Back to 1ST Base
Beyond anything else we are to bring glory to God! Yet few churches focus on this. The seeker movement of the 90's turned our attention to many other issues. We saw our outreach struggling. People were not coming to Christ! We knew we needed a fix. The fix we applied has not worked as a whole. No church can accomplish pleasing people. It is more than difficult for someone to surrender to Jesus while the attention is on their own "wants" being met. That is why we are to bring glory to God and seek to please Him alone! Evangelism flows from glorifying God. We see first hand His provision in sending Jesus to mankind. We begin to grasp the heartbeat of God in drawing people to Himself. We realize our role in sharing the Gospel. We see the fruit of lives changed once they surrender to Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Don't Get Picked off 1ST
Moving from 1ST base to 2ND is a must. But before we get to 2ND we must avoid getting picked off at 1ST. Distractions are everywhere. People, good and bad, bring multiple distractions into our lives. A simple thought expressed of something negative can start the ball rolling. A thought unchecked can do it as well. As eager as we are to move on, distractions will try to force our eyes off the goal. And don't think that this doesn't happen daily. And please understand, distractions come from those we would not think would want to distract us.
Touch the Bases as we Move Forward
Once we have the green light to move from 1ST Base we must not forget a simple rule - be sure to touch all the bases as you progress. What does this mean. In baseball, a base runner must actually touch each base or they are called out. As Christians, we love the idea of making it home and scoring runs. But we must touch each base. We must realize the importance found at each base. Getting ahead in our thoughts can cause us to miss important things. The distractions that come into our lives are actually designed to get us off track - miss each base. It is important to know our goal. It is important to reach our goal. But the rules say there is a specific way to do this. Be sure to touch each base. Stay with the progression instead of trying to take short cuts. Stay with with the Word of God, our rule book, and know that straying will bring consequences. As we bring Glory to God, lives will be added to the Kingdom at each base.
Tune Out the Fans
Everybody has an opinion. Opinions are dangerous. Lives are so influenced by those who are cheering for us and yet their advice is often misleading. Once you know your goals and the rules, block out the many opinions that are thrown your way from fans. They can create havoc in your life. They want you to score. They want you to win. But they may not understand completely what that means. Seek advice from grounded people - coaches. But know that too many coaches never works. Not many of our fans are really invested in us as individuals. They want a win more than anything. But they are in the stands and NOT on the field. Stick with the coaches on the field. And don't forget there are fans who do not want you to win! Ignore them! They are not cheering for your victory! Can you tell the difference?
Leave it All on the Field
In my office is a framed rendition of Vince Lombardi's "What it Takes to be #1". I also have a copy of a plaque that President Ronald Reagan kept on his desk that says "It Can Be Done". These two things remind me daily of the above. They remind me that I must commit to finishing strong. Only commitment will keep you focused. They also remind me that giving my all is required to actually score and reach home plate. Christians cannot hold back in this life on earth. We are to give our all to the One who paid for us and gives us life. We are to finish our course wiped out ready for our reward. Too many of us our coasting. We trot around the base path as if we are good to go. Jesus ran to the finish line for us with all He had. Will we run the bases of life to reach home with every ounce of strength we have? Will Jesus say of us "well done, good and faithful servant!"?
The true test for American Christianity is now upon us. Our days of easy believe-ism are long gone. The game of life on earth has reached the bottom of the ninth. We are up to bat. What will we do? It is now our time to bring this game to a successful victory. A victory that is assured. Only problem though is that there are lives in the balance as we complete the game. Our victory is other peoples salvation. We are to reach home with others with us.
And this we cannot afford to lose!
Play ball!
It's rally time!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Speaking the TRUTH in todays America (Series)
Part 1
Over the past week I have made clear my perception of today's America - it is not pretty. In noting this, the simple fact that the change we are seeing did not occur overnight was also front and center. So now we must ask the question as Christians trying to reach people in this new era of "neo-anything can be truth" culture, HOW?
American Christians have perfected the speech approach to teaching. Even in our social media use can be found the clear and often blunt ugly use of this method in telling people what is wrong with their ideology and where they will go because of it. We make our points well yet we are failing to impress or influence even a few. It is time we seek to understand the needed approach required if we are to really make a difference today.
And for many Christians, this is going to be a tough road to travel!
Our learning begins with some simple facts. People without Jesus, do not have a foundation that we can build upon. People without Jesus, need Jesus first! Never should we compromise the truth with anyone. But understanding that only in a relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which truth is built can we expect any glimmer of accomplishing lasting life change. This is Biblical truth. Hard to realize that we Christians must first accept a truth before we expect others to do the same. But this is a must. The journey begins with this hurdle at the starting line.
Many American churches are facilitating this hurdle by abandoning Evangelistic outreach endeavors. We talk much about reaching the nations. Preaching to the nations is the new modern day battle cry! A simple analysis of our current trends in methods and thoughts on evangelism reveal that we are doing little to reach individual people regardless of the intent of the battle cry. The popular growth of Reformed Theology and the New Calvinism of our day are not helping either. The more this spreads the fewer people that will be reached. Sharing Jesus is the beginning. It is more than preaching/teaching. Sharing Jesus is more than telling someone to turn or burn. Sharing Jesus is sharing Jesus story and what He did for all of us. It is making it clear that Jesus offers a free gift called salvation to all who will receive. The gift is offered, but we each must chose to accept or reject.
Rom 6:23
Rom 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(NKJ)
Over the past week I have made clear my perception of today's America - it is not pretty. In noting this, the simple fact that the change we are seeing did not occur overnight was also front and center. So now we must ask the question as Christians trying to reach people in this new era of "neo-anything can be truth" culture, HOW?
American Christians have perfected the speech approach to teaching. Even in our social media use can be found the clear and often blunt ugly use of this method in telling people what is wrong with their ideology and where they will go because of it. We make our points well yet we are failing to impress or influence even a few. It is time we seek to understand the needed approach required if we are to really make a difference today.
And for many Christians, this is going to be a tough road to travel!
Our learning begins with some simple facts. People without Jesus, do not have a foundation that we can build upon. People without Jesus, need Jesus first! Never should we compromise the truth with anyone. But understanding that only in a relationship with Jesus is the foundation upon which truth is built can we expect any glimmer of accomplishing lasting life change. This is Biblical truth. Hard to realize that we Christians must first accept a truth before we expect others to do the same. But this is a must. The journey begins with this hurdle at the starting line.
Many American churches are facilitating this hurdle by abandoning Evangelistic outreach endeavors. We talk much about reaching the nations. Preaching to the nations is the new modern day battle cry! A simple analysis of our current trends in methods and thoughts on evangelism reveal that we are doing little to reach individual people regardless of the intent of the battle cry. The popular growth of Reformed Theology and the New Calvinism of our day are not helping either. The more this spreads the fewer people that will be reached. Sharing Jesus is the beginning. It is more than preaching/teaching. Sharing Jesus is more than telling someone to turn or burn. Sharing Jesus is sharing Jesus story and what He did for all of us. It is making it clear that Jesus offers a free gift called salvation to all who will receive. The gift is offered, but we each must chose to accept or reject.
Rom 6:23
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
(NKJ)
(NKJ)
Rom 5:8
8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(NKJ)
Sharing truth requires each of us who know Christ to begin sharing His truth. It is not turn or burn. It is begging and pleading with people to see what God did for them in His Son Jesus. It is sharing the love of God for all people regardless of where they have been or what they have done! It is leaving the judging to God while living as one changed so as not to cause anyone to stumble so that the message of Gods love in Christ, can be seen and thus received.
This is the starting point! No moral or political change is possible of lasting value without Jesus first!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Missing from the Calvinism Advisory Team
This post is more about an observation than it is a gripe. Yes I am going to highlight something I think is missing in the formation of the Advisory Team but not as a fuss to or about Dr. Page. Rather the reality of what I see missing is due to the current climate in SBC life and Evangelical churches as a whole.
The team that will study the issue of how Traditionalists and Calvinists will move forward together in the SBC may be more challenging than the Name Change or even the GCR report. The list presented in Baptist Press shows some balance. There are people representing Educators, Entity Heads, Pastors, Ethnic groups, and Denominational people. There are mid size church Pastors and Large church Pastors. Southern Seminary is covered with the largest group (those with close ties to Southern) and representatives from New Orleans and Southwestern. We have Northern representation and even the East Coast (and Beltway at that).
But who do we NOT have?
As I looked at the list and discussed the breakdown on a call last night while driving, something jumped out at me and screamed loud and clear. In the whole of the debate/discussion/elephant one group has been missing all along. This group finds itself on the front lines of this issue right along with the turmoil in churches. For over ten plus years now this group has been being left out of the Convention conversation on most issues simply because they are being left out of most church life.
In Ephesians we find this group given a clear Biblical role and place in New Testament churches. Read the following verses:
The team that will study the issue of how Traditionalists and Calvinists will move forward together in the SBC may be more challenging than the Name Change or even the GCR report. The list presented in Baptist Press shows some balance. There are people representing Educators, Entity Heads, Pastors, Ethnic groups, and Denominational people. There are mid size church Pastors and Large church Pastors. Southern Seminary is covered with the largest group (those with close ties to Southern) and representatives from New Orleans and Southwestern. We have Northern representation and even the East Coast (and Beltway at that).
But who do we NOT have?
As I looked at the list and discussed the breakdown on a call last night while driving, something jumped out at me and screamed loud and clear. In the whole of the debate/discussion/elephant one group has been missing all along. This group finds itself on the front lines of this issue right along with the turmoil in churches. For over ten plus years now this group has been being left out of the Convention conversation on most issues simply because they are being left out of most church life.
In Ephesians we find this group given a clear Biblical role and place in New Testament churches. Read the following verses:
Eph 4:11-16
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ--
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
(NKJ)
11 And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ,
13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;
14 that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head-- Christ--
16 from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love.
(NKJ)
So who is missing?
Where is the voice of the Evangelists?
I think this missing voice speaks volumes to where we are today more than we may be willing to admit.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Is "to the Nations" really missions?
There I was last week on a lake and in a boat listening to my old (according to my two sons) music and driving the family crazy with it while doing some reflection of ministry and missions. You see, I have this problem of not being able to shut the mind off just because I am on vacation. I like to use that time to sfocus on key thoughts etc.. And this year it was missions and ministry.
In particular, what are we really doing and can we do more.
In this thought process the whole terminology thing came kept coming up. Having been in SBC churches all of my life, missions strategy is all too familiar. GO, REACH, and now The Nations are terms used to motivate and remind us that there is something BIG we are suppose to be doing. But lets really look at the current lingo.
Reach the nations!
What does that mean?
Do we know what it really means?
Is the meaning the same from one person to the next?
Tough questions that produce answers describing a major issue in our mission efforts. Is it possible that the term we are currently hearing over and over again is ushering in an actual opposite effect of little real missions?
Now grant it that I may be accused of being picky or crazy. But think with me for just a moment.
What does it mean? Are we to reach whole countries? Sure! But how? If we do a humanitarian effort in a country, have we taken the Gospel to the Nations? If we hold a few worship services in this country, does that fulfill the mandate?
What does it really mean? Have we been told by those who coined the phrase? Are we told by those who use it in sermons and lectures on missions?
When I hear the term, I think I know what it means but I am not sure. Where is this term defined?
A clear missions strategy must have a clear common understanding. Every Pastor and staff member must be in sync with every entity leader in knowing what the term means. But then it dawned on me, we live in a time when taking up an offering for xyz material need in some country is praised as reaching the nations. Is it?
But today, I will allow for contemplation on this initial post about this subject while praising the members of our church for raising over $3,500 with just two weeks notice to send my traditional worship leader to India for two weeks to train Pastors in evangelism and the teaching of the Word of God so they can reach their home country residents.
We will continue this thought later this week...
In particular, what are we really doing and can we do more.
In this thought process the whole terminology thing came kept coming up. Having been in SBC churches all of my life, missions strategy is all too familiar. GO, REACH, and now The Nations are terms used to motivate and remind us that there is something BIG we are suppose to be doing. But lets really look at the current lingo.
Reach the nations!
What does that mean?
Do we know what it really means?
Is the meaning the same from one person to the next?
Tough questions that produce answers describing a major issue in our mission efforts. Is it possible that the term we are currently hearing over and over again is ushering in an actual opposite effect of little real missions?
Now grant it that I may be accused of being picky or crazy. But think with me for just a moment.
What does it mean? Are we to reach whole countries? Sure! But how? If we do a humanitarian effort in a country, have we taken the Gospel to the Nations? If we hold a few worship services in this country, does that fulfill the mandate?
What does it really mean? Have we been told by those who coined the phrase? Are we told by those who use it in sermons and lectures on missions?
When I hear the term, I think I know what it means but I am not sure. Where is this term defined?
A clear missions strategy must have a clear common understanding. Every Pastor and staff member must be in sync with every entity leader in knowing what the term means. But then it dawned on me, we live in a time when taking up an offering for xyz material need in some country is praised as reaching the nations. Is it?
But today, I will allow for contemplation on this initial post about this subject while praising the members of our church for raising over $3,500 with just two weeks notice to send my traditional worship leader to India for two weeks to train Pastors in evangelism and the teaching of the Word of God so they can reach their home country residents.
We will continue this thought later this week...
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Ask, Don't Ask, Accept, Don't Accept, Repent or ?
If the title caught your attention then it will definitely confuse you as it is applied to varying ideas of how one enters into salvation with Jesus. The increase in articles, books, and sermons covering the whole idea (good and bad) about how a person actually enters into a relationship with Jesus Christ can give one a migraine headache of epic size.
Does a person need to ask Jesus into their life and accept Him as Lord?
There is a big difference between the yes answer and the no answer. Those who hold to the traditional view of salvation would answer yes. They would acknowledge that a person must make the decision to turn from their sin (repent) and accept Jesus through faith. The traditionalist people have believed this for years. You will find this belief in most Evangelical churches and denominations/Associations/Conventions.
I agree with this understanding of the Biblical teaching about salvation and hold that this is the Gospel. I believe that God gives every person the opportunity to make the above choice/decision. He knows that many will not. He knows that many will. My key reason for being convinced in my spirit and mind comes straight from the Word of God.
Does a person need to ask Jesus into their life and accept Him as Lord?
There is a big difference between the yes answer and the no answer. Those who hold to the traditional view of salvation would answer yes. They would acknowledge that a person must make the decision to turn from their sin (repent) and accept Jesus through faith. The traditionalist people have believed this for years. You will find this belief in most Evangelical churches and denominations/Associations/Conventions.
I agree with this understanding of the Biblical teaching about salvation and hold that this is the Gospel. I believe that God gives every person the opportunity to make the above choice/decision. He knows that many will not. He knows that many will. My key reason for being convinced in my spirit and mind comes straight from the Word of God.
Notice how clearly salvation is explained in the "how" with the words of Paul in writing to Corinth:
2 Cor 7:10
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
(NKJ)
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
(NKJ)
2 Cor 7:10
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
(NKJ)
In this passage, Paul is discussing his letter written to them and how it affected them. He chooses to use the analogy of their sorrow to highlight with the gift of salvation just how a person realizes they are a sinner against God, sees they cannot fix the effect of their sin, and through this Godly sorrow are brought into salvation via the act of repentance. God's Holy Spirit calls, teaches, and convicts. Each person must make a choice as to what they will do in response to God and His work offered as a gift.
This process should be taken very seriously. In fact, the Bible is clear on this when when Paul writes to the people at Philipi and says:
Phil 2:12-13
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;
13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.
(NKJ)
Clearly Paul acknowledges in this verse that salvation is God's gift. It is God who works in the calling, conviction, and giving the ability to respond. Yet Paul also acknowledges that each person must "work out" or make sure they have made the choice and live out the reality of that choice. One does not realize that they are saved. One is not born as a chosen one while others are born damned for Hell. One must respond to the work of God and then allow God to work. Salvation is all of and about the work of God in and through Jesus. Yet God does not force Himself on anyone. It is beyond religion and systems of thoughts. It requires faith in the Grace of God. It requires one to repent. It is more than just a simple mental decision.
I am the first to admit that too many people in all walks of Christianity make salvation more about saying yes to heaven and no to hell. They want to see their children and grandchildren baptized. I have seen in over 23 years of ministry that repentance can be somewhat downplayed - which I think is totally wrong. Without repentance, one cannot be saved. Salvation is serious. Salvation is the most important thing in life! We cannot get this wrong! Salvation does not precede repentance. It is impossible with the above verse out of 2 Corinthians.
And I do not think it is lowering or weakening the sovereignty of God to say and believe what I have written for the process is clearly described in God's Word.
Have you accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life? Did you repent and acknowledge that you needed the death of Christ as payment for your sins?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Learned from my perspective and concerns w/New Calvinism!
Yesterday I wrote a post that was an attempt to get dialogue started on what it is that Calvinists and New Calvinists believe. The result was much to my surprise. The folks over at sbctoday.com carried the post and the comments can be viewed their also. Add to the comments the phone calls of yesterday and today and boy did I learn a great deal. I just finished a phone call with someone who, along with family, have come out of a Calvinist takeover church. The story is the same and the 9Marks path of reforming a church is being followed to the letter (as with many, it hit major resistance and left a church totally splintered). Here is more of what I learned from this part of the journey:
1. The old form of Calvinism is still alive and well and as friendly and cooperative as ever. I knew it was but was not seeing it much on the internet. The Soteriology of the old form balances with the Traditional Statement where it counts the most.
2. The Founders version grouped with younger learning theologs are not the mainstream but they sure think they are! I pray these guys learn quickly that God has not taught them so that can call out other Pastors based on their knowledge to enlighten them and clean up other churches. They will one day soon learn that ministry; real ministry, is more than arguing some point and claiming superiority.
3. The limit of blogging and the influence there of is growing weaker by the day. I think I am thankful for this. Social media may not be as strong as we think in ministry matters other than informing our people of events and ministry needs etc. We need to acknowledge this and NOT over react.
4. You can burn an afternoon quickly if one is not careful. And when the burn is complete, thre is not much to show for it.
5. I believe there is a way for cooperation in the SBC with the mainstream older Calvinists as there has been for years. They are not fully aware of the New Calvinists and refute their assertions at every turn. This is encouraging. I am not sure how to cooperate with the New Calvinists. I keep thinking that the way is out there, but I have yet to see it.
6. New Calvinism would make a great study of pollsters and PhD students.
7. How quickly we forget or neglect some of the simple admonitions in scripture when we want to prove our point or set the world straight!
8. Bearing False Witness is still a sin. New Calvinists might need remedial training.
9. I am more convinced than ever that the Calvinists need a mega meeting of their own to figure out how they will deal with this new breed. Maybe we have approached this wrong. The old Calvinists need to listen the New Calvinists and seek to learn what makes them tick. From that learning it may be possible for them to lead them in today's ministry and churches.
10. If you do not live within the influence of certain geographic areas, you might not be aware of New Calvinism at all.
11. I sure do miss Dr. Adrian Rogers. I wonder if he would have blogged and tweeted?
12. Leaders in the SBC have their hands full! Dr. Page and his task force/committee will need our prayers.
13. We need statesmen in a bad way these days!
14. There sure seems to be a problem with taking people at their word!
15. The elephant in the room is whether or not Founders and New Calvinists will back off their goal of transforming the SBC? This is the biggie! I cannot get an answer from anyone on this one. Why is that?
And there is much more!
1. The old form of Calvinism is still alive and well and as friendly and cooperative as ever. I knew it was but was not seeing it much on the internet. The Soteriology of the old form balances with the Traditional Statement where it counts the most.
2. The Founders version grouped with younger learning theologs are not the mainstream but they sure think they are! I pray these guys learn quickly that God has not taught them so that can call out other Pastors based on their knowledge to enlighten them and clean up other churches. They will one day soon learn that ministry; real ministry, is more than arguing some point and claiming superiority.
3. The limit of blogging and the influence there of is growing weaker by the day. I think I am thankful for this. Social media may not be as strong as we think in ministry matters other than informing our people of events and ministry needs etc. We need to acknowledge this and NOT over react.
4. You can burn an afternoon quickly if one is not careful. And when the burn is complete, thre is not much to show for it.
5. I believe there is a way for cooperation in the SBC with the mainstream older Calvinists as there has been for years. They are not fully aware of the New Calvinists and refute their assertions at every turn. This is encouraging. I am not sure how to cooperate with the New Calvinists. I keep thinking that the way is out there, but I have yet to see it.
6. New Calvinism would make a great study of pollsters and PhD students.
7. How quickly we forget or neglect some of the simple admonitions in scripture when we want to prove our point or set the world straight!
8. Bearing False Witness is still a sin. New Calvinists might need remedial training.
9. I am more convinced than ever that the Calvinists need a mega meeting of their own to figure out how they will deal with this new breed. Maybe we have approached this wrong. The old Calvinists need to listen the New Calvinists and seek to learn what makes them tick. From that learning it may be possible for them to lead them in today's ministry and churches.
10. If you do not live within the influence of certain geographic areas, you might not be aware of New Calvinism at all.
11. I sure do miss Dr. Adrian Rogers. I wonder if he would have blogged and tweeted?
12. Leaders in the SBC have their hands full! Dr. Page and his task force/committee will need our prayers.
13. We need statesmen in a bad way these days!
14. There sure seems to be a problem with taking people at their word!
15. The elephant in the room is whether or not Founders and New Calvinists will back off their goal of transforming the SBC? This is the biggie! I cannot get an answer from anyone on this one. Why is that?
And there is much more!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
My perspective on why todays Calvinism is a concern.
Comments for this post will be allowed @ sbctoday.com as they plan on posting it on their site with my permission.
I have debated writing this post for some time. The reality that anything written can be misconstrued is enough by itself to cause hesitation. The last thing I want to do is leave the wrong impression with anyone. I love Calvinists and I love Traditionalists. I work with both and even some in other groups. So I write the following to voice concerns that I am seeing and hearing. I write to add clarification as to why I signed the traditional statement. I write to reveal why this issue is a growing problem. And since I write best by making lists, I will list out my concerns while making it clear that NO priority is given other than the first one on the list.The list will include specifics and generic issues tied to people and promotion. Again, these are my concerns and are questions that I have yet to get consistent answers from (new)Calvinists of today. The older SBC Calvinists that I have known and respected were totally different.
My Concerns:
1. Ask 10 different Calvinists what they believe must occur for a person to be saved and you will get at least 5 different answers.
2. Do Calvinists really believe that John 3:16 shows that only the elect are the ones God loves.
3. Do Calvinists believe that some people are born with NO hope of salvation?
4. At what point do Calvinist believe salvation occurs?
5. How can Calvinists call Traditionalists divisive when it is the Calvinists that have web sites and blogs that specifically state their desire to change the SBC and beyond?
Here is an example from the Founders blog (knowing their website clearly states their desire to change the SBC): "It is indisputable that we are in the midst of a reformation and recovery of the doctrines of grace, or what has historically been called, "Calvinism." Both statistical and anecdotal evidence of this fact continues to mount. I believe that this is a movement of God and that it is even more widespread than recent studies indicate. As is true with any of work of God, the devil always keeps pace and seeks to steal, kill and destroy. If he cannot keep us from truth then he will do what he can to cause us to hold the truth in imbalanced and ungodly ways."
6. Young Pastors and staff members are speaking and writing articles that it is dangerous to lead a child to pray to accept Christ? If this is true, what then should a child do and how should a child be lead by their parents and other influences?
7. Why is Lifeway sponsoring The Gospel Coalition conferences?
8. Why is Lifeway promoting more Calvinists and their material?
9. Why are Calvinists leaders NOT doing more to instill that Pastors must be upfront with their Soteriology? There are even manuals on how to transition a church from Traditional to Calvinist doctrine. If there is no move to change the SBC, why are there manuals by 9Marks and others?
10. Why the aggression from Calvinists because many in the SBC do NOT agree with them?
11. If the BF&M is enough, why do we have two Seminaries requiring faculty to sign other statements that are Calvinists/Reformed documents?
12. Since when did Baptist and Reform go together? The day to day operations of the church do not even match!
13. If there is no takeover plan, why was there a SBC Professor giving the benefits of the takover (even using a racial slur) at one of the meetings during the SBC?
14. Why did Lifeway do a survey that gave the participants no option other than saying they were either Calvinists or Arminion?
15. With the exception of Infant Baptism, since when were Baptist and Presbyterians so much alike? Dr. James Kennedy was my kind of Presbyterian but today's New Calvinists are nothing close in belief and practice. Just think back to Evangelism Explosion materials (I was certified as a trainer in an SBC church). Today's New Calvinists would reject Dr. Kennedy's material. How and why?
These are the questions I have. They are simple and I think need to be answered. We are told that we need to cooperate. I am fine with that. I am concerned though that the answers to the above may highlight the difficult journey that cooperation will reveal. Some Traditionalists are even saying they will sit this discussion out. I wonder if they would maintain that position when the real truth of the answers are shown.
I find this issue extremely important simply by the answers to point number one. If we cannot agree on that one, then we have two different Gospels. Cooperation will not occur at that point.
And speaking of the Gospel, is it not odd that Calvinists/Reformed call their Soteriology the true Gospel and thus label much of their work and conferences with the word Gospel in it?
These are my concerns.
Monday, July 26, 2010
"Get Real"
In my early years I was given the opportunity to work as an umpire. At the age of fourteen, wearing the uniform and calling people out though cool, was nothing compared to getting paid. At $10 per game (in the 80's), two games per night, and averaging 3 nights a week, I was doing alright. I umpired all through High School and even built an Umpire Association that handled games all over the DFW area. It was awesome and yet I learned quickly that the money was not as easy as it first appeared. Often I would hear the phrase (among others) "get real!" And as I was reflecting on that today I realized something incredible.
We know an umpire has to make tough calls, deal with dads reliving their youth and moms who can scream like no one else, and grandparents who just cannot see from the bleachers what can be seen on the field. Most nights there will be that one or two calls that make for some fireworks. I actually loved all of it. I did not worry when I got home and I never was scared during some of those intense moments (though I would be in 2010 I think!). Calling a play or a pitch was just that. I called them like I saw them. Umpires back then did not have instant replay as they do now. You saw the play and you called it. Some calls were good while others were pathetic. One's perspective usually decided one's response.
Perspectives have always played a role in sports and I am learning that today perspectives are playing a major role in churches and ministries. The human factor, as in umpiring, is prone to mistakes. But more than mistakes, the human factor can also be a path for missing God. In umpiring, it is just a game. In ministry, it is heaven or hell for people.
We are now living in the midst of one of the most challenging times in ministry. People no longer look to God's Word for their marching orders. Ministry is driven by human desires, likes, and preferences. Evangelism is often relative to one's perspective instead of God's directive. Trying to discern what REAL ministry is, and what REAL evangelism is can be troublesome it seams. Even the largest gathering of Baptist in the world approved a report this summer called the Great Commission Resurgence. But in passing the report, I wonder how many people realized that no where in the report was a definition of the Gospel or Evangelism?
We have churches today who take "mission trips" that are really glorified vacations. We have church members who will refuse to support reaching people in their own community for a number of reasons and yet dare to call the church they attend a ministry. We will send money all over the world and clothes the same, but will not spend more than 2% of a church budget (on ave) to reach children in our community.
We need an umpire like moment. The REAL is missing from Biblical Missions and Biblical Evangelism. America is proof that American Christianity loves the glory but will not sweat or sacrifice much to do the REAL. I Pastor a church that is breaking out of this norm. I serve and lead a national ministry that is charting the course of lean for the sake of churches and ministries all over America. Neither are easy. But the fruit of REAL compared to the norm of human ideas is staggering.
Try allowing God to be the umpire of your life. He NEVER makes bad or wrong calls. This week join me in asking some tough questions about life, ministry and evangelism. Is ministry and evangelism REAL or more about you? Are you a person who promotes and encourages your church to do more REAL ministry and evangelism? As our supreme play caller, only God should be leading us in these areas. Self should be out! Are you allowing God to make the calls?
People here at home and around the world need us to get busy doing the REAL ministry and REAL evangelism that God has so called each of us to.
It's time we "GET REAL!"
We know an umpire has to make tough calls, deal with dads reliving their youth and moms who can scream like no one else, and grandparents who just cannot see from the bleachers what can be seen on the field. Most nights there will be that one or two calls that make for some fireworks. I actually loved all of it. I did not worry when I got home and I never was scared during some of those intense moments (though I would be in 2010 I think!). Calling a play or a pitch was just that. I called them like I saw them. Umpires back then did not have instant replay as they do now. You saw the play and you called it. Some calls were good while others were pathetic. One's perspective usually decided one's response.
Perspectives have always played a role in sports and I am learning that today perspectives are playing a major role in churches and ministries. The human factor, as in umpiring, is prone to mistakes. But more than mistakes, the human factor can also be a path for missing God. In umpiring, it is just a game. In ministry, it is heaven or hell for people.
We are now living in the midst of one of the most challenging times in ministry. People no longer look to God's Word for their marching orders. Ministry is driven by human desires, likes, and preferences. Evangelism is often relative to one's perspective instead of God's directive. Trying to discern what REAL ministry is, and what REAL evangelism is can be troublesome it seams. Even the largest gathering of Baptist in the world approved a report this summer called the Great Commission Resurgence. But in passing the report, I wonder how many people realized that no where in the report was a definition of the Gospel or Evangelism?
We have churches today who take "mission trips" that are really glorified vacations. We have church members who will refuse to support reaching people in their own community for a number of reasons and yet dare to call the church they attend a ministry. We will send money all over the world and clothes the same, but will not spend more than 2% of a church budget (on ave) to reach children in our community.
We need an umpire like moment. The REAL is missing from Biblical Missions and Biblical Evangelism. America is proof that American Christianity loves the glory but will not sweat or sacrifice much to do the REAL. I Pastor a church that is breaking out of this norm. I serve and lead a national ministry that is charting the course of lean for the sake of churches and ministries all over America. Neither are easy. But the fruit of REAL compared to the norm of human ideas is staggering.
Try allowing God to be the umpire of your life. He NEVER makes bad or wrong calls. This week join me in asking some tough questions about life, ministry and evangelism. Is ministry and evangelism REAL or more about you? Are you a person who promotes and encourages your church to do more REAL ministry and evangelism? As our supreme play caller, only God should be leading us in these areas. Self should be out! Are you allowing God to make the calls?
People here at home and around the world need us to get busy doing the REAL ministry and REAL evangelism that God has so called each of us to.
It's time we "GET REAL!"
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