#5 February 1, 2010
Part 1
What do all of the following individuals have in common?
A. Pete Rose
B. John Edwards
C. Mark McGuire
D. Mark Sanford
E. Bill Clinton
The answer? Pseudo-Repentance.
Pete Rose suddenly, after years of denial, confessed to betting on Baseball.
John Edwards, suddenly after a year or more of denial, suddenly confessed to being the father of a little girl born to one of his Campaign Staff.
Mark McGuire, after years of denial, confessed to using Steroids while hitting 70 Home Runs in one season.
Mark Sanford, after vigorous denial and a ruse about 'hiking the Appalachian Trail', confessed to an adulterous affair with his Argentine 'soul mate'.
Bill Clinton, after shaking his finger at America and vigorously denying any sexual activity with a White House Intern by saying, 'I did not have sex with that woman, Monica Lewinski', was forced to come clean. The Blue Dress!! It had NOT been cleaned.
Part 2
Pete - came clean because he thought this confession would suddenly propel him into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
John - came clean because he read the galley copy of a soon to be published book that documented his being the father of that little girl.
Mark - came clean because he wanted a position with the St. Louis Cardinals organization as a batting instructor.
Mark - came clean because a diligent reporter confronted him in the Atlanta airport with a stack of very explicit emails exchanged with his Argentine paramour.
Bill - came clean because the DNA on the now infamous 'Blue Dress' gave him no other recourse. That dress has NOT been cleaned!
Genuine Repentance is motivated by a pure and simple desire to be clean before God. It matters not who knows what. It matters not what evidence may exist or not exist concerning the matter at hand. Jerry Bridges, in his wonderful title The Pursuit of Holiness, gives an account of 'coming clean' on an issue that virtually no one knew about except God Himself. That my dear reader is genuine repentance. Coming clean just for the sole purpose of being clean before a Holy God.
Hall of Fame - Being President - Professional Baseball Coach - Governor of SC - 2 Term President; those things matter nothing without holiness.
It should not surprise us that we sin. We are sinners. The crucial dynamic is, as the editorialist said to Tiger Woods, it is what you do next that matters most. Be motivated by pure and simple honesty. Tell the Truth and let the chips fall where they may. Clean hands and a Pure Heart. Now that is the way to live!!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Euphemizing Truth
# 4 January 25, 2010
Part 1
SC is "First in the Nation" in a number of categories, most not admirable and some utterly shameful. Unless you have been marooned on a island or engaged in a boycott of the media (I would not hold that against you) you are probably aware that one of our more recent 'egg on our face' trophies was claimed by our Governor, Mark Sanford.
He claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail. In fact, he was in Argentina seeking to convince his 'soul mate' (his description) that she should continue their adulterous affair. He was recently censored by the Legislature for this sinful and irresponsible behavior.
This is not the first time such behavior has been exhibited by a public figure and sad to say, it will not be the last. Having stated this, it should not surprise us because people, including the writer, are flat out sinners. Sinners sin. This is my point.
Part 2
When initially confronted in the Atlanta airport, he vigorously denied the facts. That is, until the reporter showed him a folder full of emails detailing in graphic terms what had been going on in the land of Evita! There was a very descriptive photo posted shortly after Tiger Woods was expsoed for his violation of the covenant of marriage. The photo showed Tiger standing by a rocky ledge and his ball lay precariously close to the edge. The caption said simply "IT IS WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT MATTERS!"
What the Governor did in his final State of the State address was to offer his 'final apology'. Rather than coming to terms with his behavior, he chose to engage what I have come to label "The Nixon Syndrome". This makes clear that it is not the offense that brings you down, it is the cover up or attempt at same.
In his 'apology' (the issue is confession and repentance, not apology), he dismissed his conduct by saying:
1. He was human.
2. He messed up.
It is not our humanity that causes our departure from Truth and fidelity, it is our sin. Not just our acts of sin, but our sin nature which came to all at the fall. Sin is defined by the text of Scripture and we can engage in honest and accurate exegesis to discover exactly what this action is and what must be done to bring correction, forgiveness and cleansing. The NT norm is confession, repentance and restitution.
Euphemizing Truth produces an additional blight on the family of mankind. As Christians we should hold the line on such sloppy speech and imprecise verbiage.
So, the next time you sin, DO NOT apply "The Nixon Syndrome". What you do next really is important. Confess, Repent, Restore and be cleansed by a merciful loving God. He created language. He gave us the text. He honors our fidelity to His Word and His person.
Part 1
SC is "First in the Nation" in a number of categories, most not admirable and some utterly shameful. Unless you have been marooned on a island or engaged in a boycott of the media (I would not hold that against you) you are probably aware that one of our more recent 'egg on our face' trophies was claimed by our Governor, Mark Sanford.
He claimed to be hiking the Appalachian Trail. In fact, he was in Argentina seeking to convince his 'soul mate' (his description) that she should continue their adulterous affair. He was recently censored by the Legislature for this sinful and irresponsible behavior.
This is not the first time such behavior has been exhibited by a public figure and sad to say, it will not be the last. Having stated this, it should not surprise us because people, including the writer, are flat out sinners. Sinners sin. This is my point.
Part 2
When initially confronted in the Atlanta airport, he vigorously denied the facts. That is, until the reporter showed him a folder full of emails detailing in graphic terms what had been going on in the land of Evita! There was a very descriptive photo posted shortly after Tiger Woods was expsoed for his violation of the covenant of marriage. The photo showed Tiger standing by a rocky ledge and his ball lay precariously close to the edge. The caption said simply "IT IS WHAT YOU DO NEXT THAT MATTERS!"
What the Governor did in his final State of the State address was to offer his 'final apology'. Rather than coming to terms with his behavior, he chose to engage what I have come to label "The Nixon Syndrome". This makes clear that it is not the offense that brings you down, it is the cover up or attempt at same.
In his 'apology' (the issue is confession and repentance, not apology), he dismissed his conduct by saying:
1. He was human.
2. He messed up.
It is not our humanity that causes our departure from Truth and fidelity, it is our sin. Not just our acts of sin, but our sin nature which came to all at the fall. Sin is defined by the text of Scripture and we can engage in honest and accurate exegesis to discover exactly what this action is and what must be done to bring correction, forgiveness and cleansing. The NT norm is confession, repentance and restitution.
Euphemizing Truth produces an additional blight on the family of mankind. As Christians we should hold the line on such sloppy speech and imprecise verbiage.
So, the next time you sin, DO NOT apply "The Nixon Syndrome". What you do next really is important. Confess, Repent, Restore and be cleansed by a merciful loving God. He created language. He gave us the text. He honors our fidelity to His Word and His person.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Worldview
# 3 January 18, 2010
Part 1
Presuppositions are crucial. Where you go in is where you come out. Weltanschauung.
Which Coach would you rather listen to?
Part 1
Presuppositions are crucial. Where you go in is where you come out. Weltanschauung.
This week I read a BLOG Post concerning Leadership Development and coaching for those in the twenty-something post-modern generation. The following is a brief description of the individual under the microscope and his world-view.
Age 23. College graduate. Works in a coffee shop, lives with his parents because that is more economically feasible. He has no particular direction in life. No goals. Utterly no sense of Purpose or direction. He lives day to day and draws a paycheck. In short, this is a kayak adrift on the oceans of life. He has no concerns about arrival destination or time. He isn't going anywhere so any road he takes will get him there. He has no aspirations that will benefit himself much less those around him. If his boat gets hit by a storm I assume Mom & Dad will serve as The Red Cross. It gets worse.
The individual writing the BLOG article tells the reader that we must understand this world-view. If we are to coach this young man, we must accommodate his perspective. Rather than compare his preferences and life style to the postulates of of Scripture, we apparently should rub our chin, occasionally offer an audible grunt and keep listening. This will lead us to an understanding of where he is. And that accomplishes exactly what?
Part 2
Where to begin. Lets begin with Purpose. The text says - Obey all that Jesus Commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). This includes understanding God's revelation of Himself, integrating this revelation into a personal world-view and applying this to life. Paul's Epistle to the Romans turns the corner from orthodoxy to orthopraxy in Romans 12:1-2. The command is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This young man has apparently embraced the "whatever" philosophy of post-modernism. His life has no purpose, no focus and no direction. Will he still be living with Mom & Dad when he is 43?
In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians he sounds a crystal clear blast on the trumpet of reality - - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15). He prefaced these words with a wake up call.
As a Coach and CEO of a Leadership Development Ministry, I hold and articulate a very different world-view. Life is shaped by Purpose. God created His people to serve and honor Him by fulfilling His purpose through them. That is not even remotely possible with a "whatever" approach to life. Working in a coffee shop may well be a very honorable way to serve the LORD (I appreciate STARBUCKS). To do so with no idea of why you are here, where you are going or what you will do to honor the King of Kings strikes me as irresponsible, derelict and just plain nonsense.
Age 23. College graduate. Works in a coffee shop, lives with his parents because that is more economically feasible. He has no particular direction in life. No goals. Utterly no sense of Purpose or direction. He lives day to day and draws a paycheck. In short, this is a kayak adrift on the oceans of life. He has no concerns about arrival destination or time. He isn't going anywhere so any road he takes will get him there. He has no aspirations that will benefit himself much less those around him. If his boat gets hit by a storm I assume Mom & Dad will serve as The Red Cross. It gets worse.
The individual writing the BLOG article tells the reader that we must understand this world-view. If we are to coach this young man, we must accommodate his perspective. Rather than compare his preferences and life style to the postulates of of Scripture, we apparently should rub our chin, occasionally offer an audible grunt and keep listening. This will lead us to an understanding of where he is. And that accomplishes exactly what?
Part 2
Where to begin. Lets begin with Purpose. The text says - Obey all that Jesus Commanded (Matt. 28:18-20). This includes understanding God's revelation of Himself, integrating this revelation into a personal world-view and applying this to life. Paul's Epistle to the Romans turns the corner from orthodoxy to orthopraxy in Romans 12:1-2. The command is to be transformed by the renewing of our mind. This young man has apparently embraced the "whatever" philosophy of post-modernism. His life has no purpose, no focus and no direction. Will he still be living with Mom & Dad when he is 43?
In Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians he sounds a crystal clear blast on the trumpet of reality - - Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time, because the days are evil (Eph. 5:15). He prefaced these words with a wake up call.
As a Coach and CEO of a Leadership Development Ministry, I hold and articulate a very different world-view. Life is shaped by Purpose. God created His people to serve and honor Him by fulfilling His purpose through them. That is not even remotely possible with a "whatever" approach to life. Working in a coffee shop may well be a very honorable way to serve the LORD (I appreciate STARBUCKS). To do so with no idea of why you are here, where you are going or what you will do to honor the King of Kings strikes me as irresponsible, derelict and just plain nonsense.
Which Coach would you rather listen to?
Monday, January 4, 2010
The Authority of Scripture
#2 January 11, 2010
Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.
Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).
I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).
A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.
2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.
3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.
4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".
5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?
B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.
2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).
C. Application
I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.
Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.
Several years ago (2003) I wrote an article in which I stated that the "Big Enchilada", the primary foundational challenge for the evangelical church in America is the Nature and Character of Scripture, Special Revelation. My conviction on that topic has only solidified.
Moses said to the people of Israel - - Did any people ever hear the voice of god speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and still live? (Deut. 4:33). Jesus said - - The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day (Jn. 12:48). Paul wrote - - for there must be factions among you in order that those who are genuine among you may be recognized (1 Cor. 11:19).
I have never encountered anyone who claims to be an evangelical and simply denies the authenticity and authority of Scripture as a principle of doctrine (orthodoxy). However, I encounter almost daily people and circumstances in which the application of Scripture as the infallible guide for faith and practice (orthopraxy) is disregarded with impunity. Integrated or Applied Theology is the test of orthodoxy. Jesus said - Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24).
A. Areas of Challenge in the evangelical church regarding the Authority of Scripture
1. Sufficiency - many who profess an evangelical faith insist on extra-biblical revelation. They treat 'private revelations' as the equivalent of recorded Scripture.
2. Divorce and Remarriage - These two very distinct issues are lumped together. If you get a divorce it is assumed you may remarry.
3. Gossip - If it is sex related or includes the consumption of alcohol, we will bust em. Failure to observe the protocol regarding communication and speech is ignored with impunity.
4. Gluttony - You better not even smell a can of beer but you may be 100 pounds over-weight and still be a "pastor in good standing".
5. Justification - Have we been 'wrong' since the Reformation or is Wright right?
B. Focus on historic orthodoxy.
1. David Wells The evangelical world, in fact, is now coming apart because its central truths, what once held it all together, no longer have the binding power that they once had and, in some cases are rejected outright with no following outcry.
2. Although Scripture alone was the Reformer's position in the sixteenth century, today critical methods (aka Bart Erhman-tcf) are placed above Scripture by some Protestant scholars like the Magisterium is placed above Scripture in Catholicism (Ministry Magazine, Jan. 2010, p. 20).
C. Application
I recently attended a meeting at which the Scripture was read. The speaker ask everyone to stand in honor of God's Word. Like the Scribes & Pharisees, this has become mere ritual without substance or power. Those standing will depart to ignore the content of Scripture in areas as referenced above.
Honoring God's word as measured by Jesus is to obey ALL He has commanded and do what he said.
Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (Matt. 7:24).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
