Thinking theologically about politics

I could not resist posting about the upcoming elections. However, as a pastor I'm going to resist the urge to tell you which person is theright person to vote for (though I will certainly tell you in a private conversation!) What I want to do is to help you think about voting and politics from a biblical/theological perspective.

The best book I have read on this topic is Wayne Grudem's Politics According to the Bible. I will quote him often. I like this book because he articulates very well much of what I have thought about politics. Everyone likes being told they are right! More importantly, he helped frame the issues for people to see them in a theological context.

Grudem bases his arguments for certain policies from three positions. These are explained on pages 18 & 19 of the introduction.
1. Clear, direct, and decisive principles from the Bible
2. Arguments from broader biblical principles
3. An appeal to relevant facts in the world

Position one is "unassailable" in that God has clearly spoken on the issue. To take a different position is to oppose God's revealed word.
Position two is based on the totality of Scripture and though there may be some area of discussion, the principles in Scripture appear to address the issue.
Position three is based on observations in the world and others may take the same facts and draw different conclusions. These arguments should be informed by positions 1 & 2.

I urge you to stop using thirty second sound bites to lead your decision-making and to let Scripture be the primary source from which you start thinking about issues and candidates. I'm not telling you how to think, but that here is what I'm concluding based on my understanding of the Bible. Voting is not about feelings or external factors. Voting is exercising a responsibilty to vote in a way that reflects, as much as possible, the values revealed in Scripture.

Again, Dr. Grudem says it better and I will end with this quote:
"I am cerainly not claiming that the Bible also supports all the facts that I cite about the world today. Readers are free to evaluate and search out evidence about those factual questions themselves. What I am doing in each chapter, however, is to say that if my understanding of these facts is correct, then the teachings of the Bible seem to me to lead to one conclusion or another about the specific issue under discussion." (Politics, Grudem, 19)

1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God.

Parenting and the church

I've been thinking about parenting, church ministry, and family ministry a lot lately. One of the things that I have been growing more and more convinced about because I have a daughter of my own, what I experienced this summer, and what I have been reading this summer is that ministry to children/students is by necessity a ministry to parents as well. We will not be very successful making disciples of students if we don’t get the parents involved as well.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is the command of parents to teach their children to love God. That is their primary responsibility as parents. The structure of the passage indicates that the parent is to be involved in all aspects in the life of their children and teaching them about God. This command is given long before there is a church, so parents are the primary owners of this responsibility.

Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that God has given the church the responsibility of “equipping the saints for the work of service, to build up the body of Christ.” What this means for church/family ministry is that we equip the parents to do their job of parenting, and we supplement/support the discipleship that the parents are trying to instill into their child/student.

We need to stop farming the job of parenting out to teachers, coaches, etc., and parent our child. Many times those people we entrust our children to hold values that are different from and sometimes contradictory to our values. At the same time, the church needs to step up and support the parents.

Goal for Raising (or is that Rearing?) Children

During my time in Germany and some reading I have done since my return has confirmed an important truth about children/students: parents are the primary disciple makers for their children. Those students whose parents are uninvolved in their spiritual life experience a lot more struggles than those whose parents are actively helping to disciple them.

Steve Wright, in the book A Parent Privilege, makes a great argument that parents must be more involved in their children's life. Steve will be speaking at our parenting conference September 21 and 22. You can find out more about the conference by going to the church website.

Steve makes the following statements that are true and provocative:

"Biblical parenting is more than keeping our kids from having sex, using drugs, or going to jail. It is about fostering an awe of God in our children. It is about showing our children their need for a Savior and introducing them to Jesus who alone can rescue their lives from sin and give life that lasts forever."
 
"I would rather my daughter and sons love Jesus than be straight-A students, scholarship athletes, or class presidents. I want godly kids, not just good ones. That is what makes Christian parenting different than what the world wants for their children. That is the difference between good parenting and godly parenting."

What do you want for your children? What goals do you aspire to help your child achieve? Write them down. Now look at where you spend your time and money and what you encourage/allow your children to participate in. Do they move your children towards the goals you just wrote down?
I would argue that most Christian parents would agree with the two quotes by Steve above, but their calendar and checkbook say their real goals are different. Make sure your actions are lining up with your goals for your children.

Reflections on Germany and Passing of my mom

I wanted to share a few thoughts and reflections I have had because of the mission trip to Germany and the passing of my mom. In many ways, both events are tied together because of the conclusions that I have reached because of both experiences.

1. People really need Jesus. 

The English Camp I was a part of in Germany showed me how hurt, broken and desperate a lot of people are for meaning and significance in their life. Several of the students had been abused or abandoned by the people who should have cared for them. Others are trying to find out who they are and keep looking at the things of the world to numb their pain, help them feel loved, or give their life meaning.

Watching people at my mom's funeral and seeing the difference in how believers and non-believers mourn made it clear that people far from God have no hope. They struggle to make sense of the death of others and are fearful of their own mortality.

The solution to both circumstances is Jesus. Not information about Jesus but a relationship with Jesus. We need to show and tell people that we know and spend time with Jesus on a regular basis and that He makes a difference in our life. It is through a personal relationship with Jesus that we can find peace, comfort, and meaning in life.

2. Children need parents involved in their life

I was stunned at the number of people in Germany who talked about the desperate situation students are experiencing in Germany. Boys and young men have no idea what it means to be a man, and girls and young women are desperate to find love and appreciation for who they are as a person. Only parents can fulfill that role in a child's life. Usually, the only thing the church can do is support the parents to fulfill this role.

3. The Bible can truly change everything

I met with one church leader who told the story about how the evangelical church in Marienburg, Germany started. Some students at the "State" church started reading their Bible, and they noticed in difference in what the Bible said and what their church was doing. They asked their pastor why the church was not following what the Bible said. He "suggested" they go somewhere else to study the Bible.
These students decided to start a church with the help of their parents. They gathered for worship, prayer, and Bible study centered on the Bible. The church is now running over 60 people and does two big camps each summer to reach the lost people of their city.

I had the opportunity to speak at my mom's funeral. I have some important theological differences with the church my parents attend, but we have a common platform on which to discuss issues: the Bible. I could share the need for Christ with others not based on my opinion but on what God says in the Bible. Man's word can be easily refuted, but it is much more difficult to dismiss God's Word. Even if people do dismiss the Bible, God's Word has power and can bring about transformation later on.

4. The need for churches is huge

There are cities of 35,000 to well over 100,000 people that have NO evangelical churches. That means there is no church that is teaching the Bible and reaching out to people to tell them about Jesus being the only way to heaven. This does not even take into account the towns and villages that need churches as well.

My dad's church was amazing in the way they cared for my dad and demonstrated their love of my mom. I may not agree with some of their theology, but every church should have the same level of care and compassion for people as this church demonstrated in Livingston. We must return to truly caring about people and live in light of Jesus' words that the world will know we are His disciples by our love for one another.

5. The need for people who teach truth is desperate

So few people know the truth of God's word anymore, that those who are seeking after truth have no one to speak to and ask questions and be discipled. That group of people in Marienburg I mentioned above went to their "pastor" to ask questions, but he did not want to discuss the Bible. Germany needs people who can come and show them the truth of God's Word and encourage the followers of Christ who are there.

I had the opportunity to preach three times and teach two classes in Germany. People want to speak with people who know and teach the Bible. They soak it up like a sponge and want to know how to apply it to their everyday life.

6. God is raising up an amazing generation of young leaders

I met some of the passionate, theologically solid students and leaders in Germany. These are young men and women who are passionate about telling others about Jesus and teaching others God's Word. They need fellow believers who will encourage them to continue the fight and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them in carrying the Gospel to others.

7. What we experience today is built upon the foundation laid by others

There is so much history in Germany it is amazing. I could spend months there and not see all the things I would like to see dealing with history of the church, people, and nations. Our faith in the U.S. did not "magically" appear here. The biblical foundation of our churches was passed on to us from our spiritual forefathers in people like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli during the Reformation, While people like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Paul Schneider, and Corrie Ten Boom provide examples of how to live out our faith in hard times.

Killing Babies No Different Than Abortion

I know the headline seems outrageous. You may be thinking this is some attempt to get attention, but the sad reality is the title of this posting is the title of the article I'm referencing. In case you have not read the story, you can click on the title of this posting and read an article in the Telegraph. In the article, two doctors argue that killing a newborn is no different than an abortion, so they are advocating that people should be able to kill newborns.

Let me say that again, They make the argument that killing a new born is no different than an abortion, so they are advocating that people should be allowed to kill newborns.

Dr. Al Mohler does a great job of explaining the moral and ethical issues involved. Read his blog here.

What I would like to remind you is that as followers of Christ, we must be diligent about knowing where we are to draw the line as to what is right and wrong. The argument stated by these authors is the natural conclusion to abortion. When the moral foundation for making a decision is man-made (life begins at birth), then the line can be moved by man as well.

Too many people who claim the name of Christ remain silent on abortion because of some foolish notion that Christians should not be "imposing" their moral views on other people. Abortion is not some morally ambiguous action equivalent to drinking alcohol or smoking a cigarette. The taking of an innocent life is fundamentally wrong because it violates God's blessing of life to those made in His image (Genesis 1:26-30 and Genesis 9:5-6).

So, what should Christians know and do about the issue of abortion?

1. Know your Bible. The two passages noted above are foundational for understanding why we are to protect life. We don't argue against abortion because it makes us feel good. We argue against abortion because it is morally repugnant to a Holy and Righteous God.
2. Love those who are considering an abortion or had an abortion. A woman considering an abortion is not going to be screamed or shamed to make the right decision. On the other hand, a wise, godly person can lovingly provide information to help her make an informed choice. More importantly, that wise counselor can point the woman facing an abortion to the God who created us and the Holy Spirit can guide her to making a God-honoring decision of choosing life.
3. Know who is running of for political office and vote accordingly. The issue of abortion is, ultimately, a spiritual issue that can only be overcome through the transformation of the Holy Spirit. However, politics still plays a role in this issue. All other things being equal, vote for the person who champions life. This does not mean you vote for the person who says, "I'm personally against abortion, but I think women should be allowed to choose what happens to their body." (That is so stupid it is beyond comprehension. What they are saying is "I'm personally against murder, but I think women should be allowed to choose whether or not they murder their unborn child.")
4. Support people and organizations who help women facing this issue. Not everyone is called to counsel a woman or couple facing this decision, but you can help those organizations that are called and qualified. Of course, I would say support Hope Women's Centers if you live in Broward County, Florida!

The words of Martin Niemöller remind us of the price paid for our indifference. He said the following quote in regard to how the church responded to the Nazis in Germany in the 1930's.

First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.

We cannot remain silent on this issue. Issues like abortion seem so distant, but it is but the first part of a slippery slope if not addressed. Abortion has led to an acceptance of euthanasia in some countries, now it is leading to some openly advocating infanticide. That is one small step from getting rid of the "weak" and the "diseased," then it is a matter of time until it moves to the "undesirables." We must stand on this issue, not because it directly affects you and me, but because it is a fundamental moral issue that we cannot surrender.

Meet the Marriage Killer

Read an interesting article in the Wall Street Journal today that every married couple should read. It deals with one of the more toxic events that can happen in a marriage: nagging. Usually, a person doesn't set out to nag. It is born out of the insecurity of one person and the lack of responsiveness from the other. The two dysfunctions feed each other leading to a bad dynamic within the marriage.

The article does an excellent job of describing why it can become so devastating to a marriage. Nagging can reach a point that arguments focus on the nagging, and the underlying reason is forgotten. Of course, when that happens resolution becomes much more difficult.

Scripture speaks about the issue of nagging.
Proverbs 19:13 "A foolish son is destruction to his father,
And the contentions of a wife are a constant dripping."

Proverbs 27:15-16 "A constant dripping on a day of steady rain
And a contentious woman are alike;
He who would restrain her restrains the wind,
And grasps oil with his right hand."

How does a couple short-circuit the issue of nagging within the marriage?

For the person doing the nagging:

• Be careful about your tone
• Cut down on how often you bring up the same issue again
• Figure out why you may be insecure and feel like you must constantly be speaking about an issue 
• Remember, not everyone is organized and driven: somethings can wait

For the person who is being nagged:

• Be responsive to your spouse: take care of the issue or tell them why the issue has not been acted upon
• Don't be so laid back that you let things remain undone, which hurts the spouse who is highly organized
• Even if the tone is not pleasing, be sure to discover the truth and need behind the request

Finally, the words of Ephesians 4:21 are critical for keeping a marriage healthy: "be subject to one another in the fear of Christ."

Psalm 78:1-8

At our pastor's meeting on January 2nd, Rob had a great devotion that reminded me of the responsibility we have as parents. Our culture has descended to the point that no one wants to take responsibility for anything and outsources their tasks to others. Parenting is no different. Parents are letting the schools, television, video games, sports, and other activities raise their children.

Psalm 78 is a great reminder that parents have a great responsibility. Our job is to teach with the view of our children will be passing on the faith to their own children (your grandchildren!) If you want your grandchild to know Christ, then you have to pass the faith on to your children with the encouragement that they teach others.

Of course, Matthew 28 gives every believer that command when we are told to make disciples and "teaching them all things as I have taught you." It is not just a confession of faith that we are passing on. It is God's word, commands, statutes, laws, and his mighty acts upon the earth.

Parents, read Psalm 78:1-8 and take up the job of raising your children.

Do We Really Have Free Will?

Interesting article in the December 2 USA today by Jerry Coyne about why there is no free will. You can click on the title of this posting to be directed to the article.
Dr. Coyne offers a logical explanation for why he believes there is no free will. Taken on its face, he is (mostly) consistent in his thought process and reaches an inevitable conclusion based on his worldview.

But that is the rub: his worldview. His worldview is that of evolutionary biology. Ultimately, we are nothing more than a product of our atoms, chemicals, and environment according to evolution. As much as he says this view of the world does not lead to nihilism, it must. If it is true that we are just chemical reactions and "meat computers" with no free will, then the very words Dr. Coyne wrote have no meaning or significance.

Obviously, I am not sympathetic to his conclusion, but he made a couple of statements that are outright ridiculous based on his conclusions. The idea that we should continue to punish wrongdoers, even though they are not responsible for their actions, is like a computer self-programming itself and saying it had no external influence.

The other ridiculous statement is his last one, "We can go about building a kinder world." That very statement assumes that we have a choice of whether we will build one or not. If we don't have a free will, we can't choose or not choose to build one. His statement either betrays to us what he really thinks, or he is inconsistent in his conclusions about the moral ramifications of his hypothesis.

The Bible does not reach the same conclusion as Dr. Coyne. The Bible tells us that we are sinners by nature and by choice (Genesis 2; Romans 1-3). Despite the doctor's protestations, everyone faces a choice as to whether or not he will accept or reject Christ with the corresponding ramifications of that choice.

Dr. Coyne's assumption is that the world we experience is a "closed system" with no outside influences. We just celebrated Christmas, which is the greatest evidence that we live in an "open system" in which God breaks into our world to change people and circumstances to accomplish his purposes. Our world is not made from chance and random accidents. God has created all that we see and is actively involved in the world he created. As our Creator, God has put in us his image, which includes the ability to choose.