Ever New

But if a man who is not a Christian comes to your church meeting while you are all speaking God’s Word, he will understand that he is a sinner by what he hears. He will know he is guilty. The secrets of his heart will be brought into the open. He will get on his knees and worship God. He will say, “For sure, God is here with you!”    1 Corinthians 14:24-25 NLV

We have this new idea. This is something we should try. I think this will work. All of these statements have tripped off my tongue at some time in my church life, and I have heard them, or words like them, from sincere folks who want their church to grow. We desperately want and need to be relevant we say, and that is true.

How many new ideas or programs do we use or try before we realise that church growth is just not happening? There is a saying in business that if something is not working, and there is no return on your investment efforts, you stop doing it! Then you think again and try something else. We are not good at that in church circles, are we? I think there is a fear that we might look bad by admitting that it was our new program that didn’t work.

A business would not think twice about quitting a process or program if it didn’t produce results. In truth you don’t get a different result by doing the same things over again. These thoughts have been weighty on my mind recently, and then I stumbled across this familiar verse, but in a different translation. Paul is writing to a troubled church. One that needed to grow properly, and in the truth of the gospel. The apostle’s advice went right to the heart of the issue then, and I believe it goes straight to the core of the problem today. Our churches are in trouble, and generally declining, so what do we do? We try new things. New programs. Learn new insights. Anything. But they still don’t work, so we blame society, our bad community, the members who are not trying hard enough, or are just not committed the way they should be.

Read our two verses above, and then read them twice more. Did Paul suggest a new approach to the message of the gospel? Far from it. Paul emphasised the same gospel without any frills or changes. Whether society accepts the gospel message or not, it is still the only show in town. So, let’s not keep on trying to reinvent the wheel, but get behind the only message that works consistently. Preach the gospel, and only the gospel. The same gospel your parents and grandparents heard and reacted to. When we do our part, God will do His. Then our community and visitors will make their own decision about the Word of God. They may accept it, or reject it, but that’s free will as God ordained, and nothing can alter that fact!

Remaining

It is as if some of the branches from an olive tree have been broken off, and the branch of a wild olive tree has been joined to that first tree. If you are not a Jew, you are the same as that wild branch, and you now share the strength and life of the first tree. But don’t act as if you are better than those branches that were broken off. You have no reason to be proud of yourself, because you don’t give life to the root. The root gives life to you. You might say, “Branches were broken off so that I could be joined to their tree.” That is true. But those branches were broken off because they did not believe. And you continue to be part of the tree only because you believe. Don’t be proud, but be afraid. If God did not let the natural branches of that tree stay, he will not let you stay if you stop believing. So you see that God is kind, but he can also be very strict. He punishes those who stop following him. But he is kind to you, if you continue trusting in his kindness. If you don’t continue depending on him, you will be cut off from the tree. Romans 11:17-22 (ERV)

We have the makings of an age old problem right here in these verses. Paul is reminding the church in Rome that, as Gentiles, they have all the same rights to salvation as the Jews. So far so good. Then the Apostle Paul, veteran of many missionary trips and epistles, seems to suggest that both the Jews and the Gentiles can be denied salvation if they don’t keep believing. Correction, he doesn’t ‘seem to suggest’, he says it outright and unambiguously.

Although the chosen and promised people were close to God’s heart as a nation, some individuals within the tribes were disobedient, and therefore cut off from the root. So, some Jews will be lost eternally, and therefore some who once were saved can indeed be lost too.

The first 8 chapters of Romans are often, and almost exclusively, used to show that when you are saved, you are saved forever….no matter what. Likewise chapters 12 to the end of the book. But when you read chapters 9,10 and 11, you get Paul’s argument to counter that belief. It is true that God’s love is unchanging towards us, and nothing can diminish it, but Paul compares the Jews who stepped out of His will to the Gentiles who stop believing. In each case, not all do, but some will.

When it comes to the free gift of salvation and choice, the old saying is true. Keep short accounts. Stay close, obey, and confess our failings often. Pray that God removes the heart of stone, and replaces it with a heart of flesh as recorded in Ezekiel 36:26 “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” My only careful warning is that your prayer will be answered, and what a difference it will make to your Christian life. In fact you may never slip back from the salvation Jesus the Christ earned on your behalf.

An Oath

Judge Brett Kavanaugh and Professor Christine Blasey Ford gave testimony under oath, and swore before God that they would tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Years before, Ford alleges that Kavanaugh sexually assaulted, and tried to rape her. The details of the case before the US Senate Panel are well known, and in the public arena. I have no intention of going over that ground, but have to say something else.

Both of these people took an oath to tell the truth, but one of them did not. Let me put it another, stronger way, either Kavanaugh or Ford is a deliberate, blatant, bare faced, serial liar. Both will go into society with their name besmirched, but only one with real cause. One will have to live this lie for the rest of their life forever wondering if something else will surface to add to the story, the other will have a clear and clean conscience.

The USA takes a certain pride in its Christian roots, hence the use of the oath in any court or process like this one. We are led to believe that all seriously minded and sincere Americans, independent of political party, will respect and honour the oath. Perjury is no small matter. It comes down to the integrity of their word, and someone’s word is in the gutter now, and for the rest of their life. When they each took that oath, they recognised that the Great Judge also heard it and will pronounce accordingly when they leave this earth and enter eternity.

What makes it worth the lies? An academic career? A place on the Supreme Court? Both have so much to lose, but only one retains their dignity with integrity. The process was called a ‘circus’ by one of the Senators. What a charge to lay at the feet of the greatest democracy this world knows. That reputation has now been trashed, and I for one am sad that it was found wanting at a time like this. It is no wonder the following verses came clearly to mind:

But you did not honour the God who holds in his hand your life and all your ways. Therefore he sent the hand that wrote the inscription. This is the inscription that was written: mene, mene, tekel, parsin. Here is what these words mean:
Mene: God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end.
Tekel: You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting.
Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to [others]’ Daniel 5:24-28 NIV

A Dreadful Thing

For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.” It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.                                    Hebrews 10:30,31 NIV

Jonathan Edwards, the great preacher took this as the text of a sermon in July 1741 and many came to know Christ in a very real and miraculous way in Enfield, Massachusetts. He titled his message, “Sinners in the hands of an angry God”. This sermon, as a result, has gone down in history as a part of the great awakening in the early days before the USA was formed.

Of course, we have advanced in so many ways, and so much so that we would never hear or condone such a sermon from one of our pulpits. To suggest that God could be angry with sin in such a way that it would be a great dread, is unthinkable and out of step with society. We say, God is a God of Love, and He would never act or behave in that manner. This man Edwards was an extremist.

Don’t you think it strange that our churches in this enlightened age are declining and some are even having to merge, or even close down? We have made God so ‘luvvy-duvvy’ that He is incapable of serious judgement of our wrongs, or to put the words correctly, our sins. Yes, we should not over emphasise hell and judgement at the expense of the great Love of God, but we cannot ignore the truth of Scripture that it indeed “is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” as described by the writer to Hebrews.

Are we becoming too afraid to preach the whole counsel of God’s love AND judgement? If that is the case, then why should it be so?

Ostrich

“May contain adult themes, hard drugs, (frequent) strong language, strong violence and strong sex references, and nudity without graphic detail. Sexual activity may be portrayed but without any strong detail. Sexual violence may be shown if discreet and justified by context. Use of very strong language may be permitted based on frequency and how they are used, as well as contextual justification.” - Movie Cert 15 Rating

Recently I came across a movie to be shown in a church, under the supervision of the same church that organised it. The reason given for screening it was the theme which was one of human redemption, but not God’s plan of redemption. The church in question emphasised that it would ensure the age restriction (15+) was strictly monitored and enforced. That alone made me sit up and take notice.

I have a bigger question. Why is it being shown in church at all? It’s one thing for an individual deciding to watch any movie in a theatre, but when a church sponsors it, is that not different given the wide spread of scenes it may show under that ‘15+’ rating? When a movie is given a rating by the British Board of Film Censors, it is cleared for any and all of the subject matter under that approved rating (see above). I ask again. Why screen it in a place of worship? Did someone have to sit through the movie to make sure none of the ‘really bad stuff’ was included? If so, it begs other questions like, what is the ‘really bad stuff’, who is best placed to decide, and if that is done for a ‘15+’ rating, would it be considered for any other rating? So, where does it end, and who makes the final decision?

I don’t hear anyone saying that movies are getting more moral and ethical as the years pass. In fact adult themes of graphic violence, strong language and nudity will almost certainly play some part in most, if not all ‘15+’ rated films. After all, that’s what sells. For the record, I believe if a church is going to show a movie, it must be suitable and appropriate for all ages, from the youngest child to the oldest senior citizen in the room. Simply put, if it can’t be shown to a child, don’t screen it! You may think I am hiding my head in the sand like the proverbial Ostrich, but I suggest there is a loss of reverence and respect for a place of worship when we support and condone any movie of this rating. What do we want to be known as? A movie theatre, or a church?

“You are overreacting” I hear you say. “This wouldn’t happen in my church” you stress. Really? Are you sure about that?

Trying

You will know the old adage, your friend encounters a problem which he can’t get the better of and he says, “I’m trying!” and your reply is “You’re very trying”. Not so funny is it, especially when you are the one having to ‘try’? That just about sums this blog up for me.

Any kind of gathering of people who want to stay relevant, like cafes, restaurants, clubs, and yes even churches, will end up trying new things to keep their patronage. Especially so when they are against the wall and struggling financially, and numerically. Let’s face it, these two problems go together. For my part, I am focussing on the small, struggling churches, and there are many.

Since our faith hinges on the Word of God as left to us in the Bible, I was looking for some guidance. Was there any place where something similar happened? Were all the New Testament early churches thriving? I don’t think so. In fact we know that Paul had some real problems as he counselled them to stay on track. So what was his message? What was the secret for a successful church, both then and now?

Timothy was a young fledgling pastor and teacher, who was under the protective wing of his mentor, the Apostle Paul, and who better for advice? If it had happened in a church, Paul knew about it and how to fix it. His only advice is clear, and to the point. In a nutshell it’s preach Timothy, preach the Word! Nothing more or less. Nothing different or new. Nothing geared to be attractive that would ‘bring them in’. No, just preach the Word!

Now where did we start? Oh yes, by trying. I suppose like others I feel obliged to ‘try’ the new programs that the local church comes up with to make it more relevant in today’s society. I know they come from a full heart, but I sometimes find them ‘very trying’ in that other sense. Could it be the easy way out? You see, preaching done well is no small feat, and any church is blessed to have a preaching and teaching pastor. I am happy to say that my own small church has such a pastor, and I would say he deserves a better response. The numbers don’t seem to put him off, because I believe he knows where the importance of church lies. Not in a new program, or a quiz, or a ‘feel good’ time of singing. These are all good in their place, but no substitute for the only message that Paul suggested to Timothy.

I will go along and try the new things for a while, but if I find them trying my Spirit?... Answers on a postcard please.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:1-5 NIV

One Size Fits All

….for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:27-29 NIV

This covers race, prisoners, and gender, and note there are only two genders mentioned, so I take it there is no third or fourth gender or anything between. The good news is that when you become part of God’s family (clothed with Christ) you are right where you need to be.

These verses are an encouragement to those who work with race hatred, and in the prison ministries, but we still have some way to go before we all recognise and honour the place of our women in the church. We are told that all these groups of people are ‘heirs according to the promise’ but there are some churches and people who prefer to use other Scriptures against this one to make another point.

In secular terms if we are mentioned in a ‘Last Will and Testament’, we have full rights as an heir whether male or female. To suggest that women heirs can only get the crumbs of their inheritance after the menfolk get theirs, goes against the laws of God and country. As we are told in Luke 11:12 by Jesus: If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!’ That’s anyone and everyone who asks, including the women. Who are we to limit God in what men and women can do? Oh, I am well aware of the verse that’s used to curtail the role women can play in the church as expressed in 1 Corinthians 14:34: Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. Also Ephesians 5:22 says: Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord, but context is everything.

Paul passed on his experiences to young Timothy of the difficulties he encountered in the young church at Corinth. He found many practices there which he felt needed some leadership, and Paul stepped up to the mark and pulled no punches in correcting the sinful and wrong practices. One of the disruptive things going on was some women who would talk over the teachers, or speak loudly among themselves thus disturbing the Spirit in the meetings. He writes in 1st Timothy 2:12 (Phillips) “Personally, I don’t allow women to teach, nor do I ever put them into positions of authority over men—I believe their role is to be receptive. My reasons are that man was created before woman. Further, it was Eve and not Adam who was first deceived and fell into sin.” In other translations it says “I do not permit”, and that is something we cannot ignore or ride roughshod over. Paul, very rightly in the circumstances, expressed his opinion to the young preacher, and it seemed to work in Corinth. He makes it clear that it is Paul who is speaking, and not a command from God. So why do some make it such a directive where it is not an issue?

As we know, where there is no context, there can be no text. When a man or a woman, boy or a girl, comes to Christ in prayer in any church that proclaims the salvation of a living God, will that loving God treat the man and boy any differently from the woman and girl? While you think about that, ask yourself why Paul wrote these words of caution to the churches he chose? Not every church. Let’s be careful how we treat God’s Word because there is a warning we need to heed in Revelation 22:18 addressed to the churches (which are types of our churches today) which says: “And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”

My Achilles Heel

I must confess to having a weak spot. One which not everyone shares, even other Christians on a social media platform like this one, and it has reared its ugly head again recently. I don’t like it when action must be taken to protect myself from the same thing again, but that is a forlorn hope because as society becomes more accepting and tolerant, this weakness will be found more often, and more than likely the person involved will not be aware of the impact, even though my feelings are made clear on my profiles.

It may seem to be an unlikely difficulty because in real life conversations, although it troubles me, it doesn’t bother me as much. That’s because a ‘user’ will normally let it happen almost unconsciously, and without thinking. The issue, my issue, is not so much with it happening in ordinary small talk, but when it is written or typed, it has to be thought through letter by letter as it finds itself on the screen. Then as if that isn’t enough, the ‘send’ or ‘publish’ button must be pressed too. Basically, there is ample time to correct and erase the offending word(s) before anyone reads them.

We take language for granted, but for me it’s an expression of who we are, of who I am, and I for one am particular how it is used. My use of words and language tells my family and friends who I am, and what I am on the inside. It shows some integrity in an area where I do exercise control. Full control. My language is not a mirror of someone else. It’s a reflection of who I am.

So, if you find that I am missing from your social media friends list, it’s nothing personal. That is who you are and you are comfortable with who you are. Similarly, I have the freedom to reduce the number of times I see, or my friends might see through me, open swearing which is offending and offensive. I am not asking you to change, although that would be nice, but explaining who I am. I will not change, and it is possible that you will not either. When I was younger, a friend told me that swearing was just street language and I would get used to it. Well here I am many years later, and I am thankfully still not used to it. Have you ever walked near a small family in the street only to hear the dad, or yes, even the mum swear at the toddler who isn’t keeping up? As though that wasn’t bad enough, you cringe as the toddler answers in similar fashion. Now tell me who is at fault? Is it always someone else, or do we have some part to play in the solution? So tell me, who do YOU think is listening when YOU talk?

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

Some Peace

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 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

How many times have you heard the words, “I just want some peace”? In fact, you have probably uttered these words yourself more than a few times, especially if you are a parent of young children. The words “GIMME PEACE!” are usually uttered in exasperation”. However, peace is never easy to achieve, whether in countries at war, or in the home.

Paul had this trouble with the believers in Corinth. They wanted some peace but didn’t know how to go about getting it. The apostle comes to the rescue in this short verse of advice. He tells them to set their sights high, and to “aim for restoration….comfort….agreement….live peacefully”. Then the God of love and peace would be with them. *Simples* but not so fast, because Paul starts the verse with the word “rejoice”.

Let me get this right. When you are at the end of your tether, and stressed out, he tells us to rejoice? Aye right Paul. Are you serious? Yes, apparently he is. He starts with the command to rejoice, and then comes the rest of the advice. This is all counter intuitive to us, and it must have been the same to the early church too. You didn’t think peace would just fall into your lap, now did you? Getting some of that elusive peace takes effort and action on our part and Paul hits the nail on the head. So, you and I need some peace? Then I suggest we read this verse, and read it over, and then read it some more until it sinks in, because this lesson is in God’s Word so it is a much needed truth for young and old alike. True peace comes through rejoicing.

A Visionary or a Dreamer?

[ The day of the Lord ] ‘And afterwards, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Joel 2:28 NIV

Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you. Deuteronomy 7:32 NIV

The true Church of Jesus Christ is broad in the sense that it has room for young and old. Even now, I understand that I can learn from the younger folks who have a full heart for Jesus. Of course in the same way, our youth must recognise that with age comes experience, and that experience has often come with its own scars. They may not be visible, but they are there and are scars nonetheless.

One of the big things any parent does for their family, is to help them avoid some of the hurt and pain they suffered as they travelled their faith journey. There is a fine balance to be used by both the mature, and the newer Christian. We can and must learn from each other.

The older generation must never look down their long noses in dismay at the behaviour of the youth of our church. Do you remember what you were like at their age? We need to be honest as we think about that. Similarly, to avoid Spiritual danger, our young folks must not dismiss the old ‘wrinklies’ as though they have nothing to add to their lives. They do, and it is significant!

So while our young sons and daughters will prophesy and see visions, the older folks will recall their younger days of long past generations, and pass on the glories of those days. Both are important, but both age groups must be open to each other and willing to learn from the other. If we don’t, we are in great danger of missing out on so much Spiritual growth!