Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
Sunday at Lord of Life is BYOB (Bring your own Bible) Sunday. We are beginning the second part of our message series www.jesus.me. WWW stands for Worship, Word, and Work. We are speaking to the importance of balancing these different aspects of our walk of faith.
The second w is for Word. 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 verse tells us to let the Word of Christ to dwell in us richly. The Bible is the best selling book of all time. In fact it is the best selling book every year.
Unfortunately, it is not always the best read book. So often it sits as a decoration on our bookshelves and coffee tables. So many Bible are being used as decorations rather than as tools and weapons.
The book of Hebrews tells us that the Word of God is a sharper than a double edge sword. There are many who believe the Bible is God's Word and that it is truth. But where I believe there may be a disconnect is believing that the Bible is useful.
Do we believe the Bible is useful? Do we believe that the knowledge of and faith in God's Word makes a difference? That it will give us wisdom to make decisions? Comfort us in times of sorrow? Give us hope and provision in times of doubt and need? Lead us to salvation from whatever it is that we need to be saved from? If we believe this to be true, we need to let the Word dwell richly in us.
The question we need to ask - are we rich in God's Word or are we poor in God's Word? Is God's Word something that is abundant in us or is it something that is sparse? Is God's Word something you are easy able to share or is it something that comes more difficult?
I read this interesting quote yesterday. It comes from a book entitled God's Grand Vision for the Home by Dr. Rob Rienow:
"What would real life look like if we loved God with everything? We would talk with God in prayer throughout the day, speaking to Him and listening to what He says to us through His Word. We would sense a deep peace in our hearts, even when our lives seem to be falling apart. We would be drawn to reading our Bibles, more powerfully than we are drawn to hobbies or the TV. (I would add the Internet) We would seek to be obedient to God in every area of our lives and hate our sin. Our hearts would be filled with compassion for those in need, and we would feel a sense of urgency to share the gospel with those who don't know Christ. Do these things describe your life? These things are not always true of me . . . but I wish they were."
I believe that is the picture of Colossians 3.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Our Children will Emulate Us
On Sunday I shared in my message that our children will emulate us whether good or bad. As you may or may not know, I love photography. Here is an example of my daughter looking to emulate her daddy. I pray the examples I set for her will be honoring of Jesus.
She is still learning. Not sure how well this picture will turn out with her fingers over the lens. We have lots of pictures of the ceiling so far.
She is still learning. Not sure how well this picture will turn out with her fingers over the lens. We have lots of pictures of the ceiling so far.
Hollow and Deceptive Teaching
See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than Christ. Colossians 2:8
Yesterday, I spoke to the importance of observing the fulness of God's Word. Today's verse falls along a similar yet different theme. The theme here is about throwing away the chaff that looks for legitimacy outside of God's Word. I have shared with our church in the past that just because something is labeled Christian does not mean that it is Christian.
There is hollow teaching with appears on the surface to be good teaching, but is not founded or rooted in God's Word. An example of such a teaching is: "God helps those who help themselves." It sounds good, but it is a hollow teaching. It is not Biblical in fact it stands totally contrary to the Biblical concept of grace.
Then there is deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching is sinister. Examples of this include the mixing of evolution and creation. It also includes things such as the Jesus Tomb documentary and the whole DaVinci Code deception.
As Christians we need to be on guard against hollow and deceptive teachings. Taking the cue from Ephesians 6 we put on the full armor of God to take our stand against the devils schemes. Without the full armor we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack and less able to defend ourselves.
In Christ we have all we need. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Diety lives in bodily form and you have beeen given the fullness of Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9-10 We have no reason to look any farther.
Yesterday, I spoke to the importance of observing the fulness of God's Word. Today's verse falls along a similar yet different theme. The theme here is about throwing away the chaff that looks for legitimacy outside of God's Word. I have shared with our church in the past that just because something is labeled Christian does not mean that it is Christian.
There is hollow teaching with appears on the surface to be good teaching, but is not founded or rooted in God's Word. An example of such a teaching is: "God helps those who help themselves." It sounds good, but it is a hollow teaching. It is not Biblical in fact it stands totally contrary to the Biblical concept of grace.
Then there is deceptive teaching. Deceptive teaching is sinister. Examples of this include the mixing of evolution and creation. It also includes things such as the Jesus Tomb documentary and the whole DaVinci Code deception.
As Christians we need to be on guard against hollow and deceptive teachings. Taking the cue from Ephesians 6 we put on the full armor of God to take our stand against the devils schemes. Without the full armor we leave ourselves vulnerable to attack and less able to defend ourselves.
In Christ we have all we need. "For in Christ all the fullness of the Diety lives in bodily form and you have beeen given the fullness of Christ, who is the head over every power and authority." Colossians 2:9-10 We have no reason to look any farther.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
The Fullness of the Word
I have become it's (the church's) servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the Word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. Colossians 1:25-26
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
Today, I began reading the Book of Jeremiah and the Epistle to the Colossians. While the first chapter of Jeremiah focused on Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, the first chapter of Colossians focused on Paul's commissioning as an apostle.
While these are two distinct offices, there is a similar calling in that both are called to present the Word of God in all its fullness. Not part of God's Word, but all of God's Word. Not just the parts that are easy to preach and teach, but all of God's Word. Even the parts that are difficult!
It is sometimes easy to approach God's Word cafeteria style. We take what we like, and leave behind that which we don't like as much. But I do not believe this is honoring of the Lord nor does it bring him glory. Here are a few words of caution:
1. Avoid soapbox preaching.
At Lord of Life we preach topically, using message series. This approach allows us to preach on subjects that are relevant at the time. However, with this comes the danger of soapbox preaching. It becomes easy to repeat the same themes, same illustrations, and same points not out of necessity but out of having too narrow a focus.
Many themes are repeated in the Scriptures. And we can repeat certain themes. But we need to be cautious that they are God's themes and not ours.
2. Avoid happy-feel-good preaching
God's Word is divided Law and Gospel. There are times when the Law is relevant and there are times when the Gospel is relevant. There is a time to preach to the condemnation of a sin and a time to preach to the forgiveness of a sin.
Just look at the preaching of Jesus. Jesus did not always preach happy-feel-good. Think about Jesus condemnation of the disciples for arguing who was the greatest, his condemnation of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and the condemnation of Peter for denying him. Keep in mind however, that Jesus was quick to forgive and to welcome the sinner back into his arms.
3. Expose yourself to all of Scripture
We all have our favorite verses and favorite books of the Bible. I have never been much into reading the prophets and the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. But I have developed a tremendous appreciation of the Psalms over the past few years.
What I really get into is the historical books of the Bible. I enjoy history and also being able to travel to historical sites. I would not have minded if the Bible was nothing more than the historical books of the Old Testament along with the Gospels and the book of Acts. But the Bible is more than just these books alone.
As preachers we need to expose ourselves to all of Scripture and not just the portions we enjoy the most.
4. Preach the Word
I remember when I was in seminary, I received as a gift a book on sermon illustrations. It made preaching seem so simple. All I had to do was go to the index of this book and look up the text I was preaching. There I could find four or five illustrations to use for my message.
Today, we have use of the Internet. If you are preaching on forgiveness, all you need to do is do a Google search and you will have more information than you could possibly want for a half hour message.
But that is not our calling. We are called to preach the Word. God's Word is more creative than anything you will ever find on the Internet. After all, it was God's Word that created everything we see.
In God's Word we have everything we have been called to say. Allow the Word of God to speak. Spend time with God's Word. The more time you spend with God's Word the more you will have that is worthwhile to say.
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5
Today, I began reading the Book of Jeremiah and the Epistle to the Colossians. While the first chapter of Jeremiah focused on Jeremiah's calling as a prophet, the first chapter of Colossians focused on Paul's commissioning as an apostle.
While these are two distinct offices, there is a similar calling in that both are called to present the Word of God in all its fullness. Not part of God's Word, but all of God's Word. Not just the parts that are easy to preach and teach, but all of God's Word. Even the parts that are difficult!
It is sometimes easy to approach God's Word cafeteria style. We take what we like, and leave behind that which we don't like as much. But I do not believe this is honoring of the Lord nor does it bring him glory. Here are a few words of caution:
1. Avoid soapbox preaching.
At Lord of Life we preach topically, using message series. This approach allows us to preach on subjects that are relevant at the time. However, with this comes the danger of soapbox preaching. It becomes easy to repeat the same themes, same illustrations, and same points not out of necessity but out of having too narrow a focus.
Many themes are repeated in the Scriptures. And we can repeat certain themes. But we need to be cautious that they are God's themes and not ours.
2. Avoid happy-feel-good preaching
God's Word is divided Law and Gospel. There are times when the Law is relevant and there are times when the Gospel is relevant. There is a time to preach to the condemnation of a sin and a time to preach to the forgiveness of a sin.
Just look at the preaching of Jesus. Jesus did not always preach happy-feel-good. Think about Jesus condemnation of the disciples for arguing who was the greatest, his condemnation of the Pharisees for their hypocrisy, and the condemnation of Peter for denying him. Keep in mind however, that Jesus was quick to forgive and to welcome the sinner back into his arms.
3. Expose yourself to all of Scripture
We all have our favorite verses and favorite books of the Bible. I have never been much into reading the prophets and the wisdom literature of the Old Testament. But I have developed a tremendous appreciation of the Psalms over the past few years.
What I really get into is the historical books of the Bible. I enjoy history and also being able to travel to historical sites. I would not have minded if the Bible was nothing more than the historical books of the Old Testament along with the Gospels and the book of Acts. But the Bible is more than just these books alone.
As preachers we need to expose ourselves to all of Scripture and not just the portions we enjoy the most.
4. Preach the Word
I remember when I was in seminary, I received as a gift a book on sermon illustrations. It made preaching seem so simple. All I had to do was go to the index of this book and look up the text I was preaching. There I could find four or five illustrations to use for my message.
Today, we have use of the Internet. If you are preaching on forgiveness, all you need to do is do a Google search and you will have more information than you could possibly want for a half hour message.
But that is not our calling. We are called to preach the Word. God's Word is more creative than anything you will ever find on the Internet. After all, it was God's Word that created everything we see.
In God's Word we have everything we have been called to say. Allow the Word of God to speak. Spend time with God's Word. The more time you spend with God's Word the more you will have that is worthwhile to say.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
I will tell of the kindness of the Lord
I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the Lord has done for us- yes, the many good things he has done for the house of Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. Isaiah 63:7
Today, I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a book that has often intrigued me. In one moment Isaiah is prophesying God's wrath and judgment with the coming destruction he plans to bring on the people. Yet, in the next moment Isaiah is prophesying God's undeserved grace and mercy with the restoration he plans to usher in.
Isaiah is a great study on the distinction of Law and Gospel and the delicate balance we are to hold between the two. In short, the Law shows us our sin and the consequences of our sin. The Gospel shows us our Savior and the hope he brings. The two work in concert with each other and are critically important for the salvation story.
We need both Law and Gospel. Without the Law we would not recognize our need for the Savior. Unless I realize that I am a sinner and the consequences of my sin, how could I recognize my need for Jesus. The Law is not a bad thing, but a good thing.
This brings me to this verse for today from Isaiah 63:7 - "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord . . . " This verse has both Law and Gospel in it. It speaks to God's expectations of us (The Law) but also reminds us of his goodness (The Gospel).
I take a couple of things away from this verse:
First, we need to do this. We need to be bold and willing to tell our story and about the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to wear Jesus on our sleeves. Not be ashamed! Who cares what others think. Jesus saved my life and makes all the difference in the world.
The second thing I take away from this is that we are called to simply witness God's kindnesses in our lives. We can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Our calling is not necessarily to defend Jesus. Jesus can defend himself. We are not called to argue in God's behalf. Just tell all that the Lord has done for us.
God has been good to me. He has called me to be a servant in his church. He has given me a great family and great friends. He has saved me from all my sins. In every moment of trial and need he has always provided and never let me down. He has filled my life with joy. He has provided people to speak words of encouragement and also words of conviction at the right and proper time. I live content because I know that God is in control.
Thank you Jesus for your kindness in my life!
Today, I finished reading through the book of Isaiah. Isaiah is a book that has often intrigued me. In one moment Isaiah is prophesying God's wrath and judgment with the coming destruction he plans to bring on the people. Yet, in the next moment Isaiah is prophesying God's undeserved grace and mercy with the restoration he plans to usher in.
Isaiah is a great study on the distinction of Law and Gospel and the delicate balance we are to hold between the two. In short, the Law shows us our sin and the consequences of our sin. The Gospel shows us our Savior and the hope he brings. The two work in concert with each other and are critically important for the salvation story.
We need both Law and Gospel. Without the Law we would not recognize our need for the Savior. Unless I realize that I am a sinner and the consequences of my sin, how could I recognize my need for Jesus. The Law is not a bad thing, but a good thing.
This brings me to this verse for today from Isaiah 63:7 - "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord . . . " This verse has both Law and Gospel in it. It speaks to God's expectations of us (The Law) but also reminds us of his goodness (The Gospel).
I take a couple of things away from this verse:
First, we need to do this. We need to be bold and willing to tell our story and about the goodness of the Lord in our lives. We need to wear Jesus on our sleeves. Not be ashamed! Who cares what others think. Jesus saved my life and makes all the difference in the world.
The second thing I take away from this is that we are called to simply witness God's kindnesses in our lives. We can tell others what Jesus has done for us. Our calling is not necessarily to defend Jesus. Jesus can defend himself. We are not called to argue in God's behalf. Just tell all that the Lord has done for us.
God has been good to me. He has called me to be a servant in his church. He has given me a great family and great friends. He has saved me from all my sins. In every moment of trial and need he has always provided and never let me down. He has filled my life with joy. He has provided people to speak words of encouragement and also words of conviction at the right and proper time. I live content because I know that God is in control.
Thank you Jesus for your kindness in my life!
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Gift of Worship
I have had a number of requests about his video I showed in my message on Sunday. So here you go:
Cheap Grace
Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27
One of my all time favorite quotes outside of the Scriptures is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany. He was killed during the closing days of World War II having been arrested for taking part in a plot to assasinate Hitler.
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he writes, "Grace is free, but it is not cheap."
I think that is what Paul is getting at in this verse from Philippians. Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross was a tremendous sacrifice not to be taken for granted. It was a heavy price the Jesus paid for us. He went to such tremendous lengths. Jesus saved our lives.
With that in mind, how can we set aside Jesus presence in our lives? How can we turn our back on his instruction?
Sure Jesus will forgive our sins, but the cross is about more than forgiveness of sins alone. The cross is about everything.
I pray I will gladly take up my cross, because I know Jesus has already taken up his cross for me.
One of my all time favorite quotes outside of the Scriptures is from Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany. He was killed during the closing days of World War II having been arrested for taking part in a plot to assasinate Hitler.
In his book, The Cost of Discipleship, he writes, "Grace is free, but it is not cheap."
I think that is what Paul is getting at in this verse from Philippians. Jesus' sacrifice upon the cross was a tremendous sacrifice not to be taken for granted. It was a heavy price the Jesus paid for us. He went to such tremendous lengths. Jesus saved our lives.
With that in mind, how can we set aside Jesus presence in our lives? How can we turn our back on his instruction?
Sure Jesus will forgive our sins, but the cross is about more than forgiveness of sins alone. The cross is about everything.
I pray I will gladly take up my cross, because I know Jesus has already taken up his cross for me.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Can Christians Celebrate Halloween?
Halloween is just around the corner. This year it happens to fall on Wednesday night. The same night we have Awana and Morph at Lord of Life. So the question naturally arises what are we going to do on that night?
In my time at Lord of Life, I have not often been confronted with the Halloween question, because it has not run up against scheduling for events at the church. But this year there is no getting around it. So I hope to share a few thoughts.
Halloween originated under the name Samhain (pronounced sew – in). It was a pagan festival celebrated by the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. It was believed that this was magical time of the year. Traditions associated with this festival included contacting the dead and fortune telling through divination.
When Christianity was introduced to this region of the world, The Church established November 1 as All Saints Day. Part of the reason was to replace the pagan holiday with another holiday with more redeeming qualities. All Saints Day is a day where the all the departed in Christ are remembered and those of us who are left behind in this world celebrate their new life in Jesus. As a result October 31, became known as All Hallows Eve, the Eve of All Saints Day.
All Saints Day was a big day for the Church. It was as big as Easter and Christmas. And much like Christmas Eve, everyone would come out for a special worship on All Hallows Eve. This was this reason that Martin Luther chose to post his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church doors on October 31, 1517. He knew that the church would be full and that many would have the opportunity to read these theses. The 95 Theses called into question many of the corrupted Church practices of the day and led to spark the reformation which turned the world upside-down. This is the reason why many Lutheran Churches celebrate the last Sunday of October as Reformation Sunday.
What we have decided to do at Lord of Life this year on October 31 is to host a Hallelujah Fest! Was this the best thing to do? The way that question is answered, probably depends upon who you ask. There may very well be people who will choose not to participate and that is ok. This question does not have an easy answer, nor does it have a single answer.
Pastor Stephen Hower, a pastor of a large Lutheran Church in the St. Louis area, writes in his book, Contrary to Popular Belief, of a Halloween where Jay Leno opened up his monolog by telling the audience that he was so frustrated with the way Americans celebrate Halloween. “It has become so secular,” Leno lamented tongue-in-cheek. “I’ll bet none of you even worshiped Satan today! The religious significance is lost! All Halloween means anymore is candy, costumes, and parties! It just isn’t like it used to be.”
What makes this so funny is the way that Christians lament over the secularization of Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. Because of this secularization, the true significance of these holidays is often lost.
Many would say the same is true of Halloween. They would say that the Satanic and occult element has been diminished to the point that Halloween has become nothing more than a fun and harmless secular holiday. Whether or not this is true can be debated.
I believe that just as Christmas and Easter have not become totally secularized, neither has Halloween. Christmas and Easter are tremendous opportunities the Church has to bring the hope of Jesus into people’s lives. At the same time, Halloween offers tremendous opportunity for Satan and his legions to plant seeds of despair and fear.
But what does the Bible say to this question? After all, that is what is important. We can say what we want about this day. But as believers we turn to what God has to say.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23 the Apostle Paul writes:
Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.
This teaching comes in the context of a controversy in the early church in regard to food sacrificed to pagan idols. There were some who would say that it would be sinful for a Christian to eat such meat. There were others who would say that it was just meat and that it really did not make much of a difference if it was part of a pagan sacrifice or not.
In 1 Corinthians 8:4,7-8, we read:
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. . . But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
Basically what Paul is saying is that two Christians could participate in the same activity; one would be innocent and the other would be sinning. If a Christian believes something is wrong and then does it against his conscience he is sinning. He sins not because the activity in itself is wrong, but because it is against his Christian conscience.
Receiving candy, dressing up in a costume, and decorating pumpkins are not evil activities. A Christian can participate in these things with a good conscience. However, if these activities in connection with October 31 weighs on the believer’s conscience, they should refrain from these activities on that day. This also applies to Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and other secularized traditions connected with the holidays.
Even if a Christian does take part in the more innocent elements of this day, they should still be careful to draw a line and refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear.
Philippians 4:8 says: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
While there may be some Halloween traditions holding some redeeming qualities, there are many traditions that do not. As Christians we do not need to participate in the activities below the standards of Philippians 4:8.
There is another matter to be discussed here as well. That is the matter of nonbelievers and those who are new in the faith who see us participating in what they might consider to be a questionable activity. Continuing in 1 Corinthians 8:9-13:
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone who has a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
In other words, we need to be very careful how we celebrate our Christian liberty around others. Even if we can celebrate a harvest festival on October 31, drink a beer, or eat meat sacrificed to an idol; we should not do so if someone else perceives it as us living contrary to our faith as hypocrites. Here we shall deny our Christian liberty for the sake of the cross and the salvation of others.
So what is the answer to the question? Can and should Christians celebrate Halloween? First, let’s not celebrate Halloween - let’s celebrate Jesus. Second, participating in the secular practices of trick or treat, wearing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and other things is permissible but not necessarily beneficial. We should definitely refrain from anything related to Halloween if it goes against our conscience or it would cause someone else to stumble in their walk with Jesus.
If you do participate in Halloween related activities, refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear. Keep it fun. Keep it friendly. Keep it encouraging. And use Halloween as an opportunity to witness your faith in Jesus you Savior.
In His Name,
Pastor Phil
In my time at Lord of Life, I have not often been confronted with the Halloween question, because it has not run up against scheduling for events at the church. But this year there is no getting around it. So I hope to share a few thoughts.
Halloween originated under the name Samhain (pronounced sew – in). It was a pagan festival celebrated by the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain. It was believed that this was magical time of the year. Traditions associated with this festival included contacting the dead and fortune telling through divination.
When Christianity was introduced to this region of the world, The Church established November 1 as All Saints Day. Part of the reason was to replace the pagan holiday with another holiday with more redeeming qualities. All Saints Day is a day where the all the departed in Christ are remembered and those of us who are left behind in this world celebrate their new life in Jesus. As a result October 31, became known as All Hallows Eve, the Eve of All Saints Day.
All Saints Day was a big day for the Church. It was as big as Easter and Christmas. And much like Christmas Eve, everyone would come out for a special worship on All Hallows Eve. This was this reason that Martin Luther chose to post his 95 Theses on the Wittenburg Church doors on October 31, 1517. He knew that the church would be full and that many would have the opportunity to read these theses. The 95 Theses called into question many of the corrupted Church practices of the day and led to spark the reformation which turned the world upside-down. This is the reason why many Lutheran Churches celebrate the last Sunday of October as Reformation Sunday.
What we have decided to do at Lord of Life this year on October 31 is to host a Hallelujah Fest! Was this the best thing to do? The way that question is answered, probably depends upon who you ask. There may very well be people who will choose not to participate and that is ok. This question does not have an easy answer, nor does it have a single answer.
Pastor Stephen Hower, a pastor of a large Lutheran Church in the St. Louis area, writes in his book, Contrary to Popular Belief, of a Halloween where Jay Leno opened up his monolog by telling the audience that he was so frustrated with the way Americans celebrate Halloween. “It has become so secular,” Leno lamented tongue-in-cheek. “I’ll bet none of you even worshiped Satan today! The religious significance is lost! All Halloween means anymore is candy, costumes, and parties! It just isn’t like it used to be.”
What makes this so funny is the way that Christians lament over the secularization of Christian holidays like Christmas and Easter. Because of this secularization, the true significance of these holidays is often lost.
Many would say the same is true of Halloween. They would say that the Satanic and occult element has been diminished to the point that Halloween has become nothing more than a fun and harmless secular holiday. Whether or not this is true can be debated.
I believe that just as Christmas and Easter have not become totally secularized, neither has Halloween. Christmas and Easter are tremendous opportunities the Church has to bring the hope of Jesus into people’s lives. At the same time, Halloween offers tremendous opportunity for Satan and his legions to plant seeds of despair and fear.
But what does the Bible say to this question? After all, that is what is important. We can say what we want about this day. But as believers we turn to what God has to say.
In 1 Corinthians 10:23 the Apostle Paul writes:
Everything is permissible – but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible – but not everything is constructive.
This teaching comes in the context of a controversy in the early church in regard to food sacrificed to pagan idols. There were some who would say that it would be sinful for a Christian to eat such meat. There were others who would say that it was just meat and that it really did not make much of a difference if it was part of a pagan sacrifice or not.
In 1 Corinthians 8:4,7-8, we read:
So then, about eating food sacrificed to idols: We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world and that there is no God but one. . . But not everyone knows this. Some people are still so accustomed to idols that when they eat such food they think of it as having been sacrificed to an idol, and since their conscience is weak, it is defiled. But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.
Basically what Paul is saying is that two Christians could participate in the same activity; one would be innocent and the other would be sinning. If a Christian believes something is wrong and then does it against his conscience he is sinning. He sins not because the activity in itself is wrong, but because it is against his Christian conscience.
Receiving candy, dressing up in a costume, and decorating pumpkins are not evil activities. A Christian can participate in these things with a good conscience. However, if these activities in connection with October 31 weighs on the believer’s conscience, they should refrain from these activities on that day. This also applies to Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and other secularized traditions connected with the holidays.
Even if a Christian does take part in the more innocent elements of this day, they should still be careful to draw a line and refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear.
Philippians 4:8 says: whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
While there may be some Halloween traditions holding some redeeming qualities, there are many traditions that do not. As Christians we do not need to participate in the activities below the standards of Philippians 4:8.
There is another matter to be discussed here as well. That is the matter of nonbelievers and those who are new in the faith who see us participating in what they might consider to be a questionable activity. Continuing in 1 Corinthians 8:9-13:
Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. For if anyone who has a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.
In other words, we need to be very careful how we celebrate our Christian liberty around others. Even if we can celebrate a harvest festival on October 31, drink a beer, or eat meat sacrificed to an idol; we should not do so if someone else perceives it as us living contrary to our faith as hypocrites. Here we shall deny our Christian liberty for the sake of the cross and the salvation of others.
So what is the answer to the question? Can and should Christians celebrate Halloween? First, let’s not celebrate Halloween - let’s celebrate Jesus. Second, participating in the secular practices of trick or treat, wearing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and other things is permissible but not necessarily beneficial. We should definitely refrain from anything related to Halloween if it goes against our conscience or it would cause someone else to stumble in their walk with Jesus.
If you do participate in Halloween related activities, refrain from images, activities, and costumes that portray gore, evil, and fear. Keep it fun. Keep it friendly. Keep it encouraging. And use Halloween as an opportunity to witness your faith in Jesus you Savior.
In His Name,
Pastor Phil
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
A Different form of Gossip
Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:19-20
Yesterday, I read an anonymous letter that I would call a hit and run. It was filled with criticism. No word of encouragement. No word of love.
I have to say that it really didn't bother me at all. I figure that someone who writes an anonymous letter has some issues. The issue is not with me but with them.
This is just a different form of gossip. I have always said that if you can't say something to someones face then it is better not to say it at all.
I don't think Jesus would be in the business of writing anonymous letters. Imagine Jesus writing an anonymous letter to the Pharisees or the money changers in the temple.
Matthew 18 directs us that if a brother sins against us, that we are to go to them and show them their sin. Not hide behind an anonymous letter.
When we can confront each other with the truth in love is when we know that we have grown in maturity of faith. Please don't send me another anonymous letter because I have got the perfect place for them. My garbage can!
I heard a great message this past week. If you were to add up all the words you spoke this week. Positive and Negative. Which side would win out? Or how about all the words you spoke in relation to another person. Positive and Negative. Which side would win out?
God directs us to speak words of encouragement with a song on our heart. To always put the best construction on everything.
Lord, help me to be complimentary and encouraging this week. Amen.
Yesterday, I read an anonymous letter that I would call a hit and run. It was filled with criticism. No word of encouragement. No word of love.
I have to say that it really didn't bother me at all. I figure that someone who writes an anonymous letter has some issues. The issue is not with me but with them.
This is just a different form of gossip. I have always said that if you can't say something to someones face then it is better not to say it at all.
I don't think Jesus would be in the business of writing anonymous letters. Imagine Jesus writing an anonymous letter to the Pharisees or the money changers in the temple.
Matthew 18 directs us that if a brother sins against us, that we are to go to them and show them their sin. Not hide behind an anonymous letter.
When we can confront each other with the truth in love is when we know that we have grown in maturity of faith. Please don't send me another anonymous letter because I have got the perfect place for them. My garbage can!
I heard a great message this past week. If you were to add up all the words you spoke this week. Positive and Negative. Which side would win out? Or how about all the words you spoke in relation to another person. Positive and Negative. Which side would win out?
God directs us to speak words of encouragement with a song on our heart. To always put the best construction on everything.
Lord, help me to be complimentary and encouraging this week. Amen.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A Crazy Confession
Here is a confession I prepared for Sunday:
Consumer or Consumed?
We confess our corporate sin.
We come consumers of worship, critics, complainers, caught in conflicting conduct. Creating controversies. Condemning, cursing, convicting.
We critique and condemn - the choir is off key! The keyboardist is off cue! The clergy is unkempt. And the congregation is counterfeit.
We come connoisseurs claiming I am the center, I am the content, I am the king. We command concession to our choice, our call, our chair.
We confess this corporate sin.
Consuming counselor kindle a fire! Convert my corruption. Consume my self-centerdness.
Clothe me as a contagious, conquering Christian. Create in me compassion and character.
My Christ was crucified on the cross to clear my considerable sin, cleanse and console my conflicted conscious.
So I will celebrate with the kingdom chorus community congregation crowd! Carry my cross! Continually commit control of my life to Christ to claim the victory! Wear the crown! Dance in his courts! Clap for Christ. Cling to his cross.
Consumer or Consumed?
We confess our corporate sin.
We come consumers of worship, critics, complainers, caught in conflicting conduct. Creating controversies. Condemning, cursing, convicting.
We critique and condemn - the choir is off key! The keyboardist is off cue! The clergy is unkempt. And the congregation is counterfeit.
We come connoisseurs claiming I am the center, I am the content, I am the king. We command concession to our choice, our call, our chair.
We confess this corporate sin.
Consuming counselor kindle a fire! Convert my corruption. Consume my self-centerdness.
Clothe me as a contagious, conquering Christian. Create in me compassion and character.
My Christ was crucified on the cross to clear my considerable sin, cleanse and console my conflicted conscious.
So I will celebrate with the kingdom chorus community congregation crowd! Carry my cross! Continually commit control of my life to Christ to claim the victory! Wear the crown! Dance in his courts! Clap for Christ. Cling to his cross.
God is my hope and salvation
Wow, it has been awhile since I attended to this blog. There is good reason for that. I have just recently returned from a mission trip to Louisiana. There were two parts to this mission trip.
The first part of our mission trip led us to the Louisiana State Prison at Angola. It is a large maximum security prison with more than 5000 inmates on 18,000 acres of land. It was once considered the bloodiest prison in the south. They say it is still the bloodiest prison, but it is now covered with the blood of Jesus. Our mission team took part in a celebration called the Returning Hearts Celebration where more than 700 children were reunited with their inmate fathers.
It was an incredible day that you cannot put words to. If you would like to see some pictures from this event, visit www.awana.org/lifeline . I will warn you now - make sure you have some Kleenex handy.
After leaving Angola we traveled to Chauvin, LA. It was a small town which was part of the Bayou of Louisiana. Our mission here was to help rebuild homes and lives that have been impacted by hurricanes and other difficult circumstances. We partnered with a ministry called Bayou Grace http://www.bayougrace.org/ .
One thing that this trip showed me is that there is a lot of hopelessness in this world. So many people living with a spirit of depression and poverty over them.
But as God's believers, we know our hope is in Jesus. That no matter how bleak the circumstances - God is more than able to overcome those circumstances.
When I returned this past week, I returned to a difficult circumstance. Lord of Life is currently experiencing a budget shortfall of $100,000. That is a lot of money and unless circumstances change we will be faced to make some deep cuts.
This is why Isaiah 49:8 stood out as I read it:
This is what the Lord says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances . . ."
There is a powerful promise here. First, God will answer us. Second, God will help us. And third, God will make us to be a covenant people to bring restoration and healing.
When we go back to the covenant we see that God promises to bless Abraham so that he can be a blessing to others. It would be very easy to be discouraged in this moment. But I know from God's promise that we are experiencing this moment so that we can experience his blessing and then share that blessing with others.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your abundant provision. Thank you for your promise to answer us, help us, and restore us. Help us to walk by faith and not be sight. Lord, to trust in your promises and to shine your light of hope in so many places that are filled with hopelessness. Amen.
One thing that this trip showed me is that there is a lot of hopelessness in this world. So many people living with a spirit of depression and poverty over them.
But as God's believers, we know our hope is in Jesus. That no matter how bleak the circumstances - God is more than able to overcome those circumstances.
When I returned this past week, I returned to a difficult circumstance. Lord of Life is currently experiencing a budget shortfall of $100,000. That is a lot of money and unless circumstances change we will be faced to make some deep cuts.
This is why Isaiah 49:8 stood out as I read it:
This is what the Lord says: "In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances . . ."
There is a powerful promise here. First, God will answer us. Second, God will help us. And third, God will make us to be a covenant people to bring restoration and healing.
When we go back to the covenant we see that God promises to bless Abraham so that he can be a blessing to others. It would be very easy to be discouraged in this moment. But I know from God's promise that we are experiencing this moment so that we can experience his blessing and then share that blessing with others.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your abundant provision. Thank you for your promise to answer us, help us, and restore us. Help us to walk by faith and not be sight. Lord, to trust in your promises and to shine your light of hope in so many places that are filled with hopelessness. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
