When Doing Right Is Wrong

“But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9-13

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that a church (happens to be in Texas) was chanting during the worship service, “ Let’s go Brandon.” In case you are not “in the know”, which I was not before today, the chant, according to the press, “has exploded on the right, as a “cri de Coeur” (a cry from the heart; heartfelt or sincere appeal) that takes sarcastic swings at President Biden and the mainstream media without running afoul of technology censors." I was quick to tell my friend that one church in Texas does not represent all churches in Texas – but it does and should raise concern.

But here is the “rest of the Story”! The church had rented their sanctuary out during the week. It was not on Sunday and it was not a Church event. One thing I learned in the Army – the first report is never accurate.  To know how to respond requires more information.  It may well be that the church, in its entirety, supported that event – but there is no proof of that. However it does emphasize and important point and Biblical imperative. Sometimes you must not do what is right or legal if it will cause your brother to stumble.

The church had not done anything wrong – that event could have gone on anywhere. However, the fact that it appeared that the church was sanctioning a political event – taking sides if you will – cast dispersions on the faith. The appearance of evil.

“Abstain from all appearance of evil.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:22

It may be that the church in question does not care what others think – that they are not their “brother’s keeper”, but the Bible is clear that we are and we should care – lest we cause someone to stumble. If something wells up inside of you at the thought of not doing something that you want to do and in which there is no sin – that feeling is from the old – self-centered – nature. Choosing to not do something that is permissible has to do with submitting to one another – which is a spiritual act. It is about thinking about others before you think about yourself.

Pick something else – say alcohol – that is always an attention getter! I may believe it is ok to drink a glass of wine, but I should not go into a bar and drink that glass knowing that although I may use moderation in my drinking – there are many who do not. I should not encourage wrong behavior but should glorify God and point others to Jesus in all that I do. The Jesus who sacrificed everything for our sakes.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Is It OK For A Christian To Say #@$%_!(

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.  And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:29-32

Profanity was a big - or I guess I should say, natural, part of my vocabulary before I was born again.  I thought nothing of it - unless I was around women and children.  So I guess I did think something of it after all.  But profanity like a number of other things in my life virtually disappeared, old things passed away, from my thinking and speaking - no matter who was listening. Sure, they are just words - but then again - words are a reflection of the heart.

"A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." - Luke 6:45

Martie and I have been watching with great dismay as profanity has found its way into virtually every aspect of life. You see it written on cars - in publications - on television - in movies. In print you may see the first letter followed by a series of dots or special characters like I used in the title of this post.  The thing is - our minds fill in the blanks so the objective of the writer is fulfilled as if the word had been spelled out in plain text.

There used to be censors for television and movies that prevented profanity and sexual content from being made public - then they started using ratings to warn people or entice them that they would be exposed to certain "adult" content. It is OK for adults but not for children.  I learned that lesson when I was a child.  I spent many hours sitting on the back steps having taken a bite of soap for cussing in front of my mom - I might have been 5 or 6 at the time.  The thing is, the words I used I had heard from her! (long before she was saved I might add) Kids were carded at the movie theaters to prove they were old enough to watch certain ratings.  Now they can watch what they want right in their own living rooms.

Martie and I have a small plaque sitting on the side board just below our television that says "Above All Else - Guard Your Heart" - Proverbs 4:23

It is a reminder that the television is a portal through which carnality can finds its way into our home and minds.  And just when we think we have found something "safe" to watch - BOOM!!! There it is - profanity at its best - or worst!

I have talked with some Christian men who seem to think that the use us profanity is not only permissible but is actually a sign of some superior spirituality. It is a sign that they are MEN of faith, when what I see is carnality.  

 "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you." - Philippians 4:8-9

How do you reconcile the using or listening to profanity in light of that admonition? I do not think it is justifiable. Thinking it but not saying it is not an escape clause in the Bible.  Jesus said that if you think it - embrace it - you are guilty of it. (He used adultery and murder in our thought life as examples. Matthew 5:21-30)

My point here is to encourage you to be on your guard. Do not use the excuse of "that is just in the movie" as a reason to "dip your toes" into the culture and what is offers as OK all the while being in conflict with what the Spirit would tell you is NOT OK.

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” – Matthew 5:13

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

You Are Not Alone – Or Are You?

“…  you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light  (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. …. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ….. submitting to one another in the fear of God.” – Ephesians 5:8-10,15,21

Martie and I watched a television program Sunday night that featured Adele. I must say, I had heard of her but had not listened to any of her music. She is apparently a “big deal”.  As part of the programming there were vignettes of an interview with Oprah Winfrey. The interview circled mostly around Adele’s troubled life, her recent divorce and her quest to be happy in spite of it all.  Adele seemed like a good enough person but what got my attention was the focus on happiness. I am quite certain the woman is very rich – so money is not the source of what she is looking for or she would already be there. I am certain she has more than enough for several lifetimes. What was sad to me was it seemed that with all of her fame – with all of her money – in her heart, she as on her own.

Earlier that morning, we had watched a streamed service from a local church. The pastor was preaching on Ephesians 5. Connecting the two events, I was thinking about the importance of being connected in the Body of Christ, and how alone we can find ourselves even though we are surrounded by friends, family and other Christians. Have you ever felt alone in a crowded room? I suspect that there are many Christians – some that you may know well, that feel that way – even when they are with you.  Like Adele standing alone behind that microphone – the people around us are like the audience, enjoying the “show”. And when they show is over, you are still alone.

So what does this have to do with Ephesians 5? Well, glad you asked!  When we are commanded – strong word that – it is something that God intends for us to do to fulfill His purposes.  If we are submitting to one another – putting others before us – and they are doing the same – then there is no place for loneliness – although there is a temptation to feel like you are alone.  That we are not living our new lives on our own. Do you remember Elijah in the cave – full of despair even after seeing God at work – ready to give it up because he felt alone – but God reminded him that he was not alone. Our happiness or contentment is found through faith and not circumstances. What binds us together is our love for one another – which is demonstrated by mutual submission – thinking more of others than ourselves.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:34-35

How did Jesus love us? He died for us – suffered the cross for our benefit.  Loving people sacrificially is a living witness to the world.  I must say, in my experience that Church falls woefully short. We keep our emotional distance. We can be in a church on Sunday slam full of people – but the people might as well be sitting behind a computer screen watching the service over the internet. Even with all of the “glad handing” and “good to see you’s” we are surrounded by lonely people. Submitting – having another Christian’s back, if you will, means that you must engage them on a personal level. Get beyond the social gratuities. To let them into your personal space and they do likewise. How does that happen? It starts with you.   

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Spiritual Markers

 

“… that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever. And the children of Israel did so, just as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones from the midst of the Jordan, as the Lord had spoken to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. Then Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.” – Joshua 4:6-9

I was talking with a friend of mine some weeks ago about a decision he was struggling with. I told him that I had been in his place many times in the past.  That he was standing at the spiritual River Jordan faced with a decision – obey God or shrink back in fear and doubt.  I reminded him of the two times that the nation of Israel stood at the Jordan. The second time – the crossed by faith – the first time they wandered because of their lack of faith. 

If you are a Christian – you will have stood at that same river, perhaps more than once. The first time you stood at the water’s edge was when you yielded your life to God by faith in Jesus. But that was only the beginning of your journey.  Dr. Henry Blackaby (Experiencing God) calls those times Spiritual Markers. Occasions in our lives when we have a “crisis of belief”. We know what God has said and yet, we balk at taking stepping out on the journey He has called us to. I can recall being in a swimming pool with one of my children standing at the edge – water wings on their little arms – their eyes wide – as I said “Come on – jump, I will catch you!” It always took a bit of coaching – encouragement. They knew I would not ask them to do something that would harm them – yet – they could see the water and they had doubts. Eventually each of them made the leap – but like Israel – not always the first time they were presented with the opportunity. The same for us.

“And Peter answered Him and said, ‘Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ So He said, ‘Come.’ And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw [a]that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, ‘Lord, save me!’ And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’” – Matthew 14:28-31

Perhaps like Peter – you made the leap and then began to doubt that you had chosen wisely when things did not seem to be going your way.  We, too often, forget that we are on a spiritual journey requiring faith and not sight and natural wisdom. That we must keep our eyes fixed on the One who has called us out of the boat. Our circumstances often tempt us to trust in ourselves and not in the Caller.

Do you have any stacks of stones that celebrate God and His power demonstrated in your life.  It does not have to be as momentous as the River Jordan backing up while at flood stage or walking on water – it may be something quite small that changed a life choice or something else – but it was something that required you to exercise your faith – to go against your flesh and human reasoning.   

“Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord. ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.’” – Isaiah 55:7-9

Resist the temptation to trust in your natural reasoning and practice to make spiritual decisions.

“…. the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” –  1 Corinthians 2:14

You will know when it is God speaking and when it is not. The question is – will you have the faith to obey?

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Serving Many For An Audience Of One

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I [Jesus] have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” – John 5:12-13

We just celebrated Veterans Day. The recognition of men and women who are set their lives aside for a season – be it a short or long season – for the good of others.  There is something called the Code of Conduct that I was taught when I was a young soldier. There were 6 points. The first is “I am an American fighting man. I serve in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.” The last is “I will never forget that I am an American fighting man, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.”  There are many people who have served in the military who are veterans but have never been in harms way. But that is not the point of the recognition. The point is the willingness to be placed in harms’ way that is the point. When I buy building materials at Home Depot, I get a discount for being a veteran.  The clerk will look at my VA card and say, “Thank you for your service.” That is a pretty common phrase now-a-days. The willingness to sacrifice your welfare for the good of others is a noble act. As a Christian – there is really not a lot of difference in our service. That one day we will hear the words for our Lord –

“Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.” – Matthew 25:23

There is something we referred to in the Army called the “tooth to tail ratio”. That that referred to was how many people (the tail) it took to support one infantryman – the one looking the enemy in the eyes. Generally speaking it was 10 to 1. There are 10 people supporting each soldier on the front line. Every one of the ten in the tail was important to ensure that the one was equipped to fight the enemy – mano y mano – if you will. We called then Remington Raiders (clerk typists) Chairborne Rangers (admin people) – in Vietnam – Saigon Warriors – service members who never got their boots muddy while they were in Vietnam.  But that was never to suggest that their responsibilities were not important – not critical to the fight. Some veterans never left the United States during their service – but that is not the point. They wore the uniform. General George Patton is credited with this motto – “I am a soldier – I fight where I am told – I win where I fight.”

As a Christian – we don’t choose our spiritual gifts – we don’t decide what our place will be in the body of Christ. But, what we all do is surrender our hearts and our devotion to God by faith.  He has already decided how you will be used for His glory and the good of others. 

“I [Paul] beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2

Through personal sacrifice is how we serve God and others. Paul referred to being a Christians as being a good soldier.

“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.” – 2 Timothy 2:3-7

Let me leave you with this – a couple verses from an old hymn.

“Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before!

Christ, the royal Master, leads against the foe; Forward into battle, see his banner go!

Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod;

We are not divided; all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity.” Onward Christian Soldiers, S. Baring-Gould, 1649, Public Domain

And … thank you for your service!

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Distinguishing Between The Sin and The Sinner

“But I [Jesus] say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” – Luke 6:27-31

You may be familiar with the phrase, “Hate the sin but love the sinner.” It is not a verse in the Bible, but it is a spiritual concept that is probably best summarized by John 3:16

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” – John 3:16

God loved His creation, but rejects sin and so He sent Jesus to reconcile the world through the Cross. Notice the qualification- “that whoever believes in Jesus”. It does not mean that Jesus died and now everyone gets a pass. That whatever they do – loving God or not – God will overlook it – call it good for the purpose of granting eternal life in heaven. As Christians we are to love others like God loves others. Love people and hate sin. 

What do I mean by hate? Hate means to not love – to not embrace – to not say what is wrong is right.  Not to go along to get along.  Now, according to the culture in the United States – hate means to not embrace what the culture says is right – even if it is contrary to what the Bible says is right and wrong.  In other words – if you are not willing to agree that sin is not sin then you are a hater.  The culture does not make a distinction between the sin and the sinner. Putting John 3:16 in another context or phrasing ….

God so loved the mankind that He made a way to undo what Adam did in the Garden, bringing sin into the world. If people would put their faith in Jesus and His death on the cross for their sin, then they could be restored in relationship with God the Father and have eternal life with Him and escape Hell.

And that is our message to the world.

“Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses [sins] to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” – 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

That does not say that we are to condone sin – to agree that what the Bible says is sin is not really sin.  That we must say that what others do is just a choice and who are we to say otherwise.

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you!” –  John 15:18-20

Don’t be surprised that our culture accuses Christians of hate. You are an ambassador of Christ. You are salt and light in a very dark culture. Those who love sin do not like the light and they don’t like to be told that what they say is right is wrong. If you fear men and crave their acceptance then you can have it – all you have to do is agree that sin is not sin – simple. Of course you will be enabling their eternal condemnation to hell. Can you live with that?

“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” – John 3:18-20

I am not saying to isolate yourself from the Lost. Jesus was condemned for associating with sinners – but He said it is the sick who need healing. Still Jesus did not embrace their sin – He called them to repentance.

Why share this with you? Because I want to remind you of just how miraculous your new life in Christ is. God has committed you and me to a “word of reconciliation” to God by faith in Jesus. In order for sinners to make a life change they first need a heart change. And that can only happen when the Spirit of God brings a holy conviction of their sin and that person puts their faith in Jesus.  And that is what happened to you and to me.  It’s God that changes hearts not us. It’s God that brings understanding that what we call right is wrong and the truth that we are sinners.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone

Your Faith is Blessing and Treasure

"Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:5-6

There are an estimated 4200 religions in the world.  Think about that.  Mankind – so distinct from all other creation on this earth – continues to seek out something greater than themselves. And out of that mass of religions, there are three major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are monotheistic religions, namely they believe that there is only one God. All three religions believe that this God is the origin and source of all that exists. As Christians, we believe there is only one true faith – faith in Jesus, the Christ. Everyone else has missed it. If you are interested in understanding the root of the Islamic faith read Genesis 16 to 21.

The Jews, who rejected Jesus as a prophet, called him an imposter, while the Christians, on the other hand, considered him to be the son of God and worship him as such.  In Jewish eschatology, the Messiah is a future Jewish king from the Davidic line, who is expected to be anointed with holy anointing oil and rule the Jewish people during the Messianic Age and world to come. Islam considers Jesus to be one of the greatest and most forbearing of prophets, in addition to Noah, Abraham, Moses and Muhammad, peace be upon them. Jesus is also considered to be the Messiah as well. 

“He [Jesus] said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.’” – Matthew 16:15-17

We believe that apart from faith in Jesus, there is no hope beyond this mortal life. Believing that there is a God in Heaven. Believing that man was created by God. The existence of Adam and Abraham – is not enough. 

“You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!” –  James 2:19

But there is something lacking. Recall the Pharisee, Nicodemus.

“There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to Him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’ Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’  Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved’.” – John 3:1-17

There are many people who identify with the Christian faith, who are not born again.  It is more of a cultural – traditional belief and no-wise spiritual.  To have eternal life – you must be born again by the Spirit of God through faith that Jesus is the Christ. That is a distinctive among all 4200 religions. It is what makes Christianity different. God has revealed Himself through Jesus and, in turn, through those who have confessed with their mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in their hearts that God, the Father, raise Jesus, the Son, from the dead. Having died for the world’s sin once for all.  Remarkable and true. But that truth is only revealed by the Spirit of God.

Why share this with you? Because I want to remind you of just how miraculous your new life in Christ is.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone