Monday, March 31, 2008

Mirror Image Churches

Do you love what you see in the mirror?

Falling in love with oneself is called narcissism (nar-si-siz'em). It’s named after Narcissus, a hero in Greek mythology that fell in love with his own reflection.

You might think a church wouldn’t be like that. And it shouldn’t be. But it’s easy for churches to convince themselves they’re serving others while focusing on what they like.

Now hold it right there for just a minute. How can Christians be self-serving? Aren’t they supposed to love Jesus and love others? Of course. But it’s easy to get sidetracked.

It’s like this--once we become a child of God through faith in Christ, we’re a part of his family, the church. Christians join a local church to worship God, serve him and serve others.

Many Christians begin well but soon make church about them. It turns into what THEY like: THEIR traditions, THEIR music, THEIR Bible translation, and THEIR kind of preaching.

When some Christians see their church, they see a reflection of themselves. Like looking in a mirror. They can’t get enough. They’re self-absorbed. Narcissists. They love their church.

“Well what’s wrong with that? Doesn’t Jesus love the church?” Yes, he does.

Jesus loves the church so much he died on the cross to make it possible. Through his death our sins are forgiven. Then he cleanses us spiritually to make us part of his church.

The problem is with us. We’re not supposed to fall in love with our church to the point we think, “It’s all about us.” We’re supposed to love Jesus first and love others second.

Sadly, some Christians really believe church is all about them. They say, “Our church is the best one!” And they think, “Our church is the only one that’s right. The rest are all wrong!”

The Bible challenges that attitude with this question: “Did the Word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached?” Answer: Obviously not--so lighten up!

Instead of focusing on what WE like, we should ask what JESUS likes. The church is supposed to be HIS church anyway. It’s not our church. We should ask, “Is GOD pleased with our music, our worship, our hearts and our attitudes? Are we doing what HE wants us to do?

Our “brand” of church isn’t Jesus’ main concern. His heart is for lost, hurting people. Listen to what he said about himself: “The Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

Jesus left his Heaven and came to our earth so we could have a personal relationship with God. And he calls us to follow him. To leave our “heaven.” To go to a lost, hurting world and build relationships that introduce people to Jesus. To show others how much God loves them.

Do we, as Christians, prefer the comfort of our traditions to the challenge of reaching our culture with the gospel? Are we afraid to change our church so it’s more welcoming to others?

If you’re not a Christian, remember God loves you. Jesus came to show you God’s love. He came so you could be forgiven for your sins and live in the freedom of his love. Keep seeking God until you find him in Jesus! Then find a church that puts Jesus first.

Christian friend, let’s make church about Jesus again. Remember that Narcissus wasted away and died because he couldn’t stop admiring himself. There’s a lesson there. The church that focuses on itself fails to become all God wants us to be. And that church will die.

Are you willing to set aside what you prefer? To make church about what God wants? Because when the church is working right, it’s the hope of the world. And right now our world needs the hope we have in Christ more than ever.

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Monday, March 24, 2008

Holiday Jesus

Well it’s that time of year to put away the winter stuff. Even Jesus.

Along with packing up Easter decorations and winter clothes in the spring, many people store Jesus until the fall. They’re fine without him. Just save Jesus for the holidays.

It’s easy to do. Once spring hits the yard, there’s a lot to be done—mowing, gardening, spring-cleaning, and weekends at the lake. Who’s got time for God?

There’s just one problem with that. Jesus asks, “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?”

What’s the benefit of having the best yard and garden, the cleanest house or the nicest place on the lake? Is it worth it if you end up losing your life in the process?

Well, hold on for just a minute. How can all that cost you your life?

Good question. Do you really want to know?

Life is about focus. What you focus on consumes your life. You spend your life to get what you want. And you can’t serve two masters at the same time. Jesus said that.

A relationship with God is about more than celebrating Christmas and Easter. It’s about more than worship on weekends. It’s about loving the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And loving your neighbor as yourself. Jesus said that, too.

God becomes your priority. Not just a pastime for your free time. You can’t fool him. He says, “Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

Hey, if you want to spend your life pursuing power, wealth and pleasure, go for it. Just don’t expect much in the way of inner peace, eternal rewards or a lasting legacy.

Jesus, however, calls us to a different focus in life. He says, “Follow me. Take my yoke upon you. Learn from me.” And the life to which he calls us is a life of service.

Describing himself Jesus said, “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and give his life a ransom for many.” And he calls us to follow him boldly.

When you follow Jesus, the rewards are much greater than the sacrifices. You will know the joy that your life is making an eternal difference. You will have peace that transcends all understanding. And you will feel so blessed you won’t know what to do!

True, the way of Jesus is not the way of wealth, pleasure or power. It’s the path of denying self. It may be the path of suffering and hardship. And it doesn’t appeal to everyone.

To follow Jesus, you must give up your rights in order to serve God and others.

Think Mother Theresa and not Martha Stewart. Billy Graham and not Donald Trump.

If your Jesus is a Holiday Jesus (or even a Weekend Jesus), don’t kid yourself that you’re a true Christ follower. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross DAILY and follow me.”

We can’t have it both ways. Jesus didn’t promise reward for a part-time commitment.

Take a good honest look at your life. What’s your focus? Is it all about you?

Ask God to show you a better way. Ask him to make your life count. If you’re serious, pick up a Bible and read the New Testament. Begin with the Gospel of John and keep going.

The purpose of the Bible is summed up in these words from its pages: “But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Monday, March 17, 2008

Truthiness or Truth?

Do you believe in truth or truthiness?

“Truthiness” is a word that television comedian Stephen Colbert popularized in 2005. He came up with the word “truthiness” minutes before taping the first episode of “The Colbert Report.” He decided the word “truth” in his script wasn’t ridiculous enough.

“We're not talking about truth, we're talking about something that seems like truth—the truth we want to exist,” he explained. “Facts matter not at all. Perception is everything.”

Colbert added, “Truthiness is ‘What I say is right.’ It's not only that I FEEL it to be true, but that ‘I’ feel it to be true. There's not only an emotional quality, but there’s a selfish quality.”

Many people call themselves “Christians” and believe truthiness instead of truth. In fact it’s common for them to describe their faith as “choosing what I want to believe.” --As if the Bible was a cafeteria line, picking what you like and leaving what you don’t!

Well hold on just a minute. Isn’t that how most Americans view their faith?

Probably. But while some religions may include that approach, the Bible does not.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Notice that Jesus said he is “THE way” and not “A way.”

Another time he added, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

Think about that. For the truth to set you free you must believe it’s true and act on it. It’s not an option for you to adjust the truth to your preferences or make it fit your view of reality.

We can’t adjust truth in a math class. What makes us think we can do it with faith?

Many people say they believe the Bible and believe in God. They’ve heard the gospel story and agree that Jesus lived, died on a cross for the sins of mankind and rose again on the third day. But hearing it and agreeing with it is not the same as believing in it.

If you truly believe something it changes your behavior. In this case you decide to put your trust in Jesus Christ to forgive you and save you from sin’s penalty—eternal separation from God. And then you choose to obey him.

The Bible says that Christians are people who “no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” If you’re a Christian you live for Jesus.

Some don’t see the need to obey Jesus. They don’t believe his teaching is the only truth.

Instead they believe the truthiness about Jesus. They think what THEY want to believe is true.

They might say, “I’m a Christian. I believe in God. I pray and attend church. I do the best I can.” And if asked what they’ll find on the other side they might say, “Heaven--I hope.”

Contrary to popular opinion, God doesn’t grade us on our efforts. The Bible says salvation is a gift of God received through faith and not by works.

According to the Bible, when you decide to follow Jesus Christ and “believe” in him, you receive eternal life. It says, “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

God sent Jesus so we could KNOW our sins and mistakes are forgiven and so we could KNOW we have eternal life. And when you know that, you can finally forgive yourself.

Jesus Christ lived, died and rose from the dead to give sinners a full and blessed life now and eternal life in Heaven later. That’s the truth. And that truth is worth celebrating this Easter!

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Monday, March 10, 2008

Driving Miss Crazy

Do you drive and talk on the cell phone at the same time?

Some states have now banned this common practice. It’s not only distracting, but certain people just can’t do it safely. People like “Miss Crazy.”

A while back I was driving behind her car. First it drifted left toward the centerline. Then, just before crossing into oncoming traffic, it jerked right. Drifting right again it suddenly jerked left. Then it repeated the zigzagging all over again.

Concerned for the driver’s safety, I looked closer.

What I saw was a woman holding a cell phone to her ear with one hand. Her other hand gestured wildly as she talked. Occasionally she grabbed the wheel to adjust the car left or right. It was scary--the car was driving “Miss Crazy” and not the other way around!

We used to talk about drivers who drove their radio and adjusted the car. Now I see people everywhere driving their cell phones and talking to their cars. It’s just plain crazy!

But is it any crazier than going through life without direction? Many people do.

They live only for their next paycheck, next vacation or next night on the town. It’s as though their life is on perpetual cruise control with no destination.

Well hold on just a minute. Where’s YOUR life headed?

Many people are like John Lennon’s song Beautiful Boy when it says, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Some don’t even have a plan.

However, as Billy Graham often said, “God loves you. He has a plan for your life.”

Do you know where he gets that? The first part is from John 3:16. There we learn, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

The second part is in Jeremiah 29:11. God said, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

It’s amazing to think that the God who made the universe, who knows all about you, and loves you, has a special plan for your life. But the Bible says he does.

First you must turn from trusting in yourself to trusting in God. Trouble is, most of us think we can do better than God. Plus we don’t want to admit we’ve wrecked our lives.

Besides, who needs a road map when there’s such a nice wide highway to follow? It’s the one everyone else is on. You know, “Doin’ what comes naturally” and “Live and let live.”

Listen to Jesus. He says, “Broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it. But narrow is…the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Sounds to me like one of those GPS gadgets would come in handy! Or at least a map.

The good news is that Jesus gave us the map to follow. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

The choice is yours. You can pick any road you want to follow. But only one will lead you to the life full of love, joy, peace and purpose that Jesus promised--and Heaven, too!

So my advice to you is “Don’t be driving crazy. Follow Jesus.” You can trust him to lead the way. He’ll never fail you or give up on you. And he’ll keep you from wrecking your life. If your life is already a mess, he’ll forgive you and give you a fresh start.

Oh--and if you can’t keep one hand on the wheel and an eye on the road--hang up!

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Monday, March 3, 2008

Prayer Secrets

How does prayer work? What’s the secret?

Perhaps the secret of prayer is in the words you say. Or maybe it’s praying in the right position--you know, with your eyes closed or open, kneeling or standing—is that it?

Others think it’s repeating the prayer enough times to show you mean it. Some suppose they have to shout to get God’s attention or light a candle in a church.

A majority of Americans believe in God and believe in prayer. Some say, “I pray all the time.” That’s good, but how do they know God is listening?

And what about answers? Some give up praying because God didn’t answer them.

Maybe it’s because they didn’t know the “secret” of prayer--the key to how it works.

Now hold on just a minute! This is getting complicated. Does prayer work or doesn’t it?

Prayer’s power is not in the methods or words we use. Nor is it in our physical posture, the size of our faith or the sincerity of our heart.

The power of prayer is the God of the Bible. He alone is the prayer answering God.

One benefit of the Bible is that it shows us how God answers prayer for ordinary people like you and me. And they were ordinary. It says that even the prophet Elijah “was a man just like us.” His prayers were not answered because of who he was but because of who God is.

OK, then how do you know he hears you and answers you? That’s the question!

Many people pray and see no results. The reason is because they have no relationship with God. For prayer to work there must be a relationship with him. That’s the key. Really.

Let me explain. Some children receive allowances. What if one child went to another’s father and asked for an allowance? What would happen? He would say, “Go see your own dad!”

And that’s why prayer works for some and not others. The Bible says that when you have a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ, God is your Heavenly Father. You become his child. And God invites his children to come and ask for whatever they need.

Jesus said, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” God wants to answer the prayers of his children.

That brings us back to faith. The Bible says, “It is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.”

A relationship with God begins with faith. Faith that God loves you, that he is good and has your best interests at heart. Faith that when God says he will forgive your sin and make you his child—he will do it.

Where does faith come from? The Bible explains that faith is a gift from God. It comes from listening to God speak to you through the Bible and understanding that he’s talking to you.

Perhaps you would like to know how to have a personal relationship with God. If so, I recommend that you pick up a Bible and read the Gospel of John in the New Testament.

Just remember that the secret of prayer is not a secret. Power in prayer begins with a personal relationship with God. It’s that simple.

And what about answers to prayer? God always answers, but it may not be the answer we expect. Like any good parent, God doesn’t give us everything we want. Sometimes he says, “Yes.” But other times he may say “No,” “Wait a while” or even “You’ve got to be kidding!”

Listen to the Bible; it’s great for your soul!

Lake Side Church of the Brethren

http://www.lakesidecob.org/

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