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Philanthropy or Theology: Do We Have to Choose Just One?

Not too long ago, as I was scrolling through my Facebook newsfeed, I came across a quote someone had posted that read: "Jesus doesn't care how much scripture we know. He cares about how we treat people." At first I didn't pay much attention to the quote, as I continued scrolling through other people's family photos and status updates, but something about those words just didn't sit right with me, so I scrolled back up the page to find the quote once again: "Jesus doesn't care how much scripture we know. He cares about how we treat people." As I pondered those words I admitted to myself that on the surface this quote seemed encouraging and inspirational for believers, and while I certainly understood the point that was trying to be made, I had to completely disagree with that statement. In reality, Jesus does care that we know the Scriptures, and He also cares about how we treat people. So why should we try to separate these two acts? Couldn't it be that they are simply two sides of the same coin? 

In recent years, there has been a re-emergence of the Social Gospel, which was prominent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a movement that emphasizes Christians' involvement in social justice issues, such as abortion, poverty, and the environment, while minimizing the spread of the Gospel. While believers are called to do good to everyone (Galatians 6:10) and to care for the weak and the needy (Psalm 82:4), if we fail to give people the Gospel of Jesus Christ we are simply making them more comfortable as they continue to live in sin and rebellion towards God. God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30). We must go further than what the Social Gospel movement requires. There's an old quote that's been attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (although there is a lot of evidence proving that he never actually said these words) that goes something like this: "Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words." If necessary, use words?! I fear that we often try to make Christianity too easy. We will share a quote such as that one so that we can feel better about not actually sharing the Good News with anyone. Ligon Duncan, in response to that quote, said, "Saying 'Preach the Gospel daily, use words if necessary' is like saying, 'Feed the hungry, use food if necessary.'" Sharing the Gospel requires using words! Is someone, just by simply looking at me, going to know that God is holy, man is sinful, Christ died for the sins of those who would believe in Him, and that He commands us all to repent and believe? No way! "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?" (Romans 10:14).


The gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). And where is the Gospel found? In God's Word, of course! May we not forget that "the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). When we know Christ, we will hunger to read and to know His Word, and, in turn, Scripture will pour forth from us when we lovingly interact with others in our day-to-day lives. We can and should memorize scripture. The Psalms tell us that God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (119:105). Jesus himself quoted Scripture when he was being tempted in the wilderness (Matthew 4). If He knows Scripture, shouldn't we know it too? When I am tried and tested, poked and prodded, I pray that I will bleed Scripture and that others will be drawn to God's beauty and majesty through the living Word of God flowing from my lips. 

While God's grace is what saves us, we are saved unto good works (Ephesians 2:10) and holy living (1 Peter 1:15); therefore, may we all walk in Christ, "rooted and built up in him and established in the faith" (Colossians 2:7), and may that root produce fruit that springs forth from us, causing us to learn and grow in God's Word while also caring for "the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, [and] the poor" (Zechariah 7:10). May we store up God's Word in our hearts, that we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11), while also doing "good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). After all, those acts are two sides of the same coin; they are fruits that stem from the same root: Jesus Christ.

Love, 

Kristen

Book Review: Godology

While perusing the book table at the Speaking the Truth in Love conference in Spring, TX last month, I came across a book that was sitting all alone. The title of that lonely book is Godology, and it was written by Dr. Christian George, who serves as the Curator of the Spurgeon Library and as Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Godology was published in 2009 while George was working on his Ph.D. at the University of St. Andrews.

Godology is divided into eleven chapters, each chapter describing a different attribute of God. With force and creativity, George defines attributes such as the unity of God, the holiness of God, and the eternality of God. Also, embedded in each chapter is a spiritual discipline, which, if put into practice, would no doubt advance a Christian pilgrim’s devotion to God. While George uses clever pop references, such as: “The fastest way to a man’s heart is through Jack Bauer’s gun”, and while he makes numerous references to different foods, ranging from chocolate to crawfish, George also immerses the reader in a rich Christian heritage that blends historical Christianity with the 21^st century church. This book is fun, riveting, and most of all accessible. Written with a younger audience in mind, this book points us to the warm nature of God and shows us that while God is somewhere out there, high above the heavens, He is also right here with us, arms open wide.  

If you're like me, you might be a little concerned about George’s oft-cited use of The Message translation of the Bible, but this by no means underscores the warmth and creativity of Godology. As Tom Nettles writes, “Christian George writes with snap, crackle, and pop, pours out images by the bucket-loads, and interweaves our contemporary context with sound Reformation, Puritan orthodoxy.”

I am grateful that this lonely copy of Godology caught my eye that day, because this book was just what I needed to read as I found myself sinking into the sea of a cold, lifeless Christianity. Through Christian George, God reminded me that He is both far beyond us and right here with us.  Thank you, Dr. George, for this gem, Godology.

~Corey

Click here to buy Godology, by Dr. Christian George.

Beauty and the Beast: Responding to the Culture

Over the past few days there has been an uproar in Evangelical circles about a homosexual storyline that will be featured between two characters in Disney's live-action version of Beauty and the Beast. I am certainly not surprised by this, as our culture has been heading in this direction for a while now. Disney clearly believes that this move is marketable, and we, as Christians, cannot expect unbelievers to hold to our Christian values. So, how should Christians respond to this? The first inclination for many, after hearing about Disney's plan, is to run and hide under a rock, taking our children with us so we can guard their eyes and ears from these "disgusting" gay characters. "We have to shelter them from this filth!" we say.

Well, you know what's really disgusting? Our disgust with homosexual people is disgusting. Like all of us, they too are made in the image of God! Now, I'm not advocating homosexuality, as the Bible clearly states that it is an abomination to the Lord. I am, however, very disheartened at our tendency to be disgusted with homosexuality while we ignore our own sin. Why is it that homosexuality is so much more disgusting to me than my tendency to be self-righteous? It's a lot easier to look at other people's sin than it is to acknowledge our own. 

And as much as some want to ignore this shift in our culture, gay people really do exist! And gay people need to hear the Gospel just as much as any of us. We can't hide our kids under a rock their whole lives, hoping that gay tendencies won't "rub off" on them. That's ridiculous. Instead, let's use this movie as an opportunity to talk with our kids about homosexuality rather than try to guard them from it until they go out into the world as adults and are then smacked in the face with it. And at that point, you, their parent, won't be there to teach them otherwise. Please don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that we should or shouldn't let our kids watch this Beauty and the Beast movie. What I am saying is that ignoring homosexuality won't make it go away. We all need the grace of God to change us from the inside out: idolaters, adulterers, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, swindlers, and homosexuals. "And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). Do we truly believe that the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16)? If so, we need not respond to the culture with fear and hate, but instead should respond only with the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ, who died a criminal's death on a cross, so that all who trust in His righteousness will be saved for eternity.

May we all use this opportunity to teach our children the truth and to show them that God's grace extends to ALL who turn to Him in repentance and faith. His grace knows no bounds! Only God can change a sinner. I should know - He changed me. 

Love,

Kristen

For more on this issue check out:

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield

What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoung

Church History: What Does It Matter to Me?

Do you know why your church believes the way it does? Is there any connection between your local church and the church of the previous 2,000 years? Is it important to know what the church believed and practiced during the 1st and 2nd centuries or even during the Medieval Period? What about the many denominations that exist today, like the Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and others? How did they come to believe as they do, and why did all these denominations begin in the first place?

Should the answers to these questions even matter to us today? I would argue that they do. In fact, they matter a great deal! Dr. Jon Payne, in an article for Ligonier Ministries, writes: "Irish philosopher Edmund Burke wisely remarked that 'those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.' Indeed, without a basic knowledge of church history, individual Christians and churches are prone to repeat the same doctrinal errors and foolish mistakes of former days." In all of life, it's wise to look at the successes and failures of history to teach us how to live in the present. Studying the history of the church can help us avoid heresies of the past and show us how the church developed certain doctrines (the doctrine of the Trinity, for example). In fact, many people died throughout history fighting for the truths we take for granted in our churches today.

And, sadly, some of the beliefs and practices within churches today are merely the "norm", and most of us don't even question where they came from. I'm certainly guilty of believing that some practice within the church was good and right simply because a preacher told me it was good and right (see my post, Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart.) For this reason, it's wise for us to do our research: How long has the belief or practice been around? How and why did it come about? Surprisingly, we'll find that some seemingly common beliefs and practices have only been around for 50 to 100 years. Yikes! It certainly could be unwise for us to think we know better than the believers who have lived throughout the last 2,000 years.

This week I will begin taking a ten-week church history class in our church's Bible Institute. While this course will only scratch the surface of church history, I am excited to learn more about why things have been done as they have in the past and about how the church has developed into what it is today. So, while we must look to Scripture as the sole authority in our lives, we must look to church history to teach us how Scripture molded and shaped those who have gone before us. Thankfully God is gracious with us as we learn and grow in His Word, while seeking wisdom and guidance from generations past.

Love,

Kristen

So You Want to Be a Pastor?

Picture this: A recently converted young man (let’s call him Bobby) approaches me to share of his zeal and passion for God and his desire to make Christ known among the nations. My conversation with Bobby would probably go something like this:

Bobby: I’m so excited! I want everyone to know about the God who saved me from my sin and who now calls me His friend. My blind eyes have been opened and my chains have fallen off, and I just want everyone to feel this way!

Me: Praise God! That’s wonderful.

Bobby: I just can’t hold this in. I think God’s calling me to go to seminary.

Me: Wait. Why do you think God is calling you to seminary?

Bobby: Well, because I want to go into full-time ministry. I want to tell everyone about Christ!

Conversations like the one above are not at all uncommon, particularly with young men who have been recently converted, have a burden for lost souls, or simply find the idea of ministry appealing. However, many of the guys who are quick to proclaim their desire to go into ministry or to attend seminary never actually go into the ministry at all. And sadly, there are some who start out in vocational ministry but fail to stick with it for various reasons.

While I could easily write about the many explanations for pastoral burnout or make a case as to why the flame that once burned fervently for the Lord inside a young man’s heart is now quenched, I am instead going to attempt to provide some pastoral insight on the front end of the problem. 

From my perspective, the church has created an unwarranted separation between vocational pastoral ministry and other occupations. Let me explain it this way: When we see a young man who exhibits a heart for God and who is confident in his faith, many people automatically assume that God must be calling that man into pastoral ministry. This attitude has transformed the way we view pastoral ministry, and it has greatly influenced the minds of young men who see becoming a pastor as the only way to be useful in God’s kingdom. Doesn’t our world also have a need for godly accountants, construction workers, and teachers?

Along with this unwarranted separation between vocational ministry and other professions, in many cases, churches set unreasonable expectations on their pastors. Rather than expecting pastors to equip the entire church to do the work of the ministry, the church often expects the pastor to do the entire work of the ministry (See Ephesians 4:11-12). Therefore, a great chasm grows between the layperson and the pastor, which feeds the attitude that pastoral ministry is the only way to truly serve God.

Sadly, we live in a day where I have come to expect that every young man who is serious about his faith will tell me he wants to be a pastor. While some of these guys might be gifted for pastoral ministry, there are many more who place unfair pressure upon themselves to be something they were never meant to be.

The pastoral office is not for the weak of heart, and even more importantly, it is not for those who would rather do something else. (And, did I mention – It’s more than okay if a young man who is a strong, spiritual leader wants to do something else!) Scripture tells us in 1 Timothy 3:1 that if anyone desires to be a pastor, he desires a good work. From this verse, we see that a desire for pastoral ministry is a prerequisite for the man pursuing the pastoral office. However, pastoral ministry is not a vocation you simply choose out of a college catalog on career day during your senior year of high school. The desire for ministry looks different than the desire to be a financial advisor or a chemist; the desire for pastoral ministry is one that requires care for the souls of men and women. Therefore, while the pastoral office is certainly not the only way for a Christian man to pursue God and to be useful in His kingdom, it is an office that should be pursued carefully, for someone who pursues it wrongly can do a lot of harm to a congregation, to his family, and to himself.

To sum things up, here is my pastoral advice for a young man who wants to go into full-time vocational ministry: Rather than spending all your time discerning whether you are called to be a pastor, spend your time simply being a Christian and focusing on your own godly living. While 1 Timothy 3:1 prescribes a necessary desire that must be present within a man who is called to pastoral ministry, verses 2-7 describe what the character of that man will look like. And the character of the man who is fit for the office of pastor is the same character that all Christians are called to aspire towards. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to plant yourself in a local church that can help cultivate your gifts and walk alongside you as you seek to live like a Christian, whether you become a pastor or not. Remember, you are most useful to the kingdom of God right where you are, whether you serve as a pastor, landscaper, student, architect, or are currently unemployed. If you think you want to be a pastor, aspire to the character traits in 1 Timothy 3:2-7, and if you are truly called to the pastorate that desire will not flame out, and God will provide a way as your desire and gifts become evident for all to see. 

~Corey

Why the Government Keeps Failing Us

“Hope.” 

“Change We Can Believe In.” 

“Make America Great Again.”

Pretty much every adult in America could quickly recognize and identify these recent presidential campaign slogans. These slogans serve as reminders of the many promises made by politicians throughout history, and at the same time, they also serve as reminders of the lack of follow-through accomplished by these politicians as they’ve failed to deliver on their promises time and again. While these failings certainly give us something to rant about on social media, the question I propose to you is this: Why does the government keep failing us?

Does the government continue to fail us because politicians simply lie, cheat, and make promises they never intend to keep in the first place? Sure, this is a possibility. Or maybe the real issue is the two-party system that dominates Washington, which seemingly prevents any real change from taking place. Or maybe the most vital issue in our nation is not the failings of the government at all; maybe it’s the expectations we place on the government. Is it possible that we expect too much from Washington? Is it possible that we, as Americans, have been groomed to believe that our most fundamental problems are due to bad government? After all, if our problems are due to bad government, all we need is good government and that would eradicate our country’s problems.

While I definitely believe government is ordained by God to protect and serve justice (Romans 13), I also believe the government is limited in its scope and influence. Therefore, when politicians make promises they cannot keep, it isn’t necessarily because they lied to the people; it’s more than likely a case in which the political leaders of this country are simply unable to do as they promised. You see, the government governs, regulates, and protects its citizens, but the government, like all mankind, is limited, even in countries with a totalitarian government. When God ordained government, He did not intend for it to meet all the needs of its citizens, nor did He even equip the men and women within government to do so. 

John F. Kennedy was onto something when he proclaimed at his inaugural address in 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” So, on the one hand, we need to be the change we desire, instead of waiting on the government to change the things around us. An example of this can be found in the racial tensions of our day. Rather than wait for our government leaders to reconcile race relations, let us begin to engage in dialogue and to truly seek to understand our neighbors – red, yellow, black, and white – who are all created in God’s image.

Then, on the other hand, we need to stop placing our trust in worldly institutions that are limited by their very nature, and instead place our hope and trust in One who is infinite and unrestricted. While every person and every institution on earth will fail us and let us down, Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, will never fail us nor will He ever let us down. In Him there is lasting hope. In Him there is true joy and satisfaction. Therefore, I urge you to place your trust in Him, to stop looking to the things of this world for satisfaction, to repent of your rejection of God, and to truly place your hope in Christ alone. He is worthy of your hope, His unfailing love is eternal, and in Him there is true and lasting “Change We Can Believe In.” He might not ever “Make America Great Again” (whatever that might mean for you), but He Himself is The Great One, who will usher in not a temporary country with an unsatisfactory government, but an eternal kingdom, in which there will be everlasting joy, for He will be at the center. 

~Corey