Why did God create us? What was His intent; His plan for us? Simple but fundamental questions we need to ask and answer. When we look around at the sorry mess the world is in, we might be tempted to think HIs Plan is in shambles. If we include all those groups who "self-identify" Christian, there is only about 33% of the world that is Christian, nearly 2,000 years after Christ’s death. According to most studies, roughly 76% of Americans call themselves Christian. In a 2009 survey, Gallup Poll reports that, "Three in four Americans (77%) say Christianity is their religious preference -- down from 91% in 1948." Most would agree that the minimal indication of being a Christian is attending church services. Yet, in a recent 2008 survey, only "42% of Americans say they attend church, synagogue, or mosque weekly or almost weekly according to this same organization (emphasis added.) If we take into consideration attitudes toward the Bible, 54% of those who attend church weekly believe that it is the actual Word of God to be taken literally while, over all, 11% of all U.S. Protestants feel that it is ancient fables, history or legends recorded by man. This latest figure varies considerably by age. 20% of those Christians in the 18-29 age-group believe it is fables, history or legends. And, this is America; a country that used to pride itself in its Christian heritage. Maybe therein lies the truth – Christianity is our "heritage; our tradition; our custom, but not what we have become, not what we are today.

Historically, if we look at the sorry mess the Israeli people got themselves into almost from day one, we see that there’s nothing new about the mess people are in. Basically, disobedience haunted the Israelis from the time they departed Egypt, but it seemed to reach its climax in the events recorded in Judges. Repeatedly, the reader is told, In those days Israel had no king. While, indeed, there was no human king such as a Saul or David, the phrase also speaks to the fact that these "chosen people" had also forsaken God as their Judge and King. When Samuel was getting old, the elders of Israel asked him to appoint a king over them. He refused but God told him to do as they requested because , they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them. The prophet Isaiah proclaimed, For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. He, and only He, was to be their King. The 120 year combined record of Israel’s 3 kings and the disastrous aftermath of their reign shows just how flawed their judgment was and the consequences of defiance. By 135A.D. Roman Emperor Hadrian had renamed Jerusalem Aelia Capitolina, built a pagan temple in honor of himself and the god Jupiter, over the site of the Second Temple, prohibited Jews from entering the rededicated capital and changed the name of Israel to Palestine.

But why start there? Just a glimpse into the Garden of Eden shows strong indications that His plan was in trouble from the very start of the human race. After all, the disobedience of Adam and Eve started it all. They had everything, an idyllic existence. That wasn’t enough; they wanted more – that which was forbidden. And, when, where, did the first family strife, divisiveness, murder take place? Actually, we could go back to the fall of Satan where all disobedience began. Believe it or not, it was all down-hill from there. Isn’t this, as some suggest, ample evidence of the failure of God’s Plan? We could go back to the Garden and use that the first human inhabitants succumbing to the wiles of the serpent as proof without even considering the complete debacle of the "chosen people" before and after the episode with the kings.

We can look at this historical and continuing picture of disobedience and conclude that God is fallible, that His so-called plan has been full of holes from the very beginning? But, how could this be so? Did Adam and Eve’s disobedience, that of the Chosen People and our own take God by surprise requiring one adjustment after another? First the heavenly Garden crumbled, the Chosen People fell off the wagon and Christianity has apparently fallen flat on its face. We’re in a conundrum, either God knew all of this was going to happen or He isn’t a god worth our bother. Assuredly, He knows. It was not His intent that we should suffer and do abominations. He wants us to live in Eden-like serenity founded upon our willing submitting to Him. God is not defeated. His plan has not failed. It is right on schedule. People have been, are and will continue to be disobedient. That’s a given. Our obedience will not come in this life-time; for some, not at all. We are living for the tomorrow of eternity, not for today. We are living to worship Him and give Him the glory. A remnant of Adam’s seed knows and will know who is worthy to open the book. It is they who will fall down before Him, worship Him and cast their crowns before Him. It isn’t us; our salvation, it’s Him; His glory.
 

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren
that are in the world. 1 Peter 5:9
 

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Few would disagree that as the "church" has evolved over these many centuries it has developed many, many, flaws both in doctrine and practice. Many contend that it is gravely blemished to the point that it is irrelevant. These people, the "Emergent’s" (sometimes called "post-evangelists" or "postmodern") point out that its influence on the lives of Christians and nations has diminished to the point of virtual insignificance because it is so seriously flawed. One such author observed that the church has become little more that a "provider of religious goods and services" rather than a "vibrant community of worshippers." Increasingly, size has taken on the aura of success. Speaking critically of today’s marketing mentality so prevalent among mega- and mini-churches alike; one "Emergent" put it this way,

He’s right that is the current "church" mentality. And, he’s right in saying, "We had made pastors into managers and programmers and party planners." See if the following quote doesn’t sound familiar,

Interestingly two of his three "churches" meet in beer halls. Another "Emergent" writes, "We are called to be communities that are cauldrons of theological imagination, not ‘authorized re-staters’ of past ideas." But this is getting us into the matter of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Is the Bible such a "past idea?"

Before we get there, let’s examine what positives the "historical church" has going for it. Sociologists tell us that Judaism survived after their nation was destroyed around 530 Ad and they were dispersed throughout the world because they were not readily assimilated into their host country’s culture – in short because of the ghettos. That’ not to overlook the role of the synagogue invented after the great dispersion and the destruction of the one true Temple at Jerusalem. In many institutions created Roman Catholicism performed the same duties for Christianity as did the synagogues. The changes produced by the Reformation were superficial, retaining much of what Roman Catholicism had fashioned. Notable among these are the canons of Scripture, the doctrine of Scriptural inerrancy. We must also recognize the role a professionalized priesthood, accompanied by its certification requirements, served in preserving the essence of Christianity. Nor can the role of carefully crafted creeds and doctrines in preserving its integrity be overlooked.

Roman Catholicism also started what must be called "stylized/liturgical worship and instigated the very concept of "church" that soon became mausoleum-like cathedrals as a sanctuary structure separating what are called "services" from life, leaving our daily lives virtually unchanged by experience. Once out of "church" we shake the dust from our sandals and go on our way virtually unchanged. The Reformation has done nothing to change this. Yet, it is these things that are "double-edged sword" for Christianity, preserving it while stagnating and making it irrelevant on the other. What is needed is a compromise that preserves the essentials of the Christian faith while eliminating the current marketing mentality and the me-centered (I’ve got a deal for you) passivity of contemporary services.

This can be done. This must be done. This will be done. (1) When science and other forms of secularism conflict with Scripture, Christians have enough faith in an Almighty God to counter them. We must teach a faith sufficiently strong to embrace Biblical inerrancy – that it is the inexhaustible Truth. (2) When the purpose of our teaching and learning is to "grow disciples" capable of assuming teaching responsibilities and managing the "church" – to become a royal priesthood. (3) When by our words and actions we show that we regard other Christians as truly brothers and sisters in the family of God. (4) When our gatherings are a time of praise and worship of Him as well as studying His Word. (5) When we understand that the focus of Christian living and prayers are "Him" centered rather than "I" or even "we" centered. (6)When we know that what we ask, we will receive because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing to him. (7) When we learn that true evangelism is through the examples we set by first loving our brothers and sisters in Christ – "they will know we are Christians by our love" for one another. Jesus said,

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another John 13:35


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Like so much of Scripture, we can engage in endless debate about exactly what the author(s) of Judges meant by the part of the above quote that says "there was no king in Israel." Here, the Hebrew word for "king" is melek that has a number of meanings including a supreme governor, judge or magistrate. There is no debate, however, that during this time in the history of ancient Israel there was no established central government and even tribal alliances were ineffective. Nor can there be any disagreement that during this time, everyone did pretty much as they pleased. This is attested to by the account of Micah who set up his own temple complete with an idol made from the silver he stole from his mother. He went so far as to install one of his sons as his very own priest to conduct sacrifices and impersonate God’s purposes and decrees. He had his own house of Worship, his own priest bought and paid for and under his control whom he could direct as he pleased. Later on, Micah met his fate and paid the price for his blasphemies but, for the time being he appeared to be eating high on the hog. An intriguing part of this passage is how people responded without a higher authority to tell them how to behave; they did as they pleased. It doesn’t take much study of accounts of human action, sacred or secular, to discover how very little things have changed in the course of thousands of years of history. The record of ancient Israel from the time they left Egypt until their total annihilation is an abomination. If they weren’t complaining, murmuring or grumbling, Six times in the Book of Judges alone it is written that the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. The only good thing to come out of their entire history was Jesus the Christ which, perhaps, redeemed the entire sorry lot.

What happened to a people, a nation that started out with so much promise? In Exodus God told them they were His treasured possession and a holy nation. In Deuteronomy, we find the Israelites called an holy people, a chosen people that were above all people, a special people, His people and other such phrases indicating their very special status throughout the OT. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before this "holy people" corrupted themselves, "turned aside" and started worshipping a "molten (golden) calf." Actually, if you will recall, it came about because Moses was late coming down from Mount Sinai – delayed by God who was giving him the Ten Commandments. And who was the culprit in charge of this fiasco? He was none other than Aaron, Moses’ brother from the tribe of Levi and the first high priest. Moses’ pleadings saved the day for them, but not for long. It is written that the LORD repented of the evil which he thought to do unto his people. There’s one for the record books. Not long after that a campaign started to have a king like the other nations around them. Finally, God washed His hands of the whole mess and they got their wish: Saul was the first of three kings who ruled for a total of 120 years. After the civil war that took place during the reign of Rehoboam: Son of Solomon, 19 kings ruled Israel (North), 19 kings and one queen (Athaliah or Athalie) ruled Judah (South). All of the kings in the North were counted as bad and thirteen of the twenty who ruled the South were also bad. The two kingdoms survived separately for two hundred years. Israel was conquered by Syria in 722B.C and Judah was destroyed in 586 B.C. by the Babylonians.

What happened to Israel is that they rejected God and set up not only their own government but their own religion(s). King Jeroboam established religious shrines at Dan and Bethel. Baalism gained ground during King Ahab’s reign. First and Second Kings presents the unsavory story of a people without a rudder. We shouldn’t be too smug when we consider the demise of Israel – its fall from grace – because we are in precisely the same position. Religiously we are in a position in which every man does that which is right in his own eyes. For example this quote from one theologian, "We should stop looking for some objective Truth that is available when we delve into the text of the Bible." Or this one from another, "It is possible for someone who does not know Jesus to be saved." Then there’s this, "We must be continually aware that the ‘old, old story’ may not be the ‘true, true story’" and "We make demands of the Biblical writers that we don’t make of any other writers, and I’m not sure our demands are sensible or fair at all. As an analogy, I often refer to the Wizard of Oz in my teaching. Does this mean that I believe Dorothy was a historical figure?" It seems "new Christians" must become "open-minded" to everything but the certainty of God's Word and promises. "Certainty is overrated," declares one of the new breed of Christians, "It simply doesn't fit the envisioned utopia." If you don’t know these people, it would be well for you to get to know them – rudderless as they are.

The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations,
and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished. 2 Peter 2:9

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The Dysfunctional Family of God

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35
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Church dysfunction is the result of conditions where relationships among church members are not conducive to one’s spiritual health. A dysfunctional church may be theoretically on the right course, but for the main part does not function the way it should. One of the major causes of dysfunction is conditional love as well as unscriptural or unbalanced preaching and teaching. In addition, the absence of spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23) as well as the "We Care" Syndrome" while claiming to care, when given opportunity to assist dysfunctional church members, have other "priorities and needs" causing those needs to go unmet. Also into the mix of dysfunction is "power posturing leaders," "misplaced loyalty" to the church or its leaders, being secretive. (People don't hide what is proper; they hide what is improper.) abusive leaders who say one thing and do another. They strive to keep up appearances seeking honorific titles and special privileges that elevate them above the group, promoting a class system with themselves at the top, favoritism and "in-groups." Finally there is "information control" preventing members from making sound decisions affecting the entire church.

There is a Biblical model for a "functional church." In many ways the foundation for that model is the verse of Scripture quoted above from the Book of John – love one another. For all the 115 times the word "church" is used in the New Testament, there is no better meaning than this. It is best illustrated by Acts 2:44, And all that believed were together and had all things common. This passage is usually rejected because it seems to smack of communism (heaven forbid) which is reasonable considering our materialistic mind-set. But, the idea that they shared their material possessions needn’t be the only things they had in common. It can also be taken that these first century Christians believers were of one mind. They agreed on doctrine, the tenets of their faith; on such matters, they were of one heart and soul. They were such a close-knit family that they also shared their material possessions as well (Acts 4:35-35). Notice what happens; And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved (Acts 2:47) These Christians praising their God and their loving behavior toward one another, their fellowship, attracted non-believers into the church.

That is what is meant when we say, "reaching out to non-believers is a by-product of the "church." It is not its principle function, praising the Lord is, nor is it the result of well intended missional programs. There is one way to do missions that is Scripturally sound – loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. Anything else is symptomatic of being dysfunctional. The acid test of a "functional church is"that "the true work of grace is begun upon [our] hearts." At least, that’s what is said in 1 John 2:5 and 1 John 2:10. To emphasize the point, he also writes, whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother and If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar. Jesus was/is giving His disciples (the first Christians) this commandment as a "badge of discipleship" on the eve of His departure.

So when Hirsch of the Emerging Church describes his "Incarnational Ecclesiology" as churches being missional by "adapting Christian doctrine (ecclesiology) to the customs (contextualizing) of unreached sub-cultures," he is on totally un-Biblical, dangerous, dysfunctional, grounds. Likewise, those who espouse "emerging missionology," using proximity spaces, "where Christians and not-yet-Christians can interact meaningfully with each other, such as, pubs [commonly known as "bars"] and cafes" are, on thin ice.

In contrast "seeker churches" draw people into established churches by deception. Then, by catering to such interests as Taco Tuesday, Baked Potato Wednesday, Fitness Well-Being, complete with a Refinery, (Why would they call it that?) they will become members. It’s a blatant use Fifth Avenue marketing to lure the unsuspecting into its clutches. Unfortunately, that results in watering down "sermons" to about the 1% milk level or, in many instance into what is called the "social gospel," the grand-daddy of which is Rick Warren’s P.E.A.C.E Plan 70% of which deals ameliorating poverty, disease and ignorance. Then, there is Joel Osteen Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Paula White, Kenneth Copeland and T.D. Jakes, taking church dysfunction to new level by making lust, power and greed their forte. They’ve done killed the horse and wrecked the cart.

In all of this time, no church, none, at least in recent centuries, has tried the Biblical model of a community of caring, loving brothers and sisters in Christ. Instead, what we see in the church today is a dysfunctional family that increasingly no one wants to be a part of and no one admires. We can find multiplicities of dysfunctional churches ranging in size from the smallest to the largest of the mega-churches.

Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, John 8:44a

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A slippery slope is the fallacious belief that a relatively small first step in the direction of this or that will have no lingering or significant consequence. Instead, "small first steps" inevitably start a chain of events causing us to slide all the way to the bottom of a chasm hitting with substantial impact. "The camel’s nose in the tent" (as this argument is sometimes called) begins with a seemingly innocuous or even palatable suggestion. So we start with the idea that we can attract those into our services who are unchurched. Some refer to this as "Promoting Traditional Religion in a Nontraditional Way." The logic is to "focus on customer-sensitivity and innovation in church programming rather than on specific denominational concerns of traditional Protestant churches." The first step is to not advocate a denominational orientation but rather provides a methodology, rooted in marketing, to attract seekers." A second step, is holding a one-hour professionally produced service for those persons, "seekers," who do not belong to the church and who do not even profess to be Christians. Entry into the church is made easy for seekers because they are allowed to attend in anonymity. Once we have them in church, we follow up by providing "a wide variety of activities intended to meet (their) diverse needs." And if success is measured by attendance figures, these tactics (polished music, multimedia, and sermons referencing popular culture) are at the top of the list.

But, this is only the "thin edge of the wedge" and just the beginning. If we look more closely, we find the "wide variety of activities" includes the likes of "baptism, counseling, free food, hockey, marriage, support, tithe, surfing, weight loss" that are also major topics for sermon series. Such as these barely qualify as "baby food for a grade-school Christian" What is missing from such "activities" and sermons alike is anything to do with the Cross, sin, Hell, surrender, repentance, servitude, sacrificial living, the Truth and the like. It appears that the Scriptures take a back seat to pleasing everyone and making them "comfortable Christians." The series of events have just begun, it going to get better. A classic illustration of the impact of "churches" being "seeker sensitive" is the decline in "speaking on tongues within the Assemblies of God. Noel Roberts, the pastor of Bethel Temple Assembly of God in Jacksonville Fl. said, "It's not being preached enough. People trying to reach the masses and not offend is probably the biggest reason. They're afraid of offending a new person." James K. A. Smith, professor of philosophy at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a credentialed member of the AG clearly states the decline is due to, "the evangelicalization of the Assemblies of God." Continuing, he said, "In seeker services, you're supposed to remove what's scandalous about Christian worship. The last thing you need is people doing crazy things like speaking in tongues."

Most "seeker churches," like the AG still give lip service to their basic beliefs even if they don’t openly practice them. However, there are those just off-stage who do not have such inclinations. To the contrary, they see traditions as restraints to their evangelical/missional passions just as they see the idea of absolute Truth an abomination and as one proponent stated, "intolerance is perhaps the main 'defeater' of the gospel." The intolerance is our belief that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Light. Furthermore, they no longer regard the Bible as the Word of God. It is personal experience that define and interprets what truth actually is rendering the saving faith in Jesus Christ meaningless. Instead we collectively "dialogue" to decide what we’re going to believe. That’s pretty far down the slope; the camel is half way in the tent. One among many of this so-called "emerging church movement, Rob Bell, believes the Bible is a "human product … rather than the product of divine fiat." (Velvet Elvis) In one of his more memorable quips, Brian McLaren says the Bible is not "a look-it-up encyclopedia of moral truths." He also calls Hell and the Cross "False Advertising for God." At this point the "church" is rejecting it’s very reason to exist

Finally is that sudden and abrupt stop at the bottom of the slope, what McLaren describes as "an attempt to remarry two things that never should have been divorced — truth and love, orthodoxy and orthopraxy, doctrine and ethics/mission" (orthopraxy in simple terms is "correct action") Expanding on the theme, Tim Keller describes 'missional' [as] adapting and reformulating absolutely everything it did in worship, discipleship, community, and service--so as to be engaged with the non-Christian society. Once we identify the major purpose of the "church" as "missional," the whole game is up for grabs. It isn’t for kindred fellowship anymore; it isn’t for worship and praise anymore; it isn’t for sanctification anymore, it’s a recruitment tool made up of a set of ethical activities, fashionable cultural creeds and social action in which anyone of any faith or orientation can comfortably participate. Bing, bang, boom, heresy is in, Christianity is out.
 

Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness:
they shall be driven on, and fall therein: Jeremiah 23:12a

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This title was from a 1950-55 play written by Jerome Lawrence and (interestingly enough) Robert E. Lee. It is a fictionalized account of the so called, 1925 "Scopes Monkey Trial" in which a Tennessee school teacher was convicted of teaching the Theory of Evolution. According to reviews, it was "a response to the anti-intellectualism that existed in 1950’s." Times have changed. Today, Scopes, the teacher on trial, would be behind the curve. In passing, it might be noted the phrase is also found in Scripture; Proverbs 11:29. In this usage, "wind" can mean a "vain and empty thing." That’s how it is used here.

About the passage from Proverbs, the Geneva Study Bible states, "The covetous men who spare their riches to the hinderance of their families, will be deprived of it miserably. For though the wicked are rich, yet they are only slaves to the godly, who are the true possessors of the gifts of God." It’s the story of the Prodigal (wasteful) Son as John Wesley notes, "He who brings trouble upon himself and children, either by prodigality, or by restless endeavours to heap up riches. Wind - Shall be as unable to keep what he gets as a man is to hold the wind in his hand." Today we bask in the profane and laud human creativity and so-called intellectualism to the point of supplanting the God of the universe. Like ancient Israel, we have raised up a false god to represent our fanciful vision of our worth. His name is as old as time, Baal, whom the ancients thought brought them wealth and abundance.

At one point, the ruler over the rubble that once was Israel set up a statue of Baal and started having worship services to him in the Temple of Jerusalem. Today, in so many "churches" we have done the same thing. In one "temple" the preacher noted this in his sermon, "The major difference between average people and achieving people is their perspective of and response to failure." Should achievement be the focus of a Christian sermon? Another preacher in a sermon titled, "Living a Blessed Life," covers such topics as: "not allowing critical voices to steal your dreams," "finding your place of blessing," and "making miracles out of mistakes." And, in another sermon he proclaims, "God wants you to be satisfied. He wants you to be content." Further, he declares, "Begin today to receive every perfect gift that God has for your life. When you do, you’ll begin living the life of abundance and joy that He has in store just for you." And, again he states, "Start seeing yourself as the successful, healthy, prosperous person that God sees." Or "God knows where the money is, and he knows how to get the money to you."

These are only a few of the tsunami of voices ticking the ears of the unsuspecting (some would say undiscerning) who, because they are in a "Christian church," think they’re hearing the Word of God. Their "theology" is referred to as "Prosperity Christianity" or "Word Faith." Others simply label it "spiritual pick pocketing" because of the frequent use of statements similar to this by one famous husband and wife team, "giving to our ministry will increase your own wealth" and this from a well-known leadership expert/speaker/author, "I want to talk to you this month on the theme of stewardship, which truly is the missing piece to successful living." Don’t’ be surprised if they sound familiar, they’re favorite pulpit themes.

And the message is getting through, a Time Magazine poll shows 61% of Christians believe God wants them to prosper. And 31% believe "if you give your money to God, God will bless you with more money." Nevertheless, just for the sake of argument, let’s say these so-called "prosperity preachers" are right and, as the children of God, we have a right to the riches of this world. First of all, don’t we have to ask what have we gained – fortunes like Bernie Madoff? We may own a $3.6 million jet or a $6 million lakefront mansion or both – throw in a Lamborghini or two. What if we gain the whole world, how well off are we? And, why is it that the Bible casts "worldly" things as profane and godless or tells us that the worldly person doesn’t accept the things of the Spirit of God. Is there nothing to be learned from the temptation of Jesus or when He rhetorically asked, what does a person profit if he, gains the whole world? What about that passage saying those who love this life will lose it? Doesn’t He reject this world? Where does He, Jesus, tell us our wealth should be? On the other hand, we have Joyce Meyer and her $8 million a month "ministry" saying, "Who would want to get in on something where you're miserable, poor, broke and ugly and you just have to muddle through until you get to heaven?" Someone is lying? Who are we going to believe, Joyce Meyer, John Maxwell, Joel Osteen or Jesus? Just one final note: Jesus said Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! So much for this world.

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk:
the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. Hosea 8:7

 

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And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42
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The question that must be addressed in this increasingly "politically correct" society in which we live is how much should Christianity be modified in order to accommodate all the various special interest groups? It isn’t just "multi-generational" but "gender" issues, sexuality and numerous others. John Ortberg recently wrote an article with a similar title on the subject in which he stated, "In past centuries, because culture changed more slowly, when people entered the church, they entered church culture. …Today, church life has largely been contextualized to reach people in popular culture." Addressing the matter of generational differences, he wrote, "It's up to the older generation to figure out how to hand the faith to the younger generation." Who would disagree with this or that it’s up to contemporary Christians to figure out how to reach other segments of our multi-faceted "popular culture?" There’s really nothing new about this character of our society. We are, as we have been, a "melting pot" full of racial, ethnic and religious differences. The 52 year-old Ortberg thinks the technology gap between his "generation," or perhaps those slightly older, and the so-called X-generation has produced a "canyon" rather than a gap between generations. He needs to review some contemporary history rather than drawing contrasts between Biblical times and now. The pace of technological change is an ever increasing crescendo. What is obviously different in our diverse culture is the new expectation that traditional norms and values should be made to conform to the standards of those minorities living among us.

There is no question that the church needs to change, not by morphing itself into something new to accommodate this or that interest group, but by returning to what it once was – a place where Christians gathered to study His Word, fellowship, worship, and pray together. That retrogression would take us back hundreds, thousands of years, to the beginning of the "church." The church before it "went to Greece and became a philosophy …to Rome where it became an institution," and to "America where it became an enterprise." It would be a "return to a former and less complex level of development or organization" as "retrogression" implies. Those who observed the funeral mass for Senator Kennedy got an excellent glimpse of the excessive of organizational structure the "church" has evolved into. Dr. John Mackay, an interesting character from the pages of Living Out the Book of Acts, former President of Princeton Seminary, reportedly said on every occasion in which he spoke, "let the church be the Church" meaning it can be like no other institution. The author, Bruce Larson, wrote, "The church must not be shaped by society or any other force, but by the Lord of the church Himself" (p. 49.) Amen. We challenge the "church" to come back to its roots," as Dr. Richard Halverson said, "… a fellowship of men and women centering on the living Christ (p. 50)." Amen and Amen. Bruce points out that "we have a Scriptural formula for what the church is meant to be" – Acts 2:42.

Most of all, church is a place where we put self aside and focus on Him, Jesus the Christ. It used to be called "sanctuary," a refuge from worldly cares, a safe haven from egotistical arrogance and pride. Instead of it being a place of refuge and protection from such miseries, those concerns have become its focus. As Larson indicated, in America it has become an enterprise where wealth and power speak and special interest groups vie for attention. Just because conceit, vanity and arrogance are the maxims for society is no reason for the church to reward such. To the contrary, it should be a bastion against such. Instead, as Ortberg points out, "the question of control is never more than about a micron below the surface…underneath the issues of food, or dress, or style, often lies the deeper issue of control." In plain English, what he is saying is these issues are simply power struggles. Or, in his words, it’s a question of, "Who gets to call the shots around here?"

Then there’s the issue of size. What is the advantage of a "church" with an audience numbering in the 1,000’s to 10s of thousands; in one particular case, 50,000? Answer – egotism plain and simple. Imagine standing before an audience of 30, 40 or 50 thousand with all eyes fixed on you – such a rush. Just imagine the thrill of being the focal point of your own television program – stardom! And to be called, Father or pastor by your very own "flock" – my, my, the thrill of it all! And people making donations for their ministry. You might be tempted to assign seating according to the level of one’s giving or provide reserved seating like the "big-hitters." Yes, the church need to change, drastically but not by catering to worldly values. It was ordained to serve as the leader in society and culture, the one to shape beliefs and values, not to be a follower led by the nose by immoral and godless ambitions. It needs to return to its calling as the bride of Christ not as a harlot.

And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
Revelation 18:23
 

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Nelson’s Bible Dictionary says that glory is "God’s moral beauty and perfection of character. This divine quality is beyond man’s understanding." Seraphims proclaimed to one another, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory, of which The Geneva Study Bible notes, "This often repetition signifies that the angels cannot satisfy themselves in praising God, to teach us that in all our lives we should give ourselves to the continual praise of God" to which we must add our Amen. Two things are illustrated by these observations. First and foremost, we must grasp that God is beyond our understanding. He reminded Job of this rhetorically asking, Who can number the clouds in wisdom? or who can stay the bottles of heaven (v.37). And the second thing is to realize our sole purpose in life, the sole purpose of life is to praise and exalt (glorify) God. In addition to the verse from John 15, there is another equally appropriate passage, If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. These two with many more passages highlight a Biblical fact often overlooked and, when remembered, seldom is spoken. They speak directly to the purpose of all creation, including human beings. In plain terms, what is spoken of herein is that our purpose, our sole purpose in life is to glorify God. Unequivocally, everything is for the glorification of God – everything.

Today, Christians in particular and Christianity in general have lost sight of these simple facts. Therefore, there is much need for a new reformation that restores these Biblical tenets of the Faith; a re-emerging church that is true to its Scriptural foundations; a new theology that liberates us from the errors of "Modernism," "Post-modernism" and beyond by whatever names heresies are known. We must move away from today’s self-indulgent Christianity testified to by the fact that 99.9% of our "prayer-life" is "gimme-gimme" with the expectation that the coffers of heaven will open up and shower us with opulence of material wealth, physical and emotional health. We need to rediscover discipleship defining it as an active and participating following of Jesus rather than a passive benchwarmer whose only claim to disciple is having gotten damp one brief moment sometime in the forgotten past and monthly checks to the "church." We need to see that missions, first and foremost, begin at home and radiates outward (in a "one-to-one-for-one" manner) from a God-centered home into the neighborhood, school and workplace thus making them "God-centered." In the most real sense, missions, like charity, begin at home rather than by the distribution of things. Charity (agape) means first and foremost "brotherly love, affection, good will." Like so much of our Christian heritage, we have forgotten that is "love." This is the case 86 of the 106 instances that "charity" is used in the Bible. Only in a tertiary sense does it have anything to do with the giving of money and material resources. It is important to note when verses speak of helping others with temporal things (as in Acts 11:29, Acts 24:17, Romans 15:27, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Galatians 2:10, James 2:15-16, 1 John 3:16-17,), frequently cited to justify "missionary" activities, that help is for poor Christians. Not to detract from the effort, but giving money to help our poor Christian brothers and sisters in Christ does not fit the standard "missionary" mold. It is one, however, we should embrace.

Finally our "new reformation," perhaps more correctly called "restoration," must rethink the "church." Traditionally defined as "an assembly of Christians gathered for worship in a religious meeting," it has morphed into an all consuming monstrosity. To Paul, the "church" was people as opposed to a building or a place as testified to by his statement; greet the church that is in their house as well as in 1Corinthians 16:19, Colossians 4:15, and Philemon 1:2. Can we surmise that the "church" of which Paul speaks is somehow different than that about which Christ spoke saying, thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church or in Matthew 18:17? A few verses later, Jesus says, For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. There is the crux of the matter, the defining character of "church," gathered together in my name. The church is not as it has become: spires, stained-glass windows, naves, alters, pulpits and chancels – an "it." Nor is the church an entertainment center or a recruitment area or a stage upon which preachers can pontificate. No, the church was, and must be restored to, a gathering of brothers and sisters in Christ for the sole purpose of worshipping, praising and glorifying God in song, word and deed – a house of prayer rather than the den of thieves it has been made into. We were created for the purpose of glorifying Him; we should be about our Father’s business.

Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory,
I have formed him; yea, I have made him. Isaiah 43:7

It shouldn’t take us long to figure out that Paul was right when he wrote to the saints in Rome, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out or this from a letter to those in Corinth, For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness. All we have to do to confirm this is go backward from the absurdity of the Cross and look at Jesus’ beginnings. Say what you will, the fact of the matter is that Jesus was illegitimate; his mother became pregnant out of wedlock. It is a matter of Scripture that before she was married to Joseph, she got pregnant by someone else. No big deal today. It was then. Joseph had every right to have here stoned to death. What’s more, she and Joseph were from the little out-of-the-way, backwater town of Nazareth about which someone quipped, Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Jesus’ place of birth, wasn’t much to brag about either. Although it was the birthplace of King David, it was so small in size and importance that it wasn’t even counted among the cities of Judah. His closest followers weren’t any great catch (excuse the pun) either. Of the five whose occupations we know of, four were commercial fishermen and one was a wealthy but despised tax collector. We may safely conclude that the remaining seven were of no particular note because nothing is known about them. The Jews were expecting a Messiah (Moshiach, a mortal, a scholar, and leader anointed by God to become a new Jewish King.) They got Jesus and a bunch of neer-do-well tagalongs instead. The question is why would God do such a thing? Why would He play such a dirty trick on His chosen ones?

The brand of Christianity that has flowered over the last several centuries might best be described as adolescent or infantile. Those who have been brought into the fold during this time have been taught to believe that God has but a single attribute – love. We’d have to go back to the 1700’s and the likes of Jonathan Edwards to find any other attributes ascribed to Him. It was a revival time labeled the "Great Awakening" when Hell was considered real. Today, when these modern one-dimensional Christians stumble upon such events in Scripture as the great flood (Genesis, chapters 6 to 8) God ordering the firstborn of Egypt to be killed, (Exodus 11 and 12) the conquest of Canaan, where God ordered the Hebrews to completely exterminate the Canaanites (Joshua), the near extermination of the entire tribe of Benjamin by the remaining 11 tribes, (Judges, chapter 20), they come completely unglued. When occasions such as God killing the men of Beth-she'mesh, for looking into the ark (1 Sam. 6:19) and Uzzah for touching the Ark (1 Chronicles 13:1-11) are accidentally encountered, they start questioning the veracity of the Bible, look for loving explanations or other Bible translations to mitigate this conundrum. Failing to find any, they begin to doubt God and start searching about for an alternative religion or philosophy of life. Their doubt and chagrin cannot be so easily satiated.

Should these milk-fed Christians turn to The Message translation of the Bible, they would encounter 13 verses speaking directly to "God’s anger." Eleven times, mostly in the NT the KJV speaks about the "wrath of God." And 11 times, Today’s New International version talks about God’s wrath. The Complete Jewish Bible talks about "God’s fury" and God’s Word translation about "God’s rage;" There appears to be little solace here in switching translations or, for that matter little hope in escaping the fact that God gets angry. Now before we start gasping for air, let us hasten to say that we are not "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," any more than we are with a "Santa Clause God." There are many Scriptural verses expounding His love, His kindness and the fact that He is a loving Father, that He is love just as well as His anger.

Just because we think these character traits contradict one another is less a statement about God and more one about the extreme limitations of our finite mental resources. God is many things; He has many attributes. We must learn to live (and die) with the certainty that He is Inscrutable. Paul said it well, Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 1 Corinthians 1:25. Nonetheless, of these we may be certain. God is Spirit, He is changeless, all powerful, all knowing , He is everywhere, He is jealous, eternal, holy, righteous, the Truth, wise, God is love, He is no respecter of persons, He is immanent, transcendence and sovereign, He is gracious, compassionate, merciful, longsuffering, and forgiving. We’ll have to wait for a more complete understanding. Meanwhile your faith will see you through.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! Romans 11:33

Much has been written and said about giving. No matter, the issue keeps cropping up where ever two or three are gathered in the name of Christianity. It has all the markings of an obsession. It is by far one of the most popular sermons with topics on giving range from tithing to stewardship and beyond. The themes revolve around our tithing duties and responsibilities, proper attitudes toward giving, giving as an investment, the unbounded generosity of God toward those who give, the forms of giving and last, but not least toward whom or what our giving should/must be directed. This article will just address the issue of tithing with more to come.

Because of the amount of "press" these topics receive, each must be given careful consideration to assess their Biblical veracity. Starting with tithing, the number one misused Biblical principle, there are numerous abuses and misrepresentations. First and foremost, it must be clear that tithing is not a New Testament concept. To substantiate that point, only once in 27 versions of the Bible, is there a references to "tithe" or "tithing" other than as an allusion to O.T. practices and current abuses. The passage is worthy of being cited; it’s from Luke 18:12, I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess and that, like all most other N.T. references pertains to a Pharisee who is making the statement. The most common references found in the N.T. are the nearly identical verses of Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42 that strongly suggest there are weightier matters, more important things, to contend with as Christians than tithing.

The 10% rule in Christian circles has become the "gold standard" for giving to the "church." Exactly how, when or why is not clear since there is no Scriptural foundation for the practice. We must look into the Old Testament to understand why tithing is not a Law or Commandment affecting Christians living under the New Covenant. Of course, the first thing we learn, and never allowed to forget, is that tithing is the "tenth part" of something whether it be of income, increase, total wealth or what. The first Biblical occurrence of someone giving a tenth to another is within the context of Abraham’s (Abram at the time) encounter with Melchizedek and the specific circumstances surrounding that most unusual meeting. It’s interesting to note that in the Hebrew Bible (TANAKH) it says "Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything" which, by the way, belonged to Lot and others rather than his personal property and possessions. Leviticus teaches that 10% of all we have belongs to the LORD. A bit skimpy but well enough, if we stopped there, unfortunately we don’t. According to Mosaic legislation (the Book of Numbers as well as in Nehemiah) we are told that the tithe must be paid to the Levites for their service to the tabernacle and the congregation. In Deuteronomy12: 7, 12 and 18, we are told the tithe should be used for a sacred meal. An issue that is never raised is why we are only obligated to obey the law(s) pertaining to tithing and not the other 613 commandments (mitzvot) comprising Jewish Law (Halakhah.) We are specifically told we don’t have to observe the law pertaining to circumcision and that’s all. Therefore, why don’t we observe Sabbat on Saturday as prescribed? Where is the Scriptural justification for changing the Sabbat from Saturday to Sunday? What about the 26 dietary laws? Mitzvah #69 sounds interesting, "there shall be no intercourse with a woman, without marriage." Why didn’t Christianity keep that one? It is understandable why #170 was rejected, "not to do wrong in buying or selling," or #181, "not to commit fraud in measuring," they would drive most Christians out of business.

In addition to what has already been said, no Christian clergy can possibly be a Levite. Thus, they are totally unqualified to receive the tithe. In Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7 Jesus does say that the worker deserves his food/wages; even going so far in Luke to say, eating and drinking such things as they give. That’s a long way from a tithe. With respect to several other points frequently mentioned that tithing is a form of worship, it proves we love the Lord, it combats greed and materialism, and that God owns all, the first century saints put everything they owned at the Apostles feet consistent with what Jesus said in Luke 12:33 and Matthew 19:21. They then and shared everything equally; presumably clergy and laity alike. That’s a concept labeled "communistic" today and is sternly rejected by most Christians out of hand.

In conclusion, when it comes to collecting money, we forget that since the Cross we are under a New Covenant; the Old has fulfilled its role. We must agree with one writer who stated, "From God's point of view, just how "successful" is a church whose members, when they hear the word "church," immediately think of the word ‘tithe’ instead of Christ? What happens in the process to the Gospel of God's grace and forgiveness in Jesus Christ, the doctrine upon which the Church really stands or falls? What happens to the Gospel when offerings become a matter for a pocket calculator instead of a heart that is moved by the Gospel?"

 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity. 2 Corinthians 9:7

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Judge Not! (Politically Correct Christianity)
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24
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The Wrath of God on Generations of Vipers
Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? Matthew 23:33
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And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months,
disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. Acts 19:8
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Recently, a member was asking how their church was doing. The response was, "Wonderful, we’re growing by leaps and bounds. We welcome everyone and that is working." Doesn’t that sound friendly; the ultimate in hospitality; the definitive open-door policy? There is no question, without a doubt, it is friendly, sociable and even gracious. We and others have already written on the fallacy of equating increasing church attendance with success. That, then, leaves the question of whether or not "welcoming everyone" should be the attitude, the policy practiced by Christian churches or does this defeat its purpose. Of course, before we can answer that question, we have to come to an understanding of what "church" is supposed to be all about.

The "church" really came into existence after the ascension of Jesus the Christ. From the outset, it was a brotherhood, a society of Christians united by common ties for fellowship and like-minded company cooperating for a common purpose and for the benefit of all. The unifying "bond of union," the common purpose, was and is the Gospel message. In the Apostolic period, so strong was this redemptive bond that it produced the conditions in Jerusalem in which the disciple had all things in common. This brotherhood of Christ was a society of believers in which its members were united by common beliefs and who have been baptized into the True faith. It was a people who share the fact that Jesus has chosen them out of the world. To preserve that unity of mind, body and soul, Paul insisted that they Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? Many today apply this admonition to marriage although there is no suggestion that would lead to such a reading. As John Gill concludes, "these words are a dissuasive in general, from having any fellowship with unbelievers in anything sinful and criminal, whether in worship or in conversation." Paul said it this way, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.

The fact that today’s "church" is moving further and further away from this Biblical principle of fellowship is to its everlasting condemnation; and will lead to its ultimate dysfunctional collapse. To answer the erroneous claim that being "seeker-friendly" is the missional purpose of the "church," the quick answer is that such missionality is the wrong activity in the wrong place at the wrong time because it destroys our brotherhood. To illustrate, just suppose the church was in the habit of taking Holy Communion every Sunday (see Acts 20:7) when it was smitten with the "seeker-friendly" bug. Rest assured, that practice will be severely restricted or done away with completely as the group becomes more of an audience and less of a congregation (from one body to many individuals) because it makes the "seekers" uncomfortable.

No one less than Jesus tells us the importance of taking communion saying, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. When "properly" observed, communion is prima fascie evidence of our participation in the body of Christ and the family of God. That’s what Paul says in 1 Cor. 10:17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. Proper observance involves a single loaf of bread that is a symbol of there being only one body that is broken as He was. As one writer put it, "The name 'Communion' comes from it being something done with others. It's done with Christ. It's done with other believers. In sharing the meal, 'I' becomes 'us'". When properly done, we take time to examine ourselves before we take the communion elements. (1 Cor. 11:28) As already indicated (Acts 20:7), proper observation of communion is once a week. We cannot become one with a bunch of strangers with different beliefs and attitudes in our midst.

After belittling communion, music will change, sermon will de-emphasize Christ’s sacrifice will follow. Discussions of hell and the idea that the only way to heaven is through the acceptance of Jesus as well as claims of the inerrancy of the Bible will no longer be made. Equalitarian conversations with everyone’s opinions of equal value will replace any pretense of teaching the Gospel. It will be replaced by social welfare agenda in the guise of a "missional church." All of this in order to entice people into some amorphous collection of people with no standards except mob rule. This isn’t idle speculation; it is taking place at the present time in "churches" throughout the land. We fail to see that the attraction is how we treat our fellow Christians.

And many shall follow their pernicious ways; a by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not,
and their damnation slumbereth not. 2 Peter 2:2-3

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After even the most superficial examination of the facts, who could dispute that Las Vegas is the quintessential icon of the American Dream? All the elements are there: self-centeredness, endless excitement, and the fulfillment of men’s and women’s narcissistic sensual fantasies. Las Vegas bills itself as being the "entertainment capital of the world," and that’s what America is all about; being entertained. It’s also known as "Sin City" which fits the American character like a glove. The city owes both titles to such well-known and notorious mobsters as "Bugsy" Siegel and Meyer Lansky along with many other gangster hoodlums. It easily qualifies as an icon for aberrant entertainment and deviant conduct.

How close this fits the American Dream of "rags to riches." Traditionally, success was achieved through "Horatio Alger like" thrift and hard work. During the 1900’s and into 20th century, this tradition was eroded and replaced with the contemporary consumerism dream of "get rich quick". Social theorists agree that our television habits, second only to TV commercials, reveal much about our desires and ambitions – what turns us on in a manner of speaking. What we see is the popularity of television game shows and big-jackpot state lotteries. The answer to the question posed by one such big-price TV show is that every American wants to be at least a millionaire which explains its ten year run and its 6.4 million average viewership with some episodes attracting as many as 22 million. Most don’t usually consider CBS’s "Survivor" a game show, but it is. The remaining "contestant" receives $1 million dollars. It averages 20 million viewers per segment. Another show with the same type of storyline, "The Amazing Race," averages 10.64 million viewers. Of course, none outweighs The Biggest Looser. The $1 million-dollar prizes for such shows don’t compete with the reality that true modern success is measured in the hundreds of billions but, they illustrate that with a little knowledge and lot of luck, the American Dream is easily accessible to anyone. The same mentality motivates millions of Americans to "try their luck, in the various state lotteries. We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the gamble the stock market represents. Bernie Madoff amply demonstrated that Wall Street, gambling investing, just like game shows and lotteries, is the appeal of easy, "get rich quick" schemes. One look at the typical way most Americans regard Christmas tells the whole story. It’s no secret who or what is being revered.

The role of carnality in the American temperament, as the Real Housewives of (Atlanta, O.C., N.J., N.Y., ad nauseam) testifies to, hardly needs to be elaborated upon. A casual perusal of television programming, to say nothing about its uses in advertising, tells us that it even trumps the desire for wealth. Everything from the rate of teen pregnancies to the increasing prevalence of divorce points to growing libertinism in the American ethic. Promiscuity, once strongly frowned upon has now become an acceptable, normal, customary, even laudable, way of life. Watched any "soap operas (i.e. latent dreams) lately? One could even argue that wealth is regarded as the means to that end, and Las Vegas provides it all.

Going along with the "easy liven" American Dream, a recent Christianity Today editorial uses Scripture, Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth! (Ps. 100:1, NIV) to justify consumerism, failing to recognize the real intent of the verse. "It's right there in the Bible," the editorial tell us, "over and over: ‘I say it again: Rejoice!’" It continues with advice that will resonate well with postmodern Christians, "we really are given crucial work to do … but practicing deadly serious discipleship is not one of them." This shift in the nature of our dreams and the means of fulfillment from hard work to "easy pickins" is reflected in the shift in Christianity from worshipping and praising God to treating Him as the ultimate "Santa Claus." Christianity has become the definitive get rich quick scheme for all eternity culminating in "Prosperity Theology" the ultimate expression of the "Las Vegas syndrome." It’s a live TV game show and lottery all rolled into one in which everyone can actively participate. It is the quintessential living example of a philosophy that believes ends justify the means.

And here we Christians are either sitting on our hands or joining in the Las Vegas sing-along while loved ones, relatives, friends, co-workers fiddle around like a proverbial Nero. This time, unlike AD64, we Christians will be responsible. This time, the "Circus Maximus" will be the self-absorbed "church" that has become little more than stadium for mass entertainment. Instead of an "emerging church," it has become a submerging church" spitting out a "gospel" that is exactly like sponges sopping up popular culture in a wretched attempt to become all things to all people at all times – thus, "signifying nothing."

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done , whether it be good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

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More and more we are violating a fundamental principle; to be in the world but, not of the world. In many forms, this warning is repeated. For example, the Scriptures clearly state: we are to be hated by the world (John 15:19), Jesus has chosen us out of the world, we can’t have two masters (Matt. 6:24; Luke 16:13), we are not to love the things of this world (1 John 2:15), we are blessed when we are hated because of Jesus (Luke 6:22), we are not to seek to please men. Those who do are not Christian (Gal. 1:10). Finally, in Romans 12:2 we are told, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Instead of loving and worshiping God as we ought, we not only imitate, we accommodate the world and fervently desire to be like it in every respect.

In our mad rush to be likable and popular we are selling the "church" out to the devil. We forget Jesus tells us, Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! For so did their fathers to the false prophets (Luke 6:26). Instead, we are consciously, actively seeking the approval and adulation of the world. We are doing everything possible to cultivate the very sort of "friendships" Jesus said would antagonize God. We are precisely following in the footsteps of Ancient Israel. Just like them, everything He has told us to do we are ignoring or subverting. One can only wonder when we will engage in child sacrifices as they did (1 Kings 11:7, 2 Chron. 28:2-4, Jer. 32:35, Ezek 16:20-21) – or are we already doing so?

By indiscriminately inviting the world into our sanctuaries and once there, catering to it by modifying what we say and do by removing those things that might possibly be offense, that just might scare them off or lend the Gospel to the accusation that it is prejudicial. In throwing open the doors to the church and inviting all to come, we violate, if not destroy, the very essence of the idea of the now archaic concept of "sanctuary." Years back, churches were synonymously referred to as "sanctuaries." Today, we pretty much avoid such a "stodgy ole’ idea" out of concern that it might scare away "seekers." Church used to be a refuge from the world, a safe haven in which we could commune with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ, a shelter from worldly cares. In fact, Webster’s Dictionary still defines the word sanctuary as "a consecrated place, the room in which general worship services are held."

We’ve forgotten one aspect of Webster’s definition of sanctuary that will come home to haunt us in the not too distant future. That aspect is, "the immunity from law attached to a sanctuary." Indiscriminately opening our doors to the "general public" has destroyed that immunity. Now, government will begin to dictate what we say and do in our services. This will start with a prohibition on churches (that still have them) from playing familiar hymns on their church-tower bells. That will be followed by regulations determining for whom the "church" may perform marriage ceremonies, ordain and what may be preached – anything deemed "discriminatory" or "inflammatory" will be prohibited.

Another trend in the "worldizing" of the church is "theology pubs" which is simply holding "Christian gatherings" in bars and beer halls. Some have dubbed this trendy movement "martini masses," "theology on tap" and "emergent inebriates" for obvious reasons. According to one source, "The appeal of holding the meetings in a pub is trying to blur the lines between what’s a sacred space and what’s a secular space. Without the religious setting, you get more authentic discussion, more honest questions and a little more honest sharing." Another imbiber states, "We want to be sincere and authentic and be who we really are, whether that is wearing jeans and a T-shirt or having a beer." This goes against what Paul wrote, For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: or more succinctly from the NIV, For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. In his letter to Titus, he writes that we should be, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly , righteously, and godly, in this present world, not embracing it. He reiterates this sentiment in Romans 12:2 and 6:19 and warns the Galatians (1:4) about this present evil world.

If a beer hall fosters "authentic discussion," "honest questions and sharing," just imagine how stimulating a house of prostitution would be. Where, when, did the idea that carnal means may be used to achieve spiritual ends enter into Christian theology? That’s a clear case of leading the sheep to the slaughter. Just as clear as the Biblical Truth that you can’t know Jesus Christ and remain "in the world." Rather than embracing the element of Satanism, perhaps we should bring the church of today back in line with its Scriptural predecessor. John Gill, stated, "truly religious persons…are faithful to their principles"

Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares
and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. Matthew 13:30

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Most of us have become accustomed to thinking of being active in the church as some sort of "volunteer service." If we examine those things that fall under the rubric of "volunteer services," most would agree they are typically peripheral. Characteristically, they involve "glad-hand" greeting as people come into church, ushering, parking attendant, singing in the choir, some volunteers staff church prayer-chains and missions programs. Some churches even use volunteers to maintain the church buildings and grounds and others have them performing simple clerical duties such as entering info into computers to stapling, collating, filing and answering the phone. What is meant by "peripheral" is not that they are unimportant to the congregants; rather they are not deemed sufficiently important by the professional church staff to warrant a proton of the budget or to have paid professional staff actually doing the work shunted off to volunteers. It describes the attitude of the professional staff than the actual value of the activities involved.

There’s an idiom "put your money where your mouth is," intended to convey the notion that people financially support what is really value and think important. That’s what usually determines what will become "volunteer" activities and those that will not. Another saying that fits is "money talks" that says money can influence what is done and what is not. Aside from the "money trail," there is another factor relegating an activity to the status of "volunteerism" other than the perceived insignificance of the activity. The perception is that it is non-threatening to paid staff. That will pretty well eliminate volunteer group leaders from becoming sufficiently influential to overshadow the "pastor/minister," as well as others on the "ministerial staff." Should anyone in whatever "volunteer" position become so "uppity," rest assured they’d be sent packing in a hurry.

Imagine the threat if we acted on what Peter wrote, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:5) or what John saw And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Rev. 1:6) were true. We don’t act like a holy priesthood. The vast majority of Christians belong to the "pew-warming-financier" minority group. It is as if there was an "ordained ceiling" keeping us from doing much else other than an audience for the preachers’ performances sermons and coughing up money tithing to pay the bills. Like all minority groups, they/we are subjugated by our own feelings of inadequacy and inferiority that is encouraged and reinforced by "the thin clerical line" calling up warnings of heresy.

We call ourselves Christ’s "disciples," but we don’t act as if we are. He commissioned His disciples to spread the Gospel. We have received a kingdom of grace and we have the power of kings over sin, Satan, and the world, and all His enemies; we should act that way. About the only thing we do in that regard is attend church when it is convenient, pay the bills for salaries and the upkeep on the building and grounds. There is no "ordained ceiling" to be found in Scripture. There is this however, And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. (Rev. 5:10) There is a ranging spectrum of Spiritual Gifts. Most theologians believe that the number and kind is virtually limitless having just two things in common: (1) they are imparted by the Holy Spirit; (2) they are for the purpose of "building up the body of Christ. Repeatedly, we are admonished not to set one gift above another. Yet we do so repeatedly. We are repeatedly told not to be respecters’ of persons. We routinely do that as well. Indeed, in some churches, it is difficult to tell if the purpose that drives them is upon the glorification of God or enhancing the preacher’s image and improve his ability to attract the wealthy and famous into his audience and by catering to them, get them to contribute.

It is about time to recognize the "oneness of the Spirit" and heal the clerical-laity schism that has render most of us ineffectual. This doesn’t mean all will aspire to climb to the pulpit and ascend to the podium. After there are diversities of gifts, administrations and operations, as Paul recognizes. (1Cor. 12:4-6) It is about time we resurrect the 99.99% that are lying dormant and put them to their rightful use. It does mean we are going to take active control of our church, overseeing every aspect of what transpires there from where all the money is spent to the type of plants in the flowerbeds. From the manner of conducting services, including who speaks in what way on what subjects, to actively participating in worshipping God and communing with our brothers and sisters in Christ. That’s being active in the church. That’s what church should be about – worshipping God and communing with one another rather that a stage for hero-worshipping and self-serving egoism.

Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy and keep those things which are written therein. Revelation 1:3

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Recently, several friends were at a restaurant having dinner together when, suddenly one chocked on what she was eating and couldn’t breathe. As she started turning blue from the lack of oxygen, two others at the table jumped into action. The first started pounding her distressed friend on the back hoping to dislodge the food blocking the airway. When the second, an RN, saw that wasn’t working, she shouted from across the table, "That’s not working, do the Heimlich maneuver!" That did the trick and, after a few moments, everything settled back into the pleasantries of an evening with friends. There is no doubt that the two quick-thinking women saved their friend’s life.

Most people would agree that they would be very grateful to someone who stepped in and saved their lives. Certainly the emotional reaction to having one’s life saved in such a dramatic fashion would be complex. Several responses, including joy and, maybe, even blissfulness, would clearly be appropriate. We could even agree that most if not all positive emotional responses would be appropriate, but at the very core of the emotional bouquet would be gratitude. And, of course, we’d certainly vociferously thank our rescuer.

If we had been living, some 2,000 years ago, for the very first time, we would be facing a new year after our lives were saved from the precipice of a timeless death. Synonyms for "rescuer" are totally appropriate to describe this particular rescuer such as redeemer, savior, advocate, this "knight in shining armor." Yes these all fit Jesus the Christ. In war, those who sacrifice their lives in order to save their comrades often have their heroism rewarded by being awarded, in many instances posthumously, the Congressional Medal of Honor. Since the first Medal was awarded in 1863 through 2009, 3,446 have been awarded; nineteen of them are double awards, 48 posthumously – they gave their all. How could they possibly be properly thanked? Jesus gave His all for His people, His nation and the world yet He was never given a medal of honor. To the contrary, He has been maligned, slandered, criticized, ridiculed, scoffed at, laughed at and jeered. That’ was while He was alive. Things have gotten worse since. Instead of a grateful Nation to say nothing of a grateful world, His name is a curse word, and everything is being done to remove any icon of His sacrifice. Instead of honoring Him on His memorial birthday, we have a buffoon – a bringer of Christmas presents. Instead of "suffering our little children to come unto Him," they are enticed to sit on the lap of this over weight clown and whisper a list of requests/demands for things into his ear with the earnest belief that he will fill the stockings of those who were not naughty the past year. It’s no longer Christmas. It’s either X-mas or a "Happy Holiday," with a "holliday tree" instead of the Christ’s tree as its symbol. Is that any way to say "thank you" to our rescuer?

The Greed word So-tare', translated as saviour, deliverer, preserver appears twenty-four times in the KJV of the New Testament. This So-tare' of ours died so that we might live, how do we say, "thank you" to Him. What would be appropriate? In the account of His birth found in the Book of Matthew, three "kings" brought gifts of worship to His crib. The transliterated word Proskuneo (for worship) in that verse (Matt. 2:2) can be translated as "to kiss the hand in token of reverence, to fall upon the knees and touch the ground with the forehead as an expression of profound reverence, to kneel, to prostrate oneself, to do homage, give obeisance, to make supplication." That’s the way to thank Him, through obeisant worship. Nothing short of that, nothing we can say or do comes even a little bit close to a proper display of what should be our deepest sense of gratitude.

None of this going to church once or twice a month – maybe – and, sitting in our accustomed pews, yawning through a sermon filled with the regurgitated pabulum we should have learned as baby Christians. That simply won’t do. Nothing we can do will suffice; to the contrary, such demeans the Cross. Feeding the homeless on Thanksgiving and Christmas (in between shopping sprees) are wonderful gestures that garnish us with warm feelings of "do-gooding," and earn us the adulation of others, but they simply are not an adequate means of saying "thank you." Actually this sort of activity should come naturally without associating it with praising God. That would be like the "three wise men" putting on a dinner for the shepherds as they tend their flocks by night. They knew enough to worship the King, and He hadn’t said a word yet nor gave up His life for their and our sins. These Biblical magi were pretty wise. We should be so astute and prudent. No amount of contemplative prayer or other mechanically recited "spiritual" or "mystical" practice will overshadow heart-felt gratitude for His sacrifice ,any more than dropping a few spare coins into the church coffer will do suffice.

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy:
for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. Revelation 15:4

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So often, all too often, we think Jesus only came to save us. He did, but that’s only part of the story, half of the Truth. We often say, “He came to reconcile us with God, to cleanse us from our sins.” Again, this is only part of the story - only part of the Gospel. The focus is on the big “I,” “me” - each one of us, individually. We get so wrapped up and confused by our personal aspirations that we believe the Gospel reflects these same values. Thus, in our warped little minds, we come to believe, because it suits our life-styles, that the so-called “positive” and “prosperity” heresies are at the very core of Christianity. God has become Big Daddy Warbucks and Jesus is now Santa Claus with the Christmas tree serving as the cross. We cast ourselves in the role of Little Orphan Annie whom God protects and shields from every bump in the road while His “Santa-Son” showers us with gifts galore.

There are “Christians” who believe in a “God wants me to be rich” theology. After all, since they have been adopted into the Royal Family of God, they should be treated accordingly. They believe it is their moral obligation to act as royalty and stop running around in rags, living in the projects and eating porridge. Others, equally deluded, champion a “social agenda” theology with campaigns against infectious diseases and defeating what they call “global giants.” They parade the items of these agendas around as “missions.” As if this world could be cleansed and reformed by their personal efforts as if human hands are enough to solve the world’s problems. They have been deluded into thinking the cares and woes of this world could be eradicated through human effort. Sadly, these aberrations exist because our spiritual lives started without a sound foundation in the Biblical Gospel and deteriorated down into oblivion from there, more and more such heresies as these have been mistaken for the Christian message.

There is nothing new about any of this. There were those in Jesus’ day pursuing their own “social agendas.” Then, many of the Jews thought that He, the Messiah, came to restore the Kingdom of Israel to what they thought was its “rightful place.” In fact, several times, His own disciples asked Him when He was going to take over, drive the invaders out and reestablish the throne of David (Acts 1:6) and, without saying as much, place them in positions of high honor in this new “kingdom on earth.” Paul observed the same thing, noting in a letter to the Corinthian congregation, For the Jews require a sign, and the Greek seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness. (1 Cr. 1:22-23) Jesus got so distressed over such shenanigans, He jumped into a boat and sailed out to sea. It is recorded in Mark 8:12-13, And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, Why doeth this generation seek after a sign? Verily I say unto you, There shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side. Well, OK, so it was a lake, but it was called the Sea of Galilee. He was real popular as long as He met their expectations. A little later, He became considerably less popular. Not fulfilling his fantasies and expectations of “their” Messiah was possibly have been one of the reasons why Judas squealed on Him.

Because these doctrines and practices that are contrary to the Truth, are not new, ancient in fact, does not make them any less erroneous. The sons of Zebedee were probably shocked when He told them to “buzz off when they had their mommy asked to receive preferential treatment in the seating arrangements in Heaven. (Mark 10:35-40) When the other disciples became indignant when they heard what James and John had asked for, Jesus said to them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. (Mark 10:42-44) So much for the “Prosperity Gospel.” That was a lesson they evidently hadn’t yet learned and one that we choose to ignore in our mad rush to fame, fortune and glorying in our own good deeds.

The “rags to riches” sermons may draw in the throngs and “heal the world” missionology may draw in those feeling guilty about their social status and do good deeds to slave their consciences but, regardless of how appealing and soothing, these aren’t the Gospel message. “Faith” without works may be dead, surely works without the correct “faith” is just as dead. Each errs by exaggeration and exclusion. Finally, we are rich already, even if we are blind invalids without two nickels to rub together. What more could we ask for than what we have been already given? What grater miracle could we ask for than that upon the Cross which saved our very souls? What greater works can possibly trump His? It is said that our greatest and best efforts are like filthy rages in comparison. Greed and self-satisfying egoism are the tools of the devil.

And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say, This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.  Luke 11:29



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The Discipleship Journey
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them. Matthew 4:8
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There are a number of facets to becoming a "mature" disciple of Jesus the Christ. One of the most fundamental is the transition from a worldly to a spirit-filled life. The verse from Matthew is just one of many such found in the New Testament. Actually it isn’t an exaggeration to say it is crammed with warning about "being in the world." In Matthew 4, we read that Jesus renounced all worldly things as fatal distractions; toys of the devil. What more do we need before we come to the same understanding? Those who say otherwise are contrary to the Truth. Those who act otherwise are endangering their eternal lives. It is plainly written, No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Mat. 6:24) Too many congregations, too many churches have been led astray by ignoring this warning and trying to build a lasting legacy in stone and mortar. Just like those who fell victim to the Madoff Ponzi scheme learned too late, those who follow the god of mammon will learn, there will be a day of reckoning.

To an incredible degree, the journey of becoming a disciple of Jesus is one of removing ourselves from the vain interests of the world. They are "vain" because ultimately, they are futile and worthless. The discipleship journey is a refocusing of our goals and priorities away from such vain and temporal things to the eternal; from a profane, self-centered to a devout, Christ-centered life. Jesus said, And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (Mat. 7:26) Gill comments that this like pretending "to make their peace with God by their own works; who hope for pardon on the foot of the mercy of God;" like having our cake and eating it too. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus said, Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Mat. 7:21) Those intent upon remaining rooted in this world are missing the mark of true discipleship.

However, this part of the journey cannot be accomplished merely by focusing on the spiritual with the expectation of assuring eternal life. Rather, it is brought about by the gradual realization of the ultimate purpose for all life. As contradictory as it might first appear, that ultimate purpose is not eternal life. Actually, eternal life is a derivative, a by-product of our ultimate purpose. That purpose is to lose our life. This is said clearly a number of times in the Gospels. In Matthew 16:25, for example, Jesus tells us, For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (see also Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24 and Luke 17:33) These passages point to a disciple’s willingly giving himself in total devotion to God, Jesus the Christ and the Gospel. He will judge the sincerity of the submergence of self; the suppressing, the merging, assimilation of our very being into adoration of our Lord and Savior and worshipping our God and Father. Those doing so for the promise of eternal life, will be found wanting.

Carnal man looks at the earth, moon and the celestial realm seeking to find ways these can make his life more comfortable and more pleasurable for him; he is totally self-centered, self-absorbed. Thus, the mountains have been made flat in the wanton search for the materials to enhance human comforts, the forests destroyed, plains emaciated and the ocean a septic tank all in pursuit of our glutinous, insatiable appetites. Does one dare to imagine what would happen if we had our way with the moon, the stars, the solar system – to mine them for resources? This must end. This will end. In His time, in a way suitable to Him, the unity of all creation found in the Garden of our ancestors will be restored. The outcome is not in doubt; it is not even in question.

Through angelic ambition, that "Edenic" unity and serenity was destroyed. Until that dreadful intrusion, all creation, the heavens, the earth, the deep was mindful of and adored the creator of heaven, earth and all things; the one ubiquitous God, to whom they bear their obeisance, their homage. All heaven and earth once gave homage, honor and reverence to God the Father of all, and worshiped Him; it will again. Satan will be vanquished and that worshipful serenity will be restored. God will see that all is good once again because our eyes will be opened and we will stand in awe and reverence of Him. The only questions are what side of the equation we will be on; how far along our discipleship journey we have traveled. Questions that are answered by the depth of our gratitude for His sacrifice upon the Cross. It’s all about HIM!

Only fear the LORD, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you
1 Samuel 12:24

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Once Upon A Christian
To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. John 18:37b
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The event surrounding Jesus saying He witnessed Satan’s fall was His sending disciples, two by two, into all the towns and cities of Judea and the Northern Kingdom which He would later visit. He knew there would be opposition to the Gospel. He warned them that they were being sent as lambs among wolves. Generally, wolves devour sheep, let alone totally helpless little lambs which these guys were. Talk about being green, Jesus was calling these disciples babies. They might have been given authority to heal the sick and proclaim the Gospel. They may have been wet behind the ears, but they knew enough to know how they were able to do so, And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. (Luke 10:17) We would do well to remember that lesson as well.

There are a number of other lessons we also need to keep in mind. We must not forget that Satan, Lucifer, the Devil (by whatever name we choose to call him) is not a lamb or even a sheep. He is well traveled going to and fro in the earth and walking up and down in it. (Job 1:7) He is a practiced ravenous wolf; a dragon; a serpent, rather than a lamb dumb before his shearer. (Acts 8:32) Among other reprehensible personal traits, he is prideful, a deceiver, an accuser, and a tempter. In so many fundamental respects, he is responsible for the worst of what we are. He is not to be reckoned with. We must constantly remind ourselves that he is a master of his trade; not to be lightly reckoned with. Among his adversaries were Michael and his angels. (Rev. 12:7) Remember, later on, he snookered David (1 Chron. 21:1) to take a census of Israel going against specific instructions from God to the contrary? This "guy" could sell refrigerators to Eskimos.

Against such an adversary, the outcome of his meeting with Eve was "a sure bet;" (Gen. 3:1-6) she was "easy pickings" (pun intended) no competition; none at all. In this encounter, the evil one is described as subtle (Strong’s #06175) which can be translated as, subtle, shrewd, crafty, sly; even sensible, and prudent. This is well worth remembering too. At times Satan may appear prudent and even present himself as sensible. He isn’t always as readily recognizable as a seven headed red dragon with ten horns and wearing ten crowns. If you please, he may be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. (Matt. 7:15) False prophets and teachers don’t always wear the mark of the beast (Rev. 19:20) emblazoned across their foreheads nor does their preaching always reek of brimstone. Most often, it does not. Rather, false prophets will be beguiling and their teaching will appear sensible and prudent. That’s how Eve was conned. Keep in mind, until this encounter, serpents weren’t ghastly, unsavory creatures; rather they were undoubtedly rather charming in appearance. And, the lesson this pleasant being presented to Eve was just as pleasing and alluring as his appearance; just what she wanted to hear because it was what she really longed to do.

Satan tempted Eve who, in turn, charmed Adam into disobeying God. One might say that stamped the human race with the "sin gene." It’s been "in our blood ever since." That’s why Jesus had to descend to earth. But, Satan’s defiance of God didn’t start in the Garden. No, that has been going on for who knows how long. We could even say that such defiance is "in the blood of the entire universe," put there by this disgruntled fallen angel bent upon setting up his own kingdom in conflict with God’s kingdom. This is the conflict. It is between the "Gospel" and the "Followers of the Way" (Jesus) on one side. On the other is Satan, the antichrist, and his followers who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7) Jesus, the Son of the Living God came to destroy Satan’s power on this earth. (see Dan. 7:21-28 & Rev. 12:12) They are "immortal enemies." Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. (John 12:31, John 14:30) Cast out of heaven, to be cast out of earth, his next stop being the "fiery furnace."

That is what Satan has been opposing and will continue to oppose until the end of the world. (Matt. 13:39) And, let there be no doubt, this world is going to end. There is going to be a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1). Thus, to make peace with the world is to make peace with the Devil. (Matt. 10:34, Luke 12:51) We must accept the lesson; regardless of how much we might fight against the idea, the Gospel is confrontational. It has been since that fateful Heavenly event when Lucifer fell. Because of this, whenever, however, by whomever it is proclaimed (even when we have to resort to using words) the Gospel will be opposed. The truth of this statement shouldn’t take much to corroborate. Look at what is taking place all around us. Opposition to God, didn’t begin in Eden; human opposition did. Both angelic and human will continue until –

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth:
for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away ; and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1

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Countless times in the Old Testament record the Israelites "disobeyed," "rebelled" or were rebellious against G-d and His commandments. If we count in the "variations on the theme (e.g. rebellious, grieved, provoked) it can truly be said they were continuously in such a state from the fall of Adam and Eve. It continued unabated in spite of the fact that with each occasion, dire consequences resulted. Finally, the Nation of Israel ceased to exist with Rome taking control of Israel in 63 B.C. and ultimately destroying Jerusalem and the Second Temple in 70 A.D. That final death knell cost the death of about 1.1 million Israelites. But, it had been dying almost from its inception. The Israelites were to conquer Canaan and purge it of all ungodly peoples. However, even before crossing the Jordan, Moses and Aaron stumbled. He disobeyed G-d. And as a consequence, neither he nor Aaron was not permitted to set foot in the Promised Land. Once they crossed the Jordan, under the leadership of Joshua, the required purging was modified by a treaty with one of the "ungodly people." Their continuing disobedience went down-hill from there. And the "sons of Ham," the indigenous peoples of Canaan, were then and remain a thorn in the side of "Israel" to this very day. G-d giving the land to the Israeli peoples certainly is an "ongoing process:" keep my rules and my decisions and do them, so that the land which I am giving you as your resting-place may not violently send you out again. (Leviticus 20:22 BBE)

Looking at this within the context of a nation’s history or in terms of the tens of thousands of millions of people who died needlessly disguises the myriad of personal tragedies hidden in the mountains of bodies. Yes, Israel, its rulers and kings did not ever in its 1,500 year history learn the consequences of their rebellion against G-d. Neither did the Israelites one person at a time. That’s a history lesson we most often overlook. Focusing on the "big picture," we are inclined to talk about kingdom/ national trends and the actions of leaders and kings. However, history is acted out in the lives of individuals making choices and doing things. A national trend may be attributed to a single person, but it is the result of multitudes of individual choices. This is referred to as the "great man" theory of history. Generals may make the strategies and receive the credit, but it’s the foot soldier that does the fighting and dying. The successful leader is astute at sensing the mood of the crowd and directs it to the path it is disposed to take. What modern politician could rule without public opinion polls?

As it was in Biblical times, as it is today, so it will be at the Day of Judgment. Leaders won’t be the ones held accountable for our personal behavior, we will. They, like ourselves, will have to account for what they, personally, did or didn’t do. Moses did. This principal is foundational to the Gospel message – individual salvation; individual responsibility. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. (Isa. 45:23, Rom. 14:10, Phil. 2:10) Speaking of Moses, with all his glorious works, if he could stumble, as he did, how is it that we are so delusional in our thinking to believe we can do better. The judgment on Moses is looked at askance only by those who do not know or choose to ignore what Paul writes in Romans 3:23, For all have sinned , and come short of the glory of God. Isaiah makes this Gospel fact perfectly clear saying, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. (64:6) The standard of righteousness, Jesus the Christ, is so far beyond our most sincere and greatest efforts as to make our greatest efforts useless. We never seem to quite grasp this simple Gospel Truth. It is not us, nor anything we can do or have done, it is only by the blood of Christ that we are saved.

We must take care not to conclude it is righteousness that is being condemned. Rather it is self-righteousness; that sense of smugness and superiority about which Isaiah is writing. In contrast, genuine righteousness produces humility, gratitude and compassion and, above all a continuing sense of how far short of the mark we fall. We are unworthy of His mercy. It is true, as Scripture states, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:13) Conversely, I can do nothing righteous without Him. This, Jesus said, Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (John 15:4) Humility, which is a Gospel cornerstone, is a difficult lesson for those reared to be self-assured and self-confident and all those other adjectives we attach to what is, in fact, self-centeredness. Such as these, we think make us "champions," winners." Humility, in this "self-made" world is regarded as a sign of weakness. Horatio Alger urged us to Strive and Succeed. When will we ever learn – not?

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Matthew 12:36

The "self-made" man

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Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights
with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. James 1:17

Equipping modern church leaders with a stronger academic basis for defending dispensationalism
and interpreting the Bible accordingly was the focus of a unique gathering of scholars from across the country.
(Now, it all becomes perfectly clear.)

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In the Greek of the New Testament, "meditate" as used in the passage from 1 Timothy can mean anything from to reckon, count, suppose, imagine, devise, to think and reason. (strong #’s 3049, 3191, 4304) The word "Meditation" has an entirely different set of meanings ranging from, "the act of thinking, consideration, understanding" to "a thought, notion, conception, mind, understanding, will, manner of feeling, and thinking." (strong’s #1771) There is a seemingly unrelated term found in this passage, On the morrow, as they went on their journey , and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour in which "housetop" is a form of the word "meditation" (strong’s # 1430) because, in Biblical times housetops were frequently used for meditation. So, Biblically, we can go to a special place to think about, consider pray about or try to understand something (contemporary roofs in Western culture would seem a bit awkward for such purposes). Not only does Jesus counsel us, when thou prayest , enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly, (Matt. 6:6) but on at least one occasion, (Matt. 26:36) He, as in the Garden of Gethsemane, went alone, to pray.

Having said that, there is a point at which "meditation" seems to be contraindicated for Christians. A bit extreme perhaps but, one such instance is the use of so-called "prayer lamps" offered on the Emergingchurch.info website – magic and mysticism come to mind; anything other than Christianity. More typical illustrations of "meditation" gone astray are of the "frog in a slow boiling pot" order often parading under the rubric of "contemplative prayer/spirituality" or "spiritual formation." These are often purveyed or endorsed by the likes of Dallas Willard, Bill Hybles and Rick Warren. Actually, the list of those persons, organizations and churches involved with the "Contemplative Spirituality" heresy is long and impressive. What makes something a heresy isn’t who believes something but rather the fact that it is contrary to the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel and Biblical teachings. Hebrews 13:9 warns, Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. Such are these. The use of terms such as, "detachment," "transformation," "emptiness," "enlightenment" and "awakening" suggest such "strange doctrines."

The difficulty with lava lamps, candle light séances, labyrinths, contemplative prayers, readings, chanting and other such tactics is that they are exaggerated overstatements, superfluous redundancies of that which is inherently Christian. They are like a person living across the street from, but never having gone to Disneyland traveling some 2,500 miles to go to Disney World – unnecessary. Like this circuitous route, they aren’t short-cuts to a destination; they are distractions taking us far out of The Way. That which is "inherently ; Christian" is the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, the Spirit of truth as recorded in the Book of John, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive , because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. It is he, not some séance or contemplative prayer who guides us into all truth and shows us things to come. (John 16:13) John continues saying ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27) That is the source of our anointing. He is our "Sephira" 1 John 2:20

Is it not written that we are the temple? That’s what Paul wrote to the saints living in Corinth, For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. (1 Cor. 3:9) Later he rhetorically asks, Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Cor. 3:16) Peter goes further declaring Christians are, built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood. (1 Pet. 2:5a) Speaking of the Holy Spirit, John writes, Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. (1 John 4:15) And Jesus tells us, He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. (John 6:56) The "indwelling" of the Spirit is for the purpose of guiding and directing us, loving them, and conforming our thinking to God's ways. The process of spiritual growth through prayerful Biblical studying is one of becoming more attuned and obedient to this inner gyroscope. But even at the very beginning of that journey He, the Holy Spirit, is there as a constant resource and companion. It is He who guides and directs that passage. Jesus told the disciples that His departure was for the best because, until He did, the Comforter, would not come. (John 16:7) He went on to declare, that once the Holy Spirit came, He would rebuke the world for its disbelief and speak the Truth about righteousness and the inevitable judgment. (John 16:8). Who could describe His role other than absolutely central? Why, then, would anyone suppose extraordinary measures would have to be taken to know of God and His will? He has provided the way to know the Truth.

And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. Acts 5:32

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