Crossing Over

In my last blog post, I referred to the story of the disciples leaving the safety of the shore, crossing the lake (at Jesus’ behest) and encountering a life-threatening storm. The point of my writ was that leaving one’s safety zone is, well, risky. Little did I know I would be, in fact, faced with a life-threatening storm on our way to Belize.

Tropical Storm Alex took an unexpected turn on Saturday—the day of our flight. Just minutes from the Belize Airport, the pilot came on the overhead speakers and announced that we could not land due to the heavy rain. He said an earlier American Airline plane that day had been diverted to Cancun. Now as much as I might like Cancun, I knew that was not our destination (destiny). The Lord told the disciples they were crossing the lake on way to Galilee (he told us Belize!). The storm was a test. Would they (we) believe Him if He said they (we) were going to reach the other side: their destination?

Well, I did. Did I have a moment of doubt (as in, why did we get on this plane)? Yes, and then I recalled my own words: you cannot know His protection, presence, and power if you don’t encounter storms. When the Lord says you are going to the other side. Don’t let a little (or big) storm distract you. He is with you. He will get you to the other side.

The Safest Place on Earth

Altha and I are flying to Belize tomorrow. This return trip is what-I-call a ‘fact-finding’ mission—meeting with local pastors and missionaries—gathering information, learning how God is ‘at work’ in Belize, and where we ‘fit.’ By the end of the year we plan, God willing, to go back to teach the “Dying to Live Abundant Life” class at one or more locations. Though we’ve laid out our agenda for this week, we’ve left open times for events and meetings that are yet unknown to us! The unknown and unfamiliar always hold an element of risk. But risk is the soil where seeds of faith sprout and grow.

When Jesus told His disciples to cross the lake of Galilee, they did not want to go. Maybe they thought it was too risky. But after some urging (Matt.14:22), they obeyed. Not long after, encountering a life-threatening storm, they must have thought “if only we had not crossed this lake, we would not have faced this storm.” But if they had not obeyed, they would not have seen the power of the Lord calming the sea. They wouldn’t have known Jesus in that way. With obedience comes the joy of knowing and experiencing God.

While I don't mean to imply we are going to encounter anything life-threatening, anytime one surrenders to the unknown, uncontrollable events of life (pushing out from safe harbor) he incurs a certain amount of risk (if only the risk of uncertainty). But it is there we learn God’s Presence, Protection, and Power. And there is no safer place on earth.

The Runaway General and the Longest Match in Tennis History!

Today I was planning to write about the ‘firing’ of General Stanley McChrystal, commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, until I was sidetracked by the record-breaking Wimbledon tennis match between Frenchman Nicolas Mahut and American John Isner (I was glued to the TV yesterday afternoon). I asked myself ‘What do these two compelling stories have in common?’

General McChrystal committed a career-ending mistake by making derisive comments about his commander-in-chief, President Obama. Resignation in hand, he was ‘called on the carpet’ of the Oval Office, and left in shame. Failing to accomplish his mission in Afghanistan, he also failed, more importantly to “finish his race” well (Heb. 12:1-3). Whether it was the stress of leadership, an inability to resolve differences between himself and his civilian bosses—whatever the reason—he didn’t finish well.

Coincidentally, at the exact time of the failure of this great general, comes the inspiring story of two tenacious tennis competitors. Both low-seeded performers, they will be forever known in tennis history as two of its greatest players. It almost doesn’t matter who wins this match. For over 163 games (and still counting—the game isn’t over yet), they have not taken their eye off the ball—they are both winners. Everyone will say they finished well.

The Bible is full of stories of men and women who did not finish well. The Apostle Paul knew this: I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (2 Tim. 4:7). Will we also be able to say we finished well?

Human Beings or Human Doings?

This won’t surprise anyone who knows me well, but I keep a “to-do” list. Especially as I have gotten older (those ‘senior moments are’ more frequent) my lists are indispensable! But in my defense, even young people (the efficient ones!) need to maintain “to-do” lists.

I have learned that one of Satan’s most effective strategies is to keep us so busy ‘doing’ our daily ministry that we fail to remember why we are doing them (this can be especially true of pastors and leaders!). Yes, we were created to do “good works” (Eph. 2:10; James 2:26). But our doing must always be a reflection of our being: who we are. Our “being” in Christ is the source of every impulse and activity. Jesus said ‘I work the works of my father… but I do nothing of my own… but only what pleases the Father’ (John 5:36; 8:29). Likewise, our doing should flow from our intimacy with God—and our desire to please Him.

Too many Christians are so caught up in doing that they describe themselves as ‘doers,’ e.g., “I am a teacher; I am a worship leader; I am a counselor, etc.” But it is not our ‘doing’ that defines us—but our ‘being.’ We should say 'because I AM His workmanship, I DO His work' (Eph. 2:10). Are we not God's human beings?

When they look at your face what do they see?

Today is Altha’s and my 26th wedding anniversary. I read one time that if you want to see if a woman has a happy marriage, just look at her face. I hope when people look in my face, they see my love for Altha. Conversely, when people are unhappy or upset, you can see that in their face too, cant' you!

When the crowds looked at Stephen’s face (Acts 7:55-56) in the midst of his persecution and execution, they saw Jesus. As Stephen looked up into heaven, beholding Jesus in glory, and reflecting him to those around him, nothing else mattered to him—he had transcended time and space: he was transfixed and transformed.

Keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb. 12:2) will not only lift you above all your troubles—it will transform you. "But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord" (2 Cor. 3:18). We become what we behold, like a mirror reflecting the image it bears. We are to be mirrors reflecting Jesus.

Are you so much in love with Jesus, people can see it in your face? And when troubles weigh you down, what will people see in your face: will they see Jesus?

Is it a Graduation or Commencement?

Last weekend Altha and I attended my niece’s college graduation ceremony. Sitting through the endless procession of graduates, my mind wandered. I wondered how many of these young adults are ready to take on the responsibilities of adulthood. Over the years, I have counseled many young adults (20-somethings) who admitted they were afraid to grow up.

There are a number of advantages to being a little kid. For one thing, not a lot is required of you. No one gives you too much responsibility because, of course, you can't handle it yet. You're allowed to be more self-centered than adults are. You expect to be taken care of. Your job is just to play and have fun. All in all, it's a pretty good life. But, of course, no one can remain a child forever—it is normal to want to grow up. But with maturity comes responsibility and accountability—you must give up your former ways.

Paul said “When I was a child, I spoke... thought... reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Cor. 13:11). As I know all too well from years of counseling young adults, many are afraid of giving up those ‘childish things’—to graduate, then commence the journey into greater maturity. I think we all need to be reminded of this, because in the same way, we are always graduating and commencing: putting off the old, and putting on the new (Eph. 4:22,24). I think Paul captures the essence of this in the following: “I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Phil. 3:13), always graduating and commencing.

This is the Time to Hold Fast to Sound Doctrine

Does it seem to anyone else that there has been an increase of evangelical motivational speakers? The Media refers to the ones popular enough to be on TV as “televangelists,” but nothing could be further from the truth— they are not evangelizing; they’re teaching human potential. They have replaced the pure gospel of Jesus Christ with motivational talks, e.g. ‘you can do it,’ ‘have faith,’ ‘keep believing,’ etc. Not the least apologetic, Joel Osteen proudly proclaims himself a “life coach”!

Why am I drawing your attention to it? Why should it matter? Because they are motivational speakers masquerading as Christian teachers, misleading millions into believing they are getting fed the Bread of Life, when all they're getting is white bread buttered with disconnected Bible verses.

Perhaps you argue, “If these people motivate others into action, encouraging them to be better, what is wrong with that? They are uplifting, positive, making people feel good.” But the message that motivates people to self-improvement and human potential is an offense to the message of grace. It is what Paul calls “another gospel” (2 Cor.11:4). John MacArthur says: “Some of the most popular preaching in America presents a message of positive thinking... Joel Osteen and the prosperity preachers forgo the cross and advise us to merely do our best.”

Each of us has a responsibility to “hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it” (Titus 1:9, NIV).

How do we stay holy in an immoral world?

Among some of the emerging generation of young adult Christians, activities such as drinking, clubbing, watching sexually explicit movies, and even using profanity are seen as ways to show the non-Christian community they do not consider themselves to be morally superior. I may not agree with their conclusion, but I understand the tension.

The age-old question is this: how do we maintain the moral ‘high ground’ without coming across judgmental of others? How do we stay true to a biblical ideology without appearing self-righteous? Every person who is born of the Spirit will have to resolve the tension of being “in” the world but not “of” it, especially in the light of Paul’s exhortation: “There must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people… come out from them and separate yourselves from them. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.” (Eph. 5:3, 11; 2 Cor. 6:17-18, Paraphrase, NLT).

How do we then decide what is and is not appropriate moral behavior? First, we must do the hard work of examining our values and ethics though a Biblical worldview—and that can only be done by knowing the Bible! Second, we must maintain a spirit of humility. Third, we must not just separate ourselves FROM the world, but TO Jesus. Stay close to Him. Love Him. Love His Word. The more immoral the times, the closer we must stay to Him who is our source of holiness.

Can You Trust Hollywood’s Movie Ratings?

Twenty minutes into watching a 1979, PG-rated movie from Netflix, we pushed the eject button, placed the DVD in the return envelope, and sent it back. Rather naively, as it turns out, we assumed such an “old” PG-rated picture would be inoffensive. But it had enough profanity and sex to make a nun blush.

Curious about the movie industry’s rating system, I ‘googled’ around and discovered something called the Hays Code, an old regulation that banned blasphemy and profanity in movie scripts. Obviously the ban is no longer in effect.

In my view, most 21st century believers are rather indifferent about movies that contain blasphemy (using Jesus or God’s name as a profanity—in addition to other previously banned vulgarities). What changed? When did these profanities become acceptable? I think there has been a slow boil, e.g. the proverbial frog in the kettle of warm water, where the Saints have been euthanized to what-should-be-considered indecency and vulgarity. Have we forgotten that “obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes” are banned by God’s word? (Eph. 5:4, NLT).

More importantly, we are living in the middle of ideological warfare in which Satan seeks to dominate our thinking. These are not just ‘bad’ words; they are wrong ways of thinking—inconsistent with God’s character & holiness. How many Christians have been duped by Satan, unaware they are being absorbed into a secular pagan worldview—by, of all things, something called entertainment?

"You can take it to the bank!"

Last week Federal regulators shut down the 82nd bank of the year—surpassing last year’s 37 bank closures (by this time), already a record! Most of us don’t agonize over bank closures. We believe in their solvency & reliability—the backbone of the free market! And why shouldn’t we, when up to $250,000 of our money is insured by the FDIC in case of fraud or failure? We use the expression: “You can take it to the bank!”

“Take it to the bank” means something is absolutely and verifiably true”—originally a reference to bank checks that could certifiably be cashed in at the bank—“you could bank on it [the check].”

Now, the heretofore impossibility of an unreliable bank system seems more real than ever before. [You know where I am going with this, don’t you!] In fact, has there ever been a time when you could ‘bank on’ any earthly deposit? Everything on earth is destined for destruction. There’s only ONE bank guaranteed not to crash and burn. Only ONE account you can really bank on!

Most of us probably make less than 3 or 4 deposits a month at our local bank. But if we are not making daily deposits into our divine account (treasures in heaven), we’re likely headed for a bank failure—nothing in our account when we need it. And you can take that to the bank!

Burger King Spirituality

When I read the words “Burger King Spirituality,” this blog post nearly jumped off the written page onto my keyboard. The phrase was coined by a Huffington Post blogger, BJ Gallagher, member of a new religious movement labeled "I'm spiritual but not religious.”

According to a survey by LifeWay Christian Resources in 2009, 72% of Millennials said I’m spiritual but not religious—a phrase spawning its own acronym ("I'm SBNR") and its own Facebook page: SBNR.org. But what exactly does being "spiritual but not religious" mean?

SBNR rejects organized religion, favoring an eclectic approach to God—gleaning insights from different faith traditions [Christian, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism] to create what the aforementioned blogger calls a Burger King Spirituality—“have it your way."

Paul warns: “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to right teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever they want to hear. They will reject the truth and follow strange myths.” (2 Tim. 4:4 NLT) Seems to me the time has arrived!

Childlike Faith

Humility is instinctive in small children. So is dependence—it’s humbling to be dependent on someone else. Small children are perfectly contented with and absolutely trusting of those who care for them. But by the time a child is in his teens, his parents, family members, teachers, and society have convinced him he must compete and win, stand out and excel—all in the interest of good self esteem, but is really just pride—until he believes he can do anything by himself.

For this reason Jesus says children are the best examples of the kind of people who are considered great in God's eyes (Matt. 18:4). God is opposed to the proud but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5).

But thankfully, God promises to resist and humble the proud because He wants to exalt and give grace to them. Don’t be surprised when God brings about some humiliating experience that makes you feel as helpless as a child. It is His way of transforming you from world-wise, self-sufficient "adulthood" into a person of childlike faith.

Make Disciples, Not Decisions

At the end of every TV program, Joel Osteen gives his viewers an opportunity to ‘say’ a prayer and ‘accept’ Christ as savior. Some will see this as a good thing, but there is no call to repentance or obedience—nor a call to discipleship. But to be fair, Joel is not alone in this “just say a prayer” thing.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the difference in how we evangelize today versus the way Jesus did. You see, the real danger is in people thinking they are born again because they said a prayer. According to Christian pollster George Barna less than 10% of American Evangelicals live their lives like Biblical Christians. But over 60% have said some sort of "salvation prayer" and think they are saved because of it. Does that mean the other 50% think they are saved but are not?

Even Billy Graham doubted that everyone who said a "salvation prayer" was saved: “I don't believe any man can come to Christ unless the Holy Spirit has prepared his heart. And I don't believe any man can come to Christ unless God draws him. My job is to proclaim the message. It's the Holy Spirit's job to do the work.” D. L. Moody expressed it well: "Make disciples, not decisions."

Jesus said: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; the decisive issue is whether they obey my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 7:21 NIV, NLT) And even more pointedly, “He who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Mat 10:38).

Refreshed by Conversation

The idea that people want deep conversations (read yesterday’s post) speaks to man’s universal need to relate to others with meaning and purpose. As Christians, our conversations ought to be meaningful, purposeful, stimulating, encouraging, and refreshing. When Paul wrote to Timothy, he said he had been “refreshed” by Onesiphorus (1 Tim.1:16). Later he commended certain other brethren who had “refreshed my spirit” (1 Cor. 16:18). Do you refresh others?

The word “refresh” originates from the word “breath,” implying a “breath of fresh air.” In conversation, it means to breathe life into the exchange. Jesus must have been very “refreshing” because “The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life” (John 6:63).

Are your conversations full of “spirit and life?” After you have spent an hour with a friend, will he say he has been refreshed by you? Do your conversations stimulate others to love and good deeds, or encourage them to outbursts of love? (Heb. 10:24 NASB, NLT).

Want to Make Someone Happy? Have a Conversation

People want real conversation—not small talk. So says a feature article in Sunday’s USA Weekend magazine: “what’s important to a happy life are meaningful conversations.” A survey done for the Psychological Science journal concluded that people who have deep, meaningful interactions are happier than those who engage only in small talk.

When Altha and I traveled on the public buses in Belize we learned a lot by talking to fellow travelers. We also gained knowledge by talking with servers and owners of restaurants. Always willing to tell their stories, it makes people happy when someone cares enough to ask, also giving you a chance to tell yours: an open door for sharing your faith in Christ.

I’ve just read a book called “The New Christians.” Author Tony Jones says the “emerging” millennial generation loves conversation. “Virtually obsessed with dialogue, they talk to Christians of other stripes, to dead Christians (via books), to non-Christians, and to one another. They talk on the phone, attend conferences, frequent coffee shops, and read and comment on blogs.” Though this information is not exactly earth shattering, I'm taking it as a reminder to look for God’s opportunities to engage others in meaningful conversations. Besides, it will make them happy.

Why Should You Care if the Gores are Divorcing?

You may ask “what does it matter?” I think it matters a lot. You see, Al and Tipper’s decision to divorce has opened up a national discussion on the merits of marital longevity, long thought to be proof of marital contentment. And their reason: not infidelity, but boredom. In yesterday’s USA Today article on the subject, divorce lawyer John Mayoue says “I think we’re seeing persons in long marriages questioning whether in fact there’s a better life out there. [More people are giving themselves an] option to terminate a long-term marriage… [and even] more now because people live longer… staying in the relationship for the purpose of longevity is not necessarily a good reason.”

The long term effects of the Gore’s divorce—simply because they grew apart—is a tear in the fabric of Christian morality (Did you know the Gores claim to be born again Christians?). Moreover, it gives permission to others experiencing the same life crisis to do the same. Those persons who have remained committed to work on their marriages, will now say “Well, if the Gores can separate because they have grown apart, so can we.” (It is our fleshly nature to justify ourselves!)

And finally, this is important because it matters to God. Listen to His words through the prophet Malachi: "For I hate divorce!" says the LORD, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the LORD Almighty. "So guard yourself; always remain loyal to your wife." (Malachi 2:16) Pray for the Gores; they may yet repent and set an example of moral absolutes.

When all else fails, Read the Directions

A Los Angeles woman is suing Google for giving her bad walking directions. As a result of following them she was hit by a car. Although Google Maps directed her to take a busy highway, it also warned her that the highway might not be suitable—“that the route may be missing sidewalks or pedestrian paths.” She failed to heed the warning, and suffered the consequences.

This is not just another example of our litigious-happy culture. Worse, it reveals a particularly passive part of fleshly nature—responsibility avoidance. Ever since Adam failed to follow instructions, mankind has been trying to figure out who he can blame for the unhappy ending. In my years of counseling, I found this to be one of the most common ailments for those seeking help. Having failed to follow God’s instructions, they were suffering from the undesirable consequences. My task was to get out the instruction manual and help them start over.

For those of you in search of God’s direction for your life, may I remind you to read God’s instructions carefully? “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:6).

How do you react when you don’t get the credit?

It seems to be one of the fleshly features to which we are most inclined: the need for affirmation and approval. When we don’t get our ‘due’ we get angry and resentful. If no one else will speak of our great accomplishments, we’ll find a way to slip it into the conversation.

Jesus said "He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory,” (Jn. 7:18). Jesus never sought glory for Himself, nor even received it when it was given (Jn. 5:41; 8:50). And rather than remain in the company of admiring followers, He would retire to a solitary place to worship His Father (Luke 5:15-16). At the end of His earthly life, He could truly say, "Father, I have glorified You" (John 17:4).

Jesus was so devoted to His Father's glory, He did not need to be vindicated before those who crucified Him (1 Peter 2:23). In Jesus there was no thought of self-interest. In the end, of course, at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, as He is highly exalted by the Father. But Jesus did not exalt Himself. And this same attitude be ours: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).

Does Your Church have JDD?

The church is at a crossroads right now. People are looking for a fresh alternative—a third way. What we need right now is a razor sharp, cut-glass clarity of the Lord Jesus Christ as the Alpha and the Omega: He is the third way—in fact, the only way—that can forge a secure path into the future.

There is a massive disconnect in the church today because of a disease called JDD: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The Person of Jesus has become politically incorrect and is being replaced by the language of “love,” “social justice,” “core values,” and “self-help principles.” By dethroning Jesus Christ, the church is redefining Christianity right out of existence.

“Who do you say that I am?” is the question required of every generation. Every revival and restoration in the church has been a rediscovery of Christ in the process of answering this critical question. What the 21st century Church desperately needs right now is a rediscovery of the Living Christ and His supremacy. How the church answers the question “Who do you say that I am?” will determine its future.

[The preceding is my greatly reduced and edited version of the Introduction to a new book JESUS MANIFESTO: Restoring the Supremacy and Sovereignty of Jesus Christ, by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola. The book, a refutation of Christless Christianity, goes on sale today.]