The Blind Side

It’s been forever since I’ve posted.  this year has been a bad one for me to keep up on the blog.  Last night, Elizabeth & I went with my brother & sis-in-law to see the Blind Side.  It’s a story about a kid – Michael Oher (pronounced Oar) – who grew up in Memphis, was admitted (somehow) to Briarcrest Christian  School, and became a part of a not-so-conventional family of well-to-do pale faces on the East side of Memphis.

The story is all about Michael’s redemption, and REALLY about the redemption of the Touhy family; a white family who has compassion for him when they see him walking the streets without a place to go when it’s raining and cold outside.  Michael’s mother was a drug addict, and he was raised to this point in his life in the downtown projects (Hurt) in Memphis.

Citing their Christian duty, the mother of the white family (played by Sandra Bullock) convinces the husband (played by Tim McGraw) and kids that they have no choice but to love and care for this kid.  He was after all, 6′6″ – about 320, and with the heart of a puppy dog.  They take in Michael, and gain custody of him through the state.  He leads Briarcrest (Wingate in the movie) to the playoffs and acquires a scholarship at Ole Miss.

I was overcome by emotion the entire movie.  Not only had we lived in Memphis for 5 years, and experienced this culture through both urban ministry and Elizabeth’s crisis intervention work, but we had also adopted a beautiful baby boy who was African American – who’s now 9.  Memphis is a large city in the mid-south that has the same struggles as the large urban ones of New York, LA, Houston, and Chicago; drugs, prostitution, violence.  They need Jesus worse than anything in their lives.

REAL Jesus.  Not fancy churches, or charitable outreach that is here today, and gone tomorrow so that others can feel like they’ve cared for the poor, clothed the naked, or housed the homeless.  What the Touhy’s did for Oher was real Jesus.  I don’t know them personally; and I know they were REALLY well off.  I hope and pray it was the real Jesus who motivated them to act on their faith with Michael Oher;  I have no doubt that is really was.  The kind of kindness that is real and experienced, taken home, and reflected on long after people are in their quiet times.

I’ve come to believe that it is impossible to minister to someone without them seeing the real meaning behind it.  If it is Christ, they will see the selflessness that is behind it.  It if is selfish, people will see it.  If you truly love someone with the love of Christ, it is infectious, and they will share it with others.

GO SEE THIS MOVIE!  It’s a great one.  The love of Christ is the most motivating pure force one can gather.  May God grant us all his grace to overcome ourselves and become the people we need to be.

Let the Little Children Come to Me

Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” While I see his point… he was trying to show that one must transform his heart into that of a little child to come into the kingdom of Heaven, I struggle with his teaching.

I struggle b/c I know it’s hard.  I know it’s difficult to become trusting again – so innocent, so warm, so needing to be loved.  I’ve begun a new chapter in my life and I LOVE it.  I’m the Director of Instructional Technology at Prattville Christian Academy in Prattville, AL.  My job entails the vision of the technology of the school, as well as teaching a Jr. High computer class, a Sr. High computer class, and all Elementary computer from 2nd to 6th.  I also teach Sr. high Bible, which is awesome, and am a D-Line coach on the football team.  As time goes on, I’m trying to create a school-wide grid for technology, so it all connects together for a PCA education that is engulfed in technology.

The reason I struggle is b/c I came into the school year with very LITTLE experience with little kids.  I mean I’ve always loved them, but my only experience thus far has been my own kids.   I am beginning to believe the Lord worked it this way so I could begin to see what true service and ministry is all about.  I cannot express my gratitude enough for our elementary teachers (at all schools) who deal with this CRAZINESS every day.  But I’ve begun to see a change in myself.  I’m trying to be patient, show them how to do computer things, but above all to be real.  I’ve noticed kids starting to high-five me in the halls, come by and wrap their arms around my waist for a big-ol’ hug, and otherwise wave and say, “hey Coach Ellis!!”  It’s really… pretty cool.

Their smiles are so precious.  These kids are lumps of clay to be molded; some of them already have gravel, rocks, sand, and other trash in their clay.  Maybe their home lives are messed up and we teachers see it.  But I believe the Lord uses teachers – and especially teachers in Christian schools – to minister to our kids.  We must BE Christ to them, and show them how to glorify God in all things.  They don’t know how to do it; we have to mold them.

And most of all; Lord Jesus, help me to become like a little child,  and desire the kingdom.  Here I am bumping along – a 35 y/o who’s out of shape, balding, and needing freshness in life – help me to have a heart to forgive.  Help me to see love immediately.  Help me to draw near to those who show kindness and love, and tattle on those who do evil.  Well not really… but help me to readily see Satan’s work, call it out, and oppose it as your child.  Help me to high-five Jesus in my life when I see him.  Help me to wrap my arms around his waist and grow love for him more and more in my heart.

Lord, bless our President, our Principals, our Teachers and Coaches as we try to do your work.  Refresh us in your spirit, and help us to minister to our kids.  You alone will bless us or abandon us, and I pray that we will always be the place you are alive and well.  Father, help us to glorify you in ALL we do.

Anakin Skywalker and the Seduction of Evil

After yesterday… I’m more convinced than ever that there is not a better movie/story to emulate the Biblical plan of redemption than Star Wars.  Obviously it is NOT the story of scripture, but the truth is that George Lucas has openly admitted that he pulled from the stories of Scripture (he grew up Methodist), and other wise books from other religious backgrounds when he wrote Star Wars.

Jacob is now almost 9.  As he watched Episode III yesterday, I could see his wheels turning, and the understanding of evil and it’s lure ripening in his understanding.  He sees Anakin being deceived, and gradually Palpatine works his way into Anakin’s consciousness as the one who can “save your ‘Padme’ from certain death.”   His identity even changes from Anakin Skywalker to “Darth Vader”.

It occurred to me that Satan does nothing less than the same thing in our lives.  He uses whatever emotional trigger he can use to get a foothold for consideration, and then as time goes on, and the battle rages between that which is right and that which is emotionally satisfying, it gets more and more difficult to make the distinction.

Paul told the Galatian church that the fruits of the Spirit – “against which there is no law” far outweighed the momentary satisfaction of the adversary’s wiles.  To see the struggle with good and evil right before your eyes is something Paul talked about in Scripture, and is pretty amazing in this movie.  One of the coolest lines of Episode III is when Darth Vader and Obi Wan have the argument on the flight deck of the Volcanic planet in Mustafar, and it goes something like this:

Obi Wan:  ”Anakin, Palpatine is evil!”
Darth Vader/Anakin:  ”From my perspective, the Jedi are evil!”
Obi Wan:  ”Well then, you are lost.“

Anakin’s perspective was changed by being consumed with truth and a respect for that standard, and over time his respect for it was diminished by one tragic loss after another (his Mother, slavery, threat of his wife’s death).  His understanding of truth was worn down and the “force” no longer flowed through him and his actions.  Very much like the “force” – the holy Spirit of God should embody our attitude such that we remain rooted in holiness, and question it healthily when adversity occurs.

For my kid, I’m glad he has this image of the Emperor tempting Skywalker (whether Anakin, or Luke in Episode VI).  He sees good eventually win, and it’s obvious when Anakin’s legs get cut off below the knee.  Anakin’s response to Obi Wan:  ”I hate you!” (in a really evil voice)  Obi Wan’s response reflected the pain of a wise parent who chastens his child:  ”Anakin you were my brother, and I loved you.”   It’s a healthy visual backdrop against which we can hang our spiritual walk with God, and the redemptive power of Jesus in our everyday life.  

Obviously, Scripture tells this true story, and God’s redemption through Christ is the great story of homecoming for our lost lives.

Abuse of the Supper in the Corinthian church

In a number of places I’ve been growing up, I heard a particular explanation of 1 Cor. 11:17-34.  That explanation was that the instruction Paul gave was a condemnation of the church’s “making a common meal out of the Lord’s Supper.” 

With great respect to the good men who’ve stated it, I believe this is a shallow explanation of the passage, and that verses 17-22 provide the appropriate context.  They show that “common meal” was not at all part of the censure Paul issued. 

The Corinthian church had a number of problems.  Many of them came from Pagan backgrounds; idol worship, ceremonial promiscuity (temple prostitution) and eating meat from sacrifices to those gods, just to name a few.  This was the culture of the people of Corinth.  However, as redeemed disciples of Christ, they are now called away from their former lifestyles and called to a life of self-oblation and dependence on God. 

Chapters 10 & 11 are interesting.  In chapter 10, the Apostle instructs them, “Consider the people of Israel: Do not those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19Do I mean then that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything, or that an idol is anything? 20No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons. ” – instructing them that they cannot have it both ways.  You can’t keep your life of Pagan self-indulgence and worship, and sit down at the table with Christ’s saints and eat the LORD’s supper. 

Just like the serious dichotomy in their attitudes and behavior in chapter 10, chapter 11 demonstrates a serious problem that has nothing to do with “making a common meal” of the Supper.  Consider the opening of the passage: 

17In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. 19No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. 20When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, 21for as you eat, each of you goes ahead without waiting for anybody else. One remains hungry, another gets drunk.

The passage continues with the oft-explained passage,

“Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and humiliate those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not! “

The problem clearly is identified in those verses.  To be accurate, the passage has to mean something far more than our 21st Century Western World thinking.  “Don’t you have homes” couldn’t be accurately translated, “don’t eat in the church building.”  Nor could it mean, “don’t make a common meal of the Supper” – as the church had been in the habit of ritual meals since the Jewish feasts and ceremonies.  In fact, Jesus’ very institution of the Supper was in the context of a meal. 

The problem here is that status differences and class envy were penetrating the Lord’s church.  The everyday feelings and practices of these Christians was not fixed – and not only that – but specifically brought INTO the church.  Those with status, riches, wealth, and availability were abusing the freedoms and liberty of those who “had nothing.“  The Lord’s church was called to a higher purpose!  To be a  light in the darkness, to be a light to the nations, and to show Christ to the world.  The Corinthians were far from it.

Although slaves are not mentioned in chapter 11, the Greco-Roman world was full of slavery during the time of Paul’s writing.  If the slave in the Roman society (50-60% of their world) cannot come to the Lord’s table for equality and fellowship, to where can he go?  (Don’t think 19th century African slavery; think credit, debt, sponsorship, and mentorship.)  The Roman slave may not be a particularly poverty-stricken slave, but just a lower socio-economic class person.  Regardless of the status of the individuals; the “haves” were disregarding the equality of these Christians who were less-fortunate.  Whether slave or free, the church in Corinth wasn’t eating the LORD’s supper at all.  It was their own supper with inequality, status envy, and refused fellowship.

All of this makes the last few verses (often ignored) make sense.  If one doesn’t discern the body rightly, he will not care for his brothers or sisters.  The Lord’s church loves its own, and cares for one another in a way incomprehensible to the outside world.  Verse 30 alludes to those who are weak, sick, and have even died – because the body was not discerned rightly.  If the church there would care for one another, wait for one another, and eat the LORD’s supper, perhaps the fate would not be the same.

The conclusion is simple. 

11:33So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.   – Food isn’t the problem.  It’s mindset.  If one is coming to the assembly to eat and feast, he has the wrong motives. 

While the early church did in fact take part in an Agapao (Agape – Love Feast), Paul does not condemn, nor condone it here.  His silence leads us to believe it was a non-issue.  What was NOT a non-issue was the way the church of God was to treat one another, since “we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf.“  (1 Cor. 10:17) 

The House of Mourning Became a House of Joy

Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 says:

2 It is better to go to a house of mourning 
       than to go to a house of feasting,
       for death is the destiny of every man; 
       the living should take this to heart.

 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, 
       because a sad face is good for the heart.

 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, 
       but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure.

Yesterday I went to the funeral service of a co-worker’s sister.  She and her sister who passed were members of very Spirit-filled, Biblically centered churches, and the Pastors for both of these churches spoke in the funeral service.  For the VERY first time in a funeral, I truly felt a sense of celebration, and the messages from these 2 men, (one other), and my co-worker were very moving.

The central theme that was made crystal clear was the fact that God is alive and well.  His Word is truth, and that by proclaiming it, living it, and struggling with our own fleshly struggles – and learning how to fight that spiritual warfare – we will indeed inherit the crown of life.  Although another good person has been lost to family, our earthly relationships, etc., the Master once again has stolen a soul from the clutches of Satan’s evil grasp.  Though death is the unavoidable consequence for a broken and fallen world, it is not the end for those who have been purchased by the resurrected Christ.

I have perhaps never felt so uplifted by the worship songs.  Though we worship in Spirit in Bowling Green, and with clapping, and hands lifted high; I have not personally experienced the degree of complete praise and worship as in 2 or 3 songs yesterday at this funeral.  

Paul said in his 2nd Corinthian letter, “(chapter 4:16-18) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

I’m Thankful

I’m thankful for Jack Russell puppies.  I’m thankful for 8 year old boys who beg daddy to play ball… nintendo… watch movies… and wrestle.  I’m thankful for a lovely wife who was “barren” (to use the old Biblical term) and whom the Lord saw fit to bless with a natural pregnancy.  

I’m thankful for my firstborn, although I wasn’t there when he came into the world.  I’m thankful for surprises.  I’m thankful for God blessing us long after we thought we couldn’t get pregnant.  I’m thankful for little girls’ smiles when Daddy comes into the room.  

I’m thankful for 5 year old daughters who get in trouble at their Granna’s house, and say, “I want my Mama,” even though she is spoiled rotten.  I’m thankful for her little singing voice, her imagination, her sillyness, and even her sassyness.  I’m thankful that she when she was born, 28 Christian brothers and sisters helped us pack, move, unpack, and eat in our new home within 36 hours.  I’m thankful for fellowship in Christ, and adoption as sons into the Kingdom.

I’m thankful for a brother who has become a successful farmer, utilized his talents, and waited on the Lord to provide.  I’m thankful for a mother who wants to cook so well – AND DOES – even though she thinks she can’t.  I’m thankful she can’t smell (or effectively taste).

I’m thankful for a dad who wants to take walks; for his willingness to listen, to help, to jump in anytime he can.  I’m thankful for my childhood, teen, and young adult heritage in Athens, AL.  I’m thankful for old friends, new friends, basketball, quiet walks in the woods and rushing water.  

I’m thankful for a beautiful wife.  For her patience, her persistence, her resolute determination to be the best she can be, even though a little unborn baby boy’s growth nauseates her so.  For her reaching out to hold my hand, for her kiss, for her love and dedication to the Lord.  

I’m thankful for the church at Bowling Green.  For Shepherds who love their sheep, and want to guide and search, and pray repeatedly.  For the power of redemption in the lives of countless lost ones.  Lost ones who always thought they were found, until they realized just how lost they were.  I’m thankful for friendships with other passionate believers.  For brothers and sisters who know me well, and for those who aren’t inside my head.  For the hard times, the easy times, the praise, the prayer, the fellowship.  I’m thankful for grace, mercy, and peace through prayer when my head is spinning with concerns, worry, and fear.

I’m thankful for Jesus.  For the power of his love to look into my eyes of denial, betrayal, and failure; and to say, “Father, forgive them.”  I’m thankful for his life; for his healing the sick, for his listening to the poor in heart, for his prayers and service to those who don’t deserve a King, much less a King’s washing their feet.  I’m thankful for his mercy and his hope more than anything.  I have often fallen short.  I have often started and not finished.  I have often not been what I should and sometimes not been the father I must be.

I’m thankful for Immanuel.  For God with us, leaving his Spirit in our hearts as a Comforter.  Though He is not with us to wrap His arms around us, to serve us, to touch us, cry with us, and laugh with us – I’m thankful that God loves us enough that His Son couldn’t possibly NOT sacrifice his perfect life for the imperfect.  Praise God.  Forgive us, Lord.  Help us to receive your grace with thankful hearts, and live in grace – and the peace with passes all comprehension in Christ Jesus.

Disciples of Christ, Politics, and Government (#1)

I’ve been reflecting on a scriptural perspective on how I should vote.  Exactly what my position should be on major issues, and how politically involved I need to be.  In thinking about many, many things lately, I thought I’d drop this passage in here:

From Romans 13:1Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. 4For he is God’s servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. 6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

In his much discussed book, Civil Government, David Lipscomb said in 1913:

“Tertullian, who was probably born within a half century after the death of the apostle John, gives this explanation of this saying of the Savior:

“The image of Caesar which is on the coin is to be given
to Caesar, and the image of God which is in man is to be
given to God. Therefore thou must indeed give thy money
to Caesar, but thyself to God, for what will remain to
God if all be given to Caesar?”

No better explanation has ever been given of the Savior’s words. It teaches what the Savior taught: pay your tax, but you are not children or servants of the earthly governments. Give your personal service and your bodily powers to God.”

Lipscomb makes powerful, dogmatic statements throughout this book (entirely found online at: http://www.mun.ca/rels/restmov/texts/dlipscomb/civgov.html)  and this topic is far too complex theologically for me to solve in a single post.

This study is a work in progress, and I will continue to vote for those who stand for things closest to God’s word, and to the perpetuation of his church.  But where do Christians jump in?  The lines between citizenship and discipleship have long been blurred, and often confused between federal actions and “God’s will” being done.  Does the evil of radical Islamic terrorism need to stop?  Absolutely.  Does it need to BE stopped by someone who fears good, and respects God?  Yes.  But at what cost?  What is appropriate, and A) what type of leader does the United States need for that role?  B) what role does the disciple of Jesus really have in all of that? 

In Genesis, the Hebrew Joseph (who was given an Egyptian name: Zaphenath Paneah) was sold into slavery by his malicious brothers, through faith, hard work, and intestinal fortitude, and God’s grace, he rose to power and was a true child of God.  He was a citizen of the Lord’s will; always reflecting on what the Lord would have him do, who obeyed his masters and worked very hard to succeed, and God’s glory was lifted up in Joseph’s accomplishments.  Even Pharaoh gave glory to “Joseph’s god” in the process.  To me, that is the role of God’s children in government.  But does the child of God live under a Theocracy, like Joseph must have been – even in his own mind?  What if Christians become “the most powerful man in the free world” as President?  Do he now lead in a manner completely reflected by the will of the people (democracy), or by God (not the people)?

The reason I’m writing this is because of my own struggle with the role of Christians and government.  What in the world are we to do in a world that’s progressed 100 years since Lipscomb wrote his book, and light years in technology, theological development, and archeaology? 

I know what I’m inclined to do.  I’m inclined to vote because I’m a patriotic citizen.  I’m also inclined to have some sort of say in what I believe will become the next leader and effect change.  I want the Kingdom of God to reign first, then on a far lesser plane, the government under which I live.  But only to the degree that it enables the church to continue practice and growth.

More than ever, Christ is needed for His Lordship in the world.  More than ever He needs to be seen in us in kindness, submission, boldness, citizenship, and above all, discipleship to His kingdom, which will in turn effect the nation I am slave to.  How vocal is a God-fearing leader to be in government?  Should the mantle of Political Prowess be worn with a false-impression of God’s approval and a title of “nation under God”?

I look forward to your comments, and your shared wisdom as this progresses!

Salt and Light. Now, more than ever!

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More than ever, I realized tonight how amazingly important it is for God’s children to be salt and light in a world full of tasteless darkness.  “Come out and be separate, says the Lord” is resonating in my head loudly.

I’m at one of my work engagements, and having a blast.  My friends and colleages are fun people, and some of them are deeply God-fearing.  Others – not so much God-fearing in their everyday ethics and personal morality.  They are not evil people, they are simply demonstrating Satan’s impact on the world by their lack of Godliness.  I have no doubt they “fear” God, but they often don’t appear to let it translate into obedience, respect, and holiness.  I have come to believe that true disciples of Christ cannot possibly be brightening and seasoning the world without being within it.  To get to know people, and for them to get to know us, and know that we – without judgement upon them – choose to live a different life of holiness; separating ourselves from vulgar speaking, filthy thoughts, drunkenness, immorality.

Don’t get me wrong… I deeply struggle with holiness on a daily basis, and hope and pray that God’s rich mercy will cover my shortcomings.  I know that it will because the word repeatedly shows that Christ’s love is so deep for us; that his love was far greater than a simple trump card that was a one-time pass for us to be saved or not saved.  That his sacrifice was once for all time, so that we don’t repeatedly – year after year – have to offer sacrifices for ourselves, as the Hebrews did.  Isn’t that what grace is? 

Isn’t his grace sufficient for us?  Now and for always, Father – give me strength to be in and amongst my friends of the world, and show them Jesus.  To love them, to show holiness to them, and while far from perfection, help me to show them in my conscious and unconscious actions that Jesus is truly the master of my life.  And thank you for placing dear Christian brothers close to me to help encourage.

Paul vs James? A Brief Look at Faith, Works, and Justification

Below is an article by my good buddy and quartet-mate, Shane Scott, on the great question of faith/works and the relationship between then.  He does a great job demonstrating the contexts of both passages and exegeting the scripture, rather than reading into it his own meaning.  You can read more of Shane’s stuff at the link over on the side of the page. 

Oh, and don’t forget to vote SHANE SCOTT for PRESIDENT!!  See his campaign promo here:  http://youtube.com/watch?v=TN6kG4SwFRo

>>Shane’s Post:
In his 1522 Preface to the New Testament Martin Luther expressed his reservations about the book of James, which he described as an “epistle of straw.” He had questions about the identity of its author, but he was even more troubled by its seeming contradiction with the teaching of Paul on justification. At one point Luther offered to give his doctor’s beret to any man who could reconcile the teaching of Paul and James.

On the surface, it is easy to see why Luther was so perplexed. In Romans 3:29 Paul says, “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” Yet in James 2:24 we read, “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” We have basically two options: either Paul and James contradict each other, or they dare using the same terms to mean different things . And I believe this latter approach is correct.

In the first place, James and Paul are using “works” in two completely different ways. Paul is referring to works of the Law of Moses, especially circumcision, as the immediate context of Romans 3 makes clear. Romans 3 begins with this question: “Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision?” (3:1). It ends the same way: “Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith” (3:29-30).

James, however, is not speaking of the works of the Law of Moses. Instead, he is referring to visible demonstration of genuine faith. “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:15-17). The only sense in which James is speaking of the works of the Law is in the broad sense of fulfilling the command to love your neighbor as yourself (James 2:8; cited form Lev. 19:18), a concept that Paul completely favors (Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14). Paul agrees with James that genuine faith must work in love (Gal. 5:6).

Second, James and Paul mean different things when they speak of “faith.” Paul is referring to the initial act of trust in Jesus to become a Christian (Rom. 3:25). When James speaks about faith, he is referring to the phony claim of faith made by professed Christians. “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14). James is decrying the empty assertion of faith that has no connection to reality, something Paul would not tolerate either.

Finally, James and Paul are using “justification” in two different senses. When Paul speaks of justification in Rom. 3:29, Paul is referring to declaration by God that we are in right standing. And he is consistent in teaching that our right standing is through faith in Christ rather than the works of the Law of Moses. There is another meaning of justification, though. Sometimes it means vindication. This is how Jesus used the term in Matthew 11:19: “Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” Wisdom is justified, borne out, vindicated, by its results. And so also is faith. James uses two examples of justification in this sense: Abraham and Rahab. In both instances, Abraham and Rahab had a belief in God that was later vindicated as genuine by their actions; Abraham in offering Isaac, and Rahab in protecting the spies of the God of Israel. Our works vindicate the genuine character of our faith, which Paul teaches as well (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 2:17).

I believe Luther allowed the nature of the debates of his day (perfectionism and ritualism) to define what the texts of Paul and James meant in their day, rather than reading Paul and James in light of the debates of their day. But properly understood, James and Paul are in agreement on the relationship of faith, works, and justification.

Restoration Thinking #7

We’ve had a tough week in Bowling Green.  At least 6 families from our church family  have had major situations in which they need prayer.  This is heavy stuff, and some of the situations are deeply joyful, some are deeply mournful, and others are not as threatening, but equally stressful for all involved.

In Acts 2:42-4:37, the disciples began doing something they had not formerly done.  They became a family.  A community.  They sold what they had and gave to the poor amongst them.  Consider the following text:

Acts 4:32  All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

What an amazing testimony of the power of Christ in these people!  I don’t read in this, that they became a cult, or a commune, but a faith community.  They became part of one another, because they undoubtedly understood things that  we often do not.

Remember, they had the Apostles with them.  Men who were with Jesus daily, men who experienced his kindness, his sternness, his grace, and his love.  How else would the early disciples have learned to “share everything they had?”  What I think was going on, was that these men had begun teaching and undoubtedly modelling the love that Jesus said they must do.  After all, he said, “by this will all men know that you are my disciples; that you love one another.”

Ok, I can’t provide jobs for people necessarily, nor can I drop a big check in the hands of my needy brothers and sisters always.  But what can I do?  FIND something to do.  Do what I can.  Pray.  Share my goods, share my home, share my ear, my love, my prayers.  Give them time and spend time with they who are in need of a brother or sister’s encouragement.

There’s an interesting dynamic that I am NOT through studying; that is, what was so amazing about the blood of Christ that changed this community?  After all, this was not a group of weird people who were viewed as oddballs and freaks in the 1st Century Jewish society.  These were people who “prais(ed) God and enjoy(ed) the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” (Ax 2:47)

Favor of ALL the people?  Why don’t we come out of our shell, Christians?  How utterly true are the words of this great song by Casting Crowns:

But if we are the Body
Why aren’t His arms reaching
Why aren’t His hands healing
Why aren’t His words teaching
And if we are the Body
Why aren’t His feet going
Why is His love not showing them there is a way
There is a way.

How can we improve?  Are we more concerned with doctrine and doctrinal purity than love?  Are we more concerned with rituals and traditions than listening and praying with our friends? 

God be merciful to me for not being a worthy disciple.  Lord, you are holy, and your son is holy – through whom we may approach you.  Your Spirit enables us to be your children.  Lord, bring your spirit on us.  Help me to be neither hostile toward any Christians, heritage, or background that I find stifling.  Help me to embrace Jesus, and us (your people) to be passionate followers so that your people are highly regarded in the world.  Please Lord, help us to be your body in this world!  Forgive my foolish ways and sins, and be continually working out your perfection in my life through your Spirit.  Jesus, empower me to sit at your feet and listen to you.  Help me to make you real again, and listen.  I believe Lord, but I struggle.  I am heavy right now with many thoughts and concerns of those in our immediate family of believers, and I pray that you will hear our prayers and bless them all with what you know they need.  Amen.