"Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper" (Jeremiah 29:7).
I have followed politics to one degree or another for most of my life. As a student at Oklahoma Christian University, I minored in social studies, volunteered for a couple of political campaigns, and served as the chairman of one of the political clubs on campus. Over the years, I have searched the Bible for principles to guide me in making political decisions which I would like to share here:
1. The government exists in order to protect innocent people from those who would harm them (Romans 13:1-7). In a democratic republic, ordinary citizens are more responsible for their government than are the subjects of a dictatorship. We are responsible for seeking good leaders and just policies.
2. God's people have an obligation to seek the good of their communities, even if they are a minority within it (Jeremiah 29:7). We may not win every battle--in fact, we may lose most--but love for our neighbors will prompt us to continue our efforts to benefit them.
3. Many political decisions are matters of applying wisdom to differing circumstances. For example, sometimes wisdom demands that taxes be raised (Genesis 41:28-36). At other times, it requires that the burden be lowered (1 Kings 12:1-17). We need humility and wisdom from God to know the best course of action. Also, we need to be gracious toward those who do not see things as we do. They may not have as much information as we do, or they may have more. We need to be open to learning from those we see as our political opponents. Sometimes they are right.
4. On most political issues, God's people can remain quiet. However, when an issue involves an unjust threat to innocent human lives, we cannot keep quiet (Esther 7:3-4). We should risk making enemies (even powerful enemies) in order to save the lives of innocent people. This is the difficult part of loving our neighbors as ourselves, because it would be much easier to live in peace and quiet while others are suffering rather than to take risks on their behalf. We are not likely to be popular, but it is worth the risks in order to help others and to please our Savior.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
A True Pastor
"To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4).
A few years ago, an elder of the Jenks Church led a unique Wednesday evening Bible class. Rather than meeting in a classroom as usual, he invited everyone interested to join him in the lobby. From there, we traveled around the area visiting our elderly and disabled members who had difficulty making it to our Wednesday evening classes. We visited some in their homes and others in a nursing home. I knew some of our members, but due to their long-term health problems, I had never met others. We were able to sit and visit, read a few verses from the Bible, and pray with some of our great saints.
I will never forget those summer classes. A great elder showed me what a true pastor looks like: a man who takes care of his flock, especially the members who would be easy to overlook.
A few years ago, an elder of the Jenks Church led a unique Wednesday evening Bible class. Rather than meeting in a classroom as usual, he invited everyone interested to join him in the lobby. From there, we traveled around the area visiting our elderly and disabled members who had difficulty making it to our Wednesday evening classes. We visited some in their homes and others in a nursing home. I knew some of our members, but due to their long-term health problems, I had never met others. We were able to sit and visit, read a few verses from the Bible, and pray with some of our great saints.
I will never forget those summer classes. A great elder showed me what a true pastor looks like: a man who takes care of his flock, especially the members who would be easy to overlook.
An Orphans Ministry Workshop
"Whoever heard me spoke well of me,
and those who saw me commended me,
because I rescued the poor who cried for help,
and the fatherless who had none to assist him" (Job 29:11-12).
I received the following e-mail from FamilyLife today and would like to share it with anyone who may be interested:
"It's likely that you or someone you know has been deeply impacted through an encounter with an orphan. It might have been a missions trip to an orphanage while in middle school. Maybe it was a foster child you mentored during college. Maybe your relative or friend is considering adopting. Whatever the case, God has planted the seed and now, it's time for that seed to take root and grow.
"Your Church and the Orphan is a biblically-based, informative, powerful, and interactive one-day workshop that will bring together a group of passionate, like-minded people from your church to pray, dream and learn about how God wants to use your church to care for orphans. The workshop is designed for Christian lay leaders (though pastors and other church leaders are welcome to attend!) who want to explore how their church can make an eternal difference for orphans and waiting children.
"Your Church and the Orphan will be held on:
Saturday, September 27, 2008
9 AM until 4:30 PM
Irving Bible Church
2435 Kinwest Parkway
Irving, TX 75063."
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Dad, Why Are You Not Voting for Barack Obama?
"Rescue those being led away to death;
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,'
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" (Proverbs 24:11-12)
Among the virtues Janet and I are attempting to instill within Christopher are concern for vulnerable people and the courage needed to protect them. He knows a little boy about a year younger than himself who has developmental disabilities. The little guy is physically weak and mentally slow, but he loves Christopher. The problem is: he can't keep up with our son. He cannot wrestle, and he cannot even defend himself verbally when playing with the other boys. So Christopher knows that it's his job to protect the weaker little boy.
Last week, Christopher asked, "Dad, why are you not voting for Barack Obama?" I would have loved to have told him that I was voting for Mr. Obama. I would have loved to have been able to point to Senator Obama as another positive black male role model for my son to emulate, but I could not. I explained to Christopher that some people kill little babies before they are born, while they are still in their mothers' tummies. Barack Obama will not try to protect those babies. Instead, he defends the people who kill them.
Immediately, Christopher understood. He knew that something is wrong with a man who will not try to protect innocent and vulnerable people. He comprehended why his mother and father could not vote for Senator Obama, despite the man's personal charisma. Our son has already started to internalize our values.
Of course, Christopher's next question was: "What about John McCain?" I could not answer his question yet. His choice of a vice presidential running mate will give us a hint about how seriously he takes his responsibility to protect innocent people from those who would harm them. Perhaps we will know in a week or two, but for now, I'm pleased with our son's developing sense of moral responsibility.
hold back those staggering toward slaughter.
If you say, 'But we knew nothing about this,'
does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?
Does not he who guards your life know it?
Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" (Proverbs 24:11-12)
Among the virtues Janet and I are attempting to instill within Christopher are concern for vulnerable people and the courage needed to protect them. He knows a little boy about a year younger than himself who has developmental disabilities. The little guy is physically weak and mentally slow, but he loves Christopher. The problem is: he can't keep up with our son. He cannot wrestle, and he cannot even defend himself verbally when playing with the other boys. So Christopher knows that it's his job to protect the weaker little boy.
Last week, Christopher asked, "Dad, why are you not voting for Barack Obama?" I would have loved to have told him that I was voting for Mr. Obama. I would have loved to have been able to point to Senator Obama as another positive black male role model for my son to emulate, but I could not. I explained to Christopher that some people kill little babies before they are born, while they are still in their mothers' tummies. Barack Obama will not try to protect those babies. Instead, he defends the people who kill them.
Immediately, Christopher understood. He knew that something is wrong with a man who will not try to protect innocent and vulnerable people. He comprehended why his mother and father could not vote for Senator Obama, despite the man's personal charisma. Our son has already started to internalize our values.
Of course, Christopher's next question was: "What about John McCain?" I could not answer his question yet. His choice of a vice presidential running mate will give us a hint about how seriously he takes his responsibility to protect innocent people from those who would harm them. Perhaps we will know in a week or two, but for now, I'm pleased with our son's developing sense of moral responsibility.
Love One Another
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).
If you need a little encouragement and inspiration for today, please read the Christian Chronicle article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158418~A_gift_of_sacrifice_-_and_love. As far as I'm concerned, Bobby Ross should be awarded a Pulitzer for writing the story, and Kayla Balliew should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for living it.
If you need a little encouragement and inspiration for today, please read the Christian Chronicle article at http://www.christianchronicle.org/article2158418~A_gift_of_sacrifice_-_and_love. As far as I'm concerned, Bobby Ross should be awarded a Pulitzer for writing the story, and Kayla Balliew should receive the Nobel Peace Prize for living it.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Baptism and Grace
Tomorrow marks the twenty-third anniversary of my baptism. I would like to share a few quotes from British Baptist theologian G.R. Beasley-Murray on the subject of baptism:
"(T)he idea that baptism is a purely symbolic rite must be pronounced not (only) unsatisfactory but out of harmony with the New Testament itself. Admittedly, such a judgment runs counter to the popular tradition of the Denomination to which the writer belongs, as it does to some of the significant contributions to the study of baptism that have appeared from theologians of other Churches in recent years. But the New Testament belongs to us all and we stand judged by it. Few, if any, are concerned to oppose the contention that baptism is 'a beautiful symbol.' The Apostolic writers make free use of the symbolism of the baptismal action; but they go further and view the act as a symbol with power...
"The extent and nature of the grace which the New Testament writers declare to be present in baptism is astonishing...
"(T)he 'grace' available to man in baptism is said by the New Testament writers to include the following elements: forgiveness of sin, Acts 2:38 and cleansing from sins, Acts 22:16, 1 Cor.6:11; union with Christ, Gal. 3:27, and particularly union with Him in his death and resurrection, Rom. 6:3 ff, Col. 2:11 f, with all that implies of release from sin's power, as well as guilt, and the sharing of the risen life of the Redeemer, Rom. 6:1-11; participation in Christ's sonship, Gal. 3:26 f; consecration to God, 1 Cor. 6:11, hence membership in the Church, the Body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:27-29; possession of the Spirit, Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 6:11, 12:13, and therefore the new life in the Spirit, i.e. regeneration, Tit. 3:5. Jn. 3:5; grace to live according to the will of God, Rom. 6:1 ff, Col. 3:1 ff; deliverance from the evil powers that rule this world, Col. 1:13; the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, Jn. 3:5, and the pledge of the resurrection of the body, Eph. 1:13 f, 4:30...
"Now while it is undeniable that the Church in all generations of its history, including the first, has been prone to lapse into lower forms of sacramentalism, we have not perceived that lapse in the Apostolic teaching itself. Paul in 1 Cor. 10:1 f gave a clear warning against a magical-sacramental view of the sacraments, and 1 Pet. 3:21 yields an emphatic denial that the external elements of baptism constitute either its essence or its power: 'Baptism saves...through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.' Does not this very saying point in the direction to which we should look for the solution to our problem (of recognizing the importance of Christian baptism without making it a magical sacrament)? Baptism saves, not because water washes dirt from the body, but as the occasion when a man is met by the Risen Christ" (Baptism in the New Testament, pp. 263-265).
"(T)he idea that baptism is a purely symbolic rite must be pronounced not (only) unsatisfactory but out of harmony with the New Testament itself. Admittedly, such a judgment runs counter to the popular tradition of the Denomination to which the writer belongs, as it does to some of the significant contributions to the study of baptism that have appeared from theologians of other Churches in recent years. But the New Testament belongs to us all and we stand judged by it. Few, if any, are concerned to oppose the contention that baptism is 'a beautiful symbol.' The Apostolic writers make free use of the symbolism of the baptismal action; but they go further and view the act as a symbol with power...
"The extent and nature of the grace which the New Testament writers declare to be present in baptism is astonishing...
"(T)he 'grace' available to man in baptism is said by the New Testament writers to include the following elements: forgiveness of sin, Acts 2:38 and cleansing from sins, Acts 22:16, 1 Cor.6:11; union with Christ, Gal. 3:27, and particularly union with Him in his death and resurrection, Rom. 6:3 ff, Col. 2:11 f, with all that implies of release from sin's power, as well as guilt, and the sharing of the risen life of the Redeemer, Rom. 6:1-11; participation in Christ's sonship, Gal. 3:26 f; consecration to God, 1 Cor. 6:11, hence membership in the Church, the Body of Christ, 1 Cor. 12:13, Gal. 3:27-29; possession of the Spirit, Acts 2:38, 1 Cor. 6:11, 12:13, and therefore the new life in the Spirit, i.e. regeneration, Tit. 3:5. Jn. 3:5; grace to live according to the will of God, Rom. 6:1 ff, Col. 3:1 ff; deliverance from the evil powers that rule this world, Col. 1:13; the inheritance of the Kingdom of God, Jn. 3:5, and the pledge of the resurrection of the body, Eph. 1:13 f, 4:30...
"Now while it is undeniable that the Church in all generations of its history, including the first, has been prone to lapse into lower forms of sacramentalism, we have not perceived that lapse in the Apostolic teaching itself. Paul in 1 Cor. 10:1 f gave a clear warning against a magical-sacramental view of the sacraments, and 1 Pet. 3:21 yields an emphatic denial that the external elements of baptism constitute either its essence or its power: 'Baptism saves...through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.' Does not this very saying point in the direction to which we should look for the solution to our problem (of recognizing the importance of Christian baptism without making it a magical sacrament)? Baptism saves, not because water washes dirt from the body, but as the occasion when a man is met by the Risen Christ" (Baptism in the New Testament, pp. 263-265).
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Creation (Part Two)
These are my notes for our Bible study at the Normandy Apartments tomorrow night.
"So God created man in his image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).
Please read Genesis 1:26-2:25.
These are some implications of humanity's creation:
1. God is relational. "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." God's use of the plural in referring to himself suggests the doctrine of the trinity. (See Genesis 1:2 and Colossians 1:15-20.) In his nature, God exists relationally. We have been designed to relate to him and to each other.
2. People are special to God. We bear his image. Whatever else that may mean, it means that we have a special connection to God, a connection not shared with plants and animals.
3. All people are related to each other, because we are descendants of Adam and Eve. We are related to the richest man in the world and to the AIDS orphan who is barely surviving in Africa. We are related to the Swedish supermodel and to the Chinese prisoner. We are related to the Olympic gold medalist and to the comatose woman in the nursing home. Since we are related to each other, we should consider how we treat each other.
4. People are responsible to care for the world's animals. We are to rule over them not as selfish tyrants, but as righteous kings and queens. Their interests will not take precedence over human needs, but they will be considered. (See Proverbs 12:10.)
5. Men and women are similar, but not the same. God separated masculinity in men from femininity in women as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
6. God has blessed sex between a husband and a wife as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
7. God has blessed the roles of father and mother as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
8. Men and women complement each other in marriage. Neither is complete without the other. Each has a role in building up the other. (Ephesians 5:33 provides good advice in this area.)
9. Marriage was designed to provide security for both the husband and the wife. They can stand before each other completely naked, open, and vulnerable, but without shame.
"So God created man in his image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them" (Genesis 1:27).
Please read Genesis 1:26-2:25.
These are some implications of humanity's creation:
1. God is relational. "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness..." God's use of the plural in referring to himself suggests the doctrine of the trinity. (See Genesis 1:2 and Colossians 1:15-20.) In his nature, God exists relationally. We have been designed to relate to him and to each other.
2. People are special to God. We bear his image. Whatever else that may mean, it means that we have a special connection to God, a connection not shared with plants and animals.
3. All people are related to each other, because we are descendants of Adam and Eve. We are related to the richest man in the world and to the AIDS orphan who is barely surviving in Africa. We are related to the Swedish supermodel and to the Chinese prisoner. We are related to the Olympic gold medalist and to the comatose woman in the nursing home. Since we are related to each other, we should consider how we treat each other.
4. People are responsible to care for the world's animals. We are to rule over them not as selfish tyrants, but as righteous kings and queens. Their interests will not take precedence over human needs, but they will be considered. (See Proverbs 12:10.)
5. Men and women are similar, but not the same. God separated masculinity in men from femininity in women as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
6. God has blessed sex between a husband and a wife as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
7. God has blessed the roles of father and mother as a part of his "very good" design for humanity.
8. Men and women complement each other in marriage. Neither is complete without the other. Each has a role in building up the other. (Ephesians 5:33 provides good advice in this area.)
9. Marriage was designed to provide security for both the husband and the wife. They can stand before each other completely naked, open, and vulnerable, but without shame.
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