The Truth Process, Session V, Post 9

Listening and Doing
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does. (James 1:22-25)
When I was a child, I perfected the ability to listen, without doing. I can still remember my mother’s voice – “Johnny, you’d better not _________.” Or – “Johnny, I want you to _________.” I listened to what she said, and I understood the meaning of her words. I would mutter “OK” to indicate my agreement. It wasn’t long however before I was doing the thing I was not supposed to do and not doing the thing I was supposed to do. I am sure that this behavior was a contributing factor to my having a painful encounter with my mother’s “board of education” just about every weekend. (Strangely, I was well behaved during the week while in elementary school.)
What makes a young child listen without doing? For me, it was stubbornness and a desire to have what I wanted – which was usually the opposite of what my mother wanted. I wanted my own way even when her instruction was logical, reasonable, and in my best interest. You see, it was really all about me and my desires. So I listened, but I did not do.
Many years later, I find that I have a tendency to revert to this old behavior pattern. It is no longer my mother’s voice that I listen to, but God’s voice which comes to me through his divinely inspired word. When I look intently into the word, I find wisdom and insight into every aspect of my life – my thoughts, my words, my marriage, my children, my work, my finances, EVERYTHING. I listen to the word of God, and I understand the meaning. But all too often I end up doing the thing I was not supposed to do and not doing the thing I was supposed to do. (See Romans 7:14-20)
As we saw in our study last week, God calls us as believers to be involved in the lives of others. We are to be good neighbors to the needy. Everyone is needy from time to time, whether due to illness, poverty, widowhood, discouragement, loneliness, or a variety of other causes. The needy are everywhere, and the clear call of scripture is that I am to be a good neighbor to the needy that God brings across my path. I listen to the word of God. I understand it. But do I do it?
Now this may come as a surprise to some of you, but people’s lives can be messy and complicated. It takes time and effort to be a neighbor to the needy. It’s just easier to not get involved, and besides, I am much too busy already. This is the ever present “it’s all about me” attitude, and this attitude presents a huge obstacle to fulfilling God’s call to community and involvement.
As a believer, my life is to reflect the character and nature of God. One aspect of his nature is his great compassion for those in need. (Matthew 11:28-30)
If it is up to me and my strength and will power, I will never reflect his nature. I am not capable of this on my own. I do not have the power to do this. When I learn that it is his power, not mine that enables me to live as I should, I will be much better at doing, as opposed to merely listening.
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. (2 Peter 1:3-4)
It is through God’s power and God’s promises that the “it’s all about me” attitude is conquered.
May it be so.
In Christ –
John

The Manhattan Declaration

Manhattan Declaration Reveals Mainstream Values



Janice Shaw Crouse is a former speechwriter for George H. W. Bush and now political commentator for the Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee.



To read her recent article on the Manhattan Declaration GO HERE

The Truth Process, Session v, Post 8

Personal Relationship

This past week we discussed “unio mystica” – the mystical union of God and man. Scripture is very clear that both Christ and the Holy Spirit are in the believer. (John 14:16-20, Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 3:16). This is rightly referred to as a mystery because it is beyond our ability to comprehend that the God of the universe has come to make His dwelling both with us and in us. I will admit that I have no idea how this could be. I do know that this reality tells us something about the character and nature of God – He desires relationship.
During our discussion, I shared these statements with you:
Oneness with God represents the heart of the Christian Gospel…
Christianity is not primarily a moral, philosophical, or religious system, but rather a deep, intimate, and living relationship with a personal Creator.
This relationship represents the “Ultimate Oneness” and the “Supreme Significance”.
It occurred to me as I prepared the lesson that I am at times guilty of viewing Christianity (my Christianity) more as a “moral, philosophical, or religious system” than as a relationship with a personal Creator. Perhaps you have experienced this as well.
I find that when my prayer time is irregular and study of His word is lacking, I tend to lose the awareness of the relationship. While I may continue to attempt to follow the moral requirements of Christianity, I tend to do so more out of a sense of duty rather than out of love for my Father. This is not what God desires. He offers us a deep, intimate, personal relationship and nothing has greater value than knowing and understanding God.

but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD. (Jeremiah 9:24)
The approaching Christmas holiday is a celebration of Emmanuel – “God with us”. Perhaps the other 364 days of each year should be a celebration of the reality that Christ and the Holy Spirit are not only with us, but in us. As I think about this, it seems to me that the celebration of “God with us” (Christmas) is very intentional, is it not? The celebration doesn’t just happen - it takes time, effort, and attention.
I realize now that I must be far more intentional about honoring and nurturing the divine relationship that God has created.
May it be so…
In Christ,
John

The Truth Process Session V, Post 7

The Power of a Life Well Lived

“Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe.” Philippians 2:14-15
This morning (December 3, 2009) I was reading Joe Stowell’s “Daily Strength” column. It was titled “The Power of a Life Well Lived”. (To read the entire column go here ). His comments are an excellent follow up to our recent conversations in class regarding the Sphere of Labor.
Stowell writes:
When non-Christians in this “crooked and depraved generation” notice that we are different, it gives us an opportunity to make a difference for Christ. Stowell shared an anecdote regarding a comment made by Michail Gorbachev when he was Prime Minister of Russia. It is said that once when Gorbachev met with his cabinet, he asked, “Why is it that we persecute the Christians? They are the ones who are not alcoholics. They show up for work every day and give us a good day’s work. Why is it that we persecute people like this whom we desperately need?”

Stowell wonders if people would say something like that about Christians today. Or would they say, “Those Christians—they are always the ones who are griping, murmuring, arriving late, and leaving early?” Even in environments where we may feel challenged or unappreciated, we are called to bear witness to the reality of God in our lives by being “pure and blameless.” It’s often true that the more difficult the environment, the more challenging it is to show the uniqueness of God’s character through our actions and attitudes. Yet it is in those dark times that the light of Jesus in us and through us can shine most brightly.
When we maintain the witness of a life well-lived even in the face of hardship, we have the power to make a difference in our home, workplace, and significant relationships.
Live in such a way that your boss will be prompted to say, “I don’t always get it about Christians but one thing is true—our business is a lot better place because they work here!” And then maybe, just maybe, your boss will be open for you to help him “get it” about Christians—all the way to Jesus. Now that would really make a difference!

Whether you are an owner, manager, or worker within the Sphere of Labor, remember your stewardship responsibilities and the power of a life well lived.

In Christ –
John
Soli Dei Gloria

The Truth Process Session V, Post 6

Thanksgiving
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln appointed a national day of thanksgiving. Since then each president has issued a Thanksgiving Day proclamation, usually designating the fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday. This Thursday – November 26, 2009 marks the 146th celebration of Thanksgiving as a national holiday. I sometimes wonder if the whole concept of giving thanks has been lost. To whom do we give thanks? And for what?
An article in the November 24, 2009 issue of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review is titled “Through Their Eyes”. The article attempts to answer the question: “What does Thanksgiving mean, through a child’s eyes?” About a dozen second grade students from a school here in Pittsburgh were asked about Thanksgiving. Here are some of their responses:
I like being with my family. And eating stuffing, corn, and mashed potatoes. I play games with my family.
People give thanks on Thanksgiving because the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock and founded America.
We meet our family and talk and then we eat then we leave we give hugs and kisses.
I spend Thanksgiving with my family and friends. It’s good to have a good family and good friends. You have a good time with them.
Thanksgiving means having a feast. My family prays to God. I watch the Steelers game. I play video games. I go to my grams. I like Thanksgiving!
This is a sampling of how Thanksgiving is seen through the eyes seven year old children. If the same question (What does Thanksgiving mean?) were posed to a group of adults, we might just find that the answers are not a whole lot different.
I know that my first thoughts of Thanksgiving are of the event – the family gathering together, the turkey and pumpkin pie, and the “warm fuzzies” associated with a traditional holiday celebration. I also know that I tend to pay more attention to the event of Thanksgiving than I do to the attitude of thanksgiving.
The event known as Thanksgiving occurs once each year. I’ll confess that even on that one day per year I am not as thankful as I should be for the abundance of my life. Worse yet, the attitude known as thanksgiving is also lacking much of the time. Maybe this is true of you as well.
“Attitude” has to do with the way I think about things. It’s amazing to me how easily I forget what God has already done for me, and what He continues to do in my life. The reality is that I often just take it all for granted.
Perhaps one of my “resolutions” for the New Year should be to ask myself two questions each day – “To whom should I give thanks? And for what?”
The answer to the first question is easy: To God, from whom all blessings flow.
The answer to the second question is also easy: Everything!
The problem is that when I answer the second question (for what?) so generally, it is easy to overlook the many specific ways that God has blessed me over the years.
When I start to think specifically, I think of my wife Fran, who next to my salvation is the best thing that ever happened to me. I think of our children, my work, and an abundance of material blessing. I think of my health, and the ability to see, taste, touch, and smell. The list goes on and on…
But what I should be thankful for first and foremost is God himself. I should be thankful that He is God, that He made me, and that I am His. I should be thankful that I am one of his people and a sheep in his pasture. I am thankful that he is good and that his love endures forever. I am thankful that his faithfulness continues on and on without end.
As you and yours celebrate the event of Thanksgiving this week, I pray that you would be thankful to God and thankful for God. May there be an attitude of thanksgiving that continues in each of our lives, every day.
In Christ –
John
Psalm 100:3-5
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations

The Truth Process Session V, Post 5

“Thou shalt not steal”.

We have been discussing God’s divine social design in the areas of Family, Church, The State, and most recently – Labor. As we have explored the biblical view of labor, we have examined Economic Principles found in the word of God. To date we have considered four Economic Principle:
1. All things belong to God. (Psalm 50:7-12)
2. God appointed man to be a creative steward of his goods with “ownership” rights. (Genesis 1:28)
3. Theft of another’s goods is wrong…(Exodus 20:15)
4. …and coveting another’s goods is wrong. (Exodus 20:17)
Our discussion of principles 3 and 4 included the issues of Economic forms of theft (Excessive/oppressive/improper taxation; Forced “redistribution” of wealth) and Economic forms of covetousness (Class envy; Demand for “redistribution” rights). When I opened this morning’s newspaper (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 18, 2009), I saw this headline:

Poll: Let rich pay for health reform. “Many Americans don’t want to shoulder the cost of President Obama’s healthcare overhaul themselves. They think the rich should pay for it.” (Emphasis mine)
The house bill would impose a 5.4% income tax surcharge on individuals earning $500,000 a year, and households making more than $1,000,000. Apparently it does not matter to our federal legislators, (or most Americans for that matter) that high-income groups already pay a large share of the federal tax burden. According to the Congressional Budget Office, in 2004 the top 1 percent of all taxpayers paid 37 percent of all individual income taxes. The CBO also found that the top 1 percent bore a staggering 59 percent of the corporate income tax burden (under the assumption that the burden takes the form of lower capital income for individuals). To be sure, this group paid only 4 percent of payroll and other social insurance taxes and only 5 percent of excise taxes. Combining all of these taxes, though, the top 1 percent still bore 25 percent of the federal tax burden. It is not widely recognized that one-quarter of the costs of federal services--such as Social Security, Medicare, national defense, and the FBI--are paid by a mere 1 percent of the population.
The idea of taxing the rich to pay for “health care reform” is a prime example of a violation of principle three – “theft of another’s goods is wrong.” It is an also an example of covetousness (see principle four), manifested in the form of class envy and an expectation of “redistribution rights”. The comments of Mary Pat Rondthaler of Menlo Park, California are insightful: “You know, I mean, why not? If they have that much money, it should be taxed?”
The fact that a majority of Americans, according to the poll conducted by Stanford University think that a tax surcharge on the group already paying the majority of federal taxes is acceptable is an indication that this is not viewed as “theft”. Theft is “taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it.” Is that not EXACTLY what this is? And is not the attitude expressed by Ms.Rondthaler, and many others, an expression of class envy?
The intent of our discussions throughout The Truth Process has been to examine the culture, and to examine ourselves to identify the areas in which “false truth claims” have corrupted our thinking. It is obvious that the culture in general has been deceived in this area. I fear that the worldview may not be much different among believers.
I recently came across this excerpt from Is God a Socialist? By Joel McDurmon:
“Today we have witnessed a reinvigoration of radical socialist ideology in government, including radical activists in congress, the judiciary, labor unions, teachers’ unions, universities, and numerous posts in the White House itself, including the Presidency. The arguments of socialism—welfare, socialized health care, regulation and taxation of business, attacks on “the rich,” etc.—resound throughout America like never before.
Most Christians are unaware that the arguments of socialism and the welfare State are nothing less than the ancient pagan view of the State forged by the fires of Moloch worship, ending in human sacrifice and slavery to the ruler’s desires. Worse yet, many Christian leaders call for socialism under the guise of Christian virtues like helping the poor and needy. Some leaders have worked hard to find biblical support for the State robbing from some and giving to others. Christians must learn to discern the devious rhetoric, and expose the wolves in sheep’s clothing that deceive Christians into Statism using Christian language and Bible passages.
The only avenue to repairing this ruin is through obedience to Jesus Christ. This path requires us to return to God’s word, and rebuild our lives, our families, churches, states and social order based upon God’s revealed way of life. The choice between God and socialism is the same as the choice between God and Satan. One leads to paradise, the other delusion and hell.”
McDurmon’s word are profound, and are applicable to every area of life. The only avenue to repairing the ruin of our culture is through obedience to Christ. We must return to His word and rebuild our lives, including every social sphere we have discussed, based upon God’s revealed design.
May it be so.

In Christ -

John

The Truth Process Session V, Post 4

Whose story is it?

Our discussion last week turned to the Sphere of Labor, which might be considered the “engine” that makes the General Economic Model run. The General Economic Model is consists of 1) God, who delegates management responsibilities to 2) Stewards, who exercise those responsibilities over 3) All things, which belong wholly to God. The Sphere of Labor is consists of 1) Owners, who delegate authority to 2) Managers, who have management responsibilities over 3) Workers.
We began an examination of seven economic principles found in scripture. Principle number 1 is: “All things belong to God.” (Psalm 50:9-12)
Whatever your position in the Sphere of Labor, this one principle radically changes that role. This reality – that God owns everything – completely changes the focus of work. This reality puts the focus on God, rather than on Man. Which brings us to the issue of “Meta-narrative” and “Mini-narrative”, a concept from The Truth Project that is extremely useful in maintaining proper perspective.
A “narrative” is a story. The “meta-narrative” is a term used to describe the larger, over arching story of all of time and eternity. Since God not only owns all things, but is sovereign over all things, He is the one who writes the “script” for the “meta-narrative”. The meta-narrative is His story based on His script. If I really believe this, then I begin each day with this question in mind – “What role am I to play in God’s script today?” This would of course impact my work. Why you ask? Because everything is part of God’s meta-narrative, including work! If I look at my work as part of God’s larger story, then I have a very different view of work than the one the world foists upon me. Unfortunately, there is another story that often get’s in the way. It’s called the “mini-narrative”.
The mini-narrative is the smaller story, and I write the script. It is MY story based on MY script. When I allow the mini-narrative to become more important than the meta-narrative, then I begin each day with a different question in mind – “What role will God play in my script today?” This is a huge shift in perspective – everything is now all about me and what I want, and I cannot help carrying this attitude into the world of work.
I have described to you two drastically different world views – History vs. Mystory. When we adopt a biblical worldview, we recognize that “It’s all about God” – His plan, His story, His script. We recognize that He is sovereign, and ask ourselves “What role am I to play in His story today?” When we adopt the modern culture’s worldview (when we are taken captive), “It’s all about Me” – My plan, My story, My script. We fail to recognize and acknowledge His sovereignty, and ask ourselves “What role will God play in working out My story today?”
Ask yourself this question: “Whose story is it?” Be honest, now. The answer to this question will have a huge impact on your ability to view work as God designed it. If the answer is “It’s My story”, then we will look just like the rest of the world in the workplace. But if your answer is “it’s His story”, then you must acknowledge God’s sovereignty, and recognize that whatever the work is that currently engages you, it is work that is part of His plan and it matters! Then, and only then, can we do our work “for the glory of God alone.”

In Christ -

John

The Truth Process Session V, Post 3

“It doesn’t hold water.”


"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water. (Jeremiah 2:13)
These words were written about 2600 years ago, and they were written in reference to the nation of Israel. These same words could apply to our nation as well.
In this passage of scripture, the Lord refers to Himself as a “spring of living water.” I found this definition of “spring”: a source of supply; especially : a source of water issuing from the ground; an ultimate source, especially of action or motion. How interesting. “A source of supply.” Not the supply, but the source – the ultimate source.
The people of Israel turned away from this “living water” and instead dug their own “cisterns”. A cistern is an artificial reservoir (like an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (like rainwater). Cisterns were not a source of water, but a means of holding a supply of water.
Metaphorically, the Lord was pointing out the foolishness of the people of Israel. They forsook (to renounce or turn away from entirely) God – the ultimate source, and instead chose to rely upon their own strengths by digging their own cisterns. Cisterns were often lined with a plaster coating. These cisterns, dug as an alternative to God (the ultimate source), were faulty. They could not hold water.
You have probably heard the phrase “it doesn’t hold water”. We often hear it used to describe an idea or argument that just doesn’t make sense. Imagine two people having a conversation regarding global warming. One person argues that drastic measures must be taken immediately before global warming causes the ice caps to melt, flooding all our coastal cities. The other person might respond, “The data shows that temperatures have actually decreased over the last decade. Your argument doesn’t hold water.”
As I pondered Jeremiah 2:13, it is obvious to me how closely the condition of America today parallels the nation of Israel in the 6th century B.C. Like the Israelites, much of America has renounced or turned away from God, and chosen to rely upon what we, as a people, can do in our own strength and abilities. Like the cisterns of Jeremiah 2:13, this approach just “doesn’t hold water.”
Our culture is replete with “faulty cisterns”. To name a few:
Our military strength.
Our “can do” spirit.
The belief that man is “basically good”.
Thinking that man is the arbiter of what is good or evil.
The belief that “self-actualization” is the ultimate goal.
The belief that the State is sovereign over all other social spheres.
The foolishness of all this is obvious to those of us who are “of the faith”. But to a culture engaged in the worship of man rather than God, it seems perfectly natural even though it just “doesn’t hold water.” Scripture warns us that what seems right isn’t always the best way to live (Proverbs 14:12).
I am reminded by these words from Jeremiah that I must be very careful that I do not engage in the same foolishness. When I examine my own life, I sometimes find evidence that convicts me of turning from God – the ultimate source of all I need – to my own cisterns. When the Spirit, who guides me into all truth (John 16:13), reveals this to me, I must then turn back to the spring of living water.
There are times in my life when I am taken captive by the “hollow and deceptive philosophies” of this world (Colossians 2:8). When this happens, I begin operating according to a faulty belief system that is focused on me, not on God. This often happens in a very subtle manner. The results are not so subtle.
The end result is something I used to picture in this way: I am lying on my back, on the ground, having taken a very hard fall. I am somewhat stunned, and covered with dust and dirt, and I am wondering “what happened?” That’s the way I used to picture it…
Now, I picture it this way: I am lying on my back, on the ground, having taken a very hard fall. I am somewhat stunned, and covered with dust and dirt, and I say to myself “You did it again!” Then, my Father reaches down, takes me by the hand, and He helps me stand again. He washes all the dirt and dust away, and I begin again, determined to never forsake my Lord again.
May it be so…



In Christ -



John

The Truth Process Session V, Post 2

Put Your Hope in God.
My wife Fran and I were watching Fox News the other night. I’m not sure how long we had the program on, but Fran suddenly said “That’s enough of that. It’s so depressing”, and changed the channel. I have felt that way many times myself as I listen to the news – especially in regard to the direction our government (the State) is taking.
Maybe you felt depressed and discouraged after our discussion over the last couple of weeks as we discussed the role of the State (two weeks ago), and the condition of American families in the United States (last week), and the ways in which the State seems to actually oppose the Lord’s “Husband-Wife-Children” design of the family through formal and informal doctrines. When I look at the condition of our culture, recognize that we live in a post-modern world which is increasingly hostile toward those of the Christian faith, and accept the reality that the world hates us, I find myself wishing that I could just “change the channel.” Even if I could, I would find that the same program is playing on every station. The reality cannot be avoided.
When we begin to feel discouraged in the battle, it is important to remember the words of the psalmist –
Why are you downcast, O my soul?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you

from the land of the Jordan,

the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar. (Psalm 42:5-6)
We find valuable insight here regarding how we are to deal with our disturbed and downcast souls. We should do two things: 1) “Put your hope in God.” 2) “I will remember you”, meaning remember all that God has already done.
“PUT YOUR HOPE IN GOD”
I don’t know about you, but I have a tendency at times to put my hope in everything BUT God. I know this is incredibly foolish, and that you would never do such a thing, but sometimes I put my hope in my strength, my will, my abilities, my knowledge – you get the picture, right? It strikes me that we, as body of believers have a similar tendency, especially when it comes to addressing the huge problems that exist within our government. We may place our hope in a certain party or political candidate. We might place our hope in getting the “right” Supreme Court justice in place. We may place our hope in getting so many “Tea Parties” organized that we bring about change.
I am not saying that we should not do these things. I believe that we have a responsibility to do all that we can within our rights as citizens. These things are however, a “vain hope for deliverance” (Psalm 33:17) if these actions are what we hope will bring about change. The believers’ hope must be in God, and Him alone.
“I WILL REMEMBER YOU”
If we will remember all that God has already done, our hearts are uplifted because of His awesome “body of work”. In an earlier post (Session IV, Post 16) I wrote these words:
When I examine my own life, I can see that the Lord had His hand on my life long before I was saved, and has continued to do so ever since. He brought me through the years of anger and bitterness after my father died. He brought an amazing woman into my life who has been my helpmate for almost 38 years. He saw my family through times of illness – some acute and severe, some chronic and long lasting. He brought blessing to me in business, and blessed us with two wonderful children who have grown to become adults whom I respect and admire. His blessing just goes on and on…
It pains me to admit how seldom I think of these things. All too often I suffer from “want of memory” and I “forget” Him, becoming unaware and oblivious.
Brothers and sisters, when we begin to feel discouraged, we need to remember the character and nature of the God we serve, and all that He has already done.
The reality is that we are more than conquerors, in spite of how things may appear in this world.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:28-37)
We are more than conquerors. How? Through him who loved us.
This is the only way to victory.
Is your soul downcast and discouraged? Put your hope in God, and nothing else.
In Christ,
John
Soli Dei Gloria

The Truth Process Session V, Post 1

The Spiritual Business of Life

I spent about two and one half hours in Starbuck’s today. For some reason, I find that I am able to think more clearly and gain some clarity about my business when I get out of my office and dedicate a block of time to working on my business, which isn’t actually mine, but God’s. For some reason, I find the Starbuck’s atmosphere conducive to this kind of thing.

I arrived at Starbuck’s with my pen and note pad in hand, ordered a tall decaf, and sat down to think – to direct my thoughts regarding the manner in which I operate the business God has called me to run. I begin to think about how we are doing, and what we are doing. Are we doing the right things, and are we doing them well? Have we become overwhelmed by the day to day demands, causing us to lose sight of the things that matter most? Are we bringing glory to God through the conduct of the business?

I think about the strengths of the business and the people in it. I try to assess the weaknesses, the opportunities that exist in our market, and the threats to our success. By the time I left Starbuck’s, I had three full pages of handwritten notes. I also left with a nagging thought: Why don’t I pay this much attention to my “spiritual business”?

As that question has rolled over and over in my mind, I find that I do not have an acceptable answer. When it comes to business, I am very intentional about what I do. In my spiritual life – not so much. How silly.

It continues to amaze me how often this happens in my life: I get busy, often with things that aren’t really that important, and I drift away from the two things that are most critical to the spiritual business of life – God’s word and prayer. In class this week I made the point that we, as followers of Christ, must be sure that we are taking the time to really think about what is going on in the culture around us. We must examine our own hearts as well as our conduct to determine if we are being swept along by the rush of “false truth claims” so prevalent in the world. It is easy for me to say – much harder for me to do. Maybe you find this to be true as well.

There is great danger in being inattentive to the spiritual business of life. When I allow this to happen (it doesn’t happen TO me – I allow it) my thoughts, desires, actions, and worldview begin to drift along with the world. In that state, what seems right can be horribly wrong. I know from God’s word that I must be wary of what “seems” right.

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. (Proverbs 14:12)

Instead of operating on the basis of what “seems” right, each of us should be very careful that we operate on the basis of what IS right – the truth claims of God.

But be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you: to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to obey his commands, to hold fast to him and to serve him with all your heart and all your soul." (Joshua 22:5)

Think about it…

In Christ –

John

Soli Dei Gloria

ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

In 1963, I was an eighth grade student at Whitehall Junior High School, a part of the Baldwin - Whitehall School District in the South Hills of Pittsburgh. I don’t know if this is true in today’s schools, but back then the curriculum included some instruction in what I refer to as “hands on” subjects. These subjects were Home Economics, Wood Shop, and Metal Shop. I guess the thinking at the time was that a well-rounded education included some basic skills regarding cooking, sewing, and making stuff out of wood or metal.

Eighth grade was the year for Metal Shop, and that meant coming face to face with the dreaded “Reagan” – the Metal Shop teacher. Mr. Reagan was probably “forty-something” years old. He had a flat-top hair cut and carried himself with the demeanor of an ex-marine. Mr. Reagan was a “my way or the highway” type of guy, and his highway led straight to his office, where he was well known for swatting misbehaving students on the backside with a wooden paddle. (Yes, there was a time “back in the day” when teachers and administrators actually disciplined students with a paddle.)

Mr. Reagan’s shop was always clean and well organized, and every student entering his domain was introduced to a strict set of rules. As you would expect, there were no desks and chairs – only eight wooden work benches. Each bench was about waist high, and large enough to accommodate four students working on small projects involving metal.

At the start of each class, all students were seated on the work benches while Mr. Reagan explained the day’s activities, with a heavy emphasis on safety issues. Some of his rules actually addressed how we were to sit on the work benches. We were required to sit with our backs straight – no slouching allowed. Heads had to be up with all eyes on the teacher. And, since Mr. Reagan would walk among the benches as he talked, we were not permitted to swing our legs as we sat there. (The benches were high enough that when we sat on them, our feet did not reach the floor.)

This highly structured environment was just not a “good fit” for me back in 1963. I was a sullen, hot-tempered, rebellious 13 year old, and I did not like Mr. Reagan or his rules, and I didn’t make much of an attempt at hiding my feelings.

One day at the start of class, I sat on the work bench, head down, in a slouching position with my legs swinging ever so slightly. Reagan’s gruff voice barked at me “Sit up, Ryce!” I ignored him.

I could almost feel the tension rise in the room as I sat there on my work bench – still slouched, head still down, legs still swinging.

In fairness to Mr. Reagan, not only were his rules were clearly communicated, but so were the consequences of violating the rules. Everyone knew that the consequence included a trip to his office for a few painful swats of the paddle. I was - how should I say this – stupid – and I chose to ignore his command.

“Ryce! Did you hear me?” he growled. I continued to ignore Mr. Reagan, who I found could move surprisingly fast. Suddenly, I was snatched off the work bench and dragged into his office, where the door slammed with a mighty bang. Mr. Reagan threw me into his desk chair, and before I came to rest, I spotted the paddle. The dreaded instrument of discipline was hung on the wall in the same manner in which some people display their firearms. Looking back, I realize that it was about the size of a cricket bat, but at the time it seemed more like a boat oar. Expecting that I was about to have a close encounter with the paddle, I was no longer ignoring Mr. Reagan.

Our “conversation” started with a simple question- “What’s your problem, Ryce?”

With downcast eyes and quivering voice, I answered “I don’t like all these rules.”

To my surprise, Mr. Reagan’s demeanor softened as he asked “Why do you suppose I have all these rules?” I simply shrugged in reply. He then proceeded to explain to me the necessity of “running a tight ship” in a shop area where the “tools of the trade” – (hammers, anvils, blow torches, soldering irons, saws…) could otherwise be very dangerous – especially with a bunch of goofy 13 year old boys. I really couldn’t dispute his logic.

“But why do we have to sit up straight? Why is that so important?” I asked.

“It’s a ‘small discipline’. If you can’t be disciplined in the small stuff, you’re not very likely to be disciplined in the big stuff.” That didn’t make much sense to me at the time, but years later I realized the wisdom of his words.

“Listen, Ryce. Just follow the rules and things will go well for you. You might even find that you can use your talent in here – actually enjoy this class.” (Somehow he knew that I had some artistic talent for drawing and painting.)

I had nothing to say. I glanced at the paddle, hanging ominously on the wall. Seeing this, Mr. Reagan said “Not this time”, and sent me back out to join the rest of my classmates.

Although I didn’t think in these terms at the time, I realize now that Mr. Reagan was merciful to me. His rules were clear. The consequences of violating his rules were clear. Anyone violating the rules deserved the consequences. But he didn’t give me what I deserved. He was merciful.

Metal Shop was different for me after my visit to Mr. Reagan’s office. I suppose I realized that he could have made me pay the penalty for my insolence. I knew that it would have been very painful. Somehow, the fact that he didn’t give me what I deserved changed my attitude about Metal Shop and Mr. Reagan. I now wanted to do well in his class, and I think it was because I had some sense of the extent of his mercy.

Don’t ask me why a memory from over 45 years ago came back to mind. I have no idea – other than the obvious (to me) similarity to my Christian walk. When I remember the extent of God’s mercy, it changes my attitude, and I want to do well – living a life worthy of the calling I have received.
Daniel 9:9
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;

May we always remember His mercies.

In Christ –
John
Soli Deo Gloria

AMERICA'S SPIRITUAL HERITAGE

I mentioned in class a resolution in the House of Representatives to designate the first week in May as `America's Spiritual Heritage Week' for the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith.

The bill reads like “ Everything You Never Learned About Our Nation’s History in Public Schools”. Here are a few excerpts:

Whereas the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed this self-evident fact in a unanimous ruling declaring `This is a religious people ... From the discovery of this continent to the present hour, there is a single voice making this affirmation';

Whereas political scientists have documented that the most frequently cited source in the political period known as The Founding Era was the Bible;

Whereas in 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence with its 4 direct religious acknowledgments referring to God as the Creator (`All people are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness'), the Lawgiver (`the laws of nature and nature's God'), the Judge (`appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world'), and the Protector (`with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence');

Whereas in 1782, Congress adopted (and has reaffirmed on numerous subsequent occasions) the National Seal with its Latin motto `Annuit Coeptis,' meaning `God has favored our undertakings,' along with the eye of Providence in a triangle over a pyramid, the eye and the motto `allude to the many signal interpositions of Providence in favor of the American cause';

Whereas in 1789, Congress, in the midst of framing the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment, passed the first Federal law touching education, declaring that `Religion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged';

Whereas in 1853, the United States Senate declared that the Founding Fathers `had no fear or jealousy of religion itself, nor did they wish to see us an irreligious people . . . they did not intend to spread over all the public authorities and the whole public action of the nation the dead and revolting spectacle of atheistical apathy';

Whereas, beginning in 1904 and continuing for the next half-century, the Federal Government printed and distributed The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth for the use of Members of Congress because of the important teachings it contained;

Whereas in 1956, Congress by law made `In God We Trust' the National Motto, and added the phrase to American currency;

Whereas President John Adams, one of only 2 signers of the Bill of Rights and First Amendment, declared `As the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God, and the national acknowledgment of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which the people owe to Him';

Whereas President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared that `Without God there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism. Thus, the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus with God's help, it will continue to be' in a declaration later repeated with approval by President Gerald Ford;

Whereas the United States Supreme Court has declared throughout the course of our Nation's history that the United States is `a Christian country', `a Christian nation', `a Christian people', `a religious people whose institutions presuppose a Supreme Being', and that `we cannot read into the Bill of Rights a philosophy of hostility to religion';

Whereas Justice John Jay, an author of the Federalist Papers and original Justice of the United States Supreme Court, urged `The most effectual means of securing the continuance of our civil and religious liberties is always to remember with reverence and gratitude the Source from which they flow';

To read the entire bill, go HERE

The Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 18

Belief

Not long ago, I had the second “installment” of a conversation with one of my clients. I will refer to him as Bruce, although that is not his real name. The first installment took place over a year ago, when Bruce was in my office taking care of a business transaction.

Here is some background…

Bruce was in the midst of divorce proceedings, and living with another of my clients. We’ll call her Sally. Sally was also divorced. Bruce and Sally had known each other in high school, and had reconnected after their marriages crashed.

When I talked with Bruce over a year ago, I asked him if he and Sally intended to get married. He replied “Probably not. It’s just a piece of paper, anyway.” When we talked again recently, I heard the story of the divorce, and the events that triggered it.

Bruce and Barb (not her real name) had been married for about 25 years, with two children ages 19 and 23. Bruce described himself as an attentive, devoted husband. He worked his blue collar job each day and came straight home to his family. There were no stops at the local “watering hole” for him. He loved his wife and his kids, and wanted to be with them. He didn’t spend much money on himself, but made certain that his wife and kids were provided for. As I listened to him talk, I realized that this was his version of things, but he seemed very genuine, and there wasn’t a hint of bitterness in his voice.

About four years ago, Barb decided to lose some weight. She began exercising, watched her diet, and lost 40 pounds. Not long after that, one of her co-workers, who was also married, began to pay attention to her, and his attention led to an affair. Bruce found out when someone placed a note on the windshield of his truck, advising him that Barb was involved with another man.

As I talked with Bruce that evening, I spoke to him in terms of the culture, and the “false truth claims” with which we are constantly bombarded. Although I have no way of knowing what was going on in Barb’s heart and mind, it is possible that she was operating on the basis of some, if not all of the following lies of the culture:

“I deserve to be happy. It’s all about me.”
“My happiness is so important, that it justifies any pain I might cause others.”
“Lots of people have ‘affairs’. It happens all the time.”
“There is nothing sacred about marriage vows.”
“The ability to attract men builds my self-esteem.”

If asked, I doubt that Barb could have identified and articulated the belief system by which she was operating. Nonetheless, that belief system determined her actions. This is true of all people, non-believers and believers alike. For believers who want to be used by God to transform the culture, it is absolutely critical that we be able to answer a huge question: What do I believe?

This question is so broad as to be intimidating. Permit me to offer a few clarifying questions as you contemplate your beliefs:

· Do I believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired word of God?
· Who is man? His essence, his state, his need?
· Who is God?
· What is truth? How do I find it?
· What is my relationship to God?
· What makes me “right” with God?
· What does creation tell me about God?
· What is God’s design for the family?
· What is God’s design for the church?
· What is God’s design for the state?
· What is God’s design for labor?
· What is God’s design for community?

It’s important to remember that even if we haven’t clearly identified what out beliefs are in each area listed above, we believe something, and that “something” will determine out thoughts and actions.

The evidence of what we really believe is really real is found in the conduct of our lives. When we really believe something, we “trust” it, and are willing to act on the basis of that trust.

In my office, there is a black leather chair behind my desk. If someone were to ask me “Do you believe that chair can support your body weight?”, my answer would be “Yes”. I wouldn’t even have to think about it. Let’s suppose this person then inquired as to whether I was willing to act on that belief. I would immediately sit in the chair, demonstrating by my action that I really believed that the chair could support my weight.

Now I can assure you that I have seated myself in an office chair thousands of time over the years, and I never once went through the mental process of asking myself if I believed that the chair could support my weight – I just sat down! Here is the point: Even though I do not think about what I believe about the chair, I still act according to the belief. I am convinced that this is happening in other areas of my life, and this is probably true of you as well.

There is real danger in operating on the basis of unidentified or unexamined beliefs. The danger lies in the reality that we, just like Barb, may be operating according to “wrong beliefs” which the world rains down upon us. This is one of the reasons “quiet time” is so important. Our time alone with God gives us the opportunity to allow the Spirit to search our hearts and minds. It is there, in those moments of Spirit guided introspection that we truly prepare for our role in the Cosmic Battle.

As we bring Session IV of our Truth Process journey to a close, I leave you with an excerpt from Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost For His Highest”:

WHERE THE BATTLE IS WON OR LOST
“Our battles are first won or lost in the secret places of our will in God’s presence, never in full view of the world. The Spirit of God seizes me and I am compelled to get alone with God and fight the battle before Him. Until I do this, I will lose every time. The battle may take one minute or one year, but that will depend on me, not God. However long it takes, I must wrestle with it alone before God, and I must resolve to go through the hell of renunciation or rejection before Him. Nothing has any power over someone who has fought the battle before God and won there.
I should never say, "I will wait until I get into difficult circumstances and then I’ll put God to the test." Trying to do that will not work. I must first get the issue settled between God and myself in the secret places of my soul, where no one else can interfere. Then I can go ahead, knowing with certainty that the battle is won. Lose it there, and calamity, disaster, and defeat before the world are as sure as the laws of God. The reason the battle is lost is that I fight it first in the external world. Get alone with God, do battle before Him, and settle the matter once and for all.
In dealing with other people, our stance should always be to drive them toward making a decision of their will. That is how surrendering to God begins. Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point— a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest— our best for His glory.”

Has God brought you to a major turning point— a great crossroads in your life?

Think about it..

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

The Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 16

Cycle of Nations

Our discussion in class this past Sunday was primarily in reference to the “Cycle of Nations”, a Biblical outline of attitudes and resulting events that a nation commonly experiences during its existence. God blesses a nation, that nation becomes satisfied and develops pride, the nation begins to forget God, and God brings judgment upon the nation in order that they might remember, repent and return to God. If they do not remember God, He will bring destruction.

We find a description of this process in Deuteronomy 8:
10 When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. 12 Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, 13 and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 15 He led you through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock. 16 He gave you manna to eat in the desert, something your fathers had never known, to humble and to test you so that in the end it might go well with you. 17 You may say to yourself, "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." 18 But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today. If you ever forget the LORD your God and follow other gods and worship and bow down to them, I testify against you today that you will surely be destroyed. 20 Like the nations the LORD destroyed before you, so you will be destroyed for not obeying the LORD your God.

Some basic observations:
1. When we are blessed by God (“When you have eaten and are satisfied”) our response should be that we praise Him.
2. Knowing the nature of sinful man, the Lord cautions us (“be careful”) that we not “forget” Him – evidenced by the failure to observe His commands, laws, and decrees.
3. He tells us what will happen in our hearts when we forget that He is the source of our blessing – “your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God”.
4. He reminds us of what we so easily forget – “He led you…” “He brought you…” “He gave you…”
5. He captures the prideful arrogance of our hearts - "My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me." This is the “natural” progression when we “forget” God – “It wasn’t God. It was me!”
6. He reminds us of the TRUTH – “it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
7. He assures us that, as always, there are consequences to our choices.

It is only when a nation remembers, repents, and returns to the Lord that blessing is restored.

“Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5)

How can it be that a nation or an individual could “forget” God? This certainly doesn’t mean that we completely forget that He exists. What it does mean is this: “to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention”.

Oblivious means to be unconscious or unaware. At this point you may ask “How can one be unconscious or unaware of God’s blessing – even His presence?” The answer is found in these words – “from want of memory or attention”.

WANT OF MEMORY…

Scripture tells us that we are to remember, and it tells us frequently! (See Psalm 63:6; Psalm 77:11; Psalm 105:5; Deuteronomy 24:32) Why do you suppose we are reminded so often to “remember”? Because we have a tendency to forget not only what God has done, but His very character and nature!

When I examine my own life, I can see that the Lord had His hand on my life long before I was saved, and has continued to do so ever since. He brought me through the years of anger and bitterness after my father died. He brought an amazing woman into my life who has been my helpmate for almost 38 years. He saw my family through times of illness – some acute and severe, some chronic and long lasting. He brought blessing to me in business, and blessed us with two wonderful children who have grown to become adults whom I respect and admire. His blessing just goes on and on…

It pains me to admit how seldom I think of these things. All too often I suffer from “want of memory” and I “forget” Him, becoming unaware and oblivious.

WANT OF ATTENTION…

This one seems pretty clear. It does not seem possible that one could at the same time pay attention to something and also be unaware of it. If I am paying attention to God on a regular and frequent basis, I cannot “forget” God. So, how do I pay attention to God?

Every time I turn to His word, I am turning my attention to Him. Every time I pray I am turning my attention to Him. Every time I listen to the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, I am turning my attention to Him. Every time I seek His wisdom and guidance, I am turning my attention to Him.

Among the many things God has taught me in 30 plus years as a believer is this: These things don’t happen without a high level of intentionality. I don’t know about you, but I find that the busyness of life will crowd out my prayer and bible time unless I intentionally take time specifically for this purpose. One of the great challenges we face living in this culture is the “busy, busy, busy”, “pedal to the metal” way of life that is so prevalent today. It’s surprisingly easy for God to get pushed from the center of life (where He rightfully belongs) out to the periphery of life. I don’t pay much attention to Him when He is relegated to the periphery.

In this past Sunday’s sermon, Pastor Hendley used the term “Practical Atheism”, meaning living as though God does not exist. I realize that this happens in my life when I suffer from a want of memory and attention. When I “forget” Him, I become prideful and arrogant – sometimes in subtle ways, but nonetheless full of pride and arrogance. Perhaps you can relate.

The reality is that we as individuals experience something very similar to the “Cycle of Nations”. Try this – read the following, inserting your name in the blanks:

God blesses ______, ______ becomes satisfied and develops pride, _____ begins to forget God, and God brings judgment upon _______ in order that ________ might remember, repent and return to God.

Have you ever “been there”?

The more important question: Where are you (and I) NOW? If we are remembering all that God has already done in our lives, and giving Him the attention He deserves, we will not be “practical atheists.” We will be His “change agents” in the culture.

May it be so.

In Christ,

John

Soli Deo Gloria

Follow Up - Lesson 15

Two scriptures which inform us regarding how we are to view and relate to “the captives” (referred to as “outsiders” in Colossians 4.)

2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

Colossians 4:5-6
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 15

Our discussion this past Sunday was prompted by an item in the news recently regarding Carrie Prejean (Miss California). This young woman, a contestant in the Miss USA Pageant, was asked a question regarding the “right” of same-sex couples to marry. Miss Prejean had the courage to answer the question from the heart, and replied that marriage is to be between a man and a woman. Some believe that her honest, non-politically correct answer cost her the Miss USA title.

Prejean said that officials from the Miss California USA pageant were worried that her comments could cost her their contest financial backing; they also tried to prepare her for a number of media interviews by advising her not to discuss her faith, according to the Associated Press. Her sponsors told her that she needs to apologize to the gay community, and that you should not discuss your faith. Prejean had said that she was representing California, and that she represents a majority of people in California. This response pales in comparison to the vile, venomous attacks of Perez Hilton, a pageant judge who is happens to be a homosexual.

I shared with you an article written by David R. Stokes. His article, although related to the Miss California “controversy” dealt primarily with an opinion piece written by a young man named Jonathan Merritt. It was entitled, “An Evangelical’s Plea: ‘Love the Sinner.’” Merritt is a 26-year-old graduate of Liberty University, the school founded by the late Jerry Falwell. Stokes described the essay as “thoughtful and thought provoking.”

The gist of Merritt’s piece was that too often those of us who stand for traditional values express ourselves as angry and mean. Stokes agreed, but proceeded to warn conservative Christians of the dangers of allowing the message of the Gospel (which includes agreeing with God that sin is indeed sin, and a turning away from that sin) to become watered down by political correctness. (I encourage you to read the entire Stokes’ article here.)

As often happens, this “current event” led us into some deep discussion.

It is obvious to most of us that the cultural tide has shifted. We live in an age when people do not wish to put up with sound doctrine, rejecting the truth (see 2 Timothy 4:3-4). We are witnessing the world becoming more and more organized against God (see the commentary for The Truth Process IV, Lesson 4).

Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by what is going on “out there”. How about you? Sometimes it feels like it’s an “us vs. them” battle, or “me against the mob.” Although it may feel like this, I am becoming convinced that this is the wrong perspective.

Who makes up the group we refer to as “them” or “the mob”, or the “secular humanist” or the “pro abortion”, or “gay activist” groups? Are these groups not comprised of individual people? And do we not share something in common with them? Certainly our world views are drastically different, assuming we have not been taken captive through hollow and deceptive thinking (Colossians 2:8). But are they not, just like us, made in the image of God? (Genesis 1:27)

This so important to remember because it impacts the way we look at those who oppose the Christian point of view. When we recognize them as fellow individuals created in the image of God, I believe it becomes easier to see them as “captives”, rather than the “enemy”. I know that I have too often been guilty of feeling (and expressing) anger, frustration, and intense dislike with people like Perez Hilton. When I experience this type of reaction, it’s a strong indication that I am operating in “enemy” mode. In “captive” mode, I am more likely to feel a sense of pity and a longing for their salvation.

Now don’t misunderstand. We must do all that we can to stand against the continuous wave of evil schemes (Ephesians 6:11). We must participate in the political process, speak the truth in love at every opportunity, support financially the organizations that align themselves with God’s truth… But equally, and perhaps more importantly, we must engage the culture – the individuals who constitute the culture. When we engage, we must remember the words of C.S. Lewis –

“There are no ordinary people. You have never met a mere mortal.”

Sunday afternoon, I received an e mail from one of The Truth Process class members. These words capture the essence of our discussion better than I ever could –

"Although I did not share it today, what kept playing in my mind was "Do I really believe that what I believe is really real?"

If I "really believed". I would see others (even haters of the gospel) as not "mere mortals." But I don't. I see them more as my parenthetical comment, and ignore them because I am busy doing church work. I see "Expanding His Kingdom" more as an initiative on a church meeting agenda, than as revolutionizing how I personally look at non-Christians one at a time. I am self-righteousness in the fact that I don't "judge" or "hate" the non-believer, while I miss the greater sins of "unbelief" and "not loving"."

Romans 12:2 comes to mind -

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

In this individual, we see God at work – transforming him by changing the way he thinks.

May it be so with all of us.

In Christ –

John

Soli Dei Gloria

Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 14

Everything Is Related

One of the aspects of The Truth Process class that I love is that it makes me think – really think.

During our discussion this past Sunday, Carl made an observation that keeps coming back to mind. I can’t remember his exact words, but the gist of what he said was that if we took care of matters within the family, the culture would look a lot different. There is a great deal of truth in this statement, and I believe the comment came in the context of talking about how our kids “catch” our values. As this has been rolling around in my mind over the past few days, I am reminded of how closely connected the Social Spheres, which bear God’s divine imprint, really are.

There are many wonderful aspects of The Truth Project, and one that I especially appreciate is the concept of Social Spheres. This conceptualization helps us see and understand how God’s design, a reflection of His very character and nature, is stamped upon each Social Sphere. Everything reflects what we know as “The Trinity”.

In the Trinity, we find the Father, in a position of sovereign authority, which He delegates to the Son. The Son, though equal to the Father, in submission to the Father. The Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and son. Here we see perfect authority, perfect submission, perfect unity, and perfect oneness.

In the Family, we find the Husband in a position of authority. The Wife, though equal to the Husband, in submission to the Husband. The children proceed from the Husband and Wife. This is God’s design for the Family. This is what it is to look like in terms of structure. God has also disclosed how it is to look in terms of function. To refresh your memory, see Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7; and Ephesians 6:1-4.

What does this have to do with the culture?

As I think about Carl’s observation about the family, I can’t help but wonder what this culture would be like if Christian families functioned more consistently according to God’s design. Would we, as individual believers begin to expand our “circles of influence”? Would our children be better equipped to resist the false truth claims of the culture as they go out into the world? How much of a difference would it make?


I can’t think of a single remaining Social Sphere (Church, State, Labor, and Community) which would not be improved if there were more families functioning according to God’s design. You may be wondering why I left out the sphere of God & Man. I did so because this is where it all begins. If we don’t get this one right, it becomes incredibly difficult to get any of the others right.

Here is what I mean…

At the moment of salvation, we are ushered into a very special relationship with the God of all creation. This relationship is so special, so amazing, that it is practically incomprehensible. But it is, nonetheless, TRUE! You and I, as children of the King, enjoy a divine intimacy with members of the Trinity. Scripture speaks repeatedly of the reality that Christ is in us. (Colossians 1:27; John 14:20; John 17:21) Scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is in us. (John 14:15-16; Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:11)) This is indeed a very special relationship.

Here is what I have discovered in my stumbling walk with the Lord: When I can “hang on” to this truth (that I am one with Christ and the Holy Spirit), I approach everything else in my life differently. When I understand my true relationship with God, I am far more inclined to function in a manner consistent with His design for the Family, Labor, Community, etc.

I am convinced that for each of us, this is the starting point in the process of God using us to transform the culture. Once we understand our real identity in Christ, we are free of the dead weight that often hinders us from ministering to others around us, including those within our families. For our families to be better (meaning more like God’s design) we must be better in the sense that we actually live in the power found in the divine, intimate relationship between God and Man.

When we believe – really believe – that Christ is in us, then we are able to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and run with perseverance the race marked out for us. (Hebrews 12:1).

In Christ,

John

Soli Deo Gloria

Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 13

Truth Bullets

Perhaps you have had this experience –

You open your Bible, and begin to read the inspired word of God – His “special revelation”. As you read, you are “struck” by a statement – a truth claim – and it penetrates your heart. I call these “truth bullets”.

I encountered several truth bullets today in a passage of scripture I have read multiple times – Ephesians 5. I opened my Bible to that particular chapter because of our discussion in class regarding the Iowa Supreme Court decision regarding the legalization of marriage among homosexuals. Intent on refreshing my memory regarding God’s design for the sphere of Family, I decided to read once again Ephesians 5:22-33. I began to read however, at the beginning of the chapter (not at verse 22), and that’s when the truth bullets started flying, starting with verse 1.

1Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children 2and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Be imitators of God…
Live a life of love…
Just as Christ loved us…

Truth Bullet 1

Sometimes I forget (perhaps conveniently) the incredibly high standard to which we are called. I am to be an “imitator of God”. I am to “live a life of love”, but not according to my definition of love. It will not surprise you to know that my definition of love is both flawed and fickle. Sometimes I can love those “outsiders”, and sometimes I’m just not in the mood, you know what I mean? Scripture reminds me that I am to live a life of love “just as Christ loved us.” Maybe, just maybe – if I was more like this I could engage with others more consistently and effectively.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

Let no one deceive you…
With empty words…
For because of such things God's wrath comes…

Truth Bullet 2

I am reminded that I must never let my guard down in a culture in which deceit is rampant. I must know the truth in order to recognize the lies which, left unchallenged, will take me captive.

Truth Bullet 3

I must at all times remember that this deceit comes in the form of “empty words” – words which sound good, but have little substance. Or words that are “assumptive” in nature and carry subtle, yet destructive ideas. These “empty words” have great appeal to many Americans who have fallen in love with the concepts of “rights”, “liberty”, and “happiness” without a true understanding of the intentions of the founders of this nation.

Truth Bullet 4

I must never forget that these empty words which bring deceit have huge consequences – specifically, God’s wrath (for because of such things God's wrath comes.)

Truth Bullet 5

I have a responsibility to expose the “fruitless deeds of darkness.”

11Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for it is light that makes everything visible.

Interesting. I am to expose the deeds of darkness, but it doesn’t appear that this is to be done by my words. That would be too easy. Scripture tells me that I am to be the ”light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Could this be telling me that my life in Christ should be a light which exposes the deeds of darkness so common in our culture? Hmm…

Truth Bullet 6

Furthermore, I am instructed to be careful of how I live.

15Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

What an important reminder! In the midst of this Cosmic Battle, it important to be vigilant at all times (see Truth Bullet 2). But isn’t it interesting that scripture speaks in terms of “opportunity” in the context of evil days? And do you see the significance of understanding the Lord’s will? And do you see the connection with the need for personal transformation? (See Romans 12:2)

As in all of scripture, there is a lot of truth packed into a few verses, and I must confess that sometimes I feel overwhelmed by these truths because it seems impossible to live up to them! The reality is that, in my own strength, it is impossible. This is when it is critically important to remember that I serve a mighty God who does not observe my struggles from afar, but actually lives within me! (Galatians 2:20)

Perhaps you, like me need a reminder now and then of the character and nature of God. Here is that reminder, from the Westminster Confession of Faith –

There is but one only, living, and true God,
Who is infinite in being and perfection,
a most pure spirit,
invisible,
without body, parts, or passions;
immutable,
immense,
eternal,
incomprehensible,
almighty,
most wise,
most holy,
most free,
most absolute;
working all things according to the counsel of His own immutable and most righteous will, for His own glory;
most loving,
gracious,
merciful,
long-suffering,
abundant in goodness and truth,
forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin;
the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him;
most just, and terrible in His judgments,
hating all sin,
and who will by no means clear the guilty.

AND THAT’S THE TRUTH…

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 11

Our conversation in class last week centered on current events, specifically the “outrage” over the payment of $165,000,000 in retention bonuses paid to executives at AIG. Unless you just awakened from a coma, you are aware that AIG is the recipient of over $170 Billion in “bail out” money from the government. That’s $170,000,000,000. The government now has a substantial ownership interest in AIG. Interesting times we live in…

When we take the time to look closely, we see that God has stamped His image on the “Social Spheres” within our culture. These spheres are God & Man, Church, Community, Family, Labor, and the State. As we explore the design of these spheres as presented in The Truth Project, we see the character and nature of God reflected in the design, and find scriptural support for each sphere in God’s word. We cannot discuss these social spheres without addressing the concept of “sphere sovereignty”.

The person most associated with this term is Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920). Although he began in the parish ministry he moved on to become editor of two periodicals; to found the Antirevolutionary Party the first Dutch political party and the first Christian Democratic party in the world; and to establish the Free University a Christian university established on Reformed principles. He was first elected to the Second Chamber of the Dutch Parliament in 1874 and eventually served as Prime Minister from 1901 to 1905. Kuyper's thought was introduced to North America in 1898 when he delivered the Stone Lectures at Princeton Seminary.Although Kuyper was not an academic political theorist he nevertheless laid the foundations for a highly original approach to politics that would come to be labeled "Kuyperian." Its originality consisted in the fact that he sought to articulate a consistently Christian view of the place of politics in God's world free from the distortions of various non-christian ideologies.The most characteristic feature of Kuyper's political thought is the principle of “soevereiniteit in eigen kring”, usually referred to in English as "sovereignty in its own sphere" "sovereignty in its proper orbit" or simply "sphere sovereignty." Sphere sovereignty implies three things: (1) ultimate sovereignty rests with God alone; (2) all earthly sovereignties are subordinate to and derivative from God's sovereignty; and (3) there is no mediating earthly sovereignty from which others are derivative. We can conclude that each of the spheres addressed by The Truth Project is subordinate to and derived from God’s sovereignty, and therefore has no claim to sovereignty over any of the other spheres. For example: The State has no sovereignty claim over the Church. This is so because the Church’s sovereignty is subordinate to and derivative from God’s sovereignty. If the State begins to impose it’s will upon the Church, the State has intruded upon the sovereignty granted to the Church by God Himself.

Within our culture, it is possible to identify many examples of this type of “sphere intrusion”, and it is quite often the State which is guilty of the intrusion. The State now owns 70% of AIG, and the Attorney General of New York (an agent of the State) has demanded disclosure of the names, job descriptions, and performance reviews of the executives who received the bonuses which caused so much outrage. Job descriptions, performance reviews, and bonus compensation These are issues which belong in the sphere of Labor, not in the sphere of the State.

Current events should not surprise us if we recognize and accept the reality that we live in a post-Christian culture in which the State no longer recognizes that ultimate sovereignty belongs to God alone, and that the State’s sovereignty is subordinate to and derivative from God's sovereignty. Observation of the operation of the State seems to indicate that the State itself now operates from a position of ultimate sovereignty, and the Civil Magistrates (our elected officials) are far removed from the religious principles and morality of our founding fathers. The reason we keep electing such officials is related to another current event discussed in class last week: ARIS 2008. Our Civil Magistrates are being put in office by an electorate which is becoming less and less religious.

The American Religious Identification Survey 2008 disclosed that America is becoming a less religious country. Most religious groups in the USA have lost ground since 1990, while those who claimed to be atheists, agnostics, or of no religious affiliation increased by 15%. Do you see how this is connected to the operation of the sphere of the State? As the citizenry becomes more secularized, it’s decisions (including those in the voting booth) are no longer based on a firm understanding of what is right and wrong in God’s eyes. Is it any wonder we have such a cultural mess on our hands?

So what are we to do?

We have three options:

Abandon the culture, confront the culture, or transform the culture.

Abandoning the culture means we throw up our hands and walk away. We let the culture run its course while we hide out in our Christian caves. Nowhere in scripture can we find any justification for this. Although it may be tempting at times, abandoning the culture would be a profound act of disobedience. Aren’t we supposed to salt and light? (Matthew 5:13-16)

Should we confront the culture? Certainly there are times when we must be confrontational. (For an excellent example of the violation of sphere sovereignty and courageous confrontation, see 2 Chronicles 26:16-23) When we find ourselves in circumstances where we must confront, we must be very careful. Too often the confrontation becomes adversarial and charged with anger. When I find myself acting in this manner, it’s a safe bet that it has become about me, and not about God. Think of the example of Jesus Christ. He confronted sinners on a regular basis with love and compassion. The only “harsh” confrontations I can recall are those with the false teachers and money changers in the temple.

The proper and best response to a culture in decline is to transform it. I’ll be the first to admit that this appears impossible. Note that I said “appears”, not “is”. What appears impossible to us is clearly possible with God. (Matthew 19:26) This is true no matter how daunting the task.

Have you ever had a project which was so large and complicated that you had difficulty seeing how you could ever get to the end of it? With projects like this it’s easy to get caught up in trying to figure out everything that will have to be done to get to “complete”. It’s possible to get so bogged down in this process that we fail to clearly identify the first thing that needs to take place. It can be this way when we think about transforming the culture.

Think about this: If we are to be God’s agents in transforming this culture, what is the first thing that needs to take place? The answer is obvious isn’t it? I MUST BE TRANSFORMED! How can I be effective ambassador for Jesus Christ if I have not allowed Him to transform my own life? If I submit and allow God to change my heart, my mind, and my will, I will find myself far better equipped to respond to those around me who have been taken captive by hollow and deceptive philosophies.

My dear brothers and sisters, this is where it all begins. We do not have to figure it all out. The sovereign God of all creation, who knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10) has already done that! What we need to do is be sure that we are relying on His transforming power to work within us.

Less of us. More of Him.

In Christ –

John

Soli Deo Gloria

Truth Process Session IV, Lesson 10

Carrot Cake and Spiritual Dissonance

This past Saturday, Fran and I took our son Jason and his lovely wife Janine to dinner in celebration of Jason’s 34th birthday. Afterwards we returned to their home for the traditional singing of “Happy Birthday” and a slice of delicious carrot cake, which Janine had baked. The moment I took the first bite of the cake, I experienced what might be referred to as “Dietary Dissonance”. Let me explain…

A few weeks ago, I resolved to lose some weight. Over the last ten years or so, I have gradually added “a little here, a little there”, and found myself about ten pounds heavier than I should be. For someone with high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease, this is not a good thing. I have been aware of the extra weight for some time now, but it took me a while to reach the point where I was willing to actually do something. What I decided to do was to conduct myself in a manner consistent with a fundamental truth regarding caloric intake and expenditure: “One must take in fewer calories than one expends, in order to lose weight.” This is a well known fact – a “dietary truth claim” of sorts, and I believe it to be true. Starting a few weeks ago, I began to ACT according to this truth, and I started to pay attention to my caloric intake vs. caloric expenditure. I have been tracking calories, and for the most part keeping the intake less than the expenditure. Not surprisingly, I have lost some weight.

Note what happened here:

First, I resolved to lose weight.

Then, I connected with the truth (One must take in fewer calories than one expends, in order to lose weight) and I believed the truth.

Then I made my actions consistent with the truth and my belief.

“Dissonance” is defined as “inconsistency between one’s beliefs and one’s actions”. This is why I say I experienced “Dietary Dissonance” last Saturday. By the time we reached the dessert phase of the evening, I knew that I was already well over the desired caloric intake for the day. I knew that cake tends to be high in calories. I ATE IT ANYWAY. My action (eating the carrot cake) was not consistent with my belief (one must take in fewer calories than one expends, in order to lose weight). Here is how I rationalized this inconsistency:

“It’s Jason’s birthday.”
“Janine went to all this trouble!”
“It’s the weekend.”
“One time won’t hurt.”

For most of us, there are times of “Spiritual Dissonance” in our lives – circumstances where our actions are not consistent with our Christian beliefs. I know in my own life this happens far too often. In fact, there are times when I amaze myself in how drastically different my actions can be from my beliefs. Sometimes it seems like the harder I try, the worse it gets!

I do not understand this “Spiritual Dissonance” in my life. For the most part, I know the truth. I believe the truth. I resolve to live in accordance with the truth. But it seems that there are times when I just can’t do it! I am reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 7:15-21:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.

So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Do you think Paul was experiencing “Spiritual Dissonance”?

Paul possessed a divine perspective on this matter that I, and perhaps you, often lack – he understood the reality of his sin nature. He said, “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.” (v.18) My guess is that our lives would look much different if we would consistently reconnect with this truth claim. This is absolutely essential in our quest to live as God’s ambassadors.

My problem is that I follow the same process in trying to live a Godly life that I follow in trying to lose weight:

First, I resolve to grow and develop spiritually. Then, I connect with the truth, and I believe the truth. Then I try to make my actions consistent with the truth and my belief. This is where it all falls apart, because “I” am too small and ill-equipped for the task.

This isn’t counting calories. It isn’t about whether I can and should say “no” to carrot cake. This is about the epic spiritual battle in which you and I are engaged every minute of every day. When I walk onto that battleground, and all I bring is my will, my discipline, and my resolve, I bring something else with me. I bring my sin nature, and I find that even though “I want to do good, evil is right there with me.”

So what are we to do?

In anguish and frustration, Paul cried out “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” Then he shares with us the answer to his question: “Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25) Rescue from the sin nature comes through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Note that Paul didn’t say “through Jesus Christ.” He said “Jesus Christ our Lord.” When Jesus is Lord of our lives, He is the master and we are in the position of a submissive servant. The submissive servant recognizes the master’s rightful place of authority, and humbly ranks himself under that authority. It is from this position that we find ourselves equipped to live in a manner consistent with our Christian beliefs.

When I am not in a position of humble submission to God, I experience a lot of “Spiritual Dissonance”. This is because my pride has taken over as I attempt to operate on the basis of my strength and my will. I wonder when I will learn this simple truth: There must be less of me. More of Him.

In Christ –
John

Soli Dei Gloria

P.S. I had another piece of carrot cake on Sunday.