Have you ever thought about salt? For centuries salt has been used to preserve meat, to flavor, and even to clean. When you think about salt from a chemical aspect you may be surprised by the two elements involved, sodium and chlorine. While sodium is a harmless element that bonds easily with other elements, chlorine is a poisonous gas. It is ironic that such a toxin (chlorine) once combined with another element becomes so useful.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no good for anything except to be thrown out and be trampled on by men.”
For a Christian, love and truth can be like chlorine and sodium. Each can be dangerous alone, but together they can create an essential part of a Christian life. For example, love without truth can be flighty, blind, and can lead to the acceptance of false beliefs. We see this kind of love in cults and misguided emotional followings. Love is to be tempered with truth. I certainly love people, but I also know that the Bible tells me that Satan is at work in the world wherever he can get a toe hold in someone’s life. We certainly cannot meet every action or statement with love.
Likewise, truth by itself can be abrasive, offensive, and maybe even a bit poisonous. I remind my church members that evangelism is practiced with the truth in love. One cannot proclaim the gospel, the truth, without doing so in love and expect any non-believer to hear anything other than someone being judgmental. Such truth told without love simply wounds and poisons the possibility of reaching a non-believer.
When the two elements of love and truth come together, it becomes “the salt of the earth.” I am reminded of a story of a pastor who returned to visit his former congregation. He watched the current pastor and listened. After the service he asked a leader of the church, “I preached the same basic message that your pastor preached when I was here, but you didn’t like my preaching. Now I hear him saying the same things I said and you all seem to love him. Why is that?” The leader responded, “When you were here you did preach the same message, but you did so with a scowl on your face and a harsh tone in your voice. This guy preaches with a tear in his eye. He tells us the same truth; he just does it with love.” The former pastor walked away puzzled. You are the salt of the earth! Tell someone about your walk of faith, not in a prideful or superior manner, but out of love for that person and the salvation that lies within the gospel truth. And be sure, always sure, that you use the right combination of truth and love in doing so.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Again, One Man Makes A Difference
This week the world was shocked at the senseless and brutal slaying of 32 people on the campus of Virginia Tech University. It was the deadliest killing spree in United States history and was obviously carried out by a psychopathic madman (not included in the count on purpose).
But the story I want to focus upon is not the madman, but a heroic man. I think that on a larger scale, this was not simply a story of an angry nut; this should be remembered as a story of the tragic story of good vs. evil… again.
While neither I nor anyone else may ever understand the motive of the killer, it is clear that a heroic man named Liviu Librescus’ motives were pure. Librescus was a professor in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department. The Romanian born, Israeli citizen came to the United States twenty years ago to teach. He knew first hand about the battle between good and evil. You see, Librescus lived through a genocidal slaughter by another madman, Adolf Hitler. Now you know… Librescus was a Holocaust survivor.
Revelation 12:10-12 says, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Satan is at work in this world! He has lost the war, but he still feels he can win a few wars and he has not quit.
Librescus stood there in the doorway of his classroom and barricaded it so that he might protect his students from this evil in the hallway. AND HE DID! One man stood against evil and made a difference. Yes, 32 were killed, but the students in Librescus’ class know that if not for his bravery, the death toll could have been higher and included them. While the members of that classroom at Virginia Tech can thank a Jewish man for their lives, so too can you. A certain Jewish carpenter from Nazareth gave His life for you and me those many years ago so that Satan could not claim victory over us. Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His blood so that we might have eternal life. You and I meet evil on a regular basis, be it a wicked tongue of lies and deceit, violence, pride, envy, and others. We are called to stand in the gap. One person can make a difference in this world. No, it may not be as publicized as the bravery of Liviu Librescus, but you will know when you have stood up for Jesus and your faith. That opportunity comes along every so often, so don’t hesitate… it may be a matter of life or death.
But the story I want to focus upon is not the madman, but a heroic man. I think that on a larger scale, this was not simply a story of an angry nut; this should be remembered as a story of the tragic story of good vs. evil… again.
While neither I nor anyone else may ever understand the motive of the killer, it is clear that a heroic man named Liviu Librescus’ motives were pure. Librescus was a professor in the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department. The Romanian born, Israeli citizen came to the United States twenty years ago to teach. He knew first hand about the battle between good and evil. You see, Librescus lived through a genocidal slaughter by another madman, Adolf Hitler. Now you know… Librescus was a Holocaust survivor.
Revelation 12:10-12 says, “Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death. Therefore rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short." Satan is at work in this world! He has lost the war, but he still feels he can win a few wars and he has not quit.
Librescus stood there in the doorway of his classroom and barricaded it so that he might protect his students from this evil in the hallway. AND HE DID! One man stood against evil and made a difference. Yes, 32 were killed, but the students in Librescus’ class know that if not for his bravery, the death toll could have been higher and included them. While the members of that classroom at Virginia Tech can thank a Jewish man for their lives, so too can you. A certain Jewish carpenter from Nazareth gave His life for you and me those many years ago so that Satan could not claim victory over us. Jesus, the Lamb of God, gave His blood so that we might have eternal life. You and I meet evil on a regular basis, be it a wicked tongue of lies and deceit, violence, pride, envy, and others. We are called to stand in the gap. One person can make a difference in this world. No, it may not be as publicized as the bravery of Liviu Librescus, but you will know when you have stood up for Jesus and your faith. That opportunity comes along every so often, so don’t hesitate… it may be a matter of life or death.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
C & E crowd heads to church for Easter celebrations
Published April 07, 2007 09:00 pm -Port Arthur News
By Darragh Doiron
‘Tis the season for C&Es. Or maybe you know them as the lily and poinsettia crowd. They get to church at Christmas and Easter and — some may grumble — get all the good seats.
But that’s not how Christians should welcome the faithful into their fold. Especially not pastors. Some can make a joke out of it. Others wished they’d hadn’t.
Alan Van Hooser, pastor of Groves First United Methodist Church, remembers an Easter past when the house was packed. Everyone sang and had a merry time and at the end, he issued a tease that went something like this: “Remember folks, we do this every Sunday.”
He was disappointed that someone’s grandchildren took issue with his remark and used it as an excuse to stay away from church.
Van Hooser knows he’ll be welcoming more faces on Easter Sunday and he welcomes them all. He considers the high holy days of Easter and Christmas up there with Mother’s Day at packing them in. His challenge, he says, is delivering the Good News and making it stick.
Van Hooser says he’s sure many infrequent church goers leave services on Easter Sunday fully expecting to get back “in the swing of things,” but by the following Sunday are distracted by something like an invitation to a barbecue.
Clay Faulk, pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, has also heard the jokes:
“What’s the best thing about the Sunday after Easter? Ease of parking.”
He says he heard a man say he’d never seen the inside of a church when it wasn’t decorated with lilies for Easter or poinsettias for Christmas.
“It’s at every church,” he said. “I just pray the seed we sow on Easter will one day grow. It may not be the next week. It’s just a choice of their priorities.”
Pastor Don Falke of First Baptist Church in Port Arthur says it’s been years since he’s worried about C&Es. “That’s a young preacher’s game,” he joked. “I’m just happy to see them.”
Other pastors, such as the Rev. Chuck Huffman of United Methodist Temple, see the season as an opportunity. These folks are often rather jokingly referred to as CEO's: Christmas and Easter Onlys,” he said. “The way I see it, we have but two opportunities a year to have a positive impact on their lives, and to draw them into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is why our worship experiences on those holiest of days need to be really rich and meaningful — to help all of us recognize our need to connect with God in corporate worship — where His love and grace and power are magnified among us, every Sunday.”
By Darragh Doiron
‘Tis the season for C&Es. Or maybe you know them as the lily and poinsettia crowd. They get to church at Christmas and Easter and — some may grumble — get all the good seats.
But that’s not how Christians should welcome the faithful into their fold. Especially not pastors. Some can make a joke out of it. Others wished they’d hadn’t.
Alan Van Hooser, pastor of Groves First United Methodist Church, remembers an Easter past when the house was packed. Everyone sang and had a merry time and at the end, he issued a tease that went something like this: “Remember folks, we do this every Sunday.”
He was disappointed that someone’s grandchildren took issue with his remark and used it as an excuse to stay away from church.
Van Hooser knows he’ll be welcoming more faces on Easter Sunday and he welcomes them all. He considers the high holy days of Easter and Christmas up there with Mother’s Day at packing them in. His challenge, he says, is delivering the Good News and making it stick.
Van Hooser says he’s sure many infrequent church goers leave services on Easter Sunday fully expecting to get back “in the swing of things,” but by the following Sunday are distracted by something like an invitation to a barbecue.
Clay Faulk, pastor at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, has also heard the jokes:
“What’s the best thing about the Sunday after Easter? Ease of parking.”
He says he heard a man say he’d never seen the inside of a church when it wasn’t decorated with lilies for Easter or poinsettias for Christmas.
“It’s at every church,” he said. “I just pray the seed we sow on Easter will one day grow. It may not be the next week. It’s just a choice of their priorities.”
Pastor Don Falke of First Baptist Church in Port Arthur says it’s been years since he’s worried about C&Es. “That’s a young preacher’s game,” he joked. “I’m just happy to see them.”
Other pastors, such as the Rev. Chuck Huffman of United Methodist Temple, see the season as an opportunity. These folks are often rather jokingly referred to as CEO's: Christmas and Easter Onlys,” he said. “The way I see it, we have but two opportunities a year to have a positive impact on their lives, and to draw them into a deeper relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That is why our worship experiences on those holiest of days need to be really rich and meaningful — to help all of us recognize our need to connect with God in corporate worship — where His love and grace and power are magnified among us, every Sunday.”
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Do You Love You More Than Him?
A few years ago, I watched a movie starring Al Pacino and Keanu Reeves called “The Devil’s Advocate.” In the movie, Al Pacino plays Satan in a unique tale of corporate law, greed, and the battle between good and evil. At the end of the movie, Satan (Pacino), having failed to lure the young lawyer (Reeves) into his trap, tries to start over with a new plan. Playing on the young lawyer’s ego, Satan’s new plan goes into motion. Satan turns and looks directly into the camera and says, “Vanity! It’s my favorite sin.”
That line often comes to my mind when I think about how our society runs toward those things that play to our vanity. Youth and beauty play a huge role in our country. Yet, how are Christians supposed to feel about all of this? It is my belief that we live in our times. While we may certainly enjoy staying youthful in appearance or physically fit, these things are not what life is about. Too often vanity becomes our obsession. The Bible speaks about what is really important in Psalm 33:16-20. It says, “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes through his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” Our faith and obedience must rest in the One Triune God.
Easter happens in the spring. Spring is a season of new beginnings… new shoes, new dresses, new suits, and all around is new life. These are signs of which to enjoy, but not to trust them. For the flowers will fade and the grass will wither, but God is forever. So where do you put your allegiance? Do you trust yourself for your salvation? (Many people do!) Do you trust that your mom or dad, wife or husband, or even your children to save you? How about your bank account…will it get you into heaven?
Jesus went to the cross so that you would have eternal life. His gift was given on the cross at Calvary and revealed by an empty tomb and His appearance to the disciples. Today we worship a living God who invites us to join Him and acknowledge the gift of eternity with Him. Satan would love to distract us and let our “busyness” keep us from discipleship. But, what is more important than living for God? Think about that… you know the answer.
Make your way back to church this Holy week and Easter Sunday, no not the semi-annual trek, go and really ask God to help you set your priorities straight. God wants to be first in your life. The question is, “Do you love God more than yourself?” Only you can answer. Nothing else in this whole world can save you, only God and your desire to choose Him. Remember, God loves you! Until next time, Blessings!
That line often comes to my mind when I think about how our society runs toward those things that play to our vanity. Youth and beauty play a huge role in our country. Yet, how are Christians supposed to feel about all of this? It is my belief that we live in our times. While we may certainly enjoy staying youthful in appearance or physically fit, these things are not what life is about. Too often vanity becomes our obsession. The Bible speaks about what is really important in Psalm 33:16-20. It says, “No king is saved by the size of his army, no warrior escapes through his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and shield.” Our faith and obedience must rest in the One Triune God.
Easter happens in the spring. Spring is a season of new beginnings… new shoes, new dresses, new suits, and all around is new life. These are signs of which to enjoy, but not to trust them. For the flowers will fade and the grass will wither, but God is forever. So where do you put your allegiance? Do you trust yourself for your salvation? (Many people do!) Do you trust that your mom or dad, wife or husband, or even your children to save you? How about your bank account…will it get you into heaven?
Jesus went to the cross so that you would have eternal life. His gift was given on the cross at Calvary and revealed by an empty tomb and His appearance to the disciples. Today we worship a living God who invites us to join Him and acknowledge the gift of eternity with Him. Satan would love to distract us and let our “busyness” keep us from discipleship. But, what is more important than living for God? Think about that… you know the answer.
Make your way back to church this Holy week and Easter Sunday, no not the semi-annual trek, go and really ask God to help you set your priorities straight. God wants to be first in your life. The question is, “Do you love God more than yourself?” Only you can answer. Nothing else in this whole world can save you, only God and your desire to choose Him. Remember, God loves you! Until next time, Blessings!
Friday, March 02, 2007
God Prompts Leaders to Ask, “Why Not?”
A couple of weeks ago I attended a dinner at the invitation of Dr. Martin Rutledge, my physician. The occasion was the founding dinner of a group called “Inspire 12”. After dinner, Tremaine Lewis shared his vision for change and how it was set in motion. It began when he contacted his high school coach. The coach put him in touch with a fellow classmate, Michael Ray. Together these two men, a black man from Los Angeles, California and a white man from Austin, Texas, are going to fulfill scripture in their hometown of Orange, Texas. Deuteronomy 15:7-11 says, “If there is among you a poor man, one of your brethren, in any of your towns within your land which the Lord your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him…You shall give him freely… for the poor will never cease…” How will this happen might you ask?
Tremaine and Michael attended West Orange/Stark High School. The school was a positive influence in both of their lives. Tremaine led the school to a state championship in football and Michael led the golf team. He returned to the area to see a once vibrant community falling into ruin. During the school year, he observed children walking the streets during school hours. His heart was broken! Tremaine has been a very successful adult and knew something could be done to make things better. He had heard about “The Kalamazoo Promise.” In Kalamazoo, Michigan, every student in the school system with a C average who was accepted to a post-secondary state school could get up to 100% tuition free through private sponsored donations. Tremaine thought, “Why not West Orange Stark?” He shared his vision and dream of duplicating the Kalamazoo Promise in Orange, Texas. Michael, who has also been very successful as an entrepreneur, became a believer as well. One hundred leaders from the Orange area attended the dinner that night and now there are more believers. It can and will happen in Orange in a short time from now. Check out the website (still under construction) http://www.inspire12.org/ or the Kalamazoo Promise at http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/.
Yes, it will take a great deal of money, but it can happen… not only in Orange, but in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland, etc... It can happen anywhere there are people with a dream of helping children achieve more through education. A free college or technical education inspires students and parents to be involved and care about doing well. It offers hope! And people need hope… especially people with limited incomes. If Tremaine and Michael have their way, students will be renewed with the hope of a better life. I believe God is at work in getting this done and I know God wants to work in your life too. Real hope is born of God.
Tremaine and Michael attended West Orange/Stark High School. The school was a positive influence in both of their lives. Tremaine led the school to a state championship in football and Michael led the golf team. He returned to the area to see a once vibrant community falling into ruin. During the school year, he observed children walking the streets during school hours. His heart was broken! Tremaine has been a very successful adult and knew something could be done to make things better. He had heard about “The Kalamazoo Promise.” In Kalamazoo, Michigan, every student in the school system with a C average who was accepted to a post-secondary state school could get up to 100% tuition free through private sponsored donations. Tremaine thought, “Why not West Orange Stark?” He shared his vision and dream of duplicating the Kalamazoo Promise in Orange, Texas. Michael, who has also been very successful as an entrepreneur, became a believer as well. One hundred leaders from the Orange area attended the dinner that night and now there are more believers. It can and will happen in Orange in a short time from now. Check out the website (still under construction) http://www.inspire12.org/ or the Kalamazoo Promise at http://www.kalamazoopublicschools.com/.
Yes, it will take a great deal of money, but it can happen… not only in Orange, but in Port Arthur, Port Neches, Nederland, etc... It can happen anywhere there are people with a dream of helping children achieve more through education. A free college or technical education inspires students and parents to be involved and care about doing well. It offers hope! And people need hope… especially people with limited incomes. If Tremaine and Michael have their way, students will be renewed with the hope of a better life. I believe God is at work in getting this done and I know God wants to work in your life too. Real hope is born of God.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Expectations of the Afterlife
Recently, just about every channel has something about the death of Anna Nicole Smith. I am not sure why it is of such interest except for the fact that she is another in a line of celebrities whose lives have spiraled into an abyss of excess. I heard one radio host state that he read a newspaper that called her death “shocking” and “mysterious”. The host went on to say that in his opinion neither was the case. He went on to say, “if I had to guess what young Hollywood persona would die next, she would have been near the top of the list.”
But we do have a fascination about death don’t we? The traffic stops and people look. The casket is opened and people have a final pass by to see the deceased. It is the same fascination that keeps Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, and even Elvis living on. I think we are really looking at death so that we can see it…feel it… get to know it, even if only a little. It seems so unknown, yet it is an inevitable aspect of life that looms in each person’s future. There may be a sense of fear and yet I also think a certain respect given to death. We spend millions of dollars to look young and in some way, cheat time. Somehow, if we just stay young, we will never die. But you and I both know that THAT is a lie!
In I Corinthians 15:12-20, Apostle Paul speaks about death. He explains the death of Jesus and the meaning behind His resurrection. Instead of fearing death, people of faith can look at death with an understanding of fulfilled expectations. Paul gives three expectations which each believer can count on. The first expectation to be fulfilled will be the resurrection itself. Paul uses the logic that if Christ rose from the grave, we too shall rise. While other religions point to a grave where their founder is buried, Christians point to the empty tomb and say, “He is risen indeed!” We worship a living God who lets nothing come between us, even death itself. (Romans 8) Second, we will stand face to face with God without worry of having to reflect upon the sins we committed in this world. In Jesus Christ, our sins (mine and yours) are forgiven and God remembers them no more. Third, we will enjoy a physical resurrection with new bodies that do not decay. We will experience the fellowship of being together with God and each other with totally new recognizable bodies.
As Christians we live in the present age in obedience. In the afterlife, we shall rise in joy to be with the Lord. Yes, death is inevitable, but if you a Christian you should see death as a fulfillment of great expectations. The best is yet to come…God loves you!
But we do have a fascination about death don’t we? The traffic stops and people look. The casket is opened and people have a final pass by to see the deceased. It is the same fascination that keeps Janis Joplin, Marilyn Monroe, and even Elvis living on. I think we are really looking at death so that we can see it…feel it… get to know it, even if only a little. It seems so unknown, yet it is an inevitable aspect of life that looms in each person’s future. There may be a sense of fear and yet I also think a certain respect given to death. We spend millions of dollars to look young and in some way, cheat time. Somehow, if we just stay young, we will never die. But you and I both know that THAT is a lie!
In I Corinthians 15:12-20, Apostle Paul speaks about death. He explains the death of Jesus and the meaning behind His resurrection. Instead of fearing death, people of faith can look at death with an understanding of fulfilled expectations. Paul gives three expectations which each believer can count on. The first expectation to be fulfilled will be the resurrection itself. Paul uses the logic that if Christ rose from the grave, we too shall rise. While other religions point to a grave where their founder is buried, Christians point to the empty tomb and say, “He is risen indeed!” We worship a living God who lets nothing come between us, even death itself. (Romans 8) Second, we will stand face to face with God without worry of having to reflect upon the sins we committed in this world. In Jesus Christ, our sins (mine and yours) are forgiven and God remembers them no more. Third, we will enjoy a physical resurrection with new bodies that do not decay. We will experience the fellowship of being together with God and each other with totally new recognizable bodies.
As Christians we live in the present age in obedience. In the afterlife, we shall rise in joy to be with the Lord. Yes, death is inevitable, but if you a Christian you should see death as a fulfillment of great expectations. The best is yet to come…God loves you!
Friday, February 02, 2007
A Burning Question
For years, television quiz shows have been popular. Each week, millions of people tune into shows like Deal or No Deal, 1 vs. 100, or the old standby Jeopardy. Each contestant is asked to answer questions and according to their answer they can win money or prizes.
The burning question for people of faith is, “Who is God?” That is the question confronting Moses in Exodus 3. He stands before a burning bush and finds out that within the bush is the presence of God. But there is a twist to this story. God doesn’t expect Moses to come up with the right answer on his own. God reveals himself to Moses and tells Moses who He is. Ironically, the answer is unique…God is who God is. You might have guessed that one!
From this burning bush incident we can gather three things about God which can help us know more about God. First, God sees and hears people. Therefore, we know God is aware and paying attention to the world, especially those who are suffering. Second, God plans and acts. God tells Moses that Moses will be God’s instrument to deliver the Hebrew people from their oppression. This is no passive, “out to lunch” God. We know our God is involved and cares deeply for those who follow Him. Third, God gives the people an identity. As one of God’s followers, each person becomes an heir. God has a people and through that people a covenant has been established. Our God says “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” and therefore, God is relational. We know that God wants to have a relationship with each follower. So, what do you believe about God? Do you simply acknowledge that there is a God? Many in our society think they are religious because they believe there is a God. I disagree. The Bible teaches that God is relational and wants to be in each of our lives. Being a Christian involves more than thinking there is a God or even simply attending a church. There is an old saying goes, “being in a church doesn’t make someone a Christian just like standing in a garage doesn’t make someone a car.” Having a relationship with God is letting go of what each of individual wants and living an obedient life of asking God what God wants for us. Choosing such a life leads to a deep relationship with God and is the only truly fulfilling life. Moses learned these three things about God. It was a difficult job in leading the children out of Egypt, but Moses chose to listen to and follow God. You can too! God loves you.
The burning question for people of faith is, “Who is God?” That is the question confronting Moses in Exodus 3. He stands before a burning bush and finds out that within the bush is the presence of God. But there is a twist to this story. God doesn’t expect Moses to come up with the right answer on his own. God reveals himself to Moses and tells Moses who He is. Ironically, the answer is unique…God is who God is. You might have guessed that one!
From this burning bush incident we can gather three things about God which can help us know more about God. First, God sees and hears people. Therefore, we know God is aware and paying attention to the world, especially those who are suffering. Second, God plans and acts. God tells Moses that Moses will be God’s instrument to deliver the Hebrew people from their oppression. This is no passive, “out to lunch” God. We know our God is involved and cares deeply for those who follow Him. Third, God gives the people an identity. As one of God’s followers, each person becomes an heir. God has a people and through that people a covenant has been established. Our God says “I am the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” and therefore, God is relational. We know that God wants to have a relationship with each follower. So, what do you believe about God? Do you simply acknowledge that there is a God? Many in our society think they are religious because they believe there is a God. I disagree. The Bible teaches that God is relational and wants to be in each of our lives. Being a Christian involves more than thinking there is a God or even simply attending a church. There is an old saying goes, “being in a church doesn’t make someone a Christian just like standing in a garage doesn’t make someone a car.” Having a relationship with God is letting go of what each of individual wants and living an obedient life of asking God what God wants for us. Choosing such a life leads to a deep relationship with God and is the only truly fulfilling life. Moses learned these three things about God. It was a difficult job in leading the children out of Egypt, but Moses chose to listen to and follow God. You can too! God loves you.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
He Dropped the Ball
The NFL playoffs are in full swing. Are you even paying attention? The Houston Texans are sitting at home watching the New Orleans Saints and maybe wishing they had drafted Reggie Bush. If you are a fan of the Texans, you have yet to experience the elation of the playoffs.
On the other hand, if you are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you are well versed in playoff frenzy. Every year you expect Dallas to go deep into the playoffs and vie for the Super Bowl (maybe you, like a few members in my church expect to win the Super Bowl every year). But… this won’t be their year, as you can now attest. In fact, you may still be wearing black to work every day and may still be in mourning for your beloved ‘Boys. Most fans can’t believe it happened the way it did. For those who don’t know… the Cowboys only needed a very short field goal to defeat the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago with a few seconds left on the clock. The field goal unit trotted onto the field with little doubt that the kick would win the game and they would move forward in the playoffs. But, something happened on the way to the victory party! Starting quarterback Tony Romo also is the place holder for the kicker. He catches the snap and places the ball down on the ground as the kicker boots it through the uprights. On this particular play, he dropped the ball!!! He has practiced hundreds of times and this hasn’t happened all season, but it happened then… he dropped the ball! He failed to score and the game is history and Seattle moved on to face and lose to the Chicago Bears,
Do you think Tony Romo will be back next year? Will he be cut or traded for his debacle? Do you think they will ever let him hold the ball again… or play quarterback? Can they ever trust him again? I think the Cowboys will move on and forgive Romo and he will continue in his duties. I also think that Romo will bounce back from this failure and he will become a better player in the long run.
Matthew 22:39 says that the second greatest commandment, the first being to love God, is to love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, put yourself in another person’s position. Treat people the way that you want to be treated, love them as you want to be loved. Anyone who saw that football game saw many mistakes by Cowboy players besides Tony Romo. A missed block, a missed tackle, a dropped pass, or even a called play that failed can take some responsibility in the loss. Like many sports, football is a team game where individuals must rely on one another. Life is that way too, when we work together as a team, we can accomplish great things. We forgive the mistakes and give praise for the effort. How would you feel if you had dropped that ball? Some fans may have wanted to kill Romo, figuratively and, sadly literally. But, most fans will forgive and forget. Isn’t that the way you and I want to be treated? I think that is what God wants for His children. Why else would He have commanded it? God loves you!
On the other hand, if you are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you are well versed in playoff frenzy. Every year you expect Dallas to go deep into the playoffs and vie for the Super Bowl (maybe you, like a few members in my church expect to win the Super Bowl every year). But… this won’t be their year, as you can now attest. In fact, you may still be wearing black to work every day and may still be in mourning for your beloved ‘Boys. Most fans can’t believe it happened the way it did. For those who don’t know… the Cowboys only needed a very short field goal to defeat the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago with a few seconds left on the clock. The field goal unit trotted onto the field with little doubt that the kick would win the game and they would move forward in the playoffs. But, something happened on the way to the victory party! Starting quarterback Tony Romo also is the place holder for the kicker. He catches the snap and places the ball down on the ground as the kicker boots it through the uprights. On this particular play, he dropped the ball!!! He has practiced hundreds of times and this hasn’t happened all season, but it happened then… he dropped the ball! He failed to score and the game is history and Seattle moved on to face and lose to the Chicago Bears,
Do you think Tony Romo will be back next year? Will he be cut or traded for his debacle? Do you think they will ever let him hold the ball again… or play quarterback? Can they ever trust him again? I think the Cowboys will move on and forgive Romo and he will continue in his duties. I also think that Romo will bounce back from this failure and he will become a better player in the long run.
Matthew 22:39 says that the second greatest commandment, the first being to love God, is to love your neighbor as yourself. In other words, put yourself in another person’s position. Treat people the way that you want to be treated, love them as you want to be loved. Anyone who saw that football game saw many mistakes by Cowboy players besides Tony Romo. A missed block, a missed tackle, a dropped pass, or even a called play that failed can take some responsibility in the loss. Like many sports, football is a team game where individuals must rely on one another. Life is that way too, when we work together as a team, we can accomplish great things. We forgive the mistakes and give praise for the effort. How would you feel if you had dropped that ball? Some fans may have wanted to kill Romo, figuratively and, sadly literally. But, most fans will forgive and forget. Isn’t that the way you and I want to be treated? I think that is what God wants for His children. Why else would He have commanded it? God loves you!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Counterfeits of Christ
It seems like a long time ago, but when I was a kid, there were only three television channels to watch, ABC, CBS, and NBC. There was very little in the way of late night programming outside of Johnny Carson’s Tonight Show. The other two channels often carried television evangelists.
For a long time, “televangelists” were very well respected. Occasionally you would see a powerful, uplifting, spiritually charged Billy Graham crusade. On the other hand you might see a Rev. Ike plead weekly to send him money so you could receive “a lucky coin” (which was of no value of course).
During the 1980’s we had scandals that rocked the country. Both Rev. Jim Bakker and Rev. Jimmy Swagart were caught with women to whom they were not married and their ministries crumbled. Recently, Rev. Ted Haggard from Colorado, who was involved in national politics, was exposed for his behavior. It seems that the word “televangelist” has taken a beating and is often looked at with suspicion.
Successful televangelists have remembered not to get too caught up in the “celebrity” of it all. I am reminded that the first such evangelist in the New Testament was careful to point to Jesus as the real Savior, the One to be celebrated. His name was John the Baptist. In the gospel of John 1:19-27, John the Baptist was questioned by the crowds and Jewish leaders about his status. John did not hesitate to make it clear that he was “only the messenger” who was making the path clear for the Messiah, Jesus. John makes it unmistakable that he is merely a human who “baptizes with water” yet he is not even good enough to untie Jesus’ sandals. How easy it might have been for John to get caught up in his own celebrity. Suddenly a guy from the wilderness becomes popular as the crowds gathered to hear him. Even the leaders wanted to know if he was Elijah who had returned. John serves as a wonderful example for preachers and parishioners. We should never forget that we are to be the messengers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are people out there that simply want to sell us the next version of Christianity. It may be self-help, feel good entertainment, or even social/justice versions of faith, but anything other than Jesus, that is, the Jesus of the Bible, is counterfeit. The real Jesus is alive in the pages of the Bible, and through that text, you will know He is alive in the world as well. A relationship with Jesus is vitally important in a world that seeks to seduce you into believing that it’s all about you. That relationship is the only thing of real value in this whole universe.
For a long time, “televangelists” were very well respected. Occasionally you would see a powerful, uplifting, spiritually charged Billy Graham crusade. On the other hand you might see a Rev. Ike plead weekly to send him money so you could receive “a lucky coin” (which was of no value of course).
During the 1980’s we had scandals that rocked the country. Both Rev. Jim Bakker and Rev. Jimmy Swagart were caught with women to whom they were not married and their ministries crumbled. Recently, Rev. Ted Haggard from Colorado, who was involved in national politics, was exposed for his behavior. It seems that the word “televangelist” has taken a beating and is often looked at with suspicion.
Successful televangelists have remembered not to get too caught up in the “celebrity” of it all. I am reminded that the first such evangelist in the New Testament was careful to point to Jesus as the real Savior, the One to be celebrated. His name was John the Baptist. In the gospel of John 1:19-27, John the Baptist was questioned by the crowds and Jewish leaders about his status. John did not hesitate to make it clear that he was “only the messenger” who was making the path clear for the Messiah, Jesus. John makes it unmistakable that he is merely a human who “baptizes with water” yet he is not even good enough to untie Jesus’ sandals. How easy it might have been for John to get caught up in his own celebrity. Suddenly a guy from the wilderness becomes popular as the crowds gathered to hear him. Even the leaders wanted to know if he was Elijah who had returned. John serves as a wonderful example for preachers and parishioners. We should never forget that we are to be the messengers of the Good News of Jesus Christ. There are people out there that simply want to sell us the next version of Christianity. It may be self-help, feel good entertainment, or even social/justice versions of faith, but anything other than Jesus, that is, the Jesus of the Bible, is counterfeit. The real Jesus is alive in the pages of the Bible, and through that text, you will know He is alive in the world as well. A relationship with Jesus is vitally important in a world that seeks to seduce you into believing that it’s all about you. That relationship is the only thing of real value in this whole universe.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
“Two turtle doves and a Partridge in…a dumpster?”
The other night, I sat and watched an interview with Danny Bonaduce. You may remember him. He was the wise cracking, red headed kid on the 70’s television show The Partridge Family. When the show was canceled, Danny had a difficult time transitioning into life without “the psychedelic bus” and the rest of the Partridge clan.
He fell into a life of drugs, sex, and wild behavior. When asked what his most bizarre experience was, he said, “I would get up in the morning from (sleeping in) my car parked by the dumpster in the back of Mann’s Chinese Theatre (in Hollywood) and go out front and sign autographs for people. They were so excited to meet a TV star out in the street. They had no idea that I was living around back in my car and eating out of the dumpster.”
Late in the interview, the reporter asked him about the cross around his neck. He pulled it from inside his shirt and smiled. He said that at one time, he thought God was making a big joke in his life, but now he is a man with faith. Not that he’s perfect, but now he is an imperfect man with a perfect God. How did such a change happen in his life? His wife is a devout Christian. He went to church with her many times and got nothing from it, but one day… it was “as if a light went on.” He now believes that God is healing his soul.
Today, Bonaduce is fairing much better. He has a wife and children, but his self destructive behavior still gets him into trouble. He has had success in reality TV and is a disc jockey by trade.
After hearing this interview, I was struck by the fact that Danny made no claims of change. In other words, just because he is now a Christian, his life hasn’t taken a 180 degree turn. There was no “magic” conversion. He is still mischievous and, at times, self destructive. But he is off alcohol and drugs and is trying live a clean life. He says, “I knows what I am capable of and it is scary.”
I think one reason we are fascinated by someone like Danny is because we all see a little of him in us… the excess… the self motivation…the immorality and so on. We are fallen creatures who on our own have no shot at goodness and redemption.
Isn’t that what Christmas is really about. What God offers to us in Jesus Christ is a second chance (or a third or fourth or more)! In Jesus, we have “the undoing of Adam”. Suddenly the good news spoken by the angel to the shepherds is true in Luke 2:10. “Do not be afraid, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all people. Today a Savior has been born to you.” That is the Christmas gift! Through no work of our own, God has chosen to bring us into right relationship and adopt each one of us. We are the children God always wanted! I think Danny Bonaduce knows that now and I hope you do too. So…come on get happy! God loves you. Merry Christmas!
He fell into a life of drugs, sex, and wild behavior. When asked what his most bizarre experience was, he said, “I would get up in the morning from (sleeping in) my car parked by the dumpster in the back of Mann’s Chinese Theatre (in Hollywood) and go out front and sign autographs for people. They were so excited to meet a TV star out in the street. They had no idea that I was living around back in my car and eating out of the dumpster.”
Late in the interview, the reporter asked him about the cross around his neck. He pulled it from inside his shirt and smiled. He said that at one time, he thought God was making a big joke in his life, but now he is a man with faith. Not that he’s perfect, but now he is an imperfect man with a perfect God. How did such a change happen in his life? His wife is a devout Christian. He went to church with her many times and got nothing from it, but one day… it was “as if a light went on.” He now believes that God is healing his soul.
Today, Bonaduce is fairing much better. He has a wife and children, but his self destructive behavior still gets him into trouble. He has had success in reality TV and is a disc jockey by trade.
After hearing this interview, I was struck by the fact that Danny made no claims of change. In other words, just because he is now a Christian, his life hasn’t taken a 180 degree turn. There was no “magic” conversion. He is still mischievous and, at times, self destructive. But he is off alcohol and drugs and is trying live a clean life. He says, “I knows what I am capable of and it is scary.”
I think one reason we are fascinated by someone like Danny is because we all see a little of him in us… the excess… the self motivation…the immorality and so on. We are fallen creatures who on our own have no shot at goodness and redemption.
Isn’t that what Christmas is really about. What God offers to us in Jesus Christ is a second chance (or a third or fourth or more)! In Jesus, we have “the undoing of Adam”. Suddenly the good news spoken by the angel to the shepherds is true in Luke 2:10. “Do not be afraid, I bring you Good News of great joy that will be for all people. Today a Savior has been born to you.” That is the Christmas gift! Through no work of our own, God has chosen to bring us into right relationship and adopt each one of us. We are the children God always wanted! I think Danny Bonaduce knows that now and I hope you do too. So…come on get happy! God loves you. Merry Christmas!
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