Shining Our Light Out Where It Can Be Seen

THE LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS OUGHT NOT ONLY BE ON OUR TREE OR HOUSE:

I just read about what looks like an interesting book, The Evangelicals You Don't Know, Introducing the Next Generation of Christians, by Tom Krattenmaker.*  Tony Kritz, a friend of Krattenmaker, writes about his friend in CT Pastors (I'm not sure if the link will work for nonsubscribers, but hereit is).  He describes Krattenmaker as one who does "not identify as a Christian, he most closely aligns with Unitarians and is unapologetically secular and progressive." While Krattenmaker has not been "converted," the way he looks at conservative Christians has changed. There was a time that, when Tom looked into the conservative Christian world, he saw mostly darkness. However, just as when one stares into the darkness of the night sky, the longer you look, the more you can't help but see the stars. Yes, Tom now sees the twinkling stars in the once dark world of evangelicalism. He's seen the side of us that many spiritual foreigners haven't—the signs of Christian life and light that shine God's life to the world. That's what piqued my interest about the book.  Kritz's comment comes from Philippians 2:15.  The NIV says that Christian people are (should be) like stars shining in the sky.  I was the lead pastor of a small church for forty years.  I continue to be active in several ministries.  I have often heard, and done my share of, bragging about how bright "our" star is shining.  On only a few occasions have I heard  someone who is on the outside comment about the light we are shedding.  Of course we have an explanation for that.  "The world is opposed to what we are doing, they are blind, and unwilling to acknowlege the benifits we bestow on our surroundings."  No doubt true, at least partly, but is that all? Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).  Both He and the Apostle Paul seem to indicate that the nature of a Christian life well-lived will be such that others, outside of our group, will notice and be the better for what they see. Could the problem be that far too often we are guilty doing exactly what every Sunday School child know we aren't supposed to do--hiding out light under a basket?  Jesus points to the foolishness of such activity.  Matthew 5:16 indicates that good works ought to be done out in the open, so people can see them.  This isn't talking about better publicity.  It is speaking of a different kind of good deeds.  We ought to be doing good deeds in line with what we call the Golden Rule.  Our thought should not be what makes me look good, but what will truly help my neighbor.  Indeed Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, that good deeds, properly done (see Matthew 6) will result in glory to God, not self. Quickly, here are two examples from my observation: A friend of mine lives in a place where he is able to be the chaplain to ahigh school football team.  Not everyone on the team share's my colleague's faith.  He is not reluctant, nor apologetic, about his Christian faith.  More effective, though, than the devotionals he offers is the friendship that he provides to the team and coaches.  He commends positive action.  He encourages virtues that are shared by folk who don't share our faith, things like hard-work, courage, discipline, respect, and teamwork.  Not a boy on that team can say "Nobody cares," because my friend cares about each of them.  Not everyone on that team is, or will become, a Christian, but every member of that team knows that not all preachers are guys who don't care, and say things we can't understand.  They know my friend cares, and because they know that, they are more likely to care about what he knows, and says. My church is once again presenting a Live Nativity to our community.  We do it without cost to those who attend.  No arms are twisted.  The event is put on by cops, factorty workers, retirees, nurses, teachers, business-people, homemakers, foresters, computer techs, kids, and teens.  I'm proud of the people who do it, because instead of just railing about the excesses of the Christmas season, they have asked, "How can we shine a light, not in our building, but down in a public place, so others can see?" Shine on!  This Friday on a high school gridiron, the week after in a park, near many of you, and many other places TBA.  It's STTA.

The Face Others See:

Something To Think About, The Face Others See:

Last week when President Obama delivered the State of the Union address, Speaker of the House, John Boehner, spent a bit over an hour looking over the president's shoulder.   Actually, millions were looking at Boehner as the President spoke.  True, just past Obama's right shoulder Vice -President Biden was also looking at the camera, but for him the task at hand was fairly easy.  He is in the same political party as the President and supports the Administration's policies.  If he can master a supportive, interested expression, and chuckle at the jokes, he's pretty well got it made.   Boehner, on the other hand, had to master a whole dictionary of facial language.   The "I don't agree, but I'm still respectful" look, or the "in spite of the fact that I disagree with most of what this man says, I agree with this one point" expression."  There is the "over my dead body" glare, and the "I'm just as patriotic as you" glow.  Not to mention the "I'm trying to look interested even though I know exactly what you are going to say" body language. I'll let the pundits pontificate on how the Speaker did--that is if they have time left after discussing really important news, like deflated footballs--what I'm really interested in is, "What kind of face am I showing the world around me?"  In one of the most misunderstood and misapplied passages in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, the Apostle Paul makes clear that he cared a great deal how others saw him.  Too many of my sisters and brothers have adapted an "It's my right to look the way I want to look" attitude.  It's easy to act/look outraged, angry, insulted, or slighted for selfish reasons.  "Every body else wears their feelings on their sleeve, why can't I?"  Too many of us have become holy drama queens. John Boehner said that at the State of the Union his job is to stare at the back of the President's head and make no news.  That's not a bad paradigm for we followers of Christ. We have a message that the world very much needs to hear.  Let's make sure that the way we look out at the world doesn't detract. It's STTA.

The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

Something To Think About, The Apostle Paul & Charlie Hebdo:

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome from the incredibly pagan city of Corinth.  In the second chapter of the book Paul challenges his fellow Jews,"You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?"  (Romans 2:22)  The question appears in the section of Romans in which the Apostle is demonstrating that all are lost, "THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE." (3:19)  Paul knew well the self-righteousness of many Jews.  He once depended on a brand of "righteousness which is in the law." (Philippians 3:6)  One of the chief tenants of this Jewish, DIY brand of righteousness was freedom from any involvement with idolatry.  Paul's question must have stung. The suggestion that Jews would be involved in robbing temples dedicated to the worship of gods which were no gods at all, was insulting but not unreasonable.  Deuteronomy 7:25 specifically forbids theft from idolatrous temples.  It makes sense.  Often those idols and other paraphernalia of worship were made of gold and other precious substances.  If I can shut down worship that is an insult to the one true God, and at the same time put some precious metal in my portfolio, why not?  For now, just leave it with this:  God says, "DON'T!"   A short time before penning the interrogation in Romans 2, it would appear that Paul and his companions had been accused of robbing temples.  After the riot at Ephesus instigated by those who made their living from the worship of the goddess Diana (or Artimas), Paul's associates were brought before the clerk of Ephesus, the official responded to the crowd's accusations with these words: " . . . you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.” (Acts 19:37)   The worship of the image that had supposedly come down from heaven was not opposed by attacking the idolatrous infrastructure, but by the proclamation of the truth.  (Read Acts 19.) Like many of you, I find a certain sympathy with the Charlie Hebdo satarists.  I'm told that their work is quite vulgar, but when they are attacking a false religion, should I be concerned?  From a political viewpoint I defend their freedom of speech.  Without equivocation I condemn the murder committed in the name of Islam.  However, when it comes to the proclamation of the truth I reject their methods of the satirists.  I want to live my life in such a way that if I am ever accused of attacking those whose religion is a lie, that an honest official would be able to say, "Get out of my office.  What you are saying is false." It's STTA. Here are two article on this subject that I found well worth reading: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/rogereolson/2015/01/terrorism-is-wrong-so-is-ridiculing-peoples-faiths/ http://www.breakpoint.org/bpcommentaries/entry/12/26699?spMailingID=10405660&spUserID=MTMyMjUxNDA3MwS2&spJobID=461351905&spReportId=NDYxMzUxOTA1S0   Here is a site where you can find out about Jesus Christ and His plan for you.  You'll find several opportunities to explore.  If we can help you, let us know.  covingtonbiblechurch.com

Don't Just Survive, Thrive!

Something To Think About "Don't just survive!", 9/3

As we've been working through 1 Peter at CBC, I've been struck several times with the similarity of the situation of  the people Peter wrote to, "who reside as aliens, scattered . . ." and the pictures I see in the news of Christians who have been forced to flee from their homes in the Middle East.  It is obvious that Peter cared deeply for his scattered congregation.  He wanted to help them, but not merely to survive; he wanted them to thrive in the midst of their hostile situation.  One example of this is found in 1 Peter 3:15. Peter is talking to folk who are suffering, in some cases not merely in spite of their good deeds, but, apparently, because of their virtuous actions.  Look for instance at 3:14.   In the midst of such fear-inducing unfairness the Apostle says,    “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;” (1 Peter 3:15)   While the word in the translation above is defense it is clear that Peter is not encouraging a hunkering down strategy.  Other translations use the word answer.  The Greek word in question is the word from which we get our word apology.  I'm not talking about "I'm sorry," but, "This is why what I believe makes sense," which clearly implies, "You should consider this as well." It kind of reminds me of the old Rambo movie.  The well-muscled Vietnam vet, who doesn't play well with others, shows up in a small town, where, to say the least. folk don't make him feel welcome.  Soon there are cops, guns, and dogs after the lone Rambo.  It doesn't look good.  Then Colonel Trautman, Rambo's former commanding officer shows up, not to save the former soldier from the cops, but to save them from the super-fighter. As I look back through history I see good evidence that these persecuted believers got it.  The enemies of the Faith did not stamp out the Faith.  On the contrary, this band of beleaguered believers so impacted that their world that we still feel the impact two millennia later.  We ought not to be offensive--make sure you read the "gentleness and reverence" part of the verse above--but we are to be on the offense.  Peter's good buddy, Paul, declared to another group of Christians who knew the meaning of persecution, "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God"  (Romans 1:16). We are on the offense!. It's Something to Think About.   Here is an interesting picture of what is wrong with the world and how God's message makes it right.

Displaying the Ten Commandments, #3:

Many Christians are quite passionate about maintaining our "right" to display portions of scripture and religious symbols in public places.  

The central symbol of Christianity has been a public symbol for two millennia.  Our Lord was crucified in plain view, and the early martyrs gladly owned the cross as they went to their deaths, some of them, like Peter and Andrew, even dying on crosses like their Lord.  The word of God, as well, ought not to be a private matter.  The book of Acts and the rest of the New Testament tells the story of how the early church spread the Good News from Jerusalem to the far reaches of the known world.  I don't see that the concern of those disciples was to get the Romans to let them hang copies of scripture in the Coloseums where they gave their lives.  Rather they made the Word known by lives that clearly demonstrated the power of God's word to change the world one life at a time.

There are good reasons why it makes sense to have a copy of the Ten Commandments displayed in a High School.  The sweeping secularization of our public spaces ought to be appropriately resisted, but far more important than a plaque on a wall, is the Word of God shining out from a life.  Perhaps the courts in our land will prevent the display of Ten Commandments in our schools and other government buildings. No power on earth can prevent us from living out the truth of those ten guidelines for Godly, sensible living.

The third of the Ten Commandments says that we are not to "take the name of the LORD [our] God in vain."  When I consider this with other passages of scripture that speak about my speech, like Ephesians 4:29 and 5:4, I see that what I say ought to display the fact that God is in control in my life.

When I open my mouth, what comes out? 
 

Stay tuned.

It's STTA.