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.

New Home For My Blog

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Because I Said So

Children in the first century didn't have any rights. They were under the absolute authority of their father. He literally had their life in their hands. That is why it was important for them to be obedient, because it brought them longer life. Yet, the gospel redeems children from the brutality of the world and lifts them up as valuable in the eyes of God, and therefore, in the eyes of fathers.

The Apostle Paul gives father's very specific instructions on how to relate to their children. First, he doesn't single out boys. This is important because in the first century father's had little to do with their daughters specifically and children generally. Wives raised children until they were close to their teens, at which point the father took his son under his wing and taught him the family trade. Girls remained in the home and under their mothers care until they were married. By identifying children in this command Paul raises the status of not just children but girls as well (if you remember in Proverbs the writer always addressed the sons).

Secondly, Paul instructs fathers not to provoke their children to anger. The Greek word means to exasperate or irritate. When seeking the unity within the home (and thus in the church) father's have a responsibility to treat their children with respect. But what does it mean not irritate your children? I am sure my boys could tell you that I irritated them all the time, whether it was through discipline or embarrassment (and I don't think the Apostle would deprive a father of the joy of embarrassing his children in front of their friends).

There is nothing more exasperating then demanding unreasonable expectations. Mothers are more compassionate, but fathers tend to tell their children to stop crying and get over it. Unreasonable expectations are the sign of weak parenting. Each child is different. They have different personalities, different, gifts, different intellectual and physical capabilities. Parents who expect the same from each child hasn't taken the opportunity to learn about their children's particular needs.

Unreasonable expectations sets the course of the child's life. Parents who decide for their children what they will be, what career they will pursue, what person they will marry, or what school they will attend exasperate children who are trying to make their own way. Good parenting sees how a child is bent and guides them in the way they should go.

Unreasonable expectations does not allow for free exchange of ideas and emotions. "Because I said so," may be true, but it stifles communication, reasoning skills, and compromise. I don't believe you can reason with a two year old and I have watched mothers argue with toddlers trying to get them to understand and obey. Explaining is an important tool in the growth of the child, and encourages them to use reasoning skills. A simple explanation for a toddler and a conversation with a teenager. When parents engage their children in the rationale of their decision it helps children to form good reasoning skills. They may not agree with the decision and you might have to end with "because I said so," but it should never be the starting point. 

The third part of Paul's instructions is for the father to engage in the discipline and instruction of his children. Parents should always display a united front before the children. That means parents need to agree on discipline techniques, standards for video games, TV, and friends. Children are good at divide and conquer,mane if parents don't agree then watch out.

Our boys hated the answer to their question, "let me talk to you mom (or dad)." Ahhhh, they would say. "Mom said I needed to ask you." Which meant Rebecca and I needed to talk. We typically agreed that the most conservative opinion was followed. I was more apt to let them wander the streets aimlessly. But usually if Rebecca or I said no that was the answer. 

Parents need to parent ahead of their children. Too often parenting is reactionary and last minute. But looking at the next stage of your child's development  and determining your decisions ahead of time takes a lot of pressure out parenting. That's why the third child is easier. By then you have figured out what battles are worth fighting. Thinking ahead with the first child will help eliminate unreasonable expectations.

Parenting should be in the Lord. There is nothing more frightening then your children walking away from the faith. Parents hover, protect, and manipulate to keep this from happening. In the end the child must make his own decisions. Again discipline and instruction in the Lord means there is a base or moral expectations and personal value that shapes parental discipline and instruction. 

This includes theology and the disciplines of the faith. It means teaching didacticly and by example. It means serving your children and teaching them to serve. It means asking for forgiveness and extending grace. It means knowing when punishment is redemptive and mercy preferable. It means being sure of what you believe, but allowing room for questions of doubt. It means guiding not pushing. It means eventually letting go and trusting the Holy Spirit.

I have three godly young men who have married godly women and it brings joy to my soul. They are different and are finding their way in life differently. We don't agree on every point of our faith, but we are free to express lovingly our points of view. Parenting never ends, but it morphs and grows. I am thankful that my children still want to talk with me about life and faith, and I hope that the mistakes I have made as a father have been covered by the grace of God and my children's love.

Their are few guarantees in parenting, but their are clear instructions. Have at it..I'm just saying...

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

The Destruction Of Envy

Listening to the speaker I heard nothing that he said. I can speak as well as he can, I thought. I have interesting stories that make good points. Why does he draw large crowds and I speak in abscurity? I don't wish him ill, but every time I see him speak I can't think of anything else, and it was difficult for me to rejoice in the fruit of his ministry. Envy crept into my heart and my obsession for what I did not have kept me from receiving any of the blessings God desired to give me.

Envy always has a negative impact. James says in 3:26 says, "For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice." There are those who try to give a positive spin on envy as a motivator for better performance. "If I am envious of what someone has then I will work harder to achieve my desire." But envy never motivates people to achieve more, rather holds people in bondage to their feelings of inadequacy. Instead of striving for their own sucess, those who are filled with envy rationalize why life is unfair or why the other person doesn't deserve it. 

Envy desires what someone else has and creates a hostile environment where others are an obstacle to their own success. In this kind of environment obsession blinds people from seeing their own weakness, that if remedied, could open doors for their success.

Love does not envy, the Aposlte Paul said, because envy is selfish and love selfless. Envy seeks exhalation as a replacement of some else's. It creates dissension because it is critical of the object of their envy and speaks disparagingly of them. Envy doesn't seek to imulate but rather seeks to usurp. Envy would rather destroy the success of others than to be content with their abilities and efforts.

Envy is not thankful for God's provision. An envious person allows biterness to color God's provision and instead of thankfulness, resentment fills his heart. Envious people don't see God's goodness but feels as if God is withholding something better. Envy sees God as an obstructionist to his happiness as he pours out happiness on others.

So how do we fight envy when it tempts to distract us from God's purpose for our lives.

1. Submit to the sovereign goodness of God. When we realize that God desires to pour out his goodness on us then we look for that goodness in the things he gives us.

2. Be thankful for the gifts God has given. Realize that the variety of gifts in the body means that your gift has a specific place in God's plan.

3. Realize that success is defined by God and not the world. We envy when we want more, because we have been told that more is better and bigger is greater. Follow Jesus and not the world.

4. Serve others. When we understand that God calls us to serve then we can put others needs before our own, even if it means they get the acalades.

5. Encourage others in their gifts and bless them with appreciation when they are faithful.

Envy is easy to fall prey to when your life takes a turn different then you expected. But when you seek to serve God, using your gifts wherever he leads you, then you can become content with His goodness  and the world becomes a wonderous place. I'm just saying...