Monday morning, June 30, 2008
I am somewhat disappointed that more of you did not enter my desired discussion regarding “church” but life is that way and it is OK. Should you decide to offer your comments, I would be happy to hear them, as I really am interested in knowing how you perceive the state of the “church”.
Anyway, until then, I want to share an excerpt from a book I am reading [“Christianity and Liberalism” by J. Gresham Machen; © 1923; page 105]: “According to the Christian view, as set forth in the Bible, mankind is under the curse of God’s holy law, and the dreadful penalty includes the corruption of our whole nature. Actual transgressions proceed from the sinful root, and serve to deepen everyman’s guilt in the sight of God. On the basis of that view, so profound, so true to the observed facts of life, it is obvious that nothing natural will meet our need. Nature transmits the dreadful taint; hope is to be sought only in a creative act of God. And that creative act of God—so mysterious, so contrary to all expectations, yet so congruous with the character of God who is revealed as the God of love—is found in the redeeming work of Christ. No product of sinful humanity could have redeemed humanity from the dreadful guilt or lifted a sinful race from the slough of sin. But a Savior has come from God. There lies the very root of Christian religion; there is the reason why the supernatural is the very ground and substance of the Christian faith. But the acceptance of the supernatural depends upon a conviction of the reality of sin. Without the conviction of sin there can be no appreciation of the uniqueness of Jesus; it is only when we contrast our sinfulness with His holiness that we appreciate the gulf which separates Him from the rest of the children of men. And without the conviction of sin there can be no understanding of the occasion for the supernatural act of God; without the conviction of sin, the good news of redemption seems to be an idle tale. So fundamental is the conviction of sin in the Christian faith that it will not do to arrive at it merely by reasoning; it will not do to say merely: All men (as I have been told) are sinners; I am a man; therefore I suppose I must be a sinner too. That is all the supposed conviction of sin amounts to sometimes. But the true conviction is far more immediate that that. . . The truly penitent man glories in the supernatural, for he knows that nothing natural would meet his need; the world has been shaken once in his downfall, and shaken again it must be if he is to be saved.”
This, my dear friends, explains one of my major concerns for the “church,” one of the major reasons liberalism has become the accepted norm. If what Mr. Machen has said is true, then, obviously, the church has “watered-down” the gospel to the point that all one has to do to be saved is respond to an “invitation,” walk an “aisle,” repeat a “sinner’s prayer,” sign the proverbial “card,” and be baptized.
What ever happened to true repentance and the miracle of miracles—the redeeming work of Christ? Indeed, it is a “world shaking” event—every time! Hallelujah for the cross!
Blessings,
Mac
Monday, June 30, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Know What You Believe and Why You Believe It!
The following is one of the responses I received from a recent question I sent to those who read my "perspective":
It has been my observation that those who are unhappy at their church and are looking for another are nothing more that “religious consumers”. They fit right well into our culture of consumerism and the church has become a “company” with marketing programs and the pastor has become the CEO.
Remember, the most important thing is that one’s “felt needs” are met … that is why these organizations spend so much time and effort marketing their religion. Everything is about “us”! If a church deserves my time they will have to earn it with programs for my kids, great meals on Wednesday night and things like building “Habitat” houses. They will have to have lots of programs that are about “ME” … how to be a better husband, how to be a better daddy, how to manage my finances or how to be “all that I can be”.
One should NEVER focus on the idea that worship is about God/Christ. We should always focus on the fact that the sole purpose of God’s existence is to make us happy. He so wants us to be happy! All these things like disease, death, broken friendships/relationships, divorce, crime, teenage pregnancy and so on are far beyond His control. God is engaged in a bout of “spiritual fisticuffs” with Satan and we need to be on God’s side so that He can win the fight. Just find a church that will make you happy!
We dream of the time when all the streets will be free from crime, all the kids will say “yes m’am and no m’am, the sidewalks will be clean and one will never see gum stuck to the street, no more robberies, no more cursing, everyone’s lawn will be perfectly manicured and if front of every house will be freshly painted picket fences. Then on Sundays, everyone will go their “churches” where they will sit in their pews and listen to a feel-good sermon where Christ is NOT preached. Then and only then will we all be happy.
Now seriously.
All churches should realize that there is only ONE in their audience. Do not cater to the masses but cater to our Creator. Everything should be done with the fact that worship is about God’s coming to us. WE DO NOT SPEAK IN WORSHIP. God speaks first , through the Word, and we RESPOND. Scripture spells this out clearly, but most never read Scripture. God has chosen the “foolishness” of preaching to be the primary means by which He comes to us and the “means of Grace” are Word, Sacrament and Prayer … so if one does not go to “church”, he is missing out on at least two of the appointed means of Grace. We, as the Psalmist, should love the Law, but not because we can use it to forge out our righteousness, but rather that the hopelessness that it creates will drive us to the Cross.
By the deeds of the Law will no one be declared righteous!
No churchwork!!!! Only Christ and Him crucified. Then all of our “good works” will be directed to our neighbors out of the overflowing of joy we have received from the gospel.
GOD DOES NOT NEED YOU! Your neighbor does. God does not need you to do anything … He did just fine before you came onto the scene.
In Heaven, we will only receive … we will not do anything.
Oh that churches could understand this and become a part of the “foretaste” of this Glory Divine … at least at the Worship hour on the Lord’s Day.
Leave your checkbooks and problems at home and come, sit and receive. Your minister’s vocation is to serve God’s people. At the end of the service you will get up and go back to the “world” where you are called to live … not in some evangelical ghetto where you wear Christian underwear, eat Christian cookies and listen to Christian music. If your neighbor’s roof is leaking, help him fix it so that he won’t get wet … not so you can “save” him. Only the gospel can “save” your neighbor. It is the power of God unto salvation. All your good works are directed downward toward you neighbor not upward to God. All works are Law and have no part of the gospel. God’s grace is directed downward toward us and all we do is receive.
In your vocation you have become a “mask” of God as Martin Luther stated. By all of our getting up and going to work everyday, God meets everyone’s needs. Not by magic! If you are hungry … go to Publix, if you tooth hurts … go to a dentist, if you need shoes … go to a shoe store, if you are sick … go to a doctor or if your grass needs cutting … call a lawn maintenance company.
Then on Sunday, go to a worship service. But remember, find a place where God is worshiped and not man.
“KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY YOU BELIEVE IT”!
It has been my observation that those who are unhappy at their church and are looking for another are nothing more that “religious consumers”. They fit right well into our culture of consumerism and the church has become a “company” with marketing programs and the pastor has become the CEO.
Remember, the most important thing is that one’s “felt needs” are met … that is why these organizations spend so much time and effort marketing their religion. Everything is about “us”! If a church deserves my time they will have to earn it with programs for my kids, great meals on Wednesday night and things like building “Habitat” houses. They will have to have lots of programs that are about “ME” … how to be a better husband, how to be a better daddy, how to manage my finances or how to be “all that I can be”.
One should NEVER focus on the idea that worship is about God/Christ. We should always focus on the fact that the sole purpose of God’s existence is to make us happy. He so wants us to be happy! All these things like disease, death, broken friendships/relationships, divorce, crime, teenage pregnancy and so on are far beyond His control. God is engaged in a bout of “spiritual fisticuffs” with Satan and we need to be on God’s side so that He can win the fight. Just find a church that will make you happy!
We dream of the time when all the streets will be free from crime, all the kids will say “yes m’am and no m’am, the sidewalks will be clean and one will never see gum stuck to the street, no more robberies, no more cursing, everyone’s lawn will be perfectly manicured and if front of every house will be freshly painted picket fences. Then on Sundays, everyone will go their “churches” where they will sit in their pews and listen to a feel-good sermon where Christ is NOT preached. Then and only then will we all be happy.
Now seriously.
All churches should realize that there is only ONE in their audience. Do not cater to the masses but cater to our Creator. Everything should be done with the fact that worship is about God’s coming to us. WE DO NOT SPEAK IN WORSHIP. God speaks first , through the Word, and we RESPOND. Scripture spells this out clearly, but most never read Scripture. God has chosen the “foolishness” of preaching to be the primary means by which He comes to us and the “means of Grace” are Word, Sacrament and Prayer … so if one does not go to “church”, he is missing out on at least two of the appointed means of Grace. We, as the Psalmist, should love the Law, but not because we can use it to forge out our righteousness, but rather that the hopelessness that it creates will drive us to the Cross.
By the deeds of the Law will no one be declared righteous!
No churchwork!!!! Only Christ and Him crucified. Then all of our “good works” will be directed to our neighbors out of the overflowing of joy we have received from the gospel.
GOD DOES NOT NEED YOU! Your neighbor does. God does not need you to do anything … He did just fine before you came onto the scene.
In Heaven, we will only receive … we will not do anything.
Oh that churches could understand this and become a part of the “foretaste” of this Glory Divine … at least at the Worship hour on the Lord’s Day.
Leave your checkbooks and problems at home and come, sit and receive. Your minister’s vocation is to serve God’s people. At the end of the service you will get up and go back to the “world” where you are called to live … not in some evangelical ghetto where you wear Christian underwear, eat Christian cookies and listen to Christian music. If your neighbor’s roof is leaking, help him fix it so that he won’t get wet … not so you can “save” him. Only the gospel can “save” your neighbor. It is the power of God unto salvation. All your good works are directed downward toward you neighbor not upward to God. All works are Law and have no part of the gospel. God’s grace is directed downward toward us and all we do is receive.
In your vocation you have become a “mask” of God as Martin Luther stated. By all of our getting up and going to work everyday, God meets everyone’s needs. Not by magic! If you are hungry … go to Publix, if you tooth hurts … go to a dentist, if you need shoes … go to a shoe store, if you are sick … go to a doctor or if your grass needs cutting … call a lawn maintenance company.
Then on Sunday, go to a worship service. But remember, find a place where God is worshiped and not man.
“KNOW WHAT YOU BELIEVE AND WHY YOU BELIEVE IT”!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
An Anniversary to Remember!
Annis and I were visiting with Ralph & Data a little while ago and learned that yesterday was their SIXTY SECOND anniversary!Why, I told them that most folk don't even live that long, much less stay married for that length of time. She laughed.
The fact is this is one incredible couple, whom I love very much. They have loved me and supported me through "thick and thin"! The truth is when I came to GCF (known then as Word Covenant Church,)way back in 1995, to consider the possibility of becoming its pastor, they were leaders! Faithful is the word!
They never want their right hand to know what their left hand is doing, but I will tell you this: It would astonish anyone to know, even a portion of what they have contributed over the years to the success of this part of the Body of Christ and, I might add, I am not merely thinking of money!
Anyway, I know you join me in wishing them many more years of happiness!
Grace & peace,
Mac
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Wednesday's Cookout!!
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers and allllllll the trimmings! Kevin added to the excitement and if you missed it, well, what happens at the Bluhm's stays at the Bluhm's!! Enjoy the pics!!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
An Urgent Prayer Request
Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2008
It has been so long since I have written on of my “perspectives” that I wonder if I even have one. I do remember telling you that I would continue the one I entitled “Privileges of Grace” but forget that for now. One day, soon, I will regroup and continue it—hopefully.
As for today, my mind is preoccupied with concern for a dear friend who is going through a very tough time in his life and ministry. Most of you have heard me say this before (or something akin to it!) but there is a malignancy in the institution we call “the church” and slowly but surely it is metastasizing like wildfire. Like every malignancy, it is wreaking havoc in the lives of those who are part of the Body of Christ, a havoc that is most-often the fruit of a root of bitterness that springs up within the Body and creates much division, division that leaves the Body bleeding and wounded.
I am going to be bold enough to name this malignancy. Are you ready? LEGALISM! Most think I make too much fuss over this but the truth is, I don’t think I make nearly enough fuss over it. This present situation is an example of how a single legalistic mind can wreak havoc and bring division. To be sure, the metastasis occurs faster than a “speeding bullet” and before you know it, many become infected. You see, legalism sounds so much like the truth, especially to the untrained eye, that most accept it as truth; however, it is anything but truth, and you can take that to the bank.
Anyway, I am writing this to ask you to pray for my friend—fervently pray for him!—especially that the Holy Spirit will douse him with God’s wisdom. My prayer is and will continue to be simple: May the love of God constrain him; may the joy of the Lord be his strength; and may the peace that passes ALL understanding be his in fullest measure!
Our God is, indeed, an awesome God!!
Blessings with thanksgiving,
Mac
It has been so long since I have written on of my “perspectives” that I wonder if I even have one. I do remember telling you that I would continue the one I entitled “Privileges of Grace” but forget that for now. One day, soon, I will regroup and continue it—hopefully.
As for today, my mind is preoccupied with concern for a dear friend who is going through a very tough time in his life and ministry. Most of you have heard me say this before (or something akin to it!) but there is a malignancy in the institution we call “the church” and slowly but surely it is metastasizing like wildfire. Like every malignancy, it is wreaking havoc in the lives of those who are part of the Body of Christ, a havoc that is most-often the fruit of a root of bitterness that springs up within the Body and creates much division, division that leaves the Body bleeding and wounded.
I am going to be bold enough to name this malignancy. Are you ready? LEGALISM! Most think I make too much fuss over this but the truth is, I don’t think I make nearly enough fuss over it. This present situation is an example of how a single legalistic mind can wreak havoc and bring division. To be sure, the metastasis occurs faster than a “speeding bullet” and before you know it, many become infected. You see, legalism sounds so much like the truth, especially to the untrained eye, that most accept it as truth; however, it is anything but truth, and you can take that to the bank.
Anyway, I am writing this to ask you to pray for my friend—fervently pray for him!—especially that the Holy Spirit will douse him with God’s wisdom. My prayer is and will continue to be simple: May the love of God constrain him; may the joy of the Lord be his strength; and may the peace that passes ALL understanding be his in fullest measure!
Our God is, indeed, an awesome God!!
Blessings with thanksgiving,
Mac
Monday, June 16, 2008
Wednesday Night Supper
A reminder that we will gather at the home of Debbie & Dudley Bluhm this Wednesday evening at 7:00 for hamburgers and hot dogs! We bring the condiments, buns, and drinks, and they have graciously agreed to furnish the burgers and the dogs! I hope to see each of you there!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Thursday, June 5, 2008
An Experience I Will Never Forget!
Some people were born to fly airplanes, others to farm the land, others to heal the sick, others to teach kids, others to cook, others to be housewives BUT I was born to preach the gospel, and my experience at Friendship Baptist was one incredible reminder of that truth! I can only pray that He will open other doors for me; to be sure, I am more-than-willing to walk through them!
To all the great folks at Friendship Baptist, I offer my sincere thanks for your wonderful hospitality, your incredible receptivity, and your beautiful generosity! I look forward to being with you again!
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