1 John 3:4 - Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.
Matthew 24:12 - "Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold."
Romans 4:7,8 - [7] "BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. [8] BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."
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God ordains local authorities to serve and protect its citizens as well as to enforce laws. Although the Law-Giver condemns abuse of power and those who practice injustice, he is NOT in the business of condoning all-out anarchy, or in other words, lawlessness. That said, I am angry about recent incidents in the city; incidents that Chicago police and local news agencies have called "flash mobs," where large groups of young people commit random acts of violence upon unsuspecting "law-abiding" citizens in outdoor locales near or along Lake Shore Dr. I hate to write it this way (and many might say, "Then don't write it"), but these thug, teenaged, thrillseekers are terrorizing people who never accepted the invitation to terror. And unfortunately I have to report (and some may say, "You don't HAVE to") that sadly most of these young people are African American and male. Sadder still is that a few of them have been as young as thirteen years old.
Now I would be naïve to say of such a phenomenon like this, "It is what it is," shrugging it off with nonchalance. As an African American writer, I would be naïve to defend mob action by a few groups of black youths with a veil of excuses (many that enable rather than empower) that point out lacks of opportunity toward transition to productive adulthood. However, someone else's civil liberties have been violated, and the victims have the potential to be as ethnically diverse as is Devon Avenue. These youths' crimes are targeted, yet colorblind. But the violence only further perpetuates the deep-ceded stereotypes of black youths being violent and having no regard for the law; and it gives more fodder for the careless or perhaps racist writers, pundits, spin doctors, and commentators to fuel more fear on top of the terror that seems to already reign on the Magnificent Mile, in the Gold Coast, in Lake View, and mind you, in Englewood where violent crime is never new. But that never makes it right. These writers might write, "Take that back to the South Side. It doesn't belong here." But does violent crime and "lawlessness" ever really BELONG anywhere?
I read a quote in the Red Eye from a heart-broken father about the death of his son, and essentially it went like this: "The police got scared, they over-reacted, and they killed my son;" this in relationship to another recent incident where a teen confronted police after being ordered to drop what was in his hand. It was dark, the youth had reached for the object as he made charge, and, according to Chicago Police, had been warned. An officer shot him dead. The object: a cellphone. In our own disobedience when confronted by God about our own lawlessness, we only kill ourselves because we falsely believe that we can save ourselves from His sovereign presence and authority. We make excuses for our own lawlessness rather than own up, "I was scared, I overreacted, and now I killed myself for disobeying the righteous commandment."
All of us, humanity, by nature practice lawlessness because lawlessness is sin. "All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory;" have never met his standard of righteousness (Romans 3:23). Sin has never truly BELONGED. It was never truly God's intention for sinful man to remain sinful, but to renounce sin and be reconciled unto Him. This reconciliation is found through the blood of His Son Jesus who bore our sin and lawlessness and nailed them to a tree. Thieves, like the "flash-mob," only come to steal, to kill, and to destroy. However, Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). And yes, this promise is for everyone, including the thug, teenaged thrillseeker whose lawlessness is just as evident before man and media as our lawlessness is before a holy and righteous God.
Showing posts with label gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gospel. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Life in the Middle
"Where there is no guidance the people fall,
But in abundance of counselors there is victory." (Prov. 11:14)
The absence of guidance in the life of people or communities, whether that be the family, a classroom, a neighborhood, or a nation, prepares them for a descent from that which is ideal: a platform for concerted, wisdom-driven success. It leads into a downward spiral of disarray, despair, depression, and defeat. As some might say, "Epic fail."
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A "Bay of Pigs" Strategy
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A military unit entering battle without a lead officer, a pointman, guiding the mission is sure to fail; as is one lacking clear direction. Success in the spirit-filled life is no less different and requires a "clear and present" guidance in order to secure victory.
When I shun the guidance of God's Word, put away godly, biblical counsel, or ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I am guranteed to fall. In fact, "when pride comes, then comes dishonor" (Prov. 11:2). Dishonor encompasses a failure that in most cases is preventable, if only one would heed direction and wisdom.
Not only is true success marked by wise counsel, it is also driven by right counsel. If I surround myself with fools and ask them for direction or advice, then I should expect failure. However, if I surround myself with those whose wise counsel come from integrity (ideally spiritual, biblical counsel), and heed it as that which is for my good, then success is closer. It doesn't mean that there won't be bumps along the way, but in the end there is victory.
Ultimately, a life hidden in Christ, indwelt by the Spirit, and led by the wisdom of God's Word as empowered by the gospel is a victorious life. But that's the beginning and the end of the journey. How will you choose to live in the middle?
But in abundance of counselors there is victory." (Prov. 11:14)
The absence of guidance in the life of people or communities, whether that be the family, a classroom, a neighborhood, or a nation, prepares them for a descent from that which is ideal: a platform for concerted, wisdom-driven success. It leads into a downward spiral of disarray, despair, depression, and defeat. As some might say, "Epic fail."
----------------------------------------------------
A "Bay of Pigs" Strategy
----------------------------------------------------
A military unit entering battle without a lead officer, a pointman, guiding the mission is sure to fail; as is one lacking clear direction. Success in the spirit-filled life is no less different and requires a "clear and present" guidance in order to secure victory.
When I shun the guidance of God's Word, put away godly, biblical counsel, or ignore the promptings of the Holy Spirit, I am guranteed to fall. In fact, "when pride comes, then comes dishonor" (Prov. 11:2). Dishonor encompasses a failure that in most cases is preventable, if only one would heed direction and wisdom.
Not only is true success marked by wise counsel, it is also driven by right counsel. If I surround myself with fools and ask them for direction or advice, then I should expect failure. However, if I surround myself with those whose wise counsel come from integrity (ideally spiritual, biblical counsel), and heed it as that which is for my good, then success is closer. It doesn't mean that there won't be bumps along the way, but in the end there is victory.
Ultimately, a life hidden in Christ, indwelt by the Spirit, and led by the wisdom of God's Word as empowered by the gospel is a victorious life. But that's the beginning and the end of the journey. How will you choose to live in the middle?
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Our Identity as Marked by the Gospel of Our God
http://bible.us/n/5Ihk
We marry our identities to so many different things that are contrary to who we really are or were meant to be. And too often have these marriages begun with shotgun weddings. However, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers in 1 Corinthians 9:17-23 to reflect on their identity, with the gospel in view, by inviting them, and more appropriately us, to see a snapshot of his way of life.
A part of this identity that Paul described is demonstrated in our humble service to others as empowered by the gospel of our God. "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more" (19). Who we are is married to "whose" we are; and though it is in our very nature to be servants to none other than ourselves,
the life that is now married to the gospel of Jesus Christ is one that is hidden in His identity. Jesus Himself "did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). And in His identity we are empowered to serve others with the gospel in view.
(22b) "I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
(23) I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it."
To "become all things" refer again to this identity, and it was Paul's clear goal to identify and connect with people: thoughtfully, emphatically with the gospel in view. Who am I willing to become in order to reach others?
"All men" means all kinds of people without discrimination or prejudice. The gospel is for everyone (Acts 1:8). Where am I willing to go to reach others; and what cultural barriers am I willing to cross or bridge to reach others?
"By all means" refer to various kinds of methods to proactively pursue people. Prioritizing the gospel is key in these approaches. What methods am I willing to employ to reach others?
"Do all things" refer to his purpose. It was Paul's constant life goal to ensure that everything he did, every action commenced, and every step taken was done through the lens of the gospel. We, too, in a post-modern culture should find ourselves engaged in such a way in our own lives. In what ways does my life engage the culture right now; and what am I willing to do to ensure that it continues?
He did all of this in order to become a "fellow partaker" in the work of the gospel. "Fellow" regards partnership: with God and His work and with those who participate in that work. "Partaker" means participant. He wanted to be an engaged and active participant in the work that God had not only called him to, but to the same Lord that counted him worthy, having entrusted to him the stewardship of that work. What has God entrusted me with in my stewardship of the gospel and of my identity in its work?
Ultimately, the end goal of the life whose identity is married to the gospel of Jesus Christ is that "by all means some [will be] saved." As Christians, our very lives should be marked by that which is "the power of God unto salvation to those who would believe" (Romans 1:16). This is who we are. Moreover, this is who we were meant to be.
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Questions
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1. In what ways can I become all things to the people who are in my sphere of influence?
2. What are some approaches and methods that will assist me in using all means to reach others?
3. Is my life mark by a prioritization of the gospel, and do I do all things through that lens?
4. Am I engaging the culture while in partnership with God, His work, and His people from a biblical worldview?
We marry our identities to so many different things that are contrary to who we really are or were meant to be. And too often have these marriages begun with shotgun weddings. However, the Apostle Paul encouraged believers in 1 Corinthians 9:17-23 to reflect on their identity, with the gospel in view, by inviting them, and more appropriately us, to see a snapshot of his way of life.
A part of this identity that Paul described is demonstrated in our humble service to others as empowered by the gospel of our God. "For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more" (19). Who we are is married to "whose" we are; and though it is in our very nature to be servants to none other than ourselves,
the life that is now married to the gospel of Jesus Christ is one that is hidden in His identity. Jesus Himself "did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Matthew 20:28). And in His identity we are empowered to serve others with the gospel in view.
(22b) "I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.
(23) I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it."
To "become all things" refer again to this identity, and it was Paul's clear goal to identify and connect with people: thoughtfully, emphatically with the gospel in view. Who am I willing to become in order to reach others?
"All men" means all kinds of people without discrimination or prejudice. The gospel is for everyone (Acts 1:8). Where am I willing to go to reach others; and what cultural barriers am I willing to cross or bridge to reach others?
"By all means" refer to various kinds of methods to proactively pursue people. Prioritizing the gospel is key in these approaches. What methods am I willing to employ to reach others?
"Do all things" refer to his purpose. It was Paul's constant life goal to ensure that everything he did, every action commenced, and every step taken was done through the lens of the gospel. We, too, in a post-modern culture should find ourselves engaged in such a way in our own lives. In what ways does my life engage the culture right now; and what am I willing to do to ensure that it continues?
He did all of this in order to become a "fellow partaker" in the work of the gospel. "Fellow" regards partnership: with God and His work and with those who participate in that work. "Partaker" means participant. He wanted to be an engaged and active participant in the work that God had not only called him to, but to the same Lord that counted him worthy, having entrusted to him the stewardship of that work. What has God entrusted me with in my stewardship of the gospel and of my identity in its work?
Ultimately, the end goal of the life whose identity is married to the gospel of Jesus Christ is that "by all means some [will be] saved." As Christians, our very lives should be marked by that which is "the power of God unto salvation to those who would believe" (Romans 1:16). This is who we are. Moreover, this is who we were meant to be.
---------------
Questions
---------------
1. In what ways can I become all things to the people who are in my sphere of influence?
2. What are some approaches and methods that will assist me in using all means to reach others?
3. Is my life mark by a prioritization of the gospel, and do I do all things through that lens?
4. Am I engaging the culture while in partnership with God, His work, and His people from a biblical worldview?
The Four Points: Evan Roberts (1904)
In 1904, a small town in the British Isles (Wales) experienced what many have called one of the greatest spiritual revivals in modern church history. This revival would far expand beyond its city limits and usher in the transformative work of the Spirit of God in the lives of those who would repent from sin and believe the truth. One of the figures that the Father used to spark that revival was a young man named Evan Roberts. With a burden for people, Roberts and a small group of friends began to minister, as the Holy Spirit led, the Gospel of our God in a way that intended a fixation on Jesus and right standing with God, rather than one that was focused on the programs, people, and preaching of the camp meetings themselves. In this, he drafted four simple tenets that would later be called "The Four Points" that he admonished people to consider:
1. All sin must be confessed to God and repented of.
The church has to be cleansed—the Lord’s bride would be with out spot so there would be no room for compromise with sin. If there is anything in our lives about which there is even doubt as to weather it is good or evil—then cast it off!
2. There must be no cloud between the believer and God.
Have you forgiven everybody? If not don’t expect forgiveness for your own sins. The Scripture is clear; we cannot be forgiven until we have forgiven. Unforgiveness separates us from God.
3. We must obey the Holy Spirit. Do what the Spirit prompts you to do.
Do what the Spirit prompts you to do. Prompt, implicit, unquestioning obedience to the Spirit is required if we are going to be used by Him.
4. There must be public confessions of Christ as Savior.
This is not a one time incident after our salvation experience or baptism—for the Christian it is a way of life. (Evan also believed that there was a difference between confession and profession).
If I/we hope to see personal, spiritual revival as well as corporate, spiritual revival in my/our lives and in my/our cities, we must consider and affirm that God is sovereign and that He desires all men come to the knowledge of the truth. Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to empower me in such a way that God is then able to strip away those things in my life that hinder His work in me, and transverely affect my spiritual impact on those around me? This takes a trusting ear that listens for His voice, a humble surrender to His will, and a faithful obedience to His call.
1. All sin must be confessed to God and repented of.
The church has to be cleansed—the Lord’s bride would be with out spot so there would be no room for compromise with sin. If there is anything in our lives about which there is even doubt as to weather it is good or evil—then cast it off!
2. There must be no cloud between the believer and God.
Have you forgiven everybody? If not don’t expect forgiveness for your own sins. The Scripture is clear; we cannot be forgiven until we have forgiven. Unforgiveness separates us from God.
3. We must obey the Holy Spirit. Do what the Spirit prompts you to do.
Do what the Spirit prompts you to do. Prompt, implicit, unquestioning obedience to the Spirit is required if we are going to be used by Him.
4. There must be public confessions of Christ as Savior.
This is not a one time incident after our salvation experience or baptism—for the Christian it is a way of life. (Evan also believed that there was a difference between confession and profession).
If I/we hope to see personal, spiritual revival as well as corporate, spiritual revival in my/our lives and in my/our cities, we must consider and affirm that God is sovereign and that He desires all men come to the knowledge of the truth. Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to empower me in such a way that God is then able to strip away those things in my life that hinder His work in me, and transverely affect my spiritual impact on those around me? This takes a trusting ear that listens for His voice, a humble surrender to His will, and a faithful obedience to His call.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Vox Dei
"Everyone who belongs to the truth, listens to My voice." One way that those who belong to Jesus listen to His voice is by reading, knowing, and heeding the Word of God. Because "the word of the Lord endures forever," "as new born babes," believers are charged to "desire the pure milk of the word, that (they) may grow thereby if indeed (they) have tasted that the Lord is gracious" (I Peter 1: 25; I Peter 2: 2, 3).
And as believers grow "thereby" effectively and productively in the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord, becoming skilled in the "word of righteousness" (Hebrews 5: 13) by which we are saved (James 1: 21), we become rooted and established in the present truth; truth that is eternal, immutable, infallible, inerrant, and yes, powerful... So, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3: 16). That is if you have tasted His grace. If not, permit your mind, and soul, and heart to savor the immeasurable, wonderful, marvelous grace of our God and Savior. The kitchen is open, and the Lord is cookin'. Bon appetit!
And as believers grow "thereby" effectively and productively in the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord, becoming skilled in the "word of righteousness" (Hebrews 5: 13) by which we are saved (James 1: 21), we become rooted and established in the present truth; truth that is eternal, immutable, infallible, inerrant, and yes, powerful... So, "let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom" (Colossians 3: 16). That is if you have tasted His grace. If not, permit your mind, and soul, and heart to savor the immeasurable, wonderful, marvelous grace of our God and Savior. The kitchen is open, and the Lord is cookin'. Bon appetit!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Quid Est Veritas?
That was the question Pontius Pilate asked of Jesus as he inquired of His kingdom and of His testimony as recorded in John 18: 38. And for generations, philosophers and thinkers alike have posed the same question: "What is truth?" Jesus emphatically says when Pilate affirms that He is a king, "You say that I am a king. For this reason I was born, and for this reason I came into the world --- to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice" (John 18: 37). If we rewind, however, several months before this encounter, that during the earthly ministry of Jesus, He declares "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14: 6). Since Jesus is the Truth, then everyone who belongs to Jesus listens to His voice. So, the real question isn't "what is truth," but appropriately "Who is Truth?"
As the hour approached that He would be betrayed into the hands of evil men with a kiss in the garden by Judas, Jesus prayed to the Father, "Sanctify them by your truth. Your Word is truth" (John 17: 17). In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, a revealing truth is made manifest to us: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning" (John 1: 1, 2). Who is Truth? The Word is Truth. Who is the Word? Jesus is the Word because Jesus is the Truth. Pray tell, "Who is Jesus?" Jesus is God.
Question: Do you belong to the Truth? If so, do you listen to His voice? Hint: the second question should not be a question at all if you belong to the Truth.
As the hour approached that He would be betrayed into the hands of evil men with a kiss in the garden by Judas, Jesus prayed to the Father, "Sanctify them by your truth. Your Word is truth" (John 17: 17). In the first chapter of the Gospel of John, a revealing truth is made manifest to us: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning" (John 1: 1, 2). Who is Truth? The Word is Truth. Who is the Word? Jesus is the Word because Jesus is the Truth. Pray tell, "Who is Jesus?" Jesus is God.
Question: Do you belong to the Truth? If so, do you listen to His voice? Hint: the second question should not be a question at all if you belong to the Truth.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Strays
This afternoon, God taught me a lesson about what concerns His heart most about the world. When I went to Aldi, a young man asked if I could support his cause by purchasing a candy bar. I said, "Not today." He asked again if I could at least give a donation, hoping in his heart that I'd change my mind. His hands visibly soiled and his gumpy disposition finally caught my attention, but I still said, "Not right now." My mind was concerned with other things. So, I moved on.
After taking care of another "urgent" errand, I left the Jewel-Osco only to be confronted by another "person in need." At first he appeared more engaged with the coversation he was having with a woman it seemed was familiar to him. However, he briefly interrupted it to ask as I exited through the automatic door, "Can you help me out?" His frumpy, old bag and dark-skinned legs drew my attention, his eyes calling out for compassion; I responded, "Can't help you out. Sorry." I was in a rush to get home, in a rush to prepare for small group, in a rush to not be too concerned with what could have been a gospel moment.
As I neared the house, just a quiet block away, I saw a small, wire-haired dog in the middle of Wrightwood Avenue. He was almost hit by a car. My heart went out to it. I slowed my car in an apparent attempt to catch up with it, to keep track of it. The driver behind me blew his horn. I pulled a u-turn in the middle of the street in order to pull over, in order to "catch" the dog.
A man on foot had the same endeavor it seemed. He carried earbuds in his hand. We were fruitless in our effort to keep up with it. The dog proceeded to walk down an alley way. I called out to it, and the little thing stopped and turned around. It seemed to have my attention now, both of us making eye contact. I proceeded to get out of my car and walk toward it. The wire-haired dog, unconcerned about my "apparent" compassion, turned around and ran away from me, around the corner into the other alley way.
The man with the earbuds in his hand who seemed to be just as concerned about the dog as I was, caught up with me. I asked him from my car if the dog belonged to him. He replied no. I assumed that the dog was "lost" although it appeared that around its neck was a collar with a tag. I told the man with the earbuds in his hand the the little, wire-haired dog had run around the corner into another alley way. He peered into my eyes from a distance and frankly replied, "I guess it knows where its going," and continued to follow the dog's unmarked trail.
Then Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9: 35 - 38
Question. Do you view people the way God views people, or are you chasing down the wrong strays?
After taking care of another "urgent" errand, I left the Jewel-Osco only to be confronted by another "person in need." At first he appeared more engaged with the coversation he was having with a woman it seemed was familiar to him. However, he briefly interrupted it to ask as I exited through the automatic door, "Can you help me out?" His frumpy, old bag and dark-skinned legs drew my attention, his eyes calling out for compassion; I responded, "Can't help you out. Sorry." I was in a rush to get home, in a rush to prepare for small group, in a rush to not be too concerned with what could have been a gospel moment.
As I neared the house, just a quiet block away, I saw a small, wire-haired dog in the middle of Wrightwood Avenue. He was almost hit by a car. My heart went out to it. I slowed my car in an apparent attempt to catch up with it, to keep track of it. The driver behind me blew his horn. I pulled a u-turn in the middle of the street in order to pull over, in order to "catch" the dog.
A man on foot had the same endeavor it seemed. He carried earbuds in his hand. We were fruitless in our effort to keep up with it. The dog proceeded to walk down an alley way. I called out to it, and the little thing stopped and turned around. It seemed to have my attention now, both of us making eye contact. I proceeded to get out of my car and walk toward it. The wire-haired dog, unconcerned about my "apparent" compassion, turned around and ran away from me, around the corner into the other alley way.
The man with the earbuds in his hand who seemed to be just as concerned about the dog as I was, caught up with me. I asked him from my car if the dog belonged to him. He replied no. I assumed that the dog was "lost" although it appeared that around its neck was a collar with a tag. I told the man with the earbuds in his hand the the little, wire-haired dog had run around the corner into another alley way. He peered into my eyes from a distance and frankly replied, "I guess it knows where its going," and continued to follow the dog's unmarked trail.
Then Jesus went throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were bewildered and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, "The Harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." Matthew 9: 35 - 38
Question. Do you view people the way God views people, or are you chasing down the wrong strays?
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