My thoughts on divorce, marriage, and love. --Luke Necessary

My thoughts on divorce, marriage, and love. —Luke Necessary

March 14, 2016

 "I'll follow the rules to get my reward," isn't necessarily love, huh?"

As a preface, please understand that what I post is not “God’s given truth,” but rather my interpretation of God’s Word. I do not post it seeking to anger people, nor do I present it to anyone as “absolute fact.” I am neither an authority nor a scholar—I can at best be called an “ignorant and untrained man.” I do not always like what God says, but when His Word disagrees with what I like, I go with what He seems to be saying, since I trust the eternal One rather than the 27 year-old. It has been noted that I state my thoughts as truth, and I can only say, “But of course. I would never want to throw out something that I thought was false or in any way a lie!” I encourage you to do your own research and fact check anything of mine that I happen to post. You may find errors, and I could be wrong. No matter what, though, studying God’s Word will better equip you! I hope you get some value out of my understanding of divorce, and I hope each point is enjoyable and well-worded. God Bless! Jesus loves you, but I <3 you, too!
 

Point 1.) Because God Hates Divorce

Ever hear a preacher say, "For God hates divorce?" This is WRONG...ish. Divorce is certainly not nominal, and God desires our marriage to be like His Son's to the Church: one partner for a lifetime. What is being quoted is Malachi 2:16. The NASB says, "For I hate divorce," says the LORD, the God of Israel, "and him who covers his garment with wrong..."

If you get your hands on some older versions (Tanakh 1917, KJV, ASV, Young's Literal, etc.) and even some newer versions (Modern Literal Version, AKJV, KJV2000 Jubilee 2000, ERV, etc.) DON'T say that God hates divorce. The Modern Literal Version instead says,

"For I hate putting away, says Jehovah, the God of Israel and he who covers his garment with violence, says Jehovah of hosts."

The word that we often say is "divorce" there...isn't. Instead, the Aramaic word used is, "shalach," which means to "put away," to "cast away," to "send away," and refers to men who would drive off a wife they didn't like, but would not give her a certificate of divorce. This word is used in Jer 15:1 saying, "people; send them away from My presence," in Genesis 8:10, "and again he sent forth the dove." Did Noah divorce a dove? No! Did he send it away? Yes!

Since the woman was "put away," but not given a decree of divorce, she would most likely end up in another relationship in order to survive, but still married to the old husband—and thus an adulteress. However, God addressed the evil of the male side in this.

Point 2.) God’s Own Divorce—Neither Nominal Nor Happy

Did you know that God has Himself divorced? "And I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a bill of divorcement also, yet treacherous Judah her sister feared not, but she also went and played the harlot." (Jer 3:8; see also Isaiah 50)

Did you know that in Ezra 10 God commanded the Israelite men to get divorces from their pagan, idolatrous wives? So divorce in and of itself is not evil. It was sanctioned by God and commanded by God in certain circumstances.

Does this mean that we should get divorced? No. It means that we should recognize that it is a painful process which we should avoid at every opportunity, from dating the right person to working together for Christ in marriage. And like Christ, if our spouse has made a tragic mistake in fidelity, we can choose to be like Christ and show them extraordinary mercy.

Caveat: God's objective for us is to find Godly mates who help us do great things for the Kingdom. As I heard someone say once, "I think people should mate for life, like pigeons or Catholics."

Point 3.) Doctrines of Demons?

I know people who have made genuine mistakes that, because their divorce wasn't "for the right reasons," they cannot remarry, and that God forbids it. This got me thinking. Paul told Gentile widows and the unmarried (this would include those who are divorced) to marry rather than to burn saying, "But I say to the unmarried and to widows...if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." (1 Cor 7:8-9)

He said that marriage was partially for the prevention of immorality (v2): "But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband."He also stated that "forbidding marriage" was a doctrine of demons. (1 Tim 4:1-3)

So my thought is this: should we ever endorse a doctrine of demons? Would Jesus teach it in Matthew and Mark? Or do we need to take a deeper look into what was being said?

Point 4.) Questions to Consider

There is a notion in some of Christianity that, should a person be divorced for a reason other than adultery, he/she can never remarry. Today we'll look at 1 Cor 7. It opens saying that each man and woman are to have their own spouse, "because of immoralities." (1-2) Verses 3-5 discuss the need for sex in marriage.

In 6-7, Paul remarked that he wished that some could practice celibacy as he did, "however, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that." So Paul indicates that indeed, some do not have the gift to be celibacy. In verse 9, he then says that it is better to let these people marry than to see them burn.

Questions to consider:

1.) Who is allowed to have a spouse? God says the unmarried. Is a divorced person married? (v1-2)

2.) Are we taking way God's tool to help people avoid fornication if we tell someone who is not married (divorced, widowed, etc.) that they cannot remarry? (6-9)

3.) Did Paul, however, admonish the married to stay together? "Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released." (v27)

4.) Does Paul indicate that a person who is a Christian, but already married to an unbeliever, should not leave that unbelieving spouse (12-16)b just because they are not Christian?

4.) However, for those who are not yet married, does he say to "marry only in the Lord?" (39)

Point 5.) A Law Referenced

Jesus said this on divorce: “It was said, ‘Whoever sends his wife away, let him give her a certificate of divorce’; 32 but I say to you that everyone who [a]divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a [b]divorced woman commits adultery." (Mt 5:31-32 NASB)

Notice that the text has markers [a] and [b]. Why? In this case, the text was taken from Biblegateway's NASB translation. Those markers indicate that the translators have made a change to the text, and the word used is not actually "divorce." That should make you stop and think. So what is the proper translation? Let's look at the literal of v32:

"But I say unto you, that every one that putteth away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, maketh her an adulteress: and whosoever shall marry her when she is put away committeth adultery."

Jesus was speaking to Jews, so we should go the the Jewish Law on divorce to understand what He was expressing. Specifically, Deut 24:1-4 informs us about the Law on divorce. v1-2 say,

“When a man takes a wife and marries her, and it happens that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some indecency in her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce and puts it in her hand and sends her out from his house, and she leaves his house and goes and becomes another man’s wife."

Divorce was accomplished through a legal paper of divorcement, known as a "get." Without that paper, a woman was still married, and so lying with another man was adultery. Sending a wife away without a "get" was known as "putting away," and was a terrible thing to do to a woman, as it stripped her of her ability to remarry. The New and Old Covenants both taught that those who are not married (including someone legally divorced) are allowed to remarry.

Point 6.) Can’t Stump the Messiah

Some Pharisees tried to stump Jesus on divorce in Mark 10. Check out how important this is:

-They asked him, testing him, "Is it lawful for a husband to put away his wife?" And answering, He said to them, "What did Moses command you?"

-And they said, "Moses permitted us to {both} write a document of divorcement and to put her away."

-Jesus answering, said to them, "He wrote this commandment for you because of your hardness of heart. But God made them male and female from the beginning of the creation. Because of this, a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife; and the two will become one flesh, so-that they are no more two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has yoked together, let no man put asunder."

God says here that He has allowed divorce, though not mere "sending a wife away," because people have hard hearts. Instead of trapping one spouse with someone who has decided that they were useless trash, He permitted a woman to be given divorce papers so that she could start over with a clean slate.

Jesus routinely answered with a pattern of "Precept-Principle-Action." The precept is the command; the law." The Law allowed for divorce. The principle is the primary truth and driving force—in this case, don't have a hard heart! Love one another. And the action was this, "Let not man put asunder."

Divorce is not nominal. It's tragic. It's horrific. We should strive with all of our soul to avoid becoming hard-hearted, and to avoid divorce.

Point 7.) Precept, Principle, Action

There are a host of opinions as to what constitutes "scriptural divorce," but those opinions are often ours and not necessarily those of God. Within the context of this teaching on divorce, Jesus gives 5 different contrasts of what the Law said versus what He says is the point of the Law

I look at these as the "Precept vs. Principle" teachings. That is, “Rules and Zero Tolerance versus Principles of Mercy and Love.” Jesus consistently says, "You have heard it said," and then gives "BUT I say to you," in response.

Here is a quick synopsis: PRECEPT VS. PRINCIPLE

Introduction: Till the kingdom comes, all precepts must be kept, but there are principles to consider.

"“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Whoever then annuls one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever keeps and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:17-20)

Murder

1. Precept: Mat 5:21 "You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'

Principle: Mat 5:22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire.

Action: Mat 5:23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Mat 5:24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Adultery

2. Precept: Mat 5:27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery.'

Principle: Mat 5:28 But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Action: Mat 5:29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.

Oaths

3. Precept: Mat 5:33 "Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.'

Principle: Mat 5:34 But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God,

Mat 5:35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

Mat 5:36 And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black.

Action: Mat 5:37 Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from evil.

Retribution

4. Precept: Mat 5:38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.'

Principle: Mat 5:39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

Mat 5:40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.

Mat 5:41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Action: Mat 5:42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Enemies

5. Precept: Mat 5:43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

Principle: Mat 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

Mat 5:45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Action: Mat 5:48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Consider Jesus’ teaching on marriage, adultery, divorce, and putting away a wife without giving her a certificate of divorce. What was the precept? What was the principle? What action should be taken?

Freebie Thoughts:

Marriages fail. Big time. The lifetime risk of divorce is around 40% for people who even bother to get married. Why? Any good team, from business to basketball, has a mission in which everyone is invested. Marriages need to be more than just being happy—they need to have a mission statement; a goal. Marriage needs to bring a couple closer to Christ. Marriage with a mission is critical. 

Marriages need to behappiness AND holiness. Without a mission statement that puts God first, selfishness will creep in. Without a mission statement, when times get rough, couples start looking out for number one—they have no higher goal to fall back on. They split apart when it gets tough, instead of holding tighter.

By the way, the spouse you marry won't be the same person in five years, guaranteed. People change. God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Gen 2) In order to help one another, there has to be a goal. Pick a spouse whose goal is to "grow in respect to salvation," (1 Pet 2) 

Want a good marriage? Pick a spouse with an eternal goal that "there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Cor 1)

Marriage has to be about more than happiness—it has to be about holiness. If marriage is just based on happiness (s/he makes me happy/money is good/what a hottie), it's easily threatened. At some point, you'll be unhappy with your spouse, because people change. Sometimes it's short term—stress or the like—and sometimes it's long term, like spiritual growth.

One thing's for sure, if you pick Mr. Right, it's very possible that, if you're just looking for happiness, you can meet Mr. Righter. Cheating happens pretty easily these days, too. It's easy to get some affection from guys or girls on Facebook, or from someone at the office. It's easy to say, "Wow, this person is so much more attractive in this way...I may have settled too soon."

C.S. Lewis called courage "the form of every virtue at the testing point." When you're unhappy with your spouse and Satan sends you, "Option B for your bed, who's a little nicer right now," it's critical to have a marriage with a mission. What's that mission? Being holy. As Eph 5:22-32 says, marriage is to make us more like Christ. It's to be courageous. It's a commitment sustained through discipline.

Marriage is designed to show the relationship between Christ and His bride, which is the church. It is meant to show endless love, and incredible respect. " So husbands ought also to love their own wives as their own bodies...and the wife must see to it that she respects her husband." (Eph 5) That's so much easier to do when you have a marital mission built around Christ.

God who comforts the downcast.

March 14, 2016

1.) One of the big lies that is often espoused about Christianity is that God wants to give us enough of what we want so that we're happy. "God spoke to me and told me that it was ok to have the BMW, not the minivan," is an example. Yet Paul tells us about the secret of happiness, saying, "I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:11-13)

God wants us to be happy, but through Him, not through things of this temporary world. In fact, when He states how He wants us to be happy, He says, "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." (Romans 15:13) The joy and peace comes by believing in God, and of a better, eternal future, and causes us to have unfathomable hope.

If you're going through a setback, focus on the future, because it's brighter than any of us can imagine.

 

2.) Ever been depressed? Paul wrote about our God saying, "But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus." (2 Cor 7:6)

Often God sends us comfort in our distress in the form of a fellow Christian to buoy our spirits. Elli Poysti has been my Titus a few times, and it can be a real lifesaver. Part of being a Titus is having the willingness to listen to people's distress, and to reach out and give of your own time. In doing this, you truly,

"Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal 6:2)


 

3.) Ever had such a rotten string of events that you think, "OK, God, lower the boom and bring me on up, 'cause it's time to check out!" I certainly have, which has led me to think about the Holy Spirit. Jesus talked about, "the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name," (John 14:26) and I was very joyful to see that "helper" can also be translated "comforter, advocate, and intercessor." So with that in mind, what about sadness?

1.) Sadness is often when our heart feels like just giving up, but God reminds us that renewal inwardly helps us to not lose heart. "Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day." (2 Cor 4)

2.) This renewal happens through God's mercy and is accomplished by the Helper/Comforter, but is permanently knotted together with the forgiveness of sins. "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3)

3.) The gift of the Comforter is delivered in baptism. "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2)

It is a huge encouragement to me that God says that He will not only cleanse me, but at the same time, He gives me a Comforter to renew me constantly. I will never be alone in the fight, and Spirit of God will always dwell within me, closer to my heart than anything else! Never give up! And if you haven't been baptized, go and accept that gift! Don't go solo! Don't fight it alone!

4.)  

James 2 contains this super hardcore, gross, Christian passage that says, "Consider it PURE JOY when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Now I often have found myself thinking, "I don't wanna be mature that badly. I'm kinda happy being this oblivious, unrefined, dumb sheep." Yet God says that He's going to refine us as if with fire, like we're silver.

So here's how refining silver works: When a silversmith refined silver, he'd heat it up and boil it, until impurities rose to the surface, and then he'd scoop off those impurities. It would cool down, then he'd heat and repeat the process. The silversmith knew it was good when it was so clean that he could look down and see his own reflection in the silver.

Those trials, those times when life gets tough, that's the refining process, where instead of reacting like the world, we can learn to be like Christ. God wants to refine us, until He can look and see His reflection! That's a blessing!

A hard time with goodbyes.

March 14, 2016

I have a very hard time with goodbyes. I never know what to say or how to act, and I'd rather just kind of nod my head and walk away. In fact, you might say that I'm not really in touch with my emotions, period, but goodbyes make me sad. I was doing some reading, and I saw an awesome goodbye that the apostle Paul wrote:

"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Cor 13:11)

If you love someone, it's a great final greeting. If you are having troubles but have to say goodbye, it's a good reminder to end on a note of restoration. Perhaps my favorite thing, though, is the note on comfort, because giving people solace in trying times can be the most meaningful and vivid memory that they ever have.

Confirmation bias in love.

March 14, 2016

Some time ago I was talking about the book "Crazy Love" with a friend who had been studying relationships and marital success. "Why," I asked, "do I have relationships end the same bad way with people who make me feel entirely differently? "

"You liked them all on an immediate, physical or emotional level, probably," my friend replied. "That led you to like them emotionally. It wasn't white knight syndrome—you didn't want to fix them! Nope, it was confirmation bias. You noticed and looked for what confirmed what you desired, but also ignored, undervalued, or avoided looking for flaws. You ignored any warning signs!"

That's true! I didn't want to examine character deeply because I wanted it to work SO badly. I should have remembered Proverbs 20:11: "Even a young man is known by his actions, whether his activity is pure and whether it is right." Now I'll appreciate the good things, but if the activity isn't pure and right, I'll slow my roll on a relationship and instead focus on being a good friend spiritually!

Assault vs Leadership

February 25, 2017

You don't lead by hitting people over the head—that's assault, not leadership.  

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young." (Isaiah 40:11) I didn't get this for a very long time. It was easier to get angry at people I "knew wouldn't change their wretched ways."

But people are smart. They know when they're doing wrong. "'Neither do I condemn you,' Jesus declared. 'Now go and sin no more.'" —Jesus

Paul, the Baptized Christian Who Murderized Animals Fatally—Completely Fatally

February 25, 2017

This is adapted from a lesson I presented that asked, “Can Christians sacrifice animals and have it not be a sin?” That’s Old Testament googily-moogily nonsense, so it seemed fun!

But can you be in fellowship with people who offer animal sacrifices to God? Offering an animal sacrifice is a sin, right? Often our own traditions can become "Law" to us, and anything foreign to our traditions, especially "in the church/worship service," is anathema.

We are examining the apostolic examples in the New Testament to identify “our traditions” versus “the Faith.” The objective is not to overturn our traditions (note Paul’s example), but rather to see what the purpose of faith is—that is, God’s work for us. To expand our horizons, please consider something Paul did which might surprise you. Instead of telling you what to think (at first) or explaining what I think, I’d instead like to simply ask you to answer these questions to yourself:

Some Questions

1. Did Paul, on his missionary journeys, take a vow? (Acts 18:18) Yes / No

2. Did Paul meet with James and the elders in Jerusalem, who mentioned that there were thousands of Jews who believed in Christ who were still zealous for the Law? (Acts 21:17-20) Yes / No

3. Had those Jews heard that Paul was speaking against the Law? (Acts 21:21) Yes / No

4. Is it true that James and the elders wanted to reassure these Jews that the rumor they heard was not true, and not only that, but that Paul himself walked according to the Law? (Acts 21:24) Yes / No

5. Is it true that, according to the Law, the expenses at the conclusion of a vow included the burnt offering of a 1-yr old male lamb, the sacrifice of a year-old ewe lamb, a ram, a basket of bread, flour cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers mixed with oil, a meal offering, drink offerings, and a portion of his shaved hair as a burned offering (Num 6:13-end of chapter [ff]). Yes / No

6. Did Paul wait 7 days until the offering could be made for each one of them? (Acts 21:26-27) Yes / No

7. Was Paul was inspired apostle? Yes / No

8. Was it sinful for Paul to keep something from the Old Covenant writings in the New Covenant times? Yes / No

9. I am often too depressed to put an injured animal or coworker out of its misery. Yes / No

Now, take a look at some other notes: Luke recorded Luke and Acts, and in Acts he mentions Paul’s observance of Jewish custom, which some Jews were claiming that Paul failed to do, and thus causing a ruckus.

• Luke tells us of Paul’s adventure in Philippi, which for a man who supposedly paid no attention to the law, is really strange. There was no synagogue in Philippi, so Paul went to the river “where we supposed there was a place of prayer,” this was a “Sabbath day” (16:13). The very next chapter Luke records that Paul went to the synagogue on the Sabbath “as was his custom.” (17:2)

• While others in Paul’s party went ahead, Paul stays behind in Macedonia (probably at Lydia’s who is a Jewess; we know she is a resident from chapter 16) with “us”…that is his Jewish companions for the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Acts 20:5-6). “They [the named Gentiles in v4] went ahead and were waiting for US in Troas, but WE sailed from Philippi AFTER THE DAYS of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we joined them.”

• After the “days of Unleavened Bread,” Paul declares his wish to be back in Jerusalem “on the day of Pentecost” (20:16). Given Luke’s stress so far, this desire is because Paul wants to bow down in reverence (worship)! In fact, when he defends himself in 24:11-17, he states point blank that he wanted to come to Jerusalem “to worship” and to “offer sacrifices.”

Some Answers

1.) Paul had taken a vow (Acts 18:18), and according to the law, upon completion of that vow, he was required to offer animal sacrifices (Num 6:13ff). WAIT WHAT!? Can't do that, right? One of the reasons he came to Jerusalem was to "present offerings" (Acts 24:17).

2.) Paul met with James and the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-18.), who mentioned that thousands of newly-believing Jews (now Christians) were still zealous for the Law (v20). These Jews had heard rumors that Paul was telling Jews outside of Judah to stop keeping the Law (v21). James and the elders wanted to reassure these people that, not only was it not true,but that Paul himself still walked according to the Law. (v24)

3.) In order to accomplish this, Paul had to purify himself, along with four others who had taken a vow, and pay their expenses to shave their heads at the conclusion of their vows (Acts 21:24).

4.) According to the law, the expenses at the conclusion of a vow included the burnt offering of a 1-yr old male lamb, the sacrifice of a year-old ewe lamb, a ram, a basket of bread, flour cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers mixed with oil, a meal offering, drink offerings, and a portion of his shaved hair as a burned offering (Num 6:13ff).

5.) Paul waited seven days until the offering could be made for each one of them (Acts 21:26-27).

In my opinion... (Laugh all you want—I look forward to your hate mail!)

Paul knew that the Law was not evil nor sin. The error in offering sacrifices and doing those rituals comes if one seeks to be JUSTIFIED by them, which he was not. What does this tell us about God and Christianity? Does it allow you to more easily be united with other believers who maybe do some things different?

The point of what Paul was doing was to prove (Acts 21:21-24):

1) He was not telling the non-Judean Jews to stop keeping the law of Moses,

2) that he himself walked according to the law.

With the above considered, ask yourself these questions.

So how secure are you in the faith—as opposed to our traditions? The following questions are to help you take what is perhaps an accurate look at yourself.

Personal Question 1: What makes you uncomfortable fellowshipping in another congregation?

PQ 2: What makes you unwilling to fellowship in another congregation? (What do you require to have unity with a believer? Can you name specifics?)

PQ 3: How can you help those who fellowship in congregations that make you uncomfortable?

PQ 4: Do you agree with calling Bible things by Bible names?

PQ 5: Personal question: God says to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Why does He use three different words? Why doesn’t He just say to sing songs?

PQ 6: The Restoration Movement started out with the slogan, “Christians only, but not the only Christians.” What does that mean to you? Is it true?

PQ 7: Does the New Testament ever mention a “worship service?” Why do many people who show up for the “worship service,” yet few show up for “Bible class?”

PQ 8: Scenario: You start studying the Bible with someone. They google “Church of Christ.” There is a lot of nasty stuff they find, which gives them a bad impression. They ask you some hard questions, but they’re prepared—if they point out that some of what you consider “law” is actually just “tradition,” how does it affect your study and relationship?

PQ 9: Is anything not specifically authorized condemned? Yes / No

PQ 10: Is anything not specifically prohibited, or prohibited by a broader Biblical principle, allowed? Yes / No

PQ 11: Does God play “hide the commandment?” Does He want to nail people on a “Simon didn’t say” technicality?

A lot of acrimony in Restoration Movement heritage stems from musical instruments. Consider these questions.

Lesson Question 1: What elements comprise the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace? (Eph 4:1-6)

LQ 2: The first time the word “sing” is used in the Bible, does it include musical instruments? (Exo 15:20-21) Yes / No “Miriam the prophetess, Aaron’s sister, took the timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dancing. Miriam answered them,

“Sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted;

The horse and his rider He has hurled into the sea.”

LQ 3: Does making melody with all of your being prohibit instruments? (Psa 108:1-3) Yes / No

“My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul. Awake, harp and lyre; I will awaken the dawn!

I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations.”

LQ 4: Which do you think is more accurate: The Regulative Principle, or the Normative Principle? (. The "Regulative Principle" where anything not specifically authorized is condemned, and the "Normative Principle," where anything not specifically prohibited, or prohibited by a broader Biblical principle, is allowed.)

LQ 5: Does Ephesians 5 mention a “worship service?” Does anywhere in the NT mention a “worship service?” Yes / No

LQ 6: Does the instruction to sing forbid musical instruments? (Psa 71:22) Yes / No

“I will also praise You with a harp, Even Your truth, O my God;

To You I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.”

LQ 7: What is a psalm?

                       What is a hymn?

                                      What is a spiritual song/ode?

LQ 8: Is Psalm 150 sinful today? Yes / No (Hint: Consider what Paul did in Jerusalem.)

LQ 9: Did early “Christian” writers understand psalms to include instruments? Yes / No

LQ 10: Did early Christians determine some of their practices in order to not seem like those around them? Yes / No

Intellectual Honesty and Alcohol

September 23, 2019

This meme demonstrates the importance of critically examining our own beliefs; of being willing to put forth both the support and flaws that our beliefs might have—in this case, the statements in the picture are deeply flawed to the point of possibly seeming deceitful upon deeper examination.

We need to be honest about our convictions and reasons for them. I’ve seen (and have done this myself in the past, to my great discredit) people hold a certain view, and proclaim it, while at the same time ignoring any evidence to the contrary, or even sweeping the contradictory evidence under the rug.
Presenting sloppy and weak arguments is negative, but giving someone a snow job is much worse. To the curious person, it ultimately undermines their faith in anything else we might have to say; it taints the belief pool. Consider that I tell you, “well X is obviously true, as any honest, studious person can see,” and I present a strong case. You come to believe that I’m correct. Later you find out that I hid a lot of evidence that would weaken my case. What does this cause you to think and feel?

“The first to plead his case seems right, until another comes and examines him.” Pro 18:17

With that in mind, consider this meme. It seems that the author forgot some verses that might undermine it, but in the interest of being fair and balanced, we should include them! The Bible has multiple warnings about the misuse of alcohol and other things, but it says more than that. For example,

“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate— bringing forth food from the earth:15 wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts.” Psa 104:14-15

So let’s dig in, because it it probably best for those of us in the Churches of Christ to remove this meme if it is found to be flawed, as it stridently calls in to question the salvation of people who are potentially our brothers and sisters, and could be a source of incredible division and infighting, which Satan would love.

A.) Regarding Jesus, Matthew 11 reads:“For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and DRINKING, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and ‘sinners.’” (v.18-19)

This text draws explicitly on the contrasting asceticism of John with Jesus. The “drinking” here is not water or Dr. Pepper. John was a Nazarite and he did not “drink” wine (see Mt 3 on his asceticism and Lk 1 for the wine). John abstained and Jesus did not. When Jesus entered the house of the unclean Levi (Mt 9 9-13) we learn of but one example of him being in the wrong place and with the wrong people.

B.) Habakkuk 2:15 does not condemn wine at all. It condemns using it to be a pervert: “Alas for you who make your neighbors drink, pouring out your wrath until they get drunk, in order to gaze upon their nakedness.”

C.) Wine and alcohol were situationally permitted and situationally forbidden:

Deut 14:22-26, permitted:
“Be sure to tithe annually from everything you plant that yields a harvest in the field. Then in the presence of the LORD your God, in the place where he’ll choose to establish his name, you may CONSUME the tithe of your grain, your NEW WINE, your oil, and the firstborn of your livestock and flock, so that you’ll learn to revere the LORD your God all your life. Now the way may be distant from you, so that you are unable to transport your tithe because you have been blessed by the LORD your God and the place where the LORD your God chooses to establish his name may be distant from you.

You may spend the money to your heart’s content to buy livestock, flocks, WINE, STRONG DRINK, and whatever you desire. You and your household may eat there and rejoice in the presence of the LORD your God.”

Lev. 10:9, forbidden:
“Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest ye die: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations.”

Numbers 6., forbidden and then permitted, as God let the Nazarite have wine, but only after the conclusion of his vow: “After that, the Nazarite MAY DRINK WINE.” (Numbers 6.20).

Conclusion: Wine was given to man and it must be used with care if used at all; in some situations, it was forbidden. But the meme is either ignorant of some verses or, at worst, deceitful.

With love,

—Luke

Is precision obedience necessary for God to save you?

January 16, 2019

Sometimes we can start trying to make precepts (rules) where God gave us instead broader principles. Recently I saw a discussion on how Saul disobeyed God, and I believe it was accurately discerned that as His children, walking in His instruction to the utmost of our ability is wise. Personally, I also find it refreshing.

It did get me thinking about the heart, and matters of it. In 2 Chronicles 29-31, some interesting things happen. The Chronicler tells us outright that the Israelites did not "obey," and by "obey," perhaps I mean they did not obey with precision. They decided to do their own thing. In fact, in 30:18, we see that a majority of the people "ate the Passover otherwise than as prescribed."

But we also see that they "humbled themselves" (11) and that "the priests and the Levites were ashamed." (15) Hezekiah seemed to recognize this, being of the same good heart, and prayed, "“May the good LORD pardon everyone who sets his heart to seek God, the LORD, the God of his fathers, even though not according to the sanctuary’s rules of cleanness.” (18-19)

In response to this error, "the LORD heard Hezekiah and healed the people." (20)

This ends up being a time of rejoicing, or coming back to God, though a bit wrong in some cases (not quite the best month, but exceptions were allowed; not quite as pure as one was supposed to be, yet God showed grace), with encouraging words and spiritual growth.

It reminds me that Nabad and Abihu were struck down, but Eleazar and Ithamar were spared immediately afterward, though they did contrary to what was instructed. It reminds me that mercy may triumph over judgment, and that the Mercy Seat was above the Ark of the Covenant. It gives me hope that, when I try to obey correctly, and mess up, that perhaps God will not consider my error in attempting to walk with Him as enough to label me as "disobedient," but rather, perhaps, imperfect in my attempt.

I expect that I will have a better understanding once I have my own children. In the meantime, I hope that I am found to be a good laborer, doing so out of love of all that I have been blessed with, having the obedience of faith.

4 thoughts on Christians, testimonies, and baptism.

March 14, 2016

 1.) I was listening to a sermon recently, and a pastor said, "Baptism isn't in water or anything you do, but rather a metaphorical immersion in Jesus that happens to you passively. It's not something that you do, or that is done to you." That's a pretty common thing to hear, and it's no surprise that Satan would want us to not actively baptize people, because look at what Jesus Himself said:

—“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Mt 28:19-20) This was the "Great Commission." Notice that it was something that disciples of Christ were told to do to others.

—"He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned." (Mark 16:16) Notice that Jesus said, "believes and is baptized shall be saved," not, "believes and is saved shall be baptized."

It is very freeing to be able to submit to Jesus and what He said, and I can understand the eunuch's attitude upon first learning of Christ, after which he said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (Acts 8:36)

 

2.) Francis Chan said that the Bible talks about baptism being associated with the forgiveness of sins and the receipt of the gift of the Holy Spirit. But, he said, often he finds people asking, "Well what if they die first? What if...?" Mr. Chan responded with, "Look you guys, I don't understand all the questions! These people were eager! Why aren't we? Shouldn't we examine ourselves?"

My sister Tassie Smith said, "Anytime we start to have to explain away some Bible passage rather than obey it, we should ask ourselves what went wrong!" When I don't agree with some part of the Bible, I assume that I'm wrong, because I trust the eternal One much more than I trust the 27 year-old. God is so correct when He says, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts." (Is 55:8)

Freebie: This applies to the tough times in our lives, too. Ever wondered, "Why me, Lord?" I am comforted because I know that He is planning the future. "We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28) God promises to cause good—not necessarily good feelings. If one day of pain could help just one soul make it to heaven, isn't it worth it? Momentary light affliction is just that. Let's have good attitudes!

3.) Ever wondered about your heart? God says that it's a terribly deceitful thing, yet He also promised that, for Christians, He'd throw in some Help. In Ezekiel 36, He prophesied that He'd cleanse your sins (v25) and also, "give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances." (26;27)

That's AWESOME! Acts 2 says that baptism removes your sins and gives you the Holy Spirit, which is exactly what Ezekiel 36 and 37 promised! Romans 8 further says, "However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him. If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness." (9-10)

Isn't it great that "all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God?" (14) Isn't it great that "the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God?" (26;27)

If you haven't been baptized for the remission of your sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), then make like the Ethiopian eunuch and say, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?” (Acts 8)

 4.) Ever had anyone ask you about your Christianity by asking for your testimony? What does that mean? I think there's something more important than words.It's easy to be a "good Christian" when life's easy. Eat three raw eggs. Now drink a cup of canola oil. The trials we go through in life can really be like having to swallow eggs and oil: horrible. Yet while those things are nasty individually, if you start putting them together, you begin to make a cake. The mature product is delicious.

When trials come your way and you're sucking down eggs, remember that "we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

It's how you react when life kicks you when you're down that ends up building proven character. The only testimony that really matters is your character, and getting that character isn't easy. A person with proven character also has hope, no matter how bleak it is, poured out by the Spirit. 

Old Testament, New Testament?

March 14, 2016

"That's Old Testament stuff." Ever heard that? Are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John really "New Testament?" Think about it. Testament, will (as in, 'last will and testament'), and covenant are often used, yet Jesus identified more sections: "My words" (the New Testament), the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms." (Lk 24:44)

Of these four sections, only the law of Moses (about Ex. 12 through Deut.) is the old covenant. Would this impact your understanding of God's laws?

[Now He said to them, “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”]

Uncomfy with evangelism? Check out these 20 daily thoughts.

Day 1:   Have you felt uncomfortable talking about God? Like you're viewed as stupid? Maybe you don't want to be public about it? Ultimately, Jesus told us to pray for laborers to go into the harvest, but it's tempting for us to say, "I'll pray for laborers, but I don't want to do it myself. That's not really my calling. I'll just be on the sidelines and encourage those who are working." In Zephaniah 1:12, God had harsh words for a certain group, saying,

"It will come about at that time that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And I will punish the men who are stagnant in spirit..."

Those who refuse to stand against Satan ultimately aid him, which is why God became so upset in the above passage. Don't let Satan keep you quiet! Don't let him convince you that spreading the good news isn't possible anymore! "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind!" (2 Tim 1:7) Need a battle buddy to help you get started? I'd love to be that person, and I'm not alone in that desire. 
 

Day 2: 

Are you convinced that spreading the gospel isn't for you? That being Christ-like without ever mentioning Christ is the best way to go? Like talking about God is kind of a social faux pas that upsets others?
Before we ate as a group during my deployment, my young commander stopped everyone and said that he wanted to say a prayer. Since he isn't a chaplain, it was unexpected. And he even ended it in Jesus' name, which was even more surprising. This same commander was out shoveling sandbags with me. As Christians, we all need to be willing to show that sort of leadership. We need to be willing to proclaim our God to anyone. We need to be willing to serve others out of love.

An incredible image of our Savior came when He washed the feet of His disciples in John 13, and then said, “You call me teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” Jesus wasn't talking about just feet, but servant leadership! And Paul powerfully said, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Romans 1:16)

Recognize that being a servant-leader will make people respond positively to your message of the gospel. Don't be ashamed! Be bold! Serve others! LIVE like Christ!

 

Day 3: 

I think that we're getting pretty close to the last days. Do you go home from church and say, "Wait, is that true? Is that really accurate in context?" Do you think, "You know what, I want to know the truth. I don't care if it goes against everything I was raised with. I just have to know the truth." Most people want to hear what they grew up with. What is comfortable. It's easier to have people tell you what to think in a nice sermon or catechism or youtube video. It's easier to be a "normal Christian." Consider these two types of people:

1—"Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great EAGERNESS, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

2—"For the time will come when they WILL NOT ENDURE sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires." (2 Tim 4:3)

I love a good sermon. But I go home and say, "I'm going to investigate this further, because my life depends on this." Satan himself was great with quoting scriptures to Jesus (check out Matthew 4), but he pulled them out of context. It's great to quote God, but anything in your Bible can be twisted to cause destruction. Fact-check me. Fact-check your preacher. That's your responsibility, because if Satan tried it on Christ, he'll certainly try it on you.




Day 4:

It's hard to know people based off of their "church attendance." At church people can seem so Christian, but if you saw them at work, or school...they could seem so different. It's like some people have a spiritual off switch. If they're in assembly, they listen to the sermon with the rest of the sermon-listeners. If they're with their friends who are partying, they're partying also. They're Christians by coincidence.

And then others just grew up with Christian parents. They're not going to rock the boat. It's a system that works pretty well, so they're going to go to church, too. There is no evangelism to spread the Gospel. They're Christians by coincidence. If they'd been born to Mormons, they'd be Mormons. If they'd been born to Church of Christ parents, they'd be Church of Christ.

We are the bride of Christ, and what we work at—or avoid working at— reveals a lot about our spiritual state. "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Phil 2:13) I always ask myself, "How is God using me for His pleasure? Am I stifling His Spirit in me?"



Day 5:

Have you ever heard someone say on Sunday, "Now we take up collection on the first day of the week, as we have been commanded?" I hear that a lot, but it is interesting to me that Paul once wrote that this was something which "I am not commanding you." Consider this brief bit from 2 Corinthians 8:

"For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints...I am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also."

Doing things because they are "commanded" doesn't prove earnestness. Being a Christian because "that is what separates us from those going to Hell" doesn't show a marriage to Christ, but rather a contract for reward or punishment. Let's show the sincerity of our love by being exceptionally bright lights, not just "normal Christians."



Day 6:

Christians often lament the decline of America. Why are there so few Christians? Ultimately, it is because we, as Christians, have a problem with ourselves. If we genuinely love people, we naturally want to help them, even at our own expense. Consider your genuine love—is it communicated to people in everything you say, everything you do, the way you hold yourself? That's hard to fake. It's easy to brush yourself with a veneer of Christianity, pick up your Bible, and head out the door...but people can see through that.

The key to spreading our faith is in changing our character so that we genuinely care. People will believe us, because it's actually true. If we don't want to ACTIVELY share Jesus with others—not just hoping that they get Him through spiritual osmosis—then we really don't love others. It's about being ACTIVE. Not just sitting in a pew. Not just having a Bible. Not just wearing our "Christian-name" around town. Those things don't make you like Christ. The ACTIVE commission that Jesus gave is this:

"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Mt 28) Are you ready? Do you REALLY care about Jesus and others? Then let's get started. I'll help ya! 



Day 7: 

There is an elephant in the room for Christians, and it makes us uncomfortable and even upset to think about. We'll be singing songs about ringing out the message true and glad, about bringing in the sheaves, yet...that's not what we're doing. "Bringing others to Christ....that's not really my gift," you'll hear. As one lady told me, "I just want to be a normal Christian, not vocal and studying the Bible with people like you do. You're too Christian."

But God doesn't really break this down into "you make new Christians" and "you don't make new Christians." In fact, we know that He gave us all talents and expects a return FROM EVERYONE. (Mt 25) He expects all of us to be making disciples (though there are a million excuses not to)!

The elephant in the room is that Jesus said, "“Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) There is no other option. There is no getting around our calling to study Jesus with people. We must make disciples. We must bear fruit. The only time that you can ever know that you have is the present, so now's the time to get started.


Day 8: 

 What are some reasons that Christians don't share their faith with others? Why do we often say internally, "I'll believe in Christ...but the souls around me are on their own?" Here are some common things that you hear:

-"I'm afraid that I'll lose a friend/girlfriend/boyfriend." 
-"I worry that I don't know the Bible well enough and don't have all the answers." 
-"I feel like I'm not given that gift...that's for a pastor or preacher." 
-"I'm afraid that my past is kinda shady...people will think I'm a hypocrite."
-"I'm worried that I'll get in trouble."
-"I'm afraid that I'll be thought of as weird."
-"I'm afraid that I'll fail!"

These are valid fears! Yet all these thoughts contain, "I'm afraid that it's going to cost ME." Stop. Take a step back for a second—what we're really saying is, "I'm afraid of growing up into the character of Christ. I don't want to grow up." The only obstacle that we have to sharing our faith is US. Not anything around us. Not a girlfriend. Us. Our own fears. Consider whether or not your own, personal evangelism is important. I'd like to leave you with this from Revelation 12:

"They overcame [Satan] because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death." Your testimony and Jesus, working together, even unto death, are what overcomes Satan. Your testimony is not just words, but your life. The time you give to others to bear the gospel. Are you ready? Are you willing?



Day 9: 
 

"I'm not a vocal Christian...I prefer to keep it to myself." I used to think and feel that way myself. It proves that our emotions follow our investment, "for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Mt 6:21) If we are invested in Christ, we will not have a "live and let...die" mentality. We will be passionately compelled to fight for others' eternities, because we will love them as Jesus does!

After Jesus came back from the dead, He talked with some people and they said to one another, "Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us?" (Luke 24:32) He WANTS to burn brightly within us! He WANTS us to be straight-up Hunger Games Catching Fire, a flame that everyone can see and which cannot be put out!

And so He said, "I have come to cast fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!" (Luke 12:49) Take EVERY opportunity to bring people to Christ! Study! Pray! Fast! Don't let Satan have an inch! Refuse to be lukewarm—be on fire!


Day 10:
 

There are two classes of people: those who are baptized and clothed in Christ (Gal 3) and those who are held captive by Satan to do his will, whether they know it or not. (2 Tim 2) Think about your friends. How many of them are outside of Christ. Do you love them? Check out this attitude: “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God." (II Corinthians 5:20)

YOU are the ambassador that has been sent! Think of one person you know who is outside of Christ. Pray for them—make dedicated time to pray at length. You'll become invested in them, instead of them just being another casual write-off. Pray for an open door to bring them to Christ.

And if that door opens even a hair, take it. Need help with presenting the good news? Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest." (Luke 10:2) I'd be honored to labor with you and help you out! 


Day 11:

Are you a Christian? This is straight-up for you:

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the [Christian] may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17)

How familiar are you with the Bible? Can you explain why you believe what your preacher says is true, instead of brand X down the street? If so, good, but notice that God's end point is not just to know stuff, it's to do EVERY. GOOD. WORK.

The best work we can ever do is bringing someone to Christ. Happy are the feet of those bring the good news! (Romans 10:15) Be a child of God in more than name—get involved in making Christians.



Day 12:

Spending time to bring the gospel to people is the easiest thing in the world to avoid! Too old, too young, too busy, too experienced, too afraid...the saints in Christ are too SOMETHIN'! 
It's easy to beg off of being a fisher of men.

"I answered, “Oh, Lord God, I really do not know how to speak well enough for that, for I am too young.” The Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ But go to whomever I send you and say whatever I tell you." (Jer 1.6-7)

God has work to be accomplished, and it's for all of us, no excuses! Let's use the power He gives to be His mighty, living army, with a heart of flesh, not of hard stone (Eze 36-37). A heart that cries out for all to come to repentance that none should perish!


Day 13:

Ever seen someone that really needs some solid spiritual leadership in his/her life? Maybe you've thought, "Wow, I can fix this person!" At some point, you'll meet someone who says, "I don't think you're the right one to help me, sorry."

That can be true. As Paul noted in 1 Cor 3:6, "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." Apollos was the one to really help provide guidance—not Paul.

Don't be offended if someone rejects your help. Ask if you can assist them in finding someone that will be a good helper for them. Remind them that you can always be of service and that you love them!


Day 14:
 

You were there and saw it. Your friend died in front of your eyes. People killed him and there was nothing you could do—he gave his life to keep you safe. He loved you beyond your comprehension.

In response, you sat on a bench an hour a week! Ticket to an eternal reward, too! Ticket to heaven! Christ died and all ya gotta do is believe it! Right? That's what a loving relationship looks like?

"And the breath came into them, and they came to life and stood on their feet, an exceedingly great army." Ezekiel said in 37:10 that Christ died so that our hearts would be changed from stony, unloving ones, to ones of loving flesh—that we would be an overwhelming army, as Christians.

Christians have a new heart. They're valiant. They're an army. They, as Christ did, seek to save the lost.Does love for the who died for you look like a chair or pew an hour per week? Or would you, for the man who died for you, offer "your bodies as living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your rational service?" (Romans 12:1) What's love look like? Are you in love with God?



Day 15:
 

Consider the following statements from two sites regarding the worship services on Sunday:

—"God actually cares what we do when we come together to worship as his people."

—"Worship is the most important thing humans do...In those few minutes, we have God’s undivided attention. "

Now ask yourself these questions: "Is there a time when God doesn't care what I do? Is there a time that I can't have God's undivided attention? Where does the Bible mention a "worship service?" Consider that God said that Christians would receive His Spirit in them (Eze 36 & 37), and that Jesus, when asked where to worship, said it would no longer be a physical place, but rather "in spirit and in truth." (John 4)

Ask yourself, "When am I not in spirit? When should I not be submitting spiritually to God? Does worship have an "off switch?" Lastly, consider Isaiah's prophecy of Christians and ask yourself if it seems like it means, "an hour per week."

“So your offspring and your name will endure.
“And it shall be from new moon to new moon
And from Sabbath to Sabbath,
All mankind will come to worship before Me,” says the Lord.” (66:19-23)

Day 16:
 

 I've said before that Hillary Clinton is the world's most lifelike AI—that her human suit is almost enough to fool me. While I've said that in jest, it's very easy to carry the title of "Christian," without actually being one. It's easy to get some externals right—goes to church on Sunday, acts polite to elders, posts a Bible verse on Facebook every now and then—while being anything but like Christ inside. No set of laws is adequate for an immoral people, and so Jesus said,

"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence. You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also." (Mat 23:25-26)

If you want to be a Christian, in the end it has to be more than a name. It has to be who you are inside. If you can change the desires of your heart, the outside will become truly clean—you'll be eager to spread the good news to people, you'll want to help those in need, you'll love praying with others, and no amount of "church attendance" will seem like enough. You'll be on fire inside, and everyone will see the glow outside!




Day 17:

Ever met someone who is weak in their Christianity? These people need you to slap 'em around a bit so that they wake up! (J/k) Check out what Paul said:

"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more...to the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel." (1 Cor 9:19-23)

Sometimes people are fragile and weak in their faith, and they need a gentle hand to help build them up. Much like a husband and wife, nagging them to do better isn't very healthy. Instead, encouraging their good traits can be the best option.

Day 18:
In my not so distant past, I used to have some disdain for Christians that I saw as being "not really on fire" for God—and that's a BAD spiritual sickness on my part! My friend Jeff Hostetter from Ghana (been there for over 3 decades) reminded me that, "Jesus would not extinguish a flickering wick."

"A bruised reed He will not break, and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish." (Is.42:3)
I was recently reminded by a friend that I can get somewhat patronizing sometimes, and that's to my shame. "Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up." (1 Cor 8:1) When you see the flickering ember, help it grow strong and bright! Protect it until it can go on its own. Don't be the Christian Fire Brigade that comes to put it out. 

Day 19:
 

Christianity's dying, folks. You're a lazy bum—a total scumrotten slobbergoat—and you know it. Just kidding with the last part! Let's be serious for a moment. What is your function? What's your job? At work? In your family? What do you do to pull your own weight? Do you have role at work and home, or do you just show up?

If you've been baptized, you have a job. "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body...the body is not one member, but many. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. (1 Cor 12)

The fact is that God gave us differing abilities and He expects us, as His children, to use them. In the parable of the talents, the one slave returned exactly what he'd been given, and his master was angered. That's like us showing up with just ourselves to God and saying, "Yeah bro, kept this meatsuit safe, pretty sure Ya owe me." Yet God said of us, "the whole body is fitted and held together by every supporting ligament. AND AS EACH INDIVIDUAL PART DOES ITS WORK, the body grows and builds itself up in love." (Eph 4:16)

The body grows ONLY when each of us recognizes what God has given us and uses it. Wonder why Christianity is dying out? Like a bodybuilder whose muscles wither away, we're shrinking from a lack of us. Because we show up to work and sit in the break room. Let's fix it!



Day 20: 
 

So God gave you...yourself! In return, He's looking for you to bring your ol' meatsuit to heaven, right—the ultimate show of love? "Made it, God, kinda resented the whole "be like Christ junk," really wasn't feelin' the whole "teach and baptize and spread the gospel nonsense," but here's me, so how boutcha hit me with that reward!" In Matthew 24:14-30, Jesus told a parable about some men who were given money by their master. "To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability."

Two of the people went and made a profit off what they'd been given. God told those two, "‘Well done, good and faithful servant." The other one, while appreciative in a way, just buried it in the ground and later returned exactly what his master had given him. The master was less-than-pleased, saying, "‘You wicked and lazy servant! You ought to have invested my money with the bankers...cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’"

Imagine: God has given us a lot. He loves us. When we're in love with someone, we shower them with affection. When you're in love with your spouse, you do stuff for them. Yet we often treat God with a subtle resentment: "Jeesh, look, I'm looking for the heaven, but hold the Christ." That's like saying that you love your spouse so that you can stay in his AWESOME house, without ever actually showing any love.

Love is a verb. Love is a doing word. Don't show up with just yourself. Spread. That. Gospel.



 

Paul and animal sacrifices.

 Can you be in fellowship with people who offer animal sacrifices to GOd? Offering an animal sacrifice is a sin, right? Often our own traditions can become "Law" to us, and anything foreign to our traditions, especially "in the church/worship service," is anathema. To expand our horizons, please consider something Paul did which might surprise you. Consider these points, and then ask, "What does this tell us about God?"

1.) Paul had taken a vow (Acts 18:18), and according to the law, upon completion of that vow, he was required to offer animal sacrifices (Num 6:13ff). WAIT WHAT!? Can't do that, right? One of the reasons he came to Jerusalem was to "present offerings" (Acts 24:17).

2.) Paul met with James and the elders in Jerusalem (Acts 21:17-18.), who mentioned that thousands of newly-believing Jews (now Christians) were still zealous for the Law (v20). These Jews had heard rumors that Paul was telling Jews outside of Judah to stop keeping the Law (v21). James and the elders wanted to reassure these people that, not only was it not true,but that Paul himself still walked according to the Law. (v24)

3.) In order to accomplish this, Paul had to purify himself, along with four others who had taken a vow, and pay their expenses to shave their heads at the conclusion of their vows (Acts 21:24).

4.) According to the law, the expenses at the conclusion of a vow included the burnt offering of a 1-yr old male lamb, the sacrifice of a year-old ewe lamb, a ram, a basket of bread, flour cakes mixed with oil, unleavened wafers mixed with oil, a meal offering, drink offerings, and a portion of his shaved hair as a burned offering (Num 6:13ff).

5.) Paul waited seven days until the offering could be made for each one of them (Acts 21:26-27).

Paul knew that the Law was not evil nor sin. The error in offering sacrifices and doing those rituals comes if one seeks to be JUSTIFIED by them, which he was not. What does this tell us about God and Christianity? Does it allow you to more easily be united with other believers who maybe do some things different?

God wants to nail you on a "Simon didn't say" technicality.

I was talking to someone recently about musical instruments being used in singing about God, and he agreed that psalms seemed to include musical instruments as being permissible, but he added the caveat, "Do you really want to take your chances with God? He said sing, He may not have meant singing with instruments."

We should not think that God is trying to catch folks on some "Simon Didn't Say" technicality. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession....let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Heb 4:14-16)

We can have confidence and draw near the throne, because our God is a God or mercy and grace.

People who always let you know how wrong you are.

Have you been trying to become more like Christ, but met that one person who's always a hammer in search of a nail? You probably know what I'm talking about: they know EVERYTHING that you're doing wrong and will always let you know about how wrong you are in God's eyes and what little thing is indubitably sending you to hell if you don't conform. They're always the stick and never the carrot, so don't expect any "attaboys" from them, because they're there to refine you as with fire. Those people are an example that there is a difference between doing God's work and doing God's job. In 1 Cor 4, Paul wrote,

"Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God....so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other."

We are to be known by our love for one another, which does include reproof and correction, but not done in such a manner that we always beat down and never build up. Furthermore, we should be very careful in pronouncing eternal judgement on our brothers and sisters. We labor for the harvest, but do not replace God as the adjudicator of the eternal soul of man.

God's favorite game: hide the commandment.

It's easy to want to find commandments in the New Covenant even when they don't exist. It's often said that we have to interpret the Bible through command, example, and necessary inference. The last one is dubious, because God doesn't play hide the commandment. In fact, what matters is very clear:

"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God." (1 Cor 6:9-11).

Humans don't like big menus.

Scientifically, humans are happier when they have shorter menus. Long menus present something called "opportunity paralysis," which agonizes us. "So many choices...what if I make the wrong one."

The old covenant was a system of rules and regulations, written in stone for all to see, in which you had to keep the letter of the law. On the other hand, there was no need to make decisions, as everything was pre-determined. The new covenant is a relationship, in which you need to keep the spirit. We are not bound by context-less precept (rules), but rather principles and action of freedom. Too often we seek to infer new rules, so that we do not have to suffer opportunity paralysis.

Hebrews 8 declares: For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares YHWH: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [ie. RELATIONSHIP] 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ [NOT RULES] for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. [BUT RELATIONSHIP]

But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from men, but from God. [SPIRIT, NOT LETTER OF THE LAW] (Rom 2)

"But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter." [SPIRIT, NOT LETTER OF THE LAW] (Rom 7:6)

Have you seen people trying to infer the letter of the law where it no longer exists? I've been one of those people. Bondage is easy, but as we grow stronger, freedom enables us to become overwhelming conquerors.

Precision obedience?

 I have seen people comment on "precision obedience." One preacher said, "God does not expect us to be able to conquer sin or be perfect, so he gave us the perfect acts of worship, and how to perform them perfectly. Thus those who use instruments in music are of their father the devil."

Consider what God said. "[God] also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (2 Cor 3:6)

Jesus, when declaring how His disciples would be known, did not say, "By this will all men know you're My disciples: if you have the correct doctrine about worship services, in the correct way, being set aside by a lack of pianos." Rather He said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:25). Thus, "you were called to freedom, brothers...For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal 5:13-14)

Don't look back at your regrets—a real life failure story.

 Do you have lots of regrets? Do you look back on past relationships, actions, or feelings, wishing that you could JUST do it different? Sometimes that consumes people!

John Landy and Roger Bannister broke the miracle mile (sub 4'00") around the same time. When they raced against each other, the eyes of the world were looking. Right before the finish, Landy looked back over his shoulder to see where the competition was.In that fraction of a second, Bannister was able to pass him and win. Vancouver erected a bronze statue immortalizing the moment, prompting Landy to remark, ‘Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for looking back. I’m the first person to be turned into bronze.’

Looking back slows you down! Paul accurately observed, "I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." (Phil 3:13) Don't slow down for the past; rush toward a ferocious finish!

Helping people as best you can.

As Christians, we need to focus on the future and maximize our time here on earth. I have found myself sometimes horrifically eaten up over someone not responding spiritually, spending all of my energy and emotion on them, preventing me from even considering helping others. Consider this from Luke 9:

"Another also said, “I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home.” But Jesus said to him, “No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v61-62)

We can't let someone who doesn't respond be the absolute focus of our attention. If you find a bus wreck and are helping people out, you can't let the one person who refuses to leave the fiery wreck be your sole objective. Sure, if you pass by them, ask them if you can assist, but don't ignore the people who will respond in favor of the one who won't! Maximize your ability to take care of the lost!

"Yeah, I guess I should go to church." (The Law of Christ?)

 "Yeah, I should go to church I guess." Ever heard that? Although it's subtle, there is the concept that God is appeased by our showing up to listen to a priest or pastor lead a "worship service."

We should all consider this,though. The "law of Christ" is not fulfilled by keeping rules—"don't handle; don't taste; don't touch" (Col 2, esp. v 21). Rather, it is fulfilled when we "bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal 6:2)

Sunday should be for our own edification, so that we can perform the work of ministry all the other days.