Destruction of a Nation and the Christian's Responsibility

A friend of mine posted his astonishment that America could be on the cusp of electing a bonafide "Socialist" to the office of President, from either primary party. I began to formulate a response then realized that my reply would be far more suited to a full-on blog post, so thank you Donny Parrish for kick-starting this!

"Christians" have remained silent too long. Notice that the paths of ungodliness our nation has actively pursued are 100% based in the "squeaky wheel" principal--- homosexuals have "gay marriage" because they screamed and hollered the loudest. God was "banned" from schools because the haters if God screamed and hollered the loudest.

60 million + babies have been murdered in this nation, perfectly legally because the worshippers of self/Molich screamed, hollered, and put their money where their mouth was and swayed the courts (without a single genuine constitutional basis).

And we have become (or are in the edge of) becoming a socialist nation all because of a direct violation of the 10 commandments, particularly the commandment against "covetousness"...  Those who covet what others have are screaming and hollering loudly to get what you have (without working for it). And that gave us the current President, and a few candidates who are now unapologetically pandering to the covetous culture.

And so much more.

There are three fronts in the war for the very soul of this nation---

1. We must begin ON OUR KNEES as God's children, humbling ourselves in out very knees in repentance for our own sin and ungodliness and for our failure to be the "watchmen on the wall".

2. We must be far more proactive in sharing Jesus Christ with this list and dying world. It IS NOT ENOUGH to "invite people to church".  That has NEVER been enough, not does it fulfill the Great Commission.  But just as the first front (and step) towards actually doingsomething is humility before God, we must also BE the salt and light as Jesus Commanded. We cannot live like the world, yet expect the world to act like Jesus. It just doesn't work that way! Repeat the first front!

3. And we must be willing to stand for the TRUTH, live out the TRUTH, vote for the TRUTH, even if it means our pocketbooks are affected, even if it means our "friends" might reject us, and even if it is inconvenient and painful (I do not believe Jesus promised an easy road!). Every time we bend our morality for financial or social gain, we betray our hearts and faith. The "fruits" of our faith become very evident - by their lacking of real impact.

Christianity is not a passive spectator sport, it is a way of life. If our hearts are not absolutely broken for the ungodliness (and what the Bible clearly spells out is the coming result for it), if we don't grieve for the lostness all around us, if we are not so broken that we are willing to speak up for the TRUTH, then stop pretending to be offended by all the garbage around us, and by path this nation is traveling. You are part of the problem. As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord (and be a part of the solution).

Quick Question - Does This Mean That?

This week, the nation's largest Baptist association, the Southern Baptist Convention, voted this week to firmly and resolutely uphold "God's definition of marriage" as between one man and one woman in a lifelong, covenant relationship. Of course, the responses were immediate and often filled with vitriol.

But my question (actually a couple), since I did title this "Quick Question" is this:

1. Does taking a stand on marriage, as based clearly on the Bible (what this denomination lays claim to being it's foundation to all things of faith and practice), automatically make the organization "anti-gay"? (Indeed - what does the term anti-gay REALLY mean?)
2. Does taking a stand on marriage, as based clearly on the Bible automatically mean that you "hate" anyone?

Does this not ooze of the same logical fallacies as the automatic label of "racist" when one opposes the policies and general political ideology of President Obama?

I am personally glad to see a major denomination actually taking an official stand on this issue.  I would like to say, in all fairness, that I would also like to see them take an equally firm stand on all sorts of sins that are plaguing our nation and world - there are plenty chiseling away at what little is left of our moral foundation as it is.

I'm also glad that the association in which I serve, the BMA of America, is also int he middle of the process to include the Biblical definition of marriage in our Constitution/Articles of Cooperation. And a summary look at the constitution of the little church relaunch that I lead will find that we too have articulated the Biblical definition of marriage into what we believe and live by.

if my people who are called by my name...

We hear 2 Chronicles 7:14 proclaimed as "the answer" to the ills that face the United States today. Sadly, we hear it often taken out of context and with little emphasis placed on the details it states. So, in this post, I will try to shed some real light on what I believe is the REAL problem today, and how we can accurately apply the 2 Chronicles passage to our current situation.

Context
We have to understand how 2 Chronicles 7:14 fits in to God's narrative. The entire chapter is the record of revelation following Solomon's completion of construction of God's Temple as well as the king's home. It is a time of celebration and blessings. After all, is it not an amazing opportunity to be the one given the honor of building God's house?

Thus Solomon finished the house of the LORD and the king’s house. All that Solomon had planned to do in the house of the LORD and in his own house he successfully accomplished.  Then the LORD appeared to Solomon in the night and said to him: “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a house of sacrifice. (2 Chronicles 7:11-12)

Warning & Problem
But God didn't want His people (or king) to become filled with pride or complacent. Indeed, as the fully omniscient God, He knew what was to come and gave Solomon the revelation of the appropriate response when the trouble was to come:

When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, (2 Chronicles 7:13)

Notice the first word here: WHEN. Not "if". When God shuts up the heavens (drought), when He commands the locusts to devour the land (famine), and brings pestilence (disease and death).

We in the United States of America have a glut of food and beverage, we are left in need very rarely. Yet we most assuredly are living in a time of great drought and famine, not of physical food and water, but of the proclamation of the true and full Word of God. The Gospel preached by many today is little more than sugar-coated junk food. If we were to live on a diet consisting of only candy and other junk foods, what would become of our health? (I believe we see that across our culture as well!). For the sake of attractiveness, to "bring them in", and to meet the budget (not to mention the promotion of preacher reputations), the gospel has been compromised and the Word of God watered-down and sugar-coated.

I recently saw this meme posted in social media and thought it described a portion of our issues quite well:

I don't know who this "Ron Smith" is, but I must - at least to this statement - shout AMEN!  I believe many have fallen to a dangerous misunderstanding of the term "edify" in Scripture. The term means to "lift up", but not in the sense of building "self esteem" as has been popular in the pop psychology world for a few decades. Building up often involves conviction, and most assuredly requires genuine truth being spoken.

Appropriate Response
So let us get back to the text at hand - and the centerpiece of God's revealed appropriate response to the WHEN events of famine, drought, and sickness:

...if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Here God gives four simple, clear, and direct mandates to Him "hearing from heaven, forgiving their sin, and healing their land" (and notice the priority list!):

#1 - If God's people will HUMBLE themselves. Some people argue that the writer of Hebrew changed this:

Let us then with confidence draw near the throne of grace... (Hebrews 4:16)

Interpreting this passage as throwing off humility is a huge mistake! Never in scripture are we to forget humility before God's incredible throne. We can only approach Him directly because of Christ's spilled blood. But that does not give us grounds for being flippant or full of ourselves. Indeed, the extreme price Christ paid for our salvation should cause us to have a genuine sense of awe and humility towards our Lord. So many have made God into little more than a great "Sugar Daddy in the sky", most obviously with the "Word of Faith"/Name-it, Claim-It charlatans who unabashedly proclaim that God owes us. But this line of thinking actually extends to many even outside of these heretical moments - to even mainstream, formerly conservative denominations and congregations.

#2 PRAY - Scripture tells us that we are to "pray without ceasing".  Jesus gave a model for prayer to illustrate what our priorities and heart should be when we pray. Yet so many give little more than lip service to prayer. I will be the first to admit that my prayer life isn't what I think it should be. I don't see any way I could ever be truly satisfied with my prayers. Yet it is possible to develop our prayer life, to grow in the maturity level and properly-focused attitude of our prayers. But prayers also necessitate the very next two phrases in God's command:

#3 SEEK my face - What exactly does it mean to "seek God's face"? I means pursuing His will over your own. It means following Christ's commands, not as a begrudging task, but as a genuine outflowing of our Love for Him and our gratitude for what He has done (and continues to do for and through us).

#4 TURN from their wicked ways! Uh, oh. Here we go meddling in people's lives. Another word for "turning from wicked ways (sin) is.... REPENT! How can we expect God to come sweeping in and fixing our issues, wiping away evil corruption, pain, and sorrows, if we are not willing to turn from our sins (which are the major reason we are experiencing the woes of the day)? Shall we call down fire on the evildoers in this world, without calling down that same fire on US when we continue to overlook our own sin? Which brings us back to my initial statement regarding drought, famine, and sickness-

There was a time in the not-so-distant past, where sinners were exhorted powerfully to repent, and to seek God in all things.  Preaching was intended not to give a pat on the back, a wink and a nod, leaving the listener superficially "uplifted and encouraged", but to draw sinners to genuine sorrow and repentance, to lead and exhort the redeemed to walk "worthy of the high calling", and to generally live out Christ's command to love God first and our neighbor second. How in the world have so many who call themselves "Christians" continued to live in hate towards their fellow man, to selectively cry out against certain select sins, while willfully ignoring their own sin? How can we claim to live in a "Christian nation", while systematically endorsing (often through our silence) the atrocities of our times?

How was Hitler able to round up and exterminate millions of Jews? Because many refused to take a stand and proclaim what was right.  How can we sit by and see the ongoing slaughter of millions of unborn babies (approaching 60 million since the Roe v Wade decision of the U.S. Supreme Court)? How have we arrived at a place in this nation where marriage is being redefined beyond the biblical (and natural) order of one man and one woman? Our nation, where our leadership in high offices tell us lies far more often than the truth, wonders at the distrust that overflows, and where seeds of discord have grown to foster race and economic hatred not seen in many decades.

What are churches preaching at teaching that, on a knee-jerk reaction to a perceived injustice results in thousands in a city not just protesting, but going on widespread violent riots, looting form business owners, and causing massive financial destruction? And further, that some who have coopted the title "reverend" or "minister" are given free reign to promote such behavior - yet calling themselves "Christian".

What do we have?  A land in a terrible famine and drought.  A land that due to said famine and drought, are seeing sickness grow like an epidemic ripping apart our society. So yes, some of us truly desire that God would "heal our land". But may we never forget that God commanded us to HUMBLE ourselves, to seek HIS will (face), to PRAY, and to REPENT - literally turning from our sin. This goes to the very Gospel Jesus gave us. The Word of God, not just the convenient, feel-good parts, must be returned to the church house, and the pulpits of every God-fearing, revival seeking congregation across this nation, from the big church on the hill, to the little house church in your neighborhood. Lest we forget:

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

I pray that my faith family, New Hope Baptist Church and I never forget or neglect the life-changing, world-shaking, unadulterated Gospel. And I commit myself, whoever I serve, to proclaim the full council of God's Word:

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Soft, Gushy, Dead Faith and the Modern Church

There is a disease in this nation (spreading around the globe) that is far worse than Ebola. This disease doesn't typically ravage you physical health quite as directly as Ebola or other viral diseases, yet it most certainly leads to death.

This disease is Dead Faith.

This is the disease that James wrote of in James 2 that is a faith without works. Now, let me be clear on something, I in absolutely NO way believe, follow, or endorse ANY form of works-based salvation.  Scripture is clear that Salvation is by Grace, through Faith ALONE (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Jesus Himself said that a tree is known by its fruits (Matthew 7:16, Luke 6:44).  It is the life we live in this world that demonstrates if we are "in the faith". In fact, one way of "test your faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5) is by examining our works, our behavior, our lives. Whether it be our stewardship of all that God entrusts us with (finances, life, time, faith), or how we treat others we encounter in our walk (James 2:1-8). Do we genuinely hate sin? Are we grieved when we commit sin? Are we anxious to repent when we sin? Does this sin exercised in the world around us also cause us to grieve? If the answer to any of these is no - then there is no genuine fruit produced by the Spirit in you, as the Spirit of repentance is one of the first and biggest of fruits produced when we genuinely belong to the Lord.

So where am I going with this?  Today's world, and particularly in this nation, we see many so-called "churches" proclaiming what is, in essence and practical application, a centuries (millennia even) old heresy known from several centuries back as Antinomianism (From the Greek words anti meaning "against", and nomos, which means "law" or "against the law". This is the theology/doctrine that if you have "been saved" (by calling on the name of Jesus), then you are no longer bound to, or beholden in any way to "The Law". Quite literally, it is a belief (expressed in several forms), that you have a free pass to do whatever you want, that all is "ok" once you have "asked Jesus into your heart". Some might call this explanation seriously over-simplified, but the end result is the same. Sin-filled lives that show no sign of repentance (or grieving of your spirit by sin).

This is the type of people that Jude 4 mentions within the local church that have "crept in" (have become members of that local church - fully enjoying the "privilege", without any chastisement or discipline from said local church for their unrepentant sin.

This is much like the condemnation Paul had for the Corinthian church who was turning a blind eye to the sin that was so vile, even the pagans didn't practice it (1 Corinthians 5) (for those that may not be aware - it was an incestuous relationship). By turning a blind eye, they were endorsing the sin behavior.

It is through this blind-eye, soft-sell Gospel (ask Jesus into your heart, but you do not have to submit to Him as your Lord or do as He says in His Word) that has led to ineffective witness in the world. It is why Christians and Christianity is no longer the "salt" - preserving and influencing the World with the Truth.

Jesus said, so very clearly - if you love me, KEEP MY COMMANDS!  (John 14:15) In the next chapter (John 15:10), He said that if we keep His commands, we will abide in His love.

This does not imply that we must "work" to keep our salvation or to continue receiving Christ's love. It quite simply means that if our lives reflect His commands, if we are living according to His Word, it is a sign - a "fruit" that demonstrates we are of His vine. Saving faith is a permanent faith that always produces fruit. Why else did Jesus use the illustration of the vinedresser who cuts away the unproductive branches?

And ultimately, James' words that strike the point home - faith without works is a dead, worthless, useless faith... (James 2:14-20).

What kind of "fruit" is being produced when so many "churches" (including mainline denominations) turn a blind eye to a veritable laundry-list of popular sins?
 - Homosexuality
 - Rampant Divorce
 - Adultery
 - Pornography
 - Idolatry
 - Abortion
 - Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
 - and so very much more!

What kind of "faith" do you have? What kind of church do you choose to associate with? Would Jesus even recognize either?

What Do We Cling To?

In checking the church mail at the Post Office this morning, I encountered a gentleman who appeared to me to be 80+ years old and in bad health.  His voice sounded like a someone with a serious case of pneumonia, and indeed he was coughing almost constantly.  He also had an oxygen bottle "in-tow".  He was pleasant enough when I said hello.  He coughed and extended a hand to shake.  In the course of the short chat that followed, I learned that he was just over 60 years old and was a lifelong smoker.  He had a laundry list of reparatory troubles and I assured him that I would pray for him.  While fairly friendly, his attitude changed when I brought up church and the Lord.  He acted uncomfortable and it was then he decided it was time to go.

I watched as he climbed in his pickup truck with his mail and his little oxygen bottle, closed the cab door, and lit a cigarette.  My mind then turned this into an object lesson...

This gentleman was being destroyed physically by holding on to cigarettes.  Even at the point of constant coughing and the need to have oxygen all the time, he would not turn loose of that vice.  Exactly how much different is sin in our lives?

Sin is the ultimate root cause of death.  It was by the sin of one man that death entered in (Romans 5:12).  It is for sin that we all deserve nothing less than both physical death and spiritual death.  For far too many, the sin is more important than the sickness and death it brings.  Even professed "Christians" continue to hold on to certain sins that they perceive as maybe "less bad".  Particularly sad are those who, leaning on Jesus' words when He said that no-one can pluck His sheep from His hand (John 10:28), continue in glaring sin, seemingly unrepentant towards their actions and behaviors (or their inaction).  They seem to want to "continue in sin that grace might abound" (Romans 6:1).

And much like this gentleman I met this morning - whether a professed Christian or not, most - when confronted with the things of God - even the mention sometimes, causes them to recoil and either get angry or flee.

God's Word does not list "denial" as a method of overcoming sin in our lives. Only is clinging to Jesus Christ with all of our hearts, minds, and souls can we have hope of defeating that which is killing us eternally.  Only through the poured out blood of the Lamb of Christ can wash away our sins and cut the chains to our very slavery to sin.

It is only by genuine, redeeming faith (a gift from the Father, by His Grace) that we can, as Romans 8:37-38 tells us, be victorious overcomes.  But we must give up clinging to those things that are destroying us - give up the sin that we so desperately seem to want to dwell in - and instead, draw near to the One who gave His life on the cross of Calvary for you.  Cut the chains of slavery.  Repent!  Believe!

What are you clinging to?

More Than You Can Bear?

There are several verses of Scripture that are so abused as to make them take on a whole, incorrect life of their own.  One such verse is 1 Corinthians 10:13.  If I had a dollar for every time I have heard well-intentioned folks (including some preachers!) who have said that this verse means that "God won't put more on you than you can handle", I could make at least a sizable house payment!  So lets just take a look at the verse:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. 

 First off - this verse is Paul addressing the sin, and the great temptation to sin in the Corinthian culture.  Sin was all around the believers - pretty much any kind of fleshly fulfillment one could imagine was available and even promoted in the city of Corinth - a major city with a reputation for "the flesh".  But the kind of sins really isn't as important as the fact that members of the Corinthian church were giving in to them.

So Paul is addressing temptation to sin, not simply all the burdens and hardships we might face.

Second, Paul wrote that WITH temptation (God does allow us to be tempted), He also gives a way of escape - in other words - temptation WILL come - even strong temptation.  But, no temptation He allows in our life are more powerful than the way of escape He will always provide.  Or more simply - regardless of the temptation we may face, there is always a way to avoid giving in.

It's a shame that so many Christians make this passage into a proof that God won't gives us more trouble than we can handle, yet they regularly give in to temptation to the sins that "so easily beset them".  Or - they place blame on God for somehow not stepping in to prevent them from sinning.

Every bad/sinful decision we make - God has an alternative, even if we refuse to see it and follow it.  One of the classic examples I have heard and like to use:  A recovering alcoholic struggles with temptation to drink again.  Depending on where he or she works and lives, they might pass by bars and liquor stores regularly.  The way of escape is to not stop in the first place - don't put yourself in a position to even experience the added temptation!

The point is, don't put yourself in a position to have your temptation level ratcheted up!  That being said - there are some episodes of temptation that can surprise you.  One can mistype a web site URL by one letter and sometimes find themselves on a nefarious web page with pornography or other immoral content.  All at once, some might experience temptation - yet there is a simple "way of escape" - close the window!  If that doesn't work - turn off the computer!  Pull the power cord!  You do not have to continue gazing at the content.

If you particular sin might be called gluttony - maybe you should avoid buffet restaurants!

Maybe your particular weakness is related to spending money.  If so - then maybe bookmarking your favorite places to shop is a bad idea!

I must say from my own personal experience - God can and indeed will allow you more than you can bear - alone.  Many times I have been in situations that I could not have endured on my own.  But God gave me the path to endure.

Lent?

It is that time of the year again, as we begin the run-up to one of the most symbolically important events in the year for the practicing Christian - Easter.  And in that preparatory time, many observe what is called "Lent".

There are some conflicting views on what Lent is about and how to "observe" it, with some extreme examples on all sides.  In the interest of full disclosure, I grew up as an "Episcopalian", which means that I grew up in a household where we typically made a pretty big deal out of Lent.  By the same token, having come to Christ later in life and having a propensity to dig in and figure out the origins and reasons for a particular practice or observation before I adopt it (or reject it) myself, I find no clear instruction or mandate in all of scripture for the Christian to observe Lent.  The purpose of this entry is to take a look at some of the most prevalent mode of observing the pre-Easter season, and the relative merits of them.

What is Lent? 

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary:

The 40 weekdays from Ash Wednesday to Easter observed by the Roman Catholic, Eastern, and some Protestant churches as a period of penitence and fasting.

This is the basic definition, but it doesn't give the history or the basis of support used in observance.  Lenten observation is primarily based on two, 40-day fasts recorded in scripture, both of which were preparatory periods for important events.  In the case of Moses (Exodus 34:28), his 40 day & night fast (obviously supernaturally empowered, as the human body cannot withstand anywhere near that time period without food and water) was for the purpose of receiving the 10 Commandments from God.

The second case is of Jesus and His 40 day (and night) fast in preparation for temptation by the Devil in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11).  The fast, which would have dramatically affected Christ's physical body (fully-human) setting up Hebrews 4:15's clear statement referring to Jesus as "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."  

Neither of these is a command given to believers under the New Testament, but are simply examples both of the idea of a particular (and supernaturally sustained) preparation for important working by the Lord in two specific instances.  I do acknowledge that fasting is quite scriptural for New Testament believers when engaged for the right reasons and purposes (not for show or vain repetition).

How is Lent Observed?

This will not be an exhaustive answer, but in basic terms, Lent is generally observed by special time of prayer, reading of God's Word, fasting, and some kind of "self-denial".  The most famous (infamous) observation of Lent stems from the very public pre-Lent debauchery known as Mardi Gras.  Mardi Gras is essentially a week of partying, gluttony, and "fulfill your flesh" activities before the celebrants "give it up" for 40 days.  One particular day that really sticks out in my eyes - "Fat Tuesday" - the pinnacle of gluttony, as many who observe Lent, particularly of the Catholic faith, give up eating red meat on Friday (formerly was a year-round requirement).   Both Catholics, and others who formally observe Lent also usually "give up" something, often thought of as vices.  Some may give up smoking, some maybe chocolate or candy, and still others might give up video games or other desirable activities.  Of particular interest is that often those things or activities given up are often thought of as "bad for them".  The Lent season, especially Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday for some), is also suppose to focus on confession.

The period of self-denial is suppose to prepare the heart for observing Easter Sunday and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Now, to my own problems with the concept of Lent:

First of all, there is no biblical mandate or even instructions regarding such a period of self-denial, confession, or preparation for "Easter".  Instead, Jesus said "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." (Luke 9:23)  Self-denial and repentance are suppose to be "every day" for the Christian, not just a 40 day period just before Easter.  James wrote that believers are to confess your sins to one another.

Further, God's Word is suppose to be part of our daily "diet" - feasting on the Word.  Remember Jesus quoting Deuteronomy 8:3 when tempted by Satan - Matthew 4:4 "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God."

If we are going to be really honest - if you choose to observe Lent by "giving up" something that is important to you - isn't there a pretty good chance that - if it really hurts or bothers you to give it up, that it might have a place in your life of undue importance - maybe by chance, it is a type of "idol"?

Now, before anyone takes this as a condemnation of those who choose to observe Lent, let me clarify something.  If a professed Christian chooses to set aside a special time of confession, self-denial, and focus on the Word of God and Christ's sacrifice for their salvation, I do not have a problem with that. Indeed, anything that will cause you to devote greater time and devotion to the Lord can be a good thing.  The problem comes in when, one - it becomes somehow a "requirement" dictated by a denomination or leader, and two - when those who adhere to such a practice view those who do not observe Lent as somehow inferior or "unbelievers". 

I would encourage you to make the Word of God a far more prominent part of your life, each and every day, not just because a "church calendar" event says you are suppose to.  Take up your cross every day, seeking how you can become more like Jesus in your walk.  Make a difference in someone's life. And repent (turn-from) those things that have taken on idol-like positions in your life. put Jesus first each and every day, not just for 40 days!  And if you choose to observe Lent, don't do it in the way that Jesus condemned (Matthew 6:16-18).

Until next time...