Supporting Immorality Indirectly

Did you know that many, if not most, mutual funds and retirement accounts support immorality indirectly. Christians are inadvertently funding the very things they stand against and don't know it.

Our investments may be funding abortion, gambling, pornography and industries that are hurting the environment. There are socially responsible funds that are available that are more suitable for Christians. The WWJD rule applies in this situation. Christians should contact their financial advisors and employers to determine the best way to invest their funds for the glory of God.

Have you checked out your retirement fund lately?

50 Greatest Religious Films

There was a time not too long ago that, for an evangelical, attending a movie theater was considered a major sin. Times have changed as maturity in the understanding of the gospel has grown. While there are films that Christians should not go to under any circumstances, there are some that have valuable lessons and principles that can be used to illustrate the message of the gospel

Someone has undertaken the difficult task of compiling a list of the "50 Greatest Religious Films." I have seen a number of these films, some I never heard of. There is a brief synopsis included for each of the films. Some I will make it a point to see just to get a different perspective than the opinions and reviews I may have heard in the past.

I was very pleased to see that the #1 Religious film was my favorite, "The Mission." I would recommend this film to anyone. If you've never seen "The Truman Show," I would recommend for you to watch it with a group of close friends. Afterwards you can have a good discussion on predestination and free will.

What film(s) have you watched that had a valuable moral, or spiritual lesson?

Cultural Hot Button Issues

The following material was borrowed, with permission, from its author who chooses to remain anonymous at this time. These are actual cases that have come up in a church or churches. I would like to put them out for your consideration and comment.

The question before us is, "How do we deal with cultural hot-button issues in our churches?" How can we navigate the controversies of our increasingly complex times? There are biblical principles--timeless truths--that provide guidelines so we can:

• show absolute love to post-moderns-who claim there are no absolutes.
• hold firmly to our convictions-yet do it with compassion.
• be caring and understanding-without compromising our values
• demonstrate forgiveness, grace and acceptance- while maintaining righteous standards.

Here is the first of a number of case studies I will be posting. Depending on the level and amount of dialogue, I will post one per week.

Case Number 1: Your church owns a parsonage, but since it is not needed for staff housing, the church board decides to rent it out. An ideal young couple fills out an application to rent-but lets it slip out that they are not married. As landloard, your church cannot discrimiate against them for their private behavior. But many church members assume you are condoning cohabitation if you permit them to live in a church-owned housing. What do you do?

Remember, these are actual cases churches have had to deal with.

Another Good Reason to Take Your Kids to Church

I have talked with a number of people over the years who don't take their children to church. One of the main reasons given is that they don't want their children to have religion thrust upon them. They believe their children should make up their own minds when they are old enough to do so.

This study shows that taking your children to church has great advantages. It shows what many of think is obvious and a no-brainer. Sharing faith with your children is good for them. It makes better human beings out of them. Actually, not taking them to church is ineffective parenting. For morals and ethics reasons alone, it makes sense to take your children to church.

While some may argue that ethics and morals can be taught at home apart from the church, there is no denying that a community of believers who share the same faith has a great influence in confirming those morals.

Did you grow up going to church? What influence did it have on you? Can you think of a better way to teach children spirituality, morals and ethics outside of a religious community?

FCA Convention 4/25:

We took in our first sessions at the FCA International Convention hosted by Pastor Billy Wolfson and the Church for All Nations in Tacoma, Washington. What great hosts we have. Everything is being done first-class from the facilities, to the fellowship, to the speakers.

We had the chance to listen to Casey Treat (pictured with his wife). Pastor Treat leads a dynamic church in Tacoma that has several thousand members and meets at two different locations. They are currently building a new building to house the present and anticipated growth. He shared a great message on building the kingdom of God and how important leadership is in building. His leadership style would certainly challenge most churches and their membership. His message was so engaging that I am getting a copy of it for our church Elders.

We also had the chance to hear Dr. Paul Vallee who shared Four Principles of Godly Leadership. Another dynamic servant of God being used in marvelous way for the glory of His Son.

We are on break now, until this evening when Dr. Joseph Garlington, who has more credentials than just being a great worship leader in the Promise Keepers movement. Bishop Garlington pastors an awesome church. He has spoken at our conventions in the past and I am sure he will challenge us with his words.

UPDATE: We just got back from the evening service where Bishop Garlington spoke. What a dynamic message reminding us of our Spirit-filled and led legacy as modeled by Jesus. The altars were packed with pastors and others who came forward to have a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. The service lasted about 2 and 1/2 hours but it seemed like only a few minutes as time flies when you are enjoying God.

Great worship, great fellowship and great messages. It's only our first day, and it's been worth the trip. More tomorrow.

Why People Change Churches

There is a restlessness among church-goers that is cause for concern for many pastors. It seems that no matter what pastors do the turnover rate can't seem to be slowed or stopped. Lifeway Researchers has done an exhaustive study and found that the trend is national. People are changing churches at an alarming rate. Even doctrinal issues have become less important as Baptists are going to Pentecostal churches, and vice-versa.

The study found, that even in fast growing megachurches two things stand out. Most of the growth is transfer growth, and 80% of new attendees end up leaving within 2 years. No one seems to being "doing it right." Pastors are just hanging on and being taken for a wild ride.

The culture of consumerism has been so ingrained in the church, that people come with certain expectations and if they are not met, they walk. The programmatic approach to ministry has created stress levels among professional staff that increases the chances and occurrences of burnout.

Pastors. Elders and other church leaders, need to take stock of what they are offering their congregants to determine if they are part of the problem of creating a consumerist market in their ministries. A whole new approach to defining church in historical orthodox terms needs to be attempted. I am convinced, that unless we are successful at recapturing a first century understanding of church (See Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37 for example), the greatest level of church success and kingdom expansion will continue to be evidenced in second and third world countries.

Meanwhile back in the U.S. we'll continue to play musical chairs.

Some Thoughts On My Imminent Departure

Sunday, May 6, will be our last Sunday at Christian Hills Church. We have undertaken the task of uprooting our lives and starting over someplace else. This has not been an easy decision to make. We have grown to love the people of the church, and there remains so much to be done. But it is obvious that God is calling us away.

As we were in the last stages of making our decision we evaluated every calling God has put on our lives. Two things came to the forefront:

• Every time God has called us to make a change it was always to a place we didn't want to go. But it wasn't because we didn't want to go where He was calling us, but because we didn't want to leave where we were. We have enjoyed every challenge God has put our way and have tried to serve Him faithfully wherever he has called us.
• The other thing, each calling has been more difficult than the previous one. Where we are going next is no picnic. So much is in flux with so many things that can go wrong, we are convinced that this will be the biggest challenge to our faith. We will serve Him as faithfully as we can where He is leading us next.

Do we have any regrets. Nothing that would immobilize us. But we would probably spend more time with people and less time with projects. Projects come and go, but people are forever. We would have tried to get to know some of you a bit better.

Our last Wednesday evening service will be on 5/2. We are scheduling a "Stump the Pastor" service. It should be a lot of fun! Come prepared to ask any question about any biblical book, passage, or theological topic. I will try to answer your questions as best I can. No doubt there will be some I won't be able to answer. Those you can save for the next guy:)

I'll be at the FCA convention this coming week from Tuesday to Friday. I'll try to put something on the blog each evening about the services, speakers and other happenings.

One more thing, I'll be using a different email after 5/6. You can start using it now if you'd like. It is rivera93342@juno.com You will also have to access the blog by going to www.jawboneofapastor.blogspot.com after 5/6, as the direct link will be removed from the church website. I hope you'll consider putting the blog on your favorites menu.

I'll write more later. Sunday's coming. I hope you will be prepared to enter into His presence.

The Massacre at Virginia Tech

Whenever a major event happens, I like to wait a few days to process it. It's amazing what 48-72 hours will do to give me an objective perspective to balance my initial visceral reaction.

Several things have gotten the attention of the media as they report their different angles in an attempt to help us understand this egregious violation of simple civility.

One of our first reactions is one of shock. How can someone be capable of doing something like this? How could it be possible that something like this can happen on one of our university campuses? How is this going to change our perception of this and other universities we may send out children to?

Another reaction is dismay. How will we recover from this? Heads have got to roll, someone dropped the ball.

This and other reactions are valid, but incomplete. After a few days, weeks or months, objectivity begins to settle in. The truth is that no one can stop someone who has a premeditation to commit a crime. It's been said that "laws are passed to keep honest people honest." In other words, law breakers will find some way to skirt the law and do what they want to do.

We live in a free society. The price of freedom is vigilance. Personal vigilance cannot be replaced by laws, police officers, rules of conduct, admissions policies or other efforts to restrain. We live in a broken world where sin affects the innocent alongside of the perpetrators. The only real defense we have is to be vigilant, live uprightly, trust God to supervise our lives and do our best to influence others positively.

This doesn't mean that laws shouldn't be reviewed and maybe revamped. It just means that we shouldn't substitute rules and laws for understanding and living in the reality that we live surrounded by sin and sinners.

I grieve for the victims of the Virginia Tech slaughter. I grieve for the family of the killer who now have to live with the stigma that their son is infamous for his atrocious crime. I'll be a bit more vigilant, but I won't be surprised when this kind of thing happens again. It is why Jesus died, because man needs redemption. That is the only cure for the brokenness around us.

When the Label Sticks

So how long do we flagellate someone for sins, mistakes and unmet expectations? Ted Haggard, former pastor of New Life Church, and confessed sinner, has left Colorado Springs. It is part of the price he has agreed to pay for violating his call, dishonoring his Lord, and bringing reproach to the gospel.

All of the major news services, papers, and networks referred to him as "Disgraced Pastor Ted Haggard." He has moved his family to Arizona to sit under the ministry and accountability of Pastor Tommy Barnett in Phoenix. Pastor Barnett has been known to assist other fallen ministry leaders, the most famous being Jim Bakker, in forgiveness, healing and restoration. The question remains, when do you move from "disgraced" to "forgiven?"

It seems that we have a problem separating sinners from sin. God has called us to love even the unrepentant, but how much more should we embrace those who have shown a contrite heart and a broken spirit. The Bible reminds us that "if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

In light of the fact that God sees us through the shed blood of his son as forgiven and redeemed, He calls us to offer forgiveness as often as a person needs it and requests it.

Partial-birth Abortion Ban Upheld by SCOTUS

Let's hope this is the first domino to fall in dismantling the scourge on our country called legal abortion. With over 40 million children killed by this horrible procedure, a ban on partial-birth abortion is a small step. Very few abortions occur through this method, but we've finally taken a first step.

Pro-life people must continue to pray and work. Pray for God's mercy, as his grace has been more than abundant. Work toward persuading elected officials and electing new officials who are for life and against abortion.

Biblical Giving

One of the most oft quoted passages of Scripture about giving is Malachi 3:1-10. Tithing is certainly a biblical principle we are expected to follow, but it is not the last word on giving. Christianity Today has an excellent little side-bar article of different characters in the Bible and how they expressed different aspects of giving.

Homosexuality and the Christian College Campus

There are few issues more complicated and controversial than that of how Christians are to view and treat homosexuality and homosexuals. Soulforce, a homosexual activist group, is doing a national tour to a number of Christian campuses to engage Christians and Christian college administrators, faculty and students in a discussion of the complexity of homosexuality.

A number of Christian colleges have closed their doors to the group, others have welcomed them. Gordon College in Wenham, Massachussetts has decided to welcome Soulforce.

Is it possible to have an intelligent conversation with activists? If you were a parent who had sent your child to a Christian college, would you be in favor of the administration inviting or welcoming a homosexual group? What should be the preferred stance and treatment toward homosexuals?

The Heavens Declare the Glory of God

I've always been fascinated by the heavens. I once bought a telescope and was able to zero in on Mars to see its redness and Saturn to see the rings. I love websites that show the latest images from the Hubble telescope. I see God written all over the heavens. It's pretty hard for me to believe that these things happened by chance. Space reinforces my faith in God.

What do you think of the beauty of some of these images?

It's Spring and It's Time to Get to Work

Are you dreading the list of "things to do," here's a great way to get out of it. Look at the picture closely for a surprise. If they can't find you, they can't expect you to work.


Enjoy!

Tattoos and Body Piercings from a Middle-Age Perspective

I recently returned from a vacation to South Florida. It was my observant calculation that lead me to conclude that about 80% of people under thirty either had a tattoo, body piercing, or both.

The good folks over at the American Thinker have this jewel of a column. With the mainstreaming of tattoos and body piercings comes the question of, "What's next?"

I shudder to think what the next generation will come up with as a way of distinguishing separating, and identifying themselves from their parents. But wait a minute, many of the parents of these kids are doing it too!

What is your take on this trend and phenomenon?

Don Imus, Chris Rock and the Other Great Divide

A national shock wave was felt last week when popular, but divisive, raido talk show host Don Imus made more than a racially sensitive comment. He absolutely drew a new line in inappropriateness of speech on the radio.

While this is not the first time he and others have made comments that were incendiary, this particular one became a national story as one side tried to spin, correct and dismiss, and the other side called for apologies, and dismissal. My, how quickly the "mighty" can fall.

In a well thought out, and articulate column, this writer addresses the deeper issues of this latest incident of the racially tense undercurrent which flows through so much of our society. I appreciate writers who deal with difficult issues thoughfully and fairly. You can also find an excellent treatment of the issue here.

As Christians, there is no room for racial, ethnic or even gender dividing lines.

HT: Christianity Today

Getting a New Pastor

As I sit here, I know of four churches in our fellowship that are searching for a pastor. Ours is one of the four. Searching for a pastor is one of the most difficult things a church is called to do. Determining the will of God demands prayer, good counsel and spiritual discernment. There is some danger in the process.

• Resumes all look good.
• Potential candidates polish up their best sermons.
• Pulpit committees put together their best list of qualifications, requirements and job descriptions.
• Every member of the congregation has their own expectations.
• Several candidates may claim that God has spoken to them his direction to be pastor of that particular church

It's not unusual to have a number of candidates who look like they are the chosen one. How can you be sure you've heard the voice of God?

As our Elders embark on the process of finding our next pastor, they need our prayers and support. Count on me to join you in prayer for God's clear direction While we're at it, let's pray for the other three churches as well.

Cashless Offerings

More churches are opting for cashless offerings as new technologies have made it possible. Giving kiosks, in the form of ATM style machines are appearing all across America's evangelical landscape.

It seems that churches are recognizing that the upcoming generation rarely carries cash or, for that matter, caries a checkbook. They are used to swiping an ATM card for everything from a pizza to plasma TV. As a result, they often come to church unprepared to participate in the offering. Some churches have added an internet link on their websites to encourage giving, but the latest trend is to install these kiosks in the church lobbies.

These kiosk do not accept credit cards (to discourage giving on credit) and they do not dispense cash. They only accept debit cards so that givers are encouraged to only give what they already have.

A number of newer churches, where younger Christians tend to congregate, have reported a remarkable increase in giving as a result. They have also found that giving increases when a special offering is taken for missionaries or special projects.

When pressed by detractors, pastors respond by saying that it is no different than phasing out cassette tapes for CDs, or replacing pews with chairs. It is a trend of our culture that we must accommodate. What would you think of an ATM kiosk for giving being installed in your church's lobby?

Good Friday Observance

Last night we had our Good Friday service. I love Good Friday. Although it is somewhat somber and even morose, it reminds me of the price Jesus paid to reconcile us to God.

Our choir and drama people put on a good reenactment. They had a narrator who recited the passages of Scripture that corresponded to the drama that was unfolding on stage. The choir would then kick in with an appropriate song to hammer home the significance of the event. It flowed very well.

As I sat in the darkness watching the presentation, my mind went to my days before I came to know Christ as my Savior. I really didn't know the extent of my sinful ways and how God was offended by my behavior, attitudes and lifestyle. I thought I was doing the best I could to live a decent life. I felt a sense of uneasiness in my life, but I just doubled my efforts to try to be good. Satisfaction failed me.

When I came face to face with the Gospel story, it explained it all to me. The uneasiness that I felt was my alienation from God. I could never be good enough to satisfy God. That's why Jesus paid the price. He took the beating I deserved. He shed the blood I should have shed. Because he was without sin, God was satisfied. Because God was satisfied He extended His grace to all who would receive it. I relived my experience of God's grace last night. My heart was broken that Jesus had to pay the price, but my spirit rejoiced in salvation so richly offered.

I want to extend my thanks to our worship, music and arts director, the drama coordinator, the members of the choir, the soloists, narrator, and all of the wonderful cast who made this another incredibly memorable Good Friday.

Words to Live By

Those of you who know me know that I have a bucketful of one line philosophies of life. Some of these I have garnered from friends, families and other influential people in my life. They are pithy sayings that come to mind depending on the circumstances I find myself in. They disarm anxious moments, or give me a boost of encouragement to plow on. Here are some of my favorites:

"If that's the worst thing that will happen to me today, I'm in pretty good shape."

"Never apologize. Your friends don't need it, and your enemies won't believe you anyway."

"Don't hold a grudge. While you're stewing, they're out dancing."

"Whatever you do, don't forget whom you represent. Jesus, your family and your church."

"No matter how you cook crow, it doesn't taste very good."

"Keep your words sweet, you may have to eat them one day."

"Be a blessing to those you pass on the way up, you may see them again on the way down."

"If at first you don't succeed, use a bigger hammer."

"He who laughs last, didn't get the joke."

"Laugh and the world laughs with you, whine and you whine alone."

"If you err, err on the side of generosity."

"Sometimes I'd rather love somebody than be right."

There are some I've picked up from movies: See if you can figure out which movie this line come from:

"Sometimes there just aren't enough rocks."

Others come from Bible verses or principles:

"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

"It is better to give than to receive."

"Neither do I condemn you."

"Wherever your treasure is, there is your heart also."

What one line philosophies do you live by? How do you think you came about being convinced of the truth in the one liner?

Genetically Predisposed to Believe in God?

Scientists are continually studying the brain in an attempt to find out what makes us tick. In this article you will find the debate between Darwinists and other scientists trying to ascertain as to why religious behavior spans cultures and peoples. One scientist describes the phenomenon this way:

“ . . . these brain scans may provide proof that our brains are built to believe in God. He says there may be universal features of the human mind that actually make it easier for us to believe in a higher power.”

Darwinists insist that it is evolutionary and culturally adaptive behavior. It always amazes me how two people can have the same facts and draw completely different conclusions.

Do you recall having religious thoughts before being aware that God existed? Even before you were introduced to faith and religion, did you think you had innate, independent thoughts about God?

Refreshing New Perspectives on Christianity and Culture

Every once in a while it is a good idea to leave my comfort zone and listen or observe a brother or sister in Christ who lives in a totally different environment than I do. This brother wears his faith on his sleeve. He is not afraid to engage the culture and the church with his understanding of what the issues are for Christians in America.

Engaging the culture in the name of Christ means standing up against injustice wherever it is found. This is not a political battle, it is a cultural and spiritual battle. The application of the gospel in every area of life is absolutely essential if we are to combat and be victorious over many of the sins that plague our society.

There is an old saying that "politics makes for strange bedfellows." I am convinced that to truly stand up for issues that should be important to Christians, there must be a willingness to embrace people who are vastly different from me.

As I look at my life, I see that I have been thrust into a fellowship of people who differ greatly from me economically, educationally, culturally, and even spiritually. The church is the great experiment in reconciliation. If people can get along in the church, they should be able to build bridges in any area of society.

Whether it is AIDS, or abortion, drugs, racism or poverty, Christians should unite to find answers. There may be much debate, some of it loud and messy, but in the long run our love for fellow Christians should be the ultimate witness to our culture. After all, Jesus did say, "they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another."

What do you think? What will it take for Christians to bridge the great divide on certain social issues? What experiences have you had fellowshipping and/or working alongside of a Christian that is greatly different from you?

Making Sure Visitors Don't Return

I love tongue in cheek articles. This one gives us a sure fire list of ways to insure that visitors on Easter Sunday don't come back.

It's been said that people make up their minds as to whether they will come back to your church within the first 3 minutes after they enter the door. This is even more complicated by the fact that most people don't even enter your doors now unless they have already made an internet visit through your website. It has become increasingly important to have a good first impression for your visitors.

I have visited many churches over the years. It is a daunting feeling to enter into a room of several hundred people you don't know. It is even more intimidating when, after you have walked through the door, you get no greeting, or just superficial ones. On one vacation, I visited a church that advertised itself as "the friendliest church in town." After feeling like I had entered a refrigerator and pretty much being ignored, I could only imagine what the rest of the churches in town might be like.

A sure fire way to make an impact on a visitor is to spend "quality" time with them. If you notice a visitor, approach them with a smile. Ask, and make note of their name and use it in the immediate conversation 3 or 4 times right away. This will communicate personableness and also serve to help you remember the name. Ask them if they need help finding the children's ministry area, nursery, restrooms etc. Escort them where they need to go. In other words make yourself as helpful as you can.

You will then want to ask them a few questions that are not intimidating such as: How did you find out about us? Is there anything in the service that you have a question about? Would you like to be introduced to our pastor? Would you care to sit with our family? All of these questions show that you care for their comfort and will make a difference in their impression of our church.

After the service, thank them for coming. Address them by name and tell them you will look forward to seeing them again. Lock their names in your memory or, if you think you have a bad memory, write their names on a piece of paper and put it in your Bible. The next time you see them approach with a smile and greet them by name. Now if that doesn't make an impression, I don't know what will.

Often we come to church and visit with our usual circle of friends. This is good in the sense that we may not have seen them all week and are glad to see them, but this can easily be interpreted by visitors as cliquishness and exclusiveness. Make it a point to greet anyone that passes you by, especially if they are someone you don't know well or at all.

This Sunday we will have a number of visitors. They will make up their minds about our church in a relatively short amount of time. If we don't win them over with our genuine friendliness, we may not see them again until next year. Or more likely they will be some other church's visitor next week, or next year.

They Won't Even Take Our Money

Christians are finding it difficult to pay for advertising in conventional venues. A Junior College baseball coach resigned his position because the school removed two paid advertisements by Christian organizations from the outfield walls.

The subtle attacks and rejection of Christianity is finding its way into the most interesting places. While it is allowable to pay for advertising alcohol, Planned Parenthood, porn web sites, and just about every other kind of obscene organization or product, radio and television stations regularly reject advertisment from religious advertisers.

This continues to marginalize spirituality in our culture, unless of course it is New Age, Yoga, Scientology, or some other religion as long as it isn't Christian. It looks like we'll just have to get back to good old plain personal evangelism if we want to get the message out in our culture.

Codes Within the Text of Scripture

I have always been fascinated by those who claim to find codes within the text of Scripture. Often they are mathematicians who superimpose complex formulas to find sequences of letters that add up to a sentence. For example, they may take the tenth letter of every sentence in the book of Isaiah and miraculously a decipherable sentence may appear. This doesn't happen often, and more often than not the letters add up to gibberish, but every once in a while the results are surprising.

Take a look at the story at this link. I don't put a lot of credibility on such stories, but they are interesting to think about. The idea behind the study is to try to prove that there are mathematical formulas that God has encrypted in His Word. These codes not only speak of upcoming events, but often point to Jesus in revealing who he was, what he taught and what his ministry was about.

So far the jury is out. Most theologians don't put a lot of stock in these studies, but like I said, it's fun to think that there might be some kind of code that would prove that the compilation of our Bible was not random, or subjective, but ordered and directed by God.

What would you think about there being some kind of code revealed in Scripture?