By J. B. Chapman, 1946
I want to propose “All Out for Souls” as a battle cry. I was born in the fire, and I cannot endure the smoke. I am a child of the bright daylight: mists and fogs and depressing gloom are not to my liking. I want to go all out for souls.
I know we have some matters of policy to think about in this conference, but I wish these matters might take their places as spokes in a wheel, the hub of which is soul passion, soul burden, souls! Souls! Souls that are lost! Souls for whom Christ died! Souls that are near and dear to us! Souls for whom we care and for whom we pray! Souls for whom no one cares and for whom no one prays! Souls! All out for souls!
I glory in our denominational history. Even with its setbacks, it is a romance all the way. I am glad we have a big Manual, even though there are now so many rules and regulations that I am not always sure I know what they all imply. I am glad for our departments. I am heartily in favor of good church buildings and parsonages and Sunday school equipment.
I am glad for our world-wide mission, for our Publishing House and the periodicals that it sends out, for our district organizations that keep our people united and efficient, and for our denominational headquarters, the Seminary, the radio, and everything that, by the help of the good God, we have been able to gain.
I think we have gone about far enough on at least some of these lines. I hope our legislative and judicial systems will become static at about their present level…After a certain point, organization, like added belts and pulleys, becomes a hindrance to efficiency and unity, and I think the history of denominations shows that some bodies have carried on their changes in the interest of static existence, rather than in the interest of vital life and true progress.
In other words, I do not believe there are many more worlds for us to conquer in the way of order, organization, and law. Let us stop now with the gains we have made on the matters of order, organization, and law, and let us turn to the fields of vital accomplishment where are new and larger worlds to conquer than either our fathers or we have known.
I propose that we get down before God in sackcloth and dust and ashes, and that we pray until we pray. That we then preach until we preach with unction, and that we win the victory for God and for souls.
I want a revival that, like a summer shower, will purify the atmosphere of our churches everywhere, and that will awaken the dormant forces of our people young and old. I want something so general and so divine that it will be uncontrollable. I want something that will re-emphasize old-time moral and spiritual conditions. Something that will reform and regenerate drunkards and save respectable worldlings. Something that will bring in the youth and the little children. Something so attractive that it will break over into the circles of the pleasure loving.
I want a revival that will set people on their back tracks to make restitution for wrongs committed. Something that will bring God to bear upon our domestic problems to save our people from the twin evils of divorce and race suicide. Something that will inject honesty, veracity, purity, and other-world-mindedness into our preachers and people. Something that will make this namby-pamby, soft-handed, compromising, cringing sort of holiness as obsolete as Phariseeism was on the Day of Pentecost. Something that reveals a man's credentials by means of souls saved and sanctified and established in Christ Jesus.
It will take a changed leadership to bring it about, but that change can come in the present personnel as well as it could come by a change in personnel. Our churches need new pastors. God grant that the men who have charge of the churches now shall become new men! We need new general and district superintendents. May the good God grant us new ones, either by making us, who now encumber, over new or by replacing us with the type of men God designs us to be!
Some of our large local churches have shown no growth in membership within a period of years. Some of our strongest districts make a very poor showing in terms of souls saved and members gained. The fault is deeper and more fundamental: there is not enough heartbreak over the lost, not enough soul burden, not enough groaning and weeping and fasting and crying.
John Knox was a great preacher. But Queen Mary admitted that it was his prayers she feared. John Wesley was a scholar, but he would sooner preach without intellectual than without spiritual preparation…. He feared there would be a time when (the denomination) would build institutions and initiate programs that would require the help of the rich, and that they would then tone down their message so it would not offend the rich, and the movement would become decadent.
John Wesley said that no revival could well be permanent, because the fruits of a revival have a way of devouring the revival itself. He said that a revival requires such devotion on the part of those who promote it that it must find its promoters among the poor and humble. But when people become true Christians, they become industrious, frugal, and provident, and these are the prime conditions of prosperity. Converts of the revival become trustworthy and efficient; these are the elements that rightly lead to promotion.
Then, the converts of the revival, within a short time, become well to do and are promoted to places of responsibility and honor. They become careless about prayer and sacrifice, and soon the conditions for revival are wanting, the revival itself passes, and the conditions go back to the place where the revival is needed, but is not forthcoming.
Dr. P. F. Bresee was a seraphic pulpiteer and a wise leader. He came to the pulpit with shining face because he, like Moses, had spent his time in the mount with God; and his successful altar services in practically every Sunday morning service were not accidents, but were the logical sequence and consequence of a day and a night spent in groaning and tears before the Lord.
We speak not only of the unfinished task of Christianizing the world, but of that other task which Dr. Bresee called "Christianizing Christianity." For we have, in addition to the task of preaching Christ to those who have not yet found Him, the further task of bringing the people of God into the grace and blessing of Bible sanctification. We preach holiness, but we must also be holy and help others to become so.
I know you can organize churches. I know you can help fit pastors and churches. I know you can operate the machinery of the church, and I want you to do these things. But I would not make these the standard to measure your fitness for your present task. I ask you, “Do you love souls? Do you find it possible to pray for souls with heartbreak and with tears? Do you preach with passion and unction and do you make souls your aim? I know you ask our evangelists to do these things. I know you want the pastors to be like that.” But I ask you, “Are you like that? How long since you have gone through the throes of birth pains for the deliverance of the ungodly?” And I must not excuse myself.
For a general or a district superintendent to interpret the principal responsibility of the office in terms of business meetings and the improved functioning of machinery is to demote the office to a position unworthy of the time of a God-anointed preacher of the gospel. Let the name continue, but make the office imply intercession with God more than tact with unspiritual church bosses and lame encumberers of the ministerial office.
Is it possible that we can be content to raise money, make pastoral arrangements, conduct district assemblies, and yet suffer the spiritual leadership and soul-saving success of the movement to atrophy before our eyes and pass away forever? Is there no one that can wake us up? Is there no way to start a fire in our bones that will cause enough heat to make the water of our concern boil and become powerful steam?
We have done good things, but we have made a poor showing with the best things. We have been occupied with the means, and have not in sufficient measure reached the end. We should have done what we have done without accounting it the purpose. We should do these things again, and better, but should turn more definitely to the one thing that can keep us from becoming just another denomination. Just a people with a circle of influence, and a nest of static contentment!
The greatest lack there is among us is our want of life-shortening soul passion. And even when we champion the cause of soul burden and revivals, we do our chore principally in talking. It is our complacency that agitates me. Our hearts are really broken. We are taking the matter to heart. Our eyes are fountains because of it.
Men and movements backslide in heart before they deteriorate very far in practice. What, then, is the great need in the Church of the Nazarene? Is it the enactment of more legislation? No, we have a workable system. Is it for more organization? No, we have ample machinery for much more work than we are doing. Is it for better talent, improved art in service, or better standards of ethical practice? Even these things we would allow to rest for the moment in order that we may lay our emphasis on the one indispensable point—a passion for the souls of men.
J. B. Chapman (in 1946)
To read the unabridged version you can follow this link.
Monday, December 18, 2017
Thursday, December 7, 2017
Why I Like Snake Handling Churches...
As I continue a series on "Why I Like" different churches, denominations, or sects within Christianity I feel compelled to address why I like, the very controversial, Snake Handling Churches.
The problem is, for the life of me, I cannot think of one good reason. Never mind...
The problem is, for the life of me, I cannot think of one good reason. Never mind...
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Why I Like Conservative Holiness Churches...
I'm talking about the tie wearing, bun sporting, ankle length dress wearing brand just to be clear...
(1) They take the call to holy living seriously. They are trying to live differently than the world. In the world, but not of the world. Holiness is not an abstract theological philosophy, but a day by day impacting way of life. For the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM), giving everything to Jesus means he will change it before using it. Clothing, entertainment, attitudes, etc. are all going to be different. There's a thorough and holistic approach to applying Biblical truth to practical lifestyle.
(2) Heard of the coveted Millennial generation? Well after some losses in the 1970s & 80s, the Conservative Holiness Movement is making great strides among young adults. It seems that a lot of young adults are tired of trying to get Christianity to fit into their life and are trying to get their life to fit into Christianity. Of course it may also be that those that are part of the CHM are just good at raising their children to stay in the church and maintain a heart for God.
(3) They are okay with being conservative. While a lot of holiness people are off chasing the big mainline denominations to try to be like their big brother, the Conservative Holiness folks will tell you they are busy chasing after Holiness. They don't mind wearing clothing that is not in style, not going to the movies, or not owning a TV... they are just more interested in being holy than anything else. Weird? Maybe. But they're okay with it. They don't believe you make holiness relevant; they believe it already is!!
(4) Can anyone remember "Campmeeting"? They still do it and do it good! And, even though the rest of us know that they no longer work... the CHM is still seeing people born-again and sanctified wholly at camp meetings! They do it up complete with trombone players, pulpits, long dresses on the ladies, altars, waving hankeys, and some aisle running. "I never shall forget how the fire fell." They generally stick with the hymns and don't seem to keen on switching over any time soon.
(5) They preach holiness clearly and specifically and strongly! You know how Charles Stanley always manages to slip in some "once saved, always saved" in every sermon? Well, CHM folk have that impulse, but with the message of Holiness. This second work of grace or entire sanctification or baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than a doctrinal statement that they give lip service to. They preach it, shout about it, teach it, and live it! They may look like they're out of date, but they're goal is not to fit in, but be filled within by the Holy Spirit. You don't make holiness relevant... it already is!!
(7) They have convictions. No, I'm not talking about court room convictions, I'm talking about the fact that many of them are listening to what God may be asking them to do or to give up. While they most often get a reputation surrounding their dress, it's must larger than that. Many do not own a TV, won't go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, won't listen to secular music, don't wear makeup (male or female) and more. Listening to God about direction in life seems like a pretty Biblical idea to me.
(8) They still shout. They sometimes look like Pentecostals, and sometimes sound (noise level) like Pentecostals, but they are not Pentecostals. And they do not have a problem with that. They also do not mind if it gets loud while praising the Lord. Psalm 47:1 "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" In some corners of the CHM you'll not only hear an 'amen' during the preaching, but you might just witness a saint shouting and running the aisles in praise to God.
(9) They take criticism well. They have to, after all, all the moderate and liberal holiness people fight them more than they do the devil. Being called 'legalistic' all the time because you have convictions has to get annoying. But they do not seem to mind the name calling and constant opposition. They go right on pursuing holiness! That independent, rugged determination helps them not only survive criticism, but thrive on the mission field too.
(10) The Conservative Holiness Movement is growing in unconventional ways. Go to a Bible College, Seminary, or a Church Growth Seminar and you will hear the 'right' way to grow a church. Most in the CHM have never heard that stuff, because they're not doing most of it... but they're still growing. They maintain a zeal for missions. While typically independent, they are almost as large as the Church of the Nazarene. We Nazarenes like to believe we are the king of the hill, but the truth is, the Conservative Holiness Movement is a growing movement and might just overtake us (especially here in the United States).
For more information check out the wiki page about the Conservative Holiness movement and the Interchurch Holiness Convention website for more info.
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
(1) They take the call to holy living seriously. They are trying to live differently than the world. In the world, but not of the world. Holiness is not an abstract theological philosophy, but a day by day impacting way of life. For the Conservative Holiness Movement (CHM), giving everything to Jesus means he will change it before using it. Clothing, entertainment, attitudes, etc. are all going to be different. There's a thorough and holistic approach to applying Biblical truth to practical lifestyle.
(2) Heard of the coveted Millennial generation? Well after some losses in the 1970s & 80s, the Conservative Holiness Movement is making great strides among young adults. It seems that a lot of young adults are tired of trying to get Christianity to fit into their life and are trying to get their life to fit into Christianity. Of course it may also be that those that are part of the CHM are just good at raising their children to stay in the church and maintain a heart for God.
(3) They are okay with being conservative. While a lot of holiness people are off chasing the big mainline denominations to try to be like their big brother, the Conservative Holiness folks will tell you they are busy chasing after Holiness. They don't mind wearing clothing that is not in style, not going to the movies, or not owning a TV... they are just more interested in being holy than anything else. Weird? Maybe. But they're okay with it. They don't believe you make holiness relevant; they believe it already is!!
(4) Can anyone remember "Campmeeting"? They still do it and do it good! And, even though the rest of us know that they no longer work... the CHM is still seeing people born-again and sanctified wholly at camp meetings! They do it up complete with trombone players, pulpits, long dresses on the ladies, altars, waving hankeys, and some aisle running. "I never shall forget how the fire fell." They generally stick with the hymns and don't seem to keen on switching over any time soon.
(5) They preach holiness clearly and specifically and strongly! You know how Charles Stanley always manages to slip in some "once saved, always saved" in every sermon? Well, CHM folk have that impulse, but with the message of Holiness. This second work of grace or entire sanctification or baptism of the Holy Spirit is more than a doctrinal statement that they give lip service to. They preach it, shout about it, teach it, and live it! They may look like they're out of date, but they're goal is not to fit in, but be filled within by the Holy Spirit. You don't make holiness relevant... it already is!!
(6) They believe in biblical holiness education. While they may not have Bible colleges with huge enrollments, across the CHM you will find a ton of small Bible Colleges that are training men and women for pastoral ministry, missions ministry, and educational ministry. They feel strongly about people who know what the Bible says about the truth of Holiness. After all, if you don't know what the Bible says, you won't know how to preach it, teach it, or live it!
(7) They have convictions. No, I'm not talking about court room convictions, I'm talking about the fact that many of them are listening to what God may be asking them to do or to give up. While they most often get a reputation surrounding their dress, it's must larger than that. Many do not own a TV, won't go to a restaurant that serves alcohol, won't listen to secular music, don't wear makeup (male or female) and more. Listening to God about direction in life seems like a pretty Biblical idea to me.
(8) They still shout. They sometimes look like Pentecostals, and sometimes sound (noise level) like Pentecostals, but they are not Pentecostals. And they do not have a problem with that. They also do not mind if it gets loud while praising the Lord. Psalm 47:1 "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!" In some corners of the CHM you'll not only hear an 'amen' during the preaching, but you might just witness a saint shouting and running the aisles in praise to God.
(9) They take criticism well. They have to, after all, all the moderate and liberal holiness people fight them more than they do the devil. Being called 'legalistic' all the time because you have convictions has to get annoying. But they do not seem to mind the name calling and constant opposition. They go right on pursuing holiness! That independent, rugged determination helps them not only survive criticism, but thrive on the mission field too.
(10) The Conservative Holiness Movement is growing in unconventional ways. Go to a Bible College, Seminary, or a Church Growth Seminar and you will hear the 'right' way to grow a church. Most in the CHM have never heard that stuff, because they're not doing most of it... but they're still growing. They maintain a zeal for missions. While typically independent, they are almost as large as the Church of the Nazarene. We Nazarenes like to believe we are the king of the hill, but the truth is, the Conservative Holiness Movement is a growing movement and might just overtake us (especially here in the United States).
For more information check out the wiki page about the Conservative Holiness movement and the Interchurch Holiness Convention website for more info.
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Why I Love the Church of the Nazarene...
It would just make sense that I write a "Why I Like..." about the group that I identify with: the Church of the Nazarene. I love my church!
(1) They were born in revival. More specifically they were born in a revival of calling the church back to Christ like living (holiness) and mission (holiness)! Looking back it would seem pretty self evident that Christians ought to act like Christ. The early Nazarenes had roots in Methodism, Presbyterian backgrounds, Baptist influences, and many others. What unified them was their desire to live out a holy life... the possibility. That was the revival (or some call 'awakening') from which the Church of the Nazarene was born.
(2) They were against "tobacco" before everyone realized that tobacco was bad. Before Hollywood started campaigning against tobacco and the government started placing "sin" taxes on cigarettes; the Church of the Nazarene was boldly proclaiming the "tobacco weed" as a vice on our society. They didn't get much support early on, but our culture has finally caught on to the negative effects of tobacco (wish society would come along on some other issues).
(3) They believe in getting the Good News out. The Church of the Nazarene is a strong missions oriented church. We really take seriously going into all the world. That includes places that are dangerous, countries that are anti-Christ, and post-Christian cultures. Nazarenes will go anywhere to tell people about Jesus. Not only will they go, but they will give. Those that are unable to travel to other places are cheerfully willing to give to make sure someone is able to go.
(4) They were tough and determined. Since the Church of the Nazarene was/is such a young denomination (compared to Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Catholics, or Methodists) they typically don't have big financial budgets, vast properties, long established trusts, or large overheads of administration. Many of the early Churches of the Nazarene started in rented store fronts with volunteers pastors. But they were tough and determined and they made it! They sacrificed the meager earnings they had from low paying jobs to give to Jesus' work. (They also saved a lot of money by not smoking, drinking, going to movies, taking the Sunday newspaper, etc.)
(5) Budgets. Yeah, I know. Some Nazarene churches do not like paying their "budgets" but I'm glad, as a denomination, that we do not have such a narrow perspective that we forget about the rest of the world. Budget allotments are what are expected from local church to give outside of their 'local' context. We believe in working together with our brothers and sisters from other local churches to send out missionaries, plant churches, support existing churches, train pastors and laity, as well as provide for the physical needs of the communities we find ourselves in.
(6) "Articles of Faith." It's what I believe. I'm glad we are clear about what we believe as a church!
(7) They cared about the disenfranchized, poor, hurting, widows, orphans, and imprisoned before anyone knew anything about social justice. We never called it social justice, we called it the Great Commission. The truth is, the early Church of the Nazarene placed the priority on sinners coming to know Jesus as the Savior and Lord of their life regardless of their social status. We were working on the 'other side of the track' before it was cool to do so. Caring for the physical needs of people was a natural outflow of a real concern for the spiritual needs of people.
(8) They didn't mind rocking the boat. They take a stand. "Holy Rollers" "Nois-arenes" and other names were frequent with the early Church of the Nazarene. Many of the early Nazarenes were "rejects" from other churches for their stand on social issues, moral issues, and passionate preaching. "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion".... the only solution to ease is to keep the boat rocking. Taking on controversial issues, preaching on strong convictions, and being unconcerned about what the polls were saying kept the early Nazarenes rocking the boat.
(9) They have expectations. Ever heard of the "Covenant of Christian Conduct?" It means that if you are a member its because you have committed to more than your name on a roll in the secretary's office. You have agreed to participate in the shared convictions of a body of believers. Sure, some people misunderstand and think it is just a bunch of rules. I'm just glad to be part of a church that has done the difficult work of trying to make the "rubber meet the road." So we are defined not only by our theology but also our lifestyle.
(10) Holiness. It is the greatest need of the church today. It is the only thing that can meet our deepest need. It is the will of God. It is the only way to Heaven. It is preached, taught, experienced, lived out, and given priority to in the Church of the Nazarene. (If we walk away from this Truth, we walk away from our reason for existence.)
(11) Last, but not least, I was born-again and baptized in a Church of the Nazarene. It was Lafayette Church of the Nazarene in Lexington, KY to be exact. While that may not mean much to you, it has changed the course of my life (as well as where I will spend eternity). I am so thankful that the King of kings and Lord of lords extended an unwarranted gift of forgiveness and redemption to me so that I might now be called a child of the Living God.
What reasons might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
(1) They were born in revival. More specifically they were born in a revival of calling the church back to Christ like living (holiness) and mission (holiness)! Looking back it would seem pretty self evident that Christians ought to act like Christ. The early Nazarenes had roots in Methodism, Presbyterian backgrounds, Baptist influences, and many others. What unified them was their desire to live out a holy life... the possibility. That was the revival (or some call 'awakening') from which the Church of the Nazarene was born.
(2) They were against "tobacco" before everyone realized that tobacco was bad. Before Hollywood started campaigning against tobacco and the government started placing "sin" taxes on cigarettes; the Church of the Nazarene was boldly proclaiming the "tobacco weed" as a vice on our society. They didn't get much support early on, but our culture has finally caught on to the negative effects of tobacco (wish society would come along on some other issues).
(3) They believe in getting the Good News out. The Church of the Nazarene is a strong missions oriented church. We really take seriously going into all the world. That includes places that are dangerous, countries that are anti-Christ, and post-Christian cultures. Nazarenes will go anywhere to tell people about Jesus. Not only will they go, but they will give. Those that are unable to travel to other places are cheerfully willing to give to make sure someone is able to go.
(4) They were tough and determined. Since the Church of the Nazarene was/is such a young denomination (compared to Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Baptists, Catholics, or Methodists) they typically don't have big financial budgets, vast properties, long established trusts, or large overheads of administration. Many of the early Churches of the Nazarene started in rented store fronts with volunteers pastors. But they were tough and determined and they made it! They sacrificed the meager earnings they had from low paying jobs to give to Jesus' work. (They also saved a lot of money by not smoking, drinking, going to movies, taking the Sunday newspaper, etc.)
(5) Budgets. Yeah, I know. Some Nazarene churches do not like paying their "budgets" but I'm glad, as a denomination, that we do not have such a narrow perspective that we forget about the rest of the world. Budget allotments are what are expected from local church to give outside of their 'local' context. We believe in working together with our brothers and sisters from other local churches to send out missionaries, plant churches, support existing churches, train pastors and laity, as well as provide for the physical needs of the communities we find ourselves in.
(6) "Articles of Faith." It's what I believe. I'm glad we are clear about what we believe as a church!
(7) They cared about the disenfranchized, poor, hurting, widows, orphans, and imprisoned before anyone knew anything about social justice. We never called it social justice, we called it the Great Commission. The truth is, the early Church of the Nazarene placed the priority on sinners coming to know Jesus as the Savior and Lord of their life regardless of their social status. We were working on the 'other side of the track' before it was cool to do so. Caring for the physical needs of people was a natural outflow of a real concern for the spiritual needs of people.
(8) They didn't mind rocking the boat. They take a stand. "Holy Rollers" "Nois-arenes" and other names were frequent with the early Church of the Nazarene. Many of the early Nazarenes were "rejects" from other churches for their stand on social issues, moral issues, and passionate preaching. "Woe to them that are at ease in Zion".... the only solution to ease is to keep the boat rocking. Taking on controversial issues, preaching on strong convictions, and being unconcerned about what the polls were saying kept the early Nazarenes rocking the boat.
(9) They have expectations. Ever heard of the "Covenant of Christian Conduct?" It means that if you are a member its because you have committed to more than your name on a roll in the secretary's office. You have agreed to participate in the shared convictions of a body of believers. Sure, some people misunderstand and think it is just a bunch of rules. I'm just glad to be part of a church that has done the difficult work of trying to make the "rubber meet the road." So we are defined not only by our theology but also our lifestyle.
(10) Holiness. It is the greatest need of the church today. It is the only thing that can meet our deepest need. It is the will of God. It is the only way to Heaven. It is preached, taught, experienced, lived out, and given priority to in the Church of the Nazarene. (If we walk away from this Truth, we walk away from our reason for existence.)
(11) Last, but not least, I was born-again and baptized in a Church of the Nazarene. It was Lafayette Church of the Nazarene in Lexington, KY to be exact. While that may not mean much to you, it has changed the course of my life (as well as where I will spend eternity). I am so thankful that the King of kings and Lord of lords extended an unwarranted gift of forgiveness and redemption to me so that I might now be called a child of the Living God.
What reasons might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Friday, November 3, 2017
Why I Like Independant Fundamental Baptists...
A few reasons I like Independent Baptists:
(1) There are lots of them. You can find them everywhere you go. Sure, sometimes you have to look on a back street, but if you look you will find and Independent Baptist Church
(2) They know what they stand for. They know the fundamentals of their faith. Ask them, they'll be glad to chat. They don't mind a hearty debate either.
(3) The no-nonsense mentality. They are not worried about being politically correct. Less sugar coating. Clear, plain, & blunt might define their communication style. You will never go away wondering what they were trying to say.
(4) They are 'independent' minded. They do not depend upon others for what they need. They do not pay much attention to that feeling that creeps over most of us when we feel like we are out on a limb alone. They secretly enjoy standing tall when no one else will.
(5) They are evangelistic. Make eye contact for more than three seconds and they'll probably hand you a tract with the name of their church on the back. You will then get to hear the plan of salvation! Get ready to make a personal decision too. You might even hear a little street preaching (kind of like what Peter did at Pentecost.)
(6) They have a love for God's Word. That is the KJV to be exact. But they love it. They will memorize, quote, and even live it (imagine that). They may like Calvin, but they don't quote him much, they quote Paul, Jesus, and the prophets.
(7) They believe in education. I know they have a reputation of being anti-intellectual, but the opposite is actually true. They like to start Christian schools, homeschool co-ops, small independent Bible colleges, and more. Their priority is on teaching God's Word (see #6).
(8) They are Biblical theologians, not Systematic theologians. Most people today lean toward being a systematic kind of Christian. We like for our faith to all fit together into a nice little system that makes sense. Not Independant Fundamental Baptists. "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it."
(9) They like big families. Dad working hard at a job, mom working hard teaching and rearing the kids, and multiple children is not a sexist, ignorant idea for them... it is normal. They raise them to love Jesus and his church. No wonder there are so many of them!
(10) They sometimes get loud during church. Pentecostals get all the credit these days for getting noisy in church, but the truth is Independant Fundamental Baptists like to throw up an "amen" here and there too.
What might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
(1) There are lots of them. You can find them everywhere you go. Sure, sometimes you have to look on a back street, but if you look you will find and Independent Baptist Church
(2) They know what they stand for. They know the fundamentals of their faith. Ask them, they'll be glad to chat. They don't mind a hearty debate either.
(3) The no-nonsense mentality. They are not worried about being politically correct. Less sugar coating. Clear, plain, & blunt might define their communication style. You will never go away wondering what they were trying to say.
(4) They are 'independent' minded. They do not depend upon others for what they need. They do not pay much attention to that feeling that creeps over most of us when we feel like we are out on a limb alone. They secretly enjoy standing tall when no one else will.
(5) They are evangelistic. Make eye contact for more than three seconds and they'll probably hand you a tract with the name of their church on the back. You will then get to hear the plan of salvation! Get ready to make a personal decision too. You might even hear a little street preaching (kind of like what Peter did at Pentecost.)
(6) They have a love for God's Word. That is the KJV to be exact. But they love it. They will memorize, quote, and even live it (imagine that). They may like Calvin, but they don't quote him much, they quote Paul, Jesus, and the prophets.
(7) They believe in education. I know they have a reputation of being anti-intellectual, but the opposite is actually true. They like to start Christian schools, homeschool co-ops, small independent Bible colleges, and more. Their priority is on teaching God's Word (see #6).
(8) They are Biblical theologians, not Systematic theologians. Most people today lean toward being a systematic kind of Christian. We like for our faith to all fit together into a nice little system that makes sense. Not Independant Fundamental Baptists. "God said it, I believe it, and that settles it."
(9) They like big families. Dad working hard at a job, mom working hard teaching and rearing the kids, and multiple children is not a sexist, ignorant idea for them... it is normal. They raise them to love Jesus and his church. No wonder there are so many of them!
(10) They sometimes get loud during church. Pentecostals get all the credit these days for getting noisy in church, but the truth is Independant Fundamental Baptists like to throw up an "amen" here and there too.
What might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Why I Like Roman Catholics...
(1) They have the Vatican. No other denomination has anything like it! It is like an actual, albeit small, theocracy! That is cool.
(2) They are global. They really are international. It is not that they want to be or hope to be... they actually are! You can find a Roman Catholic church almost anywhere in the world!
(3) Their priests are completely dependent upon the church. And the church takes care of them all their life. I am not just talking about a retirement check... I'm talking about a priesthood that lives, breathes, and dies 'the church.'
(4) They have an almost universal monopoly on the word 'catholic.' Yes, it technically means universal, but they already have the copyright... sorry protestants who quote the Apostle's Creed.
(5) Can anyone say: 'Organized.' They've had more practice than we protestants. They have evangelism down to a science... literally. Missions, polity, disagreement, councils, etc are all organized down to the detail. Ever read the Roman Catholic catechism? Organized.
(6) Ever found an ugly Catholic church building? Maybe, but not many actually exist. They really believe the church ought to be an embassy for the Kingdom of God. Therefore, they build churches like they envision Heaven to be.
(7) Their clergy are easy to identify. The Priests have the collar, nuns have the habit. All they have to do is walk into a room and everyone knows who they are!
(8) They are passionate about the sanctity of life. Lots (but not all) of protestants are too busy looking to draw a crowd to rock the boat on some issues. Not Catholics. Go to a pro-life rally and see how many non-Catholics you can find.
(9) They do not change much. Many Protestant denominations are chasing after fads and popularity polls... not our Catholic friends! There are some of them that still want to have service in Latin. Nobody at the Vatican is too disturbed about being "relevant."
(10) Have you ever seen the Pope's hat? That is awesome! Just sayin'.
What might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
(2) They are global. They really are international. It is not that they want to be or hope to be... they actually are! You can find a Roman Catholic church almost anywhere in the world!
(3) Their priests are completely dependent upon the church. And the church takes care of them all their life. I am not just talking about a retirement check... I'm talking about a priesthood that lives, breathes, and dies 'the church.'
(4) They have an almost universal monopoly on the word 'catholic.' Yes, it technically means universal, but they already have the copyright... sorry protestants who quote the Apostle's Creed.
(5) Can anyone say: 'Organized.' They've had more practice than we protestants. They have evangelism down to a science... literally. Missions, polity, disagreement, councils, etc are all organized down to the detail. Ever read the Roman Catholic catechism? Organized.
(6) Ever found an ugly Catholic church building? Maybe, but not many actually exist. They really believe the church ought to be an embassy for the Kingdom of God. Therefore, they build churches like they envision Heaven to be.
(7) Their clergy are easy to identify. The Priests have the collar, nuns have the habit. All they have to do is walk into a room and everyone knows who they are!
(8) They are passionate about the sanctity of life. Lots (but not all) of protestants are too busy looking to draw a crowd to rock the boat on some issues. Not Catholics. Go to a pro-life rally and see how many non-Catholics you can find.
(9) They do not change much. Many Protestant denominations are chasing after fads and popularity polls... not our Catholic friends! There are some of them that still want to have service in Latin. Nobody at the Vatican is too disturbed about being "relevant."
(10) Have you ever seen the Pope's hat? That is awesome! Just sayin'.
What might you add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Small churches.
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Why I Like Small Churches...
I believe in small healthy churches!
(1) You feel more comfortable calling them your home church. Mega churches may have programs, but small churches have people. Not just a mass of faces, but a people you can come to know. A small church can become your church family.
(2) You can know the Pastor. The pastor isn't a celebrity (though he/she may want to be), he or she is your pastor. The pastor knows who you are, who your family is, and what you are going through.
(3) More participation! It is hard to do nothing in a small church. There tends to be a smaller percentage of pew warmers (although you can find them everywhere). It's hard to continue to be a spectator when everyone else is already doing three different jobs in the church. So don't get comfortable on the pew, they're looking for someone like you!
(4) There is accountability. If you aren't there, everyone knows. Your "spot" in your pew is obvious when it is empty. People ask you where you've been because they care. They are worried when you start "laying out of church." They miss you and genuinely love you.
(5) A small church is a small group! Large churches recognize the need to have small groups to connect people with one another and establish a more intimate setting for Bible Study. No need for that in a small church. Just come on Wednesday night!
(6) They don't care what the church fads are. They really don't care what cool things they should be doing during the worship service or whether their pastor looks like a model from American Eagle Outfitters. They couldn't care less about cliches, they are having church.
(7) Can anyone say "potluck." Enough said.
(8) They are stable. They may not have "break out" growth in attendance, but they can be faithful and consistent. Mega churches are sometimes built around the likeability of the pastor, the extravagant use of technology, or the numerous programs. If something disrupts the routine a mega church can find itself in decline quickly. (Of course this stability is a point of contention for the pastor who comes in to a small church and tries to change everything overnight.) Their stability comes from the fact that they tend to be slow to change, and not rush into everything.
(9) They don't care if the Pastor is gifted, just that he loves them. Now, to be sure, they would like to hear an excellent sermon, but the more they sense the pastor loves them, the more they enjoy his sermons (whether they really are good or not). In a mega church a pastor cannot express love to each congregant in anything more than words, so if the pastor cannot be a good preacher, administrator, etc he/she will fail! In a small church love trumps gifts/talent.
(10) Less business, more church. They don't require large budgets. Most don't care about committees or boards. They might occasionally raise money for a new window AC unit in the elementary Sunday School class or a new paint job in the parsonage, but as a whole, they just aren't too concerned about such things. No bells, no whistles... just being the church.
Any reasons you might add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
(1) You feel more comfortable calling them your home church. Mega churches may have programs, but small churches have people. Not just a mass of faces, but a people you can come to know. A small church can become your church family.
(2) You can know the Pastor. The pastor isn't a celebrity (though he/she may want to be), he or she is your pastor. The pastor knows who you are, who your family is, and what you are going through.
(3) More participation! It is hard to do nothing in a small church. There tends to be a smaller percentage of pew warmers (although you can find them everywhere). It's hard to continue to be a spectator when everyone else is already doing three different jobs in the church. So don't get comfortable on the pew, they're looking for someone like you!
(4) There is accountability. If you aren't there, everyone knows. Your "spot" in your pew is obvious when it is empty. People ask you where you've been because they care. They are worried when you start "laying out of church." They miss you and genuinely love you.
(5) A small church is a small group! Large churches recognize the need to have small groups to connect people with one another and establish a more intimate setting for Bible Study. No need for that in a small church. Just come on Wednesday night!
(6) They don't care what the church fads are. They really don't care what cool things they should be doing during the worship service or whether their pastor looks like a model from American Eagle Outfitters. They couldn't care less about cliches, they are having church.
(7) Can anyone say "potluck." Enough said.
(8) They are stable. They may not have "break out" growth in attendance, but they can be faithful and consistent. Mega churches are sometimes built around the likeability of the pastor, the extravagant use of technology, or the numerous programs. If something disrupts the routine a mega church can find itself in decline quickly. (Of course this stability is a point of contention for the pastor who comes in to a small church and tries to change everything overnight.) Their stability comes from the fact that they tend to be slow to change, and not rush into everything.
(9) They don't care if the Pastor is gifted, just that he loves them. Now, to be sure, they would like to hear an excellent sermon, but the more they sense the pastor loves them, the more they enjoy his sermons (whether they really are good or not). In a mega church a pastor cannot express love to each congregant in anything more than words, so if the pastor cannot be a good preacher, administrator, etc he/she will fail! In a small church love trumps gifts/talent.
(10) Less business, more church. They don't require large budgets. Most don't care about committees or boards. They might occasionally raise money for a new window AC unit in the elementary Sunday School class or a new paint job in the parsonage, but as a whole, they just aren't too concerned about such things. No bells, no whistles... just being the church.
Any reasons you might add?
Also check out similar blog posts...
Why I like Roman Catholics.
Why I like Independent Fundamental Baptists.
Why I like the Church of the Nazarene.
Why I like Conservative Holiness Churches.
Why I like Snake Handling Churches.
Friday, August 11, 2017
"Progressive" Christianity is the Real Problem
"Progressive" Christianity is the Real Problem. Let me give you a few reasons why...
1. For them, one of the most serious offenses is someone seeking to take the Bible seriously! (Of course they would say they are trying to take it serious...). You know you are in a conversation with a 'progressive' Christian because they will call you a 'fundamentalist' or seek to explain why their 'education' puts them in a better place in understanding how to throw out God's Word. Believing the Bible is full of errors and distinguishing the errors from the truth is something they want the authority to articulate. The Bible becomes for them a buffet. A serious approach to engaging the Word of God by anyone else may get you labeled a "bibliolator" or "fundamentalist." John Wesley is often ignored when he said: "If there be one falsehood in the Bible, there may be a thousand; neither can it proceed from the God of truth.” Always be leery of those who think you take the Bible too seriously.
2. They are often closet universalists. Everybody makes it to Heaven (if there is such a place) and certainly no one would ever go to hell (as they definitely don't believe such a negative place would actually exist). Emotionally they cannot comprehend a loving God being "mean" enough to send people to the 'bad place.' This is why they tend to turn a blind eye to sin, sinful lifestyles, etc. Almost any deviant or false group/idea can find home and a comrade among progressives. No doctrine is really sacred. No false teaching is ultimately rebuked. They even believe that Islam & Christianity are essentially serving the same God. (Can someone please tell a progressive how radically different Christianity and Islam are!!) They speak much of a 'big tent' or an 'open table' but I think you're really only welcome if you agree with them.
3. They often sterilize and thus change the Gospel. Atonement? Jesus dying for our sins? What a 'theory'! For them, this is a traumatizing and alienating message. The cross would be a lot more attractive without Jesus (dying because of the sin of humanity) on it. Repentance? It sounds so harsh. God hating sin? That hasn't been feasible since the 90's. Anything that would be culturally abrasive they tend to eliminate or at least de-emphasize. The most significant way they do this is to minimize the serious reality of sin in the world and specifically in the individual. Sinful appetites and desires are accepted as normal (sometimes even with pride). So there are many churches and ministries that are unfaithful to ever share the Gospel as what is often left over is a partial shell of the whole truth. Salvation is de-emphasized in favor of a works faith of social justice vs social media activism.
4. They only ever emphasize those issues which might be culturally or politically advantageous. In their claim to be prophets they only ever emphasize what the broader culture already values and accepts. It's great to encourage people where they get it right, but we are also called to the difficult task of pointing out where they get it wrong Biblically. Be careful when you are praised by secular media and worldly masses... remember that Jesus was hated and killed by the secular world (Roman Empire) and religious hierarchy (Sanhedrin).
5. In emphasizing part of the work Christians are to be involved in (compassionate ministries, social justice, etc) they negate the transforming work of God. For example, Jesus Himself said we will always have the poor among us. It doesn't mean we don't work to alleviate suffering around us or work to improve systematic problems that lead to poverty; but it does mean that our ultimate goal is not to end poverty, rather it is about bringing people to new life in Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said that his purpose in coming into the world was to seek and to save the lost. 'Progressive' Christianity often becomes more about works than true righteousness.
7. They have sought to redefine love and grace. For a 'progressive' Christian you cannot love someone if you do not affirm and/or approve of what they do, how they live, what they look like, what their opinions are, or how they live their life. For them, love, never confronts sin. "I'd rather error on the side of grace," they might say. What they unconsciously mean by that is that they have neither the resolve, backbone, or real love to do the hard work of loving your neighbor as yourself. To be fair, they only believe sin should be confronted in a broad, general way within systems, organizations, or societies. Never deal with the sin in an individual. In their oral rhetoric and twisted semantics they sound eloquent but bring soon shrivel up spiritually because it is never a loving thing to accept or even ignore sin.
8. They believe that human reasoning and reliance on emotional appeal is better than Biblical truth. They love to quote statistics and then interpret the data for you. For example, they might say: "75% of divorcees have struggled with depression." (I made up this stat for the sake of a point I'm trying to make.) Then they will interpret that data by saying: "This means that the church has not accepted divorcees, so they struggle with rejection." That's absurd. Maybe they are dealing with depression because of what they have gone through, not how the church is treating them. Loving people for them is a based on what you feel
9. They like to be in control of educational institutions and denominational structures. Because there is an inherent flaw in 'progressive' Christianity it is generally unfruitful for the Kingdom. Because of the lack of tangible/measurable progress, they like to climb the ladder of leadership and get farther and farther from the front lines of actual ministry. It is in these places that they can promote their philosophies on how to interpret the Bible and do kingdom work. They like to write books and teach classes on how to duplicate their unfruitful ministry. To initiate this process, they argue they just want a seat at the table. However, what they really want is to sit at the head and command the conversation. This is also why progressive tend to promote the academy (an equipping ministry of the church) to be above the church.
10. Progressives argue against any kind of experience. In general they do not believe that you can personally know Jesus. That's why they love liturgy. Not that all liturgy is bad (it isn't), but that it becomes a way to help them feel spiritual without ever really encountering The Spirit. Prayer becomes something you cite from memory or read off a paper rather than a conversation with the Divine. They love theology when it is bound up in the philosophical and theoretical realm. They also have a strong arrogance toward the idea that a formal degree is necessary to do 'real theology.' (Caution: Do not go to the other extreme of mocking those who 'study to show themselves approved.')
And all the while, being fruitful and faithful in the wrong areas, they march on to take over and change the church. But, when you don't believe in Heaven or Hell, it kind of numbs the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Maybe 'progressive' Christianity isn't really 'progressive' or Christian. Maybe progressives are the problem. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Also check out the following articles:
I Sin Every Day
How to Lead Your Church into Apostacy.
1. For them, one of the most serious offenses is someone seeking to take the Bible seriously! (Of course they would say they are trying to take it serious...). You know you are in a conversation with a 'progressive' Christian because they will call you a 'fundamentalist' or seek to explain why their 'education' puts them in a better place in understanding how to throw out God's Word. Believing the Bible is full of errors and distinguishing the errors from the truth is something they want the authority to articulate. The Bible becomes for them a buffet. A serious approach to engaging the Word of God by anyone else may get you labeled a "bibliolator" or "fundamentalist." John Wesley is often ignored when he said: "If there be one falsehood in the Bible, there may be a thousand; neither can it proceed from the God of truth.” Always be leery of those who think you take the Bible too seriously.
2. They are often closet universalists. Everybody makes it to Heaven (if there is such a place) and certainly no one would ever go to hell (as they definitely don't believe such a negative place would actually exist). Emotionally they cannot comprehend a loving God being "mean" enough to send people to the 'bad place.' This is why they tend to turn a blind eye to sin, sinful lifestyles, etc. Almost any deviant or false group/idea can find home and a comrade among progressives. No doctrine is really sacred. No false teaching is ultimately rebuked. They even believe that Islam & Christianity are essentially serving the same God. (Can someone please tell a progressive how radically different Christianity and Islam are!!) They speak much of a 'big tent' or an 'open table' but I think you're really only welcome if you agree with them.
3. They often sterilize and thus change the Gospel. Atonement? Jesus dying for our sins? What a 'theory'! For them, this is a traumatizing and alienating message. The cross would be a lot more attractive without Jesus (dying because of the sin of humanity) on it. Repentance? It sounds so harsh. God hating sin? That hasn't been feasible since the 90's. Anything that would be culturally abrasive they tend to eliminate or at least de-emphasize. The most significant way they do this is to minimize the serious reality of sin in the world and specifically in the individual. Sinful appetites and desires are accepted as normal (sometimes even with pride). So there are many churches and ministries that are unfaithful to ever share the Gospel as what is often left over is a partial shell of the whole truth. Salvation is de-emphasized in favor of a works faith of social justice vs social media activism.
4. They only ever emphasize those issues which might be culturally or politically advantageous. In their claim to be prophets they only ever emphasize what the broader culture already values and accepts. It's great to encourage people where they get it right, but we are also called to the difficult task of pointing out where they get it wrong Biblically. Be careful when you are praised by secular media and worldly masses... remember that Jesus was hated and killed by the secular world (Roman Empire) and religious hierarchy (Sanhedrin).
5. In emphasizing part of the work Christians are to be involved in (compassionate ministries, social justice, etc) they negate the transforming work of God. For example, Jesus Himself said we will always have the poor among us. It doesn't mean we don't work to alleviate suffering around us or work to improve systematic problems that lead to poverty; but it does mean that our ultimate goal is not to end poverty, rather it is about bringing people to new life in Jesus Christ. Jesus himself said that his purpose in coming into the world was to seek and to save the lost. 'Progressive' Christianity often becomes more about works than true righteousness.
6. They believe the church, generally speaking, is oppressive. They believe that God's chosen vessel to redeem the world is responsible for oppression of the poor, the LGBTQ community, democrats, minorities, divorcees, immigrants, refugees and more. They have a very low view of the Bride of Christ (the church). They might say things like: "I love the church, even though it gets things wrong, hurts people, has been on the wrong side of history, etc." The Bible says it differently in Ephesians 5:25b-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
7. They have sought to redefine love and grace. For a 'progressive' Christian you cannot love someone if you do not affirm and/or approve of what they do, how they live, what they look like, what their opinions are, or how they live their life. For them, love, never confronts sin. "I'd rather error on the side of grace," they might say. What they unconsciously mean by that is that they have neither the resolve, backbone, or real love to do the hard work of loving your neighbor as yourself. To be fair, they only believe sin should be confronted in a broad, general way within systems, organizations, or societies. Never deal with the sin in an individual. In their oral rhetoric and twisted semantics they sound eloquent but bring soon shrivel up spiritually because it is never a loving thing to accept or even ignore sin.
8. They believe that human reasoning and reliance on emotional appeal is better than Biblical truth. They love to quote statistics and then interpret the data for you. For example, they might say: "75% of divorcees have struggled with depression." (I made up this stat for the sake of a point I'm trying to make.) Then they will interpret that data by saying: "This means that the church has not accepted divorcees, so they struggle with rejection." That's absurd. Maybe they are dealing with depression because of what they have gone through, not how the church is treating them. Loving people for them is a based on what you feel
9. They like to be in control of educational institutions and denominational structures. Because there is an inherent flaw in 'progressive' Christianity it is generally unfruitful for the Kingdom. Because of the lack of tangible/measurable progress, they like to climb the ladder of leadership and get farther and farther from the front lines of actual ministry. It is in these places that they can promote their philosophies on how to interpret the Bible and do kingdom work. They like to write books and teach classes on how to duplicate their unfruitful ministry. To initiate this process, they argue they just want a seat at the table. However, what they really want is to sit at the head and command the conversation. This is also why progressive tend to promote the academy (an equipping ministry of the church) to be above the church.
10. Progressives argue against any kind of experience. In general they do not believe that you can personally know Jesus. That's why they love liturgy. Not that all liturgy is bad (it isn't), but that it becomes a way to help them feel spiritual without ever really encountering The Spirit. Prayer becomes something you cite from memory or read off a paper rather than a conversation with the Divine. They love theology when it is bound up in the philosophical and theoretical realm. They also have a strong arrogance toward the idea that a formal degree is necessary to do 'real theology.' (Caution: Do not go to the other extreme of mocking those who 'study to show themselves approved.')
And all the while, being fruitful and faithful in the wrong areas, they march on to take over and change the church. But, when you don't believe in Heaven or Hell, it kind of numbs the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Maybe 'progressive' Christianity isn't really 'progressive' or Christian. Maybe progressives are the problem. "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Matthew 7:15
Also check out the following articles:
I Sin Every Day
How to Lead Your Church into Apostacy.
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
A Running Missionary
Eric Liddell's story was made into the award winning movie "Chariots of Fire" in 1981.
He was a contender in the 1924 Olympic games in Paris and a favored runner in the 100m. However, he declined to run in the heats for the 100m because they took place on Sunday. Liddell, a Christian, refused to participate in any competitions on Sunday because that was the day of worship and he sought to honor the Sabbath by keeping it holy.
“You will know as much of God, and only as much of God, as you are willing to put into practice.” (E. Liddell)
He went on to compete, on a weekday, in the 400m race in which he eventually won the Gold medal breaking a record that remained unbroken for 12 years.
“It has been a wonderful experience to compete in the Olympic Games and to bring home a gold medal. But since I have been a young lad, I have had my eyes on a different prize. You see, each one of us is in a greater race than any I have run in Paris, and this race ends when God gives out the medals.” (E. Liddell)
“We are all missionaries. Wherever we go we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from Christ.” (E. Liddell)
In 1925, the year following the Gold medal win in Paris, Liddell goes to China as a missionary. And serves there until his death in 1945 at the age of only 43.
“Many of us are missing something in life because we are after the second best.” (E. Liddell)
“Purity does not mean crushing the instincts but having the instincts as servants and not the master of the spirit.” (E. Liddell)
“Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ!” (E. Liddell)
According to a missionary friend, Eric Liddell's last words were, "It's complete surrender", in reference to how he had given his life to God.
What's the point? Live your life for something that matters: for the glory of God.
For more information about Eric Liddell check out the following links...
The Eric Liddell Centre Biography
Wikipedia's Page on Eric Liddell
Friday, April 14, 2017
A Holy Week Timeline...
Maundy Thursday
6-11pm- Jesus and his twelve disciples have what is called "the last supper." Jesus washes the feet of His disciples and tells them to do the same (where the word 'Maundy' comes from). He breaks bread and shares wine thus initiating what is called "the Lord's Supper" (also called Communion or the Eucharist). Judas, the betrayer leaves early. Jesus gives the disciples a number of final remarks and direction (which you can read in John 14-16). Then Jesus prays for His disciples in what we now refer to as the High Priestly Prayer which can be read in John 17.
Good Friday
12am-1am- When finished, the disciples and Jesus leave Jerusalem, cross the Kidron valley, and gather in the garden at Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives for prayer. Jesus encourages them to pray that they may not enter into temptation then withdraws from them to pray privately. Jesus prays fervently realizing that his arrest and imminent crucifixion are at hand. His time of prayer is so intense that an angel comes from heaven to strengthen him and he still sweats drops of blood. His disciples, on the other hand, are tired and keep falling asleep. (Luke 22:39-46)
1am-1:30am- Judas, the betrayer, leads a small band of soldiers and temple servants to the garden where he knows Jesus will probably be. As Jesus is waking his disciples, Judas finds them and kisses Jesus, the pre-determined signal, to those with him, identifying Jesus. Peter draws a sword and cuts off the ear of a servant before being rebuked by Jesus who heals and replaces the man's ear. (Luke 22:47-53)
2am-3am- Jesus is bound and taken to Annas, the High Priests' father-in-law, and then to Caiaphas', the High Priest, house who questions him about his teachings in an illegal, 'unofficial' trial together with many of the now assembled Sanhedrin. Meanwhile, Peter, following at a distance, denies knowing Jesus just as Jesus had predicted. As Jesus responds to Caiaphas, one of the officers standing next to him strikes Jesus with his hand (the first recorded physical abuse). (John 18:12-27)
4am-5am- Jesus is taken from the home of Caiaphas to the Roman governor's (Pilate) home. Pilate comes out to the Jews who do not enter his home because he is a Gentile and they wish to remain ceremonial clean for the Passover. The Jews are asking Pilate to sentence him to death as they cannot fulfill this without Roman consent. The Roman governor takes Jesus inside and questions Jesus asking about whether he is a king and his famous question: 'What is truth?' Eventually he brings Jesus back out to the growing mob of Jewish leaders and people acknowledging that he found no guilt in Jesus. Trying to appease the crowd he offers to let one prisoner go free: Jesus or a insurrectionist, murderer, and thief named Barabbas. The crowd cries out for Barabbas' freedom. (John 18:28-40)
4:30am- Judas, the betrayer, in remorse commits suicide. (Matthew 27:3-10)
5:30am-6:30am- When Pilate realizes that Jesus is from the region called Galilee he sends him to Herod, the Roman appointed King of Galilee. Herod questions Jesus, but Jesus does not respond as the chief priests and the scribes hurl accusations. To appease the growing mob, Herod and his soldiers join in the mockery and dress Jesus in 'splendid' clothing in mockery of him. Historically, Herod and Pilate become close friends following this day. (Luke 23:6-12)
7am-8am- Jesus is sent back to Pilate who vows to the angry mobs that he will punish Jesus and then release him. Pilates' wife sends word to her husband to not bother "that righteous man" (Jesus) because she has had a dream about him (Matt 27:19). The crowd again calls for the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus and now begin insisting on the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate tries to reason with the rabid crowd only to succumb to the pressure of the mob and agrees to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
8am-9:30am- The Roman soldiers flog Jesus, fashion a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus' head while they mockingly 'worship' him and hit him with their fists. (John 19:1-2) The abuse continues as they strike him with a flexible wood staff (a reed) on the head and spit. Then they strip off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. (Mark 15:16-20)
9:30am-10:30am- The soldiers force Jesus to carry his cross out of Jerusalem and up the hill to the place of public executions: Golgotha, which means 'place of the skull' (the Latin word for Golgotha is Calvary). Jesus, after all the physical abuse, sheer exhaustion, and sweating blood is unable to carry the cross the whole way so the soldiers compel a passerby, named Simon who was from Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross the rest of the way. (Mark 15:21-23)
10:30am-11am- When they arrive they nail Jesus (through his hands and feet) to a wooden cross and then stand it up in the air so all can see him. They give him some cheap vinegar wine which he initially refuses even though he says that he is thirsty. (Mark 15:21-23) Pilate has a sign made that reads "Jesus of Nazareth: The King of the Jews" in Aramaic, Latin, & Greek. The soldiers divide his clothing among themselves and cast lots for his seamless tunic. (John 19:17-24)
11am-11:30am- Jesus' mother, Mary, his aunt, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and the disciple John stand by the cross of Jesus. Jesus basically tells John to take care of his mother. (John 19:25-27)
Noon-3pm- Darkness covers the land. There is no sunlight. The earth shakes. Rocks split open.
3pm- Jesus says: "It is finished" and "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit." Jesus bows his head and dies. The curtain in the temple between the holy place and the most holy place was torn in two from top to bottom.. As Jesus dies a Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion says: "Certainly this man was innocent" and "Truly this man was the Son of God!" At the same time the bodies of many of the saints who had died were raised and came out of their tombs and came into Jerusalem and showed themselves to many people. (Matthew 27:51-54, Mark 15:38-39, Luke 23:46-48, John 19:30)
3pm-3:30pm- The two people crucified on either side of Jesus have their legs broke to speed up the process of death, but Jesus' side is pierced (John 19:31-37)
3:30pm-5:30pm- Joseph of Arimathea, who had been secretly following Jesus to this point, asks Pilate for permission to take the body of Jesus. He prepares Him for burial and places Jesus' body in a tomb that was in the garden near the place of Jesus' crucifixion. (John 19:38-42)
Sunset. The Great Sabbath begins. Jesus, the Savior of the World has died.
It's Saturday, but Sunday is coming!
**Most times are approximations & estimates.**
Also check out the following articles...
10 Reasons I Became a Feminist
Why I Don't Drink Alcohol
Why I Stopped Giving to the Poor
6-11pm- Jesus and his twelve disciples have what is called "the last supper." Jesus washes the feet of His disciples and tells them to do the same (where the word 'Maundy' comes from). He breaks bread and shares wine thus initiating what is called "the Lord's Supper" (also called Communion or the Eucharist). Judas, the betrayer leaves early. Jesus gives the disciples a number of final remarks and direction (which you can read in John 14-16). Then Jesus prays for His disciples in what we now refer to as the High Priestly Prayer which can be read in John 17.
Good Friday
12am-1am- When finished, the disciples and Jesus leave Jerusalem, cross the Kidron valley, and gather in the garden at Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives for prayer. Jesus encourages them to pray that they may not enter into temptation then withdraws from them to pray privately. Jesus prays fervently realizing that his arrest and imminent crucifixion are at hand. His time of prayer is so intense that an angel comes from heaven to strengthen him and he still sweats drops of blood. His disciples, on the other hand, are tired and keep falling asleep. (Luke 22:39-46)
1am-1:30am- Judas, the betrayer, leads a small band of soldiers and temple servants to the garden where he knows Jesus will probably be. As Jesus is waking his disciples, Judas finds them and kisses Jesus, the pre-determined signal, to those with him, identifying Jesus. Peter draws a sword and cuts off the ear of a servant before being rebuked by Jesus who heals and replaces the man's ear. (Luke 22:47-53)
2am-3am- Jesus is bound and taken to Annas, the High Priests' father-in-law, and then to Caiaphas', the High Priest, house who questions him about his teachings in an illegal, 'unofficial' trial together with many of the now assembled Sanhedrin. Meanwhile, Peter, following at a distance, denies knowing Jesus just as Jesus had predicted. As Jesus responds to Caiaphas, one of the officers standing next to him strikes Jesus with his hand (the first recorded physical abuse). (John 18:12-27)
4am-5am- Jesus is taken from the home of Caiaphas to the Roman governor's (Pilate) home. Pilate comes out to the Jews who do not enter his home because he is a Gentile and they wish to remain ceremonial clean for the Passover. The Jews are asking Pilate to sentence him to death as they cannot fulfill this without Roman consent. The Roman governor takes Jesus inside and questions Jesus asking about whether he is a king and his famous question: 'What is truth?' Eventually he brings Jesus back out to the growing mob of Jewish leaders and people acknowledging that he found no guilt in Jesus. Trying to appease the crowd he offers to let one prisoner go free: Jesus or a insurrectionist, murderer, and thief named Barabbas. The crowd cries out for Barabbas' freedom. (John 18:28-40)
4:30am- Judas, the betrayer, in remorse commits suicide. (Matthew 27:3-10)
5:30am-6:30am- When Pilate realizes that Jesus is from the region called Galilee he sends him to Herod, the Roman appointed King of Galilee. Herod questions Jesus, but Jesus does not respond as the chief priests and the scribes hurl accusations. To appease the growing mob, Herod and his soldiers join in the mockery and dress Jesus in 'splendid' clothing in mockery of him. Historically, Herod and Pilate become close friends following this day. (Luke 23:6-12)
7am-8am- Jesus is sent back to Pilate who vows to the angry mobs that he will punish Jesus and then release him. Pilates' wife sends word to her husband to not bother "that righteous man" (Jesus) because she has had a dream about him (Matt 27:19). The crowd again calls for the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus and now begin insisting on the crucifixion of Jesus. Pilate tries to reason with the rabid crowd only to succumb to the pressure of the mob and agrees to release Barabbas and crucify Jesus.
8am-9:30am- The Roman soldiers flog Jesus, fashion a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus' head while they mockingly 'worship' him and hit him with their fists. (John 19:1-2) The abuse continues as they strike him with a flexible wood staff (a reed) on the head and spit. Then they strip off the purple robe and put his own clothes back on him. (Mark 15:16-20)
9:30am-10:30am- The soldiers force Jesus to carry his cross out of Jerusalem and up the hill to the place of public executions: Golgotha, which means 'place of the skull' (the Latin word for Golgotha is Calvary). Jesus, after all the physical abuse, sheer exhaustion, and sweating blood is unable to carry the cross the whole way so the soldiers compel a passerby, named Simon who was from Cyrene to carry Jesus' cross the rest of the way. (Mark 15:21-23)
10:30am-11am- When they arrive they nail Jesus (through his hands and feet) to a wooden cross and then stand it up in the air so all can see him. They give him some cheap vinegar wine which he initially refuses even though he says that he is thirsty. (Mark 15:21-23) Pilate has a sign made that reads "Jesus of Nazareth: The King of the Jews" in Aramaic, Latin, & Greek. The soldiers divide his clothing among themselves and cast lots for his seamless tunic. (John 19:17-24)
11am-11:30am- Jesus' mother, Mary, his aunt, Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Clopas, and the disciple John stand by the cross of Jesus. Jesus basically tells John to take care of his mother. (John 19:25-27)
Noon-3pm- Darkness covers the land. There is no sunlight. The earth shakes. Rocks split open.
3pm- Jesus says: "It is finished" and "Father, into your hands I commit my Spirit." Jesus bows his head and dies. The curtain in the temple between the holy place and the most holy place was torn in two from top to bottom.. As Jesus dies a Roman centurion overseeing the crucifixion says: "Certainly this man was innocent" and "Truly this man was the Son of God!" At the same time the bodies of many of the saints who had died were raised and came out of their tombs and came into Jerusalem and showed themselves to many people. (Matthew 27:51-54, Mark 15:38-39, Luke 23:46-48, John 19:30)
3pm-3:30pm- The two people crucified on either side of Jesus have their legs broke to speed up the process of death, but Jesus' side is pierced (John 19:31-37)
3:30pm-5:30pm- Joseph of Arimathea, who had been secretly following Jesus to this point, asks Pilate for permission to take the body of Jesus. He prepares Him for burial and places Jesus' body in a tomb that was in the garden near the place of Jesus' crucifixion. (John 19:38-42)
Sunset. The Great Sabbath begins. Jesus, the Savior of the World has died.
It's Saturday, but Sunday is coming!
**Most times are approximations & estimates.**
Also check out the following articles...
10 Reasons I Became a Feminist
Why I Don't Drink Alcohol
Why I Stopped Giving to the Poor
Friday, March 31, 2017
How to be a Youth Pastor...
Are you searching for a youth pastor at your church? Here are a few tips on how to be a good youth pastor! (Pardon the sarcasm.)
1) Style your hair so it looks like you didn't style it at all. Good youth pastors spend a lot of time making their hair style look like they haven't spent any time on it. All teenagers want a youth pastor that looks like... he didn't comb his hair in the morning. It makes them seem 'in touch' with the teenage world.
2) Get multiple piercings and/or some tattoos. It helps teenagers realize you identify with them. It is important that you are just like them. It also helps your personal coolness factor! Who wants an un-cool youth pastor? A youth pastor has the enormous responsibility to be the coolest person in the room at any given time. Plus piercing is a simple, practical way to be holy!
3) Don't use the Bible. It has so much archaic language and ideas that it will be a major turn off to teens. Teenagers today will simply not stay around if you study, quote, or teach from the Bible. If baby boomers can't relate to teens then how in the world is a 2000+ year old book going to relate? (Want to keep a crowd? Try entertaining them!)
4) Be as much like a teenager as possible. Be their friend. They do not want or need a pastor, they need someone that has poor decision making skills like them. Stop judging teens and start hanging out with them. They don't need instruction, they need validation. Affirm them, don't correct them. They don't need another parent giving them direction and insight for life. Plus, their parents don't understand them like a good youth pastor will.
5) Talk about how cool Jesus was; if you even talk about Jesus. Talking about Jesus to teens is a risky venture, because someone might bring up the words of Jesus; like: "Whoever would follow me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me." Just stick with cool miracles he did... not what he said. Convince teenagers that if Jesus were alive today he would wear cool clothes, be in the popular group, and be everyone's favorite.
6) Food, Fun, & Fellowship. Those are the three 'F's to a superb ministry (adult or youth). Do not get pre-occupied with other ventures like discipleship, evangelism, the Truth of the Bible, etc. Those things don't grow youth groups, they turn teens away. Distract teens by what they are really looking for at church. Without theses components... you're not going to have a youth group.
7) Rockin' Music! Every generation has to develop its own style. The old people of your church (if you still allow them to come) cannot begin to know how to worship like teens know how to worship. Rock it out every single time you get together. It's not about Jesus, it's about what we perceive the teens like. Get a band that looks like a secular band too, not a decent looking group (see numbers 1, 2, & 4). We want teens to know that no matter how they dress, act, think, or value, Jesus loves them just the way they are and doesn't expect them to change.
8) Talk about the Love of God without talking about any other charactersitics of God. The righteousness and holiness of God are discussions best left to the Senior adults of the church. (And absolutely do not talk about the judgement of God unless you are interested in driving teens away.) I know that the idea of love has been perverted by the world, but don't worry about clarifying it. I wise theologian once said: All you need is love. Most teens don't even know that God loves them, remind them over and over again.
9) Quote or show clips from inappropriate movies. Some R rated movies have a good message (disregard the means vs the ends idea) and there is no way you could possibly illustrate some points you make with Scripture. Sure it implies that you have watched the whole movie and, at some level, recommend it, but hey: they are going to watch the movie anyway.
10) Convince the youth of your church that adults and anyone that does not go along with their ideas are legalistic and judgemental! (Nevermind that you are making a judgement of them by saying they are judgemental.) Give them the trump card: "Don't judge me." (Nevermind about 1 Corinthians 5:12.) Make sure they do not interact with the older saints of the church; it could influence them to mature or something. It would be terrible if they reached a deeper place spiritually than you. What if they began to take their faith seriously and develop some kind of conviction about something important?
11) #bringbackSoulPatch !!
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Why I Stopped Giving to the Poor...
I saw that same guy at that same intersection two weeks ago. He wore similar attire. He was disheveled with his ski hat, multiple jackets, & stained cargo pants. There was visible grime underneath his fingernails and the hair sticking out from underneath his ski hat was uncombed and apparently uncared for in recent days. He appeared tired, discouraged, and overall worn down from life.
He suddenly sprang to life as he walked toward the second vehicle from the red light we were all waiting on. His outstretched hand received some amount of currency from the sleek & new looking Toyota SUV. He waived with the cardboard sign to the driver in appreciation for the gift. The light turned green and we began to ease through the intersection.
As I slowly moved passed him we made eye contact. He had resumed his position and held his sign pointing toward oncoming vehicles. "Homeless, sick, and in need. Anything helps. God bless." The cardboard sign was scrawled with handwritten lettering from a black marker. The eye contact was painfully awkward for me. I care about people. While I didn't have cash, I did have a few dollars worth of spare change. I pulled on through the intersection without stopping. The awkward feeling quickly passed and I was on my way.
I began to think about what had just happened. Why had I felt compelled to give to this man with a sign? Why had I felt so awkward making eye contact with him? Why had I not given?
I made a choice at that moment that turned into a model for life. I don't give money to guys (or ladies) on the side of the street with a sign. Let me try to explain why and then you can be the judge.
1. It's too easy. Handing a couple of bucks out the window of my car is easy for sure. Too easy in fact. It absolves me of real involvement and real change. I ease my conscious and the awkward encounter at the intersection by giving some spare change from my car cup holder. I've done my good deed for the day. I'm finished. Wow, with a buck thirty five, I've changed the world for at least one person... No, you haven't. It's too easy.
2. The answer to poverty is not money. Yeah, I know, that doesn't make sense. But there are deeper more systematic problems relating to poverty (and homelessness) than just a financial one. The problem of poverty is not a problem of dollar amount. If it were just a financial problem, our government could have solved it already. There are issues of money management, mental health, education, crisis situations, addictions, and more. Which leads to my next reason...
3. Throwing money at poverty often creates more problems than it solves. A few bucks may help meet some immediate needs, but does not change the factors that probably led to this situation to begin with. Your spare change may actually cause him to stay in the situation because he has found that gives immediate solutions to his immediate problems. Always dealing with the symptoms of poverty only really helps to create a larger root system of causes. It might ease your conscious, but it won't help the situation.
4. I'm into long term solutions. Ever heard the expression: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" That's not to dismiss the need to address some immediate or emergency needs, but that our attention needs to be on the long term goals of dealing with causes of and not symptoms of poverty.
5. I do not wish to be an enabler. There are some who have found themselves homeless or in poverty due to an ongoing battle with addiction. In these cases money is not only unhelpful, but downright harmful as cash enables them to continue to fund their addiction. Much of the sign toting folks at intersections are looking for their next fix or high. Your money is used support their addiction, not help them escape poverty. In other words, giving to that guy with the sign may actually keep him/her in a dangerous state of addiction as you have assisted in being an enabler.
Want some feasible options that will really help? As a pastor, I have committed myself to actually doing what a lot of churches talk about doing... ministering among the hurting and poor around us. From that experience, let me suggest a few things that might help you in navigating real help to the poor.
1. Have a conversation with the person. Prepare for a long winding erratic conversation. If you are wise enough you will begin to understand how that person arrived where they are. When you begin to talk to a person, they become more than a hard luck story. They become a person. They become someone with real needs that are more significant than a few bucks from your cup holder could ever solve.
2. Give to your local Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, homeless shelter, church, or social ministry center. Money without accountability or relationship is causing harm. Give regularly to those places, people, and ministries that are providing more than a dollar amount to address the problem of poverty. No institution or person is perfect, but they will probably be doing a better job than your four dollars at the intersection.
3. Get to know people who are in tough financial situations and form relationships. Interact with people at church or put yourself in a place where you have the opportunity to meet real people with real needs. Develop a relationship (you might find that poverty has it's own culture). Then work from that basis to meet a variety of the causes of poverty and not just the symptom of poverty.
4. You can't help everyone. Jesus told the disciples who, with their 'holier than thou' attitude, were critical of a woman who was anointing Jesus and claimed she should have sold the oil and gave it to the poor that they will always have the poor among them. While you cannot help everyone, you can help someone.
5. There is a deeper poverty than a financial one. Keep in mind with interacting with people that poverty is not the biggest problem in the world. It is no sin to be poor. In fact, James says that the love of money is the root of all kind of evil. Jesus even blessed those who were poor. Without discernment one might go through life seeking money. If that's you, one day you will meet someone with less material wealth than you but who possesses something inwardly that is eternal. That person will expose your poverty.
I haven't stopped giving. In fact, I believe I give more now. In addition to giving to my local church and other ministries aimed at the problem of poverty and homelessness, I have become personally involved in the lives of people. I give time and personal involvement.
So what do you think?
**I later went back to the intersection and helped the man I referred to above by developing a long term relationship that will hopefully lead to some real solutions.
Also check out...
Why I Don't Drink Alcohol
Why I Don't Play the Lottery
He suddenly sprang to life as he walked toward the second vehicle from the red light we were all waiting on. His outstretched hand received some amount of currency from the sleek & new looking Toyota SUV. He waived with the cardboard sign to the driver in appreciation for the gift. The light turned green and we began to ease through the intersection.
As I slowly moved passed him we made eye contact. He had resumed his position and held his sign pointing toward oncoming vehicles. "Homeless, sick, and in need. Anything helps. God bless." The cardboard sign was scrawled with handwritten lettering from a black marker. The eye contact was painfully awkward for me. I care about people. While I didn't have cash, I did have a few dollars worth of spare change. I pulled on through the intersection without stopping. The awkward feeling quickly passed and I was on my way.
I began to think about what had just happened. Why had I felt compelled to give to this man with a sign? Why had I felt so awkward making eye contact with him? Why had I not given?
I made a choice at that moment that turned into a model for life. I don't give money to guys (or ladies) on the side of the street with a sign. Let me try to explain why and then you can be the judge.
1. It's too easy. Handing a couple of bucks out the window of my car is easy for sure. Too easy in fact. It absolves me of real involvement and real change. I ease my conscious and the awkward encounter at the intersection by giving some spare change from my car cup holder. I've done my good deed for the day. I'm finished. Wow, with a buck thirty five, I've changed the world for at least one person... No, you haven't. It's too easy.
2. The answer to poverty is not money. Yeah, I know, that doesn't make sense. But there are deeper more systematic problems relating to poverty (and homelessness) than just a financial one. The problem of poverty is not a problem of dollar amount. If it were just a financial problem, our government could have solved it already. There are issues of money management, mental health, education, crisis situations, addictions, and more. Which leads to my next reason...
3. Throwing money at poverty often creates more problems than it solves. A few bucks may help meet some immediate needs, but does not change the factors that probably led to this situation to begin with. Your spare change may actually cause him to stay in the situation because he has found that gives immediate solutions to his immediate problems. Always dealing with the symptoms of poverty only really helps to create a larger root system of causes. It might ease your conscious, but it won't help the situation.
4. I'm into long term solutions. Ever heard the expression: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime" That's not to dismiss the need to address some immediate or emergency needs, but that our attention needs to be on the long term goals of dealing with causes of and not symptoms of poverty.
5. I do not wish to be an enabler. There are some who have found themselves homeless or in poverty due to an ongoing battle with addiction. In these cases money is not only unhelpful, but downright harmful as cash enables them to continue to fund their addiction. Much of the sign toting folks at intersections are looking for their next fix or high. Your money is used support their addiction, not help them escape poverty. In other words, giving to that guy with the sign may actually keep him/her in a dangerous state of addiction as you have assisted in being an enabler.
Want some feasible options that will really help? As a pastor, I have committed myself to actually doing what a lot of churches talk about doing... ministering among the hurting and poor around us. From that experience, let me suggest a few things that might help you in navigating real help to the poor.
1. Have a conversation with the person. Prepare for a long winding erratic conversation. If you are wise enough you will begin to understand how that person arrived where they are. When you begin to talk to a person, they become more than a hard luck story. They become a person. They become someone with real needs that are more significant than a few bucks from your cup holder could ever solve.
2. Give to your local Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, homeless shelter, church, or social ministry center. Money without accountability or relationship is causing harm. Give regularly to those places, people, and ministries that are providing more than a dollar amount to address the problem of poverty. No institution or person is perfect, but they will probably be doing a better job than your four dollars at the intersection.
3. Get to know people who are in tough financial situations and form relationships. Interact with people at church or put yourself in a place where you have the opportunity to meet real people with real needs. Develop a relationship (you might find that poverty has it's own culture). Then work from that basis to meet a variety of the causes of poverty and not just the symptom of poverty.
4. You can't help everyone. Jesus told the disciples who, with their 'holier than thou' attitude, were critical of a woman who was anointing Jesus and claimed she should have sold the oil and gave it to the poor that they will always have the poor among them. While you cannot help everyone, you can help someone.
5. There is a deeper poverty than a financial one. Keep in mind with interacting with people that poverty is not the biggest problem in the world. It is no sin to be poor. In fact, James says that the love of money is the root of all kind of evil. Jesus even blessed those who were poor. Without discernment one might go through life seeking money. If that's you, one day you will meet someone with less material wealth than you but who possesses something inwardly that is eternal. That person will expose your poverty.
I haven't stopped giving. In fact, I believe I give more now. In addition to giving to my local church and other ministries aimed at the problem of poverty and homelessness, I have become personally involved in the lives of people. I give time and personal involvement.
So what do you think?
**I later went back to the intersection and helped the man I referred to above by developing a long term relationship that will hopefully lead to some real solutions.
Also check out...
Why I Don't Drink Alcohol
Why I Don't Play the Lottery
Sunday, January 1, 2017
A New Year's Resolution
Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758), from the Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 1
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humble entreat Him, by His grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake. [I will] remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
Resolved, Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
Resolved, Never to do anything out of revenge.
Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.
Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
Resolved, Always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.
Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God's help, I do humble entreat Him, by His grace, to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to His will, for Christ's sake. [I will] remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.
Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit, and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence. Resolved, to do whatever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general.
Resolved, Never to lose one moment of time, but to improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can.
Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.
Resolved, Never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.
Resolved, Never to do anything out of revenge.
Resolved, Never to speak evil of any one, so that it shall tend to his dishonour, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.
Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly, and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive, myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession which I cannot hope God will accept.
Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month, and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better.
Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.
Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.
Resolved, Always to do that which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Let there be something of benevolence in all that I speak.
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