The Honest to God Truth

Has hypocrisy in the Evangelical community increased in the last few decades, or does it just seem that way because of a ‘real time’ media ever ready to pounce on our shame? Not surprisingly, young evangelicals have embraced authenticity as a core value.

What does it mean to be authentic? To be honest about your weaknesses. But we know that sharing 'honest' feelings is a subjective reality, and not always positive (Phil. 2:14); and Paul said, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Eph. 4:29).

Where's the balance? While honesty is an essential element of our intimacy, subjective human experience must always occupy an inferior position to objective truth which transcends experience. Honestly, “apart from Christ, I can do nothing; there is nothing good in me” (Jn. 15:5; Ro. 7:18). Objectively, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). And that's the honest to God truth!

What makes a Church Great?

As I was reading the book of Acts, I was struck by the word “great,” in describing the early church—‘great’ power, ‘great’ grace, ‘great’ fear, and ‘great’ joy (Acts 4:33; 5:11: 8:8).  The Greek word is “mega,” a prefix used in English: megahertz, megabucks, megacorporation, and, significantly, megachurch. The words describing the early church all denote quality. Power, grace, fear, or joy are not quantifiable, very unlike the ‘great’  or mega churches of our day, quantified by their superior numbers.

Is the megachurch a sign of the times? Are they not in danger of becoming like ‘big box stores’ that attract a consumer-driven, bargain-hunting crowd, while driving small churches out of business? More importantly, are they making disciples? After all, how many sheep can a shepherd shepherd? The opportunity for making disciples has to be ‘greater’ in churches with less than 100 (60% of U.S. churches) than 10,000. And wouldn’t that make small churches “great?” To you who are pastors of small churches today, be encouraged by God's words to Zerubbabel, “Do not despise the day of small things” (Zech. 4:10). Small things can be great!

Holiday Survival Kit

Black Friday is over. Cyber Monday is upon us. One article caught my eye, promising you could survive Christmas if you do all your shopping online. “Survive” connotes a dim view of the holidays. Though I do not always succeed in following it myself, I know a recipe for Holiday happiness?—a Mary Christmas.

Though this analogy may be old, it never gets tired. While Jesus' visit to the home of Mary and Martha was not Christmas, it was as special as any holiday. And while Martha focused like a scud missile on dinner preparations, Mary made a beeline for the best spot in the house, at Jesus’ feet. While Martha was stewing in the disappointed expectations of a perfect meal, Mary was consuming the abundance of fruit that fell from Jesus’ lips. Martha busied herself with ‘every’ thing while Mary quieted herself with ‘one’ thing.

As we begin preparations for this year's Christmas festivities, let us not allow disappointment with secondary things—family, food, presents—to steal our joy from that which is primary. Jesus came to earth “that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Don’t allow a “Martha” mentality to steal your “Mary Christmas.”

Finishing with Joy

Many people are starting to think, with joy, about the Holidays. Conversely, for many it's been a hard year, and they are looking forward to its end, with hope for a better one ahead. While looking joyfully to what comes after hard times may be normal, remaining joyful while in them is the measure of true spiritual maturity.

At the end of a life of suffering for Christ, Paul declared, “I have finished the race, with joy, and kept the faith...” (1 Tim. 4:7; Acts 20:24 edited). Recently, I read that, after being diagnosed with a terminal illness, Bill Bright of Campus Crusade wrote a book called, “The Journey Home, Finishing with Joy”—in which he gave testimony to the goodness of God despite pain and suffering he was about to endure in his final days.

You may not be a “St. Paul” or a “Bill Bright” attempting to finish well at the end of your life, but still, your hard times are bringing you to the end of your self (you won't be finished until they do). The question remains, will you be able to say “I kept the faith, finished the race, and counted it pure joy?” (Ja. 1:2)

“Good Grief!”

Every “Peanuts” comic strip fan knows of Charlie Brown's signature exclamation: “good grief.” While the term is used humorously to exaggerate the severity of a situation, it begs the question: is there any such thing as ‘good’ grief.  Isn't grief about loss? What’s good about that?!

Though Peter said Christ’s followers would be “grieved by various trials,” he also said, “In this you greatly rejoice with joy unspeakable” (1 Peter 1:6). Then Peter goes on to explain that this joy comes from knowing that grief tests us to prove that our faith is genuine.  Moreover, it assures the salvation of our souls and promises to bring praise, glory, and honor to Jesus on the day when He is revealed to the whole world. Wow! Good Grief!

Jumping for Joy

You will take note from my post yesterday that at this time of year I feel compelled to warn us against the trivialization and commercialization of Easter. I believe the shallow “happiness” sentiment expressed by way of bunnies and colored eggs is nothing less than the spirit of antichrist.

That being said, however, Christ’s resurrection is the happiest of all historical events, and should fill us with so much joy we cannot contain it.

In the Greek language there is a word for unrestrained joy. In Jude 24, 1 Peter 4:13 and Matthew 5:12, the Greek word is translated “exceeding joy,” denoting excessive joy and delight. It is derived from the word “to leap.” Somewhat humorously, we have an English equivalent expression: “jumping for joy.” I should point out that this “leaping” word for joy is not the word normally used. It seems the New Testament writers wanted a word that could express eternal joy irrespective of circumstances: “to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exceeding joy (1 Pe 4:13).

No matter how hapless yours, or my, circumstances may be at this moment, let's determine not to  let it keep us from having a “jumping for joy” Easter Sunday on the inside!

Which Convention would Jesus attend?

Last week’s Republican Convention produced little surge for Romney. The Democratic one in Charlotte, NC this week will likely fare no better. People are not feeling very hopeful. Regardless of what party takes office in November, can there, realistically, be any significant change? U. S. foreign policy will be largely unaffected, healthcare costs will grow, Social Security and Medicare will move closer to default, the national debt will swell, and political gridlock will continue.

I am not  being pessismistic, but biblical, when I say there will be increasing lawlessness, confusion, and chaos before Christ returns (2 Thess. 2). The contentious conventions are just part of that!  Aren't you glad Jesus said: “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36)?

I am not suggesting we disengage from the political process, but we should abstain from political conflict.  After all, Christ called us to build the kingdom of God, defined as righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). I didn't see much of that in Tampa, and don't expect to see it in Charlotte this week either. Wouldn't it be fantastic to go to a convention where everyone is “seeking first the kingdom of God” (Matt. 6:33)?

If you're humble, you won't grumble. Ouch!

I was recently convicted of grumbling (yet again) while listening to teacher Tim Keller, Redeemer Church, NYC, who rightly named it spiritual pride. Proud people grumble because think they deserve better. Ouch!  Proud people criticize others because it makes them feel superior. Ouch!  Humble people have compassion on others; and they are grateful for what they have. Ouch!

But let’s be real. Who isn't tempted to grumble when life takes that unexpected left turn?  And it's hard to hold your tongue even more if God seems distant, silent and unresponsive to your needs. And then add to that the feelings of guilt because you know you should be “rejoicing in the Lord at all times.” But grumbling dishonors God—it is like saying He’s not a very good Father! Ouch!

Straight shooter Joyce Meyers says it well: “We need to ask ourselves, how quick we are to become impatient and complain when stuck in traffic or waiting in the checkout lane? How quick are we to point out the faults of our friends or family?  Do we complain about our job when we should be thankful we have one? The best antidote for complaining is thanks. Truly thankful people don't  complain. They are too busy being grateful for all the good things they have.”  Ouch!

Why?

This summer has seen a plague of extreme weather events in the US, from thunderstorms that knocked out power for millions, to the heat wave the produced a crop-destroying drought. And just in the last 30 days, Americans have witnessed 2 violent massacres—in a Colorado theater and a Sikh Temple in Wisconsin. How do most people explain such suffering?

Recently I read an article that said Americans, unlike the rest of the citizens of our planet who accept suffering as a normal part of life, see suffering as wrong, something that interferes with the natural flow of life.  Given that, I think many Americans see suffering as something to be tolerated (“This too will pass”).  Is it any wonder the average person seems surprised when disaster strikes (“why is this happening to me?”). To the degree you and I are affected by this cultural view of suffering, we too will ask the “why” question.

Peter says, “Beloved, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, rejoice that these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world” (1 Pet. 4:12-13).  Though many attempts have been made to understand it, there can be no explanation for suffering apart from this eternal perspective.  

Did Jesus Die to Make You Happy?

Author/psychologist Larry Crabb says, “A flaw in our view of Christian marriage (and all Christian life) is the appealing emphasis on becoming happy. Our peppy songs about joyful Christianity neglect the need to develop a holy, obedient walk with God no matter what personal suffering may be involved.”

In “If God Is Good,” Randy Alcorn writes “If we come to see the purpose of the universe as God’s long-term glory rather than our short-term happiness, then we will undergo a critical paradigm shift in tackling the problem suffering.” Likewise, Greg Laurie writes, “The purpose of the universe is God’s glory, not our happiness. We tend to think of the world as revolving around us. We are the main characters of our own novels. And when something bad happens, we want to know why this is happening to me.”

It seems to me if we are in the throes of apocalyptic events, we can expect more suffering—none of us will escape. Are we ready? Randy Alcorn answers: “We shouldn’t wait until suffering comes, to start learning how to face it, any more than we should wait to fall into the water before we start learning how to scuba dive.” How do you learn?  When trials come, choose joy.

Is Your Head in the Clouds?

Do you feel like you’re living “under a cloud” or that there is a “cloud hanging over you?” The idea of these ‘cloud’ idioms is darkness, confusion, fear and dread. I know there are people reading this who feel like they are living under a dark cloud covering that will never let up.

Do you remember the account of Jesus’ transfiguration? Peter’s reaction at seeing Jesus with Moses and Elija was to “do” something: "Let us make three tabernacles." But he had hardly got the words out of his mouth when he, James and John were overshadowed by a cloud, from which they heard the voice of God saying, "This is my Son... Listen to him!" (Matt. 17:5).  God told Peter it was not a time for doing; it was a time for listening.

While that was a uniquely “divine” cloud, I see an analogy. When you are in a cloud, God is with you, and will speak a word of encouragement. Though I can't tell you your cloud will be lifted, I can say the darkness will fade when you hear His voice. And you will have joy.  Think about this: Jesus ascended to heaven in a cloud, will return in a cloud, and will take us to heaven in a cloud (Acts 1:9; Luke 21:27: Rev. 11:12). Now that’s a cloud you want to get your head in.

Is the Earth Groaning or Singing?

I recently saw a story on the internet about 100's of reports of strange sounds of unknown origin all over the planet.  Some say they heard metallic sounds; others said they were like trumpet sounds.  Is it all a spoof?  Is it a hoax? Or, is it apocalyptic?

On one hand, it could be a hoax. The more foolish Satan can make Christians look, the more he can mock the Bible, the more he can infuse doubt and apathy into the minds of believers.

But, on the other hand, Paul does say, “that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time” (Rom 8:22). While earthquakes are alluded to, could it also be that such groans might be audible?  Is it possible the earth is trying to tell us something!? “The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands” (Is 55:12).  If these sounds really are legitimate, maybe the 'earth' knows it is about to be released from bondage!  Maybe these are the earth's "shouts of joy."  Who knows?  We may soon hear reports of trees clapping!

No More Unhappy Anniversaries

In yesterday’s Sunday newspaper, the phrase “Unhappy Anniversary” grabbed my attention. Not an article about our 9/11 commemoration, it was about Japan’s 3/11 half-year unhappy anniversary of the tsunami that killed 24,000. Immediately I thought of all the unhappy events this year that will be forever annually commemorated: the Joplin, Missouri Tornado; the senseless mass murder of 84 teenagers in Norway.  “Unhappy Anniversaries"... those dates we hate to remember—untimely deaths; floods, fires—events that changed lives forever.

But Paul’s assuring words remind us that we are not defined by unhappy histories. Rather, our co-death and co-resurrection with Jesus brings us into the ‘newness’ of life (Rom. 6:4). It seems to me that the “newness of life”—a word, by the way, that defies logic—demands that we live in a new reality where God causes all things to work together for good, where history does not control us, and where the hope of a new heaven and a new earth is more real to us than the unhappy one we’re living in.

In fact, when we live in the new reality, outside of time and earthly 'dates', we live in the promise of endless “days” of “goodness, peace, joy” (Rom. 14:17). And finally, reflect on this: “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the past, for I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it?” (Is. 43:18-19)

Chaos in Cairo and Mayhem in Madison: Sleep with Your Shoes on!

As I write this today, anarchy stretches its arms across the globe. The citizen uprising in Tunisia last month sparked a fire of discontent in Egypt resulting in the collapse of Hosni Mubarak's government. And now the feared domino effect. But not only in the Middle East. An uprising in China yesterday was quickly put down by local police. And though tame by comparison, the protests in Madison, Wisconsin have surfaced a rebellious American spirit against perceived unfairness, inequity, and injustice—no less real than Egypt’s citizen revolt against tyranny.

Then, a news report came across TV that Christchurch, New Zealand had been hit by a 6.3 earthquake, destroying buildings, infrastructure, and yet unknown numbers of lives. What on earth is happening? I don’t know. But this I do know: even as the kingdoms of this world are being severely shaken (by the hand of men or God) we hold fast to the promise that God has given us a kingdom that is eternal and indestructible (Luke 12): a kingdom of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Ro. 14:7).

But whatever is happening shouldn't surprise us. Jesus spoke of internal anarchies: “a kingdom at war with itself will collapse; a home divided against itself is doomed” (Mar 3:24-25). And Jesus addressed the general deterioration of the world by warning that “nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and in various places there will be famines and earthquakes” (Matt 24:7). And He also warned: “Be dressed for service and well prepared, as though you were waiting for your master to return” (Luke 12:35-36 NLT). In other words, sleep with your shoes on.

Should We Tithe?

We all know the Old Covenant required a tithe of 10% (Leviticus 27:30). But did you know that the New Covenant requires no tithe—but something greater: generous giving! In fact, Paul admonishes the Corinthians to sow generously, explaining that each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6:7). Only God knows if we are being generous and cheerful in our giving.

But think of this. You could be giving a tithe—10% of your income—and not be giving generously. Or you could be giving a tithe under compulsion, not cheerfully, but with a “have to” approach. I think this “have to” mind-set is evidenced by the question: “Should I (do I have to) tithe on my gross or net income?” For many wealthy people, giving a tenth is probably of little consequence to their disposable income. On the other hand, giving a tenth may be sacrificial for a poorer person.

This story about John Wesley captures Paul’s philosophy of giving. When John Wesley made thirty pounds, he lived on twenty-eight pounds and gave away two. Then when he made sixty pounds, he knew he could live on twenty-eight pounds, so he gave away thirty-two. The next year, his income rose to ninety pounds, but he still lived on twenty-eight pounds and gave away the rest. He understood that the tithe is not the real issue. It’s whether you believe it all belongs to God.

Fretting

One of everybody’s favorite Psalms, 37, begins with the command don’t 'fret.' Fret is an old English word which has fallen out of common usage, meaning to be worried, angry, or vexed (another old English word!). It also means to chaff or rub, which is what happens to your finger tips when you press down on the ‘frets’ of a stringed instrument. We all know about fretting! According to the Psalmist, the cure for fretting is to “delight yourself in the LORD,” even adding, “and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

This is a real attention grabber, since we all want to be given the desires of our heart. But the promise is conditional: are we first delighting ourselves in the Lord? The Psalmist sets up his reasoning as one of priorities—first things first. The Hebrew word “delight” means to be happy or make merry. In the New Testament we “make merry” by “rejoicing,” a faith-based demonstration of our sincere gratitude for what God has done for us.

And as for the desires of our heart, He means we are to let God place in our hearts the things He desires for us. The Psalmist is telling us to concentrate on the cause of delight (the Lord) and let Him effect our hearts—His and our desires becoming one. In these fretful and vexing days, we need to set our thoughts and affections on things above (Col. 3:2)—not on the fretful and vexing things on earth!

Do You Feel Like God is Taking Things Away?

“A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they may have life” (John 10:10). As many times as I have read and taught this verse, I never fully appreciated how Jesus contrasts Himself with a thief! Some say the word thief in this verse refers to false shepherds who come with selfish motives. Others say it refers to Satan: a thief and murder. Either way contrasts taking and giving. Why? When people experience loss, they see it negatively—as God taking away something they loved.

When someone dies, people will say, “The Lord took him." When someone loses a job, people may say, "Well, the Lord gives; the Lord takes away." And some Christians cynically speak of the church offering as the church or preacher taking their money! Many people reluctantly give themselves to God because of this false view that He is taking away their freedom.

Remember how the Hebrews reacted right after they had crossed over the Red Sea? They sang and danced with great joy because God had given them freedom. But within days, they were complaining that God had taken away their leeks and onion. Like the Israelites, we are tempted to see God’s actions in a negative light. If you are currently struggling with feelings that God has taken away something from you, ask Him to reveal His true nature to you. The more you get to know Him as a giver of good things (James 1:17) the more you will be able to see the abundant life He has given, and is giving, you.

Did You Wake up Happy on this Monday Morning?

The word “happy” comes from the old English root “hap”—which means fortune or luck. Happiness, then, is the result of good fortune. Although born-again Christians have every reason to be happy, the better word to describe our spiritually emotional state is the word “joy.”

Since joy is not reliant on good circumstances, we can have unbroken joy. Paul’s letter to the Philippians was written while he was in prison. But twelve times he uses the word ‘joy’ or ‘rejoice’ to describe his spiritual/emotional state.

If you were in prison would you be rejoicing! I know that would be very challenging for me. But that was the expectation of Paul. It was also Peter’s experience. In his first letter he describes the Christians who were being persecuted as having inexpressible or unspeakable joy (1 Peter 1:8). The implication is hard to miss: only those who have been tried can know unspeakable joy—so great you can’t put it into words!

As long as we are in this world, we will have problems (John 16:33). And while we cannot control our circumstances, we can control how we respond. We can see right through everything to the finished work of Jesus (Heb. 12:3). When we understand that, we will know joy inexpressible—you might even say we have discovered the secret to happiness.

Where is the Weeping?

My Belizean friend wrote to me recently: “I guess that the Good Lord has come to hear the crying of the few, and now He is moving.” I thought about his words 'the crying of the few.' "Yes," I thought, "but how few are crying these days." Immediately the story of Nehemiah came to mind: When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days (1:4a). What caused Nehemiah’s sorrow? Learning that the Jews who had returned to Judah were disgraced by the condition of Jerusalem—its outer walls broken. The same word “broken” is used in Psalm 51:17 for a "broken” heart.

Nehemiah’s heart was broken over the condition of God’s people. And when Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem some months later, not only did he rebuild the broken walls, he ‘restored’ the broken people. The Bible says as he read the Law, the people recognized their sinful condition and wept (Neh. 8:9).

Where is the weeping of God’s people today? Why is my own heart not more broken over the condition of God’s people in our age? Why are we not more grieved over the way this disparages the Lord’s reputation? Perhaps it is time to regard the words of James: Let there be tears for the wrong things you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Then, James immediately provides us with this promise of hope: When you bow down before the Lord and admit your dependence on him, he will lift you up and give you honor (James 4:9-10 NLT). But let me end with an even more positive note. After the Jews had wept, confessed, and repented, Nehemiah said: Do not be grieved [anymore], for the joy of the Lord is your strength (Neh. 8:10).

Is Your Abstinence Program Working for You?

“Abstinence” means a voluntary restraint from indulging a desire or appetite or pleasure. That said, these days when you hear “abstinence” you immediately think of controversial sex education programs. Opponents of Abstinence Programs say they don’t work. And in part, they are right.

Prohibitions, by themselves, do not work. When Peter and Paul urged abstinence—“abstain from fleshly lusts,” “from fornication,” “from... evil,” (1 Pet. 2:11; 1 Thess. 5:22; 4:3), it was always in the context of displacement. That is to say, you can’t tell someone to stop doing something ‘wrong’ without telling them to start doing something ‘right,’ parallel to Paul’s repeated admonition to “put off the old self” and “put on the new self.” And the “right” thing has to be so much better than the thing you are abstaining from that the abstaining is not only possible but preferable, and in fact, far superior.

But there is another reason prohibitions don’t work: something in our flesh called “entitlement.” We think we are entitled to indulge our selves—“lovers of pleasure” (2 Tim. 3:4). As a cross-carrying Christian, you know you are no longer entitled to indulge your selfish pleasure. But do you know that God has a new entitlement program for you!? You are entitled to all the benefits of your new birthright: “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Ro. 14:17). You are entitled His divine power [for] everything pertaining to life and godliness, to His magnificent promises, and to become a partaker of His divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:3-4). If you are struggling with your “abstinence program” (whatever it is you are trying to abstain from), is it because you have not replaced it with God's “entitlement program?”

Considering the importance of ‘displacement,’ look at Paul words: “Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust [instead] follow anything that makes you want to do right. Pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Tim. 2:22 NLT).