Thursday, November 30, 2006

Why Pain?

I went over to my parent’s house the other night to mooch a free dinner before heading off to the gym. While I was eating my dad changed the channel. The movie ‘Shadowland’ came on. This was a movie about CS Lewis and his wife. I’ve heard about it, though I had forgotten the name. Since CS Lewis is probably my favorite Christian writer and Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger are good actors, I thought perhaps this would be a good movie. My assumption was proved correct. Shadowlands was a very good movie. In fact I already recommended it to a close friend of mine. In fact I’m recommending to anyone, especially single folks. Why?

CS Lewis spent much thought and writing on pain. He wrote a book about it ‘The Problem of Pain’ (haven’t read this yet) and he mentions it in many of his books. In ‘Shadowlands’ the CS Lewis character discusses the topic of pain at several points in the movie, both before, during and after his marriage. Pre-marriage he related to pain from the standpoint of a boy (who lost his mother) running away from it. Post marriage he dealt with as a man who was finally forced to confront it head-on.

There were a couple of lines from the movie which I felt were very impacting and thought provoking: one was uttered by Deborah Winger “The pain then is part of the happiness now. That's the deal.” The other was uttered by Anthony Hopkins “forgive me Jesus if I love her too much”. In the closing scenes Anthony Hopkins also says something about how he dealt with pain as a boy versus as a man.

I found this movie to be very thought provoking. Why did CS Lewis wait till his late 50’s to get married? He seemed very content being single and yet God threw this woman into his life in such a way he couldn’t simply ignore her. There was almost an instant chemistry and attraction between both of them; however, Lewis refused to acknowledge his feelings. Even after they officially were married, to keep her in England, he still wouldn’t acknowledge any feelings, nor recognize Joy as anything more then a close friend. It wasn’t until she was diagnosed with cancer that Lewis realized the depth of his feelings for Joy. It was at this point that he acknowledged his feelings and remarried her (for real).

Why does it so often seem we humans refuse to acknowledge the depth of our feelings towards each other until death or a definitive end is near? I wonder how the loss of CS Lewis’s mother affected him in with his relationships towards women. It’s obvious; he was in fact not a eunuch and had room in his heart to love a woman. Then why did it take so long for him to open his heart to a woman?

I ask these questions because they perplex me as well. From watching the movie, which is based on true events, I can conclude that God had a reason for bringing Joy in Lewis’s life and then taking her away (the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away). From the brevity of their marriage I can assume God didn’t bring Joy (a curious name, given her effect on Lewis) into Lewis’s life for the standard reasons which may be attributed to most marriages (procreation, partnership, a long lifetime commitment). Though they didn’t procreate, Lewis did inherit a child from their union (her son from a previous marriage), they did fulfill their vows of commitment to each other and there was a partnership. However, why did God wait till the end of Lewis’s life? Why is it so important to God that we sinners come to certain realizations in this life? Why can’t this all wait till eternity? In this case, did God want to open Lewis’s eyes in order for him to write down his revelations after his wife’s death to minister to others? In truth no one but God knows these answers; however, I’m still very curious.

Why recommend this movie especially to single folks? I believe Hollywood has polluted our minds with lies about physical love and its false promises of fulfillment and in part I believe this has led to false, or improper, expectations of marriage which can lead to divorce. Men desire marriage for physical fulfillment while women desire emotional fulfillment. Now it’s not necessarily the desire for this fulfillment that is wrong, it’s where we look for it. Even in most Christian marriages, I believe these desires are focused away from God. If you’re looking for it I believe this movie may show you a small taste of God’s intentions for marriage. I believe God wants to awaken and stir something inside us for Jesus Christ. I believe God needs to focus us off ourselves first and pain and suffering are the most effective, perhaps the only, tools for this task. True love requires a focus off of self and if we can take our eyes off of ourselves and focus love on another human being (a spouse) perhaps there’s the possibility we will see Jesus Christ somehow? Perhaps we’ll be able to understand a small amount of the love He feels for each of us? Perhaps then we can understand (in a very small way) the pain of separation between the Father and Jesus Christ? Perhaps then we can understand (in a very small way) how heinous sin is?

I believe God brought Joy into Lewis’s life, both in name and deed. It was important to God that Lewis understand how to truly love another human being. It was important to God that his heart be opened, not necessarily so he could love his wife (though this is part of it), but more importantly so God could enter into a part of Lewis’s heart which he had kept under lock and key since his mother’s death. I often wonder if I’ve locked a part of my heart after a dramatic (for me) break up several years ago. (a dear diary moment, you’ll have to excuse me).

So I guess this article has somehow evolved into a case for marriage. Though Paul mentions that it is better to remain single then marry, we all have to keep in mind this is in reference to a particular gift, which fortunately or not, not many of us can claim.

At any rate, I have to put a disclaimer on this article. This is most definitely the ramblings of a sinner. This is most definitely more of a journal entry rather then an exhortation, as is my typical style.

Tuesday, November 21, 2006

How should an unmarried Christian live?

Alone or with a roommate?

I know several folks, mostly women, who prefer to live by themselves. Why? The answer I typically get from both the men and women is that they won’t live with anyone else until they’re married. I find this answer interesting, so I ask them something like: “Well why do you think it will be better to live with your spouse then with a member of the same sex?” Basically I get the feeling, without them saying it, that it has to do with sex and euphoric love, but doesn’t that fade away fairly quickly?

I believe the real answer is these people are afraid of rejection and people finding out how bad they really are. They don’t want to be held accountable because they feel they’re that bad and can’t or won’t change. If you feel this way you desperately need a reality pill. If you think a roommate will see your flaws, how much more clearly and quickly will a spouse? You better never get married and become a hermit if you feel this way.

I watched this show last night called ‘Heroes’. It’s actually a very interesting show; however, that’s not what I want to focus on. I want to focus on one line from the movie and it went something like: “I don’t know about America. Everyone seems so lonely there.” This was a very interesting statement and I’m afraid it’s very accurate and a large part of why this country is falling apart piece by piece. Probably also has something to do with why churches are falling apart piece by piece as well. Admonishment, discipleship, encouragement and any other forms of actual real person to person interactions in the church are almost nonexistent. Now more and more single Christians prefer to live alone. Why?

I live by myself, but I’d much rather have a roommate. However, I’ve had my share of bad roommate’s so I’m very particular about who I’ll live with. The last guy I lived with was a complete slob and a smell emanated from his room. However, I valued his spiritual maturity and insights enough that the other stuff didn’t matter as much. As much as I hate smells and too much sloppiness, I’d still like to have this guy as a roommate. He’s in seminary now, but it’s great living with a person who is spiritually mature. You can learn so much about yourself. Also, I picked up a few things from my last roommate which really impacted me. One of them was the concept of praying for people on the spot. If someone mentions a need, pray for them right there and then. Don’t say you’ll pray for them later. This is a great way to: 1. encourage someone and 2. Stop them from dump trucking their problems, which can lead to a sinful focus on themselves.

Anyway, my opinion is that it’s far better to live with someone then to live alone. Only live alone if it’s absolutely necessary. Living with another human being is like having a piece of sand paper pressed against your heart and soul. It will work out the rough edges. If you can handle living with a member of the same sex, then you’ll be that much better off when you’re married and have to spend the rest of you life living with a member of the opposite sex.

Just my opinion. No biblical references.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Reply to my letter: Quest for the godly church

Bill,

Thanks for your inquiry. I will try to answer your questions below to the best of my ability. I think our website will answer a lot of your questions, but I will try to fill in some of the blanks (see answers below). May God bless and guide you in your search.

Blessings,
Jeff

1. Do you have small/community groups? I believe this is essential in fostering encouraging/accountability relationships.
Yes. Please see our website for a complete list according to geography.
2. Do you have an active singles/young adult group? I'm single, but I'd like to get married when it's God's will, yet I don't want to be a part of a group which is essentially cut off from the rest of the body.
We do not have a separate group—these folks wanted to be assimilated into the existing groups.
3. Do you not only believe (many churches I've attended accept, but don't seem to believe) but also actively pursue the laying on of hands and annointing of oil by the elders for physical healing? (see James 5:14-15) It is equally important to me that a church both believe and pursue this miracle within the congregation for the glory of Jesus Christ and the furtherance of His gospel.
We do anoint with oil and practice the laying on of hands on a regular basis, but most often it is done in a home or in an individual meeting with the person who is ill. We do have periodic “Healing Services” where that is all we do.
4. How many members does you church have?
About 180—with an average Sunday attendance of about 500.
5. How many services?
2
6. How long have you been at your current location?
6 Years—we are a church plant.
7. How many expansion/building projects have you engaged in?
0—we were given this building by a church that closed.
8. What is the church's beliefs on women leading & teaching men?
Male elders.
9. What is the church's beliefs on personal finances and tithing?
10% is a good benchmark, but should not limit the giving of the believer.
10. Where do most of the tithes go? Internal or external?
Last year we gave away about 25% of our annual budget to external causes. That has been pretty consistent since the founding of the church. We have never given away less than 15%.
11. How much do the pastor(s) make per year, ballpark?
$50-60k (including benefits)
12. Are the pastors actually held accountable regarding their tithing, personal finances, personal perceptions (leading to pride), messages, leading of the church body and other sin areas of their lives?
Yes. We have a unique leadership team that functions as equals (we have no senior pastor). We meet together monthly for strategy and business; we meet separately on a monthly basis for encouragement and accountability.
13. What is the church's take on musical worship? What style of music? Tone of worship?
Content is the key—not style. Each church we plant will take on its own style and tone of worship music. Our particular style at Crossroads is contemporary. However, we’ve helped plant churches that are post-modern and even liturgical.

I realize this is alot, but I'd appreciate your answers.

Thank you and God bless,

Bill

'Lost tribe' of Indian Jews migrates to Israel

Interesting article.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Another letter: Quest for the godly church

Below is a copy of an email I sent to a pastor of a Columbia church. I didn't include the final paragraph in my email because I felt it was too much, but it's perfect for a blog article.

Jeff,

I recently moved to the Columbia area from Charleston, SC where I'm still currently a member of East Cooper Baptist Church. For the last few months I've been attending Shandon Baptist Church, but I disagree with too many of their beliefs. My entire immediate family lives in the Columbia and my parents are also looking for a new church body.

I've been saved since the age of 6 and been to numerous churches and denominations. I definitely have strong leanings towards a reformed (Calvinistic) theology, specifically involving eternal salvation and election. I believe Jesus is my Lord and savior, man and God and sinless/blameless in every way, thereby making Him the worthy, unblemished lamb sacrificed for all mankind for the forgiveness of sin.

Based on these core beliefs I would appreciate your comments and answers to some questions I have:

1. Do you have small/community groups? I believe this is essential in fostering encouraging/accountability relationships.
2. Do you have an active singles/young adult group? I'm single, but I'd like to get married when it's God's will, yet I don't want to be a part of a group which is essentially cut off from the rest of the body.
3. Do you not only believe (many churches I've attended accept, but don't seem to believe) but also actively pursue the laying on of hands and anointing of oil by the elders for physical healing? (see James 5:14-15) It is equally important to me that a church both believe and pursue this miracle within the congregation for the glory of Jesus Christ and the furtherance of His gospel.
4. How many members does you church have?
5. How many services?
6. How long have you been at your current location?
7. How many expansion/building projects have you engaged in?
8. What is the church's beliefs on women leading & teaching men?
9. What are the church’s beliefs on personal finances and tithing?
10. Where do most of the tithes go? Internal or external?
11. How much do the pastor(s) make per year, ballpark?
12. Are the pastors held accountable regarding their tithing, personal finances, personal perceptions (leading to pride), messages and leading of the church body?
13. What is the church's take on musical worship? What style of music? Tone of worship?
14. What is the purpose of church planting when Columbia has tons of churches already?

I realize this is a lot, but I'm fed up with attending so many churches which all claim to believe Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, but almost deny this fact in practice and seemingly disregard much of the Bible. I don't understand how a church can claim to believe Jesus died for the sins of the world and then was raised from the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father and yet doesn't have enough faith to believe someone with cancer or heart problems or even AIDS can be healed. Likewise I'm fed up with churches which claim to believe in miracles, yet seek them for self glorification, instead of giving all the glory to Jesus Christ. I'm fed up with churches which spend millions of dollars focused on expansion projects to supposedly better feed the sheep, while people around the world, even in Columbia, SC, go hungry, can't pay their electric bills and are desperately looking for someone to reach out a hand of love.

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

An interesting article on parenting

I'd encourage everyone to look over this article. Even though I'm a single/never been married/no kids guy, I still feel like this guys might be onto something. I've seen how sheltered most kids are, especially in the church. As usual, an issue in the unbelieving world so easily translates into the church. Perhaps in this case it's actually amplified?

Even I sometimes wonder how I made it. My parents let me make mistakes and spend significant amounts of time away from them and yet I'm still here to write this. Are parents overprotective? Is this overprotection for the kids or the parents? Are parents more concerned with living vicariously through their children then in allowing their children to grow and develop naturally? This would explain the high amount of folks I meet in the church who seem to be living in a fantasy world where no one ever suffers or dies. A fantasy world where they can actually meet the perfect spouse who will never hurt them, piss them off, get sick, die, betray or leave them. I want to tell these folks to stop looking for Jesus Christ in a sinful person, but I know it would do no good and they would simply say "of course I'm not looking for perfection and that's nonsense to think I'm looking for God in human beings." Yet they still fall for the image over substance and get dooped by someone who knows how to play the game better then they do.

Anyway, I digress... Put your faith in the Lord and not your own power to be a "good" parent. Your children are (or will be) God's property and never forget that. Focus instead on becoming a more Christ like person and your children will see this. Try your best to make your words line up with your actions. Your children will see this as well and I can promise you this will have an impact on them. I can't imagine a more proud moment for a parent then to see their child perform a truly selfless act. I saw a kid give his new bike to another kid whose parents could never afford it. His dad encourage it, but it was the kid's idea and decision. Heck I was proud of the kid and I'm not even his dad. If it's God's will for me to ever get married and have kids I would say these would be the proudest moments of my life for them.

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

A Response to my letter

Below is a copy of the response I received back from the pastor of the church I'm currently attending. I was hoping for more dialogue on the subjects of misquoting scripture and teachings on giving. It would've been interesting to get more of his thoughts on these subjects. Oh well.

TO: Bill Linton

FROM:

DATE: November 7, 2006


Dear Bill:

I may have fallen into the trap that speakers do from time to time in trying to make a point by referencing something that I certainly do not believe. I think what I said was that we live in a world where God does not pay our Visa bills for us, and you can understand how people could get to the place where they believe God helps those who help themselves. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

I do not believe God helps those who help themselves. I understand very clearly that the Scripture teaches otherwise. I believe otherwise. I thank you for your vigilance.

Sincerely,

Monday, November 06, 2006

Abortion: America’s sacrifice to a false god

Foreword:
Hmm... I've reread this and edited it several times to be sure I'm not getting carried away with my emotions on this topic, as it's a very hot topic. I tried my best to keep this somewhat balanced, even though I'm very much a pro life person. Even so I tried my best to see a possible perspective of pro-abortionists.

So I’m going to throw my hat into this hot ring. The issue of abortion has been huge in the country for something like 30 years now? A hot point of contention and division. One side claims “right to life” while the other claims “right of choice” and both sides are extremely passionate about their stances. Sometimes I wonder if either side really understands what their fighting for, or are they simply fighting just to fight? Are the right to lifer's really fighting for the rights of the unborn children or are they simply fighting for their beliefs? Are the right to choose folks really so noble as to truly care about the rights of women to be able to choose or are they simply fighting for their own way of life? Are people really this noble? Do we really care about each others lives or rights so much that we feel we have to hold signs, get in each others faces and blow up buildings? I simply believe people are far too selfish and wicked for such nobility.

I’m betting if we could travel back in time we would’ve found a very similar type of point of contention between the abolitionists and the anti-abolitionists just prior to the civil war. The abolitionists passionately believed they were right. While the slave owners and supporters passionately believed they were right. Does passionately believing in something and having a significant number of followers mean you’re on the side of right? Does might make right? WWII Germany passionately believed they were right and as a consequence millions of defenseless human beings were put to death. Well what difference is there between these issues and abortion? The answer is there is no difference. Each of the above sides would’ve given us what they felt were solid reasons for their perspectives and opinions. The pro-slave folks of the south would’ve said their economy and their very lives depended on slavery. The Germans claimed the right of superiority.

There is one big difference between the above issues and abortion and that is unlike these two issues abortion could easily be avoided.
A woman could choose to practice abstinence.
The man or woman could choose to use birth control
The man or woman could choose to be snipped. (I feel if anything is going to be government sponsored it should be this option, rather than abortions.)
The woman could give up the baby for adoption
How about the right to choose before the abortion? You want to use your right to choose, well choose one of these.

Now I’m sure there are several folks on the right to life side who really do care about the lives of unborn children, but I somehow doubt this describes all of them. Now the right to choice folks, I have to admit I don’t see them as really having any kind of moral foot to stand on. The only folks who could claim any kind of nobility in this group are the truly misguided, misinformed or ignorant. All the rest are truly wicked, whether through pride, selfishness or rebellion. The personal choice to abort a life is never one made from any form of nobility. To kill or hurt the weak or helpless is never noble or good, it’s always wicked. There are no what ifs, it’s always wrong. Still a choice has to be made, self over another life. It really is just that simple.

Still I feel there’s a better way the right to lifers could handle the other side. What would Jesus do? Would He use violence or would He try to win over the misguided? Would He stretch out His hand to beat them or hand them a glass of water? Being on the side of morality and Christ is lost when you stoop to the same level as the opposing viewpoint.

Ok that’s my 2 cents on that specific aspect of this topic. Now to focus on the real issue for Christians: false idolatry or more specifically, false worship.

As we well know the relationship God had with the ancient Israelites is somewhat of a mirror of our relationship with Him, especially here in America. The real issue here for us is selfishness and false idolatry.

If we accept that God knows the hearts of men Proverbs 15:11 then we accept there is no hiding place from God. No matter what we say with our mouths, God looks directly into our hearts. We can’t hide from our evil ways. Genesis 4:10 Then why do men still bend towards evil works and justifying these evil works (like abortion)? Ecclesiastes 9:3 speaks of the evil and insanity inside men. The truth of our creation can’t coexist, in the realm of sanity, in the hearts of men without losing a grip on reality. So men forfeit the reality of God for a lie. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Here are a few passages from the Bible which describe the type of false idolatry many in America ascribe to: Deuteronomy 12:31 2 Kings 17:17 Psalm 106:37-38 Jeremiah 32:35. So the ancient Israelites sacrificed their sons and daughters to the flame for Molech. We sacrifice our children to the doctor for selfish ambition or selfish convenience. Abortion doctors have become nothing more then high priests to a false god and the women who go to them bow down before their alter to worship this false god and make their sacrifices, many times side by side with the father, a parent, friend, etc...

In conclusion:
This was a comparison of abortion to slavery and Nazi Germany. Why? Because all 3 of these perspectives are, or were, shared by everyday folks who believed they were absolutely right. Also all 3 of these perspectives involve(d) the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness of other folks. All 3 of these perspectives also involved dehumanizing the people who were(are) oppressed or killed. Many doctors state that life only exists post birth and call the life inside of a woman a fetus and treat this life as something lower then excrement. Something fit for a sacrifice. The Nazi’s and the pro-slave owners viewed their victims as something lower then animals, as they didn’t treat animals as badly as they treated their fellow man.

My point will be lost on anyone who is diluted and doesn’t except the inherit evil inside of men. If you believe humans are inherently good then everything I’ve written will sound wacky or harsh or outdated. Yet if you believe humans are inherently good, then you’d have to forget our past. Forget the Nazi’s, forget every human empire which has ever existed (British, Roman, Greek, Assyrians, Ottoman, Babylonian, Egyptian, Aztec, etc…). There was nothing inherently good about any of these empires, nor the majority of their subjects. Only Jesus Christ’s rule will be good and just!

One last thought. As this is such a volatile subject I wish to make it perfectly clear that it is not our role to be the Holy Spirit or God’s righteous arm of judgment/punishment. As sinners we are incapable of such tasks. Hebrews 10:30. Leave the avenging and judgment to our Holy God. Our role is to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to an unbelieving world and encourage fellow believers to live their lives to Christ.

God bless and please never forget these are the opinions of a wicked man. A sinner saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

God helps those who help themselves

I sent the below letter to the pastor of the church I'm currently attending. This past Sunday he did a sermon on tithing and the evils of laziness. It was hands down the worst sermon I've heard him give since I started attending back in May. It seemed very contrived and he seemed to have a "why won't you give more money?" or "why do I have to do this every year?" type of attitude. He never touched on the joys of giving, nor how this brings glory to Jesus Christ. Instead he used trite unbiblical phrases (see the title) and harsh language in an attempt to verbally beat everyone into giving more so we can all pay for his 6 figure salary, the big screen TV's and the new sanctuary. All of which I take issue with.

Anyway, here's the letter:

Dear Pastor,

I hope and pray you are having a great start to the week. I wanted to let you know that I have been blessed to hear many of your Christ centered sermons, since I started attending Shandon in May of this year. I moved to Columbia from Charleston, SC, where I lived for 2 years. I’m currently a member of East Cooper Baptist church in Mt. Pleasant and have been contemplating moving my membership; however, I’m not sure how long God will keep me in Columbia.

Anyway, I was in attendance this past Sunday and listened to your sermon on tithing. While I found much of it edifying and within scriptural context, much like every sermon I’ve heard you give, I was, however, particularly concerned about the use of the following phrase: “God helps those who help themselves”. I had the impression you intended this to be a serious biblical statement. However, in fact this phrase is not anywhere in the Bible. I did some research, referenced 6 different interpretations of the Bible, including NIV, KJ, NKJ & NASB, as well as an internet search on the phrase. This is what I came up with (I just learned this while writing this letter): this particular phrase was first quoted (the present version) by Benjamin Franklin in “Poor Richard's Almanack” (1733 – 1758), the 1736 edition. Specifically the quote states “God helps them that help themselves.” http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Benjamin_Franklin#1736 However, the earliest versions of this phrase (the writing of Aesop, 600 BC & Euripides) stem from blatantly pagan, sources. http://www.fbcvilonia.com/sermons/lies/helps.htm

My understanding of Benjamin Franklin is that he wasn’t a believer in the saving blood of Jesus Christ, but a deist. He was more of a believer in himself and man’s ability to be his own god. Yes he acknowledged God (as did most spiritually minded folks of his time), but I’ve seen no evidence which demonstrates he ever believed in Jesus Christ.

This above quote, from a theological perspective, in fact is contrary to the teachings of the Bible. Romans 5:8, John 15:5, Ephesians 2:5, Luke 10:30-37 (the Good Samaritan), to mention only a few; teach of our reliance on God and His loving kindness towards the helpless. He cares for those who can’t help themselves.

I realize you were mostly likely simply trying to convey a message concerning the evil of laziness and the importance of tithing, and there is no doubt these are important teachings, especially in the American church. The problem is this particular phrase can very easily be misconstrued as an encouragement to focus on works, that is self, rather then grace, that is Jesus Christ. I realize you probably didn’t intend this, but given the author of this quote, this was most likely at least part of the original meaning.

If I misunderstood you, then please take this letter simply as the ramblings of a man who is trying to work out his salvation with fear and trembling.

Please know I prayed before I sent this letter and I also prayed that God would encourage you in your heart to continue in your ministry of bringing the truth of Jesus Christ to His flock, as well as the unbelieving world.

May God bless you Pastor and may the words of your mouth continue to glorify our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 52:7 & Romans 10:15.