Me and March Madness

I love this time of year--the sights and sounds of March Madness!  Like many others, I have my NCAA Men's Basketball Championship bracket filled out, with my ink pens at the ready to document both my correct (black ink) and incorrect (red ink) picks.  Growing up in far Southwest Virginia, we only got two television channels and the two of them coming in clearly was dependent on the position of the antennae and how much wind was rushing over the mountain.  My school colors were green and white, but my eyes were enamored by the blue and white uniforms, tough defense, and exceptional quickness of the Kentucky Wildcats.  In high school, I settled on number 25 for my football jersey because of one Jay Schidler, a little known guard who was absolutely MONEY from long range.   In 1978, this 11 year-old kid watched Kentucky win its fifth national championship and I have been a fan ever since, enjoying watching them add three more trophies since then.

It is unwise to make picks in sports from emotions and wise to make them based on who you believe is the better team playing at its peak.  The last time I got the championship pick right was Duke in 2010.  It has been a while since I have picked Kentucky to win it all, even though every year I hope they do.  However, this year, I can pick Kentucky with both my heart and my head.  They are super-talented and bring everything to the court that true fans wish to see.  Of course, anything can happen (it is called March Madness for a reason).  I have the Kentucky Wildcats over the Arizona Wildcats in the Final Four and Kentucky over the Villanova Wildcats in the Championship. Yeah, that's what you call a Catfight. 

On April 6, I hope to be watching Kentucky win title number 9.  However, if grandbaby number 2, due on April 7, decides to make his entrance into this world at that time, then the madness will just have to wait.  I do love college basketball, but there are some things that I love more--my family is one of them.  If you hear a roar soon coming from the northern Shenandoah Valley, then you will know that I am celebrating--if not for a national championship, then for the introduction of a special little boy.  Either way, I will be cheering.

 

BOOK REVIEW--THE FINAL DAYS OF JESUS: THE MOST IMPORTANT WEEK OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON WHO EVER LIVED, by Andreas Kostenberger & Justin Taylor

I received this book just in time for Passion Week and allowed it serve as a sort of devotional guide.  Authors Kostenberger and Taylor take their readers step by step from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Day and beyond to Jesus' post-resurrection appearances and ascension.  The book reads like a well-written historical narrative, with a blend of biography, whose purpose is "to provide an aid to informed worship."  In this, the authors do not disappoint.

The book is of a good length (200+ pages) for covering a little over one week out of Jesus' earthly life.  Each day's events is introduced with the respective account from the "one Gospel according to four different witnesses," sometimes just by notation and other times with the complete texts themselves.  Had the entire text been given for every event, the book length would have hindered its effectiveness.

The addition of charts, maps, along with commentary on the biblical accounts adds much to the overall benefit of this work, making it visually appealing.  It is the commentary itself, however, that packs the punch.  The authors are great word craftsmen, as seen in the following words:

"The stage is set for the final act.  The characters are in place.  Their goals, motives, and intentions are clear.  The king has come for his kingdom and has issued a clear and direct challenge to the reigning structures of political, economic, and religious power.  The drama can end in only one of two ways.  Either Jesus will topple the reigning powers and establish his messianic kingdom--or he will be killed.  No one at that time could possibly comprehend that in God's mysterious plan, there was a third option."

The authors are also not without down-to-earth language, as seen in this commentary:  "Peter, either hungry, bored, or out of money, announces that he is going to start fishing again.  Waiting for Messiah to appear did not pay the bills or put food on the table."

From start to finish, from the "How to Use This Book" to the "Glossary and Reference Guide," this is a must read for anyone interested in a clear and coherent presentation of the timing and circumstances surrounding Jesus' final days.  Truly a library book shelf keeper.

NOTE:  I received this book for free from Crossway Publishing in exchange for a review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.

BOOK REVIEW-- FOUR CUPS: GOD'S TIMELESS PROMISES FOR A LIFE OF FULFILLMENT BY CHRIS HODGES

"Four Cups...." provides a short overview of the four cups of promise in the Jewish Passover and the author expands upon each cup (the Cup of Sanctification, the Cup of Deliverance, the Cup of Redemption, and the Cup of Praise) with the ultimate purpose of helping believers "live the unlived life within us."

 

There a few things I liked about this book and a few that I did not.

 

First, I appreciated Hodges' emphasis on the community of believers over and against the solo life of faith.   Hodges' words are worth noting:  "True fulfillment never comes alone; it can only be attained within a group of people." Second, I absolutely loved his definition of success as "when people are moving from where they are to where God wants them to be." Third, Hodges' explanation of the discipleship process is helpful. Finally, I found his use of Scripture throughout this short book refreshing.

 

However, there are a few things about this book that were unappealing. First, Hodges speaks of God "see{ing} every person on earth as his child, though some are still lost." This statement clearly has no biblical support, making his mention of Luke 19:10 a horrible use of proof-texting, and a bad example at that. Second, there is an unwise focus on self, seen especially in these words: "My bucket list reminds me that living out my dreams is the secret to happiness." Finally, the author's reference to American psychologist Abraham Maslow's "hierarchy of needs" is unhelpful and confusing. This is verified by the lack of a single verse of Scripture during this discussion.

 

I found this book somewhat informative insofar as the discussion of the meaning of each of the seder cups is concerned. However, nothing in this book caused me to give contemplation about what God would have me to do in response to this book's insights.

 

NOTE: I received this book for free from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for a review. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.

BOOK REVIEW: Disciple Making Is...: How to Live the Great Commission with Passion and Confidence, by Dave Early and Rod Dempsey

There are a lot of books on Christian discipleship... A WHOLE LOT OF BOOKS!  The challenge is knowing which ones are worth the investment of money, minutes, and mental stamina.  I have read several on this particular topic over the past year.  Some have contained a few nuggets worth highlighting or underlining. Others have had some re-readable sections or chapters.  This book alone, however, immediately grabbed me and kept me for nearly 300 pages.  Following are a list of reasons why anyone interested in fulfilling the mission given to us by our Lord ought to read Disciple Making Is...

First, it is Bible-driven.  Part 1 addresses biblical and theological foundations for disciple-making. Furthermore, the Scripture Index is seven pages long, practically (and strangely) unheard of for books on discipleship. Some books on the subject do not even include a Scripture Index.  There seems to be only two reasons why this would be lacking:  (1) the author/s rarely referred to Scripture or (2) the author's and/or editor/s saw no benefit to including the Scripture Index.  Neither reason is acceptable.  We simply cannot know what we need to know about making disciples of Jesus Christ without the disciple making manual, the Scriptures.  Early and Dempsey throughout assert that God's Word is the driving force behind the mission.

Second, it is task-focused.  Part 2 focuses on being a disciple, while Part 3 looks at making a disciple.  In a way, these two parts are the heart and soul of the book.  Again, the title says it all:  Disciple Making Is...  The thing I found to be most beneficial was the "three stages of discipleship" concept first introduced by A.B. Bruce and expanded upon here by Early and Dempsey.  All three stages are invitations to relationship, each building upon the other.  This concept has helped clarify in my own mind the discipleship process.

Third, it is God-honoring.  Although I believe Part 4 to be the weakest of the four parts, the passion of each disciple making model presented by the authors is to honor the Lord Jesus by faithfully doing what He calls the church to do, though each seeks to get there by somewhat different means.  Regardless of which model is adopted, those spearheading the effort to make disciples who make disciples must ensure that they are accomplishing God's mission God's way and for God's glory.

Readers will gain invaluable insights into the disciple making process by reading this book.  On a personal note, I will implement many of the truths contained in this book in my own ministry context.

NOTE:  I received this book for free from Broadman & Holman Publishing in exchange for a review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.

BOOK REVIEW--The Insanity of Obedience: Walking with Jesus in Tough Places, by Nik Ripken with Barry Stricker

I admit, the book's title is what grabbed my attention.   Most people who would pick up this book would understand the slight smile which accompanies the words "The Insanity of Obedience."  When the price is so high in the making of disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ among all peoples, cultures, and languages, it seems a little...well, insane...that someone would place themselves at such risk, as well as their family and those who respond to the gospel in faith.  Jesus really meant what He said:  "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves" (Matthew 10:16).

Ripken's passion for seeing the gospel taken to the ends of the earth is seen throughout.  He is not some academic who studies missions from afar, but rather he has served in some difficult places throughout the world and maintains contact with believers on numerous continents.  This makes him a credible voice in the discussion of the persecution of Christians.

My favorite part of the book is the insights Ripken received from believers who have actually suffered genuine persecution--arrest, imprisonment, torture, and even death.  It is embarrassing to live in a context that considers the potential loss of tax exempt status on ministerial housing to be persecution.

Some other notables in this work are: (1) Ripken's indictment upon single American men, who are outnumbered on the international mission field by single American women seven to one.  This ought to drive American Christians to our knees in repentance.  (2) Ripken's understanding of what it means to follow Jesus in a Muslim Background context.  This is where he spent most of his time serving on the mission field and it is obviously an area in which his heart yearns to see people come to faith in Christ Jesus.

My least favorite thing about this book is the author's handling of what he calls "the Pre-Pentecost" and "the Post-Pentecost Worlds."   The fact of the matter is every "world" since circa 33 AD is a "Post-Pentecost World."  However, Ripken suggests differently, and in my opinion, his view is both confusing and without foundation.

Some other turnoffs are: (1)  The book has too much of a research feel to it.  It would have been better to have people speak freely about what it's like walking with Jesus in tough places, as opposed to packaged questions.  (2)  Experience is given tremendous weight over biblical revelation.  Few Scripture references are found throughout and even respondents to the author's questions seldom mention God's Word.

If the adage "You can't judge a book by its cover" is true, then the statement "You can't judge a book by its title" is even more true.  This is not a book that I would re-read, nor is it one I would recommend to others.  I do, however, appreciate Ripken's attempt to draw attention to the reality that there is a cost in following Jesus, although the price will be determined by where one lives and serves.

BOOK REVIEW-- Transformational Groups: Creating a New Scorecard for Groups by Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger

A new book, Transformational Groups:  Creating a New Scorecard for Groups, authored by Ed Stetzer and Eric Geiger, was released on February 1, 2014.  Although there are a wide variety of books on the subject of small groups in the Christian context, theirs is important because it is based in part on actual research. Theories abound for creating effective small groups that cultivate lasting change in peoples lives, but Stetzer and Geiger do not just share what they learned from respondents; they are actually members of or leaders of small groups that exist for the distinct purpose of "more and deeper disciples making more and deeper disciples for God's glory and His mission."

This work is worth reading for a number of reasons.  First, the authors provide a really good definition of transformation:  "God's work deep within the believer that makes him or her genuinely like Jesus."  For nutshell people like myself, this short definition is easy to remember and to the point.

Secondly, great emphasis is placed upon community.   Although we live in a technological culture that more and more finds itself falling into a non-relational abyss, and when the larger gathering of God's people is for many the only time they gather, we need more than ever to be reminded that God designed life transformation to take place in meaningful relationships (transformational groups).  In community, the emphasis is on being close, rather than just sitting close, where there is actual participation, not mere association.  They remind readers that we should seek to "...be a church of small groups and not a church with small groups." The difference between "of" and "with" is huge!  Jesus, the first century church, and dynamic churches throughout history model the use of small groups for making disciples.  There is no reason to abandon this time-tested method.

Thirdly, this book provides a helpful guide for how to either move churches into small groups or to help churches with existing small groups to measure their effectiveness. Some of the authors' terminology is a little heavy at times, but they do a noble job of explaining exactly what they are trying to get across.

A fourth reason to read this book is its emphasis on people instead of programs.  An entire chapter is dedicated to helping readers discover, develop, and deploy "The Right Leaders" for small groups.  Another chapter offers suggestions for how to "Connect with Disconnected People."  For a book birthed from research, it is telling that people are not lost in the details.

Fifthly, after having read the final chapter, titled "Imagine the Possibilities," readers will know that God cares more about their church's small group ministry than do they.  But more than that, readers will know that small groups are not an end unto themself, but are rather the means to an end.  In Stetzer and Geiger's words:  "The end result of community must be mission."

This book will be of interest to anyone who realizes that the Christian life is about God making us more like Jesus, anyone who is part of a small group, anyone who longs for something more than a few devotional minutes with God each day or staring at the backs of peoples' heads on Sunday mornings, or anyone who is serious about "mak{ing} disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:20).

NOTE: I received this book for free from Broadman & Holman Publishing in exchange for a review.  I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the thoughts and words expressed are my own.

Who's Driving?

Recently, my mom and dad, who live in the Appalachian Mountains of Southwest Virginia, spent Thanksgiving week with our family here in the Northern Shenandoah Valley.  On one particular day, my dad and I had some errands to run.  As we walked outside and approached his pickup, I asked whether he wanted to drive or if he wanted me to drive.  Without saying a word, he held out his key-filled hand, released the key, then sauntered to the passenger door and climbed in.  I took my place behind the wheel and off we went to the hardware store.

There are three very good reasons why my dad should have driven, rather than me.  First, he has been driving twice as long as I have.  He has been driving for nearly 60 years, while I just broke the 30 year mark. Secondly, he is a good defensive driver.  On the other hand, according to my wife, I approach driving with a more offensive mindset.  Okay, so I sometimes think Interstate 81 is the newest NASCAR course, those Ford drivers irritate me, and Dodges cannot run with my 2003 Subaru Outback with 240,000 miles.  Put me at a traffic light on a highway and I think "Restart, baby!  Don't even think you are going to beat me on the green light.  Eat my dust, lady!"  Guess where I get my competitive streak from--my dad.  A final reason my dad would make a much better driver than me is because he has had fewer crashes (we won't count how many fewer). In my defense, all but one crash has been work-related, most on snow and ice-covered roads, and in only two was "Contributory Negligence" attributed to me.  And I have been crash-free for a decade now.

I say all that to say this:  when you have two occupants in a vehicle, there can be only one driver, and motorists can only hope that the more experienced, more defensive, more safe driver is behind the wheel. Who's driving is extremely important for numerous and obvious reasons.

When it comes to the life of faith (think of faith as our "vehicle"), there are two occupants:  the text and theology.  Here's a question to consider:  Which one should "drive" the other? Should the text drive one's theology or should one's theology drive the text?

Life is full of study:  There is archaeology, the study of past cultures (think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom ); biology, the study of life (who can forget those fruit flies in high school?); oncology,the study of cancer (think Saint Jude's Children's hospital, Duke University Medical Center, or Johns Hopkins); psychology, the study of mental processes in living creatures (think Sigmund Freud...but not too much); technology, the study of the practical arts (think iPods, iPads, iPhones).   However, it is theology, the study of God, that has been called "The Queen of the Sciences." Education originated in the church, by the church and for the church. The modern university was a direct result of church-based education.  Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, and Yale were established to train ministers of the Word of God.  Thus the preeminence of theology. Some of history's greatest thinkers were in fact theologians--Saint Augustine of the early church period; the great Reformation thinker Martin Luther; George Whitfield of the Great Awakening renown; and modern theologian C.S. Lewis, author of the popular books, The Chronicles of Narnia.  Because of theology's passion and pursuit of the Divine, therefore, some might say, "Certainly, let theology drive."

The decision to let theology "drive" the text is perhaps made easier when one attempts reading through the ceremonial laws in the Old Testament book of Leviticus, the genealogies of 1 Chronicles, or Jesus' parables in the Gospel accounts.  Someone might say, "Come on!  Letting the text 'drive' in this situation seems a little...uncomfortable."  Still others might suggest that the text and theology can take turns "driving." This journey we call faith is a rather long trip, so wouldn't it be best if the "driver" was determined by any number of factors? Have you ever thought, "Sure, the Lord's Prayer is perfect for being text-driven, but let's allow theology to 'drive' the creation account, the covenants, the cross and the consummation of all things?  John 3:16? 'Drive, text, drive!' Romans 6-8?  'Theology, take me home!'"

It is my contention that neither of these approaches is the way to go.  In my estimation, the text should always drive one's theology.  Let me offer three reasons.

Reason #1:  it is the text (Scripture) that is inspired, inerrant, infallible, authoritative and sufficient.  Here is just a sampling:

• "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness...." (2 Timothy 3:16)

• "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is true, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.  Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward."  (Psalm 19:7-11)

• Psalm 119 in its entirety

• "No prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."  (2 Peter 1:21)

Reason #2:  God cannot be known apart from revelation.

God has revealed Himself through general revelation--creation (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:19-20) and through special revelation--primarily through Scripture and ultimately through the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:1-5; Colossians 1:15-20; Hebrews 1:1-3a).  Yet all that we can know about Jesus comes from...the text.   How do we know that God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things?  The Scripture reveals that.  

How do we know that Jesus loves us?  The Bible tells us so. How do we know that Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection has paid the price for our sins?  The answer is found in the text.   Apart from the text we could not and would not know anything about God's character, His thoughts, His deeds, or His plans.

Reason #3:  Theology is both "unlicensed" and unwilling to drive.

My dad is licensed to drive, but he willingly handed me the keys on that day and allowed me to drive him. Simply put, God has not authorized ("licensed") our formulations and understandings of Him to trump what He has revealed about Himself in and through His Word.  Furthermore, this really comes downs to willingness. Theology realizes that it originates from the text.  No text, no theology.  Theology "driving" the text would be like my dad's 3 year-old great grandson or 1 year-old great grand daughter driving their Papaw Rose.  I would love to see all three of them in the same vehicle, but let's be realistic.  Allowing these "unlicensed" little ones to drive would result in disaster!  Sure, great grand kids make wonderful passengers, but they make unsafe drivers. Though a child might be willing to drive, theology is not, so it willingly hands the keys to the text and says, "You drive."

Don't think for a moment that theology is an unwelcome "occupant" in this vehicle we call faith.  On the contrary, theology is a precious and priceless passenger, just like my dad's great grandchildren.  There are no greater thoughts that can bounce around in our minds that thoughts about God.  He wired us this way. Scripture says, "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37). However, to force theology to "drive" the text would be like putting the keys to a car in the hands of a toddler.  May we never be that unwise, that unsafe, and yes... that unbiblical.

Who's "driving" your faith?

The Beauty of Bookends

In our home library, there are a number of bookends that keep the shelves orderly and appealing.  There is nothing special about the bookends themselves. They are thin metal, black in color, and each set cost about $10 at Staples. But they do make for a beautiful library!  

There are two "bookends," however, that are so beautiful and special to me that I think it important to share with others. Both "bookends" are named Becky, both died from cancer, and both have had a tremendous impact upon my life even though I never met them.

Becky May was the 3 year-old daughter of a childhood friend/classmate, Connie (Rowe) May.  Becky's story will tap deep inside your soul.  My family and many in our church family at the time took this journey with the Mays inasmuch as was possible over a distance of some 300 miles.  Our refrigerator held Becky's pictures, our prayers contained pleas for God's help, and my Bible and journal were stained with tears as we interceded on behalf of this precious little girl, her mom and dad, and everyone who knew and loved her.  On December 16, 2007 at 7:49 pm, Becky received her ultimate healing as she was carried into the arms of Jesus.

Never had I so followed in such detail someone's walk through the valley, never had I wept and prayed as I did in those days, and never had I come to love someone so much who I had never met (besides the Lord Jesus Christ).  The moment-by-moment grace given to Connie, Robert and their family was something to behold.  God used Becky May, and her family's willingness to share their journey with others, in so many ways in my life, but none more than to make me compassionate towards the hurting.

Becky Black was the wife of one of my former seminary professors, David Allen Black.  Becky's story, written in her own words, will stir your spirit.  Miss Becky and "Brother Dave" both invited others to join them on this journey, in which God's faithfulness was put on glorious display with each agonizing pain and answered prayer.  Never had I heard such honesty, seen such transparency, and known such resolve to trust the Lord, no matter how difficult the journey. Her focus was not upon her own body, but upon the body of Christ, especially her spiritual brothers and sisters in Ethiopia, among whom she was raised and had served for many years.  And even as her health deteriorated, she became impassioned for the people of India. Becky's heart burned for the nations, that they might know Jesus in the most personal and powerful way, and nothing, not even cancer, was going to extinguish this flame.  

Becky Black knew she was running to home base, and crossed the finish line on November 2, 2013 at 6:55 am, safe into the arms of her Redeemer and Healer. God used Becky Black, as well as Brother Dave's blog, in so many ways in my life, but none more than to make me committed to helping others follow Jesus.

Becky May was the first "bookend" in my life of truly interceding for others, what I call an ATM (Across The Miles) ministry.  Becky Black is the most recent. There are certain to be more bookends for my library because I absolutely love books, and there are certain to be more bookends for my life because God loves me...and you, and the world.  

Won't you allow the Lord to bring a "bookend" or two into your life?  Sure, you will hurt deeply, cry frequently, and plead fervently , but when all is said and done, if you will trust Him on behalf of the ones for whom you are interceding, you will learn to love people you may never meet this side of heaven, you will grow in Christ-likeness, and you will worship the One who is worthy to be praised.  And you will get to embrace your "Beckys" in glory!

Who knows, perhaps beneath our "trees" this Christmas we just might find some "bookends."  What a precious gift this would be!

 

AN ENCOURAGED AND EMBARRASSED DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST

As I read about and meditate upon the reality that disciples of Jesus Christ have always, at least in some places, paid a high price for following Him, I personally experience two realities:  encouragement (which is a good thing) and embarrassment (not so good).   It is not the acts of persecution themselves, however, that either leave me encouraged or embarrassed, but rather it is the response of Christ's followers.

When I read the price tags in the New Testament:

• They were arrested
• They were threatened
• They were beaten
• They were falsely accused
• They were put to death

...I discover the disciples

• rejoiced greatly
• prayed fervently
• worshiped heartily
• served selflessly
• and witnessed boldly

...even as they

• were pursued mercilessly
• suffered greatly
• and died brutally.

And when I read contemporary accounts of

• Syrian believers who choose to remain in hostile surroundings
• Pakistani Christians who forgive those who ignite bombs at the worship gatherings
• Nigerian disciples who, even at great risk, continue proclaiming "Jesus is Lord!"

...I am greatly encouraged.  What examples of gentleness, kindness, boldness, and forgiveness.

And then there is the American response to suffering for our faith.

It seems as though we think the following are examples of persecution:

• Protesters gathered outside our businesses
• Media campaigns opposing our biblical convictions
• Universities that forbid Christian groups from either gathering or holding to exclusive theological positions
• Removal of nativity scenes from public displays
• Television sitcoms that disparage our faith
• A federal judge's recent ruling that a tax exemption for housing allowances for ministers is unconstitutional

Numerous people are both speaking and writing (ranting really) about the ever increasing threat to our "religious liberty."  THEY CAN'T DO THIS!  WE WON'T TOLERATE THIS!  WE HAVE RIGHTS!!!

Where exactly is that in the Bible?  The only right I find is in John 1:12--"But to all who did receive {Jesus}, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God...."  No right to a pain free faith; no right to government-given perks; no right to proclaim ourselves to be followers of Jesus Christ without actually following His life of sacrifice, service, and suffering.  In the words of those great
"prophets" at ESPN:  "C'mon, man!"

It is this response to "persecution" that leaves me grossly embarrassed.  Scriptures calls us, not to revolt, but to rejoice; not to whine, but to worship; not to pout, but to praise; not to sue, but to serve; not to loathe, but to love.  We can learn much from our brothers and sisters throughout the world who know what real persecution is, but beyond that, know how to live like Jesus in the midst of rejection and reviling.  

I am also slightly embarrassed to even be writing about such a topic.  My own experience of suffering for my faith hardly deserves mention.  I merely believe realities are changing at a breakneck speed.  We become shocked when we hear that the price of a gallon of milk may rise to $7.00 or more per gallon in the near future.  Of course, this is all speculation.  What I can emphatically say is this:  The price of following Jesus WILL sharply rise.  This is based, not on economic projections or political speculation, but on the authority of the Word of God.  When it comes, God will be faithful, as He has always been to His people.  May we be found full of faith, full of hope, full of love.

STICKER SHOCK...NOT!

In Luke 14, Jesus taught His disciples that following Him comes at a price--sometimes it is the price of relationships (14:26), other times it costs horrible suffering (14:27), and yet other times it entails the loss of everything (14:33).  Christ does not promise a life of comfort and convenience; on the contrary, He promises a life much like His own: one of sacrifice, service, and suffering.  

It has always been costly to identify with Jesus of Nazareth, the crucified, buried, and resurrected Son of God.  Though the price has varied from region to region and from generation to generation, examples can be found in Scripture, history, as well as the present.

The Bible is clear that entering into a relationship by faith with Jesus Christ is absolutely free, but continuing in ever-growing fellowship with Him is painfully expensive.  This is due, in part, to the mission He has given to each and every disciple to "make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:20).  This world is still under the sway of God's archenemy, Satan.  He holds a tight grasp on the souls of men and women, boys and girls of every ethnicity, culture, and language.  So, when disciples of Jesus Christ run into the midst of spiritual darkness carrying the glorious light of the gospel, those who are "enemies of he cross of Christ" (Philippians 3:18), reject, resist, and revile Jesus and those representing Him.

Persecution caused many of the early disciples to flee, leaving jobs, homes, and family and friends behind. Some paid with their freedom, others with blood and tears, and yet others with their very lives.  Paul, once one of the church's greatest persecutors, came to be one of its greatest proponents.  Yet this came at a great price--

"... In labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.  From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one.  Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep;  in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness-- besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches." (2 Corinthians 11:23-28)

History joins Scripture in offering examples of the cost of following Jesus. It is has been widely reported that the war in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001 and continues to this day, costs 300 million dollars per day!  I'm no mathematician, but that adds up to billions, with flirtation with a trillion dollars on the horizon. As of October 14, 2013, 3,390 Coalition soldiers have died.  Of course, the lives of men and women far outweighs the monetary costs. With no intention of minimizing this price tag, this is just one war, in just one region of the world, in just one generation (a mere 12 years out of 2,000 plus years of church history).  This war on terror, though grossly expensive, does not even begin to compare with the costs in the war for souls. 

In 2011, a research report was published, Christian Number-Crunching, estimating that in this century's first decade,a time roughly equivalent to the Afghan war, there were an average 270 Christians martyred every 24 hours, leading to approximately one million Christian deaths at the hands of others.  That is 996,610 more lives lost on the religious/spiritual battlefield than those lost upon the soil of Afghanistan.  As it should, the death of a single U.S. soldier garners media attention.  Imagine if those numbers reached the thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands.  Yet little is said about disciples of Jesus Christ who lose their lives throughout the world.

Rage against Christians worldwide is swelling.  Recently, Egypt has seen the worst violence against Christians in seven centuries.  In September 2013, 81 people gathered for worship on the Lord's Day were killed In Peshawar, Pakistan. Nigeria has seen hundreds of Christians killed this year alone.  American pastor, Saeed Abedini has been imprisoned in Iran for over a year now.  A 30-something year-old woman named Wehazit Debesai died last week in a Eritrean prison.  These are not nameless, faceless victims, but brothers and sisters who are following Jesus no matter the cost.

I am not suggesting that the answer is more media coverage.  Hardly.  I'm also not pinning my hopes on the actions of political leaders in Washington, D.C.  Crazy, I'm not.  I'm not even looking for public outcry.  I am, however, seeking to do three things:

1. Pray for fellow brothers and sisters who are suffering greatly for Jesus' sake
2. Proclaim Jesus as Lord to the multitudes still in rebellion against His authority
3. Remain on the "victorious, overwhelming side" of the story of persecution, rather than the "fearful, physical side" of the story

Some final thoughts in the next post.

Cha Ching! Pain at the Spiritual Meat Cooler

I was required to take only one semester of economics in college (THANK GOD!).  To be honest, I don't remember much, except for my round-faced, five feet something, pipe-smoking attorney for a professor and something about how costs are driven up in an economy due to a variety of factors.  Just a few months ago, I had an economic flashback, when I paid $7.50 for a pound of bacon.  Between the meat cooler and checkout counter, I was trying to understand how this could be--Was the factor or factors driving this the price of corn?  Transportation costs?  Health care?  Labor disputes?   Could pigs have possibly read H.G. Wells classic book, Animal Farm, and rebelled?  Regardless of what factors were at play, I paid the price, because we were celebrating my oldest daughter's twenty-third birthday, and I considered the occasion more than worth it.

When it comes to the cost of being Jesus' disciples, we ought to consider what factors are involved which can cause the price of following Him to increase.  In Acts 4:2, we learn that the first factor was annoyance. Those who chose not to believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the promised Messiah and Savior of the world were "greatly annoyed because {Jesus' followers} were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead."  Like I do when mosquitoes are flying around my ears, these unbelievers did something about it--they arrested, jailed, and threatened the disciples to keep them quiet. Cha ching!  Rising costs!

In Acts 5 we find a second price-increasing factor:  jealousy.  God was doing such an awesome work, adding multitudes of both men and women to the faith, that it was driving the cold and lifeless religious elites mad!  Not liking what they were hearing and seeing, jealousy drove them to once again arrest and jail Jesus' followers.  When the disciples told them they must obey God rather than men, "they were enraged and wanted to kill them" (Acts 5:33).  However, they opted for more threats and added a beating to make their point. Cha ching!  Price increase!

In Acts 6-7 we read of a disciple named Stephen, who learned that the most prominent factor which drives the cost of following Jesus higher and higher to be hatred.  "When {the unbelievers} heard these things {spoken by Stephen} they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him....  They cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.  They cast him out of the city and stoned him {to death}" (Acts 7:54, 57-58a).  Cha ching!  Price through the roof!

This should not surprise God's people.  Jesus had said, "If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you" (John 15:18).  Make no mistake about it--identifying with, pledging allegiance to, and following after the Lord Jesus Christ will annoy and eventually anger those who reject who He is, what He has said, and what He has done.  And because they cannot take it out on Him, they will certainly vent against those who are called by His name.  Cha ching!  The cost of following Jesus will increase.

Will Jesus' disciples consider the occasion of worshiping and serving the resurrected and ascended Son of God more than worth the cost?

In the next post, I will explore some Scriptural, historical, and contemporary examples of the costs of following Jesus, as well as believers' response to these increases.

Introducing a Blog Series: The Rising Costs of Following Jesus

In this post, I want to introduce some initial thoughts on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to explore a truly biblical principle of the costliness of following Jesus and the recent trend of ever rising costs in identifying with and faithfully following this One whom the Bible claims to be the Son of God who came into the world to save sinners.

Since our nation's birth in 1776, disciples of Jesus Christ have, for the most part, enjoyed relative acceptance and harmony with the culture at large.  The spiritual heritage of the first colonists, as well as that of many of the Founding Fathers, is well documented.  United States history is replete with accounts of citizens' encounters with God, in both private and public domains.  Even as recently as the late 20th century (1980's-1990's), Christians were generally viewed as people with good morals, family-focused, and active within the life of their respective communities. Politicians who did not identify themselves with the Christian faith were rare, given the fact that the majority of the electorate identified itself as Christian.  Business deals were often made only after a discussion of one's religious beliefs and practices.  Schools opened with prayer; Bibles were routinely carried to both work and school; meals were introduced with blessings and prayers of thanksgiving.  From the northernmost corner of Maine to the southernmost corner of California, and everywhere in between, people found comfort and counsel, hope and healing, peace and purpose from the Bible and God's called out and gathered people, the church.

Fast forward to 2013, and it would be an understatement to say "Times have changed."

To begin this discussion, we can go to no better source than Holy Scripture, whose favorite word for God's people (in the New Testament) is not the expected "Christians" (used only three times), "believers" (15 times), "saints," (63 times) or "church," (110 times), but God's word of choice is "disciples," (over 250 times).  The very word carries within itself a richness of meaning (a learner in relationship with a teacher, an apprentice in relationship with a mentor, and a follower in relationship to a master).  Given that meaning and the encounters those first disciples had with Jesus, as well as the instructions He gave them and had recorded for us, it should come as no surprise that being a disciple of Jesus Christ is pricey.

The next post will identify some of these costs, as recorded in God's Word.

The Proof of our Priorities

I consult a variety of news sources on a near daily basis, for local, national, and international coverage. For national and international news, I typically visit the websites for CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC, which provides a wide spectrum of viewpoints.  In today's visits I was struck by the realization that each network's leading story is proof of its priorities, which prompted me to consider how I demonstrate what the priorities are in my own life.

First, CNN headlines with "Teens beat WWII veteran to death."  This is the tragic story of two Spokane, Washington teenagers who allegedly used flashlights to kill an 88-year old man who was sitting in his car. The network comments that this is the second apparent random killing by teenagers in the past week, the other case involving three teenagers who shot and killed an Australian baseball player who was jogging in Oklahoma.  Choosing this for its leading story tells me that CNN wants to prioritize the issue of teenage violence in the U.S.

Second, Fox News opens with the following story: "Sources:  Benghazi Search Unit Pulled."  The backstory for this account derives from the brutal attack in Benghazi, Libya which lead to the deaths of four Americans, including Ambassador Christopher Stevens.  Suspects were recently charged with their murders and a team was sent to locate and arrest said suspects, but a large segment of this search/arrest team has apparently made a permanent exit out of Libya.  This leading story suggests that the folks at Fox News wants to prioritize our governmen'ts actions, or the lack thereof, in this entire situation.

Lastly, MSNBC leads with "Vegas cop-killing plot reveals shady group."  This is a story about a couple who identify themselves as "Sovereign Citizens" that were planning to kidnap and kill Las Vegas police officers. The priority revealed in the choice of this story demonstrates the editors' belief that those who hold anti-government beliefs are a threat to our nation's security.

These three varied headlining news stories reminds me that both institutions-- and individuals-- inevitably prove what their priorities really are by what they say or do not say, how they say it, and when they say it.  I will leave the analysis of these networks' stories and agendas up to each person who peruses their reports, but I do think it behooves all of us to consider his or her own words and actions and how they demonstrate what is really important in our lives.  Even the topics I choose to write about on this blog are telling about what I consider to be important.  Now that is sobering!

The Bible, in speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ, says, "...He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything He might be preeminent" (Colossians 1:18).  Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines preeminent as "having paramount rank, dignity, or importance." The question for each of us, then, is this:  "What is preeminent, what takes first place, in my life?"  But rather than saying what are priorities are, how about we ask others to tell us what they are?  For people can read us just as easily as they can any website, perhaps more so. 

Who is perusing my life today?  What is my "headline" story?   What is yours?  May it be Christ Jesus and Him alone.    

Superheroes We All Should Seek to Be

I love a good team of superheroes as much as the next person--The Avengers, The Fantastic Four, The X-Men, The Incredibles.  They fascinate us because of their skills and abilities, because they are cool under fire, because they will fight when no one else is willing or able, and because they do what we wish we could do and are what we wish we could be.  But there is a team of superheroes that is more needed, and I dare say, more admirable, than any character found within comic books or upon the silver screen.  This team of superheroes is known simply as "The Encouragers."

Is this a team of superheroes that grabs my attention, takes my breath, and stirs my heart?  Is this a team that I long to join?  What about you?

"The Encouragers" are there when needed:  in the depths of despair and upon the heights of honor.  They sit with you at noon or night , stand with you from the cradle to the grave, walk with you through the trials and triumphs of life, and run with you as you flee your fears and chase your dreams.  They listen when you shout your successes and whisper your failures; when you speak your mind and share your heart.  "The Encouragers" speak words of comfort and correction, words that help and heal, words that are tactful yet true.

Today in worship, our church's Children's Pastor opened God's Word and gave us a glimpse of a man whose life so qualified him to join this team, that those who knew him best changed his name from Joseph to Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement."  Now that is a transformation Dr. David Banner could envy (something all you Incredible Hulk fans will appreciate)!

So, isn't it about time we looked for integrity in our superheroes more than we look for intelligence?  Good deeds rather than good looks?  Men and women whose words can be trusted and tweeted without reservations, whose actions serve as examples rather than entertainment?

If there are "Encouragers" in your life, please do not give them catchy names, keys to your city, or pedestals from which they will surely fall.  Simply say "Thank you," and let them continue to serve humbly and where they are most comfortable--behind the scenes.

Our world is full of disillusioned and disappointed people.  The need is great.  The time is now.  The team is waiting.  Will you be an "Encourager" today?

Maine Wedding

On the July 4th weekend, we traveled to Orrington, Maine to attend the wedding of a family friend, Sarah (Nowell) Ferland.  

Me and Julie 

Sarah (Nowell) and Jake Ferland

My daughter, Sarah Elizabeth Skeith, who blogs here, has gotten me set up.  I will be posting soon.