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.

Jesus is not interested in buried treasure.

The real question then is how can we avoid the temptation to start digging holes?

1. Figure out what you have in your possession.

I’m a fan of the Pirates of the Caribbean trilogy. In the first movie you often spot Captain Jack Sparrow looking at a compass that “doesn’t work”. The compass is a piece of junk. But in the second move you come to discover that the compass, while not pointing north, does point toward what you most desire. An interesting treasure in the hands of one who knows what to do with it. How many times do we treat the talents God gives us no better than a compass that won’t point north. God makes no mistakes and is not interested in handing out useless talents. Whatever your talent is…be it a skill or a possession or even a disposition it was chosen for you by God. Take time to figure out what you’ve been given. You will be far less likely to bury something you see as unique and valuable. How do we figure out what we have? Well, one suggestion is asking God through prayer. Another might be reflecting on what we do very well in life or perhaps asking the question what comes naturally? Often times the talents that are given to us by God are evident if we just spend some time looking for them.

2. Leverage what you have in your possession.

Knowing what you’ve got is only half the battle.  You still have to use it. When you understand your talents put them into the best possible use. Captain Jack seemed crazy but he was always purposeful. He knew what he had, how to use it and waited for the perfect moment to make his move. Perhaps God has given you an outgoing spirit, utilize it in places where you can interact with different types of people. Or perhaps God has gifted you with making money…have you ever considered investing in Kingdom work? Talents come in all shapes and sizes and we would do well to understand there are many ways to use them.

3. Avoid shovel salesmen at all costs.

The world is full of people, the church as well for that matter, who will encourage you to bury your treasure. Their advice comes in all manner of disguises. Some of it will sound like good advice. “Don’t go on that mission trip instead stay home this summer and save up money for college”,  your parents might say. Good advice unless God is calling you to go on the trip. If he is your parents are trying to sell you a shovel. “That doesn’t seem like it will be a successful venture for you” your business partner comments about your decision to invest big in a ministry that will not give a return. Excellent advice for a hostile takeover, the sound of a shovel salesmen hocking his wares if God is directing the decision.

We may never know how the master would have responded had the servant gambled and lost the talent but we do know he was furious his servant buried it. What are you doing to avoid hole digging today? My prayer for you is that instead of working on elaborate treasure maps to ensure you never lose your talents you would faithfully risk what God has given and find that the real treasure is in pleasing the master.

Community Questions:

1. How did God help you discover your talent?

2. How can we avoid becoming “shovel salesmen” ourselves?

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?

When trying to navigate the complexities of life consider the third and final guideline to understanding God’s will.

Guideline 3: If you want to know what God wants remember to ask, act and move on.

Are you saying that finding the answers to these questions is as simple as one, two, three? Well, yes. Let’s look at the situation in Acts once again (Acts 1:23-26). The disciples had an important job. They needed to replace Judas. This was a once in a lifetime decision. I suppose if I were making a decision like this it would be easy to stress over making the right choice. Now the disciples had united around the mission of Jesus and also spent a lot of time consulting the Word of God. It was these two things that lead them to understand that Judas needed to be replaced in the first place. After all was said and done though they needed to discover from God who the right man for the job was going to be. They put forward two men that fit the qualifications. Yet who was it going to be. These men certainly did not want to make the wrong choice. Look how the handled their decision.

1. They asked God to make the choice and requested he give them a sign to authenticate which man was to replace Judas. Not all sign requests are improper, just bad ones. Here is the key to when we should ask God for a sign. We ask God for a sign when we are trying to decide between two equally Biblical options that stand before us.

2. They acted. God pointed out that He wanted Mathias to replace Judas and so he was immediately promoted to the office, no questions asked. If we ask, we should expect to get an answer. When we have our answer it is imperative to act otherwise our inaction turns to disobedience.

3. Lastly, the disciples moved on. There were no questions or re-counts. This is important for us to consider. We dare not ask God for a sign and then question it do we? This makes us more akin to Gideon than it does the disciples. When God answers you, move on, the issue is over.

Friends, it is at the crossroads of life that God shows up most clearly. When His children need a sign, He will provide. Let us be people who united around the mission of God and active in scouring scripture come to a living God without shame for the answers to life’s most daunting questions.

Community Questions:

Have you ever considered asking God for a sign to a particular situation you were facing? How did it go?

Why is important to act on the answers God gives?

First, I have to apologize for the lack of posts lately, it seems as though I have summer on the brain. This of course is making me think of the outdoors, swimming, vacation and pretty much everything but writing. Excuses. Excuses. So today I thought I would touch base with all of you to hear how your summer is going. Are you doing anything exciting? Going anywhere exotic? Any short term mission trips? Let us know.

As I told you in my last post my family and I had a great vacation in Colorado Springs a few weeks ago. We had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful sights. If you have ever been to this part of the country you know what I am talking about. Two of my favorite spots were the Air Force Academy Chapel and the Garden of the gods. Both beautiful in their own right.

Garden of the Gods

Garden of the gods

Air Force Academy Chapel

Air Force Academy Chapel

We also celebrated three birthdays and our anniversary and had a family visit to the house so you can imagine why the posts have been scarce. No need to worry. I will be getting back into the routine soon. So here is a bit of what I’ve been doing. How about you?

Community Questions:

Where are you going/have gone this summer?

Any exciting stories you want to share with us?

So why is it that we can cry for fictional stories but when it comes to lost people, those who do not know Jesus Christ, we never seem to be truly moved by their condition? Why is it that most times we shed more tears during a silly Nicolas Sparks movie than we ever do that lost people are dying and going to hell?

When Jesus calls us to follow Him, He calls us to take on His views, values, and to follow His commands. So how did He respond to the lost? Luke 19:42 “Jesus saw Jerusalem and wept over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace!”. Jesus said this before He was crucified. He knew the people of the city would reject Him and it broke His heart.

Jesus has the same heart as the Father. Ezekiel 33:11 “As I live! declares the Lord God, ‘I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn back, turn back from your evil ways! Why then will you die”. The Father is equally heart broken for the lost.

What about the people we meet in the Bible? Look at Paul: “I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.” (Romans 9:1-2) Paul wanted nothing more than for his fellow Jews to believe Jesus.

When Jesus saves us he takes from us the burden and weight of our sin, of our shame, of our past. He replaces all of this with peace and hope for the future. We like this. Yet he also asks us to shoulder a new kind of burden. A heart that aches for those who are lost. One that is never satisfied here on earth but longs for the time when Christ returns. This new burden is completely different than the old burden. The old burden of sin we once carried was not optional. It weighted us down to death. We were not strong enough to shoulder it. But this new burden is one that is shared. It is shared with Jesus himself. It is also shared with the community of those who follow Jesus. But this burden can also be laid aside but Jesus followers. Forgotten about and passed by.

To take on a burden for the lost is not an easy task, but if you are serious about following Jesus I challenge you to shoulder this burden. You will invite heartbreak and tears at times it’s true. But friends you will also walk side by side with Jesus as you help carry His message of grace to a lost and dying world. You will find a new closeness to the one you call Savior. You will experience grace all over again.

May we be those who shed our tears for the things of God.

Werewolves are mythical monsters which are notoriously difficult to dispatch. In fact, the only real way to kill a werewolf is with a silver bullet. Shoot with any other kind of bullet, trap it, drown it, burn it, nothing else works, silver bullets are your only hope against werewolves. 300 years ago when people believed these monsters lurked the woods hunting innocent people the silver bullet was their only hope for victory.

As Christians we face a daunting foe too, the world. It may seem as though the world is harmless enough but the Apostle John told us that the world is all those who have set themselves against Jesus Christ and His followers (1 John 5:19). That is a large foe, a powerful foe, a foe which at first glance seems difficult to overcome. But John didn’t think so. He said those born of God overcome the world. (1 John 5:4). So how can we overcome the world? Is it social justice? Is it Christian leadership in places of influence? Is it Biblically literate Christians? Perhaps. But not one of these, as important as they all are, act as a silver bullet. A single source for victory. So is there a simple solution to overcoming our enemies?

YES! John said: and this is the victory that overcomes the world our faith! (1 John 5:4). Faith is the Christians silver bullet. The one thing that will stop the world every time. So let me ask you…are you using silver bullets? What is the one thing you fall back on when things get tough. When the world comes at you with all it’s got how do you respond? It’s tempting to think escaping or hiding from the world is just as good as victory, but in truth there absolutely different. The best way to find out whether or not your using silver bullets is to understand how you cope with challenges the world throws your way. Some of us turn to food, some to cigarettes, some to television, some to our i pod. We try and escape the fear and the challenge. But why escape when you can have victory.

Jesus went to great lengths to give us a weapon for victory. When we exercise faith, we can overcome any challenge the world throws our way.

Community Questions:

What are some things that you turn to when the pressure is on in order to escape the world’s attack?

How can faith help us overcome the daily challenges we face?

While I now reside in the great state of Wisconsin, I recently found myself back in my hometown in the suburbs of Cleveland OH for my little sisters wedding. Without a doubt, be it for a day or for a week, when I come home for a visit I hear the same thing from these “forever friends”.

They tell me how much I have changed.

They tell me how they are surprised and proud of the way I turned out.

They expound some embarrassing story of my past. We all have a laugh and then move on.

But as I was in Cleveland for my sisters wedding something new struck me, something profound (I suppose).

It is far harder to serve Jesus Christ where you’re from than it is to serve him where you’re going.

Let me explain. In Wisconsin I am simply known as Pastor Steve. The only thing people know about my childhood is what I tell them. Yet whenever I am home I seem to always come face to face with someone who knows a little more about my past than I wish they did (and I was a pretty decent kid!). For me, to serve God in Cleveland, would require a strong dose of humility, for I would have to own my every failure. I would constantly come up against those who could throw my past into my face and decry hippocrite!

So why on earth would Jesus ever make someone stay in there hometown and serve in ministry like he did to the formerly possessed man he freed from bondage in Luke 8? I think the key is transformation. Sure, my friends and family knew who I was…but they can also see who I am. Where did the change come from? Jesus. That is what he said to the man he sent home: “Return to your house and describe what great things God has done for you.” It’s gritty letting those who know you best see the new you because they know the old you. But what an opportunity.

Some of us are called to new places and new people. We go without regret. Yet others of us are called to live out loud the new life that Jesus has given us right in front of those who knew us before Jesus got His hands on our lives.

To my friends and family in Cleveland who are living out loud where we grew up, may God continue to use you to change our hometown for His glory.

To my friends and family who have been scattered for His glory world wide, never forget your past, it is part of who you are.

To those of my forever friends who are reading: yeah, I know…you never thought you would see me doing what I’m doing, but I guess it’s just one more proof that God is God. Who else could have made me what I am today.

Here’s to your own hometown aha! moment

Community Questions:

What are some idols that surround you where you are?

How can we identify and avoid potential idols in our own lives?