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Ease

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

It’s happened to you…I know it has.

You read something and it hits you so hard you feel like you were cold-cocked by a hammer fist in a UFC fight.

Or…

Chuck Norris just stared at you.

I read this and it just bowled me over in its power and intensity AND TRUTH:

Most Americans are still drawing some water from the Christian well. But a growing number are inventing their own versions of what Christianity means, abandoning the nuances of traditional theology in favor of religions that stroke their egos and indulge or even celebrate their worst impulses. Ross Douthat quoted in Unfinished by Richard Stearns

Did you hear that big whack upside the head? Better yet, did you feel it? I wrote a big WOW!! in the margin. I don’t know who Ross Douthat is or what he believes, but Holy Gibbs slap! I have never been to Walt Disney world, but I have talked to folks who have. For all intents and purposes, what Ross is saying is people want to live with a religion that gives them the “Walt Disney World” feeling.

“Give me warm goose-bumps, the warm fuzzies all over.”

“Make me smile all the time.”

“Make me feel good about myself. All the time. Don’t ever tell me I’m going to fight a battle with the enemy of my soul.” Then again, why should he/she? That would ruin their life of ease for them. After all, “God wants you healthy and wealthy… for me” (Think of Golum’s voice as you read that).

“Don’t talk about sin being real or a problem. Just give me the good stuff. ”

“Give me a high.”

Ross is so right. Egos (theirs and ours) are stroked. Our wants are indulged by a God who is “bound” to do so. Our whims are fulfilled because, after all, I can “do and then pray for forgiveness.” Our modern day version of Christianity is so far removed from the cost-of- discipleship-faith Jesus was talking and warning us about. I confess I don’t know much of that myself. While I am in no way a teacher of the health/wealth (un)gospel, I must admit that I have no clue what it is like to live under constant fear of persecution or arrest.

Time to come down off my soapbox now. I just couldn’t help myself after the 2×4 to the head. I would like to know your thoughts though. Feel free to share them.

Posted in Church, Doctrine, Opinion | 26 Responses »

Identified

Monday, May 27th, 2013

I used the following story to conclude my sermon Sunday and to lead right into our observance of the Lord’s Supper:

Else Keinmann was a survivor of the concentration camps from the Nazi regime. But she survived in a most unique way. Else was arrested because her father was wealthy. The Nazis thought that if they arrested her they might receive a large ransom. Else was put in with a group of prostitutes who hated her presence among them because she came from a wealthy family. They shoved her, kicked her, and rejected her completely. But Else fought back and defended herself. A German soldier took her out for interrogation. He kicked her, spit on her, beat her, and knocked out most of her teeth. She returned to her prison group bruised and broken, and also filled with fear because she knew she could no longer defend herself against the hostile prostitutes. She said, “I was scared for my life. I could no longer protect myself from these woman. But when they saw what I looked like, those who had tortured me before brought me water and took off my clothes to wash my wounds. They said, ‘Never again will we do anything to you, for now on you are one of us.’ They made it possible for me to endure the time we spent in the camp. They gave me strength to look out the window and see the beauty of the world outside and not the horror of the world within.”

That story reminded me of several Scriptures:

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form…” Phil.2:5-8a

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

He became one of us, and in that becoming, He not only became our way to God, but also showed us God. God revealed Himself through His Son. We can now know the Father intimately because He did. He identified with us. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Heb.4:15

HE. IDENTIFIED. WITH. US!!

How has your understanding of God been enhanced by this truth? Does it make a difference how you see God?

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, God, Jesus, Scripture look | 26 Responses »

Remember

Thursday, May 23rd, 2013

Somehow, we as Americans, have things a tad bit twisted.

We idolize sport “crybabies” who make more money in one year than many of us will make in a lifetime.

We idolize people who live lifestyles contrary to the Bible, but who “come out” of their closet. Suddenly they are the greatest thing since sliced bread.

We hang on every word some celebrity sings or says. We clamor for the paparazzi to give us “More! More!’

But while we do that, we often forget the real heroes. The ones who make all the freedoms possible which so many want to stomp into the ground. We forget or dismiss those who fought to give us the right to speak up and say whatever we want to say.

It is nothing new to any of you: this is Memorial Day weekend.

Some will be making their way to the Indianapolis 500.

Some will also be making the trek to their local cemetery to visit graves…

to visit the Vietnam Memorial…

the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor…

and countless other places to remember and honor loved ones, many of whom died in service to our country.

This is a weekend to remember “with liberty and justice for all.” It is a weekend to remember “My country, ’tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing.” But most important of all, it is the weekend to honor those brave men and women who served this great nation.

BUT. I. AM. NOT. AN. “I. LOVE. MY. COUNTRY”. WORSHIPER.

While I am extremely grateful I live in the USA, I don’t have blinders on. I am aware there is a serious flaw that is gumming up the works. It is called SIN. Fleetwood Mac would put it another way: “You can go your own way.” And we are a people who have, by and large, chosen to do just that.

But the answer and cure for sin is the other memorial we will celebrate this week. Our church observes the Lord’s Supper each week. Some can say it becomes a ritual…and in some cases, they can be right. But if I Corinthians 11: 27-29 is taken seriously, that won’t happen. It is a time to remember the ultimate sacrifice, the ultimate price being paid for our freedom.

This Sunday, as you can probably guess, I will be preaching on Legacy and using our need to remember our veterans and remembering our Savior as my main thoughts. Both will develop these thoughts:

We should never forget the sacrifice of life.
We should never forget the price of freedom.
We should never forget the need for peace.

I appreciate your prayers. But I encourage you to take some time this weekend to honor a vet and honor the Savior. You can’t go wrong with either one.

AND HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE MEMORIAL HOLIDAY WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

How do you intend on celebrating this weekend? Will you be honoring a vet this weekend?

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, Family, Friendship, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous | 18 Responses »

Plans

Wednesday, May 8th, 2013

I have become sure of one thing when it comes to plans…

WHEN WOMEN ARE INVOLVED PREPARE TO CHANGE THEM!

That ought to garner me some comments from readers!!! In fact, my oldest daughter, who is involved in this “changing transaction” will probably comment and might even get her mom to read this post (hey, there’s always a first time for everything!) Just kidding. Jo has read a post or two before. But commenting? Let’s just say I don’t get paid by her comments.

Anyway, here’s the deal. Tami’s birthday is June 3rd and she will be (__) years old. I’ve always been told it is not good to tell a woman’s age so let’s just say it is between 35 & 40. Or maybe I could say I wasn’t quite 23 when she was born and I am not quite 61 yet. Providing I am still alive and kicking at this point, we planned (operative word) to go to Knoxville with our grandson and spend Saturday through Tuesday with her-celebrating her birthday; going to a Smokes baseball game (that way Braden won’t care who wins); maybe do the Titanic museum; and a whole bunch of other stuff in Pigeon Forge.

Hotel reservations. Check.

Money saved. (A reasonable) check.

Gas money saved. (another reasonable) check.

Schedule of leaving and picking up. Check.

Right to change plans with three weeks left? Double Check.

Say what? Yep. I got the call this morning. Plans have changed. We are no longer going to Knoxville or Pigeon Forge. Oka-a-a-a-y. The plan now is for Tami to come here, then ride with us to Columbus to get Braden, and spend the whole week with him in Columbus and Sandusky (where Jo’s sister lives). Ai-yai-yai (or however you spell that).

But in all seriousness…I am okay with it. Spending less money is always good, especially less gas money. Tami gets to spend a whole week with Braden instead of just a couple of days. Jo’s sister gets to see Tami. And I get to be driven crazy by a rambunctious 6-year old. The saying will be true: “I had to come home to get some rest.”

There is one plan that will never change…God’s plans. “I know the plans I have for you.” (Jer.29:11) “The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.” (Ps.33:10) “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Pr.16:3) I am one who believes strongly we have free will to make our own choices. But I do know when we follow God’s plan, things go a whole lot better. He has a plan for us. He has a plan for the future. The first is sometimes hidden. The latter we know: He is coming again. That plan will never change!!

How do you feel about God’s plan for your life? Do you know what it is?

One more thing about our vacation plans: one thing hasn’t changed!

I CAN STILL TAKE MY BIKE!

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, Family, God, Little Bit of Fun | 47 Responses »

Plan

Sunday, April 21st, 2013

“Plan your work, then work your plan.”

If I have been told that once, I have been told that a thousand times. And for a thousand times I tended to kick against that plan. After all, plans were made to be broken. Right?

The basketball coach wants to run a play/plan, but would often applaud spontaneous action.

Financial plan? All well and good until life got in the way and spending for now became the modus operandi. Worry about consequences later.

After all, “the best laid plans of mice and men are all for naught.” My translation of that is “The best laid plans of mice and men go down the tubes.”

We saw a good example of the first quote “Plan your work and work your plan” this past week. After the horrendous moment at Monday’s Boston Marathon, a plan was put in place to find out and capture the cowards. An almost methodical approach was taken that included viewing footage, pictures, and then implementing the plan to capture them. I have to admit the old man in me has one regret: the older brother died way too quickly.

But I must admit I was impressed by the working of the plan by all involved. It would have been easy to have been rattled beyond rational thinking and action. It would have been easy to go off half-cocked with eyes afire and guns a-blazin’. There was a unity that was necessary for all departments to work together. Unlike the scene in The Fugitive where the Chicago police are working their own agenda that was against the agenda of the US Marshals. Not in this scenario. They worked together. In tandem. The plan ended in the death and the arrest of the cowards, oops I mean, perpetrators.

Reminds me of another Plan that was hatched in ages past. From the dawn of creation. The Plan for redemption, the rescue of man from his sin. “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb.12:2) And let’s not forget the verse in Phil.2:8: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on the cross.”

The Plan for man’s salvation was hatched from the beginning. But I, for one, also believe Jesus had the free will given to all and could have chosen not to die. I once heard it put: “The Plan was predestined, not the man.” I believe that. But I am sooooo thankful for Jesus’ willingness to be obedient and to carry out the plan for salvation-to die on a cross.

This is one plan for which I am glad the person involved did not go His own way. Any thoughts? Disagreement allowed. Just be kind.

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, Jesus, Sunday Meanderings | 29 Responses »

Perfection

Wednesday, March 13th, 2013

First a disclaimer: I have no intention of offending any of my readers. I know there are some religious groups/denominations who believe in obtaining sinless perfection here on earth. While I disagree, I am not writing this post to incite hard or harsh feelings toward me or anyone who comments.

If you read this post, you will know I am in the process of reading Mud and the Masterpiece by John Burke. It is blowing me away! Case in point: I went to bed Tuesday night at 9:30 (I get up at 4) and got back out of bed to read until after 11. Yeah, I questioned my sanity when the alarm went off, but I have been captured by his book. But it is not the first time John has written a book that has done that to me. If you were to look at our website you will find that OVCF is a

“Come as you are church where No Perfect People are Allowed.”

While I have wanted to pastor a church with that focus, I could never articulate it. Until I read John’s book No Perfect People Allowed shortly after I moved here in 2005. I didn’t just read it once. I read it three times and then preached a sermon series based on the idea, plus we offered small groups. It ~~drove~~ brought the point home, and it became our moniker and motive for ministry.

I firmly believe the church ought to be the one place people feel safe. Comfortable (in a good way). Covered in love and acceptance. Now… please understand I am not saying sin ought to be sugar-coated and the gospel (good news) of Jesus should be compromised. But the love of Jesus can be shared and the conviction of sin can be shared with a heart of love. No, let me restate that: the love of Jesus and the conviction of sin MUST be shared with a heart of love. We can’t expect a secular culture like the one we live in to embrace our “Christianese” and our strong condemnation of ~~sin~~ them. Why should they? Heck, I know churches and “followers of Jesus” who don’t even do that. A few years ago I read a book called “They Love Jesus but Not the Church.” With our screaming judgmentalism and wall-building sectarianism why should they? They certainly don’t “feel the love” emanating from us. Sadly, in today’s world, the message and the messenger are almost inseparable.

Here’s what I am advocating: The church is to be like Jesus and be His representative. Take the woman at the well or the woman caught in adultery or the woman who anointed his feet. How did Jesus approach each of them? He didn’t judge and castigate, but He also didn’t pooh-pooh their sin. “Go, call your husband, and come here.” “Go, and sin no more.” “Your sins are forgiven.” He loved them, but didn’t excuse them.

What a difference we would make if we approached people as Jesus did. Do you struggle with this? How are you doing? How does your church do? Any thoughts?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Doctrine, Jesus, Leadership, Legalism, Scripture look, Sin | 30 Responses »

OneWord

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Noah’s “curse” has visited our area again and since I can’t get out to ride my bike, I did the next best thing. No I didn’t sleep; I used my Bowflex. Since I have a real hard time with quiet, especially when working out, I was listening to Air1. They played a song that stopped me in mid lift (not a good thing). I want to say a few words before I link that song.

Name one word every Christ-follower likes to hear: Grace. Mercy. Love. Patience. Joy. Thanksgiving. (Fill in the blank). But there is another one that hit me while listening to the song. Examples first of people who need to hear it:

Rapist

Murderer

Gossip

Backbiter

Troublemaker

Divider

Adulterer

Alcoholic

Witch

Fearful

Liar

Porn Addict

Abuser

Racist

Pedophile

Pastor

The list is endless. But so is the truth of this Scripture. Before you go getting all fundamentalist on me, let’s not focus on the individuals mentioned. Consider this phrase: “Such were some of you.” Notice the past tense were? Those are five of the most beautiful words we could hear.

If we were to be totally honest, many of us still fight the old demons. Past agreements we have made with sin and the enemy of our soul still rear their ugly head. When God looks at us He does not see a stamped forehead with Abuser or Liar or Addict or any other sin tattooed across it. All He sees is a cross. “Such were some of you.”

Some will say, “I’m in a good place right now.” Translated: life is hunky-dory. Others will say the opposite. Translated: things are not going so well for me in the sin/emotion/marriage/life department. Running on adrenaline for the past couple of weeks (without being able to get cycling in); an emotional counseling session; a financial disappointment for my daughter that I am unable to help with; more rain (no riding); and reading a horrifying story of an abusive church & pastors that affected someone I know, has me spinning. I still struggle fighting some of the same demons I have for years. There are moments, days, weeks, months, that I stand on Mount Victory enjoying the view from “up there.” Then I find myself feeling like a rolling snowball gathering snow as I roll uncontrollably downhill. Here read this.

But even in the midst of it all, there is one word I can count on. One word that makes all the difference in the world. One word that turns it all around. One word that shines a light where there is nothing but darkness. You will know the word after you listen to this song. I’ve never been a fan of the group, but this song grabbed me. That one word????????

F.O.R.G.I.V.E.N.

Aaaah. I feel better already. What about you? What is your word?

P.S. I wrote this Tuesday afternoon before I wrote yesterday’s post. I feel it is needed by someone (besides me). If you are one, and do not want to comment publicly, feel free to email me at pastor@ovcf.org.

Posted in Christian living, Church, Doctrine, God, Jesus, Just Wondering, Scripture look | 26 Responses »

Destination

Thursday, February 14th, 2013

While visiting our daughter recently Jo bought a magazine that had a really cool story in it.

“My 3-year-old son, Garrett, is like a tape recorder: if he hears you say something, you can bet you’ll hear it again at the most embarrassing moment-like the evening my husband took Garrett to visit his parents and got stuck in horrible traffic. When they arrived, our son greeted his nana with four new colorful phrases.

After that night, we discussed with Garrett which words are not nice to say-and he took it to heart. That Sunday, he came with us to the morning church service to hear his cousin sing in the choir. It was going well until Garrett heard the reverend say the word ‘hell.’ All of a sudden, my son’s face got red and he indignantly pointed and yelled, ‘He said a bad word, Mama!’ The reverend paused as a wave of giggles passed through the congregation. But that wasn’t all my son had to say. He looked at me and whispered loudly, ‘Did you learn it from his daddy?’ “ -Laura Corcoran from First for women

Go ahead. I give you permission to laugh (and to pass it on). So many parents I know have gone through that type of embarrassment…children repeating what you thought they hadn’t heard.

I’m actually going to use that story to introduce the topic for this Sunday’s sermon: the subject of Heaven and Hell. When working on the idea of building a house-blueprints, foundation, framework, roof, and wiring- my original thought was to call this Heating and Air Conditioning. (You’ll get it). But my better judgment (?) decided to go with comfort level instead. Be that as it may, a belief in the afterlife has intrigued people for years. Pro. Con. Unsure. To heaven and back. To hell and back (this is way behind in tallies from the former). Seances. Mediums. The whole gamut.

HEAVEN OR HELL.

NO MIDDLE STOP OFF POINT.

NO IN-BETWEEN STATE.

NO SECOND CHANCE.

“It is appointed unto man once to die and after that the judgment.” I know it is not popular to talk about hell. It is also not popular to talk about death, even though the averages are 1 out of 1. But when talking about core beliefs, both need to be discussed. I do believe a decision needs to be made: will I follow Jesus or will I not? The decision to follow Him should not be from the fear of hell, but from being drawn by the love of God.

May I ask you to please pray for me/us for Sunday? There are some who need to make this all-important decision-rationally and without fear of the wrong reason. Thanks. What are your thoughts?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Doctrine, Preaching, Scripture look, Sermon Series/Topic | 27 Responses »

FaceSlap

Monday, January 28th, 2013

Not FACE PLANT.

Those hurt too much. That tells me I lost my balance, tripped or did something not-so-bright and found my nose meeting the pavement. A sure recipe for hurt and disaster.

No…this is a FACE SLAP.

They are different. The first one is usually self-inflicted by various means. The second is “other person” inflicted. They got mad. Wanted to wake us up from la la land. They wanted to teach us a lesson to listen. Disclaimer: even as I write all this, I am not advocating face slapping. I personally think it is wrong to slap a child since God gave a place for children to have “the hand of knowledge applied to the seat of the problem.” I also think it is rude to slap someone in the face.

I hate to tell you, but someone slapped me Monday morning. His name was Paul. Well, you’ve probably figured out by now it wasn’t a real life slap, but a virtual one. It never ceases to amaze me how I can read something over and over, but one time I can read something and it hits me. That is what happened to me Monday morning. I am reading through the NT and this morning read from Romans 15 & 16. To be honest, I might as well not have read beyond 15: 1-7. To be more specific, verses 5-6. To save you doing a link search, here is what those verses say:

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The first seven verses are about unity with the church community and in my mind verses 5-6 form the whole reason for it. I have no control over another local body and how they conduct their affairs, but I do have input into the one I am involved with.

There is a lot of talk about “glorifying God.” But do we really know what that means? Maybe more importantly, do we really know we play a major role in that? These verses say harmony is absolutely essential if Jesus is to be glorified. Isn’t it sad that we might have a “worship leader” who isn’t getting along with one of the other members of the worship team? Or maybe one of the worship team is jealous of another who might be receiving attention? According to this passage, how can Jesus be glorified if such is the case? Could that be an example of these verses?

I’m thinking out loud here I know. That means I’m open for feedback and would like to know what you are thinking. Do you see this as an issue or am I barking into the wind? How much do you think unity has to do with glorifying God?

Posted in Christian living, Church, Doctrine, God, Jesus, Just Wondering, Leadership | 18 Responses »

Misconceptions

Tuesday, January 22nd, 2013

You have probably read or heard the following fable. If not, then consider it:

There is an old fable about six men blind from birth who lived in India. One day they decided to visit a nearby palace. When they arrived, there was an elephant standing in the courtyard. The first blind men touched the side of the elephant and said, “An elephant is like a wall.” The second blind man touched his trunk and said, “An elephant is like a snake.” The third man touched his tusk and said, “An elephant is like a spear.” The fourth touched his leg and said, “An elephant is like a tree.” The fifth blind man touched his ear and said, “An elephant is like a fan.” The sixth man touched his tail and said, “An elephant is like a rope.” Because each blind man touched a different part of the elephant none of them could agree on what the elephant is really like.

Bringing that analogy into the spiritual realm brings up several scenarios.

The most obvious is how people have misconceptions about God and what He is really like. For example, it is real popular to talk about and like a God of grace and mercy. And He is. If not I’m in deep, deep trouble. But at the same time, those same people don’t like to think of a God of justice and wrath. Another is hearing that God is Omniscient (All-Knowing), but believing God has limited knowledge (Open Theism). He can’t know tomorrow and is surprised by things happening. (Picture God with the McCauley Caulkin look on the packaging from Home Alone).

Another scenario is when we have misconceptions about people. We jump to conclusions about motives (very dangerous to judge). We write people “off” as Losers. We have a misconception of who they are based on several factors. Jo called me on something I said the other day. We were driving and a jogger was running with her back to traffic on a pretty narrow road. I commented, “Idiot.” (Yeah, real nice coming out of my mouth). She said, “I don’t like that name. I don’t like to be called that.” You see, she works at the BMV and has been called every name in the book, and then some, so she knows the sting of unwarranted comments. I have no clue why she was running with her back to traffic. Perhaps she had just crossed over and was turning down a street. My misconception judged her- and worse- called her a not-so-nice name.

Be careful of having misconceptions. It saves a lot of embarrassment…like having to apologize. It also saves from wrong views that need corrected. Do you fight misconceptions on a daily basis or is it a rare “ugly” that rears its head?

Posted in Christian living, Doctrine, God, Just Wondering, Miscellaneous, Sin | 22 Responses »