Archive for March, 2006
What does it mean, “To be a christian”?
Being a third generation preacher/missionary I’ve been “in church” since the Sunday after I was born. Every time the church doors squeaked open – we were there. To many folks’ way of thinking, I had a great head start on my christian life. And to many, that’s the way it is. Regular church attendance and toeing the denominational line is what “being a christian” means to many folks. But is that it?
From a lifetime of experience growing up “in church” I dare say “No”. No, that’s not what a christian makes. For one thing, God doesn’t have grandkids. He has an Only Begotten Son, and all the rest of us are adopted children. No grand kids. None of us are going to “ride into heaven on our parent’s coat tails”. Each and every person MUST seek out God for themselves. They MUST ask for forgiveness of their own sins. They must humble THEMSELVES before the Lord and obey Him.
Now, playing church is easy. Get a bunch of folks together every week to sing and listen to someone expound on some topic or other and “voilá” – there you’ve got it – “CHURCH!” But what does “Church” really mean? If we look into God’s word we’ll see references to “living stones”, to “sheep”, to “body parts” and various other strange references that sure don’t seem much like what we’ve learned about church from our forefathers.
Due to our misconceptions, it’s easy for us to make up a negative religion.  The idea being “I’m a christian because of what I DON’T do.” As my dad would quote way back when, “I don’t smoke, I don’t chew and I don’t go with girls that do.” That, my friend, is what to many folk think it means to be a christian. So we feel smug. We don’t do this, we don’t do that and some folks are so proud of not doing anything that they’re eager to condemn anyone who DOES do something – no matter if it’s something not only allowed but maybe even commanded in the Bible.  But what about a POSITIVE outlook on our relationship with Jesus the Christ? What about what we DO do?
Jesus said “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another – even as I have loved you shall you love one another.” And also, “No greater love has anyone than this, that one lays down one’s life for their friends.” Interesting how the New Testament is full of positive aspects of the christian life. One aspect has fallen into disrepute due to the “Faith Alone” movement. And that is the issue of “Good Works”. Granted, we are not saved because we do good works. The true christian’s good works are a natural outgrowth of his faith and evidence of his salvation. It’s to bad so many folks talk against works, especially since that’s why we are “created in Christ Jesus” – to do good works. At least that’s what the Apostle Paul taught in this passage. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God afore prepared that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10
So, doesn’t “being a christian” mean more than NOT doing things? Of course it does! Jesus came as an example to us! And He didn’t sit around doing nothing. He spent His life in service to others. Especially the last three years prior to His crucifixion.
I think Jesus put it best when He said ” And he that does not take his cross and follow after Me, is not worthy of Me.” and “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” Sure, we’d rather NOT do something than take up a rough, heavy cross and follow Jesus, but that’s one way He summed it up for us. Oh, and then there’s that inconvenient little “By this will all men know you are My disciples – if you have love one for another.” Sure hurts, doesn’t it? But again the Lord said “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” There’s no sitting around feeling comfortable when one is a REAL Christian. The Master calls, those who are His will follow.
Posted in 
Can you do it? Will you do it?
An interesting proposal from a reader of this blog. Someone with whom I share some opinions and who I consider to be a good friend. The idea being, “Should we (at least try to) love Osama bin Laden?” Hmmmm. Now THERE’S a tough nut to crack. As is said in some parts of the country, “You just went from preachin’ to meddlin’.”
Osama, the butt of so many jokes. The object of so much vitriol and ire. Probably the most popular “Personality” target seen on US shooting ranges. So, what’s a christian to do?
Frankly, there’s not much we CAN do on a personal level except for the obvious – lift the man up in prayer. Can you imagine the impact of 100,000 Christians praying for him to repent? What about 1,000,000? 100,000,000? Imagine all of Christendom not crying for his head on a pike but rather rattling the gates of heaven with petitions for his soul! I’m not saying that he’d turn from his life of violence, but he’d be sure to feel the effects.
To often folks don’t realize the difference between a person’s responsibility as a Christian and the government’s responsibility. It makes me sad to see so many people carrying “Thou Shalt Not Kill” posters – protesting the government’s decision to demand the life blood of a convicted murderer. The true meaning of the ill translated verse is “Thou shalt not commit murder.” The Bible clearly states (Look up Romans 13) that the government bears the sword to punish those who do evil. It is the government’s job to hunt down and destroy Osama and any other person who does evil against our citizens. But we as christians have a duty to seek their redemption.
This dilemma is an old one. Many Christians have erred on the side of pacifism – refusing to take their place in the common defense provided for by our national constitution. They seem to feel that those who are in the military and police are evil persons. They, of course, are entitled to their opinions, but to often they forget that the Bible doesn’t condemn soldiers. In fact, John the Baptist told the soldiers to serve honorably and to be content with their pay. He didn’t tell them to desert or refuse to serve. The soldier does not act on his own – if he be an honorable man. He acts as “the hand of government” and those who send him in harm’s way are the ones who are responsible for any actions taken by him. This is not to exempt the individual for doing things which are reprehensible for that is his responsibility. Not for nothing does the oath taken by our soldiers specify “legal orders”. The soldier is under no obligation to do that which is illegal and immoral nor will he have to answer to his maker for obeying orders and fulfilling his duty as the hand of God’s government. (By God’s government I’m merely affirming that no one reaches power without God’s allowing it – whether they do good or evil is up to them but God is the one who sets anyone in any position of power)
Some time ago I read a short story in which the sherif went out in search of a murderer. He tracked him down, captured him without firing a shot and took him back to town to face trial.
The preacher brought food for the prisoner and talked to him about what he had done. He took pains to hear the man out, to talk to him about his soul and the results of what he had done. He made sure the prisoner had everything he needed and prayed for him.
The sherif took the man to be arraigned. He guarded him and made sure he was safe from the townsfolk, but that he could not escape either. During the whole penal process the sherif did his duty to care for the prisoner and protect him while guarding against his escape.
And during the whole penal process the preacher would go to the jail every day with hot food and a cheerful word for the prisoner. He made sure he had a chance to write to his loved ones and provided for many small things to make life easier for the man. And daily he lifted the prisoner up in prayer before his Lord.
When the trial was finally finished the prisoner was condemned to hang for the murder he had undoubtedly committed. The sherif returned him to jail where the preacher inquired as to what he would like for his last meal – and provided for it out of his own pocket. The next day the preacher was there early to once more speak with the prisoner and to beg him to repent before the final moment of his life – to no avail. The sherif then took the prisoner to the appointed place where he was executed for the capital crime he had committed.
Throughout the whole process both the preacher and the sherif fulfilled their duties to God and man. The town was so small that the preacher and the sherif jobs were filled by the same man.
So, what does this all have to do with Osama bin Laden? As christians we are bound to seek means to bring him to repentance and salvation. Yet we must not stand in the way of the government which is duty bound to bring him to account for the crimes he has committed against our nation.
Love Osama bin Laden? Yes. We must. And we must show that love through our prayers for him and his henchmen. And yet that love should not cause us to impede the actions of the government which has been set over us to “reward those who do good and punish those who do evil”.
Quoting Rodney King…
I’m not sure if it’s an accurate report, a joke or urban legend – and I”m feeling to lazy to check. At any rate, Rodney King is reported to have said “Why can’t we all just get along?”
That’s a good question. Why can’t we? Especially as Christians. After all, that is our Lord and Savior’s desire. He prayed for us the night that He was betrayed. The prayer is recorded in John 17 and is the REAL “Lord’s Prayer”. As He lifted His Apostles up He also prayed for “those who will believe in me through their word”. That, my dear friend, is YOU and ME and our Lord went on to ask “…that they may all be one… that the world will believe that Thou hast sent Me.”
OUCH! That hurts, doesn’t it? Our Lord prayed for our unity, but we divide over the stupidest things. “Christians” have been known to fight and split congregations over something as simple as what color to paint the meeting house, or what kind of carpet to lay in “the sanctuary”. Interestingly enough, Jesus told us what the real mark of the true Christian IS. And it wasn’t “the ones with the soundest doctrine”. It wasn’t “the ones who worship me according to a special formula.” It wasn’t even “the ones who dress in a special way.” So what IS the mark of a true disciple?
Jesus said, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another even as I have loved you shall you love one another.  By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35 So, that’s the secret. How will He react when we stand before Him and say “I separated from my brother because he didn’t do things the way I thought he should according to my understanding of the Bible.”? He can see the depths of our hearts. He knows the hidden thoughts we do not openly express. And you can’t fake love.
Often we are guilty of mislaid zealousness. We are zealous that folks do things according to our understanding of the Bible. Shouldn’t we be even more zealous of showing love? To often we forget that we are finite creatures. Our understanding is limited and should be constantly growing and maturing. But so is that of other believers. Ephesians 4:11-13 says in part that the Church’s leaders are to “equip the saints for works of service for the building up of the body of Christ until we all reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God.” “Works of Service” will build up the body of Christ? “Works of Service” will help us reach unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God? That’s sure the way it looks to ME as I continue to study and seek God’s will.
So, why can’t we all just get along? Is it not due in part to hubris? We are convinced that we are the only bearers of truth and the only ones who know “everything there is to know” about God and His Will? Who are we kidding? God Alone is omniscient. God Alone is capable of understanding entirely His Will. The rest of us see according to our personal perspective. The rest of us are “growing up into Christ who is the Head.” If we’d show more love and less pride, wouldn’t we also be closer to fulfilling Jesus’ Prayer? Wouldn’t we be closer to receiving commendation from Him on that final day?
On religiosity
Religiosity is a common human failing. It is all to common for folks to affect a “Religious Tone” in the way they talk, but with no true connection to God. Jesus condemned such folk in the form of the Pharisee sect of the Jewish faith. He came down hard on them time and time again because they wanted to “look religious” without getting to know God.
“Being religious” isn’t a bad thing – if it’s real. The trouble comes when an appearance of piety takes the place of genuine piety. Our Creator desires a personal interaction with us. He wants to see a real change in our lives. He wants to see Himself reflected in the way we live. But to often folks would rather “appear religious” than to allow the true power of God’s spirit to cleanse their lives.
Here are a few verses for reflexion.
Hosea 6:6 For I desire goodness, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt-offerings.
Micah 6:8 He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.
Mt 12:7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.
None of the above are things which can be faked. They must come from a heart that is searching for God’s way and that is yeilded to His Will.
Religiosity? Shun it like the plague. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.
On fear of those who are different.
A recent discussion about the movie “Brokeback Mountain†on the Sixshooter Community Forum sparked a bit of thought on my part. Why the hostility? Why the unchristian attitudes shown by many? Of course, it’s always easy to point out “unchristian†attitudes in those who might think or react differently than one does, but still it’s not hard to spot when there is name calling and open hostility towards those who are blatant sinners. Somehow I can not picture Jesus Himself using the type of language that many who claim to follow Him do when it comes to folks who are obvious sinners. So, why the hostility?
I believe that the main reason is due to the natural fear we have of those who are different. I’ve experienced this all my life. As an American citizen raised in Brazil I faced a lot of the same hostility by folks who “didn’t like americanosâ€. They did not know me personally, but because of my national origin and my country’s propensity for intrusive international policy, I paid the price and bore the brunt of their distrust. And during the few times we were in the US I faced the same hostility since I didn’t have the same outlook as other did on life. To a lot of kids in highschool I was different because I took care of my school issued books which had been paid for by the taxes of hardworking US citizens. I carried a briefcase and returned the books in the same condition I received them in rather than toting them around in a “book bag†and letting them get crunched and torn. Another sore point with folks who’s ancestors arrived in the US as slaves was that I didn’t care what anyone’s skin color was. I tried to be polite and civil to everyone. Many couldn’t handle this. I was different and so didn’t fit in and became a target for certain folks around me.
You see, we as humans have a hard time separating the sin from the sinner. We identify folks according to certain criteria of our own, criteria that is often based on “justifiable reasons†but which rarely take into account that we are all sinners that must be saved through faith in and obedience to Jesus the Christ, the Son of God. We categorize folks according to our own pet hierarchy of sins. He tells “white lies†so he’s a GREAT GUY!. He looks at pictures of semi naked women but HE’S A WONDERFUL HUSBAND. He drinks wine with his supper if he’s not going out later that evening, so HE’S A DREADFUL SINNER. He has allowed himself to be conditioned to respond sexually to people of his own gender so HE’S AN UNREDEEMABLE, UNSPEAKABLE SINNER. The funny thing is that the above mentioned behaviors are all sins but one according to the Bible. The Bible clearly states that satan is the father of lies – no matter what “color†they are. To look with lust upon a woman (or even a picture of one) is the same as adultery and adulterers will NOT be in the Kingdom of Heaven. Homosexuality is condemned in the New Testament as well as in the Old. Interestingly enough, in spite of ardent proponents of Prohibition, the Bible does not condemn the consumption of limited amounts of wine. And yet folks view the above according to their own preferences, practices and interpretations along with the same type of treatment of other sins – real or imagined.
All this leads to an atmosphere in which people react with hostility towards groups who are an apparent threat to them in some way. Jesus Himself embraced sinners. He never condoned their wrong behavior. In fact He would tell them to “go and sin no moreâ€. His greatest condemnation fell upon the religious folk of His day. For their self righteous condemnatory behavior.
Does this mean we should embrace the antibiblical lifestyles which our modern world condones? No! But neither should we have such a prickly attitude towards the sinner! We are called to “go and make disciples of all nations.†But our attitude often gives no reason to others to want to be like us – because we have to often fallen far short of the image of Christ. Loving the sinner does not mean loving the sin. And we can not pick and choose which sins are “white†or “blackâ€, we must learn to identify sin in our own lives and eradicate it with the help of the Holy Spirit. In the meanwhile we should be calling all men everywhere to repent – even as we ourselves are doing – and to allow the Son of God to regenerate them through His love. Jesus accepted sinners, but never condoned their sin. We should follow in His example.
Yes, it is natural to fear that which is “different†or “strangeâ€. But is not even Jesus the Christ far different from us? Of COURSE He is! We should not be hostile to Him. We should allow Him free entry into our hearts and minds. And when we do this, He will help us to overcome the fear of “those who are different†and to reach out to them in His Love and to extend to them the opportunity to also be redeemed by His Blood.
On international meddling
One of the easiest ways to upset some friends of mine is to question the involvement of the United States of America in international squabbles. To hear many of them speak (or read what they write) about this, if one questions the US’s involvement in foreign affairs then one obviously is a “pinko communist homosexual liberal demoncrat”. I beg to differ. My political leanings are so far to the Right that the Republican Party looks like Stalin, Lenin or Mao in perspective. Individual accountability is the center piece of my faith and belief. Each person should be accountable for their own actions and respond for them appropriately. In “The Late Unpleasantness” otherwise known as “The War Of Northern Agression” my sympathies lay entirely with the South. The so called “Civil War” was not fought over slavery as history revisionists would have one believe, it was fought over whether the country should be run from Washington DC, thousands of miles away from many of the people, or whether local governing bodies should have greater say in their local affairs.
Now my sympathies lay with those who say “Local Government” should have greatest input and impact on decisions that effect local matters. What do folks in New York City know about the issue of water rights in Colorado, Wyoming and other western states? What do city dwelling ignoramuses in Los Angeles know about the damage inflicted by wolves upon the wildlife and livestock in Idaho, Wyoming or Montana? For that matter, what do ranchers in New Mexico know about the subway system in New York? The obvious answer to any of these questions is simply “Not enough to make important decisions about them.” That is why the US was set up as a Federal Republic. To grant local autonomy in matters of concern to the local inhabitants of any given state. Many states are set up as well to allow each county a great amount of lee way in handling many matters of local concern. After all, folks who live with any given situation should know more about it than folks who live hundreds or thousands of miles away.
This translates readily to the international arena as well. And it is even MORE pertinent to that arena because of the even GREATER differances between cultures, languages and situations that exist between vastly separated regions of the earth as compared to different regions of the same nation. After all, what do Christians in the United States of America know about the Muslim religion and the folks who practice it in “The Middle East”? Why, if we often can’t tell the differance between the various branches of the Baptist Church, not to mention the horrendously fractured Church of Christ, what do we know about Sunni or Wahabi or Shiite Moslems? If we can’t keep our own folks from throwing stones, molotov cocktains and sundry other missiles at each other over questions of race or sexual perversion, what makes us think we can keep folks from killing each other who have an ENTIRELY different outlook on the world than we do?
If we would wake up and “smell the coffee” we’d realize that we really have no business trying to “Police The World”. Our own home is in disarray, we have no business trying to “set other folks straight” when we ourselves are in such a mess.
Should we as a nation “turn the other cheek” when we are attacked? I don’t think so. But neither should we wage an invasive occupational war against anyone. When Pancho Villa invaded the southern US, the US did not occupy Mexico. They chased Pancho down in what was known as a “Punitive Expedition”. What has changed in the past 100 years that gives us the right to occupy another country and try to force them to see things our way? That’s a good question I’d like to know the answer to.
Preaching at a Christian’s funeral
There’s nothing harder for me than preaching at a non-christian’s funeral. The despair shown by the family and friends of the deceased is heart breaking and what hope can we extend? Not much, to say the least.
But when it is the funeral of a brother or sister in Christ, how things change! There may (probably will) still be tears, but there’s no real mourning. It’s more like the sadness one feels when a loved one leaves for an extended journey. There’s always hope of reunion. The scriptures contain many verses of hope for those of us who love the Lord’s return. In fact, the apostle Paul wrote that we should not be ignorant (lack knowledge) of those “who are asleep” and that we should not mourn as those do who have no hope. Why? Because we KNOW that Jesus the Christ rose from the dead. We KNOW that He conquered death and that He has promised to us the same victory should we remain faithful to Him.
So, what does it mean for us to be separated from our loved ones through “death”? It means that we will no longer have them by our side on this earth. It means that they are resting in our Lord, awaiting His Return. They are not “angels”, for angels do not have the hope that we do in Jesus the Christ. They are “in Abraham’s bosom” and they are eagerly awaiting The Day when The Christ shall return. On That Day they will arise first and meet Him in the sky. Yes, they are more blessed in that way because they shall be united with their Savior before those of us who have remained alive until His Return.
So why mourn? Why grieve? We have HOPE! We KNOW that we will see our loved ones again. That is what I like about preaching at a Christian’s funeral, the chance to talk of the Hope and Faith we have in Jesus Christ our Lord.
On Christian Unity
So, why not seek unity as The Christ so desired? Are our own petty opinions of more worth than His desire?
Well, I’m off like a herd of turtles.
For some time I’ve considered setting up a small place on the ‘net where I can ramble, rant, scream or merely pontificate or ponder and folks can ignore me by droves. 
 I think I’m off to a good start. I’ll tweak and tug and pull and primp this installation and then I’ll let folks know where they can ignore me. It’s nice to have an add free place to put up whatever I want. I’ve never been much of one for journaling, but we’ll see how this ‘net version goes.