Winning is Everything

In the interest of full discloser, I am, by nature, a very competitive person. Over the years my competitive nature has gotten the best of me more times than I can count. My tendency is towards competition. To be honest, I hate it that I am not the best at everything I do, I have had to come to terms with this since there are probably people who are better than me at almost everything (I have come to terms by living in denial). Still the saying, "winning isn't everything" should be forbidden. Sure, we can and should learn from losing but we should never play to lose. It seems ridiculous to do anything without the intention of winning. Why start a business if you plan on going bankrupt? Why play a game if you plan on losing or simply don't care? There are times when winning isn't everything, like in a back yard volleyball game, but there are other times when winning is everything! And I really do mean everything. There are times when losing means death, or worse yet someone else's death. There are times when losing is the worst possible outcome. This is true for our soldiers who face death in a very real way, this is true for our police, our fire fighters, and it is definitely true when it comes to Jesus.

I coached little league baseball a couple years ago. I have to admit, I wasn't out to win the league championship. For a guy who has embarrassed himself by yelling at a few umps (only to apologize for my sinful actions later) at softball games this is quite and admission. Still, there was something more important for me to accomplish. I wanted to help these kids become better ball players even if they lost. I wanted them to enjoy the game, and I wanted them to learn what it meant to work hard for something. Winning wasn't everything. For the record we did win our share of games, but more importantly we learned to enjoy baseball. I might point out that this is the exception rather than the rule. There is a spiritual application to this train of thought.

Too often we look at Jesus like we look at 7 year olds playing baseball. Sure, we want them to win, but if we are honest we realize there are more important things in life than winning a little league baseball game at the age of 7. We treat church like its little league, we don't play to win, we play to feel good. Church and Christianity in this sense has been feminized (please don't send me angry emails ladies, I know some of you are very competative it is simply a generalization). The apostle Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 9 that we are to run the race like we want to win!! The church isn't little league, and it isn't a back yard volleyball game. The church, Jesus, God, the Kingdom of God is the major leagues!! Anything less than winning the world series isn't enough. Jesus didn't send us into the world to make disciples when we have time or when we feel like it. He sent us with a goal to be accomplished, a battle to fight, and a victory to win. He gave us the task of making disciples of all nations starting in our own back yards. This isn't a joke and I promise both God and Satan are keeping score.

It is time we stopped trying to make everyone feel good. It is time we drew the proverbial line in the sand to find out who is really fighting to win and who is just taking batting practice. Spring training is over. It's time to stop playing for fun and start playing to win!!

Child Dedication as a Paradigm for ministry

I don't know if I can remember all the child dedications I have seen or done for others. On those days the sanctuary is usually full with family and extended family. There is an energy in the room, almost as if a star had been born, the cameras are flashing people leaning out into the isles to take pictures of the beautiful baby. If your lucky the baby makes some noise (not the screaming kid kind) when it is held up for everyone to see. The energy is high!!

The ceremony itself is short and to the point. There is a passage read dealing with children and the importance of bringing the child up in a Godly manner. The parents are asked if they will bring the child up in a Godly way and then near the end of the ceremony the congregants and the extended family are asked if they will do the same. Of course everyone says they will, but we all know that will likely not happen.

Don't get me wrong, not every person in the room will be needed, but maybe, just maybe if we took that part of the ceremony a little more serious we would have a more significant impact on the students as they grow into adults. Emmy E. Werner from the University of California Davis did a study following a group of kids from a very poor area and found that the most significant predictor of resiliency for kids was the influence of an adult outside of the nuclear family.

This is not to downplay the significance of the nuclear family!! I would never do that; however, perhaps it is time for the church to operate as an extended family and take those child dedications seriously. This is not just a children's ministry or youth ministry thing, it is a church ministry thing.

How Long Will It Be?

Recently congress has seen fit to take valuable time they should be spending debating some important issue regarding our liberties or the defense of our country and instead censer Rush Limbaugh. I don't know what you think of Rush, and honestly I don't care. This is not intended to be an apology (not the sorry kind) on behalf of Rush. Instead I want to pose a much more important question. When is this going to happen to a pastor for something he says in his own church or on the radio?
It is appalling that congress should take time to debate the words of a private citizen. It is not their role and it should not be. This kind of action is terrible and will eventually lean on our own liberties. You remember the first amendment don't you? It guarantees the freedom of speech. Even if you think Rush is an arrogant jerk who doesn't know up from down this kind of action by congress is still ridiculous and wrong!!
The consequence of setting this kind of precedent is severe. Our government should not be spending time condemning the free speech of private citizens. If this kind of action can be taken against Rush, why not John Piper, John MacArthur, or your pastor? What is stopping congress from becoming the "free speech" police?

Generational Sins Are They Real? Part deux

The comments left regarding the previous post on this subject have motivated me to leave another post on the same subject. Let me be clear, it would be ridiculous to think that the actions we take in life will not impact our children, their children, and so on. Generational sin, however, is often understood as something more then simply cause and effect.

The fact that children of divorced parents are far more likely to get divorced themselves or that abused children tend to become abusers is not evidence for generational sin, at least not good evidence. This is evidence of some kind of cause and effect. That does not mean it is a spiritual cause and effect. Attitudes and actions are seen and understood by kids and when they grow up they often follow those same patterns because it is what they know.

As I stated in my first post, there are more scriptures that speak about "generational sin." because they were brought up in the comments area I want to make a couple observations. First, Leviticus 26:34-45. This passage in a broader context is about simply disobeying God and how He will respond. God as Father tells His children if they disobey they will be punished by God. In other words this is not the work of a demon or Satan. I think these verses are likely talking about a cause and effect. Starting in Verse 40 confession and repentance is seen as a way to overcome the circumstances or punishment of God. In essence it is God who changes His attitude toward Israel. God keeps His covenant. This is consistent with Exodus 20 where the way to overcome this is by loving God (see the first post). Deuteronomy 28:58ff seems to be consistent with God doing the action and punishing Israel.

Let me be clear. If there is such a thing as a generational curse or generational sin especially as it is understood by many deliverance ministries these cannot be used to support that theology. I love hearing of stories where people come to Jesus and overcome oppression or even demonic possession. This is not an argument against the viability of Satan working, but it is a challenge to how we understand these things.

I will leave the demon possession and oppression argument for another post. Before we go down that road we need to find some kind of Biblical text that supports these curses (generational curses) being the action of Satan and not that of God. Certainly demons and Satan are real and at work, that is not the point.

This theology of generational curses has caught on because it allows people to blame someone or something besides themselves. It allows the believer to blame Satan or their parents for what they are doing. It alleviates themselves, in some sense, of any kind of responsibility of past actions. Forgive me for suggesting this, but is almost like purchasing an indulgence for past sins.

Stories are great, but it is important to remember that scripture helps understand our experiences not the other way around.

Attending a Funeral 2

Funerals are always senseless. There is no good reason to have a funeral, only unfortunate ones. Still funerals can be redemptive. In my last post I vented about the sadness that I needed to proclaim regarding the death of my friends 2 hour old son. In some ways it made me want to punch God in the face. Of course we all know how short that fight would be.

In spite of how difficult funerals are, there are some funerals that can be a celebration. Those funerals tend to be in memory of people who have followed Christ and lived a long and full life. These funerals often follow the death of a person who was not expected to live much longer. Part of what makes these funerals a celebration is the eternal position of a person who knew Christ.

There is one more thing that redeems the value of a funeral. It is a simple and obvious thing, it is the gospel!! A funeral, especially one like this, must be used as an opportunity to understand the state of man, the need for a savior, and an opportunity to follow that savior. With out sin nature funerals are not necessary, death would be a fictional idea. Without a savior eternal death is the destiny of every person. Without salvation eternal life cannot be had. Every person must be confronted with this truth. It seems to me that the senseless death of a baby who was tucked in for the first and last time at his own funeral is the perfect place for this kind of proclamation.

The gospel gives us understanding, peace in a difficult time, and eternal salvation. Any pastor who does not proclaim this truth at a funeral is not worth his salt!!

Ten Ways to Know You are Spirit Led!!

Do you want to be Spirit Led? I used to wish I was Spirit Led!! Now with the help of Spirit Led: Ten Techniques in Becoming Spirit Led I have accomplished my goal. I am now 100% Spirit Led 100% of the time. You too can accomplish this great and spiritual feat. Start by evaluating yourself based on the 10 descriptions:

1. You see people and instantly know how SPIRITUAL they are.


2. You receive IM's from God while you are not online. TTYL God!!


3. You are occasionally transported from one location to another at the Spirits direction (Beam me up Scottie!)


4. You don't need your Bible to hear from God


5. When you read your Bible you don't have to open the cover


6. When you talk to people you regularly use terms like "God Told Me" or "I Feel God Leading Me To..."


7. You raise your hands when you worship


8. You have occasionally knelt while singing or praying


9. You no longer have sinful thoughts of any kind


10. You have already attained complete and total righteousness and are an expert on Sanctification since you have already accomplished it.

Send angry emails to youraheretic@spirit-led.God

American Idol & Hosea

It's amazing isn't it. I never thought of it before this moment, but the title of America's favorite reality show is about worship. What good is an idol if you don't worship it? Ironically I don't think most Americans worship the singers, although I am sure there are some who do. Maybe the American Idol has nothing to do with singing at all. Israel (or as Hosea like to call them Ephraim) made idols in their day. They did it with their hands. You might say it was like going to a craft show only the craft was little gods. America has created another kind of god.

During the time of Hosea the chosen people of God had begun worshiping Idols. Undoubtedly many of these same people attended worship gatherings on a weekly basis. Certainly they believed they were worshiping Yahweh. Yet if you entered their house or watched them the rest of the week you would certainly see the worship of idols. They did not see it as idolatry because they were simply worshiping the same god in different forms and using different methods.

Today in America our idol worship has become much more sophisticated. We don't generally worship wooden carvings or golden calves. We worship a god made in the image of man. We look at God and instead of seeking out Him we seek to change Him into something else. We want God to be a god that we like, one we can control, or one we can understand. The American Idol is one of the mind. These people who worship this false god are found all over the place. Many of them are found in the temple (church) worshiping on Sunday mornings. They believe they are worshiping Yahweh. They think they are worshiping Jesus the God-Man! In reality they are worshiping idols created by their own mind.

As seen continually throughout the book of Hosea the answer is first to see the error (exegetical preaching would help in this area) and then to repent. WOW, that is a little too Old Testament for me...wait, I guess the New Testament isn't really that much different. I guess Jesus demanded worship as the only way to the father. There is also that one passage that says something like there is only one name by which men can be saved. Hmmmm.

The idols in America are pervasive and found everywhere. Perhaps what hurts most to God is not that people worship idols, but that they confuse Him for someone else. Let me illustrate, I once went to a wedding where one of my former students was getting married. I knew the family well. I don't often where a suit (most people are shocked when they hear that I own one). As I was going through the greeting line the mother of the bride, whom I know well, did not recognize me. She thought I was from the grooms side of the family. Potentially that could hurt. This mom was embarrassed and apologized profusely (all is forgiven of course). This is the same kind of thing that happens with God. We have created this image in our mind, but it does not resemble the real thing. When we see the real thing we are confused, we realize we have been worshiping something that is not real.

Driscolls Banned Video

Mark Driscoll may not be your favorite person in the world, but this church planting video he put together is flat out inspiring. Of course it was banned from a church planting conference (click here for the story).

No matter what you think about this guys theology he is by far the most inspiring preacher and teacher I have ever listened to. I bet he sounds a lot like Paul did when he preached. He doesn't mince words he just tells it like it is!!!!!

Here is the video.

HER Church

This shouldn't be a surprise, but I am still a little dumbfounded. I don't even know where to start. I guess the first question I have about www.herchurch.org is what kind of self respecting man would attend such a church.

The name of the web site alone should be enough to run off a real man (there I go making judgements about people I have never met). Of course after actually visiting the web site it turns out my judgements were right on. Of course I am probably sexist. In reality it appears, based on the pictures I saw, that people of the male gender actually do attend this "church."

I wish this site were some kind of joke, but it is not. The underlying issues is serious. There are a lot of weird churches out there, but this is an ELCA church. I know the ELCA is having some problems on many levels, but this is ridiculous. Luther would be horrified by a church like this claiming to somehow be associated with his teachings.

A friend of mine is a lead pastor at an ELCA church not far from us. I know him and his theology well. He believes in the Bible and loves God.

I bring this up for two reasons. First, those in the ELCA who still believe in the God of the Bible need our prayers. Second, we must draw lines in the sand. This second part is difficult. Our culture tells us we must be accepting and loving towards everyone no matter what they believe. Sometime we really need to follow the example of Jesus and call snakes, snakes and vipers, vipers.

Is Scripture Sufficient for Faith and Practice??

I have to be honest, the title of this post is worded very carefully to make a specific point. Evangelicalism and certainly the Alliance holds to a very high view of scripture. We believe it is the word of God, but do we really believe it is sufficient?

Think about this for a minute. When God speaks His word is infallible and authoritative, right? So no matter who God speaks to or in what circumstances His word is perfect and never mistaken. If that is true then when God gives someone a message that message is as authoritative and infallible as scripture itself. WOW that scares me a little bit.

I wonder if many Christians who claim God has spoken to them really want to continue to claim that kind of a word from God. It seems to me that would create all kinds of theological problems. If Scripture is sufficient for faith and practice, then why do we need additional messages from God?

Christianity and the Fairness Doctrine

I don't care what your political views are! Actually I do, but not for the moment. Whether you are liberal or conservative this is a big deal. The Fairness Doctrine (some of you may remember this idea from the mid 80's) is making a comeback. Basically this doctrine says if you propagate a conservative view you MUST also provide a liberal view on public airways. The reverse is also true.

At first this idea sounds good. You might be thinking, "hey this may allow my viewpoint to be heard by people who may not want to hear it, and that would be good!" Ya, you might be right about that, but is that really what you want? The opposite is also true. For the moment this doctrine is focused on political speech, but again what is good for the goose is good for the gander.............. OK, I don't know what that means but my grandma says it, so it must be good. I think it means that if this principal applies to political speech why wouldn't it apply to religious speech?

Imagine for a moment holding a church service in which you were preaching the gospel story (hopefully that is every Sunday) This service was going so good you thought an alter call might be appropriate. You had given a convincing presentation of the gospel story and there were many "unbelievers" attending that day. many people responded to the gospel, well say 15. What a day!!! Then when you were done a Muslim got up and pointed out all the flaws in your argument and presented the "Muslim gospel." If you think your services are long now, just wait!!

Of course this is crazy, it would never happen right! Don't be so sure. The right to free speech does not guarantee the right to be heard. We have to earn the right to be heard. That is as it should be. Examine the problems of preaching God's word in countries that do not allow free speech in a similar fashion to the United States. That should motivate you to pay attention to this political issue. Perhaps persecution is exactly what the church needs, but I would like to try without it.

It's The Churches Fault!

The "church" is the culprit of many things. It is the church that has, at times, done such things as support Hitler, performed witch hunts, used political power for unworthy causes, protected pedophiles, and probably other horrible things. When the church does perpetrate evil, it should be held accountable!

Many evils the church is given credit for perpetrating are not really the church's fault at all. In many circles the church is viewed as being harsh and judgmental. Sometimes it is, but more often than not it is more a perception than a reality. We all have stories about we have been judged or hurt by someone. I know I do. I am not convinced the church is nearly as judgmental as they have been made out to be.

I have experienced two things that I believe show this perception to be at least partially false. First, I have seen to many people with a guilty conscience claim judgmentalism when there wasn't any. I have watched people who have sin or some other kind of struggle claim people were talking behind their back, avoiding them, or judging them in some way when people didn't even know anything was going on.

Second, I have found that when people are brave enough to be honest about their struggles more often than not the church responds with love and a desire for restoration.

Maybe it (whatever it is) is not the fault of the church as much as the fault of fallen humanity in general. Maybe we should quit blaming the church for everything and simply do our best to practice biblical Christianity.

What is the point of Palm Sunday

Palm Sunday has long been a tradition of the church celebrating the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem only to be crucified only five days later. Really though what is the point? I don't think the church has done a good job of teaching the significance of this celebration. Sure, Zechariah will be quoted and this entry will be looked at as a fulfilment of prophecy, but is that really all there is? I don't think so!!

This event is in itself a prophecy, it is both a fulfilment and a prediction at the same time. It is the already not yet all in one event. It is a celebration of the person of Jesus, a proclamation of his identity, and a foretelling of what is to come. Jesus brought peace in a spiritual sense, but much of the Old Testament prophecy tells of a world peace Miss America couldn't even imagine. Even the text of Zechariah seems to intertwine both the near future and the distant future within only a few chapters.

So what is the point of Jesus riding this donkey on coats and palm leaves? My dispensational friends would tell you if the Jews would have simply accepted Jesus as their king he wouldn't have had to die a few days later. That is a short sighted theology in my opinion. Instead I would suggest that it is a foretelling of future hope found in the millennial kingdom. It foretells of a peace that follows the judgement of Israels enemies (Zech. 9:1-8). Jesus preached both a kingdom that is here and a kingdom to come. This makes sense if we truly understand Palm Sunday. The gospel story is not just one of the forgiveness of sins, but one of a coming kingdom where the king is righteous, just, and peaceful.

When we celebrate Palm Sunday this year let's remember it is not only a look back at what happened, but a look forward at what will happen. We should be thankful for both.

I'm Not Against Anything

Today I met with a bunch of pastors in my area. One church has been having revival meetings. Of course revival meetings probably bring all different kinds of thoughts and emotions for people. These meetings are being portrayed as building the body and "unifying" in nature. I am all for revival as long as it doesn't mean I have to go brain dead in the process. Let me explain.

The "Revivalist" ( I was unaware that anyone could actually hold that kind of a title ) came and shared his heart. He was very humble. He seemed like a nice guy who had good motives. Let's be clear. I am going to critique his methods and and the conversation we had with the other pastors. I am not attacking him as a person or even questioning his spirituality. I am qualified to do neither.

First, let me say the among pastors there appears to be many who like to keep the peace, but few who are willing to actually see that we can have some disagreements about things, even strong disagreements. Why is that every time I disagree with another pastor there is always someone there to tell me we are actually saying the same thing? This happened several times today. I was not saying the same thing. Of course I could understand how this mistake could me made since this guy was trying so hard not offend anyone that he was actually doing a good job of offending everyone.

God is not the god of diversity (unless you are talking about skin color or ethnic background, that is what diversity meant in the past). God is not the god of the Muslim, Buddhist, and Jehovah Witness. He is the God of the Christian, the Christ follower. This guy ( I will not mention his name to protect him and myself ) said God is the god of diversity. Though this may be a difference in terminology, it is imperative that we understand diversity doesn't mean what it used to mean.

Being for Jesus is great, but when you are for Jesus and believe in his teachings you are by default against many things. This man said, "I am not against anything, I am just for Jesus!" We had a lively discussion regarding this issue and I appreciate his willingness to have that discussion without taking any kind of personal offense. It turns out, thanks to one of the other pastors there, that him and I agree (sort of). It is true (I think) that we agree that Jesus takes stands against sin in general. It is also true that both of us would rather not offend people unnecessarily. Unfortunately we very much disagree on the method we will use to avoid offending. He would rather avoid the issue all together and I would rather make my stance clear and let people know God loves them and has paid the penalty for their sin on the cross.

Unity does not mean putting doctrine aside. We can be united without worshiping under the same tent. Doctrinal differences can get in the way of some things, but they also serve a purpose. He pointed out that many Pentecostals are willing to participate in events that non-Pentecostals are putting on, but the opposite is not true. He is probably correct in his observation. There is a good reason for this. Sure it looks like it is hypocritical on the surface, but a closer look will reveal that it is not. Those who practice tongues in what I would say is a biblically inappropriate way or slay people in the spirit or use "prayer cloths" or "laugh in the spirit" or "bark in the spirit" can quickly become distractions rather then contributing to anything. This makes (at the very least) a very uncomfortable atmosphere for those who disagree with these practices. In the opposite situation our culture is used to people sitting quietly and listening or doing things like singing in a group (everyone was in choir at one point even if they were terrible). Even if someone doesn't sing it is hardly noticed.

I could probably go on, but I won't. Unity is over rated when it means I have to give up much of what I believe to be true just to get along. I would rather have clarity and have enemies than have a bunch of friends who have no idea what I believe.

Is Christianity Useful?

Is this the question we must answer? The goal of the church is to reach the world, to make disciples. How the church answers this question might well determine what road we travel and if that road leads to a dead end.

It seems like this is the question the church has focused on. The church growth people of the 80's and 90's tell us we must find out what peoples "felt needs" are and meet them. When we do that we will grow. They are undoubtedly right, but is this kind of growth the problem or the solution? I honestly don't know for sure. The emerging church gives us a very similar message focusing on a more social gospel. Again, I don't know if this is all bad as long as we don't lose sight of the gospel story and man's need to be saved. That said, the question "is Christianity Useful?" has at its center a poor premise. The idea that God is either useful to me or He is irrelevant is a very dangerous idea. This concept will lead us to either a name it and claim it theology or perhaps a moralistic view of Christianity (Live Your Best Life Now).

We should expect non-Christians (I am not sure if it is PC to say "non-Christian" perhaps I should say "eternally challenged" or "friends of fire") to have that kind of perspective. The problem is many "Christians" have this very perspective. They want to know what their church can do for them without ever asking what they can do for their church. It is all about God serving my needs without ever asking how I might express love and gratitude to my savior (Obedience John 14).

I wonder if this is the same question Israel asked when they turned their back on Yahweh and toward Baal. Baal was useful, he could be manipulated and contorted to take on the form any individual wanted.

Perhaps the answer to the question is Christianity is not useful. Sometimes it is a burden, but it it true and right. It is much more cumbersome and difficult to approach life with concern for God and others then it is to simply ask what is best for us.

I will be back to the gay theology on my next post. Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I have been out of town.

Conversations with a Pro-Gay Pastor: Good arguements

There is a difference between having a discussion about what the Bible says about homosexuality and a discussion about the political decisions being made in our country regarding the same issue. Before we go on and speak about the biblical arguments I want to suggest that none of these are good arguments regarding political decisions. Most people who would like to see the marriage laws changed so that same sex marriage is recognized by the state don't give credence to the Bible anyway. There are good arguments apart from scripture that can be used in that situation.

In my conversation with the gay pastor I started with Leviticus 18-20 & 20:13. Pro- Gay theologians would like us to simply disregard this passage. They attack the traditional view that these verses can be taken at face value by listing several Levitical laws we no longer pay any attention to. It is important to note that non of the laws I have heard referenced are found in the immediate context. Actually the opposite is true. Bestiality, incest, and child sacrifice are found in the immediate context. Most, if not all, pro-gay theologians would say these things are immoral and against God's law. It is not only important to take notice of this, but to point out the inconsistency. Second, they will say these verses are not valid in today's situation because it is specifically speaking about cultic practices. While it certainly is speaking about cultic practices these things are mentioned to show the depravity of the cultic practices and the societies that practice them. This would be inconsistent with Paul's treatment of eating meat that was part of cultic practices in 1 Corinthians 10. The fact that cultic practices are being referenced actually strengthens the traditional view.

Starting with Leviticus is also good because it allows you to show consistency in Scripture regarding this issue. There are several reasons to take this passage seriously, but there is one that is often overlooked. When Jesus was asked about the great commandments he first quoted Deuteronomy 6. Then he continued and quoted Leviticus 19:18. It appears that Jesus' view of Leviticus, specifically these chapters, was very different from the way pro-gay theologians would like to treat this passage.

The third way pro-gay theologians will attack this passage is the Hebrew word translated abomination. They say this word is reserved for references to cultic practices. This is clearly not true. This word is used over 100 times in the Old Testament alone. Many of those instances do not have any connection to cultic practices including Prov. 6:16ff.

Some of the same arguments regarding cultic practices are used in reference to Romans 1. Again I would point out that the Romans 1 passage is a list of sins which show the depravity of mankind. It does not appear to list any neutral or good things (unless you hold a pro-gay position). Romans 1 again shows consistency regarding the homosexual issue. A plain reading of this passage makes clear the perspective God holds regarding the issue of homosexuality. The attempts to discredit this passage are shallow at best. A simple reading of the passage and consideration of the language used should be sufficient to debunk any of these arguments.

There is a third passage which in conjunction with the Leviticus passage is very powerful. This passage is 1 Corinthians 6:9. The pro-gay theologians attack this passage by saying Paul coined the Greek term translated homosexual and it is unclear whether this term refers to homosexuality as it is practiced today. Instead Paul is referring to some form of temple prostitution or pederasty. It is true that Paul coined this term along with over 170 other Greek terms. Instead of saying we simply can't know what it means we should perhaps consider where this word came from. Without going into a bunch of Greek I will simply point out that this term is a combination of two words which are found in the Septuagint. Specifically in Leviticus 18:22 & 20:13. It appears Paul was making a specific reference to those passages.

It appears the Bible speaks clearly on the issue. It is consistent and to the point. The New Testament backs up the Old Testament. Jesus himself gives credence to the Leviticus passage. the question then is not whether the Bible condemns homosexuality, the question is what should we do when confronted with the truth?

My next post will deal with how to present these arguments in a conversation.

What Kind Of Church Are You?

I was playing poker on Tuesday night with a few friends and a bunch of people who may become friends at some point. I was sitting next to another church planter and we began to talk shop. We talked about a lot of things, but one question stood out. It is a question I get all the time and I never really know how to answer. He looked at me and said, "What kind of church are you?" I wasn't sure what he meant so I asked him to clarify. he proceeded to ask if I was Emergent, Purpose Driven, or whatever.

I am so sick of hearing this question I can't stand it!! Why do I have to bow at the alter of the mega-church? Rick Warren was purpose driven before purpose driven was purpose driven (Ya, I got confused writing that, but read it 3 or 4 times and it will make sense). Before McLaren, McManus, and McKimball the word emerging was only used as an adjective in dime store novels (I don't think it is fair that Dan Kimball didn't get a Mc in front of his name). Why can't our church just be biblical? Why is it I have to find some other "model" to follow other than just preaching the gospel and loving the lost?

As far as I can tell there is nothing un-biblical about Purpose Driven and being an emerging church may or may not be un-biblical depending on the church. Nor do I have any problem with learning from those who have gone before us.

I wonder if we are learning from those who have gone before us are the wrong things? Are we learning programs designed for a specific context that may or may not transfer to ours or are we simply too lazy to come to our own conclusions about the way we should do ministry where we live.

If you find it helpful to follow a model of ministry someone else came up with go ahead, but don't ask me which model I follow. I do my best to follow the model of the early church while still adapting to the culture in which I minister. Maybe that is what all of us should do?

Church, Gym for the Soul

I didn't coin those words, it was someone much more famous then I. Believe it or not it was Sylvester Stallone, that's right ROCKY. I have not seen his latest Rocky Film, from what I hear and read it is very good.

I had to pause when I read those words...church, gym for the soul. Hmmm. It's catchy, but does it communicate truth? I think you can answer both ways depending on what you mean by "church." Dr. D posted a recent blog about preaching, specifically exegetically. I know it sounds like I just took a sharp left turn, but hang in there. These two things are connected.

I wonder how many people would look at Sunday morning service as a work out? If they would view it as a workout, what kind of work out? Would it be a light jog or more like the two a day practices I had when I played football? Maybe it would be one of those "I'm flexing in the mirror" work outs.

If, by church, we mean a gathering of people that sings songs and listens to some bloviating preacher talk about his latest vacation with the family for 25 minutes (20 is too short to be called a sermon, and by 30 everyone is sleeping) while he mixes in a couple of scriptures, then I think the church is more like Hollywood. The weights are made of Styrofoam and the muscles are some kind of body suite.

If, however, church means a body of believers who want desperately to pay homage to the God of the universe and worship Him for what He has done by singing songs and allowing God's word to cut them to the bone, then yes church is the gym for the soul.

Why do I say this? Dr. D's post about exegetical preaching is the very kind of thing the church needs. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind topical preaching as long as the approach is exegetical (they are not mutually exclusive). In other words let God's word interact with the people of God so they can be changed. Church should be a workout for the soul, not a self help seminar robed in religious jargon. You don't become physically fit by watching football (otherwise that would be my favorite excersize). You have to do the work if you want to reap the benefit. The famous former govorner of Minnesota said, "pain is weakness leaving the body." A few sore spiritual muscles would be good for most of the people sitting in pews or comfy chares on Sunday morning.

Rick Warren's Mistake

Much has been made about inviting Mr. Obama to participate in the Aids/HIV conference at Saddleback. The mistake Rick Warren made has nothing to do with Obama's profession or even inviting someone who takes liberal and non-biblical positions on many issues including abortion. The mistake was allowing any person no matter what their credentials or position in society (in this case it happen to Obama) to communicate the message Obama communicated.

Mr. Obama did not communicate a message of abstinence and monogamy, but a message of "safe sex." This is simply an irresponsible message. Even the FDA says the only way to prevent std's is by not having sex.

If a youth pastor invited someone to come and talk to students about avoiding std's by practicing safe sex he would probably be looking for a new job (hopefully in a new line of work) very quickly. This is not simply an issue of being biblical, it is simply being responsible.

Guns, church, and self defense

Guns are dangerous. My mom taught me from a very early age how to treat guns. I had two guns of my own when I was 9 and recently I purchased a Springfield XD .45 ACP (a hand gun). I shoot on a regular basis with friends (some of them are police officers) and members of the church.

I have usually used guns for hunting. My last purchase is a little different though. I bought this gun for self defense. After reading about a man in South Africa who may have saved countless lives by carrying his gun to church, I wonder if it is time pastors became armed and dangerous with more then a sword. In a world where America is hated and terrorism is a real threat, I can't think of a more logical target for radical Muslim terrorist to attack then an American church. I don't mean to be alarmist, but there becomes a time to be alarmed.

Perhaps the scene in Mel Gibson's movie The Patriot, where the pastor picks up his gun and goes off to fight the British takes on new meaning in today's world.

Certainly I am not suggesting breaking the law. In some states the law provides this very opportunity.

When it becomes available I will be reading, "Shooting Back: The Right and Duty of Self-Defense," written by the man in South Africa who carried his .38 to church.

Homosexuality in the Church

Many pastors and Christians hear the word homosexual and they immediately cringe. This issue is definitely a controversial issue in American culture, but it is also controversial in many of our churches. How should we deal with it, how should the church approach this topic?

Many of the people in my congregation work with or know in some context people who are gay. At the very least we all probably know people who are at least sympathetic to the cause. Ignoring the issue doesn't seem to be a reasonable course of action. Protesting does not seem to be an effective strategy either, so what should the church do?

This is a significant issue which needs to be addressed not because practicing homosexuality is some kind of unforgivable sin, but because it is not seen as sin for many Christians who attend evangelical, Bible believing churches on Sunday mornings. If you don't think anyone in your congregation believes this, then you are fooling yourself.

We must take this issue on directly. We are not a single issue church, we have other more important things we focus on most of the time. This is however an important issue. The problem for many of us is we think scripture speaks clearly. I agree, it does. Unfortunately educated people have begun to spin this issue and created misunderstanding in dealing with passages like Romans 1, Leviticus 18 & 20, and others. If you want to see what I mean, click here!

It is incumbent upon the church to create clarity for our congregates and to equip them to effectively minister to people for who this is a significant stumbling block. Ignoring this issue will not make it go away. This is a great opportunity to help people see how scripture can be manipulated and why we should all work to show ourselves approved and rightly handle God's word.

It is also incumbent upon the church to clearly express the message of the gospel, the ultimate expression of love towards all sinful people (that means everyone). For more information about responding to this issue click on the title of the blog.

Bible Based Ministry

This made my day. As a youth pastor for 10 years, the most important lesson I learned was not about cool games, amazing programs, or even how to communicate with parents. The most important lesson I learned was to teach and preach God's word without fail. When I finally figured this out I did not experience explosive growth. There were no parades put on by my pastor or the parents. In reality a few kids ended up leaving our ministry. In the end I did see students become more committed to the faith they claimed and I did see students begin to take evangelism and applying a Christian world view to their life.

According to the Christian Post youth ministries are getting rid of the fluff and starting to see that God's word is more powerful then cool games and fashionable programs. The apostles understood this, it is about time the rest of us caught on.

Click on the title to this post to read the article at the Christian Post.

The Confusing Church

I hate it when I walk into a bookstore and see the book I have been thinking about writing already on the shelf. This has happened to me twice in the last week. Of course I don't yet have the credentials or resources these other authors have. Thom S. Rainer and Eric Geiger have written a new book with a very simple cover and a very simple name, Simple Church.

For too long church has been confusing. We have a program for every want, desire, and intuition. I actually think it is funny that there are weight loss programs in church. Don't get me wrong, I could lose a few pounds myself. I just wonder what the church is trying to accomplish. Perhaps the church should focus on making disciple regardless of their shape around the midsection.

Of course if we have the right mission statement and vision statement and purpose statement and values and programs and staff and facility and...and...and... then we would be a successful church. People have busy schedules as it is and our solution is to have 9 programs every week for someone in the family to attend. Maybe if we weren't so busy driving to and from church programs we could actually take the time to learn our neighbors names. Let's not get carried away though, that might actually present us with an opportunity to talk about Jesus with someone.

I don't know what I was thinking, but I have to stop writing because I have a small group meeting and an elder meeting and... and...and...and... to go to.

Dear Christian...

Dear Christians,

It is with gladness that I call you Christian. It is with joy that I look forward to eternal fellowship with you, but it is with sadness and disappointment that I write this letter. Some of you have been crying for relevance on the part of the church. No doubt this is sometimes a needed cry. Many times it is not.

People want a church that is relevant, one that speaks to them, ministers to them, and feeds them. If the church is full of lambs who cannot fend for themselves then perhaps this is what is needed. If, however, the church is full of warriors in God's army then perhaps it is time Christians took on some of these responsibilities for themselves.

The church only becomes irrelevant when the Christians who make up the church become irrelevant. The church is not made up of pastors and elder boards, it is made up of individual people. These people/missionaries have been given the same mission the pastor and elder board have been given. That mission is to make disciples. I wonder what you have done, Christian, to participate in and accomplish this great mission. Do you carry with you the message of Christ? When you see your neighbor do you see a person who desperately needs the church? Do you simply hand out Bibles hoping those who receive them will read them? Do you see people in need and simply pray that someone will help them, someone other then you? Are you unwilling to take the risk necessary to do what God has commanded?

I know, the church is irrelevant, but it is not irrelevant because of organ music and old programs that don't work anymore. The church does not become relevant by lighting candles, playing guitars, and using clever video clips. There is no magic wand to be waved or magic chant to be recited in the form of prayer. There is only you, Christian.

Have you become irrelevant? There are real people with real questions and confusions. They are waiting for someone, anyone to help them see and understand the relevance of God and His kingdom. They desperately want to understand the gospel, have you taken the time to share it? Are you willing or unwilling to follow the commands of God?

The church is only as relevant or irrelevant as the Christians who make it up.

P.S.

I have not read the book Dear Church and this is not a response to that book. It is a play on the title and response the criticism directed at the church often by those who make it up. I have grown tired of hearing Christians tear down the church claiming it is irrelevant. I have grown tired of listening to people claim they have the next great program when all the church needs is to actually do what God has asked us to. If the church is made up of Christians then Christians are the only ones who can make the church relevant.

Biblical Church Growth

Over the past 10+ years of ministry I have been caught up in too many church growth programs, books, and ideas. When it comes down to it, the power of church growth (especially conversion growth) is not found in new innovative ideas or church growth programs, it is found in the gospel itself (Rom. 1:16-17).

Maybe I am simple minded and maybe I will never live up to the exponential growth gurus, but I must preach Christ. As a church planter I have made several observations about culture and church culture. These observations have caused me to consider the method I will use to grow our budding congregation. These are my observations:

• What church culture wants and what secular culture wants out of church are very different things.
• Culture overall is very consumer driven. This is especially true when it comes to church culture. We want a program for every ich we might have. This is very difficult for small churches (I am not complaining about the big churches, but to be honest I cannot and should not compete.)
  
• Most "churched" people are not missional in their personal life. The great mission (comission) is often considered something for the church rather then something for the individual.
• Most "unchurched" people want to hear solid, biblical, and even theological preaching.
• Most "churched" people need that kind of preaching.
• Most "churched" people want creativity rather then substance.
• My last observation is perhaps the most important. THE GOSPEL IS ALWAYS RELEVANT AND NEEDED BY BOTH THE CHURCHED AND THE UNCHURCHED.