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Ravi Zacharias is one of the most respected, if not the most respected, Christian apologist in the world today. His comments on America and the state of the American Church are spot on. Every follower of Christ should take seriously what he has to say in regards to our future and that of the world. Rod West, DBS
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Do you remember the children’s song “This Little Light of Mine”? Remember how it goes? This little light of mine,  There is no doubt that secular society has a negative view of the Church today, and most attributed this to the behaviors of Christians. It’s certainly understandable why some may believe this way when it’s often hard to identify Christians from non-Christians. Our culture is a self-centered one, and to many it appears Christians habitually forget they’re to be light bearers and not the light. As believers we need to remember the life we live is not our own, and the light that shines within us should be reflective of Christ. There’s no room in the Church for narcissism, yet when we take to the stage of Christendom in order to draw attention to self we automatically obscure the true Light. When our words and actions are self promoting it damages the testimony and cause of Christ. In Patrick Morley’s book “I Surrender” he makes this interesting statement: “… the church’s integrity problem is in the misconception ‘that we can add Christ to our lives, but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior.’” I’ve found through my years of ministry that a great number of individuals try to compartmentalize their Christianity by separating their beliefs from other areas of their lives. We’re either all in or all out. Christ Jesus never called anyone to part-time service. He also didn't call us to be a spectacle seeking the approval of man by diverting the Light or diluting the Gospel.
If we’re to truly make an eternal difference in the lives of others for Christ then our actions must match our words as light bearers. Ask yourself this question, “When those outside the Church look at my life who do they see?” Keep this in mind; light exposes the sin of mankind when held in comparison to Christ. Light also has the ability to draw or expel depending upon the heart. Heed these words from John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Let the world see less of us and more of Christ as we serve as His bearers of Light. Blessings, Rod “A few years ago woman in Lake City, Florida tried to rob a local motel armed only with an electric chainsaw … that wasn't plugged in.”  As human beings we are prone to do some dumb things at times. Back in the 90s I was invited to speak to a congregation looking for a pastor, and the message I was to deliver that Sunday would be my trial sermon. This particular church had a habit of taking prayer requests before the message, and this prayer was to be led by the pastor. Typically when I take prayer requests I write them down, and when I pray I look at my list in order to make sure all have been mentioned. On this particular Sunday there were a great many requests, and one was for a young man believed to be suffering muscular dystrophy, (MD). As I was approaching the end of my prayer I began to close my eyes, and I proceeded to say: “Lord God, we ask for Your healing hand to be upon _____________, and if it be Your will please heal his ‘VD,’ I mean MD.” By this point it was too late because I could hear the snickering of many in the congregation. So what did I do? I did what any minister would do; I kept going hoping the people would forget and that my embarrassment would soon fade. The funny thing is this young man’s mother was on the pulpit committee, and a week later the church called me to be their pastor. By the way, this dear lady is a wonderful Christian, and I’m not sure if she even remembers the dumb thing I said on that day. Again we all do some dumb things from time to time, but the reason we do them varies from person to person. Sometimes we do dumb things without thinking. Often these are impulsive responses in which we react to the actions of others out of anger or shock. At other times we do dumb things out of disobedience. Then there are times we do dumb things because we’re ignorant. Oliver B. Greene made a statement once that resonated with me about the beliefs people fervently hold to; his statement was: “You can be sincere, and sincerely wrong.” He was speaking in reference to one’s belief about salvation, but this can also apply to many other areas of our lives. There are times when we would rather forfeit truth than face the reality we've made a mistake or heaven forbid we've been proven wrong. This brings me to the Body of Christ and Her focus. It’s not unusual for followers of Christ to ignorantly center their attention on the “here and now” while stating they believe something different. Our worship and the fluent use of “Christian speak” looks and sounds spiritual until we realize we’re living for the moment and not what lies ahead in Christ. There appears to be a vast shallowness in the present Church, yet many worshipers are oblivious or even blind to this superficiality. The question is why? Some individuals would rather live in a state of denial than deal with the reality of their spiritual shallowness. Another reason is many of our spiritual leaders are superficial themselves and seek nothing more than to elicit an emotional response in order to gain an audience. For some there is no genuine care, compassion, or concern for the spiritual growth of the flock. The bottom line for some spiritual leaders lies within numbers, ego, and leaving an earthly legacy. As true followers of Christ we should strive for several things:
1 John 2:28-3:3 (ESV) And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him. 3:1 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 3 And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. Blessings,
Rod “Sometimes I get the feeling the whole world is against me, but deep down I know that’s not true. Some of the smaller countries are neutral.” Robert Orben  I've been reminded numerous times recently we can count on facing times of opposition when we follow God by standing for truth, and on the principles which govern our lives. We can be sure the world will oppose us when we stand for Christ, but what is sometimes shocking is that our opposition comes from within the body of Christ. Sociologists tell us that some of the greatest conflicts arise within groups rather than between groups, and this even happens in the Church today. The Scriptures are full of examples where conflict occurs among the people of Israel and the Church. Twice in the New Testament we read of the Apostle Paul in disputes with Barnabas and the Apostle Peter. In his dissension with Barnabas the issue was over opinions involving John Mark (Acts 15:36 – 41), but with Peter the dividing issue concerned doctrine and hypocrisy (Galatians 2:11 – 21). In the first instance some scholars believe Paul was simply being stubborn and rigid; in fairness it should be stated that Paul and Silas were successful in their missionary endeavors. In the second case the Apostle Paul was absolutely right in standing against Peter and his actions. Certainly there should be opposition within the Church concerning the teachings of false doctrines especially regarding salvation, sexuality, and hell just to name a few. But when opposition takes place within the Church because of blind loyalty, arrogance, insecurities, money, and a thirst for power it reveals a deep seeded carnality that is surely displeasing to God. The word “oppose” literally means to do the opposite by acting against as a hindrance. In the Christian realm it isn’t unusual to find individuals who deliberately turn from truth and reality rather than deal with issues honestly. All too often numerous Christians are willing to overlook these issues because of likability, charisma, friendships, and other costs associated with accountability. So how do we overcome the opposition both in and outside the Church?
Joshua 1:7-9 (ESV) Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” In one of the books I once read by Dr. David Jeremiah, (I can’t remember which book), but he quotes an old Southern preacher that I believe best sums up my statements in this blog. The quote is as follows: “It’s time for the Church to wake up and sing up, preach up and pray up and never give up or let up or back up or shut up, until the Church is filled up or we go up. Amen.” Blessings,
Rod  Have you ever said this to someone or maybe this has been said to you? As a Christian I find this to be an interesting statement, because it is often hurled about by individuals who seem to be feeling a bit defensive regarding particular behaviors. The prevailing thought often presented is that judging is an absolute no-no within our society. According to some we aren't to judge anything concerning behaviors, choices, attitudes, personal philosophies, political ideas and especially one’s religious beliefs. I find this a tad comical because we are constantly judging each other.
Every time I stand to speak on a Sunday morning I realize I’m being judged on the things I say, my actions, and possibly the very clothes I wear. Mothers dress their little girls up and place them in pageants in order to be judged. Contestants compete on American Idol, The X Factor, and other reality shows with the expectation of being judged. Employers are constantly evaluating and judging their employees. American citizens’ stand before judges and juries in the judicial system of our country every day in order to have their behaviors judged by the laws and standards established by our society. So as Christians we aren't judged by our behaviors and actions as well as the world around us in accordance with the standards outlined in the Scriptures? How ridiculous! The words of Christ in His Sermon on the Mount regarding the act of judging are often regurgitated almost as a secondary reflex in order to quiet any critic who is considered to be judging another. What I find so amazing is that the words of Christ are often taken out of context in order to justify one’s actions. Note for a moment the following passage: Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV) “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye. First let’s keep in mind that the Sermon on the Mount covers chapters 5 – 7 and is a specific discourse in regards to Kingdom living. Secondly, Christ Jesus is addressing in particular Pharisaic attitudes and their judgments against Him; for they have rejected or are in the process of rejecting the Kingdom that He is offering and their judging is hypocritical. Third, the words of Christ in verse 5 do not explicitly prohibit the judging of another, as a matter of fact the indication is we are to address the sin of our brother but only after we've first addressed our own sin. The word “judge” in the Koine Greek is krinō and means “to distinguish or decide.” Note the following definition from AMG's Complete Word Study Dictionaries: To separate, distinguish, discriminate between good and evil, select, choose out the good. In the NT, it means to judge, to form or give an opinion after separating and considering the particulars of a case. If we take the definition of the original word “judge” into consideration particularly with the last clause of the sentence, and couple it with other Scripture passages using the same word we began to get a different picture of what it means to judge. Note these words from the Apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (ESV) For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. In the Corinthian Church a young man had entered into a sexual relationship with his stepmother and the leaders in Corinth had apparently refused to address this known sin. The Apostle Paul is clearly disturbed and angered not only by the sin but also the lack of action of these Church leaders. Notice the words again he uses in verse 3, “I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.” The word “judgment” is the same word we find in Matthew 7:1 – 5 used by Christ Jesus. The Apostle apparently had no issue with judging inappropriate behaviors particularly in the Church. What some might find more appalling is that the Apostle Paul is instructing the Church to turn these two individuals over to Satan. This means to excommunicate them from the Church, and to pray for some form of physical punished in order that they would repent of their sin and for fellowship to be restored. And secular society thinks Christians are harsh today when we simply call sexual immorality a sin? Let’s go back to Matthew 7 again and read just a little more. In verses 15 – 20 Christ Jesus makes another interesting statement in His teaching. Let’s keep in mind the context of the message He’s giving which is Kingdom focused and in regards to the acts of the Pharisees. Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Christ is warning His listeners that many of their teachers and religious leaders are not what they seem. Even though they may be highly respected in their communities for their instructions and their religious acts these things do not necessarily convey they’re truthful or are from God. If their message isn’t congruent with the Word of God and the teachings of Christ then their fruit is bad or evil. On the other hand if their message is in harmony with God’s Word and with Christ Jesus then their fruit can be considered good. Here’s the point, clearly Christ Jesus has judge the teachers and leaders of His day, and His directives to His followers would indicate they too are to judge others based upon the standards He has given. So do the Scriptures contradict themselves? Absolutely not! We must study the Scriptures in their proper context and meaning in order to rightly divide the Word. The reason I’m writing on judging this week is because of another article I read recently that was put out in a national publication and is written specifically for those in ministry. The writer of this article which can be found here (What's Better than JUDGING Non-Christians?) argues that we are not to judge non-Christians because they are simply doing what is in their nature. To some degree I agree with him in that these individuals are doing what comes naturally, but he makes several statements about his non-Christian friends that I find disturbing. Here’s one quote; “I have a friend who continually drops f-bombs in my presence. As much as it bothers me, I never correct him (he’s not a kid, he’s my peer). But I do pray for him every day and we talk about my faith. I pray I see the day when he’s baptized.” Really? If I have a friend who continuously drops “f–bombs” I’m going to let them know how I feel because they’re my friend, and I care about them and the way their living their life. If they can’t handle me being honest with them and their behaviors that are offensive not only to me but primarily to God then we don’t have much of a friendship. I would expect them to be honest with me also if I offend them. I agree that we need to love people to Christ, but the way in which we love people to Christ is to also openly and boldly share truth with them. Here’s something else the apostle Paul said: Romans 10:14 (NASB) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? It often takes more than living our faith out in order to win people to Christ. We must actually open our mouths and share the truth of the Bible which usually offends those who do not believe. The word of God convicts and without that conviction no person is ever saved. We are not helping the lost in our lives by ignoring their “lostness” or refusing to address the whole issue of sin. Lost people today are judged by the same standard that saved people are and that standard is faith in Jesus the Christ. There is no gray area here you either know Christ as Savior or you don’t. There are many other passages on judging in the Scriptures but I would simply encourage you to take them as a whole, and maintain a proper interpretation based upon the context in which they are given. I have to remind myself on a daily basis in my studies to rightly handle the Word of God; before I can speak to the issues of others I must address my own issues first by taking them to the Lord. Don’t let the fear of someone judging you stop you from judging between right and wrong based upon the standards established by God in His Word. Blessings, Rod  I really abhor being a “foregone conclusion” for those who think they know me so well because of my life and faith. Assumptions are made, and decisions are carried out based upon personal biases, and without proper information being obtained. This happens often with the assumptions non-Christians make concerning believers, especially in regards to the more conservative Christian sect. Many of you know the assumptions I speak of because we've all heard statements attesting to these beliefs.
Secularists routinely use their multiple media outlets to bombard not only America with this type of misinformation but the rest of the world as well. Often their purpose is to minimize you as an individual and your ministry in order to discredit your work for the cause of Christ. I witnessed this first hand when I was attending Liberty University in the early eighties. Liberal writers and TV personalities would often visit Lynchburg in order to follow up on some story based upon a controversial statement Dr. Falwell made publicly. What often made it into print, or on the telecast, was almost always one-sided placing Dr. Falwell and the University in a negative light. Typically, Liberty in those days was most often portrayed as a small, insignificant liberal arts college that catered to the fringe elements of Christian society. Today Liberty is the largest evangelical university in the world with more than 80,000 students; she is no longer considered small or insignificant. But I don’t want to mislead you, we as Christians often do the same thing as we make certain assumptions, not only about nonbelievers, but fellow Christians as well. During the last twenty-five years in ministry I've served with Christians who sometimes seek to minimize the ministry of others. Their reasons, although different from secularists, are often rooted in the same soil. The secularist usually minimizes the Christian and his/her faith for political and philosophical reasons. Believers tend to diminish the work and ministry of another because of a lack of respect, or out of fear, and personal insecurities seeking to elevate self. In both cases it always comes back to having an inflated view of one’s importance. Note the words the Apostle Paul spoke to Timothy in his service to the church at Ephesus. 1 Timothy 4:11-16 (ESV) Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers. Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to let no one “despise” his youth. Some have suggested one was still considered to be a “youth” until he was no longer of the age to serve in the military, which by the way was the age of thirty-nine. The word “despise” is kataphronéō and means to “hold in contempt or to think lightly of.” The Apostle was encouraging Timothy not to be intimidated by others in the Church because of his young age. The principle here moves beyond the youthfulness of Timothy, and can be applied to every believer and the ministry they have been called to perform. No follower of Christ should be intimidated or made to feel inferior because of age, spiritual gifts, areas of service, or the size of one’s following. Timothy’s work was vital to the church body in Ephesus. He was to conduct himself in such a manner in order to demonstrate his spiritual maturity as a pattern for others to follow. Every Christian has been blessed with at least one spiritual gift that is to be used for the edification of the Church, and ultimately for the glorification of God. The Apostle Paul addresses this in First Corinthians 12 as he speaks to the variety of gifts given, and the importance of every member in the body of Christ. My encouragement to you is this, just as we would stand up against those outside the Church who would seek to minimize our service to God, we should also stand up to those inside the Church who attempt to do the same. If God has called you, then He has also equipped you for ministry. Let no one “despise” you for any perceived limitations, or fear-based petty self-centeredness. Serve the Lord with all your might in order that He would be glorified, and then you will have the praise of God. Blessings, Rod |
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