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