Compassion and Conviction

We decided to take some time and respond to the current controversy over homosexuality and gay marriage. Let me be clear, we do not just preach on hot topics because they are hot or in the moment. We do so because we want to be clear on where God stands when all these different voices are saying a broad variety of things. Let me apologize up front for the length of this post, I usually like to keep it short, but for this post it takes time to develop. 

The first thing you have to know is that this is not a black and white situation. I have witnessed time and time again Christians attempting to oversimplify the whole issue because they simply want to have an easy answer to make their worlds complete. Don’t get me wrong though, the Bible is not ambiguous or gray on the subject of homosexuality, it is very clear what the Bible says. This is not what makes the situation gray. The tension that resides here is one of compassion and conviction.

Conviction                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Christians believe that the only way they can ever know who God is, he has to reveal himself to us. All people have an idea of God by seeing the creation around them, but that is not enough. The Bible is the way he has chosen to reveal himself to us. It shows us his character, his faithfulness and his purpose for us. Instead of man just making up a good story about how to please or appease god, like every other religion in the world, the Bible tells of a story how God came to us and the extent he went to redeem the world from the hell-bound path it was on. Without the Bible we would have no clue who God is or what he wants or how he works. No where else has God spoken except through his Word.

Here is the important part…the natural human inclination is to not trust something that goes against what we believe or how we want to live. Even though Scripture very clearly defines homosexuality as a sin, along with a whole bunch of other sins, we want to leave those parts out that might directly relate to my sin.

One of the most depressing and difficult starts to a book comes in Romans. The Apostle Paul outlines the problem that exists in human nature:

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made,so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools ” Romans 1:18-22

Even though God has been clear people have given themselves over to wickedness, they are completely blinded to the reality that their wickedness is hurting them. Their whole way of thinking has become futile, twisted and foolish. The sinners heart leads them in the direction away from God to their own way of doing things. This is not just the homosexual or other sexual sins, this is the way of every sinful heart.

Romans 1:32 sums up this thought when it says, “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.” We as sinners rightfully deserve death and eternal separation from God because of our sin. We could do the right thing and avoid sin, but instead our hearts want to not only reject God but look at sin and call it good.

We can stand on the Word of God because the conviction is clear. But all too often if we just stand on our conviction it does nothing for the sinner. After looking at Jesus and how he dealt with sinners it would be impossible to only stand on our convictions. There must be a balance between Conviction and Compassion.

Compassion                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Throughout the Bible God also calls Christians to love and care for their neighbor. Jesus shows this kind of love when dealing with sinners. Take a look at how Jesus deals with the women caught in adultery in John 8:3-11.

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap,in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Jesus shows us that it is not simply about giving this woman what she deserves. Jesus shows her compassion by standing up for her when no one else was willing to do it. Jesus also shows us something very important…he holds the correct tension between Conviction and Compassion when he tells her “Go now and leave your life of sin.” He showed compassion by not throwing the stone and not standing with the rest of the crowd. But he was not willing to let her slide on this lifestyle. That is the difference between us and Jesus…when it comes to people and hostile situations he does not back down, but stands up for what is right. This woman caught in adultery has been changed by compassion and forgiveness, not by anger, hatred or belittling. We can learn a lot by studying our Savior.

This tension is the struggle. When you go to the extreme of either side you are falling into the trap of sin. When you only condemn it does nothing for the person because they simply stop listening. If you only have compassion the sinner understands that as acceptance. How do you deal rightly in the example of homosexuality? This is issue in the face of people today, so how do we maintain the tension? I don’t claim to know all the answers but I offer a strategy to use when you know of someone who struggles with the sin of homosexuality.

• Focus on the person more than the issue.
• Don’t debate. You can simply state your conviction and then put aside an argumentative spirit and any need to be right. Arguing doesn’t win people’s trust.
• Don’t be a know-it-all. Be a good listener. Learn. Get in their shoes the best you can.
• Focus on spirituality, not sexuality. We all need and desire a relationship with God. We all are in need of forgiveness that comes from God.
• Be kind. “It’s God’s kindness that leads to repentance.” Let people experience the kindness of God through you. Let God take care of convicting their heart, in his timing.
• Be honest. Don’t act like you have it all together. Tell them about your own struggles and uncertainties. That helps others open up.
• Be genuine. Don’t treat anyone like a charity case.
• Study the Gospels. Watch Jesus’ life and how he dealt with people, both the “in crowd” (religious people) and the “out crowd” (sick people, outcasts, etc). Live like he did.

What is your strategy? How do you maintain the tension between Compassion and Conviction? When it becomes a personal issue, someone you know (Family member, friend, neighbor, co-worker) how does this change your perspective? I look forward to hearing from you on this subject.

Thanks for reading and spending time thinking about this subject.

Why the Ascension?

It had been 40 days since Jesus rose from the grave. He has appeared to his disciples and over 500 other people. So, what now? What is the next step on Jesus’ to-do list?  What comes after the redemption of the world line item?

I think we often love to celebrate the resurrection, we love the Pentecost account and hearing about the early church. But there is something that gets skipped over between those parts. In pop theology today we skip over the ascension like it never happened. The truth is that if Jesus rose from the dead and never ascended into heaven, he would still be walking around with us right now. I know that would be nice to have Jesus still walking around with us, but we know that he is not. So we have to look to the Ascension to understand why. Why the Ascension? Why ascend at all? Why not just stay here and hang out with the guys?

Here is the answer- Jesus had to go. I know it sounds weird but Jesus himself says it. Listen to him speak to his disciples, John 14:1-3:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

Jesus still had work to do even if his mission was complete here on earth. He ascended into heaven so that he could begin the work of preparing a place ready for you and me for eternity.  Jesus completed His earthly mission of bringing salvation to all people and physically was lifted up from this world into heaven. The meaning and fullness of Christ’s Resurrection is given in the Ascension. Having completed His mission in this world as the Savior, He returned to the Father in heaven who sent Him into the world.

Even after hearing Jesus explain why he must leave the disciples do not want to see him go. Jesus says that it is actually better for them, and us today, that he goes. Listen to John 16:7:

“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.”

The counselor, the helper, the friend will be sent to us after Jesus is gone. This will be revealed in its fulness at Pentecost (more on that in a couple weeks). This means that we are not alone. Even though Jesus left us, we received a Counselor who will be with us through the joy, pain, celebration, struggle, peace, persecution, etc.

The Ascension is a necessary element and one that shouldn’t be ignored or passed over. We learn that it was not only necessary for Jesus to ascend but it was good that he did. Just remember the next time that life is getting you down and you think there is no hope…you have a Friend in “high places!” The ascended Christ has everything, and I mean everything under control, for your good. Thank God for the Ascension.

Go back and read the Ascension story in Acts 1. After reading the Ascension story again, what stands out to you as you read the text?

I look forward to hearing what you have to say. Have a great day!

A Song for Mama

In yesterday’s post I talked about the many songs that have been written in tribute to mothers. I wanted to share one of those songs with you today from the group Boys II Men. The song is called “A Song for Mama.” Just in case you didn’t hear the lyrics I wanted to show you the first few lines of the lyrics.

You taught me everything
Everything you’ve given me
I’ll always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn’t anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me

If you were to write your mom a song or a piece of poetry dedicated to her, what would you include? Some of you maybe didn’t have a mom around. Was there someone else who filled in for her that you would write a song to? Would the words be any different?

For those of you with moms still around (either close by or around the globe) celebrate them today. If your mom has passed remember her with a prayer and share her story of legacy with someone close to you.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Legacy of Mom

Women can touch lives in a unique way. Mothers touch their own children’s lives, but mothers as well as all women touch lives they may or may not even realize. From their own children to friends of their children, grandchildren, children and youth at church, school, or anywhere. I truly believe that it is the way that God built them. Women have a natural sense of nurture. This is not just mothers but I have known many women who have no children that were naturals at encouraging and nurturing others around them. Male and female alike are moved or impacted by women in their lifetime (mothers, grandmothers, teachers, aunts, etc.) In ways we may never know, Godly women leave their faith as a legacy to others.

I can think of a handful of songs right now that were written by artists dedicated to their mothers. They played such a significant role in their life they felt a song was a way to honor them. On Gloria Dei’s Facebook page we asked people to share their stories of how their moms left a legacy of faith. There were many letters that were written in response to this by men and women. All of these stories will posted on our website for you to check if you are interested (www.gloriadeionline.com). I want to share with you a letter from a man named Bill to his mother that passed away 21 years ago. Listen to how deeply his mother impacted his life of faith, even when she was taken so early.

Dear Mom,

I have been asked to write you a letter to tell others how you helped install faith in my life and the example that you lived. I find this a bit challenging as I haven’t talked to you for over 21 years and the last time we talked you were not exactly happy with the choices your 21-year-old son was making. I know now that those words were spoken out love and concern for me. I am sure you were wondering what path is this boy going to take and did I do my best to raise him in a good home with Christian values.

I know that when Dad and you were divorced when I was in second grade you had a hard time being accepted in the church we attended at the time. I know that you felt forced to make some choices that were not what you thought you would be making at that time in your life. Besides making those choices you seemed to not have the support of the Pastor at our church. On top of that you had ongoing medical issues that would take your life within the next 15 years. With all the challenges in your way you always had a smile and looked out for those who needed help even though we probably were not far from needing help ourselves. You told me that God has plans for you and you may not understand them when challenges or changes happen, but you will understand them later in life and in God’s time. I can say now I know why some challenges happened in my life when I was younger and what God has called me to be. I remember at Grandpa’s funeral when you handed me his flag after it was presented to you, you handed it to me and told me Grandpa would want you to have it, you are now the man of the family. I finally figured out what it means to be the man of the family. Thank you Mom for instilling those values and lessons in my life before you passed.

Happy Mothers Day!

Love,

Bill

Bill’s mother played a huge part in his growth as a man and as a Christian today. She may not have been able to see it as she was living, but she made a big impact with her actions and words. Women everywhere have been able to pass along the same kind of influence to their children and children they came in contact with.

This by no means is an easy job. Many women, I am sure, have felt unworthy, overwhelmed and unqualified at some point along the way. Mothers/women can’t leave a legacy of faith on their own, but through God they are able to walk in faith where God leads…touching lives in ways that may or may not be known to anyone but God.

If you were to write a letter to your mom, what would you share with her as she played a role in your life?

What is the legacy that you are leaving, either to your children or the children you come in contact with?

Please share with us your experiences as we spend the weekend honoring all moms and motherly figures.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Battle Rages On

I don’t know if this happens to you but, there are moments in time that certain songs stick in my head and will not stop playing. I have had a song stuck in my head for the last couple of weeks that I couldn’t shake. Now I know why.

God has a funny way of communicating because it wasn’t until this morning I drew the connection between the song and the theme of struggle with good and evil that we have been talking about in our most recent sermon series; My Chains Are Gone.

Yesterday I wrote a post about the struggle that we all have with the sinful nature that continues to be a part of who we are. It is a struggle that can lead to great despair if not understood in the framework of God’s Grace. Read the post “Sin Sucks!” to get a better picture of what I am talking about.

So here is the song that I am talking about. It is by an artist named Chris August, off his 2010 album “No Far Away.” The song is called Battle- Part II. I will put the Spotify link and the YouTube version. Let me know which one works better for you.

“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37

Chris August – Battle – Part II

 

 

 

SIN SUCKS!

We are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice paid the price of our atonement. We were bought back from sin and the power of the devil. This has all been done for us and it was nothing that we deserved. It is easy to talk about the freedom that we have from sin and death; we celebrate it every Sunday. The problem that exists is that we still have sin that likes to hang around with us still. It would be nice to believe that we confess our sin once, receive forgiveness, and then we are clean, free, without sin forever and we can be perfect today until the day Jesus returns. The fact of the matter is that we struggle with sin still today. We are never at a place where we are free from our Savior.

Listen to the frustration in the Apostle Paul’s words in Romans 7:14-16 (MSG)

“I can anticipate the response that is coming: “I know that all God’s commands are spiritual, but I’m not. Isn’t this also your experience?” Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.”

I just have to say it because it is the way I feel. SIN SUCKS! Yes, I wrote it in all caps and bold because whether it is my sin or the sins of others, it causes hurt, pain and more brokenness in our world. Almost everyday I see the disaster that is left after sinful acts are carried out. My heart grows tired and weary of the constant sight of it. This can easily lead me or others to despair.

We still live this side of heaven and will continue to struggle with our sinful nature. The sinful nature that leads me to do the things “I absolutely despise.” What then shall we do with this mess? This could lead all people to either be utterly lost in hopelessness or grow apathetic to sin and the sinful nature. Paul also gets to this point in 7:24,

“I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question?”

Is that the question you are asking at this point? We can come to our wits end and find that we have no power over any of this stuff in our life. Honestly we don’t have the strength to carry this out alone. Maybe we need to hear how Paul resolves this issue. Romans 7:25,

“The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.”

Perhaps we all need to be reminded that we are not alone in our struggle and that we should not give up. The ultimate victory is still ours in Christ. At our very nature we must constantly rely on our Savior. He alone has the strength and power over sin and the devil. It is a life devoted to the Savior, not just one moment, but a whole life lived relying on Jesus.

How have you dealt with this struggle to do what is right but being drawn to sin?

How can we be resistant of temptation? How can we consistently strive to do the right thing?

Look forward to hearing from you. Have a great day!

I’m Free at last…but still a slave?

For the last two weeks we have been talking about Freedom; freedom from yourself and freedom from sin. I love the idea of being free, there is nothing better than doing things on your own terms. But, have we taken our freedom in a completely different direction than what was intended? Have we been set free only to return to enslavement?

We continue our exploration of Romans chapter 6 to find out that our Freedom is not freedom from law or a freedom to do whatever we please. The Apostle Paul expresses this as the opposite of freedom. He talks about two different types of Slavery. There is the slavery of sin, which leads to death, and the slavery of righteousness, which leads to eternal life.

I don’t know about you but I am not thrilled that freedom doesn’t mean freedom to do whatever I want. Plus, I don’t like the pictures and images that come to mind when I think of slavery. When the master treats me as less than human, beats me and uses torture tactics to make sure I work hard and do whatever it is that pleases them. I do not want this life for me or my family. Is this the kind of slavery Paul is talking about? If so, count me out!

Paul breaks it down for us when he basically says that all people will be slaves to something, what will you be a slave to? Have we gone from one slave master to another? No way! Paul wants the reader or hearer of Romans to understand the differences between being a slave to sin and being a slave to Christ. The two are completely different outcomes, let me show you.

Being a slave to sin means that freedom has gone away for good. I like how Romans 6:15-18 reads in the Message translation. “You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called freedom that destroy freedom. Offer yourselves to sin, for instance, and its your last free act.” Being a slave to sin is having tunnel vision for the things that will benefit you. Seeking out pleasure because it benefits you. Living for the world and all of its toys. This life breeds more selfishness, greed, and Paul says eventually death. It is doing the same thing over and over again, like spinning your wheels, but never going anywhere. Do you know people around you that are spinning their wheels in life and not going anywhere? Dedicating their life to their profession, living life for all it’s pleasure, living up life with one goal in mind; getting more.

The second type of slavery is to righteousness. Christ Jesus bought us at a price. The price was not with some precious stone or large currency or piece of real estate. We were bought by his blood and it wasn’t cheap, it meant his death. As he bought us we belong to him. He says in Matthew 11:30, “My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Jesus declares he is a different type of master. Paul confirms it when he says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.”

As slaves to God we follow in the ways he would have us go. We look to Jesus as our master and find that just as he came to serve, we too are free to serve one another. Our freedom is slavery, I know it sounds like an oxymoron, but one that we can feel comfortable about. It is a freedom to not indulge the sinful behavior, but serve one another in love.

If we are truly slaves to Jesus Christ, what does that mean to our daily lives?

Let me know what you think.

Have a great day!

Baggage can be heavy

As I was writing the post yesterday talking about baggage, I thought of this song and wanted to share it with you and see what you thought. I have attached it in two different avenues: Rdio, Spotify and Youtube.

Trying to figure out how to do this better. If you have suggestions or preferences please let me know.

Suitcases

Dara Maclean – Suitcases

 

Let me know what you think.

I’m Guilty and Guilt-Free

Christians live in an interesting paradox; a situation that defies logic or reasoning. After the resurrection at Easter we know the sacrifice was complete and we celebrate because the victory belongs to us. Jesus died with our sins on his back. We were guilty and deserved punishment and yet the punishment didn’t fall on us it fell on him. So we are forgiven in Christ and we have the advantage of a new life. The problem is that we are still a sinful people. We strive to do our best but fall short time and again. This vicious cycle of sinner and saint is one that we struggle with daily.

This vicious cycle if never understood or learned to live in, can lead us to the place where we start to hang on to our sin, and we drown in guilt, shame and remorse. Christ has set us free from sin, guilt, remorse and shame but we return to it time and again and allow it to hold us down as prisoners.

We are guilty people but through Christ we are made guilt-free, or least we are supposed to be (I hope that doesn’t make you feel guilty). Christ died so that we could be set free from all the baggage that weighs us down. It is almost as if we like to hold on to the baggage because we believe we can handle the weight. You might be doing this right now, and doing a pretty good job, feeling like it is all under control. Let me tell you one thing, it is not under control. If you have baggage that you are holding on to, it is like saying Jesus resurrection was good but not good enough. If Christ can raise from dead, can’t he also free you from past mistakes, hurts and sins? The power of the resurrection means that we don’t have to hold on to it anymore, so why continue to be weighed down by all that old stuff. You are free from sin and free to live the new life in Christ.

If you identify that you are holding on to past mistakes or regrets, I want you to take a moment (Please don’t wait any longer) to either talk to a trusted friend and share your feelings or take a moment in prayer and talk to God about the way you feel. The good thing about talking to a trusted Christian is that you can audibly hear the words of forgiveness proclaimed once again. But if no one is around and you are talking to God, then trust in His Word that says, “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.” Trust in that message today and be free from sin!

A couple of questions for you this week:

1. What images come to mind when you think or hear the word slavery?

2. Read John 8:34. Are you a slave? How does it make you feel?

3. Read Romans 6:6. Are you still a slave?

4. So if we are free in Christ and we have been freed by sin, why do we allow guilt and shame to take control?

Let me know what you think. Have a great week!

Life is So Much Easier in the Stands

In the last couple of weeks we have observed: the Triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey; Jesus offering bread and a cup to his twelve disciples at the Passover meal; the intense struggle at the garden of Gethsemane; Jesus arrested, mock trial, beating and crucifixion. This past Sunday we triumphantly celebrated that Jesus was not dead but he is alive just as he said he would be. We sat back and observed all of this from a distance. Up until this point we are not necessarily invited into the story. But…

Your number has been called. It is time to get into the game. Paul writes in Romans 6:4

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

We are no longer just passive observers of the events. Paul is clear, God has now included us into his story.

Think about this from the perspective of playing sports. Playing the game is a lot more fulfilling than watching others play. To be honest with you it is easier to sit back and watch the game and be excited about the game than to actually be called in to play. There is a great piece from a book called “Not a Fan” by Kyle Idleman, that will illustrate this point.

“It’s the guy who goes to the football game with no shirt and a painted chest. He sits in the stands and cheers for his team. He’s got a signed jersey hanging on his wall at home and multiple bumper stickers on the back of his car. But he’s never in the game. He never breaks a sweat or takes a hard hit in the open field. He knows all about the players and can rattle off their latest stats, but he doesn’t know the players. He yells and cheers, but nothing is really required of him. There is no sacrifice he has to make. And the truth is, as excited as he seems, if the team he’s cheering for starts to let him down and has a few off seasons, his passion will wane pretty quickly. After several losing seasons you can expect him to jump off the fan wagon and begin cheering for some other team. He is an enthusiastic admirer.

And I think Jesus has a lot of fans (or enthusiastic admirers) these days. Fans who cheer for him when things are going well, but who walk away when it’s a difficult season. Fans who sit safely in the stands cheering, but they know nothing of the sacrifice and pain of the field. Fans of Jesus who know all about him, but they don’t know him.” (“Not a Fan” Kyle Idleman, Zondervan, 2011, pages 24-25)

Maybe you have been an enthusiastic admirer your whole life. Have you been up in the stands cheering on the team, but not wanting to be called in? I will be honest with you, life is easier in the stands. You will never get hurt, you will never mess up, and you don’t have to worry about anyone watching you or judging you. But life in the stands will never lead to fulfillment.

Listen to Paul once again, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” (Romans 6:5 ESV)

Our name has been called, its time to get out of the stands and into the game. Once in the game you are no longer safe, you will get dirty, you will get hurt, you will be judged and scrutinized by people. But, you will learn of Jesus’ love, sacrifice, pain and promise to never leave you nor forsake you. You will never stand alone when Jesus is by your side. So get in the game!

A couple of questions for you to ask today:

1. Explain the difference between playing a sport and watching it being played? Would you rather be a spectator or a participant? Why?

2. What does Romans 6:4 say in regards to our status on “team Jesus”? What significance does this hold for you? Would you rather be a spectator or participant on this team?

Look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful day!