I received a phone call this week from a very nice lady. She was interested in knowing if we had a woman minister in our church who would like to attend a monthly meeting with other women clergy to discuss race relations in our community. We only spoke for a short time, but what I remember most was that she indicated the meetings were not designed to discuss doctrine.
It got me to thinking about something that I experienced years ago.
Remember Promisekeepers? I was invited to a PK meeting many years ago at a large local church. The place was packed with people. One of the speakers was encouraging the men at the meeting to reconcile with our black brothers. I remember thinking, "No kidding.!?"
I mean, should this really be a novel idea for Christian men to be told to love our neighbors, black OR white? The Apostle John put it very straightforward in his first epistle. "If anyone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother who he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from Him; whoever loves God must also love his brother." (1 John 4:20-21).
This doctrine of loving each other trumps any reason some careless brother could come up with for justifying bigotry of any sort.
As believers, receiving doctrine is our daily bread. If we place more emphasis on our experiences and community instead of biblical doctrine, we will become discouraged when our experience and community doesn't live up to our expectations. But when we place our trust in what God has said in His Word ("Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth." (John 17:17)), we can have confidence we are on the right path.
Hatred towards others is evidence that we are against God. It is also evidence that we aren't Christians if we persist in this hatred without repentance. This isn't what I say - it's what God says in the bible.
I'm sure the woman I spoke with means well, and I believe any dialogue is probably better than none. But shouldn't a Christian discussion of how we treat our neighbor begin with "Let's see what God has instructed us from His Word..." rather than, "What's your opinion?"
How willing are we to accept God's Word as truth instead of trying to figure out ways to justify our sin? Let's not claim to have the Scriptures as our authoritative guide and then choose to defy it, especially when it comes to loving our neighbor as ourselves.
Perhaps more to come soon on this topic later.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
For all things are for your sakes
The Apostle Paul went from being a persecutor of Christians to being a persecuted Christian. Even a cursory look at his life as we read the New Testament reveals that Paul lived a life of extraordinary hardship. In 2 Corinthians Chapter 4 Paul writes, "we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake" (v 11).
It would be easy to wallow in self pity under these circumstances, but Paul reminds himself that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, "will raise us also with Jesus and will present us WITH YOU." (v 14).
This is a common theme to Paul's epistles.
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel that I may become a FELLOW PARTAKER of it." (1 Cor. 9:23).
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even YOU, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
That is why the ending of chapter 4 in 2 Corinthians is so astounding. Paul writes, after acknowledging the suffering and affliction the preachers of the gospel are experiencing, "For all things are for YOUR sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." (v 15).
So many Christians are waiting for others to minister to them, rather than looking for opportunities to minister to others. It's not always easy to do. For Paul it was more death than life.
This morning was the first Men's Monday Morning Meeting (mmmm...). Breakfast was good and we had a perfect turnout. I'm looking forward to getting to know my brothers better over a cup of coffee and conversation. I'd like to think the Apostle Paul would feel comfortable meeting with us. I wonder how he would interact with us over breakfast and coffee. How would our lives change as a result?
It would be easy to wallow in self pity under these circumstances, but Paul reminds himself that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead, "will raise us also with Jesus and will present us WITH YOU." (v 14).
This is a common theme to Paul's epistles.
"I do all things for the sake of the gospel that I may become a FELLOW PARTAKER of it." (1 Cor. 9:23).
"For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even YOU, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? For YOU are our glory and joy." (1 Thess. 2:19-20).
That is why the ending of chapter 4 in 2 Corinthians is so astounding. Paul writes, after acknowledging the suffering and affliction the preachers of the gospel are experiencing, "For all things are for YOUR sakes, that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God." (v 15).
So many Christians are waiting for others to minister to them, rather than looking for opportunities to minister to others. It's not always easy to do. For Paul it was more death than life.
This morning was the first Men's Monday Morning Meeting (mmmm...). Breakfast was good and we had a perfect turnout. I'm looking forward to getting to know my brothers better over a cup of coffee and conversation. I'd like to think the Apostle Paul would feel comfortable meeting with us. I wonder how he would interact with us over breakfast and coffee. How would our lives change as a result?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Men's Monday Morning Meeting (otherwise known as mmmm...)
Beginning this coming Monday (1-23-12), we will have a men's breakfast in the Church kitchen beginning at 8 am. We will attempt to continue this meeting every following Monday for as long as there is an "appetite" or interest.
Hope you can join us.
Contact Rich C if you have any questions.
Hope you can join us.
Contact Rich C if you have any questions.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
For this is why I wrote...
In our 2 Corinthians Sunday School class, we have noticed that Paul refers to his writing of the letter often. In Chapter 2 he writes, "And I wrote as I did..." (2:3); "For I wrote to you..." (2:4); "For this is why I wrote..." (2:9).
The church at Corinth had a few problems. Interestingly, Paul says he desired to come to them but decided that a letter might hopefully accomplish the same result.
So Paul writes this letter, sends it to the church, and indeed, the church reads the letter, the Spirit of God applies the truth Paul writes to their hearts, and we read later on (in Chapter 7) that it had a profound affect in the way they treated each other. Paul's letter produced repentance, "For see what earnestness this Godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves..." (2 Cor.7:11).
God's Word is meant to produce good fruit in our lives. It is especially provided to us for this purpose. But we have to read it!
This is the beauty of what God accomplished through the Apostle Paul. Paul knew he couldn't be everywhere to straighten out the problems of all the churches. What Paul wrote to the Corinthians way back then, is also God's Word to us today.
But the crux of the matter is whether we believe what is written in the Scripture is actually the Word of God - or the word of men.
It has been my observation that many men struggle with this point. Once they have convinced themselves (sometimes by other men), that the Scripture is suspect (too complicated, not written for our day and age, offers an opinion only, etc), then Satan takes advantage of this unbelief and our lives do not reflect the truth of God's Word.
If this is where you are at, or headed, Paul writes, "For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything." (2 Cor. 2:9).
The word "test" is better understood as "prove". Obeying the Word of God "proves" our salvation.
The Corinthians found great joy in being obedient to what was written to them. I hope that our church, and the individuals within it, can also live in that joy.
The church at Corinth had a few problems. Interestingly, Paul says he desired to come to them but decided that a letter might hopefully accomplish the same result.
So Paul writes this letter, sends it to the church, and indeed, the church reads the letter, the Spirit of God applies the truth Paul writes to their hearts, and we read later on (in Chapter 7) that it had a profound affect in the way they treated each other. Paul's letter produced repentance, "For see what earnestness this Godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves..." (2 Cor.7:11).
God's Word is meant to produce good fruit in our lives. It is especially provided to us for this purpose. But we have to read it!
This is the beauty of what God accomplished through the Apostle Paul. Paul knew he couldn't be everywhere to straighten out the problems of all the churches. What Paul wrote to the Corinthians way back then, is also God's Word to us today.
But the crux of the matter is whether we believe what is written in the Scripture is actually the Word of God - or the word of men.
It has been my observation that many men struggle with this point. Once they have convinced themselves (sometimes by other men), that the Scripture is suspect (too complicated, not written for our day and age, offers an opinion only, etc), then Satan takes advantage of this unbelief and our lives do not reflect the truth of God's Word.
If this is where you are at, or headed, Paul writes, "For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything." (2 Cor. 2:9).
The word "test" is better understood as "prove". Obeying the Word of God "proves" our salvation.
The Corinthians found great joy in being obedient to what was written to them. I hope that our church, and the individuals within it, can also live in that joy.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
How do we receive wisdom?
Here's a link from a website I find interesting.
http://www.thirstytheologian.com/2012/01/04/intelligent_discipline.php
http://www.thirstytheologian.com/2012/01/04/intelligent_discipline.php
Monday, January 2, 2012
What's the story behind the blog title?
Truth is divisive.
Pilate states, "What is truth?" and then releases Barabbas to the Jews and Jesus to the cross (John 18). Jesus had just told Pilate that He was a witness to the truth and that everyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. Pilate wanted unity - at the expense of truth. Give the people what they want, my hands are clean (Matt. 27:24).
The Apostle Paul understood that truth is divisive. In Romans 16:17, he warns the brethren to, "keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching you have learned, and turn away from them." True unity was found in coming together (keep your eye on those who cause dissensions) for the purpose of withdrawing (and turn away from them).
Truth is a line in the sand.
As Christians, this seems contrary to the commandment to love one another. Rather than turn away from false teaching, we become indifferent towards it. As a man once stated in our Sunday School class a while ago - tolerance can soon lead to acceptance.
This brings to mind Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. In Chapter 5, Paul has heard that the church was negligent in pronouncing judgment on a member who was living with his father's wife. The Corinthians were actually boasting of their tolerance. But Paul insists that this man be removed from fellowship. Paul likens this evil to leaven, that will eventually permeate the whole church. Their boasting was misplaced. Paul writes, "Let us therefore celebrate the festival (i.e., of Christ's sacrifice), not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor. 5:8).
While this is one extreme example, it is a significant passage towards an understanding of
1 Corinthians 13:6 which states, "Love... does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth."
Love and Truth are not at odds with each other. They are in perfect harmony with each other.
Unfortunately, our application of the two are sometimes inbalanced. Love without truth can lead to indulgence or leniency. Truth without love can lead to harshness or severity towards others. Keeping a proper balance of the two requires wisdom and discernment.
I love the truth of God's Word.
I love to see how the understanding of His Word allows us to properly love God and each other.
And that's my story behind the title of the blog.
Perhaps the title has a different meaning for you. Let me know.
Pilate states, "What is truth?" and then releases Barabbas to the Jews and Jesus to the cross (John 18). Jesus had just told Pilate that He was a witness to the truth and that everyone who is of the truth will hear His voice. Pilate wanted unity - at the expense of truth. Give the people what they want, my hands are clean (Matt. 27:24).
The Apostle Paul understood that truth is divisive. In Romans 16:17, he warns the brethren to, "keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching you have learned, and turn away from them." True unity was found in coming together (keep your eye on those who cause dissensions) for the purpose of withdrawing (and turn away from them).
Truth is a line in the sand.
As Christians, this seems contrary to the commandment to love one another. Rather than turn away from false teaching, we become indifferent towards it. As a man once stated in our Sunday School class a while ago - tolerance can soon lead to acceptance.
This brings to mind Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians. In Chapter 5, Paul has heard that the church was negligent in pronouncing judgment on a member who was living with his father's wife. The Corinthians were actually boasting of their tolerance. But Paul insists that this man be removed from fellowship. Paul likens this evil to leaven, that will eventually permeate the whole church. Their boasting was misplaced. Paul writes, "Let us therefore celebrate the festival (i.e., of Christ's sacrifice), not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor. 5:8).
While this is one extreme example, it is a significant passage towards an understanding of
1 Corinthians 13:6 which states, "Love... does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth."
Love and Truth are not at odds with each other. They are in perfect harmony with each other.
Unfortunately, our application of the two are sometimes inbalanced. Love without truth can lead to indulgence or leniency. Truth without love can lead to harshness or severity towards others. Keeping a proper balance of the two requires wisdom and discernment.
I love the truth of God's Word.
I love to see how the understanding of His Word allows us to properly love God and each other.
And that's my story behind the title of the blog.
Perhaps the title has a different meaning for you. Let me know.
Why have I become a blogger?
A couple of months ago, Aaron and I were approached by an elder at the church to talk about men's ministries. He asked us, "Would we be willing to host the next men's breakfast?" Well, of course we would, but we also started thinking that it would be great to come up with a way for men to encourage each other more often than every few months.
Now, we both love meeting up with friends for coffee in the morning (not too early mind you). Fellowship around a meal or coffee is a great way for getting to know people. But you can't meet for coffee, with everyone you'd like to, every day. We began kicking around ideas of how we could express our heart for studying and discussing Scripture to the other men. Outside of reading Scripture, we both enjoy reading good Christian blogs. Since a blog can be read anytime, we thought this might be one way to keep in touch.
So after the "hard" work of creating the blog itself (thanks Aaron!), we hope to keep your interest by posting a variety of subject matter to get (and keep) us thinking of what it means to rejoice in the truth of God's Word.
We hope that you will have time to check in occasionally. We look forward to continuing the conversation in person as the Lord allows.
As this is a new endeavor for us, be patient as we try to pull it all together for God's glory.
Thanks,
Rich C
Now, we both love meeting up with friends for coffee in the morning (not too early mind you). Fellowship around a meal or coffee is a great way for getting to know people. But you can't meet for coffee, with everyone you'd like to, every day. We began kicking around ideas of how we could express our heart for studying and discussing Scripture to the other men. Outside of reading Scripture, we both enjoy reading good Christian blogs. Since a blog can be read anytime, we thought this might be one way to keep in touch.
So after the "hard" work of creating the blog itself (thanks Aaron!), we hope to keep your interest by posting a variety of subject matter to get (and keep) us thinking of what it means to rejoice in the truth of God's Word.
We hope that you will have time to check in occasionally. We look forward to continuing the conversation in person as the Lord allows.
As this is a new endeavor for us, be patient as we try to pull it all together for God's glory.
Thanks,
Rich C
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