Marriage as God's Design (August 2023)

“Marriage is to be held in honor among all, and the marriage bed is to be undefiled; 

for fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” (rf. Heb 13:4 NASB)

 

            On the sixth of this month, my wife, Lori, and I will have been married for 40 years. It is hard to believe that four decades have passed since we both stood on the platform at Byne Memorial Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia and said our vows one to another. We knew that the Lord had chosen each of us for the other the year before. I knew she was the one when I first saw her across the dance floor at the street dance held during Orientation Week at (then) Shorter College in Rome, Georgia. This feeling of divine oneness was only solidified as we spent more and more time with each other until I finally got up the nerve to ask her to marry me. We knew God’s will was being done when Lori’s dad (who I was concerned would nix the whole idea since she was “the apple of his eye”) unexpectedly pushed for us to be married sooner than the end of our college careers as we had originally planned. So, it all came together for us on August 6^th, 1983 when I sang several love songs to her during the service…and she agreed to be wife anyway!

            One of the things that we discussed and agreed to as a couple at the very beginning of our relationship was that our marriage would be a lifelong commitment. The only way to undo the relationship was by death since God is the final determiner of our lifespans. We knew we would have ups and downs, good days and hard days, times of struggle and times of great joy. These just come with the total package of a commitment that is binding. This is clearly what the Bible teaches about marriage. This was the standard upon which we chose to build our own.

            Our society unfortunately has totally voided that original intent by God. Divorce has been made as easy and quickly as possible. Many, including Christians, keep divorce as a viable option, using it as an escape hatch should the relationship begin to move into choppy waters. Today, we have made the meaning and intent of marriage a complete blank (i.e. _________) that we can fill in any way we desire. Though God designed marriage to be between a biological male and a biological female, we have thoroughly undermined the concept altogether, blurring the lines between male and female and making it acceptable for those of like gender to enter into matrimony.

            The writer of Hebrews reminds us that “marriage is to be held in honor among all”, that is, we are to respect the precepts of marriage as God purposed it from the beginning. This respect extends, according to this same inspired writer, to the “marriage bed” where the fullness of our individual sexuality as male or female, respectively, can be intimately shared without shame, guilt or sin. As long as we are making ourselves gifts to one another and strengthening the marriage relationship, we have no fear of committing iniquity or transgression. However, when we pervert the marriage relationship by including others in the intimacy or redefining marriage altogether, the writer of Hebrews warns us that we would be “judged” by the God who originated marriage. Indeed, those who violate God’s template for marriage are deemed “fornicators and adulterers”; such is not a safe place to be with the Holy One.

            Some marriages fail and that is a fact we cannot ignore. Forgiveness for such situations is always available through the blood of Christ. However, God still stands by His original design. He wants His people to keep marriage holy and sacred because it is a living example of His own relationship with the Church. As Christians, let us then be diligent to uphold His blueprint for marriage, shining the light of His truth in the midst of a dark, spiritually dead culture. Our presence and model alone will be enough to bring a needed accountability for them before God.

A Nation Needing God's People (July 2023)

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom He has chosen for His own                                                            inheritance.” (rf. Ps. 33:12 NASB)

“If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (rf. Ps. 11:3 NASB)

 

          I remember when I was 13 years old, my parents and I were heavily involved in the Bicentennial celebrations occurring in my hometown of Rockmart, Georgia. As we commemorated the 200^th anniversary of our nation’s birth, stars and stripes were everywhere. We had patriotic music, fanfare, fireworks, costumes, etc. As I recall, our celebrations, as it did with most Americans, lasted at least a full week. The Bicentennial caused all of us to return to and review the historical realities of our founding. Not only did the celebration make us thankful that we were Americans, but it also reminded us of the values upon which our country was based.

            Unfortunately, we have drifted far from our moorings. Our forefathers would be creating wind tunnels in their graves if they could see what we have done with the results of their blood, sweat and tears! They would be witnessing the complete undoing of all for which they had worked so diligently. They would weep at how we have created rights that were never existent and how we have so perverted the freedoms they cherished enough to enshrine in our founding documents. 

            Our only hope for the future as Americans is to corporately turn back to the Lord in full and total repentance for the sins our nation and its people have committed and for how we have so poorly stewarded the blessings He has showered upon us from day one. If such repentance and renewal of godly purpose is not forthcoming, we will have doomed ourselves to a solemn and destructive end. We will shortly tear ourselves apart as we continue to emphasize all that divides us and minimize/destroy the things that unite us. We will become as Esau who foolishly sold his birthright for a bowl of porridge, trading away the things that endure for the fleeting pleasures of the present.

            May this repentance and renewal start with each of us. May we uphold God’s standard of righteousness in our own lives so that we can provide the example for others to follow. May our interactions with others be marked with love, compassion and understanding, rather than pursuing the course of division and hate. May we as believers in Christ shine the light of His Spirit in the dark places so others may be delivered from sin and unbelief. 

The only and lasting hope of our nation is for Christians to be reflections of Him to a country that has completely lost its way. If we fail in this, then the American experiment in freedom will end miserably after only a mere two hundred and forty-seven year stint.

Trust in the Lord's Plan (June 2023)

“Listen to counsel and accept discipline, that you may be wise the rest of your days. Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the counsel of the Lord will stand.” (rf. Prov. 19:20–21 MEV)

 

“’For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” (rf. Jer. 29:11 MEV)

 

Most of us, to some degree, are planners by nature. We want things to be organized, orderly and to fall into place in a logical fashion. This is the reason we use calendars, planners and other means to keep our lives moving in a direction that represents forward progress. When circumstances do not go according to Plan A, we begin to develop contingency plans (i.e. Plan B, C, etc.). We need to have a path that we can follow that leads to a desired end, thus, we create the strategies necessary to hopefully make that happen.

 

The Lord does not fault us for making plans. Indeed, He makes plans, or shall I say, He has made A plan. For Him, there is only Plan A. For us we have but the ability to make the plans. We have little, if any, capacity to make sure the plan is accomplished, taking into account all known possibilities and distractions. The Lord, on the other hand, is never taken by surprise by circumstance. It is already factored into His plan because He is omniscient, omnipotent and providential in all His actions and ways. Therefore, His Plan A will come to pass without fail, whereas our Plan A may have to morph several times before our plans are fulfilled, if at all.

 

Both Jeremiah and Solomon above encourage us not to get too hung up on our plans. We can make them as needed, but these two Biblical authors remind us that we are very limited in what we know and what we can actually do to pull off our desired end. Rather, we need to rely completely on the Lord’s plans for us as part of His overall plan. In doing this, we will be assured that the best of all outcomes will, in fact, take place which may or may not align with what we had originally arranged.

 

In essence, submission to His Lordship over us and our circumstances is the lesson being taught here. When we do submit our plans to His, we will find a greater sense of peace and contentment, rather than fighting and bemoaning circumstances over which we have no control. Let us rest our hearts and minds in the truth that He knows what is best for us and how that best fits into His overall scheme. Then, we will understand better what it means to follow and serve Him as His people.

 

 

 

Binary Choices (May 2023)

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (rf. Jn. 13:34 NAS)

“Therefore, come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch what is unclean…” (rf. II Cor. 6:17 NAS)

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. The world is passing away, and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.”(rf. I Jn. 2:15-17 MEV)

 

            We live in a time when binary choices, that is, choices limited to only two options, are frowned upon, if not, outrightly ridiculed or condemned. Our culture and society relish in the belief that, as human beings, we have a plethora of alternatives before us. Indeed, “choice” itself has become the reigning god of the 21^st century. According to the prevailing culture, we should be able to exercise our preferences without any limitations. This pertains especially to the number of sexual partners we have, the ability to deal with unwanted pregnancy as we will, being able to select our own sexuality from a seemingly infinite number of options. It is our society’s belief that our evolution has provided us freedom from any and all limitations. Indeed, a binary perspective is viewed as a relic of the past that is no longer desired and from which we have been freed.

            The Bible, in contrast, provides clear boundaries and limitations for human beings in general. God created us as male or female (rf. Gen. 1:27; Matt. 19:4). We had and have no choice in the matter. Our own personal DNA reflects His decision and purpose for us as referencing our gender. Our feelings on the matter are completely and totally irrelevant to the truth of who He has created us to be. Secondly, we are either married or single. Our sexuality can only be fully expressed within a marital relationship with a spouse of the opposite gender. All other relationships and expressions of sex outside of marriage are considered wrong by God. Indeed, the Scriptures in Ecclesiastes 3 outline a number of different binary alternatives God has set before us as norms in life (e.g. life/death; war/peace; love/hate; etc.). 

            The time has come for Christians to realize our own uniqueness and difference from the culture. We are called by God Himself to “be separate” from the surrounding world, not to seek to be relevant to it. Our difference from the world presents the strongest witness to God’s reality in our lives and the transforming power of the Gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. We are to “love one another”, while not appropriating the beliefs of our society. The effectiveness of our witness will be based on our ability to be dissimilar. This, too, is a binary choice for us to make, whether to obey or disobey God’s directive. The greater the difference between ourselves and our culture, the more He can use us to make an impact for Him and His message of salvation to the world.

 

 

True Spiritual Renewal (April 2023)

“And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will ^draw all men to Myself.” (rf. Jn. 12:32)

 

            When we consider this passage, we usually envisage the cross of Christ, Jesus suspended in mid-air bleeding from the many wounds inflicted upon Him because of our sins. On the surface, this interpretation would be an accurate one. However, there is a more subtle, powerful message at the heart of this text.

            Jesus is stating that if He and His work of salvation (i.e. the Gospel) are “lifted up”, or placed as center focus, then He will “draw all men” unto Himself. He presents to us a cause-effect relationship. In other words, “if” we do this, “then” He will do that. In this case, with the first condition, our responsibility as His followers is to focus all of our attention on Him and His Gospel…nothing else. If we make Jesus the center of everything we do, both inside and outside the church, then He will magnify Himself, glorify the Father, and ultimately “draw all men” unto Himself, presenting to them the truth of who He really is and the gift that He offers. Jesus then takes the full responsibility of bringing people into a saving relationship upon Himself by the power of His Holy Spirit.

            What Jesus is stating flies in the face of much of what is passed off as present-day church growth encouragement and initiative. Today’s theories revolve around the idea that the church must track the trends of the surrounding culture to gauge and follow suit with events and programs that connect with these specific movements. The idea is that if we meet people where they are, they will like what they see and come and join us. The more we can accommodate their tastes, desires, and goals, the more that people will be interested in church, thus, the more the church will grow in number and influence. This effort has been playing out in both conservative churches (e.g. dress down and come as you are to meet Jesus our friend) and liberal congregations (e.g. be affirming and encouraging to individuals regarding their personal choice of behaviors). 

In other words, according to these views, we should “enculturate” the church instead of transforming those who come out of the culture by the power of the resurrected Christ (rf. Php. 3:7-16). By holding to the above, we rely on the “arm of flesh” (i.e. our own efforts and thinking) to influence unbelievers in a positive manner, while avoiding the subject of sin and certainly not seeking to redeem them from it. 

The Spirit of God operates differently. When we truly “lift” up Jesus, focusing our attention on Him in our lives and in the perception of unbelievers, the Spirit does what is necessary in terms of conviction within them to change and renew their hearts and minds (rf. Rom. 12:1-2) and to bring them to confession and repentance of their sin. It is our failure to focus on Christ and to look to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit that has us failing to reach the people around us.

            Let us commit as God’s people to return to our “first love” (rf. Rev. 2:4-5). Let us consciously make Jesus the center of our thoughts, worship, music, actions, and the totality of our lives. Then, as we begin to do this consistently and committedly, we will see Him draw people into a saving relationship with Him. That is what true “spiritual renewal” looks like! 

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Obedience: The Pathway to Blessing (March 2023 Article)

“They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers. Fear came to every soul. And many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common. They sold their property and goods and distributed them to all, according to their need. And continuing daily with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (rf. Acts 2:42-47)

 

            For the past few months, we have been looking into the subject of the True Worship of God. We’ve seen how God wants to be adored by His people, but He wants our worship to be  done according to His directions and not by how we would like to do it. When we follow His instructions, we find that God is pleased with our obedience and blesses our efforts accordingly. 

            The above passage details the results of the obedience of Jesus’ disciples to His last directive. He told them before His Ascension to remain in Jerusalem, to continue in prayer and fellowship with each other until “the Comforter” was sent to them from Him to prepare them to take His Gospel to “the ends of the earth”. Therefore, His disciples diligently obeyed, prayed and waited for His promise.

            So, it is important to note that obedience preceded blessing. In our day, we want the blessing regardless of our obedience. We want things done to please ourselves rather than seeking to please Almighty God by our actions and attitudes. It is no wonder that the blessings He would give to us are often bottled up in heaven because God has seen our own self-centeredness and has chosen not to reveal the best experiences to us.

            This was not the case with Jesus’ disciples. They did as they were told by Him. They stayed put, prayed and waited. Their obedience seen by Him, they experienced the full measure of God’s blessings. They were filled with His power by His Spirit. They saw God work miracles in their midst (i.e. “signs and wonders”). They were moved to provide for the least fortunate among them (i.e. “had all things in common”). They enjoyed special fellowship with one another and enjoyed the fullness of God’s pleasure through the teaching of the “apostles’ doctrine” and Holy Communion (“the breaking of bread”). Don’t miss the last blessing! God added to their number “daily those who were being saved”. Some might call this “a revival”. The better expression would be that God visited His people’s obedience with abundant blessings! 

            If God’s people would experience such again, it is predicated upon their full obedience to His declared Word. If we follow His directions by faith, we will likewise see God pour out His delight upon us so that we grow spiritually, numerically and in our capacity to enjoy and love Him. Let us commit to this path of obedience and watch what only God can accomplish!

The Love of God in Christ (February 2023 Article)

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” (rf. Jn. 13:34–35 NASB) 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore, you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (rf. Mt. 5:43–48 NASB)

 

            The favorite word and concept of the Apostle John was “love”. He took his cues directly from Jesus who possessed not only the emotional aspects of love, but, more importantly, executed the actions that most clearly displayed the true meaning of love. Jesus’ example was simply living out the reality and reflection of the love of God in the arena of men. 

            In Matthew’s Gospel we find Jesus sharing with His disciples how the love of God plays out in the midst of a sinful world. He shows without doubt that the true love of God is a proactive measure, seeking to do what is counterintuitive to a culture that expects anger, hatred, retribution and vengeance. In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches a Jewish population that what they had learned previously about loving their neighbor and hating their enemy was not really different from what the sinful world does regularly. Both the “tax collectors” and Gentiles love their own and show hatred and enmity toward those they consider their enemies. 

Jesus says that if you are willing to follow Him and be His disciple, you must go beyond those norms. You must love those that do not love you and those who want to see you hurt, in pain, or dead—“your enemies”. This is the reason that His love is not pure emotion as we assume all love is. The love Jesus speaks of is a conscious, willful decision to extend God’s love to someone who, in our opinion, does not deserve the experience. This kind of love is far beyond our human abilities to accomplish. Thus, the love of Christ in the heart of a believer is love that He has put there by the Holy Spirit. By the same Spirit, He exercises that love out of ourselves toward folks we would never dream to associate with, much less to whom we would show compassion and care. This is why the love of Christ is so different and so needed.

In all of our lives, we have folks in our circle of influence who are seem to be so unlovable and undeserving of any form of grace because they are so negative, hateful, arrogant, etc. These are the ones who desperately need a good dose of Christ’s love. They need to see that His love extends even to them, no matter how bad their lives may have been. And by His grace, He has chosen His disciples to convey that love. 

Let us then be more mindful of this responsibility and show His love to others at every opportunity. Note also that Jesus Himself stated that by doing so, “all men will know that (we) are My disciples”. Amen.