Is God too big for just one religion?

I saw a bumper sticker recently that said God is too big for just one religion? Is that true? Is God really too big for just one religion?

Jesus said, "Come, follow me."

In some ways that statement is true.

• The universe and all of time cannot contain God and neither can any single human generated system of doctrine.
• No group of theologians, priests, prophets, monks or pastors can explain God.
• There are echoes and glimpses of truth in all religions.
• As long as humans attempt to explain and define the divine, God is too big for one religion.

However, there are some very important ways in which the statement is false.

• If God chooses to reveal himself to human beings, then the truth about God can be found in one religion.
• Many, if not all religions claim to be that one truly revealed theology.  They all simply cannot be right, unless all religions are false.

I believe Christianity gives the best answers to three key questions about God and humans.

1. How did we get here? God created the space-time continuum so humans have a place to live.  The Creator’s goal is to have a personal relationship with each person.
2. What went wrong?  Why is there evil, pain and death in this world?  Humans have rebelled against God since the beginning.  We destroy the world’s environment and break relationships all the time.  We hate, kill, steal, betray and crush each other.  This planet is broken because we broke it.
3. Is there any hope? Can this world be repaired?  Can we be repaired?  God loved us enough to become one of us in the man we call Jesus.  Somehow, in ways we cannot fully explain, Jesus’ life of complete obedience to God including his death on the cross and his resurrection have changed our relationship with God.  Every person is drawn to Jesus and restoration by God’s Holy Spirit.  Each one who responds in faith, trust and obedience to his teachings become part of the solution to this broken world’s problem.

What do you think?  Is God too big for one religion or has he revealed himself in Christianity?  Perhaps others can share their ideas in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

War! What is it good for?

Should Christians participate in war? What is it good for?

That’s a complex question with no easy answers.  Christians through the ages have held a range of opinions regarding war.  Many of the early church leaders leaned toward pacifism and taught that Jesus’ followers could never be soldiers.  Later theologians like Augustine and Aquinas developed what is known as the just war theory.  A war would be considered just if it met certain standards.  Other Christians have considered any call to war by their nation a righteous action.

I belong to a branch of the Christian Family Tree that  allows each member to determine his/her own opinion on this matter.  We fully support those who have moral objections to taking a human life even in war.  We also support clergy who serve as military chaplains.  Finally, we support those who enlist to serve in the various branches of the armed forces in their respective nations.

Jesus Sacrificed Everything for Our Freedom

You may be wondering what I think since this is my blog.  Fair enough.  Here’s my convoluted opinion. (Someone may tell me I contradict myself in what I’m about to say, but I am a work in progress so please be patient.)

1. I definitely believe my government can make decisions that are not righteous.  Therefore, I reserve the right to speak out against specific wars.
2. I believe our soldiers need spiritual counsel and support so I am honored to say I know two chaplains who have served in Iraq.
3. I believe the sacrifices made by our service personnel are worthy of our deepest gratitude and respect.  Many of them bear scars no one will ever see.
4. I think that military action to end oppression and ethnic cleansing is just, perhaps even necessary in a world filled with sinful, broken people and systems.

What do you think?  What is war good for?  Perhaps others can share their ideas in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

How does God discipline his children?

How does God discipline his children?  My friend said her son fell and broke his arm because God was punishing her for gossiping about a neighbor.  Is that true?  Does God really cause pain to children to teach their parents a lesson?

It seems like your friend’s statement upsets you.  I’ve heard people say that kind of thing and it really bothers me too. This is what I believe about how God disciplines his children.

God disciplines his children by allowing them to experience the relational consequences of their wrong behavior.

• Sometimes the things we do, like your friend’s gossip, will lead to strained or broken relationships.
• Lying and cheating others will make us lonely and distrustful.
• When our relationships are strained we need examine our actions to determine if we are the problem.

God disciplines his children by allowing them to experience the physical results of sin.

• Some behaviors cause stress and tension in our minds and bodies.
• Some sins will lead to illness in the person who does them.
• Wrong behaviors don’t cause all our physical ailments.  Bacteria and viruses are the source of many physical problems.  However, our lifestyle choices can set us up for illness.  This is a good reason for some Spirit guided self examination when we are sick.

God disciplines his children by allowing them to feel the spiritual effects of their sins.

• Sin will always produce guilt.  This spiritual pain is God’s call to find out what’s wrong in our lives.
• Not doing what we know is right and doing what we know is wrong will create a feeling of distance in our relationship with God.
• Our wrong behaviors can give us an unusually intense fear of being near to God.  This is a sure sign we need to determine where we’ve gone bad.

Finally, God does not discipline his children by causing pain to their loved ones.   That’s the act of a terrorist not a holy God.

BONUS THOUGHT: God always has our best interest in view when he disciplines us.  He works to prevent even deeper pain and regret later. (Hebrews 12:4-11)

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

Rapture?

We’re still here, pastor.  We weren’t raptured last night and as far as I can tell neither was anyone else.  What can we do in response to all this?

That’s a good question.  I’ve seen two different responses — two extremes actually and neither one is helpful.

You will meet Jesus some day

Some people are suggesting that you simply give up on Jesus.

They say he hasn’t come back in 200o years so he will never come back.  That’s really poor logic.  It’s like saying that your loved one who’s running late for a dinner date is never coming because he/she has not come yet.  Imaging going back a couple hundred years to describe computers, cell phones and airplanes to the people living then.  They might tell you that those things are impossible because they don’t exist.  You’d likely think to yourself, “Not yet,  but they will in the not too distant future.  No one can tell you what cannot happen in the future.

Some people will recalculate the date — again.

Don’t bother.  Jesus’ return will not happen that way.  Christians have been making calculations and predictions for almost 2000 years.  They’ve been wrong every time.  So don’t embarrass yourself and the rest of Jesus’ followers.  Forget recalculating the date of Jesus’ return.

It seems to me the best response is to be ready for the inevitable day when you meet Jesus face to face.

It is possible to prepare to meet Jesus at any moment.  Believe in him.  Trust him.  Live out his all of his teachings loyally.  Share his love in concrete practical ways with as many people as possible.  If you do when you meet Jesus, either when you leave this world or when he returns, you will be ready to meet him.

You can find a related post at The End of the World.

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

Having Enough

How can I ever have enough money when it seems like this recession will never end?

Look up!

I think the largest difference between those who never seem to have enough and those who always have enough is not their bank account balances.  The main difference is their attitudes toward their bank account balances.

The Apostle Paul put it this way, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  (Philippians 4:11 New International Version)

To have enough you will need to look up and give thanks to God for what you have.

You probably tend to view bank account balances and mathematical formulas as the final statements regarding whether or not you have enough money.  But you are a child of the One who owns everything.  You need to develop a new attitude.  It begins when you look up to heaven and thank God for what you have.

To feel like you have enough you will need to look up and be content with what you have.

You live in a world where most people believe that if you have enough money then you will stop being wanting more.  However, the only way to overcome the desire for more (greed) is with the attitude of contentment.  When you are satisfied with what the Lord provides you will have enough.

To know you have enough you will need to look up and recognize you true source.

You can declare your believe in God and claim to follow Jesus, but perhaps you trust your money and possessions for your security.  When a person does that he/she mistakes resources for the Real Source.  Your security in life and eternity needs to be based on God’s promise to be your Provider.

It’s all about attitude.  When you have enough you can share and if you follow Jesus you enjoy sharing with those in need.  You will never have enough until you recognize that God is your Source.  He is your Provider.  He gives you the strength to work.  He gives you a job.  He moves your employer to pay you your wages.

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

Doubts & Faith

How does Jesus respond to doubting disciples?  I have so many questions that I’m afraid God doesn’t want me in his family.

All honest Christians will admit that we have our own doubts too.  Some of our doubts are God focused.  Some of them are centered on our lives. Sometimes we have questions about how God could use someone like us to help someone else.  Perhaps that’s where your struggle is focused.  Even Jesus’ chosen disciples had doubts — even after he rose from the dead.

 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:16-20, The Message)

These eleven were Jesus’ chosen followers, his closest friends and family.  They were there when the mob arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.  They watched as Jesus was crucified – John at the foot of the cross and the others at a distance.  They had seen the empty tomb and knew Jesus was raised to life again.  They had lived with him for over a month now.  But, “Some held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.”

Jesus could have been discouraged.  Jesus could have given up and written off his life, sacrifice and victory as a total waste.  He could have told the doubters to go home and get their act together.

Instead, “Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge.”  He gave his work to all of his disciples – the faithful and the doubtful.  The only qualification he required is that they show up at the appointed time and place.  Jesus did the rest.

I believe Jesus will treat you the same way.  You simply need to show up where Jesus says he will work and leave the rest up to him.

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

How to Pray for Your Pastor 2

Do you have more ideas about how I can pray for my pastor?

I wrote about how to pray for your pastor a few weeks ago, but if you’re like me praying the same things day after day can be boring.  Here is another simple and practical plan from Dr. Dan Reiland’s book Shoulder to Shoulder: Strengthening Your Church by Supporting Your Pastor that will help you pray effectively for your pastor.

Monday: Pray for your pastor’s family.

• God’s peace and protection
• A growing love relationship with his/her spouse
• A commitment to quality and quantity time together

Tuesday: Pray for wisdom for your pastor.

• The mind of Christ
• Godly decision-making
• Understanding of biblical truth

Wednesday: Pray for your pastor’s ministry focus.

• Clear vision
• Commitment to biblical priorities
• Remain true to his/her God—given gifts and strengths

Thursday: Pray for your pastor’s health.

• Protection of his/her body and mind
• An extra portion of stamina and strength
• Commitment to stress-releasing activity

Friday: Pray for your pastor’s spiritual growth.

• A heart for God and the lost
• Fresh biblical insights
• Personal prayer and Bible study time

Saturday: Pray for your pastor’s purity.

• Pure motives
• Pure thought-life and faithfulness to his/her spouse
• Pure commitment to complete integrity

Sunday: Pray for God’s anointing on your pastor.

• Strength in leadership
• Passion in preaching
• Fruit and joy in ministry

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

Sex and the Single Person

“As a single Christian, how can I fight the temptation to give up on sexual purity?  How can I stay pure?”

The Bible makes it clear that these battles are fought and won in your largest sex organ – your brain.  Keep your thoughts pure and you can keep your actions clean too.

Your Life is God's Masterpiece

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:4-5, New International Version)

Allow me to start by sharing  two personal observations about keeping pure in your thoughts and in your sex life..  First, this may be a struggle for you no matter how old you become.  Years ago , I knew a man in his late 70’s who still fought to keep his thoughts pure.  Second, these temptations aren’t constant.  Once you are consistently victorious over them they will subside.  However, they will come back when you least expect it and often with a fierceness that can take your breath away.

1. Confess any impure sexual thoughts as sin.  An impure thought (lust) is a thought that if acted out would be sin.  Remember what Jesus said about lust. “Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28)  Call them what they are – sin.
2. Seek cleansing.  Deliverance from lust comes from God in response to your discipline.  Claim the Lord’s promise for your thought and sex life.  “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)  This will not be an easy victory to win but you can be more than conquerors through the Spirit’s power.
3. Demythologize sex.  In the movies and on TV, you seldom see the consequences of sex and lust.  Think through the results of impure thoughts.  You will get hooked.  They are addictive.  Lust will block your usefulness for God.  It will eventually lead to action.
4. Starve the sources of impure thoughts.  Trace the roots back and cut them off.  Jesus said, “If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” (Matthew 5:29)  Did he mean that literally?  No, he was describing the attitude we need to take toward impure thoughts.  Like a surgeon removing a cancerous tumor, cut it all out.  Cut off the cable to your TV.  Give away your TV if you need to do it.  Block porn sites from your computer.  Throw out the magazines, books, videos and CD’s that stir up these thoughts and feelings.  Each person is unique.  Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you identify the sources of temptation in your life.  Then be pitiless, hard-nosed and thorough.  Starve the sources.
5. Stop thinking of sex as entertainment.  Have you ever thought about how sick it is to watch people having sex as a form of entertainment?  Would you call your married friends on a Friday night and ask to come over and watch them have sex?  Why?  Because it’s sick and you’d lose friends very fast.  But we’ll turn on the TV or plop down our hard-earned money to watch a couple of actors go at it.  Sex is more than entertainment and recreation.
   

   Seek to be pure as sunlight in God's grace

6. Read, study and memorize the Bible.  Fill your mind with God’s truth, especially verses that attack the world’s warped view of sex.  Write out the following verses on small cards or slips of paper to carry with you.  Read them several times a day. (Matthew 5:27-30; Proverbs 6:25-29; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Philippians 4:8)
7. Get accountability.  Develop a relationship with someone who will ask you the hard questions and demand honest answers.  Meet with him or her regularly.  This should be a same gender friend.
8. Avoid a negative obsession.  Saying, “I will not think about sex” guarantees you will think about sex.
9. Redirect your thoughts.  Fill your mind with thoughts about something else.  The most powerful way to displace sexually impure thoughts is to picture Jesus dying on the cross for you.
10. Turn temptation into spiritual power.  Use each temptation as a call to pray for others.  (I pray for other pastors who may be tempted to lust or sin sexually.)  Pull out your Bible verses and read them.  If you pray and read the Bible every time you’re tempted, the devil will be less inclined to tempt you.

(Good advice for married couples from Michael Hyatt)

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

Healing from Bitterness

A close friend hurt me deeply a few years ago and I’ve been angry and bitter ever since.  My attitude is hurting all my relationships.  How can I find healing from my bitterness?

Healing is available for your pain

I have good news for you. You’ve already begun the process of healing.  You have admitted you need it.

The first step toward healing is to recognize that bitterness is making you sick and  to determine to get well.  As long as a person pretends to be healthy, as long as he/she denies having a problem then he/she will remain stuck in bitterness.

  Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” (John 5:1-6, New International Version)

The second step (and all the rest on your journey) toward healing is to act better than you feel.  If you wait until you feel like seeking God’s healing touch, you may never experience it.  Here are three things you can do.

Ephesians 4:29-32

1. Receive God’s forgiveness – give him all the guilt and shame in your heart.  Believe that Jesus’ death on the cross is “payment in full” for all your sins and put your life into God’s hands.  Allow his love and grace to heal the wounds in your soul.
2. Be kind – take a genuine interest in the one who hurt you.  View him or her as a loved one to be won back rather than an enemy to destroy or a person to ignore.
3. Be compassionate – intercede for the one who hurt you.  Pray for God to heal his or her pain.  Ask Jesus to relieve his or her hurts as you seek your own soul’s healing.
4. Forgive as God forgave you – blot out the record of the offense in your heart.  Depending on how you were hurt you may never forget what happened, but God can help you change your attitude toward the other person.  Accept Jesus death on the cross as “payment in full” and leave the final settlement of the transgression in God’s hands

Hanging onto bitterness has been compared to holding a burn coal waiting for the perfect time to throw it at the one who offended you.  It burns, maims and scars you and the other person is unaffected.  I’m glad you’ve decided to seek healing from bitterness.  I pray that God will restore your relationships and make your life better than ever before.

A fiery coal burns you if you hold it

Perhaps others can share more advice in the comments.  If  this post has helped you or if you believe it might help someone you know, please share it.  Thank you.

How can I overcome discouragement?

This King of the Jungle was once a tiny cub

Unless what you’re attempting is as easy as falling off a bike, starting a new project leads to frustration and discouragement.  A good friend of mine started a new church several years ago.  For a while it seemed to be stuck but finally began to grow after a difficult relocation.  Another friend designs websites and paints, as well as working a full-time job and being a husband and father.  He does excellent work but is frustrated because the fruit of his labors is slow in coming.

I feel their pain. I started writing this daily blog (Monday through Friday each week) on January 1st of this year.  I currently have about 30 followers.  I know that’ s a good start but I read recently you need over 1000 followers if you want to publish a book.  I do want to write a book sometime so I guess I have a long way to go.

What can we do to keep on trying when we are discouraged?  How can I overcome and persevere?

I have determined to memorize and meditate on a powerful statement by the ancient Jewish prophet, Zechariah.

“Who dares despise the day of small things, since the seven eyes of the LORD that range throughout the earth will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel?” (Zechariah 4:10)

Another translation makes it a command: “Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin….” (Zechariah 4:10)

“Do not despise small beginnings.”  The Jewish people were rebuilding the Temple to worship the Lord correctly. The Babylonians destroyed Solomon’s awe-inspiring building about a century before.  The new Temple began when Zerubbabel picked up his tools.  That was enough for the Lord to call his people to join him in rejoicing.

Our tools may vary from knowing grammar to paint brushes; from an entrepreneurial spirit to writing programming code. No matter what the Lord asks us to do, he rejoices to see the tools in our hands.  Will you join me in picking up your tools for one more day?  Will you believe we can and will complete the work he gives us to do?  Then let’s do it!