Speaking truth in Love

How did we get to where we are as a society?
  Now in my[and others opinions] that's a fairly rhetorical question. The problem comes in answering it. Why? Because it's very rare [and not only in this day and age] for people to accept what's really true, and more often than not it's because they [and we] don't want to. Also those of us who want to share truth often struggle with how to do it.
Because there's no getting around it. Truth [real truth]  is almost always going to offend someone. And in a lot of cases those of us who claim to be believers and the church in general have been far too concerned about not offending, being "Culturally relevant and so we end up either being silent or making compromises we shouldn't. The church Is becoming indistinguishable from Culture around it, the exact opposite from what we're called to be "in the world but not of it," [to paraphrase].
Add all that to a culture that continues to become more self oriented, and self righteous when we speak truth it becomes easier to not say anything.
    In this Culture of few absolutes it's very easy for moral ambiguity to flourish.
We're hypocritical by nature it makes it easier to justify doing what we want. We treat truth as flexibly applicable in as much as it gives us what we want when we want it.
That's not the way truth works, and in reality more often then not in that kind of application it's not truth at all.
Now, that may seem to be a judgemental and very black and white view, I'm not saying you must agree with it,  I'm wanting us to be honest with ourselves.
    Probably the biggest thing we face when wanting to share truth is not what to say, but how to say it. We can't compromise on the core of what's true, and there's a limit to how much we can compromise how we say it before it's no longer actually true.
  Speaking truth in love doesn't mean doesn't say it, or only say it in a way that's "pleasing to the ear" it's interacting with people in a way that draws them to Christ, and makes them [and you/I] reflect him more.

So how do we speak the truth of Christ and scripture into and with culture today?
It's a very good question, with a variety of interpretations and methods.
I've witnessed many methods which I don't agree with or think nessascarily effective [but let me be clear that that is an opinion.]
 You have your sign holders,  Street corner shouters, and creative engagers to name a few.
The method I find more effeftive [in my opinion] is creative engagement. Asking a question and or usuing the topic of discussion to bring things up.  Again that's not to say signs or loud witnessing [among other methods] Don't work [although I find it hard to think or see them as very effective]  But I'm not going to say that the way I'd do it is the only way, Because if God's calling the method isn't as important. AGAIN, that's not to say the method no longer matters, because it does, But if someone comes to Christ through yelling scripture or conversion stories on a street corner, that's just as good as my asking a question which leads them to him.

While we each as individual believers engage in our own way these are the truth's we're called to communicate:
 [and I'm going to but then\m somewhatr bluntly:

-The Only entitlement/Right of any human being is an eternity separated from God.
The only way to not be separated from God is a personal relationship with his Son Jesus Christ.
The only way to have that is to "Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is lord, and believe God raised him from the dead."
 
We then as Believers have a calling to grow in that relationship and to share these truths with others in the hope that others will come into their own personal relationship with Christ.

I have more to say but that can wait for next time...

Hear O Israel!

                                     Israel

 

There is perhaps no country or people group that has suffered more controversy, conflicts, and persecution than Israel and the Jews.  If you were to ask why this is you would receive a wide variety of answers.  On the surface many of them make a great deal of sense, but when you analyze them in light of scripture are nothing more than a smoke screen.  The key to understanding anything regarding Israel is to realize that the primary issue is spiritual, not political or racial. 

 

Unfortunately, a lot of prominent popular people both in the secular world and within Christianity have an incorrect view about Israel.  It is the last group I’m addressing first.  There are several fundamental questions we need to ask in regards to Israel:

 

1.     When God makes a covenant/promise does he keep it?

2.     Who is the Promise made to?

3.     What is the “legal” language in the promise?

4.     Is it literal, spiritual, metaphorical…?

5.     Is it temporary or permanent, Is it transferable or not?

6.     When we see a promise that is repeated but with other details how do we make sense of it?

7.     Is it a different promise/renegotiation, or is it the same promise?

 

The problem we run into is “replacement theology.” Replacement theology says church has replaced Israel and Israel no longer is the recipient of God’s promises to them but the church is.  The church and does have a role to play in regards to Israel and God’s promises and plans for Israel, but it is NOT as a replacement inheritor of the promises God gave to Israel.

 

Whether or not God retains his piece of the covenant/promises to Israel has a direct co-relation and implication for us. If God has broken his end of his promises to Israel, event though he said “forever” What possible assurance do we have he won’t do the same with his promises to us?  

The issue with Israel is not Human rights, Political, Racial, or any other worldly label you might put on it, The problem at it's core is a spiritual one, God has chosen to use Israel reveal himself, his purposes, power and His ways. Satan's fighting to distort and destroy what God is doing and those God's using.

The Spiritual Battle, or as some might say racial feud, Between the world, specifically and especially Middle Eastern peoples and Israel, can be found, traced, and understood through scripture. Starting clear back in Genesis. It starts with Abraham and Lot, to be precise Abraham's sons and Lot's daughters. Although many of the people groups find their family roots in one of Noah's 3 sons.

 You see the problem is not so much Israel as a people group or physical race that is the issue, it's what, or rather Who is represented through them. 

One of the most effective historicals lies the Devil's been able to propigate is the idea of an "Occupied Palastine." there are several reasons this lie is so effective, One is Israel's lack of Obedience to remove the people groups occupying the land, as well as to not intermarry with them as God commanded. Another part is found in the period of Roman occupation and rule, Because Israel did not cooperate with, or respect Roman rule, terms that reffered to "Palastine', were used as insultry, or demeaning remarks.


    Every problem known to man is at its foundation a Spiritual one. No matter how many layers(reasons) we see or add to the issues around us. yet we do our best to filter it through many layers in an attempt to justify or validate our own way of doing or seeing things. One of the fundamental problems is the Denial of God, More exactly his sovereignty. He's perfect and complete both in his power and authority.

So while the reasons I stated in the first paragraph do have ligitimacy, it is only to the extent of a correct understanding and interpretation of Scripture. They are secondary layers to the primary and common problem. To treat them as seperate entities for their own assumed worth is absolutely ludicrous, and irrational.

There is truly a double standard when it comes to Israel, driven by over-emphasized secondary Humanistically defined moral/ethical issues. While obscuring or ignoring the most fundamental truth of the problem.Which gets buried in the mire of forked tounged chatter.

So the question we have to ask is "What is the solution to end the hostilities between Israel and her neighbors?"

Well, there are two ways to answer that.
because while the question(s) are identical. the way we approach them and perspectives on them are not. The truth is humankind in and of themselves is not capable of a true and lasting peace. Because our hearts are naturally hostile, and selfish. True peace is only accomplished by the mutual(same) inward conditions of hearts that are submitted to The authority of Christ, Who is the Prince Of Peace.

Anything other than that only creates a temporal external facade that's "peace-like." But, it is not it's just a lull in outward aggression, which does not nessacarily, reflect the inward reality. Who you really are ultimately on the inside, will be evident by outward behavior. Maybe not initially but always in eventuality.

When there is inconsistency between the two, inward and outward, we are at the very least liars or hypocrites. We need to understand that there are some people who will intentionally try to mislead us. In Islam they believe it is justifiable to lie to those who do not claim belief in the same god they do. Especially if they're "extremist." Granted, it takes a lot of discernment to figure out which "Muslims" truly want true peace between them and Israel.

Those "Muslims" who are inciting and participating in violence are classic liars and hypocrites. It is absolutely ludicrous and illogical to use civilians as shields and call it "genocide" by Israel. It is those who are using the civilians as shields who are guilty of genocide. Israel is perhaps the most pacifist nation in the world, as well as the most humane in terms of pre-military offensive strike action. No other nation or people group the Middle East would have done the things Israel has done and is doing for civilians who are technically enemies. Yet we always seem to find a way to make Israel the problem and blame bearer. It's absolutely irrational to do so. Yet, I suppose for those who don't want to be "reasoned" with it doesn't have to make sense or be logical to anyone but them.

But, for those of us who choose to live in a fully informed reality, we don't have the luxury of being deliberately ignorant to "the other side of the issue." Truth, to an extent is rarely found in either extreme end of a perspective or issue. It's usually found in between. The exception I make is the scriptures. Because God is completely truthful. And God is clear about Israel in scripture. They are chosen, in the right, and God is still using them to bring about the perfect fullness of his plan to redeem people to himself.

God's Not Dead pt7

i'm overdue again, i'm so sorry. I have been busy and not done what I had intended with blogging in this. That said, I've got so much I want to write about, and I may not get to it all. So I apologize in advance.

I honestly find myself wondering at times how many people that claim to be "Christian" are really aware of Spiritual things I think they should be. Granted, this does not apply to everbody, but the church as a whole. It is also true I'm verry passionate about Spiritual topics, because I care deeply.

The body is not as a whole being adaquately taught and fed, and Is divided and dying out in many places. It's sick, and it seems like most don't even know it. I realize the inflamatory nature of that comment, and I'm aware there are many who do not and will not agree with me.

I've been a part of many small groups and the majority of my experience is that when I express something Spiritual that seems like a "no duh..." many time I get a "wow." Or a puzzled thoughtful look. I'll be honest That expression especially from a leader who I felt should have known or understood what I said bothers me.

It could be partly my hyperactive brain, which does process differently than most, but over the years I've come to see it's more than just that. The culture of the world has slowly taken over in the church.

How much time does the pastor/teacher actually spend in scripture through a sermon instead of stories and analogies?

When's the last time a teacher or pastor taught out of scripture on something hard or maybe even majorly controversial?

How different do our churches look from what we see in Acts 2, and other places?

When we see something going on in the church body that does not match scripture then something is wrong. especially if we do not address and thoughtfully carefully correct it. whatever it may be. The problem is we settle for "good enough." we have an excuse for everything. a lot of Spiritual responsibility Given by God to parents is not being done by the parents but by the church. we say "I'm not qualified," or something similar Pardon ME???

The very fact God calls us to do something means we are qualified, He gave us the responsibility, therefore, through His Spirit He enables us to do what He's called us to do. I'm not anti-pedigree, But I believe that we have a tendency to Get in each-others way. God's given all of us unique abilities and desires. The problem is boxes, hoops and speed bumps. There's a limited amount of ligitimacy to "Thouroughly equipped" Equipping is no good if you never leave the classroom. There's a balance between equipping and field work. Okay, enough for now . If you actually read this I'll give several topics I want to write about the one/2 that have the most comments I will tackle next.

1.The cultural church
2.A Biblical Model of Church
3.Children, teens and young adults- who's primarily responsible to teach and train them/ and where the church fits into that
4. No man's land- God's purpose/call to/for young single men/women within the church body
5. transitioning from Bible baby food to Biblical buffet
6.Learn to love the word- Being a berean (a disapearing trait)

God's Not Dead pt 6- Way Overdue

Okay, I am way overdue  on writing a new blog, sorry for that.

Before I launch in, let me point out that it does not take a thological genius to present a logical case for God from scripture, The problem is I can present all the clear evidence there is, but it'a a heart issue at heart. now that I've made my foundational points in the last 5 blogs , The next set will be presenting the case that God's not dead.  Again I make no claim of complete understanding, I will give my opinion on a lot of things,  I hope we all understand it's not a "I'm right you're wrong" approach.There's going to be scripture, and a lot of it, so having a bible handy would be a good Idea. I'll qoute, but I'll also make references. I'm using ESV [if you want to know]

“ For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.' For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.  Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips,  slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents,  foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.” Romans 1:16-32

If you want to make yourself even more uncomfortable instead of them/we use personal pronouns me/I. Starting where I made the text red to the paragraph break. makes your skin crawl doesn't it?

The reason I put this passage first and not some other passage is it points very clearly to the heart of the issue, God's not dead, we just don't want to aknowledge Him.  God's not dead, but without HIm WE ARE.Since Genesis 3 untill god revives our spiritual deadness we have one desire and that is to suplant/subjugate God. We want to be the one in charge. Now for the part I like, let's take this passage apart further and go phrase by phrase.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

two things here, let me give a very simple definition of "unrighteousness"  Righteousness is living in obedience to The standards/rules God has expressed and set in place. Un-righteousness is the opposite.

-Suppress the truth: means to hide or ignore [the truth-see Righteousness- our lack of it due to sin] an intent to lead/convince others of the reality of "another [false] truth" outside of What God has expressed.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.

There's a part of me that is going "Do I really need to explains this piece?" selective hearing isn't our only problem, We are selective visualizers/interpreters as well. If God is somehow inconvenient for us then we ignore him in that area. But this clearly points out if we're really looking for evidence of God we don't have to look very hard or very far.

Here are some more verses that might help us

" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:1-3&14

 "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. 2 The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." Genesis 1:1-2

 

"You ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart."

 

 

God's Not Dead pt 5

If you are still with me, I want to thank you for staying with me. I know that it's not easy.  I wish also to remind you, that, I make no claim on being right all the time, but merely am presenting in what I hope is a clear, complete and logical manner, and hopefully biblical as well, perspective(s) on things, that are Spiritually important. For the clear understanding that all things in life have a Spiritual foundation, emphasis, and drive behind them is essential knowledge.

reviewing just a bit, Theology. Now, there are many who do not claim to be "theologians" but that is somewhat misleading, because everyone is a theologian whether they are aware of it or not. For theology is the foundation of whatever we believe and however we act because of that.

Now, there are a myriad of "rules" and "techniuqes" for Scripture interpretation, but not all are perfect, however, I believe that there are many which can be useful when applied correctly.

The first and most important thing to remember is  Scripture is Breathed out and inspired by God, and is accordingly the ultimate authority when it speaks in regards to all things, including interpretation. Now, with scripture there is often many layers of communication or meaning. First we must understand that scripture is not isolated from itself, nor does it contradict itself.(More on that in a moment.)

When I say it's not isolated that means that we must always look for and at the context of it and not just at isolated verse(s) or chapter or book. what might be reffered to as context. This also means we ask the who, what, when, where, why, and how. Seeking to understand the communicator, and audience, [of which because we are reading a living book we are also part of that audience.] What they are communicating and understanding, How they thought and proccesed. The scripture is also history, which means we must also look at the culture during the time at which the piece we are examining was happening. That, is context.

Another part which is important is linguistics. Many books have been translated from their original language so it is important to have a grasp and understanding of the original language, and definition of the words being used. With scripture that means Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic. Where it has a way of being confusing it that many times the same or similar word is used to communicate a slightly different concept. So what I do is look at the word and it's definitions in context of what's around it, and that will usually help to correctly determine which definition is the right one.
Granted, it's not a perfect method, but I believe it's a reliable one.

Scripture intrepretation is a skill set that takes time, and some guidance from others who are farther along than us. But, that guidance should not lead to the "guide" having all the controll or say so. It should be more like sharing study notes with people around you.
The problem is Bias-ness.

Everybody has A bias/bent a prefered way of looking at things. Even me. my job as a believer is to not get caught up in my own view, but to Study, and share and look at all the different views and come to my own conclusions based on scripture on what parts of different views I feel are worthwhile to incorporate and refine what I already have.



Stick with me, the ride's about to get even more interesting, next topic(s) coming up are specific to Scripture(s) I've read and what They say, and what that means for us. Then looking specifcally at culture and things within Christianity (parts/sects)that(I firmly believe) are counter scriptural.

God's Not Dead pt 4

Before I really get into writing here, I just want to warn you all that this is a long one.

GOSPEL:
If you've read any or all of the last several posts, then much of this may seem very familiar, but there willl also be new pieces which you have not seen yet.

What is Gospel, and more specifically THE Gospel?
 I'm going to explain it in two styles, the first is in a way that is less detailed but still accurate, or the "milk" version. Then I'm going to really dig into it which I like to call the "Meat and potatoes" version.

Gospel level 1:

God is sovereign creator and is perfect in nature. When God made us in His(God's) image He made us the same way. Perfect. Perfection is the standard for us because of Him in who's image we are made. because of sin, we are no longer able to meet God's standards on our own. But God did not leave us without a way to restore our brokenness. He sent Jesus; in/through Jesus we can be restored to God, and spend eternity with him after we die instead of eternity away from him.

 Now, there's a lot more to it than that. because our sin interfers with our ability to understand the true and full meaning/importance of being made in Gid's image, as well as other things. Being made in God's image means that we have things about us that are similar, yet different and unique. Like having a twin, or having someone say "You look so much like_____!" Looking like someone does not make you them, or them you. You are the only true you that will ever exsist.
      What happened is that we tried to make ourselves the same as God, and in doing so sinned. When we try to be "god" that is self-idolatry. Now the difference between temptation and sin is how you react to whatever the temptation is. it's the action that turns temptation into sin. Sin is anything that is opposite God, or is an attempt to replace God, in some aspect.
    James 1 makes it Clear that God is not to blame for our shortcomings, God does not lead us into sin he leads us out of it. He uses sin as a way to show us the redemptive part of his nature. That's the best part of the gospel.
 
Scripture is also clear God didn't and still doesn't need anything. He didn't need to create us or reddem us after we sinned, but he did and does because it brings him glory.

Moving right along into something else. Theology, and Doctrine. Now, they're not the same thing, although they have a lot of inter-relation to eachother. But they are not identical. Theology is the Theo- logos" or "God-logic" "study of/about God ." Doctrine is teaching that comes out of theology.

There are different oppinions and views among believers within "Christianity" in both areas, But mainly the differences are in doctrine. There are differnet types of doctrine. All doctrine should come from scripture. I'm going to address two.

Primary Doctrine: very simply put it's what's believed and taught about God, man, sin, Salvation, and Scripture.

Secondary doctrine: This is where a lot of the difference is, because this type of doctrine is more contextual in nature. which simply means it may have more than one possible correct interpretation. I.E. the 4 horses in Revelation real(physical) or Metaphorical (Spiritual representation of something.)

Again, ther'es a lot of inter-relation between doctrine types, so how to correctly interpret and communicate  Scripture becomes crucial.  More on that next time....

God's Not Dead pt 3

One of the things we as believers run into is how to present a defense of our Faith from mainly a cultural/morality basis, rather than scripture. Part of the reason again is a trust issue, How sure are we that scripture is true and can speak to any and all aspects of life? But, the other part is we have a tendency of trying to make the truth of scripture more palatable for others. Why, I'm not entirely sure, But one thing I do know Is What God says about ad-libbing scripture: don''t do it.

What we as believers need is a fundamental change in perspective about scripture, It's an all or nothing approach. 

We must believe that ALL scripture is God breathed, and Usefull for teaching, training, rebuking, and correcting in righteousness.

We must believe Scripture is living, and Breathing, and sharper than any two edged sword, and able to seperate bone and muscle.

In other-words we must believe in it's inspiration, it's  Accuracy, and it's application to any topic which is written of within it.

And we must communicate those things clearly, fully, unapologetically, and un-ashamedly. yes, that will create a lot of conflict and controversy, But that's what Christ did, and If we truly desire to be like him we must do the same. Yes, we won't do it perfectly, that's a given,  But we must take advantage of every opportunity presented to us because our first chance may be someone elses first and last chance.

Think about it this way: If you have a spiritual conversation with someone you've never talked to or even seen or met before, if you never see or talk to them again, what the most loving, Christ-like thing you can do If you don't know for sure that they have a personal relationship with Christ? We don't know how much time anyone has before they're face to face with God. We must be radically forward in presenting the Gospel clearly and fully.

All we can do is present a full gospel, we have no controll over whether that person becomes a believer, That's God's department.

In the next post I'll address problems having to do with Gospel, I'm warning you all ahead of time there will be a lot about the church AS A WHOLE  which I fully expect to create conflict, but I aslo believe stringly are things which must be addressed and brought to light. So Again, to be clear what I'm going to say about the church is meant  Generally and should be treated more as observation NOT finger pointing.

 Please also feel free to leave comments or questions on posts. and If I feel it is appropriate I may reply or specifically address it in a post.