A Biblical Response: Social Justice & the Christian

Yesterday afternoon I read a thought-provoking article entitled, “Is the Gospel No Longer Enough for Black Christians?” by Darrell B. Harrison. I then reposted it with this comment…

“Just finished reading this. Good, biblical thoughts about a very sensitive and explosive topic. We must always remember in our efforts as Christians for justice/change to be had/heard in social areas that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation. The aim and means of our efforts must always be guided by this end. On the other hand, when our efforts as Christians are for justice/change in social areas to be had amidst the Church, the end is then that our actions and views are worthy of the gospel that saved us (Eph 4:1-3, Phil 1:27).

“It is that message which, I fear, is being lost as increasing numbers of black Christians become convinced that their primary loyalty is to an ecclesiastical legacy rooted in a socio-ethno missiology that emphasizes societal reformation apart from spiritual transformation.” #greatword”

A fellow brother, whom I once pastored, asked if I could “provide a biblical example(s) where the apostles/disciples stood up and spoke out against social injustices.” Below is my response. I wrote this with, any believer who may also want to know this, in my mind. May we hear God’s heart and all be edified.

A Biblical Response
When we hear/read “social justice” don’t always equate it to politics or social movements. It is always wise to first ask (or investigate) what context is this “social justice” referring to before assuming what you think the person meant. In my post I explained what I meant without ever using the term “social justice”. I said “justice/change to be had/heard in social areas” and “justice/change in social areas to be had amidst the Church”.

Social means “relating to human society, or the interaction of the individual and the group, or the welfare of human beings as members of society” (Merriam-Webster online).

So my use of “social areas” would be “areas relating to the welfare of human beings as members of society”.

Justice means “the maintenance or administration of what is ‘just’ especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments”; “the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action” (Merriam-Webster online).

So my use of “justice” would be “the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action”.

Thus, my use of “justice/change in social areas” would then mean “the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action in areas relating to the welfare of human beings as members of society and/or the Church”. This is what I mean whenever I communicate something regarding “social justice”. (I also believe this is what it should mean for every Christian).

Here are several biblical imperatives that would be in agreement with my use of social justice:

Rom. 12:17 (ESV)—“Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.”

1Thess. 5:15 (NASB)—“See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.”

Heb. 13:16 (NLT)—“And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.”

Tit. 3:14 (NASB)—“Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”

Jam. 1:27 (NIV/NLT)—“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”

In addition, James the elder in 2:1-17 of his epistle checks the Church about favoritism toward those of an upper socio-economic status and the prejudices toward those of a lower socio-economic status. He’s calling for “justice/change in social areas to be had amidst the Church”. It’s in this context that he declares this truth, “Mercy triumphs over judgment”.

Furthermore, we see a call for social justice in Acts 16:16-40. Apostle Paul delivers a girl from an evil spirit. Her owners get mad and go after Paul. Paul and his companions were unjustly beaten and imprisoned by the local authorities. Miraculously set free by God, Paul saves the jailer from suicide and he and his family end up getting saved. The authorities who unjustly imprisoned Paul and his companions decide to let them go. Paul refuses to leave and calls out the injustice and calls for justice.

Acts 16:37-40 (NIV), “But Paul said to the officers: “They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now do they want to get rid of us quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.” When the police reported this, the city officials were alarmed to learn that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. So they came to the jail and apologized to them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave the city.”

How these biblical imperatives are carried out will look different from believer to believer and context to context, yet they are to always be in accordance with Scripture and never distracting from the gospel. This simple handful of verses is a crystal clear example as to “the principle or ideal of just dealing or right action in areas relating to the welfare of human beings as members of society and/or the Church”. Therefore, so long as these biblical imperatives are being obeyed in a manner in accordance with Scripture and not distracting from the gospel, we should not be criticizing or dismissing fellow believers standing up for justice in social areas or speaking out against social injustices. If anything we should be supporting them because it is biblical to do so, even if it may look different than how they may do so.

Too make sure it’s obvious as to what I’m not saying, I’m not arguing for political agendas or social movements. I am exhorting the Church that being gospel-centric is not contrary to standing/speaking for or reasonably pursuing justice/change to be had/heard in social areas, and even more so to be had within the Church. True biblical social justice is nothing more than the demonstration of the gospel in social areas.

Apostle Peter sums it up well, “Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king” (1Pet. 2:17, NKJV). Peter hits social justice in every area: in general relations, in Christian relations, and in civil relations. Christ exemplified all of these. As did the first century Church. And so we are too.

9/14/17

The Supreme Court's Ruling & Our Ambassadorship

As I was leaving work this morning, a friend of mine told me about the Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage. I was then reminded of the poetic truth rhythmically expressed by Eshon Burgundy,

“they tryna take the title from the Bible/tryna redefine the truth and make us feel like we are psychos/they bullets got our names and aint no typos on their rifles but that’s why we unashamed and make no idol of survival”    (“The Fear of God”, from “The Fear of God” album)

Captures it well doesn’t it?

I have to say, I’m not surprised by the Supreme Court's ruling and neither should you if you are a born-again believer. We are living in a modern time that mirrors the biblical time of Judges. This world in its secularist and postmodernist generations have been doing what's right in their own eyes, which is evil in the sight of God, for several decades now. Even former President Ronald Reagan in his 1983 speech before the Annual Convention of the National Associations of Evangelicals addressed the escalation of modern day secularism in a number of areas from morality, to family, to government interference on religious freedom. But the day will come when the Supreme Judge will address all of Creation from His Supreme Court.

“We will all stand before God to be judged by Him. The Holy Writings say, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me. And every tongue will say that I am God.” Everyone of us will give an answer to God about himself.” (Rom. 14:10b-12, NLV)
“Then I saw a great white throne. I saw the One who sat on it. The earth and the heaven left Him in a hurry and they could be found no more. I saw all the dead people, [great and small], standing before God. The books were opened. Then another book was opened. It was the book of life. The dead people were judged by what they had done as it was written in the books.” (Rev. 20:11-12, NLV)

Believers must remember, this world is not our home (Phil. 3:20). We are aliens here and ambassadors of a great and true King and Kingdom. We cannot expect "this world" to reflect or adopt the principles, conduct, and customs of the Kingdom we belong to. We are ambassadors here with an assignment from our King to be ministers of reconciliation.

“As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.” (Jn. 17:18-19, NKJV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to Himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, [as though God were] making his appeal through us.” (2Cor. 5:17-20a, ESV)

We are to implore the people of this world on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God (2Cor. 5:20b). That is our assignment as ambassadors of the King. And with every sinful and rebellious turn we see the world take, we should be more and more motivated to implore them to be reconciled to God because we know of the great judgment that is to come.

Yet, I would be remiss to mention that it will get worse here in this world for us. Jesus makes it clear, we are not from this world like He our King was not from here and if they hated and rejected Him they will hate and reject us too because we are His. Let us not respond to them as they do to us.

“If the world hates you, know that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. However, I have chosen you out of the world, and you don’t belong to the world. This is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you, ‘Servants aren’t greater than their master.’ If the world [persecuted/harassed] Me, it will [persecute/harass] you too. If it kept My word, it will also keep yours. The world will do all these things to you on account of My name, because it doesn’t know the One who sent Me.” (Jn. 15:18-21, CEB)
“I have given Your Word to My followers. The world hated them because they do not belong to the world, even as I do not belong to the world. I do not ask You to take them out of the world. I ask You to keep them from the devil. My followers do not belong to the world just as I do not belong to the world.” (Jn. 17:14-16, NLV)

Until our King's Kingdom is the only kingdom left, we are to joyfully and obediently serve our King in this foreign world in the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors of His Kingdom and look forward to that great day of His return. Be bold. Stand for God's truth. Represent His Kingdom. But do so seasoned with grace not hate.

June 26, 2015

The "Idea of Love"

In the wake of the Bruce Jenner controversy, I saw many professing "Christians" comment to other "Christians" who disagree––with Bruce Jenner, how the media and society has portrayed it, and what the Bible has to say about it––with the (now) old catchphrases, "God loves and accepts everyone", and, "This is why Christians are considered intolerant now, because they hold to narrow-minded principles in an out-dated book", and, "Jesus taught love not division". When these things are written by unbelievers, that's to be expected. Apostle John writes, "the world does not know us, because it did not know Him" (1Jn. 3:1b, NKJV). But to see comments like these from professing "Christians" always lead me to question, at worst, are they truly born-again, or at best, are they that benighted. There is simply no way a biblically-grounded born-again disciple of Jesus can utter statements like these from their heart. But the problem goes much deeper.

Far too many people (professing "Christians" and non-Christians alike) are reinterpreting God's "love" to include tolerance and acceptance for everyone and everything. Thus they strip "love" from the biblical God and plain reality, and make "love" an illogical, subjective, humanistic, fanciful "idea" which imposes unrealistic expectations that benefits whomever determines the definition and context of the "idea of love" at that time. It is commonplace now to hold this "idea of love" worldview and interpretation. And by commonplace I mean there has been a normalizing of desensitization toward this hazardous view and interpretation. This commonplace has also crept into the church pews and pulpits, small groups, bible studies, and Christian colleges, bookstores, and blogosphere. In North America and Europe this commonplace now sits proudly in the front row and publicly speaks as if it's a member of the Church. It is a ravenous wolf dressed in sheepskin.

The "idea of love" has no fundamental point. It's a formless "idea" able to be configured to the liken of whomever. In contrast, the fundamental point of knowing and understanding God's love is His unchanging Scripture properly interpreted (because we all know Scripture can be interpreted to say and affirm anything). In Scripture we see God's love is unconditional and has been demonstrated on all mankind in the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus. But we also see in Scripture God's love is holy and not tolerant and accepting of everyone or everything. Here are 3 examples:
1. God hates sin.

"There are six things the Lord hates—–no, seven things He detests: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord [among brethren]." (Prov. 6:16-19, NLT)
"You must not worship the Lord your God the way the other nations worship their gods, for they perform for their gods every detestable act that the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters as sacrifices to their gods." (Deut. 12:31, NLT)

2. God hates the wicked.

"God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day." (Ps. 7:11, NKJV)
"The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence." (Ps. 11:5, ESV)

3. God's special love is only bestowed on His children––which means there is partiality with God's love.

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" (1Jn. 3:1a, NIV)

Also in Scripture, we, the people of God, are told that if we "love" and revere God we are to "hate" evil. This is clearly not teaching tolerance and acceptance of everyone or everything.

"You who love the Lord, hate evil!" (Ps. 97:10, NKJV).
"The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil." (Prov. 8:13, ESV).

We see God's love (and teaching) in Scripture stands in direct opposition to this reinterpretation of His "love". It's one or the other, God's love as revealed in Scripture or God's "love" as reinterpreted in the "idea of love".

In addition, the reality of "authentic love" between humans must too display partiality at times; it cannot logically and realistically be tolerant and accepting of everyone and everything. An example of this is a man whom genuinely loves his wife and children will not choose the life of another over his wife and children. Even more, a man whom genuinely loves his wife and children will defend their life, if need be, to the point of death of himself or another. Or, a parent whom genuinely loves their children will not be tolerant and accepting of someone molesting or abusing their children. When people with "authentic love" for another have a choice to make, more times than not, they logically and instinctively will choose the one whom they love more over the one whom they least love. This indicates the reality of "authentic love" as not being absolutely tolerant and accepting of everyone and everything.

Those who hold to the "idea of love" are living an illusion. That "love" that supposedly is tolerant and accepting of everyone and everything is a fantasy. It's not real. It can never be real. Those who demand the biblical God and others to hold to this "idea of love" are delusional and self-refuting, because (i)their belief is "firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument"*, and (ii)they themselves are not being tolerant or accepting of the biblical God or others who disagree with their "idea of love".

In no way am I saying that as Christians we are not to "love" others. Loving others is a direct command from Jesus (Matt. 22:36-40). We obey our Lord, no matter what. However, loving others in a subjective, humanistic fashion is not the "love" Scripture teaches. The "love" Scripture teaches is patient, kind, gentle, humble, unselfish, hopeful, and many other favorable virtues (1Cor. 13:3-8). Yet, the "love" Scripture teaches also does not rejoice in/with sin but rejoices in the truth, does not behave rudely, does not love this world nor the things of this world, hates evil, and much more (1Cor. 13:3-8, 1Jn. 2:15). Scripture teaches believers a balanced, holy love (like that of their Savior & God), not a subjective, humanistic "idea" (like that of the world). So yes, we as believers are to love others, but in accordance with all of Scripture not only the virtues some deem favorable because they're more likable to others, but also the virtues that may/will pit us against the world as well.

When I started writing this it was suppose to be a tweet. After I realized it was more than 140 characters, I said it'll be a Facebook post. But, once I saw I had multiple paragraphs I decided to post it as a blog article. This has nothing to do with Bruce Jenner. It was the comments from professing "Christians" in defense of Mr. Jenner that were the tipping point and ushered me to write. This is about the poisonous and deadly deception of viewing and interpreting God's holy love as revealed in His holy Word through the lenses of this illogical, subjective, humanistic, fanciful "idea of love". This is about how this "idea of love" is not even in touch with reality and an innumerable amount of people across generations and countries are dismally lost in it's illusion. If you are a professing "Christian" and you continue in this deception you may prove yourself not truly one of His regenerate children (e.g. 2Thess. 2:10-12), and if you die in that state of deception you will find out firsthand how God's holy love is not what you thought when you experience the hell for those He hates (Prov. 16:4-5, 1Thess. 1:6-9). Please hear my heart, my previous sentence is not from a harsh place (though I'm sure it may have been received as such). As Apostle Paul writes in 2Thess. 3:15, "do not count [them] as an enemy, but warn [them] as [brethren]" (NKJV). I am simply pointing out another biblical reality that opposes this "idea of love": "Those who refuse to embrace the Word of Truth have not been saved by the truth and are furthering their own deception."**

My hope and prayer is if any of this is true in your life you come to repentance and escape the snare of the enemy. You cannot hold to two opposing beliefs, for in your heart you will uphold one and reject the other (e.g. Matt. 6:24).


____________________
*1. Dictionary. Version 2.2.1. Apple Inc
**2. Quote from sermon, "Trick, Cheat, Deceit, or the Word pt. 6"

June 5, 2015

Did Jesus speak out about homosexuality?

I read an article today, "Hillsong Church Pastors Won't Speak Out On Gays Because Jesus Didn't Either". I'm sure we're all tired of hearing about Christians and Homosexuality, the Church and Homosexuality, the Bible and Homosexuality, God and Homosexuality, etc. And no, I'm not one of those that always has something to say about gays. This is my second time ever writing about it, and I'm only writing this because Pastor Carl Lentz of Hillsong Church NYC stated, "I'm still waiting for someone to show me the quote where Jesus addressed it on the record in front of people. You won't find it because he never did." It is sad but not surprising that many pastors and churches will ignore what Scripture says about this issue (and since Scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit, it's really what the Holy Spirit says about this issue).

So to Pastor Carl Lentz and any other pastor or church or believer who wants to see and know if Jesus addresses this issue on the record, I declare affirmatively that Jesus most definitely addresses this topic. He just directed it toward the heart of the matter. Jesus says in Matthew 15:10-19 that what comes out of the heart is what defiles a person, and fornication and lust (Gr. porneiai, sexual immorality) made His list.

“For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.” (Matt. 15:19, NLT)

So a man/woman fornicating with another man/woman (whether hetero- or homo-) or lusting over another man/woman (whether hetero- or homo-) is sin and defiles a person. Jesus said in Matthew 19:3-6 that marriage is between a man and woman as God established in the beginning.

Some Pharisees came and tried to trap Him with this question: “Should a man be allowed to divorce his wife for just any reason?” “Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’” And He said, “‘This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.’ Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.” (NLT)

Thus, same-sex marriage is not God designed or approved. So if Jesus declared that fornication and lusting over another is sin and defiles that person and same-sex marriage is contrary to the command and design of God in marriage, what is left for homosexuality ("involving or characterized by sexual attraction between people of the same sex")? What part of homosexuality is not sinful? The answer is there is nothing left for homosexuality, and homosexuality is in fact sinful. Jesus died for that sin like He did all the others, and He transforms the heart and life of a homosexual sinner the same as He does a heterosexual sinner. Either you trust in Christ and become born-again or you die in your sin like every other (hetero- or homo-) sinner without Christ will. So to Pastor Carl Lentz or any other person who was wondering, that's how you can biblically answer the question of what Jesus has to say on this topic.

Grace is needed, but so is truth. Grace and truth cannot be divided otherwise we water down grace and reduce truth to subjectivity, and they are no longer biblical grace and truth.

This was simply a brief response to the question of did Jesus speak out on gays/homosexuality. I have another article that addresses "Can there be a gay Christian?". That's a more in-depth article on this topic.

As a side note, notice in the Matthew 15 passage I mention how it's the Pharisees that are “offended” by Jesus calling out defilement. In our day in age, many of us biblically-orthodox Christians are considered “Pharisees” because of our supposed “lack of tolerance” and “narrow-minded stance” concerning this topic of homosexuality. However, in this passage we can see the parallel with the Pharisees who were offended by what Jesus said about their sin and how today the biblically-liberal believers and leaders (and anyone else) are offended by those who call homosexuality a sin or say that same-sex marriage is not approved by God. That's one to ponder, are the biblically-liberal believers and leaders guilty of being like the Pharisees in their offense to what God clearly calls out in His word?

3/9/15

Ferguson: A Reflection, A Response, & A Charge to the Church

When the Newtown, CT tragedy took place I shared my reflections and response. I too felt the need to do the same on the Ferguson, MO situation that’s been swarming the news and web for several weeks now. I have sat, observed, and been thinking deeply about this situation. At times during the past few weeks, I’ve experienced a myriad of emotions. I’ve taken them to the Lord. My wife and I have spent hours discussing this. We’ve spoken to our oldest son about it. Quite frankly, that’s what has taken me so long to write something on this incident, the processing of it. There are a number of reoccurring concerning problems I’ve observed throughout this ordeal. I wanted to gather my thoughts appropriately and specifically. I will not touch on every problem I’ve observed, just a few. Here is my reflection, response, and charge to the Church. This is rather long (just a little) and may be tough to hear, but I encourage you to read it all.

What’s the Media feeding ya?
I must address the media first. Why? Because media can be both a help and a hindrance. And in this case, it has been both. If you did not know, all media is selective. Yes, even your favorite media outlet is selective. Each media outlet has their own business mentality (they have to stay on the air), political views, personal worldviews, and differing opinions on news and what they consider news related or coverage worthy issues. Therefore, the news we receive will always be prejudiced because of these factors. For example, it appears as if the news (both national and local) overwhelming reports just the negative (murders, robberies, violence, political clashes, racial injustices, mistakes in the name of religion/faith, terrorism, etc), and sometimes only particular negative stories are worded and reported in a way to fuel and propagate a specific ulterior view/agenda. Rarely do we see the majority reports of good or inspiring things. There are many more positive and inspirational things happening in our nation (and in this Ferguson situation) than what is being portrayed in the news. But because all media is selective, this is what they choose to give us. The same is true in this Ferguson situation. Each media outlet is choosing to give us what they want us to see and hear and know from their perspective.

With that being said, what should we do? First, we have to be careful to not adopt the slant of our favorite media outlets. I’ve seen many people (especially with this Ferguson incident) get sucked up into their favorite news media’s slant to the point that they will proclaim and defend it like the news came from God Himself. Remember, it’s selective and from their perspective. It’s not absolute objective truth. Secondly, we have to remain objective and not base our judgment/conclusion of matters solely on our favorite media outlets (or the media in general). We have to use wisdom and extend grace in situations like these.

Best to Worst
Ferguson has shown the best of us (people of all walks of life peacefully rallying together for support and justice) and the worst of us (people being insensitive to a life lost, a family’s pain, a family’s fear, a city in turmoil, real racial struggles and injustices in our nation, etc). I have seen empathy and compassion. I have seen a stand of solidarity in support of both sides (Mike Brown and Darren Wilson, the people and the police). I have seen and heard how community leaders and churches have stepped in to be voices of reason and peace. Unfortunately, I have also seen stupidity, selfishness, and hatred from people (blacks and other non-black people). Sadly, for the blacks that thought looting and rioting was acceptable, they’ve fed the stereotype of black people in America, and they exhibited why (what some would call) unnecessary reactions from the police may be to some degree understandable, because black people are unreasonable, violent, ghetto, and do stupid things like this. This is definitely not true of all black people, but it’s easier to group all in this category from the idiocy of some. I have also seen avoidance, indifference, coldness, and ignorance of racial injustice towards black people, primarily from other non-black races (and even from my non-black Christian friends), and from within the black race as well.

But then that raises other questions. What about the non-black racial injustices? Do people of all walks of life peacefully rally together for support and justice in those situations? Do black people display the same empathy and compassion they want when it’s not their race being killed (or being killed by other blacks)? What about within the church? Will non-black pastors speak up for black injustices? Will black pastors speak up for non-black injustices? Will we as the Church stand together and support one another through these racial injustices when it’s not our race? You know what I’ve figured out. It’s easy and clean to not put forth effort in this way. It’s easy and clean to remain prejudiced and willfully ignorant. It’s easy and clean to condemn a whole race or the majority based on a few bad seeds. It requires hard work and getting your hands dirty to die to oneself, reach across the racial isle, and love another whom you’ve never taken time to understand but simply label according to your view and the media’s selective perspective.

Ferguson is no longer about Darren Wilson versus Mike Brown, or the police versus the people, or black versus white. It’s not about one race’s injustice. It goes deeper than that. Ferguson has brought to the surface racial injustice across all races and within the heart of the Church. That’s why there’s such a divide over this. And rather than us humbling ourselves to be empathic towards anyone who suffers racial injustices, we’re selective (like our media) and we choose avoidance, indifference, coldness, and ignorance to those we deem unworthy of our empathy and compassion.

A young teen is dead (that could be your son or brother). A police officer may be going to jail for the rest of his life (that could be your son or brother or husband). Both families are suffering. We should be empathic and show compassion for the grieving whether we agree with them or not. We should be empathic and show compassion period, but even more where losses are prevalent and especially as Christians. As I wrote about loss in my article for the Newtown tragedy,

“Loss is the greatest knock-the-wind-out-of-your-chest blow. Loss has a way of K-O’ing us. Why? Because when God created us, He hardwired us for relationships and purpose (Gen. 1:26-27; 2:15, 18). Therefore, losing something we dearly love and dearly value never to have it again is the hardest thing for human beings to cope with. It’s the reason why depression and anxiety are so common and deadly. We have a hard time dealing with loss or the thought of loss.”

Ferguson just helped put our selfish and compassionless hearts on an international stage. And some of you are proudly declaring your selfish and compassionless hearts online with no consideration, just cold and indifferent. Some of you are smart enough to not declare your selfish and compassionless hearts online, you keep it offline so no one can see how you truly feel and think. Either way, God sees it and your actions speak louder than your words and feelings, so eventually others will see it too.

Reality for a Black Person
To any non-black person who is reading this, please allow me a moment to explain a reality for black folk in America since I am a black man. There are some police that racially profile and unjustly arrest and/or kill some black people, just because we fit a general description: we’re black. I’ve experienced this after being saved and a law-abiding citizen. I’ve been handcuffed, frisked, and told to kneel because I met the description of a suspect in the neighborhood. I should note, I’m a light-skinned black (multi-racial) person and I wasn’t in an “urban neighborhood”, I was in a multi-racial suburb. So when I asked the police what was the description, I was told “a young black male in a coat”. That could be anyone! This is what black people have to deal with in America at the hands of some police regardless to geographical location.

Most may not be aware, but there is agitation between some cops/police stations and some black neighborhoods/blacks in the neighborhood. We shouldn’t ignore this, but nor should we as black people filter every police injustice where blacks are concerned through this agitation grid. It’s hard though for those who don’t trust police or the system because they’ve been burned by it to wait to come to a conclusion after an investigation they believe may be slanted against them from the beginning. It doesn’t make it right, but it should be mentioned and at least understood and taken into consideration. Thus, when this reality does get national coverage, those who suffer from it or are close to those who suffer from it take that opportunity to express it. Not everyone does it the right way, but that shouldn’t discredit the reality, and yet so many do.

So I ask, how often do you as a non-black person have to experience racial profiling and unjust racial targeting? Have you ever experienced this? How do you think you’d feel if you did? If you’ve never been on this end of this reality, it will be hard for you to imagine it. Just like it’s hard for Americans to imagine having their heads cut off from some terrorists overseas. Do some people warrant this kind of police response? I say yes! You cannot act a certain way and not expect to be responded to in a certain way. However, for all black people in general to be subject to that likelihood simply because we’re black is unjust and unwarranted. Again, Ferguson goes beyond Mike Brown and Darren Wilson. Regardless to the innocence or guilt of black people, this happens and does not always get coverage, or when it does some non-black people play it down and think it’s justifiable. I’ve witnessed this firsthand from some of my non-black Christian friends (especially on social media recently). As friends of mine, their obliviousness to their insensitivity and ignorance saddens me deeply.

The Good Samaritan
So who is your neighbor Christian? Only those from your race or your socio-economic class, only those who you think rate it or those whose injustices you deem worthy? Jesus has an answer for you.

“The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus replied with a story: “A [certain man] was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road. “By chance a priest came along. But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. A [Levite] walked over and looked at him lying there, but he also passed by on the other side. “Then a Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’ “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:29-37, NLT, [emphasis added])

Notice the “priest” (who would be equivalent to a leader/pastor) and the “Levite” (who would be equivalent to Christians—those who’s inheritance is the Lord), those two were God’s people, had His holy law, and lived for His glory, and yet they were the ones who lacked compassion and ignored the injustice of the man attacked and abandoned. But notice the “Samaritan”, the outcasted one, the one not worthy to worship God on His holy mountain, he showed compassion and comfort and support and grace and love! He displayed God’s heart more than the “people of God” who knew the right thing to do. And then Jesus says “go and do the same”. Your neighbor, in this context, are those who suffer these injustices right here in your own country, probably in your own state, possibly in your own city. So which one are you Christian: the priest, the Levite, or the Samaritan?

The Church, the Gospel, & Race
No person should be unjustly judged and/or unfairly treated based on the color of their skin and biological characteristics. Race is not a sin. Race is a distinctive part of God’s way in which He creates us in His image. To be a racist is to hate the image of God in others. To unjustly judge and/or unfairly treat others based on race is to disgrace the image of God in others. To sit idly by compassionless toward racial injustices is to belittle the image of God in others. And to be a Christian and do any of this is utterly disrespectful and defaming to the Creator and Father you call your God.

How can we as Christians (of all races/ethnicities) be silent, indifferent, or cold toward any injustice when we, better than anyone else, should thoroughly understand injustice! Jesus Christ, the Incarnate, suffered the greatest injustice to satisfy His own justice towards our sins. For you and I, whom are born-again, to receive God’s grace is the greatest injustice ever! We don’t deserve it. It’s not fair for us to experience it. Justice for us is eternal separation from God because of our sin. That’s our justice! That’s what we deserve! And in this we celebrate our injustice that led us to salvation. So how dare we who have received and experienced such grace, such loving injustice as this—being declared innocent of all our sin and it’s eternal penalty, were once enemies alienated from God now completely forgiven and reconciled in a loving relationship with God—be silent, indifferent, and cold towards the racial injustices of others (especially other believers)?, and be racially wedged apart from other members of the Body of Christ? Where is the desire to break down walls of racial division and seek for racial reconciliation? Where’s the giving of grace to others that was freely given to us? Do you weep and mourn and seek to comfort our fellow brethren who have or are suffering racial injustices?

It is the gospel that breaks down these racially divisive walls.

“You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus. All of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:26-28, CEB, emphasis added)

It is the gospel that reminds us that every single human is by nature a bastard race of enemies of God, children of wrath, but…

“God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2:4-5, ESV, emphasis added).

This is every Christian’s humble beginnings: bastards of sin, a race of enemies of God, children of wrath. Your spiritual race wasn’t determined by your skin color and biological characteristics; it was determined by sin and poised you against God from birth. But God, in His grace, goes beyond our race and rescues us and brings us into Himself in Christ. We need this reminder daily if we’re ever going to move beyond racial division in the Church and be compassionate towards racial injustices. You don’t have the luxury within the Body of Christ to look down upon, turn your nose up at, or think less of other races or their injustices because we who are born-again are all of the same race: “in Christ”. We’re all one flesh in Christ!

“There is one body and one Spirit. There is one hope in which you were called. There is one Lord and one faith and one baptism. There is one God. He is the Father of us all. He is over us all. He is the One working through us all. He is the One living in us all.” (Eph. 4:4-6, NLT, emphasis added)

We hurt the Body of Christ when we’re silent, indifferent, and cold towards the racial injustices of our brethren. We hurt our witness as God’s Church when we’re silent, indifferent, and cold towards the racial injustices of others in general. Think about it, what witness are we Christians demonstrating to those in the world with how we handle race issues and racial injustices in general, and then racial division between our own churches/denominations? How are we conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel in our poor to inept handling of race issues and racial injustices in general, and then racial division in our own churches? It is the gospel that calls and compels us to forgive others if they’ve hurt us and to not hold it against their whole race. It is the gospel that calls and compels us to show mercy and be compassionate to everyone, regardless of race. It is the gospel that calls and compels us to be the good priest, the good Levite, and the good Samaritan!

Conclusion
I am aware this may not be the case for everyone who will read this. You may be beyond some of the things I’ve mentioned here. You may have already been working on these areas or never really had a problem/issue with race. That is the case for my family. We’ve have many years to work out our issues with racial injustices and prejudices. Our children have been purposely raised from birth in a multi-racial, multi-cultural manner—i.e. see, respect, care for, and befriend people not color.

I am aware there are multi-ethnic and multi-cultural churches teaching and demonstrating racial reconciliation and proudly living out together our new race in Christ. As other Christian writers have mentioned in their articles, we need more churches like these! In the same manner I do my part of racial reconciliation and non-racial division—i.e. see, respect, care for, and befriend people not color—through how I treat others and raise my kids and how they’ll raise their kids and treat others, and so on. The church is a household, fathered by God and led by His undershepherds, longing to be raised up to see, respect, care for, and befriend people not color, to make disciples of all peoples/all colors/all ethnicities so to be one people—God’s people. Jesus was crystal clear about this. The world will know that He is the sent Savior from heaven through our oneness as His Church/Body (Jn. 17:20-23). Racial division and racial isolation completely undermines the heart of God and the witness of Christ. We need more multi-ethnic and multi-cultural churches, especially in America.

I am too aware, that some who read this may be upset. Please know that it was not my intent to upset anyone. I wrote this as an appeal from my heart to yours. I hope you can still take something beneficial from this article with you.

If in anyway you have been convicted by what you’ve read or you know you’re guilty of something you’ve read, there is forgiveness because our God is a gracious God. Ask for forgiveness, repent, and move forward one day at a time, remaining in prayer for a new desire in this area, constantly looking to Jesus and His work and yielding to the Holy Spirit to break through those racially divisive and/or racially insensitive walls in your life and around you.

If you’ve been challenged in anyway by what you’ve read, I implore you not to resist it. Surrender it to God and ask Him to continue to work in your heart to reflect more of His heart through you, and to give you the strength needed to walk out the conduct worthy of the gospel in your life.

It’s always tough speaking out on these tender topics and the wonder of how will it be received always looms in one’s mind. I hope that my two cents may help add to the pot of solutions, encourage reconciliation, challenge poor judgment and ignorant thinking, spur hearts to Christ, and remind believers of the call of the gospel. If you were blessed by this in anyway, then praise God! May He be glorified in any and every way through this Ferguson situation and my simple article.

I’ll end with a question I hope you sincerely and seriously consider: How is your view and attitude toward racial injustice and racial reconciliation going to reflect the gospel and represent Christ going forward?

“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.
And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters...
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
(1Jn. 3:16, 18, NIV, emphasis added)

8/26/14

Can there be a "gay Christian"?

Can there be a "gay Christian" is a question that is now controversial and provoking. Some people answer differently, and others simply want a reasonable answer for it. My answer may shock you. So, I am writing this article for no other reason than to answer this question clearly, concisely, and biblically. Some sincere believers and seekers out there may not know the true biblical answer to this question. And so I'd like to share it, hopefully without inciting a cyber-riot.

For Your Clarification
Before we go on, let's get the obvious question out the way. Does the Bible condemn homosexuality as a sin? Yes, God Himself says do not commit homosexual acts, and that it is an abomination (Heb. toebah)---that is, it is disgusting and immoral in God's eyes (Lev. 18:22; 20:13, cf. Rom. 1:26-32, 1Tim. 1:9-10). But it is a sin no different than any other sin. Does it have different consequences in an individual's life or society? Yes, but all sin still ends in further rebellion, lawlessness, destruction, and eternal separation from God.

Now, allow me to clear up a misunderstanding, one that is typically unaddressed but assumed to be the same, and that is between the concepts of "struggle" and "lifestyle". Some people may ask this question (can there be a "gay Christian"?) no differently than asking can someone be a fornicating Christian, or a Christian liar, or a prideful Christian, or a Christian addict, and so forth. This thought implies a "struggle" rather than a "lifestyle". So, someone asking this question in this context may very well be asking can there be a Christian struggling with homosexuality ("a gay Christian")? And the answer to this is...of course! The same way there can be Christians struggling with sin or carnal desires such as porn, or lying, or false teachings, or drugs and alcohol, or conceitedness, or idolatry, and so on, there can be Christians that struggle with homosexuality.

"Struggling" insinuates resistance, which means in order to call it a "struggle" one has to be desiring and striving against 'said' sin/temptation/carnal desire. On the other hand, "lifestyle" insinuates no resistance, which means one is living in 'said' sin/carnal desire (i.e. practicing it willfully/ presumptuously) with no desire to change or please God and no disgust for the sin/carnal desire. See the difference? So before we're quick to answer anyone who asks this question about being a "gay Christian", let's be sure to get more understanding of what they mean first. They may be speaking about something different than what we assume, and we may very well answer their question wrongly and cause harm in someway.

Fruit From Which Tree?
Christians "struggle" with many things, because we're in this body of sin/sin nature (Jam. 4:1, 1Pet. 2:11), but there will be evidence/fruit in a Christian's life that they have been truly born-again as a new creation in Christ (2Cor. 5:14-17, 1Pet. 4:1-3, Matt. 3:8-10; 7:21-23; 12:33-37, Prov. 12:12b). All true born-again Christians possess the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:16-17, Rom. 8:16, 1Cor. 6:11), and there will be evidence/fruit of the Holy Spirit in that person's life (Rom. 8:13-15, Gal. 5:16-18, 22-25, 2Tim. 1:7). If there is no evidence of the Holy Spirit (i.e. a desire for His desires, a desire to please God, the attitude that Jesus is Lord over your life, bearing His fruit, and a disgust towards sin) in a professing Christian's life, the Bible says that person is not truly saved (Rom. 8:5-9). You can "say" you're saved because you made "a confession of believing in Jesus' death and resurrection", but the Holy Spirit is the confirmation/the assurance of the sincerity of your salvation. So to think, believe, or profess to be born-again/a new creation in Christ, yet living/practicing a "lifestyle" of sin, and exhibiting no evidence of the Holy Spirit is a misnomer (Eph. 4:17-24, 2Tim. 2:19). It is biblically and logically incompatible, and for a person to continue to insist that this contradiction is not a contradiction but a true statement is deceived or *schizophrenic.

"4 Everyone who commits (practices) sin is guilty of lawlessness; for [that is what] sin is, lawlessness (the breaking, violating of God’s law by transgression or neglect—being unrestrained and unregulated by His commands and His will). 5 You know that He appeared in visible form and became Man to take away [upon Himself] sins, and in Him there is no sin [essentially and forever]. 6 No one who abides in Him [who lives and remains in communion with and in obedience to Him—deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] commits (practices) sin. No one who [habitually] sins has either seen or known Him [recognized, perceived, or understood Him, or has had an experiential acquaintance with Him]. 7 Boys (lads), let no one deceive and lead you astray. He who practices righteousness [who is upright, conforming to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action, living a consistently conscientious life] is righteous, even as He is righteous. 8 [But] he who commits sin [who practices evildoing] is of the devil [takes his character from the evil one], for the devil has sinned (violated the divine law) from the beginning. The reason the Son of God was made manifest (visible) was to undo (destroy, loosen, and dissolve) the works the devil [has done]. 9 No one born (begotten) of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually] practices sin, for God’s nature abides in him [His principle of life, the divine sperm, remains permanently within him]; and he cannot practice sinning because he is born (begotten) of God. 10 By this it is made clear who take their nature from God and are His children and who take their nature from the devil and are his children: no one who does not practice righteousness [who does not conform to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action] is of God; neither is anyone who does not love his brother (his fellow believer in Christ)." (1Jn. 3:4-10, AMP)

Some may say, "What does this mean for the Christians that may fall into rebellion, are they really a true born-again believer or a misnomer?" True believers do fall at certain points in their life. This has happened to David, Peter, myself, and many other faithful people of God throughout the centuries. "The marks of a true believer will stand true compared to those of a poser. Though a true believer will fall---i.e. to certain temptations (lust, anger, pride, self-righteousness, etc) or at worse into temporary rebellion---they will get back up again just as the Bible says- Prov. 24:16, Ps. 37:23- 24. Repentance is ever present with a true believer, but not so with a poser."**

Can There Be...

So, can there be a "gay Christian"? Yes, a true born-again believer can "struggle" with homosexuality. Yes, true born-again believers can fall to temporary rebellion in a homosexual relationship the same way one can fall to temporary rebellion in a heterosexual relationship. But repentance (an evidence of the Holy Spirit) will be ever present with a true believer for the Holy Spirit's role is to convict and sanctify believers, and complete His good work (Gal. 5:17, Phil. 1:6, 1Thess. 5:23-24). However, to claim or sincerely believe oneself to be gay (and/or believe you were born that way) and to be living in/presumptuously practicing a homosexual "lifestyle", the answer is no, a true born again believer cannot be a "gay Christian". To claim to be a "gay Christian" (not a Christian struggling with homosexuality) would be equivalent to someone claiming to be a Christian Muslim or a Christian Satanist, it's oxymoronic. Two opposing identities cannot coexist as one agreeable identity, that is schizophrenia. It is God's will that His born-again children be pure from sexual immorality, and anyone who rejects this rejects God (1Thess. 4:1-8). You cannot be a "gay Christian".

I believe we have drifted too far from clearly understanding the biblical gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus, because of His amazing grace and unconditional love for His creation, came (when He didn't have to) into His creation to be crucified for God-hating, God-rejecting, rebellious, self-centered, and sinful humankind---that's all of us, no one is a good person in God's eyes, we're all sinners deserving of His judgment regardless of any "good things" we may do. Jesus received the full weight of God's righteous fury for our sin, that eternal wrath we all deserve. He didn't simply give His life for His enemies as an act of chivalry, He sacrificially stood in the place of His enemies' deserved eternal punishment. Think about that....He jumped in the electric chair for---murderers, rapists, molesters, that is what every sinner is, we're all the vilest things you can think of---us who deserved to be in the electric chair, while we're all spitting at Him and ridiculing Him and screaming at Him telling Him to move out the way and mind His business..."this is my life, I'm the only 'god' around here, I can live and do as I please", He was willingly strapped in and electrocuted (without limitations) for us. He became our sin for us, our scapegoat. Then, after being crucified and receiving the fullness of God's righteous fury for His enemies sin, He conquered death for those same enemies/sinners by rising from the dead. But only those who recognize their sinful and unrighteous standing before God and sincerely believe and trust in what Jesus did for them will be rescued/saved from this righteous fury of God on sin. This gospel is the power of God unto salvation! One cannot say they believe this and not be changed (1Pet. 1:13-25).

Choose Your Destination
So here's where we land...

1. If you are a professing or closet homosexual, this is your destination...a one-way trip to God's righteous wrath for eternity. If you die today you will find yourself in the face of God's judgment, unless you repent and believe (Jn. 3:36, 1Cor. 6:9, Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:8). I hope and pray that you do.
2. If you are a professing or closet homosexual who believes you are a Christian, it is a psychotic*** thing to believe that you truly understand this reality of sin, sin's eternal penalty, Jesus redeeming you from sin's penalty and power, and the Holy Spirit which raised Jesus from death living within you and making you a new creation, and still believe or claim to be gay and live that lifestyle (Rom. 6:1-23, Gal. 5:19-21). You my friend are deceived and are destined for God's righteous wrath for eternity. If you die today you will find yourself in the face of God's judgment, unless you repent and believe (Jn. 3:36, 1Cor. 6:9, Eph. 5:5, Rev. 21:8). I hope and pray that you do too.
3. For my brethren who are struggling with homosexuality, remind yourself daily of the gospel which saved your souls, remind yourself what He did to save you and why He saved you, cry out to the Holy Spirit to give you a desire for His desires and to break you and make you more into His likeness by any means necessary, immerse yourself in His Word and prayer, and also connect with other mature believers who have experienced consistent victory in this struggle. Do not allow this struggle to pimp you out like it did before your were redeemed. You have the power and presence of the Holy Spirit within you, and you have been called to sanctification. You run and fight until exhaustion for the glory of your risen King and what you know is laid up for you (1Cor. 6:18-20; 9:24-27, 2Cor. 5:9-10; 6:14-7:1).

I know some will not like what I have written. I'm sure some may label it hate speech, and say I'm being intolerant, judgmental, and a fundamentalist. But I call this article "love speech", because I love you enough to tell you the truth. And if I am intolerant, my intolerance is toward the deception of the sin not you personally. I want you to be rescued from your sin, and bondage, and deception. I am not passing judgment either, I have no reason to judge nor am I the Judge, I'm simply explaining the truth. If you feel judged, then the truth is that which judges you not me (Jn. 12:48). Also, I know some may say, "God is love and well God loves me and accepts me just the way I am." And to you I say, yes, God is love, but God is holy love not unholy love. And yes He does love you, but He loves you to the point of transforming you into His likeness. God's holy love cannot nor will not allow you or enable you to remain the same sinful, rebellious enemy He was crucified for. God's holy love was the motivation which poured out His righteous wrath on His Son for your sin, not so you can continue to live in that sinful lifestyle and use His love as a justification for it (Jn. 3:16-21). That is a lie and it will cost you your eternity believing it. Repent and believe the truth.


I hope this article has answered this question clearly, concisely (ok, maybe not concisely), and biblically. I hope I have helped believers and seekers out there know the true biblical answer to this question.

__________
*1. Schizophrenic, in general usage, is a mentality or approach characterized by inconsistent or contradictory elements.
**2. Discipleship State of Mind, p. 114
***3. Psychotic: denoting or suffering from psychosis---a severe mental disorder in which thought and emotions are so impaired that contact is lost with external reality.

5/7/13

Controversy: Freedom, Tolerance, & the Church

I'm not a person big on getting involved in political issues or controversial issues. But in light of the recent news with the Supreme Court and gay marriage, I do have a few reflections.

We have the freedom to disagree with another. Yet, my freedom to disagree with another (even when I do it respectfully) is now being labeled as "intolerant" and "bigoted" by those who disagree with me. Isn't that contradictory? Wouldn't that then mean by their own logic that those who then disagree with me for disagreeing with them are also being "intolerant" and "bigoted"? But I'm not sure if the majority of people see this fallacy in their logic. Why can't we simply just disagree with each other, and agree to disagree? Why does there have to be negative and divisive labeling? (That was meant to be rhetorical. I'm fully aware sin is at the root of it all).

You know what makes this worse, we in the Church do this to one another (and have been for centuries). Think about this: WHAT IF those outside the Church are simply following the example we in the Church have set---name calling, mocking, sometimes voilent, selfish agendas, labeling one another when we disagree with each other, etc. (And we do this beyond the essentials, so don't attempt to use that defense). WHAT IF the hatred we receive from those outside the Church is not solely rooted in our stance for God's Truth in His Word, but also in our example of operating in "bigotry" and being "intolerant" to one another in the Church (in the name of defending "truth"). I'm not agreeing with it, I'm simply stating a reality: Our hands are not clean in creating the current negative perception of the Church or about Christians. (Again, I am speaking apart from us being condemned/hated for our stance for the Truth in God's Word like Jesus stated we would).

Yes, we can continue to respectfully disagree with others, present our cases on why, argue for what we think is best, and so on because we have the freedom to do so. But if we aren't going to take that same intense approach we have towards "righting" those things going on outside the Church to work on our own home issues in the Church, then we have to admit and accept responsibility for our own hypocrisy and Phariseeism of focusing only on the outside of the cup while neglecting to clean the inside first (cf. Matt. 23:25-28). Again, I'm not saying we can't or we shouldn't speak up or speak out or stand up, I'm just doing my part of holding us accountable to not forget to practice in the Church what we preach to those outside the Church.

"For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?" -1Pet. 4:17

4/1/13

A Sad Reality in the Body: Subjective -vs- Absolute

I was scrolling through Facebook recently and stumbled across a fellow believer who posted a strong (and some would say biased) statement. Yet, the statement isn't what caught my attention, it was the 20+ comments underneath. I'm one of those people who when I see a lot of comments for a status or a blog or an article, my investigator senses (which my wife calls my "nosy senses") go off. So I'll scroll down, quickly glancing at the comments until I get the gist of what's being commented and then I move on. Well in this particular case, some of the comments from the believers made me cringe. Some of the believers who commented spoke of truth as being "subjective"--that is, "we all can have our own interpretations and still call it truth". I exercised self-control and wisdom and chose not to meddle (thankful for the Holy Spirit, because I sho' did want to meddle). But I could not stay silent, so here I am.

What are we upholding?
We have to uphold the absolute Truth of God, but not simply for those outside, but for those inside all the more. The sad reality is too many members in the Body uphold subjective truth and "my truths" but are devoid belief in absolute Truth. That is a dangerous, destructive, and unbiblical position. It's too much of the "reader's intent" and not the "author's intent" on what Truth is in Scripture. The human authors were the ones sovereignly selected and inspired to write God's truth, not us. Our aim should always be to find out their intent not ours or anyone else's.
         Most believers are devoid of proper biblical interpretative methods. That's part of why truth is subjective to many believers. It's hard to believe in absolute Truth when you're never taught there is absolute Truth nor shown how to understand it in Scripture. Of course then Scripture becomes "what you make of it" (i.e. "reader intent") rather than "what the Divine Author intended and used His human instruments to convey" (i.e. "authorial intent").

What are we striving towards?
Yes, we should strive to agree on every absolute Truth in Scripture. But we won't agree on everything because our sinful nature presents that incessant hurdle of pride.
         So what do we do?

• We seek to find agreement in the essential truths.
• We seek to be objective (i.e. open and unprejudiced) where Scripture is open-ended.
• We seek to become like Jesus in our upholding His truth, in our exercising grace toward ours and others imperfections, and in our love for one another.
• And we seek to discuss, seasoned with grace and love, those hard things like understanding Scripture properly where we disagree---even if we still end disagreeing.

Conclusion
We are to graciously fight for God's absolute truth because we were saved by His absolute truth (Jam. 1:16-18). But let's do so not with a spirit of dissension, but a spirit of grace.

_____
Below are 3 other blogs I wrote and a sermon. The first one discusses truth and what it is. The second one discusses the need for proper biblical methods of interpretation. The last one is a debate I had with someone who held to "subjective truth", and a glimpse of how dangerous, destructive, and unbiblical it is. And the sermon is on upholding God's truth in our thinking.
1. Let's Talk About Truth
2. The Need for Hermeneutics (Part 1 of 2)
3. Blog Debate
4. Uphold The Truth pt. 1

10/16/12

1Tim. 2:11-12: Women Teaching & Leading in the Church

Lately, I have been in several conversations regarding women not being able to teach or lead men/mixed groups within the church. This is controversial, so I've responded as balanced and objective as I could. Yet, these conversations have made me want to revisit this topic scripturally again. I know my position, but then it's always good to know why you hold to that particular position. I remember me writing about this topic before in my systematic theology class. However, when I went and read over that paper I realized I only skimmed this passage, and not from this angle. This blog is me exploring this topic and passage concisely and objectively to see what Paul's intent was and was not.

Please allow me to share this disclaimer, THIS IS NOT AN EXHAUSTIVE writing. I will not answer every question regarding this topic. I will not answer every objection regarding this topic. I will not be attacking any one side or the other. I am simply exploring this passage in a concise, objective approach; following the evidence like the First 48 TV show. (I would have said forensic investigators, but that would equal me going exhaustive).

Let's begin shall we.

Context, Context, Context
A key rule in hermeneutics (biblical interpretation) is "context determines meaning". It goes from immediate context, to surrounding context, to context of the whole scope of Scripture. While the passage of focus is 1Timothy 2:11-12, for context we'll start at verse 9 and go to verse 15, and then broaden out to the whole letter itself, and then to the New Testament.

In short, this passage (vv. 9-15) is mainly addressing women's internal and external godliness expressed in the local church. For it starts with outward modesty (v. 9) from inward godliness (10), to godly submission unto God's headship structure (vv. 11-15). The questions that follow are: What made Paul write this? Were there any issues in the church Timothy was pastoring? Is Paul addressing women teaching and leading in all areas in the church? Does that mean a woman can't teach any man in anything in regards to the local church, or be in any authority over any man in regards to the local church? Is this "teach" speaking of teaching in general or teaching doctrine or a different specificity of teaching? Was this meant to be a timeless theological principle or an instruction for the church culture of that time? And trust me more questions could be presented.

Some Historical Context
Some of the things the church in Ephesus were battling, in regards to women, was fertility cults, idol worship of the goddess Diana (Artemis) (Acts 19:24-41), promiscuity, attention-seeking, women possibly exploiting their new liberties in Christ, among other things. This helps bring into light the reason for the call to outward modesty from inward godliness (vv. 9-10). Paul is challenging the women not to dress nor act like the unsaved women of Ephesus. It further helps by providing some backdrop for why Paul is telling them to learn in a non-disruptive manner and why they are not to teach or have authority (vv. 11-12). In other words, don't take your freedom to learn and speak too far. Scholars say this instruction to learn was a big deal then, because women up until that time were not allowed to even learn from a man (rabbi/teacher) except for their husband. Jesus broke that mold, and Paul is following suit. But some of the women were probably taking it too far.

Exploring the Text...Contextually
In verse 11, "learn in silence" does not mean in context "learn but never speak", but rather it means "learn in a quiet, non-disruptive manner" (cf. same Greek word for "silence" with 2Thess. 3:11-12, but different from the "silent" in 1Cor. 14:34). Here Paul is saying a woman learning is okay to do, just learn in a non-disruptive manner under the leadership of the church (i.e. "with all submission"). Verse 12 is saying, in context with the surrounding texts in this letter (vv. 8, 13-14; 1:3-7, 18-20; 3:1-7; 5:17), that a woman is not to teach from the place of elder/pastor nor to try to usurp the eldership/overseer/pastorate authority given to the man (or usurp even the headship authority given to the husband, vv. 13-15 cf. 1Cor. 11:3, Eph. 5:23), but rather be non-disruptive (i.e. "but be in silence").

Exploring the N.T...Contextually
So how do we know Paul (or shall we say the Holy Spirit inspiring Paul) is not saying or implying that women cannot teach "a man" or be in leadership over "a man"? Here's how:

• We see in Acts 18:24-26 that Priscilla and Aquila both taught (Gr., expositorally) Apollos "the way of God more accurately". Priscilla was a leader alongside her husband in their house church (Rom. 16:3). Thus, there was teaching and leading by a woman, and not only over other women or simply kids, and under the headship authority of her husband and leadership authority of Apostle Paul.
• Phoebe was a deaconess ("servant of the church" implies a position compared to a servant in the church which implies just someone helping out) (Rom. 16:1). What's more, Paul even instructed others believers (with no distinction between men or women) to receive her and to "help her in whatever manner she may have need of you" (Rom. 16:2). This implies some authority (probably temporarily and only on occasions, but nonetheless it's still authority) over those who are to assist her as "she may have need".
• Who knows if some of the other sisters Paul mentions in Romans 16 were leaders as well. Paul speaks of these women using the same terms as his male leader counterparts. "The verb "worked very hard" (16:6, 12) is used of ministerial service" (*3, p. 1283).
• Timothy's mother and grandmother taught him the Scriptures (2Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15).
• Apostle John writes a letter to a fellow sister who is leading and teaching both male and female believers in her home (2John). In the Greek the term children used in 2John is gender neutral and the Greek term is unclear if it means her literal children (whether grown or young is unconfirmed too) or children in the faith. John goes as far as instructing this sister to watch themselves from falsehood (2Jn. 8-9), and what to do when traveling false teachers come to her house (2Jn. 10-11). That would be her exercising leadership in discerning falsehood, and exercising authority over a man by restricting him entrance to teach if she discerned he was a false teacher. All the while she's under the authority of the Apostle and Elder John.
• We know women are disciples and called to make more disciples, with no distinction between discipling men or women nor any distinction with it being during a worship service or not (Matt. 28:18-20).
• Every believer is a priest (1Pet. 2:4-10).
• Scripture does not indicate that the Holy Spirit is limited to only giving men the spiritual gift of teaching or leadership, nor does Scripture indicate that these gifts are gender specific while they're being administered (1Cor. 12:4-7, 11, 27-28).

Thus, Paul would not be saying or implying something contrary to women teaching and leading in these modes. Paul is instructing Timothy that women are not to teach or have authority from the office of elder/pastor, not restricting them from teaching or leading mixed groups of men and women in the church in general or even during worship services (for there are no Scriptures that definitively state elders/pastors are the only ones who must teach during worship services).

But what about Paul's admonishment in 1Cor. 14:34-35? How does that fit into the not teaching or no authority over a man? In context, Paul was addressing disruptive and unruly married women who were using their gifts in a disorderly manner (1Cor. 14:26-33, 40). Therefore, Paul's admonishment was for order among some disorderly married women (v. 35), not a mandate for all women to not speak. Disorderly women are to stay silent (Gr., hold their peace/tongue). Disorderly women are not permitted to speak (Gr., be talkative, babbling) in the assembly but to submit to leadership, and if they want to speak they are to ask their own husbands at home. Why? Because it is a disgrace to them to be disruptively talkative in the church (i.e. during the service); it's shameful for them to be seen as disruptive and disorderly. Paul's admonishment here comes with concern for them as well as the church. This passage, in context, can fit into the overall point in 1Timothy 2:9-15, that is, the internal and external godliness expressed in the local church; however, it does not fit into the underlying point of teaching and leading in 1Tim. 2:11-12.

Conclusion
To quote The Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood,

“Many complementarians continue to disagree concerning the extent of the prohibition in 1 Tim 2:12. While there is agreement that pastors/elders should be qualified males, there is disagreement concerning what the Bible says about women teaching mixed adult audiences. Some complementarian churches do not allow women to teach mixed adult audiences, while other complementari­an churches do allow it. On this particu­lar point, there is agreement in principle (observing headship), but disagreement in practice (teaching mixed audiences).” (http://bit.ly/HZBt9b) (emphasis added)

I believe that's where this concern and difference boils down to, we agree in principle (observing headship) but disagree on what it looks like in practice (teaching mixed audiences), and this is not worth the time spent arguing or dividing over. No one's salvation or discipleship is at stake over this.

What about churches/denominations who use these verses to not allow women to teach from the pulpit or to not teach mixed groups of men and women in the church or to not be in leadership over mixed groups of men and women? That is that church's preference. There are no scriptures that clearly state or instruct women to teach men/mixed groups or lead over men/mixed groups. Thus, it's not a matter of Scripture, but a matter of preference. Those who use these passages for this reason don't need to. Each church has its own right to implement their own governing principles and rules. And as a member of that church you should be sure to know what your church's governing principles, rules, and beliefs are, and if you agree then uphold them, so long as they aren't contrary to Scripture or treating them as a component of your salvation. If you do not agree, but you have no desire to depart for that reason, then respectfully uphold the governing principles, rules, and beliefs---so long as they aren't contrary to Scripture or treating them as a component of your salvation. If you have questions, pray and ask, and then research their answers. If you have concerns, pray and ask, and then research their answers. Repeat this process as much as needed. But this issue is not worth being divided over or causing an uproar in the Church. Again, it's not a matter of Scripture, but a matter of preference.

What about the churches/denominations who have women as pastors/elders? This is different than the above question. This is not a matter of preference, but a matter of interpretation. Some argue that the passages in 1Timothy 3 & 5 and Titus 1 are overruled by Galatians 3:28 and similar verses. Others may use different verses to minimize or eradicate the male headship authority in the church (and maybe even in the home). While others say Paul's use of masculine nouns when describing elders/pastors/overseers was more cultural than theological. Personally, for me, this is a harder thing to overlook than those who prefer to not allow women to teach or lead as stated in the first question. Those who hold to the view of women as pastors/elders open up the whole counsel of God to be interpreted and modified to fit one's personal view and not the author's original intent. However, like I said above, each church has its own right to implement their own governing principles, rules, and beliefs. As a member of that church you should be sure to know what your church's governing principles, rules, and beliefs are, and if you agree then uphold them, so long as they aren't contrary to Scripture or treating them as a component of your salvation. If you do not agree, but you have no desire to depart for that reason, then respectfully uphold the governing principles, rules, and beliefs---so long as they aren't contrary to Scripture or treating them as a component of your salvation. If you have questions, pray and ask, and then research their answers. If you have concerns, pray and ask, and then research their answers. Repeat this process as much as needed. This issue is not an essential of salvation. Yet for some it is a non-negotiable. Thus, you have to decide what this issue is worth to you and means for you. Personally, I choose to uphold the Scripture as it states in it's original intent and context in this area.

Last Words

I hope this blog has helped you the reader in someway. If not, then forgive me for wasting your time. It started out as a simple refresher and turned into this. I told my wife I wasn't writing a blog, and here I am, blogging away. We as believers should be able to discuss and explore controversial topics and passages without devouring each other. And we can graciously challenge one another to hold tight to what Scripture says and not what we prefer or what we think it means. But let our resolve be to continue to fellowship in what we do agree on (the essentials), and not spend so much time focused on what we disagree on (the non-essentials and non-negotiables). A lost and dying world is watching us, and especially how we handle controversial issues.

Jesus said, "I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me." (John 17:20-21, NLT)

"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1Tim. 1:17, NASB)

______
References:
1. BibleLexicon.org
2. Discovery Series: "What does the Bible say about Women in Ministry" (RBC Ministries)
*3. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker Book House)
4. Find It Quick: Handy Bible Encyclopedia (Ron Rhodes)
5. InterlinearBible.org
6. MacArthur's Whole Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson)
7. NASB Life Application Study Bible (Zondervan)
8. The New Testament and Wycliffe Bible Commentary (Moody)
9. The Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible (Moody Press)

Originally posted 5/8/12
Updated 11/20/13

See No Need To Become A Member? Pt. 2

"Chris, don't you think your last blog on this topic was pretty harsh?" 
To some it may have been. But that was not my intent. My intent was to show that those Christians I described who see no need or are not seeking to become a member of a local church and think they’re walking in obedience doing it are deceiving themselves and are in defiance of authority (rebellion). Allow me to also clear up my use of the term rebellion. I did not mean in using “rebellion” (in my previous blog or in this one) as in “full-fledge rebellion back into the old sinful life”, but simply “rebellion” as in “defiance of authority”. Also, it was not a directive towards all, just those who are guilty of it. (See Pt. 1 for context).

So what then is this “authority” I am speaking of, and why are we to be submitted to it, and is it really necessary to become a member of a local church?

1. The authority I'm speaking of is the authority of the local church and its leaders to hold its members (leaders included) accountable and when necessary administer correction (i.e. rebuking, admonishments, and consequences), according to the Scriptures (Tit. chs. 1-2, 1Pet. 5:1-3, Matt. 18:15-20, 1Cor. ch. 5, 2Tim. 4:1-2).

2. Why are we to be submitted to it? Because God said so or displayed so (Acts 16:4-5, Heb. 13:7, 17, 1Thess. 5:12-13, 1Tim. 5:17, 1Pet. 5:5; also every N.T. Letter is to a "local church(es)"). It's for our benefit that we obey how God has set-up the local church to lead His sheep. Why? Because God knows us infinitely better than we could ever know ourselves. He knows exactly what we need and how we need to be led. We just have to trust and follow His leading, His guidance, and His sovereign plan.

3. Is becoming a member of a local church necessary? Absolutely! Becoming a member of a local church is nothing more than being submitted to a local church's authority and leadership. Membership is saying I am making a commitment to regularly and consistently fellowship and grow with this specific group of born-again believers (Gr. ekklesia), and submit myself to this group's (i.e. local church) authority (accountability) and leadership (Acts 1:12-14; 2:42-47; 4:32-5:11; 6:1-7; 11:19-30). (And if there is a question of who are the leaders, the leadership of the local church are simply those who have been appointed to lead—e.g. pastor/elders, deacons/ deaconesses, and leaders of or in ministries). The answer above (#2) expresses to us the necessity of membership, and also why not becoming a member of a local church is disobedience to God and detrimental to us.

Allow me to paint a picture highlighting one factor of why local church membership is important. Christian X starts a war of words with Christian Y. Other believers and unbelievers see and hear this war of words. A mature believer comes and admonishes both Christian X and Y to handle this matter more Christlike. Neither of them receives the admonishment. Another believer attempts to do the same. They ignore that one as well. All the while this war of words has turned into slander, gossip, defamation of one another's character, and flat out unChristlike. Finally, a fellow believer from Christian Y's church finds out what's going on by someone who tried to admonish Christian Y. This believer sees Matthew 18 has been done and realizes that they must alert the leadership of the church. Christian Y is counseled by their pastor, and receives the correction and repents. Christian X however is not a member of a church. Therefore Christian X is not submitted to any authority. They can continuing to spew out their war of words, blatantly disregarding their witness for Christ, show hate for their brethren, and defiance of authority to be held accountable for their error and sin. How can this believer be held accountable according to Scripture if they are not under authority as Scripture states? There is no way for the accountability of Matthew 18:15-17 or 1Corinthians 5 to be fully carried out if there is no commitment and submission to a local church.

To say you're under God's authority or the Bible's authority but are not under a local church's authority is a misnomer. God says and displays in His Word that being submitted to the local church's authority and leadership is being submitted to His authority and leadership.

Maybe some of you are thinking, "Chris, what about those who have been abused by church authority or church leaders who abuse their authority?" Well, what constitutes abuse of authority? Anyone can say they have been abused by authority when it could be they just don't like to be held accountable for their actions. So how can one determine true abuse? 
Abuse is a corrupt use of authority, or excessive, or flagrant, or unwarranted, or deceitful, or manipulative, or reviling, or improper use for improper gain, and so on. Hopefully you get the picture. If the authority in question falls in one of these categories and it has been verified by more than one person, then it needs to be brought up and addressed. Also, don't automatically assume it's on purpose. Sometimes abuse of authority can happen out of ignorance; but it's still not without consequences. Abuse is a correctable action. Only if the abuse of authority is a continual issue or such an egregious act of abuse should the one guilty of abuse be removed from their authority; (the extent of the removal is a case-by-case base). (The Old Testament is full of a wide-range of stories from the Judges until Jesus about abuse of authority).

For believers who go to a church (presently) where leaders abuse their authority, here's my advice:

1. Remember to follow Matthew 18:15-17. If the situation is not biblically resolved, make the pastor aware of your concern, then give some time for the pastor to inquire and investigate your concern. If the concern is about the pastor, follow 1Timothy 5:19, and tell a trustworthy elder.

2. You can always leave. Local church membership is not an eternal covenant. Just make sure you don't leave divisively. If you have biblical grounds and evidence that there is something heretical or biblically unlawful going on, and it can and has been verified by others, yes you should warn others as you leave, but still do so in a way that is Christlike--seasoned with grace, and in decency and in order. Remember, Jesus is the Great Shepherd, the Omnipotent King, and He can take great care of His sheep whether we warn others or not and whether they receive the warning or not. Don't take on His responsibility. Commit it to Him. And be sure to get plugged in to a church where there is better transparency, accountability, and a grace-driven presence among leadership and the congregation to help guard from abuse.

For believers who have been abused by authority in the church, here's my word to you:

1. If there has not been a healing and restoration time, please do so. Go find a good, encouraging, and gentle-handed and honest Christian counselor to work through the scars and wounds left behind from the abuse. Trust the Holy Spirit to meet you throughout this time as you seek Him for your ultimate healing.

2. Forgiveness is an essential in your healing and moving forward from this abuse. The rest of Matthew 18 after verse 20 speaks right to why forgiveness is an essential. It's easy in our flesh to only want the abuser to be disciplined, humiliated, and some times even to repent, but how often do we desire to forgive the abuser. Jesus reminds us that we treated Him in our sin the same way as you have been abused (and worse) and He forgave you. Again, I know it may be hard, but think of what your sin did to Jesus and extend that same measure of grace and mercy to others as He extends to you. It's more beneficial for you than it is for the abuser.

3. I'll repeat my above point, don't take on God's responsibility. Commit your hurt, anger, vengeance, distrust, and so on to Him who judges righteously (1Pet. 2:21-24).

4. While it may be hard to submit to church authority again, don't group all churches (nor all leaders) in the same basket, and don't throw obeying the Scriptures out the window because of the sin of another. Regardless to what people do to us or not, it has nothing to do with us obeying the gracious and loving God who rescued us from our sin. If our obedience to Scripture is dependent upon how others obey them or not, none of us would ever obey Scripture. Don't let other sinners keep you from submitting to the authority of your Savior.

I know I haven't covered everything, and this is not a comprehensive study. However, I hope from what has been shared that I brought some clarity to membership and helped you better understand that being a member of a local church is being obedient to God's Word. I also hope that I have displayed compassion and grace-seasoned truth to those who may be reluctant to obey the Word regarding this topic because of the sin and hurt caused by others in authority in the church.

*None of what I've shared takes away brethren responsibility to hold one another accountable or correct, rebuke, admonish, counsel, encourage, and so on. I was purely focusing on the local church.

9/30/11