I couldn't believe it. The Words nearly jumped off the page at me... Like a shot in the dark, a blast from the past, so to speak... I had read it a hundred times before and NEVER seen it- how could I have missed it? But isn't that the way it works when it comes to the Word of God? We read the Bible again and again in our devotions, re-reading and re-reading, and then one day- something just pops from the page and lands in our lap...
So was the case the other morning, when I was reading from 1 Peter 1, specifically verses 3-6. Here, allow me to quote them for you: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a LIVELY hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptable, and undefiled, and that fades not away, reserved in Heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith to salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein you GREATLY rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through manifold temptations"
Any thoughts on what I picked out as the two key words of that passage? I will give you a minute to talk amongst yourselves and see if you can discover the answer...
OK, time is up- the key words I chose for this experiment are: LIVELY, and GREATLY... I sat and pondered these words for a bit... And it hit me... Maybe it was because of all the depression commercials I have seen on t.v. lately... maybe it is because sometimes when you look at the world, it is hard not to get down... Seems like there is always someone getting shot, or some earthquake or tornado killing and maiming people, or yet another threat of war... So many things to bring us down... And yet here is Peter writing about a LIVELY hope and GREATLY rejoicing!
Now I know what you are thinking- well, he was probably having a good moment right then. A lot of good things were probably happening to him, you know like what I hear from some of these televangelists... I am sure he was probably the rich guy, driving the limo cart, only the finest oxen, people throwing money at him as he walked by, women mobbing him everywhere he went holding signs that read "Marry Me Peter" and stuff like that... Well, the cold hard truth is it was nothing like that for him. No riches or mansions here on earth for this guy. If he had any popularity it would have been with all the jail gaurds he met on a regular basis as he sat in prison just for talking about Jesus. Oh, and then there was that part where he ended up crucified too... Yeah he was having the time of his life, all right!
Let's be honest- we would look at his situation and ask ourselves, how in the world could this guy be penning those words- LIVELY and GREATLY? He has every reason to just sit down, put on his frowny face, and get depressed. Isn't that what a lot of us would do? No, in reality we would have raised the depression flag long before this was written. How do I know that? Just look at our society- it seems every 5 minutes there is another ad reminding us that "depression hurts everyone"... We are bombarded with imagery of people sitting on their couch or laying in their bed, looking like they just watched their best friend tortured to death in front of them... And why? Because there is yet another one of the newest and greatest anti-depressants on the market that you just HAVE to try! I swear it seems as though the pharmecutecal companies actually WANT people to be depressed!!! Always they are coining new conditions that explain why we feel so bad, always pushing their products that will supposedly make us happy...
NOW WAIT! Before you get mad- understand something. I am not making light of people who deal with depression. Not at all. I know some may read this and raise their voice claiming I have no right I don't understand, etc. etc. But let me share some thoughts with you- first off, I do understand... at least to some degree. No, I never went to a doctor, but when I was in high school I think I could easily fit into the stereotypical "manic depressant". Depression was a way of life for me- and to be honest, sometimes it still is! It is tough- it is no fun to be depressed.
But here is where we need to understand something- depression is an emotion, and like ALL emotions, if we let them go unchecked they will control us! It is not that getting depressed is wrong, what crosses lines is HOW we deal with it. We also need to understand that we are not alone- believe it or not, even some great men of God went through some pretty traumatic depression... Who, you say? Well how about Elijah the prophet for one... 1 Kings 19, read that and tell me the guy was not about as low as you can go!
But I digress... Look, here is the point I am trying to make- as Christians, do we realize the power in the words that Peter wrote? Do we in our lives display a LIVELY hope? Even if we don't deal with depression, the reality is too often we go through life looking like our dog was just ran over, never happy, always complaining... Yet Peter in his affliction said that we have a LIVELY hope! That we are to GREATLY rejoice- and check this- EVEN if we are going through hell and don't feel like we can lift our heads!
So the question then remains- why? Why should I choose to rejoice instead of choosing to wallow in my sorrow? BECAUSE of the HOPE we have, a hope of that which is incorruptible, undefiled and NEVER fades away- a treasure so great that it compels us to pour all of our very being into this inheritance. And it is made possible by one thing: Resurrection! The resurrection, Jesus Christ crucified for a wretch of sinners like you and I, but not bound by death- rather conquering it on the third day, and in so doing placing before us the very reason WHY we have a lively hope, that should be filling us to the point we are greatly rejoicing...
As I close this out, I am reminded that tomorrow is Easter. And with Easter comes the opportunity to recommit to that hope. With Easter comes the choice that is placed before us- to continue to let this world be a drain on our emotions, to continue to let people shove more lies down our throat, to continue to be inneffective, to continue to be a slave wrapped in chains of the trials of this world... Or we can get up, we can look our trials dead in the eye, holding tight to our promise that our God is greater, that our God is stronger, that our God has defeated the darkness, and taking the message of Easter, the reality of the empty tomb, the LIVELY hope that is given to us and let it spark a fire within us, GREATLY rejoicing in the mercy of God- and take that message to the world of broken, hurting people who need to know the healing love of Jesus Christ...
What is your choice?
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Friday, March 16, 2012
Cowboys From Hell and The War Against Women
I was in high school the first time I heard it. A good friend of mine shared it with me, and I can honestly say that it was the first time- and last time- I willingly listened to the heavy metal group Pantera. Now don't misunderstand- I LOVE heavy metal. And when it comes to music, if I were to be truthful, I have a rather eclectic taste, a wide range that encompases almost every genre. Everything from Tenth Avenue North to Demon Hunter, from Anberlin to the Newsboys, T-Bone to Rodney Atkins, Relient K to Beethoven has graced my speakers with their presence and to the delight of my listening ears. But never again Pantera...
The song was "Cowboys From Hell", and can I say that my ears were telling me that it was probably being played in hell as a method of torture. I absolutely didn't like it, and I will be honest- a big part of it was the lyrics. I happen to LOVE the poetry behind a good song. But "Cowboys From Hell"... Well... I guess you could say that I just couldn't picture Pantera as a cowboy from anywhere, and the utter contradiction was incredibly ridiculous.
Now I know what you may be thinking; why am I bringing up an obscure song from the 90's in a blog about the current supposed "war on women"? A good question you (hypothetically) have posed... And the reasoning is quite simple. You see, in the same way I could not wrap my mind around the idea of a bunch of long haired, guitar thrashing, growling men being "cowboys" of any kind- so in the same respect I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around who is leading the debate on this "war" that is apparently being waged on the feminine side of our species.
At the forefront and leading the charge is none other than groups like Planned Parenthood. This is especially true here in my home state of Idaho, where a recent legislative attempt to mandate ultrasounds before an abortion has sparked a wave of action from Margeret Sanger's minions, with their faithful sidekick ACLU close behind. Apparently they feel that it is a most horrifying, perhaps even demonic attack from the "right". This, coupled with the recent debate over whether or not the government should force average Joe citizen to buy birth control for little Suzy's extra extra-curricular activity and the third wheel of a comment made by a radio talk show host has made the topic seem, by all the news coverage, to be the most important thing happening all across the nation. "The factory has laid off another 200 people, but before that we HAVE to talk about THE WAR ON WOMEN"... "Iran is about to accomplish their task of completing a nuclear weapon, but what "people" are really concerned about now is the "weapons" right wing fundamentalists are using to attack women all over America"... And on and on the news coverage goes.
O.K. it may not be quite that bad, but you get my point. The funny thing is that, in all honesty, I completely agree with the left on this. I will be the first to stand in line and join Planned Parenthood in the chorus that there IS a "war on women". BUT we will soon part ways, as they realize that we disagree on who the enemy is.
And I believe the enemy is the very people leading the charge of defense...
WHAT?! How could I say that? you ask. Fair enough. Let me explain: Remember the "Cowboys From Hell"? Well, in my mind that is Planned Parenthood. They make their phone calls and write their e-mails to their legislators about how the right hates women. They go to their friends in the media, with a broken heart mentality, crying about the evils those demons on the right are perpetrating on women. They hold their rallies screaming and shrieking about how they are going to make a difference, that they are here for war, not going down without a fight, fending off those that hate women. And all the while, if the truth were to be known- if the curtain could be pulled back, exposing what was really in their heart, oh how so many women would be shocked to see that it is not some mystical wizard or galliant warrior... No, no, no my friends... The black heart of hate is all that would be found. For in truth, it is they that hate women more than any other.
How dare I say such a thing, right? You may be offended, and that is fine; just rest assured that it is sadly true. Let's look at the facts, and understand who really is leading the charge on the war against women.
First off, who is it that is always fighting against things like "informed consent" and ultrasounds before an abortion? Planned Parenthood. Why is that a bad thing, you ask? Understand, by their own financial records, they are annually a BILLION DOLLAR industry. That is a BILLION dollars that they make, primarily from one thing: abortion. Kind of brings new meaning to that old Alice Cooper song "Billion Dollar Babies" doesn't it? But I digress... Planned Parenthood's main selling points on abortion are that it is safe, and that it is not actually taking the life of a child. But when faced with facts that many women HAVE been injured and even died from the proceedure puts doubt in the mind about safety, and when a woman comes face to face with her child moving around, waving his or her arms, even the proverbial sucking of the thumb- it does not take an overactive imagination to see the truth that it is, in fact, a living child.
As with any product or proceedure, full knowledge leads to one thing that all sellers hate- the loss of a customer. Planned Parenthood knows as well as anyone that, a woman fully informed, could lead to a woman walking out the door. If too many women choose to keep their child instead of "aborting"- well, let's just say they wouldn't be a billion dollar powerhouse for long.
When it comes to birth control, we must look again at who reaps the true rewards... And once again we need not look any further than Planned Parenthood. Why is this, you ask? Because another part of their empire is distributing birth control. A seemingly harmless "service" for the godless society... But look closer at something. The more people have sex, the more they buy "contraceptives". If they buy from Planned Parenthood, then Planned Parenthood profits from the woman being sexually active. If by some chance the woman ends up pregnant, well no worries! Planned Parenthood is there for "counseling"! And not to worry, only 2.4% of pregnant women who walk through their doors receive non-abortion services including adoption and prenatal care... So let's get this straight- the woman gets contraceptive, Planned Parenthood profits; the woman gets pregnant, Planned Parenthood profits... you could say they are invested, not in the stock market, but the sex market! As far as why they may be interested in the government paying- well, there is the concern that if a woman cannot afford said birth control she will most likely be having LESS sex which means LESS profit... But I digress.
Finally, the last bit of irony is in the "degrading" speech given to some women by "right-wing fundamentalists". I guess I could take Planned Parenthood more seriously if I believed they actually cared about women. Because while it may be true that some people have less than respectful language- on BOTH sides, I might add- what is also true is that Planned Parenthood has nothing to say about those who use women for "profit" in the pornography industry. They never raise a voice of concern for the women in countries like China who are forced to have abortions. They stay quiet on the war against women when it is one of the thousands of girls in the womb being aborted each year for the purpose of sex selection. They have nothing to say about the millions of women who have been lied to about what is actually in their womb, lied to in order to ensure a profit can be made off of them, then leaving them broken emotionally, spiritually, and physically in some cases. Just look at the case that made national headlines last year- Dr. Kermit, who not only killed a woman during an abortion but tried to cover it up... and then there was that minor detail that he had been killing babies after they were born... How many press conferences did Planned Parenthood do condemning him or his actions? Oh, that's right- none. The only thing they had to say publicly was when his case led to several states wanting stricter health inspections on all abortion clinics- they whined and whined about how "unfair" it was...
And while they whine and whine about a name that someone called some woman they are using for their personal agenda, the truth is they close their doors and laugh at all the women that have came through their doors like good little sheep to the butcher. They are overjoyed when they accomplish their goal of a sexually active girl, knowing that for them the more she has sex the more they profit. Their work has resulted in millions of broken, hurting women all over America. They do their work intentionally, knowing what the end result will be. They do it for money. Tell me, how is that not a hate crime against women?
So as they lead their charge in the "war on women" I am once again reminded, that they are no better than the cowboys from hell...
The song was "Cowboys From Hell", and can I say that my ears were telling me that it was probably being played in hell as a method of torture. I absolutely didn't like it, and I will be honest- a big part of it was the lyrics. I happen to LOVE the poetry behind a good song. But "Cowboys From Hell"... Well... I guess you could say that I just couldn't picture Pantera as a cowboy from anywhere, and the utter contradiction was incredibly ridiculous.
Now I know what you may be thinking; why am I bringing up an obscure song from the 90's in a blog about the current supposed "war on women"? A good question you (hypothetically) have posed... And the reasoning is quite simple. You see, in the same way I could not wrap my mind around the idea of a bunch of long haired, guitar thrashing, growling men being "cowboys" of any kind- so in the same respect I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around who is leading the debate on this "war" that is apparently being waged on the feminine side of our species.
At the forefront and leading the charge is none other than groups like Planned Parenthood. This is especially true here in my home state of Idaho, where a recent legislative attempt to mandate ultrasounds before an abortion has sparked a wave of action from Margeret Sanger's minions, with their faithful sidekick ACLU close behind. Apparently they feel that it is a most horrifying, perhaps even demonic attack from the "right". This, coupled with the recent debate over whether or not the government should force average Joe citizen to buy birth control for little Suzy's extra extra-curricular activity and the third wheel of a comment made by a radio talk show host has made the topic seem, by all the news coverage, to be the most important thing happening all across the nation. "The factory has laid off another 200 people, but before that we HAVE to talk about THE WAR ON WOMEN"... "Iran is about to accomplish their task of completing a nuclear weapon, but what "people" are really concerned about now is the "weapons" right wing fundamentalists are using to attack women all over America"... And on and on the news coverage goes.
O.K. it may not be quite that bad, but you get my point. The funny thing is that, in all honesty, I completely agree with the left on this. I will be the first to stand in line and join Planned Parenthood in the chorus that there IS a "war on women". BUT we will soon part ways, as they realize that we disagree on who the enemy is.
And I believe the enemy is the very people leading the charge of defense...
WHAT?! How could I say that? you ask. Fair enough. Let me explain: Remember the "Cowboys From Hell"? Well, in my mind that is Planned Parenthood. They make their phone calls and write their e-mails to their legislators about how the right hates women. They go to their friends in the media, with a broken heart mentality, crying about the evils those demons on the right are perpetrating on women. They hold their rallies screaming and shrieking about how they are going to make a difference, that they are here for war, not going down without a fight, fending off those that hate women. And all the while, if the truth were to be known- if the curtain could be pulled back, exposing what was really in their heart, oh how so many women would be shocked to see that it is not some mystical wizard or galliant warrior... No, no, no my friends... The black heart of hate is all that would be found. For in truth, it is they that hate women more than any other.
How dare I say such a thing, right? You may be offended, and that is fine; just rest assured that it is sadly true. Let's look at the facts, and understand who really is leading the charge on the war against women.
First off, who is it that is always fighting against things like "informed consent" and ultrasounds before an abortion? Planned Parenthood. Why is that a bad thing, you ask? Understand, by their own financial records, they are annually a BILLION DOLLAR industry. That is a BILLION dollars that they make, primarily from one thing: abortion. Kind of brings new meaning to that old Alice Cooper song "Billion Dollar Babies" doesn't it? But I digress... Planned Parenthood's main selling points on abortion are that it is safe, and that it is not actually taking the life of a child. But when faced with facts that many women HAVE been injured and even died from the proceedure puts doubt in the mind about safety, and when a woman comes face to face with her child moving around, waving his or her arms, even the proverbial sucking of the thumb- it does not take an overactive imagination to see the truth that it is, in fact, a living child.
As with any product or proceedure, full knowledge leads to one thing that all sellers hate- the loss of a customer. Planned Parenthood knows as well as anyone that, a woman fully informed, could lead to a woman walking out the door. If too many women choose to keep their child instead of "aborting"- well, let's just say they wouldn't be a billion dollar powerhouse for long.
When it comes to birth control, we must look again at who reaps the true rewards... And once again we need not look any further than Planned Parenthood. Why is this, you ask? Because another part of their empire is distributing birth control. A seemingly harmless "service" for the godless society... But look closer at something. The more people have sex, the more they buy "contraceptives". If they buy from Planned Parenthood, then Planned Parenthood profits from the woman being sexually active. If by some chance the woman ends up pregnant, well no worries! Planned Parenthood is there for "counseling"! And not to worry, only 2.4% of pregnant women who walk through their doors receive non-abortion services including adoption and prenatal care... So let's get this straight- the woman gets contraceptive, Planned Parenthood profits; the woman gets pregnant, Planned Parenthood profits... you could say they are invested, not in the stock market, but the sex market! As far as why they may be interested in the government paying- well, there is the concern that if a woman cannot afford said birth control she will most likely be having LESS sex which means LESS profit... But I digress.
Finally, the last bit of irony is in the "degrading" speech given to some women by "right-wing fundamentalists". I guess I could take Planned Parenthood more seriously if I believed they actually cared about women. Because while it may be true that some people have less than respectful language- on BOTH sides, I might add- what is also true is that Planned Parenthood has nothing to say about those who use women for "profit" in the pornography industry. They never raise a voice of concern for the women in countries like China who are forced to have abortions. They stay quiet on the war against women when it is one of the thousands of girls in the womb being aborted each year for the purpose of sex selection. They have nothing to say about the millions of women who have been lied to about what is actually in their womb, lied to in order to ensure a profit can be made off of them, then leaving them broken emotionally, spiritually, and physically in some cases. Just look at the case that made national headlines last year- Dr. Kermit, who not only killed a woman during an abortion but tried to cover it up... and then there was that minor detail that he had been killing babies after they were born... How many press conferences did Planned Parenthood do condemning him or his actions? Oh, that's right- none. The only thing they had to say publicly was when his case led to several states wanting stricter health inspections on all abortion clinics- they whined and whined about how "unfair" it was...
And while they whine and whine about a name that someone called some woman they are using for their personal agenda, the truth is they close their doors and laugh at all the women that have came through their doors like good little sheep to the butcher. They are overjoyed when they accomplish their goal of a sexually active girl, knowing that for them the more she has sex the more they profit. Their work has resulted in millions of broken, hurting women all over America. They do their work intentionally, knowing what the end result will be. They do it for money. Tell me, how is that not a hate crime against women?
So as they lead their charge in the "war on women" I am once again reminded, that they are no better than the cowboys from hell...
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Lay Down Your Rights- My endorsement for President
Given the fact that it is an election year again, I have decided that it is high time to raise my voice in support of my candidate and here on this very blog promote the candidate I endorse. Yes, it is true that the caucuses have already taken place here in the Gem State but that is besides the point... In my world I am pretty sure that it is far from too late to write in the one person I think will be able to do the job better than any other. So without further delay, my endorsement for President of the United States of America, please join me in supporting him, the only one in this entire universe that will be able to singlehandedly beat back the forces of socialism, the only one who can restore our illustrious Constitution, the only one who can beat President Barak Obama in the upcoming election, ladies and gentlemen put your hands together and cast your votes for (drum roll, please)...............................ME!!!
That is exactly correct, you heard it here, I am endorsing myself as the only true conservative in the race for President. Yes, I know what you are thinking- "But you haven't even filed, and it is past the filing date" Absolutely correct! But I here from some good sources(namely the voices in my head) that I will be selected at the brokered (or should we say broken?) convention. What's that, you ask? I have raised no money at all for any kind of campaign? Right-O my friend! I don't need to because I just KNOW it will work out to my favor! Oh, I see... you doubt my candidacy... I only have one thing to say: Um, ok, I have a few things actually: You obviously hate liberty. You obviously aren't a conservative. You obviously are too conservative. You have been brainwashed. You don't pay enough attention to the news or voices of reason. You just want another Obama for President. You just want Obama to win. You just want a radical to run and there is no way someone that radical can beat Obama. Ummm... hey, where's Perry?
Ok enough with the sarcasm and on to seriousness. This past election cycle I think has been quite brutal. Though what I just typed may have been pure and utter silliness, the truth is that has been a lot of the things that people have been yelling back and forth at each other. I think it a bit on the sad side, really. As Idaho embraced our first caucus, I spent the evening avoiding people for the sake of avoiding such petty infighting... and I think I can honestly say that is just a tragedy.
It is tragic when Christians have to avoid each other for the sake of avoiding conversations where we have disagreements. On the political realm, it should be as simple as "I have my candidate, you have yours, and that's o.k." But instead it descends into this madness over who's horse is more purebred than the other. Can I just say that, no matter who your candidate is, if the thought of your brothers and sisters in Christ having the audacity to vote for someone else sends you into fits of hyperventalation- if you feel as though your arteries are going to burst because "Brother Joe and Sister Ann are voting for THAT man?!" then I suggest you step back, take a deep breath, and get your heart right with God.
Now I know that some of you may be thinking that you can't believe I just said that. but let's be real for a minute people. IT'S AN ELECTION!!! And while I agree that freedom and liberty are wonderful blessings, and it is honorable to fight for them, we HAVE to remember that our duty as a Christian is NOT first and foremost the preservation of freedom! If it were, then my friends there is a whole Country of Chinese Christians that are living in sin!!! But they are not! Why? Because our first and foremost duty is TO TAKE THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS- NOT to take freedom to all nations. NOT to preserve freedom in our nation. And especially NOT to fight with our brothers and sisters in Christ because YOU have decided in all your wisdom that their candidate is trash.
Remember, at the end of the day, the preservation of freedom is only a temporal thing. Their importance ends when we pass from this life. Our investment in them counts for little in the eternal scheme of things. What is important is working together to reach the billions of lost people on this planet!
in closing, it is a question we all as Christians must ask ourselves: Do we have a greater zeal for Christ than for our political candidate? Would those around us know that our allegiance to the Gospel is more important to us than our allegiance to a campaign? Do we live like we have freedom and liberty that can never be taken away- because we have that freedom and liberty in Christ- or do we live in irrational fear, always looking over our shoulder, waiting for that day when the government steals it all away?
And even if the government did come and take away our temporal freedoms- tell me this- what makes us any better than our brothers and sisters in other nations who have NO temporal freedoms? What makes us better than our Lord Jesus who WILLINGLY gave up His rights and freedom for the sake of the cross, for the spiritual and eternal freedom of others?
I pray that we will ALL wake up and come to the point where our rights, freedoms, liberties are no where near as important as working for the eternal freedom of the lost... When faced with it, will we be willing to sacrifice our rights for the salvation of others? May God stir our heart so that it is so! Because only when we, as the Body of Christ, put to death our desire for our temporal rights- only then will we have a prayer for saving our Country and seeing revival sweep the land...
That is exactly correct, you heard it here, I am endorsing myself as the only true conservative in the race for President. Yes, I know what you are thinking- "But you haven't even filed, and it is past the filing date" Absolutely correct! But I here from some good sources(namely the voices in my head) that I will be selected at the brokered (or should we say broken?) convention. What's that, you ask? I have raised no money at all for any kind of campaign? Right-O my friend! I don't need to because I just KNOW it will work out to my favor! Oh, I see... you doubt my candidacy... I only have one thing to say: Um, ok, I have a few things actually: You obviously hate liberty. You obviously aren't a conservative. You obviously are too conservative. You have been brainwashed. You don't pay enough attention to the news or voices of reason. You just want another Obama for President. You just want Obama to win. You just want a radical to run and there is no way someone that radical can beat Obama. Ummm... hey, where's Perry?
Ok enough with the sarcasm and on to seriousness. This past election cycle I think has been quite brutal. Though what I just typed may have been pure and utter silliness, the truth is that has been a lot of the things that people have been yelling back and forth at each other. I think it a bit on the sad side, really. As Idaho embraced our first caucus, I spent the evening avoiding people for the sake of avoiding such petty infighting... and I think I can honestly say that is just a tragedy.
It is tragic when Christians have to avoid each other for the sake of avoiding conversations where we have disagreements. On the political realm, it should be as simple as "I have my candidate, you have yours, and that's o.k." But instead it descends into this madness over who's horse is more purebred than the other. Can I just say that, no matter who your candidate is, if the thought of your brothers and sisters in Christ having the audacity to vote for someone else sends you into fits of hyperventalation- if you feel as though your arteries are going to burst because "Brother Joe and Sister Ann are voting for THAT man?!" then I suggest you step back, take a deep breath, and get your heart right with God.
Now I know that some of you may be thinking that you can't believe I just said that. but let's be real for a minute people. IT'S AN ELECTION!!! And while I agree that freedom and liberty are wonderful blessings, and it is honorable to fight for them, we HAVE to remember that our duty as a Christian is NOT first and foremost the preservation of freedom! If it were, then my friends there is a whole Country of Chinese Christians that are living in sin!!! But they are not! Why? Because our first and foremost duty is TO TAKE THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS- NOT to take freedom to all nations. NOT to preserve freedom in our nation. And especially NOT to fight with our brothers and sisters in Christ because YOU have decided in all your wisdom that their candidate is trash.
Remember, at the end of the day, the preservation of freedom is only a temporal thing. Their importance ends when we pass from this life. Our investment in them counts for little in the eternal scheme of things. What is important is working together to reach the billions of lost people on this planet!
in closing, it is a question we all as Christians must ask ourselves: Do we have a greater zeal for Christ than for our political candidate? Would those around us know that our allegiance to the Gospel is more important to us than our allegiance to a campaign? Do we live like we have freedom and liberty that can never be taken away- because we have that freedom and liberty in Christ- or do we live in irrational fear, always looking over our shoulder, waiting for that day when the government steals it all away?
And even if the government did come and take away our temporal freedoms- tell me this- what makes us any better than our brothers and sisters in other nations who have NO temporal freedoms? What makes us better than our Lord Jesus who WILLINGLY gave up His rights and freedom for the sake of the cross, for the spiritual and eternal freedom of others?
I pray that we will ALL wake up and come to the point where our rights, freedoms, liberties are no where near as important as working for the eternal freedom of the lost... When faced with it, will we be willing to sacrifice our rights for the salvation of others? May God stir our heart so that it is so! Because only when we, as the Body of Christ, put to death our desire for our temporal rights- only then will we have a prayer for saving our Country and seeing revival sweep the land...
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Moses Ablaze: Giving Excuses to the Burning Bush
Often times, deep down inside we realize that God is not necessarily safe. Following Him is not lollipops and daisies. While it may be true that He is our shelter, protection, refuge… He does not call us to follow Him down a safe looking path. We may not always say it; but it is there in the back of our minds. He is the God who calls us down the rocky narrow path. He is the God who calls us all to follow Him. He is the God who says that He did not come to bring peace, but a sword. No; God isn’t safe- He is a consuming fire!
In the words of C.S. Lewis- He’s not safe; but He is good.
It is the Good part that we are so attracted to. We like the idea of a god who leaves us be to live our lives, and then when we are in trouble- just like a genie in a bottle- he pops out to grant our undying wishes. He coddles and consoles us, tells us all we want to hear, never asks anything from us and never has us do anything uncomfortable.
But as I said, that is not who the REAL God is. And we, in our heart, know that.
So sometimes when we come face to face with God- when we hear His call- our response to protect our insanity of comfort and contentment, is to respond with the “I can’t” excuse.
Moses is a perfect example of this.
God appears to Moses in a burning bush. He calls Moses to a very big task- to free the Israelites from slavery; to free them from the cruel hand of the task master.
Note: God does not ASK Moses to go. He TELLS Moses he will go. We must understand something: As with Moses, God doesn’t ask. He commands. Then either we choose to obey or we choose to disobey. Period.
But Moses is comfortable where he is at. He is content. Why should he put aside his life to go run off on some crazy adventure? Who talks to a bush anyway? So Moses does what most of us are so good at doing: He turns to the “I can’t” excuse. But not just once- four times he tells God “I can’t”. Let us examine them.
Excuse #1: “I can’t because You have the wrong guy”
In Exodus Moses says “Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh?” He is essentially telling God that He doesn’t know what He is doing by sending Moses, because obviously God has the wrong guy- who am I to go? Often we see things that need to be done. We see all around us a world hurting, a world in pain. But when we feel compelled to do something about it, how often do we say to ourselves- I’d love to do it, but who am I that I should go? I really am not the right person for the job. I hope God calls someone to step forward soon to make a difference- but I know that it isn’t me!!!
But how does God respond to Moses? In verse 12, he says “Certainly I will be with thee!” As long as we go with God, in obedience to God, then we ARE the right person for the job! We don’t need to worry about what WE think about ourselves! God is with us, all we need to do is be obedient!
Excuse #2: “ I can’t because I am not knowledgeable enough”
Moses told God basicly, whoa wait a second I don’t even know Your name. What am I suppose to tell them when they ask me who You are? What am I supposed to say? DID YOU THINK OF THAT GOD? Did You think about the idea that they might ask me something that I just can’t answer?
Often we say “I would love to do something- to tell people about Jesus, but I can’t because hey- I don’t know enough. I mean what if they ask me about the trinity? Or predestination? Or what if they ask for a detail by detail explanation of eschatology? I just don’t have the answers!!!”
God’s answer to Moses, and to us: “I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel
Excuse 3: “I can’t because They will not believe me”
In exodus 4:1 Moses says “But, behold, they will not believe me…” Well, after all, it is not like he was in a famous movie… he wasn’t the top news anchorman of the day… He wasn’t rated Egypt
How often do we keep our mouth shut saying this? I can’t because no one will believe me so there is no sense in wasting my time. I would love to, but they don’t know me, they don’t know that I am a pretty honest guy. I have no established reputation with them. No instead we need to pray that Angelina Jolie gets saved, or Derek Jeter: because everyone knows them and will listen to them.
God’s answer is to show him through miraculous signs that it is not up to him- or us- to convince other people of what we are saying. Our task is to take the Gospel to all nations, to stand for what is right, to stand for Jesus- God is the one who will take care of the convincing. Then it is their choice whether they believe or not.
Excuse 4- “I can’t because God did you forget that I have a speech impediment?”
Sometimes God will give us a task and our response to him is the same- I can’t because… You gave me this disability, or that disability… But do we forget that it is God who created us? Do we really believe that God is stupid or forgetful?
God’s answer to Moses and us: It is I who created you, I am fully aware of everything about you and yes- I STILL want you to do it!
When God calls us to a task we must put to death the excuse machine- put to death the “I can’t” man that dwells inside of us. Train ourselves for the race, and run it hard- run to win. Moses finally got it; he finally submitted to God, and when he did- God used him in a way that changed the world.
I ask you this in closing- are you content with half-living a dead life, with false contentment, false comfort? Are you ready to step away from self reliance, from disobedience, from bad attitudes, from the “I can’t” syndrome? There is a world of hurting people in desperate need of a hero- a saviour.
The funny thing is, that while God is the Saviour, He already has some people in mind to take the message of hope to the lost people… And it’s you and I! And we can talk all day about what you want to do in life, about if you want to be a rock star or a scientist, or a politician or an astronaught or a sports star or somebody famous but understand that NONE OF THAT is as important and relevant in your life as this: Are you going to do the task that GOD has given you? Are YOU going to take the Gospel to all the world, whether it be as a missionary in the jungles of Africa or as a salesman on a car lot pointing those you work with to Christ?
You have a choice to make- you can continue to live like the cowardly version of Moses; you can keep running from God, or you can put down the things keeping you from a closer walk with Him. You can try to keep following that “safe” god who doesn’t really exist- continuing to thank him for the good things and being satisfied in asking and asking and asking for blessings- or you can really get to know who God is. You can stay in the confines of your safe zone with God, only to find out in the end that your idea of Him was totally messed up- or you can allow Him to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. You can try and find satisfaction in living to exist- or you can rock the world around you, making real change in broken lives by choosing to exist to live!
The time has been given to you… Now what will you do with it?
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
When Calvin Met the Arminians at Subway
Sitting here in Subway, I cannot help but think about the reality that eons ago it was predetermined that I would be sitting here in this Subway, typing away on my laptop… The fact that every detail was predestined, even down to the Dr. Pepper I am sipping on, and the muscle cramp starting to form in my leg, given to me by a very uncomfortable wooden chair that was predestined to be made, sold, and placed in this very Subway… The two men sitting across the restaurant from me, munching their sandwiches, obviously have no idea that their visit was pre-planned; the man asking for Provolone cheese on his deli delight just doesn’t get that he is not really choosing to have it- it is just an involuntary part of the course of his life, a life that he makes no real decisions but instead is carefully guided, step by step, by the hand of God.
On the flip side, I cannot help but think about the reality that eons ago God decided that He would not interfere, not one iota(as my parents would say), in the path of my life that has landed me at this Subway, typing away on my laptop… The fact that every detail is completely of my choosing, completely a result of my own hand, especially down to the Dr. pepper I am sipping on because I chose on my own to fill my cup from the fountain; even the muscle cramp starting to form in my leg is completely from my own will, because I decided that I would sit in this wooden chair that has been strategically placed before me as yet one more option in the whole cosmic scheme of things… The two men munching their sandwiches across the restaurant from me are not here by Divine appointment, but rather complete coincidence, sitting here completely as the result of a spur of the moment decision they made with no outside help… And the man with the cheese? He will have it on his deli delight if he wants it and NO ONE will take that right from him!
OK, OK… So those are both extreme examples of the never ending debate of calvanism, arminianism, and all the junk that falls somewhere in the middle… I must admit, that most people on both sides are not nearly as, shall we say, fanatical as I have just portrayed them to be… But then, that isn’t exactly my point in what I am about to say anyway.
Here is the deal; while I may have overdramatized the thought processes of those who boil down their theology to the name of some Biblical scholarly scholar from “eons” ago(or as I would state, some dead guy), I did not overdramatize the fact that there is a clear distinction, a clear difference, between them. Now I am not talking about the kind of difference that leads one man to choose coke and another pepsi; but rather, it is a distinction that too many times leads to division.
Understand, I have been thinking on this subject for a little over a year now. I have friends who, as the old saying goes, are on both sides of the aisle. And as I have thought about this very fascinating discussion of whether or not God predestines people to Heaven and Hell, I have also been observing the people who ascribe to both sides of the coin(myself included). I watch how they behave, how they live out their faith, and their attitude towards those who believe differently on this subject. NOW wait a minute- before any of my friends get upset with me- no, I wasn’t just observing you. I was also taking notes on so many others I know, and reviewing notes from people I have known in my past.
I have also read on the subject, even plodding through my Biblical commentaries written by Mr. John Calvin, as well as some of his other writings. Even more importantly, I have read the scriptures… After all, what better place to find out about a subject than from the Word right?
And I have come to my conclusion… Which is the point of my musing on this subject tonight… I think that the best way to explain my thoughts on this is to take you back one more time to Subway, looking at the scene from what I believe may be Christ’s perspective(based on what I have read in the Bible)…
Sitting here in Subway, I am stunned at the thought that a stinking wretch like me could be in the presence of God even here, as I type away on my laptop. It is made possible only and completely because of never ending Grace and Mercy shown to me by the love of Christ, and His sacrifice. The Dr. Pepper I am sipping on reminds me of His provision(even if it is unhealthy); the cramp that is starting to form in my leg reminds me of the hope that one day I will be in a place where there will be no more pain and sorrow. The two men munching on their sandwiches remind me of the fact that He cares enough to provide for their needs whether they know Him or not, and a reminder that He has commanded us to take the Gospel to every creature- the Gospel that the Creator of the universe wants to break bread with even them, if they would believe on the Gospel and be saved… The man choosing provolone for his sandwich? What decisions has he made that brought him to this point in his life? What pain and sorrow, what guilt and brokenness does he carry, and who- if anyone- has offered him the One thing that will cause him to never hunger again- the entrance to a land flowing with milk and honey?
In short, I guess what I am saying is that while it is an interesting discussion, and that we should be getting in scripture and asking God for wisdom on this- and all doctrine; we must NOT in the process loose sight of the goal! God did not say to take our understanding of doctrines and theologies to all the world- rather, He commanded that we take the GOSPEL to all nations. The Gospel is much simpler than the doctrine of predestination, I think. It is simply this- that we are born sinners, hopelessly lost, enemies of God, worthy of His wrath, on a path for eternal damnation with no chance of reconciliation to God- except for this; that God showed his love for us in this, that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us- That He so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him- that whoever confesses with their mouth Jesus is Lord and believes in their heart that God has raised Him from the dead- shall be saved!
Now in case you are wondering why I am addressing this- because too often we let this doctrine divide us. A Body united, so it goes… but too often we are a Body divided. I guess you could say I wonder how much more of an impact we Christians could have if we concentrated on working together to spread the Gospel instead of fighting each other! Let’s get something straight- not one single person has been or ever will be saved because they believed in Calvanism; not one soul has been rescued from the fires of hell because they chose to believe in Arminianism; and no one has experienced the saving Grace of God by experiencing an adherence to the middle ground…
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Condoms, Catholics, and the Right To Free Birth Control
And so it begins... What I believe to be an event that could be a turning point in American history. An event that, if not stopped, could be the very sign of what is to come... A sign of treachery, of difficulty, of seperating the wheat from the tares. Though at first glance, it wouldn't appear that way... But let's gaze into the looking glass and see what exactly I am referring to...
Why, could it be? Ah, yes... I am referring to that cheshire grin from dear president Barry Hussein... And his administration's recent health care mandate. You know, that one existing in the small words of Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. It was from her mouth that the machine uttered the order that from now on, EVERY employer must provide insurance for their employees that covers birth control, and abortificients. Of course in keeping everyone's feelings and beliefs in mind the machine issued... Oh, where is it... The number of waivers they issued was... Oh... I guess none... But that's ok, because the religous exception is right here in the third... Oh, wait... No, there is no religous exceptions after all! huh... Interesting...
Interesting because of the fact that the very first to take notice of this were all the Catholic churches and their many non-profit organizations they run. And why? Because birth control and abortificients in any and all forms, in their belief and doctrinal teachings, is sin. So this means... that they will either violate their conscience, or conform to Barry Hussein and his regime.
Now before I get any further, I understand that different people have different views on birth control- and I am not debating either side of that debate today. But rather, it is important to understand that this is NOT about whether birth control is right or wrong. In all honesty, though it is veiled as being a measure to "support women's rights", I would dare say that it has nothing to do with women either. Actually, I hate to say it, but the women's rights groups are very much being used like a prostitute by a pimp... But I digress.
Before I give you my analysis I must also mention that, yes, after much public outrage, Obama did come out with a "compromise" of sorts... He stated that, by his order, "Religious organizations won't have to pay for these services, and no religious institution will have to provide these services directly." Key word: DIRECTLY. Take note of that. Keep in mind, also, that in his order, he mandated that ALL insurance companies will be REQUIRED to offer and provide birth control and abortificients to ALL women at NO charge. Yes, you read that correctly. He told PRIVATE business that they MUST provide a service at NO charge, even though it WILL cost said insurance company to fulfil their new "obligation".
But that's ok, cause they are, after all, a part of the 1%...
Right?
Here's the deal... First off, NO WHERE in the Constitution is the government granted the power to tell ANY business that they MUST provide ANY service for free. It is called private business for a reason. Last I checked, the only government officials who actually believe that they have this kind of power are people like, Hugo Chavez... the Chinese... Joseph Stalin... And other charming, yet witty, COMMUNISTS. What Obama has done, without any congressional approval mind you (which is also a Constitutional violation), is a blatant attack on business- and a classic example of redistribution of wealth.
But it is deeper than that. Notice that he said that little word, "directly"? Understand that when a company has cost going out, they will find a way to bring in funds to cover the cost. That is because it is their job. Their job is to profit. If they are losing profit, they are failing at their job. So the question becomes- how do they recapture those lost dollars? You guessed it- by raising the premiums on all those religous folk who were just told they would not be "directly" paying for birth control... Because they will, in truth, be paying for it INdirectly. which last time I checked, was STILL a violation of their beliefs.
Of course, then there is the whole matter of religous insurance companies... I am not sure how the Catholics provide insurance for their priests, so I can only draw from the example of the Southern Baptist organization. They hire a religous insurance group that is set up for the sole purpose of providing insurance specifically for Southern Baptist preachers and all of the faith based employees and missionaries that fall under their umbrella. This means that this mandate requires all baptists everywhere to violate their conscience on abortificients by forcing a religous organization to provide them for free. As I said I am unsure how Catholics handle the insurance question, but one must assume the possibility that their system is set up in similar fashion.
Understand, this is a calculated attack on religous freedom. How hard would it be to allow religous orgainzations to provide insurance information to all potential employees outlining what they do and don't provide before they are hired? This way if they don't like something, they can choose to work elsewhere! There is also that grand option of the person who really feels they need contraception to make a trip to their local Planned Parenthood and get birth control handed to them for free... Or, and I say this cautiosly, the idea that maybe the person "could PAY" for their own condoms!!! Oh, but why would we in this entitlement society require that?
Get this: If this is allowed to stand, we will look back and see this as just the starting point for religous persecution by the federal government. Remember it never starts out big- it's just the small stuff that we feel we can compromise on that they focus on first. No matter our theology, church or creed, we must stand in one voice against this- even if you personally have no problems with contraceptions. Because it is not about if condoms are right or wrong- it's about whether or not the government can require you to go against your religous belief- it's about whether or not the first ammendment matters... If we fail to stand with those who think condoms are sinful now, well- eventually we will be wishing there were people left to stand with us on the religous beliefs that we hold dear...
Why, could it be? Ah, yes... I am referring to that cheshire grin from dear president Barry Hussein... And his administration's recent health care mandate. You know, that one existing in the small words of Kathleen Sebelius, the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. It was from her mouth that the machine uttered the order that from now on, EVERY employer must provide insurance for their employees that covers birth control, and abortificients. Of course in keeping everyone's feelings and beliefs in mind the machine issued... Oh, where is it... The number of waivers they issued was... Oh... I guess none... But that's ok, because the religous exception is right here in the third... Oh, wait... No, there is no religous exceptions after all! huh... Interesting...
Interesting because of the fact that the very first to take notice of this were all the Catholic churches and their many non-profit organizations they run. And why? Because birth control and abortificients in any and all forms, in their belief and doctrinal teachings, is sin. So this means... that they will either violate their conscience, or conform to Barry Hussein and his regime.
Now before I get any further, I understand that different people have different views on birth control- and I am not debating either side of that debate today. But rather, it is important to understand that this is NOT about whether birth control is right or wrong. In all honesty, though it is veiled as being a measure to "support women's rights", I would dare say that it has nothing to do with women either. Actually, I hate to say it, but the women's rights groups are very much being used like a prostitute by a pimp... But I digress.
Before I give you my analysis I must also mention that, yes, after much public outrage, Obama did come out with a "compromise" of sorts... He stated that, by his order, "Religious organizations won't have to pay for these services, and no religious institution will have to provide these services directly." Key word: DIRECTLY. Take note of that. Keep in mind, also, that in his order, he mandated that ALL insurance companies will be REQUIRED to offer and provide birth control and abortificients to ALL women at NO charge. Yes, you read that correctly. He told PRIVATE business that they MUST provide a service at NO charge, even though it WILL cost said insurance company to fulfil their new "obligation".
But that's ok, cause they are, after all, a part of the 1%...
Right?
Here's the deal... First off, NO WHERE in the Constitution is the government granted the power to tell ANY business that they MUST provide ANY service for free. It is called private business for a reason. Last I checked, the only government officials who actually believe that they have this kind of power are people like, Hugo Chavez... the Chinese... Joseph Stalin... And other charming, yet witty, COMMUNISTS. What Obama has done, without any congressional approval mind you (which is also a Constitutional violation), is a blatant attack on business- and a classic example of redistribution of wealth.
But it is deeper than that. Notice that he said that little word, "directly"? Understand that when a company has cost going out, they will find a way to bring in funds to cover the cost. That is because it is their job. Their job is to profit. If they are losing profit, they are failing at their job. So the question becomes- how do they recapture those lost dollars? You guessed it- by raising the premiums on all those religous folk who were just told they would not be "directly" paying for birth control... Because they will, in truth, be paying for it INdirectly. which last time I checked, was STILL a violation of their beliefs.
Of course, then there is the whole matter of religous insurance companies... I am not sure how the Catholics provide insurance for their priests, so I can only draw from the example of the Southern Baptist organization. They hire a religous insurance group that is set up for the sole purpose of providing insurance specifically for Southern Baptist preachers and all of the faith based employees and missionaries that fall under their umbrella. This means that this mandate requires all baptists everywhere to violate their conscience on abortificients by forcing a religous organization to provide them for free. As I said I am unsure how Catholics handle the insurance question, but one must assume the possibility that their system is set up in similar fashion.
Understand, this is a calculated attack on religous freedom. How hard would it be to allow religous orgainzations to provide insurance information to all potential employees outlining what they do and don't provide before they are hired? This way if they don't like something, they can choose to work elsewhere! There is also that grand option of the person who really feels they need contraception to make a trip to their local Planned Parenthood and get birth control handed to them for free... Or, and I say this cautiosly, the idea that maybe the person "could PAY" for their own condoms!!! Oh, but why would we in this entitlement society require that?
Get this: If this is allowed to stand, we will look back and see this as just the starting point for religous persecution by the federal government. Remember it never starts out big- it's just the small stuff that we feel we can compromise on that they focus on first. No matter our theology, church or creed, we must stand in one voice against this- even if you personally have no problems with contraceptions. Because it is not about if condoms are right or wrong- it's about whether or not the government can require you to go against your religous belief- it's about whether or not the first ammendment matters... If we fail to stand with those who think condoms are sinful now, well- eventually we will be wishing there were people left to stand with us on the religous beliefs that we hold dear...
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Jesus Skips America On His Way To Africa...
I have a simple question: why it is that when missionaries go overseas they see a huge response to the Gospel while here at home the response to the Gospel is limited? I have had this question on my mind a lot lately, as I hear missionaries report things such as the fact that there are more chinese people being born again than being born in China(despite the fact that Christianity is virtually banned by the government there); or that missionaries who find their feet on African soil are greeted with people almost begging to hear the Good News; or that in Islamic-controlled arabian nations not only is mission work winning people to Christ but even the dreams of the citizens of these countries have them seeking Jesus. The only way I can comprehend it is like saying going to some of these foreign nations is like going to a bulk food store when it comes to people putting their faith in Jesus; yet here at home, if a church has 10 converts in a month it is said that "The Holy Spirit is at work in that church"...
And I am left to wonder, why the difference? Why do people run to hear the Gospel in one place, and shy away from it in another? Is it possible that it is all about the Holy Spirit moving? What I mean is, is it that God is just choosing NOT to move here in America? Or is there something more, some deeper reason for it?
I must admit, I am no theologian. I have no degree in Bible scholarly-scholarship thinking. But I have a theory. I wonder if part of it is in how we evangelize. Let me explain by first asking a question: When we send missionaries to Africa, what is their strategy for reaching the lost? Answer: They hand out personal testimonies of how Jesus radicaly changed their life. When we send missionaries to Thailand, or South America- how do they treat each encounter with the people around them? Like potential divine appointments, a non-coincidental crossing of paths in which to share the Good News of Jesus. When we send missionaries to China, how do they treat the Bible? Like it is a treasure that is worth risking their life for! I think I can sum it up this way: when missionaries trod on foreign soil, their lives are radicly changed into a resemblance more along the lines of what we would envision the apostles to have been like.
But... what about here, in America? How do we as Christians evangelize in our own country, the land that is supposed to be a shining city on a hill, a Christian nation? Well? How DO we evangelize here?
...
I know- we do good works. we mow our neighbor's lawn. We help that single mother to her car with her groceries. We walk granny across the street. We do many wonderful things of the like. And on occasion, if we are feeling bold, we invite them in a hurried- almost hushed- breath, "Would you like to go to church with me?" Of course, we are careful to whom we issue the invite, as they might be offended and then not want any more of our "good works", which in turn would deny them of the priveledge of seeing us live out the Gospel...
NOW BEFORE YOU GET MAD... I am in no way saying that there is not a time or place for that type of evangelism. I do believe that with some people, they will only be reached through relational evangelism. I get that. Jesus was the one, after all, who said that when we as believers do good works, they will glorify God in heaven. But here is where I differ from much common thinking: This has been the strategy for reaching America for a long time, and it isn't working. As I said, I am not condemning the practice, but rather I am saying that all too often we allow that to replace ALL forms of evangelism here on the homefront. I say this in all realization that way too often I am very guilty of this too. But if this is the only evangelism that the Body of Christ, as a whole, practices- then it is no wonder there are so few people turning to Jesus.
But what is the importance of being so bold about the Gospel? Let me pose to you a thought... I saw a poll recently that suggested that 80% of Americans consider themselves Christians. Why do you think this nation is as messed up as it is if so many Americans believe they are Christians? The obvious answer is, because most Americans are not TRUE Christians. If they were, then obviously they would be living radicly different than they are and it would reflect in our culture. But you see, that poses a whole new question that must be answered: WHY then do so many people claim to be something they are not? Once again, I pose a theory: I believe it is because most Americans don't have a clue what it means to be a Christian, because I believe that most Americans have never actually heard the Gospel in it's full, unadulterated content! Oh sure, we have Christian bumper stickers and billboards and t-shirts and televangelists they might catch a bit of as they channel surf... BUT have they actually HEARD the Gospel? Have people actually sat down and explained to them WHY they need a Saviour? Or has Christianity been reduced to just a tagline in our culture?
Now perhaps you can see where I am going with this... If we only rely on the "do good works" philosophy of evangelism, then who sits down to tell them WHY we do good works? There is no one to explain WHY we are mowing their lawn or carrying their groceries! (I say this in general; yes, I do know some people are doing this, but I mean the Body of Christ as a whole- and sadly must include myself in this!) Look, the reality is that if we don't ever share the Gospel then we can't very much expect them to hear it. If we never explain to them that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, then we can't very much expect them to repent of their sins.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking: BUT we live in America, and everyone's heart is hardened here. There is no hope. The culture is getting worse and God is only working in other Countries. O.K. To that I will counter your point with this: Has God said there is no hope for America? have you had some divine revelation that you would like to share with the class about how God told you to just give up and go home?
I didn't think so...
There is an interesting account in Scripture found in Luke 5:1-9 in which Jesus happens across some fishermen. They had just pulled in from an all-night fishing trip in which they caught nothing. Jesus asked them to take Him out on their boat, and after some teaching he asked them to cast out their fishing nets. The men, who were professionals in their trade, offered to Jesus that they had already fished there all night with no results, so obviously nothing was there. But they did it anyway, I would dare say possibly with some reluctance. I know that I would be thinking- listen up, buddy, you are a good teacher and all but this is crazy! But what happened? Luke tells us that they caught 2 boatfuls of fish, so much so that the boats were sinking!
I share this Scripture for a reason. I think too often we say, in a matter of terms, that there are no fish left in America. We have been out all night casting our good works nets. we have labored with our conservatism and social justice nets. We have drug the depths with our Christian clothing lines. All good things- but we keep coming up empty. So when we feel that prodding of the Spirit our first response is, "I am the professional here, and I am telling you this is a waste of time". But is it really a waste of time? Is it true that we are left with only a few "fishes" here and there?
Or is it only a waste of time if we are not doing it with the power of the Holy Spirit, as He leads us to do it?
Well, my thoughts went on longer than I intended, so I am going to sum this up now with these closing thoughts...
We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't look for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Paul writes that we are to walk in the Spirit- Galatians 5:16. If we walk in the Spirit that does not mean take a few steps and then leave Him behind. But rather walk in His guidance. We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't actually take the gifts God has given and use them to reach the lost; to share with them our testimony, to sit with them and explain the Gospel instead of leaving them with crumbs of it and expect them to change.
My challenge to you- and me- is simply to ponder on this for a bit: What would happen if we actually evangelized America the way we evangelize other nations, and in the SAME breath that we share the Gospel we proclaim in faith and actually believe that God will move in our land?
And I am left to wonder, why the difference? Why do people run to hear the Gospel in one place, and shy away from it in another? Is it possible that it is all about the Holy Spirit moving? What I mean is, is it that God is just choosing NOT to move here in America? Or is there something more, some deeper reason for it?
I must admit, I am no theologian. I have no degree in Bible scholarly-scholarship thinking. But I have a theory. I wonder if part of it is in how we evangelize. Let me explain by first asking a question: When we send missionaries to Africa, what is their strategy for reaching the lost? Answer: They hand out personal testimonies of how Jesus radicaly changed their life. When we send missionaries to Thailand, or South America- how do they treat each encounter with the people around them? Like potential divine appointments, a non-coincidental crossing of paths in which to share the Good News of Jesus. When we send missionaries to China, how do they treat the Bible? Like it is a treasure that is worth risking their life for! I think I can sum it up this way: when missionaries trod on foreign soil, their lives are radicly changed into a resemblance more along the lines of what we would envision the apostles to have been like.
But... what about here, in America? How do we as Christians evangelize in our own country, the land that is supposed to be a shining city on a hill, a Christian nation? Well? How DO we evangelize here?
...
I know- we do good works. we mow our neighbor's lawn. We help that single mother to her car with her groceries. We walk granny across the street. We do many wonderful things of the like. And on occasion, if we are feeling bold, we invite them in a hurried- almost hushed- breath, "Would you like to go to church with me?" Of course, we are careful to whom we issue the invite, as they might be offended and then not want any more of our "good works", which in turn would deny them of the priveledge of seeing us live out the Gospel...
NOW BEFORE YOU GET MAD... I am in no way saying that there is not a time or place for that type of evangelism. I do believe that with some people, they will only be reached through relational evangelism. I get that. Jesus was the one, after all, who said that when we as believers do good works, they will glorify God in heaven. But here is where I differ from much common thinking: This has been the strategy for reaching America for a long time, and it isn't working. As I said, I am not condemning the practice, but rather I am saying that all too often we allow that to replace ALL forms of evangelism here on the homefront. I say this in all realization that way too often I am very guilty of this too. But if this is the only evangelism that the Body of Christ, as a whole, practices- then it is no wonder there are so few people turning to Jesus.
But what is the importance of being so bold about the Gospel? Let me pose to you a thought... I saw a poll recently that suggested that 80% of Americans consider themselves Christians. Why do you think this nation is as messed up as it is if so many Americans believe they are Christians? The obvious answer is, because most Americans are not TRUE Christians. If they were, then obviously they would be living radicly different than they are and it would reflect in our culture. But you see, that poses a whole new question that must be answered: WHY then do so many people claim to be something they are not? Once again, I pose a theory: I believe it is because most Americans don't have a clue what it means to be a Christian, because I believe that most Americans have never actually heard the Gospel in it's full, unadulterated content! Oh sure, we have Christian bumper stickers and billboards and t-shirts and televangelists they might catch a bit of as they channel surf... BUT have they actually HEARD the Gospel? Have people actually sat down and explained to them WHY they need a Saviour? Or has Christianity been reduced to just a tagline in our culture?
Now perhaps you can see where I am going with this... If we only rely on the "do good works" philosophy of evangelism, then who sits down to tell them WHY we do good works? There is no one to explain WHY we are mowing their lawn or carrying their groceries! (I say this in general; yes, I do know some people are doing this, but I mean the Body of Christ as a whole- and sadly must include myself in this!) Look, the reality is that if we don't ever share the Gospel then we can't very much expect them to hear it. If we never explain to them that they are a sinner in need of a Savior, then we can't very much expect them to repent of their sins.
Now I know what some of you may be thinking: BUT we live in America, and everyone's heart is hardened here. There is no hope. The culture is getting worse and God is only working in other Countries. O.K. To that I will counter your point with this: Has God said there is no hope for America? have you had some divine revelation that you would like to share with the class about how God told you to just give up and go home?
I didn't think so...
There is an interesting account in Scripture found in Luke 5:1-9 in which Jesus happens across some fishermen. They had just pulled in from an all-night fishing trip in which they caught nothing. Jesus asked them to take Him out on their boat, and after some teaching he asked them to cast out their fishing nets. The men, who were professionals in their trade, offered to Jesus that they had already fished there all night with no results, so obviously nothing was there. But they did it anyway, I would dare say possibly with some reluctance. I know that I would be thinking- listen up, buddy, you are a good teacher and all but this is crazy! But what happened? Luke tells us that they caught 2 boatfuls of fish, so much so that the boats were sinking!
I share this Scripture for a reason. I think too often we say, in a matter of terms, that there are no fish left in America. We have been out all night casting our good works nets. we have labored with our conservatism and social justice nets. We have drug the depths with our Christian clothing lines. All good things- but we keep coming up empty. So when we feel that prodding of the Spirit our first response is, "I am the professional here, and I am telling you this is a waste of time". But is it really a waste of time? Is it true that we are left with only a few "fishes" here and there?
Or is it only a waste of time if we are not doing it with the power of the Holy Spirit, as He leads us to do it?
Well, my thoughts went on longer than I intended, so I am going to sum this up now with these closing thoughts...
We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't look for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Paul writes that we are to walk in the Spirit- Galatians 5:16. If we walk in the Spirit that does not mean take a few steps and then leave Him behind. But rather walk in His guidance. We will never see the Holy Spirit move in America if we don't actually take the gifts God has given and use them to reach the lost; to share with them our testimony, to sit with them and explain the Gospel instead of leaving them with crumbs of it and expect them to change.
My challenge to you- and me- is simply to ponder on this for a bit: What would happen if we actually evangelized America the way we evangelize other nations, and in the SAME breath that we share the Gospel we proclaim in faith and actually believe that God will move in our land?
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