Prayer behind the Scenes

When my family and I first moved to Perry a little over 10 years ago, I worked part-time as a rural mail-carrier for the USPS. One day, I pulled into the driveway of a home to deliver a package and an older gentleman approached me from the garage. We struck up a conversation, and I discovered he was also a preacher. More specifically, a “semi-retired” pastor from one of our local Methodist churches. We exchanged phone numbers and he invited me to start meeting with him and a group of guys each week at a prayer breakfast.

I really wasn’t interested, if I’m being honest. As odd as that may sound for a preacher to say, it’s true. To understand my hesitancy in attending, you have to consider my background. You see, I was brought up in a sort of isolationist form of Christianity that seriously frowned on interdenominational meetings of any kind, even including prayer meetings. Ecumenicalism (in any form) was a big no-no in the church setting where I was raised, and the idea of getting together with a bunch of people from different denominations was (at that time) just a bridge too far for me.

So candidly, I didn’t give the invite much thought and went about my route. But then a couple weeks later, I got a phone call from this preacher reminding me of the day and time of their weekly meeting. I cordially said, thanks for the invitation but I can’t come. I brushed him off, fully expecting not to hear from him again. But then just a couple weeks later, one Monday night, I got yet another phone call from this same gentleman. After a few niceties, he said, “we are meeting tomorrow morning at 7:00 and we would like for you to come speak for us.” I was pretty much floored, and didn’t know what to say. The man was so nice, it was hard to tell him no. So, I reluctantly agreed to attend, but said since it would be my first time, I wasn’t comfortable speaking and would rather get the flow of things first.

So, quite begrudgingly I crawled out of bed that next morning, unsure of what I was walking into. At the time, the men were meeting downstairs in the New Perry Hotel, (but that has since changed). Unfamiliar with the hotel, I wasn’t sure I would find them that Tuesday morning, and frankly – wasn’t sure I wanted to.

However, I was warmly welcomed and more than pleasantly surprised by what I saw. Contrary to what I had been told all my life, these men were not compromising liberals out to undermine the Bible and orthodox Christianity. Turns out, the men weren’t ministerial monsters after all. There were no heretical theological third eyes protruding from their foreheads. And no horns instead of halos hovering over them. Yes, I am exaggerating some and yes, we do share some significant differences of opinion on some Biblical matters. But again, growing up in the belief system I was reared in, legitimately caused me to call into question the veracity and sincerity of anyone who didn’t believe exactly the same way we did. Which included anyone who wasn’t “our brand of Baptist.”

It was so refreshing to be around these men. I found them to be sincere Christians and devout fathers and husbands who desired to have an impact on the community around them. None of them tried to cram their theology down my throat, or force me to condone their belief system. In fact, they were quite content to love one another as brethren and agree to disagree on lesser points of doctrine.

I started attending that week, and have been going (fairly) regularly ever since. Since those early days, I have gotten to know these men better, and my respect for them has only grown. My family and I have been shown love and friendship and they have prayed for us many, many times. While there are some doctrinal differences between us, that we occasionally discuss, I count these men as dear friends and thank God for them.

However, I have said all that to say this; if you live here, though you probably don’t know it, these men are praying for you and your family. Unnoticed by most of the world, and even by people right here in Perry, every single Tuesday morning (barring Holidays) these men meet and pray over our community. Each week this sweet group of godly guys get together and pray. They are not looking for atta-boys or accolades. They simply believe in the power of prayer and desire to see God work in the lives of those right here in our area.

Each Tuesday, we pray for our first responders, city/state/federal government officials, churches and church leaders, our military, local law enforcement, nursing home residents and staff, and those in the hospital and the employees there. These and many others are brought before the throne of grace. We also have a list of names who are read out loud and prayed over every week. But our greatest desire, and weekly petition, is for you and yours to come to know Christ and the power of His resurrection.

If you need special prayer, and would like to be added to our prayer list, please let us know. If any of you men reading this would like to join us, we meet each Tuesday morning from 7:00-7:30AM in the social hall of Perry United Methodist Church. Contact Jim Lewis at (478) 550-5122 for more information.

Only eternity will reveal how God has used (and blessed) the faithful efforts of these men to promote the well-being of our citizens and society.

Finally, I would be remiss not to thank my good friend, Leland Collins for stepping out of his garage that day, and asking me to step out of my comfort zone. Him patiently inviting this stubborn narrow-minded Baptist preacher to come to their “ecumenical” Tuesday morning prayer group has been one of God’s greatest predestinated acts of providence in my life. It was his gentle spirit and persistent kindness that first drew me to this ministry. Needless to say, involving myself with this group of men has been nothing short of a huge blessing. And Perry peeps, whether you know it or not, these powerful prayers offered up behind the scenes, have been a blessing to you also.

Let me close with this Scriptural exhortation: 1 Timothy 2:1-3 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”

The Ordo Salutis Conference

From a Christian perspective, where did the idea of salvation originate? When I use the term salvation, I mean it from the Biblical use of the word; which refers to lost sinners entering into a saving relationship with their Divine Creator. Hence, who came up with the plan to reconcile sinners? Or, is there a plan at all? If so, how is this spiritual deliverance accomplished, and who is responsible for the implementation, application, and completion of this plan? To dig even a little deeper, who should receive the credit for the achievement of this great act of redemption … if such a feat exists?

These are some of the questions we hope to ask and answer this year at Memorial Heights Baptist Church at our Theology Matters Conference. April 12-14, our church is hosting a conference on the Ordo Salutis. Now, don’t let that Latin phrase fool you, or intimidate you. It simply means the order of salvation. The Christian faith teaches, that God, by His unmerited grace has originated, implemented, and will accomplish this wonderful act of granting eternal life to every single person who savingly trusts in Christ Jesus. The Ordo Salutis teaches there is a logical order and Scriptural sequence to the unfolding of the achievements necessary to complete this gracious act.

Let me list these distinct teachings in the normal arrangement given. But understand, these doctrines are more than just Divine achievements, they are also Biblical truths, clearly taught in Scripture that reveal to us the order of salvation. The Ordo Salutis is as follows; Election, Calling, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverance and Glorification. When these truths are properly taught and ordered, they reveal that salvation is completely an act of grace, for which God alone deserves glory. 

Let me quickly flesh out and offer a short summary of the Ordo Salutis. First, though this truth is often rejected, the Bible declares that before the dawn of creation, God elected a people to Himself. Of His own Sovereign will, God chose certain individuals to become part of His family and recipients of His grace. Then in the fullness of time, the Lord Jesus Christ came and purchased redemption for these elect individuals. At some point in the life of these undeserving persons, the Holy Spirit comes and in glorious efficacious power calls that sinner out of darkness and into light. The Spirit does this by revealing the Gospel and convicting the stony heart of these elected ones of their sins against God. God’s Spirit then regenerates this person and grants them repentance towards God the Father and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. At that moment, they are converted, justified, and adopted into God’s family. The Spirit will then begin to progressively sanctify this person more and more from who they were, and into the image of Christ. These born-again believers, kept by the power of God, will persevere throughout life until that wonderful, wonderful day, when they will be wholly glorified and the sin nature completely eradicated.

Now, there is a sense in which these doctrines logically unfold in an obligatory order. But like most things, if this subject is pressed too hard, it will distort the truth it is meant to reveal. For example, when the Holy Spirit comes in the day determined by God’s gracious providence and grants spiritual life to a person; at that moment they are instantaneously regenerated, converted, justified, and adopted. There is no space of time between these Divine actions. However, there is a logical order to them. Since the Bible teaches the unsaved are spiritually dead, then of necessity, regeneration precedes faith and repentance.

Someone might suggest, well – isn’t all this a little too much for the average Christian to comprehend, or expected to know? Or shouldn’t a study like this be confined to a seminary classroom, and not the local church? I would pushback against that mindset and insist, the deeper our understanding of theology, the higher our doxology. Or said another way, the more we know about God’s gracious plan of redemption, and the more fully the Chrisitan comprehends what all God has done (is doing, and will do) for them, the loftier our praise.

So, come join us this weekend and learn more about the Order of Salvation. At 7:00PM on Friday night, we will hear more about Election and Calling. On Saturday, at 10:00AM, we will consider Regeneration and Conversion. Saturday afternoon at 2:00PM we will hear sermons on Justification and Adoption. Then finally on Sunday, at 10:00AM, two speakers will address the subjects of Sanctification and Glorification.

Simply stated, this conference is intended to cause all men to marvel at God’s perfect plan of redemption and how He alone is author and finisher of the believer’s faith. When everything is said and done, salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, to the glory of God alone. Christians are Christians, only because God has graciously made them so. And there is a Divine order and Sovereign plan in this wonderful gift of salvation.

A New Heart

About two weeks ago, I woke up at 1:30 in the morning with pretty severe chest pains. Naively, I chalked it up to a bad case of heartburn. If I may make a small confession … I have several bad habits, including eating too much junk food, too late at night; which I had done the evening prior. So, I rummaged through the medicine cabinet and swallowed a combination of Tums and Rolaids, took an extra acid-reflux pill (another certain sign of aging), and tried to lay back down.  Yet, no matter how many different positions I tried, including sitting straight up in bed, the discomfort just wouldn’t subside and I couldn’t sleep. After several hours of misery, I finally got up, took some more antacids, and went about my day. I started feeling a little better, so I worked for a few hours at my part-time job and, as planned, left around lunchtime.

It was a beautiful Spring Day and my son-in-law and I had made plans to drive to Griffin, GA to play disc golf. Just in case you don’t know what disc golf is, it is a sport very much like regular golf that has grown astronomically over the last few years. But instead of hitting a ball in a hole, you throw a frisbee in a basket. The rules between the two sports are almost identical. However, disc golf isn’t nearly as expensive as ball golf, and even old out-of-shape fellas like me can play and be half decent. Though Perry and Warner Robins have some nice courses, we were excited to play this super scenic course in Griffin.

Yet, after the hour and twenty-minute drive there, I had no more than gotten out of the car and my chest started tightening again. I did my level best to press on, more out of childish excitement than wisdom, but by the fourth hole, my heart was beating out of my chest and I thought I might pass out. Light-headed, fatigued far more than usual and unable to catch my breath – I called it quits. I thought I was having a heart-attack! I even pulled out my phone and googled the symptoms of cardiac arrest.

Caleb (my son-in-law) drove us back to Perry, where we met my wife and daughter outside the E.R. Silly and stubborn, I wanted to go home, but my wife would have none of it. We went inside and within minutes the fine staff at Perry ER had me hooked up to an EKG machine and determined something was wrong. They quickly diagnosed that I was in A-fib with RVR, and my heart needed to be brought into rhythm ASAP. I later learned, if left untreated, my issue could lead to a major stroke. Which is one more reason why I am grateful my family insisted I get checked out.

Thankfully, the medicines did what they were designed to do, and slowed my erratic heartbeat. They put me in an ambulance and sent me to W/R hospital, where I stayed until my heart was completely back in proper rhythm. I was sent home with strict instructions to follow up with cardiologist, make some dietary changes and take these new medicines to (hopefully) keep this from happening again.

I want to thank everyone who helped take care of me when I needed it. The emergency room staff, the doctors and nurses at the hospitals, and of course my family. I also appreciate my church family who constantly prayed for me, and my good friend Ken Bliven who ably filled the pulpit, when I was unable. But more than any other, I am thankful to my God. Because of His amazing grace, regardless of what happens, I can say and sing – it is well with my soul!

You see, all this got me thinking … someday this ticker of mine will give out on me, no matter what meds they pump through it. One day, this ol’ heart of mine will squeeze it’s final time and stop pushing blood through my body. At some point this muscle in my chest will cease functioning and this life will end. However … when that day comes, I will be just fine. In fact, I will be better than ever! God, in His merciful grace, has given me a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26). And friends, this new heart will last forever. It will never give out! Therefore, death doesn’t scare me, the grave has no power over me, and heaven is my forever home!

What about you? Can you say, it is well with my soul? Are you afraid of death? Of dying? Are you worried what might happen when your heart stops or your body gives out? If so, I point you to Jesus of Nazareth. All who truly trust in Him are given eternal life, and they will never perish. Even when (not if) this life comes to an end.

Having gone through a minor scare, it became clear to me yet again – there is nothing like the blessed assurance that comes from knowing Christ! A new heart and full assurance can be yours too, if you will trust in Christ alone.

One last thing … if it comes between me dying and Caleb performing CPR – just let me die!! 😉 I think it would make us both happier!

“Be a man son, and Preach”

“I want to come home,” the teenager desperately asserted to his father over the phone. With fatherly patience, the man replied, “I know son, but you’ve committed to being there all week, so you’ve got to stay.” With unsettled emotion in his voice the young man plead with his parent, “but dad – you don’t understand, I want to come home now!” Then with even more compassion in his voice the aged father replied, “I know you do son, but here is what I need you to do … be a man son, tough it out and preach.”

Little did he know, (excepting the normal niceties and goodbyes), these were the last words this teenager would ever hear his father say. While he was on his way home from the speaking engagement, the young man’s father unexpectedly passed away. Those final words, “be a man son, and preach” would resonate in the ears of this young evangelist for decades to come.

I share this story with you, as it was publicly shared from the man who lived it, H.B. Charles Jr. You see, HB (as he is affectionately called) was something of a preaching prodigy. He had surrendered to the call to preach as just a young teenager and began pastoring his first church at the age of 17. Growing up in church and with a father who was a preacher and pastor, the young man was well taught in Biblical matters. Very early, it became obvious the youth was remarkably gifted. Quickly he became a much-sought-after speaker at conferences, churches, and particularly at youth events all over the country.

Hence, HB was really no more than just an anxious homesick teenager who had been too far away from home for too long, when he plead with his father that night to let him come home early. Yet, God used the sage counsel of HB Charles Sr. to make a lasting impact on the life and ministry of his son HB Charles Jr. “Be a man son, and preach.”

Interestingly, this situation is actually very similar to one found in the Bible.

In fact, this must have been very much how young Timothy felt when he received his final letter from the Apostle Paul. Understand, the book we know of as 2^nd Timothy was the last epistle (letter) Paul was inspired to write. It was, his last will and testament, if you will. This correspondence was the final time the aged apostle would speak with his “son in the faith,” Timothy. As Paul was sitting in a Roman prison cell awaiting execution, he knew full well his days were numbered. Therefore, in his final words to Timothy, with both pastoral and parental pleadings, Paul urges Timothy – be a man son, and preach.

Throughout this letter, Paul implores young Timothy to press on in the faith. To  keep on keeping on, in spite of all opposition. The weathered missionary warns Timothy he can fully expect persecution, hostility, and resistance. Paul, with apostolic authority, had left Timothy to serve as pastor of the church at Ephesus. And like all other churches, this congregation was a mess. Paul’s counsel to Timothy is man-up, tough it out and preach the Word. He encourages his young ministerial protégé not to turn to earthly ideas or the vain philosophy of men to empower his ministry or change the church; but to fully rely on the Word and Spirit of God to do what men cannot.

Note Paul’s inspired counsel from 2 Timothy 3:14-17; “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Paul wanted Timothy to rely on the Inspired, Inerrant, and all-Sufficient Scripture to save sinners and sanctify saints. The sacred writings, Paul says, can make one wise unto salvation. The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments point lost sinners to the redemptive work of the Messiah. It is by faith in Christ alone that individuals come to a saving relationship with God. Paul knew this. Paul had lived this. Hence, Paul wanted Timothy to preach this. All Scripture, Paul affirms, is breathed-out by God and is profitable – for doctrine, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Or simply stated, God’s Word tells us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right and how to stay right.

Folks, there is no other book like the Bible. No other writing can do what the Bible can do or can rightly claim to be the revelation of God Himself. The Apostle writes to Timothy and asserts; the Word of God can save, sanctify, sustain and supply not just your need, but the need of everyone to whom you minister. Oh, how I wish Evangelicalism shared that same belief and conviction today! How quickly, and foolishly do men turn to worldly means to try and accomplish spiritual feats! To be sure, the Apostle would angrily reject the pulpit pragmatists and games and gimmicks gospel efforts so readily employed by immature Evangelicals today. Paul believed, as every Christian should – the Word is sufficient.

After placing the weight of eternity and final judgment on Timothy’s young shoulders, Paul gives this emphatic command – “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:1-2). Timothy, Paul would say, “let others do what they’re going to do … but as for you, preach the Word.” What the people of God need more than anything else is the Word of God. What this world needs more than anything else, is the Word of God! What their culture and the early churches needed, is the same thing every congregation and civilization needs; and that is to hear Scripture clearly explained, expounded, and applied. This was Timothy’s primary duty as pastor and Paul’s primary charge to him. Therefore, his dying declaration is a clarion call to pulpit faithfulness.

The final words of his father in the faith must have echoed in Timothy’s mind throughout his life and ministry. Just as the final words of HB’s father had a lasting impact on him. I can tell you this, these real-life stories, and the encouraging exhortations from them, have helped me press on, when I just wanted to quit and go home.

So, preacher friends – be a man, tough it out and preach. As HB often says; “the Word works, it just doesn’t always work on our timetable!”

(On a personal note: HB has been a ministerial mentor for me and many others … without even knowing it … and I am thankful for his faithful ministry … and him sharing this private story with the world.)
If you’d like to hear one of the most powerful sermons I have ever heard in person … click on the link below.

https://youtu.be/8TkCZWcoJzM?si=jQ08lnKVRgUOGUka

The Gospel is for Everyone

Allow me to begin with a simple truth; the Bible is an amazing book. The more someone honestly and humbly studies Scripture, the more amazed they will become at the beauty, transcendence, and excellence of God’s Word. Frankly, there is no book like the Bible. The providential wisdom of the Holy Spirit’s work of governing men not only to write what they did, but to also arrange their writings in the deliberate manner in which they did – is simply beyond human comprehension or explanation. As our church continues to work our way sequentially through entire books of the Bible, we are learning afresh just how magnificently the inspired authors tied thoughts and ideas together in a way that is above and beyond any intellectual work of men. The Scriptures are inarguably of Divine origin.

Case in point, it was not until we began a verse-by-verse exposition of John’s Gospel that it became abundantly clear, the Apostle’s writings are not just skillfully structured, they are Holy Spirit situated in order to drive home eternal truths. Allow me to give you just one example of what I mean.

In John chapter three we are introduced to Nicodemus, a religious leader of the Jewish Sanhedrin. In John chapter four we are told about a woman that Jesus encountered at Jacob’s well. To put it mildly, these two individuals are about as different as different can be.

Nicodemus was a well-respected, religious male Jew. The unnamed woman at the well was a social outcast and was considered by the Jews of her day to be of impure blood; a “half-bred” as it were, because her family lineage was a mix of Jew and Gentile. Nicodemus hailed from the city of Jerusalem, educated in the law of Moses and by every outward standard, a very moral man. The woman at the well was an uneducated, immoral, five-time divorced female from Samaria, shunned by society because she was living with a man outside the covenant of marriage.

As if these comparisons are not obvious enough, consider this; in John chapter three Nicodemus came to find Jesus. In John chapter four, Jesus came to find this woman (John 4:4). Nicodemus, for whatever reason, came late at night under the cover of darkness to seek out Jesus, in contrast to Jesus who came to the woman at the well in the middle of the day. Then finally, we see that Nicodemus came to ask Jesus questions, but Jesus came to Jacob’s well to ask this woman questions.

Take note dear friends, these two stories are not told back-to-back simply by random coincidence. Instead, this is by Divine design. What John and Jesus and the Holy Spirit would have us learn by these two contrasting real-life narratives is this – Jesus and His Gospel is for everyone. These stories are purposefully arranged to make every reader aware; that no matter who you are, where you are from, how religious you are, how immoral you are, or whether you are looking for answers or looking to be left alone … you need Christ.

Both Nicodemus and this woman at the well, with all their differences, shared the same need – they both needed Jesus and His Gospel. Please hear me dear friend, regardless of whether you are educated or uneducated, male or female, Jew or Gentile – you need Jesus. Whether you are rich or poor, shunned by society or high-society, you need Christ. The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is for religious people and irreligious people. The reconciling work of Christ is Good News for every person on the planet no matter who they are or what they have done. This is exactly why the Holy Spirit inspired John to record both these stories and strategically arrange them in the way he did.

Can you not see the unparalleled wisdom of God in teaching deep eternal spiritual truths in the simplest of ways? By paralleling these two very different events of these two very different individuals, we learn one all-important truth – all people everywhere need Jesus. Nicodemus needed to be born-again, so do we. This woman at the well needed soul-satisfying Living Water, so do we. Whether you are someone like this religious man, or someone like this Samaritan woman, we are all looking for satisfaction and fulfillment that in truth, only God can provide. Trust in Him.

As I said in the beginning, the Bible truly is an amazing book.

Read it, learn it, believe it, love it, live it and share it.

Because Jesus and His Gospel is for everyone.

Stands to Reason

You are probably not going to believe this, but hang on as I try and convince you nonetheless. Much to the surprise of my wife, the other day I washed and dried a load of dirty clothes without even being asked. Yes, that does happen occasionally. But, that’s not really the astonishing part. The amazing thing was, when I opened the dryer to get the clothes out, every single article of clothing was already folded and ready to be put away. Now to be clear, I don’t mean, my wife had beat me to the laundry room and already folded everything. I mean when the timer went off, I opened the dryer door and the still-warm clothes were all neatly folded. Imagine my complete and utter shock! Every towel and t-shirt was folded just the way my wife likes them. Her work clothes were already matched up and color coordinated. All my dress shirts were wrinkle-free and every button buttoned in its proper place, ready for a coat hanger. And as if all that wasn’t shocking enough, amazingly, not only were there no missing socks, but all of them were already paired up and neatly tucked into each other, ready for the sock drawer. I am telling you folks, this really happened. I mean, what are the chances?

But hang on, something else extraordinary happened that day. As I was walking out of our laundry room, with my arms full of still-warm clothes, I inadvertently knocked my laptop off the kitchen island. Somewhat dazed and confused by this baffling clothing miracle, I didn’t notice my computer so close to the edge of the counter and I knocked it off. It hit our hardwood floor and splintered in pieces. In about two seconds time, I went from being in absolute shock, to complete terror. Every sermon, article, and random idea I have written over the last seven years was on that computer. I dropped the clothes on the couch and put the fragmented remains of my laptop into a cardboard box. What a mess. The screen was cracked, of course. The keyboard had popped off the frame and many of the keys were scattered across the floor. The battery had fallen out the bottom and the wiring was broken. My heart was shattered in as many pieces as that computer. 

I grabbed the box, scrambled out the door, jumped in the car and headed to the computer repair store in town. On my way, some knucklehead suddenly pulled out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes, and the box with my computer inside slid out of the seat and hit the floorboard. Hard. I could hear the random pieces bouncing around. Needless to say, my stress level was through the roof!

But hang on, you are probably not going to believe this … when I walked into the repair shop and opened the box, my laptop was somehow in perfect condition! The screen wasn’t shattered. The battery was back in place. And believe it or not, every single key that was lying loose in the bottom of the box was somehow back where it was supposed to be. I mean, the “qwerty” keyboard was exactly reorganized in like-new fashion. I couldn’t believe my eyes! I was speechless! All I could figure is when the box hit the floorboard, somehow everything popped back in its proper place?!

Incredibly, I pressed the power button and it came on! Within moments, the windows logo appeared, and every single file was still there! The employee thought I had lost my mind when I tried to explain to him what happened, but then turning the computer around in his hands, he noticed the broken battery cord wasn’t connected to the port, yet somehow the laptop was still functioning! Now, he too was flabbergasted.

But wait a minute, you are probably not going to believe this either, but perhaps the most staggering surprise of all was this; when I opened the files on my computer, this article you are reading was already there! Seriously, I didn’t write it, the article wrote itself! I mean to tell you folks; this is some astonishing stuff! You believe me, right? There’s no way I am making all this up, right? Who has heard any craziness like this?  

Oh wait a minute, I have. I remember back in school they taught us about this thing called Evolution. In fact, our daughter said most of her college professors teach Evolution as scientific fact and not theory.

Well, my dear readers, I tell you what; the day I open the dryer and every article of clothing is already neatly folded and ready to be put away, I will believe in evolution. The first time someone dumps some glass, lithium, and metal in a box … throws it against the wall, and out comes a functioning computer, I will believe evolution.

I mean after all, if randomness can produce order, at least once in the millions of loads of laundry that have been done, at least one pair of socks would have magically matched up. Or one towel or t-shirt would come out neatly folded. Stands to reason does it not? The answer … of course not.

Yet, people still believe in Evolution. They believe systems far more complex and interconnected than any computer program, somehow just started functioning. They believe non-life somehow produced life and chaos created order. And quite curiously, the same people would think me a fool for claiming my clothes folded themselves, my laptop fixed itself or this article wrote itself.

The truth is, the theory of evolution doesn’t stand up to reason; rational, Biblical or scientific. Instead, it is a corrupt concept developed by Satan intent on blinding the minds of unbelievers to the true God, less the light of the Gospel should appear to them (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Think I will stick with, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
That stands to reason.

ps. (I bet some of you really do wish those clothes would fold themselves!)

Facing the Real Enemy

Do you realize the freedom to worship (or not worship) that we enjoy in our country, is a relatively rare and most often, short-lived occurrence in the annals of time? In the history of the world, very few countries have experienced the lasting freedoms we Americans have been afforded. In fact, history is replete with religious oppression, so-called holy crusades, and persecution. Even in our world today, millions of people are not allowed to worship the god of their choice, but are forced to submit to whatever religious (or irreligious) group who is in power. Which is one more reason why we Americans ought to be thankful for the First Amendment and those brave souls who have fought to protect our freedoms.

Every single person reading this article owes a debt of gratitude to the courageous men and women who have fought and sacrificed for these United States so we can live, believe, and worship as we choose.

If however, as suggested last week, there is a downside to this liberty, it is this; when religious freedoms are enjoyed too long, not only are they taken for granted, it seems the benefactors do not employ that freedom well. Much could be said at this point, but I would like to hone in on one area. In particular, I address the Christian community; asking those of like-faith to give some significant thought to how we treat our fellow believers with whom we share doctrinal differences.

I concede, what I am about to say is just one man’s opinion, but it seems to me American Evangelicals have been at peace so long, they have forgotten who their real enemy is. Perhaps that is an oversimplification of a complex issue, or maybe an overstatement; but my experience (and perception) is the average church-goer’s idea of spiritual warfare, is trying to demolish the denomination down the street, instead of tearing down Satan’s strongholds. I am often shocked and embarrassed at how some believers treat one another.

Someone could argue I ought not air Christendom’s dirty laundry like this, but truth is – our dirty laundry is already flapping in the virtual breeze for all the world to see. All anyone needs to verify that claim is to look at social media. I don’t know of any medium on the planet that can be equaled in its ability to either progress or suppress the kingdom of Christ, as the internet. Like never before, our means of instant communication can either be used to bring unity and disunity or peace and turmoil to the people of God. Recently, I have unfriended and unfollowed numerous folks simply because I grow weary of watching believers attack other believers who don’t see every detail of doctrine exactly the same.

Don’t misunderstand me, public posts warrant a public response. So before the social media soldiers deploy in keyboard combat formation and brand me a compromising heretic, let me make clear – theology matters. What we believe and preach and proclaim matters. What the Bible truly teaches matters. Anyone who says otherwise is at best an immature Christian, if not unsaved. Christians have been called upon to “earnestly contend for the faith once delivered (Jude 3).” And we must.

Further still, ecclesiastical lines must be drawn. There are men who I love and respect, but because of my Baptist convictions, (I believe to be rooted in Scripture), there are some folks who I delight to fellowship with, but cannot invite to the pulpit. But understand, whether you are Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal or otherwise, if you believe and proclaim justification by faith alone in Christ alone, then you are my fellow and not my foe.

It seems high time someone remind Christians we are all supposed to be on the same team. Hence, if you are a born-again believer, you are family. You are my brother and sister in Christ, and not my enemy. And when and where we differ on doctrine, we should try to disagree agreeably.

When I scroll social media, I sometimes wonder if followers of Christ still believe “a soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1)? And that Christians still think Colossians 4:6 applies, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Also, aren’t believers commanded in Ephesians 4:32 to “be kind to one another, tenderhearted …”?

In John 13:35 Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” With more sarcasm than written words can convey, looking at Facebook comments one would think, Jesus had said; “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, when you bite and devour one another!” But let’s be honest folks; Facebook, Twitter and other apps are not the problem. Rather it is the craven keyboard commandos, who hiding behind a computer screen will respond with smugness, cruelty and a callousness they’d never manifest if they were in-person. Admittedly, I have often found myself guilty of this and I was wrong. It is super easy to forget there is an actual person on the other end of that computer screen, and far more people observing than we realize. Both believers and unbelievers take note of how Christians treat one another whether in-person or online and our testimony matters.

For example, it is a sad day indeed, when someone repeatedly acts like a jerk on social media, then gets blocked by their peers who are sick of the abuse, and then this person has the audacity to claim they’re being persecuted for righteousness’ sake!? That would be laughable, if it wasn’t true. One of the problems with Christians in America is that we really don’t know what persecution is, unless we read about it. As odd as this may sound, if our nation continues toward complete moral degradation, we Christians may just find out what persecution really is and why Jesus said it was a blessing. Ask any missionary serving in areas where Christianity is almost non-existent, and they’ll quickly tell you who our adversary is, and it’s not the guy down the street rightly preaching Jesus.

At the risk of sounding crass, some Christians need to put down their phone, get off the couch, and pick up their sword (Bible) … get on the battlefield and face the real enemy. If they would, they’d have far less time (and inclination) to attack their fellow believers who don’t line up with them on every minute detail of doctrine and show some grace.

While I am thankful for religious liberty, I think it can be argued we’ve misused it when Christians can’t tell the difference between friend and foe. Believer, buy the truth, and sell it not … but you don’t have to act like a neanderthal in the process.

A Downside to Religious Freedom?

As strange as it may sound, I am convinced there is an unfortunate downside to the religious freedom we have as Americans. To be clear, the Second Amendment isn’t the problem I am addressing in this article. Thank God, the wisdom of the founding fathers, and our brave American military for the blessing of religious liberty. However, from my vantage point, it seems when religious-minded people (and in my case, Christians) enjoy liberty too long, there is a tendency to not employ it well.

I do not know if other faiths or religions, different from Christianity, face the same type of issues … maybe so? But it seems evident to me the extended period of religious liberty afforded Christianity in America has somewhat unconsciously yielded negative consequences. I am not suggesting these outcomes are inevitable, or irreversible, but they are (in my opinion) detrimental to the overall health of the Christian faith. Let me, as they say, get down to the brass tacks (whatever that means).

In as few words as possible, one of primary issues facing American Christianity is that no one is trying to kill Christians for their faith. At least not yet. Does that sound odd to you? I am sure it does. Likely, you think this preacher has gone off the deep end. But friends, the truth is … persecution has a way of rightly prioritizing what matters most. The problem with most confessing Evangelicals is we have never experienced any significant persecution … and don’t want to. Sadly it seems, we are too intoxicated with Babylon to desire to differ from it.

So, I reiterate, one of the unintended consequences of religious liberty in America is that it has lulled Evangelicals to sleep in a false sense of security, when in reality, believers are supposed to be imbedded in spiritual warfare. Apparently, many Christians today don’t know who their real enemy is and don’t care. As long as nothing interrupts our iPhone-induced anesthesia, or awakens us from our entertainment-obsessed coma, we are content to sit idle as the world unravels at the seams.

I want to challenge my brothers and sisters on two fronts. First, fight against complacency and apathy and rightly prioritize your lives. Then next week in my follow-up article, I want to encourage my fellow Christians to stop the infighting and face the real enemy.

As both a Christian and a pastor, I struggle with indifference on two different areas. First my own personal apathetic nature, and there is way too much of that in my heart. Further, as a pastor I see an unnatural level of complacency in the pews. Don’t misunderstand me, I pastor a great group of people. Yet, like all people groups, there is room for improvement. I also know, our church isn’t unique in this struggle. Being good friends with numerous pastors from all over the country, one can quickly discern a leading issue that exists among many believers is the ugly sin of apathy.

Getting people excited about worship, invested in church ministries or to simply to show up on Sundays consumes far too many pastoral hours. Church membership and church attendance, is inexplicably, no longer a priority among many confessing Evangelicals. It is a sad day indeed when one cannot beg or bribe believers to come to church! Or, to get there on time. Or, to actively participate in worship. But such is often the case. Among those who are truly saved, what else can be blamed but apathy and poor priorities?

Shouldn’t it be considered abnormal that confessing Christians relish a three-hour football game or lengthy movie, but cringe at the idea of a two-hour worship service? Why can we spend countless hours watching Fox News or Netflix, but expect the preacher to be done in 20 minutes? Why do so many parents drag their kids all over the state for sporting events, but not faithfully bring them to church? Why isn’t worship and family devotions practiced and valued in our homes?

I don’t really think we can blame our religious liberties for our failings in these matters. Probably the real reason we are not facing persecution is not so much because of the Second Amendment, but the Christian’s refusal to live the counter-cultural life Christ has called us to. It is not likely we will experience rejection by the world, when our lifestyle so closely resembles theirs. If there is indeed a downside to religious liberty, it is this – we Christians are not committedly exercising our freedom to publicly exercise our faith.

American Evangelical, make following Christ a priority. The Constitution gives us the freedom to worship and serve Jesus. But the Bible gives us the command and grace gives us the privilege.

Supporting Causes in this Community

Our community is blessed to have numerous ministries that do their level best to offer help to the hurting in our area. I am hesitant to name some of these organizations, for fear of leaving out others who also do good work, but allow me to name a few. First, Perry Volunteer Outreach offers aid to Perry and South Houston County residents in need of emergency financial assistance for housing, utilities, or medical needs. I simply cannot express enough how fortunate this community was to have Frank Shelton (the gentle and generous man who started PVO) as a long-time resident of Perry. His legacy of kindness has enabled this faithful ministry to help hundreds of the aged and infirmed in town.

Let me also mention the godly folks from “Thee Lord’s Table.” This is a faith-based ministry hosted by volunteers from Christ Lutheran Church. Each Friday they offer a warm meal to anyone and everyone in need. Please contact Pastor John Lehenbauer for details.

Loaves and Fishes is a local interfaith food bank offering free food to the hungry. Re-new is an area used thrift store and service providing low-cost goods and clothing. These and several other ministries can and should be applauded for their tireless labors for Christ and this community. Each of these strive to assist others by serving as the hands and feet of Jesus to the less-fortunate. I encourage you to pray and, if possible, financially support any (or all) of these ministries.

Yet, if you will allow, I would also ask for the prayers and support for a ministry that I also hold in high regard. It has been my great privilege the last several years to work alongside pastors from our community through the Perry Ministerial Association. The PMA is a group of local church leaders who meet monthly to pray, discuss and determine how best to serve our community and those traveling through the area.

Rarely a day goes by that someone is not knocking at the doors of our churches asking for assistance. Often it is difficult to know what to do when we as individuals, ministries, or churches, are approached by someone asking for some kind of assistance. None of us like to be taken advantage of, and we often wonder if we are truly helping someone long-term by giving them a handout. So what should we do? Especially those who strive to follow Christ, we want to give generously as we ought to those in need. Yet, we wonder how to help? In these situations, I am often reminded of something my father said; “Come judgment day, I’d rather be guilty of doing too much, than too little.” I think that is sage counsel indeed.

Thankfully, the PMA provides a structured system to provide relief for stranded travelers, whatever their situation. In cooperation with local law enforcement, the PMA provides hot meals, shelter and help with fuel expense for those in need. To do so, we work directly with the Perry Police Department by providing food, gas, and hotel vouchers.

If you (or your church) is approached by someone from out of town, who is asking for your financial assistance, you can direct them to the Perry Police Department. There, the PPD requires those asking for assistance to fill out a simple form, so that they have a written record of requests.

In addition to the voucher program, the PMA has recently been able to purchase shoes and eye-glasses for children in need at Morningside and Tucker Elementary School. Under the leadership of PMA President, Pastor Tim McLauchlin from the Assembly of Perry, the PMA has also been able to provide socks, t-shirts, and other goods for inmates at Houston County Detention Center.

However, the only way the PMA or any of these other ministries can carry out their needed work, is through the generous charitable donations of residents, businesses, and churches. Would you consider personally supporting these good causes, or encouraging your business or church to do so?

Without any argument, everything has gotten way more expensive, so money may be tight. Yet, if it is financially viable, please consider donating to one of these fine ministries and support worthy causes in this community. If you cannot give, but you are a Christian, you can pray … and prayer is just as needed.

Should you choose to support the PMA please send a check to:

Perry Ministerial Association
PO Box 1426
Perry, GA 31069

Walking Confidently into the Unknown

As we take a moment to look back on 2023, as always there were quite a few events that took place, which could not have been expected.

While tensions have always been high in the Middle East, few expected a full-blown war would take place in Palestine. If investors could have foreseen the collapse of commercial real estate one year ago in major cities, they would have been putting up “For Sale” signs a lot earlier. And also like always, the lives of some of the rich and famous came to an earthly end much earlier than anticipated.

Turn the calendar into 2024, and even the most courageous and optimistic person has to concede that there are question marks about the new year.

The headlines always provide plenty of areas filled with question marks: Our physical health. Home sales. The Job market. Inflation. Government debt. A presidential election. Add to that, a sentiment among our fellow citizens that appears to be growing each of the last several decades that “America is on the wrong track”.

No wonder there is big business for astrologists, psychics, new fangled religions, and online offers of get-rich-quick schemes. Why do people fall for such things? They’re looking for hope and assurances for their future.

And then there is the one and only one true assurance for the sharp turns of time. That is courageous trust in the God of the Bible for all the unmarked paths. We need that same faith of Abraham, described as follows.

“Abraham obeyed and followed God, even though he did not know where he was going.” Hebrews 11:8

When the mysterious voice of God summoned Abraham to start his caravan of camels over a road he had never traversed, on a journey to an unknown destination, he must have set out with some of the same uncertainties that face us as we peak into 2024.

One can do all the planning and preparation. You can have well-laid plans for financial security, home security, and social security, and exercise daily at the gym. But the truth is, none of these can give us a guarantee of safe passage through the next 12 months.

We need a guiding star like the wise men. We need a compass, a chart . . .we need what led Abraham to the land of promise. We need that same faith.

There are always plenty of voices telling us “Have faith!” But generic self-trust and self-reliance is a lot like yelling “Have faith in yourself!” to a man who is sinking in a lake and drowning.

What about trying to have faith in other people? Yet we know the fault of that reasoning. Sam Bankman-Fried gained the trust of lots of intelligent investors. They trusted Sam with their money, who now sits in prison. Numerous hurting families remind us that trust is often broken even among the closest kin. Faith in ourselves? Faith in others? Faith in any part of a world broken by sin? That is really no faith at all!

But thanks be to God, we can have the faith that led Abraham into his land of promise. We can have faith in the same God who led Abraham to a place “where he did not know where he was going.” The faith that guides us over unknown paths in 2024, must be the trust of Abraham.

It must be centered on a God who does not lie, and who has always been trustworthy down through history. It must be a faith that knows that God, ruling over the immeasurable vastness of this universe – in spite of His great power – He is concerned about us in our weakness. We are worth far more to the God of the Bible than the birds of the air and the grass of the fields. He knows each hair on our head.

We need not fight the battles of life on our own strength, trusting only our own resources. For we know that no struggle we face is too intricate or complicated for the God of all wisdom.

Here are just a few of God’s promises for 2024:  

“Lo, I am with you always to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:20  

“Then you will call, and the Lord will answer.  You will cry for help, and God will say, “Here am I.”  Isaiah 58:9   

“So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can people do to me?’” Hebrews 13:6   

“Jesus said, ‘I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” John 14:6

As the ultimate sign of God’s love and care for you, He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus, to be the payment for each and every sin we commit. Abraham was guided by the future promise of this Sacrifice for his own sin. Abraham lived and prayed and hoped for that Savior in whom, “all the nations of the earth would be blessed.”

Can there be any greater and more glorious assurance of strength and courage for the new year than the promise that God loves You, and that this Savior, hung on a cross to die, is unmistakable evidence of God’s care for you?

As you begin your journey into the unchartered highways of 2024, go with faith in Him who came into our world and was given the name “Immanuel – God with us.”

Come what may, His love will not fail you. Abraham suffered very dearly, at times on his journey. But Abraham’s God carried him through, to the land He had promised.

Yes, it’s clear we do not know what lies ahead. But this much we know! “Neither life nor death, nor angels,, nor principalities nor powers nor things present nor things future nor height nor depth nor anything in all creation will be able to separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus your Lord.” Romans 8:28.

John Lehenbauer, Pastor

Christ Lutheran Church & School, Perry

christlutheranperry@gmail.com