Category: Christian Living

Be True To You

The thought of being caught in a lie is bad enough. Imagine if you were a religious leader caught in the lie. Now imagine that it made the national news. Recently, a pastor was found to have lied having claimed for many years that he served as a Navy Seal. He apparently talked about it during sermons but was found out when a news organization reported his story and real Navy Seals exposed the lie.

I feel pity for this man who felt he had to create a lie about his past yet there are many people who do this. It is especially sad when a religious leader feels he must do this. One quote from the article really bothered me:
“We deal with these guys all the time, especially the clergy. It’s amazing how many of the clergy are involved in those lies to build that flock up,” said retired SEAL Don Shipley.
 

Of all people, those who are close to God should feel confident in who they are and honor the truth above all things. You should never feel like you have to claim to be something that you are not. Sometimes you can be tempted to claim that you are the best at some sporting activity, video game, or other achievement in order to impress people. You may feel the need to brag because you are around people who you may feel are better than you (though you might not admit it).

 
First, remember that we all have different strengths and weaknesses.The people that you might percieve as being better than you in one area may be weak in an area where you are strong. Even if were not the case (very doubtful),

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mountainbread/249455237/
by MountainBread via Flickr (Creative Commons)

you shouldn’t feel inferior to anyone. We are all made in God’s image and are unique. Remember, that when you lie about who you are, you are wanting people to like someone else. When you are honest about who you are, if they don’t accept you, consider it a blessing. You don’t want to spend your time trying to be something you’re not to live up to a lie.

 
Second, remember that the child of God must not lie (1 Timothy 1:10; Revelation 21:8).
 
Third, remember that your sins will find you out, Numbers 32:23. Like the pastor in the story, eventually people will discover your lie or you will get tired of living the lie and will finally tell the truth. Often, liars will contradict themselves and people will discover the lies. At other times, people just don’t believe someone who claims to be the best at everything. If nothing else, you will know the truth.
 
Be true to yourself. You are a special creation of God and you do not have to pretend to be someone you are not. You will be loved and accepted for who you are. You do not have to pretend to be anything for anyone.

Someone’s Drowning!! Failures to Rescue Christians Who Fall Away

A small cruise ship was traveling through the balmy Caribbean waters when a young man fell overboard. As he thrashed about in the water, the people on board gathered along the guardrail to consider what to do.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/respres/4775577737/
by Jeff Turner (respres) via Flickr (Creative Commons use)

Some of the people said, “I really didn’t know him that well so I don’t know what good I would be able to do. He may not appreciate our efforts if we try to swim out to save him.” They went back to their comfortable chairs away from the crowd.

Many of the people looked at the boy fighting to keep his head above the waves and said, “He’s not really in trouble at all. He is still close to the boat and if he really wants to come back, he’ll find a way. Besides, he may start swimming in the same direction we are traveling and get to port safely.” Then they went about their business.

Some of the people quickly sat down at a table and talked about the situation. They discussed how he might have fallen overboard and suggested that someone ought to do something about the drowning boy. They agreed that someone ought to give some speeches: one on the dangers facing the person who falls overboard, another on better ways to inform people on what to do when one falls overboard, and a speech on how to rescue someone who is falls in the ocean. They continued talking about this for a while and decided to meet again later and discuss this important issue again.

Even the parents and other family members who were on the ship, and expert swimmers themselves, were concerned about their loved one and wondered who would jump in and save him. They kept yelling to the others and pointing out the young man who commiserated with them, but did not throw out a lifeline.

As the people on board pointed, talked, or went about their business, the young man’s efforts to stay afloat became weaker and weaker. Finally, the man’s head dropped lifelessly back and sank into the surf. Immediately, several jumped from the ship and brought the man’s dead body to the deck. They tried to revive him but it was too late. Those on the ship—parents, friends, other passengers—began to blame one another for the man’s death. Yet they were all responsible for his death for none would be responsible for trying to save him.

As the passengers sorrowed over the young man, a young woman fell overboard. Those on the deck immediately sprang into action. They gathered at the table to discuss this problem of people falling overboard and determined that the speaker must make haste to deliver his presentations on “The Dangers of Falling Overboard” and “How to Rescue the Drowning.” The other passengers went about their business or stood along the rail watching the young woman fight for her life alone in the dangerous swells.

Jude 20-23: But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.

James 5:19-20: Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Galatians 6:1: Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted

Reflections on the Alabama Tornadoes and How To Help

by Russell Poe

Wednesday just felt like things were going to be bad. The ferocious winds of the morning that destroyed a house a few miles away reminded me of the hurricane winds I witnessed many times in Florida. The weather reporters seemed more nervous than usual. Nothing prepared us for the ferocity of the storms, the continual reports of new tornadoes in various locations, and the early reports of devastation. The strangest moment was listening to the account of the tornadoes sweeping near where I preach (about 45 minutes away) as I sat on my deck in the sunshine having just witnessed a tornado system pass by a few miles away only an hour or so before.

I grew up in Fultondale, preached for five years in Northport/Tuscaloosa, have directed summer camps at Children’s Harbor near Alexander City, and live just north of Warrior (all cities in Alabama). All of these locations were seriously damaged in the tornado and straight line wind damage last Wednesday, April 28, 2011. Our own small town suffered damage and we were without power for over three days and without water for about a day. Though we suffered some electrical system damage to one of our house circuits, some friends of ours down the road suffered serious damage to their house. The tornadoes in our area passed a few miles either side of our house so we happily accepted the inconvenience of lost power and water to loss of a house or life.

Over the past two days I have passed through several of the communities damaged by the storms and seen the videos and pictures of damage in other areas. The devastation to areas that I knew so well is shocking and hard to grasp. It is one of the few disasters where everyone I know was affected directly or knew someone who was. Many of the communities destroyed were working class or low income areas where the normal challenges to living day by day have now intensified. The government and aid agencies are responding quickly but I think most people are wanting to know how they can help. Here are some ideas:

Donate and/or Volunteer

There are professional organizations who have the personnel and organizational ability to coordinate relief quickly to these areas. Some good sites for coordinated efforts to respond to this disaster are:

Serve Alabama (Governor Bentley’s Alabama Tornado Relief Fund)
Federal Emergency Management Agency Helping Others Site
American Red Cross (Or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to give $10)
Local Media (WERC and MyFoxAL)

Pray

The people here need your prayers for those who have lost loved ones, homes, and are trying to recover. Remember the rescue crews and utility crews as they try to save lives and help the communities rebuild. Pray for opportunities for the gospel to reach those who are lost who, because of the events of the past week, are reconsidering their relationship with God. Pray for the other states that were affected and the communities recovering.

In Alabama we are accustomed to tornado watches and warnings during the warm months. Several times a year we  journey to the basement–our safe place–to wait out the threat. I believe the average Southerner probably knows more tornado related weather terminology and can interpret a weather map better than the rest of the world. Sometimes we can become complacent, but most of us have been close to or in a tornado and have developed a healthy respect for the power of these storms. This week, our appreciation for the power of the storms and the power of everyday people helping others rebuild after a disaster grew exponentially.

Weeding Our Minds

Photo by MEJones from Stock.xchg Creative Commons

The last few weeks I noticed my yard was starting to turn green in places. While this is often a welcome sight, it was most disturbing today. Each green patch was a collection of weeds trying to get an early start on conquering my yard. I could not do anything about it immediately because we had several rainy days that corresponded with my days off. When I could finally work in the yard, the green patches had grown larger. As I was plucking some weeds by hand and planning chemical warfare against the rest, I realized how similar this was to keeping ourselves pure.

Ideally, we would all like a beautiful lawn with a rich growth of lush green grass. Most contractors lay sod when they build a house so we often start with a perfect yard. After time wind, bugs, and the visiting neighborhood dogs bring weed seeds into our yard where they can take root and, if unchecked, flourish. What amazes me is that one must spend money and time watering and fertilizing the grass to make it grow strong but weeds seem to thrive on negligence.

The weeds in our lives follow a similar pattern. They start small. We have a few problems here and there but it does not appear to be serious. We may tell the occasional lie or filthy joke, curse, or have lustful thoughts. Of course, we do not intend for it to develop into a serious problem; just an infrequent indulgence. However, as we let these sins take root, they will grow.

If we do not strive to eliminate the sinful thoughts and actions, they will spread quickly. Sin breeds sin. In our experience, we often find it is easier to commit a sin a second time than it was the first time. The first time we face a great temptation, we are often mindful of the spiritual consequences and hear the lessons of parents, preachers, and teachers echoing through our minds. Yet when we sin—and are not struck by lightning—we become more confident in sinning again. Soon we feel we can hide our sin from others very well and that it is not really hurting us. Like those annoying weeds, sin soon has spread in our hearts.

The grass cannot grow where the weeds dominate. When sin grows in our heart, it displaces good. As James says, “Can a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?” James 3:11. Jesus condemned the church in Laodicea for being lukewarm, Revelation 3:15-16. We must be committed to righteousness and determine not to let sin take hold in our lives. As the weeds take the nutrients from the grass, so sin saps the spiritual strength out of our life. We must not “falter between two opinions,” 1 Kings 18:21.

One sobering lesson we must remember is that it is tougher to get rid of weeds when they are prevalent in the yard. It takes expensive chemicals and extensive labor to get rid of the intruders. When sin becomes habit, it is equally hard to eliminate it. Some people struggle for years to eradicate sins that have become integral parts of their lives. Always remember, it is easier to overcome temptation than to purge a bad habit. Of course, God will help us if we ask.

Be diligent, vigilant, and thorough in rooting out sin, and your life, like a beautifully manicured lawn, will be organized, peaceful, and fulfilling.

Easter and Pagan Fertility Festivals

Spring is in the air. The azaleas are blooming, the trees and grass are turning green, and the drone of lawn mowers break the peaceful songs of the birds on Saturday mornings. This is a wonderful time of year as the world awakes from its winter slumber.

In ancient cultures, Spring’s arrival was a comforting reminder that the gods had not forgotten them and would bless the earth with much needed food. In a world in which food reserves were scarce, each harvest could be the difference between life and death. It is not surprising that these ancient people developed elaborate worship ceremonies around the renewal and rebirth of the world in Spring.

Diana of the Ephesians, mentioned in Acts, was a goddess who provided nourishment to the nations. She is one of many goddesses that symbolized fertility and growth among the ancient people. In the temples of many fertility idols, male and female prostitutes would provide part of the “worship” to honor the gods. Outside of the “civilized” empire, the barbaric tribes also celebrated fertility rites to welcome the Spring. Some services were drunken feasts in honor of the gods. It was in this debased environment that the early Christians had to teach the proper worship of the one God.

Under the reign of Constantine, the Roman persecution of Christians stopped. Christianity became the official religion of the empire. Great numbers converted to Christianity because it was fashionable. Many retained their pagan practices. In an attempt to convert the barbarian nations, particularly the Germanic people, well meaning Christians tried to adopt the pagan practices to the Christian worship. This contrasts to the work of Paul who, when he addressed the idolatrous people at the Areopagus in Acts 17, told the people to repent of their idolatry and serve the one true God.

The mix of idolatry and Christianity was disastrous. Instead of leading people to a pure spiritual religion delivered by Jesus and His inspired apostles, it became a physical worldly religion. Instead of converting the idolatrous to Christ, they made the church more idolatrous. They replaced pagan idols with statues of Jesus, the apostles, and venerated saints. As the idols represented various occupations and pursuits, such as farming, hunting, and business, the saints would now have patronage over these things. They also adopted the pagan festivals, giving them a “Christian” meaning.

One of the most celebrated feasts was the feast for Ostara, the goddess of the morning light, or the sun’s return in the Spring. The celebration of life returning from death, Spring arising from Winter, seemed appropriate to adapt to the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. The new Easter celebration combined the resurrection of Christ with the symbolism of the fertility festivals. These symbols included baby chicks (new life), rabbits (well known for their breeding capability), and eggs, the ultimate symbol of new birth.

Some may note that the word “Easter” appears in the King James Version in Acts 12:4 and therefore must have been celebrated by the church in the first century. To this I quote the noted commentator and scholar, Albert Barnes:

There never was a more absurd or unhappy translation than this. The original is simply after the Passover. The word Easter now denotes the festival observed by many Christian churches in honour of the resurrection of the Saviour. But the original has no reference to that; nor is there the slightest evidence that any such festival was observed at the time when this book was written. The translation is not only unhappy, as it does not convey at all the meaning of the original, but because it may contribute to foster an opinion that such a festival was observed in the times of the apostles. The word Easter is of Saxon origin, and is supposed to be derived from Eostre, the goddess of love, or the Venus of the North, in honour of whom a festival was celebrated by our pagan ancestors in the month of April. (Webster.) As this festival coincided with the Passover of the Jews, and with the feast observed by Christians in honour of the resurrection of Christ, the name came to be used to denote the latter. In the old Anglo-Saxon service-books the term Easter is used frequently to translate the word Passover. In the translation by Wicliffe, the word paske, i.e., passover, is used. But Tindal and Coverdale used the word Easter, and hence it has very improperly crept into our translation. (Clark.) From StudyLight.org

Will the church where I attend have a special Easter pageant or sunrise service? No. We will not recognize the resurrection with any more significance than we do any other worship. The early church did not so we do not. An individual must decide if he wants to celebrate it as a family day with no spiritual significance, where the family can wear new spring clothes, hide eggs, and eat too many jellybeans. However, if one wants to celebrate it as a religious holiday, he must remember that the festival arose from the mind of man, not the mind of God.