The Pressure To Conform

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."  Romans 12:1-2

Recently, I had the honor of giving the Invocation, or the opening prayer, for the Legislative Session of the Illinois House of Representatives.  Standing on the floor of the House, with all of its beautiful restorations was impressive.  The very large portraits of Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln looking down on those elected to conduct the people's business was a bit sobering, and yet, historically reassuring.  

Of course, I was very thankful for my own Representative's gracious invitation.  But mostly, I thanked God for allowing me this great opportunity.  Given the facts that the last time I was in that room, I was eleven years old and that I had only been saved for about a month then -- I didn't want to waste this once in a lifetime opportunity now!

Minutes before being taken to the floor of the House Chamber, I was led to the Office of the Clerk where I was handed a very official looking letter embossed with the Seal of the State of Illinois, and addressed to me as a "Confirmation of Invocation" letter.  I was asked to sign it in recognition of its contents.

Honestly, I wasn't too surprised by the body of the letter. However, I was disappointed.  Let me share with you the main paragraph:

"Please be advised the federal courts have placed certain restrictions on the practice of opening legislative sessions with prayer.  To comply with those court decisions, prayers must be non-sectarian and must not be used to proselytize or advance any one faith or belief or to disparage any other faith or belief.  Further, prayers should not make reference to religious figures that are unique to any one religion, or make any other denominational appeal.  In recognition of the diversity of religious faiths in the General Assembly and in the State of Illinois, we ask that you respect these judicial decisions and the numerous different faiths practiced by our members and constituents."

My mind raced...  and the pressure to conform began to build.  

If signing this letter meant that I would not mention or pray in the name of Jesus, then I would not sign it.  Case closed!  That was not even an issue for me.  I felt no pressure to conform there.

I'm not sure which lawyers drew up these "restrictions" of "the free exercise of religion", but as I read it, I realized that it was designed to pressure people practicing substantive prayer in the public arena.

The pressure I faced came from another quarter:  would I be signing in agreement to pray a certain way, all the while knowing that I would not be honoring my own agreement?  In other words, would my signature reflect dishonest intent on my part?  Would I be lying?  

As the clerk stepped away into another office, giving me time to read the letter in it's entirety, there was a unique pressure to conform.  Not an overt pressure by any one individual, but an overt pressure nevertheless.

Non-sectarian prayer?  Well, I only pray to One God who has revealed Himself to mankind in three Persons:  Father, Son, & Holy Spirit.  While historically defining Independent Baptists as a denomination is inaccurate, I was not there to advance any denominational causes.

The thought of a "non-sectarian prayer" is ridiculous.  Would we not expect a Muslim to pray to Allah, a Jew to pray to Almighty God, and a Christian to pray in the name of Jesus; even in the public square?  Of course we would!  The restriction of praying a vague prayer to a vague deity renders the restriction and the prayer to be pointless.  And, maybe that is the ultimate goal.

Now came the line, "...prayers should not make reference to religious figures that are unique to any one religion..."  How was I going to deal with this?  

Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God, and therefore, God Himself.  The Scriptures clearly teach that and I believe it.  Jesus tells His children to come to the Father in prayer on the basis of the authority of the Son.  That's what it means to pray in Jesus' name.

However, Jesus isn't unique to "any one religion."  Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet.  Many religions believe Him to be a teacher.  Some religions, even some atheists, recognize Him as a good man.  

Thanks for the legal loophole.  Pressure removed.

With my signature, I acknowledged their "restrictions" to our "free exercise of religion", and I chose to ignore them.  By the grace of God, I will not conform to this world. 

I had no intention of purposefully offending anyone, but the truth of who Jesus really is and what He did will always be an offense and a stumbling block in this day and age.  The Bible says as much in 1 Corinthians 1:18-23.

May you and I always stand for Jesus Christ in truth and love.

The Problem Of Evil & Tragedy (Part 3)

REUTERS

When tragedy strikes and is more than the heart can bear, the mind quickly begins it's search for answers to those nagging questions: Why? What is God doing through this?  How can He permit such things to happen?  If God is good, why would He allow evil?

How are we to answer those questions?  Of course, we are compelled to answer with the same grace and faith and comfort expressed by our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Even more, our answers must reflect truth -- His truth.  

Together we've been examining five truths which will better equip you to give some answers to those questioning God's goodness in the face of tragedy.  Here's what we've learned so far:

First, Consider People's Response...

Second, Consider God's word...

Third, Consider Evil's Causes...

Let's consider two final truths that help us answer the problem of evil and tragedy...

Fourth, Consider God's Character...

God is sovereign.  He is in absolute control and tells us so in His Word.  He is both Omnipotent (All-powerful) and Omniscient (All-knowing).  

The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 115:3 “But our God [is] in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.”  A formerly unbelieving King Nebuchadnezzar came to this conclusion in Daniel 4:35, “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and [GOD] doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, ‘What doest thou?’”

Jesus told us in Matthew 10 that a falling sparrow wouldn't go unnoticed by the Father, who also knows the hairs of our heads by number.  This universe is His creation.  He not only knows it inside and out, He controls it.

This is the point where even many Christians struggle to find answers.  As one man reasoned, "God can be good, or He can be powerful, but He cannot be both."  Truth is, He not only can be both, He is both!

God Is Good. He is all-powerful and all-good.  Paul went to great lengths to explain God’s power and goodness in Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.”

God has a sovereign plan, but will always work His plan according to His goodness.  God is not mostly good, or partly good. No! God is perfectly good at all times, even tragic times. You may trust Him with full confidence.   

At the same time, our sovereign God has allowed every person the freedom to make choices.  We are not pre-programmed robots or prisoners to a predetermined fate.  

While you and I may not be able to fully understand how God's sovereignty and God's allowance for our free choices fit together, the Bible teaches both to be true.  As Charles Spurgeon pointed out, election and free will are friends who do not need to be "reconciled."

Given that truth, it's time we stop blaming God and His sovereignty for the sinful choices made by people!  We dare not accuse Him of any evil actions or wrong motives.  In fact, who are we to demand answers from God?

Isaiah 40 asks, “Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?  13 Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or being his counseller hath taught him?  14 With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and shewed to him the way of understanding?”

Fifth, Consider Your Response...

When addressing those who are seeking answers and deeply hurting, our response needs to thoughtfully include two ideas:

1. Do Not Say What You Do Not Know

How do we reconcile the Rule of God with the Reality of Evil?  How do we explain it?  Why does God allow sin and tragedy and death if He does not want them?  To ask that, you are also asking, “Why does God allow me to choose, why does God give me a free will?”

Sometimes you and I have to simply say, “I don’t know.”

God is all knowing.  I am not and you are not.  I honestly don’t know why God allowed the tornadoes to pass through Tuscaloosa or Joplin!  Why did some people die in those tragedies while others lived?  I can’t answer those questions?

But I do know that God is Good and will, in some way, bring good out of this horrible tragedy.  I also know that it is not for you and me to assign God’s judgment or speak on His behalf when He has not clearly spoken.

2. Do Not Be Silent When God’s Character Is Maligned

Some Christians seem almost embarrassed by God’s sovereignty when tragedy happens; as if we have to sheepishly apologize for something God allowed. Don’t be embarrassed. Truth will come out.  Speak of His goodness.

Also, remember that God used the most tragic event in all of human history, the murder of His only begotten Son on the cross, to bring about His ultimate good, the eternal salvation of all who believe!

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

True personal tragedy would be for you not to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior by trusting only in Him; believing that Jesus is God; that He died for your sin, was buried, and rose again the third day.  Worse yet, that would be an eternal tragedy!

As Charles Spurgeon explained, "When we cannot trace God’s hand, we must simply trust His heart."  You can trust Him!  He is worthy of it!

______________________________________

You may want to read an excellent post by Dr. Albert Mohler.  Some of these thoughts were gleaned after reading his post. Of course, I do not sanction everything said or done by Dr. Mohler.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/08/30/the-goodness-of-god-and-the-reality-of-evil/

The Problem Of Evil & Tragedy (Part 2)

As those who stand and boldly proclaim that there is a God and that He has clearly revealed Himself as a God who loves the world, Christians are often asked, “How could a good and loving God allow tragic events and evil things to happen?” 

In our last blog post (Part 1), I asked you to First, Consider People's Response... particularly the response of three groups of people:  Atheists, Religious People, and Immature Christians.

Let's consider two more truths that help us answer the problem of evil and tragedy...

Second, Consider God's Word...

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.  2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?  3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him."  John 9:1-3 

The obvious question that arises in this passage is "What caused the blind man's blindness?"

The typical Jewish mindset was that if you experienced pain or suffering, you or someone close to you must have sinned.  The greater the sin, the greater God’s punishment of it.

However, Jesus said that the blind man's blindness was not a result of sin; neither his nor his parent's.  Personal sin is not the default reason for all evil, tragedy, suffering, and pain in life.  In other words, not all suffering can be traced back to individual sin.

Then consider Luke 13:1-5, which says "There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.  2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?  3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.  4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?  5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

Now it is Jesus who is asked the question, "What caused the deaths in of those in Galilee?"  The questioners were talking about the death of some Galileans who were killed by Pilate as they were in the middle of offering sacrifices to God.  Their blood was mingled with the blood of their animal sacrifices and it was a political flash-point between the Jews and the Romans. 

Then Jesus added to that example of tragedy, another example:  the death of 18 men killed in a random accident in which a tower collapsed in Siloam.

Right away, the Lord corrected the conventional thinking that these men had suffered death because they were sinners.  He says, "Nay."  That's not it, at all!

Jesus’ point here is that most people would have supposed that God allowed these deaths because the people who died must have been guilty of some awful sin.  Then He went a step further and shocked them out of their holier-than-thou attitude by saying, “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.”  If bad things happen only because of sin, then bad things will always happen, because we all sin.

Jesus: 1.  Conventional wisdom: 0.

Third, Consider Evil's Causes...

Within the same two passages, Jesus also points out two primary causes of tragedy.

Affliction sometimes comes into our lives in the form of what can be called "Natural Evil."  For example, the tower that fell in Siloam and killed 18 men was a natural disaster.  There was no morality or immorality involved. 

Dr. Albert Mohler wrote, "Natural evil comes without a moral agent. A tower falls, an earthquake shakes, a tornado destroys, a hurricane ravages, a spider bites, a disease debilitates and kills. The world is filled with wonders mixed with dangers. Gravity can save you or gravity can kill you. When a tower falls, it kills."

Suffering also comes to us in this sinful world through a second cause, "Moral Evil."  For example, The Roman Governor Pilate wickedly murdered innocent men in a premeditated, immoral, and callous way to satisfy his own personal agenda.  Then he mixed their blood with sacrifices offered to God, enraging the Jews.

Cheaters cheat, Liars lie, Arsonists burn, Thieves steal, Killers kill, and Terrorists fly planes into buildings.  Sinful and wicked people do sinful and wicked deeds. When they do, we all suffer.  Sin always demands a terrible price!  

9-11 and the Joplin tornado have two differing causes!

TO BE CONTINUED...

______________________________________

You may want to read an excellent post by Dr. Albert Mohler.  Some of these thoughts were gleaned after reading his post. Of course, I do not sanction everything said or done by Dr. Mohler.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/08/30/the-goodness-of-god-and-the-reality-of-evil/ 

The Problem Of Evil & Tragedy (Part 1)

AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Who can forget images like this one from the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School?

Sadly, countless other photos could convey the heart-wrenching emotions of the infinite number of senseless acts which call each of us to ask, "Why?"

Every thoughtful person must come to grips with the existence of evil in this world.  Wicked actions and tragic events fill our newspapers as a reflection of how they fill our very lives.

In addition to the Sandy Hook murder of 26 children and adults, CBS News listed these other tragic events from 2012:  Superstorm Sandy, the Aurora Colorado Theater shootings, the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman shooting in Florida, and the fatal stabbing of two New York children by their nanny. 

Have we already forgotten events like the 2010 earthquake which resulted in the deaths of more than 316,000 people in Haiti? Astronomical! Horrific! Almost unthinkable, unfathomable! 

As Bible-believing Christians, we stand and boldly proclaim that there is a God and that He has clearly revealed Himself as a God who loves the world.  So then, the world turns to us and demands answers about tragic events and evil. “How could a good and loving God allow these things to happen?” they ask.

Dear friends, God’s Word speaks about evil & tragedy.  I want you to consider five truths over the course of the next few blog posts.  If you stick with me, I think that you'll be better equipped to give some answers to those questioning God's goodness in the face of tragedy.  (Neither you or I should claim to have all of the answers.  Sometimes, the senseless is just that!)

First, Consider People's Response...

The Atheist's response in solving the problem of evil and tragedy is really no problem at all.  They think that they have it all figured out: life is a cosmic accident, a game of chance, a survival of the fittest, with no greater purpose or meaning. We are all just genetic mutations. There you have it.

David describes them this way in Psalm 14:1 "The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God." The response of the Atheist will always be a foolish response. 

The Religious Person's response will typically follow along several possible lines of thought.  Some religious people will tell you that evil, pain, suffering, and even death are merely illusions.  However, ask anyone of the family members who've experienced tragedy at the hands of another, how illusionary their pain is and I'm quite confident that they will tell you ridiculousness of this philosophy.

Yet other religious people will tell you that evil is a part of life that is left behind in greater quantities in an never ending cycle of birth, life, death, and rebirth.  Or, perhaps they will gently explain to you that God is merely doing the best He can under the circumstances.  He lacks the power, they say, to really do anything about evil people doing evil deeds.  

In all of this man-made religious thought, comes the clear words of King Solomon in Proverbs 16:25 “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”  There's no life-giving, life-affirming truth in those religious answers!

Then consider the response of the Immature Christian to the problem of evil and tragedy.  This could be someone who is newly saved, a babe in Christ, who has not yet had time to mature and come to a greater understanding of God's Word; or this could be someone who has been saved for years, perhaps decades, but they have never truly grown "in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:18

I have found that many immature Believers explain all suffering by blaming it on sin.  God is going to "get us" for the sinful things that we have done.  That car accident you were in, the storm that took your house, or the calamity you've experienced must be a result of some sinful thing that you have thought or done.

Don't get me wrong,  sin can directly cause tragedy and death. Millions can testify that they did indeed “reap what they sowed.”  However, your personal sin is not the cause of ALL of those difficult, crisis times in your life.

Just ask Job -- but be sure not to ask his friends!  They got it wrong!

TO BE CONTINUED...

______________________________________

You may want to read an excellent post by Dr. Albert Mohler.  Some of these thoughts were gleaned after reading his post. Of course, I do not sanction everything said or done by Dr. Mohler.

http://www.albertmohler.com/2005/08/30/the-goodness-of-god-and-the-reality-of-evil/ 

At What Cost?

While I can honestly say that I have never lost my thankfulness to God for His gift of salvation, I don't always dwell on the extreme cost that He paid for what He offers so freely.  

When I do stop to give it more thought, I try to remember four crucial truths:


1.  Salvation Is Absolutely Indispensable

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we mus be saved."  Acts 4:12 

“Whereby we must be saved…”  We must be saved!  Salvation through Christ is absolutely indispensable.  There is no hope for entering an eternal heaven and escaping an eternal hell without salvation.  There are no real answers to life and no overarching purposes in life without being saved through, and only through Jesus.

Jesus made this exclusive claim in John 14:6 “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

One pastor wisely said, “Christians preach an exclusive Christ in an inclusive age. Because of that, we are often accused of being narrow-minded, even intolerant. Many paths, it is said, lead to the top of the mountain of religious enlightenment. How dare we insist that ours is the only one? In reality, however, there are only two religious paths: the broad way of works salvation leading to destruction, and the narrow way of faith in the only Savior leading to eternal life.” 

2.  Salvation Is Extraordinarily Costly

"Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole."  Acts 4:10

Notice the phrase, “whom ye crucified.”  Peter knew personally the costly ransom that was paid for his own sin!  Within hours of denying that he even knew Jesus, Peter watched with His own eyes, as the precious blood of the spotless lamb was spilled out on Calvary's Hill.

He later wrote in 1 Peter 1:18-19, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”  Jesus paid a tremendously high price to save you and me!

3.  Salvation Is Entirely Free  

Notice again what Peter explained in ,  Acts 4:10, "...even by him doth this man stand here before you whole."  Jesus was the one responsible for the wholeness of the saved man.  The Lord paid the purchase price, then gave it away freely to those who were too far in debt to ever afford salvation on their own.

The Bible backs up that truth repeatedly:

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

4.  Salvation Is Repeatedly Rejected   

Peter and John are standing before the same religious council of men who had condemned Jesus to death and outright rejected Him as the God-sent Savior.  Rather than cowering, Peter courageously reminded these men of their rejection of Christ and graciously offered them another opportunity to believe in Him and receive Him as Savior when he said...

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we mus be saved."  Acts 4:12 

Many people today will reject Christ time after time after time.  Although God is loving and merciful and gracious and patient, there will come a day when He removes that offer.  Then, it will be too late!  Please don't let that be you!  

Salvation is free to us, but at what cost?  The very lifeblood of the precious Son of God!

Seasoned With Salt

“Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

The First Amendment may guarantee all Americans the right to free speech, but the Bible is very clear in its command to Believers: always speak with grace!

Truthful words. Loving words. Wholesome words. Encouraging words. Kind words. Thoughtful words. Christ-honoring words. This is how all of our communication ought to be characterized.

The primary seasoning here is salt. Salt preserves and purifies and prevents decay. In a wound, salt packs a powerful sting. Salt is suppose to make a difference; as are we.

May our conversations and our correspondence impact those around us for eternity’s sake. As followers of Christ, our communication must be such that it is filled with grace toward others, impacting the current culture of saying and posting caustic, destructive, and sinful things.

Truth, spoken in love, may still make people feel uncomfortable. Jesus was able to perfectly speak the truth in love, yet people did not always respond positively. The rich young ruler walked away. The crowds dispersed. Peter denied Him. The religious leaders had Jesus crucified.

But don’t forget, there were plenty of people, when confronted lovingly with the spoken Word of God, who repented and responded in faith. The woman at the well. The adulteress caught in the act. The cheating tax collector. The dying thief on the cross. Peter.

May you strive to, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Ephesians 4:29  May I do the same.