Thoughts on Police Corruption and How Christians Should Respond

Thoughts on Police Corruption and How Christians Should Respond

There has been much made of police corruption in recent days with, much of it spawned by reactions to the shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO as well as the death of Eric Garner in New York. One should not underestimate the tragedy of these events. Lives were lost, and it is certainly possible for one to grieve the countless lives of police officers who have died in the line of duty while still also grieving the lives of men and women in situations such as these two. Human life is valuable no matter who it is. No one is subhuman as many would proclaim. We should all grieve the loss of life. As Christians though, how are we to respond to these incidents? How are we to respond to the notion of police corruption, and how are we to respond to the actions of those who break the law? I have some personal thoughts on the matter that I would like to express, but realize that the bottom line is not just police corruption but the corruption and sinfulness of man in general.

It is good to be neutral on matters like this, to take a step back and evaluate the reality of the situation as difficult as this may be. I do not want to jump to conclusions and simply assume that police officers are always right in what they do; nor do I want to assume that those who have supposedly committed a crime are absolutely wrong. The fact is that it is not always black and white. A crucial item related to these situations is the fact that mankind is fallen and sinful. This goes for everyone including our authorities. Police officers and politicians are just as swayed by sin as one who commits a crime. Even our “good guys” are prone to make decisions based out of selfishness, vain conceit, pride, and sinful ambition. We cannot overlook this fact. To assume that someone needs more or less grace than another person is absolutely incorrect, and to assume that someone is beyond any grace at all is horribly wrong as well. We are all in need of grace, namely grace from the Savior, Jesus Christ. Because of that though, we must also give grace. Those who have been given the most grace often seem to be the ones who give it most. I can certainly relate to Paul in that I consider myself among the worst of sinners, and I do not take grace lightly. Civilians make mistakes, and so do authorities. In light of this, we as Christians must be people of grace realizing that no one deserves God’s grace, but we are all offered it.

Romans 13 tells us to be subject to the governing authorities. One might ask, “What about authorities who are corrupt?” I will not deny that many of our authorities including police officers are corrupt. Again this is the nature of sinful man. However, consider the fact that governing authorities could likely not be more corrupt than when Paul wrote Romans 13. This was written during the reign of Nero who was known to participate in infamous activities such as burning Christians on crosses in order to light his pathway at night. Yet Paul still tells us to be subject to the governing authorities. We have no excuse. How could this be though? This isn’t justice. Paul also tells us in Romans 13 that God has appointed these leaders. This goes for politicians, police officers, governors, and anyone else in authority. It does not matter how they came to their position. What matters is that God, in his sovereignty, has placed them there, and we are to respect that order.

What does being subject to the governing authorities imply for Christians then? This answer can actually be quite complicated. It certainly does not mean a lack of stance against corruption or injustice. Christians should be outspoken and bold about their political beliefs, which are hopefully rooted in a Christ-centered worldview. When injustice occurs (and it certainly will among a fallen mankind), we must be quick to take notice of it and stand against it. This could mean consequences, but it is the right thing to do. As I mentioned earlier, things are not always black and white. Many police officers, for example, are required to enforce laws that they do not necessarily agree with. Often the tragedy of a situation is that it should have never happened but did because of an overreached law that a legislature passed. We should not always pass off blame on the person or people it is often being placed on. Often people do not take time to examine the facts of the situation. Again the governing authorities are not always right. However, we must also realize that the purpose of authorities is to prevent injustice. We live in a nation where this is largely true. There may very-well come a day when our authorities do not exist to prevent injustice but rather participate in it. In fact, I strongly believe that day is certainly coming. However, that day is not here yet. God has appointed authorities to fight against injustice, and we must respect them for it. Respect does not mean being walked upon or treated unfairly. It simply means acknowledging the position one holds with dignity and submitting to the rules set out whether we agree with them or not. If we are honest, there are many laws and rules we strongly disagree with. In fact, in many instances, our law-makers continue to push legislation which makes little sense and has no value or purpose. We should take a stand against these types of laws but also respect and obey them as long as they do not violate our biblical mandate to serve and honor Christ.

We are called to be a holy people. Realize, however, that not all of our governing authorities are Christians. Therefore, they have not yet been called to be holy. Even those who are Christians are still tugged and swayed by the power of sin. The fact is that everyone is in need of grace including our authorities and police officers. Mistakes will happen. It is guaranteed whether it is a civilian or an officer. We must take those instances and use them as learning and growing opportunities with the goal of restoring the one who made the mistake. God has more than enough grace to give, and we as believers should be instruments of his grace and peace. We should not automatically think that police officers are wrong. Nor should we automatically think that civilians are wrong. We should instead seek the truth and seek the Lord in restoring this broken world. Do we have corrupt authorities? Yes. Do we have corrupt civilians? Yes. We are still called to be subject to our governing authorities though, and to do anything less is sin. If we respond in love and grace, we cannot respond in the wrong way. Love must be shown, not hatred. Let us love and respect.

A Christmas Gift from Me and Gracie

To say Merry Christmas, here is a gift from me and Gracie to you. Have a great one!

Introducing New Music

Here is a link to a new article I wrote for Experiencing Worship about introducing new music.

New Article Link: Time Limits in Corporate Worship

Here is a link to an article I recently wrote for Experiencing Worship, a worship website I am now a contributor for.

Some Thoughts on Judgment

Some Thoughts on Judgment

I heard a fascinating quote recently. It was, “Don’t judge me just because I sin differently than you.” While this is a true quote, there are interesting imperatives that must be discussed.

First of all, nowhere in scripture are we told not to judge. We make judgments every day. In fact, we cannot live our lives without casting judgments. In Matthew 7, Jesus tells us not to judge lest we be judged ourselves and then continues by saying that we are to remove the plank from our own eye so that we can then remove the speck in our brother’s eye. In essence, we are told to first make sure that we ourselves are right with God before we make judgments on someone else so that we can accurately judge.

We must also remember, however, that our judgments are, in no way, perfect. The only way we can make a perfect judgment is through prayer and the guidance of Jesus Christ because he is the one and only perfect judge. Therefore, our judgments are subject to Christ’s ultimate judgment.

We must also not neglect the fact that for believers, God has ultimately judged us already when he did so through his son on the cross. Therefore, any action taken toward a fellow believe in Christ should be for correction, not judgment. I would submit that this should be the case with unbelievers as well since we have no authority to judge ultimately. Judgment then becomes a matter of correction, not punishment.

Finally, on the issue of judgment, no one is without sin. Therefore, when it comes to corrective judgment, we must all be willing to receive it and use it as an agent of change in our lives.

Our judgment must be done in righteousness, and therefore, it must be done in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:3-9: The Result of New Birth

1 Peter 1:3-9: The Result of New Birth

            As believers, it is no secret that we are born again, not in a literal but rather in a spiritual sense. We are born to new life in Christ, which is more important of a birth than our natural birth. ! Peter gives us some implications we must remember as part of our new birth.

1 Peter 1:3-9

English Standard Version (ESV)

Born Again to a Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ⁶ In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. ⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, ⁹ obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

God Is the Cause of Our New Birth (vv. 3-5)

            We are only born again because of Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. Therefore, we are not the initiators of our new birth, but rather God is, and it is through him, that we are born again or made new. This is the purpose of new birth, to be made new, like Christ.

Because of New Birth, We Are Tried (v. 6)

            We are promised tests and trials because of our new birth. It is guaranteed. This should cause us to think realistically about who we are in Christ and what the results are. For those who are in Christ, trials and tests are guaranteed.  

Through Testing, Our Faith Is Made Complete (vv. 7-9)

            We are reminded through this passage as well as in James that our faith is completed through testing. Therefore, let us be thankful for tests and trials. We are guaranteed trials because this is how we are made complete and more like Christ.

Philippians 2:5-11: The Example of Selflessness

Philippians 2:5-11: The Example of Selflessness

            With so many corrupt leaders, it is easy to assume that there has never been a good example of servant-leadership. Need I remind us all that Christ has shown the perfect example of selflessness? This is the example we are to follow and indeed the example of selflessness.

Philippians 2:5-11

English Standard Version (ESV)

⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,^[a] 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant,^[b] being born in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. ⁹ Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, ¹⁰ so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Claim the Mindset of Christ, Namely Selflessness (v. 5)

            Paul assures us that the mindset we are to take on (which he has previously spoken of in verses 1-4) is ours in Christ Jesus. This means that we must claim it. We are not called to achieve it, but it has already been achieved so we must claim it. What mindset it that though? That is the mindset of selflessness.

What Does Selflessness Look Like? (vv. 6-7)

            The question now arises: what does selflessness look like? The perfect example of it has been given to us in Jesus Christ. Prior to the incarnation of Christ, he was the very form of God, Greek morphe theou. However, the Bible tells us here that he did not consider it but instead took on human form by emptying himself. This does not mean that he gave up his position as God; it simply means that he neglected his position as God to become completely human. This has so many implications with it, one being that if Jesus Christ could live a sinless life as a human, we can too! Will we though? Absolutely not because the Bible tells us that no one is sinless. Nonetheless, as sinners saved by grace, we are called to live sinless in Christ, which is completely possible. Why do we so often make excuses for our sin then? There is no excuse, and it is when we realize that fact, our concept of the mercy of God is greatly magnified.

            Selflessness looks like Christ. He showed the perfect example of selflessness by taking on the form of a human, becoming less than he had to. We must also not consider ourselves worth anything except in Jesus Christ and, therefore, serve others as Christ did.

Exaltation Is the Result of Selflessness in the Kingdom of God (vv. 8-11)

In the Kingdom of God, selflessness leads to God-honoring. You will be honored for selflessness. It is no small thing, although it may seem as so, at times. Take the example of Christ. It was precisely the selflessness of Christ that resulted in his exaltation. This is true with any believer, but because Christ is the perfect example of selflessness, he is now exalted above all. The Bible says that the highest name in existence was bestowed upon him. What is that name though? It is not the name, Jesus, as many mistakenly believe. No, the name is Lord. That is what every tongue will declare, namely that he is Lord!

It is because we carry the name of Christ that we must contribute in selflessness. This is our call, and indeed we have a great example.

Caprock Canyon Hiking Trip

Today was a very tiring but good day. I took a hiking trip to Caprock Canyon, a little north of Lubbock, and we hiked six miles. Half of it was up hill to the ridge, and the other half was downhill. I am beginning to think that the downhill part was the toughest. We stopped and had lunch in a fern cave as well. It was incredible to experience God's creation in such a unique way. Here are some pictures from the day.

Psalm 23: God Is My Shepherd

Psalm 23: God Is My Shepherd

What do we mean when we refer to God as a shepherd? Psalm 23, written by David, gives us a glimpse of what this truly means.

Psalm 23

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Lord Is My Shepherd

A Psalm of David.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
²     He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.^[a]
3     He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness^[b]
    for his name's sake.

⁴ Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,^[c]
    I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
    your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely^[d] goodness and mercy^[e] shall follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell^[f] in the house of the Lord
    forever.^[g]

We Desire Nothing Else because Jesus Is all Satisfying (vv. 1-2)

            In this world overrun with technology, it is easy to desire things other than God, but the fact is that Jesus is better, and we do not have to desire anything else. He will provide everything we need. As Jesus himself said, if God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field, how much more will he care for us, his children?

The Lord Leads Us (v. 3)

            The ultimate guide is God himself. He leads us just as a shepherd leads his flock. There is an implication here, namely that we, as his flock, must trust him. In order for him to lead effectively, we must follow where he goes.

The Lord Protects Us (vv. 4-5)

            Our source of protection is not the government, but rather it is God himself. If God is for us, who can be against us? This is a rhetorical question, and the answer is a resounding “no one!” God is our protector, and for that reason, we can have no better protector. The psalmist says that he does not fear even though he walks through the valley of the shadow of death. It does not get much more frightening than that, but God protects him. He protects us as well.

God Actively Pursues Us (v. 6)

            The Hebrew word for follow in this passage is radaf. It is a military term that means to actively pursue with passion. God is jealous for us and for our worship, and for that reason, he pursues us with his love and kindness. This is what a shepherd does for his sheep. God is our shepherd in this case, and he actively pursues us.

Mark 6:45-51: How to Walk on the Water in Life

Mark 6:45-51: How to Walk on the Water in Life

            Many are familiar with the story of Christ walking on the water. Although we may not walk on water literally, we are forced to walk on the water in life on a daily basis. Storms will come our way, but we can walk on the water with Christ. From Mark 6:45-51, there are a few things we must see and do if we want to walk on the water in life.

Mark 6:45-51

English Standard Version (ESV)

Jesus Walks on the Water

⁴⁵ Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶ And after he had taken leave of them, he went up on the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. ⁴⁸ And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night^[a] he came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, ⁴⁹ but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, ⁵⁰ for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I.Do not be afraid.” ⁵¹ And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,

We Must Obey (v. 45)

            Scripture says that Jesus made his disciples get out of the boat and go to the other side, forced it in a sense. Just as the disciples obeyed Christ, if we want to walk on the water in life, we must also obey Christ.

We Must Pray (v. 46)

            This might be the most obvious fact of this passage, but if Jesus prayed, how much more should we pray? If we want to walk on the water in life, we are to pray.

We Cannot Be Afraid (vv. 47-50)

            The Lord commands his people in scripture to not be afraid many times. The only one we should fear is God himself because he is the only one worthy of our fear. To give our fear to anything or anyone else is to make that object an idol. If we want to walk on the water in life, we cannot be afraid.

We Must Be Amazed by and Worship Christ (v. 51)

            Worship is key to walking on the water in life. We cannot worship him unless we are first amazed by him, which requires his revelation. God has revealed himself to his children. Therefore, we can indeed walk on the water in life if we worship him.

John 3:1-17: Seeing the Kingdom of God

John 3:1-17: Seeing the Kingdom of God

            Jesus speaks often of the kingdom of God. It can actually be a confusing topic of discussion, but this is because only those who are in the kingdom of God can understand it and its purpose. In response to Nicodemus’ question, Jesus tells how one can see the kingdom of God in John 3. Furthermore, the fact that anyone at all is able to see the kingdom of God is amazing in and of itself, and this is only possible because of the love of God.

John 3:1-17

English Standard Version (ESV)

You Must Be Born Again

3 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to Jesus^[a] by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” ³ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again^[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” ⁴ Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?”⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.^[c] 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You^[d] must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind^[e] blowswhere it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

⁹ Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” ¹⁰ Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? ¹¹ Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you^[f] do not receive our testimony. ¹² If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.^[g] 14 Andas Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, ¹⁵ that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.^[h]

For God So Loved the World

¹⁶ “For God so loved the world,^[i] that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.

We Only See the Kingdom of God if We Are Born from Above (vv. 1-15)

            Jesus responds to Nicodemus by saying that the only way to see and understand the kingdom of God in all of its glory is by being born again. The term, again, in verse 3 is purposely ambiguous because it can also mean from above in Greek. Only those who are born of only in the flesh but are also born from God above will see and understand the kingdom of God. Jesus makes it quite clear when he says, “You must be born again,” in verse 7. The Greek word, you, in verse 7 is plural meaning that Jesus is speaking to us all. To understand the things of God, we must first be born of him.

We Are Only Able to See the Kingdom of God because of the Love of God (vv. 16-17)

            The fact that anyone is even able to see and understand the kingdom of God is amazing in and of itself. Without the love of God, it would not be possible, but it is because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross that we are able to not only see and understand his kingdom but also to be a part of it.

Romans 5:12-19: Death through Adam and Life through Christ

Romans 5:12-19: Death through Adam and Life through Christ

            There are two points to take note of from the following scripture.

Romans 5:12-19

English Standard Version (ESV)

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men^[a] because all sinned— ¹³ for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. ¹⁴ Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

¹⁵ But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many.¹⁶ And the free gift is not like the result of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.¹⁷ For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

¹⁸ Therefore, as one trespass^[b] led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness^[c] leads to justification and life for all men. ¹⁹ For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

All Have Sinned and Are in Need of Christ (vv. 12-14)

            Just as Adam sinned, we also have sinned, and it is because of that very fact that we are in need of Christ. We are creatures of the fall, and without Christ, everything is hopeless.

God’s Gift Is Available because of the Sacrifice of Christ (vv. 15-19)

            There is hope though because Christ died and rose again. Just as one act of sin through Adam led to the sin of all men, one act of compassion through Christ’s death and resurrection leads to the salvation of men. It is a gift we should not take for granted.