Christian "Couch-Potatoes"?!

It is one of my concerns that constant exposure to outside media (TV, radio, internet news, etc) will jade our values, cloud our ability to make rational arguments, and hinder us from operating within a biblical context. Whoever we hear or read the most will likely end up becoming OUR point of view. This argues greatly for a steady diet of Scripture and prayer! Peter writes, "For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved" (2 Peter 2:19). In his article, "National Derangement," Colson writes:

Are we all losing our minds, spending half our lives watching politics on the tube? I'm reminded of the words of Soren Kierkegaard, the 19th-century Danish philosopher. Almost 100 years before the invention of television, Kierkegaard predicted what would happen if such a thing were invented. "Suppose," Kierkegaard wrote, "someone invented . . . a convenient little talking tube which could be heard over the whole land. I wonder if the police would not forbid it, fearing that the whole country would become mentally deranged."

He was right: We are becoming deranged. We are succumbing to what French philosopher Jacques Ellul prophesied in the 1960s, the politicization of all aspects of life. Ellul foresaw the Information Age and the media's need for a steady flow of information to feed the populace. Media therefore would gravitate to covering centers of power. Politicians would be willing accomplices, because they'd gain fame and clout.

Without realizing it, an undisciplined viewership of TV will inevitably cause us to reformulate our own opinions, perhaps even conforming those opinions to that of the media moguls! I say "without discipline," for we cannot reject every bit of news lest we give way to ignorance. Colson continues,

What's the answer? First, we better recognize that politics is not the be-all and end-all. Politics is merely the expression of culture. Clean up culture—that's our job—and politics will follow.

This happened when God's people were awakened in England in the 18th and 19th centuries. England then was in worse straits than we are today, with slavery, child labor, and rampant political corruption. But along came William Wilberforce, the Oxford movement, and the Salvation Army. What followed was a great, century-long revival of Christian faith. England was not only saved in the Wesley revivals, it was stronger than ever.

I'm a bit skeptical of Colson's focus on "cleaning up culture" being the church's goal. Why do I say this? First, read his concluding remarks . . .

So we as 21st-century Christians must do the same thing. And there is no time to lose. If, as I believe, the political illusion has America by the throat, there are only two likely outcomes—revolution, which is what the Tea Party people suggest (albeit peacefully), or tyranny.

God has acted again and again through His people to change history's course. But for that to happen, the Church had better sober up, summon its spiritual resources, expose the political illusion, and begin to defend and live the Christian faith in our culture.

Why am I skeptical? It is true that the Church must rise up and be the cleansing agent in our culture. Proclaim the gospel openly. The only true solution for society's ills is the sin-freeing, life-granting truth of the good news through Jesus Christ. But, our call is not to make our culture more moral or livable. Our calling is proclaim the Lordship of Jesus Christ over all the earth and the universe whether the culture becomes more moral or not (which may be what Colson means)! 

We, as Church, are indeed the "light of the world," and the "salt of the earth." But these properties aid in her filling the earth with the glory of the Lord, not just in making our country a nicer place in which to live. Both would be nice, but only one has eternal implications. Only one inevitably worships God rightly. That, obviously, takes precedence, does it not? So, Colson is certainly right about one thing, the church had better "sober up" and "summon its spiritual resources" and expose the world to truth. Let us, then be overcome by Jesus Christ. Blessed slavery!

 

"Half-Empty, Half-Full" is IRRELEVANT

Thanks to Toni, a lady in our church, who sent this to me. She was right, I DO like what Roy Lessin has to say. If you want to know more about the ministry of this Bronx-born, son-of-an-orthodox-Jew, saved-by-the-Messiah minister who started DaySpring Cards, go HERE. 

You've heard, haven't you, "God said it, I believe it. That settles it?" Maybe you heard the edited version too . . . "God said it. That settles it whether I believe it or not." The point is that truth does not alter with it's beholder. Read on to see what Roy Lessin says:

THE GRACE GLASS

Posted: 05 May 2010 10:30 AM PDT

God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV

Some people think that the kind of day we have can be understood by how we view a glass of water—“Is the glass half-empty or half-full?” If we view the glass as half-empty we are called a pessimist; if we view the glass as half-full we are called an optimist. People conclude that optimists tend to have good days, while pessimists tend to have bad days, depending on their point of view.

Whether we see a glass as half-empty or half-full does not change the reality of how much water is in the glass. The truth is, if we are really thirsty, half a glass of water will only quench half our thirst, regardless of how optimistic or pessimistic we are.

In Christ, God does not give us half-a-glass of grace and say, “If you see this grace-glass as half-empty you will have a defeated day, but if you see this grace-glass as half-full you will have a victorious day. Regardless of how we see the glass, if God only gave us half a glass of grace, we would only have enough grace for half the day, for half our needs, for half our strength.

What is the reality that God wants you to see today? It is this: He has handed you a glass that is filled to the brim with grace. He says that He has given you “all” grace, and “all” sufficiency, in “all” things. To put it simply, your victory today has nothing to do with the power of positive thinking, but it has everything to do with the power of His grace. God is not saying, “Have a positive attitude about My provision for you even though My provision for you is lacking and not complete.” God is saying, “Put your faith in my provision. I have given you all you need. My grace abounds toward you. I have given you a grace-glass that is overflowing!”

Answering the Gnawing Question - Why?

Many grow disappointed with God. He does not react or respond to our need like we think He should. Is God punishing me? Did I do something wrong? What to do?

Listen to this from Philip Yancey:

I have learned not even to attempt an answer to the why questions. Why did the youth pastor's wife happen to get the one tainted bottle of blood? Why does a tornado hit one town in Oklahoma and skip over another? Why did one particular woman's child get hit by a skateboard on Boston Common? Why do so few of the millions of prayers for physical healing get answered?

One question, however, no longer gnaws at me as it once did: the question "Does God care?" I know of only one way to answer that question, and for me it has proved decisive: Jesus is the answer. In Jesus, God gave us a face. If you wonder how God feels about the suffering on this groaning planet, look at that face. By no means did Jesus solve the problem of pain--he healed only a few in one small corner of the globe--but he did signify an answer to the question Does God care?

Unanswered Prayer? Question From a Spiritual Daughter

Just recently, I received a request from a dear daughter in the faith regarding prayer and God's will. She asked for references regarding:

". . . Why we pray, how can we pray confidently though many people pray and never see their prayers answered. Is it just a balancing act between praying with confidence but trusting in the Lord and believing if He doesn't answer what we asked that it wasn't His will and we can know it was not answered for a good reason?"

Good questions, and I think very common among many well-seeking believers. Let me give my answer to her since there's nothing in it too personal to share. 

Let me suggest that your description of prayer may be a bit too utilitarian. In other words, it seems as though prayer becomes a means unto an end, when it can and may be a greater means of communion with your God. The means IS the end. When you read of Enoch or Abraham, David or Daniel, it doesn't come across that they asked for stuff all the time. They DID ask for stuff, as should we. But it's more than that. Why say this? Because it seems that one may "give up" on prayer once they get the hint that maybe their request is being ignored or even denied! But that would be a shame since sitting in the presence of Jesus trumps any activity or answer! Concerns about confidence or His willingness to answer, or trusting God will dissipate in light of the sunshine of glory in which you will live. Pray expectantly (Mark 11:24), yes. Also, pray persistently (Luke 18:1ff).

Much could be said about why some "never" get their prayers answered, if they're on "praying ground," or sin inhibits, etc. Knowing God better will often preempt your need to know if something is His will. God often wants us to keep praying for the beneficial intimacy we'd gain. Many cut their praying short and so miss out on this unbelievable connection to their Savior.

I'll stop here though there's much more to discuss. I'll let you process this if needed. Let me know your thoughts. OK?

Grace abundant to you.
Pastor

Tomorrow: Why did this happen to me? 

Is Any Among You Sick, Let the Church PRAY

After sending out the following email to our church family, it struck me that this might make a good post. Why? Well, it shows positively, how the body of Christ unites to pray for those both within and outside of the flock. This post also exposes, sort of negatively, how lax the church can become when they neglect this most vital of church functions--Church Prayer. Church prayer meetings have suffered devastation over the last (I'm guessing) ten to 25 years. Why? Many reasons, but one would be, simply put, faithlessness. We simply have lost faith in God to DO. Or, worse, we don't care what happens! I know that sounds awful to say. But what other reasons could be more implicit in such a gross neglect? "It is time for judgment to begin at the household of God" (1 Peter 4:17). But, Oh, blessed judgment that forces us to seek grace and power directly from God through Jesus Christ! Amen? 

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working (James 5:13-16).

Brothers and Sisters:
Let’s join with Toni & family in praying for Frank (see below). We’re glad to pray together in unity for the needs within the family. [The details of this request went only to the church. For those unfamiliar with our church, this is one way to enlist the prayers of the family of God, which I trust many churches use]

Last night we enjoyed a wonderful prayer time with our main focus being to pray over Tyler Campbell, per James 5:13-16. The Elders, along with Todd & Angela laid hands on Tyler, prayed first over him, then opened it to everyone else in room. It was a sweet and powerful time as we all were united as one around Tyler. Not a few tears were shed, but good tears. Amazing! We prayed for God to heal Tyler. We did not demand that he do so. God is God.

You truly feel when such times occur that THIS is where you’re supposed to be, and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I wonder if more of you would ask yourselves why it is that you aren’t in our 5-6:30 Family Prayer Time? Honestly, it is not an exaggeration to say that this is the most important meeting of the week. And I say that as one who loves to study, teach and preach God’s Word! One of our prayers is that more members of the body of Christ (who are able) might see prayer for the serious powerhouse that it is! Remember, Church Prayer is NOT another program of the church, it is what the church does, like lungs are to the body. No breath, no life!

So, what holds you back? Don’t let it.
Amen,
Pastor Dave

Needed: Valiant Fighters

“Fight the Lord’s battles.”
— 1 Samuel 18:17

[The battle in the 21st century church is to get believers to engage in Christian living. But the following comes from Spurgeon in the 19th century when many were connected to their Christianity. But even they needed a prod every now and then to engage the enemy of our souls, that old devil himself! I post this in the hopes that 1) we today will once again enter the fray willingly, and 2) take great hope that though all the world be arrayed against us, we need not fear while Christ is on our side, and we on His. Editorial comments by myself are in brackets]

The sacramental host of God’s elect is warring still on earth, Jesus Christ being the Captain of their salvation. He has said, “Lo! I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” Hark to the shouts of war! Now let the people of God stand fast in their ranks, and let no man’s heart fail him. [We need to be real soldiers and not faint] It is true that just now in England the battle is turned against us, and unless the Lord Jesus shall lift his sword, we know not what may become of the church of God in this land; but let us be of good courage, and play the man. [I love any call to be courageous. I often feel so weak in myself] There never was a day when Protestantism seemed to tremble more in the scales than now that a fierce effort is making to restore the Romish antichrist to his ancient seat. [Not sure exactly what was happening then, but evidently the Roman Catholic church was trying to regain the foothold in England that they once held. They do this often] We greatly want a bold voice and a strong hand to preach and publish the old gospel for which martyrs bled and confessors died. The Saviour is, by his Spirit, still on earth; let this cheer us. [YES] He is ever in the midst of the fight, and therefore the battle is not doubtful. And as the conflict rages, what a sweet satisfaction it is to know that the Lord Jesus, in his office as our great Intercessor, is prevalently pleading for his people! O anxious gazer, look not so much at the battle below, for there thou shalt be enshrouded in smoke, and amazed with garments rolled in blood; but lift thine eyes yonder where the Saviour lives and pleads, for while he intercedes, the cause of God is safe. [Indeed, may our focus not be on the war but on the General of heaven] Let us fight as if it all depended upon us, but let us look up and know that all depends upon him.

Now, by the lilies of Christian purity, and by the roses of the Saviour’s atonement, by the roes and by the hinds of the field, we charge you who are lovers of Jesus, to do valiantly in the Holy War, for truth and righteousness, for the kingdom and crown jewels of your Master. Onward! “for the battle is not yours but God’s.” 

Spurgeon, C. H. (2006). Morning and evening : Daily readings (Complete and unabridged; New modern edition.). Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers.

[Amen!]

Don't Just VISIT God

You're a Christian, a believer, a follower of Jesus Christ? Great! But what does that mean? More beauty is lost on assumption than most will ever know. This post is a call to NOT assume, but to assimilate, to ponder. Read on. . . 

Rightly understood, the theme of "dwelling" will lift the soul of any Christian and set him on a plane high above most who think that they understand the Christian life. In order to see it's beauty, we must give some biblical background. 

"Dwell" in Scripture 
Over 400 verses use the word "dwell" and most, as you would imagine, have to do with housing. But very often in the wisdom writings (Job-Proverbs, specifically) the word is used to to describe figurative housing. For instance, a very familiar verse says, "And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6). Again, Psalm 37:27 urges, "Turn away from evil and do good; so shall you dwell forever." Many other verses could be amassed likewise. They're not referring to location, "live here or there." They are pointing out the manner or attitude in which someone lives. To dwell, then, is more about "belonging," or "willingly remaining," or the desire with which we live somewhere. It's about love. We talk about "putting down roots," about "owning property" as a sign of being settled. It takes time and thought to decide where to live. And then the question is do we really live where we are living? In other words, do we enjoy it, make the best of it? Are we anxious to leave, or very glad to stay? Dwelling is another word for security, or being homey. Hominess means "pleasantly comfortable and cozy." That's at least what dwelling in heaven will be. Right?! Sure. 

Dwelling as Worship 
Now, let's bring this "home," not to be too cute! And I just LOVE this! Psalm 27:4 says it so well . . . "One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple." There is an actual and a figurative way in which we must understand this. Obviously, it's figurative because no one could "dwell" in the temple all day without shirking the duties associated with their household and jobs. And the Word commands us to do these with all our hearts as unto the Lord (1 Cor. 10:31). OK, that being said, it sets the table as it were for what's most important here. And this is so often overlooked or missed altogether!

More Than a Mere Visit
If there's one thing that the modern day church needs to grasp, it is this. Serving, worshiping, and loving God is an all-consuming, joyous, delightful preoccupation. (Note: we use that term "preoccupation" of those who seem to not be able to get something off their minds. They are just too consumed to focus on anything else) POINT? God is our preoccupation! We do other things, pay bills, play ball, read books, wash dishes, but this, this love for God is our preoccupation! And it is so normal that it's very LACK caused Jesus to "stand at the door" of the Laodicean church and knock in order to come in and sit down at the table with the church (Rev. 3:20) so that they could enjoy Him and he them. They had missed the point. Many today STILL DO! Most see God as One whom they VISIT, and the church as a place to go. God, to them, is not the ONE with whom they willingly DWELL, live with all day comfortably, pleasantly, . . . cozily! Ah, what the church of Jesus Christ is missing is gargantuan! Christ has died and risen so that he may "dwell in our hearts by faith" (Eph. 3:17). Almost at the end of the Bible we read these loving words, 

“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. ” (Revelation 21:3)

Indeed, we need to hear that "loud voice from the throne" and echo the words of the Psalmist-

“Blessed is the one you choose and bring near, to dwell in your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! ” (Psalm 65:4)

Oh, I hope we all grow immensely on this point alone. Don't ever be satisfied to merely visit, DWELL with God. that's your comfort, security . . . your HOME!

NOTE: I tried to find a picture suitable to describe "home," but realized something. They are all properties, beautiful, idyllic, even homey. But they're not MY home. I couldn't use them. I think that's the point isn't it? Dwelling with God isn't something prepackaged and up for sale. It's too intimate, too personal for that. I learned a lot just from the inability to find a proper photo! The quilty look will have to do.