The Existential Centrality of Grace (Hey, you can use a Dictionary, right?)

Recently I was talking to a dear friend and mentor.  We were discussing the subject of God’s grace (or at least I was), and he said, “I think grace is an over-emphasized idea.”  My friend is a Bible Scholar and a defender of sound doctrine. He understands the content of biblical law and yet he apparently thinks grace should be deemphasized and law reemphasized?  I suppose he thinks that adherence to the law makes one holy; not saved, but holy once saved.  Therefore, I suspect that he sees obedience to the law as the existential center of the Gospel.

I don’t like to argue (as much as I used to) but I must disagree.  I believe that Grace, as the gifted extension of God’s love, is the existential center of the Gospel.  In fact, I am convinced it is our faithful acceptance of God’s grace that makes us holy.

Furthermore, I am convinced that Biblical Law (both Old and New) is utterly powerless to make us holy in any way, shape, or form.  Only the divine decree of God to justify (pardon) me will make me holy (different than Sinners on a collision course with hell).  And justification comes by grace through faith, not by keeping Biblical Law (see Romans 3:21-24 and Ephesians 2:4-10), if I am incorrect on this point then the Apostle Paul is a heinous liar and the Scriptures are not to be trusted.

What then is the purpose of God’s law, if not to make us holy?  For one, it is for the purpose of bringing order out of chaos, to bring civility out of barbarianism (a civilization cannot exist without rules).  But more pertinent to our discussion, the purpose of God’s law is to teach the unsaved that they are unholy (see Romans 7:6-13 and Galatians 3:24) so that they can repent and cry out to God in faith, calling on the name of the Lord, thus receiving the gift of God’s grace (which is normally applied at baptism, see Acts 2:38, but that is a discussion for another day).

For the Christian, the law further reminds us of our continuing need for God’s grace upon our life.  As we carry on in our struggle against our flesh, the law humbles us and reminds us that we need to remain connected to Jesus Christ (the True Vine, see John 15) if we are going to be productive and fruitful as Christians.

I conclude that God’s grace is the starting point, the continuing point, and the finishing point of our redeemed relationship with God.  God’s grace may not be the most fundamental aspect of His divine nature, but it is the most important aspect for the Christian.  It is the bridge in our relationship with Him and therefore the existential center.  And if it is the existential center, then it must permeate our lives and our churches.  Thus God’s grace, more than His law, governs and leads us, saves us, and motivates us into holy Christian living and effective Christian service.

Opening my Mind to God’s ways

I’m probably not a very flexible person.  I believe in my way, am confident in my way, and have experienced success in my way.  Of course, I believe that my way is the best way, and that the best way is my way.  Sound arrogant?  I suppose it is.  Yet, I have my way of preaching, my way of leading a church, and my way of doing church.  And I do it my way because its the best way I know how; and I want to do every thing I do to the best of my ability (which by definition makes it my way!).

More importantly, I want my way to be under the umbrella of God’s way.  I want my way to be submitted and committed to God’s way.  If I do it my way, I should do it because I feel that it is actually God’s way.  Sometimes my way proves not to be God’s way, and sometimes God’s way proves not to be my way; most notably when failure is obvious (because God’s ways never fail).

But, despite my hubris, I want to open my mind to new ways.  I often pray for humility, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  I want to know when my way is less than the best so I can repent and get in tune with God’s ways.

As I am reading Alan Hirsch’s book “Forgotten Ways,” my ways are being challenged, and yet his message resonates with me.  He doesn’t do church my way, he doesn’t do doctrine my way, and he doesn’t plant churches my way; but I’m still trying to discern what, if anything, God is trying to teach me?  What new way is God exposing to me?  What new thought does God want me to think?  What new application does God want me to employ?  And why is God exposing me to these new thoughts?

I don’t know the answer to these questions, but I hope that God is still conforming my ways to His ways.  Psalm 128:1 says, “Blessed are all who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways.”

“Sing a Song, Daddy”

Most nights it is my privilege to tuck my boys into bed, read them a story from the Bible, pray with them, and give them hugs and kisses.  Sometimes, I’m watching a particular television show, or reading a book and I rush through the whole “tucking-in” task, checking off the list before turning out the lights and closing them into their bedroom for the night.  But mostly it is a half-hour of father-and-son togetherness.

When sensing that I am not in a rush my Oldest will ask me to tell a story about my life growing up or about his Papa or Grandma but my Youngest will nearly always ask me to sing a song.  We always begin singing with something goofy, normally something I invent on the spot, something to get him giggling.  Then we sing songs he learns on Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer, or (Gasp!) Barnie.  And we always, always finish with “Jesus Loves Me,” (not because I’m spiritual but because that’s his favorite song).

But here’s the thing: I’m not very creative, my on-the-spot songs don’t rhyme very well, and they probably are off-pitch and off-key.  It wouldn’t be music to any one’s ear, except my son’s.  Somehow, such moments comfort him, soothe him, protect him, and endear me to him.  They are almost like a prayer language between father and son; an expression of affection, of unity, of loyalty, of togetherness.  Maybe that’s why, so often, I hear my son say, “Sing a Song, Daddy!”  (Or maybe it’s just a ploy to delay bedtime.)

We need to understand that God offers the same sort of moments to us.  He wants us to sing to Him, yes, but more profoundly He wants to sing to us, to comfort us, to soothe us, to protect us, and to endear Himself to us.  He has offered us an expression of affection, of unity, of loyalty, of togetherness.  He is God, but He is not to busy to tuck us in at night.  No, it seems that we are the ones who are too busy.

Zephaniah 3:17 says, “The Lord God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

[The inspiration for these thoughts were unashamedly ripped from Vince Antonucci's book "I Became a Christian and All I Got was this Lousy T-Shirt," (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books) p. 88-90; and from Richard Foster's "Prayer," p. 3-4.]

Dear Mom,

Yesterday as I shopped for a Mother’s Day gift for Janice, You were on my mind.  And as I looked through the greeting cards I couldn’t help but think about You and miss You.  Just a year ago I was busy ordering flowers to be delivered to your home to wish You a happy Mother’s Day.  But our lives have been altered forever and You are gone.

Strangley enough we somtimes forget.  Yesterday, as our Littlest One was speaking with Papa on the phone he asked, “Can I talk to my Grandma?”  Then, recognizing his error, he quickly said, “Can I talk to my Mommy?” who he knew was working at the Hospital.  And last week when we were wondering about your side of the family I said, “I’ll just call Mom and ask her,” momentarily forgetting that You are no longer a phone call away.

Alhough we forget You are gone, we do not forget that You were here.  You are constantly in our thoughts, in our prayers, and in our memories.  We are thankful for your life, for your example, for your love, for your faith, and for your faithfulness.  We know You are proud of us, and we are proud of You.  You were an amazing person and we miss You.  But most importantly we know you are at peace in the presence of God–enjoying eternity and waiting for us.  Soon enough we will see You again, but until then farewell and happy Mother’s Day.

Love, Matt

What is Conservatism?

I am a conservative.  Not that I’m for the Republican party, in fact I am registered as an independent.  But I am a political conservative.  Not that I am a partisan.  Not that I want to take America backward 50 years, 100 years, or 200 years–I do not.  Conservative does not mean bigot, racist, traditionalist, or backwoods hick as some would insist.  It does not mean “rich white men” dominating and oppressing everybody else.  It does not mean that I want to legislate my brand of morality deep into the bedroom of every American home. 

But it does mean, among other things, that I believe that the fundamental principals that made America strong, if continually embraced by the popular majority, will keep America strong (And the fundamental principles that made America strong are recorded in the US Constitution as well as the Bill of Rights).

True Conservatism hopes for one nation open to all people seeking to be free.  True Conservatism offers freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of self-defense, freedom of the press, freedom to self-rule, freedom to own property, freedom from excessive taxation, freedom from an oppressive government, freedom to earn an income and to own a business.  And, possibly and most importantly, freedom to disagree without fear of persecution or threat of hate and ostracism from the fellow citizenry.

What does it mean to be a Conservative?  It means that we hope to build and restore a land where freedom abounds for all people, and for all kinds of people.  If that’s what it means to be a Conservative, then I am indeed a Conservative–so too should be every person longing for freedom and deliverance from any kind of oppression.

 

I Never Get Tired. Oh Yeah, and I’m a Liar too.

My eyes feel dry.  My lids are fluttering.  And as I work here in my office, my head is sagging.  Why am I so tired today?

First, because yesterday was a very long day, beginning at 5:45am and ending at 12am.

Second, because I have been out of my routine for the past two weeks as we have taken a long road-trip to Orlando, Florida for the National New Church Conference; and then this past week my wife and my oldest child have been out of town for the past 3 days on road-trip to Missouri.  So, sleep habits, etc.

Third, because I haven’t exercised in about a month after exercising vigorously for several months prior.  I haven’t been exercising because I ran 5 miles one day and my knees starting hurting after that.  But just this past week the pain has dissipated, and I will try to get back in the saddle again tomorrow.

Fourth, because I know these next couple of weeks will be a bit more streneous than normal, with two of our Church Staff Members taking vacation, one of our staff members moving to Oklahoma, et al.  It makes me tired just thinking about the next month.

But Isaiah 40:31 says, But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  Although I feel a bit weary today, I continue to put my hope in the Lord and He will strengthen me.

And I will go home to catch a little R & R this evening.  As one minister has said, “Sometimes the most godly thing a man can do is take a nap.”  Today, I agree!

The Lord’s Day

Every day is the Lord’s day, but we still dedicate the first day of the week to Him.

5:45am, the day began when I got up to study my sermon notes and make final adjustments and changes. 

6:45am, I woke up our youngest (as my wife and our oldest took a weekend road trip) and we quickly dressed and showered.

7:15am, Stopped by Duncan Donuts to get breakfast for the both of us, and then on to church.

9am, Classes began and did the usual: prayer requests, introduction of guests, and then study Acts 16. 

9:45am, Bob P. pulled me aside before Worship Services to tell me that his Soldier-Brother was in town and wanted to be baptized into Christ (a decision we’ve all been looking forward to and praying for).

10am, Church starts attendance again the 200s, exciting service, good morning, sermon on Prayer.

11am, Outreach Team Meeting, finalizing annual calender of Outreach & Service Events.

12pm, Lunch w/ Student Minister Mike at Applebees, discussing performance review and fall planning (He is doing a great job–especially when assisting in teaching and preaching).

2pm, Pick up youngest from Uncle James and Aunt Lydia’s house and then to Mike M’s house to visit.

3:30pm, Financial Peace University

6:15pm, Back to the Blog

9:15pm, my Wife and Oldest Child return from their Road-Trip to Missouri

12am, Head to the Bed

Ready or Not, Sunday’s Coming; & Prayer

About half an hour ago I finished my manuscript for Sunday’s sermon.  It’s a sermon on prayer from James 5:13-16.  It’s a “when to pray” and “how to pray” message that seems to indicate that knowing when to pray and how to pray will help you become a prayer warrior–something I would love to be!

Mom was a real prayer warrior.  She wasn’t perfect (far from it actually).  She fought any number of personal demons.  She loved talking theology (but generally didn’t know what she was talking about; but she had true faith “like a child” as Jesus said–much more pure than my own).  But her prayers worked–they didn’t just “bounce off the ceiling” as so many seem to do.  She was a prayer warrior.

When she was diagnosed with cancer 10 years ago she prayed, “God grant me enough time to raise all of my Children.”  At the time my youngest brothers were still early in High School.  I remember innocently chastising her for her prayer saying, “You should be praying for God’s will,” not for longer life (although I was fervently praying for her health/healing as well).  She stubbornly continued in her prayer, asking God for enough time to raise her children.  And God gave her exactly what she prayed for, another 10 years of life, enough to see the Youngest finish college–and then she was gone as the cancer returned with a vengeance.

Sometimes I wonder why she wasn’t healed a second time.  But then again, every single person Jesus healed during his ministry eventually passed away.  Even those he brought back from death, like Lazarus, faced death once again.

Sometimes I pray and God says “no.”  Sometimes I pray and God says “yes.”  Sometimes I pray and God says, “patience.”  But mostly, i think, when we pray, God says, “Just trust me.”  And for me, that’s what prayer does, it reinforces my trust in God.  He is good.  He has my best interest in mind.  And the “end” of the Christian life is not health and vitality; it’s service, sacrifice, and salvation as a follower of Jesus.

And that is what I hope to be–that’s my prayer.

Not Always Feeling It…

I’m not always feeling it.  It being Blogging.  It’s almost like journaling.  Once a month I might have some revelation or personal experience that I actually want to journalize.  Today is one of those “nothing” days.

So…, this morning I helped my wife get the boys up.  Before work I enjoyed a hot mug of coffee at Panara where I read my Bible, and a couple chapters from Vince Antonucci’s book “I became a Christian and all I got was this lousy t-shirt,” which is overly simplistic, a little irreverent, and lots of fun.

At work I checked e-mail (responding to yet another hilarious quip from good friend Mike) before finally sitting down to study James 5:13-16 for my sermon on Sunday.

Lunch with my wife at Arby’s followed by various chores at work and more sermon research and writing.

I’m getting ready to head home for the day, but wanted to post something on the blog… so… here it is… even though I’m not feeling it!

Word of God: Speak!

Early this morning, as I enjoyed a hot cup of Joe at the Panara Bread Company, I ran across a Scripture that frightened me: Proverbs 29:7.  It says, “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” 

Huh?  Although I want to be righteous, I must confess that I’m not spending a whole lot of brain-power, heart-power, soul-power, or body-power on “justice for the poor.”  In fact, when I see such verses I cannot help but think of all the people whose poor choices, lack of motivation, and weak work ethic spawned their poverty in the first place.

The righeous care about the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.

Don’t hear me wrong: I give to the poor, I help the poor find beneficial resources, and I hope our church will become a safe-harbor for the poor–but I do those things because I’m supposed to, not necessarily because I care to.  I think.

Yet the sage Proverb says, “The righteous care about justice for the poor but the wicked have no such concern.”

I wonder:  Is it possible to go to church, worship with passion, study God’s word, abstain from the common forms of wickedness, call on the name of the Lord for eternal salvation, and yet be wicked in the eyes of God because of my lack of of concern for the poor?

Is this possible?  Perhaps true repentance…