All Roads Lead to Zion

Back in May, I taped a radio interview with William (Bill) Edmunds. We discussed his novel, All Roads Lead to Zion. Set in the time of Christ, it is told primarily from the perspective of a Roman Centurion.

Well, although I have not forgotten the book, the interview slipped my mind. However, it is finally up on our radio archive page! Forget the reasons for the delays (or where some of the other ones are), I’m highlighting it now because the book is actually good! Listen to it (or others) as you wish.

I’m a big supporter of understanding Scripture in context and culture. While God’s Word is living and active, we need to make sure we are not constantly looking at it with contemporary lenses.

If you like novels, check it out. It’s a good, intelligent read that is engaging and valuable for equipping!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Faith in Action – Theodore Roosevelt

We must be doers—not hearers only. I am sure every one who tries to be a good Christian must feel a peculiar shame when he sees a hypocrite, or one who so conducts himself as to bring reproach upon Christianity. The man who observes all the ceremonials of the laws of the church but who does not carry them out in his daily life, is not a true Christian. To be doers of the Word it is necessary that we must be first hearers of the Word. Yet attendance at church is not enough. We must learn the lessons. We must study the Bible, but we must not let it end there. We must apply it in active life.

The first duty of a man is to his own house. The necessity of heroic action on a great scale arises but seldom, but the humdrum of life is with us every day. In business and in work, if you let Christianity stop as you go out of the church door, there is little righteousness in you. You must behave to your fellowmen as you would have them behave to you. You must have pride in your work if you would succeed. A man should get justice for himself, but he should also do justice to others. Help a man to help himself, but do not expend all your efforts in helping a man who will not help himself.

C. E. Banks and L. Armstrong, Theodore Roosevelt, Twenty-Sixth President of the United States. A Typical American. (Chicago, 1901), p. 163.

Marriage, life or sex? Where did we lose value?

Yes, I did put the word “sex” in the blog for today. But I think it is time to “have the talk.”

There has been much ado in the media lately about gay marriage with the comments by Miss America Carrie Prejean. Of course, this isn’t anything new. A few months ago, it was all about Bristol Palin. Before that, it was something else…

I was emailed a link to an ABC news story report detailed the statistics of “Kids Born to Unwed Moms Hit Record High.” In the United States, the percentage is 40%. I think that is sad.

What I can’t figure out is where the disintegration begin? When did the downward slide start?

Was it when divorce rates started increasing? Many may point to the devaluing of life when Roe v. Wade began allowing abortion. Others will say it was the rise of sexual promiscuity (and drug use) in the 60’s.

Honestly, I don’t really know. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I think it started somewhere around the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden. Sin was introduced into the world and it’s all gone downhill from there. That answer won’t satisfy many, but it’s the one that is the most clear.

Something is seriously going wrong in the U.S. though. Those things that were once considered “wrong” are not anymore. Moral relativism, secular “logic,” agnosticism and other philosophies have risen. What’s “right” for one person is supposed to be OK even if others disagree.

Now, I don’t think I live in a bubble. I don’t believe in a utopian world of rainbows and butterflies. I’ve had to deal with sin and its ramifications in my life and in the lives of those around me. Stuff does happen.

But it is what we do after that stuff happens that really matters.

Again, I do believe in Jesus Christ. I believe that He is the answer. I think a careful study of God’s Word is the solution to turning around the moral slide.

God’s Word is clear on marriage. God’s Word is clear on the value of human life. God’s Word is clear on the purpose (and place) of sex.

How can we bring people back to the anchor that is found in God’s Word? How can we return to a basic sense of right and wrong so that the slide stops and the trend reverses?

Pray we can find an answer…

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Hundred Acre Woods – The Setting

Deep in the hundred acre woods, there lived a kindly old pastor who shepherded a tiny little church.  Some said he looked like a pudgy little teddy bear – always smiling and happy.  This pastor led a small church faithfully every Sunday morning, careful to teach and share God’s Word.  It was a happy little community, content with their lot and their life.

The characters in the woods all looked very different, but they worked, played and worshipped together.  Each personality brought something unique to the wood.  The pastor, William, enjoyed spending time with each one (but honestly, some more than others).  His best friend was Peter, a rather short, timid fellow who truly loved William, almost as a brother.  Their frequent walks through the wood were friendly explorations of paths they had been down hundreds of times.  However, each cherished that time to walk and talk about everything and nothing.

It is difficult to say exactly what happened to change their lives so dramatically. As they look back and reflect, they all can point to different things that led them down the strange course their lives took over several years.  However, there was one cause they all agreed upon.  That is where our story quickly begins…

Biblical Christianity Part 2 – Action!

Yesterday’s post was to be a bit longer, but I had a slightly disjointed day. Touching base with friend in the morning, lunch w/a friend and an afternoon visit from another. Three blessings! All in all, a pretty great day – albeit somewhat disjointed!

Today’s schedule is likewise a bit crazy – three radio interviews to tape (which will be interesting since my voice is shot!), Board meeting preparation plus all the regular whatnot. Nevertheless, it is nice and early this morning so I can get a jump on this post!

Yesterday I wrapped up with a reference to a verse from Hebrews about God’s Word being living and active. The verse states:

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

That has always been an important verse to me – especially as I think of the application of God’s Word to life today.

However, as I was thinking about being a “Biblical Christian,” I thought of that verse in reference to living out faith.

I believe the Christian’s LIFE is also to be “living and active.” What does that mean?

In a nutshell, we can’t be complacent. We need to be out serving, sharing and being the hands and feet of Christ. James tells us the following:

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.Doesn’t that say something to you about how you should be spending your time?

It doesn’t say retreat. It doesn’t say hide away. We are to take care of those in need.

What about the avoiding “being polluted by the world”? That’s where I think we go back to the Hebrews verse in its direct context. If we know the Word, it penetrates. Knowing the Word will keep us from being polluted if we are putting it into practice.  

It convicts.

It converts.

It lives.

It breathes.

What a wonderful God we serve!

Yours in Christ,

Marty

Churches and the “I’m fine” Syndrome

I’m often asked what exactly LRM (Lay Renewal Ministries) is and does. Depending on the person to whom I’m speaking, the answer can be more or less involved. Since I know there are many degrees of reader familiarity, I’ll start with a broad brush in addressing how we serve leadership. Next week, I hope to address how we serve individuals. 

Of course, I’ll start with a story…

I was visiting a church one Sunday morning and mingling about during the fellowship time. While I was doing this, I overheard a woman speaking to a friend. She was relating how she had asked someone “How are you?” and the person actually told her! The woman sharing the story was befuddled and angry while I was confused. Wasn’t that the point of her asking? I guess not…

The response I’m assuming the woman wanted was “I’m fine.” It’s a safe response. It doesn’t require any effort or real reaction on our part.

When I talk to pastors or church leaders and ask them how things are going, the typical first answer is “Fine.” If I press the issue, the response can go a bit deeper – but usually towards the positive. I’ll hear the statistics on the “ABC’s” – Attendance, Building and Cash.

That’s not what I want to hear.

The real issue we need to discuss is two-fold:

• Are people coming to faith?
• Are people growing spiritually?

If the responses to those questions are negative or not what is desired, then we begin to delve deeper. As a ministry, we’ve developed a couple of tools that we have seen help churches identify some key benchmarks and set goals for helping believers grow in their walks.

The concept of benchmarks can be uncomfortable for some. Does this mean we are becoming “like the world?”

No. Paul was very clear in his letter to the church in Corinth that we need to grow. The progression of growth in a believer’s walk should be noticeable. In what ways? Here are three simple areas to set benchmarks and goals:

• Prayer – We move from a laundry list of our ‘wants’ to a seeking of God’s Will.
• The Word – We move from opening it on Sunday mornings to a regular reading and study.
• Application – We move from trying to ‘be nice’ to an active life of being the hands and feet of Christ.

So, how does LRM help in this process?

First of all, we approach each church as a unique church. (There are no formulas that will work for every church, so we shouldn’t pretend that there are!) Therefore, we speak with the pastor and leadership in an effort to determine exactly where they believe God is leading them and the church family.

We have a unique diagnostic tool we can use to assess and measure various levels of activity. (We do work with other tools also, but this is the primary one we suggest.) From this tool, we begin to prayerfully discuss and seek how they might move forward for God’s glory.

We meet with the leadership to begin to build or strengthen unity and focus. Depending on the situation, we may work through specific principles we find in our Biblically based leadership material (Basic Leader Training or Leadership Effectiveness Training). These principles are then applied specifically to the church in its unique setting and location. If these are not appropriate, then we take principles found in the Word and work to build a special program that will address where they are and where they hope to go as God leads.

I hope that gives you an introduction of the initial approach to discussing how LRM serves leaders in the church. Over the next few days, I plan to expand on the specific principles found in leadership development and training and how LRM partners with you.

Yours in Christ,

Marty

**See also the post on “A Story – SGCIS”

Casting lots

In Luke 1:5-25, we read an account of Zechariah meeting with an angel who gives him a prophetic message of the birth of John the Baptist. There are many things to reflect on in this passage:

• Elizabeth and Zechariah’s struggle with childlessness
• The Holy of Holies
• Offering incense
• The appearance of an angel as God’s messenger
• and so on…

But the part that jumped out at me this morning was casting lots…

Casting lots is mentioned 77 times in Scripture. (Hebrew word = “goral” Greek word = “kleros”) Because it is used so many times in Scripture (including the choosing of Matthias in Acts 1:26), some have surmised that this practice is therefore endorsed by God. Was it?

I don’t know! How’s that for an answer? I do think there are some things that we can observe though as we are seeking to understand God’s will for the practice of our faith.  [interpret Scripture with Scripture]

In the book of Joshua, he cast lots to divide the land. In Chronicles, we see an act of dividing by casting lots in order to show impartiality. We even see casting lots in Jonah before he took his little swim.

Lets look more at the example from Acts. What were the apostles supposed to do? In verse 4, Jesus commanded them to wait in Jerusalem for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus didn’t command them to fill the vacancy left by Judas.

However, Peter (quoting Psalms 69 and 109) led the believers in choosing between two men, Joseph (Barsabbas / Justus) and Matthias. They then prayed and asked for God’s direction as they cast lots.

Once upon a time, a professor of mine (thanks Dr. Doriani) encouraged me to look for the question behind the question. And this is where I come back to the issue of casting lots. The BIG question I see in each of the examples listed above is this: Is God in control?

To elaborate, as I see in this example, the disciples discerned that two men were suited and qualified. Rather than argue about which person would be chosen, they cast lots as an act of faith to trust God’s sovereignty. Right or wrong, they were putting their trust in God. Joshua did that as well. Even the (most likely) pagan sailors did it!

And, looking back at Luke 1, the priests had developed a ‘custom’ of casting lots as a way of seeking “God’s choosing” for the person to enter the temple and offer incense.

So what? Does that mean we should use casting lots today in our decision making? I don’t think so. Although it was done by people in order to seek God’s will (and I do believe God was and is sovereign), it leaves too much open to error.

The first error is in perception. One could go out and buy lottery tickets. If he/she wins, it must be God’s will. That’s not the same thing. (Although if anyone does win and wishes to support LRM, give me a call!)

The second error is sin. We are too prone to sin. Our humanity sparks resentment, anger and other negative reactions that are not true reflections of Christ in us. If you don’t believe this, watch children do the game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.” Best out of three becomes best out of five. Then best out of seven. Then best out of…

That’s enough from me. This probably isn’t exactly what you were looking for in a reflection today, but spend some time thinking about it and seeking Scriptures yourself.

Comment if you wish and give me more to think about!

Yours in Christ,
Marty

Tourette’s Syndrome – My Testimony as the Dad

[For additional postings on Tourette’s, please click the “Categories – Tourette’s link on the sidebar.]

 

I’ve been told to be careful what I put in writing. I’ve also been told to express myself in writing. Quite a dilemma, don’t you think?

 

I’m going to put a bit of my testimony here about my son’s Tourette’s Syndrome. On Sunday, December 7th, Hallmark Hall of Fame will feature the movie Front of the Class – the story of Brad Cohen and his life with Tourette’s. I haven’t seen it, but for those who are curious about Tourette’s, I’ve heard it is a good presentation.

 

As I mentioned, my son has Tourette’s. As a dad, I love him. I don’t think it would be possible to be more proud of his character and the way he handles himself. I’m not always proud of myself though.

 

Two months ago, I shared a message at a church in North Carolina. Perhaps I was a bit too honest, but it was what I felt led to share. I’m going to post the applicable portion of the message below. (NOTE – this is as written, not as spoken. I usually write out my thoughts and then speak as led.)

 

Anyway – I hope in some way these words can be an encouragement to you in your walk. May God strengthen you each and every day for life in this fallen world.  

 

**************************************

When I accepted Christ, I started reading the Word. I began to get more involved in small groups and Bible studies. The Holy Spirit began to open my eyes to this incredible Gift we have been given in the Bible and my relationship with Christ deepened tremendously.

 

Not wanting a serious relationship, I went on a blind date arranged by a friend. This friend knew that neither I nor the young lady were looking for a serious relationship. Of course, a few years later, we walked down the aisle and were married. We now have two children – a son and a daughter.

 

Life has been a blessing. There have been ups. I have a wonderful wife and great children. After leaving a job on staff at a church, I joined LRMtwelve years ago. It is a wonderful ministry and I am blessed through it. There have been downs. One of the deepest came when my daughter was a toddler. Shockingly, my bride was diagnosed with a tumor in her spine. But praise God – it was removed and she’s had no other reoccurrence.

 

But Psalm 13 has been my song lately:

 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and every day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

 

Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

 

As we see in verse 3, King David was sick – almost to the point of death. By the tone of the Psalm, I think that he must have been crying out to God for some time – or at least it felt like it.

 

He begins the Psalm by wondering why God has forgotten him. He is wrestling with his thoughts and has sorrow in his heart every day. His enemies believe he will die and they have triumphed over him.

 

The depths of David’s heart-wrenching anguish were tremendous. This has been my song.

 

In December of 2006, my son – my smart, wonderful, athletic, downright incredible son – was diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome. If you are not familiar with Tourette’s, it is a neurological disorder that manifests itself in “tics.” These tics can be verbal outbursts that can be minor squeaks to loud yells. They can also be physical twitches or violent movements.

 

Until about July of 2008, his Tourette’s was very mild. Outside of our family, only a few close friends of his had any idea. However, it progresses with puberty and he could no longer hide it. In fact, he was now hitting himself so hard in the chest he was causing bruises.

 

Dad stopped handling it very well.

 

In fact, I became extremely angry at God. I felt abandoned. You see, I can handle a lot when the arrows start flying. Personal persecution? I don’t like it, but I can deal with it. Physical pain? I don’t like it, but I can deal with it.

 

But my kids? The words “That’s not fair” have crossed my mind and lips more time than I care to admit. I’ve talked to my pastor. I’ve talked to Christian friends and counselors. I’ve gotten advice that, to be frank, stunk. I have simply gotten more and more upset with God. But, like Job’s friends, I’ve had some good friends who were willing just to sit with me for a bit.

 

Things really changed one morning as I was getting ready to go to work – wondering if I should even bother going to work – when I started raging at God. I don’t use that word lightly. I was incredibly mad and yelling at God in my mind. I’m ashamed to say it, but as I thought of my “faithfulness,” my “goodness” and the “sacrifices” I thought, “God, if I have done all this for you, and this is happening to my son, what good are you? What good are you God?”

 

Now, I don’t know how you feel about voices in your head, but I am not a big fan. But, as I stood there, furious and angry with God, a gentle whisper spoke in my mind five simple words:

 

“I have a Son too.”

 

To say I was surprised isn’t adequate. I was shocked. In fact, I was almost crushed by the weight of the words. It was only a whisper – but it was a whisper of love, of gentleness, of hope. I’ll never forget it. “I have a Son too.”

 

It broke me.

 

I knew what God was trying to say to me. I was reminded of what Jesus Christ did for me on the cross two thousand years ago. I was convicted of my own pride. I was pushed back to a place of shame at my arrogance. I don’t deserve anything. God – our wonderful, sovereign, creative, majestic, all-powerful God – has a plan and a purpose for all things.

 

Two weeks later, I sat next to my son holding back tears as he spoke with two of the elders of my church. As he talked to them, he shared how his Tourette’s has led him to understand his need for Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. He told them how he is praying more and trusting in God for things.

 

His faith, his testimony has been a source of strength to his father.

 

And that is how David ends this Psalm. Verses 5 & 6 proclaim:

But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing to the LORD,

for he has been good to me.

 

Although I’m still struggling with life, I’m not struggling with God as much. Day by day, I’m putting my trust in Him more and more.

 

God is good. All the time. All the time. God is good.

 

Even when we don’t understand…

 

This is the new song I am singing.

Lost Son

John MacArthur was in town, yesterday. He is doing a speaking tour to promote his new book, A Tale of Two Sons .

Once upon a time, I was blessed to attend Seminary and sit under some incredibly gifted professors. Of course, one of the required classes was Greek. I enjoy learning other languages. While it is difficult, I find it helpful to understand how other cultures express themselves. It is incredible to learn how certain words have more power than often expressed in a translation.

Studying the passage of the lost son in Luke 15: 11-32 (or Prodigal Son) was very powerful. Part of the power came from not only learning the words, but also from understanding the culture that surrounded it.

Am I rambling yet? Remember – I’m new to this! Anyway…

Reading The Tale of Two Sons by Dr. MacArthur brought back a ton of memories for me.  Some of the subtleties came alive again. Some of the cultural impact points came alive again. It made me remember what a joy it is to truly study a passage – not to take it apart and dissect it piece by piece, but to listen to God speaking through His Holy Word.

Let me encourage you to read Dr. MacArthur’s book. More importantly, let me encourage you to read and listen to God’s Word. Don’t put a 2008 understanding on it. Read it as it was written and seek to understand the culture as well.

Let His Word come alive and speak to you!

Yours in Christ,

Marty