The Answer To Church Divisions

A friend of mine asked for prayer last night. Their church just fired the senior pastor and it has created turmoil in the body. I know the pain, confusion, anger, name calling, accusations, and bitterness caused when a church struggles with leadership and seeks the remedy through fracture instead of mending. We too often take the world's philosophy and treat pastors as employees who are expendable if they are not producing in the prescribed manner.

Of course church counsels, deacons, or elders have expectations that they are required to enforce. Sometimes it is the pastor's fault, unyielding use of power or lax in the obligation of his duties. Sometimes it is hurt feelings, an offended conscience, contrary personalities, or down right sinful behavior that causes divisions. But Paul's warning to the Galatians is apropos, 

But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

 

There is a High Calling for unity in the body that is required of believers. The unity isn't around job descriptions, power plays, worship styles, outreach strategies, or even pet doctrines. Our calling to Unity is around the one faith, the one hope, the one Lord and savior. Why is it so difficult for us to achieve this high calling?

The answer is simple, we are sinners. We forget that sometimes. We start to see ourselves as the keepers of the keys to the kingdom, protector of the truth, or even rescuer of God's character. But Paul said that even if these things are true but do not have love we are shouting in the wind, loud noises without substance. We are willing to stand alone if it means protecting what we believe to be the most important truths, and a unity of one is all we will have.

There is hope. Paul said that grace has been given to each of us according to the Grace of Jesus. We have received unmerited favor. The unlovely has been loved. We, who were far away, have been brought near. Unity is achieved when we remember from where we have come. Unity is achieved when we humble ourselves and in gentleness lift others up. We cannot do this on our own, we need grace, and we have been given it beyond measure. 

Once grace is received and remembered, then we can extend it to others. We understand that they are fallen individuals just like us. We love the people with whom conflict reigns, speak truth to them, have patience, exhibit kindness, repent, offer forgiveness, seek reconciliation, and grant mercy and grace. This takes hard work.

The only way that we can achieve the unity of the Spirit in a climate of self absorbed, self righteous, individualism is to act in the opposite way. We need to become meditative (on the things of God), we need to become self aware (of our own sin and need of forgiveness), we need to set aside our own preconceived ideas of how things should be, and then join together in prayer with those with whom we have conflict. 

Conflict and division will remain until the coming of Jesus because there will be people who will be unyielding and deniers of the truth. But that doesn't mean we should not fight for the High Calling of unity in Christ. I mean, we have recieved the abundant grace of Christ Jesus to achieve it. I'm just saying...

Eph. 4:7 "But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift."

The One

All roads led to Rome. She was the majestic city of the most powerful empire the world had ever known. From beneath her marble columns engineers built roads that spread her ideals from one end of the empire to the other. Pax Romana - Roman Peace. There was one power, one emperor, one ideal, and with her might one peace. But it was illusory. For underneath her glimmering eagle standard moral decay and corruption ate away at the foundations that made her great. In the end she could not stand.

The high call of Unity that is worthy of our calling is built on a foundation greater then that of Rome, greater then the American dream, greater then any worldly institution or power. It is built on the immutable nature  and character of God, in Christ. 

Unlike Rome all roads do not lead to God. Though the idea of God is universal, because eternity has been set in the heart of man, the way to God has been corrupted by sin. Man has substituted God for idols and ideas, and wonders why the world crumbles around him. The peace the world strives for is illusive because their answers collide and vie for preeminence. There will never be a cessation of hostilities in the world until unity is sought under Pax Christi - Peace of Christ.

Unity is found in the common understanding that there is One recognized and redeemed body of individuals, the church. Unity is found when we understand that there is One seal and deposit in the Spirit. Unity is found when we understand there is One hope that gives meaning and purpose to our lives and the future. Unity comes when we understand that there is but One Lord and savior through the One faith ushering us into a relationship with God, and One baptism that identifies us with our savior. Unity comes when we understand that the there is only One God who is the father of all, is over all and through all and in all.  

We can try and find peace and unity through negotiation, through compromise, through over looking deeply held convictions and conflicting world views, but in the end it is but sand and the shaky collaboration will fall. But if we come together in the power of the One, then everything else becomes secondary. What binds us together is a coalition of The One. The sin that blinds and binds men no longer enslaves them when the One Faith in the One Savior releases them to love, forgive, and reconcile. Unity is found in the humble and gentle recognition that my way is subject to the way of the cross, and land, title and wealth are but obstacles to the kingdom of God.

Where is the One place you seek to find peace? What is the One component that determines acceptance? What is the One issue that guides your thoughts and path? In the One body it is, and can only be, the One true God and Savior Jesus Christ. I'm just saying...

Eph. 4:4-6 "There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

The High Calling Of Unity

Unity is fragile. It is the necessary commodity of all healthy relationships. Jesus said where two or more are gathered in his name he would be in their midst. When a husband and wife, parent and children, family, business partners, neighbors, schools, or the church acknowledge the name of Christ he is with them. But the presence of Jesus, as wonderful as it is, often isn't enough to keep the bonds of unity from unraveling. Spouses divorce, children rebel, and churches split over the smallest of issues. Sin creeps in and we abandon unity for convenience. We rationalize our behavior by elevating our reason above the word of God.

The one reason people give in the church for leaving that disturbs me the most is "I am leaving for the sake of unity. I don't want to cause any divisions." But God never calls us to leave a church for the sake of Unity. He calls us to have Unity. We are to maintain unity in the midst of disagreement. We are to strive for unity in the midst of failure and sin. In the United Sates it is easy to for go this important aspect of body life because we can always go to another church. Lack of unity and the refusal to fight for it is contrary to the will of God.

Jesus said that the world will know us because of our love for one another. Our love is an expression of God's character, and where two or more are gathered his love is manifest. When Paul told the Ephesians to walk in a manner worthy of their calling he was talking about unity, getting along, practicing love, offering and asking for forgiveness, and extending grace and mercy. It means tolerating others political and social views, speaking the truth in love, overlooking offensive behaviors, speech and attitudes for the sake of unity.

Unity doesn't come easy it requires humility and gentleness, patience and love. These characteristics are not the manner of walk that is worthy of our calling. They are necessary tools by which unity is maintained. In our rush to judge the sins of others we wag our fingers in self righteous condemnation. We use the word of God as a hammer, and expect people to change over night. We say it is loving when we bring to light what we believe are the flaws and missteps of others, and then turn our backs on them when they don't change they way we believe they should. We must maintain purity, both doctrinally and morally. That begs the question, "Unity at all cost?"  Are there times when we should break the unity, expel the transgressor and walk away for the doctrinally errant? 

The short answer is yes, but it isn't the first answer. The first answer should be directed to these questions, What have I done to maintain the unity of the Spirit? How have I humbly, patiently, gently, and lovingly endured for the sake of Unity? What have I sacrificed for what Christ died for? Have I forgiven 70 times 7? Have I sought reconciliation? Have I extended mercy over and over again? The easy route is to find a group of people just like me, who think like me, talk like me, and believe like me. 

My son and his family live in the Middle East and attend a church of Expats. They come from all over the world and the one thing they have in common is their faith in Jesus. From my perspective most of them have faulty eschatology, ecclesiology, views on social issues, and science and religion. Yet they come together for worship, fellowship, and outreach. They have to maintain the Spirit of Unity because they have very few choices. I have met with and fellowshipped with them and they are some of the most loving people I have ever met.  They, by necessity, have learned to keep the Unity of the Spirit.

When we have this kind of attitude we become eager to maintain unity. We hunger for it because true fellowship is life. We thirst for it because it is a spring of living water in Christ. We fight for it because the enemy would like nothing more then to see the church fail. We rest in it because true peace isn't the absence of conflict but the assurance that God is on control 

Unity is fragile but our strength comes for The Lord. Unity can only be maintained by walking in the Spirit and seeing the Spirit in one another. How is your walk today? Is it worthy of the calling by which you have been called? I am just saying...

Eph. 4:1-3 "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."

What Does Mustard and Strawberries Have In Common?

I made a ham sandwich the other day and it was overflowing with the deliciousness of mustard. Carelessly I began to devour the succulent meal and when I looked down mustard had dripped on to my shirt. Taking my napkin I dabbed the yellow blob only to find that a stain had been left behind. Likewise, while eating a strawberry I placed the stem on my lap and when I picked it up a round red stain was the result. If left to myself I would become a multi colored tapestry of mealtime residue. Stains do not add to the glory of my apparel. They diminish its appearance and bring judgement from the more tidy.

In the same manner sin has stained the imprint of God's glory in our lives. All have fallen short and we lack the means to remove its residue. Yet, God in his mercy has washed us clean through the blood of the lamb. His glory becomes our glory, the riches of his glory the sustenance of our being. We owe all to him who gave all of himself for our benefit, that we might be saved for His glory. As a result everything that we do is to extol and bring glory to His name.

God's glory is the essence of his being, the totality of his character, and the representation of his nature. His glory shines, gives light, is majestic, it fills the whole world and every believer. His glory is without boundaries and yet contained in the person of Jesus. 

We fall short of it, but as the redeemed we can reflect it. Jesus said we are to let our light shine in such a way as to give glory to God. Our thoughts, our behavior, and our speech bring glory to God when they reflect his character. In his exclamation of praise Paul says that God is glorified in the Church and in Christ throughout all generations. It is the redeeming work of Christ in the church that brings glory to God. Despite her flaws, her inadequacies, her failures and sin, it is the act of God in Christ which brings Him glory.

As the church we are to conform our behavior in such a way as to bring glory to God. But we will fail, and the world is ready to wag its finger to remind us that we are no different then they. In the same way the church devours its own when they stumble and fall, wagging their fingers in self righteous indignation. 

God's glory, however, is demonstrated in our failure. The more we sin the more glory God receives through his grace and mercy. That isn't an excuse to sin more, but rather an expectation of hope. I strive to bring glory to His name in all that I do, but when I fail He extends forgiveness and His glory is magnified. That is how God's glory is perpetuated through every generation. The church is the object of his love, mercy, and grace through the sacrificial condemnation of sin in Christ Jesus. God's glory is the intersection where his love, mercy, and grace meet righteousness, justice, and wrath in the person of Jesus for the benefit of the church.

God's glory is not dependent on me. I am the recipient of His act of bringing glory to Himself. His glory is not diminished in my failure, but I am raised out of the mire because of it. Solo Deo Gloria! I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:21 "to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Jesus Is Apolitical

To all my political friends I feel compelled to write a brief clarification as to the political leanings of our savior. Too often both liberal and conservatives find it necessary to illicit teachings from the bible, specifically the words of Jesus, to give strength or justification, for their political ideologies. It soothes their conscience in some way. Jesus, however, was not conservative, he was revolutionary, and he wasn't liberal, but rather liberating. The following are ten things Jesus would say to all who would use his name in the vanity of political discourse.

To the conservative: obey the governing authorities and render to Caesar what is Caesars.  Taxes pay for the governing of our society.

To the Liberal: do not take more then what is necessary for good government. 

To the conservative: feed the poor, stand for the oppressed, look after the widow in her distress. Treat your employees as brothers knowing you have a master over you.

To the liberal: if you don't work, you don't eat, and be satisfied with the wage you for which you have agreed to work.

To the conservative: do not judge for there is but one judge who is over all, instead love one another.

To the liberal: tolerance and grace doesn't mean acceptance. Be holy as I am holy, go and sin no more.

To the conservative: wage peace, for my kingdom is not of this world. Our battle is not with flesh and blood.

To the Liberal: governments exist to wield the sword of justice, establish the rule of law and sometimes that might mean war.

To the conservative: it is difficult for the wealthy to enter into the kingdom of God, and God's blessing is his opportunity for generosity

To the Liberal: accumulation of wealth is not evil, but the of it. God never condemns the wealthy or asks him to redistribute his wealth. The poor will always be with us.

To the conservative: love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.

To the Liberal: love your enemies, do good to those who persecute you.

To the conservative: Extend mercy those who have made mistakes and need help.

To the Liberal: all life is sacred, don't sacrifice babies on the alter of convenience.

To the conservative: put your money where your mouth is.

To the Liberal: put your actions where your mouth is.

To the conservative: the blessing of God is not evidenced in the abundance of material possessions.

To the Liberal: God's blessing doesn't rest on the poor for poverty's sake.

To the conservative: the chief end of man is to glorify God.

To the Liberal: the chief end of man is to glorify God.

I can hear both liberal and conservative say that this does not reflect what they believe. But I have heard both judge each other with the accusation the above address.  We love to label each other and for most Christians the labels liberal or conservative doesn't adequately describe them. Followers of Jesus find themselves agreeing with different aspects of political ideologies where they describe a clear Christian world view, and should reject tenets of either when they don't.  

What is important is that we allow Jesus to guide each decision we make instead of manipulating his teachings to justify our political ideologies. I'm just saying... 

Does God Really Provide More Than I Can Ask Or Think?

Can God find my car keys? Can he really get my car fixed? Can God provide me  a better job? Can he keep my baby from crying, my children from being disobedient, and my teenager from getting pregnant? Can God keep me sober? Can he free me from pornography? Can God stop the abuse, pull me out of my depression, heal my cancer? Can God stop the genocide? Can he prevent war? Can God bring the rain and produce a better harvest? Can God stop Ebola? Can he rescue the abducted? Can he bring justice to the oppressed, and break down the walls of hatred, prejudice, and violence? Can he do more abundantly than I am able to ask or think?

At times it is difficult for me to listen to "testimonies" of God's provision and deliverance. They are antidotal evidence of His working that people try to make normative. For every answered prayer there are scores whose prayers fall in the silence. For every claim of healing there are those who weep at a loved ones funeral. For every job provided another one is lost. For every praise of God's deliverance from spiritual oppression there is a believer who has died at the hands' of tyrants. Can he do more than I am able to ask or think?

At church this past week the pastor spoke on giving and gave an illustration of when in seminary he wasn't "tithing." He had a broken car that no one could fix. During a time of study and prayer he was convicted about his lack of giving, and felt cursed. Though they had little money they tithed, and low and behold the next mechanic was able to fix their car and his grandfather gave him an new car. All because he decided to tithe. If this is true then I am cursed above all else, but wait, I faithfully tithe. Can He do more than I am able to ask or think?

In the context of Ephesians chapter three Paul is encouraging believers in their possession of all the spiritual blessings of God. He is talking about the glorious riches of God in Christ. He is extolling God's work to break down the dividing wall between himself and sinners, and between Jews and Gentiles. Paul is explaining the mystery of God hidden to generations past and revealed to us in Christ. He is praying for our minds to be enlightened to the depth of God's unfathomable love so that we can love him and others. He is asking God that we will be strengthen in our inner being. It is within this context that he breaks out in praise to Him who is able to provide the things He has promised more abundantly then we can ask or think.

Does God work in our lives in miraculous ways? Yes, but what he does for one person isn't normative for the next. All good gifts come from God, but not all we ask for is given. What is beyond our ability to ask and think are not the temporal requests we lay before the throne. What he  abundantly provides through the power working in us is a deeper understanding of His love, mercy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and filling of the Spirit. What is beyond our ability to ask and think is how to love our enemies, pray for the persecutor, love the unloveable, serve others, sacrifice for the kingdom, and faithfully keep our covenant between our spouses and God.

Should we stop praying for the temporal? No. We are called to trust God with everything and give him glory for however he responds. But if we see the prayers for the temporal from a fleshly perspective we will be disappointed when God doesn't come through. Only when we allow Him to provide abundantly more according to the power working in us to understand the heavenly perspective will we stand firm in both blessing and trial. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,"

Flowers, Kitty, and One More Book

You learn more about life from grandchildren then you ever did being a parent. As a parent (especially moms) your days are filled with schedules, routines, cleaning up messes and bottoms, bumps and bruises, and herding little ones from one place to another. You are an educator, physician assistants, counselor, and activities coordinator. You are in the business of raising your children to be well rounded, godly participants in the human race. It is exhausting and parenting is for the young.

Grandparents (with the exception of those who are heroically raising a second generation) are entertainment participants and personal valets. We are less concerned about molding children as we are about being children. We can silly dance and not be embaressed because, well, we just don't care what other adults think, we are with our grandchildren. We sleep better at night too because the energetic enthusiasm of grandchildren is exhausting.

Eva favorite stuffed animal is a kitty. Despite our best effort to give her the most awesome Build A Bear she is still comforted at night with her favorite friend. It is the Kitty who finds its way into imaginary conversations and backpacks when we go on a trip. There is something soothing about its texture as she touches it to her cheek. Why this kitty instead of another? Who knows, but at some point a meaningful gift became an indispensible friend. Reminds me of Calvin and Hobbs. Kitty is that one friend who is never dissappointed, always listens, doesn't judge, and is there when you need a soothing companion. We all need someone in our lives like that, but this kind of friend is difficult to find. Our Heavenly Father and the endwelling Spirit can be that kind of friend. Jesus calls us his friends because he has drawn us into his inner circle and we are participants in his plan. He doesn't judge because he was judged, the Spirit comforts when the world tears us down, and the soothing texture of his presence stills our troubled souls in difficult times. All believers have aceess to the best friend you could ever have, and if double blessed there is another human God has placed in your life who displays His love in the flesh.

Taking a walk was one of the highlights of the day. It was a feat to get three children into strollers, wagons, and a big wheel while keeping the dog on the leash. Once we headed out we were an odd parade in the neighborhood. I was pulled along by the dog while I was pulling Gabe in the wagon. Eva peddled the big wheel with an occasional push by Rebecca who pushed the stroller with Phillip. As adults we had an objective...go for a walk around the block. As an inquisitive child Eva saw every flower as an invitation to stop, smell, and if allowed pick and placed in the basket. It didn't make any difference the kind or size of the flower. Each was magical and it drew her like gravity. The journey was only an opportunity to see the wonder along the way. We focus so much on the end that the wonder of the journey is often lost. The end could be our career plans, educational goals, financial security, or even the gates of glory. Yet, God has gifted us with creation and it is full of wonders that are missed because of our frantic pursuits. One summer Alison pointed out all the fractals that crossed our path. I think this is where Eva gets her love for creations beauty. I didn't know what a fractal was and was fascinated with God's creativity. I started seeing them everywhere and enjoyed stopping and enjoying the simple pleasure of God. We need to take more time stopping and smelling the roses or we will stand before God some day to hear him say, "Really, you didn't see that? And I put it there just for you to find."

Reading didn't become a pastime for me until I was in High School. Books open up a world of ideas and imagination that broaden our understanding of the world and the human experience; even Fox in Box and the Berienstein Bears. Eva was playing Legos on the floor with grandma and I was reading to Gabe. From the first word read Eva was distracted by the story, so much so, she turned to Grandma and said, "I will come back and play with you latter." She crawled in my lap with her brother for the rest of the story, and five stories after that. They couldn't get enough. I finally had to stop because I was losing my voice. The love of reading is a learned behavior. Children who are read to and see their parents read are more likely to be readers themselves. As important as it is to read the great literature of the world more important is the ability and love for reading that opens up the wonder of God's word. The living Word (Jesus) spoke to us of God's presence. The written Word continues to speak to us of God's love and character. When we teach a child to read, and to read the Word of God, we open to them wonder of God himself. As newborns hunger for milk so are we the Word of God. Its a foundation worth exploring.

Imagination, exploration, and foundations are things I observed in my grandchildren this summer. I have learned that I need to soak in all that God has provided for me and take the time to revel in Him and His creation. I'm just saying...

All We Need Is Love

The world is full of hate. Our televisions flicker with images of killing, rioting, rape, murder, and abuse. It would seem that the end is coming and if Jesus doesn't return soon all will spiral into the abyss. The Scriptures say that before the end there will be wars and rumors of war, and it looks to be playing itself out right in front of our eyes. The world plays tit for tat and tempts to pull Christians into its insidious game.

In a world that wages war our answer is to wage peace, through love, but before we can wage this kind of battle we have to be grounded in the fabric of God's love. We need to be rooted, established, anchored, moored, cemented, super glued into this one characteristic. How can we have compassion and forgiveness toward people if we do not have love? How can we sway people for Christ if our concern is to win arguments?

We throw words around in the name of truth, qualify our statements with concern, and then rail against vain conceptions and step back and feel good because we have spoken out. But are we rooted in love? Do we really care for others or just the sound of our own words?

There is a balance because taking a stand for truth is important, but only if its goal is to shed light on God's love through Christ. God doesn't need us to defend his honor, but he does call us to love others. He doesn't call us to take up arms, but he does call us to lay down our lives. He doesn't call us take all we can get, but he does call us to sacrifice all that we have. He doesn't call us to love ourselves, but he does call us to treat others better then we treat ourselves. 

This is incomprehensible, and that is why the Apostle Paul confidently went before the Father. He knew that to be enlightened meant to be filled with the Spirit. He knew that to love like this would take a supernatural strength. He knew that we needed power that could only come from Christ. When we come to understand and put into practice the love of Christ then we will have the fullness of God dwelling in us. 

How will you love today? How will you speak words of life? How will you show compassion, mercy, forgiveness, sacrifice, and selflessness to someone? How will you be the explanation of God's unfathomable love today?  I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:17-19 "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Grandpa, Grandpa

Grandpa, wake up, wake up!

Grandpa, read me a book.

Grandpa, wrestle with me.

Grandpa, tell me a story.

Grandpa, I'm hiding from mommy (under my desk)

Grandpa, can we go for a walk.

Grandpa, can you come on the plane with us?

Grandpa, I love you

I loved my children growing up and I spent 18+ plus years working to get them out of the house. Now I would do anything to have them come home and bring the grandchildren. Over the last few months my youngest was married, my middle son and his wife bought their first home, and my oldest and his family have visited with us for four weeks. I am proud of my children and their godly families.

My oldest son asked me last night what Rebecca and I will do tonight after they leave. Well, I can watch my TV shows, eat in the living room, not have to walk through an obsticle course of toys, not have to keep the dog out of the reach of the baby, not have to find the remote somewhere only a baby can find, not have to worry about coordinating schedules around nap time, listen to children cry, argue, screem, or lock themselves in the bedroom. In other words it will be quite dull.

The grandchildren have brought so much joy into our lives and we love having them around. We love their laughter and their innocence. We love taking them for walks, riding in the wagon, and peddling the big Wheel. We love watching them play in the pool and water park I made for them in the backyard. We love the interuption in our work schedule to hold the baby who pushed past the gate and triumphantly smiled at us. We love going to the park and pushing them on swings, climbing jungle gymns, and watching them make new friends quickly. We love reading books, telling stories in funny voices as stuffed animals talk to one another. We love their imagination as they play with their toys and imaginary friends. We love taking them out to eat, the play area at the mall, and having fun at Build a Bear. We love singing the prayer at dinner and listening to their parents teach them about Jesus.

Today they are packing their suitcases, will walk through security, board the plane and sore half way around the world to their home. Rebecca will cry, I will sniffle, but our hearts will be full of the love we have experienced with our family. We will cherish the memories and trust in the good providence of God to bring them back to us or us to them. I'm, sniffle sniffle, just saying...

Proverbs 17:6 "Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."

Left Scratching

Faith, the writer of Hebrews says, is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. These attributes leave skeptics scratching their heads. Assurance and conviction are the bedrock of every belief system, but for many it must be the result of rational thought or scientific proof. Hope is too elusive and the unseen unquantifiable. This gives rise to accusations of blind, irrational faith, but the apostle John assured us that his testimony was true because he saw and touched the life of Christ. God is in the evidence business, just not in the way the world demands it. There is a difference between evidence and scientific proof.

God has displayed his attributes and character in creation. He has appeared to specific people throughout history. He has descended and lived among us so we could see and behold the glory of His Son. He has sent his Spirit to live and work in those who follow Him. The evidence of God is all around us, bread crumbs that lead us to his presence. Evidence is the accumulation of facts and experience that lead to a specific conclusion.

Scientific proof, on the other hand, is a series of reproducible practices that lead to the same result. This makes faith difficult because God isn't in the habit of repeating himself. At least not in the way science demands.

This doesn't mean that science and faith are in opposition. Science as a vehicle of observation should lead us to stand awed in the magnitude of God's power and the precise detail of His creation. Science explores the realm of the material and gives evidence toward the immaterial. 

Sin, however, blinds men to their need of a savior. The age old struggle to break away from God leads him into darkness and pulls Him away from the truth. Faith, then, is ridiculed, dismissed, and labeled irrelevant. The "educated" need to lead the poor misguided and uneducated away from their myths and fairy tales into the light of rationalism. God's word is scrutinized and analyzed to prove that it isn't what it says it is.

The onslaught of scientific materialism can be wearing on the most staunch man of faith, but its real danger is on the young impressionable minds of our children. Television, music, books, video games, news, and schools are tools that are masterfully used to undermine faith. Even the recent release of biblical themed movies subtly present an antiChristian message. We hale them victories for the Christian community, but small seeds of doubt are planted, and if parents don't talk with their children those seeds can grow into disbelief. 

For this reason the Apostle Paul fell to his knees and with confidence asked the Father to strengthen their inner beings. Faith is fought from the inside out. We struggle daily for Christ to dwell in our hearts through faith. It is a battle that is waged against vain philosophies, skepticism, and sin. We are to cast down strongholds and flee lusts. But it is a battle lost without the power of God's riches working in us through the Spirit. We can not stand alone. We need the Spirit and the body of Christ. 

Assurance and conviction of hope and the unseen are two sides of the same coin. We don't follow in blind faith, we don't leap without looking, instead we believe the testimony of those who have seen and heard and give voice to the evidence that is all around us. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:17a "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith"

The Brotherhood

Living in Houston has the benefit of an international experience. So much so that there are times that I am the minority in my own country. But that is a misconception of what "my" country is all about. America isn't white Anglo Saxon Christianity, it is multicultural, it is the melting pot of ethnicity bound together by an ideal codified in the constitution. The American experience is unique because all who come to her shores are welcome if they rally around these ideals.

Conflict is inherent in the system because there will be clashes of culture, clashes of philosophy, and clashes of religion. But if we all adhere to the guiding principles of our constitution and laws then we can work anything out and become stronger as a result. 

It means breaking free from prejudice and preconceived ideas painted by selective media bias. It means tolerating, in the true sense of the word, where we don't have to accept everything, but still live in harmony. It means reaching out to give a helping hand to the less fortunate so they can rise above previously held social standards.

Sitting in the park watching this melting pot in action was inspiring. African Americans, Indians, Arabs, Hispanics, European Americans, and Asians allowing their children to play together without hatred or fear. Different languages and clothing added to the flavor, and laughter was a common bond.

But there is something deeper uniting us together; something stronger then 265 year old words on a page. There is something in the eyes of each individual in the park that is familiar, a spark grown distant and dim. We are the brotherhood of mankind created in the image of God. 

When Paul confidently bowed before our Heavenly Father on the basis of Christ's death and resurrection he petitioned the Father of all men, in all places, and in all the world. We are the children of Adam and Eve, the descendants of Noah, and despite all our differences we are brothers and sisters.

As Christians we should look at those outside of the faith not as enemies, but wayward family who have lost their way. We don't wage war against their insults, against their treachery, their persecution, because they don't know any better. Like Christ we pray, we love, we forgive, and we persevere. We wage peace because we have found perfect peace in Christ. We love because while we were enemies God loved us. We forgive because God in Christ has forgiven us. We allow God to be the arbiter of justice because he is the only one who is without sin and righteous.

When we see all of mankind as brothers and sisters created in the image of God we begin to have compassion on their plight. We are willing to go to the "cesspools" of humanity because they need to know the grace and mercy of God. We risk wealth and life for a cause that is foolishness to the world, but at the heart of our Father. We don't leave family behind. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:15 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named."

Beyond My Strength

His Name - My Family

His Riches - My Hope

His Spirit - My Strength

First world problems. Living in a country that has been blessed can create an entitlement mentality. I complain too much about little things. My cell phone doesn't get good reception, my internet is too slow, the traffic is backed up, or my TV isn't big or flat enough. The electricity flickered yesterday (once) and we wondered what we would do if it went out for a whole day.

We blow out of proportion the inconveniences of our lives while war rages in Gaza, ISIS slaughters Christians, Ebola virus ravages Africa, children are abducted and sold into slavery, and the poverty in other countries have them scavenging for food in trash dumps. Even in our own country people go to bed hungry, scared, and abused. 

Yet, whatever our pain, real or perceived, it draws our attention to God. Our greatest need directs our prayers for relief from the Almighty. So, when the Apostle Paul finds access to the throne of God what does he boldly, and with confidence, spend his energy praying? He asks the God of all glory to strengthen our inner being in order comprehend the depth of God's love. 

When we come to Christ we are given a new identity, a new name, and a new family. We belong to another kingdom that is not of this earth and our cares are redirected to a heavenly purpose. 

In Christ we receive the riches of God's glory manifested in His grace, mercy, and redemption. The riches of God are not good and silver, they are not fame, they are not power and prestige. They are humility and service, forgiveness and kindness. The riches of God is a good consciences rooted in the holiness of God.

In Christ the Spirit of God indwells us, seals us, strengthens us, comforts us, convicts us, and leads us, and he does this not for his own glory but for the glory the Father. 

We need to be strengthened because the wisdom of God is foolishness to the world and our hearts are constantly drawn back into the darkness. We need strength because the answers we have in Christ don't always take away our pain. We need strength because anti God, anti religion, and anti Christ philosophies twist truth and reasonably draw us from God. We need strength because the faults of the church push people out the door where false religions and gods greet them with open arms and a door to hell. We need strength because the lure of the world is strong and its empty promises enticing. We need strength to comprehend the depth of God's love because it doesn't require anything from me, and that doesn't make any sense.

Strength is found in the glorious riches of God, and the abundance of God's glorious riches are ours in Christ. May God grant us the strength to comprehend it before the world's cares overwhelm us and draw us away from Him. I'm just saying...

 Eph. 3;14-16 "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,"

Suffering Worth Enduring

There is no such thing as good suffering, but there is some suffering worth enduring. All suffering is the result of sin.

1. Sin of a cursed world. Because the world is under God's curse we have natural disasters, disease, and death. They are painful experiences that are not anyone's fault.

2. Sin of other people. Sin manifests itself in the actions of others against another person. Anger, hatred, prejudice, envy, immorality, pride, and lust will exhibit itself in all kinds of malicious behavior from yelling to rape, or murder to wars. It is sin done against another and not the fault of the victim.

3. Sin of bad thinking and behavior. Individuals chose courses of action that bring about suffering. They drink excessively and their liver fails. They smoke and get cancer. They steal and end up in jail. They treat others poorly and are lonely. These are actions within our control that bring about suffering.

Suffering is the natural course of living in a sinful world. Suffering can be useful, Paul says, to build character as we learn to trust in God's provision. When we endure suffering for the sake of righteous behavior it is to our credit and exemplifies the behavior of our savior.

Peter said "For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God." 1 Peter 2:19

Paul was suffering for the Ephesians for the sake of the gospel. I think about this as ISIS storms across the Middle East. The natural response is for us to take up arms and fight against their persecution of fellow believers. But is that the proper response? Jesus said love your enemies, do good to those who harm you, and pray for them. But he talked to weak and helpless people. We, the US, have the might and power. Shouldn't we do something about it?

It is easy on this side of the world to take a pacifist position, but there is a deeper issue at play. Our response in the face of suffering for righteousness, for the gospel, isn't about an aversion to war, rather it is an issue of glory. We manifest the mystery of the gospel through its proclamation and the practice of love. When we love our enemies in the face of persecution we trust in, and manifest, the glory of God.

Nations will do nation stuff, which is always for its own interests, Politicians will do their political blustering, Ambassadors will try and mediate, but in the end if God is not glorified through the manifestation of the gospel all that has been done is the rearrangement of the pieces. 

We must not lose heart in suffering. God is at work in our lives and in the world. No matter how bleak it seems God is in control. We must wage peace at every turn. We must wade through the propaganda and stand for the righteous and oppressed. We must fight, not with worldly weapons, but the weapons of God. They seem weak and useless against the forces of this dark world, but they are the might of a Glorious God. 

"Let not your heart be troubled," Jesus said. "In the world you will have trouble (suffering), but I have overcome the world." He's just saying...

Eph. 3:13, "So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory."

Speak Plainly

Communicating with different cultures can often times be frustrating. Not only do we speak different languages there are nuances and idioms that are difficult to grasp. In my travels I have noticed that most cultures have a dance they perform, they never speak their mind. They are worried about "losing face" and you are always wondering if what they are saying is really what they mean.

Americans have a reputation for saying it like it is, speaking plainly, and just stating the facts. It often comes across as being arrogant. But we don't always say what we mean and we call it "holding it close the vest." We don't speak plainly because we don't trust people with they way we truly feel. As a pastor the elder board was my place of refuge, and so when I was having a difficult time with someone I expressed my frustration and anger with them. What surprised me was that during my end of the year review the issue of my "anger" problem came up. It wasn't that they were concerned, but rather they only spoke to me about it in the context of a review. Needless to say they no longer were a safe place and I never shared my feelings with them again. 

Trust, safety, acceptance are all things we are are looking for in the people with whom we confide. When we view God as a judge who is more ready to hand out a sentence then hand out grace we might bow before him in fear but we would never go to him with our deepest anxieties, fears, and pain. And anyway, God is so big, he isn't interested in what I have to say.

Yet, when it comes to a safe place the presence of God is beyond compare. It is the essence of the mystery of the gospel. Because of Christ we don't have to fear God, as Paul told the Romans "there is now no condemnation for those in Christ." He looks at my failures and sees the sacrifice of His Son, he sees my struggles and through Jesus identifies with my sorrow, he hears my cries and knows first hand rejection and pain. Yes, God is a refuge in time of need.

Therefore we have bold, confident, access through faith in Christ. First, we have access. There is no barrier between God and man, the wall of sin is broken, and the curtain torn. We don't have special times, holy words, or sacred places we have to go, God has an open door policy and is ready and willing to see us at any time. 

Secondly, we have confidence in our access. There is no peeking around the door hoping that God will not be angry today. He doesn't have emotional swings that cause trepidation in my approach. My sin doesn't cause Him to love me less or my good works to love me more. He is always willing, always ready, and always available. He longs for and expects me to come to Him, and he is never too busy.

Thirdly, we have boldness in our speech. The Greek word used in Ephesians means frankness.  It doesn't mean rude or arrogant, but rather matter of fact. We can speak plainly what is on our mind without fear of condemnation, reprisal, or rejection. We can explain our frustration and our hurts, our pain and our sorrow, our struggles and our sin and not worry about negative reviews. 

When we are in the presence of a safe place the walls that we have constructed come down and we reveal our true self, and God is not afraid or surprised because He knows us better than we know ourselves. There are a lot of feelings and frustrations that I want to share with my Father, and I know he will listen with a loving ear. I think I will go talk to Him right now. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:22 "in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."

Life Goes On

My neighbor recently came over as I was detailing my motorcycle, "I'm drunk and I'm broke," he said. I retrieved him a chair because his former state was true. He offered me a beer, which I have been inclined to share, but that day I wasn't interested. He said, "don't be afraid of one beer. Life goes on." That was his repeated statement for the evening.

His wife suddenly passed away a couple of years ago. I asked him if he had been thinking about here her lately and he said, "I think about her all the time, but life goes on." I shared with him some of the family loss I experienced and he said, "really, I am sorry, but life goes on."

His drunken state was a reflection of his despair over what seems meaningless determinism. I had mentioned that my nephew made bad choices and was killed, and that if he had made better choices he would be alive. My neighbor's response, "You don't know that, life goes on." The implication was that it is all determined and nothing would have prevented it, it was meant to be.

Reflecting on his predicament it is sad to realize that his understanding, though warped, rings of truth. He is experiencing the groan of creation under the weight of sin, the consequence of living in a fallen world, and as Solomon said in Ecclesiastes, "life goes on." 

However, God has a plan. It was established before the foundation of the world, that Jesus, the Christ, would die for the sins of the world and reconcile all who believe to a right standing with Him. This is the eternal plan of God realized in Christ.

The hopeless despair that the world works hard to climb out of through self-actualization, or cover up with mind numbing chemicals isn't all there is. Even Solomon pointed his readers to God in the end. Yes, life goes on and sometimes its pain is overwhelming, but in Christ there is Hope, in Christ there is Peace, in Christ there is Life, in Christ there is meaning and purpose.

We are a part of God's eternal purpose. As the church we manifest the mystery of God's plan to a lost and hurting world. My neighbor needs a listening, none judgmental, ear to listen to his pain. But, the only thing that will give him peace is found in the eternal purpose of God in Christ. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:11 "This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord,"

My Dysfunctional Love Affair

I have a dysfunctional love affair with the church. In fact anyone who loves the church has this same dysfunction. As much as we love the church the pain that those who are the body of Christ exhibit toward one another is enough to cause us to turn off the alarm, roll over, and sleep our Sunday mornings away. 

The Church isn't perfect because we are the church. When we say we don't like church we are, in essence, saying we don't like the people of God. The church has abused power, distorted theology, and compromised the Holiness of God. It has engendered hatred, promoted prejudice, and withheld grace. The church is greedy, backbiting, jealous, envious, and contentious. Who would want to love such a group of misfits - God!

If this was all there was to the church we would be worthy of the world's pity, but the dark side is when the light of Christ is hidden. When he is allowed to shine through her the grace and mercy of God shines brightest. The church has built more schools and hospitals around the world then any single organization. She has provided food to the poor on a scale that rivals governments. The people of the church are some of the most sacrificial people in the world. They open their homes to orphans, care for widows, and fight for the rights of the oppressed whether they are fellow believers or not. This is the church I love.

I am going to tell you why we can't abandon the Church, no matter how dysfunctional she is, ready. She is the means God has chosen to manifest his plan and glory to the world. That's it, we are plan a, plan b, and plan c.

God's wisdom is foolishness to the world. He used the cross to save, he extends mercy to the unworthy, he offers life to obstinate people. To be great we must be the least, the be first we must be last, and to be exalted we must serve. We are to pray for our persecutors, give them a second chance, and wage peace among warmongers. We offer hope in hopeless situations, find strength in weakness, and peace is in the storm not after the wind dies down.

When the Church lives out the wisdom of God the world will sit up and take noticed. When we care more for the cross of Christ then geopolitical or self-serving ministrations the floodgates of God's grace will burst open. When we offer God's forgiveness His spirit will convict the world, we don't need to be His hammer. 

I love the Church with all its deficiencies because she is God's beloved bride. I love the Church and as we love one another the world will see the manifestation of God in its midst. I'm just saying...

Eph. 3:10 "so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places."

To read further reflections of my Dysfunctional love affair follow this link.

http://www.amazon.com/Dr.-Paul-W-Perkins/e/B00KFK8CFA