Memorial Day and the Gospel

"It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery." Gal. 5:1

Memorial Day in America is a time to remember.  We remember the men and women who sacrificed their lives so that we can have freedom here in America.  At least that it what it is supposed to be about!  I do fear that for most Americans, Memorial Day is just the three day weekend that kicks off summer.  Many of us do not take the time to think about the cost of freedom.  I guess if you are not directly impacted through the loss of a loved one, you don't often think about the cost of freedom.

I think the same truth applies to the Christian life.  Christ died to set us free.  Yet for many of us, we are "not directly impacted" by this work.  Some have not experienced the life-changing grace of the Lord that brings new birth.  Others experienced it years ago, but now "live lives of quiet desperation" with little thought of applying Christ's death to today.  For many of us, Christ's death, like that of our soldiers, is a quickly passing thought before the real life of planting gardens, planning barbecues, or playing in our favorite recreational activity.

A gospel- and grace-centered life begins with constant reflection upon the gospel.  This is impossible unless we realize how much we need the gospel.  Thus, the law of God is important because it battles our pride that leads to self-righteousness, and it casts us before Christ alone for mercy and grace.  As we repent of our self-effort and our other sins, we find joy, grace, and power to live a life of freedom.

Some people say this message is too negative.  It does not encourage.  It focuses too much upon our sin and need of God.  I am always amazed at this objection.  It is so short-sighted!  In reality, such people are willing to give up their freedom and joy found in Christ for bondage found in pleasing themselves or in keeping up their reputation.  They reject the spring of living water for broken cisterns that cannot hold water (Jer. 2:13).  Is it negative to speak the truth?  Each of us need God's love and mercy daily!  We so quickly give up our freedom in Christ for bondage to self.  Confess, repent, and believe.

In the same way, our freedom here in America came by God's blessing, but it also came through the blood and service of those in our military.  America is a social experiment in personal liberty and freedom being granted to each individual.  This liberty gave each person the freedom and encouragement to pursue their own good, as well as the responsibility of working toward that end.  The result has been the greatest civilization the world has ever known (though the Chinese would disagree!).  It is amazing how we as Americans take this for granted.  We give up our freedom for "peace" and "security."  Two clear examples of this are our continued endorsement of the Patriot Act and our willingness to give our freedom to the government so they can take care of us.  

Another clear example is our forgetfulness about how we achieved our freedom.  We are too busy to remember that freedom came with a price.  We are to self-absorbed to keep up the fight for liberty, opportunity, and freedom.  We give lip service to freedom, but we prefer bondage with "security" to freedom with responsibility.

Truly the fallen human condition forgets the blood that set it free!  May we have a reflective Memorial Day!

Repentance, Rest, and Revival

"In repentance and rest is your salvation,

in quietness and trust is your strength,

but you would have none of it." Isa. 30: 15

In the past couple of days, I was re-reading a book for the first time in years.  Actually, I had picked it up several times in the past five years, but I have not been able to get "into it."  The book is The Adversary by Mark Bubeck.  Overall, I have heard it said that it is a "classic" on spiritual warfare.  Classic indeed.  I was struck as I was reading the first few chapters how much emphasis was placed on what we do to keep pure. Without our purity and wisdom, we will fall headlong into the devil's schemes.  These schemes come from the totally corrupt "world system" and many hapless Christians have fallen prey to worldliness thus losing their salvation (23-24).  The last part can only be inferred as he does not come right out and say it, but the context dictates it.

Perhaps the greatest idol of American religion and American Christianity is our fascination with self.  We do not need to be lured by the "world" into a self-centered life because the church and our own flesh does a fine job encouraging it.  Of course if you have an accurate understanding of "the world" that includes all non God-centered thoughts and philosophies as "worldly" such a declaration will not shock you.  You will realize that much of what passes for Biblical religion is really rehashed worldly thought.  Instead of promoting faith and trust, we often promote self-righteous dependence upon our own efforts.

One test of spiritual truth we should teach in every evangelical church: Our life must be God-centered, Christ-centered, and dependent upon the Holy Spirit-centered in its thought and application.  Does my religion promote a trust in myself or a dependence upon God?  Do my religious thoughts promote authentic humility, which is confident trust in God and despair of self, or do they promote self-effort as a means of growth?  Questions we should constantly ask God as we read His word and pray each day.

In today's passage from Isaiah, we see God's take on self-centered religion as opposed to authentic spirituality.  On the one side is Israel rejecting God's ways and running off to Egypt for help against her enemies.  To those folks, God declares they will get what they want.  They will trust in Egypt and Egypt will fail them.  

On the other side is that of authentic spirituality.  "In repentance and rest is your salvation."  Repentance means crying out to God for help.  We have the promise that God "longs to have compassion on us."  He will be our teacher if we just repent of our self-effort and rest in Him.

Furthermore, "In quietness and trust is your strength."  God is able to save from Israel's enemies.  Do we believe it?  I have heard it said recently that Christian spirituality believes, "If it is going to be, it is up to me."  Really?  Anything lasting and real must come from God and His work.  We can trust him and quietly depend upon Him.  Such humility is our strength.

So, how do we do it?  How do we "train" ourselves to live this way?  I call it active passivity.  We must actively repent of our self-effort and attempts to control our situation.  Such repentance runs contrary to our sinful nature.  It seems like death to us!  Yet, it is the doorway into true life and into God's power.  We actively repent and believe in what God has done and will do.  This is resting in and under God's righteousness given to us in Christ.  It passively receives Christ's righteousness and power as its own.

Do you long for God's reviving hand in your life?  Do you wish that God's power would flow through you to bring about His kingdom?  Do you desire to see your friends, family, church, and community changed by the power of God?  Repent of self-effort to bring this about and believe the gospel.  Ask that God would open hearts and opportunities.  Rest in His mighty power and love for you and others.  Trust in His love and power.  Actively quiet yourself before Him.  As you do, you will find that you are participating in what God is doing instead of asking Him to bless what you do.

Spiritual Warfare

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6: 10-13

Today I begin my research and writing on a subject I wish I could avoid: spiritual warfare.  C.S. Lewis declared that the worst six months of his life were during his writing of The Screwtape Letters.  This book concerning the ways of spiritual warfare and the “devil’s schemes” is a classic on the subject.  If he has such a difficult time, what can I expect?

Well for starters, as I began to compose my notes on the markers of an authentic spiritual walk and I began to think of the role of spiritual warfare, I was awakened three nights in a row by horrible nightmares.  The final one about a serial killer stalking my family was particularly blood chilling.  I am blessed with some health issues and a clean conscience that makes me sleep like a rock.  I almost never dream.  I have not had a nightmare in years.  Three days in a row?  I do not believe it is a coincidence.  Last night, I had M.E. pray for me before I feel asleep and I had a good restful night’s sleep.  I praise the Lord for this, as I really need my sleep!

I do know that in this world, we sometimes see glimpses of the spiritual realm, though most of us do not know what we are really seeing.  In other parts of the world, spiritual warfare is much more intense and out in the open.  In America and the West, it is much less visible though just as prevalent.  The truth is, we live in a spiritually alive universe.  There is only one God, and His power, majesty, and sovereignty are not in question.  The evil one is not another God, though he seeks to take God’s rightful glory.  He is a usurper who steals glory and praise not due him.  He is a fallen angel given the earth as his home range  until Christ comes back to set all things aright.  He lives on a short lease: a lease held by the sovereign Lord.  He has under his command an assortment of fallen angels (demons) who seek to destroy God's work and Kingdom.  We know that these evil beings will not prevail!  Yet, in this life, we need to be aware that we have an enemy seeking both our destroy our life and to keep us out of Kingdom work.

With this in mind, will you my readers take time to pray for me as I think through, write, and blog on this topic?  Specifically, would you pray that the Lord will protect my walk with Him, my family, and my Church.  Please pray that He will give me clarity as to what the scriptures say on the subject.  Joining with Paul’s words, please pray that I be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Pray that I would put on the armor of God, which is Christ’s righteousness, so I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes.  Pray for clarity of mind to write well and quickly.  Pray that I would cut through the many knots found in this subject to compose something worthwhile and helpful.  As Jesus told us to pray, ask the Lord to “not lead Dr. Greg into temptation, but deliver him from the evil one.” (Matt. 6:13)

The first lesson in spiritual warfare is not to ignore it.  It is real.  The evil one does not desire for the lost to be found and for light to shine into the darkness.  When the kingdom of God advances, the evil one is right there trying to take glory from God by diverting attention, causing division, and counterfeiting an authentic work of God. 

The second lesson in spiritual warfare is that prayer is our primary weapon.  Pray.  Ask for God’s help.  Ask for others to pray.  Claim the promises of scripture (our only other weapon!), and walk humbly with God.

Why the Church?

For many of us, we have not seen the church as beautiful.  We might like the people or we might not.  We might like the worship or we might not.  We might feel like the church meets our needs or when it does not meet our need we look for another.  Yet, do we see the local and universal church as the most beautiful entity in the universe apart from God?  Do we have glimpses of glory as we meet together to praise God and to learn how to walk with Him?

Throughout scripture, God declares the Church is the radiant bride of Christ.  He declares His love for the church even as He works to purify His people so they might know Him better.  He demonstrates incredible patience and mercy toward His often wayward people.  He sends prophets and priests to keep His people on track, though they often failed in this task.  The church is meant to be the "city on a hill" and "light to the world."  It shines the light of God's grace and truth into the dark world.  Light in the midst of darkness is beautiful.


So why do we often not see the church as a shining light of beauty?  Why do we have difficulty seeing her beauty?  I think there are several reasons.  First, in this world the church is a mixed group.  By that I mean that many within the church are redeemed individuals still struggling with sin.  In addition, in a healthy church there will be those who are not yet redeemed struggling with sin.  So, if we look closely we can see hypocrisy, doubt, anger, and every other sin under the sun.  For many of us, this is a complete turn-off.  How could "holy" people do such things!?

This leads to the second reason we have trouble seeing God's glory in the church.  We have an incorrect understanding of God's glory in this world.  As people we are learning/relearning how to walk in faith with and through Jesus.  Faith is what changes us and teaches us to love.  We are all so self-centered and turned in on ourselves!  We should not be surprised when others hurt us or act in a selfish manner.  We should not be surprised when we judge "church" by our feelings and immediate desires.  Instead, we should be people who repent quickly of our sins and who forgive quickly the sins of others.  Let us confess sin as sin, but not be shocked we live in a fallen world.  The Church is truly the only place on earth where we can experience and extend grace that allows us to be real about our struggles, sins, and lack of faith.

So what is God's glory on earth?  How about restoration of that which has been lost through sin and death?  We should look for and enjoy seeing new people come to the freedom of the children of God (Romans 8).  We should look for and enjoy seeing fellow believers grow deeper in love with God so that they can walk with Him in fuller ways.  This means that we should look for and enjoy seeing love in action.  The church is a place to learn how to love and how walk with Jesus by faith.  We need to take our attention off of the sins of others or ourselves and place it instead on the love and faith that are expressed.  So much of seeing God's glory is about having eyes to see it instead of focusing on sin and death!

Finally, the final reason (for today) as to why we have trouble seeing God's glory in the church has to deal with a living church versus a dead one.  The church is beautiful when it works well.  It is beautiful when it preaches and lives out the gospel.  This means that it will be marked by Christ-centered worship that promotes true humility and authenticity.  It will also be marked by outreach to a lost world through word and deed.  Such action is the only hope for this world.  Such action is beautiful and lovely.  Such action is also rare in a day and age marked by self-concern and self-centeredness more than God-centered living working itself out in love for others.

May Grace be marked by the beauty of her King, the Lord Jesus Christ.  May each of us worship and promote the beauty of the Church!

Justification and the Gospel

"Only a fraction of the present body of professing Christians are solidly appropriating the justifying work of Christ in their lives.  Many have so light an apprehension of God's holiness and of the extent and guilt of their sin that consciously they see little need for justification, although below the surface of their lives, they are deeply guilt-ridden and insecure.  Many others have a theoretical commitment to this doctrine, but in their day-to-day existence they rely on their sanctification for justification, in the Augustinian manner, drawing their assurance of acceptance with God from their sincerity, their past experience of conversion, their recent religious performance or the relative infrequency of their conscious, willful disobedience.  Few know enough to start each day with a thoroughgoing stand upon Luther's platform: you are accepted, looking outward in faith and claiming the wholly alien righteousness of Christ as the only ground for acceptance, relaxing in the quality of trust which will produce increasing sanctification as faith is active in love and gratitude."

Richard Lovelace, Dynamics of Spiritual Life, 101.

What a powerful comment.  In a brief paragraph, Lovelace diagnoses the symptoms of shallow spirituality, and he describes the basis of true spirituality. 

Many of us do not understand the true holiness of God.  We have made God in our image instead of letting His image challenge and confront our sin.  We feel guilt-ridden and insecure, but we blame others or events for this instead of confessing our need for God.  At other times, we profess belief in God’s work in Christ, but we judge our relationship with God by how well we are doing.  Again, we feel guilt-ridden and insecure, but what can we do about it?

First, believe the gospel.  The gospel is not just a ticket to heaven, but a way of daily life.  God does not just accept me, but He loves me!  Why?  Because of Jesus: His perfection and life have been given to me.  My righteousness comes wholly from Him.

Second, take time to remember and believe the gospel!  We often want something deeper, but what is deeper than the gospel?  Pray.  Read the Word of God.  Confess your sins and needs.  Repent of your self-effort and lack of faith.  Ask for grace to love others.  Repeat daily. 

There really is nothing deeper than living in light of our new identity in Christ!

Suffering and Hope

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8: 18

Suffering.  Even as I mention it, I recoil.  It is not a subject I enjoy thinking about, and I enjoy going through them even less.  Often it seems like all I can do is endure.  Right in the midst of suffering, I don't even learn that much.  It takes time and reflection to learn, and in the midst of intense suffering I often lack the strength for reflection.

Perhaps this is why many Christians avoid the subject of suffering.  Entire breeds of Christians have banished all talk of suffering under the guise of spirituality by claiming Christ suffered for us so we do not have to suffer.  All I can say is, tell that to Paul!  He endured beatings, imprisonment, rejection, and other sufferings for the lost and for the Church.  In the preceding verse, he mentioned that "we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  For Paul, sufferings were a way into deeper dependence and identity in Christ.

So what does this mean for us?  In the midst of broken relationships that cause so much pain, in the midst of the death or impending death of those we love, in the midst of our bad decisions, how should we deal with suffering?

First, admit God, yourself, and others that you are suffering.  Understand that we live in a fallen world marked by suffering.  All of creation "groans as in the pains of child birth" and is subject to "frustration" by the effects of sin.  Call sin, sin.  In yourself, in others, and in events confess what is not as it should be.  Cry out to God about the pain of separation.  Ask Him to restore and redeem that the consequences of sin have brought about.  We were not created to suffer through separation like death, but God can relate as He and Jesus were separated on the cross as Jesus suffered to do away with sin and death.

Second, remember the gospel.  We have a taste of redemption, adoption, and freedom now in Christ.  One day, He will set all things aright, and we will know in full a restored relationship with God, others, ourselves, and creation.  If you have not believed, repent and accept His love!  Then, hope in the ultimate reality that you belong to Christ.  This life is fleeting.  Eternity is forever.  Pray for grace to "wait patiently" for our final hope.

Third, pray.  This is how the gospel gets applied to our life.  Take time to be before God and ask the Spirit to lead you to pray for what is really needed (8:26-27).  Pray for healing of your soul.  Pray for restoration of broken relationship.  Pray in confession of your sin and the sins of others.  Whatever the cause of the suffering, take time to pray about it.  We were made to live a life of faith.  Prayer is the avenue into an active faith.

May the Lord use our sufferings to bring about our growth in grace, truth, and love.

Grace and Life

"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord." Pro. 21: 31

I am often asked by new believers or those not quite yet believers how to understand the Bible.  They also ask where to start.  I point them to the gospels so they can encounter Jesus, and I encourage them to read a Proverb each day.  There are 31, so one per day for a month works out great.  I have read a chapter in Proverbs each day for almost 20 years, and they still do not get old.  In fact, I find much practical wisdom in their pithy statements of general truth.

Today's Proverb that struck me as important is found in the end of chapter 21.  As I was reading through them, this one jumped off the page.  In prayer, I asked the Lord, what does this mean?  I was reminded of the busyness of this week.  I have not been stressed or overloaded.  I have just not had time to sit, think and write.  I have moved from one appointment or activity to the next all week.  I am thankful for each opportunity.  In other words, I am not complaining about doing too much, but I did not get much writing and thinking done.  Still, I believe the Lord used me in building His kingdom this week as I interacted with many.

So, what did I learn as the Lord brought this to mind?  First, He has prepared me, like a well-armored war horse for writing and the ministry.  I praise Him for this!  Yet, completion of writing, thinking, and a book will be by His blessings, not my great preparation or abilities.  In fact, without His help, I can assure you I will not blog well, write well, or ever finish a book!  My victory rests with the Lord.

I have learned this lesson many times, but I have to keep learning it.  Friends, our success in life or in coping with difficulties rests not in our strength- not even our "spiritual" strength and knowledge.  It rests in Jesus working in and through us, by His grace, to equip us, strengthen us, and empower us to be His witnesses in the world.  His power and grace comes as we repent of our self-effort and ask Him to work in and through us for His glory.

Second, I was challenged to remember that a grace-filled life must be a God-centered life.  It is not about me nor what I can do.  It is about the Lord and His grace working through a cracked and frail earthen pot!  May He receive the glory.  I thank Him for a busy week even as I apologize for not writing more.  By His grace, next week will be better!

Revival and Awakening

“Woe is me!  I am ruined!  For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty!” Isa. 6:5

Walking in grace presupposes a right understanding of both God and ourselves.  In the first section of The Institutes, John Calvin argues there is an inter-relationship between knowing God and knowing ourselves.  He maintains that we cannot really know ourselves until we know the Holy God in such a way that our sin becomes so grievous to us that we cannot rest until we “put on Christ” in the fullest way possible.  Such knowledge can only come by an awakening of our souls by the Holy Spirit.  When awakened to our need, we cling to Christ and find mercy and grace.

In this passage in Isaiah, we see the prophet encountering the Holy God.  He is undone before Him.  He has seen God and he knows he needs grace!  Fortunately in the next verse, a seraph took a live coal from the alter and touched Isaiah’s mouth declaring, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” (vs. 8)  As Isaiah met God, he became aware of his need, and he called out for grace.  God answered his need by sending grace.

In my experience, such experiences of grace cannot come often enough.  They often lead to rapid advances in Christian maturity and understanding that work out in increased love for God and others.  Such life-changing times of growth often occur at conversion, but they should also continue at different times throughout our Christian life.  Why?  As we grow to know the Holy God better, we should see our need for grace more since we see our sin more. 

So why do we not see this often as a mark of Christian faith and practice?  Why do we lack such awakenings, which lead to true revival?

There are many factors.  First, we have not been taught this form of spirituality as the norm.  An emphasis on humility and brokenness runs counter to the American spirit of individualism and self-effort.  Second, this spirituality runs counter to the workings of our soul.  It does not sound nearly as good to us as “self-improvement” through works on the one hand or free and easy grace and forgiveness that doesn’t involve brokenness and humility on the other.  The truth is that many of us would rather keep a holy God at arms length.  Unfortunately, there are always religious peddlers who will wittingly or unwittingly give us what our hearts want by minimizing God’s holiness and our need. 

The result is a watered-down spirituality and vitality lacking in true awakening and revival.  This is particularly true among those profess Christ for years.  New believers often have a glimpse of their need and God’s grace; but as they continue in the Christian faith, they lose their vitality.

Where are you today?  Do you have a spirit of revival and awakening in your life?  Do you have a vital, living faith?  Do you want such a life?  If so, come before the Holy God and pray for mercy to see both your need for Christ and Christ’s love for you!  True revival awaits.

Bull, Cow, and a Day

Typically Mondays are my days of recovery.  I lose about fifty IQ points, and I struggle to get out of my own way as I decompress from a busy Sunday.  Today, I did not have time to feel weary.  I got up early, went looking for a trailer to pick up a horse/livestock trailer, and headed north with my buddy Mike to pick up two new Highlanders.  We drove through the rain and to the farm where my bull and cow awaited.  They had a great cow shoot made and the cows in the barn.  The only problem is that the Highlanders did not want to get on the trailer.  After twenty minutes, the cow named Cowpens went straight up.  She loves sweet feed, so placing it in the trailer made her easy.  Maximus, the Bull, did not want to get on the trailer.  It took over two hours to get him up the ramp and ready to go.  I called home and had the family pray.  We talked softly, pushed him gently, pushed him hard, gave him food, tried to lead him to more food, tried wratch-it straps behind him, and everything we can think of.  Nothing worked.  Finally, we got a small skid-steer in the pen and pushed him on the trailer.  Once there, he rode great.

Now the very pregnant cow and Maximus are residents of God Provides Farm.  He was so excited to see the three new females.  All he did for three hours was follow them around smelling.  It is good to be the King.  I am thankful for good friends to travel with, a borrowed trailer and truck to haul the animals, and for a great place to keep them.  I hope to write something a bit deeper tomorrow, but I can say that I enjoyed God's grace throughout the day.

Living by the Spirit

"But if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." Romans 8: 13.  In this chapter of Romans, Paul is telling us how to live by the Spirit of God.  He wants us to know that because we are "in Christ" we are able to live by the Spirit.  What does this mean?  What is Paul trying to say?

For most of us, we have seen few examples of someone who lives "by the Spirit."  We have known people who claim to have the Spirit in full and great ways.  Yet, they do not put to death the misdeeds of the body.  Often they are marked by these misdeeds!  We have known those who claim intimacy with God and "victory" over sin.  Yet, they are often filled with arrogance, pride, and judgment of others.  In fact, many of us want to follow God and learn to love others.  Yet, we struggle and often find the misdeeds of the body (and heart!) keep coming back.  What does this mean?  Let's answer this question by first figuring out what Paul doesn't mean.

First, Paul does not mean that life in the Spirit will entail sinless perfectionism.  At least if it does, Paul the super-apostle does not live it!  In context, chapter 8 follows chapter 7.  There is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus (8:1), because Jesus is the one who rescues us from our body of sin and death.  As Paul details his struggles in chapter 7, he affirms that like most of us he knows the good he ought to do.  He just cannot seem to do it!  He concludes, "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out." (7:18)  For Paul, our sin nature/flesh remains with us until death.  At the end of his life, he claims "I am the chief/worst of all sinners." (1 Tim 1:16)  In other words, maturity in Christ does not lead to sinlessness, but a deeper recognition of our sin.  Such a recognition then leads to a deeper dependance upon Jesus for grace and mercy.

Second, Paul does not mean that the Christian life is without struggle.  Some Christians twist Paul's thought to argue that they do not need to grow in increasing personal holiness because God forgives them anyway.  I have met many who recognize their sinfulness- they might even be able to tell you great details of their understanding of their sin- yet they do not grow in love for God or others.  In this passage, Paul argues that because of Christ, "we have an obligation- but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it."  Paul knows the struggle (see Romans 7), but he encourages us to grow!  Thus, growth in personal holiness is possible and necessary, "if the Spirit of God lives in you."

Finally, Paul is not embracing a weird gnostic spirituality.  There is not a "higher way" that transcends life in the body and life in the world.  In his mind, Christian growth takes place in this world.  It is here that we "share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." vs. 17  It is here that we learn how to grow "in the Spirit," so that we might bear fruit for God's glory.  Paul recognizes that our body and our world are our laboratories for growing in grace.

So, how do we "live by the Spirit."  What does Paul say positively about this life?  Tomorrow's post will explore Paul's thought further!

Hope and Mission

This week at Grace, we had a missionary couple share with us their hearts desire to serve the Lord through TWR (Trans World Radio).  This couple is from Maine.  They grew up here, have lived here, and they know our culture.  As I listened to them, I was struck how often we think of missionaries as "special" or another class of Christian.

I also see this as a pastor.  Just last week, one person from the community slipped at a baseball game in front of me.  They laughed it off until they saw it was me.  When they noticed me, they said, "How could I be so foolish in front of the pastor?"  I asked why was it different because I witnessed it.  They replied, "Because I cannot be myself in front of you.  I have to be different."  What is this all about?

In Matthew 28:17, we get a glimpse into the hearts and minds of the disciples.  They go to Galilee in response to Jesus' request.  "When they saw him, they worshiped him."  Obviously, they believed he was the Messiah.  A good Jew of that day and age would not have worshiped anything but God.  They believed that Jesus had risen from the dead.  Obviously they did not understand all that this means (who has!), but they knew Jesus was the Messiah.

"But some doubted."  This is the next part of versus 17.  What did they doubt?  I do not believe that some doubted Jesus was the Messiah.  It just does not fit the context.  Immediately, Matthew records that Jesus gives the disciples the great commission. "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Therefore go and make disciples..."

These early Christ-followers doubted that God could use them.  Why?  They had rejected him.  Peter might have been one of the biggest doubters as he had sworn his fidelity to Jesus, and then denied him three times in an evening.  They had more questions than answers.  In the last week of Jesus' life, they had fought over who was the greatest.  They no longer had the assurance of Jesus' presence in a physical sense.  From the accounts, it is obvious the risen Jesus did not show up on command.  He had appeared, but when would be the next time?

They were living and believing just like we often do today!  How could Jesus use them?  They were so disappointing.  They were struggling.  They did not have all the answers.  They now did not have Jesus' physical presence.  How could God use them?

"Surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age."  Jesus concludes with words of promise and hope.  Words of Grace into the midst of the disciples fear and doubt.  He was not leaving them as orphans!  He would lead them!  He would work in, through, and even in spite of them.  He would use their strengths, their weaknesses, their sin, their doubt, and their times of faith.  He knew their past, but He did not condemn.  He gave a command to go and make disciples sandwiched between the promise of His power and authority (it is really about Him and not us), and his promise of abiding presence.

How can God use you?  How can He use me?  Real ministry is about trusting in His grace that He can use you even with and in our weaknesses.  His power works through broken vessels (2 Cor. 4:7).  The keys to being used by God are three:

1.) Recognize and confess that we are broken "jars of clay."  Don't put on airs or think your answers will change anything or anyone.  Confess your need for God to work!

2.) Ask God to work through us. Missionaries or pastors are not a special class of Christian.  We are all priests of the Great King!  Ask Jesus to use you at work, at home, or where ever you find yourself.  Walk in partnership with Him!  Talk with Him about people and situations.

3.) Be open to God's leading.  In other words, have your eyes open to opportunities to love God and neighbor.  Sometimes this means speaking.  Often it just means going out of your way to express love and concern.  As you do this, you will be amazed at the opportunities that will arise to speak about what God has done in your life.

Authentic grace means that God can use people like the disciples, like me, and like you!  Do not fear for Jesus is the risen King!

Allergies, Grace, and Finicky Birds

Today was one of those days that just flash by.  I started the day chasing a large turkey that makes a daily pilgrimage past my house.  Actually, he is in my back field sometime between six and nine almost every morning.  We have seen him and this week of Turkey season, I have tried to get close, but he has always given me the slip.  This bird is very cautious!  He is bold enough that he tries to take on the cows, but weary of anything pursuing.  Hopefully I can get out there before sunrise on Monday to surprise him and give him my greetings.

Because I left the house so early in pursuit of Tom, I got out of my rhythm and forgot to take my allergy medicine.  I did enjoy a day with the family, visiting old friends, and enjoying the beautiful Maine weather.  Still, by this afternoon, I had itchy eyes, a slight cough, a dull achy head, and a lethargy that I could not shake.  I have mopped around all evening feeling horrible.  I did not realize I had missed the daily dose of allergy help until it finally dawned on me about 8 tonight.  I was laying in bed, ready to pass out, when I thought about it.  With all the trees coming out, the grass growing like mad, and hours outside, I really needed to take my medicine!  I always heard that the Lord watches out for fools, drunks, and children.  Today I played the fool.

I thank the living God for allowing me to figure out my constant chest colds were allergy driven.  I am thankful that I am still able to deal with it by the help of simple pharmaceutical help.  God's grace is evident.  I am also glad that on a day when I forgot to get a better life through pharmaceuticals, I can just go to bed.  May tomorrow be a blessed day of worship and prayer!

Sabbath Rest

The old joke runs that preachers have the best job in the world since they only work for an hour on Sunday.  In my experience, that is far from the truth.  Being a pastor is like running a small business.  Most pastors work at least 50 hours a week, and they still feel like there is so much more to do.  (why?  because there is much more to do!)  Many pastors are people pleasers, and they work to prove to themselves and others that they are worth their pay.  While there are some ignorant people out there who do not believe pastors should be paid well, most understand that pastors have a difficult job.  They are worth every penny they are paid (with their skill set, what would they be paid in the business world?), and congregations need to safeguard their pastors from burnout and fatigue.

How can we do this?  Insist that pastors take a Sabbath rest.  As I said, most pastors feel like there is more to do, so they cheat and work through their Sabbath.  There is always someone to help, so they keep on working.  Unfortunately and I think incorrectly, others feel like Sunday is the Sabbath so that is their day off.  I know I often work 15 to 16 hour days on Sundays.  How is that a day off?  How is that rest?  Ironically, God's word, the very thing pastors are supposed to defend and protect, has much to say about the Sabbath.  It is even one of the big 10!  Today we will look at Exodus 20: 8-11.

In Exodus 20 Moses gives the following rational for keeping the Sabbath.  He states, "For in six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; ... for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."  What does this mean?  Why is this really important?  Is it just another seemingly arbitrary rule?

No, here in Exodus, Moses tells us to rest because it illustrates our trust in God.  We can rest assured that the Lord will complete all the work, as He did in creation.  We follow His example because He is able to finish all his work and make the seventh day holy or set apart.  Why is it so hard for pastors and all work-a-holics to believe this?  Here is the root of our sin.  We think God could not do without us.  Thus, we have to "help" people because without us, the Kingdom would fall!  Of course this is crazy, but our actions show us what we really believe.  Repent and rest in Christ as the one who builds the Kingdom.  As you find yourselves itching for work, repent and ask for mercy and grace to enjoy the Lord's complete control of the universe.  After all, He made it all!

For those who claim that Sunday is the Sabbath and it is a rest.  I say hogwash! (with all the full Jewish implications)  We need a rest!  As Jesus tells us, "The Sabbath was made for Man, not man for the Sabbath." (Mark 2:27)  If you labor on Sunday, take another day and set it apart as holy unto the Lord.  Repent of your hard-heartedness which denies that God can and will work without you.  Learn to enjoy Him.  Again, as you find yourselves itching for work, repent and ask for mercy and grace to enjoy the Lord's complete control of the universe.  After all, He made it all!  

Friday is my Sabbath, so I write and post for my Sabbath on Thursday night.  I trust the Lord is at work in spite of me as well as through me!

What is Grace? Part 2

Today's reflections about Grace will be hard to understand for some.  Yesterday, I described my conversion.  In the narrative I described grace as God's favor given to one who does not deserve it.  This grace changed my heart and restored a relationship with the living God.  It was a process where God's word, particularly the Law of God, illustrated my need for a savior.  By faith alone, given by God's grace alone (I had no means of calling out for help without God's drawing me to Himself!), I was transformed by Christ alone into a child of God (Ephesians 2: 8-9).  While before I knew that God existed, now I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God knew me and I knew God.  At least I knew a little about God!  I was in such need of growth.

As a new believer, I was blessed to have many people come alongside me to teach me, to love me, and to help me grow.  This process is called discipleship.  On the intellectual side, I was a very quick learner.  I devoured the Word of God, and I deeply enjoyed growing in my knowledge of God.  I would label these early years as a time of great growth in relationship.  I read the Bible, believed what I read, tried to put it in practice, and I learned to enjoy having a relationship with God.  I learned how to pray and have a devotional time.  I learned how to witness about Jesus- sharing the same journey I had just experienced.  I learned how to teach the bible and how to defend the faith.  During these early years of a new relationship with God, I saw many people come to faith and I grew deeper in my relationship with God.  God was transforming my life into the person He made me to be!

All of this is well and good.  The problem for me, and for many others, is that much of what I learned went from life transforming to sort of dull and repetitive.  I began to hang around more and more with Christians.  I began to see that my old friends were "worldly" and "not good influences" on me.  I now tried to witness, but my witnessing bore little fruit.  I was told, and I believed it, that was because the "worldly" will not accept the truth.  In other words, because I was right, they reject the message.  I also learned how to fit in within my new community of faith.  I gave up swearing, womanizing (or even trying to think of women, which was even harder), drinking, and acting like the "lost."  Yet, somewhere in this good Christian character development, I lost my zeal and excitement for and about God.  I also lost the touch of being about to tell people about Jesus and seeing them come to faith.  

At that time, devotions were something I did, and I felt guilty if I did not do them.  Church, ministry, and all the rest became my identity.  I had Bible studies I led and attended, fellowship groups to be part of, and accountability partners to keep me (and them) on the straight and narrow.  And somehow in the midst of all this activity, I stopped experiencing and knowing God's life-transforming power.  I talked about it, prayed about it, sometimes wished for it, but I did not experience it.  Honestly, I did not know many other Christians who were tapping into God either, so I took it as normal Christian growth.  In fact, I had it explained that this is what typically happens.  I should not worry about it, but remain faithful to God because His ways were better than mine.  God blesses our faithfulness, so walk with Him in faith and keep being faithful.   Throughout this time, I did confess my sinful struggles with lust, anger, and pride, but I did not ever change.  I would vow to God to change, but I just could not carry it out.  I also could not really admit to myself or to others my struggles because in was fairly obvious that within the Christian community weakness with sin was not really tolerated.  I also could see that everyone else I knew struggled just like I did!

During this time, I worked in the Church, completed seminary, grew to be a fine Bible teacher, and started a family.  The problem was that I believed in grace for salvation, but I really did not believe in applying grace to my life.  Why?  I really did not see I needed it.  I might have momentary struggles with pride, lust, or anger, but I felt bad about it and resolved to sin no more.  Wasn't that faithfulness?  I thank God that He did not leave me in this situation.  I also repent of the years that I walked in this trap!

Through the course of several different trials and difficulties, I was confronted with the absolute fact that I really needed grace.  I discovered, much to my amazement, that I was much worse than I thought.  I did not love people well- especially my wife and kids.  I was full of self-conceit and pride.  I was extremely judgmental of others.  I was self-sufficient and lacking in faith.  I was controlling.  I could not believe it!  How did I miss all this?  In truth, it was there all the time, but I only confessed the surface sins instead of the deep heart sins that caused my momentary anger, lust, and pride.  God, in His mercy, shined the spotlight of the Holy Spirit into my heart.  What He revealed was almost more than I could bear.  So, I cried out to God for mercy.  I asked for grace.  I sought Jesus for help.  I confessed my heart sins, and I asked for the Holy Spirit to change me.  Contrary to all the evidence I now saw coming from my heart, I held by faith unto Jesus as my only hope (Romans 7).

So, what happened?  I experienced grace.  God gave it to me.  His love softened my hard heart.  His love and presence changed me.  The sins of anger, of not forgiving, of judging, and of lust began to drop away.  They just were not attractive to me anymore.  Living and drawing upon the grace of God were much better than those pet sins I had held unto for so long.  I found myself humbled.  I found myself doubting my own self-effort and self-sufficiency.  I found myself depending upon Jesus for all of my life.  I repented quicker.  I believed more.

Real, authentic grace also goes somewhere.  It is not just a private experience.  It is the vanguard of the Spirit's work in building the Kingdom of God.  For me, I found that I could love people.  In fact, I could not wait to love people!  I still struggled at times, but I found the avenue to God's grace- real repentance and desperate faith.  Surprisingly, I also found that my witness about the living God came with power and not the same boring formulas.  I stopped talking about what God did for me 20 years ago, and I started talking about God's grace now- what He did for me this week.  Those who were yet to believe liked me, and I loved them.  With this combo, people came to faith and many believers tired of the same routine I had lived for years, regained hope, love, and faith.  Real, authentic grace always goes somewhere!

This blog is about exploring and applying this real authentic grace: for salvation and for all of life.

For those exploring Christ and his claims, I want you to know that true relationship with God is always found in repentance and faith.  I know that we as Christians often do not live this out, but it is what we should believe and live!  Forgive us as we struggle with the same issues that you have!  Forgive us because God is willing to forgive you.

To those who believe in Jesus but struggle to grow, I urge you to join in the discussion and the application of the truth of the gospel.  Hope again and find the mercy of God!  Walk in repentance and faith.  Cling desperately to Jesus and allow the Holy Spirit to blow afresh through your life!

To those who profess faith, but have no idea what I am talking about, I beg you to think about, pray about, and seek to apply what is discussed in this blog.  The gospel and the Kingdom of God are bigger than you might know, but God wants you to know and experience it!  True life is found in repentance and faith.

What is grace?

I have to admit that for years, I had no idea what grace was all about.  My discovery of this idea has taken two distinct steps.  For the first 18 years of my life, I did not understand the concept at all.  I grew up in a household that emphasized, "God helps those who help themselves."  I was pretty good at helping myself.  I had good grades, musical talent, sport talent, and I was at least fairly popular.  I asked that God would bless what I did.  Yet, I had no real idea of how to relate with God!  Then, the God of this universe began to draw me to Himself.  I began to feel very dissatisfied with my life.  I was successful, but I was not happy.  I had friends who were not successful, and they were not happy.  I realized that if I moved on to college, achieved all my goals and matched all ideas of success, I would still not be happy.  What was the purpose of it all!?  This is when I first learned about grace.

The summer after high school graduation, I began to read the bible.  I wanted to discover what my church supposedly believed.  My family attended a church that did not really teach the bible.  At least, I did not have ears to hear if they did!  That summer, I began reading about Jesus in the book of Matthew.  I was shocked!  His words and actions had such weight and power.  Why had I not heard this before?  He challenged me to "consider the cost," and to "hate my mother and father in comparison with my love for him."  This was not what I expected nor had heard.  Then one evening, I had gone out with some friends to go partying.  I really did not enjoy it, but I went to hang out.  I noticed most of the other folks were not enjoying themselves either.  After several hours, I came home and went to bed.  I remember waking to a horrible dream.  In my dream, I was walking in the dark when I noticed a light behind me.  As I slowly turned around, I was blinded by a bright, piercing light.  I shielded my eyes, but sought to see the source.  I saw through tears a man with light coming from his face.  I was terrified!  I woke up, went to the bathroom to get some light and get out of my room.  I looked up in the mirror and saw through my own eyes, a look into my soul.  What I saw scared me.  I was guilty in God's eyes.  His piercing eyes saw right through me.  I was a sinner!  I was partying and not living for God.  I did not know what to do with this information, but I knew I was not right with God because of my actions.

In the weeks that followed, I  began reading in the first few chapters of the book of Revelation about the risen Jesus.  His holiness was so evident to John (the writer of Revelation) that he fell down as if dead.  Had I seen this same risen Christ?  I have to say that the dream scared me straight.  I stopped partying, and I continued to read deeply of the New Testament.  My saintly Grandpa came to visit, and he pointed me to some of his favorite scriptures.  He talked to me about prayer- saying it was just talking with God.  I started to try it.  I learned that Jesus claimed to be the son of God (many references throughout the gospels), and he had the audacity to say that he was the only way to God (John 14:6).  I witnessed through the pages a man different than anything I had ever seen or heard about.  

Finally, just before I moved to college, I was listening to the Boston, Third Stage album in my car.  There was a song that spoke of changes.  One line sings, "Now I can see both sides."  I realized that before I had no idea that God had a perspective on my life and all of life!  There is right and wrong, and I was on the wrong side.  Tears welled up in my eyes, and I pulled the car over.  I remember clearly asking that Jesus would forgive me for my sins.  I asked him to help me follow him.  Along the side of the road in northern Michigan, I experienced grace.  Grace is mercy and love given to one who does not deserve it.  Jesus extended grace to me.  He loved me, even when I did not deserve it, and he changed my heart.  This was my first discovery of grace.  I was changed in a moment, but I had just begun the process of learning how to live out this "God transformation" in my life.

Getting Started- a disclaimer!

I am a sinner in desperate need of the grace of the Lord.  I am a man who has purposely been learning how to follow Christ for over twenty years.  I often find that I fail in my pursuit.  Thankfully, Jesus never fails in his pursuit of me!  I am a man who has slowly learned the art and life-style of following Jesus.  I am not a super-saint or even a good role-model.  My primary qualification is that I know the One to whom we all must rest.  My hope is that this blog and my writing will point people to the authentic grace and mercy found in a relationship with Jesus.

This blog is a long-time in coming.  In fact, my writing anything worthwhile is a long-time in coming.  I have been encouraged for years from students, congregation members, and the many who have heard me speak to write.  I have been reluctant.  Why?  I do not exactly know.  Fear of failure?  Fear of it taking too much of my time?  Fear, fear, fear.  In other words, I am much like most who will read this!  Yet, perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4: 18), and by grace I seek to gain a wider audience- to gain a louder voice- so I can point more people to the grace and mercy I have found.  May the Lord Jesus bless the time, the writing, and each of us as we grow in grace together.

So, who am I and what do I have to say?  I am the lead pastor of a church in Maine, Grace Bible Church.  I am the husband of a great woman and the father of five children.  I am the lover of God's creation, and I live on a hobby farm complete with Highlander cattle, Tamworth pigs, and many chickens.  I constantly seek to slow my life down so I can enjoy the presence and grace of the Lord in the moment.  I am not always successful, but I do try!  In terms of education and training, I have been a pastor for 19 years (wow does time fly!).  I have an M.Div with an emphasis in historical theology from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Church history and historical theology from Vanderbilt University.  I spent years studying the material at hand before moving to Maine to learn it in practice in the pastorate.  I will try to write ideas informed by years of study, but also seasoned with real life experience.  I hope and pray you join me as we grow in authentic, life-changing grace together!