It is time to vote, but
how can we do that without being judgemental?
Doesn't voting mean I have to make a judgment? Sure does.
Well shouldn't I feel guilty for having the audacity to judge? NO!
Wow we Christians miss the point so often. OK let's break it down. God would not give us the awesome privilege of voting for our leaders if he didn't want us to make informed decisions about who would be better for leading.
Is it ok to use my Christianity and belief in God when making my decision. YES!
Our relationship to God gives us our world view, we would be foolish not to take that into account. Do your duty, make an informed decision and cast a ballot.
What about the separation of church and state?
That is all about the Government not impeding your right to worship. There was never an intention of the founding fathers to say; "We made this experiment in democracy because of religious persecution across the pond, but when you vote, check your beliefs at the door."
But that is not the judgment we are supposed to avoid. The kinds of judgement we should beware of is the assumption of unspoken motive, or the placement of the eternal soul, these are the judgments that we have not only no ability to know, but no authority to pronounce.
So how does that look exactly?
Well first, it is OK to believe that what you believe is right.
As a matter of fact it is good to believe that your thoughtful, prayerful, time of seeking God's truth and wisdom has not left you completely ignorant.
Where we get into trouble is when we say that anyone who doesn't vote the way I do or think the way I do is ignorant or stupid, not a Christian, or is on their way to eternal damnation. It could simply be that God is not finished dealing with them or me yet, and by the way, he may allow them to vote differently because he wants to teach them, or me something.
OK, so how do I co-exist with someone who I disagree with?
Should I be quiet about my opinion?
Rather than being quiet, be sensitive to God and the other people you might discuss things with. Cover your thoughts and feelings with Gods grace and love.
If the other person is not able to be as graceful as you are in discussing these things then love them more and be sensitive to their feelings and positions your opinion is not dependant on anyone elses approval.
Know that some people don't have a sense of humor when it comes to these issues, on the other hand humor can come in very handy when discussing with some on the other side of issues.
As far as elections go there are many verses in the bible that talk about God being in control, the heart of the king is in the hand of God, God places the rulers on the throne etc. etc. So know that God is in control. That doesn't mean that God won't put a corrupt politician in charge. Remember lots of those kings God placed on the thrones beheaded Christians. But that is not the point. The point is God will place the person on the throne that he needs to accomplish his plan. So whether God chooses a person who is good or bad is irrelevant. Our responsibility is to serve God, and love people no matter what the circumstances are.
So in closing; generally a political or religious position that is opposite of yours is not a threat to you, and it is not your responsibility in most cases to correct. Remember you are responsible to people not for people. You are called to love the other person regardless of their handicaps, race, views, and positions. Open healthy dialogue where possible. Be eager to listen for the positions and arguments that you hadn't thought of. Never be dismissive of another person, that implies pious judgement toward them. Pray for those you disagree with, nothing changes our heart toward someone more than praying for them and constantly pray for humility, wisdom and peace. The bible says "They will know we are Christians by our love." That doesn't mean we will always agree, as a matter of fact, it is easy to love those we agree with, it is loving those we disagree with that really sets us apart.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Financial MELTDOWN?
We Are On The Precipice Of A Financial Cataclysm? This is a joint statement from the Republican and Democrat nominees for president.
What are we to do? Ignore it? Hope it won't affect us? It is now just too late for that. Even churches are beginning to address the problem. Which I think is great. The church should be the voice of reason in these uncertain times.
Things to think about;
Live Responsibly. Decide before you get your wallet out is this a want or a need.
Eat more at home. Look honestly at what you spend weekly at restaurants and coffee shops.
Plan early for Christmas buying. Scale back without guilt, it is the thought that counts and thoughtful doesn't have to equal expensive. Often we wait until the last minute and spend more because we haven't planned ahead. Talk to your family and create realistic expectations for holiday gifting. Have fun, be creative, and be honest with your budget.
Don't panic. God is able to take care of those who seek him, but that doesn't mean we should be irresponsible with our spending.
Help others whenever possible. If you make a pot of chili to eat after church invite someone over to join you. If you grow out of clothes or your children do, give the good clothes away to others who could use them.
Put away the Credit Cards. Try not to add to credit card debt, and pay it down or off if possible. If you use credit cards, pay them off monthly.
Don't think it, ink it! Jot down every penny you spend for a month. Add it up. That will change you.
Look up 10 websites on living frugally.
Look for Gods purpose in tough times. What is it that God wants me to learn, what does God want me to do, during tough times?
Get back to the simple life.
So here is my question, if we do these things, and the meltdown stops today, aren't I better off anyway?
What are we to do? Ignore it? Hope it won't affect us? It is now just too late for that. Even churches are beginning to address the problem. Which I think is great. The church should be the voice of reason in these uncertain times.
Things to think about;
Live Responsibly. Decide before you get your wallet out is this a want or a need.
Eat more at home. Look honestly at what you spend weekly at restaurants and coffee shops.
Plan early for Christmas buying. Scale back without guilt, it is the thought that counts and thoughtful doesn't have to equal expensive. Often we wait until the last minute and spend more because we haven't planned ahead. Talk to your family and create realistic expectations for holiday gifting. Have fun, be creative, and be honest with your budget.
Don't panic. God is able to take care of those who seek him, but that doesn't mean we should be irresponsible with our spending.
Help others whenever possible. If you make a pot of chili to eat after church invite someone over to join you. If you grow out of clothes or your children do, give the good clothes away to others who could use them.
Put away the Credit Cards. Try not to add to credit card debt, and pay it down or off if possible. If you use credit cards, pay them off monthly.
Don't think it, ink it! Jot down every penny you spend for a month. Add it up. That will change you.
Look up 10 websites on living frugally.
Look for Gods purpose in tough times. What is it that God wants me to learn, what does God want me to do, during tough times?
Get back to the simple life.
So here is my question, if we do these things, and the meltdown stops today, aren't I better off anyway?
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Who will be in heaven?
The bible is clear that Jesus is the only way to heaven. But what are the implications of that statement and belief? I recently heard an interview given to Billy Graham on Robert Schulers Hour of Power,that has made many people in the Christian world shudder. Here is what was said;
Dr. Schuller begins by speaking to Billy Graham:
Dr. Schuller: "Tell me, what is the future of Christianity?"
Dr. Graham: "Well, Christianity and being a true believer, you know, I think there's the body of Christ which comes from all the Christian groups around the world, or outside the Christian groups. I think that everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time."
"What God is doing today is calling people out of the world for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light they have and I think they're saved and they're going to be with us in heaven."
Dr. Schuller: "What I hear you saying is that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into a human heart and soul and life even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?"
Dr. Graham: "Yes it is because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, have never heard of Jesus but they've believed in their hearts that there is a God and they tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived."
Dr. Schuller: "This is fantastic. I'm so thrilled to hear you say that. There's a wideness in God's mercy.
Dr. Graham: There is. There definitely is."
The net is full of people that say things like this statement cannot co-exist with the belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven found in John 14:6. Another person said something to the effect that Billy Graham was attempting to be ecumenical to the point of error. John MacArthur even weighed in on the controversy in a very negative manner saying that Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists will all be in heaven according to Billy Graham.
I have read these authors views and listened to them speak and most of them are generally smart people. But they have really gotten it wrong on this one.
The position of Billy Graham is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. OK they all agree on that. These folks that criticize probably the greatest evangelist of our time seem to easily dismiss the entirety of what he says to quibble over their own fears that he could saying there is another way to heaven.
He certainly did not say there is another path to heaven. He said that Jesus calls us, and when he calls us, he may do it without the help of evangelicals. WHAT? How utterly absurd, that someone could get to know Christ without my help. God, you can't bypass me! I am your hands and feet here on earth you know. They can't get saved unless I give them a bible, and share the Romans road with them.
Does that sound arrogant to anyone but me. Don't get me wrong, I am an evangelical that believes Jesus is the only way to heaven, it is my calling to share the Gospel and give bibles, but I am not so bold as to say Jesus has to use me. If God wants to reach someone through me and I don't get out of bed that day will that person go to hell? No your salvation is not based on my works. God calls us and no person comes to God unless he is called. If I don't show up you know he could use a rock, or another ass. Or in the case of Paul he could just appear to that person himself. Listen to the words of Paul himself;
"I did not receive it [the Gospel] from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ....But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus."
So how crazy is it to believe that God might call a Muslim while practicing that religion, or a Hindu or Buddhist or in Paul's case, someone who was preaching against Christ.
Jesus calls us as he wills, when he does he opens heavens gates to us no matter what is in our past. Because he is the only way the truth and the light. I own no patents on his gospel.
Dr. Schuller begins by speaking to Billy Graham:
Dr. Schuller: "Tell me, what is the future of Christianity?"
Dr. Graham: "Well, Christianity and being a true believer, you know, I think there's the body of Christ which comes from all the Christian groups around the world, or outside the Christian groups. I think that everybody that loves Christ or knows Christ, whether they're conscious of it or not, they're members of the body of Christ. And I don't think that we're going to see a great sweeping revival that will turn the whole world to Christ at any time."
"What God is doing today is calling people out of the world for His name. Whether they come from the Muslim world, or the Buddhist world, or the Christian world, or the non-believing world, they are members of the body of Christ because they've been called by God. They may not even know the name of Jesus, but they know in their hearts they need something that they don't have and they turn to the only light they have and I think they're saved and they're going to be with us in heaven."
Dr. Schuller: "What I hear you saying is that it's possible for Jesus Christ to come into a human heart and soul and life even if they've been born in darkness and have never had exposure to the Bible. Is that a correct interpretation of what you're saying?"
Dr. Graham: "Yes it is because I believe that. I've met people in various parts of the world in tribal situations that they have never seen a Bible or heard about a Bible, have never heard of Jesus but they've believed in their hearts that there is a God and they tried to live a life that was quite apart from the surrounding community in which they lived."
Dr. Schuller: "This is fantastic. I'm so thrilled to hear you say that. There's a wideness in God's mercy.
Dr. Graham: There is. There definitely is."
The net is full of people that say things like this statement cannot co-exist with the belief that Jesus is the only way to heaven found in John 14:6. Another person said something to the effect that Billy Graham was attempting to be ecumenical to the point of error. John MacArthur even weighed in on the controversy in a very negative manner saying that Muslims, Hindus and Buddhists will all be in heaven according to Billy Graham.
I have read these authors views and listened to them speak and most of them are generally smart people. But they have really gotten it wrong on this one.
The position of Billy Graham is that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. OK they all agree on that. These folks that criticize probably the greatest evangelist of our time seem to easily dismiss the entirety of what he says to quibble over their own fears that he could saying there is another way to heaven.
He certainly did not say there is another path to heaven. He said that Jesus calls us, and when he calls us, he may do it without the help of evangelicals. WHAT? How utterly absurd, that someone could get to know Christ without my help. God, you can't bypass me! I am your hands and feet here on earth you know. They can't get saved unless I give them a bible, and share the Romans road with them.
Does that sound arrogant to anyone but me. Don't get me wrong, I am an evangelical that believes Jesus is the only way to heaven, it is my calling to share the Gospel and give bibles, but I am not so bold as to say Jesus has to use me. If God wants to reach someone through me and I don't get out of bed that day will that person go to hell? No your salvation is not based on my works. God calls us and no person comes to God unless he is called. If I don't show up you know he could use a rock, or another ass. Or in the case of Paul he could just appear to that person himself. Listen to the words of Paul himself;
"I did not receive it [the Gospel] from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ....But when God, who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus."
So how crazy is it to believe that God might call a Muslim while practicing that religion, or a Hindu or Buddhist or in Paul's case, someone who was preaching against Christ.
Jesus calls us as he wills, when he does he opens heavens gates to us no matter what is in our past. Because he is the only way the truth and the light. I own no patents on his gospel.
The Evangelical, Post-Modern, Emergent, Missional, Orthodox, Conservative, Liberal Body of Christ.
Wow my head is spinning. I had a great dinner last night with friends from a former church that imploded while we were attending. We have all gone separate ways; I am active in church leadership at Olathe Life Fellowship, another friend is a Pastor considering a new church plant in the Houston area, and the other finally getting settled into a church and becoming active in the life of that body of believers. The topic of labels came up when I ask my Pastor friend if he would consider himself an evangelical, he replied; "Yes, but I don't call myself that." Then he threw in the word "Emergent." We talked briefly about the controversy surrounding that word. So today I began to explore some of those labels and judgments surrounding some of our verbage and struggle to identify ourselves.
I know less now about where I fit in than I did yesterday.
So here is what I know for sure;
I am Evangelical.
Because I believe strongly that we are to carry the good news of the Gospel to the hurting, and that there is no other name in heaven or earth by which man can be saved, but Jesus.
I am Post-Modern.
Because of the period I live in, and the language I use to reach those around me, who live in this culture, with the Gospel of Christ.
I am Emergent.
Because of the creativity I use to share that Gospel with those around me.
I am Missional.
Because I am concerned for those in today's culture and when they hurt I hurt, so I seek to help them knowing, that God cares for them, and as I help them and care for them I show them a living example of the Gospel, and open the door for sharing the good news.
I am Orthodox.
Because I think the word of God is true and perfect in it's original form. That Jesus is and was God, creator of the universe and became flesh, and was tempted in every way that I am, and so he understands my temptations and I can look to him as my example. His sacrifice on the cross made it possible for me to have eternal fellowship with God, not by anything I could ever do or not do, but by his grace and mercy. Also because I believe that the great commission included the importance of discipleship.
I am Conservative.
Because I want to preserve the Gospel and it's truth so that it may change others lives. I am conservative because I believe in being responsible as we take care of the earth, and all that God has in trusted to us. I am conservative because I believe we are positionally perfect through Christ. I also believe that we should use the resources and intelligence we have been given to do what we believe God would have us do.
I am Liberal.
Because I believe we should give of our resources freely to help those in need, that when I meet Jesus he will ask me as well as all the nations "When I was hungry did you feed me, when I was naked did you clothe me.?" And because I believe that If Christ has set us free we are free indeed. I am liberal because while I believe we are positionally perfected in Christ, we cannot achieve perfection on the earth, even if we are church leadership. I believe that Gods Mercy and Grace trumps mans intelligence.
So you might say that I am just a mixed up kid. Or you might say I am rebelling against boxes and labels. What is important is; what God will say when I stand before him someday.
I know less now about where I fit in than I did yesterday.
So here is what I know for sure;
I am Evangelical.
Because I believe strongly that we are to carry the good news of the Gospel to the hurting, and that there is no other name in heaven or earth by which man can be saved, but Jesus.
I am Post-Modern.
Because of the period I live in, and the language I use to reach those around me, who live in this culture, with the Gospel of Christ.
I am Emergent.
Because of the creativity I use to share that Gospel with those around me.
I am Missional.
Because I am concerned for those in today's culture and when they hurt I hurt, so I seek to help them knowing, that God cares for them, and as I help them and care for them I show them a living example of the Gospel, and open the door for sharing the good news.
I am Orthodox.
Because I think the word of God is true and perfect in it's original form. That Jesus is and was God, creator of the universe and became flesh, and was tempted in every way that I am, and so he understands my temptations and I can look to him as my example. His sacrifice on the cross made it possible for me to have eternal fellowship with God, not by anything I could ever do or not do, but by his grace and mercy. Also because I believe that the great commission included the importance of discipleship.
I am Conservative.
Because I want to preserve the Gospel and it's truth so that it may change others lives. I am conservative because I believe in being responsible as we take care of the earth, and all that God has in trusted to us. I am conservative because I believe we are positionally perfect through Christ. I also believe that we should use the resources and intelligence we have been given to do what we believe God would have us do.
I am Liberal.
Because I believe we should give of our resources freely to help those in need, that when I meet Jesus he will ask me as well as all the nations "When I was hungry did you feed me, when I was naked did you clothe me.?" And because I believe that If Christ has set us free we are free indeed. I am liberal because while I believe we are positionally perfected in Christ, we cannot achieve perfection on the earth, even if we are church leadership. I believe that Gods Mercy and Grace trumps mans intelligence.
So you might say that I am just a mixed up kid. Or you might say I am rebelling against boxes and labels. What is important is; what God will say when I stand before him someday.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Depression
Depression is a state of existence marked by a sense of being pressed down, weighed down, or burdened, which affects a person physically, mentally, spiritually, and relationally.
Last week my wife asked me if I thought I was depressed. I asked her why she thought that? She said "Well I went to church today and two of the people who asked where you were asked if you might be depressed." Hmmmm, I thought to myself, maybe I should go online and take a depression test. That's what the 21rst century folks do right? GOOGLE BABY!. So off I went and I pulled up the first website that offered a screening on depression. I took the test carefully and pushed "get results" and it took be back to the first page, frustrated that I might have pushed a wrong button or something I took the test again. Again, it went back to the first page, after the third time of filling out this questionnaire I was for the first time beginning to feel depressed.
The topic of Depression is common in conversations that I have with Christians. Most of them who I speak with about it have tried every way they know to get help short of health professionals. 6 or 7 years ago I was leaving the church parking lot where I was the Worship Leader and a friend comes wheeling in the parking lot and asks me "Are you depressed?" What a strange question I said why would you think that?
My friend asked me 5 or so questions which I answered yes to 4 of the 5 and my friend wisely said you should see someone, I have a name for you. That was some of the best advice I had ever received.
I had no idea that I was suffering from depression, but my friends noticed changes in my behaviour that triggered them to ask. I was not sad, had no thoughts of suicide, but I found myself wanting to be alone more, avoiding phone calls, sleeping more, but never feeling rested, eating more but never getting full, and the joy I used to find in hobbies and activities had disappeared. Then of course there was my relationship with God, once vibrant and constant, I sought isolation even from him. While I felt no sadness, now I had a distinct absence of joy, I guess you could say numbness, fatigue, a feeling of being overwhelmed by every task and commitment, a deep sense of worthlessness and shame was about the sum of my existence. I was still able to preform my job, even help others during their struggles somewhat. But personally it was all I could do to get out of bed and do the list of tasks that had to be done for the day.
I saw the counselor that my friend recommended and found much slow relief. This depression seemed to be situational, my life had become overwhelming and my body and spirit or mind was growing weary and becoming incapable of dealing with it. My counselor began dealing with every heavy issue one thing at a time, giving me strategies to cope, reminding me constantly of Gods total and unconditional love for me, and Gods deep concern for me and desire to help me. My depression had started in the Situational realm but had gone into the Spiritual realm also. I began to feel without value to God even though I knew that not be true, I was unable to convince myself. Surprisingly during this time I could convince others of their deep value and worth I was just unable to convince myself.
I slowly lost the feelings that plagued me and eventually they were replaced with good feelings again. I was very fortunate that my form of depression had not yet entered biological, so I was able to get relief without medication. But so many Christians are afraid of medications for depression, I personally believe that they are a gift from God. Having seen first hand so many times how medication with a multi-faceted approach can absolutely change lives.
So now getting back to whether I am depressed or not, well I don't seem to have the ability to check that myself, but I am beginning to recognize patterns and signs that I have seen before. I sleep but find little rest, I eat but am not satisfied, I worship and feel no peace, I smile and feel no joy. I am productive still but am Isolating, and find it a task to do the things that used to bring pleasure.
Situationally things are pretty good, but over the last 3 years I and my family dealt with the long slow death of my mother. My wife told me that I have not been the same since that time. I do recognize that. I really don't feel sadness or despair, but the numbness has begun again. Though I know I am loved and that God loves me I have become unable to feel that love.
I have not lost my insight as a matter of fact I have two friends who over the last week I have noticed some common signs, and while many feelings are gone right now, compassion is still my primary gift. I will talk with my friends and see if I can help.
I am an Elder in my church, and the Church universal has not had a very good record on this subject over the years. We sweep it under the rug, or totally spiritualize it minimizing other core causes, or we dismiss it outright and say "Shape up, be full of the Joy of the Lord." That is kind of like telling an insomniac they would be better if they just got more sleep. Turns out that the bible seems to have its share of depressed people some of them even authors and kings. So I write this hoping that others who feel this way can come out into the open, the light, and that the shadow of stigma will be dispelled by the light of the truth. The truth that God understands depression, and loves us through the depression though we cannot feel it or see it sometimes, and in that knowledge our shame has no place to reside. Look over your life, are there any friends you have that you have seen changes in that concern you? Friends who don't return calls or emails, that don't want to do the same things they used to, that now seem to converse on a more superficial level, are fidgity, eat way too much or not enough, sleep too much or not enough, friends who used to smile and now don't. Pray for them. Talk to them, love them.
Last week my wife asked me if I thought I was depressed. I asked her why she thought that? She said "Well I went to church today and two of the people who asked where you were asked if you might be depressed." Hmmmm, I thought to myself, maybe I should go online and take a depression test. That's what the 21rst century folks do right? GOOGLE BABY!. So off I went and I pulled up the first website that offered a screening on depression. I took the test carefully and pushed "get results" and it took be back to the first page, frustrated that I might have pushed a wrong button or something I took the test again. Again, it went back to the first page, after the third time of filling out this questionnaire I was for the first time beginning to feel depressed.
The topic of Depression is common in conversations that I have with Christians. Most of them who I speak with about it have tried every way they know to get help short of health professionals. 6 or 7 years ago I was leaving the church parking lot where I was the Worship Leader and a friend comes wheeling in the parking lot and asks me "Are you depressed?" What a strange question I said why would you think that?
My friend asked me 5 or so questions which I answered yes to 4 of the 5 and my friend wisely said you should see someone, I have a name for you. That was some of the best advice I had ever received.
I had no idea that I was suffering from depression, but my friends noticed changes in my behaviour that triggered them to ask. I was not sad, had no thoughts of suicide, but I found myself wanting to be alone more, avoiding phone calls, sleeping more, but never feeling rested, eating more but never getting full, and the joy I used to find in hobbies and activities had disappeared. Then of course there was my relationship with God, once vibrant and constant, I sought isolation even from him. While I felt no sadness, now I had a distinct absence of joy, I guess you could say numbness, fatigue, a feeling of being overwhelmed by every task and commitment, a deep sense of worthlessness and shame was about the sum of my existence. I was still able to preform my job, even help others during their struggles somewhat. But personally it was all I could do to get out of bed and do the list of tasks that had to be done for the day.
I saw the counselor that my friend recommended and found much slow relief. This depression seemed to be situational, my life had become overwhelming and my body and spirit or mind was growing weary and becoming incapable of dealing with it. My counselor began dealing with every heavy issue one thing at a time, giving me strategies to cope, reminding me constantly of Gods total and unconditional love for me, and Gods deep concern for me and desire to help me. My depression had started in the Situational realm but had gone into the Spiritual realm also. I began to feel without value to God even though I knew that not be true, I was unable to convince myself. Surprisingly during this time I could convince others of their deep value and worth I was just unable to convince myself.
I slowly lost the feelings that plagued me and eventually they were replaced with good feelings again. I was very fortunate that my form of depression had not yet entered biological, so I was able to get relief without medication. But so many Christians are afraid of medications for depression, I personally believe that they are a gift from God. Having seen first hand so many times how medication with a multi-faceted approach can absolutely change lives.
So now getting back to whether I am depressed or not, well I don't seem to have the ability to check that myself, but I am beginning to recognize patterns and signs that I have seen before. I sleep but find little rest, I eat but am not satisfied, I worship and feel no peace, I smile and feel no joy. I am productive still but am Isolating, and find it a task to do the things that used to bring pleasure.
Situationally things are pretty good, but over the last 3 years I and my family dealt with the long slow death of my mother. My wife told me that I have not been the same since that time. I do recognize that. I really don't feel sadness or despair, but the numbness has begun again. Though I know I am loved and that God loves me I have become unable to feel that love.
I have not lost my insight as a matter of fact I have two friends who over the last week I have noticed some common signs, and while many feelings are gone right now, compassion is still my primary gift. I will talk with my friends and see if I can help.
I am an Elder in my church, and the Church universal has not had a very good record on this subject over the years. We sweep it under the rug, or totally spiritualize it minimizing other core causes, or we dismiss it outright and say "Shape up, be full of the Joy of the Lord." That is kind of like telling an insomniac they would be better if they just got more sleep. Turns out that the bible seems to have its share of depressed people some of them even authors and kings. So I write this hoping that others who feel this way can come out into the open, the light, and that the shadow of stigma will be dispelled by the light of the truth. The truth that God understands depression, and loves us through the depression though we cannot feel it or see it sometimes, and in that knowledge our shame has no place to reside. Look over your life, are there any friends you have that you have seen changes in that concern you? Friends who don't return calls or emails, that don't want to do the same things they used to, that now seem to converse on a more superficial level, are fidgity, eat way too much or not enough, sleep too much or not enough, friends who used to smile and now don't. Pray for them. Talk to them, love them.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hell
Often our minds do keep us trapped in a hell of our own making. Dwelling on the things we know about ourselves that we can't forgive or can't seem to escape from. Shame certainly is a culprit, pointing out our flaws and paralyzing us against seeking help. Then those who of no fault of their own are trapped in a living hell of the mind, like severe cases of mental illness or cases of mental abuse. These persons are trapped in a hell-like state because what they are experiencing keeps them from a vibrant relationship with God. And this is exactly one aspect of Hell. Separation from God. But we are not temporal beings, while we do have a beginning as Christians we believe that we live on after our mortal body dies.
Our understanding of God and all spiritual things are based on temporal knowledge. Or you could say our understanding of the perfect is imperfect.
We hate the word judgment because of the flawed nature of our own judicial system. We have set it up the best we can, but if you are rich you may be able to purchase the best lawyer who is good at setting the guilty free or convicting the Innocent. If you don't have any money you may have to settle for a lawyer who is less than adequate. The judge may be senile or bias against your race or gender or religious beliefs. Not to mention that he has never met you, and doesn't know anything about you. Don't get me wrong, we must have the legal system, as flawed as it is we would be worse without it. But then we make a jump from the imperfect and flawed nature of our legal system to how God handles judgement. This is normal to do, but certainly not a complete comparison. In order to do this right we must see the attributes of God.
You see God is all-knowing, everywhere, just, merciful, loving, graceful. He knew us before we were born, created us, and can see through the tunnel of time and know all our actions and true motives before we arrive at any moment in the future. Scary huh, well not really, God loves us so much and wantsto spend time with us so much, that God became a man, lived a harder life than us and paid the ultimate price for us, suffering and dying on the cross.
How does that fit in? Well the bible calls Jesus our advocate, which could be translated as lawyer. He is not a low paid public defender, he actually paid to defend us. Not only did he already take our punishment but then he comes to our defense and stands before God on our behalf. But what about those who don't know Jesus. This is the flaw in my human eyes, what about the good who don't have Jesus as a lawyer, who's debt he didn't pay? Jesus paid the dept of all mankind, he paid for the sins for all eternity, it is not his will that any one should perish but all should have eternal life. And yet we see in Revelation at the White Throne Judgement that there are people who will not spend eternity with God, but be thrown into the Lake of fire. This seems inhumane to us humans who know that there is nothing we can do to make it into heaven on our own. We know that we have been freely forgiven for all of our mistakes, why is our merciful God not as merciful for others. The answer is simple to me. God is Merciful, God is Just, God is All-Knowing, God is the Perfect Judge, God is full of Grace. I have no right to judge who will be in heaven for God. That is Gods job. My understanding is so limited I couldn't even file the papers in the courtroom of God.
What about the babies, what about the person on a mountain who never had the chance to accept or reject Christ's love for them. God has the perfect answer. I don't know what it is but God does. God knows the innermost being of every person, and knows the true answers to the questions that God has for each person. God sees our motives. God will have mercy on who God chooses and it will not be based on my understanding of who should receive it. It will be based on what should be done. God will not allow some into heaven and it will not be based on words or deeds that I think they should speak or believe, or religious actions that I think should be followed. God is bigger than my understanding of God. Jesus speaks of Heaven and he speaks of Hell. His love is unconditional toward us his creations. God wants us with him so much that he perfectly paid for our imperfections. God wants us to help the hurting, feed them, clothe them, heal their wounds and share the news about Gods love for them. We are to tell them what Jesus did on the cross and why. What they do with that information and how God judges them is not for me to know. But I know this, God knows just the right thing to do.
Our understanding of God and all spiritual things are based on temporal knowledge. Or you could say our understanding of the perfect is imperfect.
We hate the word judgment because of the flawed nature of our own judicial system. We have set it up the best we can, but if you are rich you may be able to purchase the best lawyer who is good at setting the guilty free or convicting the Innocent. If you don't have any money you may have to settle for a lawyer who is less than adequate. The judge may be senile or bias against your race or gender or religious beliefs. Not to mention that he has never met you, and doesn't know anything about you. Don't get me wrong, we must have the legal system, as flawed as it is we would be worse without it. But then we make a jump from the imperfect and flawed nature of our legal system to how God handles judgement. This is normal to do, but certainly not a complete comparison. In order to do this right we must see the attributes of God.
You see God is all-knowing, everywhere, just, merciful, loving, graceful. He knew us before we were born, created us, and can see through the tunnel of time and know all our actions and true motives before we arrive at any moment in the future. Scary huh, well not really, God loves us so much and wantsto spend time with us so much, that God became a man, lived a harder life than us and paid the ultimate price for us, suffering and dying on the cross.
How does that fit in? Well the bible calls Jesus our advocate, which could be translated as lawyer. He is not a low paid public defender, he actually paid to defend us. Not only did he already take our punishment but then he comes to our defense and stands before God on our behalf. But what about those who don't know Jesus. This is the flaw in my human eyes, what about the good who don't have Jesus as a lawyer, who's debt he didn't pay? Jesus paid the dept of all mankind, he paid for the sins for all eternity, it is not his will that any one should perish but all should have eternal life. And yet we see in Revelation at the White Throne Judgement that there are people who will not spend eternity with God, but be thrown into the Lake of fire. This seems inhumane to us humans who know that there is nothing we can do to make it into heaven on our own. We know that we have been freely forgiven for all of our mistakes, why is our merciful God not as merciful for others. The answer is simple to me. God is Merciful, God is Just, God is All-Knowing, God is the Perfect Judge, God is full of Grace. I have no right to judge who will be in heaven for God. That is Gods job. My understanding is so limited I couldn't even file the papers in the courtroom of God.
What about the babies, what about the person on a mountain who never had the chance to accept or reject Christ's love for them. God has the perfect answer. I don't know what it is but God does. God knows the innermost being of every person, and knows the true answers to the questions that God has for each person. God sees our motives. God will have mercy on who God chooses and it will not be based on my understanding of who should receive it. It will be based on what should be done. God will not allow some into heaven and it will not be based on words or deeds that I think they should speak or believe, or religious actions that I think should be followed. God is bigger than my understanding of God. Jesus speaks of Heaven and he speaks of Hell. His love is unconditional toward us his creations. God wants us with him so much that he perfectly paid for our imperfections. God wants us to help the hurting, feed them, clothe them, heal their wounds and share the news about Gods love for them. We are to tell them what Jesus did on the cross and why. What they do with that information and how God judges them is not for me to know. But I know this, God knows just the right thing to do.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Sin in the Church
Recently my pastor asked the staff and elders to chime in on his blog on some sensitive topics. He has been quite outspoken on the topic of how God loves gays prompting alot of email. One person wanting just to make sure that he viewed homosexuality as a sin. Here is my 2 cents.
What a hot topic, SIN. I think that you certainly can make the case biblically that homosexuality is not what God intended. And yes I think that you can certainly make the case that homosexuality is sin. It is true that of all the times it is mentioned in the bible that only 2 or 3 have to do with same gender sex, others have to do with prostitution and other forms of sexual activity outside of marriage, but certainly same gender sex is spoken against biblically. But let's start by putting some of the positions into perspective;
1.) To the extreme right would be let's say a pastor from Topeka who pickets funerals for the armed services, and feels justified in using hate speech like "God hates Fags." because, the fact that they are gay or in any sin, is proof that they are not part of Gods elect or chosen. If God has rejected them it is their obligation as Christians to do so also. If a gay person walked into that church they would say "God hates You!"
2.) Just a little less far to the right, would be those who believe that gays are evil and we shouldn't pray for them, help them, they should be shunned. If a gay person would walk into their church members would get up and walk out.
3.) Let's move to the opposite side, the extreme left. Embracing all things, believing that there is really no such thing a sin, or hell, as a matter of fact "Whatever you believe is good, whatever God you embrace is good for you." If a gay person walked into this church they would say; "Let's celebrate you finding your truth, you are gay and we are proud of your gay perfection."
4.) A little less to the left, the thought that God created Gays, to be gay so the bible must be culturally irrelevant now or was just written down wrong. If a gay person walked in this church, they would be asked to join some committees.
5.) Now let's go to the center. This is where I really think the minority of those who call themselves Christians live. The belief here is that God created us all, but through the fall of Adam ALL have fallen, from the time of the fall we were born imperfect, our lives are thick with struggle, disease and defect. Through the sacrifice of Christ ALL have the opportunity to accept the love of God freely given to ALL who would accept it. That there is nothing we can do of ourselves to earn Gods love and free gift. That none of us will achieve perfection on earth in our skin but, all who have accepted God's free gift, are perfected positionally in Christ. This church believes that we need to share the message of the Gospel to everyone, and that means the homosexual, the extreme right hateful preacher from Topeka, the extreme left preacher who believes that whatever you believe is good for you and you can write your own gospel. This church also believes that it is not necessary to clean up the sinner before loving them, and acknowledges that to try and do so would be hypocritical since each of us deal with sin on a daily basis. That loving others is not about the other person or their worthiness to be loved, but is based on the fact that God's love for us is unconditional and that is what we are called to do, love unconditionally. Jesus loved us while we were sinners, gave his life for us before we were born knowing that some of us would choose him and some would not. This church believes that we are to come to Christ as we are, but we are not to stay that way. That God begins his work on our lives even before we accept him, but after we accept him he begins to work on us in His perfect timing, he chooses things for us to work on and we start the process of God cleaning our life on the earth up. This church understands that the day we accept Christ's gift, all our sins do not just fall off, but with Gods help we can grow, and struggle through and as we do we are less dependent on our sins and more dependent on God and his mercy and his grace. When a homosexual comes to this church the church says; "Welcome fellow sinner, come join us in our journey, let us help you bear your burdens and accept Christ's free gift of love with us. Where you are hurting let us help you heal, and where you struggle let us pray for your struggle. Call us when you need a friend, come and eat with us, when you are are hungry. Let us hold you when you cry for our hearts have been broken too. And let us pray that the sins that entangle you and entangle us will be overcome on earth as they are in heaven. For God loves you and wants to make you whole.
This church speaks the truth in love, it lists all the sins and is not ashamed of saying them, for it is shame that keeps us from dealing with many of our sins, and shame often drives us to them. We are not ashamed of the Gospel, we are not ashamed of our imperfections and struggles, for that would only drive them deeper below the surface hiding them from view. We strive to be aware that our sins exist, and to be honest that our sins are real, our sins bind us and control us. Our sins need to be confessed our struggles need to be shared. Your sins do not shock us at this church for we are sinners too. We cannot treat people differently because of the type of sin that entangles them. A homosexual, should be treated no differently than the rest of us sinners. If you have been in church leadership you understand that at anytime a majority of your church is struggling with addictions, all manner of sexual indiscretions, gossip, hatred, unforgiveness, gluttony, self-loathing, lying to others and ourselves and on and on. So someone walks in, struggling with homosexuality, why should they get special treatment. Welcome sinner come on in let Gods love begin to heal you and make you whole.
Ross
Sinner,
Elder,
What a hot topic, SIN. I think that you certainly can make the case biblically that homosexuality is not what God intended. And yes I think that you can certainly make the case that homosexuality is sin. It is true that of all the times it is mentioned in the bible that only 2 or 3 have to do with same gender sex, others have to do with prostitution and other forms of sexual activity outside of marriage, but certainly same gender sex is spoken against biblically. But let's start by putting some of the positions into perspective;
1.) To the extreme right would be let's say a pastor from Topeka who pickets funerals for the armed services, and feels justified in using hate speech like "God hates Fags." because, the fact that they are gay or in any sin, is proof that they are not part of Gods elect or chosen. If God has rejected them it is their obligation as Christians to do so also. If a gay person walked into that church they would say "God hates You!"
2.) Just a little less far to the right, would be those who believe that gays are evil and we shouldn't pray for them, help them, they should be shunned. If a gay person would walk into their church members would get up and walk out.
3.) Let's move to the opposite side, the extreme left. Embracing all things, believing that there is really no such thing a sin, or hell, as a matter of fact "Whatever you believe is good, whatever God you embrace is good for you." If a gay person walked into this church they would say; "Let's celebrate you finding your truth, you are gay and we are proud of your gay perfection."
4.) A little less to the left, the thought that God created Gays, to be gay so the bible must be culturally irrelevant now or was just written down wrong. If a gay person walked in this church, they would be asked to join some committees.
5.) Now let's go to the center. This is where I really think the minority of those who call themselves Christians live. The belief here is that God created us all, but through the fall of Adam ALL have fallen, from the time of the fall we were born imperfect, our lives are thick with struggle, disease and defect. Through the sacrifice of Christ ALL have the opportunity to accept the love of God freely given to ALL who would accept it. That there is nothing we can do of ourselves to earn Gods love and free gift. That none of us will achieve perfection on earth in our skin but, all who have accepted God's free gift, are perfected positionally in Christ. This church believes that we need to share the message of the Gospel to everyone, and that means the homosexual, the extreme right hateful preacher from Topeka, the extreme left preacher who believes that whatever you believe is good for you and you can write your own gospel. This church also believes that it is not necessary to clean up the sinner before loving them, and acknowledges that to try and do so would be hypocritical since each of us deal with sin on a daily basis. That loving others is not about the other person or their worthiness to be loved, but is based on the fact that God's love for us is unconditional and that is what we are called to do, love unconditionally. Jesus loved us while we were sinners, gave his life for us before we were born knowing that some of us would choose him and some would not. This church believes that we are to come to Christ as we are, but we are not to stay that way. That God begins his work on our lives even before we accept him, but after we accept him he begins to work on us in His perfect timing, he chooses things for us to work on and we start the process of God cleaning our life on the earth up. This church understands that the day we accept Christ's gift, all our sins do not just fall off, but with Gods help we can grow, and struggle through and as we do we are less dependent on our sins and more dependent on God and his mercy and his grace. When a homosexual comes to this church the church says; "Welcome fellow sinner, come join us in our journey, let us help you bear your burdens and accept Christ's free gift of love with us. Where you are hurting let us help you heal, and where you struggle let us pray for your struggle. Call us when you need a friend, come and eat with us, when you are are hungry. Let us hold you when you cry for our hearts have been broken too. And let us pray that the sins that entangle you and entangle us will be overcome on earth as they are in heaven. For God loves you and wants to make you whole.
This church speaks the truth in love, it lists all the sins and is not ashamed of saying them, for it is shame that keeps us from dealing with many of our sins, and shame often drives us to them. We are not ashamed of the Gospel, we are not ashamed of our imperfections and struggles, for that would only drive them deeper below the surface hiding them from view. We strive to be aware that our sins exist, and to be honest that our sins are real, our sins bind us and control us. Our sins need to be confessed our struggles need to be shared. Your sins do not shock us at this church for we are sinners too. We cannot treat people differently because of the type of sin that entangles them. A homosexual, should be treated no differently than the rest of us sinners. If you have been in church leadership you understand that at anytime a majority of your church is struggling with addictions, all manner of sexual indiscretions, gossip, hatred, unforgiveness, gluttony, self-loathing, lying to others and ourselves and on and on. So someone walks in, struggling with homosexuality, why should they get special treatment. Welcome sinner come on in let Gods love begin to heal you and make you whole.
Ross
Sinner,
Elder,
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Perfect Moments
Perfect moments are falling stars.
Not contrived by or books or lectures or seminars.
Simple in all their grandeur,
existing as I move around them, unaware of their being.
Not opportunity.
Not ability.
Not dependent on me.
But gifts of comfort, and peace.
Slices of perfection to be savoured.
Proof of creations purpose.
The places where God meets me and gives me a wink.
I cannot create them, but I can allow them.
I cannot speak them but I can hear them.
I don't know when they are coming, but I know when they are here.
Unless my eyes are closed to their colors,
and my ears are closed to their song,
unless my heart is hardened to their touch.
Perfect moments are falling stars.
Not contrived by or books or lectures or seminars.
Simple in all their grandeur,
existing as I move around them, unaware of their being.
Not opportunity.
Not ability.
Not dependent on me.
But gifts of comfort, and peace.
Slices of perfection to be savoured.
Proof of creations purpose.
The places where God meets me and gives me a wink.
I cannot create them, but I can allow them.
I cannot speak them but I can hear them.
I don't know when they are coming, but I know when they are here.
Unless my eyes are closed to their colors,
and my ears are closed to their song,
unless my heart is hardened to their touch.
Perfect moments are falling stars.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Thoughts from John 4
The same as you
The same as me
Weary, and the place of rest
Parched, and the quencher of thirst
His hands held a hammer, built the earth,
and gave the hammer up to pound in spikes,
giving rythem to the song of wholeness,
written for you
written for me
The carpenter of universes,
Architect of the mind
Author of the Dream
Director of the Vision
Caller of the Calling
Creator of the Created
Flesh and blood and bone and spirit.
Babe, child, teen, adult.
Answer to the question
lawyer for the accused
the bail, the judge,
the vaccine and the cure
the painter of all color
the speaker of all words
Brother and Father
Seer of my soul
know er of my motive
north on my compass
words of eternity speak to my emptiness filling
my being with it's longing.
Birthing purpose in my days.
The same as me
Weary, and the place of rest
Parched, and the quencher of thirst
His hands held a hammer, built the earth,
and gave the hammer up to pound in spikes,
giving rythem to the song of wholeness,
written for you
written for me
The carpenter of universes,
Architect of the mind
Author of the Dream
Director of the Vision
Caller of the Calling
Creator of the Created
Flesh and blood and bone and spirit.
Babe, child, teen, adult.
Answer to the question
lawyer for the accused
the bail, the judge,
the vaccine and the cure
the painter of all color
the speaker of all words
Brother and Father
Seer of my soul
know er of my motive
north on my compass
words of eternity speak to my emptiness filling
my being with it's longing.
Birthing purpose in my days.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
circles
Essence of heaven, melting from mountain tops and trickling across the toes of star shaped blossoms. Flowing between houses, roaring by highways. Slowing to cross fields and meadows. Through farms and towns, and cities. Becoming glassy placid lakes, over falls to rivers end, and into the open, eager, mouth of the sea. Rays from celestial fire reach down and gather up a vapour from her, and out of the vapour forms a mist and from the mist puffy white vessels are fashioned, carried on the breath of God again to mountain tops.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
7 new deadly sins
The Vatican came down with 7 new deadly sins this week to add to the list of 7original deadly sins, which were put in place about 1500 years ago. The original list is; Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Slothfulness, Wrath, Envy, Pride.
The new list is much more modern and I'd say very relavent to our culture today;
Environmental pollution
Genetic manipulation
Accumulating excessive wealth
Inflicting poverty
Drug trafficking and consumption
Morally debatable experiments
Violation of fundamental rights of human nature
Wow! what food for thought. I spoke with about 17 folks yesterday and about half of them I asked if they had learned the new list of 7 Mortal Sins, some were Catholics some were Protestants, the reactions were great. One Catholic said she is going to just replace the old list instead of adding 7 more because 7 was her limit.
A Seventh Day Adventist seemed frustrated at the fact that the Vatican thought they had the authority to proclaim that these were sins.
I researched on the net a little about it yesterday and was not suprised that opinions were all over the place about whether this was right or wrong, and almost everyone took the liberty to paraphrase the vaticans list spinning the list which ever way they wanted to prove thier particular point.
Most of the reactions were knee jerk. If you didn't like the Pope, the Vatican, or Christianity, or you Loved the Pope, or whatever your particular view was, that is how you interpreted this new list.
A few years ago I was seeing a counselor who was helping me through some rough times when I would recount situations that had hurt me or made me angry; usually something someone did or said, he would make me look at the situation objectively by asking me, "What's the truth in this situation?"
Using this strategy I would ask what's the truth here?
Is enviromental polution a sin?
To us non-Catholics, we can use this list to examine ourselves and our beliefs. We can use this list to dig into the Bible and see what it says about these issues. This is certainly no threat to us.
Whatever comes my way gives me an opportunity to grow.
NLT Ro 14:8
While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord.
Ro 6:12
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires.
Ro 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
The new list is much more modern and I'd say very relavent to our culture today;
Environmental pollution
Genetic manipulation
Accumulating excessive wealth
Inflicting poverty
Drug trafficking and consumption
Morally debatable experiments
Violation of fundamental rights of human nature
Wow! what food for thought. I spoke with about 17 folks yesterday and about half of them I asked if they had learned the new list of 7 Mortal Sins, some were Catholics some were Protestants, the reactions were great. One Catholic said she is going to just replace the old list instead of adding 7 more because 7 was her limit.
A Seventh Day Adventist seemed frustrated at the fact that the Vatican thought they had the authority to proclaim that these were sins.
I researched on the net a little about it yesterday and was not suprised that opinions were all over the place about whether this was right or wrong, and almost everyone took the liberty to paraphrase the vaticans list spinning the list which ever way they wanted to prove thier particular point.
Most of the reactions were knee jerk. If you didn't like the Pope, the Vatican, or Christianity, or you Loved the Pope, or whatever your particular view was, that is how you interpreted this new list.
A few years ago I was seeing a counselor who was helping me through some rough times when I would recount situations that had hurt me or made me angry; usually something someone did or said, he would make me look at the situation objectively by asking me, "What's the truth in this situation?"
Using this strategy I would ask what's the truth here?
Is enviromental polution a sin?
To us non-Catholics, we can use this list to examine ourselves and our beliefs. We can use this list to dig into the Bible and see what it says about these issues. This is certainly no threat to us.
Whatever comes my way gives me an opportunity to grow.
NLT Ro 14:8
While we live, we live to please the Lord. And when we die, we go to be with the Lord. So in life and in death, we belong to the Lord.
Ro 6:12
Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to its lustful desires.
Ro 15:5
May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other – each with the attitude of Christ Jesus toward the other.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Healthy dialogue.
There are many folks out there that are deep thinkers, and they ask hard questions about God that often throw us off course. Breathe deep, acknowledge the question, if it stumps you don't be afraid to say, "I don't know but give me some time and I'll search it out."
One of those questions has recently been posed to me;
How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?
This question appeals to the P C'ness in all of us. It is God's love that has drawn us to him, and yet there is certainly an element of judgement found in Gods word also.
Here are some of the steps I use when answering questions.
First of all value the question. If a person asks a question assume it is because they think it is important enough to ask it. So respect the question. Don't be judgemental and assume a motive for the question, just answer the question on it's merits.
Secondly, value the questioner. Remember another one of Gods creations asks the question. Remember that we are called to be known by our love. The sacrifice of Jesus was for the person who ask the question.
Thirdly, Keep the question in a positive form. Avoid turning the question back at them. This is usually a defensive move because we have assumed the motive of the other person or think that the question is disrespectful in some way. Responses like "Are you a Pagan?" Don't usually help and can be dialogue killers.
Fourth, Never fear questions. Questions are not dangerous. Our discomfort often comes from the reason we think the person is asking the question. We assume that the person is trying to belittle us, or prove us wrong by asking the question. Don't assume anything. Answer the question without prejudice.
Lastly, even if you can't answer the question engage in dialogue and find out what they think about it.
So here is how I answered the question;
How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?
One of the reasons I am a Christian is because of the incredible freedom that we have been given by God, the freedom to think, dream, fail, grow. The freedom to know that I am not responsible for the world, I am responsible to the world. God has given me gifts and callings. One of those callings is to share his unfailing, unconditional love with those who haven't experienced it. Judgement is Gods job alone. While I think we must use good judgement, we as Christians have no authority to condemn others to hell, or to elevate them to heaven. Just to love them and share Gods love with them as we are given opportunity. What I think about who God will allow to go to heaven is irrelevent and just plain none of my biz. God is all knowing, and completly just. He alone will make proper decisions based on knowledge that is far above my ability to grasp.
Notice this answer makes no assumptions about the person asking.
It is positive and dissarming in nature, and opens oportunities for further dialogue.
One of those questions has recently been posed to me;
How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?
This question appeals to the P C'ness in all of us. It is God's love that has drawn us to him, and yet there is certainly an element of judgement found in Gods word also.
Here are some of the steps I use when answering questions.
First of all value the question. If a person asks a question assume it is because they think it is important enough to ask it. So respect the question. Don't be judgemental and assume a motive for the question, just answer the question on it's merits.
Secondly, value the questioner. Remember another one of Gods creations asks the question. Remember that we are called to be known by our love. The sacrifice of Jesus was for the person who ask the question.
Thirdly, Keep the question in a positive form. Avoid turning the question back at them. This is usually a defensive move because we have assumed the motive of the other person or think that the question is disrespectful in some way. Responses like "Are you a Pagan?" Don't usually help and can be dialogue killers.
Fourth, Never fear questions. Questions are not dangerous. Our discomfort often comes from the reason we think the person is asking the question. We assume that the person is trying to belittle us, or prove us wrong by asking the question. Don't assume anything. Answer the question without prejudice.
Lastly, even if you can't answer the question engage in dialogue and find out what they think about it.
So here is how I answered the question;
How can you believe in a religion that condems good people who don't think exactly like you to eternal hell?
One of the reasons I am a Christian is because of the incredible freedom that we have been given by God, the freedom to think, dream, fail, grow. The freedom to know that I am not responsible for the world, I am responsible to the world. God has given me gifts and callings. One of those callings is to share his unfailing, unconditional love with those who haven't experienced it. Judgement is Gods job alone. While I think we must use good judgement, we as Christians have no authority to condemn others to hell, or to elevate them to heaven. Just to love them and share Gods love with them as we are given opportunity. What I think about who God will allow to go to heaven is irrelevent and just plain none of my biz. God is all knowing, and completly just. He alone will make proper decisions based on knowledge that is far above my ability to grasp.
Notice this answer makes no assumptions about the person asking.
It is positive and dissarming in nature, and opens oportunities for further dialogue.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Black and White
The bright day
The dark night
late or early
black or white
in or out
now or never
yes or no
one or none
stay or go
my way or the highway
to be or not to be
left or right
you or me
depth or height
all or nothing
feast or famine
up or down
good or bad
God or Satan
saint or sinner
rich or poor
good or evil
on or off
The words that now seem to define our culture
They are the death of dialogue
Communication killers
Judgementalism at its best,
Dismissing those we don't understand or see
eye to eye with.
Limiting our thoughts, goals and plans
with principled fortresses forged of straw.
Dividing us by shallow rivers of polluted thought, eroding our commonalities exposing our differences.
We have lost the ability to love
We have honed the ability to judge.
We fear the unknown, instead of asking why, we ask what.
We have forgotten how we've gotten to where we are, so we have no patience for those who have not yet arrived.
We assume we are in the perfect philosophical place, so we have stunted our growth.
Where is love?
Where is grace?
Where is mercy?
Where is our ability to love unconditionally, to give the benefit of the doubt,
to seek truth, to allow God to work in our lives and take his time in the lives of others?
We have defined our existence in the narrowest terms, and worse we have defined the existence of others.
We are polarized and not able to discuss it, and just as we, are mired in me, it is time for the next presidential election.
We must remember God loves us all, He is love
1 Chorinthians 13 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT
The dark night
late or early
black or white
in or out
now or never
yes or no
one or none
stay or go
my way or the highway
to be or not to be
left or right
you or me
depth or height
all or nothing
feast or famine
up or down
good or bad
God or Satan
saint or sinner
rich or poor
good or evil
on or off
The words that now seem to define our culture
They are the death of dialogue
Communication killers
Judgementalism at its best,
Dismissing those we don't understand or see
eye to eye with.
Limiting our thoughts, goals and plans
with principled fortresses forged of straw.
Dividing us by shallow rivers of polluted thought, eroding our commonalities exposing our differences.
We have lost the ability to love
We have honed the ability to judge.
We fear the unknown, instead of asking why, we ask what.
We have forgotten how we've gotten to where we are, so we have no patience for those who have not yet arrived.
We assume we are in the perfect philosophical place, so we have stunted our growth.
Where is love?
Where is grace?
Where is mercy?
Where is our ability to love unconditionally, to give the benefit of the doubt,
to seek truth, to allow God to work in our lives and take his time in the lives of others?
We have defined our existence in the narrowest terms, and worse we have defined the existence of others.
We are polarized and not able to discuss it, and just as we, are mired in me, it is time for the next presidential election.
We must remember God loves us all, He is love
1 Chorinthians 13 4 Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5 or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6 It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. NLT
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Blood of Christ
I used to love this song called "One drop of Blood." It was a church song. The statement it made was that one drop of Christs blood was enough to pay for all of my sins. What a cool line for a song. But as I have really contemplated this, I think that this song is in error. If Jesus had only cut his finger it would not have been enough to pay for the sins of the world. The sacrifice had to be death. The blood of Christ is only a word picture of the death of Christ. It was his death on the cross that paid for my sins and the sins of the world, past, present, and future.
Ro 5:10 -
For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.
Ro 5:10 -
For since we were restored to friendship with God by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be delivered from eternal punishment by his life.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Thoughts on Mercy and Gods Love.
Growing up in a loving home but a home plagued with addiction, I had a screwy idea of what a relationship with God was. It tended to focus on behavior. Basically if I kept myself from sin I was close to God. But if I fell into sin I was far from God. This concept lead to what I'll call roller coaster Christianity. Tuesday was a triumph, Wednesday was a miserable failure. Over the years I began to segment my life into compartments, the successes and failures. I no longer viewed my life as one life from beginning to end, I was constantly starting over. My motto was; "Today I will become the Christian I am supposed to be." Enjoying life right up until the moment I did something that God wouldn't like. Eventually this kind of life wears you down and the constant concept of failure caused depression and dis-illusionment to fill my brain.
It is only in the last few years that my understanding of God and his mercy has changed. I no longer think that the favor I find with God is based on my ability to please God. I understand that I could not be good enough to please anybody. I fail daily. But Gods love for me is unconditional. Jesus willingly died to pay for all my failures even tomorrows failures. I can't be good enough to earn Gods love, but I also can't fail enough to lose his love, this is what Christianese refers to as Unmerited Favor.
In a constant effort to not fail, not sin, and then failing and sinning, I end up wasting precious time. Some days I get through the entire time and think, "Hey I didn't blow it today." And yet at end of the day I still feel somehow without significance. This made me think it is not the absence of sin in my life that makes me significant. It is the time I spend with God that makes me significant. When we spend intimate, quality time with a person we now call them our significant other. That is what God wants from us. In the end I have changed my goal, my new goal is not, not, to sin, it is now to seek to be close to God. When I stand before Him someday, my failures will be covered by Christs work on the cross, but if I am not close to Him I think I might wish that I had lived differently.
Shouldn't that be our prayer for everyone?
If someone is treating you badly, pray that they would know God.
If someone is stealing from you, pray that they would know God.
If someone is picketing funerals and being ugly, pray that they would know God.
I Pray that the Bigot will know God.
I Pray that the Atheist would know God.
I Pray that the judgmental would know God.
I Pray that the hypocrite would know God.
I Pray that I would know God.
It is only in the last few years that my understanding of God and his mercy has changed. I no longer think that the favor I find with God is based on my ability to please God. I understand that I could not be good enough to please anybody. I fail daily. But Gods love for me is unconditional. Jesus willingly died to pay for all my failures even tomorrows failures. I can't be good enough to earn Gods love, but I also can't fail enough to lose his love, this is what Christianese refers to as Unmerited Favor.
In a constant effort to not fail, not sin, and then failing and sinning, I end up wasting precious time. Some days I get through the entire time and think, "Hey I didn't blow it today." And yet at end of the day I still feel somehow without significance. This made me think it is not the absence of sin in my life that makes me significant. It is the time I spend with God that makes me significant. When we spend intimate, quality time with a person we now call them our significant other. That is what God wants from us. In the end I have changed my goal, my new goal is not, not, to sin, it is now to seek to be close to God. When I stand before Him someday, my failures will be covered by Christs work on the cross, but if I am not close to Him I think I might wish that I had lived differently.
Shouldn't that be our prayer for everyone?
If someone is treating you badly, pray that they would know God.
If someone is stealing from you, pray that they would know God.
If someone is picketing funerals and being ugly, pray that they would know God.
I Pray that the Bigot will know God.
I Pray that the Atheist would know God.
I Pray that the judgmental would know God.
I Pray that the hypocrite would know God.
I Pray that I would know God.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Questions?
Here are the Questions I am thinking about today;
What is the difference between Praying the Lords prayer and reciting the Lords prayer?
Why don't you see what I see, when you look in the mirror?
Is death a natural thing, or an Un-natural thing?
What does God see when God sees me?
What is the difference between Praying the Lords prayer and reciting the Lords prayer?
Why don't you see what I see, when you look in the mirror?
Is death a natural thing, or an Un-natural thing?
What does God see when God sees me?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
New Every Morning
Orange and purple silks slide in to dispel indigo clothed stars,
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right, and ripe for this day, scurry through grey matter,
planning for the hours coming, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from a pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.
Confident now to face the day, sure I have planned the only way.
Quite okay to ponder hours from tomorrow and it’s tomorrow.
Setting new guidelines and grids to walk, I see the artist rendering of the life perfectly parsed. But, as blue is covered by Orange and purple silks, as indigo chases, I am aware that this path now seems overwhelmingly un-scaleable.
Steeper and more crooked and each time I slip off Iwonder; where did I go wrong?
The words I fashioned seemed to be the right ones. Dark is the cover over me keeping me from finding the best tools that I was sure I brought. Lost again, looking for comfort I return to a familiar road. Aimlessly following until sleep takes me.
Orange and purple silks slide in to dispel indigo clothed stars,
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right and ripe for this day scurry through gray matter
planning for the day, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right, and ripe for this day, scurry through grey matter,
planning for the hours coming, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from a pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.
Confident now to face the day, sure I have planned the only way.
Quite okay to ponder hours from tomorrow and it’s tomorrow.
Setting new guidelines and grids to walk, I see the artist rendering of the life perfectly parsed. But, as blue is covered by Orange and purple silks, as indigo chases, I am aware that this path now seems overwhelmingly un-scaleable.
Steeper and more crooked and each time I slip off Iwonder; where did I go wrong?
The words I fashioned seemed to be the right ones. Dark is the cover over me keeping me from finding the best tools that I was sure I brought. Lost again, looking for comfort I return to a familiar road. Aimlessly following until sleep takes me.
Orange and purple silks slide in to dispel indigo clothed stars,
Rays reach to lift me, encourage me, re-make me.
Inventions of intentions right and ripe for this day scurry through gray matter
planning for the day, birthed from upright beats of soul and breast,
a road narrow, a path true.
Rich and cleansing breath invites new air from pure heaven;
it is the newness of every morning.
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