Thank you to our current and former US servicemen and women who have committed to give their lives to protect us and our freedom! So many in the past have paid the ultimate price helping to ensure our continued freedom from oppressive dictators, communistic ambitions, and violent terrorism - we are very fortunate!
Our freedom means so much to us. The obvious benefit is that our freedom allows us to pursue faith and happiness and success within the bounds of reasonable laws. On Memorial Day I trust that all Americans are appreciating those freedoms and honoring those who have preserved them. Today, we can travel anywhere in our country, gather with whomever we wish, worship and believe in the God of our choice, pray for our govt leaders (whom we freely elected), and we even have the freedom to work and earn time and a half if we so choose (so that I can enjoy my coffee at Starbucks while I write this.)
Let's think about the less obvious implications of our freedom. Knowing that my church, like the first church in Acts 2, gives generously and voluntarily and serves God without compulsion, I can conclude that the church is not in some way creating another form of communism (which some of claimed of the early church.) The early church gave freely of what they had because of their concern and love. We love God, we love our church family, and we love those who are lost and hurting and so we give and serve freely because of that love. Communism is about taking from its members, but a free society under God's rule is about those members giving freely - huge difference.
Freedom demonstrates relevance -
Yesterday at our church people put money in the offering basket. Our church is free of government interference and consequently is not supported by the govt (not the case in some European countries & the Middle East). So, our church's ongoing existence and the ministries we do to benefit others comes from the free choice of our members to give...and to give whatever amount they choose. The fact that we continue to exist and to offer significant ministry is a sign that we are relevant and needed (or the income would cease.) In a communist country the church would be highly regulated and supported by the state, so a church's survival is no way to evaluate if a church is relevant and impacting, because the state is notorious for underwriting inefficient organizations.
Freedom demonstrates love -
At our church yesterday we had a team of people who arrived early to set up for church, and to practice music, and to prepare a volunteer breakfast, and to hand out bulletins, and to run the sound system, and to welcome people, and to teach children, and to set up road signs, and to make coffee, and to tear everything down when church was done. Many of these volunteers gave 3-6 hours Sunday morning. Yet, they did this freely - no one was making them work and no one was paying them (how do you pay a vol time and a half for holiday weekend work?) Service by a volunteer done freely, is a demonstration of love. As you serve your family you demonstrate love. As you serve your church you demonstrate love for God and your church family. As we serve our community they know we love them. Without freedom the motivation is unclear.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
Christian Communists
This Sunday in my message to our church I will be asking the question, "Is it God's will for wealth to be redistributed?" This is the debate going on between our nation's political conservatives and our President. They claim that it is his goal to redistribute the wealth of America so that the gap between the "haves" and the "have nots," can be diminished.
This debate elicits some of the most brazen of labels being heatedly exchanged between the two camps. The conservatives call the President a "socialist" and a "communist" (among other things.) Yet, with the recent unveiling of the corruption and greed of our financial system and the unjustified gigantic bonuses that get paid to executives even in cases where the company is under-performing, the conservative side is vulnerable to being attacked as "greedy" and "self-serving."
According to the trusted biblical author, Luke, it is undeniable that the first generation of Christians, "sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." So, what are we to do with this? In Acts 2:42-47 we see these Christians gathering together in very close community and "having everything in common." Were the early believers a bunch of communists? Was this a pattern of mutuality that God intended to continue? Why didn't it continue and should it be re-instituted?
My thoughts on these significant questions is fundamentally tied to what Memorial Day is all about... so you'll hear my conclusions on "Christian Communists" on Monday in my entry on the "Sacrifice of American Heroes."
This debate elicits some of the most brazen of labels being heatedly exchanged between the two camps. The conservatives call the President a "socialist" and a "communist" (among other things.) Yet, with the recent unveiling of the corruption and greed of our financial system and the unjustified gigantic bonuses that get paid to executives even in cases where the company is under-performing, the conservative side is vulnerable to being attacked as "greedy" and "self-serving."
According to the trusted biblical author, Luke, it is undeniable that the first generation of Christians, "sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." So, what are we to do with this? In Acts 2:42-47 we see these Christians gathering together in very close community and "having everything in common." Were the early believers a bunch of communists? Was this a pattern of mutuality that God intended to continue? Why didn't it continue and should it be re-instituted?
My thoughts on these significant questions is fundamentally tied to what Memorial Day is all about... so you'll hear my conclusions on "Christian Communists" on Monday in my entry on the "Sacrifice of American Heroes."
Sunday, May 22, 2011
God's prophet? No. Raised an important issue? Yes.
It's May 22nd and to few people's surprise, no cataclysmic event occurred yesterday to mark the beginning of the end. Truth be told many people did some soul searching as a result of the hype generated by some guy in N Cal (I don't remember his name and don't care to). I don't know enough about this guy to know if he's the religious version of Donald Trump or maybe he's sincere. What I do know is that he was wrong and if he lived in ancient times he'd have been stoned as a false prophet (I'll limit my response to simple ridicule.)
What matters most is that we are all well prepared for the imminent return of Christ. What the late night comedians failed to realize as they were making fun of this prediction is that Christ could have come on Wednesday last week...or while I'm in the middle of writing this entry for that matter. They make fun of him because they think the idea of Christ's return is silly. I make fun of him for Theological reasons - the Bible is clear that NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY. But make no mistake, the reality of his return is not silly.
Since we don't know the day, we have to be prepared just like when the boss says he may stop by some time this week for a surprise inspection or the teacher says be ready for a pop quiz at any time. Are you ready for Christ to return at any moment? We knew he wouldn't come Saturday because so many people were expecting it. However, no one expects it in 5 minutes or maybe tomorrow.
Preparation for his coming begins with faith in His Son Jesus. To trust Jesus as the only avenue to God and to ask him for forgiveness of sins is the beginning. We must also believe that Jesus took the punishment for our sins and that he rose from the dead. This faith invites God's Spirit to indwell us and make us a part of God's family. From that point forward we prepare for his coming by following his leading - to serve him and to turn from the sins and moral pitfalls that beset us.
When I stand before him I want to be able to say that I have believed in His Son Jesus (John chapter 3) and have followed him as best I can. I want him to say to me, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into your master's happiness (Mat 25:21.)"
What matters most is that we are all well prepared for the imminent return of Christ. What the late night comedians failed to realize as they were making fun of this prediction is that Christ could have come on Wednesday last week...or while I'm in the middle of writing this entry for that matter. They make fun of him because they think the idea of Christ's return is silly. I make fun of him for Theological reasons - the Bible is clear that NO ONE KNOWS THE DAY. But make no mistake, the reality of his return is not silly.
Since we don't know the day, we have to be prepared just like when the boss says he may stop by some time this week for a surprise inspection or the teacher says be ready for a pop quiz at any time. Are you ready for Christ to return at any moment? We knew he wouldn't come Saturday because so many people were expecting it. However, no one expects it in 5 minutes or maybe tomorrow.
Preparation for his coming begins with faith in His Son Jesus. To trust Jesus as the only avenue to God and to ask him for forgiveness of sins is the beginning. We must also believe that Jesus took the punishment for our sins and that he rose from the dead. This faith invites God's Spirit to indwell us and make us a part of God's family. From that point forward we prepare for his coming by following his leading - to serve him and to turn from the sins and moral pitfalls that beset us.
When I stand before him I want to be able to say that I have believed in His Son Jesus (John chapter 3) and have followed him as best I can. I want him to say to me, "Well done good and faithful servant, enter into your master's happiness (Mat 25:21.)"
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The World Ends Saturday, May 21st (Part 1)
I hadn't really been paying attention, until recently. I was at a ministry conference in Sacramento last week and I drove by a group of people on the side of the road with banners and signs touting this Saturday as the end of the world. I've also been receiving calls, texts and emails from friends wanting to know if it's true.
The answer is given in Scripture (and you don't even have to be good at math) – see 1 Thes 5:2, 4; 2 Peter 3:10 and Rev 3:3; 16:15. Each one of these verses describe the Day of the Lord like a thief coming to rob you. If you’ve ever been robbed you’ll understand how this feels. You had no idea until after it happened – it’s extremely startling. These verses plus others can be synthesized into a doctrine called "the imminent return of Christ." Simply stated, Christ could return at any moment.
I invite you to take some time to ponder these verses and the idea that Christ could return at any point. Then, take some time to reflect on what affect that belief has on us if we truly hold to it. Also, consider whether this doctrine has any implications for the predictions that people like to make about the return of Christ or the end of the world. With that I'll leave you to your own conclusions and convictions about the May 21st prophecy.
If you're still wondering about my opinion... could this prophecy by true? Look for my opinion in part two which I will be posting this Sunday.
The answer is given in Scripture (and you don't even have to be good at math) – see 1 Thes 5:2, 4; 2 Peter 3:10 and Rev 3:3; 16:15. Each one of these verses describe the Day of the Lord like a thief coming to rob you. If you’ve ever been robbed you’ll understand how this feels. You had no idea until after it happened – it’s extremely startling. These verses plus others can be synthesized into a doctrine called "the imminent return of Christ." Simply stated, Christ could return at any moment.
If you're still wondering about my opinion... could this prophecy by true? Look for my opinion in part two which I will be posting this Sunday.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Ding Dong Bin Laden is Dead - Part 2
When I was in Africa I heard a very disturbing thing. There are many myths about AIDS that have spread around the continent and one of them basically states, "if a man with AIDS, has sex with a virgin, he'll be cured." The many lives that have been destroyed by that one myth alone is tragic. Can you imagine the emotions of a young lady who has to deal with the pain of rape followed by a diagnosis of HIV positive? Can you imagine being the dad, brother or friend?
When we take our heads out of the sand we realize that examples like this are merely one of a million examples of evil that has spread to every corner of the globe. When this evil is confronted and resolved/destroyed it's a natural thing for people who desire righteousness and justice to be glad, relieved, thankful, excited. Whenever righteousness prevails it's a picture of what heaven will be like. Unfortunately, on earth we can enjoy the elimination of someone like Bin Laden but have to immediately be aware that there are many others ready to take his place.
The imprecatory Psalms (i.e. Psalm 58) are a call for God to curse enemies. You may find these difficult to swallow knowing that we're to love and pray for our enemies. I find them refreshingly honest and human in the face of pure evil. Imagine the feelings of people around the world who had to watch Hitler perpetrate his brand of evil. Then, imagine their feelings upon hearing of Hitler's death. That's what the Psalmist feels toward evil men who were doing things against him, against God and against God's people.
My best advice to Christians would be to think of this in two parts - Pre and Post.
Pre is while the evil or evil man is still alive. In the pre we pray for their conversion to Christ to find his redemption and life. We also support and pray for those in our govt whom God has put in that place to create order, that they would be successful in protecting us and defeating the evil. Our feelings of anger and frustration are expressed to God (your imprecation) - that shows faith in him that His will be done.
Post is when the evil is defeated. The feelings of excitement and joy should be directed to glorify God, not to glorify violence. As Christians we understand that violence is a part of this fallen world and sometimes is necessary for our peace officers and military in their calling to fight evil and anarchy. Our goal is to be known as peacemakers, but we realized that on some occasions peace comes through the violence authorized by our govt.
When we take our heads out of the sand we realize that examples like this are merely one of a million examples of evil that has spread to every corner of the globe. When this evil is confronted and resolved/destroyed it's a natural thing for people who desire righteousness and justice to be glad, relieved, thankful, excited. Whenever righteousness prevails it's a picture of what heaven will be like. Unfortunately, on earth we can enjoy the elimination of someone like Bin Laden but have to immediately be aware that there are many others ready to take his place.
The imprecatory Psalms (i.e. Psalm 58) are a call for God to curse enemies. You may find these difficult to swallow knowing that we're to love and pray for our enemies. I find them refreshingly honest and human in the face of pure evil. Imagine the feelings of people around the world who had to watch Hitler perpetrate his brand of evil. Then, imagine their feelings upon hearing of Hitler's death. That's what the Psalmist feels toward evil men who were doing things against him, against God and against God's people.
My best advice to Christians would be to think of this in two parts - Pre and Post.
Pre is while the evil or evil man is still alive. In the pre we pray for their conversion to Christ to find his redemption and life. We also support and pray for those in our govt whom God has put in that place to create order, that they would be successful in protecting us and defeating the evil. Our feelings of anger and frustration are expressed to God (your imprecation) - that shows faith in him that His will be done.
Post is when the evil is defeated. The feelings of excitement and joy should be directed to glorify God, not to glorify violence. As Christians we understand that violence is a part of this fallen world and sometimes is necessary for our peace officers and military in their calling to fight evil and anarchy. Our goal is to be known as peacemakers, but we realized that on some occasions peace comes through the violence authorized by our govt.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Ding Dong Bin Laden is Dead - Part 1
One of the first things that came to my mind the night I tuned in to the breaking news about the demise of Osama Bin Laden, was that song from the Wizard of Oz when the house lands on the wicked witch. All people of the land festively sang and danced with great joy and relief. Although entirely non-graphic in nature the fact remains that I have never had even a moment's pause in letting my kids watch this celebration of violence. In fact I've never even considered it violence until writing this blog right now.
It's interesting that there are some things in this world that seem to personify pure evil so absolutely that we don't feel a bit of empathy when we witness their destruction. Sunday night May 1, I saw Americans spontaneously dancing and singing and chanting all around our country and I wanted to join in. These were natural responses that came from deep within many of us. Yet, were they Christ-like? That's the question His followers are always asking ourselves.
We know that our human instincts often aren't the best guides to our decisions - the sinful nature has marred much of our perspective and attitudes. Our feelings and emotions need to be examined through the grid of Scripture and compared with the life Christ lived. Surprisingly, when Jesus was being treated unjustly and abused relentlessly on the day of his execution, he still prayed for those who were propagating the violence against him. We also know from the Sermon on the Mount that we are to pray for our enemies.
Honestly, I have to admit in the 10 years since I watched on live TV as the Trade Center Buildings crumbled in a heap and then admired from a distance as our military pursued Bin Laden and his network of evil people, I never took the time to pray for him. So, I now have to wonder if my attitude would have been different had I been praying for him... perhaps not. More on this topic (including a look at the Imprecatory Psalms) soon to be posted in "Part 2."
It's interesting that there are some things in this world that seem to personify pure evil so absolutely that we don't feel a bit of empathy when we witness their destruction. Sunday night May 1, I saw Americans spontaneously dancing and singing and chanting all around our country and I wanted to join in. These were natural responses that came from deep within many of us. Yet, were they Christ-like? That's the question His followers are always asking ourselves.
We know that our human instincts often aren't the best guides to our decisions - the sinful nature has marred much of our perspective and attitudes. Our feelings and emotions need to be examined through the grid of Scripture and compared with the life Christ lived. Surprisingly, when Jesus was being treated unjustly and abused relentlessly on the day of his execution, he still prayed for those who were propagating the violence against him. We also know from the Sermon on the Mount that we are to pray for our enemies.
Honestly, I have to admit in the 10 years since I watched on live TV as the Trade Center Buildings crumbled in a heap and then admired from a distance as our military pursued Bin Laden and his network of evil people, I never took the time to pray for him. So, I now have to wonder if my attitude would have been different had I been praying for him... perhaps not. More on this topic (including a look at the Imprecatory Psalms) soon to be posted in "Part 2."
Thursday, May 5, 2011
God's bigger than the Easter Hangover
I felt like an OT prophet early last Sunday morning (the first Sunday after Easter). My message was doom and gloom. I made sure to find the staff, key leaders, and worship team to warn them don't expect much today. Easter tends to be the one Sunday when we have nearly 100% of our church show up all on the same Sunday and we also have many visitors - it's exhilarating for those who love the energy of a large group at church... like me.
Inevitably at our church (and many others) the following week is a let down from a numbers/energy standpoint. I've been doing this long enough to insulate my expectations on the week I call Easter Hangover Sunday and to focus extra hard on what matters more than anything - where is God at work? I've had to do this on many other occasions leading a church plant located in the far west valley of Phoenix. Very few people are rooted into this community, and we have, on purpose, targeted the newer families and not the established population (for better and worse.)
Well, not more than a few minutes after giving my dire warning to Tyler our worship leader, I was told that the technician we hire from the school to support the service wanted to talk with me right away. He shared with me that the SRO (Police) officer assigned to the HS where we meet had been shot and killed the night before. Although I didn't know Officer Rolando Tirado, Kevin obviously did and so I gathered our worship team before church to pray with Kevin and for the officer's family and the students, faculty and staff of Youngker HS.
This tragic and evil event happened without warning and unfortunately there was nothing that any of his friends and family could do to prevent it. Yet, in God's providence our church is in a position to minister to to friends and family of Officer Tirado, starting with prayer, but not stopping there.
Inevitably at our church (and many others) the following week is a let down from a numbers/energy standpoint. I've been doing this long enough to insulate my expectations on the week I call Easter Hangover Sunday and to focus extra hard on what matters more than anything - where is God at work? I've had to do this on many other occasions leading a church plant located in the far west valley of Phoenix. Very few people are rooted into this community, and we have, on purpose, targeted the newer families and not the established population (for better and worse.)
Well, not more than a few minutes after giving my dire warning to Tyler our worship leader, I was told that the technician we hire from the school to support the service wanted to talk with me right away. He shared with me that the SRO (Police) officer assigned to the HS where we meet had been shot and killed the night before. Although I didn't know Officer Rolando Tirado, Kevin obviously did and so I gathered our worship team before church to pray with Kevin and for the officer's family and the students, faculty and staff of Youngker HS.
This tragic and evil event happened without warning and unfortunately there was nothing that any of his friends and family could do to prevent it. Yet, in God's providence our church is in a position to minister to to friends and family of Officer Tirado, starting with prayer, but not stopping there.
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