News from December 2009
Christianity, Truth and Downward Mobility
Posted on December 17, 2009 by Pastor Tom
One of the temptations I face as a pastor is “selling” my faith with all its benefits. I could tell people that coming to Christ can help you make sense of your world. Or it will give you inner peace. Or it gives you morality. Or it’s something that will give you passion for life. All these “benefits” are possible in the Christian life.
But every other faith can claim the same benefits. So religion can simply become a polite competition for the spiritually seeking. It seems like our society has settled into that understanding of religion. “Whatever works for you is great.” “It’s all food,” I once heard. “Each faith is like a different section of the spiritual buffet.”
If this is the case, it’s no wonder that the “non-religious” get skeptical or apathetic. They can see each faith as simply another attempt to sell them something. Or the “spiritual buffet” image lessens any urgency or importance of faith.
However, if we raise the question of truth, the stakes become much higher. I am convinced by the evidence that Christianity and its claims are true. That frees me to be completely honest with someone about why I think they must seriously consider Christ. I’m not trying to sell something. I’m not trying to dress it up so it’s more attractive than the next religion. I don’t get a commission. I simply present the evidence and ask others to consider it.
This truth claim also protects them from false expectations or disappointment.
Following Christ does bring great benefits. But it doesn’t mean all problems go away. It doesn’t mean there will be no suffering. In fact it might increase suffering. It might mean losing a position of privilege. It might mean losing a life (as thousands of Christians did just that this past year around the world because of their faith).
If Christianity provides only a few mild benefits than can be found in any other faith, why do Christians endure suffering and downward mobility and even death? That’s a complete waste if you can find the same thing at the next religious store. But if Christianity is true, then it all might make sense and be worthwhile.
During this season, we Christians remember Christ’s coming. One of the Gospels
describes his coming this way – “The true light which enlightens every man was coming into the world.” The true, genuine, non-counterfeit, real light came into the world. This same Gospel claims He stepped into history at a specific point in time and became “flesh” or “human.” This is the mystery and wonder of the Christmas season.
We might think it so amazing and cute that Jesus came as a baby and was laid in a manger. But this was the ultimate act of downward mobility. He left the glories of heaven to be born into the frail state of an infant, in a little know city, in a nameless inn’s stable to parents in poverty. If true, then suffering for His name’s sake, losing a position of privilege and even dying for His name seems par for the course. I don’t want to sell you anything. I invite you to examine the evidence and claims of Jesus. Merry Christmas to you all!
I want no "only"
Posted on December 8, 2009 by Pastor Tom
I was reading today about the beginning of King Solomon’s reign. You know Solomon, the wisest king ever? Well here’s what 1 Kings 3:3 says “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father, ONLY (capitals mine) he sacrificed and made offerings at the high places.”
Right from the start, Solomon lived a compromised faith. Sacrificing at high places meant sacrificing to other gods. He did that right through his reign. It’s like the Lord was his God in Jerusalem but outside the city he served other gods.
Sometimes, I might live like Solomon. “I love you Lord, only let me have this part of my life for myself.” Lord, I want no “only” attached after my name. Please strengthen me!
Be strong men!
Posted on December 3, 2009 by Pastor Tom
The Tiger Woods scandal has rocked the Golf world and Sports world. A man who had it all admitted to some transgressions. One part of this sad story is that Tiger’s wife went through his cell phone and was going to call all the saved numbers on there. A magazine got a hold of Tiger allegedly asking a woman to change her display name to a number so his wife would not discover this woman.
As I listened to some of the fall out and reaction to his admission, a local sports radio talk show took up the topic. But they didn’t ask “how could this guy have done this?” Their key question was “what could he have done differently so he wouldn’t get caught.” One suggested he have two cell phones – a regular cellphone and a girlfriend cellphone. Another talked about how Tiger could have been more discreet.
How weak! Instead of calling for all men to be strong and faithful, we seek ways to more effectively hide “transgressions?” The “strong man” image this world portrays is actually pretty weak. The world’s strong man is rugged, independent, wealthy, powerful and has plenty of women. But that’s weakness!
It takes a lot of strength to be faithful in body, emotions and mind. In fact it can be difficult but not impossible. God’s Word calls men to be strong in difficult situations by asking Him for strength. “Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go;” on business trips; on a guys night out; at the computer late at night; in your thoughts.
We must be strong and not invent ways of hiding weakness.
Pray for the Wood’s family.
Life is fragile. Cherish it!
Posted on December 2, 2009 by Pastor Tom
Its getting colder! My hands froze the other night while I was putting the final Christmas lights up on our house. I’ve got a lot to do. I’m behind on some things. And the Christmas rush is here. Am I just going to put my head down and push through this season? I could but I will certainly miss all the gifts life brings during these upcoming days.
A couple of events this week hit me again about the fragile nature of life. This past weekend, four police officers sat down for coffee in a coffee shop. It happens all over North America all the time. But this time, none of them came out alive. They were gunned down by someone who hated the police. The gunman was later shot and killed. So now the family members of all involved prepare for a very different Christmas season without their loved ones.
Last weekend, two teenagers were found dead in their Calgary home. Their father is now charged with their killing. Their mother and classmates now deal with the aftermath of two young lives ending.
So yes, its getting colder. My hands froze for a minute or so. I’ve got a lot to do. I am behind on some things. But I have this gift of life worth treasuring and investing.
Lord help me to keep perspective on life through the days to come!