There exists what I call “scary verses.” They are “scary” because they are opposite the way many live, think and/or vote. I consider Matthew 25:35-40 to be alarming
Matthew 25:35-40
English Standard Version (ESV)
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
How do we view Jesus? What if the answer to that question are connected to two other questions? How do we view immigrants? How do we view the poor?
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Thursday, December 26, 2013
They hate us! I am so happy!
“Jesus calls us to his rest, and meekness is His method. The meek man cares not at all who is greater than he, for he has long ago decided that the esteem of the world is not worth the effort.” ― A.W. Tozer, Pursuit of God
Phil Roberson, reality tv star, recently stated his views on homosexuality in an interview with GQ Magazine. While he could have been more eloquent in his position, the core of his position is supported by Scripture. Regardless, of his level of eloquence or his knowledge of the Bible, a firestorm ensued especially over social media. A&E indefinitely suspended Roberson for his views beginning a huge online argument over free speech, religious persecution and such.
I find the reaction from the masses intriguing especially those that wear the name of Christ. Granted we have two historic documents that we can use to establish a precedent as how to approach this controversy. The first document is the Constitution of the United States. It clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Those who see this as a freedom of speech issue generally continue to claim that this has also become an instance of religious persecution. This lead us to the second document. It is called the Bible. It reads:
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
I concede the religious persecution argument. While I am not quick to wave that banner, today I will declare it is persecution. Making this concession requires me to ask the question, “So, what next?” Protests? Boycotts? Campaigning for like-minded politicians?
I want to argue celebration should be our next course of action. The world hates us! Why are we surprised by this? Does not Scripture guarantee it? Are we rejoicing or are we angry?
I find the reaction from the masses intriguing especially those that wear the name of Christ. Granted we have two historic documents that we can use to establish a precedent as how to approach this controversy. The first document is the Constitution of the United States. It clearly states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Those who see this as a freedom of speech issue generally continue to claim that this has also become an instance of religious persecution. This lead us to the second document. It is called the Bible. It reads:
John 15:18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.
2 Timothy 3:12 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
1 Peter 4:12-14 “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
John 15:19 “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
I concede the religious persecution argument. While I am not quick to wave that banner, today I will declare it is persecution. Making this concession requires me to ask the question, “So, what next?” Protests? Boycotts? Campaigning for like-minded politicians?
I want to argue celebration should be our next course of action. The world hates us! Why are we surprised by this? Does not Scripture guarantee it? Are we rejoicing or are we angry?
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Responding to hard issues
How do I, as a Christian, address hard issues that are often guaranteed to incite a negative response?
Am I speaking from a perspective of love? Does my love at least in some way resemble the love of Christ? Don’t answer too quickly, love led Him to the cross. Have I wept, not over the issue, but, over the lives adversely affected by it?
Am I addressing the joy that comes from being inside the will of a sovereign God? Does there seem to be a joy that is undeniably evident, especially to the audience I am targeting?
While truth confronts us and often requires change which can be painful, am I praying for peace and longing for relationship with each other and with the Father. Or am I trying to fight a fight, just for the fun of fighting.
Am I expecting immediate change or am I willing to exhibit patience? Knowing that Father has been very patient with, do I extend the same grace to others.
Are my words kind or hurtful? Again, truth can be painful, but am I using words or a tone that stings solely for the fun of making my point?
Am I communicating what is good? Sometimes, we may not want to hear what is good for it often comes with a price. Nonetheless, God defines what is good.
Am I being faithful in my role as a follower of God? Or am I being faithful to my religious fervor. There may very well be a difference. One requires me to act like Jesus and one allows me to act like a Pharisee?
Am I modeling the gentleness of Christ or am I forcefully making my point?
Am I acting as though I have self-control or do I sound like a raging lunatic?
Finally have I ignored the plank in my eye to attempt to remove the speck in someone else’s eye.
Am I speaking from a perspective of love? Does my love at least in some way resemble the love of Christ? Don’t answer too quickly, love led Him to the cross. Have I wept, not over the issue, but, over the lives adversely affected by it?
Am I addressing the joy that comes from being inside the will of a sovereign God? Does there seem to be a joy that is undeniably evident, especially to the audience I am targeting?
While truth confronts us and often requires change which can be painful, am I praying for peace and longing for relationship with each other and with the Father. Or am I trying to fight a fight, just for the fun of fighting.
Am I expecting immediate change or am I willing to exhibit patience? Knowing that Father has been very patient with, do I extend the same grace to others.
Are my words kind or hurtful? Again, truth can be painful, but am I using words or a tone that stings solely for the fun of making my point?
Am I communicating what is good? Sometimes, we may not want to hear what is good for it often comes with a price. Nonetheless, God defines what is good.
Am I being faithful in my role as a follower of God? Or am I being faithful to my religious fervor. There may very well be a difference. One requires me to act like Jesus and one allows me to act like a Pharisee?
Am I modeling the gentleness of Christ or am I forcefully making my point?
Am I acting as though I have self-control or do I sound like a raging lunatic?
Finally have I ignored the plank in my eye to attempt to remove the speck in someone else’s eye.
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