Monday Morning Rewind: Test Time

Do you like examinations? Most of us don’t, but they’re a part of life. Even if we don’t deal with classroom settings for these tests anymore, we do have driving tests, physical exams, vision tests, annual reviews…and on and on the list goes. Tests are a part of life. The Psalmist reminded us of this when he said of God, “You O LORD tested us; You refined us like silver” (66:10). There are countless narrative examples of this in Scripture too, but here’s the thing: when God tests us it serves a purpose; He is seeking to refine us. Every test helps you see where you’re at in your relationship with Him, where growth and dependence is needed and additionally, the faithful provision of God.

So when we come to this section in the Sermon on the Mount, it is not surprising that the Lord Jesus shares the ways in which we are tested in our “followship.” The objective here is that we should be found obedient in following our leader in all areas of our life. So what are these tests where our obedience is demonstrated?

First, there is the test of persistence (7:7-12). The context starts with prayer and leads to service of others. The verbal tense in verse seven is the key: we are to keep on asking, seeking, knocking at the throne of God for the needs of our life. And with others? In everything, we are to do to them as we would have them do to us. This persistence is derived from the character of God–He is gracious, giving and relentless in His pursuit of us. It is also developed in the faith of people like you and me as we pray, pursue God and persevere in all aspects of our life. And Jesus says, as well, that this persistence is demonstrated in the fruit of our behavior. It pays off (“…it will be given you.”) The key is a dogged determination built off a belief and trust that God cares and God will act. It “expects great things from God” (William Carey), and that expectation is seen in our willingness to keep a concern before the Father.

Second, this is the test of direction (7:13). Entering the narrow gate takes discipline (which should be indicative of a “disciple”) and sober-minded concentration. It is a “counter-cultural” challenge for each of us (“keeping your head when all about you others are losing theirs”) in a world of anything goes, tolerance and being politically correct in our behavior. Jesus reminded followers that they “go against the flow” and that takes steely focus, with lives unwilling to tolerate distractions (and believe me, they will come!). Our Lord says believers will be tested to stay the course and not give in to society and cultural norms that run contra to His will and His ways for us.

Third, there is the test of alignment (7:14-23). This is huge, for in this section Jesus tells his disciples to be on guard for “false prophets,” these ferocious wolves who will lead others astray or seek to devour them. He tells us “by their fruits we will know them.” In fact, He says it twice in this paragraph. Jesus goes on to say that they will be “busy-in-doing ministry,” these false prophets, and many good things will happen as a result of their lives. But, get this: the good is the enemy of the best. They don’t pass this test, because they have “done” but their doing has not been the will of the Father (v. 22). (Yes, we can do lots of good things in ministry–even for others’ benefit–and it not be what God wants or desires us to be doing.) So, we must be vigilant, Jesus says, be alert, and make sure that “the right thing” is what is being done. Fruit will be a key for us in passing this test; it will be evidence of the life of Christ at work in and through us…and others.

On this Palm Sunday weekend, we celebrated the “Triumphant Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem. But many of those “followers” didn’t pass the tests Jesus set before them. They had their own perceptions of Jesus and what they wanted Him to be and do. They shouted “Hosanna” and most wanted Him to “save us now” physically from the Romans; ironically, He came to save them now, spiritually. Many of them missed that reality, and failed to pass the tests.

How about you and me? Peter Forsythe once said, “The first duty of every soul is to find, not its freedom, but its Master.” Have your soul found its Master? Have you discovered Jesus? In this Passion Week, look to Him and what He dreams of doing in and through your life. It will be the best decision you ever make.

Monday Morning Rewind: Change We Can Believe In (part 2)

Yesterday my message focused on the second half of the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:7-12). We noted last week that these “blessings” have shown a “definite progression” to some scholars; I for one agree with them. While the first four beatitudes–the ones we looked at last week–deal with the journey TO God, the rest of the Beatitudes deal with the journey WITH God.  The change inherent within them all is God’s transformation power–making us more into the image of His Son as our character is shaped and our lives are lived out according to His purposes.

So what are these additional character traits that we as followers of Christ are to exhibit?

First, we are to love mercy (v. 7). Mercy is far more than compassion or concern; it is actually the withholding of what others “deserve” or have earned. When people wrong us, we are to extend mercy to them, even as Christ has done that to us…we don’t deserve His mercy (but rather judgment for our disobedience), but He gives it anyway. It says something about His character (and ours!); it is to be like that of Christ.

Second, we are to live purely (v. 8). Purity of heart does beyond just the physical and sexual; it touches the entirety of life. We are to live clean, wholesome lives; not out of naivete or innocence, but out of willful and deliberate decision. A guarded heart is a pure heart, a heart that will see God. He smiles on those whose heart is solely and singularly focused on pleasing Him.

Third, we are to make peace (v. 9). Peace-making is not pacificism or anti-conflict. It’s being willing to get into the midst of the conflict to do what one can do to bring reconciliation between those who are at odds with one another or with God. It is messy stuff, and no doubt shots will be fired in any peacemaker’s direction, but it is necessary for healing to take place and for peace to “win out.” Peacemakers know in the end it’s worth the effort because people matter so much to God.

Finally, we are to persevere in the face of opposition and adversity, for the sake of Christ and His righteousness (His way) (vv. 10-12). While much of what we suggest is “persecution” to us as Christians falls woefully short of what Christians around the world experience, there is no doubt that we will have others oppose us for our belief in Jesus and the lifestyle He teaches. Count on it…if they opposed Him, (He told us Himself) they will oppose us, too. But in the midst of that, we must endure and persevere because in such moments the character of our life, found in Christ, will be seen by those around us. For other believers, it will be a source of encouragement and strength; for non-believers it will be winsome and challenge their life “without” Christ.

I for one believe these words from Jesus remind us that our journey with Christ will not always be easy, but rather call upon us to live a life different from that of the world. Mercy, Purity, Reconciliation/Peacemaking, Perseverence/Endurance in the face of Adversity…now that the kind of change we can truly believe in!

Monday Morning Rewind: Surviving the Fires of Life

It was a great day yesterday as we delved into chapter 3 in the book of Daniel.  It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, confronting King Nebuchadnezzar and his image of gold.  The consequences for their refusal to bow down and worship him (or “it,” the idol) would be severe…death in a fiery furnace.  Yet, they refused to lower their belief in an Almighty God and his directions for their lives (“no other gods before me”).  What do we learn from their experiences that can help us in facing the fires of life in our day?

First, cultivate character. By character, I refer to “the stuff we’re made of.”  It’s the internal fortitude and workings over time that prepare us for events like this.  These men had prepared for years, probably a couple of decades, for the adversity of such a day…and they were ready because they had allowed God to build His character and strength into them.  Someone has said “unless you know what’s worth dying for, you’re really not able to know what’s worth living for.”

Second, establish priorities. Do you know what’s the most important thing in life?  These guys did; their devotion and commitment to God came first.  They were unwilling to let anything else rival that.  They sought God’s will and believed that they had discerned it…and that can only happen when we are aligned with Him.  He must come first; these guys knew that.  When He does, everything else makes sense and falls into place as it should.

Third, don’t compromise with the crowd. It would have been easy to give in and do like everyone else, but these three men refused to do that.  They really had no “plan B,” though they recognized that God might have a plan to which they were not privy.  Regardless, they refused to let the “world squeeze them into its own mold.”  They stood fast and let their testimony ring in the ears of those who commanded they conform.  It would later make a tremedous difference in the lives of those who’d heard it!

Finally, walk with God in the midst of the fire. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were joined by a fourth man in the fire and “the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” So said Nebuchadnezzer, as he noted the presence of God with them in the fire.  Note that God does not remove us from the fire; rather, He chooses to walk with us through the fire, and to bring us out of it unbound and unharmed.

Malcolm Muggeridge, the British journalist who came to know Christ late in life, wrote this in one of his final books (Homemade, 1990):

Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 years in this world, everything that has truly enhanced and enlightened my experience, has been through affliction and not through happiness.

You see, fire shapes us, marks us, motivates us, prunes us, simplifies life for us.  It is not God’s intent to let the fires of life destroy us; they are there rather to refine us.  At this Thanksgiving time of the year, let’s remember our God, who is always able…as He in fact enables us to survive the fires of life.

Sunday Starter for 11.23.08

Tomorrow’s a big day for us; we have the community firefighters and EMTs joining us for worship.  It will be a great time of celebration and thanksgiving as we express to them our thanks and gratitude for their service and sacrifice on our behalf.

The message and interview time tomorrow will deal with “Surviving the Fires of Life.”  We all face them; that’s just a fact of life.  But how do you address them when they come to you?  Our initial reaction to these fires is to run from them, right?  We don’t want to be “burned” by them or for them to hurt the ones we love.  Yet, firefighters run toward them…why?  Could it be that they value something more than self-preservation?  And could it be that God doesn’t intend the fires of life to destroy us but to refine us?

If that’s true, then how can the fires of life be as useful to us as they are to a forest or to a automobile’s engine or to a smith’s metaling process?  And if we realized this, would we react the same way when fires confront us?

Hopefully, these thoughts will get us all thinking as we delve into this topic even more tomorrow live in Bel Air or on this blog Monday…

Monday Morning Rewind: Stand Up for the Truth!

Sorry for the time away, but the past week has been CRAZY, with our Annual Meeting and then a training event in Colorado!  But I’m back home now, and plan to be more settled for the reminder of the year…

Yesterday we looked at Daniel 4-5, with an emphasis on the “writing on the wall” experience as it affected Daniel in chapter 5.  While the context indicates the story deals with Belshazzar and God’s judgment upon him for his arrogance and disrespect of Almighty God, the focus of my message dealt with how we respond in such situations.  Daniel is a wonderful example of speaking the truth, in spite of the consequences.

To be sure, when the consequences are adverse we may be afraid and hide even from the truth.  But in this particular instance, the consequences are advantageous, yet even the promise of reward or promotion does not “make” Daniel act in any different way than he would have otherwise.  The consistency and integrity of his life are hallmarks worthy of admiration.

So how did Daniel do it…act so upright and humble, regardless of the outcome?  First, he went to the source of truth to find truth. He acknowledged that God was the source of all truth and thus he turned to him for the wisdom and courage he needed.  Belshazzar, on the other hand, keeps looking for answers from human sources; however, only God can provide the truth that he (or any of us) need.

Second, he actualized the power of that truth (found in its source). He lived it out and reminded Belshazzar that his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar, had failed to acknowledge Almighty God’s sovereignty over his life and service, even as king of an empire.  Consequently, he was “humbled” by the source of all Truth–God Himself–until he repented.  Daniel reminded Belshazzar that he already knew this (and yet he too had failed to acknowledge God’s truth or power).  Man cannot do this indefinitely without having to be held accountable for such disrespect.

Finally, Daniel refused to hide behind falsehood, recognizing that it was a coward’s solution to a God-sized situation. Instead, he trusted God and told “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” to the King.  He hid nothing (though his message was unpleasant to hear) and did not make it more palatable just to improve his own image or station in life.  The result of his courage was admiration and respect from the king, along with all the rewards promised, but even more, the knowledge of a clear conscience before God, who had given him the message to deliver without compromise in the first place.

Daniel stood up for the truth, and we are all the better for it.  Do we have the courage to do the same, no matter what the consequences may be to us personally?  My guess is that we will, if we respect God and are more concerned about what he thinks than the opinion of others.  It will take trust, courage and humility, but do it, we must.

BCM/D Annual Meeting: Monday Evening Session LIVE BLOGGING

Tonight’s session is usually the highest attended at the BCM/D annual meeting.  So far, we have a little more that 300 people registered, give or take.  The BCM/D Chorale has sung and the orchestra is currently leading in worship while a special offering is taken for the upcoming EMBRACE Wilmington effort.

The first election of officers is up next, followed by the Evangelism portion of the BCM/D staff report.  The finale of the night will be Dr. David Lee, the Executive-Director, as he brings his annual message to the Convention.

Nominations have been opened for the election of President of the Convention.  John Gauger from Perryville Baptist Church has nominated Rev. Byron Day from Emmanuel Baptist Church in Laurel, Maryland.  No other nominations were made.  Thus, Byron Day was elected President for the coming year by acclamation.  No other nominations were made for any positions tonight.

The BCM/D Evangelism presentation was done by video.  It was picture after picture of baptisms from all across the convention.  My guess is at least 100 baptisms were shown from rivers to swimming pools to traditional church building baptistries.  Thom Thornton, state director of evangelism, is now recognizing the churches with the highest number of baptisms for the last annual year.

The Chorale and Orchestra led the crowd of messengers in worship with “You are God Alone.” Now Bill Archer is leading them is singing “Midnight Cry.”

Dr. David Lee is preaching on “In the Eye of the Storm” from 1 Corinthians 13:13.  He notes that Paul was the master of the summary statement (e.g., Romans 6:23; Romans 8:28).  “And now abideth faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love.”  He served in hurricane-ravaged Mississippi in his early ministry storm.  He never has experienced the “eye” of a storm, though some of his friends have. In the eye itself the wind is calm, the sky is clear. In the eye of the storm, some go out and tidy up and even clean up the mess that’s started.  But you have to do it quickly, because the other half of the storm was coming.

The Corinthian church was in the eye of such a storm, with more to come in the days to come.  He believes the BCM/D is in the same “eye” of the storm.  He’s afraid that the backside of the storm may be even more difficult.  However, we have time to prepare.

1. We must strengthen our faith….”now abideth faith.”  There is a theology of faith, “what should I believe about God?” and the key question is “How big is God?” Then there is the theopraxy of faith, “what I do in my life based on my faith?” Here the key question is “Is God big enough?” It’s not always easy; it may be really tough.  Doing what we’ve been trained to do may not be enough.  We can’t fix what we’re facing without Him.  Just surviving the storm is not good enough.  It’s going to take faith! Do Baptists hoard money just like the banks in American are accused of doing that brought about this economic questions? BCM/D is known for being bold, to take the steps necessary even in the eye of the storm.

2. We must get busy telling the story of hope…”now abideth hope.” The landscape around us has changed but it has done nothing more than make things clearer for us.  The changing world and our economy has made a difference.  The generations following us have a very different view of denominationalism from those who have gone before.  What does our world need most? The hope of the Gospel. What do we have to offer? The Gospel of hope.  We know exactly what we need to do. Soon we will launch a futuring initiative for our convention. For 10 years we have been doing business on a previous plan.  But now we must look forward to a new plan and vision.  The core of what we must do is get the message of hope to a world that needs to hear it.  It’s not time to go independent; now more than before we need each other.

3. We must figure out this whole love thing…”now abideth love; and the greatest of these is love.” At the end of the day love is the only thing that will win us a hearing with others.  Love is all that really gives us credibility in a culture that is quickly running away from God.  Most of our churches are plateaued or declining.  Why is that happening?  True, some have past their relevancy.  Some are just trying to keep the institutional machinery going.  But the main issue is that those who call themselves followers don’t get along with each other.  Paul encouraged the Corinthians to consider a better way.  Love never fails.

The church has always done better in times of Kingdom expansion during persecution.  But not usually with Baptists “on the front end.” Baptists want to silence the “dreamers.”  We cannot stop dreaming and trusting.  Keep move forward boldly as we plant churches…as we do missions… Be sure to tell the story of hope. Take it to the people who so deperately need it.  There is not a limited supply of the love of God!  In fact, the more we give, the more our capacity to receive it.

Dare we ignore the wise counsel of the apostle Paul?

Monday Morning Rewind: Determined 2 Make a Difference

Typically on Monday morning I review my Sunday message.  Even though my LIVE BLOGGING at the BCM/D’s Annual Meeting will resume this morning, I wanted to take the time to reflect on yesterday’s message for those who might be looking for it here.

Daniel, chapter 6, is one of the high points of the Old Testament.  This is the story of “the lions’ den.”  The prophet, now in his eighties or early nineties, has weathered several changes of leadership and even empires controlling his exiled life.  This perspective, of a God who is changeless while the world’s greatest kingdoms constantly change, is a part of the consistency of the man.  His life is one of those thrust into the spotlight, not sought out or desired, but used by God in a powerful way to show what only God can do.

You know the story.  King Darius of the Medes is now ruler over Babylon, included the inherited exiles from Judah.  He has three adminstrators, of which Daniel is one (in fact he plans to make Daniel the “chief” one soon, and herein lies part of the circumstantial problem–his colleagues are jealous of him, with their lust for power).  They recognize that the blameless life of Daniel, trustworthy, not corrupt nor negligent, means that the only way they can accuse him is to bring a charge against his God.  So they concoct a plan to feed the king’s ego and outlaw prayer or worship of any other god save King Darius for 30 days.  The trap has been laid.  All that remains is to see what Daniel will do.

Not surprisingly, for Daniel NOTHING changes.  He lives life exactly the way he lived it the day before, and the day before that.  His life has such integrity, his character is so rich and so deep, that he is the same in the face of such threats and opposition as it was without them.  He refuses to be surprised by opposition or change his lifestyle because of such ungodly demands.  To Daniel there are some things more important, more significant, than physical death, and he knows for what he’s willing to die, if it comes to that.  Compromise on his God is not an option.

The Scripture says he was found unharmed, without a wound on his body, because he trusted in God.  That trust certainly referred to the lions’ den (there are no atheists in lions’ dens, I suppose!), but it no doubt extended far back in his life before that experience was ever a thought in his mind.  Trust is all about relationship; he knew his God well, he knew him intimately, and as a result his trust in God was strong.  Too often people trust in circumstances (position, power, material possessions); not Daniel.  His trust was in God.

Finally, through it all he was a man of prayer.  Before this episode he prayed three times daily from his western window, very publicly, to God.  After the edict was passed and made law, what did he do? He prayed three times daily from his western window, very publicly, to God.  Nothing changed! In spite of a new law there pronounced an intended death sentence upon him, still nothing changed.  His passion and love for God, his desire to spend time with him, could not be challenged or rivaled by the passing of a law!  What’s more, we are told after the new law was passed, he prayed “giving thanks.”  For what?  It doesn’t say, but I can guess.  Perhaps for prayer itself.  Perhaps for another opportunity to see God at work.  Perhaps for the way God has answered his prayers before.  Perhaps for a chance to learn more of the depth and heart of his God.

And for that and the miracle that followed, we are all the better.  His life of prayer, his faithfulness to God, and the constancy of his life are a legacy to us all.

BCM/D Annual Meeting: Pre-Convention Worship LIVE BLOGGING!

Over the course of parts of the next three days, I will be reporting with live blogging from the location of our Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware Annual Meeting…below is the first installment.

For the past several years, the BCM/D has held a pre-convention worship experience on Sunday evening, prior to the Annual Meeting.  This year the convention and its auxiliary events are being held at the Sheraton Hotel in Dover, Delaware.  Approximately one hundred and fifty people are present for the service.

The service is being led by the worship team from Greensboro Baptist Church, who began with “Reign in Me,” “Awesome God,” and “You are Holy (Prince of Peace),” “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.” and “I Stand in Awe of You.”  First Vice-President of the Convention Rev. Byron Day led in prayer.  The DBA Mass Choir then sang “Jehovah,” led by Bill Archer, who helped form the choir last year for the 50th anniversary of the association.

The Greensboro Baptist Worship Team is back to lead us in “Seek Ye First,” “Holy Holy Lord God Almighty,” “Seekers of Your Heart,” and “Heart of Worship.”  Rev. Day reminded us of Mark 1:35 and the need for prayer, calling us to pray together in small groups for the events of these days, for the churches and for our nation.

After a season of prayer, the choir led us in worship again as they sang “Jesus Saves.”  The crowd has grown to about two hundred people, it appears.  The speaker remarked that those present are truly Baptists, since the crowd is all sitting in the back!

Rev. Byron Day introduced Rev. Loren Russell, BCM/D’s regional coordinator with the North American Mission Board, who is bringing the message from God’s Word today.  He is preaching from Romans 5:1-5 on the theme “The Audacity of Hope.”

Russell points outs that Paul notes the doctrine of salvation in Romans, the greatest exposition in the New Testament, focused on God’s righteousness.  In spite of our sinfulness, God is righteous.  Believers suffer, but God is still righteous.  Hope is binding our trials on the one side and on the other!  God gives us a reason to hope, no matter what our experience in this life.  Hope is confidence, particularly in the return of Christ.  Rejoice in the hope of Jesus, because hope doesn’t disappoint.  Remember, Paul is talking to the church, not lost people!  Yes, he notes that we will go THROUGH things (trials), but we won’t get stuck there!  Don’t forget: ALL things (not some or many) work together for good to them who love God and are called according to HIs purposes.

Overcoming suffering takes perseverance (which teaches us patience); this builds character in our life.  This produces hope in our lives! There is nothing that Satan can throw at you that you can’t handle as a child of the King!  The difference is having the Light of God in our life.  Eight promises of God’s care and provision are found here in verses 1-11 (peace, access to God by grace, hope, joy in tribulation, love poured out in our hearts, the Holy Spirit living in you, salvation from His wrath, and joy in Christ).

With great power comes great responsibility.  We must not hide away our Christianity in our hearts; that’s not why God sent His Son.  We must share with others…we must do our part to rescue those without Christ.

Church planting personnel sighted include Samuel Cho, Chad Cravens, Robert Kim and Rolando Castro.

Sunday Starter for 11.09.08

Tomorrow we look at Daniel 6, the story of the prophet Daniel “in the lion’s den.”  He was Determined to Make a Difference, even in the face of opposition–opposition set up specifically to trap and punish him for the integrity of his life.

People are really threatened by a godly life.  When commitment and integrity trump convenience and comfort, it challenges others around you, not simply your own choices. Sin loves company!

So, my question to each of us as we study this passage, whether together tomorrow or on our own, is this: when was the last time the integrity and God-commitment of our own life was so threatening to others that they tried to “oppose” it?

If we can think of a time, how did we deal with that opposition?  And if we can’t think of such a time, why can’t we?  Do people not know what we “stand for” or has compromise been the road we’ve taken instead?

Just something for each of us to think about, in light of Daniel’s life.

Monday Morning Rewind: Refusing to Compromise

This week we started a new series of messages based on the narrative section of Daniel (chapters 1-6).  Yesterday’s message was on Daniel 1, involving the book’s namesake and the three other Hebrew leaders (we know them best as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) in a showdown over…what exactly?  If it’s over food, then it seems that Daniel has over-reacted to draw a line in the sand and put his life and the life of others at risk.  But perhaps it’s over allegience and loyalties, instead…and in that instance, it is imperative that Daniel and the three other Hebrews take a stand early, and not give in to a pagan king.

Daniel teaches us to diagnose an issue accurately. If we look only at the surface level, without seeing the spiritual nature or consequences of our actions, we will likely miss the significance of the decision.  This happens when we look only at the circumstances or situation without a biblical worldview, asking ‘what is God saying or teaching me in this matter?’

Daniel also teaches us not to “defile” ourselves. This is a strong word indeed, meaning “to pollute, to stain, to desecrate.”  Daniel sees this contest as “a king vs. THE King” and is not about to give in or give up on His God.  He is not one to ever cut corners, take shortcuts, or look for the easy way out.  He is unyielding in HIs commitment to God and maintains his integrity at all costs.

Finally, He teaches us to depend on God to honor His will in our lives. How many of us ask to be “tested” or for non-Christians to “compare” our lives to theirs, or better yet to be “treated” in the way the results show we should?  Yet, Daniel had such faith in God that He was willing to lay everything on the line, believing that his God would honor his trust and dependence upon Him.

What an inspiring and challenging example for us all!  Just think how different his life, and ours, might have been, if Daniel had not stood up for what was right from the very beginning.  Let’s all take a lesson from the prophet: refuse to compromise with the world.