Sin is the Enemy, Not Religion

There has been a significant movement in the Christian sub-culture to do away with or downplay the term "religion." Unfortunately, the zeal is misplaced.

"It's not a religion, it's a relationship," is the motto of this group (although some are too cool for that phrase and just opt for a more blunt 'I hate religion' or something similar). The problem with that statement is that it assumes a non-existent dichotomy. Religion and relationship are not opposites; in fact, they exist simultaneously in Christianity. A Christian has a relationship with Christ and simultaneously subscribes to a religion.

Religion seeks to ask major questions that life poses concerning the purpose of life, what the future holds, and the like. Christianity does this by referencing one fixed point in history: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through this event we interpret our current and future existence. Religion, therefore, is the vehicle by which we experience the relationship that we have with Christ.

Religion is a means. We don't disregard it. We believe that God works providentially, that is, within natural laws and systems. Religion was created by God with the intent that he would operate within that structure to orchestrate the one true religion. In the same stream of thought, books function as an example. God created books with the intention that he would, at one point, directly reveal his word to his servants for them to record. Books were a structure set up by God so that he could use that means to communicate all that we need to know about him.

I think what people are trying to say when the talk about how much religion sucks, is that sin drives people to do dumb things. The quest for worldly power--which tends to be the motivation for the formation of a man-made religion--is a sinful pursuit and results in a work-based religion. Religion is manipulated by sinful men who desire to expand their borders and use it as a justification to attack an adjacent country. Religion is used to prove the "good enough" mentality that causes people to believe that heaven is in their future. The point is that religion is a tool, not the problem; the problem is the sin embedded in the hearts of men.

But when we as Christians fix our eyes on the cross of Christ and enjoy God for all that he is for us in Christ, then it becomes apparent that we have a true relationship with him and the result is the outpouring of true religion, mainly, love for others (James 1:27).  

As Christians, God saved us. But he used means. He uses sinful vessels all of the time to awaken the dead to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Religion can be twisted by sinful people to achieve a goal other than God's glory, but that does not mean we disregard it. We seek to show God's intention for it as we point out the sinfulness of those who have manipulated it. And then we show the hope that only comes through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Gospel and Going to Church

It occurred to me that maybe the cause of the low ecclesiology that the Church is afflicted with is reminiscent of the gospel that we preach.

We proclaim that the cross comes to us and we are justified where we stand. But that is not the gospel. We are drawn and find ourselves at the cross; a singular event that is effective for us all. And if it is true for all believers, we see others at the cross and understand that we are in fact linked with them.

If the gospel comes to us and we are saved each in an isolated incident then we have warrant to neglect the meeting of the saints. But if we recognize that salvation is grounded in one singular event that we all partake in, blowing off Sunday morning will be the farthest thing from our mind.

Perspectives on the Prosperity Gospel

Here are two videos that help with an understanding of the prosperity gospel. This corruption of the true gospel is alive and well in our backyard and is exploiting people in poor contexts across the world. Awareness of this false gospel should profoundly impact the Christian's missiological perspective. Take a look.

The Prosperity Gospel from The Global Conversation on Vimeo.

The Testimony of God's Work in My Life

Some of you may know how I came to Christ and others may not. And since I recently had to write up my testimony for class, I thought it would be a good opportunity to let you all know how it happened.

Although my personal testimony is not particularly riveting, I have come to understand that it is only by the grace of God that my conversion ever could have happened. All testimonies speak to the power of God because humanity is rooted in sin and not one individual is able to choose God unassisted. The inward condition is manifested differently in each person. My depravity was so radical and my rebellion so great, yet God raised me and gave me new life. That is the miracle of my conversion and all others.

I struggled greatly throughout my early life, desiring to be accepted by those around me. I was loved deeply by my family, but I was a social outcast at school. I found some acceptance at church, but unfortunately through people. I was born into the Lutheran Church, but my family began attending an Evangelical Free Church after my parents got saved. Here I had friendships that waxed and waned, but always seemed to end in a flippant manner. Nevertheless, it was the most acceptance I had outside the home.

It was then that my family experienced probably our greatest trial. My parents decided to separate for a time while they addressed some issues. I saw the security that I felt at home melt away. I only saw my dad on weekends and my mom was less than stable. Also during this time we left our church. My dad began attending another Evangelical Free Church while my mom took my sister and me irregularly to a Baptist church not too far from our house. I did not enjoy either church as I was frustrated with my life circumstances.

By the grace of God my parents rejoined. I started middle school and my family began attending the Evangelical Free church my dad had connected with while my parents were separated. I longed for a new situation to maybe find some security and acceptance. I was disappointed. I began looking for acceptance in different places; in sports, academics, and music. I did not find it.

I started high school and it was more of the same. I was successful by worldly standards. I had a good number of friends for the first time in my life, I played three different sports, I was gifted musically, but I was still empty. I got frustrated and became more and more prideful. If I was good at the things the world said I should be good at, why was I not accepted by it? I determined that it was not me who had the problem, but everyone else. The roots of pride grew deep into the recesses of my heart during this time.

From that point forward I did everything out of selfish pursuit. I found a girlfriend. She liked me and I liked her, or at least I liked the way that I felt around her. I felt accepted, but it was a façade. She hurt me deeply multiple times, but I returned repeatedly to this broken cistern.

I graduated from high school still empty, thinking I had found something in my current relationship. I moved away from home and began attending North Dakota State University. Shortly thereafter the relationship that I had put so much stock in ended. I was broken and stripped of what I thought was fulfilling me. It was then that I was positioned to experience the life-giving power of Jesus Christ.

My conversion was a simple realization. I was utterly wretched, there was nothing good in me, and I needed to be saved. Earlier in life I had heard the gospel, but I never really responded. I had prayed a prayer and rededicated my life multiple times, but never had I grasped the gravity of it. It was here, on my own for the first time at college, that I knew there was never any security or acceptance in the things that I had sought. The wrath of God was on me and I deserved to be separate from him. My heart was rebellious and I needed reconciliation. I cried out to God and he saved me. Christ’s work on the cross meant acceptance by God and eternity with him. Christ became the most beautiful thing to me.

After I experienced conversion my freshmen year in college, my life was transformed. Jesus Christ changed my life in so many ways; I will give but a few.

Firstly, my life has been marked by a love of Scripture. I have a passion for God’s Word. Before my conversion I saw little need for reading a really old book that did not seem to be relevant to my life circumstances. After my conversion I began to see that Scripture is the primary way which God speaks to us.

Secondly, my life has been marked by a love of people. The relationships that I experienced prior to my conversion where mostly geared at fulfilling a need that I had. Now the relationships that I have with my wife, my family, and my friends are in the fellowship of Christ. The gospel changed the way that I view the others in my life.

Thirdly, my life has been marked by a removal of self. I went to college seeking a good job with an inflated salary which included comfort and an early retirement. In Christ my life has taken a whole new direction. I am seeking education to be a full-time minister of God’s Word, which does not pay well, will not be comfortable, and will not allow for retirement. There is no other option. God has given me so much; I want my life to proclaim him, not me.

Finally, my life has been marked by joy. Fighting for joy has been one of the biggest struggles in my new life. I am naturally cynical and somewhat cold. But as I continue to study Scripture and understand the weight of the gospel, joy comes more and more easily. How could I let anything rob the joy that comes with the knowledge of redemption?

I am so grateful that God plucked me from my situation and gave me new life. The compassion he showed me and continues to show me is unfathomable.

More Than Raking Leaves

Raking leaves (social action) does not constitute a Gospel presentation; the physical needs of humanity pale in comparison to the depravity of the human heart and its need to be quickened. In Mark 2 Jesus recognizes this and goes right for the jugular; he proclaims that he is the Christ, the God-man, he has the power to forgive sins, and that humanity, no matter what its physical state, needs forgiveness of sins first and foremost.

And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

-Mark 2:1-12

Verses for Evangelism

In my Personal Evangelism course here at Southern we are required to memorize 40 key verses for evangelism. I have found the list to be quite helpful, so I thought I would pass it on.

Scripture is so important in evangelism; since we claim it to be the ultimate authority in our lives, using it in our witness only makes sense. I would encourage you to adopt this list or a similar list to memorize as together we seek to be obedient proclaimers of the Gospel of Christ.

God
Psalms 19:1
Revelation 4:11
Matthew 22:37-38
Leviticus 19:2

Rebellion
Isaiah 59:2
Isaiah 53:6
Romans 3:23
Romans 6:23
Hebrews 9:27
Matthew 10:28

Atonement
John 3:16
Luke 19:10
Romans 5:8
1 Peter 2:24
Isaiah 53:5
1 Peter 3:18
2 Corinthians 5:21
John 3:36

Conversion
John 3:3
John 1:12
Acts 16:31
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:13
Matthew 11:28
John 14:6
Acts 4:12
Luke 13:3
Isaiah 55:7
1 John 1:9
Isaiah 1:18
2 Corinthians 6:2
Revelation 3:20
Ephesians 2:8-9

Eternal Life
John 10:10
John 6:37
1 John 5:12-13
Romans 8:16
John 5:24
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Timothy 1:12

The Only Burned-Over Area

Taken from Tell the Truth by Will Metzger

The fire of God's wrath has touched down at one particular point in history. And when it did, it utterly consumed a man as he hung on a cross. It did not burn a large area, but finalized God's work of judgment. The fire of God's wrath will come again in history. This time it will consume the whole earth. Will there be any place to hide? Only on the hill where that cross stood, where the fire has already burned. A person is forgiven if he identifies with Christ who on the cross bore God's judgment for sins. Jesus Christ is our burned-over area, the only safe hiding place.

Resolution 18

Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and
when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

The Christian must live in a way that reflects a deep understanding of the Gospel and it's implications.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

-Philippians 1:21

Edwards and Paul alike knew that the manner in which they lived was paramount; the Gospel--and the seeking to know it better--was central. In addition they sought, and possessed, a high spiritual sensitivity; the things of this world were shadows and dust compared to magnanimity of the grace and goodness of God in the Gospel which are spiritual, not physical.

The Gospel is an Intricate Part of Evangelism

On Thursday night I attended a "Shane and Shane" concert here in Fargo.

There was man who claimed to be an evangelist there. I would have never known.

The word "Jesus" only escaped his lips a couple of times and never in the context of the Gospel. His content made me think that the good news he thought made him an evangelist was social.

But a social gospel is not the true Gospel. And claiming that you are a proclaimer of the good news without proclaiming the good news just doesn't seem to work.

More Than Sanctification

During the weeks leading up to it, I thought a lot about marriage as a means of sanctification. God uses a spouse to shape, grow, and refine in His truth. And while your spouse is probably the person who has the most significant impact on sanctification, the impact can be attributed also to interactions with other Christians.

But it doesn't stop there. Our interactions with our brothers and sisters are not simply to sanctify us, but also to save us. It's an easy concept, but one that carries a whole lot of weight.

But "The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord" (Psalm 37:39), right? How can our interactions with humans save us?

It all boils down to is this: God uses means to accomplish ends. For example, when Israel wallowed in idolatry the Lord was upset and gave them up. He did not perform any supernatural outright act, but rather He allowed them to be conquered and taken into captivity (2 Kings 17:7-23). Or when Philip came upon the Ethiopian eunuch. The eunuch had no idea what he was reading until Philip came along and explained. The eunuch was converted and baptized right there (Acts 8:26-40). The Lord used Philip to explain the Scripture, rather than granting the eunuch immediate understanding.

So, God uses human means to accomplish His purposes here on Earth which is a means to the end of His glory.

That is an agreeable statement when thinking about conversion. Why else would God call us to evangelism? But do we agree with that statement concerning perseverance?

We should. Paul says, "the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18). The key there is "being saved." What does that phrase mean? Our salvation is not immediate, but ongoing; perseverance is entirely as important as conversion. This heightens the importance of proper interactions with other believers.

Perseverance is hard for depraved humans. God knows that. And often His answer is human means.

This is why we must foster correct fellowship within our churches and Christian circles. Our conversation cannot be limited to the weather and the football game. It must be Gospel-saturated. Keeping the Gospel central will ensure that our brothers and sisters are persevering. "The word of the cross" is the "power of God" for those of "us who are being saved." Often times we back-burner the Gospel and need a brother or sister to put it back in front of our face. Those are the human means contributing to our ongoing salvation.

God has these means planned out and in place to accomplish His purposes to the end of His glory, but we must strive to persevere. We must strive to keep the Gospel central in our dealings with other Christians. I would contend that our interactions with brothers and sisters in Christ are equally as important to our interactions with unbelievers.

Now, I am not saying that salvation can be lost. If God so desires us to persevere, He will provide the means. And if a so-called Christian does not persevere, He was a false convert to begin with.

The emphasis rests on the fact that perseverance is not governed by some magical formula that carries us to the end once we are converted, but rather on the centrality of the Gospel in our lives which is often spurred by our interactions with our Christian brothers and sisters. We must be attentive to the Spirit and do what He prompts us to by reading Scripture and seeking the Lord in prayer. Then we must pass it on to those around us.

Therefore, in conclusion, strive to persevere in your own life and strive to help others persevere in their lives. God has given us weighty tasks. We need His strength and guidance to perform them. And we will give Him the glory.

Sometimes I Think I Am Good Enough...

How is it that I could ever think that I alone have enough merit to please God?

"You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." -Matthew 5:48

That's not possible for me alone, but isn't the Gospel great? The merit that I am incapable of generating is simply projected onto me in exchange for my sin, and ultimately the wrath of God, all by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. What a great transfer!

So how could I ever slip into a pattern where my gratitude is diminished because I feel that I have the right to any of this?

Oh, Lord! Keep me from this behavior...

Globalization and the Gospel

We live in a world that is shrinking at an exponential rate. Global communication is becoming easier and easier. Many countries are becoming economically interdependent. Institutions, like the European Union, are making an effort to unite an entire continent, asking states to respond to a higher authority without domination by an authoritarian regime. With all of these things going on, how should Christians respond?

I think that there are two general responses that followers of Christ can choose from.

1. Isolate ourselves
2. Use opportunities for the sake of the Gospel

You can see where this is going. I just had a conversation with my mother about the state that the world is in. She asked if I was seeing things that would make me think that Christ's return was imminent. She was obviously referring to things that she had been hearing about globalization.

Here is the response to the question that I think is wrong: Yes. Christ's return is imminent. Globalization is a sign of it. I will not engage the world in any capacity and essentially isolate myself from the world.

Here is the proper response: Yes. Christ's return is imminent. Globalization may be a sign of it. Now is the time to act. Use the tools that are in place through the global communication process to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Send God-glorifying emails. Make God-glorifying websites. Write God-glorifying blogs. Do God-glorifying business in the global marketplace. Learn about other nations that you have the ability to communicate with like never before and communicate with them in a God-glorifying way.

Now, there will be objections to these things I am sure. For example: As Christians it is wrong to engage the world by the means of global communication, primarily the internet. This is because the internet makes pornography available and is a tool used by terrorists. I disagree heartily with this logic. If this is the argument then we must do away with all forms of communication all the way down to the post office. Pornography and anthrax both can be sent through the mail, but would we be so quick to do away with this service? The internet, as a communications platform, is no different. Very few people would probably make an argument against the post office, a means by which potentially carried Scripture from Paul's hand to his church-plants in the Roman Empire.

Globalization, or "international integration" in its literal sense, is important and glorifying to God. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19)... The Gospel is meant to be integrated into all nations.

Gospel Fresh

I wake up to NPR, therefore I have no business discussing anything that I think I heard because my brain takes a good while to sharpen up in the morning. Not to mention I never hear an interview all the way through since I am constantly reaching over to smack the snooze button. However, I caught something this morning that I piqued my interest.

The hosts of the particular shows were making a transition, one show to the next. They were briefly discussing the interview that had just concluded; an interview that had lots of religious conversation. The host that had performed the interview said something very interesting to me. She stated that the interviewee had a "fresh perspective" on religious issues.

Now, I don't entirely know what that means in the context of the interview, but I do know that I have been hearing that statement a lot lately concerning religious issues. Churches are claiming to take a "fresh" look at the Bible. My parents church has a service called "fresh blend (as if the service was a cup of coffee. What ever happened to first service and second service anyway?)." Bringing an Eastern influence into your Western religious experience seems to be something "fresh."

I guess that my question is this: what is our motivation behind making something appear fresh? If we, as Christians, attempt to take a "fresh" look at the Bible are we really taking a "fresh" look at the Bible? Is the Gospel not fresh enough? God became man, an yet was still God, came to the Earth that He spoke into existence, lived for the majority of His life as a carpenter, ministered for a few years, all while never committing sin. Then, in the greatest act of love in the history of the World, died so that those who the Father had given Him could live with Him forever sharing in His glory for all of eternity. Not to mention the death that took Him could not hold Him and is now reigning at the right hand of the Father and will be seated there forever upon forever.

If you think that needs to be "fresher," by all means add to it. As for me, I will rest in the freshness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.