The Reign of Christ

The Reign of Christ

This past Sunday, the last before Advent, is celebrated in many mainline denominations as the “Reign of Christ”.  There is a theme repeated throughout the scripture readings assigned for the day which speaks of “witness” – both what it means to be a faithful witness and the implication of that kind of integrity and commitment (or lack thereof) for the society around us.

As one might expect on this so-named feast day, Jesus is held up as the perfect example of a faithful witness. In John 18:37, as he is interrogated by Pilate about his status, Jesus responds, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth, listens to my voice.”  Jesus bears witness to God’s plan and purpose.  Pilate, on the other hand, represents a defiant and self-centered worldview that has held sway throughout the ages. His response, “What is truth?” is still employed by non-believers to deflect discussion and challenge of their position. Both of these are witnesses, but to opposing and mutually exclusive realities.

What might be the implication of our acceptance of one or other of these philosophies?  Pilate’s viewpoint is marked by falsehood and bondage to the societal and personal sin of the day…a promise of oppression and ultimately death.  In it, there is no truth and no hope, only immediate gratification.  As he washes his hands of responsibility for Jesus’ death sentence (Mat.27:25), Pilate stands as an icon of a self-centered and hedonistic world-view, that is actually held by many even in today’s world.  Jesus, however, as a demonstration of God’s love and ultimate purposes for His creation, offers a vision of truth, grace and peace…both in this present day and for eternity.  Which will you choose?  Which will reign in your life?

Bad Things & God's Will

Acts 24-26.... We assume that "bad" things which happen to us are not in God's will. For instance, consider the case of Paul who was sentenced unjustly to prison for two years. We might affirm that this was "bad" and served no purpose except to make him suffer even when he was innocent. We might also assume that Paul's decision to appeal to Caesar was a random mistake that resulted in even more suffering. We would be wrong in both instances!

Why? Because God had both a plan and a purpose in these things - a role for Paul to fulfill that would bring the Gospel of hope to thousands of people...a task that might never have been completed had neither of these so called "bad" events happened to him.

We must, I believe, be asking ourselves two questions whenever we find ourselves in the kinds of situations that we would normally judge to be bad. The first is, "What do I believe might be God's purpose for me in the midst of or as a result of this situation?" Secondly, we should be intentionally looking for ways in which God can be glorified in the way I respond to the trouble I find myself in.

If Paul's behavior is any indication, he continually asked both of these throughout his years of imprisonment. Nothing is hopeless when God is present or when we are operating in the midst of his will and purposes.
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Restoration

Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus happened the week before his crucifixion. It is one of the last recorded events of his ministry. In it is revealed essential characteristics of God and the manner in which He relates to believers.

First, Jesus approaches the lost. Zacchaeus was looking on and Jesus intentionally engaged him, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. He knew Zacchaeus' name, just as he knows each of ours. There was a sense of urgency. This encounter and the conversion it produced had to be completed in order for God's purposes to be fulfilled in this man's life.
Secondly, society's norms and moral code are transcended by Jesus. Zacchaeus was an outcast. He was completely restored to his intended place as a "son of Abraham" by the grace of Jesus. Jesus came to save the lost.

The restoration isn't a "me and Jesus" thing. It has Zacchaeus' whole household...his family and his servants, who, in that moment of restoration, were also saved.

Jesus is not a minder of status or looks. Zacchaeus stature and position were of no consequence to God, just as ours make no difference today. Jesus rejected the standards of the world and created a new order of things in which the least, lost and broken were given the place of primacy.

Finally, Jesus mere presence in Zacchaeus house was sufficient to encourage him to repent and seek to pursue reparation for those he had harmed. Jesus didn't admonish him or condemn him. He simply loved him. Jesus expected and welcomed Zacchaeus' confession, but didn't demand it as a prerequisite to his fellowship and blessing. How different and refreshingm
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Watchman

Even though there are many awesome commissioning scripture passages, I have often thought that Ezekiel 33 should be read at all ordinations. I have a pastor friend whose whole ministry seems to be guided by this scripture. Some think him harsh and pushy, but I know that his heart is like that of God. “As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that he turn from his ways and live.” (Ezekiel 33:21)

My friend also takes his calling as a watchman very seriously. God said, “If I say to the wicked, O wicked one you shall surly die, and you do not speak to warn him to turn from his wicked ways, and that wicked person die in his iniquity, his blood I shall require at your hand.” (Ezekiel 33:8)  The watchman is responsible and subject to judgement for abrogating his responsibility to warn the sinner. That is why my brother in Christ seems almost desperate at times to speak out, even though it means he will be vilified for his faithfulness.
  

Perhaps some of the rest of us also need to take a page from this book and take our responsibility as watchmen much more seriously, rather than trying so hard to fit in with our fallen society.

Opposites

It was hard the other evening reading Ezekiel 20 alongside Psalm111. The contrast between man's defiant disobedience and God's loving faithfulness was almost too much to bear. The Lord's holiness and mercy stands in direct opposition to Israel's flagrant disregard for the Law. It is no wonder that God became angry!

But what of today? Are we really any different after these thousands of years of religious experience. Jesus has blessed us beyond measure...sacrificial love on a scale that we have a hard time even imagining. Yet, we...like our rebellious forefathers, steadfastly refuse to keep the Sabbath holy. We literally "profane" the Sabbath (20:21), rejecting God's rules, refusing to walk in his statutes and hoard rather than "caste away the detestable things our eyes feast on" (20:7) We still defile ourselves with idols, albeit modern versions, but idols just the same.

Then we expect God to bless us... expect, even after we have rejected the sacrifice of his son, to be welcomed into the kingdom at our death...because we were a "good person". We expect to be offered a second chance of salvation, regardless of how we behaved...and abuse anyone who might even suggest otherwise. How arrogant?

Lord, let this not be me. Have you way in my life. I pray to be constantly reminded of just how blessed I am and encouraged day by day to walk in righteousness and holiness before you...Amen
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More on Integrity

(Rev.3-4) I think that many, if not most, of what we call the "mainline" church today are bound by the sin of indifference. You might even call it laziness. We just don't behave as if our faith is important enough to inform and impact every aspect of our lives...and in doing so, relegate Jesus to the sphere of "nice to have when we need him"

Lest we think that this is a new phenomena, one has only to look at the letters to the churches in Revelation chapter 3. The churches in Sardis and Laodicea treated Jesus with contempt. In one, Sardis, it was covered well. Jesus said, "you have the reputation of being alive, but are dead!".(1) They were essentially playing at church without any commitment to the faith that was supposed to support and uphold it. There was a remnant, but even that was at risk unless there were some drastic changes.
There are many churches in our own society, like Sardis, just going through the motions. Jesus said, "Remember, then, what you received and heard. Keep it and repent. If you will not wake up, I will come like a thief and you will not know what hour I will come against you." (3)

The second church, Laodicea, is also luke-warm, but in a lot worse shape. Jesus describes them as, "wretched, pitiable, poor, blind and naked" (17) And this is a church community! He said, "I know your works: you are neither hot nor cold. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are luke-warm, and neither hot not cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.

Folks, here is a church community desperate to straddle the fence between the world and faith...desiring to belong in both, and committing to neither. Unfortunately, this is also an accurate description of many groups of Christian believers today. The message here is plain. It can't be explained away as a first century cultural thing. Lukewarm faith will result in expulsion from the kingdom...full stop!

All is not lost, though. It never is. With Jesus there is always an avenue of redemption and restoration. God is still calling these churches to repentance. He is still willing to restore them to full fellowship. There is a narrow window of opportunity which will indeed slam closed without warning...but for the moment remains open. God is inviting us in the same way to examine our journey of faith...and to see of we are lukewarm, just playing at it...and if so, to repent and return. "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears and opens, I will come in..."(20). Why not consider doing just that today?
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Light and Darkness

I was reading in 1John1 and observed that the writer is very big on integrity. He believes that authentic faith must be observable. Just saying that we believe doesn't make it so. The committed believer must also seek to move physically and emotionally, as well as spiritually, out of the pit of darkness and into the light.

(1John 1:6-7) "If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth." In short, our life is a lie. If we in our arrogance go even farther and claim that what the Lord calls sin is not sin at all, not only are we lying to ourselves, we are...by our word and actions, accusing Jesus of lying! In effect, we are de-throning him in our lives and demonstrating that our declaration of faith is a sham.

However, and I love the "howevers" in the Scripture, when we are intentional about confessing our unrighteousness and choosing to walk instead in the light, pursuing that which is holy and true..then we are brought into intimate fellowship with God and with each other. Our faith is authenticated...and we are cleansed from our sin! TBTG!


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As I Have Loved You

"If then I your Lord and Teacher have washed your feet...you aught to wash one anothers' feet." (John 13:14) "A new commandment I give you...love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34)

Sometimes I wonder just how many believers actually get this? "As I have loved you". The other night in small group we were talking about forgiving and releasing those who have hurt us...and how difficult that can be. I believe that the greatest struggle lies not in the actual act of forgiveness, but in realizing and understanding the enormity of what has been done for us on the cross by Jesus.

"As I have loved you"...the "as" is sacrifice, the giving of life for the sake of others. The ability to truly forgive others, the power to release the anger, frustration, and pain, is only made possible after we have accepted the gift Jesus has given us. For, it is out of a place of personal redemption, when we know that we have been forgiven for our own sin, that we can risk forgiving and blessing others.

"There, but for the grace of God go I" I have been removed from the place of being a perpetrator of suffering and pain by the grace and mercy of God. The space between victim and abuser is very narrow, as is the space between condemnation and forgiveness. Sometimes, all it takes is an act of grace-filled courage on my part to bring my abuser into the place of redemption and restoration.


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Commitment

Yesterday while on the way down the trail from a 22km hike into the mountains, we came upon a 40 something man pulling a modified golf cart loaded with two days worth of camping gear and supplies, followed by his 80 year old mother. They asked how far it was to Red Heather Hut and Elfin Lakes. When told the distances they both remarked, "No Problem"! I am sorry now that I didn't get their picture.

Thinking about that encounter this morning I was struck by the level of commitment and love this man showed for his mother, and wondered how many of us would show this kind of love for another? While it pales in comparison, it is a good human representation of the love Jesus demonstrated for each of us when he went to the cross on our behalf. The man was literally punishing his body in order to give his mother a couple of days in the most beautiful place in the world.

Do you love like this? Have you taken Jesus love seriously and payed it forward? Such devotion is beyond earthy reason and reveals a heavenly mindset!
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The Glory of Man

Yesterday I spoke of the presumption of humanity to think that we can create and sustain without reference to God. In this morning's reading from John 12, we see the result of this defiant independence. Once enjoyed, and it is indeed pleasurable at first blush...and exercised to worldly profit, godless independence needs to be maintained at all costs. Why? Because it is addictive.
In John 12, the Pharisees have fallen completely from grace. They are plotting to murder, not only Jesus, but one who has already been resurrected...in a vain attempt to maintain their power and influence over the people. (12:10-11) "So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.". Resurrection is indeed a powerful witness! (17) "The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus forth from the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to bear witness.

However, such is the satanic influence in the fallen, that even the knowing leadership would deny the truth in order to be maintained in their positions of power. (42) "Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue...for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God."

As I walked uphill alongside a Rwandan Archdeacon one day, he told me a tale about an evil which created an environment in which the genocide could happen. He said that many, even among the church leadership, were more afraid of each other...and the loss of their portions of influence, than they were of God. They had exchanged the glory of God for the influence of man. Over a million died as a result.

We think that this could never happen in our so-called civilized society. Bosnia and Rwanda were both "civilized" jewels. Look around you. This very evil and the sin which encourages it is among us...barely hidden beneath the surface of respectability. History repeats itself, and godlessness always bears the fruit of destruction. There, but for the grace of God, go we!
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Nothing Has Changed

As I was reading through the first couple of chapters of Jeremiah this morning, I was struck by the fact that realization that nothing has changed in the heart of man in many thousand years. The same sin, same broken relationship with the Creator is present in today's world as it was in Jeremiah's.

(Jeremiah 2:11)..."but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit...(13) For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

We are a presumptuous lot! We think that we can do things better than God, provide for ourselves without any reference or recognition of where our life comes from or is sustained. The cistern is a metaphor for our much less than perfect presumption. We only think that we have the skill and power to create and maintain that which is necessary to sustain life.

However, our "cisterns" will not even hold water...stale and rancid water, never mind that which is "living!" We have literally exchanged that glory of God which has been offered freely to us, for that which is less than useless...all because we do not want to accept our dependence upon His perfect will and purposes for our lives. Will we ever learn?
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The Root of Bitterness

 Hebrews 21:14-16 (NIV) “Make every effort to live at peace with all men and to be holy, because without holiness, no one will see the Lord.  And see to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”

Paul uses extreme language in the Hebrews passage.  He doesn’t say if it’s convenient for you, or if you can find the time…or if your feel like it.  He says, “Make every effort to see that no bitter root grow up in your heart.”  Why such extreme language?  He tells us to make every effort because bitterness contaminates everything in our lives.  It can’t be compartmentalized.  It will always find a way to emerge and cause pain, either to you or the people around you.  It changes the way you think, the way you make decisions about everything. Bitterness does not stay isolated to the source or the cause. Unchecked, it spreads into and ultimately every other relationship.

Paul asserts that if we don’t deal with bitterness, it will infect and defile us. It will actually steal away our holiness. If we give it residence it will blind us so that we cannot experience God. We won’t be able to see God at work in our own lives or in others. When bitterness takes hold, it causes us to miss out on the forgiveness of God. When, because we are bound by bitterness, we are unable to experience forgiveness in our own lives, it becomes impossible to forgive others.  It creates insurmountable barriers between us and God, and us and others.

So, the question is how do we kill this root of bitterness? In Ephesians 5:11, Paul says, Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.  The first task is to Bring the Sin of Bitterness into the Light!  Many times, the thing which is the source of our bitterness and pain is hidden well below the surface of our consciousness. When things happen to us… when people hurt us, either on purpose or unintentionally, the most common response is conflict avoidance.

The society around us has made a God out of the “live and let live” philosophy. We have been told that confrontation is evil and even though someone else’s actions may have caused us pain, it is always best seek out the positive and avoid any clash that might inflict similar pain on others.  The problem with that philosophy is that unresolved resentment just gets packed away. It doesn’t dissipate.  It is accumulative and it is a poison which begins not only to eat away at our ability to be in relationship with the person who caused to offense, it begins to breed and infect other relationships. It is like a virus.  Offense is actually the bait of Satan. So, it must…even when it causes further pain, be exposed.

   

Secondly, we are called to Forgive the Debt, to literally cancel the effect of the sin and the sinner's actions upon our lives. This isn’t just something nice to do, or good to do if you can find it within your heart.  It is absolutely necessary to your relationship with God and not only your, but also God’s relationship with the other person.  Your resentment and lack of forgiveness actually keeps them bound to the sin as well as you.  In Matthew 18, Simon Peter asks Jesus how often he must forgive a brother who has offended him.  Seven times seemed like a good boundary between seeking reparation and consignment of the person to hell as a lost cause. 
  
From a human perspective that is a lot of forgiveness. But notice that God has different standards. Matthew 18:22 (Msg) Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven!
God will deal with us in the same way that we behave towards others.  Mat.18:35 (NIV) This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.  We are not asked by God just give lip service to forgiveness. The only way for real forgiveness to happen is from our heart.  That only takes place when I completely give up my claim to revenge and blame…forever.

Thirdly, a good test of whether we are truly free from bitterness is found in our ability to Bless the One who Offended Us. Luke 6:22-23 (NIV), Blessed are you when people hate you,     when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. Here is how we are able to bless our offender.  It comes from a rejoicing and thankful heart… a heart the leaps for joy. 

Not all offense is caused because of our faith. I get that. But, a lot of it is... and the point of what is being said here is that people of faith can expect to be treated badly by the world, and blessed immensely by God. Because we know that ultimately we are under God’s blessing and not the curse of the world or its fallen, we can with a joyful heart bless those who chose to cause us pain and offense. It is a witness to our faith.

In Luke 6:27-28 (NIV), Jesus said, But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. The Greek word we translate as "bless" is "eulogia", the root of the English eulogize. That person with whom we have a root of bitterness may well be a back stabbing hypocrite, a gossip and mean.  They may have totally betrayed you when you trusted and loved them.  Christ, however, is calling you to eulogize them, to literally speak well over them?  How is that even possible?  How do we cancel the debt of a person who is mean to us?  In short, you can’t, at least under your own power.  It’s not in you. It’s not humanly possible.  You do not have the capacity.  Even the best and most holy of us do not have the capacity to forgive someone else.  You can’t fabricate it.

This kind of forgiveness driven blessing can only happen through the grace of God and in the power of the Holy Spirit working in your life. True forgiveness is simply this, extending to someone else that which has been extended freely and unreservedly to you, grace and mercy.  Paul says we are to, Ephesians 4:32 (Msg) Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.  Forgive in the same way that you have been forgiven.  And it is precisely because we have been forgiven in this way that we have the capacity to extend the blessing of complete forgiveness to others. Notice that the writer say that we are to do it quickly, that is hold short accounts, and thoroughly, so that no offense remains.

Finally, my very favourite passage in Paul’s teaching comes from his letter to the Roman church. In Romans 8:1 (NIV), Paul says, There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.  I believe that this verse extends in both directions.  It concerns you and me in as much as we are completely freed from any condemnation because of the blood Jesus shed upon the cross for us. All of our offense and sin is gone, completely eradicated. However, condemnation itself…the act of condemnation is also…or should also be completely eradicated from our person…no longer a part of who we are or how we behave.  As we are totally free from condemnation, no one is to be condemned by us.  

This message was prepared with thanksgiving using an outline created by  

Drooping Hands, Weak Knees

Herein is the state of much of the church in today's broken society. We forget that Jesus, who died for us is the "founder and perfecter of our faith" (Heb. 12:2) and has made us to be adopted as sons and daughters of God. Why do many of us act as if Jesus doesn't exist, or even worse, treat him and his followers with contempt?

But this is not how God intended it to be. We are called upon instead of ignoring God and the faith that he has instilled in you, to "lay aside every weight and sin which clings" (12:1) ...to "make straight pathways for our feet" (12:12)...to "strive for peace and holiness for everyone" (14) and not to allow a "root of bitterness to defile our faith. (15)

This is not a faith of folding hands and complacency, but one that is intentionally pursued with as much tenacity that one can muster. When we do these things we demonstrate to efficacy of our faith and the strength of our conviction. This "living into faith" shows the unbelieving world that our lives have indeed been radically altered by the sacrifice of Jesus and our inclusion as sons and daughters in the kingdom.
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The Indignation of the Lord

"I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me out into the light; I shall look upon his vindication. (Micah 7:9)

Most of us are unwilling to either recognize that sin exists in our lives or accepting the consequences. In this self-sufficient generation, we often display little need for God's presence or redemption. To make matters even worse, redemption from that sin and recovery are not even possible until we come to accept that our disobedience is sin that tears at the very dignity of our Creator...that it has dethroned him in our lives.

It is only when we confess that Jesus acts to restore, as the prophet Micah indicated, pleads for us and brings us out from that place of despair and into the light. Where have you dethroned God? Are you ready to receive his vindication?

"If we say that we are without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just and will forgive our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness". (1John1:9)
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A Voice in the Wilderness

Paul's final summation in his instruction to Timothy has always been a great encouragement to me...to be bold and proclaim the gospel without fear of reprisal. Why? Because there are literally thousands of people within my sphere of influence who will surly die in their sin unless they can receive the blessing of forgiveness and restoration. They will never be able to come to Christ if the message of salvation isn't shown to them.

There is no season...no so-called good time to speak the truth in love. In fact, to not speak it when I know it to be essential to life...is to, by my own inaction, relegate those who might have heard and responded to hell.

There is, however, a challenge. As Paul says in 2Cor.4:3-4, "For the time is coming (in fact is already upon us) when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions...will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths."

In this environment we who have been called to preach the gospel, know a little about how John the Baptist might have felt as a "voice crying in the wilderness". We, like he are trying to prepare the way for Jesus to come into the hearts of the people. It is a spiritual wilderness, empty and void. It does feel at times as if we are talking to ourselves and there is none to hear. None the less, we must speak the word, for the scripture tells us that God's would will never come back empty!

So Lord, I pray that you will give us a holy boldness to speak your truth to the lost and broken in the world around us. Make us courageous and without fear, without concern for our popularity or safety. Father, send your Holy Spirit as Jesus promised in the gospel to lead us in all truth...so that the myths which have captured the hearts of man will be destroyed and only the reality will be made manifest. Amen
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Battle Belongs to the Lord!

So often we who have been called to minister in dark places get to be believing that we need to personally do battle with the forces of evil. That is, we go out looking for a fight, seeking Satan's servants that we might, through the exercise of the spiritual authority we believe God has given us, vanquish evil from our midst. And, by doing so demonstrate to those around us not only that God is great and powerful, but we also.

I was reading this morning in 2Chronicals 20 about king Jehoshephat's conflict with a great and powerful hoard of Moabites and Ammonites. The king's response to this impending attack is to pray, not fight! Jehoshephat's first act is to turn to Yahweh, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on You" (20:12)

His example to the assembly (read leaders) caused them to pray also, and their obedience encourage the whole nation to do likewise. "All Judah with their little ones, wives and children, stood before the Lord." (20:13) God spoke through the prophet Jahaziel (surprise, surprise!) And said, "Do not be afraid...Do not be dismayed...for the battle is not your, but God's" (20:15) "You do not need to fight this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf". (20:17) Yahweh moved mightily that day to defeat a great army, and not one weapon of Judah was raised!

How often do we create destruction for ourselves and others when we presume to do battle that belongs to the Lord? What do you think might happen in our small community if the leadership, both religious and secular...instead of arming ourselves and wading into the fray, were to come before the Lord in prayer and song, accepting that the battle is already won and giving thanks for God's great mercy? ". Who knows what we might see?

"Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever" (20:21). Do you believe it?
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Taken Captive

Here is a question worthy of attention. Can committed Christian believers be taken captive by the forces of evil? The short answer is, yes they can. That is what Paul teaches in The second and third chapters of his letter to the Colossian church. It happens when we do not literally and intentionally "put off the body of flesh."

The question is, how? The way of the world is to be dependent on things that we can manipulate and control...touch, feel and perceive with our sin-limited intellect. All of these are human constructs opposed to those things which Paul identifies in 2:2 as "according to Christ".

He lists 4 things to which we, in our brokenness often default. They are: 1. "philosophy"...or that which we believe we can figure out by observing the past exploits of humanity; 2. "empty deceit", or that which we chose to believe because it is easy or convenient and we are too lazy to do the work necessary to determine its truth or efficacy; 3. "human tradition...or automatic compliance...that which we have "always done" and are too lazy to assess because we just don't want to change; 4. "according to the elemental spirits of the world", which is just a long winded way of identifying behaviour that is carried out in willing and intentional obedience to the demonic.

I have deliberately used the word "lazy" twice because I believe that this is the primary cause of captivity to sin. We humans search for and willingly take the path of least resistance, least effort,most "safe", and that which we believe will bring the greatest immediate satisfaction. All of these are deliberate traps set by the servants of Satan designed to capture and hold people in bondage to sin.

The frightening part is that this phenomena is common in religious communities. Paul describes it as "self-made religion and asceticism" or "indulgence of the flesh". However, it doesn't need to be that way. When Christ died on the cross for our sins, the power of self-indulgence, the power of demonic rulers and authorities, of human based philosophy and human tradition were destroyed.

Notice that I said "the power of". These things still exist as temptations and destinations of our sin, but according to the scripture, they no longer have the ultimate power to take and hold us captive. For those of us who choose instead to "abide" in Christ, the sacrifice of Jesus has provided us the power to triumph over the sin and death that those things brought . We cannot be held in bondage. Alleluia!

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Whatever is Commendable

I wonder how many believers would have the courage to ask that others look at their lives and act likewise? This is exactly what the apostle Paul does as he closes his letter to the Philippian church. "Whatever you have learned and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." (Phil.4:9)

This isn't arrogance, but confidence in God's redeeming transformation and forgiveness. The use of the word that we translate in English as "whatever" presumes that there were and perhaps still are things in Paul's life that are not commendable. The way of the world would be to define Paul by these things, by his sin and failure.

However, the way of faith is exactly the opposite. Sin and failure is confessed as it comes to light and redeemed by the cross. The life of the redeemed should defined by those areas that reveal God at work in us. Paul outlines them for us, "Whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise." (Phil.4:8)

We are all works in progress, being remade in the image of Christ. That in us which is commendable to others is only what has been revealed and changed by the redeeming love of our Saviour. So, Paul can say with confidence, "...practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."
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Unity Through Humility

It may seem to those of you who have been following my posts that I am obsessed with the unity of the church. I am, and unashamedly so. I have come in these last few months to realize that the survival of the church, and particularly the Anglican family of the church in North America, is utterly dependent upon unity. Divided, we will continue to fail and fall.

In Phil.2:20-21, Paul speaks about the state of the Christian community in his day, but he could well be speaking to faithful Anglicans today. He commends Timothy, but says of some of the others, "For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ." We often couch our continued separation in "spiritual" statements about vision and calling that are, in reality, little more than thinly veiled excuses for the personal retention of power and control of our environment.

How do I know this? Because that was me. As the leader of our small Anglican group, I was...for many years, desperate not to submit myself or in any way be subject to those who in past relationships had caused me pain. My lips declared the need to maintain our distinctive mission focus...that I said others were not pursuing, but it was really just an excuse for not seeking reconciliation and rapprochement. It was and is a sin for which I have begged the Lord for forgiveness.

Reconciliation is both messy and risky. It requires that I make myself vulnerable to the others, trusting that Jesus will see to my needs as His process and purposes are fulfilled. It is self-sacrificial act requiring a huge measure of humility. Paul outlines God's process for reconciliation. It contains these elements: "encouragement in Christ, comfort in love and participation in the Spirit." (Phil.2:1). We are to take encouragement not from ourselves, but Jesus. Our "comfort" is to come from love for others, not devices and desires of our own hearts (BCP Confession)...and we are called to participate (with the others) in the work of the Holy Spirit.

These can only be fulfilled when we have, "the same love", that is hearts joined together..."full accord", which means not separate, but along-side and completely agreeing, and of "one mind"...that is an identical vision and purpose. (2:2) None of these can be fulfilled when we insist on protecting our own ideas of how the church should be.

It can only be accomplished when we, "do nothing out of rivalry or conceit.". That means not considering my way the best way. We are also to, in "humility count others more significant" than ourselves, (2:3) all of which is only possible when we have the "mind of Christ" (2:5) Having the mind of Christ means, even though I may have position, power and authority...I become a "servant to the point of death" (2:8) and let The Father decide who and what vision is to be exalted.

My brothers as sisters, I beg you for the sake of the gospel and the body of faithful Anglican believers, to be reconciled with each other as you have been reconciled to God.
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Love or Rivalry

I was reading this morning in the first chapter of Philippians and reflecting on the current state of our Anglican brotherhood and the many broken relationships that result in or even cause the kind of rivalry and pretense of which Paul is speaking. In some respect, we are all guilty of this presumption that our way or our perspective is best. Fear of loosing control binds us and prevents the church from fulfilling God's purposes for us. Our witness is hampered by this brokenness and lack of unity. Lord forgive us.

However...and I am glad there is a however...thanks be to God, our sin cannot prevent the gospel from being heard! "Whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice." (Phil.1:18)

I wonder, though, just how much more powerful our witness would be if we could shed the pretense and walk in unity and righteousness before him? Is the "manner of our lives worthy of the gospel of Christ"? (1:27). Are we "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel"? No we are not. How that grieves the heart of God.

My brothers and sisters, I pray with Paul this intercession for the church that, "love may abound more and more...that we will approve what is excellent and be so pure and blameless...filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.". (1:11)


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Unity of the Church

As we approach next week's ACNA Provincial Assembly, let us pray for unity. In John 17:20-21, Jesus said, "I do not pray for these only, (the Apostles) but also for those who will come to believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you Father are in me and I in you...that they may also be in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me." (ESV).

Lord, this is my prayer for all faithful Anglicans in North America, that we be one just as you and the Father are one...not just in a loose association, but organically a part of each other...a body of faith working as one to fulfill your will and purposes for the world. Only then will those who see us and observe our behaviour come to understand the reconciliation and rapprochement for which you sacrificed you life.

Jesus, I pray that our unity, our working and striving together for the gospel, will be a righteous and holy example to the fallen and broken world around us...and through that they will come to know the depth of your love for them...that they to will be one, just as you and the father are one. Amen
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Conformed or Transformed?

One of these is self-motivated and issues only in that which is temporary and profane. The conformed life's reward is fleeting and must constantly be replaced with the next level of compliance in order to remain relevant. Living according to the world's standards breeds anxiety as the individual strives to adjust their public image in order to belong.

There is no purpose in the conformed existence beyond safety in anonymity. The loudest and most powerful voice, itself subject to the whim and pressures of conformation among its peers, gets to define who I am and that which is "true" for me. Relationships in this context are often based on gain and headed for failure due to un-met expectations even before they begin.

A transformed life, on the other hand, is one of perfect freedom. Its foundation is an understanding that I have purpose...that the individual has been created for a specific role which he/she is meant discover, develop and succeed in. It affirms that my existence has been intentionally planned as an integral piece of God's desire for the created order.
My place and role also have an eternal significance which extends far beyond that which I can see, touch and experience in the moment. My life is not subject to the pressure of society's shifting norms. I am not anxious, looking for the next fad or new way to belong.

Because I know who I am, what I was meant to be and my ultimate place of residence, I can move with confidence and courage into situations that many in society would consider risky. God's protection and empowerment allows, even compels me to walk among those the community would reject or ignore, precisely because I am not seeking to gain from my association with them or afraid to be seen among them, but only to serve God's purposes for them.

The transformed life gives me the freedom to concentrate on what could become eternal relationships rather than momentary self-serving acquaintances. I can, without fear, "abhor evil, hold fast to what is good and bless those who persecute me." (Rom.12)

Conformation or Transformation? I chose the latter. What about you?
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Rejoice in Suffering?

Paul says, "More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, character produces hope and hope does not put us to shame because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."
(Rom.5:3-5 ESV)

So, suffering in the end produces hope. Really? From the world's perspective this seems so counter-intuitive...in fact, completely insane! We don't ever happily volunteer to suffer. Pain is to be avoided at all costs. Massive resources and huge amounts of energy are expended in the cause of pain avoidance and the negation of suffering...especially where it concerns me. Self-sacrifice, if it was every a part of our lives, has become a distant memory. It is considered an ancient and no longer relevant paradigm, to be replaced by the gods of self-actualization and self-fulfillment. After all, we have a right to be happy, don't we?

When we hear Paul's affirmation in Romans 5, the automatic reaction of our sin nature is incredulity. This simply can't be true. However, Paul goes on to demonstrate that what the world considers folly is, in fact, the only place where hope can be realized. Why?

"Self" was what got the world in this mess in the first place. It was the sin of Adam. From God's perspective, self-anything is idolatrous. Self is the idol of our broken age. It stands in direct opposition to the biblical call of Jesus to "take up your cross and follow" him. Jesus' example of self-sacrifice demonstrated that God's intended paradigm for our personal fulfillment is through the cross...following Jesus.

As we willingly agree to die to self, we participate in Jesus death and are raised with him to eternal life. Eternity is our context! Once we understand that reality and it becomes a part of our everyday makeup, sacrificing self for the sake of others almost becomes second nature. We have already been assured of eternal life and not one hair on our head will be harmed, so we can face any challenge...no matter how hard and what the worldly cost, because we know where our ultimate future lies.

We can indeed rejoice when we suffer because others are being served and given through our example a glimpse of that which awaits them in eternity. They, through our suffering and endurance, see hope in action...and the everlasting love of the Father for us which is lavished upon us through the work if the Holy Spirit. If joy can result from our pain and brokenness, it can also for them. TBTG

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Roadblocks to Surrender (Part 1)

There are two primary issues that become roadblocks to surrender, even when a seeker desires with all his/her heart to believe. The first is about worthiness, and the attendant question, "Can God ever love me?" In our society, merit and status are based on observable performance. Unfortunately, in many Christian circles, that same formula is misapplied to an individual's relationship with God.

Performance encumbered believers occupy pews in many, if not most, evangelical churches. "By grace through faith"(Eph.2:8) is taught from the pulpit, but neither understood nor appropriated. They continue to operate as if sin and good are weighed in the balance; and... that if they can only do enough good, God will be impressed into forgiving the dark and sinful moments of indiscretion. And it also follows that, if my sin is of a caliber that would make the community in which I live reject me, then God will certainly do so also.

Thanks be to God, the gospel is mediated by a completely different premise. In Romans 3:23 Paul contends that, "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Given this to be true, if the world's criteria are applied, then no one can be loved. No one can be saved. However, in the very next verse, Paul affirms, (24) we are, "...justified by his (God's) grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.". So, God not only loves us, he does so with such intensity that he was willing to sacrifice his Son for us. There is no performance required, except to..."receive (Jesus) by faith." (25)

If this is you...the one who thinks that the depth of your sin denies you access to God and the forgiveness he offers...take heart, just the opposite is true! Confess your sin...for nothing is beyond redemption. God will forgive you and "cleanse you from all unrighteousness" (1Jn.1:9) Then ask him to send the Comforter, the Spirit of Truth, to lead you into righteous thinking and behaviour. Performance is a consequence, not a prerequisite.
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Worthy of His Calling

(2Th.1:11-12) "...we always pray for you that our God may make you worthy of His calling and may fulfill every resolve for and every good work of faith by His power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in Him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ."

On this day of new beginnings, Lord I pray for all of the Anglican diaspora in North America - those who fellowship and contend in the ACNA together for the gospel, and those who have chosen for another season to walk apart.

Lord, you know all of our plans and motives, the state of our hearts and the depths of our brokeness. All things are in Your hands and we will accomplish nothing of significance unless You ordain and empower us to will and act.

Extend Your hand, Lord, and bless Your people of faith, That we may walk in Your will and purposes. Make us worthy of this calling, that Your name may be glorified among us. I pray these things in Jesus holy and righteous name. Amen
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Does God Want Denominations?

In this age of rapid reformation there are those, even among our Anglican brothers and sisters, who react with dismissal and revulsion towards any kind of hierarchical organization of the church. They believe that the autonomous freedom to make any and all decisions, with minimal oversight or accountability, is both their right and their calling. George Barna's negative view if the organizational structures has become the rally cry for a whole new generation of post-denomination church planters.

There is, however, a big problem with this perspective. It stands in direct biblical opposition to the will of God! Administrative and hierarchical organization of the body of worshipers - even the buildings themselves, are part of God's declared plan for his people. (1Chron.17:11-12)

Secondly, the hierarchical structure was also established according to God's plan. (1Chron.23-26) Here we find: officer, priests, administrators, servers, gate-keepers, musicians etc. There were people in charge at every level accountable to God and those who were accountable to them for the work that needed to be done.

This isn't just an Old Testament model. As the Christian church was being formed, God again established a hierarchy...albeit as a part of the body, all of equal importance to the whole, but a vertical structure none the less... each with different gifts and roles. (1Cor.13; Heb.13:17).

It is clear that the church requires structure - requires oversight - requires processes through which believers can be raised up, discipled, sent out to do ministry - supervised - provided support and accountability. Rightly constructed and biblically run, denominations are God's instrument for this task. This is not, as some would have us believe, a "necessary evil", but an ordained and celebrated reality. Thank you, Lord!


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He Will Never Let the Righteous Parish

Psalm 55:22 (NIV), "Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall."
The operative word in this wonderful passage is "will"...God "will". This is a promise for provision and protection that is made even more encompassing through the use of the Greek word "oudepote" translated in English as never. Oudepote has eternal significance. God will hold us up eternally, literally for ever!
But does this mean that nothing bad will ever happen to us? It does not. In fact, Jesus told us that in this world we will have trouble. (John 16:33 NIV). However, Jesus also told us that He has overcome the world.
So...bad things will indeed happen to believers and non-belivers alike. However, we will be healed and restored through the blood of the Lamb as His kingdom is realized and becomes manifest among us. This certain knowledge is given that we might find peace in it.
Jesus will sustain and uphold us in the midst of the greatest trouble this broken world can throw at us. (Psalm 55:18) "But I call to God, and the lord saves me." (55:16)
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Hated By All

Hatred is inevitable and the burden born with courage by all Christian leaders. "...and you will be hated by all for my names sake" (Mat.10:22 ESV) ..."all" being those who do not believe. However, we do not walk the path alone or without resources! Jesus said, "when they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour." (10:19)

Jesus clearly tells us to, "have no fear of them" (10:26) and "fear not"(10:31) Instead, we are called to persevere in out witness to Jesus, declaring, "the kingdom of heaven is at hand" ...and to carry out the commission to, "heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers and caste out demons." (10:8)

In short, we are to willingly and fearlessly engage in spiritual warfare with the enemy whose reason for existence is to ensure the death of Jesus followers. As sheep in the midst of the wolves, we are to acknowledge God before men, fully dependent upon Jesus for all our needs, including protection.


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Rapprochement

Psalm 141:2-3a "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart incline to any evil."

Lord, this...like David before me, is my prayer for these days of transition. As the unity that has so occupied our prayers over the last couple of years comes to fruition, we will all need an extra measure of grace, liberally salted with a holy wisdom. Father, may the words that come out of our mouths become instruments of healing and rapprochement; all that we do build your church rather than rend it apart and bring glory rather than disrepute to your name.

For we know that this is a move of your Spirit. It isn't about winners and losers, but about faithfulness and obedience to your call for unity, that we should be one as Jesus and the Father are one.

We are your servants...use us Lord, we pray, to see your gospel fulfilled in this land.

Amen
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Fruit in Keeping with Repentance

What a strange phenomena - the Pharisees and Saducees together submitting to baptism by John! It doesn't make any sense whatsoever...unless they were afraid of the people...afraid of isolation from the new spiritual reality that was growing in the heart of their nation.  But, think about this. By allowing John to baptize them, they were lending an amazing amount of credibility to his ministry...and to his witness of Jesus. 

John, however, sees into their dark hearts and discerns the true motive behind their actions and he challenges them.  Here is the take away for us in our age and time. Just "belonging" in the midst of the crowd isn't enough. being seen with other repentant believers guarantees them nothing. Instead, the act of submission needs to be born out of both a desperate desire for repentance and a complete change of behaviour towards those among whom they (we) have been called to minister.

That was not the case with this lot. The image John used to describe them, "brood of vipers" (Mat.3:7) could not have been more vivid. Those who act in this way...mixing with the crowd...getting along...jumping through the hoops without any real heart change, are snakes...demon spawn who hide in the dark places waiting for a chance to strike at their prey.  Jesus had an even stronger image for them.  The Lord described the Pharisees and teachers of the Law as "white-washed sepulchers" (Matthew 23:27)...that is, looking great on the outside, but full of hypocrisy and putrefying on the inside!  

So, what is fruit in keeping with repentance?   John doesn't say, except to point to Jesus, the one whose sandals he is unworthy to untie.  Jesus, later in Matthew's gospel, does.  Fruit in keeping with repentance attends to what he describes as, "the weightier matters of the Law...justice, mercy & faithfulness." (Mat.23:23)... humility, integrity & servant-hood (23:1-11, 26, 28).  In short, a changed life that turns away from concern for self and focuses instead of the needs of others. 

Godly Repentance!

I was reflecting this morning on the burdensome grief that I experienced as we walked through the crucifixion story yesterday. It was difficult to read and hear about our Lord's suffering as he was whipped and then hung to die. Then I realized that this pain, which believers have experienced again and again through the ages is precisely what Paul was describing in 2Cor.7 as "godly grief."

It is "godly" because it drives believers to their knees to confess their sin before the only one from whom we can receive forgiveness and absolution. Paul says, "For godly grief leads to repentance that leads to salvation without regrets" So, the pain which was almost bearable yesterday results today in the cleansing fruit of repentance.

Then, as Easter morn dawns, the pain is swept away in rejoicing that is the very opposite of Friday's pain and in itself almost unbearable. We are, as Paul said, "without regrets" because not only our salvation is assured, but we have also been completely cleansed from all un-righteousness! We are redeemed by the blood of the Lamb! Alleluia!
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"Good Friday"

What is is that "turns your sorrow to joy"? (John.16:20)  I usually wade through Good Friday burdened with great trepidation.  I just don't want to be in this space. There is a part of me, even though I know that Sunday is coming, that dreads walking this pathway each year with Jesus. I don't want to experience the pain, even though I know that I must.

This year, however, I find myself in a significantly different space and oddly enough struggling even more!  This is the first time in 28 years that I have not been intimately involved with either leading worship or preaching on Good Friday. That which before I viewed as a burden and dreaded...desiring to avoid the pain, I now mourn the loss of and it's familiar, soul cleansing power. I find that I need to be in the midst of Good Friday's struggle.

I had thought that I could easily release the "church pastor" part of me and take on this new role as a missionary to the street. It seems, however, that the transition will prove to be much more difficult than I had at first believed. So, what then shall I do?  What is it that will turn this great sadness and loss that I am feeling into joy?  New life...resurrection life...the last found, served and redeemed by the blood of Jesus that was shed on this day almost 2000 years ago.

So, my prayer this morning, Lord, is for the gifting, wisdom and opportunity to lead and speak into the lives of the lost and broken souls who live around me in this community. I pray for an abundant measure of courage & discernment, words of knowledge and your healing power, that I may be a conduit of your grace and a light in the darkness.  I pray for your resurrection light to be poured out on Squamish, that the darkness of sin and death will be swept away and the whole community able to see and know your glory. I pray this in Jesus holy and righteous name.  Amen.

Right in Their Own Eyes

When there is no focal point for respect and attention in the life of the community, self becomes paramount and occupies the place that rightly belongs to God. It is in this context that arrogance, defiance and presumption begin to rule in the hearts of man. He not only does..."What is right in (his) own eyes..."(Judges 21:25), a god-stance is assumed and that person comes to believe that he has the right, perhaps even the duty, to behave according to his own wisdom.

The result is predictable. "God opposes the proud..." (James 4:6b). When the Creator of the universe opposes us, we are in a world of hurt. However, all is not lost. God also, "gives grace to the humble" (4:6b) Grace is the great gift of God that contains forgiveness, healing, restoration, empowerment for living and hope for the future.

Lord, in your compassion, give us grace help us to live with humility and thanksgiving, acknowledging always that every breath we take comes from you. Amen
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Its Always Been About Grace

Many Evangelical Christians believe that the concept of grace was invented in the New Testament. It wasn't! God never wanted Israel to do things to appease him...to earn their way into his blessing. In fact, Yahweh told them that the flesh of bulls and the blood of goats really accomplished nothing! (Psalm 50:13)

What God really desired from them was a relationship; one that recognized who He was and what He did for them...through thanksgiving and integrity...keeping their word. God wanted to bless them, to keep them from harm, literally to deliver them...if only they would call out to Him and ask for help...and when it is rendered, give God the glory he deserves. (50:15)

None of this is about works, about earning God's love. It is all about a merciful and loving God pouring out His grace upon his people. All he asked of them was that they had faith in Him!
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Its Not Rocket Science: Blessing or Curse

Ambiguity and spiritual inclusivity are the Gods of our age. Neither, however, are the message of the Gospel. Contrary to what popular spirituality tells us, when a Christian chooses either or both of these as pathways to faith, the result is not a life of blessing, but of God's wrath. Why?

According to the writer of Judges, spiritual ambiguity is "...evil in the sight of the Lord." Serving the contemporary "Baals and Asheroths is really no different for us than when the Israelites served the gods of their age. The promised result was..." will turn to do you harm and consume you." (Judges 3:8)

God does not change. As the writer of the Hebrews said, "God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.". (Heb. 13:8) So, when we who have proclaimed ourselves as Christ followers choose to "serve foreign gods" and participate in rituals and processes of other religious systems, God's anger will indeed be kindled against us.

However, and thankfully there is always a however, when we repent, "God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1John 1:9)
So, we can choose...curse and wrath...or forgiveness and blessing. It isn't rocket science!


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First Importance

We so-called religious people often elevate things we do to levels of importance not due them...and in the process caste down that which is of the utmost importance, thereby negating the validity and authenticity of or witness.

We draw attention to our well crafted liturgy, our talented worship teams, successful programs, the preaching gifts of our pastor, even the moral living of our leadership team. They are celebrated as if being of the utmost importance.

None, however, is of what Paul refers to in 1Cor15 as of "first importance". As good as they may all be, they pale in comparison to the message of salvation...the good news of Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection. Jesus died for our sins and was raised to new life as a sign of God's covenant with us. He is proclaimed as raised from the dead! Now that is important!

Paul said, "If Christ is not raised, your faith is futile (your programs, liturgy, worship and preaching are in vain) and you are still in your sins. Lord, help us I pray to keep before us, to give the place of primacy...the gospel message of Jesus sacrificial gift of grace and mercy. Amen


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The Cup of the Lord & the Cup of Demons

Tradition and position counted for nothing under the Law of Moses and they count for nothing under the new covenant of Christ either. Being born into the church, attending each Sunday, baptized as a child, even regular participation at the communion table, count for nothing unless our lives are also completely surrendered to Christ.

Paul's warning in 1Cor.10 is not for unbelievers, but aimed at those who have as Jesus said in Luke 9:62, "put their hands to the plow and looked back". God was displeased with the Israelites in the wilderness precisely because they had returned to the way of idolatry and began once again to worship the created instead of the Creator.

This admonition didn't just apply in the first century. The warning is equally for those of us who call ourselves by Christ's name today. Paul takes it even farther and suggests that, just like the Israelites, our participation in the forms of religion will not protect us from God's wrath if we succumb to the temptation of idolatry. Why?

When we share at the communion table, we participate in the body and blood of Jesus - when we pursue idolatry, we participate in things demonic. Those two cannot exist together. When we share in the idolatry of our age we demonstrate that we are not totally surrendered to Jesus and have returned to the practices of our previous unredeemed life.


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Integrity of Leaders

Christian believers who have been given the mantle of leadership, regardless of the context or venue, have an even greater responsibility for integrity than those in their care. As Paul asserts in 1Tim.3, "If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task." However, "...an overseer must be above reproach... sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable - not violent, not a lover of money." ...above reproach! 

Why? Because the behaviour of one leader affects the whole group. Paul said, "A little leaven, leavens the whole lump." (1Cor.5:6) There is a really good example of this in Joshua, chapter seven. The dishonest action of the head of one of the Judah clan families resulted in the removal of Yahweh's protection and empowerment, a humiliating defeat in battle, the death of 36 and the disillusionment of the whole nation of Israel. They knew that if Yahweh wasn't with them, they were done for! "And the hearts of the people melted and became as water." (Josh.7:5) All this as the result of the lack of integrity of one leader! 

Father, I pray for those called into leadership. In fact, I pray with King David for all of us who have accepted that mantle, "Let not those who hope in you be put to shame through me, O Lord of hosts; let not those who seek you be brought to dishonour through me. (Psalm.69:6)

More on Integrity

I have had a few insightful comments on yesterday"s post and have decided to stay with the theme of integrity for today.  One of the responders observed that it takes that same kind of integrity to be a committed environmentalist or vegan.  The philosophy for living is indeed transferable into other venues.  I would go a step further and say that it is essential for the Christian to carry these principles into every aspect of our lives. God has called us to do just that.  Care for His creation and justice for God's creatures are actually consequences of committed Christian faith lived out with integrity.

The thing that keeps many believers from living this way is fear. We want to get along, be accepted and thought well of in a society for whom most of these principles are not a priority.  Fear of rejection causes us to compromise our integrity.   We want to be "safe" and not have to either defend our position to hostile skeptics or have to challenge inappropriate behaviour, thus making us targets for their anger and derision. 

Fear of rejection can only be dispelled when we understand how much we are loved and through acceptance of the place and source of our safety. My wife Mary pointed out this morning that Isaac Watts' paraphrase of Psalm 90, O God Our Help in Ages Past, can be of assistance in this area, especially the first two verses.  
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy Saints may dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

The place of ultimate safety cannot be found in any constructs of humanity, but only in God who created, redeems and sustains us. It is only when we can with assurance say, "Sufficient is Thine arm alone", will we find the courage and confidence to make those decisions of integrity regardless of how difficult they may be or the risk they put us in. 

Causing My Brother to Stumble

Lack of spiritual integrity, either through intention or negligence, is one of the greatest factors contributing to the rejection of the Gospel. Nonbelievers hear what we say, but then observe behaviour that differs little from the broken and fallen world that we claim to have been redeemed from.  Our hypocrisy, even unintended, becomes a stumbling block to others.

This is the issue Paul is raising in 1Corinthians 8.  As believers, we know that there is really no spiritual power in those things which happen in non-Christian religious venues. As Paul asserts, there is only, “one God, the Father from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ…” (1Cor.8:6) However, our knowledge and confidence in this sometimes makes us careless.

By our very presence and even inadvertent assent to things that happen at “pagan” events, use of their symbols or prayer processes, like the Labyrinth or Transcendental Meditation, or participation in “Eastern” exercise systems like Tai Chi, Yoga, Chi Gong and various forms of martial arts, we lend them authority…and in doing so create a spiritual stumbling block for the very people to whom we are called to witness.  "Walking the Talk" may make us unpopular, but is necessary for authentic presentation of the Gospel.  

Lord, we ask for the gifts of discernment, attention and courage, that our integrity will demonstrate and offer a redeemed life to the community around us.   Amen

Our Way vs His Way

As I was reading through Deuternomy 9 it occurred to me that we today are just as stubborn and self-centered as the Israelites were in theirs. Through inattention and even deliberate behaviour we, who are supposed to be God's people, return to the place of darkness from which we have just been redeemed! There is just something in our nature which presumes to think we know better than God.
As the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Yahweh warned them not to become enamoured with their own power and might. It was not they who drove the people out before them, but God. It was not their wisdom or strategic prowess, but God's planning and purpose. They were not great agrarians who supplied all Israel needed to eat. It was God's provision that sustained them. They were not righteous unto themselves that Yahweh should reward them, but made righteous because God kept his promises. "Not by might, nor by (your) power, but by my Spirit says the Lord."(Zech.4:6)
Lord, we are not so different from them and confess our sin of presumption. For You alone provide everything that we need. Help us this day to give thanks, to celebrate your awesome grace, unfailing mercy and abundant provision. We pray this in Jesus holy name. Amen
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Heir of the Kingdom

Once I "put my hand to the plow" as Jesus said, I have been forever changed. My status has been radically and permanently altered by the love and gift of Christ.  Therefore...it makes no sense what-so-ever to return to my former state of destructive behaviour...what Paul in calls "slavery".  (Gal.4:1-7)
And yet, I am in some fashion still held captive by this shadow of my former self. Paul asserts that I have become an heir of the kingdom and no longer considered a slave...but I am still tempted to act just like one!  Paul insists that the slave mentality needs to be excised...cast out, so that I will no longer be held in bondage to those things whose nature is not of God.
Abba, Father, I no longer want to be held captive by my sin nature, but to live into the promise which was made for me on the cross at Calvary. Come, Lord Jesus, and lead me in the way of righteousness, that I can attain maturity...so that my life will reflect your glory, an example to the world around me of your promise fulfilled.