Over the years I have met lots of folks who have been disillusioned, hurt, betrayed, and misled by the church. They came into the fold expecting blessing, but left with nothing but curse. Coming with a smile; leaving with their teeth knocked out.
To those people, I would first like to say this: I understand. I know first hand what friendly fire feels like. I have scars on my soul from the bite marks of Christ’s sheep. I also have been confused and disheartened by the direction of certain churches/Christians over the years; seeming to get further and further off course; looking less and less like they’re supposed to. None of it is fun. All of it is extremely painful. So painful that it can make leaving the church look like a great option.
But it’s not.
Even with all the pain churches are able to cause, it is never a good option, a righteous option, to forever leave the church in which Jesus dwells (1 Corinthians 3:16). Not because your pain isn’t real. Not because you need to get over it. No, leaving the church is never a good option because Jesus never leaves His church. He is the husband par excellence who stands by the side of His bride and works unceasingly for her good. Therefore, following Jesus will always bring you back to His bride because that’s where He is. Loving Jesus ought to bring you to love the Church, not because she is beautiful now, but because Jesus is always working to make her beautiful now because of His love for her.
A simple sampling of the Scriptures will do well to color in Jesus’ tender, committed, and strong love for His Church…
He bought her with His blood (Acts 20:28).
He gave Himself to cleanse her and make her radiant as the sun and purer than the snow (Ephesians 5:25-27).
He says a mother will sooner forget her baby than He forget His people (Isaiah 49:15).
He exults and rejoices over the church with shouts of joy (Zeph. 3:17).
He sees the Church as the glory His inheritance (Ephesians 1:18)
He says His joy over the Church is greater than the joy of a groom’s joy over his bride on his wedding day (Isaiah 62:5).
He gifted her with prophets, pastors, teachers, and evangelists so she could grow up in maturity and not be tossed around in the wind and waves of the world (Ephesians 4:11-12).
He is always with her till the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).
He gave gifts to all the members of the Church in order to work for her common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
He calls her His Chosen, Holy, and Beloved (Colossians 3:12); His Chosen Race, Royal Priesthood, Holy Nation, and His Own Possession (1 Peter 2:9); His Bride (Revelations 21:9); the Apple of His Eye (Zech. 2:8).
So, instead of calling it quits and leaving for good when faced with the sins and shortcomings of the church, may we heed the words of Archibald Alexander and…
Resolve, that, if the church be corrupted with error, agitated by controversy, or torn by schism, the sin shall not lie at your door. If her walls be broken down, by folly or wickedness, see that you be found in the breach, fighting and praying for her restoration. And if ever a time should come in which you can do nothing more, at least be found weeping between the porch and the altar, saying, Spare thy people, O Lord, bless thy heritage, save them, and lift them up for ever!
May we ever be faithful to the body of Christ because it is the body of Christ. He will never leave or forsake her, may we never do so as well.
(Note: If you been disappointed and hurt by the church, I commend this sermon for the good of your soul (watch, listen). It has done me well; I pray it does you.)
Often times middle schoolers ask the best questions. Expose them to sound Bible teaching and, count on it, good and sometimes difficult questions come abounding. One such question I received a while ago from a 6th grader serves as a good example. One night at The Ride, a young man walked over to me after a thrilling game of dodgeball and asked, “If God is all powerful and righteous, why didn’t He crush Satan the moment He sinned?”
Put yourself in my place; ready, set, answer…
Thankfully, God had prepared me for such a question with a very satisfying and profound answer. In short, God created Satan and has allowed him to live in order to glorify His Son, Jesus Christ. Satan exists to make Jesus Christ glorious in all our eyes. How do I know this? Because, “all things have been created through (Jesus) and for (Jesus)” (Colossians 1:16). This means that Satan has been created by Jesus for the purpose of glorifying Jesus.
How does that work? John Piper (as usual) says it well:
Satan deserved the lake of fire the moment he rebelled against God. It is an infinitely grievous sin to rebel against an infinitely worth Being…God had the right and the power to put Satan out of commission the moment he sinned. Therefore, the fact that God did not do it shows that He had a reason. Can we know what it was?
The ultimate answer…is that “all things were created through (Christ) and for (Christ)” (Colossians 1:16). God foresaw all that Satan would do if He created Satan and permitted him to rebel. In choosing to create him, he was choosing to fold all of that evil into His purpose for creation. That purpose for creation was the glory of His Son. All things, including Satan and all his followers, were created with this in view…
Satan’s fall and ongoing existence are for the glory of Christ. The Son of God, Jesus Christ, will be more highly honored and more deeply appreciated and loved in the end because He defeats Satan not the moment after Satan fell, but through millennia of long-suffering, patience, humility, servanthood, suffering, and decisively through His own death. A single, sudden, and infinitely holy display of power to destroy Satan immediately after his fall would have been a glorious display of power and righteousness. but it would not have been the fullest possible display of all the glories in the Son and the Father. God chose an infinitely wise way of displaying the full array of divine glories in letting Satan fall and do his work for millennia.
Satan and all his pain, serves in the end to magnify the power and wisdom and love and grace and mercy and patience and wrath of Jesus Christ. We would not know Christ in the fullness of His glory if He had not defeated Satan in the way He did. (Taken from Spectacular Sins, p. 48-49. You can hear the sermon series here for free. I highly recommend it.)
All things serve to make much of Jesus. In Him does all of creation and history find its purpose; including Satan. All the purposes of God are unapologetically Christ-centered; may we be so as well.
Why I Am Not Completely Certain Christianity is True. This is written by a Christian apologist. “No, I am not completely (indubitably) certain that Christianity is true. I am not indubitably certain of anything. However, I am sufficiently certain that it is true. So certain that any other choice would be irrational.”
Ten Things to Do During Suffering. “We will all suffer, of that there is no doubt. It is strange, then, that we are often unprepared for it. With that in mind, a useful exercise is to summarize Scripture and identify what words of God can guide us when things are hard. Here is my current list of ten things to do while suffering (it is always subject to ongoing refinement).”
Are Theists the Only Ones Required to Offer a Burden of Proof?“Today, as a Christian who has been involved in the examination of evidence for the past 25 years, I understand that atheists also have a burden of proof. All of us, in attempting to explain the world around us, move from a plethora of questions to a single responsibility…”
A Short Theology on Emotions.“When it comes to emotions, we seem prone to extremes, even in the Christian world. For some, we act as if emotions are a result of the Fall, therefore, we stuff them or ignore them. For others, we act as if emotions are king and allow them to rule us. But what does the Bible teach? What models of Christlike emotionality do we find in God’s Word?”
I pray all my readers let this sink deeply into their heart and guide them into the heart of their local church. May we be as committed to our local churches as Jesus is.
We are not only Christian people; we are also church people. We are not only committed to Christ, we are also committed to the body of Christ. At least I hope so. I trust that none of my readers are that grotesque anomaly, an un-churched Christian. The New Testament knows nothing of such a person. For the church lies at the very center of the eternal purpose of God. It is not a divine afterthought. It is not an accident of history. On the contrary, the church is God’s new community. For his purpose, conceived in a past eternity, being worked out in history, and to be perfected in a future eternity, is not just to save isolated individuals and so perpetuate our loneliness, but rather to build his church, that is, to call out of the world a people for his own glory. Indeed, Christ died for us not only “to redeem us from all wickedness: but also to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:14). So then, the reason why we are committed to the church is that God is so committed. True, we may be dissatisfied, even disillusioned, with some aspects of the institutional church. But still we are committed to Christ and the church. (Taken from The Living Church, p. 19-20)
1 Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” May we live accordingly.
The Bible is one book highlighting the work of one Character. From beginning to end, it tells of one story. One way this truth comes to light is by comparing the first book of the Bible to the last.
The scene of a new heaven and earth (Revelation 21:1-8), enriched by the holy city and a garden similar to Eden, bears remarkable similarities to its predecessor as described in the first book of the Bible.
In Genesis God created the heaven and the earth; in Revelation we read of a new heaven and earth (21:1).
In Genesis the luminaries are called into being; in Revelation the glory of the Lord lights the city.
In Genesis we read of the cunning power of Satan; in Revelation the devil is bound and hurled into the lake of fire (20:10).
In Genesis we read of paradise lost; in Revelation paradise is restored.
Genesis describes the divorce of humankind as Adam and Eve run from God; in Revelation the redeemed enjoy intimate fellowship of marriage to the Lamb.
In Genesis nature threatens the security of and hurts humanity; in Revelation nature sustains and comforts people.
In Genesis the tree of life is protected by an angel lest anyone eat its fruit; Revelation restores humanity’s access to the fruit (22:14).
This obvious correlation between the first and last books of the Bible illustrates the fulfillment of the first Messianic prophecy (Genesis 3:15) and God’s faithfulness to the covenant (Revelation 21:3). (Taken from Sam Hamstra’s chapter in Four Views on the Book of Revelation, p. 123).
From beginning to end, the Bible is a book about God. It’s about His creation, His promise, His work and faithfulness in fulfilling it; all for the purpose of His excellence being made known to all watching eyes.
Years ago Tim Keller used this illustration from The Lord of the Rings to convey the immense meaning of the Lord’s table:
Enemies and dread weapons pummel the walls of the city of Gondor. As the city gates begin to give way, death, doom, and the bitterness of defeat take hold. The evil dark lord grimly claims the city for himself. But in that moment of bleak despair the Riders of Rohan come charging, their horns blowing. J.R.R. Tolkein writes in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, “Pippin rose to his feet…and he stood listening to the horns, and it seemed to him that they would break his heart with joy. And never in after years could he hear a horn blown in the distance without tears starting in his eyes.”
The Lord’s Supper reminds us that when the dark lord looms before us shrieking “all is lost,” the Lord of light stepped forth and said, “This is my body broken for you.” When we partake, we taste what redemption cost God in order to call us home. Indeed it is hard to see the bread and the wine without “tears starting in [our] eyes.” (Taken from Spiritual Disciplines Handbook, p. 34)
Dear Atheists, You’re Not Allowed to Use Our Logic. A former atheist shows the silliness of his former atheism. “When I used to argue against the existence of God, I employed Laws of Logic my atheistic worldview could not provide. I had to borrow these concepts from the very worldview I was trying to defeat.”
How Getting Braces is Different Than a Sex Change. “We alter nature when we comb our hair, brush our teeth, take a bath, get braces for our teeth, or get a haircut. Now…why are all these things lawful, and a sex change operation is not lawful?”
I Wrote This Post on Church Time. If you want to know the internal struggles of your pastor, read this. “The reality for most pastors is that there is no such thing as ‘church time.’ It’s all church time.”
Will God Harden the Heart of Believers? Thoughtful, short, and clear answer to the question(s), “What does it mean that God hardens human hearts? And will he do that to a believer?”
Was God in the Tomb of Jesus? This gets a bit ‘higher shelf’ theologically, but nonetheless, it will be worth your time to read. I think this is also a good example of Christians graciously sharpening each other over the interweb.
How a “Too Friendly” Jesus Leads to Universalism. “We should be careful about claiming that the unrepentant can have unconditional fellowship with non-judgmental Jesus: some people might start to believe it’s a universal truth without an expiration date.”
Coffee With Facepalm Jesus Calling.Some good thoughts about Facepalm Jesus, Coffee with Jesus, The Jesus Show on the radio, and the Jesus Calling books.
My Baby Will Have Down Syndrome…One expecting mother writes, “I’m scared. What kind of life will my child have?” Watch the answer below. Have tissues ready.
Given this, I know I really do not have any place in telling parents how to do their parent thing outside of bringing them the authoritative word of God about their parenting. I have no kids and therefore no parenting experience and therefore nothing to say about parenting outside of what the Bible says. I know this. I accept this.
Not What I’ve Done, But What I Have Observed
But (you knew that was coming didn’t you?), I do have something to offer you. Before you take this guy’s advice, hear me out. As a youth pastor, I have been given a special seat to observe and study the many students and parents that have come through my ministry. I have rejoiced in some of the best parents this world has to offer and I have mourned grievously over of the worst. In my (short) time as a youth pastor shepherding hundreds of students and meeting lots of parents, I have picked up a couple things I know I will take into my parenting when (Lord willing) we are gifted with children. These are not things I have come up with and intend to share with parents, but these are the things I myself have learned from watching very good parents at work.
So, hear ye! Lend me thine ears ye children shepherds. Heed the parenting advice of a fellow who has no offspring of his own (at least not yet!)…
Six Things That Will Bless Your Child
Here are six of the best things I have watched parents do in pastoring their children toward a vibrant love for Jesus.
Go to corporate worship with your children. Worship with your children! Let them hear dad sing to Jesus. Let them see mom bow her head in prayer. Let them observe you listen to God’s Word be preached and catch you underlining your Bible and writing down notes. Do not push your child off to youth group while you are in corporate worship with the adults. If you have to choose one or the other, always, always choose the option that has your children with you in Sunday gathering. Worshiping together provides opportunities for discussion throughout the week and lets your child witness your participation with other Christians. This prepares them well for when they are adults. Also, this will help them to not see themselves as a part of the youth group only, but the whole church at large.
Pursue personal holiness. The best way to shepherd your child toward Jesus is by making sure you are being shepherded by Him first. Yes, they will listen to what you say. Of course, they are going to learn what you teach. But most importantly, your children will be most affected by what affects you most. They will look to who you are looking to. They will pay attention to what captures your attention. Parents who are actively pursing their own growth in Christ demonstrate to their children Christ’s worth by the way they live their life. If you want godly children, make sure you are working out your own salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). Your growth in knowledge, character, obedience, and faithfulness to Jesus is the greatest gift you can give them.
Second, submitting to the local church puts your parenting under the loving eye of your pastors (1 Peter 5:1-4) and the accountability of other Christians. Having others point out our blind spots or blunders can save our children from much harm.
Third, a local church will supply you with constant encouragement to parent your children well from pastors and other Christian brothers and sisters (Hebrews 10:25). One of my favorite things to do is encourage weary parents, who is encouraging you?
Fourth, becoming a member of a local church will surround you with other parents you may be able to learn from. And maybe they can learn from you!
Fifth, commitment to a local church will provide your children with numerous other people who are pursuing Jesus faithfully and will love and instruct them too alongside you (see Titus 2:1-10). This way mom and dad aren’t the only Jesus freaks they know.
Let your children see you repent. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to save face before your children and that they need to think you are perfect if they are to respect you. They don’t need to think you’re perfect. In fact, they know you’re not and pretending you are will only frustrate them. But they do need to know Jesus is perfect and you’re a sinner in need of His grace and theirs. When you fail them or sin against them, apologize and repent. Let them see that daddy and mommy aren’t perfect and let them hear from mommy and daddy about how Jesus came to save sinners like them. Let your failures become moments to point them to Jesus and revel in the gospel together.
Talk about, pray to, and cherish Jesus at home. Never, never, never let Jesus be an unspoken assumption at your home. Don’t turn on the Christianity only when you are at church. Kids learn to dislike that greatly and will begin to suspect your faith in Jesus only exists at church. Do whatever you can to make sure Jesus is spoken about with ease in your home. Share with your kids what you are reading in the Bible or your reflections of the pastor’s sermon from Sunday. Buy this cd and listen/talk about with your kids. Give thanks to God for feeding your family and making food delicious. Sing to Jesus together. Pray together. Do family worship. Work hard to make your child very comfortable in talking about Jesus with you. Let your home be a little church.
Give consistent, individual attention to each of your kids. This is especially important if God has given you multiple kids. Don’t let any of your children get lost in the crowd. Each one of your kids needs to know they are loved and known by you specifically. I have watched my pastor/mentor/friend/co-laborer-in-the-gospel, Dave Keehn, do this well with his children. Ever since I have known him, he has worked hard to give specific, consistent, and intentional face time to each of his kids. He takes his son to special soccer games to watch their favorite team. He takes his daughter to Starbucks. He takes his youngest son to the park to play. Each child gets their time with dad doing something they love.
In doing this, make sure this isn’t done reactively. That is, you only spend individual time with them when they are doing really well or screwing up badly. Make this a consistent thing you give to them no matter “how well” they are doing. Don’t punish them by taking away their time with you. Your love and attention is their right to be honored, not a privilege to be taken away. Work to spend some kind of individual time with each of your kids. Take them out for donuts or fun coffee drinks. Play catch or go fishing. Go for a walk around the block. Find out what your child likes to do and do it with them. If you’d like some more thought on this, read this short piece on daddy dates.
So, there you have it, parenting advice from a fella with no kids of his own. As I end this post, let me make my heart in this as clear as I can: I offer this as encouragement for parents who want to shepherd their children well.
Over the years of youth pastoring I have seen these six things as common factors in the lives of the healthiest kids. They are in no way the answer to anything. This list is indeed not comprehensive, but they are simple enough. I do hope these are helpful to you as you work to shepherd your children, or prepare to shepherd them, toward Jesus Christ.
Ever met anyone who speaks like a Christian, but lives like they aren’t? How about someone who is very kind, but knows near nothing about Christ other than He died for sinners? Or someone who knows a lot about theology and the Bible, but is as enjoyable as the flu?
Well, this isn’t a problem unique to us today. Charles Spurgeon explains…
I remember once seeing a painting of the resurrection that was one of the most unusual paintings I have ever seen. The artist had attempted to depict the moment when the event was only half done: there were some who were alive down as far as their waists; some had one arms alive; some had part of their heads alive.
The thing is quite possible in our day. There are some people who are only about half alive; they have a living jaw, but not a living heart. Other have a living heart, but not a living brain. Still others have a living eye, so they can see things pretty plainly, but their hearts are not alive; they can give good descriptions of what they see, but there is no warmth of love in them.
May we be altogether alive from the crowns of our heads to the soles of our feet! (Taken from The Soulwinner, page 44.)
May we labor to make sure our churches aren’t filled with half-dead/half-alive people. That looks a lot more like The Walking Dead than the Church of Jesus.
If God is loving then how can He be wrathful? Isn’t wrath or anger inappropriate for a God who is love?
Yale Theologian, Miroslav Volf provides one great answer. He was born in Croatia and lived through the nightmare years of ethnic strife in the former Yugoslavia—including the destruction of churches, the rape of women, and the murder of innocents. He once thought that wrath and anger were beneath God, but he came to realize that his view of God had been too low…
“I used to think that wrath was unworthy of God. Isn’t God love? Shouldn’t divine love be beyond wrath? God is love, and God loves every person and every creature. That’s exactly why God is wrathful against some of them.
My last resistance to the idea of God’s wrath was a casualty of the war in the former Yugoslavia, the region from which I come. According to some estimates, 200,000 people were killed and over 3,000,000 were displaced. My villages and cities were destroyed, my people shelled day in and day out, some of them brutalized beyond imagination, and I could not imagine God not being angry. Or think of Rwanda in the last decade of the past century, where 800,000 people were hacked to death in one hundred days! How did God react to the carnage? By doting on the perpetrators in a grandfatherly fashion? By refusing to condemn the bloodbath but instead affirming the perpetrators’ basic goodness? Wasn’t God fiercely angry with them?
Though I used to complain about the indecency of the idea of God’s wrath, I came to think that I would have to rebel against a God who wasn’t wrathful at the sight of the world’s evil. God isn’t wrathful in spite of being love. God is wrathful because God is love.”
Perfect love demands perfect anger. For we grow angry with all that threatens what we love.
Over the years I have met lots of folks who have been disillusioned, hurt, betrayed, and misled by the church. They came into the fold expecting blessing, but left with nothing but curse. Coming with a smile; leaving with their teeth knocked out.
A Pilgrim's Friend 