To clarify my thoughts concerning the first few paragraphs below, there are, I'll call them voices, that speak about Christianity. I've mentioned several examples. They fall into three different catagories.
First voices within the church, or at least purportedly so. Note my mention of the preachers, church denominations, indulgences etc.
Second voices from the media, for example the popular book the Da Vinci Code and even the program THE VIEW.
The third voices were from science.
All of these voices raise supposed contradictions, or varying attitudes and opinions. Taken together on an equal basis it is truely a confusing mess.
Heres what I argue, one must continually evaluate all the voices, against a common baseline. To be sure there is a pretty substantial baseline that has existed from the beginning.
The three honest considerations I suggest at the end are briefly,
1. The personal experience of believers.
2. Cutting through the confusion of contradictions.
3. Drawing a straight line (the baseline).
I've observed, most of the "controversies" we hear about now, are not new, but old ones that were settled, long ago, but just rehashed. The three ecumenical creeds of Christendom are examples of that baseline for measurement. Within protestantism, the "confessions" of the early reformers are another example. And the Bible is the starting point, which all that follows is measured. Taken together, this is a very convincing basis for the legitimacy of the Christian faith.
This is good news to an honest seeker after truth Remember it's easy to be a skeptic. To find the truth is harder, but much more rewarding.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Are you a Skeptic?
In the continuing parade of "-isms" two seem to be more visible in our day. They are skepticism, and cynicism.
Whoopi Goldberg seems to epitomize a combination of both. In a recent episode of THE VIEW television program, they were talking about Christianity, and Elizabeth and Sherri were making some sort of definitive statement about the faith. Whoopi in her typical cynicism, said something like "I can’t wait till they bring indulgences back". I may not have it word for word, but the gist of it was that there are so many changes in the faith both now and over the years. Her message was clear, in her mind the church is something like a Chevy, that has this or that option over the years, and she wants a model revived that had been discontinued like the Camero.
Which by the way, Bonnie Rochman writing in online TIME, Sunday Feb. 22nd edition explains how indulgences are making a comeback—at least through June.
While it is true there are many voices speaking for this or that issue. There are many preachers that loudly proclaim various doctrines, such as the "health, wealth and prosperity" gospel as an example. There are even a dizzying amount of church bodies, which can’t get along.
Even historical fiction novelist Dan Brown and his book the Da Vinci Code opens the door for questions on the person of Christ himself and centuries of deeply held beliefs about him.
Note the statements of church leaders, scientists, and scholars whose opinions contradict each other, as well as historic church teachings and the Bible. We are taught early on contradictory subjects such as creation/evolution. Archaeologists can’t seem to agree on biblical places and times. We haven’t even mentioned the moral issues of our day such as sexuality.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are probably people who doubt there ever really was a consistent historic church teaching--period.
How is a Whoopi supposed to know what is right? Is it any surprise that there are so many cynics and skeptics? I don’t really have any disdain for Whoopi, or anyone who is skeptical. We all, I think, struggle with cynicism and are tempted with skepticism.
I’ve heard of at least one author who believes that the typical unbeliever is skeptical of Christianity in general. And that the numbers of atheists and agnostics have grown dramatically recently.
Because of all the examples above, it’s very, very easy to be a skeptic.
What’s harder is to consider whether it’s true.
Are you skeptical of Christianity? This is a gigantic issue, and I won’t presume to answer these things here, or anywhere. Let me just share how I deal with these things.
First, let me share my own experience. My beliefs have not been formed in a "sheltered" environment. They have been tested through my own period of rebellion followed by a secular education environment—which is not friendly to historic Christianity. And then refined through formal seminary training. And more recently through various ministry and work experiences. Through this, God’s personal faithfulness has been confirmed. So my own personal experience is key to my faith—but not the ultimate foundation.
Second, we must eliminate confusion. We need to understand the distinction between public "church" voices, and personal ministry of Jesus. Jesus is the head of the church, and all doctrine flows from Him. This is confirmed by the ancient creeds. While it is true there have been more books written about Jesus than any other historical figure, we can bypass them all and go directly to the Source Himself—and read what He said. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will never pass away."—Jesus. This is the foundation, the Bible.
Third, we must draw a straight line. While there are many high level church officials of all stripes making this or that declaration, there are many high and scholarly voices which haven’t budged one iota on the ancient theology of the Creeds and confessions of orthodox Christianity. While our nation’s colleges and universities blow in the direction of the strongest winds, the writing in stone and engraved on their proud buildings testify against them.
What does that mean? It means we must take a look at what hasn’t changed over the biblical period of our theology and what has followed in the successive the years. We will find that not only is there a believable and credible body of truth, but scholarly men and women of high reputation who hold to it.
I guess what I’m saying is, we must unwrap the layers of "stuff" to finally see the consistent thread of the Gospel woven throughout time.
Skepticism and cynicism are easy—and popular. What’s hard is to take a look at the faith, and see it for what it is in its basic form. At that point, it’s hard to dispute.
I’ll share my thoughts on the trustworthiness of the Bible next….
That’s what I know, a poor part-time country preacher.
Whoopi Goldberg seems to epitomize a combination of both. In a recent episode of THE VIEW television program, they were talking about Christianity, and Elizabeth and Sherri were making some sort of definitive statement about the faith. Whoopi in her typical cynicism, said something like "I can’t wait till they bring indulgences back". I may not have it word for word, but the gist of it was that there are so many changes in the faith both now and over the years. Her message was clear, in her mind the church is something like a Chevy, that has this or that option over the years, and she wants a model revived that had been discontinued like the Camero.
Which by the way, Bonnie Rochman writing in online TIME, Sunday Feb. 22nd edition explains how indulgences are making a comeback—at least through June.
While it is true there are many voices speaking for this or that issue. There are many preachers that loudly proclaim various doctrines, such as the "health, wealth and prosperity" gospel as an example. There are even a dizzying amount of church bodies, which can’t get along.
Even historical fiction novelist Dan Brown and his book the Da Vinci Code opens the door for questions on the person of Christ himself and centuries of deeply held beliefs about him.
Note the statements of church leaders, scientists, and scholars whose opinions contradict each other, as well as historic church teachings and the Bible. We are taught early on contradictory subjects such as creation/evolution. Archaeologists can’t seem to agree on biblical places and times. We haven’t even mentioned the moral issues of our day such as sexuality.
As if that wasn’t enough, there are probably people who doubt there ever really was a consistent historic church teaching--period.
How is a Whoopi supposed to know what is right? Is it any surprise that there are so many cynics and skeptics? I don’t really have any disdain for Whoopi, or anyone who is skeptical. We all, I think, struggle with cynicism and are tempted with skepticism.
I’ve heard of at least one author who believes that the typical unbeliever is skeptical of Christianity in general. And that the numbers of atheists and agnostics have grown dramatically recently.
Because of all the examples above, it’s very, very easy to be a skeptic.
What’s harder is to consider whether it’s true.
Are you skeptical of Christianity? This is a gigantic issue, and I won’t presume to answer these things here, or anywhere. Let me just share how I deal with these things.
First, let me share my own experience. My beliefs have not been formed in a "sheltered" environment. They have been tested through my own period of rebellion followed by a secular education environment—which is not friendly to historic Christianity. And then refined through formal seminary training. And more recently through various ministry and work experiences. Through this, God’s personal faithfulness has been confirmed. So my own personal experience is key to my faith—but not the ultimate foundation.
Second, we must eliminate confusion. We need to understand the distinction between public "church" voices, and personal ministry of Jesus. Jesus is the head of the church, and all doctrine flows from Him. This is confirmed by the ancient creeds. While it is true there have been more books written about Jesus than any other historical figure, we can bypass them all and go directly to the Source Himself—and read what He said. "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will never pass away."—Jesus. This is the foundation, the Bible.
Third, we must draw a straight line. While there are many high level church officials of all stripes making this or that declaration, there are many high and scholarly voices which haven’t budged one iota on the ancient theology of the Creeds and confessions of orthodox Christianity. While our nation’s colleges and universities blow in the direction of the strongest winds, the writing in stone and engraved on their proud buildings testify against them.
What does that mean? It means we must take a look at what hasn’t changed over the biblical period of our theology and what has followed in the successive the years. We will find that not only is there a believable and credible body of truth, but scholarly men and women of high reputation who hold to it.
I guess what I’m saying is, we must unwrap the layers of "stuff" to finally see the consistent thread of the Gospel woven throughout time.
Skepticism and cynicism are easy—and popular. What’s hard is to take a look at the faith, and see it for what it is in its basic form. At that point, it’s hard to dispute.
I’ll share my thoughts on the trustworthiness of the Bible next….
That’s what I know, a poor part-time country preacher.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Christianity can work for you too
I’ve heard people say, "Christianity isn’t for me". Or something like, "I can’t be a Christian. I tried it and it didn’t work."
Near the top of the list of my favorite country artists are Brooks and Dunn. A few years ago, one of their hits was "Red Dirt Road". I can relate to this song. I can’t say the theology is perfect, or even very good, but I still can relate to the dirt road metaphor—and, of course, finding Jesus.
Here are the words; they may not be exact:
I was raised on rural route three.
Out back where the blacktop ends,
We’d walk to church on Sunday morning, race barefoot back to Johnson’s fence.
That’s where I first saw Mary--out picking black berries.
That summer I turned the corner in my soul on that red dirt road.
It’s where I drank my first beer.
Where I found Jesus.
Where I wrecked my first car—I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to heaven is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on earth isn’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, come to know, there’s life at both ends
Of that red dirt road.
Her daddy didn’t like me much
In my shackled up GTO
I’d sneak out in the middle of the night throw rocks at her bedroom window
Turn out the headlights; drive by the moonlight; talk about what the future might hold,
On that red dirt road.
I’ve been out into the world and I’ve came back in;
I lost Mary and I got her back again.
And drivin’ home tonight seems like I found a long lost friend.
This is a testimony, of life, and firsts. In my life, there was a pretty significant dirt road, a first beer, and a first car—that I didn’t wreck by the way. I drove it up and down that road. But most important, It’s where I found Jesus-well not on that dirt road, but certainly was a part of it. Actually it was in church on Sunday morning.
The song certainly makes for good reminiscing. I guess that’s what I like about good country music. I can relate to it.
The song continues, to talk about being back in the world, and coming back. The whole message of the song is life at both ends of that old dirt road.
It’s funny how something like a dirt road, which at the time is—well under appreciated, but in our memory and returning home after many years takes on new meaning.
I have talked to people who are convinced that Christian faith just doesn’t work for them. It may work for others, but not for them. They may have memories of meeting Jesus on Sunday morning—or on the dirt road of childhood somewhere. But that was a long, long time ago.
Many miles, many people, many transgressions, too many to confess. Or they’ve had an experience, prayed a prayer of invitation, or wept at an altar. But wake up the next morning, fearing it didn’t work.
But that longing for home doesn’t go away. And some are like the car in the song, tore all to pieces.
Now I don’t know about all the fancy excuses, and rationalizations, but I know, that like the song, you and I can at least come back to the Jesus of our youth.
Here are three examples of people who had problems that affected their faith and confidence.
The first was none other then King David himself. Many are familiar with the story of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. But fewer are aware of the sultry details contained in the Bible story. Namely that in addition to committing adultery causing pregnancy, and covering it up, he ended up murdering her husband, one of his most loyal soldiers and citizens. So we have a religious man committing adultery and then murdering the husband to cover it up.
Well it wasn’t covered up; God made sure of that. But even though David paid dearly in this life for the consequences of his sin, he was forgiven by God, and saved in the end.
Have you denied your Lord? Remember Peter did three times on the night Jesus was crucified, and he was restored. He was literally sought out by the Lord whom he denied for that restoration.
Then there was the famous story of the prodigal son told by Jesus Himself in Luke 15. This young man in his pride insulted his father and family by demanding his share of the inheritance. He left with the money and squandered it in wild living. Penniless he came back to his home asking to be a servant. What he didn’t know is his father was watching for him to return and ran to meet him in forgiveness.
The only human requirement in all three of these situations was sorrow and contrition over their sin, which is hardly surprising that they underwent unbearable guilt and shame for their actions. But there’s something else in common.
It was heaven’s desire to bring these sinful men back. God convincingly made David aware that he couldn’t hide his sin and needed to repent. Jesus speaks of the father that waited and ran to his prodigal son when he returned home.
And Jesus Himself sought out Peter, the rock of the church to personally restore him to his faith and confidence.
Come on home to that "red dirt road" The Savior is waiting.
That's what I know, a poor part-time country preacher.
Near the top of the list of my favorite country artists are Brooks and Dunn. A few years ago, one of their hits was "Red Dirt Road". I can relate to this song. I can’t say the theology is perfect, or even very good, but I still can relate to the dirt road metaphor—and, of course, finding Jesus.
Here are the words; they may not be exact:
I was raised on rural route three.
Out back where the blacktop ends,
We’d walk to church on Sunday morning, race barefoot back to Johnson’s fence.
That’s where I first saw Mary--out picking black berries.
That summer I turned the corner in my soul on that red dirt road.
It’s where I drank my first beer.
Where I found Jesus.
Where I wrecked my first car—I tore it all to pieces
I learned the path to heaven is full of sinners and believers
Learned that happiness on earth isn’t just for high achievers
I’ve learned, come to know, there’s life at both ends
Of that red dirt road.
Her daddy didn’t like me much
In my shackled up GTO
I’d sneak out in the middle of the night throw rocks at her bedroom window
Turn out the headlights; drive by the moonlight; talk about what the future might hold,
On that red dirt road.
I’ve been out into the world and I’ve came back in;
I lost Mary and I got her back again.
And drivin’ home tonight seems like I found a long lost friend.
This is a testimony, of life, and firsts. In my life, there was a pretty significant dirt road, a first beer, and a first car—that I didn’t wreck by the way. I drove it up and down that road. But most important, It’s where I found Jesus-well not on that dirt road, but certainly was a part of it. Actually it was in church on Sunday morning.
The song certainly makes for good reminiscing. I guess that’s what I like about good country music. I can relate to it.
The song continues, to talk about being back in the world, and coming back. The whole message of the song is life at both ends of that old dirt road.
It’s funny how something like a dirt road, which at the time is—well under appreciated, but in our memory and returning home after many years takes on new meaning.
I have talked to people who are convinced that Christian faith just doesn’t work for them. It may work for others, but not for them. They may have memories of meeting Jesus on Sunday morning—or on the dirt road of childhood somewhere. But that was a long, long time ago.
Many miles, many people, many transgressions, too many to confess. Or they’ve had an experience, prayed a prayer of invitation, or wept at an altar. But wake up the next morning, fearing it didn’t work.
But that longing for home doesn’t go away. And some are like the car in the song, tore all to pieces.
Now I don’t know about all the fancy excuses, and rationalizations, but I know, that like the song, you and I can at least come back to the Jesus of our youth.
Here are three examples of people who had problems that affected their faith and confidence.
The first was none other then King David himself. Many are familiar with the story of his adulterous affair with Bathsheba. But fewer are aware of the sultry details contained in the Bible story. Namely that in addition to committing adultery causing pregnancy, and covering it up, he ended up murdering her husband, one of his most loyal soldiers and citizens. So we have a religious man committing adultery and then murdering the husband to cover it up.
Well it wasn’t covered up; God made sure of that. But even though David paid dearly in this life for the consequences of his sin, he was forgiven by God, and saved in the end.
Have you denied your Lord? Remember Peter did three times on the night Jesus was crucified, and he was restored. He was literally sought out by the Lord whom he denied for that restoration.
Then there was the famous story of the prodigal son told by Jesus Himself in Luke 15. This young man in his pride insulted his father and family by demanding his share of the inheritance. He left with the money and squandered it in wild living. Penniless he came back to his home asking to be a servant. What he didn’t know is his father was watching for him to return and ran to meet him in forgiveness.
The only human requirement in all three of these situations was sorrow and contrition over their sin, which is hardly surprising that they underwent unbearable guilt and shame for their actions. But there’s something else in common.
It was heaven’s desire to bring these sinful men back. God convincingly made David aware that he couldn’t hide his sin and needed to repent. Jesus speaks of the father that waited and ran to his prodigal son when he returned home.
And Jesus Himself sought out Peter, the rock of the church to personally restore him to his faith and confidence.
Come on home to that "red dirt road" The Savior is waiting.
That's what I know, a poor part-time country preacher.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Your Own Bible
Don't have a Bible?
New or Used?
Sometimes going new is best. Get a Bible that is new and fresh; it will remind you that there is something new in you, or that can be renewed. It's a fresh start. In my humble opionion, it's sad that big publishers market the Bible as a profit making book. You can spend as much as you want on one. For a nice and inexpensive copy, get one at a place like Sam's Club, or a book store. For your first Bible, go cheaper, then get that nice one later on. You may want to sample a few translations before you buy that nice leather bound version anyway.
Maybe you have an old one, or a hand me down. This might be a special Bible of a parent, grandparent, or other loved one. The important thing is finding one and claiming it as yours. It can be one that you can read and enjoy. You can find it, bookmark it, and keep it in a special place and take it with you on trips.
Free Gift:
If you are at a hotel or hospital, feel free to take the Gideon Bible there on the night stand. They have nice helps, and verses listed for various situations, and needs.
Translations:
Many people today find modern translations are easier to understand than the old King James Version. Unless you are use to the old "thee's" and "thou's", a modern translation will be easier to understand. If you are, (like me) needing a few "thee's" and "thou's" a very excellent compromise is the New King James.
Method:
Bible reading is boring only to those who don't know where to read. The new reader should not read the Bible like an ordinary book, from cover to cover--initially. I'm not saying that you should not read the whole Bible. Just don't start from the beginning and try to read through it--at first. There is a time when that is helpful and necessary. But for most new Christians, not initially. I recommend that you take 5 minutes a day and find a verse, or short passage, and read that. Then expand from there. Read that chapter, the one before it, the one after it until either you've read the whole book or you move on to something else. Don't feel you have to keep reading in a particular book or chapter. If you are not understanding something, come back to it later. And for the time being read something you understand. Be sure to pray as you read and during the day. Many find it helpful to make light pencil marks, or to highlight helpful passages. Be careful not to over mark it though, and watch for bleeding through the paper with highlighting pens.
Comfort and Answers:
Ultimately, many people find comfort and peace from reading the Bible, Yes there are passages about wars, etc. but reading in the Psalms for example can bring comfort to one's soul. God's Holy Spirit will begin to work through this Book to bring answers to problems and life's mysteries. Yes there is discomfort too, as the Bible acts like a mirror to show us our sin and need for forgiveness. But best of all, the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ, and His life on this earth and then his innocent suffering and death on the cross.
Conclusion:
These are only a few thoughts, believe me, much more has been written on this subject. The important thing is that you start, or return to Bible reading. We are not saved by doing this. There is no merit in reading by itself, but we can learn of the grace and mercy of God extended to us through Christ. Accepting it into our hearts through faith then, begins that wonderful journey heavenward.
Another thought from the poor part-time country preacher.
New or Used?
Sometimes going new is best. Get a Bible that is new and fresh; it will remind you that there is something new in you, or that can be renewed. It's a fresh start. In my humble opionion, it's sad that big publishers market the Bible as a profit making book. You can spend as much as you want on one. For a nice and inexpensive copy, get one at a place like Sam's Club, or a book store. For your first Bible, go cheaper, then get that nice one later on. You may want to sample a few translations before you buy that nice leather bound version anyway.
Maybe you have an old one, or a hand me down. This might be a special Bible of a parent, grandparent, or other loved one. The important thing is finding one and claiming it as yours. It can be one that you can read and enjoy. You can find it, bookmark it, and keep it in a special place and take it with you on trips.
Free Gift:
If you are at a hotel or hospital, feel free to take the Gideon Bible there on the night stand. They have nice helps, and verses listed for various situations, and needs.
Translations:
Many people today find modern translations are easier to understand than the old King James Version. Unless you are use to the old "thee's" and "thou's", a modern translation will be easier to understand. If you are, (like me) needing a few "thee's" and "thou's" a very excellent compromise is the New King James.
Method:
Bible reading is boring only to those who don't know where to read. The new reader should not read the Bible like an ordinary book, from cover to cover--initially. I'm not saying that you should not read the whole Bible. Just don't start from the beginning and try to read through it--at first. There is a time when that is helpful and necessary. But for most new Christians, not initially. I recommend that you take 5 minutes a day and find a verse, or short passage, and read that. Then expand from there. Read that chapter, the one before it, the one after it until either you've read the whole book or you move on to something else. Don't feel you have to keep reading in a particular book or chapter. If you are not understanding something, come back to it later. And for the time being read something you understand. Be sure to pray as you read and during the day. Many find it helpful to make light pencil marks, or to highlight helpful passages. Be careful not to over mark it though, and watch for bleeding through the paper with highlighting pens.
Comfort and Answers:
Ultimately, many people find comfort and peace from reading the Bible, Yes there are passages about wars, etc. but reading in the Psalms for example can bring comfort to one's soul. God's Holy Spirit will begin to work through this Book to bring answers to problems and life's mysteries. Yes there is discomfort too, as the Bible acts like a mirror to show us our sin and need for forgiveness. But best of all, the Bible teaches us about Jesus Christ, and His life on this earth and then his innocent suffering and death on the cross.
Conclusion:
These are only a few thoughts, believe me, much more has been written on this subject. The important thing is that you start, or return to Bible reading. We are not saved by doing this. There is no merit in reading by itself, but we can learn of the grace and mercy of God extended to us through Christ. Accepting it into our hearts through faith then, begins that wonderful journey heavenward.
Another thought from the poor part-time country preacher.
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