The question of whether we have stolen from God almost sounds ridiculous--yet my guess is that most of us do REGULARLY!
Two of the main ways we steal from God is with our time and with our money; in this blog I want to briefly comment on the latter.
"Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me. But you say, 'How have we robbed You?' In your tithes and contributions." (Malachi 3:8, italics added)
The background to this statement is that the people of God were no longer giving their best to God, and they were giving and worshiping simply out of duty rather than with joy and thanksgiving. In Malachi 1:13 it even says that the people said "what weariness this is" in regards to the offerings they made to God.
There are a couple things we need to understand if we are to grasp what God is saying to us in Malachi:
1) God has ALWAYS expected His people to give back to him the firstfruits (the best) of all they have. The reason for this is to acknowledge that ALL we have is from God, and apart from Him we have nothing.
This is why in Malachi it says that to NOT give God the best is to actually STEAL from God!
I have heard countless excuses as to why people who follow Jesus don't give their money back to God...many of which from a worldly stand-point seem wise. Take for example one I hear the most:
I don't tithe (give money) because I don't make enough or have enough yet. (often followed by--I'll tithe when I get my finances in order)
As I said--from a worldly perspective this sounds wise; however from the perspective that all we have comes from God, this simply shows a selfish mistrust of God. It's basically saying: "I don't really trust that God will provide for my needs financially."
Which leads to the second thing we need to understand in order to grasp what Malachi is getting at:
2) God desires to BLESS his people when they obey. But in Scripture whenever God offers a blessing, there is also a curse. Which one we receive depends on whether we obey or disobey; and on the attitude of our heart.
We should not be surprised that God expects that we obey Him! We also should not be surprised that there are detrimental consequences when we disobey His commands. ("you are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me!" Mal 3:9) Would it be right, just and loving of God to simply overlook the fact that His people STEAL from Him? No.
What we need to see is how seriously God desires ALL of us--this includes our time, resources and money. He has provided simple instructions for us so that we would practically trust Him with our time and resources by commanding Sabbath Rest & Tithing/Giving. I would argue that there are no more practical ways of displaying that you Trust God than through these two things. The amazing thing is that God PROMISES to BLESS those who trust and obey him with thankful hearts in the areas of their time and resources.
Malachi continues and says that if we give the "full tithe" that God will open the windows of heaven and pour down blessing until there is no more need!!! (Mal 3:10)
This verse which has often been taken out of context and abused is NOT about manipulating God into giving you tons of money! It is all about TRUSTING God and WORSHIPING with a pure and thankful heart!
As a follower of Christ, you can STEAL from God or you can thankfully give to Him the best of what He has provided for you. His promise is either a curse or a blessing. If we trust ourselves rather than God it will always be a curse, but when we Trust God we will always be a people greatly blessed!
Ps. If you are a follower of Jesus, this blog is NOT meant to guilt or shame you into giving--for to do so out of guilt or shame would be of no use-- as we see in Malachi. My hope is that we would all be a people who learn to continually Trust God more and worship Him with the practical things of life. My hope and prayer is that you will be one greatly blessed by God as you let go of the things that the world says you need to cling to, and instead cling to Jesus and trust Him!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
I wish I cried more...
I'm not meaning crying over "spilled milk"; but crying because my heart is breaking, my soul is longing, and my spirit is distressed.
Psalm 119:136 says: "My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep Your law."
I love that David was so distressed that people did not obey God that he wept for them!
Too often instead of weeping over people's disobedience to God, I apathetically shrug and think "what can I do?"
Instead of being distressed over the captivity of peoples' minds to Satan--I am tempted to react with arguments and condemnation, in order to "prove them wrong".
I want to cry more! I want to weep and cry out to God over the lost of this world! I want to see Truth and Justice reign over what now lays broken and ruined!
We all need to cry more, we need to pray more, we need to love more...
Start with this question: (answer it in a comment below if you feel so led)
What in this world distresses you or breaks your heart the most these days?
-Will you commit to cry out to God for this thing/people? Will you seek to love them? Will you ask God to break your heart even more--so that His love and grace overflows through you?
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Faith Supplement...
Are you ever astonished at how little faith in Jesus seems to effect people who claim to have it?
Are you ever astonished at how little your OWN life is effected by faith in Jesus?
If so perhaps you need to "supplement your faith..." (2 Peter 1:5)
Peter lists the following characteristics as those that we ought to supplement our faith with--reflect on these and ask yourself the follow questions:
Virtue: speaks to our behaviour--virtuous behavior is that which is morally excellent. For a Christian they are behaviours that reflect "faith, hope and love" as they are found ultimately in Christ. Does your faith in Christ produce behaviour that reflects Him?
Knowledge: This is more than just knowing facts--but knowing Christ and his ways in a deeper way. To grow in knowledge, regardless of the field, takes discipline and work. Are you pursuing to know Christ and His ways more?
Self-Control: If pursuing Christ requires discipline, then surely self-control will be one of those disciplines! Self-Control is actually "Spirit-Control"--not to follow the ways of the flesh, but rather the ways of the Spirit. Who controls your "self"---the flesh or the Spirit?
Steadfastness: Simply put this means to be "fixed" on something or someone. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to "fix our eyes on Jesus..." because he is the Author and Perfecter (finisher) of our faith! Who or what are you fixed on--what holds your gaze these days?
Godliness: The Greek word for godliness literally means "worship well". Worshiping well requires a God-ward focus in ALL that we do. Have you considered that every aspect of your life is to be an act and attitude of worship toward God--do you live accordingly?
Brotherly Affection: In a healthy sibling relationship, siblings stand together and would do most anything to care for each other. This is basically the idea of this kind of love that Peter speaks of. How are your caring for people around you--specifically those who are less fortunate than yourself?
Love: More specifically the love of Christ--a love that goes beyond all human expectations! A selfless and self-giving love. When is the last time that you have loved simply to bless another with what Christ has given you?
After this list Peter says:
...IF these qualities are yours and ever increasing they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Are these qualities yours? Are they ever increasing?
May the blessings of Christ be yours and multiply His blessings in and through you to others!
Are you ever astonished at how little your OWN life is effected by faith in Jesus?
If so perhaps you need to "supplement your faith..." (2 Peter 1:5)
Peter lists the following characteristics as those that we ought to supplement our faith with--reflect on these and ask yourself the follow questions:
Virtue: speaks to our behaviour--virtuous behavior is that which is morally excellent. For a Christian they are behaviours that reflect "faith, hope and love" as they are found ultimately in Christ. Does your faith in Christ produce behaviour that reflects Him?
Knowledge: This is more than just knowing facts--but knowing Christ and his ways in a deeper way. To grow in knowledge, regardless of the field, takes discipline and work. Are you pursuing to know Christ and His ways more?
Self-Control: If pursuing Christ requires discipline, then surely self-control will be one of those disciplines! Self-Control is actually "Spirit-Control"--not to follow the ways of the flesh, but rather the ways of the Spirit. Who controls your "self"---the flesh or the Spirit?
Steadfastness: Simply put this means to be "fixed" on something or someone. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to "fix our eyes on Jesus..." because he is the Author and Perfecter (finisher) of our faith! Who or what are you fixed on--what holds your gaze these days?
Godliness: The Greek word for godliness literally means "worship well". Worshiping well requires a God-ward focus in ALL that we do. Have you considered that every aspect of your life is to be an act and attitude of worship toward God--do you live accordingly?
Brotherly Affection: In a healthy sibling relationship, siblings stand together and would do most anything to care for each other. This is basically the idea of this kind of love that Peter speaks of. How are your caring for people around you--specifically those who are less fortunate than yourself?
Love: More specifically the love of Christ--a love that goes beyond all human expectations! A selfless and self-giving love. When is the last time that you have loved simply to bless another with what Christ has given you?
After this list Peter says:
...IF these qualities are yours and ever increasing they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."
Are these qualities yours? Are they ever increasing?
May the blessings of Christ be yours and multiply His blessings in and through you to others!
Friday, November 16, 2012
Reflection for Leaders
Anyone is welcome to read and use the following post--but it is specifically directed to those called by God to lead His people--this comes from my own devotional reflection on these passages...I'd encourage you to treat this as a devotional reading and take time to reflect.
"...they (leaders) are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give account. Let them do this with joy..." (Hebrews 13:17b)
When I read this passage in my devotions the other morning I had just finished reading Ezekiel 33. Particularly Ezekiel 33:1-9 is relevant to my reflection on this verse (you may want to go read it now).
Ezekiel is told that he is a watchman with the responsibility to speak whatever it is that God tells him to speak. The consequences of NOT speaking and warning in accord with how God leads has haunting and devastating consequences for the prophet. As one called to teach and preach and lead others, these verses have always weighed very heavily on me. Any who is called to lead God's people (whether it is in full-time paid ministry, or "lay" leadership) knows at least something of the weight I speak of I am sure.
It is with this weight and responsibility in mind that one should walk through this reflection:
"...keep watch over their souls..."
Even at my best I cannot accomplish this task! This is no task for the natural abilities or wisdom of man! What is is more valuable than a soul?? (Jesus said: what good is it if we gain the whole word yet lose our soul?) What can one given the task of "keeping watch over souls" say or do other than to fling oneself more fully into the arms of the Holy Spirit? What hope is there except that the Holy Spirit do this work through us. Dear Father, send your Spirit, give us eyes to see and discern the naturally indiscernible!
"...those who will give account..."
How can one not tremble at the thought? For not one is perfect...far from it! How can any of us lead how we ought to? ("...those who teach will be judged more strictly..." Js 3:1)
Father be merciful on your servants! Forgive us for the times when You said to speak and we stayed silent; or when you called for gentleness, but instead we were harsh! Surely, Your mercies are new every morning! For this we rejoice, and we press on for He who called us is faithful!
"...do this with JOY..."
Got that? Serve with JOY. Lead with JOY. Teach and correct with JOY. When you are tired and worn out; continue in JOY!
Father I confess that many times I have served simply out of duty...even with bitterness. I have complained too often, and rejoiced to little. Again Lord have mercy! Restore to me the JOY of my salvation and the calling I have received in Christ!
If God has called you to lead, you have received an amazing privilege, but one that comes with a weight and responsibility that is beyond anything else I have experienced--watch over the souls entrusted to your care, be diligent to serve and lead well, and may you always be filled with the Joy of the Lord!
"...they (leaders) are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give account. Let them do this with joy..." (Hebrews 13:17b)
When I read this passage in my devotions the other morning I had just finished reading Ezekiel 33. Particularly Ezekiel 33:1-9 is relevant to my reflection on this verse (you may want to go read it now).
Ezekiel is told that he is a watchman with the responsibility to speak whatever it is that God tells him to speak. The consequences of NOT speaking and warning in accord with how God leads has haunting and devastating consequences for the prophet. As one called to teach and preach and lead others, these verses have always weighed very heavily on me. Any who is called to lead God's people (whether it is in full-time paid ministry, or "lay" leadership) knows at least something of the weight I speak of I am sure.
It is with this weight and responsibility in mind that one should walk through this reflection:
"...keep watch over their souls..."
Even at my best I cannot accomplish this task! This is no task for the natural abilities or wisdom of man! What is is more valuable than a soul?? (Jesus said: what good is it if we gain the whole word yet lose our soul?) What can one given the task of "keeping watch over souls" say or do other than to fling oneself more fully into the arms of the Holy Spirit? What hope is there except that the Holy Spirit do this work through us. Dear Father, send your Spirit, give us eyes to see and discern the naturally indiscernible!
"...those who will give account..."
How can one not tremble at the thought? For not one is perfect...far from it! How can any of us lead how we ought to? ("...those who teach will be judged more strictly..." Js 3:1)
Father be merciful on your servants! Forgive us for the times when You said to speak and we stayed silent; or when you called for gentleness, but instead we were harsh! Surely, Your mercies are new every morning! For this we rejoice, and we press on for He who called us is faithful!
"...do this with JOY..."
Got that? Serve with JOY. Lead with JOY. Teach and correct with JOY. When you are tired and worn out; continue in JOY!
Father I confess that many times I have served simply out of duty...even with bitterness. I have complained too often, and rejoiced to little. Again Lord have mercy! Restore to me the JOY of my salvation and the calling I have received in Christ!
If God has called you to lead, you have received an amazing privilege, but one that comes with a weight and responsibility that is beyond anything else I have experienced--watch over the souls entrusted to your care, be diligent to serve and lead well, and may you always be filled with the Joy of the Lord!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Perfect Community is always Imperfect
Today a friend asked me, "What is community supposed to look like?"
A simple question right? But it made me pause and reflect...
Part of me wanted to give the "idealistic community" view--the kind of community where everyone is in perfect unity all the time, and there is overflowing joy, and never any tension or hurt! A community where everyone has "arrived"! But then it struck me--that's a load of _________. (fill in the blank) Who has ever experienced THAT kind of community here on earth?
Now, in some ways I long for that kind of community; and yet the more I live in community with others the more I realize that surely that kind of community will NOT be seen in this life. And I actually think that's a good thing!
It's a good thing because if that kind of community existed I would be disqualified! And don't kid yourself, so would you!
It doesn't take much honest self-reflection to realize that I can be a bit of a bugger sometimes. Just tonight I had some close friends over and I know I wasn't the best host--I was "off" and a bit grumpy. I'd tell you I had a long day, but that's just an excuse and a good friend has told me: "that any excuse no matter how valid only weakens the character!" So no excuses...(Thanks to my friends who still love me and put up with me!)
So what's the point? The point is we need to embrace the imperfectness of the perfect community. In doing so we will embrace others just like us who too often feel like they struggle alone with their imperfections. People on a journey...We are all in progress...sometimes further along, sometimes further behind.
I think the Church has often gotten mixed up about what the "perfect community" should look like. The problem comes with a misunderstanding of timing. Because the Church IS called to be perfect and the Bride of Christ without spot or blemish. But we forget that this will be an ongoing process throughout History and only fully accomplished when Jesus comes for His Bride.
For the time being, the church community cannot be perfect or else none of us can be a part of it--but it does need to be a place of love, gentleness, patience and humility and Truth as we together grow towards the goal of perfect unity in Jesus. We are all a people in progress.
The moment that the church community becomes too perfect to embrace the imperfect person is the moment we have truly lost the plot.
"I did not come for the righteous, but for the sinner." --Jesus (Mark 2:17)
A simple question right? But it made me pause and reflect...
Part of me wanted to give the "idealistic community" view--the kind of community where everyone is in perfect unity all the time, and there is overflowing joy, and never any tension or hurt! A community where everyone has "arrived"! But then it struck me--that's a load of _________. (fill in the blank) Who has ever experienced THAT kind of community here on earth?
Now, in some ways I long for that kind of community; and yet the more I live in community with others the more I realize that surely that kind of community will NOT be seen in this life. And I actually think that's a good thing!
It's a good thing because if that kind of community existed I would be disqualified! And don't kid yourself, so would you!
It doesn't take much honest self-reflection to realize that I can be a bit of a bugger sometimes. Just tonight I had some close friends over and I know I wasn't the best host--I was "off" and a bit grumpy. I'd tell you I had a long day, but that's just an excuse and a good friend has told me: "that any excuse no matter how valid only weakens the character!" So no excuses...(Thanks to my friends who still love me and put up with me!)
So what's the point? The point is we need to embrace the imperfectness of the perfect community. In doing so we will embrace others just like us who too often feel like they struggle alone with their imperfections. People on a journey...We are all in progress...sometimes further along, sometimes further behind.
I think the Church has often gotten mixed up about what the "perfect community" should look like. The problem comes with a misunderstanding of timing. Because the Church IS called to be perfect and the Bride of Christ without spot or blemish. But we forget that this will be an ongoing process throughout History and only fully accomplished when Jesus comes for His Bride.
For the time being, the church community cannot be perfect or else none of us can be a part of it--but it does need to be a place of love, gentleness, patience and humility and Truth as we together grow towards the goal of perfect unity in Jesus. We are all a people in progress.
The moment that the church community becomes too perfect to embrace the imperfect person is the moment we have truly lost the plot.
"I did not come for the righteous, but for the sinner." --Jesus (Mark 2:17)
Friday, November 9, 2012
I just may be a heretic!
I still clearly remember the plea of my Theology professor when he told us to be very very careful about ever calling someone a Heretic! I have taken that plea to heart, and remain cautious with my use of this very strong and hurtful word. Not to say that heresy should not be addressed, or even that one who is clearly heretical should not be labelled such---all I am saying is let's be really careful.
Over the last number of years I've been called a heretic--sometimes straight to my face, sometimes behind my back and other times it's been simply slyly implied. The thing that I find mind-boggling is for what I have been called a heretic.
Once it was because I quoted an author that someone thought was a heretic. Simply quoting this author caused the person to walk out of a sermon before he ever heard what I had to say about the quote. He later stormed back to the building and confronted another pastor (not me to my face) and told him that I was a heretic. Let me just say--it's not a nice feeling.
More recently, it was implied that I held heretical views because I refused to call a practice called "Lectio Divina" heresy, and thus all who practice and teach it heretics. (Now let me be clear, I understand that Lectio Divina has been abused, and obviously is a bit controversial to many). Yet, to call people heretics over it? Hmmmmm...perhaps we are using the word too loosely?
I have friends who follow Jesus and love Him dearly who hold some different views on biblical issues than I do. I disagree with them...sometimes very strongly. Sometimes these disagreements can cause heated debates to occur. Many times, these debates don't resolve the difference--and discussion continues to this day. I have no problem with that. Dialogue about our different views is healthy. Labeling one as a heretic in such a case is not helpful.
Now I have other friends who claim a faith of sorts--some who even would label it a Christian faith of some kind. Yet, they do not believe in fundamental Christian Doctrine of which is clear in Scripture and to which the Church has held and affirmed in our Creeds. They have heretical views, and thus as one who claim the Christian faith as their own, are heretics. I have no issue with the word being applied in such a case--when it is clear and undeniably a heretical belief. But let it be proved by Scripture and not mere opinion. Let us be very wary of using the label heretic to describe any "disagreement" of theology or doctrine we may have with another Christian. (And let me be clear as well---I still dearly love these friends, though I think their views are heretical!)
It's no wonder, many in the world just shake their head at the Church and want no part.
"But if you bite and devour one another take care that you are not consumed by one another." (Gal 5:15)
Over the last number of years I've been called a heretic--sometimes straight to my face, sometimes behind my back and other times it's been simply slyly implied. The thing that I find mind-boggling is for what I have been called a heretic.
Once it was because I quoted an author that someone thought was a heretic. Simply quoting this author caused the person to walk out of a sermon before he ever heard what I had to say about the quote. He later stormed back to the building and confronted another pastor (not me to my face) and told him that I was a heretic. Let me just say--it's not a nice feeling.
More recently, it was implied that I held heretical views because I refused to call a practice called "Lectio Divina" heresy, and thus all who practice and teach it heretics. (Now let me be clear, I understand that Lectio Divina has been abused, and obviously is a bit controversial to many). Yet, to call people heretics over it? Hmmmmm...perhaps we are using the word too loosely?
I have friends who follow Jesus and love Him dearly who hold some different views on biblical issues than I do. I disagree with them...sometimes very strongly. Sometimes these disagreements can cause heated debates to occur. Many times, these debates don't resolve the difference--and discussion continues to this day. I have no problem with that. Dialogue about our different views is healthy. Labeling one as a heretic in such a case is not helpful.
Now I have other friends who claim a faith of sorts--some who even would label it a Christian faith of some kind. Yet, they do not believe in fundamental Christian Doctrine of which is clear in Scripture and to which the Church has held and affirmed in our Creeds. They have heretical views, and thus as one who claim the Christian faith as their own, are heretics. I have no issue with the word being applied in such a case--when it is clear and undeniably a heretical belief. But let it be proved by Scripture and not mere opinion. Let us be very wary of using the label heretic to describe any "disagreement" of theology or doctrine we may have with another Christian. (And let me be clear as well---I still dearly love these friends, though I think their views are heretical!)
It's no wonder, many in the world just shake their head at the Church and want no part.
"But if you bite and devour one another take care that you are not consumed by one another." (Gal 5:15)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Encourage Everyday
Hebrews 3:13 tells us:
"Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today', that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
In my second year of University I decided that I was going to exclude myself from others and "go it alone"...The year before I had been so consumed in the social side of school that I decided I wanted to go the opposite way and become more focused.
It worked well...for a while.
But soon I grew hard, I got caught up in sinful thoughts and actions more than perhaps any other time in my life--and I started seriously doubting my faith and especially my call to ministry. I was miserable, but worse I was unproductive and living contrary to how God called me to live.
This all happened in the context of being at "Bible School" ... in other words it was almost like attending a church service everyday. But even so, I didn't have the kind of relationships in my life that allowed for others to encourage and urge me on...in fact no one really knew the struggles I was having that year.
Many Christians think that "going to church" is all of the Christian community they really need. Perhaps they also attend a small group or some other ministry program. But I am more and more convinced--by experience and especially by Scripture, that this is not enough. The relationships we need to be disciples of Jesus are ones that are far more intimate than regular acquaintances.
We need relationships that have permission to speak into our lives daily, sometimes in tough ways. This doesn't necessarily mean daily meetings...but it does mean having some people who really know what's going on in your life, and have the permission to encourage, urge you on and challenge you to live the life that Jesus called you to live.
This might scare you...do you really want people in your life with that kind of permission? If you want to follow Jesus, you NEED it! I know this, because I've tried both ways...going alone just doesn't work. I NEED people in my life who know me and are willing not just to encourage me, but to also urge me on when I am stumbling. This is what the Body is supposed to do.
If you don't have people like this in your life--find them. Find a way that you can mutually urge each other on!
"...spur each other on to love and good deeds!" (Heb 10:24)
"Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called 'today', that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin."
In my second year of University I decided that I was going to exclude myself from others and "go it alone"...The year before I had been so consumed in the social side of school that I decided I wanted to go the opposite way and become more focused.
It worked well...for a while.
But soon I grew hard, I got caught up in sinful thoughts and actions more than perhaps any other time in my life--and I started seriously doubting my faith and especially my call to ministry. I was miserable, but worse I was unproductive and living contrary to how God called me to live.
This all happened in the context of being at "Bible School" ... in other words it was almost like attending a church service everyday. But even so, I didn't have the kind of relationships in my life that allowed for others to encourage and urge me on...in fact no one really knew the struggles I was having that year.
Many Christians think that "going to church" is all of the Christian community they really need. Perhaps they also attend a small group or some other ministry program. But I am more and more convinced--by experience and especially by Scripture, that this is not enough. The relationships we need to be disciples of Jesus are ones that are far more intimate than regular acquaintances.
We need relationships that have permission to speak into our lives daily, sometimes in tough ways. This doesn't necessarily mean daily meetings...but it does mean having some people who really know what's going on in your life, and have the permission to encourage, urge you on and challenge you to live the life that Jesus called you to live.
This might scare you...do you really want people in your life with that kind of permission? If you want to follow Jesus, you NEED it! I know this, because I've tried both ways...going alone just doesn't work. I NEED people in my life who know me and are willing not just to encourage me, but to also urge me on when I am stumbling. This is what the Body is supposed to do.
If you don't have people like this in your life--find them. Find a way that you can mutually urge each other on!
"...spur each other on to love and good deeds!" (Heb 10:24)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Being Straightforward...
"...they were not straightforward about the Truth of the Gospel." (Galatians 2:14)
This critique came because Paul observed that Peter and some others were making concessions in order not to offend or get a "bad name" with the "Circumcision"--aka Jewish Christians.
Previous to this statement Paul speaks of the need to live to please God rather than to please man--in fact he goes so far as to say "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Gal 1:10b)
I was speaking about this to a friend with whom I am reading Galatians with. I confessed how easy it is to begin to aim to please people, rather than please God. We can so easily not think much about it--Just like Peter did not think much about retreating from the Gentiles to eat only with the Jews.
We will often justify our actions (or lack thereof) with a statement like: "well I just didn't want to offend anyone". I understand this sentiment, yet I think that it is often a dangerous one that is overused in order to excuse us from being "uncomfortable".
I am not one who desires to offend for no reason, but I also know that the Bible says that the Gospel IS offensive to many, even an aroma of death (see 2 Cor 2:16). Because of this we read things like what Paul writes to Timothy: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted." (2 Tim 3:12). Again, I am not seeking persecution for the sake of being persecuted; yet I wonder how often I downright avoid even the smallest discomfort that the gospel might cause, by not being as straightforward as I ought to be?
I admit this is a difficult tension. I do not think that Christians should seek to needlessly offend people in our world. We are told to: "Conduct yourselves with wisdom towards outsiders, while making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace..." (Col 4:5-6) Surely this excludes many offensive and tactless approaches that are used to "evangelize" today...however it also calls out the passive Christian who does nothing "so as not to offend"---for surely this is not making the most of every opportunity.
We must make the most of every breath we have on this earth-- remember that Paul says "the gospel is the power of God for salvation" (Rom 1:16). For this reason we cannot afford to be ashamed of it; we must speak straightforwardly about the Gospel of Christ and Him Crucified.
If you are like me, you perhaps have failed on both sides of the equation--at times offending because you were insensitive and did not speak with grace; while at other times missing an opportunity to share the Truth and Grace of the Gospel because instead of being straightforward you were shy or fearful of what reaction might come. The tension is a difficult one--it requires wisdom and discernment. It requires we love God enough to care only for His approval; and that we love others enough to risk their disapproval of us by being straightforward with the Truth of the Gospel.
If you follow Jesus, I pray that you would walk and talk with boldness and confidence--always holding out the Truth and Love of the Gospel as you fix your eyes on Jesus.
If you do not follow Jesus, I pray that you would find the life and freedom in Christ that is not available anywhere else. He died to set humanity free from Sin and Death, truly He is the only way. Repent, turn to Jesus and put your faith in Him and He will give you "life and life to the full" (Jn 10:10)
This critique came because Paul observed that Peter and some others were making concessions in order not to offend or get a "bad name" with the "Circumcision"--aka Jewish Christians.
Previous to this statement Paul speaks of the need to live to please God rather than to please man--in fact he goes so far as to say "If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Gal 1:10b)
I was speaking about this to a friend with whom I am reading Galatians with. I confessed how easy it is to begin to aim to please people, rather than please God. We can so easily not think much about it--Just like Peter did not think much about retreating from the Gentiles to eat only with the Jews.
We will often justify our actions (or lack thereof) with a statement like: "well I just didn't want to offend anyone". I understand this sentiment, yet I think that it is often a dangerous one that is overused in order to excuse us from being "uncomfortable".
I am not one who desires to offend for no reason, but I also know that the Bible says that the Gospel IS offensive to many, even an aroma of death (see 2 Cor 2:16). Because of this we read things like what Paul writes to Timothy: "Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted." (2 Tim 3:12). Again, I am not seeking persecution for the sake of being persecuted; yet I wonder how often I downright avoid even the smallest discomfort that the gospel might cause, by not being as straightforward as I ought to be?
I admit this is a difficult tension. I do not think that Christians should seek to needlessly offend people in our world. We are told to: "Conduct yourselves with wisdom towards outsiders, while making the most of every opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace..." (Col 4:5-6) Surely this excludes many offensive and tactless approaches that are used to "evangelize" today...however it also calls out the passive Christian who does nothing "so as not to offend"---for surely this is not making the most of every opportunity.
We must make the most of every breath we have on this earth-- remember that Paul says "the gospel is the power of God for salvation" (Rom 1:16). For this reason we cannot afford to be ashamed of it; we must speak straightforwardly about the Gospel of Christ and Him Crucified.
If you are like me, you perhaps have failed on both sides of the equation--at times offending because you were insensitive and did not speak with grace; while at other times missing an opportunity to share the Truth and Grace of the Gospel because instead of being straightforward you were shy or fearful of what reaction might come. The tension is a difficult one--it requires wisdom and discernment. It requires we love God enough to care only for His approval; and that we love others enough to risk their disapproval of us by being straightforward with the Truth of the Gospel.
If you follow Jesus, I pray that you would walk and talk with boldness and confidence--always holding out the Truth and Love of the Gospel as you fix your eyes on Jesus.
If you do not follow Jesus, I pray that you would find the life and freedom in Christ that is not available anywhere else. He died to set humanity free from Sin and Death, truly He is the only way. Repent, turn to Jesus and put your faith in Him and He will give you "life and life to the full" (Jn 10:10)
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
What keeps us from true satisfaction?
I don't believe this needs to be so...in fact Scripture tells us it need not be so. A great example is what we find in Psalm 81. Flip there yourself for the whole thing--I'll just refer to a couple verses.
First we have verse 10: "Open your mouth wide and I will fill it!"
What a promise God makes to His people! Just open up wide and receive what you need to be satisfied!
verse 16 continues and says: "He would feed you with the finest of the wheat and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
So often when people think of God's blessings I think they believe they have to jump through a bunch of hoops to get to them. But here God simply says---OPEN UP!
The immediate picture in my mind is a small child in a highchair with a parent "flying" an airplane spoonful of food towards the little ones mouth. All the child needs to do is open up wide and they will receive what they need!
This is all God is asking--but so often it seems like a stubborn child, we slam our mouths shut, and refuse what God offers. And here is the thing--God will not force Himself upon you. He holds the spoon out to us--but he will not pry open our mouths and shove it into our mouths--We must open wide our mouths!
verse 11 tells us what this looks like: "But my people did not LISTEN to my voice; Israel would not SUBMIT to Me."
God is speaking, He is offering satisfaction of the greatest measure in and through Jesus. He just asks that you listen, and receive the satisfaction He offers through faith in Jesus. This is grace displayed in the most beautiful of invitations---he is not demanding that you "be good enough, work hard enough, or jump through some hoops"--for you could never do enough. By grace He simply says listen--open wide, and I will fill you up!
May you "know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God!" (Eph 3:19)
Friday, October 5, 2012
Ecclesiastes 3:11 -- Revisited
"He has made everything appropriate in its time. he has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end."
(Ecc 3:11)
If eternity is "in our hearts" why is it that for so many it lays yet undiscovered--to the extent that many would scoff at the idea and say we are here today...and then there is nothing more?
Many search from beginning to end to fulfill this longing--or perhaps they have simply given up the search and decided the longing must be false for they did not discover what they sought. Or perhaps they have found something...it seems to fill to an extent...and yet...there is still something more they can't quite put a finger on.
So is the search a hopeless one? It is, IF, we do not look to what is "appropriate in its time". For "in time" is really the only place a human being can search--and therefore if eternity is to be found it must somehow be found within the constraints of time itself! But even such a thought is a bit ridiculous--how can something outside of time, timeless and without bounds become known to us who are bound by space and time? Is it not a hopeless search...one surely destined to leave us in despair? Again, if the search is left to us the answer is yes--for "man will not find out the work which God had done from beginning even to the end". Many have tried and are trying to find the value of life through temporary--though often seemingly deep and spiritual things--but they are yet still just the efforts of a temporary being bound by time and space, unable to break into the eternity that their heart so desperately longs for.
The only way for the longing of our heart to be fulfilled is if that which is Eternal not only speaks into time and space--but actually enters into time and space to bring Eternal Life to us who's hearts long for it. This is exactly the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1 tells us that it was the ETERNAL plan of God to save us through Jesus, but that he was REVEALED IN TIME. John the disciple of Jesus, tells us that God took on flesh and made His dwelling among us--so that through His flesh we might be saved--brought into eternity with Him--thus, the longing of our hearts fulfilled.
We must see "what is appropriate in its time" -- Jesus revealed to us as the way of Eternal Life. This is the only way. This is an unpopular claim, and so many have searched and continue to search for another way; but it is not to be found--only Jesus has conquered for us the death that through sin binds us to a life separated from the Eternal One--our Father in Heaven. The searching of mankind apart from Christ is a hopeless one that will never lead to the Life that our heart so desperately longs for.
My prayer for any who read these words is that your searching would end with Christ, and that through Him you would know Life Eternal.
(Ecc 3:11)
If eternity is "in our hearts" why is it that for so many it lays yet undiscovered--to the extent that many would scoff at the idea and say we are here today...and then there is nothing more?
Many search from beginning to end to fulfill this longing--or perhaps they have simply given up the search and decided the longing must be false for they did not discover what they sought. Or perhaps they have found something...it seems to fill to an extent...and yet...there is still something more they can't quite put a finger on.
So is the search a hopeless one? It is, IF, we do not look to what is "appropriate in its time". For "in time" is really the only place a human being can search--and therefore if eternity is to be found it must somehow be found within the constraints of time itself! But even such a thought is a bit ridiculous--how can something outside of time, timeless and without bounds become known to us who are bound by space and time? Is it not a hopeless search...one surely destined to leave us in despair? Again, if the search is left to us the answer is yes--for "man will not find out the work which God had done from beginning even to the end". Many have tried and are trying to find the value of life through temporary--though often seemingly deep and spiritual things--but they are yet still just the efforts of a temporary being bound by time and space, unable to break into the eternity that their heart so desperately longs for.
The only way for the longing of our heart to be fulfilled is if that which is Eternal not only speaks into time and space--but actually enters into time and space to bring Eternal Life to us who's hearts long for it. This is exactly the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1 tells us that it was the ETERNAL plan of God to save us through Jesus, but that he was REVEALED IN TIME. John the disciple of Jesus, tells us that God took on flesh and made His dwelling among us--so that through His flesh we might be saved--brought into eternity with Him--thus, the longing of our hearts fulfilled.
We must see "what is appropriate in its time" -- Jesus revealed to us as the way of Eternal Life. This is the only way. This is an unpopular claim, and so many have searched and continue to search for another way; but it is not to be found--only Jesus has conquered for us the death that through sin binds us to a life separated from the Eternal One--our Father in Heaven. The searching of mankind apart from Christ is a hopeless one that will never lead to the Life that our heart so desperately longs for.
My prayer for any who read these words is that your searching would end with Christ, and that through Him you would know Life Eternal.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
The Theoretical vs The Practical
I haven't used this blog in forever---but here is something that my wee little mind drifted to thinking of today...
Is there really anything more important than that which happens on the practical line? You can hold to a philosophy, religion, theology or ideology with the utmost of conviction, but of what good is it unless it changes the practical reality?
Speaking from the perspective of faith, should not a true belief in something change the practical? James said as much when he said “a faith” that does not produce works is useless and dead; if it does not affect the practical line of one’s life, of what use is it really—and further is the claim of faith even sincere? It would seem the sincerity of one’s faith or belief is not measured by their emotional conviction, or arguments in defence of their belief, but rather by what that belief produces on the practical line.
So let me ask you: How practical is your faith?
Does it change not just your convictions, but your actions? Is it changing your life day to day? Is it changing the reality of lives around you day to day?
Too often following Christ becomes a theoretical exercise, rather than a practical one. We theorize on what Christ has done and could do if only…if only what? If only we would live our faith out on a practical line. What good is what could be done, unless we see it done—is it not all just an empty promise unless it moves from the theoretical to the practical? Of what affect is a message that Christ has set us free if it is delivered by those shackled in chains like Marley’s Ghost from a Christmas Carol? Does not the theoretical at some point become laughable if it never becomes practical? If our faith does not affect the practical line of our lives do we really have any right to speak of what value our faith holds?
Finally, if prior arguments are not enough we have only to look at how practical of a line Christ took in securing our salvation. Jesus did not accomplish salvation from afar but by coming into the midst of humanity in the most practical way possible—becoming human Himself! His teaching, and proclamation that in Him the Kingdom of Heaven is breaking out on earth was accompanied by miracles and healings that brought the effects of the Kingdom into peoples’ lives in the most practical of senses. And if that was not enough, on the Cross we witness an act that changed human history forever—not theoretically but in the most practical manner possible. Sin and death, which held humanity captive was once and for defeated by the death and resurrection of Jesus. There is nothing more practical than what the Life Christ offers—it was never meant for the theoretical sphere, but always for the intensely practical purpose of changing the nature and reality of human life today and for eternity.
Again—how practical is your faith?
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