Fear God Not Man

It has been said that 16^th century Scottish reformer John Knox feared the face of God so much that he feared no man. This is a powerful statement considering the intense persecution Knox faced throughout his life. As I examine my own life, and today’s evangelical church in America, we are in desperate need for the same statement to ring true with each of us. 

Scripture is clear, to please both man and God is mutually exclusive and cannot be done (Galatians 1:10). Rather, we are called to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30) which is demonstrated through our obedience to His commands (I John 5:3); including the commands of what to do, what not to do (mortification of the flesh), and how to conduct ourselves within the church. It is this last area which I would like to dwell on for the remainder of this note.

I believe that within the Christian community, we tolerate/accommodate too much sin in the lives of other professing Christ-followers. We avoid confrontation because we do not want to feel uncomfortable or offend the other person. Yet, this is contrary to Scripture:

•  If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. (Matthew 18:15-17)

• Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.(Galatians 6:1)

•  My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20)

Jesus taught His followers that:  “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:25-26).” In comparison to our love for Christ, the love we have for all others is to look like hatred. As a result, when we take firm stands against ongoing sin in the lives of another professing Christian because of our love for Christ- it may appear as hate by some who do not understand the motivation (repentance and restoration). Likewise, we may be hated by others for our firm stance against sin.

Paul spoke very directly to the Corinthian church in regards to the handling of ongoing sinwithin a  professing Christian’s life (1 Corinthians 5). Specifically, he gives these instructions in verses 9-12 (emphasis mine):

 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since the you would need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?

 The goal of this approach is repentance and restoration for those engaged in an unrepentant pattern of sin. I appreciate Dr. Harry Ironside’s commentary on 1 Corinthians 5: “This man was in the circle of those who are “of God.” Somebody might say, “The way to help him is to keep him in the circle, let him sit down with you at the Communion table; do not be hard on him, try to win him back, throw your arms of love about him and sympathize with him.” The unrepentant man will be more hardened in his iniquity if you do that. Put him outside in the Devil’s domain, let him know that he has forfeited all title to a place with the people of God—that he has been put back into the world where Satan rules. That is what he means when he says, “Deliver such as one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh.” What has caused all this trouble? The activity of the flesh. Very well, put him out in that sphere where he will find out that “it is an evil and a bitter thing to forsake the Lord his God.” When he finds himself abhorred by men and women who love Christ, when he finds his sin is a stench in the nostrils of Christian people, he may break before God. If, in spite of his sin, he has really been born again, he will break. If he has been a false professor, he will plunge deeper and deeper into evil things.” Ironside continues, “The greatest kindness that the people of God can do to a man who is deliberately going on in willful sin is to refuse Christian fellowship to him. As long as you treat him as a brother he will only be puffed up in his ungodly ways and it will be harder to reach him. But if you obey the Word, God will work toward his recovery and restoration.”

I believe that Christians within the American church need to learn to fear God over man and respond directly to sin within the body in gentleness and love. 

In conclusion, personal holiness has become passé in today’schurch, especially among the millennial generation. As a result/consequence, we look little different than the world around us. Unless we respond with a new resolve to address our sinning brother/sister as laid out into Scripture, the church in America may well slide into obscurity when the Voice of Truth and Message of Hope needs to be communicated in this most desperate hour.

 

For further reflection on this topic, Francis Chan preached a powerful and challenging sermon on this topic a few years ago. It has generated much thought and reflection in my life and is worth the approximately 45 minutes to watch.

A Blogging Reboot (Hopefully)

Over the last five or six years I attempted maintain a blog on several different occasions. However, I never developed consistency in writing and the blogs became the equivalent of a cyber-Detroit, abandoned with few signs of life. Yet, I am compelled to give blogging one more valiant attempt.

It may be helpful to you the readers, hoping that there will be a few, and myself, to articulate the reason why I desire to start writing again. The primary reason…I feel that the internet is making me stupid and I need to do something about that. I recently read the article Is Google Making Us Stupid? by Nicholas Carr, and am currently reading his follow up book The Shallows: What the Internet isDoing to Our Brains where the author details how our thinking has changed since the internet has become omnipresent and information instantly available. As a result, our brains (my brain) have been rewired and I/we are losing or have lost the ability to concentrate, read deeply, or critically think/problem solve. I know that I have seen evidences in my own life, from the endless hours web surfing, changing reading patterns (no longer reading paragraphs but rather in an ‘F’ formation from skimming so many websites), and struggles in studying my Bible.  Therefore, I want to fight this through the exercise of my brain and learning to think deeply once again. I believe that the discipline of writing will help in this endeavor. Additionally, I hope to improve my writing skills and use of grammar through regular writing along the way. 

I titled this blog Sojourn in the Shadowlands based on C.S. Lewis’ reference to this world in comparison to eternity ahead. As a Christian, I know that I am a sojourner, a traveler, passing through this brief life toward my eternal home. I envision this blog to include stories and topics of life and faith on this journey. Oh…and I might post some book reviews too :-)

So, here I go (again) on this blogging adventure. I welcome comments and feedback along the way.

Lessons from Nehemiah as We Enter 2013

Over the last few months I have spent much time studying Nehemiah and learning from his leadership example. As I look ahead to 2013, I see many parallels and lessons from Nehemiah for the church in America.

In 2012, we witnessed mass shootings leaving dozens dead; the breakdown of the family through divorce, absent fathers, and the legalization of same-sex marriage; an estimated 1.2 million abortions; rampant sexual immorality; and corporate ethical failures. This is just a snapshot of the current state of America.

As cup bearer to the king, Nehemiah held a very important position, akin to the role of Secretary of State in our society.  As Christians, we are children of the King- ambassadors for Him (2 Cor 5:20) and part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

Nehemiah was broken over the condition of the walls in Jerusalem when approached by his brother. Just as the current state of America is nothing really new or unique- the walls had fallen 140 years prior to Nehemiah 1. Will 2013 be the year where the current state of America will break our hearts? Will 2013 be the year that we fall before the Lord in weeping, mourning, and fasting as we look around us? Will we be marked by prayer of adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication as Nehemiah was in chapter 1? We must express adoration to the Lord for who He is and how He has revealed Himself to us in Scripture. We must confess our sins as individuals and churches. We must thank Him for the great promises that the gates of hell will not withstand the moving church (Matthew 16:18) and that all of our needs will be supplied (Philippians 4:19). We must go before Him with our specific needs moving forward. We must truly be people of prayer!

Nehemiah demonstrated great respect to those in power, specifically King Artaxerxes. As the people of God, we must demonstrate respect toward those in power (Romans 13:1, 1 Peter 2:13) because God may also grant some of them to look up on us with favor as Artaxerxes did toward Nehemiah, and pray to that end. As missionary Hudson Taylor said, “it is possible to move men through God by prayer alone.”

Nehemiah had a clear sense of calling to the task and knew what he needed to do. Likewise, as Christians in America at the start of 2013, we know what we must do: proclaim the gospel and make disciples- teaching them to obey the Word of God (Matthew 28:18-20). Nehemiah exhibited a strategic plan (2:5-8), so must we as the church in America- proceeding forward with specificity and clarity.  Like Nehemiah, we must also recognize it is because of God’s hand being upon us as His church that we can accomplish anything (2:8)!

A key leadership strategy for Nehemiah was that he laid out the work into manageable sections. The wall to be repaired was several miles in length, an overwhelming task for many. Yet, Nehemiah broke down the work into doable sections and got everybody involved in the coordinated effort. As we look at the state of America today, the tasks and problems seem equally overwhelming. Yet, as individual believers, we all have small/manageable spheres to have a significant kingdom impact- our schools, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities. Many small works will have tremendous kingdom impact.

Nehemiah was no stranger opposition and encountered it throughout his work: ridicule, threats of violence, internal opposition and personal attacks. As we complete the work we have been called to we should expect nothing less; we are at war. Nehemiah did not retaliate, prayed continually, and persevered in the work while taking specific actions when needed (e.g. setting up the guard, addressing sin within the people of God); recognizing that God is the one who will fight for them (4:20). We must approach opposition in the same way.

Nehemiah addressed internal sins and the call to holiness in chapter 5. As churches and individual believers, we must be striving to live lives of holiness in every area. In addition to being called to holiness (1 Peter 1:15, 2 Peter 3:11), as the church we do not want to give any fuel for our opponents (5:9).  

As a result of Nehemiah’s courageous leadership, empowered by God and rooted in prayer, the wall was completed in 52 days. Likewise, as we move forward as the church in 2013, rooted in prayer and empowered by the Lord’s strength- there will be a Kingdom impact!

I believe that 2013 will be a challenging year in many regards. However, as individual Christ-followers and as His church, our mission has not changed. May we be broken over the current state in America and move forward: grounded in the Word, rooted in prayer, and led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. May our actions in 2013 have a tremendous impact that will ripple into eternity!

Top Books of 2012

2012 is drawing to a close and it is time for my annual “top books of the year” posting. This is my fifth top books posting. Recognizing that life would change drastically with entering parenthood in April, I only set my goal at 25 books to be read for 2012. However, as the year ends, I have managed to read 47 books!  Here are my top five books with a few honorable mentions at the end:

5. The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership that Matters by Albert Mohler. Mohler is one of my favorite pastors/scholars and a great leader. He presents the 25 key principles for Christian leadership in relatively short chapters. This is one that I will return to regularly in the coming years.

4. Creature of the Word: The Jesus Centered Church by Matt Chandler, Eric Geiger, and Josh Patterson.  I was deeply challenged to evaluate the role of the gospel in my life and the life of the church in this book. All of our ministry in the life of the church from the pulpit to the “flower committee” must be centered on Jesus and the gospel message.

3. William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity by Kevin Belmonte.  A well-written biography about William Wilberforce, a great man of God living out his convictions, persevering during trial, and growing in his faith as he led the abolitionist movement in England. A great hero of the faith and example to us as we apply the same principles in the issues which the church must step up and address in our day. 

2. Leading from the Sandbox by T.J. Addington. This book specifically pertains to church leadership and leading the church with efficiency and focus. Key insights and strategies which I believe are essential for the church continuing to move forward in the 21^st century; proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. 

1. The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung.  I have read this relatively short book (140 pages) twice so far and will reread it multiple times in the coming years. DeYoung addresses an issue which requires attention in today’s church: practical holiness. Unfortunately, many Christians in America looks little different than the world around us.  DeYoung makes the strong biblical argument that practical holiness is not optional and even lays out the case that a professing believer who does not demonstrate a desire toward holiness and the obedience to the commands of Scripture is not truly converted. He does not teach works-based salvation but rather the fruit a truly changed life, with a new identity in Christ will produce.  This book desperately needs to be read and discussed within the evangelical church today.

A few honorable mentions, in no particular order:

·         Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals by Trevin Wax

·         The Explicit Gospel by Matt Chandler

·         Embracing Obscurity by Anonymous

·         As Iron Sharpens Iron: Building Character in Mentoring Relationships by Howard Hendricks

·         Simple Church by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger

After the Election, Now What?

2 Chronicles 7:13-14 When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Over the last few years, 2 Chronicles 7:14 has become a favorite coffee cup verse, often overused and almost treated as some sort of magic bullet/incantation. Yet, in the wake of the recent presidential election, I found myself studying and thinking about these verses.

Like millions of Americans, I went to bed on Tuesday, November 6th 2012 disappointed when my candidate for President of the United States was not elected and President Obama was elected for another term in office. I am disappointed, but not despondent.

The landscape in America has changed over the past decade. A generation ago, one may have considered it preposterous to consider the current state of this nation- economic hardships, fading global influence, governmental disregard for the sanctity of human life, redefinition of “marriage”, and religious liberties being threatened. Likewise, Christians from past generations would cringe at the overall level of spiritual/biblical/theological anemia within today’s proclaiming followers of Christ.  As I consider the current condition, I must ask the question, is God using these difficult times to get our attention and turn the hearts (and priorities) of His people back to Himself?

As Christ’s church, I believe that it is time to consider the instructions in 2 Chronicles 7:14:

• Humble ourselves. Have we become arrogant and prideful thinking that the right presidential candidate is the solution and by having the “right man” in the White House would fix everything? Have we kept God at a distance, only calling on Him when convenient? It is time that we humble ourselves and recognize that we do not have the solutions and are utterly in need of the Lord’s working in our lives every day and in all circumstances?
• Pray. We need to learn to pray without ceasing. We need to call on Him at all times. As the church and individual believers, we need to develop prayer patterns including  Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication and not just going to Him with our “wish lists”. We must pray for our leaders every day and not just for “30 days” prior to an election.
• Seek His face. Seeking one’s face communicates intimacy. As Christ-followers, we must seek His face through prayer and the intentional and diligent study of His Word. We must seek to understand Him and know Him better through His self-revelation in Scripture. We must develop a robust and biblical theology. 10 minute “quickie quiet times” will not be adequate to grow into mature followers of Him. As we seek Him, we will start looking more like Him and having His priorities as our own.
• Turn from our wicked ways. As Christ-followers and His church, we must repent from our “selective obedience” only when it is convenient and does not infringe on our desires and strive for holiness and godliness in our lives. We must offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2) holy and pleasing to Him. As a whole, the church in America looks little different than the world around us. Radical (aka Biblical) obedience is mandatory.

As the church gets serious in these areas, the Lord will respond. Healing starts with His people (the church). We will be a force to be reckoned with when living biblically and with the right priorities; one which the gates of hell will not be able to withstand our forward movement- hastening the day of Christ’s return throughout our lives of holiness and godliness (2 Peter 3:11-12).  I am not speaking of political agenda advancement, but rather the church obeying it’s marching orders through the proclamation of the gospel and making obedient Christ-following disciples (Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20). Time is short and there is a far greater work to be done than any political agenda.

Although not an expert on church history, I do know that when intense persecution and difficulty has been experienced by the church, she has grown stronger and more focused. We see this today in countries such as Iran and China. May the Lord use times of difficulty to realign our devotion, focus, and priorities in America.

I type this note on my 37th birthday. I have a seven month old son sleeping upstairs. I do not know what the future of this nation looks like, but I trust and follow the One who does. When so many Christians are acting like the 10 spies who returned with a pessimistic/negative report, I find myself aligning with the two spies who essentially said “let’s get moving” (Numbers 13). As the church, let’s get moving with an eternal perspective- there is a great work to be done and God has promised a great result though His Word!