Staircases are meant to connect us from one level to another. They offer access to new places and people.  Almost every staircase I’ve ever seen made perfect sense to me. Except this one.

It is an ornate cement staircase leading to a lovely old church, but that’s not what bothers me. It is the fact that its first step is on the side of the highway!

I’ve traveled by this staircase at least a hundred times over 10 years and never once have I seen a car parked let alone a soul walking up those stairs. Yet drive 500 yards down the road and you come to an off-ramp that used all the time.

What’s the point? Are you spending all of your time, effort and treasure building a staircase for God while right down the road the world has built an off ramp?

More importantly are you helping people take the right exit? I’ve rarely met a Christian who is genuinely disinterested in helping lost people find a relationship with God. Yet I regularly meet Christians who are busy building staircases on the side of the highway. They are frustrated that the church is not singing enough hymns…or rock songs. They’re adamantly defending one translation of scripture over another. They are genuinely mad that not enough emphasis is being put on teaching the book of Revelation. But the truth is these issues have become their little carpentry projects.

Sometimes we can fall victim to believing that the issues we are close to are the very thing that will reach masses of lost people when in reality they’re not. The issues are important, but they are not really relevant to lost people. When we start believing these issues to be more life and death than they really are they can turn into our own personal crusade. Given enough time they become yet another unused staircase littering the side of the highway.

Instead of building these staircases, let’s be careful to be about truly reaching out. Are you on the side of the highway looking for those who have broken down? Are you combing the off ramps for the spiritually disoriented? This is Jesus heart for the world. As I close today I want Jesus to speak to our hearts. Listen to his words from Matthew 23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.”

Community Questions:

What are some effective ways God has given you to reach lost people in your setting?

Why are we so attached to our staircases?

Has anyone ever seen the staircase I’m talking about? What state is it in?

This year make Easter more.

One way to make Easter more meaningful is by participating in what is called LENT. For forty days leading up to Easter people remember what Jesus gave up in order to secure salvation. Particularly LENT remembers the 40 day fast Jesus took before starting ministry (Luke 4). People remember Jesus fast by fasting themselves. For most, LENT is a season of modest self-denial. Giving something up to help remember what Jesus gave up; to prepare their heart for the Easter celebration. Instead of getting caught up in the ceremony of LENT let me give you a few ideas to prepare your heart during the season of lent.

Have a Media Free Family Weekend

A startling NY Times article last year pointed out those under the age of 20 listen to or watch 7 1/2 hours of media a day. This means that between the ipod, internet, tv and video games amost 25% of the day is eaten up with digital noise. What would you do with an extra 7 hours a day? Why not find out. As a family decide to give up all media for one weekend starting on a Friday night. Instead of being doleful fill your weekend with some activities that will help prepare you for your celebration of Easter. Read the Easter story in the Bible as a family. Take a nature walk early on Saturday morning and talk about what it would have been like to meet up with Jesus in the garden after he had been crucified. Spend a few minutes in prayer as a family thanking God for sending Jesus Christ His son. You’ll be surprised how much time you’ll have if you only un plug for the weekend.

Can the Coffee

One common way many practice LENT is by giving up a certain kind of food but let’s get really personal. Mom and Dad, try giving up your daily Starbucks ration for one week. Instead of getting your fix, fix your eyes on Christ by replacing your morning coffee time with a 5 minute Easter devotional. There are plenty of small devotional books to be found online or at your local Christian book store.

You may have another great idea but let me challenge you to do something to prepare your heart. Let’s make sure we don’t show up on Easter morning with fancy clothes and shabby hearts. Instead, let’s work as hard at preparing our heart as we do everything else.

Community Questions:

Have you ever observed LENT? If so what did you do? How was it meaningful for you?

If you try one of the two suggestions above share with us how your experience went.

Historically Christians have come to various conclusions concerning what the Bible has to say about war. Yet at the outset let me say that this topic is deeply connected to the issue of politics and revolution. Without a firm understanding of the Biblical role of Government it is difficult for one to come to any conclusions about war. Furthermore if if difficult to act on one’s beliefs without a good understanding of the ways in which society can seek to change public opinion and legislation concerning war. (I encourage you to read my two previous posts for insights into these areas).

Christian Positions on War:

1. Pacifism.

While pacifism has several forms the basic idea is that it takes literally the passages, particularly within the New Testament, that prohibit killing. This, proponents argue, leads them to be against war. Pacifism displays itself as a refusal to serve in the armed services and a refusal to support the armed services. Romans 12:17,21 factors strongly in their perspective: “Do not overcome evil with evil but overcome evil with good”. For the pacifist, violence only begets violence and is counter to the commands of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5 and elsewhere.

2. Non-Resistance

Other Christians have come to embrace the Non-Resistance concept. Believing that obedience to God and Government should be sought as much as possible these individuals seek to live in conformity to both. They value life and, like the Pacifist, believe it is wrong to kill yet they also understand the inevitability of war in a fallen world. These individuals therefore will serve in the military in non-combatant roles. They may serves as Chaplains, medics, doctors, or office workers. All in all their hope is to obey God and government in the midst of a fallen world.

3. Just War

Finally some Christians believe that war, at times, can be just and therefore a viable option for Christians. These individuals take seriously the role of Government in the New Testament and look to Old Testament books like Joshua and Judges to find certain criteria that would make a war just. There are several indiciators that make a war just according to the Just War advocate. These indicators are: just intent, last resort, formal declaration, limited objectives, proportionality of good vs. evil and non-combatant immunity. If all of these indicators are present, the just war advocate would argue that war is moral in the eyes of God.

Moving forward:

As Christians it is imperative that we pray, study the Word of God, and come to hold convictions in regard to war. We live in a society that allows us to impact the perspective of war by participating in Government through ways in which we have already discussed in parts 1 and 2 of this series. War, just or unjust, is horrible, on this all Christians should agree. The more we can do as followers of Jesus Christ to avoid the brutal devastation that is involved in war the better. Further we need to make sure that during times of war we as Christians are doing all that we can to limit human suffering. We need to help offer valuable solutions and participate in the ongoing discussion that seeks peace. Further out convictions should be the seeds of our actions.

If the only reason we hold convictions about war is so that we can debate others Christians we’ve missed the point. To a certain extent this is good, but not so if it causes us to miss a world full of suffering the exists around us. God does call us to engage our minds, it’s true, but He calls us to engage our hands, feet and heart as well. Given our global reality today how can you mobilize your hands and feet to help the thousands of refugees fleeing war torn countries? Have you ever empathized with the twenty something who is serving in a war torn country because he joined the National Guard to pay for college? What about those who have lost sons and daughters in recent battles near or far?

We may enjoy peace in our country today but peace always has a price. While you engage your mind and spirit in asking God to guide your understanding of war ask the Father to engage the rest of your faculties as well. People all over the world are hurting right now because of war and we need to offer them the hope of Jesus Christ.

Community Questions:

Having looked at the options, which position do you believe is most in line with Scripture and why (please no hobby horsing)?

How are you making helping those impacted by war around you right now?

First, let’s recall that God has ordained government and that it was created to serve God’s purposes. (Politics, Revolution and War Par 1). Theologically speaking, this is very important because it gives inherent purpose to government and helps Christians understand their relationship to government. Further it is important to understand that a government can accomplish the purposes of God without being Christian.

With this understanding let’s look at the ways in which members of society have historically confronted their government with grievances.

1. Influence of Public Opinion and Public Legislation.

At any given time in any society there is a segment of the populace that is estranged from government. They see differently on the issues and seek to make changes in public opinion and law. In a normal functioning society this should be sought and is healthy. It ensures there is public debate and that the will of the people is taken in by those who are leading in government. For Christians who see government beginning to stand in conflict with its God ordained purpose influence should be immediately asserted. In his book Choosing the Good author Dennis Hollinger offers 9 forms of Christian influence that can be utilized by the follower of Christ. Some of these include: lobbying, Christian embodiment and Christian relief. Let me be frank, if a Christian has not exhausted every means to influence the public opinion and legislation, they have no business moving toward more extreme ways to change the action of government. Influencing our society is an important part of being salt and light within the world.

2. Civil Disobedience

Disobedience to the laws of government happens regularly and for a variety of reasons.  The key to Civil Disobedience is both the reason and the motive. John Davis defines civil disobedience as: ” “a public, nonviolent, and conscientious act contrary to law, usually done with the intent to bring about a change in the policies or laws of the government.” Let this be a guide for many of us who are trying to understand the recent acts of civil disobedience around our very own country. The question to whether civil disobedience is called for is two fold. First, is government acting to such an extent that the it is neglecting it’s God given purposes. Second, is government neglecting it’s God given purposes to such an extent that lawful forms of influence to public opinion and legislation will prolong suffering or allow for more wickedness. There are several examples of God approved civil disobedience. The best example is that of the Jewish Mid-Wives in Egypt who refused to kill male Jewish babies (Exodus 1:15-22). Something all Christians should consider is the results of civil disobedience. What is one trying to effect. Furthermore examples from Scripture should challenge us to consider what issues are of most concern before God’s eyes. Put differently, are we willing to die for issues with which God is only slightly concerned. Put even more bluntly, do we cry for justice in the same areas God does even when those areas don’t impact our personal everyday living?

3. Revolution

Again we turn to Davis for a working definition. Revolution can be defined as “an attempt to make a radical change in the system of government via the infringement of prevailing constitutional arrangements and the use of force.” What makes this different from war is that there is not outside “aggressor” but rather government itself that is seen as the enemy of the people. Fully discussing this particular topic is beyond the scope of a single blog post but let’s hit a few big ideas. Strong arguments can be made against revolution on the part of Christians from scripture. (Romans 13:2, 1 Peter 2:13). That being said there is debate on the issue as some see a support for “justifiable revolution” within scripture (Daniel 6:22, Judges 2:15, Luke 1:52). This is an issue that one should wrestle with but hopefully never have to act upon. In my opinion the Christian must significantly wrestle with not only his relationship toward God and government but also with what God calls the Christian to in regard to the 6th command (Thou shall not kill) as well as  war. Revolution is never a pretty thing and should never be entered into lightly. As a Christian how does the Word of God help you understand the revolutions that are going on around the world right now? Furthermore in our day and age of Globalization are their ways you can rightly fight for the oppressed through legitimate means such as the exerting of influence. You may well be able to head off revolution if you would only spend the right amount of time influencing for the good of others. Something to consider.

This has been a very long post, but I hope you’ve stuck with me for this issue is important. We must constantly submit the issues of our day to the Word of God and only then ask: how then should I live.

Community Questions:

Here are a few suggested sources if you are interested in digging deeper on this or any of the other subjects discussed in this series:

Davis, John. Evangelical Ethics. 3rd Edition. Philipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2004.

Hollinger, Dennis. Choosing the Good; Christian Ethics in a Complex World. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2002.

This is certainly a complex issues and would love to hear your thoughts and questions: Feel free to respond.

So..let’s get at it shall we.

Part 1: Politics

It is no doubt that Politics is a charged topic for many Christians. Yet I have also observed what I consider to be a disturbing pattern. For most the issue of politics usually begins with two words: Democrat and Republican. Many Christians, failing to get beyond these labels, fall comfortably victim to party lines and pull that lever in the voting booth no matter the choice. Furthermore they find a certain pleasure in debating (that’s putting it nicely) with other Christians who fall into the opposite camp about their inability to critically think about the issues. (Does this sound like you or someone you know?)

Yet stop right now and ask yourself the following questions:

If we do not know what the Word of God says about the issue of politics we cannot serve God well in the arena of government. I believe God desires His children to be more than good party adherents. Here are a few points to reflect on that will hopefully get the conversation started in the right direction.

1. The Bible tells us one of the primary roles of government is the protection of justice for all its citizens. (Psalm 72:12-15)

As you choose who and what to vote for consider what impact it will have on those who have no voice, the inability to speak for themselves, or are currently being oppressed within our own society. This will not make every issue immediately black and white but it will put us on the right line of discussion and debate with others.

2. The Bible tells us one of the primary roles of government is the judgment of wickedness in it’s society. (Romans 13:3-4)

How will that particular measure or sanction impact the necessary practice of checking evil within our society? Will it hinder the punishment of evil? Can it embolden some to act wickedly? Who is the sole arbiter of what is and is not good? Does something have to be classified as criminal to be wicked? These are important questions that should guide or decision making.

3. The Bible tells us submission to government coupled with the personal responsibility to do good is a Godly pursuit.   ( 1 Peter 2:13-17)

Do I speak well of those who I did not vote for? Am I contributing to the silence of the foolish or to the general babble of the foolish with my words and actions? How can I disagree with my elected officials in a God honoring way? (We will talk more on this subject in the weeks to come). Is it possible that the one that we did not vote for was God’s choice and that the individual we voted for was not God’s choice? If so, how should we respond when our candidate is not elected?

I hope I have raised some good things for thought and discussion. I would love for you to throw your ideas into the ring. Primarily, let us be Christians who allow the Word of God to guide all areas of our life…even politics. I think we will all be surprised what God has to say on the topic if we just took a breath and let Him talk for awhile.

Community Questions:

1. Is there a balance between justice and personal responbility? (The Nanny State vs. Individual Responsibility)

2. Given what the Bible has to say about government should there be a separation between Church and State as exists today? If you could change this concept in our society how would you?

Hopper owned a piece entitled “Mao”, an original by Warhol. While in his home one evening Hopper caught a glimpse of the piece and became so spooked he shot the artwork twice. Instead of angering Warhol it impressed the artist so much that he titled each bullet hole and declared the work a “collaboration”.

There’s a lesson to be learned here about our relationship with God.

When it comes to the lives of His followers God is an artist. He is making us into His masterpiece and He’s doing all the work. Now from time to time he gives us a glimpse of His portrait but always with the caveat that He is not finished yet.

Yet sometimes we get spooked at what God is doing in our lives. He may be changing us in ways we never imagined or rearranging things such that we are shocked. These times in our lives can be challenging and they can scare us into thinking we need to collaborate with God. Have you ever found yourself bartering with God over some area of your life? I can think of several times when I’ve had no idea where God was headed but trust me when I say not all portraits are better off with bullet holes in them.

I don’t think anyone of us could legitimately say that Dennis was trying to improve the work, he was scared of it. When we try and wrest control from God as He is painting us into His masterpiece we are in danger of smudging His work. Trying to control our own lives is like asking a toddler to improve on the Mona Lisa with a crayola marker…it’s not going to help.

Let me challenge you today. Read Psalm 113 and Micah 7:18-19.You may be frightened from time to time about what God is doing in your life, it might be uncomfortable or even down right disagreeable but you need to trust God. His character proves that He is working to create the best version of “you” possible. He is not out to ruin us, but to help us thrive. Be patient, be willing and as you do I think you be surprised to find that God is eager to finish his masterpiece with our support but without our “collaboration”.

Community Questions:

Why do you think it’s difficult to trust God in the midst of our everyday lives?

As an artist has God offered us a look at his portfolio? Where?

I suggest we take our cue from someone who’s been there and say NUTS.

General Anthony McAuliffe was in charge of the US forces defending the surrounded city of Bastogne in what is now famously remembered as the battle of the Bulge. It marked one of the last true offensives that the German Army mounted during WWII and nearly succeeded in turning the tide of the war. On December 22, 1944 the General had to make a difficult decision, for this was the day that a German entourage entered the US occupied city under a white flag with the following message from the German Commander.

“ The fortune of war is changing. This time the U.S.A. forces in and near Bastogne have been encircled by strong German armored units. There is only one possibility to save the encircled U.S.A. troops from total annihilation: that is the honorable surrender of the encircled town. If this proposal should be rejected a German Artillery Corps and six heavy artillery Battalions are ready to annihilate the U.S.A. troops in and near Bastogne. The order for firing will be given immediately two hours’ after being given this term.”

The facts were true, this seemed like the only course that would save the troops but McAuliffe would not back down. His response to the German Commander was curt:

To the German Commander: NUTS!

In the face of overwhelming odds the commander refused to give up. The decision was costly but effective for the US forces held out and they were key in keeping the German from achieving victory.

Being encircled by the darkness of the world is a distinct possibility for Christians. Many of the names we known best in the Bible were surrounded at one time or another. But being surrounded does not mean we are defeated. As Christians we need to know when to say NUTS!

1.      Say NUTS to discouragement.

The enemy of the saints is a master at discouragement. He accuses us day and night (Revelation 12:10). But we need to know that Christ has won the victory and that Hell will not overpower us (Matthew 16:18). Never forget that the battle has been won!

2.      Say NUTS to worry.

Even when the going is tough, very very tough…we can says NUTS to worry. Why? Because God promises that the darkness will never overwhelm us. In fact, when we humble ourselves before God and honestly share our struggles, He promises to show up in a big way. (1 Peter 5:6-7)

3.      Say NUTS to callousness.

While we are promised the victory there are countless thousands who have yet to find the hope of Jesus Christ. These fall victim to the rage of the devil and the power of Hell on a regular basis, and they are why we fight. We never go to war with the powers of darkness to prove we’re tougher…we go to secure peace for those who are helpless to find it on their own. When you are tempted to give up the fight because it’s just too hard or costly for you remember why you’re fighting.

Sometimes when life throws difficult our way we just need to go NUTS!

Everyone has a past; even Christians. Yet the way in which a Christian deals with her past should be fundamentally different than the way others do. Why? Because no Christian should fear that their past come to light. (GULP!)

When Christ enters into a life, he enters not only into the present he enters into the past as well. He is not accepting who we are today and tomorrow only, but He is acknowledging who we were yesterday. In fact, it is the combination of our yesterdays that requires the presence of Christ in our lives today. Our past teaches us humility and gives weight to grace.

The Christian, better than anyone else should be able to know who they were and the immense joy that the grace of God brings to forgive us from what we were and change us into who we are.

So let’s come back to Wiki Leaks for a moment. A recent development to the story is that Wiki Leaks will let off another bombshell of secrets should anyone come after them to shut them down. The gauntlet has been laid. Yet the enemy of the Christian has used this tactic for centuries. Who hasn’t been reminded of their past failures big and small by the Accuser? Worse yet, have you ever feared doing something great for God because of your past, some secret that you are afraid may come out? This is where we can take a lesson from the Apostle Paul.  “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all.” (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul persecuted Christians, watched as Stephen was murdered, was furious at the existence of the church…talk about a colorful past. Yet this past he embraced, through grace, as the very reason Christ saved Him. Friends your past, as colored as it may be, is the reason you have a relationship with Jesus Christ. This means we need not hide from our past but rather we should allow our past to generate a proper amount of humility. Our past should continually serve us by making grace an agent of change in our lives.

When we do not fear our past, we will not fear those who would try and leverage our past to affect our future. Christ does not call us to live in fear, but to live in faith. His followers can know for certain that whatever is dredged up from our past has been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and makes their salvation all the sweeter.

Why is it that people show up by the thousands to see a “sign” from God yet so few people have a real understanding of what the Bible has to say?

Consider it, the Bible is the best God sighting of all time yet many people would disagree…I wonder why.As you try and decipher God’s plan for you remember this second guideline.

Guideline 2: If you want to know what God wants, follow what the Bible has to say.

It’s not over simplistic, rather it’s foundational. The Word of God guides our understanding. You may ask, “why is this the second guideline and not the first?”. Notice from our story in Acts (1:12-26) that is was only after Peter had united around the mission of Jesus that he was able to fully understand what the Bible had to say (verses 16-22). There is something to be said about understanding that these guidelines build upon one another. If we know the mission yet are divided about uniting around it then we can never really understand the Word of God fully. The mission is a lens through which we view the Word of God.

Now, I want you to see how familiar Peter was with the Word of God. Given his situation and where he was I am amazed that he recalled the book of Psalms and yet, without hesitation it seems, he rattles off two verses from two separate chapters that help him understand the way forward. At times, the way forward for us can seem complex. Yet if we are familiar with the Word of God. If we spend time in it, ruminate it’s books, and get ink on our fingers it can often guide us forward despite the complexities of life.

So is it time to brush up on your Bible reading? Maybe you need to revisit your plan for regular reflection in the Word.

Why look all about for a God sighting when He can be found in the Bible? It seems strange to me to pack up and head across country to stare at the face of Jesus on a billboard when He is in our living rooms, library, churches, bedrooms, and even in the dresser drawer of hotels. Spend time getting to know God in the places He is already. The more you know His Word the clearer His direction for your life will become.

Community Questions:

Why do you feel so many people flock to God Sightings?

Do you have an effect Bible study practice or tip? Why not share with others your secret to success.

Is this the best we can expect from God when it comes to the important decisions of our lives, random signs that need lots of subjective interpretation? Does the Bible give us any hope for a different path?

The book of Acts records the story of the Apostles replacing the position that had been filled by  Judas (you know the Benedict Arnold of the Bible) before the death and resurrection of Jesus. Consider the magnitude of this decision. Talk about pressure! The Apostles had to find a once in the history of the world replacement for one of the 12 Apostles. Yet the story of their selection goes off without a hitch. They seem to have no trouble making this difficult decision and feeling firm about their decision. I believe this is because they reveal for us some essential guidelines to follow when seeking God’s direction for difficult decisions.

Read the story in Acts 1:12-23.

Guideline 1: If you want to know what God wants, be united around the Mission of Jesus.

This story comes hard on the heals of Jesus giving his disciples the great mission. You will be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria and to the remotest parts of the earth. It was crystal clear what Jesus wanted them to do.  Verse 12 tells us that they immediately headed back into Jerusalem to wait. Now this is important because Christ had told them they needed to do this.

Obedience is key to finding direction from God. Have you ever been unsure of something. Prayed to God let’s say about talking to your friend about your faith, or whether or not you could afford to give money to the church? Sometimes God seems silent on these issues, but is he really? He gave us a mission in Acts 1:8. BE WITNESSES and frankly that’s all He has to say on the matter. So if you’ve been talking to God about this or that and you know that what your talking to him about accomplishes His mission stop praying and start doing. Obedience is an action, not a state of mind.

After coming back to Jerusalem the Bible tells us that the Apostles were of one mind. They understood the mission of Jesus and were ready to pursue it together. Don’t expect to know God’s direction in your life if your quibbling about lesser things. Seek the unity of those around you in church and in your family. This is essential.

Finally, they were continually praying. Talking to God is important too. “What’s next Lord?”. Often, when one group of people pursues one mission fully the way forward becomes clear. Need proof? It was only after the Apostles were obedient, united and praying that Peter figured out they needed to replace Judas (v15).

Many times, asking God for a sign is redundant. He has already given us our mission: Be Witnesses. This means that YES God does want you to live free of sin. YES God does want you to submit to the local church and support its ministry. YES God does want you to share your life story with your family and friends. NO God does not think it’s okay to fall victim to sin. NO God is not good with you sitting this one out. The first step to hearing from God is listening to what He’s already said.

Community Questions:

Do you believe that the mission Jesus gave to the Apostles is your mission as well? Why or Why Not?

How can prayer and unity clear the way forward for us? Have you ever experienced this? If so, what happened?