This morning while spending my daily time with cows, I wanted to listen to and sing along with some hymns. I had already played to the CD to which I normally listen. I asked Bev to turn the radio to a local conservative radio station. I assumed that they would have hymns and familiar worship music playing on Sunday morning. I was correct in my assumption. They were playing a praise and worship program from Moody Bible Institute.
I normally don't listen to "christian radio". The cows prefer either sports talk (ESPN Radio) or Country music. While I enjoyed the hymns and the worship songs, the longer I listened the more upset I became. The theology or more correctly the source of the theology was pure humanism.
Moody Bible Institute prides itself in their adherence to the Word of God. In fact their website has the following quote: "Our Doctrinal Statement expresses our beliefs about God and His Word. The Word of God—the Bible—is the basis for all of our beliefs."
What upset me was the way the Bible was used to further different speaker's agendas. For instance...one announcer was talking about grace...what it was and what it wasn't. He then went on to quote Paul from Philippians 1. ...He who by grace began a good work in you will by grace be able to complete it... The problem is that Paul never penned the words "by grace" in this scripture - they are not in this scripture at all.
While adding the words "by grace" does not violate the the Biblical concept of grace, it is blatantly false to say that Paul mentioned grace in these words. Why would a preacher add words to a specific scripture? I think it reveals a deep flaw.
Moody claims that the Bible is the basis of all their beliefs. While that sounds noble, I question the veracity of that statement. When one adds to/distorts the words of scripture, it indicates the source of one's theology. When we form our theology on the basis of human reasoning, we will turn to the Bible to validate our humanistic thinking.
In other words - instead of allow the truth of the scriptures to shape us and our theology, instead of understanding that truth does not begin with us but with God, we become the source of truth and use the scripture validate our self-centered thinking. Deep within our psyche, we are god and therefore the scripture must submit to us.
At the most basic level, this is the greatest of all deceptions. Paul speaks of "the man of sin" who exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped so that he sits as God in the temple of God showing himself that he is God.
The behavior/teaching of the person on the radio exhibits this "sitting in the place of God" fully. He was promoting his teaching on grace, misusing the scriptures to prove a point.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
addiction
I haven't blogged much lately. It's not that I haven't been seeing and observing things, it's just that we are in a busy transition time right now. My time spent with the cows affords much time for reflection and hearing the voice of the Father.
Anyway...I have been thinking about the most powerful addiction that derails people, especially leaders. It is not some substance abuse nor is it a sexual addiction. No, it is a great deal more insidious.
The addiction has to do with our desire for power. James and John's mother came to Jesus asking that her sons might sit on either side of Jesus once He achieved the desired (from their perspective) place of authority. Jesus addressed their desire for power by explaining that true power comes not from position and grasping for position.
In my years in the church world, I noticed how quickly a bit of position and perceived authority changed people. It is the addiction...the need to retain control...the need to exercise power over others.
I have seen people set free from all sorts of bondage throughout the years. However it is rare to see someone break the addiction to power.
Anyway...I have been thinking about the most powerful addiction that derails people, especially leaders. It is not some substance abuse nor is it a sexual addiction. No, it is a great deal more insidious.
The addiction has to do with our desire for power. James and John's mother came to Jesus asking that her sons might sit on either side of Jesus once He achieved the desired (from their perspective) place of authority. Jesus addressed their desire for power by explaining that true power comes not from position and grasping for position.
In my years in the church world, I noticed how quickly a bit of position and perceived authority changed people. It is the addiction...the need to retain control...the need to exercise power over others.
I have seen people set free from all sorts of bondage throughout the years. However it is rare to see someone break the addiction to power.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
the measure of a life
I got the call at a little before 3:30 AM last Sunday. My dad had breathed his last. My mom held his hand during those last moments. It was just the way she wanted it. The past 16 months were difficult, an emotional roller coaster ride as he battled with cancer.
It was on January 6, 1930 that a little red headed boy entered the world. For him, life proved difficult. He lost four family members within the first six years of life. The most crushing blow was the farm accident on a warm July afternoon the killed his father and fatally injured his older brother. He watched his father breath his last as he succumbed to his injuries that afternoon. His brother passed away on the day of his father's funeral. And so he grew up with a mother and two older sisters. Those events shaped him deeply, both positively and negatively.
He was a man of small stature, standing only 5-1. Yet he was a man of great stature as long as the orphan issues did not surface. Those issues were evident until the very end. On the other hand, the greatness of the man was evident even after the end.
His veiwing and funeral services were a testament to him being a man of great stature. The six and a half hours it took for the veiwing on Tuesday spoke of the caliber of life he lived. I heard stories about him that I had never known, things he had done for people that no one knew save himself and the person he touched. People came from all over the country to wait for several hours to pay their last respect.
He was a bit of a rebel, often thinking and acting outside the accepted norm for the conservative church world in which he lived. He was a visionary, trying new things that others refused to try. He succeeded in the business world against all odds. Yet the overriding theme in the stories I heard had nothing to do with any of these things. The stories had to do with personal touch, acceptance, and love.
I watched grown men weep as they stood by his casket. He was like a brother...he was like a father...he was always my favorite uncle..
The measure of a life can be seen, not in the things we accumulate or in the success we may have. No, it is found in the realm of the heart, in the life of men and women that experienced a bit of God's character through the attitudes and actions of a flawed man.
It was on January 6, 1930 that a little red headed boy entered the world. For him, life proved difficult. He lost four family members within the first six years of life. The most crushing blow was the farm accident on a warm July afternoon the killed his father and fatally injured his older brother. He watched his father breath his last as he succumbed to his injuries that afternoon. His brother passed away on the day of his father's funeral. And so he grew up with a mother and two older sisters. Those events shaped him deeply, both positively and negatively.
He was a man of small stature, standing only 5-1. Yet he was a man of great stature as long as the orphan issues did not surface. Those issues were evident until the very end. On the other hand, the greatness of the man was evident even after the end.
His veiwing and funeral services were a testament to him being a man of great stature. The six and a half hours it took for the veiwing on Tuesday spoke of the caliber of life he lived. I heard stories about him that I had never known, things he had done for people that no one knew save himself and the person he touched. People came from all over the country to wait for several hours to pay their last respect.
He was a bit of a rebel, often thinking and acting outside the accepted norm for the conservative church world in which he lived. He was a visionary, trying new things that others refused to try. He succeeded in the business world against all odds. Yet the overriding theme in the stories I heard had nothing to do with any of these things. The stories had to do with personal touch, acceptance, and love.
I watched grown men weep as they stood by his casket. He was like a brother...he was like a father...he was always my favorite uncle..
The measure of a life can be seen, not in the things we accumulate or in the success we may have. No, it is found in the realm of the heart, in the life of men and women that experienced a bit of God's character through the attitudes and actions of a flawed man.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
you're not crazy
As I talk with those who have chosen to enter the Kingdom of God, one reoccurring question invariably arises. "Am I going crazy?"
The problem with God is that He contradicts so much of our conventional wisdom. The greatest battle is never between Satan and the believer. No, the greatest of all battles rages between the believer and God. "There is a way that seems right to man" - words from the writer of Proverbs. Yet that way completely contradicts the way of God; it leads to death. Jesus wrestled with the Father in his most deep moment - "let this cup pass from me".
When one enters the realm of God, suddenly the pillars of so many of our beliefs are clearly seen for what they are - "There is a way that seems right to man". To somehow reject those foundational teachings that have been given to us feels like blasphemy. Yet in the kingdom of God, the source of those teachings becomes clear.
The resulting inner wrestling leaves us with the question - "Am I crazy?"
To the saint who has entered the Kingdom of God - I want to reassure you. You are not crazy!
The problem with God is that He contradicts so much of our conventional wisdom. The greatest battle is never between Satan and the believer. No, the greatest of all battles rages between the believer and God. "There is a way that seems right to man" - words from the writer of Proverbs. Yet that way completely contradicts the way of God; it leads to death. Jesus wrestled with the Father in his most deep moment - "let this cup pass from me".
When one enters the realm of God, suddenly the pillars of so many of our beliefs are clearly seen for what they are - "There is a way that seems right to man". To somehow reject those foundational teachings that have been given to us feels like blasphemy. Yet in the kingdom of God, the source of those teachings becomes clear.
The resulting inner wrestling leaves us with the question - "Am I crazy?"
To the saint who has entered the Kingdom of God - I want to reassure you. You are not crazy!
Monday, September 3, 2012
do you think your way is right?
In the past week, several things stirred my "thinker". Sarah, our youngest daughter, informed Bev that she was voted a captain this year for the Grove City College women's soccer team. This has been a tough year for her. In April during spring practice season, while on a fast break toward the goal, her knee suddenly collapsed. Medical examination confirmed her worst fear - she suffered a torn ACL. Her goal is to be able to play in at least one game in this her senior season.
In spite of her inability to be on the field, her teammates voted her as a captain this season. Her leadership capabilities caused me to reflect on our children. They are all young adults. All exhibit a great deal of leadership abilities.
The second thing that stirred my thought process was a comment by a politician. "Leaders do not follow polls, leaders change polls." The truth of this comment is reflected in the lives of the kids. Each one of them changes the atmosphere in their sphere. (This was true of Jesus as well. Since Christ should be formed in us, it makes sense that we have the same impact on those around us as He did).
As I pondered the children's leadership gifts, words from the past echoed in my mind. Frequently people would ask us for parenting advice. Perhaps more accurately, people asked us to affirm what they were doing even if their parenting was a dismal failure. More than once when disagreeing with our advice, parents would pose the following question - so do you think that your way is right? (What a stupid question! Uh...no I am sure I am doing the wrong thing with my kids but I am going to do the wrong thing anyway. Duh!)
I never saw it as parenting my way. We simply looked at the Bible and put into practice the wise counsel we discovered in its pages. I have discovered that in the issues of life, the truth found in the scriptures always works when applied to daily living. It really does not matter whether I agree with the scripture or not. It is not about my way versus another way. It is about God's way.
Do I beleive that my way of parenting was/is right? Absolutely! I like the results!
In spite of her inability to be on the field, her teammates voted her as a captain this season. Her leadership capabilities caused me to reflect on our children. They are all young adults. All exhibit a great deal of leadership abilities.
The second thing that stirred my thought process was a comment by a politician. "Leaders do not follow polls, leaders change polls." The truth of this comment is reflected in the lives of the kids. Each one of them changes the atmosphere in their sphere. (This was true of Jesus as well. Since Christ should be formed in us, it makes sense that we have the same impact on those around us as He did).
As I pondered the children's leadership gifts, words from the past echoed in my mind. Frequently people would ask us for parenting advice. Perhaps more accurately, people asked us to affirm what they were doing even if their parenting was a dismal failure. More than once when disagreeing with our advice, parents would pose the following question - so do you think that your way is right? (What a stupid question! Uh...no I am sure I am doing the wrong thing with my kids but I am going to do the wrong thing anyway. Duh!)
I never saw it as parenting my way. We simply looked at the Bible and put into practice the wise counsel we discovered in its pages. I have discovered that in the issues of life, the truth found in the scriptures always works when applied to daily living. It really does not matter whether I agree with the scripture or not. It is not about my way versus another way. It is about God's way.
Do I beleive that my way of parenting was/is right? Absolutely! I like the results!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
disillusionment
Since being out of the "church bubble", I have begun to see some things clearly. What I see is the source of much disillusionment in me. My business puts me in contact with people from many walks of life. Unlike when I was pastoring a church, I usually see the "real person". When a pastor, people usually related to me in a manner that they hoped would impress me with their spirituality.
Now it is different; herein lies that disillusionment. People have no need to attempt to appear spiritual in my presence. Unfortunately I see very little evidence of transformation in the lives of those who would call themselves "Christians". In fact I recently remarked to Beverly that it is frequently easier to deal with the pagans than the "Christians".
Jesus complimented Nathaniel as a man "in whom is no guile". There was no deceit in Nathaniel. What you saw was what was. Far to many Christians I meet are full of guile. They may be able to quote scripture or to recite their many activities in their church. Yet they are some of the most difficult persons with which to do business.
For me, there is not much that is more offensive than people who hide their self-centered sinfulness behind a verneer of religiousity.
Now it is different; herein lies that disillusionment. People have no need to attempt to appear spiritual in my presence. Unfortunately I see very little evidence of transformation in the lives of those who would call themselves "Christians". In fact I recently remarked to Beverly that it is frequently easier to deal with the pagans than the "Christians".
Jesus complimented Nathaniel as a man "in whom is no guile". There was no deceit in Nathaniel. What you saw was what was. Far to many Christians I meet are full of guile. They may be able to quote scripture or to recite their many activities in their church. Yet they are some of the most difficult persons with which to do business.
For me, there is not much that is more offensive than people who hide their self-centered sinfulness behind a verneer of religiousity.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
wedding surpise
Yesterday was Becca's wedding. Her story is one of redemption, of healing, of the reality of the gospel. As her uncle, I rejoiced with her in the joy of her story.
I must admit that I was not particularly excited about the thought of sitting through the monotonous recital of platitudes that are a staple of a conservative Mennonite wedding. I scanned the program quickly to see if I could get a sense of the length of the service. It was the usual. One preacher gave opening remarks. One had a devotional; another had a meditation.
As the service started, I was relieved when the first two speakers were relatively painless. However, the biggie is the meditation. I had heard of Abner although I never heard him speak. The only thing I knew about him was that many years ago he started a very conservative, strict church.
Abner started speaking and almost immediately I was captured by his words. They were truth that resonated deep in my spirit. He quickly drew me into the scriptures and his story. Truly Christ has been formed in this man. Half an hour passed quickly.
At the reception I sat across the table from my Dad. I mentioned Abner's words and the fact that his preaching was worth the price of admission. I also mentioned that I was a bit surprised. I know what kind of people attend the church he started. My dad laughed a bit and then said, "Abner is no longer in that church...they kicked him out for being too radical!"
Kicked him out for being too radical - those words have been bouncing around in my mind ever since. It was not "they kicked him out for heresy" or "they kicked him out for some sin". No...they kicked him out for being too radical.
And so it is with those whose heart has been transformed by the formation of Christ. They frequently are too radical for the confines of what we call church. Jesus was too radical for the religious establishment of his day. Stuffy religious folk with a vested interest in seeing the preservation of their religious systems still kick Jesus out of their midst. He is too dangerous to tolerate.
I must admit that I was not particularly excited about the thought of sitting through the monotonous recital of platitudes that are a staple of a conservative Mennonite wedding. I scanned the program quickly to see if I could get a sense of the length of the service. It was the usual. One preacher gave opening remarks. One had a devotional; another had a meditation.
As the service started, I was relieved when the first two speakers were relatively painless. However, the biggie is the meditation. I had heard of Abner although I never heard him speak. The only thing I knew about him was that many years ago he started a very conservative, strict church.
Abner started speaking and almost immediately I was captured by his words. They were truth that resonated deep in my spirit. He quickly drew me into the scriptures and his story. Truly Christ has been formed in this man. Half an hour passed quickly.
At the reception I sat across the table from my Dad. I mentioned Abner's words and the fact that his preaching was worth the price of admission. I also mentioned that I was a bit surprised. I know what kind of people attend the church he started. My dad laughed a bit and then said, "Abner is no longer in that church...they kicked him out for being too radical!"
Kicked him out for being too radical - those words have been bouncing around in my mind ever since. It was not "they kicked him out for heresy" or "they kicked him out for some sin". No...they kicked him out for being too radical.
And so it is with those whose heart has been transformed by the formation of Christ. They frequently are too radical for the confines of what we call church. Jesus was too radical for the religious establishment of his day. Stuffy religious folk with a vested interest in seeing the preservation of their religious systems still kick Jesus out of their midst. He is too dangerous to tolerate.
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