by Caleb Gordon | Aug 25, 2015
Matthew 5:13-16 – “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
There is no denying that our world is going at break-neck speed into crazy town. If you just turn on the news or visit a news web site you can read all about the antics and downright spookiness of our modern day.
The thing that is even more disturbing is the stats inside of the church!
As many as eight out of 10 students WALK AWAY from church, Bible, and Jesus by the time they are 19 or 20. Some reports have said that one out of two marriages end in divorce (This is inside the church). Church membership and commitment has dropped exponentially over the last five years alone.
WHY?
Well, there are several ideas I have. A. Men faltering on their true roles as men. B. The nuclear family unit being literally ripped apart. C. There is no true moral compass in our culture.
But I personally think the main reason is that many in our churches are not truly taking what Jesus did for them as PERSONAL.
What do I mean?
We have grown up in America, and many of us have been in church most of our lives. We’ve been to Sunday School and VBS, and we’ve heard the stories. We know that Jesus died on a cross, and three days later he came back to life. We’ve seen it on movies, and we have heard all about John 3:16.
What this all boils down to is that it’s familiar. Nothing is life- shaking. It’s just part of our routine. We love the idea of Jesus, but in reality, when push comes to shove, nothing about what we do in our lives is transforming. I speak this from personal experience. I was part of the “don’t rock the boat” culture.
Then I read this verse:
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:15).
This caused in me a shift in me!
It made what Jesus did for me PERSONAL. It was not just some foggy, far out there idea. I had a stake in this thing now. Jesus died for me, but not just died; he came back to life, and as a result of this, I am JUSTIFIED before God the Father. I have right standing with God because of what JESUS did for me. All of my sins are forgiven. (Past, present, and FUTURE).
Think about it. Look at that first part of the verse again…
“And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves…” I admit it, I live for myself! I love “ME TIME.” But sometimes, our old sin nature can distract us even if we are redeemed and belong to Jesus. And the Devil has one desire when it comes to believers. DISTRACT, DISTRACT, DISTRACT! And how does he distract believers? A lot of the time with GOOD THINGS. But if a GOOD thing distracts you from the BEST thing, that good thing becomes evil.
Why is this bad? Because we as Christians have a mission, and that mission is all about JESUS! And the Devil does not care how he gets us as long as he gets us off mission! So when I read this verse everything changes! My life is not about me. My life is not about my family. My life is not about me being happy or comfortable. My life is to be about Christ and Christ alone!
It causes Matt 5:13-16 to take on a whole new life.
If we as Christians started truly being salt and light what would it look like?
Salt does what? It preserves. It keeps things good.
We should be known for persevering good in our culture. Not caving into the evil of our day.
Light scatters and dispels darkness.
We should be known for bringing light into a dark and dying world.
So what are some tangible ways in which we can live this out?
- Stop playing with sin. Don’t tip toe around sin…we run from it. We confess it, we repent of it.
- Get into a community of other believers that push us towards holiness…and when we are pushed on we need to be willing to except that word.
- Our conversations become different. Our focus is Gospel-Centered. No more idol chatter…we focus on the mission at hand.
- Talking to people about Jesus becomes like second nature. Whether you’re at the gas station or grocery store you talk to people about Jesus. Invite them into this thing called a RELATIONSHIP with Jesus.
- Forgiveness becomes just as natural as breathing. Don’t hold grudges. Regardless of the issue or circumstance, we FORGIVE! Jesus has forgiven you and I of much so therefore we must forgive of much!
If we begin to live this out like this, and start to take this thing personal…this is when things begin to transform. People begin to come alive for the Glory of God. Life is no longer boring…it’s an adventure everyday! It becomes meaningful. You begin to have purpose, and as a result you are now living a BIBLICAL lifestyle, and that is what God wants for each of us.
by Wade Crews | Aug 12, 2015
As many of you know, our Oklahoma Supreme Court voted in a recent decision on June 30 (and later upheld their decision in appeal) that the Ten Commandments monument was unconstitutionally displayed on the state capitol grounds. The vote was 7-2, so it was not a slam dunk. The part of the state constitution cited was Section II-5: Public money or property – Use for sectarian purposes.
“No public money or property shall ever be appropriated, applied, donated, or used, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, or system of religion, or for the use, benefit, or support of any priest, preacher, minister, or other religious teacher or dignitary, or sectarian institution as such.”
Often called a Blaine amendment, because it was inserted into our constitution parallel to efforts by U.S. Representative from Maine, James Blaine in the late 1800’s. There are many ongoing debates and opinions about Congressman Blaine’s motivation over 100 years ago, but I would suggest the results are as unacceptable today as they should have been then.
This spills over into religious liberty and the free exercise thereof. In other words, this section and article in the Oklahoma Constitution is itself unconstitutional and a violation of our First Amendment as citizens of The United States. As I read this part of my own constitution, I have been in violation. This is a bad section of our constitution that must be removed. The way it reads, and if strictly enforced, means no church in Oklahoma would be able to go to a state park and have a picnic, play volleyball, sing praise songs or hymns and then let the pastor get up and speak (i.e. have an open air/brush arbor worship service).
Really? What about Rose Day? Does that come to a screeching halt now? I can go on and on. Let’s write our representatives, and call their offices. Let’s do something. This is not about a monument; it is about a movement. Then let’s go to our state parks and play volleyball, sing praise songs and do devotionals. Let’s have “Preach-Ins”! Then let’s have church and praise Jesus on the Capitol lawn and steps. I don’t need a ton of granite to know the great I Am is the Lord my God.
Yogi said it best “It ain’t over until it’s over!” Guess what? Jesus hasn’t come back yet…..It ain’t over!
by Brian Hobbs | Jul 22, 2015
When President Barack Obama announced his viewpoint on same-sex marriage has “evolved” in 2012, from being against it to being for it, it became okay for large parts of the population to embrace same-sex marriage as well.
Thus far, our President has been an outspoken proponent of Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion provider. This month, Planned Parenthood has been exposed by a series of undercover videos showing that their organization, at the highest levels, is aware of and is involved in the harvesting and sale of “fetal tissue” from children aborted in their clinics.
Mr. Obama has not, to date, publicly commented on the issue. Yet some surprising voices are rising up against Planned Parenthood and calling for the removal of tax dollars to the organization, including USA Today columnist Kirsten Powers. I am hoping and praying others will add their voices, including our President.
You see, we are not asking you, Mr. President, to reverse your overall commitment to abortion on demand (though we want that). We are not expecting that you would lead the charge to implement laws that restrict abortion and protect unborn life (though we would applaud you at this).
What we are hoping and praying for is that you will see that taxpayer dollars—to the tune of a half billion dollars annually—should be taken away from Planned Parenthood.
You wield great power as the President, influencing the opinions of many. You have control of the Department of Justice, who along with Congress, can officially investigate Planned Parenthood’s activities. Your Affordable Care Act program theoretically could be expanded, along with private and other medical organizations, to take care of any non-disputed services Planned Parenthood says they offer, such as cancer screens.
But even more than this, your change of course on taxpayer-funded abortion would signal an evolution of views that we all could be proud of, one that is more respectful of life at every age and stage. Mr. President, please re-consider this issue of taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood. For the sake of taxpayers; for the sake of women and children; for the sake of our nation, which should always bring down the haughty and raise up the weak.
Whether or not Mr. Obama’s commitment to Planned Parenthood will change and evolve, time will tell. In the meantime, if you have been a supporter of Planned Parenthood for a long time or a little time—with these new startling revelations—are you willing to reconsider your view?
by Becky Wilson | Jun 23, 2015
I’m just the girl with quips and quirks for your entertainment who may or may not add to your recipe box from time to time. Lyrics from songs which make up the soundtrack to my life grace the lines of so many things I write, and this is no different, in that regard.
I don’t have a recipe for you today. I don’t have a story about my kids, or my grandma, or a holiday party. This time I want to talk about lyrics and love and life.
Today, I am thinking on a song from several years ago, and it starts out saying, “who here among us has not been broken? Who here among us is without guilt or shame?” The song goes on and talks about how we are never abandoned, or orphaned, by God as a result of our behavior.
This is good news, friends! I, for one, desperately need that security. Even my most basic, mundane days are clouded by my own sin and failure. And so are yours.
I am brought to my knees in humility and in prayer with the recent events surrounding a man who is a hero in the faith to me. Many of us have heard, at this point, about the resignation of Pastor Tullian Tchividjian from Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida. Many are citing “moral failure” and “the fall.” There is no disagreement from me. He failed to meet the standard of God’s law. He has fallen. He has sinned against God and broken vows to his spouse. And so have I, and one way or another, so have each of us.
Just days before the news of Pastor Tullian’s resignation broke, I was listening to a sermon of his (which I do regularly), and I wrote these thoughts down:
“We are foolish to believe that our biggest failures may not be just ahead of us”
“None of us would deny that we all fall short of the glory of God, but we often try to measure (compare) the distance of our falling short against hers… or his….”
“Those who know how bad they need grace are the best teachers of grace”
The news didn’t make those words less true. They resonate even more in light of the very public fall, shame, valley, failure, sin, hurt, disappointment, loss – which the Tchividjian family is facing right now.
I ask; I beg you, pray for them. Pray for Kim and for Tullian. Pray for their kids. Pray for their parents. Pray for their congregation. Pray for them what you would pray for yourselves, for your kids, for your parents, for your congregation: that there will be repentance, healing, grace upon grace, restoration and love.
We may have all the answers to all of the questions in life, and we may have all the wisdom in all the world (which clearly suggests that we would never commit such a grievous sin that would have nailed Jesus to the cross). We may understand science and mysteries of the universe, but if we do not love, what do we offer? If we are spending time praying for the Tchividjians (and others, of course) we have fewer moments in our day for angrily discussing the complete moral failure of Church leaders.
Coming through some serious broken places in my own world, I can tell you that people are mean. Christians can be judgmental and hurtful. I know because I am one – and I know some (lots). We can do better than that. We MUST do better than that.
I sing songs every day about the wonderful way that Christ is near to the broken. I lift my hands in praise to the One who controls the wind and the rain of the storms in my life. I thank the Father for bruising the Son; for the blood that flowed and covered my sin.
I want to be patient in times of trial, though I confess, I am not. I am humbled and tearful in the presence of a perfect Savior – I am thankful that He is all of those things for me, and for you, and for Tullian and for Kim and for all of us just like them.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ abundantly fill our hearts and minds, and may we know the power of His love in our lives. And may that same grace be evident in the way we respond in times of disappointment and failure.
by Caleb Moore | Jun 23, 2015
Have you ever tried to eat healthy? My family is on its yearly, “oh-no-it’s-summer-and-we-better-get-in-shape” diet. This means we are eating rabbit food and hormone-free chicken that magically lost all its flavor.
I’ve learned it’s hard to get the right food at our regular grocery superstore, so we have begun going to the local health food store nearby. Sure, it’s a little more expensive, but the healthy stuff is so much easier to find there.
I’m certain Wal-Mart has healthy food available; you just have to form a search party of stock boys and call in the local k-9 unit to sniff out the last can of cage free green beans. It’s even harder to locate the good food when you are distracted by the super cheap bag of chocolate doughnuts that magically call your name as you walk by.
It was this frustration that led me to realize God has his own Wal-Mart. Perhaps you have been to this very popular Christian book store. They sell Christian t-shirts, music and large paintings of Jesus holding a lamb often found in church lobbies. They even have “Testa-mints” which are breath mints wrapped in scripture verses.
Their main draw however is their book store area. I’m thankful that I have ready access to so much material, but much like trying to find healthy food at Wal-Mart, I often get frustrated by just how much junk food for the soul is marketed to Christians.
I learned a long time ago that just because something is labeled as “Christian” does not mean it is safe and palatable for the soul. Often times, some of the more shallow books are found in the bestseller section, which seems to have about 6-7 authors who just rotate at the top of the list.
I don’t want you to think that I’m simply an elitist who only reads books found in seminary libraries,. I just don’t want to constantly read things that teach me to rake for leaves instead of challenging me to dig for gold.
This is important because our minds can become lazy just like any other part of our body. If every book we pick up just brushes the surface, we might be missing out on something much healthier and more fulfilling. After all, the scriptures tell us that wisdom is something we are supposed to seek out diligently. Proverbs 4:7 teaches us, “Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
The greatest truths we learn will not come from simply browsing through books telling us how to make every day a Friday, but through books that delve into scripture and force us to wrestle with the person we see in the mirror.
Make sure an author not only uses a lot of scripture; make sure they use it in context. This means you need to read with your Bible laying open next to you. Even the greatest author has no truth of their own; they are merely echoing what is taught already in God’s word.
So if you find yourself constantly reading books that teach you how to make this “Your best life Now,” then put down the spiritual candy bar and open your Bible. You will be amazed how energizing a proper meal can be.
Photo credit: 06photo/Shutterstock.com
by Wade Crews | Jun 10, 2015
How do you know where you really stand with someone, if you’re really a friend? I was reminded recently that time reveals priorities.
Leading up to a recent summer missions trip, I excitedly asked some other families to go. Unfortunately, I got some sad responses, including “Well, we cannot go because our child is on a select baseball team that travels all summer.” This trip takes them out, not just out of a mission trip, but out of church altogether as well.
Now I’m not judging someone for having other commitments. My family is busy too. But it hurts my heart to remember how easily we can put good things, like sports or an achievement, ahead of church.
If we step back to analyze this, what priorities reveal is what we worship. If it is the wrong thing, it can even become an idol. Whether the idol is sports or something else, if it prevents you and your family from worshipping together it is not God’s will. Jesus tells us in Matt 6:33 when talking about the worries of getting ahead in the world “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be added to you”.
I can assure you from some recent personal blessings, God will reward you in ways you never expected if you put Him first.
Related to this, we recently drove past several convenience stores on the way to church on a Sunday. Each time, I always saw someone in shorts, a t-shirt and flip flops carrying a case of beer out of the convenience store at 8 a.m. in the morning. I don’t think they are trying to go to church, much less seeking His kingdom.
My point is not to judge those people. My point is to say many of us who claim God is our priority don’t show it in the way we live.
“Hey! This is my life and my kid and my career. Who are you to judge?” I’m not. But I know this. He considered you enough of a friend to die for. Shouldn’t we consider Him enough of a friend to live for?
The God of summer should be the one Who created it, not the one who recreates in it.