August 15, 2017

"No, the Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God." Micah 6:8

President Trump came out today with what he meant to be a much stronger condemnation of the radical racist groups in Charlottesville by specifically calling out the names of several hate groups involved in the violence Saturday. As strong as it was the statement was criticized as being 48 hours too late by his detractors. 

Perhaps the President will realize some day there is no pleasing his critics. Such is the job of President these days! Critics criticize! It's what they do! Leaders need to lead. It's what they do!

The evil of racism reared it's ugly head in Charlottesville last Saturday and was universally condemned as it should have been. But there were several other dangerous ideologies in play that seemed to go unnoticed by the media. I mentioned one of them in my previous post and that is the destructive idea of history revisionism. If you missed that post you can click back a day or scroll down to read it.

Yet another dangerous ideology that contributed to the violence in Charlottesville is intolerance. Everyone who showed up to demonstrate had a First Amendment right to be there and state their views. Freedom of Speech gives people the right to be idiots and say stupid things just as it gives me the right to preach and teach the Gospel. To protect that First Amendment right I must tolerate dissenting viewpoints because I want the freedom to speak my ideas and be tolerated.

A phrase I often heard while I was coming through high school and college was, "I may disagree with what you are saying but I will defend your right to say it!"

That is what tolerance looks like! It was a respected value in those days.

We don't see that much anymore and we certainly didn't see it Saturday. As repulsive as the racist, supremacist and Nazi groups are, if their protest would have been ignored (the proper way to tolerate it) by the counter protesters there would have been no violence.

I am not defending these despicable groups but simply acknowledging it takes two to fight. And all it takes for a fight to be avoided is one group to decide they will tolerate the distorted views of the other group.  

Those groups branded racist should have tolerated the views of those desiring to revise history by removing the statues. 

Perhaps you are thinking, "Brad, are you saying racism should be tolerated?" 

It should be vigorously opposed, debated and debunked by better ideas. Where laws are needed to protect people from discrimination those laws should be implemented.

But we should not revoke the First Amendment on someone who wants to publicly espouse that view.

If you want to counter the views you disagree with you can schedule a press conference and make the case for your viewpoint.

In a free society there must be a tolerant debate of opposing viewpoints so that ultimately the best ideas win out. That is how America has worked for over 200 years. It is how we became great. And that is why what happened in Charlottesville Saturday was far from great. 

Actually, it may be possible to oppose the removal of historic statues and NOT be a racist. But an intolerant attitude would not be willing (or able) to make that distinction. 

When you demand tolerance but refuse to tolerate others you are under-minding your own cause. That was dramatically demonstrated on Saturday. And that is a direct threat to free speech.

That happened on Saturday in Charlottesville and was totally missed by the media and much of the public. The most dangerous threats are the ones we don't see coming.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             

August 14, 2017

"Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life." Ephesians 4:26-27

It's Monday morning and the appropriate outrage over the violence that erupted in Charlottesville on Saturday has been expressed. Those were despicable actions from detestable people that lead to senseless deaths and injuries.

Having consented to the obvious and appropriate outcries against the violence and hatred that stoked it, there are a couple of equally troubling factors contributing to the chaos that erupted Saturday morning in that beautiful city. I have heard no one call out these dangerous ideologies so I will be the one to do it.

You won't hear the media talk about history revisionism but it is a major factor in instigating the rally that resulted in violence.

What is history revisionism? It is the ideology that if something from the past offends you remove the things that remind you of it. As you remember, it was a movement to remove the statues of Confederate Generals that initiated the furor that precipitated the gathering on Saturday.

Now don't misunderstand me, that in no way justifies the violence that was committed but it did provide a motivation for these racist nationalistic thugs to show up.

Slavery marks a regrettably dark period in American history. Every sane reasonable American deeply despises this evil dehumanizing system that existed in our nation for over a century. It breaks our hearts every time  we think of it and the statues of those who fought to preserve that way of life force us to reflect on the shameful past. Honestly, I don't like to be reminded of it, either.

If removing those statues could actually remove that part of our past I would be first in line to endorse it. But it doesn't. And it shouldn't because the pain of this moral evil from our past motivates us to make sure it never happens again!

It has been wisely stated that, "Those who fail to remember history are doomed to repeat it." I believe that and do not want that evil visited upon America ever again!

What could and should happen when an American views a statue of a Confederate General or a Confederate flag is to remember the U.S. is the only nation that fought a war and suffered the loss of 600,000 citizens in order to correct a moral wrong within its borders. See those images and remember that we struggled through this painful period but managed to preserve the Union and with a century rise to become the most powerful and prosperous nation on earth! When you have a proper perspective that only comes from history you can bear the shame but distill the hope from it!

We have seen efforts by some insidious groups to deny the holocaust. Again, another racist atrocity that is agonizing to remember but can never be allowed to  be forgotten. We pray to God it never gets repeated!

So, history revisionism was indeed a contributing factor to the chaos and violence in Charlottesville on Saturday. You won't hear the media mention it. Few, if any commentators will decry it. But it is real. It is dangerous. It exists. And it must called out, debated and resisted just as we have done with racism.


America is far from perfect and never will be the utopia many hope for. But she is still the best hope for our weary world. And we are better than we were because we learned from our past and rejected it's evil. If we erase our past we may become more comfortable but we won't become greater.

In tomorrow's post I will identify another troubling trend that contributed to the melee in our back yard this week-end.

August 13, 2017

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate." Luke 15:22-24

Some might be tempted to wonder, "Why would you give up church for a Sunday to have a meal in the park?"

It may surprise you that eating together as believers is just as Biblical as worshiping together! Often the two activities happen together! Both are powerful parts of a healthy and growing fellowship.

Actually, we will do both tomorrow!

But the tone of the church is to be one of celebration and joy! That tone should permeate both the worship and the fellowship.

Last Sunday it certainly did at FredWes! There was joy in the sanctuary! And it happened for the same reasons as in the Parable above! Lost sons had come home!

I believe that will carry over as we gather today under the pavilion in the park! I pray that becomes the norm at FredWes no matter where we meet! That is our heritage and our DNA!

As we learn the five healthy habits and they actually become habits we learn to live out we will "love people to LIFE" and regularly have reason to celebrate!

Worship is more a function of who we are than where we are. God shows up anywhere and everywhere His people are prepared to meet with Him!

As we are reminded of the spiritual impact of eating together why not make a commitment to cultivate the habit of eating together with at least three people every week for the purpose of evangelism and fellowship.

Let's come prepared to MEET for worship and then EAT for worship!

Let's not just label it a Summer Sunday Celebration let's make it one!

August 12, 2017

"Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” Luke 7:44-48

Jesus and I have at least one thing in common. We have both led people to a personal faith decision over a meal.

Meeting for a meal to discuss faith is an effective way to share your faith in Christ. It was a common strategy for Him. It needs to be more common for me.

You ought to try it some time if you haven't yet. 

Meeting over a meal gives you common ground with anyone because everyone eats. People generally arrive for a meal in a good mood and conversation is easier than usual.

Nearly all important meetings happen over a meal. Sales meetings often involve a dinner. Interviews often happen over a meal. Staff meetings can happen during a lunch. Dates almost always happen with a dinner. Award ceremonies are hosted around a dinner.

Don't underestimate the power of eating together!

When you share a meal together there are good social connections that develop during the discussion that is shared during a meal. 

In addition to good social connections that form during a meal there are strong emotional bonds that can form while eating together. Many a friendship began or grew deeper while sharing a meal on a regular basis.

Spiritual bonds can be formed or deepened over meals. We see Jesus leading people to the table for the purpose of reaching them with faith.

Never underestimate the power of the table! Jesus didn't! He made the most of meals and meal times using them to form bonds of friendship, bonds of fellowship and bonds of faith!

Anything that has that much power and influence in people's lives should be used to love people to LIFE! Will you give Jesus a chance to work through you over a meal? Will you establish the habit of eating with at least three people each week?

Eating To Remember, Eating To Give Thanks

"For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes." I Corinthians 11:23-26

Some people drink to forget shameful or painful experiences.

Jesus teaches His people to eat to remember His shame and His pain.

We call it "Communion". Some call it "The Lord's Supper". A few refer to it as "The Eucharist". It is considered a Sacrament by every Christian denomination.

As we have been discussing the power of eating together this week, I find it significant that when Jesus chose one way for His Church to remember and celebrate His suffering He framed it around a table.

It makes sense though, doesn't it!

Eating is something we have to do to survive.

Eating is something we enjoy doing.

Eating is something want to do.

Eating is something we do every day!

Rarely do we forget to eat.

As believers, every time we eat we stop to thank God. So, in that sense every time we eat a meal we are reminded of the goodness of God! And if we Christians pause before each meal to give thanks and remember just think how much more powerful and meaningful that makes it when the believers from a church gather together and take Communion together!

In addition, memories are powerful! You take pictures of every memory you make so that later when you look at them you experience again the emotions of that moment!

So, once again I marvel at the wisdom of God! When He instituted the Sacrament of Communion He combined two very powerful loves in our lives - the love of eating and the love of memories!

And it reinforces our strategy of using meals together as an evangelism tool!

Isn't God amazing!

As you eat your breakfast today or break for lunch and gather for dinner would to take time to remember and be thankful!

August 10, 2017

"Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Luke 15:1-2

In his book, "Surprise the World", Michael Frost tells this story which is a modern day iteration of Jesus eating with sinners and publicans.

"I remember meeting a Southern Baptist Pastor in Portland who told me his neighbor both claimed to make the best margaritas in all of Oregon and regularly hosted margarita-and-poker nights in his garage. All the men from the neighborhood attended, but the Baptist Pastor always declined under the invitations believing he was being faithful to his Christian witness.

When I (Michael Frost) heard this I asked the pastor how many times his neighbor had asked him questions about his faith? He answered, "Never."

I asked him how many times his margarita-making neighbor had asked him anything about his faith and again he replied, "Never". I responded, "Exactly! That's because a Baptist Pastor declining invitations to margarita- poker nights is not questionable. It is expected!" So, I urged him to do the questionable thing and accept the next invitation. 

When the next invitation was issued he accepted. He walked across the driveway, into the garage where he was greeted with curious gazes and some good-natured razzing. But he sat down to a Diet-Coke, played cards badly and guess what resulted from his questionable behavior? Yes! Questions!

That evening and over the following weeks and months the Pastor was presented with more opportunities to share his faith than in the previous years in the neighborhood!"

He discovered the power of living a questionable life. If He would have followed in the steps of Jesus he would have learned it much sooner!

Jesus ate with sinners! They pressed in on Him and learned from Him. Over meals they learned to love Him and they learned how much He loved them. 

At the risk of having His methods and His orthodoxy questioned by the Pharisees, His questionable behavior earned Him the ear of those He came to reach!

Are you living a questionable life?

Are you blessing at least three people every week?

Are you eating with sinners?

If not, you are not following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Share A Meal

"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me." Revelations 3:20

This is one of the most familiar verses in the Bible for most Christians for obvious reasons.

Nearly every soul-winning presentation includes this verse. Again, for obvious reasons!

If you grew up in church and Sunday School you are well familiar with this classic portrait:

Isn't that a powerful image?

Aren't you thankful for a Savior who seeks you?

Aren't you glad Jesus is a patient seeker rather than a brutish bully?

A close inspection of the portrait will reveal that there is not a door handle on the outside of that door. You control the entrance through that door. Unless you open it He will remain on the outside.

There is much to be said in regard to this gracious invitation from a Gentle Savior, but for this devotional I want to focus on His promise to those who open the door:

"I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

What a powerful statement of the intimate act of eating together!

Jesus could have promised, "I will come in and worship with you!" 

It would be wonderful to worship with Jesus but He didn't promise that.

He could have promised, "I will come in and preach to you!"

I would love to hear Jesus preach but that isn't what He offered.

Jesus could have enticed us with, "I will come in and study the Word with you!"

Imagine how great it would be to study the Word with The Word! But he didn't offer that.

Jesus longs to share a meal with you!

Think about that! Jesus considers sitting down to a quiet meal next to you as the best possible pathway to a personal intimate friendship with you!

This is why I say, "What an insightful statement about the potential of sharing a meal!"

Think about what He has scheduled as our first great event in Heaven - A MEAL - A FEAST known as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb!

Think about the last intimate moment of His earthly ministry which happened around A MEAL!

If sharing a meal with a friend can be a pathway to intimacy why don't we make that a priority in our daily and weekly schedule. 

Why not begin with your spouse and children?

Why not capitalize on the discipleship possibilities of eating together?

Why not leverage regular mealtimes with non-believers as witnessing opportunity?

You will eat three times today and 21 times this week. Would you intentionally schedule ministry into your meal time? 

Will you plan three meals targeted at evangelism or discipleship?