Masks

 Whoever hates disguises himself with his lips and harbors deceit in his heart; when he speaks graciously, believe him not, for there are seven abominations in his heart; though his hatred be covered with deception,     his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and a stone will come back on him who starts it rolling. A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin. ~ Proverbs 26:24-28

Masked visitors are filing past my desk this morning as I write this. Their average height is about 3’ and they all carry bags or buckets for their loot. I too am masked for their protection and as each one greets me with “trick or treats” I delight in their colorful array of costumes. It is an annual tradition here at Shiloh that I really look forward to. The director and teachers of our excellent preschool, who are dressed as different colored M&M’s, bring the children to our offices so we can treat them and enjoy their company for a few minutes. 

Face masks are ubiquitous these days as we all strive to stem the spread of COVID-19. In fact, it’s astonishing to think that it would ever be OK, even encouraged to wear a mask in the bank! Yet, here we are in the lap of the strangest year anyone living can remember. Masks limit the spread of viruses, germs, and other biological hazards seem like a good idea, and the inconvenience and discomfort seem like a compassionate act of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. So, we do our best to cooperate with each other for a common good. 

Face masks, however, do little to filter deceit, condescension, and hatred. They may hide one’s mouth, but they do not stop it from speaking evil. Some masks are invisible but not silent. Carefully crafted words are often meant to mask one’s true intentions but an open mind can usually see through the disguise. The best defense against the virus of duplicity is critical thinking. 

Face masks are not meant to be worn over one’s ears! They will not filter out the things you don’t want to hear. Critical thinkers listen to words and observe deeds. They compare and contrast information and seek balance. Truth is more desirable than support for one’s opinion. Facts carry more weight than feelings. Hatred is a feeling that manifests evil. History is replete with examples of horrific, diabolical deeds that were preceded by feelings and words of hatred. The author of such hatred and the subsequent chaos is Satan, God’s sworn enemy. 

Face masks make no difference when it comes to hatred. When one’s feelings of hatred stir up anger and violent speech and deeds, it makes no difference what side one is on. Violence, whether verbal or physical, always harms someone. It is not the way of God’s children, the citizens of Christ’s Kingdom! For Christian Believers there is only One whose wrath is just and whose vengeance is righteous. When a Christian Believer is forced to protect and defend, his words and deeds are not driven by hatred, but by love. Love and devotion to our Master are the most important; love for those things that matter most to Him follows.

Read the proverb above very carefully and pray that the LORD will help you to clearly know your feelings. Ask the LORD to open your mind to facts; about yourself, your environment, your influences, and traditions. Invite the LORD to soften your heart and enlighten your mind, so that there is a holiness of heart and mind. When you are tempted to think, say, and do, ask yourself if feelings are informing you and driving you more than facts. Before you post an opinion, stake out a sign, and vote, ask the LORD to help you live as His child and love as He loves. If you say or do anything because of hatred you are serving Satan.     

The Fellowship of the Believers

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Acts 2:42-47

Introduction

             When was the last time you were truly awestruck? It could have been a beautiful, inspiring event or an overwhelming, dreadful thing. If you were around on September 11, 2001, you were probably awestruck as you watched video of the terrorist attacks and the outcomes that day. Maybe you’ve looked up at the night sky from a secluded place and seen the immensity of the Milky Way.

         Now, consider the fellowship of the believers as you’ve experienced it in your life’s times. When was the last time church worship, Sunday school classes, small groups, or mission activities left you awestruck?

 

The Elements of Awe-Inspiring Fellowship

         Today’s passage indicates a pattern and illustrates part of a larger theme. The first part of the pattern is devotion to the Apostle’s teaching. What did the Apostles teach? A reading of Acts 2:14-41 reveals a Spirit-enlivened message to the Jews in Jerusalem that cut to their hearts and inspired desperate pleas of, “Brothers. What should we do?”

         The larger theme of Acts was described by Jesus as recorded by Luke in the first chapter, in verse 8 – “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The fellowship of believers described at the end of Acts 2 is a picture of the Spirit’s work in Jerusalem. After Pentecost, the Jewish Christians demonstrated a radically different kind of Temple worship and gathering.

         Imagine for a modern religious gathering that requires persons to travel from great distances to meet in a large venue. Hotel, restaurant, and transportation accommodations will be available, for a typically inflated cost. Likewise, the venue will contain vendors in the outer courts who are selling books and other products offered by the speakers, musicians, and others. There’s lots of buying and selling in those courts and a lot of irrelevant conversations and activities. Perhaps the participants come to this function every year and even look forward to the hotels, food, vendors, conversation, and posturing.

         That is essentially what Pentecost and other major festivals were like. Jerusalem was the city and the Temple was the venue. Now, imagine that a group of attendees who are known associates of a recently executed outlaw begin preaching outside the venue with acumen they should not possess and in every language present. Imagine their preaching leads to weeks or months-long sit-in where local hotels, restaurants, and venders are bypassed as extraordinary generosity, love, and unity are witnessed. Contrast this with the prevailing culture of greed, false piety, distrust, selfishness, and increased police and criminal activity. Imagine that miracles are known to happen and that educated, steadfast, and influential Jews are hearing that prophecies are fulfilled, and Messiah has come, and they are convinced.

        

Conclusion

         It is tempting to think this is the model for church and that we are far from it. That’s why it is important to remember the context Luke established in Acts 1:8. The Christian movement began mainly with Jews and in their religion’s headquarters at the capital city, Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit organized and executed a plan for Jerusalem that caused awe and conversion.

         Jesus’s commission in Acts 1:8 describes a literal and figurative expression of his purpose. The Book of Acts describes how the apostles fulfilled it in their times and locations. It also demonstrates how our modern fulfillment of Christ’s commission will look. If Jerusalem describes the place where the movement started and the people group reached, then it would for us like starting in our local church and community. What would take our established culture by surprise and cause awe and conversions? How would it generate new believers every day? What would an unusual fellowship of believers look like here? How would it stand apart from the religious norms? Are you ready for an Acts-like expression of believer’s fellowship here? What if it would require you to experience discomfort?

The Promise and The Holy Spirit

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Acts 1:1-3

Introduction

             In the Book of Genesis, it is said that God “breathed” into Adam and gave him life. (2:7) It is implicit in the entire creation account that this is the moment when humanity was created in God’s own image. The ancient language used a unique term that translates as God’s life imparted to the man (the adam). The same word is used and translated to Greek by the Apostle John when he described how Jesus breathed the Holy Spirit upon them after his resurrection. (John 20:19-23) Jesus breathed (emphusao) and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” 

“In the Upper Room, Jesus recreated what sin had ruined in the Garden of Eden. Jesus is now giving life, eternal life, to his followers in a manner reminiscent of God’s great work at the beginning of time. But in this case, this is renewing life given through the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  

The Pillar of Cloud and Fire

[Read Acts 2:1-4] The rushing wind and tongues of fire are reminiscent of the pillar of fire and cloud that guided the people of God across the wilderness. There is an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. The force compelled the recipients to boldness and ability that was previously unimagined. The Spirit led the Israelites to establish a temporary Kingdom of God on earth and led the Apostles to establish an eternal Kingdom of Christ who reigns over heaven and earth. The Kingdom of Christ is defined by His presence through the Spirit. Wherever the Spirit is, Christ is King. Is Christ King of your heart? Is Christ King of this church? 

It seems like many Christians today live a belief in God as omniscient, omnipresent, and inactive except in times of extreme need. Likewise, they act as if Jesus was a historical figure whose life and teachings are to be admired and exemplified, if it’s easy. Even the more enlivened Christian will find it difficult to express the nature of the Holy Spirit, His purpose, and His power. Yet, the bible informs us that the Spirit is the life’s blood of the Body of Christ, or the Church. Therefore, Christians should embrace the Holy Spirit and all the He is and does through her. 

Conclusion

In this series we will look at the Church as it is defined in the Acts of the Apostles. While we will allow for the cultural and technological differences between our times and theirs, we will nevertheless strive to understand the kind of people of God we are called to be and what we can do to establish Christ’s Kingdom in our midst. 

The first and most significant matter is the presence and leadership of the Spirit. If the Spirit of God is not in charge here, then who is? What happens when the Sprit leads the Church? “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29) The Spirit-led Church boldly speaks the Word of God, envisions the world under God’s authority, and shapes its plans around God’s agenda. 

To be the New Testament conquerors of the eternal promise, the Church must embody the fire of the Holy Spirit and go boldly toward the gates of Hell. The Body of Christ will proclaim Him Savior and Lord and watch His power as the walls tumble down. The Spirit removes the scales from our eyes so that we can see things the way they really are. (Acts 9:18) With His eyes we see the eternal and discard the temporal.

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Renewing the Mind

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,

that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

~ Romans 12:2

I have determined to watch for two particular outcomes from the onset of the “plague”; people will be forced to identify the things that matter most, and that givers and takers will be easily recognized. The takers are conformed to the world in that they have determined that what matters most is themselves. What matters most to them is their own will and what is good and perfect in the eyes of the world. 

Many years ago I decided that my primary mission as a pastor is to teach and lead people toward a Christian biblical worldview. My mission is based on the passage above. One cannot be conformed to the perfect will of God without a thorough renewing of the mind. Renewing of the mind in this sense is like getting a new pair of glasses and new hearing aids that filter out the things of the world and make clear the things of God. For many of us, this analogy holds more meaning when we think of our new glasses as “cheaters,” or reading glasses. Therefore, we are only seeing through Spirit-enhanced lenses occasionally. Then, there are those who must wear glasses whenever they want to see things clearly and are virtually blind without them. Finally, the Believer whose mind is completely renewed is like one who has surgery to repair faulty vision so that they always see clearly. In the same way, new hearing aids can be used occasionally or when one cannot hear without them. If a permanent, surgical solution takes place they are no longer needed.  

Persons with renewed-mind vision and hearing see Satan in the chaos and the Lord in the cosmos (created order). She hears lies and sees hidden daggers that are common to those whose being is given over to the desires of the flesh. Basically, the renewed-mind sees and hears the One who is Truth, Love, and Justice, The Bride hears the harmony of the Creator and His Creation and senses the rhythmic flow of Cosmic Order. The Christian who awaits the coming of the Bridegroom looks past the forest of idols and listens beyond the cacophony of demonic noise to hear the Lord’s call. 

The false gods who would have you serve your flesh and deny your Lord have many names: Adrammelech 2 Kin 17:31; Amon Jer 46:25; Anammelech 2 Kin 17:31; Asherah (Asherim) Judges 6:25,26,28,30; Ashima 2 Kin 17:30; Ashtoreth (Ashtaroth) 1 Kin 11:5,33; Baal 2 Kin 10:18-23,25-28; Baal-berith Judg 8:33, Judg 9:4; Baal-Peor Num 25:3,5; Baal-Zebub (Beelzebub in NT Greek) 2 Kin 1:2,3,6,16; Bel (possibly same as Baal) Isa 46:1 Jer 50:2, Jer 51:44; Castor/Pollux (Twin Brothers) Acts 28:11; Chemosh 1 Kin 11:7,33; Dagon 1 Sam 5:2-5,7; Diana / Artemis Acts 19:24,27-28,34-35; Gad (Fortune) Isa 65:11; Golden Calf Ex 32; Jupiter / Zeus Acts 14:12; Kalwan (Chiun) Amos 5:26; Meni (Destiny) Isa 65:11; Mercury / Hermes Acts 14:12; Merodach / Marduk Jer 50:2; Milcom (Malcham, Malcam) 1 Kin 11:5.33; Molech (Moloch) Lev 20:2,3,4,5; Nebo Isa 46:1; Nehushtan 2 Kin 18:4; Nergal 2 Kin 17:30; Nibhaz 2 Kin 17:31; Nisroch Queen Of Heaven (Known As Ishtar) Jer 7:18, Jer 44:17,18,19,25; Rimmon 2 Kin 5:18; Sikkuth Amos 5:26; Succoth Benoth 2 Kin 17:30; Tammuz Ezek 8:14; Tartuk 2 Kin 17:31. Each represents a divine authority that satisfies the flesh. Each perverts the flesh and celebrates carnality and the cults of death. The Greeks even had an idol “To The Unknown God” (Acts 17:23). It was as if they wanted a god to whom they could turn for permissions as yet unimaginable.

The Christian who only occasionally sees and hears with a renewed-mind goes to “church” and helps with programs. He sees and hears with clarity if the preaching is good and the music satisfies the ear. The power of conviction pours over him and then trickles to the floor only to be left behind. The Believer who chooses a renewed-mind over spiritual blindness and deafness is one who hungers to be a partaker in the divine nature but occasionally backs away from the Christian community and commitment due to fear. He fears over-commitment and loss of freedom. He fears chiding and mocking from worldly friends. He fears his unworthiness and inadequacy. He fears complete dependency upon the Lord and refuses to see himself with a renewed-mind. The Christian Believer whose mind is given over to Spirit-renewal has no inhibitions; no grief; no anxiety when it comes to serving her Master, the Bridegoom. Having considered these things, where do you find yourself today? Wha shall you prayer about now?

More Than a Building

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Hebrews 12:1-3 

Introduction

             Today we will enjoy our first onsite visit to the Lord’s Table since last winter. Even as we do so, there are fewer of us present and we are observing safe distancing. Holy Communion is intended to be a very intimate expression of faith and unity so today’s Eucharistic liturgy will seem counter-intuitive, at least until we finish hearing the Lord’s Word. Let us pray: May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

                        Let’s begin by reading today’s Scripture passage. Hebrews 12:1-3 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

            The author, probably the Apostle Paul, identified himself with the persons to whom he has written – that’s us too! He means for us to understand that we are observed and that we are running a race and our Savior and Lord is standing at the finish line urging us on. Jesus set the course, broke down its obstructions, and complete the raise so that we could look to Him as our guide. Christ calls us to the finish line where He holds a new garment, a crown of glory, and a signet with our new name. (Revelation 2:10; 17; 27-28; 3:5; 12; 20)

The Cloud of Witnesses

            It’s difficult to know whether we should understand “witnesses” as those who have affirmed the faith or those who are spectators. The writer portrays athletes in a footrace, running toward the finish line as they are urged on by the crowd. Yet, they are “surrounded,” which makes it hard to think of them as looking to the “witnesses”—and even more so since they are urged to keep their eyes on Jesus. Perhaps a few ideas are present. The author could be describing something like a relay race where those who have finished their course and handed off their baton are watching and encouraging their successors. There are others with whom we run, not as competitors, but as companions. Also, it is surely observed by spectators; those who entered the race but do not run; those who call it folly and watch only in hopes of witnessing crashes and failure, and the Enemy.

           

The Communion of the Saints

            The sacrament of Holy Communion is a visit to the Lord’s Table that ends with a unique expression of God’s Grace. Holy Communion is Eucharist, which means an act of thanksgiving. The early Christians “broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising

God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:46-47a) It is the communion, or unity, of the church family—the local community of the faithful, and Church universal. It is deeply meaningful to individual participants, but it is much more than a personal event. The Apostle Paul explains in First Corinthians 10:17 that “because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.” The sharing and bonding experienced at The Lord’s Table exemplify the nature of the Church as a model for the world as our Lord would have it.

Holy Communion is a commemoration and memorial act, but it is much more than intellectual recollection. “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19; 1 Corinthians 11:24-25) is anamnesis – a biblical Greek word that describes “dynamic action that becomes a representation of past gracious acts of God in the present, so powerfully as to make them truly present now. Christ is risen and is alive here and now, not just remembered for what was done in the past.” (This Holy Mystery: A United Methodist Understanding of Holy Communion. United Methodist Publishing House. 2004)

            With all that being said, we can return to the concept of the “great cloud of witnesses” with a better sense of what “communion” means. It is still a very intimate expression of connection with our Lord even as it is shared with others around the Table. As a sacrament, it is timeless. Therefore, it is a Holy Communion with those who have completed the race and with the realm of God. We are seated at the Table of the Lord’s Home – that is, the Table in God’s dwelling place into which we have been accepted because of the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit of Heaven is in and with us as He is in and with all the subjects of Christ’s Kingdom, whether they dwell on Earth or in Paradise.

 

Conclusion

            It doesn’t matter if you are physically present for the worship service or participating from home or elsewhere. When you affirm your faith in Christ as Savior and submit to Him as Lord you affirm His sacrifice. Therefore, as we experience the Communion liturgy you are present and participating in the timeless divine presence of God and the saints.

            Paul ran the race and urged his companions along the Way of Christ saying, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 14) Now, he joins us at the Table as one of the witnesses. He would say, “take and eat; take and drink” as if to urge you on.

Restore the Joy

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. ~ Psalm 51:12

I’m tired! The great hunker down of 2020; my dad’s death during the shut-down with no gathered friends and family and no hugs for my mom; the exceedingly stressful efforts to maintain a connection with the Shiloh family; the stressful efforts to make new connections online; the stressful planning, preparation, and implementation of limited contact worship services; assisting the staff in their stressful efforts; a major staff change; fits and starts with onsite worship and new technology; discerning God’s will for Shiloh and my service to God as pastor; preaching challenging and paradigm-shifting messages; continued efforts to spread the Word to new friends while encouraging the Shiloh family; helping my mother and siblings sort through my dad’s things; gradually opening more of the church’s resources while maintaining safe practices; striving to communicate and collaborate with everyone I should, writing encouraging words on Wednesdays, etc., etc., etc. Yup! I’m pretty weary. 

      Please don’t think I’ve shared this to cause your sympathy. I really didn’t mean it as a pitty-party or so that you would feel sorry for me. My intention is to join you in owning the added stress that these “unprecedented times” cause. I know you’ve been enduring similar stressors to mine. I did not mention the more common stressors like politics, riots, conspiracy theories, wildfires, hurricanes, earthquakes, drought, and global situations that we don’t know about because the information mongers in the media only tell us what they want us to know. And, because of that, we all endure stressful conversations and rants when we strive to struggle with loneliness and isolation. So, write your opening paragraph, read this one again, and then join me again at the start of the next one. 

    I started writing these Wednesday messages during the opening weeks of the shut-down. I intentionally start with a blank page on Wednesday morning and then write what’s on my mind. In many ways, these are self-serving as I strive to uplift my spirits. The scripture above came to mind as I skimmed through Shiloh’s and my social media feeds. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. The passage is from Psalm 51, which is the one King David wrote after being convicted of his sin with Bathsheba and her husband. As the psalm progresses it becomes apparent that David realized his complacence had led him away from the God he loved so much. 

    Most of us can relate to David’s sentiment. His frame of mind had changed so that he’d become more focused upon his self-interests than upon the LORD. In his case, it was a matter of success and comfort that led to smug selfishness. However, one can end up in the same state of mind when he is depressed, discouraged, hopeless, and stressed out. The things of God are far from front and center and there is even a temptation to blame God for one’s discomfort. When the pain is intense enough to warrant intervention, most humans have two basic options: medicate or meditate. Most medications only mask the pain for a little while. Many of the medications are self-prescribed and don’t come from the pharmacy. What are some of your medications of choice? Food, entertainment, shopping, excessive exercise, excessive attention to hobbies, social media, nicotine, caffeine, alcohol, sex, pornography, illicit drugs, others? What are some of the consequences of masking pain in these ways? Guilt, shame, deeper depression, lethargy, declining health, injury to loved ones, anger, outrage, debt, injury to reputation, and loss of employment? 

    Meditation can help to calm one’s soul, especially when meditating upon God’s Word (Logos=heart and mind of God). Meditation, in this case, is not about Eastern religious practices and finding a zen-like higher consciousness. It is about making a conscious decision to think about God and the Word of God instead of turning to a familiar, easily accessible habit that only numbs the pain for a short time. King David said in the psalm that his mind had turned to the satisfaction of his flesh and that led to temporary pleasure with disastrous consequences. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 

    Take time to remember God’s provision and protection throughout your lifetime. Recall the stories you’ve heard from faithful women and men who knew the same sort of deliverance in their hard times. These reminiscences combine with Scripture to center our thoughts upon our loving LORD. When you are tempted to medicate the flesh, choose to meditate upon the heart and mind of God.

    Spirit-filled music and Spirit-given teaching and preaching have always served me well in times of discouragement, anxiety, and depression. Reading Scripture, Spirit-inspired books and articles, and joining in intentionally Spirit-oriented conversations can also help. Perhaps you can combine these with other inspiring activities like yard work, hiking, fishing, sewing, walking, cooking, healthy application of hobbies, etc.

Lukewarm

Wandering in the Wilderness

Sunday, August 23, 2020

Revelation 3:14-22 

Introduction

             There is nothing particularly outstanding about Laodicea. The Church there, like the city’s water supply, was compromised. They adjusted their temperament according to the perceived climate; Laodicean Christians did not passionately stand for anything. They attended worship services and other functions out of habit and expected nothing out of the ordinary of their Church or themselves.

            The Laodicean Christians were not only dispassionate, but they were also unaware of their true condition – "You say, `I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.'" The spirit of the surrounding culture had crept into the congregation and had paralyzed their spiritual life. The Laodiceans probably interpreted their material wealth as a blessing from God and thus were self-deceived as to their real spiritual health. This letter is our Lord’s wake-up-call to apathetic Believers whose faith is like an insurance policy kept in a drawer. Jesus shatters the delusions and calls for repentance – "But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Laodicean "Lukewarmness" is not about how they manage the institution, its property, and programs. It’s about whether the Believer really knows Christ as Savior and Lord and whole-heartedly desires to devote their lives to Him.

 

If Not the Promise, Then what?

            When the people of God wandered in the wilderness with Moses there were some who wanted to go back to Egypt, some who were passionate about the Promise, and those who had been condemned to die in the wilderness. It is implicit that the condemned included many who resented God and others who indifferently accepted their fate. In effect, they settled in the wilderness. Did they live for their Lord and make the remainder of their lives an effort to redeem their children’s relationship with God? We don’t know, but there doesn’t seem to be any notable stories to tell.

            There are many references throughout the bible that indicate the Lord’s displeasure with lukewarm faith. What shall I do with you, O Ephraim? What shall I do with you, O Judah? For your loyalty is like a morning cloud and like the dew which goes away early. (Hosea 6:4) ‘Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people, who have eyes but do not see; Who have ears but do not hear. (Jerimiah 5:21) “’ For the heart of this people has become dull, with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes, otherwise they would see with their eyes, hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I would heal them.’” (Matthew 13:15)

            Apathy results in ignorance of our Creator’s hopes and unconcern for His grief. It causes us to tempt God’s righteous retribution.  God the Father created humanity expressly for the pleasure of its company. (Ephesians 1:9) Sin, the rejection of the Lord’s loving leadership, caused His grief. (Genesis 6:6) The Father sent the Son as a means of saving and restoring what was lost through sin. (Romans 3:25) Thanks to God the Son, we can escape the punishment we justly deserve. (Ephesians 5:6)

            The Lord knows the true nature of each person’s faith and devotion. (Matthew 25:41-46) For the sake of the Son who gave all that He could to save us, God the Father must punish those who foolishly reject Him and frivolously manage their souls. (John 3:36) Jesus spoke of His judgment saying, “On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:22-24)

 

Conclusion

            These words are hard to hear, especially if you’ve been living your whole life in a state of lukewarm faith. After all, lukewarm, tepid, room-temperature waters are comfortable. They neither scald nor chill. Religious, institutionalized Christianity warms or cools itself according to the climate in which it exists. Therefore, Believers who are comfortable in the world of secular humanism can move freely from home, to work, to shops, and to the church without any discomfort. This is not the Way of the saved, devoted follower of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” (John 14:6) He described it as, “Ent[ry] by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14) Have you ever walked through a narrow passage? Did it make you feel uncomfortable? That is how the world feels when you are more dedicated to Christ’s Kingdom than it. The anti-biblical ways of society seem wrong to you – you want to escape it; to be in a better place. Your own, un-Christian words and deeds make you uncomfortable too – they make you grieve, and you repent even though you’ve been saved. As we finish the series of messages about wandering in the wilderness, we must recognize that the way into the Promised Land is narrow.

This is How You Change the World

Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. ~ Titus 2:2 ESV
 
            A friend posted this passage on Facebook last night and I assume it was during the presidential election debate between President Trump and former Vice-president, Joe Biden. I intentionally opted for watching something else. It’s not that I don’t care about the election and the future of our country, it’s just that I expected it to go about as it did – no great wisdom needed to anticipate that!
 
            The Apostle Paul’s timeless advice to Titus and his congregation is aptly applied to all leaders. One can find himself in a position of leadership at any age, but common sense informs us that the number of years one spends on this terrestrial ball should correlate with knowledge and wisdom. With more time to move through life’s countless learning opportunities and the gradual sobering effect of aging, there should be shaping of some men’s (and women’s) character that makes them ideal for leadership roles.
 
            What do we do when we are asked to choose between two candidates who do not demonstrate the kind of elder wisdom described to Titus? For a long time now, I’ve held the opinion that anyone who desperately desires to hold the highest offices in our land is likely unsuitable for the job. Few persons of excellent character feel compelled to obtain status and power. In an ideal setting rank and authority are awarded by persons of excellent character to other persons who exhibit qualities like being “sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.”
 
            Perhaps this is the answer. When you encounter a woman or man whose elder wisdom and good character are exemplary, spend time with them. Sit under their teaching and observe their relationships and lifestyle. Of course, you will see human frailty and occasional flaws, but you will also observe self-awareness and determination to overcome weaknesses for a greater good, even for the glory of Christ. After observing such persons and benefiting from their grace and wisdom, teach your children and grandchildren about what you’ve witnessed and learned. This is the only way I can imagine we will eventually produce the kind of leaders we need.
 
            Exemplary discipleship must start in the home. The LORD says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (Deuteronomy 11:18-19) The sad fact is that we are witnessing the leadership aspirations of men and women who don’t know the LORD and who are gods to themselves and those who would worship them.
 
          Therefore, pray earnestly every day for our leaders and our children. The LORD says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2) Don’t stand in the way of your children’s relationship with Christ. Don’t let them or yourselves set priorities that hinder their knowledge of Him and relationship with Him - “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Teach them to hunger for God and the things of the Kingdom. Abolish the idols and false gods in your home. Use the election and other demonstrations of foolish, worldly behavior as opportunities for instruction in the ways of Christ.
 
This is how you change the world: start with yourself and then move on to those who look up to you.