Fearful, Faithful, or Both?

Why bother to read another article about pandemic fear?  Because I think this topic is important enough to be revisited.  People in our country are scared.  We hear conflicting stories sometimes from national news sources, in addition to worrisome personal accounts where something went wrong after someone contracted the COVID-19 virus.  We are worried about ourselves, our families, and our relatives.  Seasonal allergies are picking up this time of year also.  We may wonder to ourselves, "Is this cough hay fever, or something else?"  Not to mention what other people do when they see someone sneezing or coughing  in public. 

When we address the topic of fear in the Bible, a good place to start is the book of Judges.  In fact, Judges chapter 6 recounts the story of a man named Gideon.  When we are first introduced to him, we are told that the Israelites were being bullied and dominated by a large and powerful army known as the Midianites.  Every harvest season, this army would march across the countryside and plunder the crops from Gideon and the others.  Because this sacred group of God's chosen people had turned to worshiping false gods and false idols, the true God allowed this pillaging to occur.  

The Israelites had taken to hiding out in caves in nearby mountain cliffs.  They would take as much of their own harvest as quickly as they could, and then retreat to safety while the Midianite army arrived and took the rest for themselves.  What a miserable existence it must have been.  But it sounds a lot like what is occurring today in the year 2020.  As our world is being overrun with a strange, new virus ... do we not often find ourselves 'hiding in caves' in an attempt to wait it out?

Truth be told, our government has mandated social distancing - and it is ultimately a wise decision I think.  But it also lends itself to an atmosphere of apprehension.  There is no Midianite army to run from this time, but a microbial illness instead.   It's like a pestilence straight out of the Old Testament.  The realities are the same:  we run to the grocery store and grab what we can, then retreat back to our homes and wait it out.  We may as well shut our windows while we are at it, just in case a swarm of locusts comes our way soon. 

God willing, this physical distancing will keep a good portion of our population healthy.  In the meantime, we are dealing with the psychological ramifications of prolonged fear and anxiety.  Gideon was fearful also, and the Bible says that God came to him as an angel of the Lord in order to convey a message about leadership.  Essentially, God told Gideon that he would be the one to lead a revolt against the Midianite army.  Gideon then put God to the test three times.  He wanted to make sure that the Lord was with him every step of the way, prior to taking any course of action.  After all, it was a scary mission.   

Judges 6:39 says, "Then Gideon said to God, 'Do not be angry with me.  Let me make just one more request.  Allow me one more test with the fleece, but this time make the fleece dry and let the ground be covered with dew.'"   God complies with this strange request, as well as all the others.  Gideon receives his validation. 

Now I wouldn't recommend putting God to the test, generally speaking.  Some prefer to pray for a sign or signal before they act on God's behalf.  For example, prior to accepting a new job, people might pray for God to show them some type of validation.  This can work, and many have had success with this type of thing; but ultimately it can be a mixed bag.  Much better, I think, to follow what the Bible says - no matter what signs or signals we may be seeing around us.  Although this formula isn't as dramatic as witnessing prayer requests come true, it is still the most reliable way to tell whether or not you are walking in obedience with God or not.  

It is okay to be fearful sometimes, but we must continue to press on anyway.  There is a time for hiding in caves and a time to come back out and reap the harvest.  And it just might happen, that occasionally God calls us to engage the Midianite army directly.  And if we are called to do this, may we have the strength to respond to the Bible quickly and with authority, as opposed to asking God for a sign.  Are we listening to God's voice and reading His Word, or are we looking to the media or the culture for guidance first?  Sometimes the distinction isn't so easy to see, especially when something scary is going on around us.  The mountain cave can look pretty inviting sometimes.  

I should mention here that Gideon does eventually go on to lead the Israelites and defeat the enemy.  Through an ingenious plan to distract them, the Israelites gain the upper hand and witness a spectacle as God protects them.  The enemy eventually turns on each other!  Judges 7:22 recounts, "When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords."  

Remarkable what happens when God shows up, isn't it?  Gideon was afraid, but he was faithful also.  One thing does not necessarily preclude the other, as long as we don't continue walking in fear forever.  At some point - hopefully soon - we will come out on the other side of this pandemic.  People will recover from the virus in many parts of the world (and they already are).  And when it is time to come out of our caves, we will go courageously and boldly, because we will trust that God lights the way. 

Stay safe, be wise, and when it is time to go back out into society, do so with courage and joy.




. 

Why Didn't They Tell me Jesus was Coming?

One universal trait of the Christian convert seems to be a belief that sometime in the future, Jesus will come back.  If you read through just about any book of the Bible, his return is either discussed directly, or foreshadowed figuratively.  Jesus himself talks about his second advent with his followers on several occasions.  

The parable of the ten virgins is one such occasion.  This account takes place in Matthew chapter 25.  The first thirteen versus describe a story about a wedding ceremony, and the ancient Jewish tradition of the bridegroom leaving his own house to meet his future wife.  After the ceremony and festivities have completed, tradition has it that the groom would then walk back to his own home with his new wife, being followed by the 'bridal party.'  In this parable, the ten virgins represent the party.

It was customary to bring torches with you to light the path, because the procession usually took place at night.  There were no street lamps two-thousand years ago it would seem.  Jesus then tells us that five of the virgins were wise and brought plenty of extra oil to keep their lamps lit.  The other five, however, were foolish and brought only enough oil for a short period of time.  

Scripture says that because the bridegroom was delayed in starting the processional, half the bridal party had dark torches.  The foolish ones then pleaded with the wise followers who still had oil.  They were told to go back to the store and buy oil for themselves.  Matthew 25:10 says, "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived.  The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet.  And the door was shut.  Later the others also came.  'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!'  But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don't know you.'"

Oil is often symbolic for the Holy Spirit in the Bible.  The idea here is not that the five foolish people should have become doomsday hoarders and stacked up a closet full of lamp oil at home.  But rather, that the Holy Spirit isn't transferable from person to person like some type of common currency.  It isn't the same idea as asking your friend for twenty-dollars so you can join in the fun.  The foolish virgins were told to 'go back to those who sell oil, and buy some for yourself.'  In the process of seeking out religious justification, the bridegroom returned and took the five who were ready.  The others simply ran out of time. 

The lesson here is relatively simple:  when Jesus comes back at the end of all things, we need to be ready to go.  The church needs to be prepared, the individual Christian needs to be born again, and everyone needs to have plenty of oil (the Spirit dwelling in them).  

It is worthy to note also here, that we humans will not always be able to tell who has enough oil, and who doesn't.  From our limited vantage point, they can often look the same.  Matthew 13:24-30 addresses this and talks about what it's like to plant a field with good seed.  The farmer does his part, but eventually, once the wheat begins to grow, weeds come up alongside the harvest.  We see this in our own gardens and fields today.

When asked about how the field was planted, the farmer responds by telling us that an enemy snuck in and sowed weeds among the wheat.  Matthew 13:28-29 says, "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'  'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them.'"

I believe the parable of the weeds acts to buttress the notion that you and I won't know (and cannot judge) who among us will be allowed into the wedding feast when Jesus returns.  We certainly hope that it is us, but the truth of the matter is that Jesus is the final judge.  He is the bridegroom in the parable, and he makes the final call to come in or not.

The door is then shut for good.  

Salvation is offered to everyone who calls on the name of the Lord, and we are currently living in a time of grace.  We have time to weigh the Scriptures and think about the costs of following Christ.  But it won't be like this forever.  There will come a day when it's too late to run after more oil.  Jesus tells us to keep watch, because it can sneak up on us like a thief in the night.  It will happen quickly.  

I want to be part of the bridal party and the evening procession.  I will carry enough oil with me to go the distance, even if the bridegroom takes his time.  My heart belongs to God, and He directs my steps.  I hope the same for all of you.  I want to be called up to the wedding banquet, and if the door is sealed shut, then I want to be on the inside when it happens.  

Use this time that we have been given to seek earnestly after a loving God, to accept the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus, and repent of your sin, so that you might be forgiven.  Keep the lamps clean and the oil ready.  And when the bridegroom does return, it will be natural to follow him to the banquet.   



.

The Prayer Warrior's Mantra

My grandmother Kay was a very spiritual person.  She was a lifelong Catholic and Christian, and prayer was her specialty.  She would often pray - as the Bible says - without ceasing.  Grandma Kay prayed for us grandchildren, our families, and her own children as well.  I am certain that this is the reason certain things went well for me over the course of my life.  It makes a difference having a true prayer warrior in your corner.  I believe that one faithful person praying can do more than a military force.  The Bible says that prayer can affect change just as much as any physical action we do.

Some of you may know the parable of the persistent widow from the Gospel of Luke.  Chapter 18 tells us a story about a crooked judge who didn't care about God or what other people thought.  He was in it for himself.  There was also a widow in that same town who kept coming to the judge asking for assistance.  In fact, Luke 18:3 says that she wanted 'justice against her adversary.'

As the story finishes, we are told that because this woman was so persistent in calling on the judge, he eventually got fed up and granted her what she wanted.  Jesus then adds this curious phrase in verses 6-8, "Listen to what the unjust judge says.  And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?  Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly..."

What a strange story for Jesus to tell.  Does this mean our prayers annoy God?  Does it mean that in order to get justice in this world, we must bother the Creator in the same way someone might stroll into traffic court and petition a speeding ticket?  I don't think so; not quite.  But rather, it demonstrates how important it really is to pray without ceasing.  To continue to offer up our deepest, most heartfelt desires - even if we think no one is listening.

As I write this, the entire globe is struggling through a world-wide pandemic due to the almost unprecedented contagious affect of something called the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Even mentioning it out loud in public will draw dirty looks.  It has been (among other things), a time of great uncertainty.  Uncertainty about when life will return to normal, when Spring baseball practices might resume, and about whether or not there will be enough money left in the bank to enjoy anything anyway.

But worrying about the future provides an opportunity also.  It often forces us to slow down and act like the persistent widow.  No doubt some are praying daily now, when before it was only seldom.  People are seeking God, and they are listening for His answer.

I remember a time in my own life when things were looking grim.  I had been assigned a project at work which entailed lots of hours, a fair amount of stress, and an uncertain outcome.  In addition, the people driving the project kept changing the priority list.  I would eventually find out that what I was working on kept getting shifted around, but not until I was almost done each time.  The stress eventually became unmanageable, and I started having heart palpitations and shortness of breath.  

I remember praying at the time what I thought would be an unfruitful request from God.  I simply asked Him to either take this project away from me, or fix it so that things were more organized.  I was certain nothing would happen, because the clients and customers behind this task had sunk thousands of dollars and hundreds of man hours into it.  I thought for sure nothing would change, and I would end up losing my job.

About a week later, I received an email telling me that the entire thing had been cancelled, and shelved for a later date.  The stress was gone ... just like that.  I prayed, God listened, and then He answered.  I am still stunned when I think about it, even today.

Prayer pays dividends.  But the problem is that those dividends arrive according to God's timeline, and not ours.  Now we don't like this very much.  In fact, we don't like it at all.  People like to have things immediately, preferably without suffering, and delivered neatly to our door step.  Especially when it comes to watching our adversaries receive justice.  In fact, I think we often want swift justice for them, but a long delay when it comes to us.  This is just human nature.  We want our enemy to get punished, but ourselves to be forgiven. 

So what are we to do with this parable then?  How does it apply today?  We must remember not to give up when it comes to prayer.  We must cultivate our own mantra as miniature prayer warriors.  Although the term mantra does not have Christian roots, I think the affectation still holds.  

Matthew 7:7 tells us, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

The power packed into this sentence of Scripture is incredible.  Are we really asking?  God is listening.  And if we are asking Him for things, what will those things accomplish in our lives for His good purpose?  Do we ask God if we might win the lottery, so that we can buy more empty goods and services?  Or are we asking Him to help shape our character and give us the heart of Jesus?  Trust me, those two kinds of prayers sound very different.  

It is also worthy to note the last verse of the parable in Luke 18.  Verse 8 says this, "... However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

That is a good question for us today.  In the midst of uncertainty, how many of us will continue the prayer warrior mantra?  How many of us will continue to praise God and give Him thanks when a paycheck is in jeopardy, or public hoarding causes nationwide grocery shortages.  Only time will tell.  

For now, just stay in contact with God the Father, even if you are struggling in your life.  He is still listening, and He is a good and just judge.



.

Is a Pandemic Panic Spiritually Wise?

I don't often write about the ebb and flow of current events.  News stories seem to come and go, and are so often simply a reflection of the fear that people bring to them.  But I wanted to take a moment to address the concern over the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) outbreak in recent days.  I want to talk about it, because I believe people should have a separate avenue to plug into, when it comes to this type of fear.  News headlines are helpful, but can also be designed to promote fear and emphasize all of the bad things sometimes.  We don't hear as much about the thousands of people who came through this virus just fine ... because it doesn't make headlines.  It doesn't sell. 

Now I do believe we should take this worldwide event seriously (I would be a fool not to).  But I also wanted to talk about some spiritual things going on as well.  Some have argued that these types of things are God's wrath poured out onto a sinful world.  It is true, we do find areas of the Old Testament that describe this type of punishment.  But even so, these pestilences were administered only after repeated warnings from God's prophets, and a stern lack of repentance.  While I cannot strictly speak for God in this sense, I don't think this is what is going on today.  

This leads me to my next point.  Namely, that these types of things are indeed mentioned by Jesus in the Bible.  Luke chapter twenty-one recounts Jesus telling his disciples about what life will be like in the end times.  He says that there will be wars, and rumors of wars.  That nation will rise against nation.  There will be earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

Was Jesus exaggerating here?  After all, this was two-thousand years ago.  But stop and think about the last fifty years for a moment.  Do we not see all of these things occurring together?  Many of us will recall HIV, then SARS, and then Ebola.  Now we have the corona virus.  Though this is simply my personal opinion, I do believe that every day that passes since the death of Christ, we get one day closer to the 'end times.'  

Now the good thing about prophecy is that it can also bring comfort.  Yes, God is still in charge.  And yes, He foresaw many of these things taking place in the future.  There is still an order and a chronology to things.  Eschatology (or the study of final things) always seems to follow a pattern.  

But remember also, that Jesus warned us the world would give us trouble.  In John 16:33 he also told us to "take heart, as he has overcome the world."  Be concerned, but don't panic.  God has a generous heart, and the Bible says He has not filled us with a spirit of fear.  Take necessary precautions, follow safety guidelines, but don't let hopelessness creep into your heart.  Jesus did not die on a cross so that you and I would live in some type of endless fear spiral.  It doesn't feel natural, because it isn't.  

Please remember to take heart ... he has overcome the world.  



. 

A Spirit Driven Faith

The Holy Spirit is one of those things that sometimes eludes organized religion.  Many of us go to church week after week.  We pray, we sing, we listen to the sermon ... but sometimes, something is missing.  Depending on which denomination you are affiliated with, the Spirit is called upon regularly, some of the time, or maybe not at all.  Instead, it is simply an idea or concept.  It is one part of the Holy Trinity for sure, but not really understood by most people.  If this describes you, then fear not - you are not alone! 

Author Carolyn Moore wrote an excellent essay entitled 'When the Holy Spirit Comes with Fire.'  Half way through this narrative, she says this: "a Christian without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is like deep-sea diving without an oxygen tank.  You can do it, but you'll never be able to dive as deeply as you want to.  Your fear of suffocating will always force you back to the surface."

So what does this mean?  Take for example, the tragic circumstances surrounding the sinking of the Titanic.  Most of us remember this story from grade school or middle school.  On April 15th 1912, the most impressive passenger liner at the time succumbed to an iceberg, and sank to the bottom of the Atlantic ocean.  Since then, many groups have undertaken to investigate the wreckage left behind at the bottom, and a few have even chartered underwater vessels to go down to the bottom and take a closer look.  These underwater crafts are outfitted with lights, manual controls arms, and all sorts of impressive machinery.  

Now imagine for a moment, that our job was to bring back a clear and detailed picture of the wreckage - such that we could help others picture what it must have looked like in its glory day.  With the underwater pod, this would be no problem.  We could look around as long as we wanted to, or at least until our oxygen supply ran out.  But what if we tried to investigate the site without any gear whatsoever?  No SCUBA gear, no oxygen tank; just a pair of swim shorts and goggles.  

I would say that the first dive team would have much better luck than the lone swimmer.  The first group (with the right equipment), would be able to send back pictures and detailed data.  The person with swim trunks and goggles could dive down maybe thirty feet or so, and then would need to come right back to the surface and gasp for air.  No matter how many times they plunged into the water, they would only ever see just a small bit of the wreckage (if anything).  Their picture of the Titanic would be almost non-existent.  

Now try to imagine a church where people were talking about God and trying to describe His attributes, but without the Holy Spirit.  I am betting that the folks sitting in the pews would only ever have a dim vision of what this God was all about.  Certainly not the type of detail that a spirit-filled body of Christ would be able to supply, with an underwater exploration pod and a team of scientists.  This type of snap shot of God would be lacking, to say the least.

And this of course begs the question: is a church without the Holy Spirit creating anything worth exporting to the general public?  Is music, preaching, and a nice building enough to change the world?

Probably not.  It's a rhetorical question, but an important one.  If we are not spirit filled, then we are preaching and teaching 'Christianity Light'.  As John Wesley once said, we would be retaining the form of religion, but not the power.  

Now when we talk about nominal Christianity (religion that exists in name only), we are really speaking about lukewarm living.  This is tempting stuff mind you.  It is always easier to talk about the transformative power of God than it is to walk in it.  Some might even feel that it's safer that way.  Less of this dancing around and speaking in tongues stuff, and more attention to the traditions and rituals.  But I think we would be missing something important.

I once attended a ministry class where we talked at length about how to interpret the Bible.  During the class, I recall that one of my teachers mentioned an analogy about how Scripture is a lot like a phone book.  You can flip it open at any point, and pull random information out of it, but you cannot necessarily assert that it makes any strong cohesive argument one way or the other.  Let this sink in for a moment.

Now mind you, I'm not of the same opinion.  I believe that the Bible does make a strong statement.  It makes a clear case for the resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Trinity, the second coming, etc.  In fact, if you put someone with no religious training whatsoever on a desert island with the Bible and dropped off food and water for a month, they would come back home able to clearly discuss the things I just mentioned. The Bible says things and then backs those things up with historical accounts. It most certainly does assert something. 

But this philosophy is what is out there I think, and it is mixed in with orthodox theology here and there.  Kind of a mish-mash, lukewarm expression of an otherwise powerful faith.  It is like surveying the Titanic wreckage without the right gear, and many churches  are settling for this dim snap shot of God.  

Is there hope?  You bet.  I want to quote something from the 'phone book' for a moment if I can.  Acts chapter 1 talks about what Jesus said to his followers, directly before his ascension into Heaven.  Acts 1:8 says, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Here Jesus was not simply giving his apostles hope, but stating the facts also.  I believe this offer stands for you and I today.  We can receive the power of the Holy Spirit.  And the best news of all, it is up to God to grant us this indwelling.  We can (and should) seek after it through prayer, sacraments, and worship ... but we cannot earn it on our own.  

Time to head back to the sporting goods store and visit the diving section.  If we are lucky, there might be a few oxygen tanks left on the display shelf.  Who cares if they are on sale or not - snatch them up quickly!






.

Working in God's Vineyard

The Bible is full of stories that make us wince.  Quite often, we read its truths and forget that they were probably just as difficult to swallow sometimes for ancient man as they are for us today.  Especially difficult are the red letters interspersed throughout the four Gospels.  These are the words of Jesus of course, and they are full of love and compassion - but sometimes more difficult concepts as well.

Take for example the story of the workers in the vineyard.  Matthew chapter 20 lays out for us a parable about the way the Kingdom of Heaven operates.  Jesus describes a situation where the landowner goes out and hires some workers to tend to his field.  When evening came and it was time to get paid, the laborers noticed that the landowner was being a bit too generous.  It seems that those who were hired later (thus working less hours) were getting paid the same amount as those who had toiled all day.  

Matthew 20:11 says, "When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner.  'These who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.'"

What we have here, is a situation where a good deal of jealousy is bubbling to the surface.  I understand their complaint.  Imagine if you and a co-worker both picked up your paychecks on a Friday afternoon, and you noticed that both of you received the exact same amount of money.  No big deal, except for the fact that your company pays hourly, and your friend had come in late all week.  You were on time every morning.  See the problem?

What factors in when we think about the human sense of fairness?  We see what one person might receive, and then we compare that with what we have.  If everything lines up with our own opinion, biases, and prejudice - then we have an accord.  But if something is off a bit, there is trouble!  In fact, it often seems that we sprinkle our experiences not only with jealously, but a bit of self-righteousness to boot.  We want what they have, and we want it on our terms.  Then sometimes, even if we get it, we are still offended because we think that 'it should have been that way in the first place.'  You understand how silly this must all seem to God.  Just more grumbling. 

Scripture says that God gives freely as He sees fit.  Romans 9:15 tells us, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

This doesn't sit well with some people, and from time to time, someone complains directly to God.  It usually doesn't end well for that person (remember what happened when Job questioned God)?  Job 38:4 recounts that God says, "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me, if you understand.  Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know!"

God reminds us in this passage that He is sovereign.  God alone makes the final call regarding who gets paid what.  After all, it's His vineyard.  

But why do we still get so jealous sometimes about spiritual things like this?  I have always found the story about the thief on the cross to be of great comfort.  Luke 23 says that Jesus was crucified next to two other people.  One criminal yells insults at him, and lashes out against God.  The other thief, however, sees the error of his ways and asks Jesus to forgive him.  Jesus accommodates, and tells him that 'today you will be with me in paradise.'

People often have one of two reactions to this story.  If we are lucky, we view this historical account as comforting.  We understand that God forgives anyone if they repent and accept him; even the hardened criminal.  But the second group becomes jealous.  They don't understand how God could forgive someone who offered up a deathbed conversion, while they have worked tirelessly trying to be a good Christian their whole life.  It doesn't seem fair.  The landowner just paid the other worker the same amount of money for tending his vineyard.

This is a very human response.  It is mixed with a bit of hypocrisy here, and a dash of pride there.  Nothing good will come of this way of looking at God's grace.  And quite honestly, it is typically symptomatic of someone who never understood grace in the first place.  They have been trying to earn their way to heaven for years.  These folks don't like people who get a free ride ... not even a little bit.

Sometimes we need reminding that the Lord's grace is sufficient, don't we? That it is better not to spend time critiquing what God did for someone else, but instead focus on that fact that He has done anything at all for anyone.  God certainly doesn't owe people anything.  There is nothing we can build, create, or do that God needs.  He doesn't need our money, but He does ask that we give a portion back to the church.  He doesn't need our worship or adoration, but He does long for it because He loves us and wants us.  Trust me, we have no room to judge what a Holy God should or shouldn't do.  

What is left to do then?  I think, we can simply be content with the truth of the resurrection of Jesus.  We can focus our energy on the fact that God sent His son to die in our place, and let that be enough.  Let that fact comfort us and be sufficient.  Stop worrying so much about the other workers in the vineyard, and just be grateful to get a paycheck at the end of the day.

After all, if we are taking the theology of original sin seriously, then you and I are much more like the thief on the cross than we would like to admit.  I will take what God gives me, and I will be happy to be part of His vineyard, in any way that I can.



.

Life After Death?

The question of what happens when we die is often enigmatic, to say the least.  We have a multitude of differing ideas, and we base these concepts on our personal faith, our opinions, and our life experiences as well.  When answering this question then, I'm going to draw from my own perspective as a Methodist pastor and a Bible believing Christian.  I hope you open your mind and your heart as we discuss this most existential of ideas today, and I pray that by the end of this article - you see God in a new light.

A pivotal Scripture for dealing with questions about the afterlife comes to us by way of a story about a rich man and a beggar named Lazarus.  The account from the Gospel of Luke (chapter 16) is really a parable from Jesus.  Ultimately, it conveys a scenario where the rich man who lived in luxury every day of his life systematically seemed to ignore Lazarus.  The text says that even dogs came and licked at the beggar's wounds.  Eventually both men died, and Scripture recounts that the rich man ended up in hell, while Lazarus went to heaven with Abraham.  

This gives us a glimpse of what happens after we depart.  Since the story is given to us by Jesus himself, we can take for certain that it isn't just hearsay.  The first area we will focus on is Luke 16:22.  It says this, "The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side.  The rich man also died and was buried."

A simple sentence, but it would seem then, that the believer can have faith that he or she will be ushered up to heaven by angels when it is their time.  I have heard countless stories of people in Hospice that were close to death.  In failing health, with family members sometimes gathered around them, an interesting thing often occurs.  At the moment of passing, people will see the dying person rise up in bed and reach their arms upward.  They are not trying to embrace anyone in the physical room necessarily, but rather, it's as if they are reaching up to some unseen spiritual presence.  Almost as though someone or something is greeting them shortly before they pass.

In 2 Corinthians in fact, chapter 5:6-8 says, "Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord."  We may be confident also then, that we will be in God's presence immediately after death.  There is no need to fear a prolonged type of 'soul sleep', or something of that nature.  Once we are no longer part of the physical world, then we are in the presence of something far more valuable than we can possibly comprehend.  No more waiting, no more wondering about what will come.

Likewise, if we go back to Luke and the story of Lazarus again, 16:19-31 talks about the fact that we will still be conscious and able to think after death.  The rich man is recorded as being able to feel, think, and carry on a conversation with Abraham.  In other words, we will still be 'us.'  Not some wispy, spiritual white sheet floating around among the clouds, as is so popular in movies and culture today.  We will retain our ability to think and communicate and be ourselves ... just the way God created us; but free from physical pain and suffering.  It's hard to imagine from a worldly perspective, isn't it?

I would also be remiss if I didn't mention what the book of Revelation says about Heaven here also.  Revelation 21:1-8 tells us that God has prepared a New Heaven and a New Earth for the believer.  In my opinion, this means that not only is there a celestial Heaven that we can experience a moment after death, but also that at the end of all things, God will redeem this Earth and offer us a new, physical Heaven as well.  Can you imagine this?  This second dwelling place will be forever, incorruptible, and Scripture says that God Himself will be at the center of this new city.  

This is all good news of course, the very thing that churches should be hope filled about.  But we must also address the other part of this parable.  Jesus describes the rich man as ending up in 'torment' or hell.  This question is often raised to me by curious people: are you certain there is such thing as hell?  Do you really believe that a good God would send anyone there?

My answer to the first part of this inquiry must be 'yes', I believe hell exists because Jesus mentions it.  Descriptions of this place show up in both the Old and New Testaments, as well as a good many near death experiences that people who have cheated death will talk about.  It often impacts them in such a way, that they decide to turn their entire life around once they are back among the living.  But don't take it from anecdotal evidence or other people's stories, take it instead from the lips of Jesus in the Bible.  Hell is a real place, and should be avoided at all costs. 

Here is the best news: no one need ever worry about such a place if they are willing to let God into their lives.  If we have Jesus, we have eternal salvation.  Not just religion or head knowledge, but rather, a relationship with our creator.  A way to unite with Him in such a manner that bridges the gap between sin and Holiness.  As some of you know, I am often fond of quoting Romans 10:9 both from the pulpit, and in casual conversation.  Simply put, it says this, "If you declare with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.'"

For my money, it doesn't get any better than this.  If we believe in Him, declare His lordship and authority in our lives, and accept the truth of the resurrection, then we are saved and forgiven.  Become baptized also ... don't wait.  Rejoice in the fact that the believing Christian has the same heavenly assurance as the beggar laid at the rich man's palace gate.  

God is good, and He is constantly extending His offer of grace to anyone who is willing to hear and accept it.  Make sure you are listening; and then please respond.  The outcome will be better for everyone involved.



.

Meeting God in a Modern World

Many people have heard the story of the Apostle Paul's supernatural conversion on the road to Damascus.  It is the story of someone who spent his early life persecuting Christian believers, but repented once Jesus came to him in a flash of light and a loud voice.  The text says that Paul was then blinded temporarily, confused, and vulnerable for several days.  But I want to focus on a particular piece of Scripture recorded in that account from the book of Acts.  

Acts 9:18-19 says, "Immediately, something like scales fell from Paul's eyes, and he could see again.  He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength." This event occurs right after someone sent by God comes to restore Paul's sight after the incident on the road.  

The concept of scales falling from the eyes is something mentioned in the Bible to represent a spiritual awakening.  We have all heard the phrase, 'I was blind, but now I see.'  This is nothing less than the account of Saul becoming Paul, and moving from persecutor to prophet.  It was a radical, life altering change. 

Likewise, I believe the world we live in needs an awakening sometimes.  My favorite author and philosopher C.S. Lewis warns that when it comes to seeking God, we are often sheep among wolves.  It is a confusing world out there, for both the young and old - and there is no shortage of scales covering eyes.  There are groups of people doing whatever they want to do, regardless of what God said or did. 

I have found that there are typically three large obstacles that can block our way toward a life worth living in Jesus.  I often hear people mention these things when they tell me why they don't attend church regularly.  

First, I have to be honest - we live in a cynical culture when it comes to the things of God.  The Bible says that people will sometimes mock and test God, in an attempt to rail against Him.  And when we look around, do we not see this very thing?  There are outspoken people in every part of the world, ready to slander Christ at a moment's notice.  It is hard to listen to, and even harder to digest. 

With an increasingly widespread unbelief permeating much of academia and the workplace, it isn't uncommon to come up against this hurdle on a daily basis.  Mix this together with a universalist view of spiritual matters (everyone goes to Heaven no matter what), and we get a kind of pantheistic philosophy that says it's okay to accept any and all types of behavior.  There is no such thing as sin, and no such thing as a sinner. 

The second hurdle I see relates to church conflict directly.  Take for example, the recent discord within one of the largest denominations in the United States.  Two very distinct factions have emerged over a disagreement as to the proper interpretation of the Biblical viewpoint on human sexuality.  Now imagine for a moment, that you are a prospective parishioner, trying to decide whether or not to attend one of these churches on Sunday morning.  Would it give you pause for thought before walking through the front door?  If the leadership of any organization is in distress, then that anxiety will trickle down to all areas of said organization, and this includes churches.  At best, it may be a difficult sale for the spiritual seeker out there, looking for a church family and a place to call home.   

Another aspect of church conflict relates to the people who attend regularly and have come to represent the religious view in the community.  If these folks happen to be kindly, loving, and caring - then we don't have an issue.  If however, people occasionally act as human beings do, then we can have mixed results.  When someone walks into a church on Sunday morning, we prefer a handshake and a greeting ... as opposed to someone reminding us how long it has been since we last visited.  The first reaction elicits a feeling of welcome; the second creates a kind of guilt-ridden discord that a prospective member might remember for years to come. If fact, some research indicates that people make up their mind whether or not to come back to a church within the first thirty seconds.  Talk about some pressure!

Finally, the last hurdle I have noticed is simply a difficulty when it comes to trusting God.  Faith is hard sometimes.  It makes demands on us.  I don't blame people for trying to control everything in their lives themselves, rather than handing over the reins to a Heavenly Father figure.  I have often caught myself attempting to solve a problem on my own first, rather than going directly to prayer.  Only after weeks or months of failing to fix something do we hit our knees and offer up our difficulties to Jesus.  Assuming you can get past the pride of admitting that you cannot control everything in your life, the penitent believer must then also acknowledge that sin has separated them from a Holy God, and they need a savior to step in and make amends.  This isn't exactly the easiest thing to do.  

So, if we live in a cynical world that often consists of people behaving badly, and a culture that tells us we always need to be self-sufficient and never ask for help - it doesn't take long to figure out the dilemma we are in.  It would appear that meeting God in our modern world can be difficult, to say the least.  The temptation exists to pull ourselves up by our own bootstraps, and who needs God anyway. 

Now here is the good news.  God loved this difficult world enough to send His son, such that we might have a real relationship with him (not just a religion), in a meaningful way that sets us up with supernatural guidance.  

The Gospel of John in fact, tells us that if we know the Son, we also know the Father.  A real relationship with Jesus grants us the ability to become one of God's own; set aside for good works and faithful living.  Not only can you meet God here and now, but you can know what it is that He wants from you during this short life here on Earth.  The Old Testament contains a record of God taking great pains and thousands of years in an attempt to pound into the Israelites just who He was and what He wanted.  The New Testament records God sending us the Messiah, who would take our place as a sin offering and allow himself to be crucified so that you and I would never need to feel alone or lost again.  

Fight past the cynicism and unbelief around you, persevere through any conflict you may perceive inside the church, and don't be afraid to trust the only being who might just love you unconditionally.  

Allow the Father to remove the scales from your eyes - you didn't need them anyway.  How much brighter the world looks once we can see things clearly.  Rest assured, if you know Jesus, then you also know God.



.

Be Not Afraid

I used to watch The Karate Kid movies all the time when I was growing up.  As of 2010, I believe there are now five of these famous films.  These movies are as much fun to watch for adults as they are for children, and all three of my own kids have enjoyed them as well.  One scene from the movie always stands out in my mind.  For those of you who know the film franchise well, you will remember that the premise is pretty much the same each time.  The older, wiser teacher Mr. Miyagi (played by Pat Morita) decides to help teach Karate to a young, troubled teen named Daniel (Ralph Macchio).  As the story unfolds, our protagonist Daniel is inexorably pitted against the neighborhood bully - he even wears a black uniform with a snake on it.  After a series of awkward and violent encounters, young Daniel enters a martial arts tournament to defend his title against the quintessential bad guy.  The bully is always stronger, faster, and more intimidating than Daniel of course.  

As the climactic ending fight scene begins, there comes a point when a beaten and bruised Daniel wants to quit the match.  By this point, he has endured round after round of bumps and bruises, and at several intervals, the bully even gets away with cheating.  Daniel looks to his coach and mentor Miyagi and tells him that he wants to give up.  Mr. Miyagi then utters these cult classic words, "It's okay to lose to an opponent, but you must not lose to fear."  The rest is cinematic history.

How true that pithy statement is, and how interesting that it has stuck with me all these years.  In the end, Daniel ends up besting his brutal opponent - but this is just a movie.  What about situations like this in real life?  The question is an important one.  Do we let fear beat us, or do we keep fighting?  How we all long for a mentor like Mr. Miyagi when the deck is stacked against us. 

I personally believe that fear drives far too much of our lives.  It can often govern how we spend our money, where we allocate our time, how we treat other people ... and even whether or not we trust God.  So many people elect not to walk the courageous road and stay the course.  Instead, they turn to cynicism as a defense mechanism.  For example, instead of taking a faith leap and buying a house, someone might simply spend time focusing on all the things that are wrong with the foundation or the real estate company.  Maybe the siding is old or the windows need replaced.  

The same type of thing occurs when trying to decide whether or not to trust Jesus.  People will often cling to cynical arguments about Biblical inconsistencies or point to certain hypocritical people in churches.  

But the questions remains: do we give in to fear, or do we take the leap?

The book of Joshua in the Old Testament offers us so much insight into the world of courage versus fear.  We may remember that God chooses Joshua to replace Moses as leader of the Israelites, just as they are about to cross over into the Promised land.  How about that for some pressure?  

Joshua 1:9 says, "Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Be not afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Joshua was understandably nervous and anxious.  For one thing, if God is speaking with you directly, then it should give you pause for thought!  Second, just think how it would feel to replace one of the most godly leaders in recorded history.  It's not okay to lose to fear?  Easy for us to say.

There is an excellent story about a man named Caleb in the Old Testament also.  He was similar to Joshua in character and poise.  Caleb was someone whom Moses had given charge to go out and explore the Promised land I mentioned earlier.  He was to return and give Moses an account of what he had seen.  What he saw was intimidating at best: Scripture says the land was full of large, strong warriors and well fortified cities.  On the face of it, prospects looked grim regarding a successful invasion of this area by God's people.  But God had promised this area to the Israelites ahead of time - formidable army or not.  This was the same land that Joshua was later to claim for his people.  Caleb was one of the few who did not let fear and intimidation sway him from taking what God had promised.  He was ready to go, and I suspect he was counter-cultural and probably a bit politically incorrect, even for his day.  He chased after God with his whole heart.  

Was Caleb afraid like Joshua at first?  Maybe.  But the thing that these two men had in common, was the fact that they didn't allow fear to take hold and win.  The account in the Bible tells us that Joshua went on to lead the people across the Jordan River and into a land 'flowing with milk and honey.'  A fearless faith stirs people's hearts, and invites them to follow.  

Now I don't believe that having a fearless faith equates to ignoring the costs either.  We would do well to heed the warning from Romans 10:2 about having a "zeal not according to knowledge."  We don't jump into an empty swimming pool with blinders on, or follow someone based on here say or rumors.  It is okay to do your homework first.

If we are going to cultivate a Caleb and Joshua heart, then we need to be listening to God (not just our own opinions and biases).  The way to know God of course, is to study the Bible.  Absorb its truths, and allow the Spirit to take hold in your life.  If our God is a being of infinite goodness, then He is prudent and wise as well.  Act according to knowledge whenever possible.

Across the span of all five of the Karate Kid sequels, the protagonist always wins.  But the avid film connoisseur will also notice, that Daniel wasn't impervious to intimidation or struggle either.  Some of his victories were hard fought, and barely accomplished.  He may have been holding the trophy at the end of the film, but he was often banged up and bruised a little bit as well.  

And so it may be with you and I.  Being fearless requires faith in God, and that faith often comes over time and through a series of difficult events.  It is a journey, not just a destination.  If we are going to cross the Jordan River, then I'm betting we will also get a little wet.  Unless of course God parts the water for us - but either way, courage is required to put one foot in front of the other and keep going.  So count the cost, lay out a plan, and face off with the bully.  No one leaves the arena with a trophy unless they first walk onto the mat.  It doesn't hurt to have an experienced Karate teacher in your corner either. Be not afraid. 



.

Waking From Spiritual Slumber

I remember when I first transferred to the University of Iowa to complete my B.A. degree in English.  I thought I knew how to write a term paper.  I had basically done the same thing all throughout high school, and then more of the same at a local community college subsequent to that.  I would write what would often equate to a book report with a fancy conclusion, and then turn it in and hope for the best.  Typically I received good grades.  That was about to change, however, with my first semester in Iowa City.  I was astonished to learn that the type of writing that got me an "A" most of the time during my primary education experience, was now garnering a far lower grade.  Apparently, the standards had changed.

The teachers would write comments like, "I need more than a book report" ... or "not enough content here."  It was a radical new learning environment, and it ultimately changed me for the better.  By the end of my college career, I was back to earning good grades and meeting expectations.  I had finally learned their system, but I had to be roused from my apathetic slumber by the college professors first. That first year in Iowa City wasn't pleasant.

Throughout much of the Bible, both the prophets and the apostles spent time entreating God's people to wake up as it pertained to their faith.  We know that lukewarm living held no sway with Jesus, and it didn't much impress Daniel, Jeremiah, or Paul either.  In other words, people couldn't get away with turning in the same old book reports back then in first century Palestine.

1 Thessalonians 5:6 says, "So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober." As believers, we are called to be spiritually aware.  To be in touch with what God is doing and saying in our lives.

Now this can be a painful experience, mind you.  It was no fun hearing the criticism being offered by my college professors years ago.  But think for a moment, if I hadn't been jostled into reality by well meaning teachers.  Think if I had been allowed to go my entire academic career turning in mediocre book reports.  Jesus wants more from our lives than this.  God wouldn't be God if an apathetic faith was all that was necessary.

We must also be cognizant of Matthew 16:24-26.  It says, "Then Jesus said to his disciples, 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.  What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?  Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?'"

Now many have quoted this piece of Scripture in an attempt to count the cost of following Christ (and they would be correct to do so).  But for this lesson, I am choosing to mention this passage as more of a wake up call from God.  It's the equivalent of someone holding a sign on the side of the road as you drive by - but instead of asking for money or work, the sign would invite people to re-invigorate their faith.  It might just as easily read something like: 'wake up, and follow me.'

It is God's battle cry for an apathetic and spiritually sick world.  'Look at me' Jesus is saying, 'and don't be like one of the seven churches in the book of Revelation.'  We remember that the beginning of that famous Biblical book recounts a list of all the things that God witnesses those churches doing wrong (and much of it is lukewarm living).

It's time to renounce handing in mediocre book reports, and begin working on a doctoral  thesis.  It must be original, well researched, and focused on a particular set of results.  No cheating off of the Internet, and no waiting until the night before it's due to start work.  

If we as the church don't teach the Gospel message publicly, then the rest of the world will step in and take charge.  If we don't break free of our holy huddle that says it's okay only to evangelize other churched people, then the rest of the world will not come to understand the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Nothing more, and nothing less.  

I used to crack open the Bible whenever I was waiting for my car to get serviced at one of the local shops here in town.  On more than one occasion, someone else who was waiting would notice what I was reading.  They would ask my thoughts about God, and a good portion of the time, an honest conversation would ensue.  Right place, right time, right  book.  

But what if I never mustered up any courage to have those discussions?  What if I went through life 'minding my own business' all the time?  What if I decided not to write, talk, or preach about God, and simply went through life tending to my family and my job?  Now certainly this isn't immoral, but this lifestyle ushers us past so many missed opportunities to share the Good News.  The holy huddle is so very tempting.  It's so easy to stay silent and allow the rest of the world to train up our children, friends, and family.  But the spiritual stakes are too high for that.

Author and philosopher C.S. Lewis often wrote about something called the good infection.  He would say that the good news of the Bible was just the type of infection that needed to be spread.  If not, then no one would build up anti-bodies and healthy constitutions.  Faith must spread like a good infection; from one person to the next.  It is up to the faithful to help disseminate this news.

I'm finished turning in hum-drum book reports I think.  I want to dig deeper, and focus on  the things that really matter.  Not simply to recap what another author said, but rather, what God is saying and doing in my own life.  To spread that information around generously, and to whoever will listen.  Whether that might occur in a car repair shop, or a Sunday morning worship service makes no difference to me.  

Break free of the holy huddle whenever possible, and begin your journey into the rich and rewarding realm of evangelism.  Let the Scriptures be your focus, allow God to grant you the courage, and let the Holy Spirit guide your speech.  Help to spread the kind of good infection that this world so desperately needs.  Be a college professor helping to wake up the students in their class.  If we never take a stand for God, then we ought not be surprised if no one else does either. 



.

Ancient of Days

The book of Daniel in the Bible is a complex mixture of prophecy, history, and metaphor.  Many scholars have studied and written about it through decades past.  Daniel's vivid dreams and visions from God are often referred to and studied by churches of all different denominations as well.  But I want to visit one topic in particular today, and that is the verse where God is referred to by a particular title. 

Daniel 7:9 says, "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat.  His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool.  His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."

This heavenly revelation of God's throne was given to Daniel in order that we might understand something specific about God.  Not only that He is the one true judge, or that someday every nation and people group will bow to Him.  But also that this judge and  perfect penitent exists eternally.  God was around before all things, and He will be there after.

What does it mean to say that God 'was and is?'  It sounds like an oxymoron at first.  Almost as if this being can transcend time somehow ... as though the Universe and chronology have no control over Him.  The world in general doesn't understand this concept.  In fact, unbelievers often get hung up on this very thing.  They will claim that it's a convenient excuse to posit that God can exist outside of time and space, as this would somehow be a cop out philosophically.  

I do not find it a difficult jump, however, to say that God is eternal.  Take for example  the Big Bang theory.  Science now recognizes that everything had a beginning.  At one point in the very distant past, something kicked off everything into existence.  Now I challenge you to come up with something powerful enough to jump start an entire Universe, without using spiritual (or eternal) language.  I'm not sure we can do it. 

And because we are presented with a God in the Bible who existed before all things, it comes to pass logically I think, that right and wrong existed forever also.  The Great Judge of all things invokes a sense of morality and goodness that will never change.   Think about the power behind this statement for a moment.  

If Jesus valued loving one another and loving God above a great many other things, then this truth must have always existed; it was also eternal.  Even before there were people, animals, or planets - God's truth was in place.  This transcendent morality then, never dissipates or goes away.  It will be around forever.  It is both ancient, and futuristic at the same time.  This is what the concept of a being who is Ancient of Days accomplishes.

And because of this, I believe it is imperative that we stop trying to re-write the Bible.  We stop trying to cover up inconvenient passages of Scripture with political correctness or cultural ambiguity.  God doesn't change, even if we do.  What was true two-thousand years ago, is true today (and it was true at the very creation of time and space also).

I have said in the past, that Jesus is one of the only sturdy things in our world today.  As part of the Holy Trinity (one God in three persons), Jesus remains as constant as God the Father.  Churches and the people in them can make mistakes, change their focus, and fall into discord; but the Lord does not.

In fact, the way of salvation for all mankind is already set.  I enjoy the Scripture in the Gospel of John where Jesus talks to Simon Peter about taking sides.  After Jesus asks the twelve disciples if anyone wants to leave, John 6:68 records Peter's answer.  It says, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."

The question still stands today.  Who else would we turn to in a confusing and chaotic world?  Who else could send the Spirit to help us discern right from wrong?  We would do well to counsel with the Ancient of Days on such weighted matters I think.  His truth and sense of justice has existed before the creation of all things; it doesn't change.  It cannot change. 

It's difficult to picture this, because when it comes to people ... we often change our mind on a whim.  Emotion, stress, and circumstances all act upon our intellect and cause us to question ourselves from time to time.  In this way, it's hard to rely on any one understanding of truth or interpretation of right and wrong.  On the contrary, it can often appear that nothing we know is for certain.  It has been said that change is the only constant.

What a relief then, that we have a God we can rely on and whom we can seek out when difficult and confusing circumstances arise. A God who won't go back on Himself a moment later. 

Keep reading and searching the Scriptures.  Don't just take my word for it, instead open the Bible and engage the text.  See what God actually said and did.  Stay true to the faith that Jesus called us to, and remember always - that God is a beacon of hope that you may always count on.  Daniel knew this thousands of years ago, and you and I may be assured of it today.

I am grateful we have someone like this in our lives who doesn't change with the ebb and flow of cultural convention and public opinion.  This unchanging truth doesn't always make things comfortable, but it binds us to God eternally.  It is a more reliable way of understanding the world we live in.  A way that makes sense through God's eyes, not just our own. 



.