Jesus Is Our Only Hope: We Say It, Yet Our Lives Say Otherwise

Jesus Is Our Only Hope: We Say It, Yet Our Lives Say Otherwise

            Last week I saw the third movie of the Divergent series titled Allegiant. It has struck me before that many of these anti-government and utopian society movies strike a chord and resonate with people because they are relevant and perhaps becoming more and more relevant. Little by little people are waking up to the fact that the United States’ government at large is growing massively. When nearly half of the people in our country are employed by some form of government, we know there is a larger issue of control. Chances are that people will not vote themselves out of a job, and as long as that is our attitude, we will be controlled by government. Don’t hear what I am not saying. Government is good and ordained by God. However, an oppressive government is clearly wrong, even according to the words of scripture. Oppression, however, can be disguised as something that is good. Oppression is any control of government that reaches far beyond the limits of individual liberty. When that is compromised, you have government corruption. Certainly some governments are more corrupt than others, but to deny that we, in the United States, have any form of government corruption is to continue to willingly live in blindness. It is not an issue of Republican or Democrat. In fact, both parties equally contribute to corrupting our government, and to think that we are not just as corrupt as any other government in our world or at least have the overwhelming potential to soon be is a lie. How do we, as Christians, handle the Son of God in our society? We are called to know him and to make him known. Is it to be forced though? Should we make attempts at legislation that honors God? As Christians, it is common to say that Jesus is our only hope because surely he is. Our hope is not found in who is elected President or who is in the legislature or on the Supreme Court. It is only in Christ. Therefore, I would like to refer to two ways we, at large, do not honor when we proclaim that Jesus is our only hope.

We Say Otherwise as a Society

There is at least an entertaining election cycle happening before our eyes, which is, in fact, a reflection of our society. Many will say that who we elect makes a difference in the direction of our country, but I would argue that who we elect is a reflection of the trajectory of our country. This is not to say that the direction can’t be changed. It is a reality though and one that we must come to grips with. While the United States is not a theocracy, our founders were mostly Christians and based their beliefs of government on biblical principles. Principles, however, do not imply moral law, for it is impossible to legislate morality. Still many in our country will profess Jesus Christ, although their lives and decisions will point to something else. In other words, it is mere lip-service. A large number of people in our country profess Jesus Christ in word only. This is also true in the subculture of the church. People say one thing yet live out another. Our society is wrapped up in so many things other than Jesus Christ, and this is true particularly in the church. We are wrapped up in things that are important but are not enough such as social justice, health, good leaders, education, and defense. These things, although crucial to the well-being of a nation, are not enough. Only Jesus is enough. Jesus plus nothing equals everything. Then we are also wrapped up in things that aren’t even important such as money, power, and fame. In one of the most prosperous nations to ever exist, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that nothing can satisfy but Jesus and he is better than all else. As a society and especially as the church, we may say that Jesus is our hope, but our decisions and actions point to something else.

We Say Otherwise as Individuals

            We also do this as individuals. The most obvious way we do this is by worrying. We worry about jobs, money, retirement, education, who will be elected, etc. If Jesus is truly our only hope, why do we worry about such things? We say that our hope is not in who we elect, yet we worry about the direction of our country if a particular person or party is elected. This should not be. This speaks volumes to where our actual hope is or where we at least think it is. Again who we elect is a reflection of where we already are. We can only do so much, and our job is not to legislate morality but to pray for and live it. This will actually have a far greater effect on our society. People should see individual believers whose lives reveal an unwavering hope in Jesus Christ and not in anything other than that.

Conclusion

            Everything but Jesus Christ will fail us. For that reason, we must not only say that our only hope is in him, but we must also live it. Our actions, our security, and our decisions must reflect this truth, for he truly is our only hope.

Incorporating Liturgy in a Modern Context

Here is an article I recently had published on Experiencing Worship about incorporating liturgy in a modern context.

Ministerial Training: To Learn or Not to Learn?

Ministerial Training: To Learn or Not to Learn?

To learn or not to learn? That is the question. Or is it? Perhaps the question should be quite different. By “learning,” most people mean formal training. The question then should be, “To go to school or not go to school?” This might not be as black and white as it seems though. There are many instances where God clearly leads one serving in the gospel ministry to pursue formal training. This is not always the case though. Each person is different, and so is each calling. I would like to explore this question and, in answering it, I want to provide some thoughts.

Christians Should Strive to Always Learn

            As believers, we should always be learning. This is true for all humans. If we are not moving forward, we are moving backward. There is no maintaining. Part of loving God with our heart, soul, mind, and strength and doing all to the glory of God is continuously learning. Look for all opportunities to learn. The trouble with learning is that often is requires work and many times hard work. This is why most people do not want to learn. We should take every available opportunity to learn though, particularly those of us who are leaders in the local church.

Formal Education Is Not Always Necessary

            Learning does not constitute formal education though. While some churches may have a standard of some type of formal training, it is not absolutely necessary for the broad spectrum of serving God. The truth is that we should do what God leads us to do and learn in the ways he sets in front of us, but to pursue formal training when he is perhaps leading us in another direction is nothing other than sin.

Sometimes Formal Education Is Necessary

            Having said that formal education is not always necessary, there are times when it is. There are particular fields that require a certain type and level of education. Christians should determine what the Lord is leading them to do and pursue the educational requirements of that field. Even in more specific circumstances such as ministry positions in a particular church, sometimes specific training is required. There are churches, for example, that require their pastor to hold a Master of Divinity or their worship pastor to hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in music or worship. This does not necessarily mean that these churches are wrong (although it could if the Lord desires someone without those particular credentials to serve there); it does mean, however, that the person(s) God desires to serve there should seek that kind of training.

There Is Not a “Cookie Cutter” Ministerial Training

            We often have an idea that there is a single path all ministers take and then end up in varying roles. This is ludicrous and illogical though. To think that all pastors should possess a Master of Divinity or any type of degree at all with the same training as other pastors is to say that God has not uniquely called individuals to a particular place and time. Just as all people are different, all churches and ministries are different and should embrace those differences might I add. Therefore, training for ministry should not look the same. Not only that, but we should consider experiences as training from God himself. We learn better through experiences than we do through formal education. God has uniquely qualified his called people for a specific time and place.

Walk by the Spirit

            In all of our worldly pursuits and strivings to give undeserved credit to humankind, we must be careful that we never lose sight of the fact that we are people who are to walk by the faith and not by sight; we are to walk by the Spirit. Just as God’s Spirit might lead someone to pursue a seminary master’s or doctorate, he might also lead someone specifically to not do so. He also might lead someone else to pursue a law degree yet become a pastor. I once heard someone say that God does not call the qualified, but he qualifies the called. When we are led by the Spirit, we cannot go wrong because God is with us at all times. Trust him.

Conclusion

            The conclusion of the matter is this: trust God and lean not on your own understanding. Sounds familiar doesn’t it? There is a reason Proverbs 3:5 tells us to do this. When we rely on our own understanding, we will fail. It is always a guarantee. But with God, we will never fail. Even when it seems that we are failing, we are not, and it is, in fact, during those times that we must continue to trust him. Whatever training God has in store for his chosen ones, we must all trust his leadership and follow him.

Stop Using Scripture and Christian Morality to Justify Your Unbiblical Point of View

Stop Using Scripture and Christian Morality to Justify Your Unbiblical Point of View

            With various social issues in our culture, we seem to be confused. We often say that there are two sides to each coin, but in our culture, we seem to have more than that at times. This is why it is very difficult for Christians to rebuke sin. We are certainly called to do so, but not only do our rebukes often contradict cultural norms, they often contradict the teachings of other Christians. This should not be the case. Believers should be unified in their approach and in their biblical world view. I do not dismiss the fact that there can be differences in interpretations of secondary issues, but in primary issues, we must be unified. One of those primary issues is the fact that sin is sin when clearly spelled out in scripture. We cannot justify sin period. I could point to many sin issues in our culture to give examples, but it is likely very easy to think of some on the spot yourself. What makes these issues so complicated to some is that often scripture and Christian morality is used to justify unbiblical points of view. On social media, we see many who may even profess to be Christians (but in no way live like that) using scripture to justify their sin or their points of view. Why would one use a book they don’t even follow to justify their stance? Perhaps even they, deep down, realize that morality is based on the word of God. Whatever the case, it needs to stop.

            Christians are often caught up in this trap as well but almost in another way. Many professing Christians use the Bible to justify the corrupt or sinful behavior of others in the name of loving them. The truth, however, is that if we do not rebuke sin, we are not loving them. I, for one, know of sin’s stronghold and how easy it is to justify sin on our own merits without it holding up under God’s holiness. Sin is sin period and should be seen as hated by God no matter how much we desire it, and let’s be honest; we all are not only tempted by sin but we often love it. In fact, when we sin, we are saying that we love it more than God, and we need God to work in our hearts and lives, convict us, and bring us to a point of repentance where we do not make excuses but seek to live in holiness.

            Often people using the Bible and Christian morality to justify sin are not even Christians themselves. Whether the issue is homosexuality, abortion, racism, or anything else, the Bible is clear that sin is sin and dishonors God no matter how we feel about it. If we are going to live by the word of God, we cannot justify sin, and when we make mistakes (which will happen), we should immediately repent and turn from it. The point is this. Stop using the Bible to justify actions and behaviors that are already against the Bible. It is not only a contradiction, but it is a lie. We can say Jesus calls us to love everyone including sinners, which is true, but it is only a half truth, for Jesus also said to go and sin no more. Loving people does not mean neglecting sin. It does not work. So to people who seem to blame Christians for all the world’s trouble, stop; to people who are not Christians but seem to be OK with using the Bible to justify your position, stop; to people who are Christians but neglect sin in your life and in the lives of others, stop; and to people who absolutely do not care about anything going on in our culture, stop. God is still at work, and he is still in control. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father. I just hope and pray that those who bow and confess do so before that day as well. Be holy, for he is holy. Amen.

Mission Romania

Mission Romania

            November 22-30 of 2015 I traveled to Sighisoara, Romania on a mission trip with the primary purpose being to lead worship, preach, and train local worship leaders in the area. I began the trip leaving from Lubbock, TX on Sunday afternoon, November 22 and then flew to Houston. After a very short layover, my flight then took me to Frankfurt, Germany, and again after another short layover and walking through the airport for nearly an hour and a half to get to the correct corridor, I flew to Bucharest, Romania. I took a day to see that city and saw some amazing sights. The beauty of the architecture and culture was incredible. However, the effects of communism were made very apparent as well.

            After a day of seeing the city, on Tuesday Pastor Sabin Boruga drove me about 4 ½ hours to Sighisoara, the birthplace of Prince Vlad Dracula. While Bucharest is a city of nearly 5-million people, Sighisoara is much smaller at only 35-thousand. Romania is one of the poorest countries in Europe. Sighisoara is in the north-central part of the country in a geographic region called Transylvania. It is a beautiful city exhibiting the characteristics of a classic little European town that many people would picture. Many cities have a Citadel or a fortress atop a hill, which would have been common in Medieval times. Sighisoara is no different, although it has obviously expanded outside those walls. In general, Europe is technologically advanced. Internet speeds, for example, are much faster yet much less expensive than in the United States. In Eastern European countries like Romania, it is common for younger people to speak English. However, older people usually do not, mainly because they lived for the majority of their lives during a time when they could only speak Romanian. Pastor Sabin speaks five languages himself. Being just a little older than me, he was very young during the Revolution and barely remembers the fall of communism. This is all made evident in Sighisoara.

            Pastor Sabin Boruga is Romanian by birth but speaks excellent English. His wife is of German descent and also speaks English. I met Sabin while he was a youth pastor at a local church in my father’s Baptist association while he was attending seminary, and we have kept in touch since then and long spoken of doing a trip like this. Well, it finally happened. Sabin and his brother have planted six churches since the early 2000s in Sighisoara, and his brother just planted a Romanian speaking church in Germany. Sabin pastors one congregation but is the overseer of all six and uses lay-members and other church leaders to fulfill the role of pastoring the smaller churches in the villages. Many of the buildings he built with the help of others from the ground up. These churches are in villages outside the city of Sighisoara, and many of the people Sabin pastors are Gypsies.

            I spent Wednesday morning visiting with some families in Pastor Sabin’s churches. It was a wonderful experience getting to meet several people and pray with them. Most of them are very poor. Gypsy people used to live in the area but moved away, and after the Revolution and the fall of a Romanian dictator in 1989, they began moving back. The community Sabin lives in is a Gypsy community. They are people that have traditionally been known as thieves and outcasts with no place to go. They know him here as the pastor to the Gypsy people. These are people that no one else will love, but Sabin feels called to them and they welcome him with open arms. I then took Wednesday night to tour Dracula’s castle since it is so close. Vlad Dracula was a prince who was captured and tortured by the Turks in the 15^th-century, but later when he took power again, he used what he learned in their torture methods against them. The legend of him being a vampire comes from a 19^th-century novel. When Vlad died, his body was never found so Bram Stoker wrote a novel based on his character about what happened to him, namely becoming a vampire. His real name is Vlad, and he is known as Vlad the Impaler for how he eventually killed the Turks. Dracula means “son of the Devil.” Seeing this castle where he spent much of time was a great experience. On the way back, we stopped in Brasov, which has a bid to be the European Capital of Culture in 2021.

            Romania has only in the past few years become part of the European Union, which requires certain things to be in place eventually, one of which is being on the Euro. Right now Romania uses their own currency called the Lei. They hope to be on the Euro by 2018. Another requirement is that their official business language has to be English, which should not be a problem for them. Countries in Europe tend to be more like states in the United States. There are largely open borders once you are on the continent, and you can travel freely between those borders. They will still give you the gift of a passport stamp, but the European Union is quickly becoming one large government in and of itself.

            Thursday I spent the day visiting the village churches. Every church had a hand-built brick oven they used to bake bread for the poor people of the village. Sabin’s parents owned a bakery when he was growing up so he was very good at it. Some of the churches also contained a soup kitchen where they fed Gypsy children during the day. The work of the church being the hands and feet of Christ was obvious in these ministries. The entire purpose of these ministries though is to present the gospel message of Christ, for any good work that does not point to the gospel exercise futility. All that is done must be done to preach the gospel. That afternoon Sabin asked if I could go to his mother-in-law’s house and play and sing for her. She is dying of cancer so I told him absolutely. I had never met the woman till that moment, but seeing her sing and lift her hands while lying on her bed was very moving to me. I then led worship at Sabin’s main church Thursday night. With a congregation of about 30 people, we sang and worshiped. I gave a very short message, but most of the night was spent singing praises. I did mostly hymns since they were the most familiar, and it was great to hear them singing these hymns in their heart language of Romanian. They were very appreciative of me being there.

            Friday I went to the city of Sibiu with Sabin to visit a man from his congregation who is in the hospital with broken legs from an accident. He again appreciated me seeing him and praying with him. I then took about an hour to see some of the sights of the city including some incredible cathedrals. The primary religion in Romania is Greek Orthodox, simply called Romanian Orthodox because of the country it is established in. It is a state religion, and the priests are paid by the government. This means that they adhere to what the government wants. Most people in Romania claim to be Orthodox, but very few of them actually practice. Other denominations that exist are Catholic, Lutheran (referred to simply as Evangelical), and Baptist. Sabin’s churches are Baptist.

            Friday night I led worship for a group of college students. They spoke English so I did newer songs in English and then preached but with Sabin translating, and they very much enjoyed it.

            Saturday I woke up early to see the Citadel in Sighisoara. It was wonderful seeing the Medieval walls of the city. I walked up to the Citadel, the highest point in the city and saw some incredible churches and was even able to spend some time in the city clock tower, one of the highest points in the city. The view was unmatched. I then spent the rest of the day Saturday training local worship leaders. There was a mix of old and young, people who liked contemporary music and people who only liked hymns, and people who read music and people who played by ear, and they all spoke English so I did not need a translator. Bridging the gap and training such a vast group is often a challenge, but that is why I came. I first gave some spiritual training and talk about Christian worship being Christocentric. Then I gave some helpful tips for worship leaders such as how to introduce new songs and how to use the planning process as spiritual formation. Then I gave some practical training musically. My hope and prayer is that these leaders not only become better worship leaders through this training but that they also become better worshipers.

            Sunday I led worship and preached in three different churches, the last one being Sabin’s main church in Sighisoara. I spoke of Christ as High Priest in all three services and how that should transform the way we worship. It was wonderful to see Romanian people worshiping and eagerly listening to what the Lord was saying to them. These are the local Christians, the light in a dark place for Sighisoara. I was honored to have the opportunity to work with and minister to them. In fact, I think they ministered to me just as much if not more. Throughout the week the Lord was speaking to me about not only Christocentric worship but since worship is Christocentric, living a more Christocentric life. In other words, every action and decision in our lives should have Christ at the center. I was also reminded to always trust the Holy Spirit. In a culture where everything is much more laidback and relaxed than I am used to, it was difficult to not be prepared at times. I was prepared, but I personally like being ready for things much in advance. There were times, however, when I had to scrap my plans and simply rely on the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Honestly that is a good place to be. God is in control anyway so his way goes. We should always trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This is essential to right worship.

            To my First Baptist Church of Slaton family, I thank you for the opportunity of ministering in Romania. I hope more opportunities like this arise but not only for me, for you as well. I encourage you to pray about how the Lord desires to use you on a global scale. Seek him, and let his will be done. Pastor Sabin’s biggest need right now is prayer, but second to that is financial support. Pray about how the Lord desires to use you in his kingdom work around the world, perhaps in Romania. Again I thank you. The ministry in Romania was fruitful, and God is at work in Sighisoara. Here is a summary video with pictures and recordings.

Thoughts on Materialism

Thoughts on Materialism

            We are quickly approaching Black Friday, a day many look forward to with eagerness and yet a day many dread. The commotion of this particular day and the rush to begin it earlier and earlier each year to the point or now opening stores on Thanksgiving Day, a day really meant for family, speaks volumes to where our culture is. In one word, we are materialistic. Our society is perhaps the most materialistic to ever exist. We are consumers to our very core. How then should Christians respond to this norm? I have a few thoughts on the very subject of materialism.

1.      Material possessions in and of themselves are not wrong. Scripture does not ever say that material possessions or financial gains in and of themselves are wrong. We are told that it is difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven, but this does not mean money absolutely prevents the rich man from doing so. It simply means it is more difficult. There are two approaches here. 1) Many will take one extreme and argue that money is not wrong at all even to the point of writing off Jesus’ words. 2) Others will say that money is absolutely wrong and the cause of sin. Neither is true though. Does money make it difficult to honor God? Yes. Absolutely. No doubt at all, and to deny so is to deny the words of Christ. However, is money wrong in and of itself? No. Absolutely not, and to deny so is also to deny the words of Christ. The happy medium is to learn to honor God with what we have and be content in what he has given us. Don’t seek anything more and don’t make it a priority or point of focus. He takes care of his children. Material possessions and financial gains in and of themselves are not wrong.

2.      Materialism is sinful; it is idolatry. Materialism is a large focus and desire for money and/or material possessions. This is absolutely wrong. It is, in fact, idolatry, for in focusing on material possessions, we put manmade objects before God himself. Many write this off and make feeble attempts at lying to themselves, forcing themselves to believe that their materialism does not hinder their relationship with God. Sometimes we even pass it off on God. “Well, God has just blessed me.” The truth is that most of us passed blessed a long time ago, and we’re now spoiled, and with our lying tongue, we profess that these are just material possessions and mean nothing to us because God is priority in our lives while deep in our hearts, we know it isn’t true. Materialism is absolutely sin.

3.      Pride is at the root of materialism. Like any other sin, pride is at the root of materialism. It is us thinking we have the right to those things. We’ve worked hard for it right? I have a degree that demands a lot of money so I deserve it. This is pride whether we admit it or not, and God is not honored in it. We even do this in the church. We look for the brightest and best stars from our seminaries to “lead us in the way of truth.” Who has a PhD, and who is the most well-trained? This should be irrelevant. Training is good, but when we seek worldly things and credentials above the will of God, it is wrong. Pride is at the very root of materialism. The truth is that we deserve nothing no matter what education we have, how much money we have, how much money our family has, our lifestyle growing up, and our standing in our communities. If we do not cut pride out of our lives, materialism will only grow.

4.      Materialism is not wise. Even apart from the biblical principles here, materialism is just not wise. How often do we see materialism succeed? It is rare, and the truth is that even when it seems materialism succeeds, there is an ugly underbrush we likely do not see. This is why CEOs of fortune 500 companies commit suicide, rich people go into large amounts of debt, and businesses get into legal trouble for unethical violations. Materialism will cause our character to greatly diminish. It is just not wise.

While material possessions are not wrong in and of themselves, materialism certainly is, and we as Christians should be very cautious of the pride in our lives that could easily lead to a materialistic lifestyle and attitude. We are called to honor God and to serve him alone no matter what the cost. As a minister of the gospel, I constantly remind myself that ministry is done with no thought of return. While we are not perfect, God is, and when he cuts pride out of our lives, his perfection can be revealed in a magnificent way. Let’s strive for humility, not materialism.

What Is Gospel Persecution?

What Is Gospel Persecution

            There has been a lot of uproar over Starbucks changing their cups. To be honest, it is just a red cup so why get in a big fuss about it? Of course, I suppose I am now one of the crazy ones who is blogging about it. I posed a question yesterday though. What is going to happen when Christians truly face persecution? Will we remember this ridiculous moment many referred to coffee cups as religious persecution? I would like to focus my time on Christian persecution though. Certainly religious persecution exists in our world, perhaps to an even greater degree than most Americans realize. However, a day is coming when the global Christian community will truly be persecuted. In fact, it is already happening and will only increase. Take joy in this though because it is suffering that marks us as Christians. In considering this, I would like to examine what gospel persecution is. I have a few things I believe gospel persecution is.

1.      Gospel persecution is for the sake of Christ. We are called to share in the sufferings of Christ. Therefore, gospel persecution is for his sake, not our own. We do not go out seeking to be persecuted, but it naturally comes as we live for and honor Christ. It is for his sake.

2.      Gospel persecution is not because of our own stupidity. Do not mistake persecution for the sake of Christ with consequences of stupidity. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect and often face consequences of my stupidity. Gospel persecution is what we are called to though, not consequences of stupidity or sin. However, even in our consequences, there is a proper way to honor God, and through that calling, we may very well face persecution. Persecution is guaranteed for those who honor Christ.

3.      Gospel persecution is difficult. This might be a given, but there are those that would refer to some things as persecution that really isn’t. “Oh, someone made fun of me the other day because I’m a Christian.” Really? That’s persecution? No, persecution is truly difficult. I do not belittle the smaller items of persecution, but the more we honor Christ, the more difficult persecution will likely become. If we are not facing any persecution at all or if persecution in our lives is not increasing, we may want to ask ourselves if we are honoring God with our lives. Take joy in the difficulties of persecution because that is evidence of Christ’s work in your life.

4.      Gospel persecution is honorable. The bible honors those who are persecuted, particularly those who are martyred for the sake of Christ. We too must honor those who are persecuted. When God’s people are persecuted, the church as a family should honor her global members, pray for them, encourage them, and help them in any way possible. Certainly there are those persecuted that we will never know about, but we absolutely know they exist so let’s honor them.

5.      Gospel persecution is joyful. Yes, I said it. Persecution is joyful. How? Scripture says that Christ endured the cross for the joy set before him. The joyful part of persecution then is the glory and radiance of Christ. It far surpasses any trial we may face. When we have the joy of Christ, nothing can shake it. Knowing that our sufferings are for the sake of Christ should bring us great joy. Persecution is joyful.

These are the thoughts I have on gospel persecution. Let’s suffer well for the sake of Christ and for the glory of his name. It is an honor to be persecuted for him.