Walking The Beat

LIKE A ROLLING STONE

Is there a redemptive value in blogging? Why is it worth one's time to blog? And why should anyone read my blog or anyone else's?

Blogging is a fad for some. Some who at one time blogged now post notes on Facebook instead of blogging. No problem. To each his own. Others are up-to-date on every nuance of technology. I really do admire these folk, but I am not one of them. I'm still trying to learn how to prevent spam from coming through on my Blackberry.

Bloggers differ in their approaches. Whether informational, marketing, focusing on issues, preaching, or a simple comment or homily (I do that from time to time), each blog distinguishes itself by the thread of posts and comments. Think of a genre and there is likely a blog somewhere that fits it. Some say things well, others not so well. And some, who view themselves as "prophetic" (to be certain, some are) can also really get under the skin of those people and/or practices against whom they blog. But consider this.

In the Scriptures, prophets of truth seldom if ever got a second invitation and most of them didn't get the first. They were sent by God to deliver a message of truth to people who did not want to face their own sin. Sometimes sin is individual. Sometimes it is within the structures of society. Read Walter Wink's books on spiritual warfare. I do not agree with all of his exegesis and conclusions, but he is worth the read when dealing with the demonic in its relationship to structures of society, both religious and secular.

Prophets of old used the communication tools of their day. Those today do the same, which is inclusive of blogging. Some do go overboard in their criticism of personality rather than issues. Some prophets (and bloggers) might walk into a room and see a snake. Instead of taking a hoe, a rake, or some other tool and excising the snake, some simply dynamite the room! 

But for everyone serious about following Christ, the real question is how shall we live in such a way as to extend God's kingdom and not our own or another's agenda?

Speak truth. If you are reading a blog, ask the truth question. Relationships are important, but far too long truth has been sacrificed on the altar of relationship. Without truth, there is no authenticity and without authenticity we cannot achieve biblical community. Relationships can be utilitarian. Perhaps that is why much of the church in the West today is indeed, utilitarian, refusing to deal with real issues and encouraging constituents to just move on or fit in for the sake of the organization or some other larger-than-life entity that crushes all in its proud way.

What C. Peter Wagner and others identified as one descriptive principle of church growth called the "homogeneous principle" has now become prescriptive in many places. Translation: "We only want our kind here."

A number of years ago a young pastor had scheduled me for a revival meeting. He wanted to check me out. The Conservative Resurgence was in full swing in Southern Baptist life. He said, "I am Baptist born and Baptist bred, and when I die, I will be Baptist dead." Cute, but really stupid and utilitarian. And I am a Southern Baptist!! You see, it does not matter who you are in terms of denominational identity, if you are that sold out to anything other than Almighty God, His Word, your spouse and children, you are already dead as far as usefulness in the Kingdom of God is concerned.

Speak truth in love. The love chapter is still in 1 Cor. 13 and still inerrant, inspired, God-breathed. Think of it - the breath of God is His word (2 Tim. 3:16, "inspired by God" is literally, "God-breathed"). I often hear, "I just love you." Really? Read Paul's definition then talk to me.

Practice Matthew 18 in your relationships and stay out of that which you do not know and is not your business. Whether you are a leader, a wannabe, or like so many of us - just one of the common folk seeking to live and serve Christ, these words from Proverbs are helpful in determining character.

"A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends." Prov. 16:28, NASB

"Drive out the scoffer, and strife will go out, and quarreling and abuse will cease." Prov. 22:10, ESV
"Drive out he scoffer, and contentions will go out, Even strife and dishonor will cease." NASB

"For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is no whisperer, contention quiets down." Prov. 26:20

These are indeed words for all of us. But it seems there are some these days who are ready to destroy other people's lives. I have been on the receiving end of such activity. One's dignity and honor can be destroyed because congregations typically hear a word of criticism and seldom check it out for its truthfulness. Unfortunately, there are too many "friends" in low places who are unwilling to simply let people "be" and get on with their lives.

There is another verse from Proverbs.

"He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone, it will come back on him." Prov. 26:27

I am praying and waiting. I determined long ago I would not call out people on my blog. I trust the Spirit to use whatever I may do or say to open hearts. Closed hearts will never be opened by man...only by the Spirit of God. And I am far from He. I do not know all that goes on inside someone else, and really struggle with all that inside myself (Jer. 17:9).

What I do know is "He who rolls a stone....". As my friend Freddie Gage has said, "There are no qualified stone throwers."

THE SPIRITUAL CLONE WARS

"Many of them just copy a letter from Rick Warren's book and send it out" was the summary sentence one pastor gave me when asked about church starts in his metropolitan area. Yes, he did mention some exceptions that are thriving.

Those words set me to reflecting. Last Sunday in our Sunday School class (yes, for now we are back in Sunday School) we had some discussion regarding the faith of the global church and what appears to be a lack of faith in the Western church. I'm not so sure it is lack of faith. I rather think we are in a straight jacket of sameness and we dare not risk moving out of that. "Flowers Are Red" is our theme song.

If you are a Star Wars fan you are aware of the Clone Wars. If not, check out the dvd's and watch it. It is filled with great metaphors and you just might enjoy the movie.

My friend Andrew Jones posted this morning on the house church movement in India and lessons Europe could learn. So could we in the USA. He links to an article he wrote, "What Did You Go Out To See". You can read the article here. 

In his introduction to the question (taken from Matthew 11:7) Jones says "We seek out sameness. We go to a foreign city to eat noodles, and end up with a hamburger and fries. We know that global church growth is largely happening in the margins, among ordinary people, without big budgets or impressive credentials. But when we go out to worship with the "indigenous" church in Colombia or Malaysia or Italy, we end up sitting on a pew singing expat choruses with a national pastor who has colonized himself for our approval. To be discovered. To be seen by people who do not have eyes to see."

It is a lengthy quote, but necessary in context. You see, my observation is that is true of the church in the USA and is one of the huge reasons we are not experiencing the spiritual awakening for which we pray.

We prefer clones to authentic life. The language is there, but the reality isn't. In the 1990's I was part of an organization that had set as its goal to take the gospel to every person in Texas by 2000. Yes, every Christian organization had similar 2000 goals. It was as if the world would end in 2000. It didn't but many efforts did.

I shall never forget one staff meeting in which a well respected educator looked at the "new" parts of the vision and said "this is what we have been doing." So, the meeting became one of wordsmithing in which we took the old and re-phrased it to appear as the new. Nothing of essence was changed and most walked out of the meeting feeling pretty good about a good day's work. I was saddened.

My wife and I are good little church members. We filled out the Reveal form, attend worship when in town, attend Sunday School (even the party), and even attend a Wednesday night study. Now please understand. This is a good church with wonderful people who love Jesus and are seeking to serve him. No issue with them at all. We are blessed to be with them.

Here is the issue. It hit me driving home last evening. Everything we have attended has been a clone of the larger worship service. The people come, sit at one end of the room and listen to the leaders at the other end of the room. If really spiritual, we take notes. No exception. Discussion is minimal and often reduced to "any questions?". The praying is done by the leaders for everyone else and in many meetings prayer is the signal to begin and end. Poor God. Somebody should buy him a watch for Christmas so he will know when the meeting begin and ends...just in case he shows up.

Those last sentences are no more ridiculous than the spiritual vacuum into which we have fallen. Vacuums are dangerous. Ask any organization about leadership vacuums. Someone or some group will step in to fill the vacuum.

For whatever the reasons, much of my denomination has continued to speak the right words, but somewhere somehow (and the diagnosticians provide more reasons than we have people) we the people of God allowed a spiritual vacuum to exist and we have tried to fill it with spiritual clones.

Clones (at least in the movies) can do many things. But the one thing true of every clone is this: they are absent of life. And it is life which we seek. It is life Jesus came to give. One cannot clone authentic spiritual life. Emotion, cognitive reasoning, choices to make - all of those can be cloned. But life cannot. And ultimately a spiritual entity without spiritual life will become the deadest, most boring piece of activity on the face of the planet. Crowds and activity do not make for life. Anybody visited a prison lately?

"We seek out sameness" was the precept of Andrew Jones. He is right. God seeks to give freshness and creativity.

Is there a people out there willing to risk what is in their buckets to simply take an open Bible, read it, and seek to obey it? Is our God one of creativity? When God created he didn't market. He made something that did not previously exist and filled it with life. Do not err...this is not to say everything old is wrong. Not at all. It is to say that when we are risking all for God, his creativity will fill whatever he uses with His life.

Are you a clone of someone else seeking out sameness, or are you a living being filled with the living God expressing His creativity and life and trusting Him to use you in fresh and new ways?

GRACE RECEIVED, GRACE GIVEN

At what point do you make significant changes in your life? And why?

The past few years have been years of learning lessons I would have preferred to learn in other ways. Actually, I would love to have a read a book on it or attended a seminar. But, alas, it came another way. And it has all been God's grace.

Cheryl and I have had to do some things we would not have chosen. In so doing, we have learned that God's provision is not always the elimination of struggle nor is it always to provide after something happens. Sometimes his provision is in advance. It has been so with us. In the process I learned in my heart what I knew in my head. God is sovereign (there's a lot more to that term than election) and everything I possess is from him and belongs to him. I have added to my prayer life a prayer for wisdom to know how to steward the resources God gives.

The nature of the ministry God has given me requires travel. I have been in many, many congregations in my ministry. I have noticed an obvious difference in the lives and attitudes of people in those congregations. You can see it in the hallway and hear it in the conversations.

Let's take this beyond salvation. We as people who follow Christ understand that our salvation is by the grace of God. No true Christian believes their salvation is earned. But let's take it to receiving God's grace after some type of failure.

Failure can be in many arenas. The most obvious is when one fails in sin. There is forgiveness and restoration. Another arena is when one fails in an effort. This is not sin. It is simply a failure. But very often God's grace brings solace, lessons learned, and another opportunity.

Here is the observable difference. The experience of grace becomes the talking points of the recipient. Somewhere in the conversation is a heartfelt and obvious gratitude for the grace of God. Sometimes that is in another chance, sometimes in forgiveness. But the person is settled, at peace, and Christ-focused.

Those who know about grace but have not really internalized that they need grace will mention it and give the obligatory tip of the hat. Then they are off to other things.

The friendliest people in church are those who live in God's grace. The most hateful and arrogant are those who live in their own works.

Some years ago I read that all the religions of the world can be summarized in two words: "Do" and "Done". This is indeed a simple understanding, but nonetheless accurate. We trust a risen Christ whose work of redemption on our behalf is finished and we enter that salvation and life by trusting him.

Those of us who have received God's grace should live and extend that grace. Freely we have received. May we freely give.

 

I LIVE WITH A PROPHETESS!! SHE CALLED IT! :)

This morning as Cheryl and I were watching the news, I asked, "Did you ever think we would live to see our nation elect an African-American as President?" She said, "Yes, four years ago." And I remembered. We typically watch both political party's major speeches during their conventions. When she heard Barack Obama's speech, she said, "That man will be President one day." And he is to be inaugurated as such January 20, 2009.

That this is a historical moment is perhaps an understatement. Although I am more conservative than Mr. Obama in both politics and theology, I am very grateful to see enough of our nation overcome racial divides sufficient to elect a non-Anglo to the highest office in the land. I remember when my southern high school integrated. Our school was able to do so without any violence. I cherish that heritage and also this historical moment.

Being the independent thinker that I am (I don't claim to be one of genius intelligence; I just reserve the right to do my own thinking rather than let others do it for me) often gets me in trouble, especially among those who live their lives in fear or who are in a contest to be the fourth person of the Trinity. But for others, they accept me as the human follower of Jesus that I am and we can have great dialog.

As a Christian it is my privilege and responsibility to pray for whoever occupies the civil leadership of our nation. We in the United States have the right of appeal as free citizens. We Christians should be able to give a reason for our beliefs. Therefore the exercise of good citizenship is expected. However, we must be people of truth and reject lies and disparaging innuendo against those who do not share our beliefs or opinions. We are to be Christian in every sense of the word. That means we pray for all and protest only with truth. Mr. Obama gives testimony of being a follower of Jesus. He is a brother and only Jesus can judge otherwise. So don't fall into the trap of those with agendas who would use Christians as fodder for their own agenda. Read, think, pray. "The king's heart is in the hands of the Lord"(Prov. 21:1, NIV).

But back to the "prophetess". How do you function in your marriage? We are committed to the sufficiency and truth of the Scriptures. I do use the word "inerrant" (Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy) to describe the nature of Holy Scripture. This is a double-edged sword for those who believe the Bible. One is that where Scripture speaks, it is authoritative and if we are serious, we should seek to obey. The other side of that is where Scripture does not speak, we should not attempt to make our cultural and religious opinions authoritative. Here there is freedom. Deuteronomy 29:29, (ESV) is helpful: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law."

A good marriage is always a work in progress. Two people, usually different personalities and often different backgrounds fall in love. They are typically young and the body has yet to "backslide". Their dreams are ahead of them. They can make love all night, not realizing that what they can do all night will one day take all night! But there are some things they haven't done.

They likely have not considered the biological family of their intended spouse and asked the question: "Will he or she be like that when they are that age?" They have not looked at the behavioral patterns, sin patterns, the strengths and weaknesses, or the disease and dysfunctions that are patterns in the biological family of their intended. They honestly believe they will be "different". They have their own dreams, so they begin.

But life often comes from our blind sides. Ahhh, those tests. Those unexpected "worse" parts of our wedding vows. The biology kicks in and despite our best efforts we begin to exhibit some undesirable traits of our heritage and genes. Do you remember the first time you heard yourself saying something to your children or spouse that your parents used to say and you swore an oath that you would never say that? Or the first time you looked in the mirror and then looked away?  :)

One has some options at these points. Although not at all God's desire, it is too easy in this country to simply walk away for less than biblical reasons. I am referring to choosing the path of least resistance when the challenges come. This is sometimes encouraged by culture, friends and family. It is often a regrettable decision and carries it's own baggage. But some do choose this option.

Another option is to buy into the "role" legalism. We speak a lot in marriage about role. But it isn't a biblical word. It is one of those "opinion" rules. In fact, it is not even used in the NIV, KJV, or ESV. It is used twice in the NLT and neither refer to the family. Role can be a helpful word. It can be a reminder of certain responsibilities each of us have. But if used as a scorecard, it is not helpful in a marriage relationship and is often the parent of resentment. Almost every scorecard keeps a record of errors, and I Corinthians 13:6 reminds us that love "keeps no record of being wronged" (NLT).

I believe a better way is to use the word relationship. We are not in a perfect world and it is likely a good thing that when young and in love we do not analyze everything in one another's biological family. Who would survive such critique?

The word "relationship" is a biblical word and is used in various translations in both the Old and New Testaments. It is used in some passages in the context of family. I believe the translators have been wise at this point. Marriage is a relationship. Relationships have the possibility for growth as well as for failure. Relationship has responsibilities and requires sacrifice. Relationships cannot exist in a vacuum. One must give of himself or herself in order to achieve a successful relationship.

The years have given Cheryl and I some great joys and we anticipate more. We have had some pretty tough knocks as well. We have learned from them. And I have grown from the "Role" emphasis of marriage to the "relationship" emphasis. In that relationship we see all of the components of a biblical marriage. And it is good and growing. And although I am the outspoken one, I have found in her soft words wisdom. Is this not a part of being in the image of God and "one flesh"?

My encouragement to you going through difficulty is this. Don't give up to any except God. Today is NOT tomorrow and God will carry your through. Respect one another enough to fail with them. Some of the greatest of our history experienced many failures prior to achieving their life's success. Abraham Lincoln is just one example. Moses is another. John Mark another. So was Simon Peter. I affectionately refer to him as "Peter the Cable Guy". He was somewhat of a Galilean "redneck".

God will honor you and bring you through. I do like the old spiritual, "I'm goin' through, yes I'm goin' through. I've started in Jesus, and I'm going through." May all of us go through together!!

IS IT TIME TO DIG OUT THE OLD SCOFIELD?

No, not the ancient revolver of the late 1800's in the Old West, but the study Bible of choice for many during the Twentieth Century. The notes in this Bible were developed by C.I. Scofield and some others and they advocated a dispensational interpretation of Scripture, especially as it relates to the Second Coming of Christ. Strong institutions such as Dallas Theological Seminary and Moody Bible Institute reflect this interpretation.

Just kidding about the Scofield. It has value but there is a host of study Bibles I prefer. There are two new ones I am looking forward to seeing. The NLT Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible (due Oct. 15) are the newest and should have improvements over some of the others that are also very good.

With the continuing crashing of the stock market (and my 401K), one wonders. Is Wall Street the Babylon of Revelation 17-18? Many verses could apply. Many others could not. Hmmm, is the Great Whore an economic system?

Although every "spiritual gift" or "personality" test I take reflects that I have the gift of the Prophet. But somehow if that is true, God did not include the predictive aspect! So there is much I do not know.

I do not consider myself an expert in the ways and means of the Second Coming of Christ. Others are pretty pronounced in what they believe. I do believe the historic pre-millenial interpretation best fits with my understanding of Scripture. However, I cannot name every frog in the Revelation nor do I consider that the point.

I see the book of Revelation as the unveiling of the cosmic spiritual conflict between God and Satan and one of the most meaningful verses is 11:15b, ..."The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." (ESV)

So what is our response to whatever circumstances we are experiencing?

1. We should not believe the lies of the Evil One and panic in heart. What is unseen is reality in the spiritual realm, not what is seen. Obviously we are affected by what is seen. But remember, greater is he that is within you than he that is in the world and Simon Peter who walked this earth (and on the water) with Jesus said, "Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you" (1 Peter 5:7, NLT). God will manifest what we need to see in due time.

2. Pray. Ask God for wisdom to navigate these times and beyond. There is yet to be a generation in which God was not active, riding above the storm clouds and fulfilling his purpose. What is HE doing is the right question and parallel to it is to ask how we can be involved in God's Kingdom purpose.

3. Seek wise counsel. This is a time of opportunity. Scripture informs us of the value of wisdom in many counselors. Wise people are not necessarily on the tube. Often they are in your circle of friends and acquaintances. Read and apply the Proverbs and Psalms. Find counsel first in God's Word then in others. God will lead by his Word and Spirit.

4. Look for opportunities to help others and share the Gospel of Jesus. Be a blessing. Advocate for justice. You ARE in this cosmic spiritual warfare whether you like it or not, whether you understand it or not - so ENGAGE!

5. Rid yourself of anger and bitterness. Meditate on Ephesians 4:17-32.

These are simple steps I am seeking to follow in a very turbulent and unsure time. I won't go into detail of my own life, but I assure you I am not sitting on a mountain top "lecturing". I, too, am walking through stuff I would not have chosen but was chosen for me. My prayer is that I will walk this journey with integrity before the Lord, my family, and others. I pray that for you as well.

MONDAY'S POST, Revised

I will be writing a couple of articles each month for sbc voices. I am told my first post will be Monday, October 6. You can read it here.

Let's explore the question of the conclusion of the last post. IMO, the church in North America largely does not know what it does not know. I recently read an article in The Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry by Ed Stetzer on the American emerging church. You may read it here. Download the pdf and scroll through the articles until you come to Ed Stetzer's.

There is a statement I have heard before and with which I am in agreement. That statement refers to Stetzer's (and mine) denomination and says: "Should the 1950's return, we will be ready." This has little if anything to do with whether or not one embraces the emerging or emergent church dialog. It has everything to do with whether or not we as a denomination can distinguish between biblical truth and methodology.

Consider the culture wars when a President nominates a candidate for the Supreme Court. Almost all of these nominees are capable in terms of judicial expertise. The difference is their world view. The same principle exists among our denomination. Almost all Southern Baptists believe the Bible and are orthodox in their theology. But the huge issue is world view in relation to practice.

My wife and I shared an hour or so with a friend this past Saturday. I asked this person, "What do you see that has the imprint of God?" This individual believes the real move of God is not in the headliners or the large churches, but rather in the small groups and networks that transcend artificial, non-biblical man-made boundaries.

I often walk into a worship service hungry to meet God. I usually go home the same way. We sit at one end of the building and watch the performances at the other end of the building. Prayer segues us from one aspect of the "worship" to another. Heck, at my church we even have theater seats! A previous leadership obviously built a platform for a 'sage on the stage'. My pastor inherited all that. May God help him to lead the right transitions and give him wisdom and patience to do so!

The point is we in the church do not know what we do not know. Nor are we willing to stay before God until he teaches us. We know how to build crowds (at least some do) and events but do we know how to build lives?

Prayer guides, a day or so of fasting (ours seem to be significantly different from Isaiah 58:6-7), a "revival" emphasis, an event to guilt people and fire hose them with four little summary truths, do our best imitation of an old crusade method, slogans, timelines, etc., etc., gospel blimps (or dvds, etc.) - all to reach the masses while the guy next door or at work or school is simply wanting a friend and might really like our Jesus if he or she could ever see what a Jesus saturated life looks like in someone they know.

You think that's a stretch? I taught a small group a couple years ago. One man whom I regard as a wonderful friend came at the invitation of "Joe". I watched my new friend grow. Months into the small group study, my new friend and I were talking. "Joe" did not come that day. My friend said, "You know, I have watched "Joe" for 10 years as we have worked together. He is real. That's why I am here." Amazing, isn't it? Ten years. I thanked God for "Joe's" consistent Christian testimony and wondered how many of the rest of us had a ten year stretch of consistency (not perfection) before a watching world.

Pastors sometimes ask me, "Ted, can you help our church in evangelism?" I say "Yes". And I can. Then they say, "What would you do?" I tell them, "Let me visit with you, then your leadership, and let's design small groups in communities and work places where your church members can reach out to their friends and neighbors through small community groups. We will teach them not only how to share the gospel but also how to live the gospel in community. I promise you - it is New Testament and it will transform your church."

I am still waiting for those pastors to call me. Others do, but these haven't. Why? Many seem to want a rabbit's foot method of spirituality and evangelism and they are afraid of "competition" with an outdated method that is no longer reaching the lost. A quick read of Oswald Chambers for sanctification and a gospel tract stuck someplace for evangelism is sufficient. It is the "Lite Gospel" for a "lite church". Pastors are often put on some kind of spiritual quota system regarding baptisms.

We seem to not know that people are aching for friendship, bound by stuff Satan has dumped all over them, and want to believe oh so bad. But they want to know it is real in us.

I contend that we need to know that we don't know the times, the pervasiveness of the kingdom of God (God's activity, if you please) in those times, and how to build authentic long-term relationships that transcend generation, gender, geography, and our huddle. I often read the book of James with shame when I consider much of the American church. No wonder Martin Luther did not think it inspired! But it is, and is likely James' exposition of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount!

Little wonder the Big Fisherman wrote, "For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?" (1 Peter 4:17, NASB Update)

DESCRIBED OR DEFINED?

This is the season for politics and religion. Hillary isn't throwing in the towel, Obama has almost claimed the Democratic nomination and McCain is probably hoping Obama and Hillary battle until convention.

In my denomination, annual conventions are coming up. The national convention meets in June and the two state conventions (yep, you read that right - two, woo-hoo!) in my state are already publicizing their fall convention.

On a matter more likely closer to home, Wall Street is up and down. One day things look good, then somebody comes out with some statistics and sends the DOW down a couple hundred points.

Sound bites have become the descriptors. Public Relations firms garner huge fees for marketing people and products.

In the Christian world, we have become modern, post-modern, conservative, liberal, moderate, fundamentalist, emergent, emerging, missional, and (you fill in the blank).  One can win huge prizes and get a free t-shirt by simply filling out a registration form at most events.

Cheryl and I recently walked Grapevine Main Street during our city's recent festival. From North to South we found all kinds of goodies. But the south end was the "biggie". There we registered for huge prizes, including a Hummer and Jet Ski (I wouldn't mind the jet ski, but a Hummer? Talk about killing a "love offering"!!!). All of these registrations wanted information that would serve to categorize us by gender, age, income, and some preferences.

I do not complete all the information, so my "registration for the drawing" probably gets kicked out. Certain information I do not give, such as annual household income. If they ever have a box to check that says, "not as much as I would prefer", then I might just check that one!

But then you all know this stuff, don't you?  So here is the question.

Why do we continue to choose to allow ourselves to be categorized by marketing descriptors, whether religious or secular.

Do these descriptors define you? Or are you more than your gender, age, income, denomination, etc.?

Descriptors are sometimes shallow and discrediting. They are polarizing and segmenting. At other times, they are code words to the dna of desired peers. But one can categorize and dismiss without being accountable in relationship.

We who follow Christ are defined by who we are in Christ. Warts and all, we are new creations. We have His life and our lives should be centered in Him.

I know a man. I can describe him. He is in his 80's, wears very casual loose fitting clothes, and wears sandals. In fact, they look a bit like Clogs. From a distance he is a bit slow. He hangs out in places where younger people attend. What kind of guy would do that?

But that doesn't define him. He is all I have described and more. He is the most brilliant New Testament scholar I have known. He is radiant in his personality and seems to have time for almost any of those younger people he hangs out around. In fact, no matter who he hangs out with they will likely be younger. He and his wife have been married for over 60 years. He works out on a regular basis.

Those who live their lives by description miss so much of what God has for them.

Description is not definition. Others may describe you; don't let them define you. Take a brief inventory. What defines you?

DON'T TAKE GOD FOR GRANTED

Many of my blogging friends are writing about Baptist issues. Some BGCT and some SBC. I do not know very much about the SBC issues, but I do know something of the BGCT issues and believe the need in both is as I wrote in a previous post. The issues are both theological and spiritual.

This past Sunday I visited with an old friend in the foyer of our church. He is a man of deep spirituality and integrity. He and his wife have also reared four wonderful children, now adults and all active serving the Lord. He is an evangelist serving more as a revivalist. He and his wife have faithfully served the Lord and the Lord's people for many, many years. Although not wealthy, they have given generously and anonymously to the needs of others all the years I have known them.

There are hundreds of people alive today because this man's wife faithfully served in a crisis pregnancy ministry counseling young women. Many were led to Christ and many children were birthed who otherwise would have been aborted.

There isn't much demand for his ministry these days. I asked if he had talked with some younger pastors. He laughed and said, "They don't call me." Too bad. They should.

I have shared the words spoken by another friend and mentor, "Ted, there's not much demand for what you do. Unfortunately, churches have learned to grow without prayer and evangelism."

Today I met with a staff member of a large church. In that conversation, he said, "Brother, it's a new day. Churches don't do what you did in prayer ministry anymore." I really don't know all that means, but I do know it isn't good news for me.

CONTRAST: I was watching Pope Benedict XVI from the new stadium in Washington, D.C. I heard him say words I will quote and was astounded. I waited until the text was up on a news site so I could accurately cut and paste from his homily these words.

"I have come to proclaim anew, as Peter proclaimed on the day of Pentecost, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah, risen from the dead, seated in glory at the right hand of the Father, and established as judge of the living and the dead (cf. Acts 2:14ff.). I have come to repeat the Apostle's urgent call to conversion and the forgiveness of sins, and to implore from the Lord a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Church in this country. As we have heard throughout this Easter season, the Church was born of the Spirit's gift of repentance and faith in the risen Lord. In every age she is impelled by the same Spirit to bring to men and women of every race, language and people (cf. Rev 5:9) the good news of our reconciliation with God in Christ."

I think he gets it more than many of my own denomination. To be sure we have serious theological differences that are profound. But these words are words that need to be said by all of God's people.

I fear for the BGCT. I do not fear because I am no longer there. I can easily be replaced by a longer line of good men and women than I care to know. No one is indispensable and organizations have the right and sometimes the responsibility to make changes. And, often those changes are good for those of us who are "changed".

But I fear for any of us, who by our actions and elitist attitude of entitlement, repeatedly demonstrate that our true confidence is in our own abilities to do the work of the Kingdom of God apart from the Holy Spirit of God and the truth of Scripture.

I do not merely "stand on Scripture". I do not contrast Jesus and Paul. Rather, I must humble myself under the mighty hand of God, obedient to his directives in Scripture and realize there is no controversy between Jesus and Paul. Jesus is not my servant nor my means to financial gain. Rather, I am to be his bond-slave and the servant is not above the master.

My friends, God's people are not necessarily a relevant people. There will be some times and on some issues that we will be out of step with culture and in the estimation of some, "irrelevant". But are we obedient to Christ? That is the issue.

By all means let us exegete culture. But let us first exegete and obey Scripture. There is an exclusivity to Jesus Christ. Inclusive of 'whosoever will, let him come, take of the water of life freely', but exclusive in that Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father but by me." Thus I could not then nor could I now join with those who would participate in inter-faith (these are not inter-denominational, but rather people of different faiths - Islam, Baha'i, Buddhist, Cabala, etc.) prayer meetings.

We as ministers of the gospel are engaged in Divine activity. And we cannot be successful apart from a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit and obedience to His authority and written word. This anointing and authority comes through prayer.

It is nowhere written that Baptists are God's last resort. I often think he would say to us exactly what was said to Elijah: "I have 7,000 that have not bowed the knee to Baal." 

As  many of our brothers and sisters are hurting and others of our fellowship are seeking the latest of fads, and yet others (some of whom are false prophets) present themselves as saviors of a (our) denomination with no pope, let us not miss that on this day God used the Roman Catholic Pope to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and that message was carried to the world through our media.

I wonder how many people desperate for hope checked in to see how our denomination was faring or to find the latest comment on the controversies among us?

In some ways, it may be a blessing to the world that we are losing our influence and audience. May God have mercy on us all, myself at the top of the list. And may we repent of our pride, again, myself at the top of the list. "God grant it, and use us again for YOUR glory, and not for our own glory. Amen."

Three Conversations

Life is often good. God is always good. I listened to a message by Dr. Mark Bailey, President of Dallas Theological Seminary and a teaching pastor at Irving Bible Church. Now that (to be a Teaching Pastor in a local church) is a gig I could really sink my life into!

In the message he spoke of blasphemy and gave three ways in which people blaspheme God. One is the obvious, claiming you are God. The other two are more subtle. One is taking away from God an attribute assigned in Scripture (i.e., saying God is not loving, righteous, etc.) and the other is adding an attribute not assigned in Scripture (i.e., saying God is unfair, powerless, etc.).

Those who know me are aware that my departure from my previous employment was painful beyond anything I had ever experienced. 2006 was planned and we faired well. But 2007 had so many wrinkles and so many things I found out 'after the fact', that it seemed the pain multiplied and God was so very distant. And we had no answers. None. The heavens were often brass.

Earlier this week I spoke with a friend of mine who brought me 'up-to-snuff' in several areas. After that conversation, I had another conversation. This one with God and gave thanks that in His faithfulness and in complete accord with His character, he had protected me and was bringing me into a good place. And I repented, per chance I had blasphemed in my despair. God is indeed good and his purpose(s) will prevail.

Another conversation was with an old friend. We had not been together in several years. The time spent was well spent. Catching up can be so refreshing. We were in an environment in which everyone who came into the room knew my friend. He would introduce me. The atmosphere was alive and contagious. With some, there was spiritual conversation. With another, I thought the conversation was turning toward faith, only to find that this gentleman was an atheist whom my friend had told, "You actually have more faith than I. It takes more faith to be an atheist than  a theist!"   Friends, community, and conversation around Jesus. Life is often good.

The next conversation was actually two. I have spoken with committee persons from two churches.  In both the people were concerned that their congregations had not been reaching unbelievers and both were trying to take the right steps to secure future leadership that would lead them to reach those outside Christ with His gospel. None were accusing of anyone and were appreciative of previous leadership. But they were honestly assessing current reality and were willing to assume the responsibilities necessary and to move forward in fulfilling the Great Commission. There was no pious religious talk, but honest down-to-earth assessment and a prayerful look at the future. I was encouraged.

Three conversations, all after hearing a message that was driven deep into my spirit. In one, I was given evidence that God is indeed all He claims to be and my experience does not define His character. Another was in a missional context in which we were ambassadors for Christ in the world in which we live. And the third? Representatives of communities of biblical faith desiring to become all that God desires for them. God is good and life is good.

So the questions. Are you living in the realization that God is indeed every day whom the Scriptures present Him to be? Are you an ambassador for Christ in the world in which you live? And is your faith community intentionally striving to become all that God desires for you? Perhaps it is the proper focus of life that allows us the best experience of life. Anias Nin once said, "We do not see things as they are. We see things as we are." How are you?