Charlie's Challenge 3.5.23

 Charlie’s Challenges: Extras from the sermon and links for additional information

Living Like a Disciple in Crazy Times: Longing for Eden

Memory verse:  The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Genesis 2:15

What about the Garden of Eden do you think would have been most delightful?

How do you try to get back to Eden?

What are some crazy ways that you have seen people trying to return to Eden?

Does it make sense to you that the creation account in Genesis is both historic and symbolic?  What possibilities does this open up for your understanding of Scripture and creation?

If a temple is the place where a deity dwells, where is God’s temple on earth today?  Please explain your answer.

What is your opinion of the Asbury Awakening?  What are some of the possible benefits?  What if any are the pitfalls with these kinds of events?

Since you were made to be in the presence of God, how should that affect your priorities and choices?  Where should you look for the presence of God on earth?  (Here is a hint: Acts 2:42)

Links and additional information you might find interesting;

Here is an interesting article about the growth in wilderness recreation that accompanied social discontent. 

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00336297.1977.10519885?journalCode=uqst20#

An article about being at home in the out-of-doors.

https://darkpeakgear.com/getting-back-to-nature-how-to-feel-at-home-in-the-outdoors/#:~:text=Being%20amongst%20the%20plants%20and,the%20natural%20light%20around%20it.

Quotes about nature from a number of perspectives.

https://parade.com/1034896/marynliles/nature-quotes/

Article on the effects of grounding.  Some Christians think this practice is effective because man was formed out of the earth.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4378297/#:~:text=Grounding%20appears%20to%20improve%20sleep,healing%2C%20and%20reduce%20blood%20viscosity.

An excellent video series about the role of priest.  It begins with Eden.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH0Szn1yYNeex8AmAgAYdXQxz5YWB3y1O

Excellent article about the Asbury Awakening.

https://www.bobrussell.org/the-asbury-awakening/

This is my Father’s World.

https://youtu.be/N3ZVLOLMRMw

Are you a Christian Prepper?

If persecution comes to the church are you a prepper?

Two weeks ago I wrote about the sea change that has happened in the American attitude toward Christianity and the church. (Last week I was so sick I just barely got a sermon done.) Once upon a time there was a general, but not universal, positive disposition toward the Christian faith.  If you were in Maryland and Roman Catholic, most likely you were not interested in waging a crusade against the Anglicans across the river down in Virginia.  This openness of religious tolerance led to some odd faith groups popping up, but even these did not suffer the kind of persecution they might have had in Europe.

While it is impossible to predict the future, if current trends continue in the United States we may find ourselves facing persecution. For today, let's talk about things that we ought not do if we were going to prepare for the possibility of persecution. Not going down the wrong road will be very advantageous for us especially when we need to find the right road. 

What not to do?

Should we take over the political landscape?

I've heard a number of Christians propose that if we could mobilize enough Christian voters we could turn America around. While we certainly should be involved in the political process, and while there are certainly good reasons to support highly qualified candidates, a political solution will not solve our problems.  The Christian Coalition, the Moral Majority, Concerned Women for America and countless other organizations have tried to bring America back from the brink by means of political willpower. Based on our current condition, I wonder if that was time, energy and money well spent?

Should we plan for an active revolt?

 I once was part of an organization for about three months that claimed to be deeply concerned about the direction America was going. I was told that the members of this organization were Christians who were committed to Christ at one level or another. I was asked to serve as a Chaplain.We met every other week to talk about everything from ham radios to survival foods. Occasionally, the conversations turned dark to subjects like how to set booby traps or how to advance a tactical column. During the third month, one of the most fire-brandish members suggested that we could teach a lesson if we lynched a judge or two. The following day I left the organization and suggested that the FBI might be interested in following up with this gentleman. I am not saying that an armed Revolution is never right. But the Scriptural mandate for Christians is far from a call to revolution. While I am suspicious of our government, I'm convinced that the worst of our leaders are still better than Caligula or Nero. Paul admonishes Christians to pray for these leaders, he never says anything about an armed insurrection.

Can we run far enough away?

Maybe we could run far enough away that the problems of our nation will not be our problem. I have heard Christians wistfully talk about Christian colonies that have formed in Central and South America. These colonies of dedicated Christians live in a nearly communal setting.  Here they feel they are safe from harm. While appealing, I wonder if that is the best response to hardship. There are times that clearly the thing to do is go. But what about Christians who cannot afford this escape? Any solution that doesn't work for all Christians ought to be approached with caution.

Is stockpiling stuff to insulate ourselves a good plan?

One last bad plan that I've heard some Christians advocate in the face of potential persecution is the classic prepper stockpiling. I admit that I do have a stockpile of food. Living in Florida the occasional hurricane would knock power out. So long food storage was a good plan. We called this stockpile the Joseph silo.  Our goal was not simply to feed ourselves, but also to feed the community. Stockpiling stuff seems to invite the temptation to trust in our stuff.  I think we can see the problem with that.   

There are ways that we could plan for possible coming persecution, but the way the world prepares for upcoming disaster isn't the way that we as Christians ought to plan.

Charlie's Challenge 2.26.23

 Charlie’s Challenges: Extras from the sermon and links for additional information

Living Like a Disciple in Crazy Times: Learning the Power of the Authority of Scripture

Memory verse:  All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The importance of ideas cannot be overstated.  The values and opinions of intellectuals, entertainers and educators will shape us without us realizing it.  How do we develop and maintain a Biblical worldview?  See Romans 12:1-2

The anti-human mindset that we see today was predictively described by C. S. Lewis in his 1944 novel That Hideous Strength.  This book ought to be read by everyone.  

The Scriptures are literally breathed out by God.  How do you think God’s breathing into man to make him a living being works with His breathing out His Word for us?

Paul said that all Scripture is profitable/beneficial/advantageous for us.  The word carries the meaning of working well, fitting together.  How have you seen God’s Word fit the circumstances of your life for your advantage?

Can you articulate the subtle differences between teach, rebuke, correct, and training as Paul describes it in verse 16?  Who can do that in your life?  

What do you think would happen if a soldier went into battle without taking their gear with them?  Do you ever go into the day without being equipped with what God’s Word has for you?

Scripture and prayer are absolutely critical for two way communication with God.  What might happen if there is an absence of Scripture?  What might happen if there is an absence of prayer?

As we approach Easter consider extended meditation time on the crucifixion and your role in it.  Keep asking the question “Why?” at every turn of the story.

Additional Resources

This is the video with which we opened our service.

https://youtu.be/9zRUVtlcdUs

Here is a short video about the importance of understanding the inerrancy of Scripture.  

https://youtu.be/aPtGVtCOlLE

Here is one of my favorite Youtubers reviewing the faith of Lady Gaga.  She is an example of how confused a person can become when their faith is not grounded on Scripture.

https://youtu.be/D6uoynn43EM

This is a link to a discussion by Jordan Peterson about the environmental movement.  It is pertinent because it shows how the anti-human ideals have taken root in this area of academia.   

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0RbSt6JSvdFproZZ6yMsNx?si=d-6-daHlQDSUDFVz0dwhtA

  

Charlie's Challenge 2/19/23

 Charlie’s Challenges: Extras from the sermon and links for additional information

Living Like a Disciple in Crazy Times: What to do about Authority?

Memory verse: The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him

And He will make them know His covenant. Psalm 25:14

Trouble with Authority

• How are we like a defiant toddler when it comes to our relationship with God?

Is it possible to be an authority figure and a friend in the same relationship?

• Historically, the French Revolution spiraled into “The Reign of Terror” and in Communist China “The Cultural Revolution” became a blood bath.  Which do you think would be harder to live in, total anarchy or total authoritarianism?  Why do you think that is true?

• When everyone does what is right in their own eyes what happens to the moral character of people?  Why don’t people and communities just get better and better?

• If we think of authority in terms of friendship, how does that change the way we think about God?

  

Becoming a Friend of God

Who is someone you became friends with through a “you too” moment?  What was that story?

How are you wrapping your mind around the priority of the friendship within the Trinity prior to the act of creation?  

We talked about three ways of developing a friendship with God; obedience, trusting in His grace, and seeking His face.  Of these three, which is easiest for you and which is hardest?  Why?

How do these three work together in growing a friendship with God?

Passages to review:

Judges 21:25

Psalm 25:14, 1:2, 27:7-10, 34:4-8

Hebrews 2:17, 12:2

John 15:14

Resources:

What are the “you too” moments between these two unlikely friends in this scene?

https://youtu.be/_wRVfzaIRj8

Music from an author who has perfect lyrics:

https://www.youtube.com/@ThePsalmsProject

Here is a Super Bowl commercial that should be a challenge to all of us:

https://youtu.be/f5x1RyJOwP8

Here is a story about Father love.  Pay close attention to 5:38:

https://youtu.be/T5-bwS-hrJ4

Are you a fascist?

 Are we moving toward persecution in America?

Are you a fascist? Apparently, I'm a fascist and didn't even know it. Now if I may remove my tongue from out of my cheek and speak honestly. I am concerned about a move toward persecution of the church in America. I'm not going to try to draw examples of how American Christians are being persecuted. I will, however, offer a glimpse of what may be a tidal shift in the attitude of society at large towards the Church.

 If you do not believe that the general cultural attitude towards the Church is growing more hostile I fear that you may have your head buried deeply in the sand. We will take a quick 3-point stop and tour the evolution of thought towards the Church in America over the last several generations. This is not meant to be a definitive research project, but rather, anecdotal evidence of the change. In the next couple of weeks we will address some positive steps we can take in response.

 First of all, there is no denying that America, from her foundations, operated on a Christian worldview. It is both explicitly and implicitly part of our heritage, our documents and the position of our national leaders. For example, Calvin Coolidge said, “The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country.”

President Coolidge's opinion reflects generally the heart of public leaders toward the Christian faith and the church.  This conviction of the good done by the church for society at large resulted in faith-based organizations operating apart and in some cases above government reach.  That is why faith-based organizations have enjoyed special tax-exempt status.  

Now, fast forward to 2016 when Beto O’Rourke was running for President.  He was asked in one the debates, "Do you think religious institutions — like colleges, churches, charities — should lose their tax-exempt status if they oppose same-sex marriage?"  His answer was a strong and aggressive, "Yes!”  He went on to say that if faith-based institutions should dare not agree with governmental mandates regarding same sex marriage they should have “no reward, no benefit, no tax break,...”

Now, fast forward to last Sunday night.  During the Super Bowl, a commercial called “love your enemies” aired.  It concluded with the line “Jesus loves those we hate”.  New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responded to the ad via Twitter to say,

“Something tells me Jesus would not spend millions of dollars on Super Bowl ads to make fascism look benign.”

Her problem with the ad was it was sponsored by an organization that supports traditional family values.  No longer does such a position mean you should lose your tax exempt status, now it means you are a fascist.  What should we do with fascists?  The next step may be to do what we did with the fascists in Germany in 1945-46. 

I consider AOC to be very near the bottom of the list of people I trust to explain the heart of Christ.  So, her opinion on this matter is of no value at all.  However, she is a duly elected member of our government. She represents 1,000s of people and her opinion of the church and Christianity is shared by many.  That is a bellwether we ought not miss.  We have come a long way from Coolidge to AOC.  The question is where will the years to come take us?  

Live like a disciple: Share the faith

The last aspect of living like a disciple is sharing the faith.  The components of the life of a disciple are interrelated and none so more than the calling to share our faith.  To be effective at sharing our faith we must be self learners, people of prayer, living holy lives and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  But strength in these four areas will not immediately make us effective in sharing our faith.  There is the matter of motivation.  Getting off our static position and actually doing it.  

One of the mistakes I have made and I think is the dominant framework for most of Christianity is the idea that if Christians know how to share their faith they will not be afraid and that confidence will result in actually sharing their faith.  As a result, over the years Christian organizations have produced scores if not hundreds of training programs on “How to share your faith”.  Programs from the highly systematic to the foot loose and fancy free variety have attempted to empower Christians to share their faith and be ‘evangelistic’.  Most of these trainings are valid and useful to one degree or another, but that is clearly not the answer.  In my years of ministry, I have trained my church people to use E.E., Love your Neighbor to Life, Thought you would like to know, and the Peace Treaty.  But, interestingly, of all the people I have trained on how to share their faith none of them have actually led someone to faith in Jesus and become a disciple.  All of these have components of learning, prayer, holy living, and being led by the Spirit.  Beyond that I am not active in sharing my faith, outside of my preaching.  I spend a lot of time getting a sermon ready to present to my church.  I don’t spend nearly as much time sharing my faith with non-Christians.

There are two possibilities for the general lack of my sharing my faith, my students sharing their faith and the lack of faith sharing in American Christianity as a whole.  One possibility is that I am a bad trainer, all trainers are bad trainers, and no church has an effective trainer.   But you might expect that I would have been able to do at least one of these well.  Beyond my own failures you would imagine that with the massive production of so many training programs and so many American churches that somewhere one would work. 

There is a second possibility and this is, I think, the correct answer.  We have plenty of training and tools, but we don’t have the motivation. We are neither sad enough nor happy enough.  We are sad about bad stuff in the world, but not too sad.  We may be sad that our church is not growing, but only a little sad.  We are sad to the point of not being able to sleep at night because of a political course that means we might lose money, freedom or our AR-15.  But are we really sad at the thought of people going off into a godless eternity?  Everyone we know will one day be assigned a place in Heaven or Hell based on their relationship with Christ, from that assignment there is no remedy.  Sadly, for any one of a number of reasons we are not terribly distressed about people going to hell.  We may know it is true, and we are a little sad about it, but not sad enough to be motivated to share the good news of the Gospel.

We are also not happy enough.  Because American Christianity of late has not been very good at talking about sin and the marvel of grace we don’t really appreciate our salvation.  We think we were not that bad and only need a little help along the way.  Because we have not been explicit about the bad news we are not overly thrilled with the good news.  We are not that happy about it.  What if I could actually provide for you an elixir that would  restore you to the peak of health and prevent you from ever having to face cancer, or covid, or heart disease? What if this elixir had no negative side effects, got better over time, never lost its power and was free?  If you had cancer or AIDS, took the formula and found all the claims were true, would you be happy enough to tell someone else?  If you are a Christian your condition was worse and your cure is better.  We are not happy enough perhaps because we don’t realize how bad off we actually were or how good we have it now, nor how great it will be.

If we are going to be faithful in being disciples we must make disciples.  And if we are going to share our faith we need to regain holy sadness and grand happiness.

Charlie's Challenge: 2/5/23

 Charlie’s Challenges: Extras from the sermon and links for additional information

Living Like a Disciple in Crazy Times: What did the fall do to me?

Memory verse: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.  2 Peter 1:3

Double Trouble

• Sin makes us guilty.:

We stand condemned because of the wrong we have done and are therefore subject to God’s wrath. Why does God punish sin?  What is the greatest punishment that God can meet out for sin?

• Sin makes us sick:

Sin twist, distorts, and ruins our created nature so that we are sin-sick.  Does it surprise or shock you that Isaiah 64:6 compares our ‘righteousness’ as a stained menstrual cloth (a used tampon)?  What does that tell us about our condition?  

Double Cure

• The New life:

Salvation begins with regeneration, the new life or being born again.  Look up 1 Peter 1:3-6.  How does Peter describe the new life?  How do we respond to the New Life?

• The New Living:

If a baby grows into a human, a puppy grows into a dog, a kitten grows into a cat then what would we expect a new Christian to grow into? 

The death we deserve fell on Christ, the LIFE He had has been shared with us, as a result and out of love we live holy lives of disciples.  Honestly talk to yourself about how you are doing in this life of discipleship.

Resources:

The video that opened our service

https://youtu.be/mtjMANw2hCA

The writings of the theologian Jack Cottrell.  His works are an outstanding resource on many subjects, but may have the best understanding of Grace of any writer in the last 150 years.

http://jackcottrell.com/

A wonderful presentation of the hymn Rock of Ages

https://youtu.be/KKRdhBK_fts