How should you choose a church? Many Christians are living disconnected from a church today, despite the continuous biblical command for us to gather together regularly in worship and the many benefits that come to us and to others from being deeply connected in a church. (did you know that the health benefits are the same between stopping smoking and being deeply connected to a church?) Of course part of that is choosing a "church that doesn't suck...the life out of you." (as we like to say)
So how do we choose? I think many of our frustrations are that we don't make good choices as to what we think we want or need. We are just terrible architects of our own happiness and meeting our own needs. So here are some thoughts on what I hope will be a helpful guide in choosing a local church body to connect to.
1. PRAY - in praying surrender all of your expectations and opinions as to what you think a "good church for you" would look like. Confess that He is Lord and that you will follow where He leads. Our lives are His...we must do more than simply confess this.
2. Do they continually lift up Jesus? Is Jesus (not the stuff of Jesus) central to everything they do?
3. Do they honor and celebrate God's Word as the foundation for understanding who God is? (in today's world you must check out a church's statement of beliefs. Is the church you are considering faithful to the historic creeds (Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed) of the Christian faith?)
4. Do they welcome the Holy Spirit into their services? (this may take various forms, but is He welcomed?)
5. Do they disciple and equip people to live lives that minister inside and outside of the church?
6. (If appropriate) Is ministry to and equipping of my children a core value of the church?
7. Does the church have a burden to be an agent of social justice both locally and globally? (missions, ministry to the poor, serving the community, etc)
8. Ask: "Is there a way for me to not only grow in my giftings, but also to invest those giftings back into the community?"
9. Does the church have a good website? (What?! The reason for this is because if a church has not made the investment into a good web site, it means that they are disconnected from modern culture and are less than passionate about reaching people today with the Gospel of Jesus Christ)
10. Is your intention to find a place to go and hide in the crowd or find meaningful relationships that will help me grow and I in turn can help others?
11. Is this church dwelling on the past, or are they committed to engaging the world today in love with the counter-cultural message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
12. Are the people (including the pastor(s)) living authentic lives as Christ-followers? (In other words, is there a disconnect between church life and real life? Or are the various people (whatever level of spiritual maturity they may be at) striving for authenticity in their everyday life of faith?)
Remember, there is no "perfect church." You won't find that until Heaven. At some point you will most likely get offended wherever you wind up...churches are filled with people after all. Don't take the bait of Satan in your offense and break community. Be courageous. Determine that you are going to allow the Lord to bear greater fruit in your life with kindness, patience, gentleness, etc. (Gal 5:22-23) That doesn't happen in isolation or by watching your favorite preacher on tv...
Make the leap and join a community of believers today! They need you and you need them!!!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
"Why Put the Tree in the Garden?"
So someone brought up something recently that I'd like to respond to. I've never heard any good teaching or explanation on this, so this will be my attempt to think it out...publicly.
There is a situation that can and has created offense within people's hearts toward God regarding our roots in the Garden of Eden. The question has been asked, "Why would God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (aka the Forbidden Fruit) in the Garden if Adam and Eve were not to touch it?" It has been likened by some people to "putting a hand grenade in a crib." Initially this seems like a cruel thing to do. It is an easy jump to make in our minds. We think "if something can cause pain or destruction, keep it far away." We would all say, "yes, of course!"
So why, as God is forming creation, would he put this tree there? Why not put it outside the Garden somewhere? Why put it in the center of the Garden next to the Tree of Life? Whether your views on the Garden are metaphorical or more literal, the question still stands.
I guess I would start by pointing a few things out.
1. Sin had not yet entered into the world. Adam and Eve did not struggle with their broken fallen sinful natures like we do all the time, even after being born again. So we must keep in mind that this was not like dangling a beer in front of someone who is an alcoholic struggling to break free. There was free will, yes, and along with free will there is always choice, but our First Parent's "wanters" were not broken (yet).
2. I mentioned free will. Here's where we hit some controversy. I would argue that choosing holiness or good is dependent upon there being an alternative choice. A choice to embrace good through obeying God or a choice to rebel and declare our autonomy from our Creator. I am not suggesting that good is dependent upon evil (i.e. Yin-Yang) or any such nonsense as some Christians seem to embrace these days. I merely suggest to have choice you must have at least two things to choose from. In this case it was enjoy goodness and perfection innocently without the pull of a sinful nature, or choose to heed the tempter's voice (external influence) and disobey God. Removing choice would not have been a good option as it would remove an integral part of what it means to be created in image of God. After all, we cannot love God (or anyone) and be in relationship with Him (His continuing intentions) except that we choose to do so.
Simple initial thoughts for a complex question. I may add to this posting at some point as I reflect on it more.
UPDATE: (2/17/10)
3. The Leadership Perspective
Adam and Eve had been given dominion over all of creation. (Gen 1:26,28) They were to rule and reign over everything God had created as stewards. As a rule, leadership is always tested. The one restraint given to these stewards by way of command they could not keep. They were not owners, only stewards. The "hand grenade in the crib" argument doesn't work because they were not ignorant or children. They were innocent yes, but they were fully formed adults with an intellect far beyond our own (Adam named every single creature in creation!). And as I said before they were perfect, whole and complete. There was no sinful nature affecting them then that even affects the most innocent of us...our children. (no one has to teach children to fight over toys)
There is a situation that can and has created offense within people's hearts toward God regarding our roots in the Garden of Eden. The question has been asked, "Why would God put the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (aka the Forbidden Fruit) in the Garden if Adam and Eve were not to touch it?" It has been likened by some people to "putting a hand grenade in a crib." Initially this seems like a cruel thing to do. It is an easy jump to make in our minds. We think "if something can cause pain or destruction, keep it far away." We would all say, "yes, of course!"
So why, as God is forming creation, would he put this tree there? Why not put it outside the Garden somewhere? Why put it in the center of the Garden next to the Tree of Life? Whether your views on the Garden are metaphorical or more literal, the question still stands.
I guess I would start by pointing a few things out.
1. Sin had not yet entered into the world. Adam and Eve did not struggle with their broken fallen sinful natures like we do all the time, even after being born again. So we must keep in mind that this was not like dangling a beer in front of someone who is an alcoholic struggling to break free. There was free will, yes, and along with free will there is always choice, but our First Parent's "wanters" were not broken (yet).
2. I mentioned free will. Here's where we hit some controversy. I would argue that choosing holiness or good is dependent upon there being an alternative choice. A choice to embrace good through obeying God or a choice to rebel and declare our autonomy from our Creator. I am not suggesting that good is dependent upon evil (i.e. Yin-Yang) or any such nonsense as some Christians seem to embrace these days. I merely suggest to have choice you must have at least two things to choose from. In this case it was enjoy goodness and perfection innocently without the pull of a sinful nature, or choose to heed the tempter's voice (external influence) and disobey God. Removing choice would not have been a good option as it would remove an integral part of what it means to be created in image of God. After all, we cannot love God (or anyone) and be in relationship with Him (His continuing intentions) except that we choose to do so.
Simple initial thoughts for a complex question. I may add to this posting at some point as I reflect on it more.
UPDATE: (2/17/10)
3. The Leadership Perspective
Adam and Eve had been given dominion over all of creation. (Gen 1:26,28) They were to rule and reign over everything God had created as stewards. As a rule, leadership is always tested. The one restraint given to these stewards by way of command they could not keep. They were not owners, only stewards. The "hand grenade in the crib" argument doesn't work because they were not ignorant or children. They were innocent yes, but they were fully formed adults with an intellect far beyond our own (Adam named every single creature in creation!). And as I said before they were perfect, whole and complete. There was no sinful nature affecting them then that even affects the most innocent of us...our children. (no one has to teach children to fight over toys)
Monday, October 4, 2010
"Halloween" Party?
In keeping with our efforts to reach the unchurched and not other Christians from other churches, we are throwing a "Halloween" Party on Sunday October 31st. We are actually moving our whole church service across the street and renting out Hayes Elementary gym for the morning.
Many Christians would bristle at the use of "Halloween" and not the more church-friendly "Harvest" word. Outside of the church arena, a "Harvest Party" sounds much more weird and spooky than a "Halloween Party." Often we expect the people we are inviting to "get it" before actually giving it to them. Mature Christians understand the need to be cognizant of deeper spiritual truths and respect the fact that most people are messing around with things much more powerful and dangerous than they know. (i.e. demons, death symbols, witches and magic, etc.) However, we must understand that this is knowledge that gets assimilated after a person's spirit is reborn in Christ.
Here's what I mean. This Sunday in our bulletin there was coupled with the announcement about our upcoming party a statement that read "No monster costumes." I stood up and told our people to ignore this. I explained that we are not invited our community to come only if they come on our terms or what we consider spiritually acceptable terms. Imagine a mom or dad who know nothing of Christ and they bought the spookiest costume they could find for their child. They receive our invitation, but feel they cannot come because they would either have to buy another costume or if they showed up with the one they have they would be afraid of being labeled "less than ok" in some way for doing so.
It would certainly be my hope that down the road after their spiritual eyes have been opened to the unseen realities of the spiritual world that they would choose a costume that was not demonic in nature.
As a parent, my wife and I had the discussion years ago about what we would do for Halloween when our kids came of age to either participate or not. We decided that it would be nonsense for us to refuse to allow our kids to participate at all. But we have set parameters. We do the pumpkin carving, and we let the kids pick out or create a costume to go "trick or treating" in. But the costumes are not to be demonic, not to be associated with magic, nor will they have anything to do with death or spirits. We know and respect the spiritual realities that exist and do not want to open any door or create any foothold for the enemy in their lives. However, we will not be governed by fear and create some sort of barricaded approach to life. Our approach allows the kids to fully participate and have fun, but in a way that does not dishonor the Lord.
Soooo.... we are throwing a Halloween party! People are free to dress up however they want. We are going to love them, love the kids and show every one of them that Jesus loves them to the fullest amount possible right now as they are.
Many Christians would bristle at the use of "Halloween" and not the more church-friendly "Harvest" word. Outside of the church arena, a "Harvest Party" sounds much more weird and spooky than a "Halloween Party." Often we expect the people we are inviting to "get it" before actually giving it to them. Mature Christians understand the need to be cognizant of deeper spiritual truths and respect the fact that most people are messing around with things much more powerful and dangerous than they know. (i.e. demons, death symbols, witches and magic, etc.) However, we must understand that this is knowledge that gets assimilated after a person's spirit is reborn in Christ.
Here's what I mean. This Sunday in our bulletin there was coupled with the announcement about our upcoming party a statement that read "No monster costumes." I stood up and told our people to ignore this. I explained that we are not invited our community to come only if they come on our terms or what we consider spiritually acceptable terms. Imagine a mom or dad who know nothing of Christ and they bought the spookiest costume they could find for their child. They receive our invitation, but feel they cannot come because they would either have to buy another costume or if they showed up with the one they have they would be afraid of being labeled "less than ok" in some way for doing so.
It would certainly be my hope that down the road after their spiritual eyes have been opened to the unseen realities of the spiritual world that they would choose a costume that was not demonic in nature.
As a parent, my wife and I had the discussion years ago about what we would do for Halloween when our kids came of age to either participate or not. We decided that it would be nonsense for us to refuse to allow our kids to participate at all. But we have set parameters. We do the pumpkin carving, and we let the kids pick out or create a costume to go "trick or treating" in. But the costumes are not to be demonic, not to be associated with magic, nor will they have anything to do with death or spirits. We know and respect the spiritual realities that exist and do not want to open any door or create any foothold for the enemy in their lives. However, we will not be governed by fear and create some sort of barricaded approach to life. Our approach allows the kids to fully participate and have fun, but in a way that does not dishonor the Lord.
Soooo.... we are throwing a Halloween party! People are free to dress up however they want. We are going to love them, love the kids and show every one of them that Jesus loves them to the fullest amount possible right now as they are.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
New Focus: "Why?"
I am going to start blogging more about the "why" of how I am doing things as I continue to lead a church through a turnaround effort. No need to reinvent the wheel if someone is going through a similar effort. Since there are so many churches that need to turn things around, this will either serve as a help for how to do things or else a "Manual of Things to Avoid!" :) So far, so good though. If in reality this serves more as a journaling tool for me to help organize my thoughts, that's good too.
So...
As I finish year three and look back, I see a difference in my preaching. The first two years I was preaching wonderful, rich theological sermons. (in my humble opinion) However, I realized that I was preaching more for the approval of my peers in ministry (who were not present and I'm pretty sure were not listening online either). This was not done intentionally. I only became aware of it through some prayer and introspection. The same things that speak to me, will not speak to the unchurched and those who are young in their faith. I have found that I am putting things more on the "bottom shelf" as one of my mentor's put it. For all my talk about relevance, it needs to be relevant to the real audience more than a perceived audience. Is it not the role of a pastor to meet people where they are at and draw them higher? Kind of sounds like what Jesus does too...
It is still my goal to have something relevant for people at every level of their spiritual journey with Christ. I know that I am constitutionally unable to stand up front and deliver weak moralisms and empty spiritual platitudes. I just can't do it. What I can do is be more intentional about delivering the uncompromising truth of God's Word in a means more easy to digest. We're called to be "fishers of men." I suck at actual fishing and have no interest in getting better...but even I know that fishermen use different lures and bait in different waters based on what the conditions are and what kind of fish they are trying to catch. The objective for every 'fisher of men' is to find the right bait for the right condition they find themselves in.
So...
As I finish year three and look back, I see a difference in my preaching. The first two years I was preaching wonderful, rich theological sermons. (in my humble opinion) However, I realized that I was preaching more for the approval of my peers in ministry (who were not present and I'm pretty sure were not listening online either). This was not done intentionally. I only became aware of it through some prayer and introspection. The same things that speak to me, will not speak to the unchurched and those who are young in their faith. I have found that I am putting things more on the "bottom shelf" as one of my mentor's put it. For all my talk about relevance, it needs to be relevant to the real audience more than a perceived audience. Is it not the role of a pastor to meet people where they are at and draw them higher? Kind of sounds like what Jesus does too...
It is still my goal to have something relevant for people at every level of their spiritual journey with Christ. I know that I am constitutionally unable to stand up front and deliver weak moralisms and empty spiritual platitudes. I just can't do it. What I can do is be more intentional about delivering the uncompromising truth of God's Word in a means more easy to digest. We're called to be "fishers of men." I suck at actual fishing and have no interest in getting better...but even I know that fishermen use different lures and bait in different waters based on what the conditions are and what kind of fish they are trying to catch. The objective for every 'fisher of men' is to find the right bait for the right condition they find themselves in.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
George Barna's Revolution
So I've been going over a book that came out a few years ago from George Barna (www.barna.org) who is the unofficial king of statisticians regarding things in the Christian world. His company and the research they do is an absolutely wonderful asset to doing relevant ministry in our time.
He put out a book a few years back (2005) offering his insights and interpretations of the data they had been collecting. Much of what was predicting is coming true. The basic thrust of the book is (SPOILER ALERT) that there is a revolution of people looking for living a Christian life apart from what is referred to as the "traditional congregational model." He is not referring to their worship style in saying "traditional," but rather what is commonly pictured when you say the word "church" whether it be a dated approach or a more contemporary approach. There is a definite excitement that comes from the pages as he is telling about people leaving the notion of "church" behind and pursuing their dreams for serving God in a unique way. You almost get the sense that Barna is like some nerdy kid with taped glasses looking out of the window at the cool kids who get to go out and play.
I have a couple of thoughts that I wanted to share (briefly!):
1. It is sad that people that are dreamers for God find it hard and sometimes impossible to find a welcoming church to see their God-given dreams realized. Sometimes churches become all about "what has been done before."
2. I definitely see a place and a role for ministries that exist outside of a direct tie to churches. Ministries like IHOP, Teen Challenge and others help to narrow the focus on a particular area to great effectiveness.
3. I find it a bit disconcerting that Barna is for the most part seeming to applaud these things as replacements of the church. (see below)
Even when the Church (not talking historical Catholic or even the later Protestant, but rather the general sense of the Body of Christ as it is organized into local bodies of believers) has screwed up in major ways, the Church is the chosen vehicle that God uses consistently. The subtext of Barna that I agree with is don't be LIMITED by the church. However, the message conveyed seems to be to do things in SPITE of the church, which causes me some issues. Whatever ministry endeavors a person sets themselves to needs to connect whoever they are reaching to a local body for the sake of health and longevity.
Perhaps it is semantics. But what I see happening today is the multitudes saying "I don't need a church to be a Christian." It is both wrong and unbiblical. It is true that a person doesn't need a church to be saved. But if you are a Christ-follower He will lead you into connection with other believers. Barna's book kind of feeds the people that say this and they wind up (not because of him) leaving their church and ultimately living weak and ineffective lives. AND the church is the lesser because they are not serving people with their God given gifts and calling. It is the extremely rare individual that Barna keeps highlighting that gather a group of like-minded people to accomplish something of worth for the Kingdom.
For more on the state of the Church in the West and what God is calling the Church to do about it, listen to this: "Why we need a 'Revolution'"
He put out a book a few years back (2005) offering his insights and interpretations of the data they had been collecting. Much of what was predicting is coming true. The basic thrust of the book is (SPOILER ALERT) that there is a revolution of people looking for living a Christian life apart from what is referred to as the "traditional congregational model." He is not referring to their worship style in saying "traditional," but rather what is commonly pictured when you say the word "church" whether it be a dated approach or a more contemporary approach. There is a definite excitement that comes from the pages as he is telling about people leaving the notion of "church" behind and pursuing their dreams for serving God in a unique way. You almost get the sense that Barna is like some nerdy kid with taped glasses looking out of the window at the cool kids who get to go out and play.
I have a couple of thoughts that I wanted to share (briefly!):
1. It is sad that people that are dreamers for God find it hard and sometimes impossible to find a welcoming church to see their God-given dreams realized. Sometimes churches become all about "what has been done before."
2. I definitely see a place and a role for ministries that exist outside of a direct tie to churches. Ministries like IHOP, Teen Challenge and others help to narrow the focus on a particular area to great effectiveness.
3. I find it a bit disconcerting that Barna is for the most part seeming to applaud these things as replacements of the church. (see below)
Even when the Church (not talking historical Catholic or even the later Protestant, but rather the general sense of the Body of Christ as it is organized into local bodies of believers) has screwed up in major ways, the Church is the chosen vehicle that God uses consistently. The subtext of Barna that I agree with is don't be LIMITED by the church. However, the message conveyed seems to be to do things in SPITE of the church, which causes me some issues. Whatever ministry endeavors a person sets themselves to needs to connect whoever they are reaching to a local body for the sake of health and longevity.
Perhaps it is semantics. But what I see happening today is the multitudes saying "I don't need a church to be a Christian." It is both wrong and unbiblical. It is true that a person doesn't need a church to be saved. But if you are a Christ-follower He will lead you into connection with other believers. Barna's book kind of feeds the people that say this and they wind up (not because of him) leaving their church and ultimately living weak and ineffective lives. AND the church is the lesser because they are not serving people with their God given gifts and calling. It is the extremely rare individual that Barna keeps highlighting that gather a group of like-minded people to accomplish something of worth for the Kingdom.
For more on the state of the Church in the West and what God is calling the Church to do about it, listen to this: "Why we need a 'Revolution'"
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Are you an "Almost Christian?"
Are you an "Almost Christian?" What's that you say? Glad you asked. You see I think there are many many people who are living deceived. Some perhaps are self-deceived but I think the majority are living under the new norm in our culture.
So what's an "Almost Christian?" Perhaps you can identify...err I mean, perhaps you know someone who this may apply to.
You may have had numerous church moments in life.
You may have even had some genuine encounters with God at some point in the past. Perhaps in a Christian camp setting?
You may know Christians
You may be a current church attender.
You may have an uncle on your mother's side who is a pastor.
You may believe in God.
You may believe that Jesus died for the world and was raised from the dead. (Satan knows and believes this)
You may be a "good person" and have "never killed anyone."
You may know what "WWJD" stands for.
You may have a fish (Ictus)on the back of your car.
You may throw some money in the bag during offering time at church
When people ask "what religion are you?" You may readily identify yourself as a "Christian."
You may say "my family and I are Catholic."
You may throw some prayers up for help in this area or that area.
But no where in that short list of possibilities is located the things that Jesus say matter. What makes a Christian a Christian and not just some 'one [particular brand of a religious person among many choices?
It's actually pretty simple. A Christian means "follower of Christ" or more biblically correct an "emulator of Christ."
It is someone who has had a genuine life altering encounter with the Living Christ. (Jn 3:3)
It is someone who is actively and continually choosing to trust Christ with their lives via their personal relationship with Him.
It is someone who, yes, believes that Christ died for the world including them, but also confesses the Lordship and Divinity of Jesus. (Ro 10:9-10).
Let me break it down. Basically there are a whole lot of 'Almost Christians' who hang around the cross rather than getting on the cross. (Gal 2:20)
God has no grandchildren, only children.
God does not recognize 'almost children', only his kids whom He adores.
God does not have acquaintances, only those who stand as enemies against Him and those who stand as loving recipients of the terrible but willingly paid purchase price of our salvation...the cross of Jesus.
By way of balance let me mention this, being a Christian does not mean:
You are perfect.
You never sin.
You are not continually in need of the grace of Jesus until we meet Him and become like Him.
Being Christian is a journey of becoming more like Jesus as you discover who you were created to truly be and what you were created to do. It is a journey filled with error and failures and struggle with sin all along the way. But all the while there is a reality of a surrendered life and a longing to know Jesus more. Sure, you do the stuff Christians do and can check off the right set of beliefs, but that alone doesn't make you a Christian. It's what's in your heart that truly makes you a follower of Jesus.
Don't be an "Almost Christian." It sucks. There's no joy there; no life. Nothing done half way is ever worth anything. Dive in and join the adventure of being Christian! the cross rather than climbing up and hanging
So what's an "Almost Christian?" Perhaps you can identify...err I mean, perhaps you know someone who this may apply to.
You may have had numerous church moments in life.
You may have even had some genuine encounters with God at some point in the past. Perhaps in a Christian camp setting?
You may know Christians
You may be a current church attender.
You may have an uncle on your mother's side who is a pastor.
You may believe in God.
You may believe that Jesus died for the world and was raised from the dead. (Satan knows and believes this)
You may be a "good person" and have "never killed anyone."
You may know what "WWJD" stands for.
You may have a fish (Ictus)on the back of your car.
You may throw some money in the bag during offering time at church
When people ask "what religion are you?" You may readily identify yourself as a "Christian."
You may say "my family and I are Catholic."
You may throw some prayers up for help in this area or that area.
But no where in that short list of possibilities is located the things that Jesus say matter. What makes a Christian a Christian and not just some 'one [particular brand of a religious person among many choices?
It's actually pretty simple. A Christian means "follower of Christ" or more biblically correct an "emulator of Christ."
It is someone who has had a genuine life altering encounter with the Living Christ. (Jn 3:3)
It is someone who is actively and continually choosing to trust Christ with their lives via their personal relationship with Him.
It is someone who, yes, believes that Christ died for the world including them, but also confesses the Lordship and Divinity of Jesus. (Ro 10:9-10).
Let me break it down. Basically there are a whole lot of 'Almost Christians' who hang around the cross rather than getting on the cross. (Gal 2:20)
God has no grandchildren, only children.
God does not recognize 'almost children', only his kids whom He adores.
God does not have acquaintances, only those who stand as enemies against Him and those who stand as loving recipients of the terrible but willingly paid purchase price of our salvation...the cross of Jesus.
By way of balance let me mention this, being a Christian does not mean:
You are perfect.
You never sin.
You are not continually in need of the grace of Jesus until we meet Him and become like Him.
Being Christian is a journey of becoming more like Jesus as you discover who you were created to truly be and what you were created to do. It is a journey filled with error and failures and struggle with sin all along the way. But all the while there is a reality of a surrendered life and a longing to know Jesus more. Sure, you do the stuff Christians do and can check off the right set of beliefs, but that alone doesn't make you a Christian. It's what's in your heart that truly makes you a follower of Jesus.
Don't be an "Almost Christian." It sucks. There's no joy there; no life. Nothing done half way is ever worth anything. Dive in and join the adventure of being Christian! the cross rather than climbing up and hanging
Monday, June 14, 2010
Theory on Perversion of Social Justice
I have been thinking a lot about the Social Justice movement going on in our culture. First, I must say that I LOVE it when Christians get their eyes off of themselves and onto serving others. It is not only healthy for them, but it is a matter of obedience and service to the Lord. (Matthew 25:31-46).
Over the past several years there has been a growing trend in the area of social justice in our culture. The up and coming generation is devoted and excited about the idea of impacting this world for good. Not since the wave of social consciousness of the 60's has there been this type of excitement and involvement. I think our young people are not only more aware of the needs in the world, but also see that there is a lack of fulfillment and a general frustration with living a life only for one's self. All of that is great, truly. However, the idea of justice itself is rooted in a Holy God and Creator of all things. The very notion of Justice flows from the idea of righteousness and judgment. The expression of that idea must therefore be rooted in God's definition and vision for its implementation. In other words, 'what does God say is right or wrong?'
You don't venture too far in this area before you start tripping over post-modernist relativity. the stuff of "your truth is fine for you," etc. ad nauseam. But there is some merit there. Those who just want to "help someone" might wind up hurting them. For example, in the West we tend to look at the problems in developing countries as a "lack of stuff" problem. Certainly that is part of the equation, but not even close to the real answer.
The diversion (and perversion) that I am concerned about is the idea of Justice apart from the Just One's direction. I often use the Cross as an example of a correct emphasis from the believer outward from themselves. The majority of the focus in a Believer's life should be vertical toward God in worship, prayer, adoration, study, fellowship, etc. As a result (not an addition to) there is an overflowing outward in service to the people, community and culture around you. Without the filling and refreshing that comes from "abiding in the Vine," the fruit and effectiveness that one desires from their acts of service soon dry up or become distorted. Perhaps part of the issue is that people feel so disconnected from God and are trying to prove that they are "good" and don't need God for that as the current atheist agenda is asserting. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing.
Recently in our area there is a local center that has been helping people for decades with food, shelter, job counseling and other services. It was started by a group of local churches to pool their resources and be more effective together. It is called the Lakewood Christian Service Center. We have supported it faithfully since I arrived as pastor at West Shore Church. Now because of funding issues with the government they are renaming themselves and taking the word "Christian" out of it. No doubt from some misguided and perverted cultural sense of not wanting to offend anyone.
On the surface it sounds noble and sympathetic. It is in fact a travesty. To neglect (and even cut off!) the greatest need of humanity, namely salvation through the redeeming death of Jesus Christ for the whole world, is incredibly short-sighted and a betrayal of the One who formed the idea of Justice for all.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:1–5, TNIV)
(http://www.youversion.com/bible/tniv/john/15/1-5)
Over the past several years there has been a growing trend in the area of social justice in our culture. The up and coming generation is devoted and excited about the idea of impacting this world for good. Not since the wave of social consciousness of the 60's has there been this type of excitement and involvement. I think our young people are not only more aware of the needs in the world, but also see that there is a lack of fulfillment and a general frustration with living a life only for one's self. All of that is great, truly. However, the idea of justice itself is rooted in a Holy God and Creator of all things. The very notion of Justice flows from the idea of righteousness and judgment. The expression of that idea must therefore be rooted in God's definition and vision for its implementation. In other words, 'what does God say is right or wrong?'
You don't venture too far in this area before you start tripping over post-modernist relativity. the stuff of "your truth is fine for you," etc. ad nauseam. But there is some merit there. Those who just want to "help someone" might wind up hurting them. For example, in the West we tend to look at the problems in developing countries as a "lack of stuff" problem. Certainly that is part of the equation, but not even close to the real answer.
The diversion (and perversion) that I am concerned about is the idea of Justice apart from the Just One's direction. I often use the Cross as an example of a correct emphasis from the believer outward from themselves. The majority of the focus in a Believer's life should be vertical toward God in worship, prayer, adoration, study, fellowship, etc. As a result (not an addition to) there is an overflowing outward in service to the people, community and culture around you. Without the filling and refreshing that comes from "abiding in the Vine," the fruit and effectiveness that one desires from their acts of service soon dry up or become distorted. Perhaps part of the issue is that people feel so disconnected from God and are trying to prove that they are "good" and don't need God for that as the current atheist agenda is asserting. Jesus said that apart from Him we can do nothing.
Recently in our area there is a local center that has been helping people for decades with food, shelter, job counseling and other services. It was started by a group of local churches to pool their resources and be more effective together. It is called the Lakewood Christian Service Center. We have supported it faithfully since I arrived as pastor at West Shore Church. Now because of funding issues with the government they are renaming themselves and taking the word "Christian" out of it. No doubt from some misguided and perverted cultural sense of not wanting to offend anyone.
On the surface it sounds noble and sympathetic. It is in fact a travesty. To neglect (and even cut off!) the greatest need of humanity, namely salvation through the redeeming death of Jesus Christ for the whole world, is incredibly short-sighted and a betrayal of the One who formed the idea of Justice for all.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:1–5, TNIV)
(http://www.youversion.com/bible/tniv/john/15/1-5)
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