RIGMAROLE

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In the unique realm of American politics and those who seek office to effect change and bring hope to the people, rigmarole (and red tape) usually become the net result. It is a system that one either fits into or who will readily become marginalized by those with self-interests in how the system works best for their personal gratification. Rigmarole is defined as being (Miriam-Webster Online Dictionary): “a long, complicated, and annoying process, description; confused or meaningless talk.” There is a kinship between rigmarole and red tape. The Etymology Dictionary indicates: “excessive bureaucratic rigmarole,1736, in reference to the red tape formerly used in Great Britain (and the American colonies) for binding up legal and other official documents, mentioned from 1690s.”

I sometimes am amused (or annoyed) by some of the entries and rhetorical exchanges in supposedly Christian groups on Social Media. If a person was on a quest for the truth and entered into one of those discussions, he would very soon become confused and lose interest in such a quest because of the religious rigmarole taking place. I think of this especially in terms of theological persuasions and the presentation of the Gospel. By today’s standards, would the Apostle Paul be deemed to be a Calvinist or Arminian in the way he presented the Gospel? Within the presentation of The Roman Road, note how the words Paul wrote are used: (Background) Romans 1:16 - the Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes;  (1) Romans 3:23 - all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; (2) Romans 6:23a - the wages of sin is death; (3) Romans 6:23b - the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ; (4) Romans 10:9-10 - Confess with your mouth - Jesus is Lord…believe in your heart - God raised Him from the dead - you will be saved… (5) Romans 10:13 - everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Summary) Romans 5:8 - God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

When John wrote his letters to the churches, he reminded them of the place for admission and confession of sin, as well as one’s acknowledgement of God’s truth about us and our sin. His conclusion regarding the simplicity of the Gospel is given in I John 5:10-13, “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.” Some people feel as though they cannot share this simple and basic message of the Gospel. This is due sometimes to one’s inner fears  or sense of inadequacy. All kinds of methods have been developed and booklets printed about how best to share this simple and basic message of the Christian faith. I do appreciate and have used the leading questions from the Evangelism Explosion method. They are: “Do you know for sure that you are going to be with God in Heaven? If God were to ask you: Why should I let you into My Heaven, what would you say?” Depending on a person’s response, the bridge into the presentation is : “You don’t know? Then I have the best news you could ever hear!” The five steps employed in this method include: (1) I John 5:13, (2) Ephesians 2:8-9; (3) Romans 3:23; (4) I John 4:8 and Jeremiah 31:3, (5) John 1:1, 14 and Isaiah 53:6 (Conclusion) Acts 16:31.

I am not suggesting that theological distinctions and rigmarole are one and the same. I am saying that some feel, because of their theological persuasions,  as though they do not have to deliberately share the Gospel with as many as possible. All need to be reminded of the compelling words of Paul in his commitment (Romans 1:14-16), “I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 1That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel…For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” May his tribe increase. Let us identify with his commitment. Consider these things with me.

COMMONALITY

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Amid the troubled times of life, it is sometimes difficult and puzzling how to chart one’s course. There are so many opinions and self-interests shared that tend to factionalize rather than unify. A recent cause that is being championed allows some individuals an assumed right to interrupt a political public address so they can hold up their signs and raise their voices to drown out the speaker and state: “Black Lives Matter.” When someone responded that “All Lives Matter.” he was booed off of the stage. Another example are the expose videos about Planned Parenthood and how an aborted baby’s body parts and tissue are being offered for sale is reprehensible for many but continues to be endorsed and funded by the pro-choice elements in the body politic. Some states are defunding their share of support for the group whose defense is “only 3% of their funds are used for abortions.” In other words, continue to endorse and support the murder and destruction of babies since it is just 3% of their business. Where is the shock and horror on the part of a civilized and rational society? Have we, in fact, become barbaric and irrational?

What do we know about commonality and how it should work? In the online Etymology Dictionary, the following definition is given: “The common people is attested from 1580s; that of state or quality of being shared is from 1954.” Not surprisingly, the etymology from the first century is absent. A summary from Acts 2:42-45 (BTS - Berea Study Bible) indicates: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with everyone as he had need.” This similar thought is shared in Acts 4:32-35 (BTS), “The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned…And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” In an extraordinary time, the people were willing to do the extraordinary - and - the abundant grace of God was upon them all!

This was never intended to become a communistic form of government nor was it to evolve into an entitlement culture. It was intended to assist those who were momentarily in a state of transition because of their positive response to the Gospel.  As time passed in the first century, people were expected to become grounded in the faith and to become industrious as followers of Jesus Christ. A principle that was established was underscored by Paul in II Thessalonians 2: 10-15 (BTS), “For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing. Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

What did/does Jesus expect His followers to know and do? If they complied, what did Jesus assure them would result? A summary of Jesus’ thoughts is recorded in Luke 6:38 (BTS), “Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Are a generous soul or one who is niggardly (“penurious, extremely tight-fisted, mean person, miser”). To remember: God will always honor those who honor Him and His Word. Consider these things with me!

MULTIPLE IMPRESSIONS

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There is considerable merit in the expression: “You only get one chance to make a good first impression.” One thing to also remember about multiple impressions is: A chameleon is also capable of making multiple impressions. Suppose a prominent individual begins to have an iconic impact on a growing number of people, should that alone be the basis for a positive impression? Another supposition, what if that person seems to be an egomaniac personality, does that mean he should receive special attention and privilege? One last observation, what if some of his words are designed to manipulate an audience, does that mean he should be voted for and granted power over other people?

Last evening, the male candidate who is leading in all of the many polls that are regularly conducted was given a stage where thousands had assembled as an audience. He was also given the national stage as news networks broadcast his stage performance and familiar diatribe of self-promotion; belittling any and all competition; parroting a populist theme that gains some applause; and says what he thinks needs to be said to pretend to be what he thinks his audience wants him to be. For instance, in recent appearances, he always manages to hold up a copy of his book, The Art Of A Deal. Last evening, he said: “This is the best book ever written” - and then quickly added - “except for one other…The Bible. The review of his book on Amazon indicates the following comments made by the author: “I like thinking big. I always have. To me it’s very simple: if you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big…I play it very loose. I don’t carry a briefcase. I try not to schedule too many meetings. I leave my door open…I prefer to come to work each day and just see what develops…I always go into a deal anticipating the worst. If you plan for the worst - if you can live with the worst - the good will always take care of itself.”

One impression that came through in his rambling comments was his use of the vernacular with his insertion of “hell” in his remarks. It makes an impression only because an ego-driven person seldom thinks of “hell” in terms of death or judgment. It is just a word to make one sound like he’s one of the people when in actuality he would have very little need or use for the people except for their vote to elect him. Can you think of anyone in Biblical History who made similar boasts and comparable impressions? Did he achieve the position and heights of power? What did he do with that position and power? Did he use it to benefit others or to promote himself? In both secular and Biblical History, Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon from 605 BC to 562 BC is noted for both his abilities and his ego-driven actions. Secular history records Nebuchadnezzar as a brutal, powerful, and ambitious king. He is mentioned approximately 90 times in Scripture although the summary of his life is contained in Daniel, Chapters 1 through 4. 

The impression one is left with about this king is summarized in Daniel 4. Nebuchadnezzar is given a dream by God. Daniel interpreted the dream for Nebuchadnezzar and informed him that the dream was a warning to the king to humble himself and recognize that his power, wealth, and influence were from God, not of his own making. The king ignored that interpretation and was driven insane for seven years. When the king’s sanity was restored, he finally humbled himself before God. In Daniel 4:3, his acknowledgement about God is: “How great are his signs, how mighty his wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion endures from generation to generation.” He went on to declare in verse 37: “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.” What he had neglected, and that which all candidates in a given election cycle need to remember is Proverbs 28:1-2 (MSG), “Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; He directs it to whatever ends he chooses. We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives.” Consider these things with me!

REMNANTS AND TAPESTRIES

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Two of my daughters have skills in sewing and quilting. They have an uncanny ability of seeing bits and pieces (remnants) of cloth and visualizing their use in a design or pattern for a quilt. The word “remnant” is a noun that has a basic meaning: “a small part; a fragment or scrap; a small unsold or unused piece of cloth, or lace as at the end of a bolt…” That which others would discard as a waste or rag, a quilter sees as something of use and value. One of my daughters absconded with some of my neckties because she had a plan in mind where they would be useful. It caused me to think of some family members of another generation. My wife had an Aunt and two cousins who did quilting as part of a church group. When the last cousin died, instead of flowers being purchased and placed around the coffin, various quilts which she had sewn in the church group were artistically draped on the floral pedestals. It was very attractive and impressive, as well as serving as a testimonial of her skill and church involvement.

The artistic capability of people is something that continually amazes me. Some of our Grandchildren are developing artistic skills. My father, brother and sister possessed these same skills whereas I do well to sketch recognizable stick characters. Everyone should have some degree of appreciation for art in its various forms - painting, pencil sketching, tapestries, Mosaics or quilting. We attended a wedding in a church where there was a dramatic Mosaic at the front of the Church. It was so cleverly done that it appeared to be three-dimensional. It was appropriately lighted and portrayed a representation of Jesus Christ, suspended, with a shepherd’s crook in his hand and His arms outstretched. In the lower foreground were sheep and lambs. In the upper background was a cross. The interpretation is in the eye of the beholder but there can be no doubt of at least the following: (1) Jesus Christ literally came to earth; (2) He came to seek and to save the straying sheep and lambs; and (3) He would die on that cross to redeem and cleanse His gathered sheep/lambs from all of their sins.

Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology defines remnant as: “Leftovers or remainders, whether of daily food…or people who survive a major disaster or captivity…Sociologically the remnant could be described variously as refugees, a community subgroup, or a sect.” For this Blog, let us focus on just two Biblical illustrations or lessons. The first pertains to the Jews who came out of exile in the day of Ezra and Nehemiah. In Ezra 9:8-9 (ESV), “But now for a brief moment favor has been shown by the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant and to give us a secure hold within his holy place, that our God may brighten our eyes and grant us a little reviving in our slavery. For we are slaves. Yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to grant us some reviving to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us protection in Judea and Jerusalem.” Two of the significant words are remnant and reviving! It reminds me of the words in Psalm 85:6-7, “Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation.” This should be a part of our hope and confidence in the Lord.

The second illustration or lesson also has focus on the Jews and Paul’s burden for them. We find this concern expressed in Romans 11:1-5, (ESV), “I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel? Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have demolished your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life. But what is God's reply to him? I have kept for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal. So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.” This remnant chosen by grace is part of God’s Tapestry, meticulously sewn together, as he takes a remnant people from every tribe, tongue, nation and group and fashions them into the image of His Son. That Tapestry represents the Invisible Church where Jesus Christ is The Head and the place where He is preeminent in everything. May you be part of that remnant chosen by grace. Consider these things with me!

SNOLLYGOSTERS AND POMPOSITY

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An old expression that was used to describe a position being espoused by an individual was: “You are majoring on the minors.” There’s a great deal of that occurring in the world today. Whenever politicians and politics come front and center, it tends to crystallize the thinking of individuals and the identity of their followers and supporters. It also reveals the character of those who put forth their ideology, ambition and promises for actions that they hope to accomplish. That is known as “political-speak.” The public has been conditioned to hear it and in too many cases to believe it. 

One of the problems with the dominance of “political-speak” (the art of changing two way discourse into one-way communication; sticking to the party message no matter what the other is saying) is that it infiltrates the visible Church. The Oxford Dictionary incorporates “political-speak” with a word, “snollygoster” meaning: “A dishonest politician.” They use an amusing illustration from a 19th century newspaper editor who defined it as: “A snollygoster is a fellow who seeks office regardless of party, platform or principle, and who, when he wins, gets there by the sheer force of monumental talknophical assumnancy.”

The infiltration into the visible Church occurs when a “snollygoster” becomes the most prominent and his “pomposity” becomes the marching orders for the rest of the group. On one occasion, a young man was being considered for the position of Pastor in a smaller congregation. When he visited the church group, the introduction was made by a pompous snollygoster. He went on and on in his introduction with lofty rhetoric. After he was seated, the young man addressed the group and made three comments. First was to the gathered group, “Did you understand anything that was just said?” Secondly, “He said it so mellifluously that I take it as an undeserved compliment.” And thirdly, “I wish my Mother could’ve been here to have heard it - she’s the only one who would’ve believed it.” A couple of Scriptural thoughts came to mind, Romans 12:3, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned.” And, Romans 12:16, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”

When the Lord pronounces his impending judgments against Babylon, part of it is based upon the statement in Isaiah 13:11 (NKJV), “I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; I will halt the arrogance of the proud, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.” The ESV rendering is: “I will put an end to the pomp of the arrogant, and lay low the pompous pride of the ruthless.” The MSG rendering is: “I’ll gag all braggarts and boasters—not a peep anymore from them…” The snollygoster syndrome can so easily creep into a group of church-oriented people. It happens all across the country when a handful of people try to tenaciously maintain that which is dying or already dead. Pastors are sought for these places and preach to empty pews. An admixture of people, albeit very few, are part of the group but the unity in commitment and ministry is lacking. It is reminiscent of the words of Jesus regarding the hypocrites of His day, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8). And what about the men who allow themselves to be called to the dying or dead entity? What is their motivation for accepting a call? Is it a vision for evangelism and outreach ministry? Or, is an act of a mercenary (concerned with making money at the expense of ethics and scruples) who is all too willing to receive a pay check for his services rendered? It is a sad day in many places where integrity of purpose is lacking. Consider these things with me.

UNLEARNED LESSONS

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As we journey through life, we are in a constant learning process. If one has godly parents, they follow a balanced pattern of: “Training up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). The wise and prudent parent will also make use of firm discipline. Part of it will include the understanding and administration of: “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of correction will drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). In the field of education, it is interesting to note the emphasis on these terms of “training” and the particular field of study as a “discipline.” The lesson in these verses is obviously the regularity of training a child and the proper use and administration of discipline.

Another lesson one is to learn is that of humility. In I Peter 1:5-6, it is clearly stated: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” It is difficult because one’s natural instinct is to excel and to receive acclaim for one’s achievements. In that process, too often an exaggerated attitude of how significant one really is begins to surface. Pride is allowed to replace humility and self-aggrandizement comes to the forefront and doesn’t wait for God’s perfect timing in one’s life. When this becomes one’s aim and driving force, it will lead to indescribable tensions and anxieties as one pursues the often elusive acceptance and acclaim. In the process, it also misses a valuable lesson Jesus taught in Matthew 11:29, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart…”

This entire pursuit of acclaim and greatness is illustrated during a strange discussion by the disciples. In Mark 9: 33-37, their private discussion regarding  who among them was the greatest was occurring. They may have been embarrassed or shocked by what happens next: “He (Jesus) came to Capernaum. And when He was in the house He asked them: What was it you disputed among yourselves on the road? But they kept silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest. And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all…”  Note The intensity their discussion is described as: “They had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.” This is similar to a moment in Matthew 20:20-22 when the mother of James and John approached Jesus with a request. “Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came up to him with her sons, and kneeling before him…He said to her: What do you want? She said to him: Say that these two sons of mine are to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom. Jesus answered: You do not know what you are asking.” She was attempting to gain an advantage for her sons by having them in positions of special recognition and honor. 

The lessons of servanthood, lowliness and humility are among the most difficult to learn in the Christian life. There’s a story that Pastors and Preachers should remember. One man who thought he had preached one of his finest sermons mused about it. On his way home, he turned to his wife and asked her: “How many great preachers are there in the world today?” She very wisely and quickly responded: “One less than you’re thinking about just now.” That idea is true for all followers of Jesus Christ. The pattern for one's behavior is summarized in Micah 6:8, “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” We need to have these words written indelibly in our hearts and minds, as well as prominently placed in our homes as a reminder of God’s desire and requirement for all who will follow Him. Walk humbly in the presence of God. Consider these things with me!

CORBANIZATION

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There are many different suggestions about the culture and the direction the world is heading. Some liken the culture and world to the slippery slope and the increased momentum of the demise and descent that is unstoppable. Wikipedia has an article where the slippery slope is stated to be: “In logic and critical thinking, a slippery slope is a logical device, but it is usually known under its fallacious form, in which a person asserts that some event must inevitably follow from another without any rational argument or demonstrable mechanism for the inevitability of the event in question.” The rationale of this statement blurs the idea of what a slippery slope can mean and the result that can ensue. One thought pertains to a Ski Slope that has become covered with ice. When that is the case, control and regulation of speed is a great challenge and test of one’s skill.

The Scriptures reference slippery from a much different viewpoint. God’s viewpoint is recorded in Jeremiah 23:10-13, “The land is full of adulterers; because of the curse the land lies parched and the pastures in the wilderness are withered. The prophets follow an evil course and use their power unjustly. Both prophet and priest are godless; even in my temple I find their wickedness, declares the Lord. Therefore their path will become slippery; they will be banished to darkness and there they will fall. I will bring disaster on them in the year they are punished, declares the Lord. Among the prophets of Samaria I saw this repulsive thing: They prophesied by Baal and led my people Israel astray.” Psalm 73:18-19 expands on the idea of the quick descent of the wicked. The psalmist wrote: “Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin.How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!” When David prayed about his own personal safety from those who were seeking his demise, he wrote in Psalm 35:4-6, “May those who seek my life be disgraced and put to shame; may those who plot my ruin be turned back in dismay. May they be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away; may their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them.” The prayer is for something swift occur on a “path that is dark and slippery.”

Jesus express His disdain for those who followed the concepts of Corban. The word “Corban” appears only once in Mark 7:1-12. Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their practices and rationale for doing so. The thrust is in Mark 7:6-13, “He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules. You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” And he continued, You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, Honor your father and mother, and, Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death. But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God) - then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”

In a day when there is considerable self-aggrandizement and greed, the Lord’s Word addressed to the Pharisees should be shouted form the housetops as well as the tallest buildings. Our nation is continuing to increase the nation’s debt that some estimate is comparable to one million dollars a minute. At the same time, the numbers of poor and neglected continues to increase. Medical care for everyone is promised as “Affordable Care” but many are unable to afford that care. We need to revamp our priorities and return to the Biblical rationale and remedy pertaining to that which pleases Jesus (see: Matthew 25, The Separation of the Sheep from the Goats). May God enrich and bless you as you do that which is right in His sight! Consider these things with me!

A CHARGE TO KEEP

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Last evening, my wife and I had the privilege of attending an Installation of a Pastor in his new pastorate. He and his family are getting settled and will have the opportunity of working in a church that is eager to serve the Lord. Although the service was well-planned and executed masterfully, a Hymn that could have been used as A Prayer of Dedication and Challenge was written by Charles Wesley in 1762. The lyrics are based on Matthew Henry’s Com­ment­a­ry on Le­vit­i­cus: “We have every one of us a charge to keep, an eternal God to glor­i­fy, an im­mor­tal soul to provide for, needful duty to be done, our gen­er­a­tion to serve; and it must be our daily care to keep this charge, for it is the charge of the Lord our Master, who will shortly call us account about it, and it is our utmost peril if we neglect it. Keep it “that ye die not”; it is death, eternal death, to betray the trust that we are charged with; by the con­sid­er­a­tion of this we must be kept in awe.” This dynamic and powerful statement led to the writing of the Hymn:

A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify,

A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill:

O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!

Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live;

And O Thy servant, Lord, prepare - A strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely,

Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall for ever die.

The Sermon suitable for the occasion was based upon II Timothy 4:1-4. The words are precise and dynamic as it states the role of a Pastor and the scope of ministry. In the MSG, it is rendered: “I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple. you’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.” Just imagine the difference it would make if each Pastor assuming a solemn church duty and calling would implement this passage of God’s Word. Rather than many churches moving sideways and downward, they would be on the pathway of revitalization and recovery.

The sad truth is that too many churches try to adapt to the culture and feel a greater subservience to the US Supreme Court’s incorrect view of human sexuality and relationships than they do to adherence to the Word of God that must be embraced free of compromise and accommodation. Paul emphasized with Timothy (II Timothy 4:4-5) that there will be a day when people in the church will find it necessary under cultural pressures that: “…they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.” As or when that occurs, what should the faithful servant of God do? What should his behavior and ministry be? Paul continues: “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” The operative words are - watchful, endure, work, fulfill. It is no easy task to be a Pastor serving in total obedience to the Lord. The Pastor who orders his life so that he is realizing the presence of God consistently in his life will reflect that reality to others both inside and outside of the Church. Does that mean he will be accepted by everyone? No! However, he can rest assured that he is accepted by the Lord he has vowed to serve. Consider these things with me!

POLITICAL PANORAMA

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Tonight there will be an opportunity of witnessing an array of Republican aspirants seeking the office of President of the United States. The first televised debate will be on most of the evening. Seventeen prospective candidates (16 men and 1 woman) will try to impress the viewing public of their unique abilities and purpose for wanting to be elected to this lofty position. There are  those who have been or are now Governors, Senators, Business People and Medical Doctor sharing points of view that can impact the future of the citizenry and nation. From a religious point of view, those with a credible Biblical expression of their personal faith are negligible. It will be a political panorama - but - will it really matter?

From a Biblical point of view, the people who were identified as the Lord’s people experienced adversity, persecution, hardship and captivity. As a matter of fact, much of The Word of God was inspired to include that all generations were subjected to some form of hostility used by the Lord as a corrective measure for His people’s indifference and failure to follow Him and His ways. It is easy to hear Doomsday Scenarios from pulpits across America. Every generation in my lifetime has heard these same prophecies as being more immediate than not. 

When Jesus Christ was pressed into offering a response about the last days, his statement included: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains. Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matthew 24:4-14, NIV). Jesus was speaking of the intensity and disruption within the culture and world in the future. He goes on to add these purposeful and encouraging words: “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened” (Matthew 24:22).

What is a safe and wise way for the Biblical Christian to think about the times in which we are living? Habakkuk was a prophet of the Lord who poured out his burden in prayer. He asked questions of the Lord: “Oh Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” and You will not save. Why do You show me iniquity, and cause me to see trouble? For plundering and violence are before me; there is strife, and contention arises.Therefore the law is powerless, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore perverse judgment proceeds” (Habakkuk 1:2-4, NKJV). The Lord responds differently than Habakkuk was expecting, when He said: “Look among the nations and watch; be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told you. For indeed I am raising up the Chaldeans, a bitter and hasty nation which marches through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs” (Habakkuk 1:5-6). 

As this dialogue between Habakkuk and the Lord continues, Habakkuk arrives at the only sane conclusion for his and our day: “Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls - Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.The Lord God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on my high hills” (Habakkuk 3:17-19). Is your confidence in people holding political office or in the Sovereign God who governs all things in accordance with His will? Consider these things with me.

IRRATIONAL CALCULATIONS

I Was Just Thinking About - - - 

We have come through a period of history at the outset of the twenty-first century that crystallizes for us the direction we are now heading at an increasing rate of acceleration. We can generalize and indicate that it has become the cultural norm of our day. However, that would be a misrepresentation of the propensity of the human heart, emotions and irrational calculations that are imbedded within every human being. Left unchecked and undisciplined, it will rapidly contribute to societal disarray and increasing decadence. We have fallen prey to allow for irresponsibility while assuming we are privilege and entitled. We have seen countless numbers of public figures who find giving excuse for actions taken and resorting to blaming others for the prevailing conditions and trends.

The more the culture ignore the Eternal God and His Infallible Word, the more the use of excuse and the action of blame will increase. On one occasion, the Lord Jesus Christ shared a sweeping truth in The Parable of The Great Supper - Luke 14:12-24. In verses 17-18, there is a sad summary where the Master of the house has extended his invitation and the ensuing response: “Come, for all things are now ready. But they all with one accord began to make excuses.” The MSG renders the text: “They all began to beg off, one after another making excuse.” When an excuse is given, it is the attempt to be released from an obligation or duty. The Oxford Dictionary indicates that it is: “A reason put forward to conceal the real reason for an action; a pretext.”

We find that the readiness to offer excuses and blame began shortly after Creation. When Adam and Eve allowed themselves to succumb to the temptation of the serpent in the Garden of Eden, it would alter their personal privilege and that of all following generations. Adam and Eve had become accustomed to the regular evening visits by God in the cool of the evening. One can only imagine how unique that fellowship would’ve been. The change occurred after they had disobeyed God’s one command to them. They had always anticipated God coming to meet with them, but now Genesis 3:8-13 describes their behavior: “Adam and Eve heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the Garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees in the Garden. But the Lord God called to the man and said to him: Where are you?” The obvious should be pointed out that God knew what Adam and Eve had done and where they were. The Biblical principle that should always be remembered by us is given in Hebrews 4:13, “And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account.”

But Adam, like us, tried to explain why he was hiding. The Genesis 3 text continues: “Adam said: I heard the sound of You in the garden and (1) I was afraid, (2) because I was naked, and (3) so I hid myself.” The obvious question he and we have to answer is: “Who told you that you were naked?” Another question follows: Did you disobey Me? “Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Now the blame game begins. “The man said (blamed): The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me the fruit of the tree, and I ate.” The text continues: “Then the Lord God said to the woman: What is this that you have done?” She has someone to blame: “The woman said, the serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The trend is so easily repeated in every context of life: (Luke 14:18) “They all with one accord began to make excuses.” The personal application pertains to how you and I respond to the Lord God. Are we any different that Adam or Eve? Do we believe our excuses will be received favorably by our God? Steve Green wrote a lyric that can serve as a prayer: “Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful. May the fire of our devotion light their way. May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe and the lives we live inspire them to obey. Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.” Consider these things with me.

APPROVAL AND AFFIRMATION

I Was Just Thinking About - - - 

It is obvious that every person would choose to be wanted; accepted for who they are; recognized for their worth and value; recipients of approval for the level of their achievement; and affirmed as one who is important and valuable for the contribution they can make or are already making. The measure of a person’s worth should never be measured in terms of appearance or intellectual achievement. In terms of the traditional Bell Curve, the majority of people will be found more toward the middle of the curve rather than at the beginning of it. In all fields of study, the Bell Curve is sustainable. In Education and test scores, a few students do very well and a few do very poorly. It has been found that most scores are bunched together around the mean score (or apex of the curve).

In professional fields, the same conditions prevail. While the goal of all pursuits should be excellence, the individual participants always strive for approval and affirmation. If that does not occur, performance will wane and stress factors will begin to surface. In order to gain recognition, several studies about athletes and the possibility of their use of performance enhancing drugs have occurred. In other instances, politicians wanting to stand out from the crowd have embellished their biographies and made unsustainable claims for themselves. In the area of education and the effort to excel, cheating and plagiarism has taken place. It is strange that the public seems to be impressed by the embellished biography but equally pleased if or when it is debunked.

This type of embellishments also finds entry into the area of religion. Credit for ministry accomplishments are often exaggerated. In the attempt to seem important, it is not unusual for one to resort to “name-dropping” of well-known people. The assumption is because one has spoken with or been in the company of such a person there will be linkage so that people will think the “name-dropper” is significant or equally notable. To get a sense of this, read book promotions or biographical notes about a publication. It will be observable with the frequent use of “I” in what is written.

Applying the Bell Curve to Christian ministry, the studies indicate that 10% of a congregation will be loyal to a Minister regardless of any idiosyncrasies he may have; 10% will hold him in low esteem and with disregard; and the 80% are similar to a jury withholding judgment or assessment until or unless he proves himself to be acceptable. Meanwhile, the Minister has to strive to please those who have been non-receptive. Is it any wonder that churches tend to shrink in size? The numbers of the “Nones’ (those who want no further part of the control and forms, seeking some other alternative) and the ‘Dones’ (those who bail out of organized churches and want nothing more to do with it) are steadily increasing! Additionally, churches reach an unsustainable point; ministers become laden with stress and their family is impacted - and - they just give up and go into some other occupation. 

What is the valid measure for ministry? I Timothy 4:12-16 indicates: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity…devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” If the servant of the Lord follows the Lord  wholeheartedly, he will receive the Lord’s approval and affirmation. The well-intentioned naysayers in the church will receive their just reward for their words, deeds and actions in the Lord’s own time. Consider these things with me.