GRACE & PEACE

Author: Dennis Griffith

  • Happy Birthday, ‘Ho’!

    OK. I know. A lot of people don’t like Tony Campolo. A lot of my friends don’t like Tony Campolo. I know he’s  “too liberal”.  I know John MacArthur flatly states that Campolo “misses the central teaching of the Bible“.  I know he was once tried in ecclesaistical court for heresy. 

    But still, you must admit, he can tell a great story!  And sometimes he makes a great point.

    Watch the video above. Then tell me:

    1. Is there anything overtly theologically wrong in what he says?
    2. How does his example move you?
    3. Is this something you see would meet with Jesus’ approval?  How about the approval of the Aposte Paul, who, in Galatians 5.6, wrote: “…the only thing counts is Faith expressing itself through love.”?
    4. Would you want to be part of a chuch that does things like this?
    5. Ask yourself: How would the community around you respond to a church that does things like this?

     “When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.”

  • Gospel in Word and/or Deed

     

    For the past couple of days I’ve been involved in a discussion on Justin Taylor’s blog, Between Two Worlds.  The discussion was prompted when Justin posted a Tweeted quote from J.D. Greear:

    “Preach the Gospel; if necessary, use words” is like saying: “Tell me your phone number, if necessary use digits.”

    Greear’s clever and pithy defense of the importance of preaching and substantive evangelism is set up as opposite of the quote famously attributed to Francis of Assisi:

    “Preach the Gospel, and if necessary use words.”

    The original quote, whether by Francis or not, is intended to express the importance of Gospel-driven actions.  However, it is also a quote that has often been associated with those who promote a Social Gospel – an attempt to meet tangible needs, often with little or no concern for regeneration, conversion, or spiritual transformation.

    The conversation includes people who both agree and disagree with Greear.  As one who wants to see both Word & Deed – who believes both Word & Deed are necessary to properly reflect the ministry of Christ and the Kingdom of God – I have really appreciated comments from all sides.

    I will not restate my comments in this discussion in this post.  If you are interested, you can check them out for yourself.  But I will say, for those who choose to check it out, my comments are slanted toward one side of this discussion in a way that does not completely reflect my more holistic view.  But, when I first commented, one side far out-numbered the other.

    To check out or join the discussion, click: A Wordless Gospel.

  • Theology for Life

    As a pastor from a confessional denomination one of the more difficult tasks I regularly – even constantly – encounter is helping people past a distatse for doctrine. 

    I understand why so many are so often hesitant to embrace any system of doctrine.  “Doctrine divides” is a commen lament. And, regretably, it is often an accurate one.  I see many who are at odds with others over secondary principles.  Another issue is that sometimes those who are the strongest proponents of sound theology carry rather “ugly” attitudes.  Looking at life, and the church, with a singular perspective (as opposed to tri-perspectival) some assume that mere apprehension and submission to a system of doctrine is the only thing that matters.  As one of my old pastors often said: “Their theology is dead right – but mostly dead.” 

    Of course there are other reasons to be considered. 

    The historical influence of the Second Great Awakening continues to infect large portions of the American church.  One of the most significant effects is that many Christians, and a number of church traditions, are flarly anti-intellectual.  Their faith is almost entirely “feelings” built aroud a few simple theological propositions.

    And maybe the biggest hurdle is that developing a comprehensive understanding of a system of theology is, simply, hard work.  Like learning anything, it is challenging and takes time and study. 

    Whatever the reasons for hesitancy, I maintain it is still important.  In this brief video Tim Keller affirms the benefits of sound doctrine. In fact he asserts, I believe correctly, that everyone already lives out their theology…

    If this so, it would seem important to think it all through.

  • Hume Offers Tiger Way Out of the Woods

    I’ve been a fan of Brit Hume ever since, during my college years, I saw him as a panelist of a debate for the 1984 Presidential Election.  The panelist preceding Hume asked a question to one of the candidates, who then essentially filabustered – he talked in non-sensical circles until his time had elapsed.  In his turn Brit Hume followed up by asking the candidate: “My first question is, Why didn’t you answer the previous question?”  I liked that.

    Hume’s directness has again stirred some controversy when last weekend he chimed in on the saga of Tiger Woods.  Boldly and with clarity he said something I had been thinking, essentially: “If Woods would turn his life to Christ he could experience forgiveness and restoration.”  (See clip above. Also watch as Hume explains his comments to Bill O’Reilly.)  

    Justin Taylor, at Between Two Worlds, has posted some exerpts of interviews Hume has given over  the past few years that reveal a glimpse of the depths of  Hume’s faith.  (Click: Brit Hume, Tiger Woods, and Jesus Christ) 

    Despite the flack he has received for his commentary, I don’t think this journalist will be backing down.

  • Voicing Displeasure

    Philippians 2.14 says: “Do everything without complaining…” 

    I wonder if the Apostle Paul would make any exceptions for entertainment value.

    Perhaps not.

    But there is a growing trend around the world that is adding creativity to complaining. They are calling themselves Complaint Choirs.  Complaint Choirs are groups of people who blend their laments into humorous songs.  Most are then “airing” their gripes on YouTube.

    The first complaint choir was established in Birmingham, England. Since then they have spread across Europe to Canada (the above video), the US, Singanpore, etc. New choirs continue to spring up around the world. 

    Now a web site has been developed – Complaints Choirs Worldwide –  with a locator map to track these expanding groups.  The site even has a link that allows viewers to rate thier favorite choirs. 

    NOTE: Listen to the NPR interview with a leader of the Helsinki Complaints Choir: Voicing Displeasure

  • The Ephesians Challenge

    I’m in. I am taking the plunge.  I am accepting the challenge.

    The Lausanne Movement, which will conduct the Third Congress on World Evangelism in September 2010 at Cape Town, South Africa, is encouraging leaders and participants to “linger” in the book of Ephesians during 2010. It is part of the preparation for this world impacting event.  Each month participants are asked to read and reread this short letter and then reflect on specific themes designated for each month. 

    While this collaborative Bible Study actually began in November, there is something stimulating about studying and refelcting along with some of the godliest men and women still on earth – even if I am joining in late.

    To join me in this endeavor click: Ephesians Study Plan.

  • Sola-Bootstrap

    Overheard this from Scottie Smith on Facebook:

    “Too many Christians try to live the Christian life by the equally destructive principles of ‘Sola-bootstrapsa’ (I must keep the law in my own strength and effort) and ‘Ego-nomianism’ (I am able to keep the law).” 
    Both of these contradict the gospel, by minimizing our need and marginalizing God’s grace.

  • How to KEEP Your Church FROM Vitality & Fruitfulness

    There are conferences, seminars, articles, books, curricula telling us how to grow a church. It’s high time the other side of the issue be considered. While I don’t guarantee these easy-to-apply steps will always keep your church from health and vitality, they will, with proper application, certainly increase the chances of stagnation.

    1. Change Pastors Every Few Years.

    This will assure that no pastor gets too much “power.” It will also discourage members from committing to any long-term goals or growth efforts. And those brought into the church by the pastor’s personal ministry will feel insecure because “their” pastor may not stay more than a couple of years.

    2. Don’t Allow New People to Serve.

    This applies particularly to those who have never been a church member before, or who were recently converted. These people tend to identify strongly with the group from which they came and offer many unwanted suggestions for reaching others from those groups. By insisting that they serve a proper and lengthy “probationary period” before participating in church decision-making, they can be stalled until they lose their enthusiasm and relationships with the un-churched.  Once this happens, THEN they can be used for church work.

    3. Split Up Small Groups & Ministry Teams Regularly.

    This will greatly frustrate the people who are most active in the church. They won’t have a chance to build and strngthen meaningful relationships; and they will not develop any deep sense of belonging, ownership, or empowerment.

    4. Try to Reach Only People in ‘Stable’ Situations.

    Since people are often more responsive to the Gospel following geographic, social, vocational, or life-situational changes, concentrate on people in stable circumstances to minimize contacts with the kind of people that often lead to responsiveness and change.

    5. Don’t Send Your Pastor to Conferences or Encourage Him to Read Books on Evangelism & Mission.

    If he insists on attending such a workshop, make sure no other church leaders go with him. Enthusiasm for outreach and mission can be easily squelched as long as the pastor is the only one who gets enthused.

    6. Emphasize “Quality not Quantity.”

    This one almost always works!

    Make it sound like those who want to see new people join the church are playing the ‘numbers game’.  The myth that numerical growth automatically and spontaneously comes as a result of spiritual growth – without actual outreach and evangelism – is believed by many, so take advantage of it. 

    Also, point to unmet needs of your own people as the only real concern of the church, and the primary concerns for the pastor.

    7. Don’t Be Friendly to Visitors.

    If this seems too extreme, be friendly to them at first – THEN ignore them! Don’t visit them.  Don’t invite them to church activities.  Don’t talk to them during the week. Above all: DON’T become friends with them!

    8. Don’t Invite People to Visit or Join Your Church.

     We can justify this by saying: “We don’t want to force church membership on anybody.”   To neighbors and guests it says: “You don’t belong here.”  But that’s all we need. 

    One variable to this is to allow the pastor to be the only one to do the inviting and relationship building.

     9. Try to Reach Everyone In Your Community the Same Way.

    Ignore racial, social, economic, linguistic, and cultural differences. Assume all people are like you – or they should be. 

    A  church out to “reach everybody”, without considering even subtle cultural differences, using the same old strategies used in the past, often reaches nobody. Churches are effective when they recognize these distinctions, and develop relevent strategies to serve the different segments of their community.

    If you don’t want to grow, don’t aim at a target.

     10. Make Growth Entirely Dependent on the Holy Spirit.

     This not only encourages prayerlessness and evangelistic laziness on our part, but it gives us a convenient excuse if growth doesn’t occur.  We can always blame God.

     11. Don’t Staff & Don’t Budget for Outreach & Mission.

    Our resources are precious and limited. Staff and budget for Christian Education, Youth Ministries, etc. first.  Staff and budget for outreach & mission ONLY after these priorities are perfectly met.

     12. Insist on Using Evangelistic Methods That Were Used During the ‘Good Old Days’.

     Don’t consider methods that God may be using today.  Stick with crusades, simplistic tracts, and answering questions no one is asking.

    By all means avoid meeting actual needs.  A church that adresses the needs of the poor – like Jesus & Paul said we should – might be accused of Liberalism and promoting a Social Gospel.

    13. Don’t Set Goals.

    Say that goals produce frustration. Discourage measurement of any kind. Label statistical analysis as ‘worldly’. If that fails, label it ‘demonic and destructive’.   Though that may be unfair, and UNTRUE, it will certainly discourage goal-setting and statistical analysis as a diagnostic tool.

     14. Say that God Doesn’t Want the Church to Grow.

     Though this statement may be false, you can dig up enough proof-texts to make it seem believable.

     15. Don’t Advertise Your Church.

     Any advertising should be avoided. Especially don’t let newcomers to your community know where your church is, when services are held, and what ministries might be most beneficial to them.

    If you must advertise, put the ad on the church page where only those already churched are likley to see it. And put a picture of the pastor or the building on it, not something that would be of interest to anyone outside your church. And never put a picture of people enjoying themselves together in Christ. Never promote something that might connect with the un-Churched.

     16. Don’t Pray for Kingdom Advancement.

     Pray for people in hospitals and on sick lists. Pray for generic “spiritual blessings”.  Pray for missions, but not specific prayers for individual missionaries; Not prayers informed about the challenges missionaries face in their particular locations and work. Pray only for un-named people who you will never meet.  Pray only for people to be healed.  NEVER pray for un-churched neighbors and friends. NEVER pray for God to change you and/or your church to become more godly.

    ***

    This post is satirical and sarcastic.  I have edited and adapted it from a chapter titled: 17 Way to Keep Your Church from Gowing.  from a book by Mike Grogan, then-pastor of the Bethel Friends Church in Poland, OH.  I don’t know if he is still the pastor there. Nor do I recall the title of the book.

  • That’s Christmas

    The resounding cry of this season seems to be: “Remember what Christmas is about.”   I think I’ve heard people say that, and seen people write and post that, and similar sentiments, more this year than ever before. At least, I am aware of it more this year.  And I concur.

    The above video, from the UK, takes us through the wide range of perspectives people have about this holiday, and presents the viewer with a penetrating proposition: Christmas is about Jesus – God becoming man, miraculously conceived in and born of a virgin, to remove all the guess-work from quizical and philosophical minds about what God is like and how God feels about humanity.  It is the first observable stage of God’s plan to redeem humanity and reconcile with those that had rebelled against him and neglected to give him the honor he is due.

    Christmas is not really about time with the family. It is certainly not about the gifts.  It is not about a quiet day. It’s certainly not about the hubub that leads up to it.  It is a time to be still and know that God is God, and he has made his dwelling among us, to deliver his people from a bondage of our own making. It is a time for reflection.  (See Psalm 46.10; John 1.14)  Above all it is a time to worship the God who is able and who was willing to do this for us.

    In short, Christmas really points to something more. To paraphrase one writer: Christmas is God’s Good News – BUT only because we know the story of Easter.   

    So to all who want to remember the meaning of Christmas: Happy Easter!

  • Averting Worship Wars

    There are many fights in churches these days over what kind of music to use, but I am convinced most of those fights could be avoided if we faithfully reflected upon the questions given to us by [Colossians 3.12-17].  Instead of asking what kind of music will appeal to the world around us, we must ask:

    • What will enable us most deeply to dwell in God’s Word?
    • What will best express the Word?
    • How will the Word’s beauty and mystery, its infinity and generosity be best conveyed?

    – Marva Dawn, A Royal “Waste” of Time

  • We Wish You a Merry X-mas

    I knew better. I should have gone with my first instinct. But I didn’t.

    Several Decembers ago I was summoned for jury duty in Walker County, Georgia.  Overhearing other prospective jurors engaged in various religious and low-level theological debates, I vowed to myself to remain quiet and not get involved in these discussions.  For most of the morning I kept to my plan.

    Not long before lunch my opinion was solicited by the ring-leader of the discussion group – an un-schooled, self-proclaimed Baptist “preacher”.  Apparently he had taken note earleir in the day when a judge made mention that I was a Presbyterian minister. 

     “Do you believe in the doctine of Once-Saved-Always-Saved?”

    Trying to minimize my words, I replied:

    “I believe most of what you mean by that, though I am not comfortable calling it by that name.”

    “What do you mean?”, he asked.

    “I believe the Bible teaches eternal security for the believer. I just think that describing the doctrine as you did a moment ago leaves an impression of cheap grace.”

    I am not sure he understood what I was actually saying, but apparently he was satisfied. He even seemed to sense a kindred spirit. He nodded his head approvingly. 

    Then he asked:

    “Why d’ya think so many people deny this doctrine?” 

    Here is where I started down the wrong road:

    “I suspect because people don’t bother to read the one source that defines doctrinal positions (- the Bible)”, I replied a little too flippantly and smuggly. 

    Again, my answer apparently satisfied him. Again he nodded his approval.  Then he observed:

    “Yep. People are tryin’ to take God and his Word out of ev’ry-thang. It’s just like people tryin’ to take Christ out’a Christmas.  Santa Claus instead’a  Jesus.  And all these signs that say Merry X-mas…  They’re tryin’ to X-out Jesus.”

    (Here is the height of my error. Having been lulled into feeling comfortable by the eager reception of my previous simplistic responses…)  I interjected:

    “O, no. That is not x-ing out Jesus from Christmas. The letter “X” is the symbol of Christ, taken from the  Greek letter “Chi”, the first letter for Christ in Greek.”

    Silence, followed by a shaking head instead of a nodding noggin. Finally, still shaking his head, he told me:

    “You are educated beyond usefulness“

    Then he walked away.

    Like I said, I should have stuck with my original plan. I should have remained quiet, done my time, and gone home.  But since I didn’t, I guess I had it coming.

    This old memory came to mind when I read a post by R.C. Sproul on the Ligonier blog: Why is X Used?  I am glad to have someone of Sproul’s stature covering my back. But two new questions come to mind:

    • What are the chances that guy will read Sproul’s post?
    • Where were you, R.C., on that day years ago?!

  • Pure As the Driven Snow

    I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who enjoys “old” snow – you know, the snow that has been around a few day, has blackened from plowing, is choppy from people playing in the yard.  I know that’s not the type of snow my duaghter enjoys looking at.

    After the snowstorm this past Friday night, that dumped 3/4 of a foot all around us, my daughter was concerned that her brothers “messed up” the yard. She likes looking at the pure smoothe snow, untouched by human hand – or boot. 

    That started me thinking. There is a methaphor there somewhere.

    I think we all have have an innate appreciation for the beauty of purity. Unfortunately, because of our sin, purity does not seem to last long in this life. Sometimes it is corrupted and turns black and ugly. Sometimes it is just messed up by us as we go about our work and play.  But fleeting as it is, while it is here it is something to behold.

    This all reminds me that God is on a mission, not simply to “save” a bunch of individuals but, to restore and recreate that which has been corrupted and messed-up.  As beautiful and peaceful as it is to look at the pure snow on the pastures outside my living room window, a beauty is coming that is both incomparable and incorruptable. And that will really be something to see.

  • Ecstasy & Delight

    Ecstasy and delight are essential to the believer’s soul and they promote sanctification.

    We were not meant to live without spiritual exhilaration, and the Christian who goes for a long time without the experience of heart-warming will soon find himself tempted to have his emotions satisfied from earthly things and not, as he ought, from the Spirit of God. The soul is so constituted that it craves fulfillment from things outside itself and will embrace earthly joys for satisfaction when it cannot reach spiritual ones…

    The believer is in spiritual danger if he allows himself to go for any length of time without tasting the love of Christ and savoring the felt comforts of a Savior’s presence. When Christ ceases to fill the heart with satisfaction, our souls will go in silent search of other lovers…

    By the enjoyment of the love of Christ in the heart of a believer, we mean an experience of the “love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us” (Romans 5.5)… because the Lord has made himself accessible to us in the means of grace, it is our duty and privilege to seek this experience from Him in these means till we are made the joyful partakers of it.

    – John Flavel (1630-1691)

  • The Christ of Christmas

    The WORD

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.  In him was life, and that life was the light of men.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.     – John 1.1-4, 14a

    This Christ of Christmas shines down through the ages like a gem with many facets. Each facet (or Hebrew name) reveals a different aspect of His personality, love, and provision for humanity.

    The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. – Proverbs 18.10

    ELOHIM

    “In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heaven and the earth.”    – Genesis 1.1

    • El = Mighty or Strong
    • Him = plural (Father, Son, Holy Spirit); Total Power and Might

    This Christ of Christmas is the Creator, mighty and strong. he saw us in our mother’s womb. (Psalm 139) He createde us and has a special plan for every life.

    JEHOVAH-ROHI

    Jehovah my Shepherd (Psalm 23)

    This Christ of Christmas is our Shepherd. He desires to lead us through paths of righteousness.

    Jehovah-Rohi says:

    “I am the Good Shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”  – John 10.11

    JEHOVAH – M’KADDESH

    Jehovah who sanctifies. (Exodus 31.13)

    Sanctify = Consecrate, dedicate.

    This Christ of Christmas desires to set us apart to walk in holiness, because He is our God.  

    “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified.”   – 1 Thessalonians 4.3a

    JEHOVAH – RAPHA

    “I am the Lord who heals you.” – Exodus 15.26

    This Christ of Christmas is our healer; body soul, and spirit.

    “He himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.”   – Matthew 8.16-17

    JEHOVAH – NISSI

    “The Lord our banner.” (Exodus 17.12b, 13, 15)

    The Christ of Christmas is our banner (Victory)! Lift Him up.

    “But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”  – John 12.32

    EL SHADDAI

    “The One who  is more than enough.”

    This Christ of Christmas is more than enough to meet our needs in every situation.  What seemingly impossible need can we bring Him?

    Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen   – Ephesians 3.20-21

     JEHOVAH – TSIDKENU

    Jehovah Our Righteousness  (Jeremiah 23.5-6)

    This Christ of Christmas is our Righteousness.

    “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”   – 2 Corithians 5.21

    JEHOVAH JIREH

    “The Lord will Provide” a sacrifice – Genesis 22.13-14

    This Christ of Christmas is our Lamb of Provision! All may partake of His free gift of eternal life.

    “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”   – John 1.29

    Let Us Bow Before Him! (more…)

  • The Baker’s Dirty Dozen Stagnant Church Types

     

    At a time when potential epidemics may be on the horizon the wise person is on the lookout for the signs of disease. The hope is that early detection will enable more effective and less severe treatment.

    Such a time surrounds the American church. It is widely reported that 85% of all churches are in a state of stagnation, if not serious decline. 

    Jeff Gauss, of Rurality Bytes, summarizes the Baker’s-Dirty-Dozen stagnant church types.  At least one of these 13 types, taken from Ed Stetzer’s Comeback Churches, probably characterizes almost any struggling & stagnant church:

    1. Institutionalized Church – More committed to the forms and programs of ministry than to the work of God; activity has choked out productivity and “good enough” has become the enemy of great.
    2. Voluntary Association Church – This church models itself after democratic government rather than New Testament principles. It is a church for the people, rather than for God. “Whenever one group seeks to make a positive change in the church in one direction, the opposing factions begin to whine, complain, and gossip… This type of church will not change until they change their value system.”
    3. “Us Four and No More” Church – This church doesn’t want to get any larger for fear that it will lose its family feel.
    4. “We Can’t Compete” Church – This church has simply given up, deciding that it can’t compete with other churches so they’re not even going to try.
    5. “Decently and in Order” Church – High regard for process, but lack passion. “They run everything by the book; unfortunately, it’s not the Bible.” All matters great and small must meet the approval of various committees.
    6. “Square Peg in a Round Hole” Church – People are enlisted for service, not based on passion and gifts, but because of need. The mindset is “We’ve got to fill this position. Whose turn is it?”
    7. “Time-Warp” Church – This church has managed to preserve the positions, practices, and appearances of days long gone. They expect others to accept and adapt to what they’ve grown comfortable doing over the years, and give no thought to change. “If it’s good enough for me, it should be good enough for them,” is the prevailing attitude.
    8. “My Way or the Highway” Church – This is usually a vocal minority who, no matter the issue, won’t be satisfied unless it’s done their way.
    9. “Chaplaincy” Church – The church views its pastor as a hired hand and expects him to meet all of their needs. They want a chaplain, not a leader.
    10. “Play-it-Safe” Church – Has little faith that God will provide. Instead of enabling ministry and evangelism, it hinders them by safeguarding what it has. “As much money as possible is placed in a certificate of deposit” for safekeeping.
    11. Unintentional Church – Good intentions, but little action. Rarely follow through on what they hope to do.
    12. “Tidy” Church – Members take pride in the church building and make sure that everything is well-kept and meticulously organized. New growth – especially children – is seen as a threat because they are messy. 
    13. The “Company” Church – The church is more focused on the denomination than the community. They fill up the calendar with denominations meetings and things at the expense of ministering to their community. 

    I suspect traces of most of these traits can be seen in almost any church, ailing or healthy.  But a good prelimnay self diagnosis may hold the ecclesiastical undertaker at bay.