MESSIANIC COMPLEX

I was Just Thinking About – MESSIANIC COMPLEX.
There are two possible definitions for the term – Messianic Complex. The general (more positive) meaning is defined as: “A state of mind in which an individual holds a belief that he or she is destined to become a savior. The term can also refer to a state of mind in which an individual believes that he or she is responsible for saving or assisting others.” The other (more negative) is where a person views himself/herself through a self-imposed negative prism: “No one appreciates me! No one understands me! No one accepts me for who I am and what I can do! No one loves me!” The negative list could be much longer. One area that is often forgotten is that one’s self-image does not have to be negative and is Biblically stated as one that should be positive.
In what ways should the Messiah Complex be one’s reality? What are the minimum indicators that guide one in this direction? A general answer is universal and stated in Romans 15:1-7, “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up...May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had…Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” The Biblical Christian is to be an “accepting” person in all inter-personal relationships.
The Messianic Complex is to be present in the way one thinks. We have this guidance in Philippians 2:5-11, “In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness…” The lesson to be learned is to be humble. Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” To arrive at this point has a basic requirement. It is known as commitment to Jesus Christ and His purpose for one’s life. The world wants to fit us into its mold which is secular whereas the Biblical Standard is to fit one’s life into God’s plan and purpose for it which is spiritual.
Two additional Biblical requirements are: Romans 12:1-2, “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God…Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” And, Luke 9:23-24 (NLT) Jesus Christ gave a further requirement: “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” (AMP) “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”
The “Messianic Complex” one should be concerned about is whether or not one's prism is positive rather than negative. An old worship song expressed: “To be like Jesus; To be like Jesus; All I ask - to be like Him; All through life's journey from earth to glory; All I ask - to be like Him.” A second stanza repeats similar words but adds the phrase: “My desire - to be like Him! All through life's journey, from earth to glory, My desire - to be like Him.” Is your desire - to be like Him? Always? In all things and in all ways
Prayerfully – consider these things with me!

OBSTACLES

I Was Just Thinking About – OBSTACLES.

It should be incumbent for every professing Cristian person to set a good example before all others. When Peter was writing his final instructions to the Elders of the persecuted Church in his day, part of his concern was expressed in First Peter 5:2-3, “Be shepherds of God’s flock; Watch over them; Being an example to the flock.” The emphasis on being an example indicated one must be certain he/she is a positive influence even in the midst of uncertainty and/or chaos. Paul wrote (First Timothy 4:12) that regardless of age or station in life, one is to “Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” Similarly, he wrote (Titus 2:7-8), “In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us.”

It is always good to see that which is on the heart of God in such matters, such as, Isaiah 57:14 (NIV): “Build up, build up, prepare the road! Remove the obstacles out of the way of my people.” Romans 14:13 gives a definitive word about obstacles: “Let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.” Obviously, the “passing of judgment on one another” is a major issue within the body of believers, the Church. Rather than Judge, one should have the desire to build up and encourage. Rather than condemn, one should be quick to commend and instruct. Rather than indifference toward another, one should see the value of others and their positive attributes. By means of one’s attitude toward others; the propensity to gossip, criticize and harshness, another person can be marginalized and shunned by others who have listened to the negative opinions and words from others without getting to know the person who is being criticized or harshly judged. This is an example of the obstacle of the tongue (See: James 3) and how devastating it can and will be.

Some Biblical guidelines for what is expected of the Biblical Christian and Church are: First Thessalonians 5:11, “Encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Hebrews 10:24-25, “Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another…” Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Romans 15:1-11 contains this word of guidance: “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” 

Based upon Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.”, Oswald Chambers wrote in My Utmost for His Highest:” Jesus’ instructions with regard to judging others is very simply put; He says, “DON’T.” The average Christian is the most piercingly critical individual known. Criticism is one of the ordinary activities of people, but in the spiritual realm nothing is accomplished by it. The effect of criticism is the dividing up of the strengths of the one being criticized. The Holy Spirit is the only one in the proper position to criticize, and He alone is able to show what is wrong without hurting and wounding. It is impossible to enter into fellowship with God when you are in a critical mood. Criticism serves to make you harsh, vindictive, and cruel, and leaves you with the soothing and flattering idea that you are somehow superior to others. Jesus says that as His disciple you should cultivate a temperament that is never critical. This will not happen quickly but must be developed over a span of time. You must constantly beware of anything that causes you to think of yourself as a superior person.”

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

AMAZING GRACE

I Was Just Thinking About – AMAZING GRACE.

The questions have been asked and written about: What Is So Amazing About Amazing Grace? For me, it is summarized in one of the “BUT GOD” declarations in Scripture. Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV) declares: “BUT GOD, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—BY GRACE you have been saved.” (AMP) words it: “BUT GOD, being [so very] rich in mercy, because of His great and wonderful love with which He loved us, even when we were [spiritually] dead and separated from Him because of our sins, He made us [spiritually] alive together with Christ (for BY HIS GRACE—His undeserved favor and mercy—you have been saved from God’s judgment).” This is what is amazing about Amazing Grace!

The Hymn writers wrote about Amazing Grace. Ask Charles Wesley (1768) what Amazing Grace meant for him when he wrote: And can it be that I should gain; An interest in the Savior’s blood? Died He for me, who caused His pain - For me, who Him to death pursued? Amazing love! How can it be, That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? That which God’s Grace accomplished in Wesley’s life and words: Long my imprisoned spirit lay, Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray - I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

We can also ask John Newton (1769) what Amazing Grace meant for him when he wrote: Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. That which God’s Grace assured in Newton’s life and words: Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

What is the Amazing Grace message that is to be lived and proclaimed to and by all? Paul summarized it well when he wrote: Titus 2:11-14 (ESV), “For THE GRACE OF GOD has appeared, BRINGING SALVATION for all people, TRAINING US TO RENOUNCE ungodliness and worldly passions, and TO LIVE self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us TO REDEEM US from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS.

As we observe Holy Week 2018, AMAZING GRACE is foundational to all of what God has accomplished in His Son’s death, burial and triumphant resurrection. Remind yourself of the words in Second Timothy 1:8-10, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony ABOUT OUR LORD… WHO SAVED US AND CALLED US to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of HIS OWN PURPOSE AND GRACE, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of OUR SAVIOR CHRIST JESUS, WHO ABOLISHED DEATH AND BROUGHT LIFE AND IMMORTALITY TO LIGHT THROUGH THE GOSPEL.” This is what is Amazing about Amazing Grace.
Prayerfully – consider these things with me.

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

I Was Just Thinking About – MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.
I wrestled about a title for the Blog today. Why? Yesterday began what has been historically known as Holy Week – Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. Two titles I had considered were Disappointment or Discouragement. It has been several weeks since I have been privileged to enter a building to join with the people of God for Worship. Being treated for Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma entails some limitations – being in public gatherings is one of them. After being involved in some form of ministry for most of my life, this is a vacuum at the moment. I don’t know if the Lord will ever have me preach again, but two things that have been purposeful in my life to this point have been: The words of an old servant of the Lord, Richard Baxter – 1615-1691 - who said: “I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men."
The last words I spoke in a Sermon when my voice was unable to go on was to the effect: “Keep your life in the center of God’s will for you.” I would love to be able to preach once again but my life and that ability are in the center of God’s will for my life. Additionally, had I been invited to preach somewhere yesterday, I would have wanted to try but would have been unwise to have done so due to low White Blood Cell count and some weakness.
My alternative was to listen to some of what is available to the general public on radio or television. This is where my disappointment came about – the lack of a “Holy Week” focus that emphasized in some manner: Palm Sunday – Temporary Reception (“Hosanna to the King” – Matthew 21:9); Maundy Thursday - Teachable Receivers (Washing Disciples Feet – John 13); Good Friday – Traumatic Rejection (Matthew 27); Easter Sunday – Triumphant Resurrection – (Matthew 28). One sermon was on First Corinthians 13 and the interactional love towards one another and husbands/wives; another was on the Resurrection (even though it was a week ahead of Easter). My rational at this point was that the man delivering this sermon could be justified in doing so IF he had clearly stated his reason that Palm Sunday – Temporary Reception to Easter Sunday and The Triumphant Resurrection are connected. His text could’ve been Romans 1:3-6, “…concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was DECLARED TO BE THE SON OF GOD in power according to the Spirit of holiness BY HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD, JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.”
The other concern was a Choral Anthem that was sung during a Service of worship. It is a classic Hymn of the Church written by Sabine Baring-Gould (1865): Onward, Christian Soldiers. During Holy Week 2018, is a cause for Missed Opportunities due to Hymn words we sing without any thought given to whether or not they are true words in our lives and the functional ministry of the Church today? The third stanza of the Hymn caused me to think of how meaningful the words are but how sparse is the veracity of them within the “church” today: "Like a mighty army moves the church of God; Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod. We are not divided, all one body we, One in hope and doctrine, one in charity."
How much of this lyric is actually true today? If the lyric is descriptive of how things are in the lives of professing Christians and the Church, what have I been missing? What have I failed to see and know? How many ways have I mislead the people who have gathered to hear the Word of the Lord? Have I failed them and the Lord?
If I could, I would have the Biblical Christian today living out the words of First Peter 1:8-9, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
Prayerfully – consider these things with me!

INTERESTS

I Was Just Thinking About – INTERESTS.

Yesterday, we received a Donation Request Card from Palmer Home for Children in Columbus and Hernando, MS. This dependable and effective ministry is deserving of one’s support. Their goal in ministry is: “Making Lives Whole Through Healing and Restoration, Serving individual children and sibling groups, Palmer Home for Children provides a family and community to children in need regardless of race, gender or background.” The Card features one child named Cassie. It states: “Many of these young people, like Cassie, have experienced the pain of loss, neglect, or abandonment.” There are other ministries that provide similar compassionate ministry such as, Big Oak Ranch and French Camp Academy. They attempt to provide a “home” for those who are enduring the pain of loss, neglect or abandonment, as well as offering them encouragement and incentive to develop into the potential person they can be by God’s Grace.

A natural question one could ask is, “What can I do?” A Scriptural emphasis is stated in Philippians 2:3-4 indicates, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Using Alabama as an example, the webpage, “Adopt Us Kids” has posted: “Information on Alabama's waiting children - There are approximately 5,000 children in an out-of-home placement who are in the custody of the Alabama Department of Human Resources. Of these children, approximately 250 have a plan of adoption where an adoptive family has not been identified.”

In our own family, a Granddaughter and her husband adopted a young boy from Hungary. Later on, our son and his wife adopted a young girl from Ukraine. Both are lovely and appreciative. They have easily fit into family life and lifestyle. Our son’s daughter is now associated with Bridges of Faith that has ministry with children/young people who are feeling and experiencing the pain of loss, neglect, or abandonment.” She can easily relate to them and build a bridge into their lives.

The words in Philippians 2 is emphasizing how Biblical Christians are to relate to others. What one does should never be done “out of selfish ambition or empty pride.” What should be the motivation for the Biblical Christian? The passage indicates: “In humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” It is not just the abandoned child and young person that are in view. Almost every time I see a homeless person, I cannot help but wonder: “How did this situation occur? What brought a person to this place and living this lifestyle? Do they fit into the above passage of Scripture? How should I react/respond to all of the needs mentioned above? One commentary (Calvin) states: “In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Another commentary (Pulpit) suggests: “Not making one's own interest the one only object of life, but regarding also the interests, feelings, wishes, of others.”

Does any of this relate to us? It should! Do these verses describe who I am and must be/do? They should! Have we become too absorbed in our own lives and lifestyle that we have missed the plight of those who are experiencing the pain of loss, neglect, or abandonment? Have we become desensitized to the “need factor” present in our world and communities today? I pray and hope not!

Prayerfully – consider these things with me!

MESSY GRACE

I Was Just Thinking About – MESSY GRACE.

A special person loaned me a book published in 2016 and asked if I could take time to both read and comment about it. The Book is: MESSY GRACE, By: Caleb Kaltenbach. Two reviews of the book will give you a sense of the subject matter. Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church wrote:  Messy Grace is a personal story of God’s incredible grace and a call to love people as God loves. The message of this important book combines grace and truth and offers hope to a broken generation. Messy Grace is pure truth spoken in love and will help you relate to every person in a way that pleases God.

Mark Dever, pastor of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, Washington, DC wrote: Caleb Kaltenbach ‘came out’ to his parents. This is the story of that coming out. Only this time, it’s was a Christian teen coming out to his gay parents. The book combines undeniable experiences with clear biblical arguments.

MESSY GRACE makes use of illustrations and situations that are powerful. For instance, the author writes about his Mother and her companion taking him to LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual. Transgender). At one event, during a Gay Parade, those who portrayed themselves as being part of the Biblical Christian and Church community, were obnoxious and somewhat vulgar (the things thrown at those marching). Caleb wanted to break ranks and confront the “Christian” protestors but his Mother asked him not to do so. She did say one thing to her son about the “Christian” protestors: “Why are they so filled with hatred.”

A question for consideration pertains to those who are “different” with whom the “Biblical Christian and Church” may/should have contact! Some questions: If a homeless and shabbily dressed person stumbled into your Church for a Worship Service, how would he be received? It he came at a time of a Church Dinner, would he be given a plate and welcomed to sit at your table? What if a gay couple entered your Church and were holding hands, could they sit in “your pew” or would they be asked to locate elsewhere? Or, would they be asked to leave “your church”? What if a practicing gay person wanted to join the Church on the basis of a credible profession of faith, would he/she be accepted and received? Why? Why not?

We love to use well-known Biblical passages to assuage our consciences and decisions, such as: Genesis 19 – Sodom and Gomorrah judged by God and destroyed by fire from heaven (aptly summarized in Second Peter 26-9); Romans 1:18-32 – “…since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done…” Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality…” Paul begins by categorizing the Gay Community (Lesbians and Homosexuals) as being among the “unrighteous...who will not inherit the kingdom of God.” These Verses MUST BE READ IN CONTEXT. Paul goes on to state in verse 11: “And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

These references must also be considered with Second Corinthians 5:17-18, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” The author concluded his book by asserting that both of his parents ultimately gave a credible profession of faith BUT saw no need to leave their individual gay lifestyle. Is this a valid conclusion? Answer: No! If one is genuinely “in Christ” that one has been “washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”  He/she will have become a NEW creation in Jesus Christ.

Despite our biases, opinions and beliefs, the Author appeals that we see all kinds of people as those the “Biblical Christian and Church” should seek out and welcome in the name of Christ. Can you? Do you? Have you? Will you? When?

Prayerfully – consider these things with me.