Structure

Our society has setup a standard of acceptance, tolerance and excuse making. Some churches have embraced this attitude and others struggle. But, the practice has crept into our daily lives without notice; much to the detriment of the health of the church.

So, the very Christians that should be leading by example are now busy making excuses on why the teenagers cannot possibly live up to the standards that God has setup, women can do anything men can do no matter what you say, you don’t know my past and how hard it has been, I cant possibly understand all of this so why bother, church people are difficult and mean. This is where our structure is falling apart.

You see God setup the church and the family to function in a certain way and the modern church is struggling. The older are suppose to mentor the younger, the men are suppose to lead, there are suppose to be standards for the children, women are to submit, we are to honor one another and learn from one anther. But, our society has set us up to be so me centered we get wrapped up in making sure I get what I need that we leave our brother or sister lying on the side of the road.

Here’s an example of the breakdown:
A husband is so worn out from an unsubmitted wife that he gives up and does not lead his family in prayer and scripture; he would rather work than take on the entire family.

His children begin to have to make life decisions but have little Biblical basis to go on. The family has never really had the intimacy of Bible study together so the kids are not comfortable discussing tough issues with their parents so they just make whatever decision they want. The child gets in trouble, the father tries to discipline, the mother blames the father and the whole family is in turmoil.

Now while all of this is going on they are trying to learn and teach at their church. But, because of the home life they are not sufficiently fed in their personal time to give back to others and they feel guilty that they are not getting it right so they are reluctant to participate.

Now multiply that by 30 families and put them in one church. Now you have a bunch of reluctant malnourished Christians wondering why they are worn out and feeling defeated. And there stands the pastor pouring out everything he has with little structural support.

Now here is an example of working within the structure God has given us:
A man, with the support of his wife, sits his family down everyday to pray together and read the Bible. The children have a strong background in the word as well as countless hours of serious and intimate time with their parents.

Now the child has the opportunity to make decisions and they have the Biblical knowledge to make wise ones. But, even when they make mistakes the parents unite and discipline the child quickly. The child learns of grave, forgiveness, consequences and love.

The house is ordered and the parents are united. When this family comes to church they are well fed from the week’s Bible study they had together. They are ready to speak wisdom and train others. Multiply that by 30 families and the pastor has support and does not bear the full weight of the burden.

Church discipline can also be used properly in a church like this because the men are able to discern what is needed to be done without the cloudiness of their own guilt in the way. The home practiced submission of the congregation also makes church discipline possible.

Now I understand that these are simplified examples but the point is the same. God setup a structure for a reason; it was not just because He felt like it. If your home is not in order it is difficult for your church to be in order.

It is true within families that you must sometimes choose your battles with your children wisely. I will definitively say that reading the Bible and praying with your family is a battle you must choose if you are a Christian family!

Men do not leave your families lying on the side of the road. Women do not hinder your husband’s God given mandate to be the spiritual leader of the house. Stop robbing your children of the upbringing that God intended for them. If you never give your children standards they have nothing to aim for.

Some Spurgeon Wisdom

Thought I would share this little piece from Charles Spurgeon:

“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”
- 1Co_9:22

Paul’s great object was not merely to instruct and to improve, but to save. Anything short of this would have disappointed him; he would have men renewed in heart, forgiven, sanctified, in fact, saved. Have our Christian labours been aimed at anything below this great point? Then let us amend our ways, for of what avail will it be at the last great day to have taught and moralized men if they appear before God unsaved? Blood-red will our skirts be if through life we have sought inferior objects, and forgotten that men needed to be saved. Paul knew the ruin of man’s natural state, and did not try to educate him, but to save him; he saw men sinking to hell, and did not talk of refining them, but of saving from the wrath to come. To compass their salvation, he gave himself up with untiring zeal to telling abroad the gospel, to warning and beseeching men to be reconciled to God. His prayers were importunate and his labours incessant. To save souls was his consuming passion, his ambition, his calling. He became a servant to all men, toiling for his race, feeling a woe within him if he preached not the gospel. He laid aside his preferences to prevent prejudice; he submitted his will in things indifferent, and if men would but receive the gospel, he raised no questions about forms or ceremonies: the gospel was the one all-important business with him. If he might save some he would be content. This was the crown for which he strove, the sole and sufficient reward of all his labours and self-denials. Dear reader, have you and I lived to win souls at this noble rate? Are we possessed with the same all-absorbing desire? If not, why not? Jesus died for sinners, cannot we live for them? Where is our tenderness? Where our love to Christ, if we seek not his honour in the salvation of men? O that the Lord would saturate us through and through with an undying zeal for the souls of men.

Streams of Water

This is a song by EPO.
I was fortunate enough to be part of writting this song...but today I learned the weight of this song in life.

Lord, I have cried many tears for the ones I love that are not getting it right. This is the prayer of our hearts, to truly love your law.

Sustain me according to your promise
Your Word is truth that endures forever
Uphold me, and I will be delivered
Give me life according to your word
To your word

I cry out Lord as I stand in your presence
You give me understanding of your Word
Your law is my delight and I will praise you
Your righteousness is righteous forever
Forever

Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name

I rise before dawn and cry for your help oh Lord
I will maintain hope in all of your Words
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love
According to your justice give me life
Give me life

Your reject all who stray from your law
The wicked you discard like dross
Therefore I love your law
I stand in awe

Streams of water run down my eyes
Because of those who do not keep your law
Turn to me and have mercy on me
As you do to those who love your name
As you do to those who love your name

A New Nation - Changes

So here is the scene:

There is a country torn by war and in economic crisis. The middle class is disappearing and the country is politically split. Everyone agrees change is needed but it is difficult to agree on what that change needs to be.

The political system is full of doubt and corruption. It is difficult to find a worthy leader among them. The people are bitter and tired; the previous governmental policies have left behind what seems to be uncertainty.

But a party begins to rally the displaced, the poor, the angry, those longing for change. Their party begins to gain seats in the government; they are gaining power and a chance for change.

The leader in power, struggles with everything he can muster to save the country from the economic disaster that is pending; but “his ineffectual government undermined what remained of belief in democracy.”

Playing on the economic fears and unrest of the country there is a chance to pull enough votes for change. Finally, the party rising to power has found a charismatic and strong leader. He has a chance to lead us into the next era.

Sound familiar?

Well let me tell you the rest of the story….

The leader does come to power and does ignite changes and unity within the country. The country becomes a powerful nation and the economic status improves. Many benefit financially from this administration’s policies. There is food, housing and education available.

But, here is the rest of the story: to ignite that change the country committed horrific acts and ignored the death of their democracy. This was the price of their comfort and lifestyle.

This country was Germany and this leader was Hitler.

What price are you willing to pay for the change that is coming? What are you willing to sacrifice to spread the wealth? Who decides where the wealth should go? Who should get your money if you can’t keep it?

Marriage Lessons

Learning to love the law of God is so vital! God’s law shows His character, expectations and His love for us. God’s law has the power to convert the sinner, change lives, judge; the list goes on and on. So often the law is treated with contempt and disdain because our flesh does not like to submit. But, I maintain that if you begin to look at God’s law in a different way your understanding could provide a renewed love.

In Ephesians 5 we learn about the relationship of a husband and a wife, which is compared to the relationship of Christ and the church. So, let us dig a little deeper into that concept.

If you have a husband that is mean, oppressive or harsh then you have a wife that submits simply to avoid conflict. She does not consult him out of respect but out of fear. She does not joyfully serve him or follow him; she simply exists with him because she has to.

Then, there is the wife in a marriage with a man that is understanding, caring, respectable and worthy of leadership; he is decisive but considerate. In this situation the wife consults her husband out of genuine respect and honor. She will submit to him because he has proven to have proper motives and because she truly loves him and wants to be pleasing.

You see if you begin to know Jesus you will know that he is the second husband to the church. When you understand that Christ is righteous and worthy of all glory then you will begin to submit out of love and honor. To submit to and love God’s law is to know and love your creator. It is submission of honor and understanding not of oppression.

To take that one step further the comparison is of marriage. Christ is treated like an affair or a booty call so often these days. Many call themselves followers of Christ but only call on Him when they need something. They, like someone in and affair, only call on Him when it is convenient for them or when they need a fix. Then their everyday life is continued until the next time.

It is a commitment to Jesus Christ and His law!

Patience - Tonight's Youth Lesson

Patience is something that is learned over time. You do not just wake up one day a patient and understanding person. So, how do you learn patience?

Trials teach you patience; as you persevere through the lessons that God is teaching you you begin to learn patience. You begin to understand that God is in control of every situation and patience comes with that knowledge.

As you study and grow in your knowledge of God you understand His character. If you understand God’s character you know that all things come in His timing. Patience comes with he understanding of God’s character. History, displayed in the Bible over and over again,shows God’s sovereignty.

If you want patience you spend the time and effort to get to know and love the one in control, spend time in prayer and studying the scripture. If you lack patience it is because you lack trust in the sovereignty of God and His ability to carry things out in His timing.

So, the question is not really how do I get patience. The question is are you ready to press on into the things of God? Are you ready to move forward, leave the old behind, and get to know the one that rules the universe? Are you ready to make the hard choices and stand up for truth when no one else will? This is how you will get patience and all of the other fruits of the spirit.

Encouragement?

The older I get and the longer I spend in a leadership role the more I realize that sometimes there is a fine line between encouragement and being a pusher. Often times the outcome decides which label is attached.

Scripture often uses words like press on, persevere, encourage admonish, teach. But, you also have to step back and let others learn from God and their own experience. It becomes an interesting conundrum.

I know that these type of situations will require experiential Godly wisdom. However, I do not believe anyone completely masters this one. So, this teaches me grace and appreciation for those that encourage, and sometimes push, me to do what is right and hard.