It All Goes Back To Relationship

I have a question that needs to be answered. I'm not sure that I have the answer but I will ask the question anyway: Why is it that we always have the notion that God needs _______________ from me rather than the idea that God wants a relationship with me? I think it's time for us to allow everything we do FOR God to flow from our relationship WITH God. The rest will take care of itself.

This past week, I shared a message with our PBC Family about what it means to be a follower of God. I loved Paul's words to the believers in Ephesus "Be imitators of God as beloved children." It provides a beautiful picture of what a true follower looks like. However, way too many see the work aspect of this type of following rather than the relational aspect. Let me see if I can explain.

Those of you who know me, know that my mother left the home when my brother and I were teenagers. That meant there were 3 men living together in the house. Due to our circumstances, there were a lot of things that needed to be taken care of that our mother used to handle: washing the dishes, washing the clothes, cleaning the home, etc. This wasn't the set-up because my father was lazy, it's just the way it was. He had his own to-do-list of things that he managed. We had an agreement. My brother and I would take turns washing the dishes, vacuuming, cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, and so on. Our dad would take care of the laundry, cooking, and grocery shopping. Between the 3 of us we would share in the outside chores. Why do you need to know this? It's quite simple really. My brother and I did what we did in the home because of our relationship with our father. In other words, because we were his sons, we labored with him to make sure these things were accomplished. Our father wasn't dogmatic. He allowed us to work at our own pace. He provided insight and at times would encourage us to go ahead and take care of some of the items. But we were never forced into a position of "do this or else". There wasn't a need. We were in a relationship with a loving father and it was in our heart to work with him.

That example (although very simplistic) isn't that different from our relationship with God. We have a loving Father. We are His children. Everything that we do for Him should flow from the relationship rather than the command. As my Father, He has every right to make demands. He has every right to give instructions. He has every right to ask something of me. But in my 21 years of living in my relationship with Him, I have never experienced Him being dogmatic. He has never said to me "Do this or else." He has always been loving toward me. In turn, what I do, flows out of my relationship with a loving Heavenly Father.

Now...let's go back to Paul's illustration of what it means to be an imitator of God. He says that we should do this as beloved children. Children often mimic their parents. The way they talk. The way they walk. Some of their actions. It's a part of the growing process. As we grow in the Lord it is quite natural for us to imitate the ways of God as we see it in the life of Christ. We try to walk as He walked, talk as He talked, etc. The difference is usually in the mindset. If we do not see ourselves as beloved children then we will do what we do out of fear or expectation. This is true of many people because they do not have a loving relationship with a parent to fall back on. Or their concept of love was twisted to think that they are only loved when they do certain things or behave a certain way. Quite honestly, most people have never experienced unconditional love and this wreaks havoc on our relationship with God. Read the words of the Apostle John:
"God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgement, but we can face Him with confidence because we are like Christ here in this world. Such love has no fear because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of judgement, and this shows that His love has not been perfected in us." {1 John 4:16-18}

When God's love is perfected in our hearts then we do not have to live in fear. My dad is not a perfect man and yet I never question his love for me. My Heavenly Father is perfect in His love for me so why would I ever fear? Why would I ever seek to live a life controlled by serving God rather than living in relationship with God? You may say "But God expects..." I would ask you where you heard such a statement? And most of you would say "Well...our pastor said...or our church says..." This is where our understanding of a relationship with God must be founded upon His unconditional love and nothing else. "But didn't God give commands? Yes - but when you read the reasons behind them you will find that He wasn't just looking for obedient servants. He told Moses that the reason for the commands was that "it will go well for you" and to Joshua "that you may prosper." His commandments are a guide to a fulfilling life. They flow from who He is - unconditional love - so that we may experience all that this life has to offer.

I realize that this flies in the face of religion. I see it all the time. I've seen people who are never moved by a series of messages on the love of God get excited about a message on discipleship. Why? Because this is how we have been conditioned. We are conditioned to believe that we MUST perform, we MUST obey, and we MUST do. And what gets lost in all of this is that if we will allow ourselves to be perfected in the love of God that we never have to hear the "MUST" of religion. There's no need for it. When we learn to live out of His love for us, we will discover the reality of who we are in Christ and who He is in us. We will discover that we are partakers of the Divine Nature. Then our imitation of God doesn't flow from an idea of service but the very nature that dwells inside of us. There's no work to it at all. It will always flow from the relationship.

Equality at the Cross

I have read the articles, listened to many conversations, and have seen the red equal sign on facebook. And to be quite honest with you...I'm tired of it. I'm tired of being labeled as a bigot because I believe in the biblical definition of marriage. I'm tired of being lumped together with the Westboro Baptist crowd. I'm tired of having to "cover the bases". And the sad part in all of this is that the people who want to label me because of my beliefs will not listen to my heart in the matter.

Matthew 4:4, "But He answered and said, 'It is written, 'MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.'"

Rather than just give you my take on the whole controversy, I wanted to share with you a letter that says so much more than I ever could. This letter was sent to me from a friend. As far as I know the original letter was posted first by Hunter Baker. It will give you some incredible insight. In the end...I pray that we can see our equality at the Cross of Christ.

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An Astonishing Message from a Gay Sister in Christ
(You must make it to the third paragraph in order to understand)

To the churches concerning homosexuals and lesbians:

Many of you believe that we do not exist within your walls, your schools, your neighborhoods. You believe that we are few and easily recognized. I tell you we are many. We are your teachers, doctors, accountants, high school athletes. We are all colors, shapes, sizes. We are single, married, mothers, fathers. We are your sons, your daughters, your nieces, your nephews, your grandchildren. We are in your Sunday School classes, pews, choirs, and pulpits. You choose not to see us out of ignorance or because it might upset your congregation. We ARE your congregation. We enter your doors weekly seeking guidance and some glimmer of hope that we can change. Like you, we have invited Jesus into our hearts. Like you, we want to be all that Christ wants us to be. Like you, we pray daily for guidance. Like you, we often fail.

When the word “homosexual” is mentioned in the church, we hold our breaths and sit in fear. Most often this word is followed with condemnation, laughter, hatred, or jokes. Rarely do we hear any words of hope. At least we recognize our sin. Does the church as a whole see theirs? Do you see the sin of pride, that you are better than or more acceptable to Jesus than we are? Have you been Christ-like in your relationships with us? Would you meet us at the well, or restaurant, for a cup of water, or coffee? Would you touch us even if we showed signs of leprosy, or aids? Would you call us down from our trees, as Christ did Zacchaeus, and invite yourself to be our guest? Would you allow us to sit at your table and break bread? Can you love us unconditionally and support us as Christ works in our lives, as He works in yours, to help us all to overcome?

To those of you who would change the church to accept the gay community and its lifestyle: you give us no hope at all. To those of us who know God’s word and will not dilute it to fit our desires, we ask you to read John’s letter to the church in Pergamum. “I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacrificed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. Repent therefore!” You are willing to compromise the word of God to be politically correct. We are not deceived. If we accept your willingness to compromise, then we must also compromise. We must therefore accept your lying, your adultery, your lust, your idolatry, your addictions, YOUR sins. “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

We do not ask for your acceptance of our sins any more than we accept yours. We simply ask for the same support, love, guidance, and most of all hope that is given to the rest of your congregation. We are your brothers and sisters in Christ. We are not what we shall be, but thank God, we are not what we were. Let us work together to see that we all arrive safely home.

A Sister in Christ

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There's an old saying that is appropriate to end with: "The ground is level at the foot of the Cross."

In other words, there is equality at the Cross of Christ. It was there that God demonstrated His love for all for all mankind - once and for all. We are equally loved. We have equal access to the grace of God. We have an equal opportunity at the abundant life of Christ. You may not agree with my stance on the issues of the day anymore than I agree with yours, but I believe in HIS LOVE we have all our answers.

Embracing the Fullness of the Gospel

John 4:35, "You know the saying, 'Four months between planting and harvest.' But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest." ~ NLT

Several years ago someone asked me if we were a "full gospel" church. My response? "Yes - we preach the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus!" Little did I know that this wasn't what they meant. Since those early days I have come to discover that what most people mean by "full gospel" is operating in the gifts of the Spirit. While I understand their point of view, I have never bought into the idea that anyone is full gospel just because they believe in the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by certain kinds of gifts. In fact, my attitude has changed even more as it relates to this kind of labeling. While there has been much focus on reclaiming the fullness of the Gospel as it relates to the power of the Kingdom, I think it's just as important (if not more) to reclaim the fullness of the Gospel as it relates to the SCOPE of the Kingdom.

It's time for the church to reclaim what has been provided through the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of Christ. It's time that we began to see the world through His finished work. Then, and only then, we any of us be "Full Gospel." You see, it's not enough that we embrace the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It's not enough that we function in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The fullness of the Gospel is discovered in all that Christ came to do for us, in us, and through us.

When was the last time anyone looked up at the people of the world and said, "The fields are already ripe for harvest."? I mean...if the fields were ripe in Jesus' day...what does that mean for us now? He made that statement pre-crucifixion. We live post-resurrection and still see the world tainted through the fall of Adam rather than through the finished work of Jesus. What Jesus accomplished through His sacrifice is far greater than what many have believed. What Jesus did through His death reaches further than what many have been willing to understand. What happened to humanity through the Resurrection of Christ is of a far greater scope than what many have been willing to see. The question we must answer is whether or not we are going to believe what the New Testament reveals? Are we willing to embrace the truth that all of humanity was placed in Christ in His death, in His burial, and in His resurrection? Are we willing to change some of our doctrinal stances to reflect the finished work of Christ?

You have read my statements on this blog about Paul presenting Jesus as the "Last Adam" {1 Corinthians 15:45}. This is where many have failed to make the transition in their thinking. Hear the words of Paul:

- "For if many died through one man's trespass, MUCH MORE have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for the many."

- "The judgement following one man's trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification."

- "For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, MUCH MORE will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through one man Jesus Christ."

- "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men."

- "For as through the one man's disobedience the many were constituted sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many shall be constituted righteous." {literal translation of verse 19}
{Read Romans 5:15-21}

Paul took the time to show the Church the significance of the finished work of Christ. Just before he chose to contrast what was accomplished through Christ versus what had been done through Adam, he made this statement: "God showed His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." {Romans 5:8-11}

The point is this: To embrace the fullness of the Gospel means that we must embrace the full scope of what God has accomplished. God has reconciled Himself to the world. He chooses to view all of humanity through the finished work of Christ. The payment for our sin has been made. The work of atoning for the sin of humanity has been finished. The entire human race now has it's lineage in the Last Adam - not the first. They have been born from above (born again/reborn) through the resurrection of Christ {see 1 Peter 1:3}. The problem is that most people don't understand what God has done for them. They see themselves outside of the grace and unconditional love of God. They do not know, have not accepted, or have not heard that if they would believe in the resurrection of Christ and confess Him as Lord that they would be saved (or come into the wholeness of life that Jesus provides).

If the Church doesn't embrace the fullness of the Gospel then how can we expect the rest of the world to embrace it? If we cannot see them in Christ then they will never see themselves in Christ. If we cannot rest in the finished work of Christ then they will never rest in it either. That is why we must embrace it with everything we have. We must see the scope of God's love, His grace, His mercy, and His kingdom so that we will enter into those ripened fields and harvest those that Jesus gave His life to redeem. They have already been purchased and it's up to us to claim them. Lift up your eyes!!!

Relational Christianity

"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God." {Matthew 15:8-9 NLT}

I was praying yesterday when this thought crossed my mind: Praying (just like any other faith practice) needs to be relational. While I understood the truth of this statement, it dawned on me how much we do things out of practice, duty, and discipline.

Think about it. What if we approached reading the Bible from the standpoint of allowing the Lord to speak to us rather than just seeking to back up what we already believe? I believe God is more interested in our ability to be teachable than our ability to be indoctrinated. I understand how difficult it will be for many people to accept this statement but this has been my heart for some time. In the end, I have learned much more about the Word and the Lord when I stopped trying to enforce my doctrinal stances and simply started asking God to speak to me through the Bible.

Prayer, Bible reading, Worship, Giving, Etc...all of it needs to be tied to my relationship with the Lord.
Relational Prayer sounds more like conversation than a laundry list.
Relational Bible Reading opens up a dialogue from the Lord to us rather than approaching the Bible like a textbook.
Relational Giving allows the Lord to dictate how we give of our resources than simply asking Him to bless our 10%.
Relational Worship will bring us into an encounter with the Lord rather than going through the motions.
And the list goes on an on.

Adam & Eve were tempted in this very area. They had an open relationship with the Lord. He spoke with them, would fellowship with them, and walked with them in the cool of the day. The temptation came in such a way that caused Eve to think this was not enough. She chose to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, gave the fruit to Adam as well, which ultimately led to the fall of man. Locked in this relationship with God based on right/wrong, good/evil, law/liberty - it was difficult to embrace true and genuine relationship. Christ came into the world to right the wrongs, allow good to triumph over evil, and fulfill the law to set us at liberty. Now it is our opportunity to go further in our relationship with the Lord. But we will have to fight the idea that knowledge is greater than relationship. We will have to fight the temptation to turn our relationship into a religion.

Can I be real with you? Discipline is good when passion is missing. However, if our passion for the Lord is overrun by discipline then all we have is a working relationship with God. There are plenty of people in this position. From the members that enter into the congregation to those who stand on the stage. We have developed a sort of professional intimacy. And the last time I checked, we had a name for those who specialized in this type of "intimacy."

The only way that we can guard ourselves from these trappings is to guard our hearts. We must guard ourselves against a "form of godliness that denies the power" of God at work in our lives. Sure...you can read the Bible, pray, worship, etc. out of a form of godliness but what does it accomplish? A form of godliness will only accomplish a form of Christianity. True and genuine faith is always (ALWAYS) about relationship.

It is my prayer for every person that claims faith in Jesus Christ that they never fall short of a genuine, intimate, relationship with Him. It is my hope that the church will reclaim the passion of what it means to know the Risen Savior. That we will be willing to give everything to Him because He gave everything to us. That we will never allow religion to override the relationship. That we will know what it means to be the sons/daughters of the Most High God. May we never embrace form over power. May we never be indoctrinated with the philosophies of man but with the true nature of God. May we never allow our worship of God to be in vain. Let's return to a Relational faith that embraces the journey of being conformed to the image of the Son.

Thought for the day...

Splitting wood with my Dad today...

Here's a thought that I would love for you to carry this week:

Proverbs 13:12, "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life."

When we learn to live from the blessings of life rather than the disappointments, we discover that joy, thankfulness, and peace are constant companions.

Application? Feed yourself on what God HAS DONE. There's life in it!!!