It’s Sunday Again: Resurrection

The cartoon caught my attention. Verbalizing and explaining cartoons is difficult because cartoons are meant to be visual. Let me try to share the picture! Use your imagination. The scene is in front of a church building. The church marquee clues us in–it is Easter Sunday. The man greeting the preacher after the Easter sermon says, “Preacher, I think you’re in a rut–all I ever hear you preach about is the resurrection!”
The point is that man attends only on Easter! He is part of what one person called the “Holly and Lily Crowd,” the Christmas and Easter crowd.

It’s Easter week. Next Sunday is Easter Sunday. Time to talk about, preach about about the resurrection.
May I share another perspective! Perhaps the cartoon speaks to a different problem in the contemporary church. Maybe we don’t preach about the resurrection enough! How many sermons never mention the resurrection? How many sermons limit references to the resurrection to a brief passing remark near the end of the sermon?
The resurrection is the hinge-pin of Christianity. Without the resurrection, Christianity fails. The power of God in the Christian life is based on the resurrection. Perhaps we need to get in a rut in our churches. Perhaps the greatest failing of the modern church is to assume the resurrection, to fail to preach the cornerstone of the gospel.
Have you noticed that the messages preached in the book of Acts were about the resurrection? Here is a short list: Acts 2:24, 36; 3:36; 4:2, 33; 5:31; 7:56; 10:40; 13:30; 17:31, 32; 23:6; 26:23. The resurrection is part of the message of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). In many passages in Acts, even when there is no direct reference to the resurrection, the resurrection is included in the preaching of the word of God (Acts 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 28).

That which distinguishes Christianity from all other world religions is the resurrection of Jesus. A characteristic of deity is immortality. Immortal God has power over death. In most religions that power is evidenced by the fact that gods do not die. In Christianity, that power is evidenced in that God has power over death even when death has occurred. The power of God is not only to avoid death, but also to reverse death. Jesus’ power over death is magnificently displayed in his resurrection.
The validity of Christianity hinges on the resurrection of Jesus. Further, the resurrection of Jesus is the firstfruits and promise of the resurrection of Jesus’ followers. The importance of the resurrection is seen in the fact that the early church celebrated the death and coming of Jesus every Sunday in sharing the Supper.

Let us preach and hear the message of the resurrection! Preachers, don’t let a single message be the end. Preach about the resurrection continually. Preach the gospel; preach the resurrection. Preach about Jesus; preach the resurrection. Without the preaching of the resurrection, Christianity is no more than a competing system of morality among many religious systems. Resurrection! Know the distinctive, emphasize the distinctive. Only Jesus can give us power over death!

Doctrine Matters

Those who study religion and its impact in our society continue to surface helpful, and at times surprising, research results. I remember a report from a few years ago. The results indicated that people who see themselves as lost and outside of Christ think doctrine is very important. Of those who admitted that they were lost and without Christ (generally, those without a church home), a majority indicated that it was important to them to know up front what a church believes and teaches. This desire communicates their realization that not all churches are alike. It also communicates that they place a high value on finding a church with acceptable teaching (doctrine). A third point is that they want a church that will be consistent and not waver in those beliefs or doctrines.

Asked specifically, over 91% indicated that doctrine is important. This news may not be as good as it seems at first glance. What they are saying is not that the content of the doctrine matters, but that churches must be uncompromising and clear in their teachings.

Since this may seem to contradict what we are reading about our increasingly pluralistic and theologically tolerant culture, an illustration will help clarify. I remember a family who were baptized in a church where I ministered. When I asked them what they thought about the church’s non-use of instruments of music in worship, they replied, “Every church has the right to set the order of worship and to demand that people comply. If that is what this church believes, that’s alright with us.” They believed that every church had the right to interpret Scripture. They had little awareness of objective truth. Following this view to its logical conclusion, the church controls worship, not the Bible. The only expectation of this family was that the church should know what it believes and practice it without allowing compromise. The results of the research are not suggesting a reversal of the pluralism and tolerance, only that many unbelievers and “pre-Christians” are uncomfortable in a church where they do not know what to believe and what to practice. Such individuals for the most part would affirm the right of others to believe and practice differently.

What this research means for the church is that visitors to our assemblies want to discover among us truth and conviction. They seek a clear message from God. Then they will decide whether it is a message they are willing to accept, or if they will continue their search for a church home. In the research, growing churches are those that speak clearly in doctrinal matters. Doctrine matters, not only to God, but to many in our world. People what to know what we believe, they want to see that we genuinely believe it as reflected in our lives, and they want to see how that doctrine is lived out in our loving relationships. That means that we must be clear about what we believe, consistent in how we live our beliefs, and caring in our relationships. These three concepts are interrelated.

  • We must be clear about what we believe. We must have a faith that is convicted of truth. We must do more than believe, we must with conviction base our lives on that truth.
  • We must be consistent in our lifestyles. We must adhere to a distinctive code of conduct which grows out of our convictions and beliefs.
  • We must be caring in our relationships. This not only informs the nature of the fellowship of God’s people; it also calls us to continue zealously to reach out to others.

No church will reach out effectively without a clear understanding that eternal salvation is only through Christ and that those without Christ are eternally condemned. Churches that are lukewarm in their doctrinal beliefs do not attract unchurched people. Compromise and tolerance may be the rule in our society, but people expect more when they go to church. People value doctrine because our society is in search of absolutes. People what to learn truth, know truth, live truth–even when they believe that truth may be different for another person. The research suggests that clear, consistent, caring teaching will bring people to church and keep them there.

My Faith Grew by Hearing

I was visiting an old southeast Oklahoma rancher. He and his wife had a beautiful view of the meadows and hills, framed by mountains all around. I’ll call him Bill.

Bill blessed me on that visit–probably without realizing it. Conversation turned to matters of faith and trust, creation and God’s sustaining power. Bill didn’t hesitate to express his faith. “I don’t see how anyone can look at all of these things around us and not believe in God. For me, it is clear. I believe He made it all.” Shades of Romans 10:17. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Sometimes faith comes by hearing someone else declare faith.

A simple statement of faith, from a person of faith. My faith was strengthened. Those who meet Bill from day to day may not always see his faith, but God does. I did. And I was encouraged to see the hand of God afresh–in his creation, but even more, in his people.

Golfing and God

I few years ago, I was asked to speak at a weekend men’s retreat. I got to spend time with a group of men from a church in Bentonville, Arkansas.  We talked about priorities; we discussed discouragement.  The group discussion returned several times to an illustration I use to describe our Christian lives.

I begin by admitting I am not a golfer.  I have played a few rounds, I watch some golf on TV, but I am far from avid–as a fan or as a player.  This I understand, however.  In golf, one good shot does not mean that you are suddenly a better golfer, and one bad shot does not make you a worse golfer.  On any given day, you are the golfer you are, with strengths and weaknesses, good shots and bad.

Christianity is not to be measured by the successes or failures of one day.  Christian living is a process.  I am not a better preacher when I preach an especially good sermon; I am not a worse preacher when the words refuse to come.  I am the preacher I am, involved in a process of growing and maturing.  Christian living is a journey.  Success comes with practice and the development of habits.  Am I farther along today than I was yesterday?  Am I growing?  That is the question!

Birds, Birds Everywhere! [Psalm 84]

When I wrote about a bird in the Cleveland airport, my mind went to Psalm 84. I share another “bird story.” A few years ago, we had a problem down at the church house. We had too many birds–specifically, they had gotten into our Family Life Center. They were messy!

Again, my mind goes to Psalm 84. The sparrows yearn for the house of God–do we? The sparrow wants to be at home in the house of God–do we? The sparrow wants to raise her young near His altar–do we? The sparrows are seeking the protection the house of God provides–do we?

Another “God Thing”

Jan and I enjoy going back to places we have known in the past. In 2025 we plan to travel together to the Dominican Republic, to Ecuador and Colombia, to Honduras, and to several stateside locations. Going back to special places from our past is always a blessing. I am reminded of how my life reflects Christ’s promises of rest and blessing in multiplied lands and houses and families. The opportunity to reconnect our lives with friends and spiritual family is always special.

I’m also reminded that God is at work behind the scenes when we cannot see. I pray with gratitude for the blessings I see–also for those I do not see. I remember a trip Jan and I made to Guatemala several years ago. She went to language school–I also spent a few days reviewing and sharpening my language skills. But primarily I worked on sermon planning and writing. Along the way, we renewed friendships and encouraged the churches where we traveled. But….we are often troubled by the question: could we do more during such travels?

I remember the first time I met Pablo Molina.  He had come to OVU for a campus event. Pablo is originally from El Salvador. Our conversation quickly turned to Central America. In response to his question about my involvement and plans, I said, “Yes, this summer I am flying to Honduras, then going to Guatemala for two weeks in early July, then back to Honduras to meet a group for a one-week mission project in eastern Honduras.” He responded by outlining plans for a two-week campaign in Guatemala in early July. Wow! We would be in Guatemala at the same time. Where? It turned out that his campaign site was about 30 minutes from where we would be staying. “Could you help us with the campaign?”

How could I turn down an invitation that was so obviously from God? I hope you are not troubled by my description of things such as this as “God things”–I believe he is at work behind the scenes, orchestrating, coordinating, working his will and purpose. I see these things as evidence of God’s providence. The only other explanation I know is coincidence. It just happened!  We Christians know better!

Psalm 84: Dwelling in a Lovely Place

I was in the Cleveland airport waiting for my next flight. The weather outside was typical of early April in northern Ohio–overcast, blustery, even cold. All around me, people were astir with attention focused on one thing–a single sparrow that had found her way into the warmth and hospitality of the airport. I don’t know how long a sparrow can exist on french fries, but she seemed pretty content for the moment.

I am reminded of Psalm 84. How lovely is the dwelling place of the Almighty; my soul yearns to rest in the courts of my Lord. Even the sparrow has found a home near the Lord’s altar. Blessed are those who dwell in the house of God. They always praise Him.

The sparrow was comfortable and warm, but I am sure that was not the end of the story.  Either she answered the call of the wild and found her way out to places for which she was made, or she was forcibly removed.

You and I were made for the courts of the Lord. No lovelier place exists for our dwelling. We are blessed to “dwell in the house of the Lord.” May our lives be constant praise to him.

I Want to be BOLD: Four Commitments

Several years ago, I replaced the traditional New Year’s resolutions with commitments. Commitments give me space for growth, beginning again as I seek to correct errors, constant renewal. Let me suggest four commitments that will make a difference as we seek to live as disciples of Jesus.

I want to be bold. When I read the book of Acts, I admire the courage of the first disciples of Jesus. Church history challenges me when I read about the commitment of those who sought to follow Jesus. I long to understand how to boldly proclaim faith in a hostile world. Why are some Christians bold while others are timid? One must avoid the temptation to a quick fix, but I find four characteristics are essential if I am to be bold. The acrostic is a helpful memory tool.

1. Belief. Boldness depends on a deep, abiding belief in God. We will never be bold until we settle the question of faith. Upon what or whom do you depend? What matters more to you than anything else? What is the foundation of your worldview? What is your beginning point? What are your orienting concepts? What is central in your life? One’s belief system is paramount. Any person (Christian or non-Christian) who is bold has settled the belief question. This is what is worth standing up for. This is what really matters. Our lack of boldness may be due to a lack of faith. Faith is more than intellectual assent to a few truths. Faith controls our actions. Faith is the foundation of life. God is; God rewards diligent seekers.

2. Obedience. The result of faith is obedience. Faith empowers relationships. Boldness depends upon the depth of your relationship with God. What is your attitude toward God? Do you hear him, listen to him, and talk with him? The God of the Bible is a communicating God. He reveals himself. He wants to be known–as he is! The God of Scripture is a personal God. Obedience that comes from duty or from distant, dry words that must be obeyed hardly qualifies as biblical obedience. A pliable, moldable Christian acts out of relationship, believing a faithful God, desiring to please God.

3. Love. Perhaps this goes without saying. Without doubt, a Christian will love God. This truth naturally follows obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Love has a vertical dimension–love for God. Love has a horizontal dimension–love your neighbor. Thinking about horizontal relationships, Christians are called to love others. Be bold for others, for one another. Christian boldness commits to taking the love that has blessed our lives and spreading it in this world. We love others because we have been loved.

4. Discipleship. Here is the capstone. Also, the heart of the matter; an invisible, at times immeasurable aspect of life; an internal question. This is who I am. I have decided. I am willing to dedicate myself. I am determined. I will follow. I am a learner following a teacher. I have decided to follow Jesus. I am set for the defense of the gospel. A whole host of “D” words may come to mind, but the commitment I must constantly remember if I want to be bold is this: I am committed to be a disciple of Jesus.

May God help us grow in our belief, obedience, love, and discipleship. May we be bold as we live transformed lives.

Merry Christmas 2024!

Merry Christmas! May your day be blessed with an awareness of God’s blessings and meaningful reflections about God’s plans for your future. I share two quotations: gifts that you can give to others and to yourself today, and every day.

Christmas gift suggestions:
To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.
—Oren Arnold

A good conscience is a continual Christmas.
— Benjamin Franklin

Just thinking….Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving Day! Can we talk briefly? Will you think with me?

On Thanksgiving, we are often thankful for those things that separate us from others — things that identify us as special or extra blessed in comparison to the rest of humanity. When we are thankful for health, freedom, our nation, or abundant physical blessings, we stand separated from most of the world where such blessings are often lacking. Such a limited perspective can make our gratitude quite selfish.

On this Thanksgiving Day, can we be thankful through the eyes of the world? Can we learn spiritual gratitude? Can we find thankfulness, not in abundance but in the simplicity of the life we share in common with the rest of the people of earth? One opposite of gratitude is pride–let this be a day for seeing God, seeing ourselves, and seeing our world!