Posted by David on February 28, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
Christians make mistakes-even when they try hard, even when they try harder, even when they keep on trying harder! Hopefully, maturity in Christ produces fewer mistakes, but mistakes still exist. We do not live in Christ because we have no mistakes, but because we are forgiven of all mistakes. Our perfection does not save us, but God’s mercy demonstrated in forgiveness saves us. We are not one because we all agree -our mistakes always “get in the way”-we are one because we all stand in God’s forgiveness in Christ. The church is composed of appreciative forgiven people, not perfect people.
Often our personal problems as Christians arise from (1) our inability to be honest with ourselves about ourselves and (2) our inability to forgive self of known mistakes. Often our problems as Christ’s church arise from (1) our inability to be honest with ourselves about ourselves and (2) our inability to forgive others in Christ as God has forgiven us.
Commonly, I find that the most committed Christians are composed of those who “have been there and done that.” Why? In such people there is a blend of humility, appreciation, and gratitude that often is missing in Christians who are convinced that they always have “had it together” and “do favors for God.” Simply, those who know how they were forgiven are more likely to know how to forgive.
Jesus said that He came to call sinners (Mark 2:17). Paul said the foundation of all Jesus’ efforts was saving sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). No matter what Christ’s church does, no matter how “correct” Christians aspire to be, if the gospel message is not based on the practice of forgiveness, those in sin will never hear God’s call in Christ.
Can a movement based on God’s forgiveness in Christ advance on the conviction that “I committed the unpardonable sin,” “God could never forgive me,” or “Christ’s church is only for good people”? A movement that is God-based is forgiveness-based.
Posted by David on February 21, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
Why? How can anything so old be relevant? What possible insight from 3,000 years ago could be relevant to life now? How could a 3,000-year-old insight be applicable to life now? How could an insight declared verbally in a tiny nation that had no printing, no electricity, no sanitation department, no asphalt roads, no airplanes, no computers, and no cell phones be helpful to people who live in a shrinking world with numberless regulations and resources that can communicate worldwide instantly?
Wisdom focuses on two basic things. (1) A healthy relationship with God. (2) Healthy people-to-people relationships. Those two realties remain unchanged in every age. Material changes do not alter those realities. World War I was fought to end all wars. War continues. Penicillin would open the gates to ending disease. Germs, bacteria, viruses, and their relatives adapted. Our “War on Poverty” did not end poverty.
Greed is greed in any age. Only the goals of greed change. Deceit is deceit in any age. Only the goals of deceit change. Indulgence is indulgence in any age. Only the goals of personal pleasure change. Exploitation is exploitation in any age. Only the goals of using other people change. Manipulation is manipulation in any age. Only the goals of using deity or people change. Thus self-deception is always self-deception, and wasting life is always wasting life. It will do you no good to covet age 25 when you are 70-nothing will bring back 25!
Try telling God after you die, “You do not exist because I told You long ago You did not exist.” Try telling people you use how much you love and respect them. Considering the importance of God and people when most of your life is gone is often too late.
It is shocking to see how age changes your priorities! Suddenly what was very important and urgent when you were young becomes extremely unimportant. “Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, ?I have no delight in them'” is ancient! (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
Posted by David on February 14, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
The myth: if we follow God by placing trust in Jesus Christ, everything physically will be as we like IN THIS LIFE. The CERTAIN WAY to health or wealth is to let God in Christ pull us to our physical dreams. The gospel is all about ME and WHAT I WANT.
The reality: godly people endure and suffer the physically undesirables. Godly people have accidents, wear out, get sick, have diseases, encounter injustices, suffer reverses they did not cause, and physically die.
The why: In this world good and evil are at war. In some way, all that occurs is related to that war. Events are not so simply understood as undesirable things are caused by evil and desirable things are caused by good. Much that occurs in life is beyond our grasp. Blaming God for the highly subjective “I do not like or want” involves a too simplistic understanding of God, power, or Satan.
The understanding: While this world is centered on the war between good and evil, God’s world is centered on good in the complete absence of evil. Thus, life is a choice and an investment that leads to existence in God’s world. By learning God’s priorities, values, characteristics, and human behaviors consistent with Jesus, we are prepared for existence in God’s world. By understanding that God’s purposes are bigger than us, we are strengthened and sustained by His mercy and grace.
“… If Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins.” 1 Corinthians 15:17
Posted by David on February 7, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
This statement occurred in Paul’s last writing not long before his execution (2 Timothy 4:6-11). There are more questions to be asked about the statement than there are affirmations made in it. Yet, we tend to base much of a theological position on the verse. Remember, the statement is an encouragement from one preacher to another.
The immediate context of the verse is nestled sandwich-style between two statements: (1) Do not wrangle about words because such wrangling uselessly ruins hearers, and (2) Avoid empty chatter because it will produce ungodliness. The direction is from an older preacher who is about to die as a result of his preaching to a younger (but experienced) preacher who risks discouragement through the execution of his close mentor.
Printing had not been invented. The only access to scriptures seemed to be in synagogues. Very few individuals could afford a hand-copied book of what they understood to be scripture. All indications suggest that the scriptures of the early church is what we, today, would call the Old Testament (Hebrews 1:1, 2).
The burning issues of the first century: (1) Was Jesus the Christ that God promised the Jewish people [consider the sermon in Acts 2:14-36]? This was of basic interest to a Jewish audience. (2) Was there a resurrection from the dead [see Acts 17:16-32]? This was of basic interest to most of idolatrous background. In (1), preachers often appealed to the Old Testament to prove Jesus was the Christ. In (2), preachers often discussed the nature of God. Those are hardly the burning issues of today!
It was easy to get so focused on words, myths, and legends that one lost sight of the questions! Paul said, “Timothy, do not do that! Found your discussions on the word of truth!” The foundation of the discussion commonly determines the conclusion. Paul urged Timothy to discuss the word of truth, and not to discuss things that would produce more hurt than understanding.
Beware of making scripture to say things it does not say. Beware of thinking human opinion is scripture. Beware of defending today’s church instead of the Bible’s God.
Posted by David on January 31, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
A couple of weeks ago, a thief “visited” a part of our facilities. He/she used a tool to gain access in the dark, and this person or persons produced an inconvenient mess. While we delight in having visitors, this is not the kind of visit we have in mind.
However, this type of visit teaches us some valuable lessons of the proper kind. Be careful to learn the lessons that encourage God’s purposes, not our anger and resentment.
First, no one needs awareness, repentance, forgiveness, and spirituality more than does this person or persons. Hopefully, there are matters that you know and understand that he/she does not know or understand. May the knowledge and understanding of the Christian be transferred, not the damage/hurt of the thief/thieves.
Second, one who would steal does not think or see as does the person in Christ. It was interesting to listen to the comments of Christians. It was quite obvious that Christians do not have the perspective of those who would be thieves. Those in Christ simply do not think like those not in Christ. One of the blessings/benefits of being in Christ is the transformation that leaves the old way of thinking behind.
Third, those in Christ simply do not attach the significance to things (or to self) as do those out of Christ. In Christ, one learns and understands that a love of things and selfishness results in consequences that extract terrible prices. The slavery of materialism and selfishness is a horrible form of slavery that focuses only on the temporary.
Fourth, Christianity constantly asks you, “Who do you genuinely wish to be as a person?” May none of us ever reduce “who we are” to “what we possess.” What is valuable at the moment may later become our curse. Do not let what you have be your curse. The person who steals loses more than he or she takes. The one who “takes” from others (by deception, force, or being sneaky) loses self. What are you worth to you?
Posted by David on January 24, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
In the fifty plus years I have worked with congregations, one question plagued me in every congregation: “What can we do?” Needs and opportunities always are greater than resources. More money is needed. More room is needed. More parking spaces are needed. More teaching materials are needed. More teachers are needed. More ministries are needed. More outreach is needed. More volunteers are needed. More involvement is needed. More leadership is needed. It never ends! Always more is needed!
I used to think that “if we could just obtain that (or be able to do that)” everything would be okay. However, what I thought was the key only promoted more growth (a good thing) that generated new stress produced by new needs and opportunities.
Last week a conflict arose, quietly was resolved, and passed with few noticing. Two ministries that are growing and serving urgent needs planned to use the same space at the same time. Thankfully, it was discovered that two good works were on a head-on collision. One ministry devised and used an alternate plan that enabled both ministries to meet and serve the needs of both groups. This was done so quietly that most thought it was planned to happen as it did.
Why? Why was there no uproar, no hurt feelings, no confrontation, or no accusations that “our ministry is more important than yours”? Love said both ministries are equally important. Love said, “Let’s make it work.” Love said, “Our ministries are not in competition-each serves the over-all objective of helping people.”
Will we-even with good intentions-always avoid internal conflicts? No! Even with our best efforts and best coordination, there will be times when collisions occur. We will never demonstrate how much we love each other in moments when all is well AS we demonstrate in moments of potential crisis. It is in the potential crisis “that never existed” that it becomes obvious how much we love each other! May love for each other and Jesus Christ always reign among us! May our love declare, “We belong to Jesus!”
Posted by David on January 17, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
Abraham performed some of the most astounding acts of obedience that occurred in scripture! Yet, scripture does not use Abraham as an outstanding example of obedience, but as an exceptional example of faith.
“Oh, I wish I could be Abraham!” Really? “Yes!” Do you mean you wish you had what Abraham had materially, or do you mean you wish you could develop the faith that led Abraham to do what he did?
Do you mean you wish you could leave your homeland and your family, recover from mistakes, make huge material sacrifices for a self-centered nephew, tell your son (Ishmael) good-bye, knowingly be prepared to kill your son whom God promised (Isaac), and have serious conflict with your spouse?
Abraham had an astounding faith in God which resulted in astounding obedience. However, without that remarkable faith there could not have been the remarkable obedience. Because he had that faith, he simply did what naturally expressed his trust in God. His faith demonstrated itself through his obedience. As James said:
“You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected (completed) …” James 2:22, NASV
Walking with God in genuine trust commonly requires great costs. Spiritual maturity is neither simple nor easy. No matter what we do as Christians, salvation always will be a product of God’s mercy and grace. Never will it be a matter of what we have done for God, but what God did for us in Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Posted by David on January 3, 2010 under Bulletin Articles
It is amazing that there is once a year when “sensitive” subjects are magically, if briefly, “good ideas.” Consider an example. A “meddling ole doctor” suggests we need to seriously consider losing weight (what does that doctor know, anyway?). A nosey spouse suggests it might be a good idea if “we both stopped eating so much sugar” (something sweet tastes mighty good after a meal!). A well-meaning nutritionist who never ate anything good in her life suggests our family needs to cut down on our fat intake (she never once ate good fried catfish and hush puppies!). Then, suddenly, losing weight is a great idea from December 26 to 4 PM on December 31. For those few days eating too much food, reducing sugar, and reducing fat are good ideas openly discussed instead of sensitive subjects never to be mentioned. After all, it is great to dream about weighing 20 to 50 pounds less-just imagine what I could wear! However, “good-intention” dreaming and “determined commitment” are entirely different subjects!
Consider a much more serious matter than the problem of being overweight. Consider spiritual existence. What God does for each of us in Jesus Christ defies human imagination! That God could forgive all a person’s sins-from the worst to the most common, that He could respond to our flaws with “closed eyes”-from our most glaring to our “best kept secret,” that He could justify the inexcusable-if those in Christ repent, and that He could sustain hope with mercy and grace for a lifetime is beyond imagination.
And how shall we repay Him? By never making another mistake? By pulling out our wallet? By never being needy again? We must be kidding! We do the “faith” thing! We say, “Thank you!” We show our genuine gratitude by being responsible in who we become in Christ Jesus and by refusing to stop spiritual growth. Who we are and where we go does not matter, as long as it makes us more like Jesus.
With you, is that a good intention or a firm commitment?
Posted by David on December 20, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
How would you like to do something “permanently” that, at the moment, was good? How would you do it? Are you sure you would like your name permanently attached to anything? Do you know how many objects of praises later are objects of curses?
Have you driven down a dedicated highway and wondered, “Who was that? What did he do?” Have you walked by a building prominently named for someone and wondered, “Who was that? What did she do?” Instantly a memorial becomes a question mark.
Whatever good we do lasts, at best, a lifetime. Hopefully, it touches a younger life. Hopefully, the younger life touches someone with the good you started. Eventually someone asks, “Where did that come from?” The response, “I do not know, but it sure blessed me!” We should be so fortunate as to be the anonymous person who began a good that blesses others. Remembering your name is unimportant when the good you do blesses someone you never knew and who never knew you. God knows who did what!
Here are some permanent things that should cause us all joy:
- Forgiveness in Jesus Christ is permanent-God does not withdraw forgiveness.
- Reconciliation in Jesus Christ is permanent-God will never withdraw reconciliation through Jesus.
- Sanctification in Jesus Christ is permanent-God will never withdraw sanctification through Jesus.
So are hope, mercy, grace, and resurrection permanent. God made them permanent in Jesus Christ. Because of what God did in Jesus’ death and resurrection, God will never say, “Oops! That is not available any more. Sorry!”
If the only one who knows you in judgment is Jesus, that is more than enough. As your mediator, he will introduce you to God. “Thank you, God, for the gift of Jesus! Thank for making what You do through him permanent!” Have you responded to God’s gifts?
Posted by David on December 13, 2009 under Bulletin Articles
Recently I was rearranging a drawer. In it was an old certificate that was faded and cracked-ready to become worthless tatters. Almost 60 years ago it was very important-worth saving. Now it is the height of unimportance. About 60 years ago it said something about me that I thought was important. Now it is laughable! Time changes everything-especially that which we view as an important need.
In pursing what we call life, we confuse want with need. Have you noticed how often we refer to a want as a need? I laughingly told someone recently that it took me 25 years to acquire my hunting gear (oh, how deliberately I assembled each piece I needed). It took maybe a month to dispose of it (suddenly I did not need any of it).
I wonder how much all of us acquire in life only to discover “I did not need that.” Joyce often says there will not be a dumpster big enough to hold all that our children will throw away when we die. We can, even now, hear them say, “Why did Mom and Dad keep THAT?” When we die, we all will leave many things that none of us would like to be used to define who we were or what was important in our lives.
There is an eternity. This physical life is NOT all there is. With Jesus, when we are presented to God, who we were will be far more important than what we owned. The issue in physical life (to God) will not be what we managed to acquire, but who in Jesus we were. The issue will be how we lived because we understood Jesus’ values (which are God’s values). It will involve the importance we placed on the eternal.
Wonder how our priorities in physical life would change, how our purchases would be altered, and how our collections would change if we lived life again after we met God? You do not have to meet God to change-time will show us how silly we are! As we get older, the things that were so important in younger days become unimportant. Refuse to let the unimportant rule your existence! Live for the eternal!
