The Church Is Falling, The Church Is Falling!

If the harvest is plentiful, why is the church in America shrinking? Article after article prophesy the decline of American Christianity. Religion has lost the cultural wars and moral decay is running rampant. The American church is heading in the direction of Europe and will eventually be secularized. Are we heading toward the great apostasy? I can still her the singer song writer Amy Grant sing, "I will not forget your love for me, And yet my heart forever is wandering." The scripture is full of warnings about falling away, about getting your house in order, and about standing firm. They were written because the human heart constantly strays. This is the conflict in our souls. Job says eternity is written in our hearts. We yearn for deeper meaning and purpose, and when we find it in a relationship with Jesus we are overjoyed. Then are heart starts to wander. It is little things at first, but given time those little things can pull us back into the darkness. So what is the answer? It starts with five basic principles. "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (2:6,7).

Receiving Christ: Our hope begins and ends here. Apart from a relationship with God through Christ there is no meaning and purpose in life. It is imperative that we don't water down the gospel for political or social expediency. We must teach and proclaim that salvation comes only through a profession of Jesus as Lord and a belief that God raised him from the dead. Faith in the sacrificial work of Jesus alone brings about salvation. We can not earn it, borrow it, inherit it, or buy it. It is through faith alone. 

Rooted in Him: I cut down a tree in my backyard one day. That was the easy part. I thought all I had to do was dig around the base a little and yank the trunk out of the ground. Every time I cut through a root there was always another one hiding. It was remarkable how one hidden root could keep me from pulling the trunk out. That is the way our faith should be. It's not about one rot, but a system of roots that hold us firm. These roots are the historical facts of our faith, the miracles, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is the root of the bible, inspired and preserved by the Holy Spirit. They are the roots of the sacraments that continually remind us of our savior's work. They are roots of sound doctrine that have stood the test of time and hold to biblical scrutiny. They are the roots of the saints who are our witnesses to perseverance and faithfulness.  We need to teach new believers about these things so that their roots will run deep and wide.

Built up in Him: we should always look to the past for the ancient paths are good. But we can't live in the past. Our faith is living and active. We are to build on the foundations of Christ and the Church. I was on a mission's trip to Mexico to help build churches. We laid foundations for rural churches. But the slabs we laid we meaningless if there were no walls, windows, and a roof. It were these things that allowed the people to come and worship. As teachers we continually teach disciples the scripture, it's truth, and how to live it out. I am constantly reminded that I need to make the bible message relevant, but this is a misunderstanding. The bible IS relevant. My job is to show people the way, and how it applies in to them in the context of today's culture. If we neglect the clear teaching of scripture and do not hold believers accountable to its precepts and principles, then they are merely slabs of cement that cannot be filled with the glory of God's praise.  Another part of being built up is the body of Christ, the church. Our salvation is individual, but our sanctification is corporate. As believers we need one another for two reasons. First, so that we can be disciples, to be taught and rooted in our faith. Secondly, so that we can love others, find a place to use our gifts, and to reach the world for Jesus. Can we be a Christian and not go to Church? Can we be a car and never be driven? The answer is yes, but we are useless. That sounds harsh, but it is the truth. As believers we cannot be built up in our faith apart from the church. If we try we will eventually be a worthless slab.

Established in Faith: This is the result of being rooted and built up. Established means to be firm, rendered constant, and unwavering. There are times when doubt rolls through my consciousness. Pain and uncertainty can do that to you. If I were not rooted and built up then I would waver in my faith when the world seems more attractive and reasonable; when the lust of my flesh wants to carry me away; when the cares of the world want to choke the life out of me. I have friends who have gone through the unbearable pain of losing children. Some of the children lived tragic lives before they died. As sad as the children's deaths were, the pain of the parents is even more so. I can't even imagine. Those who were rooted and built up remained faithful and unwavering. I'm not saying it wasn't difficult, but in the end they were able to give their pain over to God. Sometimes it is a daily practice. When we come to the realization that God is the end of it all and we can finally rest in his sovereignty and grace, then we can have thankful hearts.

Abounding in Thanksgiving: Gratitude is the barometer of the Christian life. I know how well I am doing in my faith by how thankful I am. If I am whiny and complaining; if I am critical and disrespectful; if I am gossipy and bitter then I know my heart is wandering. Thanksgiving results in understanding the blessings of God in relationship to his promises. We become disgruntled with God because our expectations are out of whack. We get upset when God doesn't come through on our perception of a promise he didn't make. As American Christians we can act like pampered and spoiled children. If we don't get the perfect, joy filled, job we wonder why God has abandoned us. If the world is mean to us we question God's goodness. God's promise are deeper and richer. Jesus said that the world will hate us, but not to worry, he has overcome the world.  We abound in thanksgiving when we understand that in Christ we have victory over sin and death, that our weapons are greater than Satan's, that love overpowers hate, that forgiveness is powerful, that this is not all there is to life, and that the all powerful God of the universe is sovereign and works in us to become more like his Son.  We don't get here over night. That is why the church needs to intentionally disciple those who have received Christ. That is why those who have received Christ need to seek someone who will disciple them.  We don't need to listen to the dire apocalyptic warnings about the Church. Jesus said the gates of hell cannot prevail over her. But it takes us working together to be rooted, built up, and established. I'm just saying.

This Makes My Joy Complete

"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (1 John). 

I have been a Pastor for over 25 years. In that time I have had the privilege to have served in four churches. When I think of each of those churches I thank God for the people I was able to impact with the gospel. I also thank the Lord for how I was blessed by them.

Ministry is hard work, whether you are a lay person or a full time Pastor. Just read through the New Testament in one or two settings and you will come to understand two things: 1. Church is hard, and 2. God loves the church. If we keep these two things in mind we will persevere in the church and fall in love with her over and over again.

Facebook, with all its worldly flaws, has been a blessing to me. I keep in touch with people from each of the churches that I have pastored. From time to time I peruse their websites to see how the churches are doing. And with each church I can truly say with the Apostle Paul,  "For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ"(Col. 2:5). Of course I didn't start the churches or have the fatherly investment in them like the Apostle. But I did pour my heart and soul into them while I was there, and their outcome matters to me. When I say outcome I am not referring to size, but depth. To see people that I have ministered to passing down their faith to subsequent generations is satisfying. There is no greater joy.  

It is Faith EFC's 50th anniversary this year and as one of the former pastors I have been invited to preach (June 26h). The congregation doesn't know what an honor this is for me. There are a lot of people there that I know, and even better a lot of people that I don't know. The latter is the evidence that the church is reaching beyond themselves. The Apostle rejoiced because the Colossians had two things that are necessary for a healthy Church, 1. Good order, and 2. Firmness of faith.

Why is good order important? I believe It is Paul's way of saying, "Good work, you are unified and working together." In each of Paul's letters unity is a theme. Churches cannot grow if there is division. Unity of mind, spirit, and direction are essential.  Whenever there is division, backbiting, and conflict the church is distracted and Satan can claim a victory. Unity is imperative.

But unity for the sake of unity means nothing. The Apostle rejoiced because of the firmness of their faith. The word firmness can mean steadfast or consistency. Chart our lives and we can see the ups and downs of our faith. Sometimes we are strong and sometimes we are weak, but most of us have been consistently growing, persistent in our love for Jesus, and steadfast in our calling. This isn't of our doing, but the mighty work of the Holy Spirit. Left to ourselves we would quickly fall away. It is our unity in the Spirit and the firmness of our faith that keeps the church on course. It is for this reason that I rejoice when I "lurk" my former churches. As a whole the churches are seeking to love God and love others, and for that I rejoice and give God the honor and glory. I'm just saying.

What Is Your Crisis Of Faith?

My crisis of faith began with one sentence, "What are you reading?" I was determined to have my devotions and read my bible. I was a new believer rooming with two non-believers. Their question seemed innocent, they were curious about my early morning reading material.  I don't even remember what passage I was reading. I just wanted to be a good testimony. When they started talking about science and creation, about the impossibility of a universal flood, of the ridiculousness of miracles, I had no answers. It wasn't that I was unsure of forgotten information. Their arguments were plausible. I mean who could ignore scientific evidence.  This morning I googled the top arguments against Christians and they haven't changed. They all revolve around the basic assumption of naturalism, that God doesn't exist, and the triumph of science over the incompatibility of faith. They sound reasonable.

That's why Paul was writing the Colossians. He didn't want them to be swayed away from their faith by arguments that sounded good. Deception is a key tool in the devil's arsenal, and he uses it in the area of our weakness. If a loved one dies, "how could God allow it?" If you have cancer, "Why is there pain and suffering in the world?" If you like science, "Doesn't evolution disprove the creation myth?" If your a philosopher, "If Jesus is the only way why are there so many religions in the world?" If you are caring, "Would God really send people to hell who have never heard the gospel?" "How can a loving God even contemplate sending someone to hell?" If you don't like the bible's restrictions, "But doesn't God want me to be happy?" Plausible, reasonable, arguments abound. When presented with plausible arguments doubt can set in, bitterness can take root, and apostasy can follow. In my crisis God led me to Bible College. For others it is a good book, their pastor, or a friend. Counter arguments, however, are not what keeps us from falling away. They are important, but they are secondary. The Apostle Paul told the Colossians that what would keep them was the knitted love of the body that led them to a deeper understanding of the mystery of God in Christ. It is the same for us today.

What anchors me in my deepest emotional need is the reality of God's existence. I cannot escape that fundamental truth. Through the working of the Holy Spirit, God teaches me that His love is unshakable, and that it was powerfully expressed in the death and resurrection of Jesus! The issues I face, the questions I have, and the doubt I encounter are always seen through the lens of His unfathomable love. There are answers to all the plausible questions, there is nothing new under the sun. But unless we are set firm on the foundation of Christ the storms of life, the deception of Satan, and our own lusts will lead to apostasy. 

What plausible arguments are tugging on your faith? What strong, faithful believer can you confide in? It's not a sin to have doubts, and it's not anti-intellectual to believe in God through Christ. Deepen your understanding of Jesus. Struggle in the fellowship of his suffering and the power of his resurrection. In the end God will chase the darkness from the corners of your life until all that is left is the light of his love. There you will grasp its height, it's depth, and its breadth until you reach the fullness that is in Christ. I'm just saying. "I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments" (Col. 2:4).   Www.cravingsomethingmore.com    

An Atheist Pastor's Empty Love

I was reading an article about an atheist pastor in Canada. She has pastoral a there since 1997. Since her installation all vestiges of the Christian Faith have disappeared, and the only cross left is hidden away behind some curtains. The services are a mix of self help motivational speeches to love one another, and testimonies of personal accomplishments. Just recently the national church board has decided to review her situation to decide if she fulfills the churches doctrinal positions. *Sigh*

When the Apostle Paul told the Colossians they were to be knit together in love it wasn't so that they could fulfill some personal agenda or meet some emotional need. There were two specific outcomes that their love together was to accomplish: to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery. Both of which are Christ. Riches of full of assurance understanding. I gave my life to Jesus as a senior in High School, but I wasn't complete in Christ. My standing in Him was secure, but I hadn't attained maturity. In fact, in my first year at the University of Florida I was confronted by two atheists who seemed to know more about the Bible than I did. Their questions created doubt, that led to bitterness, that led to mocking the preacher. My friends were aghast, and loving took me aside to find out what my problem was. The outcome led me to go to Bible College to find answers. I did not have full assurance. Bible college gave me a lot of the answers I sought, but created more questions as well. I never doubted the existence of God again, but there was a point where I doubted my position in Christ. There were great preachers who spoke in our chapels, calling us to lives of holiness and service. I didn't grow up in a Christian home, and I felt anything but holy. I started to doubt my salvation. I expressed that to a friend and he loving led me to understand the full assurance that I have in Jesus. My works don't make me holy, Jesus' blood covers all my sin. 

The riches of a full understanding of assurance is of greater value than any riches the world has to offer. It has kept me through depression, upheld me when ministry was difficult, and keeps me steady when personal doubts weigh me down. The world will tell you that you can't be assured of anything, but God says otherwise. He tells us that nothing can snatch us out of his hand. Tragedy, difficulties, and even death can't separate us from His love.  Like the pearl of great price or the treasure in the field, this assurance is worth giving up every worldly possession to attain. The good news is that it doesn't cost us anything. The assurance rests on the character of God. Knowledge of God's mystery. There is a deep and thorough experience in knowing God's mystery. It is knowledge saturated with an experience of the Holy Spirit. It is a knowledge that is based on fist hand experience. We didn't see the death and resurrection of Jesus personally. Our knowledge of his sacrifice and power have been passed down to us by reliable witnesses and the Word of God. But our encounter with God is a personal experience in the context of the body of Jesus. We know the disciples of Jesus because they are knitted together in love and are the hands and feet of Jesus. The body of Christ working in concert with the Holy Spirit create an experience where we can know the mystery of God.  Facts are interesting, but it is their fusion with personal experience that makes them meaningful. When the Holy Spirit speaks to our spirits that we are children of God it is an experiential moment. But it happens in the context of God's word and the life of the body. When my friend explained to me the assurance I had in Christ he explained facts, but it was the Holy Spirit who confirmed in my heart the reality of that mystery.  Knitted together in love. Our love for one another is for one thing only. To help us understand and know Christ. Yes there is healing, there is encouragement and blessing, and there is mutual care, but those aren't the end. The end is the glory of God in the Christ. John Piper reminds us that we are most satisfied when God is most glorified.

  If our love for one another had its in end in self-fulfillment, then our love would end when our needs were not met. But as a church we are steadfast in our love for one another because there is a greater cause beyond ourselves, that is Christ and his kingdom. So, as you are loved and as you love, may you come to a full assurance and understanding of your salvation in Jesus, and may you experience first hand the power of God in Christ. I'm just saying.  "being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ" Col 2:3.