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