Are you having trouble letting go of something? I’m thinking in particular of the “party of the Pharisees” described in Acts 15:5.

The Pharisees were a particular sect of Judaism that believed in strict adherence to the Mosaic Law. They went a bit above the written Law and added some oral tradition to the mix as well. Therefore, kind of like the tax code of the United States, we went from something that could be simple to something that was incredibly complex.

Although there is a lot we could consider from this passage, let’s narrow the focus to the speakers in this verse. Who were they? 

1. They were believers in Jesus.
2. They still clung to the Law.

And, what was the issue they had? Well, Gentiles were coming to faith. While this was not unprecedented, it was different. And the Pharisees viewed these Gentiles as converts to Judaism. Therefore, they must obey the Mosaic Law – which included circumcision as a step of faith.

Did the Gentiles have a problem with this? I know I would have! But personal feelings aside, it does appear to be a bit of a stumbling block that was causing some angst. Therefore, a group of apostles and elders met to consider the question.

After discussion, Peter brought the discussion into focus. To paraphrase: Look, we can’t fully obey the Law, so why try to make them? Salvation is about grace!

AMEN!

Barnabas and Paul echoed the testimony and everyone listened. James (the brother of Jesus) affirmed with Scripture and stated the resolve of the leaders. Circumcision was not required. All they should do is abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, meat of strangled animals and from blood.

Wait – why did they put requirements when they just said there shouldn’t be any? Don’t worry – they weren’t adding to the tax code!

This goes back to my original question. Are there things you are having difficulty releasing?

I was raised a Catholic. I was taught certain things – prayers, saints, “holy days,” etc. (Unfortunately, I was taught too much of these things and not enough of the Word itself!) When I accepted the call of God on my heart 20+ years ago, I had a difficult time releasing some of those things. It was what I knew.

However, I am now in love with the Word of God. I still struggle, but I’ve learned to turn to the Word for God’s answers to life’s issues. Whether it is a word of comfort, a conviction of action or clarity in direction, I know God has the answers.

I’m glad there is freedom in Christ. I’m glad God eliminated the burden of Pharisaic obedience.

Now, if only something could be done with the tax code… 

Yours in Christ,
Marty

I am asked from time to time to review things (usually books). Given the volume of requests, the need to filter out material for the radio program and my personal love of reading for pleasure, I turn down a lot of offers.

However, when Waterbrook Press sent me a copy of White Picket Fences

White Picket Fences

by Susan Meissner, I thought I’d give it a try. The title didn’t quite click, but the description included hints of World War 2 (THANK YOU TO ALL VETERANS!), Holocaust survivors and a few other teasers that made it worth checking out.

The basic story line includes a family taking in a 16-year old niece when her father disappears and her care-taking grandmother dies. While the youngest daughter in the home doesn’t seem too affected, the niece and the 17-year old son begin working on a sociology project together – interviewing two Holocaust survivors. The son is battling supressed childhood memories of a fire, the father buries himself in woodworking projects and the mother is torn by the battles she sees everyone fighting. So, while everything appears to be neat and cozy on the outside (white-picket-fence style), there is turmoil inside. 

Am I glad I read it? Well, yes and no. First of all, I think female readers would enjoy it more than I did. As a guy, I’d give it about a C+.

On the plus side:

• good writing style
• story was fairly engaging
• character soul-searching seemed honest
• interesting use of historical truth w/fictional narrative 

On the down side:

• semi-predictable elements
• bit too implausible at points

Bottom-line? If you are looking for a decent read for a few days off, a plane trip or something along those lines, White Picket Fences will fit the bill.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Karma of Jesus by Mark Herringshaw

Karma of Jesus  is a new book from Baker Publishing by Pastor Mark Herringshaw. Obviously the title will grab you but it’s the content that matters.

As a point of background, Mark was being “heckled” during a presentation at a church so he invited the young man to speak with him at the conclusion. During the subsequent conversation, Mark took the concept of Karma (which the man brought up) and applied it to communicate the concept of Christ’s atonement.

As I interviewed Mark for a radio program, I was reminded of Paul in Pisidian Antioch and then later in Athens. How do we communicate the Truths of Scripture if we don’t speak the same language? Mark then said something I found very interesting.

We have to know what the question is before we can give the answer.

I know that is Evangelism 101, but it really hit me in the context of our conversation. Bottom-line? In our pop culture word of “My Name is Earl” and other places where the word “Karma” is used w/no understanding of what it really means, how do we effectively communicate God’s Truth? The book is worth looking into as a resource for doing just that!

Remember, if we really received what we deserved (karma), we would be in a mess of trouble. Thank God for the gift of grace!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Yes, believe it or not, we are already receiving some inquiries in the Resource Center for VBS kits in 2010. The basic information is posted on our VBS website (www.saveonvbs.com).  You’ll see the discounted prices there as well. More information will be posted as it is available!

Group is offering:

• High Seas Expedition
• Egypt – Joseph’s Journey from Prison to Palace:

Gospel Light has “Son Quest - Rainforest” (super starter kit and regular starter kit).

Standard has “Hero Quest - Where Kids Join Forces with God” (Power Pak and regular starter kit).

Concordia is offering “Planet Zoom - Where Bold BEElievers Zip Zap and Zoom for Jesus” (Super Duper and regular starter kit).

Regular Baptist Press has “Sea Quest – Diving for God’s Treasure.”

Answers in Genesis has “Egypt File – Decoding the Mysteries of Life.”

Augsburg is offering “Baobab Blast – God’s Great Get-Together. (No, I didn’t make “Baobab” up! It’s a tree in Africa.) 

Starter Kits are discounted by 10% everyday through LRM.

The VBS Extravaganza is being planned for January 16th. We’re working on some extra deals for attendees but if you are out of state, be sure to ask for a deal!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Well, I didn’t bring my tools to the party. Guess I should have! Who knew I would fail so miserably in my sandwich cutting ability…

Sorry Diane!

In all seriousness, we had a wonderful celebration last night. Kathy, our “former” curriculum and VBS manager, is leaving us for a little 2,000 mile move across the country. We had a little farewell party – completely stocked w/St. Louis food:

• Imo’s Pizza
• Toasted Ravioli
• Amaghetti’s subs
• Ted Drewes frozen custard

Pretty delicious stuff! Thank you Diane for your great hospitality. Even though it was a sad event, great fun was had by all.

Yours in Christ,
Marty

What are ways to water down your faith?

It may seem a bit silly to ask, but I’m wondering what you have found as some of the most common ways you might see yourself stumbling. Let’s make a list and try to help each other avoid the pitfalls.

7. Praying by “laundry lists” rather than in relationship.

6. Resist accountability.

5. Keep your mouth closed instead of sharing your faith.

4. Cease fellowship with other believers.

3. Stop going to church.

2. Stop praying.

1. Stop reading the Word

Happy Monday morning to you too!

OK – I agree that this is not a Welcome back to the week! easy post. Oh well…

I’ve been wondering about posting on this topic lately. It was “inspired” by a book I read. (I’ll get to that in future postings.) The author said – sin is anything we do against ourselves. Where did he get this definition? I don’t know. I guess he made it up… 

747 Airplane

Merriam-Webster says:

1. An offense against religious or moral law; action that is felt to be highly reprehensible; an often serious shortcoming (in the sense of a fault)
2.  Transgression of the law of God; a vitiated state of human nature in which the self is estranged from God

Even in M-W, I don’t read anything about “self.” It is either others or a higher power.

To be clear, I’m not going to start a discussion right now about whether or not Christians can sin. Yes, they can. A Christian who sins hates their sin and daily seeks to exhibit more of the fruits of the Spirit. More another day… 

So why then is it important to have a proper understanding of sin?

God must be part of the equation. To say sin is anything we do against ourselves is like saying an airplane can move. While there is some technical truth in that statement, it misses the essence of truth behind everything. Yes, a plane can move but it needs a pilot, fuel, an engine, etc. It also misses the essence of a plane’s movement:

IT CAN FLY!

This requires, movement, air, thrust and a number of other things too technical for me.

Sin is a transgression against God. It is doing something against the One who created and sustains all things. It is doing something against the One who is perfect in all ways.

I understand when some people choose to water down the word sin (mistake, error, slip-up, etc…) when they are talking with another. It’s a simplified method of communication to use when speaking to someone who may not truly understand a word like sin. (I don’t like changing this word. I prefer to define it when speaking. ”Sin” is a word with power.) 

BUT you can’t change the meaning of a word like this. Sin is sin. Sin is a transgression of the Law of God. It is an action or thought against our Perfect Heavenly Father.

Enough for now. I’ll get to the book discussion soon…

Yours in Christ,
Marty

carryabigsticker.com

I posted my thoughts about the Coexist bumper sticker some time ago but did not explain the symbols. Based on what I’m hearing, many people want to know what those symbols actually mean. So, here goes…

• The “C” is the crescent moon and star – most commonly identified w/Islam. Other older meanings are out there, but that is the one most people “see.”
• The “o” has the peace symbol. 
• The “e” has the symbol for male (Mars) and female (Venus) attached.
• The “x” represents Judaism through the Star (or shield) of David. 
• The “i” is dotted by the pentagram (or pentacle) representing paganism.
• The “s” has been incorporated into the ying/yang symbol of Tao / Confucianism.
• The “t” is a representation of Christianity through the cross. 

I hope that answers the questions about what each thing represents. Of course, it doesn’t address the greater irony of how those symbols – which contradict each other in many ways – are supposed to instruct us to co-exist…

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Joliet Celebration Team

The Celebration of Faith renewal weekend was a great time of praise, testimonies and fellowship.

Kriss did a fantastic job with the kids. Chris did a great job of working with Jake and the youth. Harry led worship beautifully. The testimonies were powerful as team members spoke from their hearts.

One story: It was really awesome at the men’s luncheon on Saturday afternoon. As we met outside at the rather cold park, I did something a bit off the norm. Three team members shared their witness. Then I asked if any men from the church wanted to share a testimony. Three men volunteered one after another. Had time permitted, I think we would have had more! (Some guys stuck around for quite a long time after.)

The church met for a bit after we left on Sunday afternoon. I look forward to hearing what happened then and will happen in the days ahead. I know we witnessed and experienced something wonderful happening!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

I wonder why I worry sometimes. The renewal weekend in Joliet is going exactly as God wants it to go. I’m always amazed at how God works things out even though I doubt.

Praise God for the steps that are being made, the testimonies being given and the hearts being stirred. May His Truth continue to be proclaimed and His will be done!!