Oct 23 2009

Forgive? Who me?


forgive

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Have you ever heard anyone say “I just can’t forgive him (or her)”? Have you said it? Perhaps at some time on our journey as followers of Jesus if we have not said it we have thought it.

What a tall order! “Forgiving as God in Christ forgave you.” But, there it is in black and white. What should I take from this? How about you?

Forgiveness is not optional. The text does not begin with”If you should decide to forgive then….”. It says “Forgive“. “Forgiving one another“…implies not only that we are to forgive but we are to be continually forgiving. Being kind and tenderhearted is an attitude toward others, a personality trait of the divine nature. Forgiving must become a way of life. Continual forgiving is continual obedience.

Forgiveness is not limited.

Who are we to forgive? One another. Or, everyone. The perfect plan to never have bitterness and resentment toward others (Christians or non-Chrisiians) is to always be forgiving. There is no person you can’t forgive no matter how awful the offence. How do I know? God says do it!

How are we to forgive? How has God forgiven you in Christ? Freely, before you committed the offence, without you even asking. Your forgiveness was planned before the creation of the earth.

How many times am I to forgive the same person? As often as he needs it. Remember the question asked of Jesus?
“Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21,22) You are to forgive only as long as a person needs it.

The very worst offenders must be forgiven. From the cross where Jesus was dying to make my forgiveness and yours possible he prayed a remarkable prayer. “Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing“. (Luke 23:34) Clear enough?

How can you know you have forgiven? I suggest you can know that you have forgiven.

When you start treating the person as if you have forgiven them. If you are still keeping a clear record of the offence(‘s), if you are avoiding the person, and worse, if you are still talking to others about the offence you have not forgiven. Only when in all of your person you want what is best for the one you claim to have forgiven have you really forgiven.

Begin praying for the person. More than a few times in my ministry I have suggested to one who was bitter and resentful that they begin at once praying for that person every day asking God to bless them and bring healing and forgiveness and peace to them. I have learned from my own experience and the testimony of others that once you start praying, real forgiveness is right around the corner.

Forgiveness is supernatural! True forgiveness, the kind God has for you, is not natural to humans. Our nature is to retaliate, quarrel, fight, gossip, be bitter and envious. Our new nature, Christ in us, is the source of unselfish love and the ensuing forgiveness that is freely and quickly given as we walk in the Spirit saying NO to our old selves. As we depend on the Comforter to be for us what we can’t be on our own He will not fail!

Do you have some forgiving to do? Better get started!

Royce

Oct 19 2009

Religion vs. Christianity


This post is focused on religion and religious people. Before going further I think it is important to say that most of what I will write here is in the immediate context of Evangelical Christianity. If you think I’m way off base along the way, remember the context of the post.

You would expect that during the time of a man’s life when he is keenly aware of his mortality,  his religious posture would be the strongest of his life. Not so with yours truly. I am less religious than I was many years ago. At least that is the case the way I think of and define religion.

Religion = Human desire to have favor with God, both now and at the end, expressed by rites, rituals, routine church related activities, and ethical and moral boundaries in daily living.

The opposite deserves a definition too.

Christianity = What God has accomplished through Christ for undeserving sinners.

Its a given that both of these definitions are very brief, and not complete by any measure but they are mine and I believe they are fair representations of two polar opposites.

Now my earlier statement “I am less religious than I was many years ago” might make a bit more sense. This idea is true precisely because of my understanding of what it means to be a Christian today vs. about 30 years ago.

In the past few years I have heard from many sources that young people (teens and young adults into their 30’s) are becoming more and more turned off by “organized religion“, or “church” in the traditional understanding. I get it! And, I largely agree. They can see a phony a mile away! Today’s young people will no longer accept people who live double lives as legitimate. I think I know why, at least in part.

In the not so distant past, pre-internet, people largely had only one source for religious teaching, the local church their family attended. Even for those who did not attend church what was heard at the corner market, in the work place, or in public school, was likely sourced in the local pulpit or Sunday school class room. The community had its morality shaped by the local churches its people attended. Most of that dynamic was very good. With the advent of the internet and the accompanying knowledge explosion that ensued came at least two generations of younger folks who get their information from many sources.

People (not only younger people) learned that there were people out there who were just as devoted to Jesus Christ as they but expressed their devotion differently than how they or their parents or grand parents did. Preachers shed the J C Penny suits and hand saw blade ties for polo shirts and casual slacks. The community of faith started finally to do tangible things to help the homeless, addicted, and otherwise downtrodden. In many churches worship included more upbeat singing, “worship music”, and more personal expression in worship.

I think most young people today will not believe you are a true disciple of Jesus just because you are outwardly moral and attend church faithfully. Unless they see you serving, living somewhat sacrificially 7 days a week they are not favorably impressed. I tend to agree.

Here is the bottom line. There is nothing wrong with ritual, rites, and church activity. But, what is your motive? If your motive is to try to get God to like you more, or to attempt to tilt the scales of divine justice your way, you are wasting your life. The Bible says the “Truth will set you free..”. Jesus has already fully accomplished all that ever needed to be done for you and me to be saved. We either receive the gift offered by the gospel or we continue to work feverishly to strike a “deal” with God about our eternal destiny. If that describes you I have bad news. You are in no position to barter with God.

My salvation is complete. My task is to “work out my salvation” now with reverent awe before God and a watching world. At age 64 I am no longer willing to just go through the motions just to appease those who value tradition. I want to be charitable and kind but I am not wearing a suit, even when I die I hope. I love going to worship with the saints each week and meeting other times as well to be encouraged and built up. None of these activities however are done to impress God. He knows me completely and is NOT impressed. But He loves me with a steadfast love that is quite enough for me.

The greatest obstacle to God’s redemptive plan is not the people down at the corner bar or the crowds at the casino, it is the religious crowd. It was true in Bible times and it is true today. Our modern day Pharisees are up to the same schemes to divide and destroy. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day thought they were the only ones doing God’s will. Not much has changed has it? The human condition is common to all ages.

It would be very stupid to have a car in your driveway with plush leather seats, a built in GPS, a top of the line sound system, and the most expensive wheels and tires and NO engine. It would be all show and no go! So, I ask myself what is under the hood of my spiritual life? I don’t want it to be style over substance. I am forsaking the trappings of religion on purpose in pursuit of authentic Christian discipleship.

Royce

Oct 15 2009

Facts and fiction about the grace of God


If you are one of those people who like me read Christian blogs, read, watch, and listen to sermons and Bible lessons, you will agree that there is lots of hubbub on the subject of God’s grace. You don’t need to read, or listen long to realize that many of the voices either extolling the virtues of Grace, or fear its excesses, don’t really understand what it is.

From my teen years as a new believer the pat definition I learned from my teachers was this one. “Grace is God’s unmerited favor toward man“. While that definition is true, it is woefully inadequate. The Bible reminds us mere mortals that every good thing we have comes from the unchanging had of God. (James 1:17) Every despot has experienced the “unmerited favor of God” in that he has the breath of life, food, and shelter. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. (I have thought I must be both, judging from the amount of rain recently in N E Louisiana). Both the best people in your town, and the most vile, alike share at least in part the unmerited favor of God.

A better definition of God’s Grace is this acrostic. God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. This view of Grace, although more narrow, is by far more rich and full. The word “grace” appears in the New Testament alone far more than 100 times, and with very few exceptions, is in the context of this more narrow understanding of what God has done through Christ for men as opposed to what I call “common grace”.

Those of us who teach grace and refute its ugly opposite, legalism, are the targets of the ire of religionists who are themselves threatened by something they don’t understand. That is quite a charge! So you can justly ask, “How do you know that Royce?” I know that because of the charges made and the fears exposed by those charges. The alarmist warnings go along this line of thought.

“You are teaching cheap grace!”

“You believe Christians can live any way they want and still go to heaven.”

“God requires obedience…”.

“There is God’s part and your part in salvation.”

And one of the newest,

“You are teaching universalism.”

All of these spurious charges are born of ignorance or unbelief. The idea that teaching what God has accomplished in Christ for wicked sinners is cheap, a license to sin without penalty, or that Christians should not be obedient to God is hopefully based in ignorance. Otherwise it is simply dishonest.

God’s grace is free, but not “cheap“. It is given to sinful men and women as a free gift but it cost Christ his precious redeeming blood. (Romans 5:15) (1 Peter 1:18,19) As Jesus shared a final meal with his inner circle he gave them bread to eat, representing his body, and wine to drink, representing his blood, and reminded them that his very body and his own life giving blood would be payment for the new covenant. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26) What one works for, or earns, is given by obligation. The justification of the ungodly is not received as something due, but as a free gift. (Romans 6:23)

The idea that somehow those of us who teach free grace believe God has lowered his standards is incredible. The truth is that God raised his standards. Remember the words of Jesus? “You have heard is said…., but I say unto you……” Adultery is no longer only the physical act of sexual intercourse outside the bounds of marriage but the one who lusts is guilty as charged. And, he went on saying, one who hates his brother is guilty of murder. (Matthew 5:28) (Matthew 5:20,21) This level of moral responsibility is hardly an example of God lowering his standards for holiness. What the legalist fails to comprehend is that even though new covenant standards are considerably higher than the old, God now enables and empowers his own to desire to live out his requirements by “nature“.  Not one child ever reaches the ceiling of perfect obedience but every child is looked upon as if he had. (Romans 2:14) (Romans 4) It is because of what God has done and is doing in us that we live out his will before a watching world. (Philippians 2:12,13)

Do I teach grace that sin may abound? What a strange idea! When Paul asked this rhetorical question his answer was “God forbid!” (Romans 6:1,15) Those who have been set free from the slavery of sin by the representative death of Jesus (A dead man is not bound by any law) are those who joyfully surrender to be love slaves of Jesus to do his bidding. The spurious charge that teaching people are saved by grace alone encourages sin is an idea conjured up largely by people who believe they can in some way contribute to their own salvation. The word of God paints a different picture. It says the exact opposite. It is precisely grace that teaches us to say no to unrighteousness and to live upright lives as we wait for Jesus. (Titus 2:11-13)

The lavish love of God demonstrated in the perfect living, sacrificial and substitutionary dying, and triumphant resurrection of Jesus for sinners is the full measure of God’s grace. In the same way that by one man (Adam) sin and death entered into the world, by the obedience of one man (Jesus) many are made righteous. (Romans 5:18,19) Jesus did man’s part by giving to the Father a life of perfect obedience and taking the punishment for sin so that God could justify the ungodly and still himself be just in so doing. (Romans 3:26)

It is certain that God loves you more than you think and likely the expanse of his grace is much larger than you have thought. The complete package of salvation including justification, sanctification, and glorification, are wholly the work of God. Nothing can be done by the will and in the energy of humans to substitute or supplement this great work of redemption designed before the creation of the world.

One of the most clear statements in the Bible about the grace of God in salvation is found in Ephesians 2 verses 4 and  5.

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved.”

Once you see the full impact of this simple statement it is simply astounding! Remember when Jesus visited the tomb of his friend Lazarus? He had been dead and buried long enough that his body was decaying and had a foul odor. He was dead……until……..Jesus cried out “Lazarus come out!” Then “the man who had died came out!” (John 11:42-44) The very one who said “I am the resurrection and the life..” called him out of death to life. Although we were dead spiritually, the Bible is crystal clear that we were “dead”. Just as Jesus made Lazarus live, in the same way he made us to live with Him. A dead man can do nothing to reverse his condition. Only God gives life to the dead and that is my story and it is your story if you have been made a child of God. Nothing can we claim but the love and grace of God. We can only boast in the Lord our God.

May we together grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. We were saved by grace, we stand in grace, and one golden day we will see Jesus face to face by grace and grace alone.

for Jesus,

Royce

Oct 12 2009

The future of Progressive churches of Christ?


Over at Oneinjesus.info, Jay Guin’s blog, there is an ongoing discussion about a post he wrote concerning the future of progressive churches of Christ and ideas about how to have discussions about it. You can read the post and following comments here. I didn’t want to hijack Jay’s comments with a long reply so, this post. My thoughts on the subject….

The first thing that comes to my mind is that it would be a mistake to only continue to think in terms of “church of Christ” boundaries. If the mission of churches is to make Christ known, we begin with heavy limitations on what can be accomplished if Restoration Movement doctrine and history are the boundaries we plan to work in.

Secondly, just looking at what has already happened with “progressive” churches tells us what is possible for the future. Perhaps the most progressive of churches of Christ are Oak Hills in San Antonio. This great church, led for many years by Max Lucado, is reaching thousands for Christ. They have I think five mission churches that they planted and support. The largest coC congregation is Richland Hills Church of Christ on the north side of Ft Worth. Here you can see what drives them and has driven them to where they are today by reading their mission statement. I doubt that any Christian would disagree. About nine years ago a church of Christ preacher named Toby Slough had a vision of a church that would reach thousands for Christ in the DFW metroplex. He resigned his pulpit job and with a few friends who caught his vision they began Crosstimbers Church with the first meetings at a dude ranch. You can read about them on their “about us” section of their website. They now have three locations and are reaching thousands with the saving message of the good news about Jesus. These are only three of scores of churches with Restoration Movement roots that have decided to make the gospel more important than anything else, even their heritage.

Francis Chan is a Calvinist who planted the Cornerstone Church in Southern California. They have also planted three other churches and a Christian school. They are touching their communities in tangible ways and leading people to Christ and discipleship. If you go to their website and click on “Communities” tab and then on “Purpose” you will see the heart of who they are. Matt Chandler, a Reformed Baptist, leads the Highland Village Church in North Texas. Every Sunday thousands gather to hear solid Bible teaching and to experience spirited worship at three locations. Lives are being transformed by the hundreds by the saving message of Jesus.

I could go on and on naming Southern Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, Bible Churches, Assembly of God, Christian, community Churches and the list is endless. I have pointed out a few churches that I have some personal knowledge of. These churches are as diverse as the listings of churches in the Yellow Pages in a large city. They represent a wide variety of views on theology and doctrine, and they also represent a variety of mission models. However, the thing that is common to them all is that they make much of Jesus. They keep first things first!

Any church where the pure truth about what God has accomplished in Jesus for sinners is not in competition with tradition, worship style, or some other hobby horse, is likely to grow as helpless and broken people find new life in Christ. Sadly, in far too many churches of Christ announcing the number of the invitation song in advance is just as important as what the preacher says from the word of God. Paul said the gospel is of first importance! The name “church of Christ” might be important but if it is as important to you as the gospel you are wrong. The response to the gospel and good works are very, very important but not as important as the gospel.

I promise you this. If your church’s history, a cappella singing, doing the Lord’s Supper a certain way, or anything else competes for first place on your list of priorities you are in trouble. Every church that faithfully keeps Jesus at the center of their teaching, worship, and work will reach those for whom Christ died. Those who don’t keep Him at the center will go through the motions each week and eventually die. Many are dead already and just don’t know it.

There is nothing sinful about having doctrinal distinctions. That is why there are so many different kinds of churches. It is sinful to allow those less important distinctives to put a damper on the saving message of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and what that means to sinners and saints alike. Those churches, no matter the brand, who do not keep Christ at the center will become less and less irrelevant and a minor irritation for those who do.

I sincerely wish that all of us who name Jesus as Lord would share the attitude of Paul the Apostle who rejoiced when Christ was preached without regard to the man or the motive. The fact that Christ is being made known should make joy rise in our hearts.