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Oral Roberts’ Son Arrested for Allegedly Speeding, Driving Drunk in Okla., Christian News
No one is a smaller fan of Richard Roberts and his ministry than I am. I consider his theology and ministry to be terribly misguided and a blemish on all that the true Gospel and Scripture stand for. But this is no time to cast stones. I’m praying for him, his family, and all those who follow him. I pray for all of those whose faith might falter due to this news. For, no matter the sin or the sinner in question, I couldn’t be more thankful that our Heavenly Father is a God of mercy, grace, forgiveness, and multiple second chances. And I write knowing this redemptive truth applies more to me than anyone else I know.
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith…” (1 Timothy 4:1).
“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the falling away comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God” ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4).
As disheartening and shocking as it is, this USAToday article is a must read. It paints a very tragic portrait of the secularization and “lostness” of the country in which we live. And it breaks my heart. Read for yourself:
For many, ‘Losing My Religion’ isn’t just a song: It’s life
This piece reveals a vivid and ugly picture of the practical atheism that is pandemic in America. These unbelievers are euphemistically labeled as “apatheists.” The Bible would describe them as “separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of [God] and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).
Some snippets and statistics from this troublesome article:
“The real dirty little secret of religiosity in America is that there are so many people for whom spiritual interest, thinking about ultimate questions, is minimal,” says Mark Silk, professor of religion and public life at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn.
“We live in a society today where it is acceptable now to say that they have no spiritual curiosity. At almost any other time in history, that would have been unacceptable,” Budde says.
“This is a disaster for Christians, says Scott McConnell, director of LifeWay Research, “If you’re not worried about heaven, you won’t notice or care if Jesus is essential your salvation. You’re not thinking about any consequences,” McConnell says.
Here are some appalling numbers, figures that should launch us into an impassioned crusade of Gospel proclamation and disciple-making that Jesus mandated in His Great Commission:
•44% told the 2011 Baylor University Religion Survey they spend no time seeking “eternal wisdom,” and 19% said “it’s useless to search for meaning.”
•46% told a 2011 survey by Nashville-based evangelical research agency, LifeWay Research, they never wonder whether they will go to heaven.
•28% told LifeWay “it’s not a major priority in my life to find my deeper purpose.” And 18% scoffed that God has a purpose or plan for everyone.
To further accentuate the dire nature of these numbers, hidden beneath these statistics are those who believe in God (or religion) but not the God of the Bible. These include various religions and belief systems outside of and even opposed to traditional Christianity (Islam, Buddhism, etc.).
Do we see these folks? Clearly they are all around us. We can find them where we work, at the store, in our neighborhood, and maybe even at church. USAToday makes it crystal clear they can be found everywhere in our culture. But are we really looking for them? This should serve as a siren’s warning and a powerful motivator to all who claim the name of Christ and profess to follow Him. Do we care? Do we care about those who don’t care, those who give no thought to the things of God and eternal matters? Do we love Him, and them, enough to tell them the truth and share with them the hope and joy found only in Jesus? I pray we do. As Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37-38). And folks, that means us!
As uncomfortable as it is, I must close with a warning from the Apostle Peter. Why? Because it is the Word of God. It is true and must be said. Take heed, God has spoken and it will come to pass. Therefore, if you aren’t trusting and resting in the assurance and hope that is found only in surrendering by faith to the Lord Jesus Christ, I plead with you to look at Him and look to Him, admit your sin, and cast yourself upon His mercy.
“…by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:1-8).
“For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body-so also is Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body-whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free-and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. So the body is not one part but many…Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. And God has placed these in the church*” (1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-28).
*For the purpose of this discussion, I will use Millard Erickson’s simple definition: The church is “the whole body of those who through Christ’s death have been savingly reconciled to God and have received new life… while universal in nature, it finds expressions in local groupings of believers that display the same qualities as does the body of Christ as a whole.” You can disagree with this premise if you prefer, but at least it is a starting point.
Our Christian culture, like any other culture, is prone to buzz words. One pertinent one, “Body Life” was popular several years ago. More recently the terms “intentional” and “missional” have permeated our rhetoric. Two others – the subject of this discussion – “unchurched” and “dechurched” are commonly heard in the context of “the vision of our church is to reach those who are unchurched and dechurched.” Although the intention may not be skewed, these terms concern me. Why? Because one might easily surmise that the goal of reaching the unchurched and dechurched is to get them “churched.” And, to me, that can be a problem, depending on one’s definition of the church.
You might complain that I am straining at a gnat or arguing over semantics (and I may be) but seeing people “churched,” if that means seeing them become involved (or the ambiguous and sometimes dangerous of concept of becoming a “church member”) in an institutional organization that bears the name “Christian” alone, then the effort is misguided. We all know that being an active or passive “member” of an institutional church really has little to do with someone being united with Christ or a part of the Body of Christ, His spiritual Bride. And in some cases the label “church member” is an impediment to people actually being united with Christ, being part of His Body in its truest sense. I’ve often said one of the greatest mission fields in America can be found sitting on pews (or other pieces of furniture) on Sunday morning. Far too many have religion (they are churched) but have not been made alive in dynamic relationship with Christ (being a part of His spiritual Body, the true church).
Now I’m not saying that those who preach a mission of reaching the unchurched and dechurched do not have something more substantive in mind than promoting attendance or participation in an organized “Christian” gathering, but it could be interpreted that way. It all depends on what one means by the term “churched.” For we all know that term, in its most superficial sense, has nothing to do with someone moving from spiritual death to spiritual life, from being lost to being saved, to being adopted into God’s family. These things are not the manifestations of going to a physical (visible) church but an act of regeneration. As Wayne Grudem says, “Regeneration is a secret act of God in which he imparts new spiritual life to us. This is sometimes called “being born again (using language from John 3:3-9)” (see Grudem’s Systematic Theology, p. 699).
Although not current, culturally relevant, seeker sensitive (another of those buzz words), or popular, what’s wrong with the terms “lost” and “saved?” Should not the goal of the true Body of Christ be to see people who are spiritually dead come alive in Christ, grow in His image, and be agents and ambassadors of His grace? Only then is one “churched” in the most biblical sense. After all, even Jesus Himself claimed that “[He] came to seek and save that which is lost” (Luke 19:10).
For this reason I will share a passage with you. The first section describes what it means to be “lost.” The 2nd describes regeneration. And no matter if one is unchurched, dechurched, or a “church member” these truths apply. For I believe, in the end, it doesn’t come down to being “churched” in its most shallow definition, but to being redeemed and all that implies.
“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience– among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” (Ephesians 2:1-3).
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ–by grace you have been saved– and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” ( Ephesians 2:4-9).
For an interesting article on this very subject, see Trevin Wax’s thoughts at Unchurched or Unsaved? What Our Vocabulary Reveals About Our Beliefs
“Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children” (Matthew 14:13-21).
Evangelicals tend to be critical of Roman Catholics for being too liturgical. Evangelicals even label Lutherans and Presbyterians as “God’s Frozen People” for their systematic and ritualistic approach to worship, among other things. Ah, but how often do we, the “orthodox” evangelicals, deviate from the all too sacred “order of worship?” Yes, I know that God is not the author of confusion (or chaos) in worship or anything else (see 1 Corinthians 14:28-38). But this passage doesn’t preclude God from moving outside of our self-imposed routines and order. He, after all, is much larger than that. Have we taken this text out of context and done so for our own emotional comfort? After all, Jesus did criticize the Pharisees for their “vain (empty) repetitions (see Matthew 6:7).
In the account above (which is presented in all four Gospels) we see something surprising. To say the least, it was unexpected. The meeting, it would seem, was over. Jesus had preached (Mark 6:34) and healed and now, according to the disciples, it was time to shut it down. “Send them home,” they wearily told the Master. “We have exhausted our ‘order of worship’ (implied), it’s late, and we are getting hungry. Off to get some chow and rest!” But much to their amazement (and maybe chagrin), Jesus had another idea. He chose to move in an extraordinary way (please do not let the term “extraordinary” pass you by – it simply means out of the ordinary or norm). He decided that this experience should continue and be drastically changed. A miracle was about to take place; food for five thousand from five loaves and two fish. Thankfully, this “service” didn’t end after the benediction or closing praise and worship chorus. Jesus, spontaneous Jesus, had something bigger in mind!
Jesus was not going to be put into a box. He was not going to let God’s work be short-circuited by the comfortable parameters of boundary-inducing men. He knew there was hunger and He was going to feed those who were in need even though those closest to Him clamored for their dismissal. This wasn’t the only time Jesus took what would be considered ordinary and spontaneously made it extraordinary. He wasn’t predictable at all. Some of His greatest revelations and works came during impromptu gatherings, dinners, stonings, casual strolls, fishing expeditions, from boats, and in the midst of storms. In none of these situations was He or God’s movement stifled by some man-made, predetermined plan or order. Jesus let God out of the corner, so to speak, and let His work be accomplished by being sensitive to the situation, aware of God’s movement, and surprisingly spontaneous. Just ponder the number of times the Gospels demonstrate that Jesus caught His listeners off guard as He quickly changed directions.
Now I’m not advocating disordered worship or chaotic church services. Nor am I against tradition itself. Not at all! What I’m suggesting is that we allow God’s Spirit to move in such a way that our practices, methods, orders, plans, formulas, routines, traditions, and, sometimes even, prescriptions don’t hinder true worship and ministry. In other words, let’s not be so programmed and predictable that we don’t allow for God’s Spirit to take us where He wants us to go. Yes, we certainly need structure but not at the expense of missing God’s presence and power. As someone has pointedly said, “Many churches have become so routine and regulated that if the Holy Spirit did show up they would have no room for Him to visit. And they wouldn’t even recognize that He had been there.”
If you are a pastor or small group leader, try something “radically” different. Change the order of things (do something really crazy like preaching or teaching at the beginning of the gathering), expect and allow for Spirit-led spontaneity, and pray God moves outside the boundaries of our self-determined boxes and routines. Who knows, He just may just surprise you…just like Jesus often did.
*I rarely repost other’s work but this insightful and humorous article is well worth reading. It is found on the open source SBC site called SBC Voices. I’m sorry for the length but this post needed to be presented in its entirety. It is written by Dave Miller.
“All week long, my car ran great. Here and there, across town and back, up hills and down; no problems. I turned the key, the engine fired and I was on my way. Then, suddenly, on Friday, a terrible thing happened. I was cruising along when it coughed a couple of times, sputtered, harrumphed, and then quit. Nothing. It would turn over, but not fire. I was stranded. Being the master mechanic that I am, I walked around the car and gave all four tires a firm kick. I opened the hood, jiggled a few wires, pulled and twisted stuff and burned my hand on something hot. But no matter what I did, the engine would not start.
I was at the point of despair when I noticed a large sign about a hundred yards ahead. It said “BMW” – Baptist Motor Works. Perfect, I thought. If anyone can help me, surely my Baptist Buddies can. I pushed the car over, and as I rolled it into the parking lot, a man in a loud sports coat, white shirt, and ugly tie came out, grabbed my hand, slapped my back, and welcomed me to his shop. He had me fill out a visitor’s card, popped the hood and took a look inside.
“Brother Miller,” he said. “Your car seems to be functioning below statistical standards.”
“Yes, sir,” I nodded. “I can’t argue with that.”
“I think I can help you. First, we will need to form a committee to study the statistics on this car. They will get the input of experts and others who own functioning cars of this model. We will get together, appoint a task force, write a report, then formulate a program that will get your car’s statistics up. I will give you an 800 number for the experts in Nashville and Atlanta who can help you to figure out why your numbers have slipped.”
“Thank you, sir, but…”
“Please, call me Brother Billy Bob.”
“Well, Brother Billy Bob, I appreciate all that. But can you fix my car – this car?”
“You are in luck. I have a new curriculum that just came in last week – look, here’s the box right here. A shop down in Florida has had great success in getting their cars running using this program. If it worked for them, I am sure it will work for you.
“What is it?”
“I don’t have all the details, but it has a catchy slogan and some great graphics. There’s even a website with 10 pages of FAQ’s. Just what you need.”
I thanked him and scanned the street. I am no mechanic, but I knew that my car needed something a little more than a catchy slogan and new program. I didn’t need an expert in Florida to tell me how well his car runs, I needed someone in Sioux City to get my car running.
I pushed my car back out into the street and saw another shop, just a couple of doors down. It was called the “Car Growth Strategy Mechanics Shop.” Mechanics. That’s what I needed. Maybe they could fix my car. So, I pushed it over to their shop and was invited to wait in their lush, air-conditioned lobby. As I waited, I perused some of the books and magazines. I glanced through “Experiencing Cars,” flipped through “The Purpose-Driven Car” and scanned a pamphlet called, “How to Make Your Car More Driver-Friendly.”
Before I got a chance to digest any of the advice a mechanic came out, dressed in Khakis and a golf shirt, with a neatly trimmed goatee. After I explained my problem, he smiled and said, “I think I can help you, Mr. Miller. What you need to do is take a survey of your community and find out what people feel their automotive needs are. Find out what the most popular color of paint is, and what interior style and color people like the most. Once you know what the people around you like in a car, we can totally redesign your car to fit those tastes. Then we can begin a new advertising and marketing strategy that will make your car the envy of the whole community.”
“Will that make my car run better?”
He shook his head sadly. “Mr. Miller, you will never get the right answers as long as you are asking the wrong questions.”
I could tell I was getting nowhere with him. My car did not need a survey or a new marketing strategy. It needed to be fixed. I looked up and down the street one more time. I saw another place a block away. The sign said, “CP&W Repair Shop – We can make your old car new.” Perfect! I huffed and puffed and pushed my car up the small hill to the CP&W shop. Out came a man with long, curly hair, in blue jeans and sandals with a Switchfoot t-shirt.
“Can you help me?” I asked. “My car won’t run.”
He looked inside and nodded, then turned to face me. “Mr. Miller, I have spotted your problem. Look at your sound system. You have an old AM Radio with a cassette player. That thing will only play old-fashioned, out-of-date music. We, here at Contemporary Praise and Worship Repair Shop can fix you right up. We will replace your old clunker with the newest CD/DVD surround sound studio quality satellite music system. You will be able to get all the best stations with all the newest music.”
“Will it make my car run?”
“Run?” he responded. “Why would you want to run when you could sit in your car and enjoy the experience of your wonderful modern sound system. That’s all this car needs – contemporary music.”
I thanked him and headed back out. I may be a mechanical moron, but I know that whatever was wrong with my car cannot be fixed by a new program, new marketing strategies, an exterior paint job or a new sound system. None of that would bring my dead car to life.
I spied one more little shop, tucked back in an old brick building. The sign read “Superior Automotive Knowledge Repair Shop.” Maybe these folks knew what to do with my car. My back was aching from pushing it around town and I needed help. But, when I rolled the car into their parking lot, no one came out to help.
I poked my head in the door. Hearing some soft organ music in the background, I walked down a hallway and opened another door. There, huddled in a small circle, was a group of men in a very intense discussion.
“Excuse me,” I interrupted. “Is this a repair shop?”
With a look of faint annoyance, one man said, “Yes, it is.”
“Well, I have a car that won’t run, and I was wondering if you could take a look at it.”
He pursed his lips. “If you are interested and able, you may join our group as we study the true Doctrines of Cars. We are just now exploring the various aspects of free wheel and carlection. We are not like some of those silly groups out there that focus on methods and manuals and such things. We seek a superior knowledge of the inner workings of cars and it provides us with a sense of awe and humility, knowing that we know more about how cars work than anyone else.”
I was a little confused. “Do you actually fix cars?”
He seemed a little irritated. “That is not our job. Only the manufacturer can fix the cars.”
I wandered back out and leaned against my car in superior frustration. I was out of options. I could not see any more shops, and I was dead tired from all the pushing. At that moment, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned around and saw an average looking man in jeans and a t-shirt.
He said, “Sir, I have watched you push your car up and down the street. I think I can help you.”
I was a little cynical now. “What are you going to do for me? Form a strategy team, call in an expert, form an elite study group, repaint my car and fix my stereo?”
“No, sir. I own that little gas station over there, the B&P Filling Station. I thought you might try something simple. Maybe your car is just out of gas. Want to give that a try?” At this point, I was willing to try anything. So we pushed the car over to the B&P Gas Station. I pumped gas into my car until the tank was full. I sat down in the front seat of my car, put in the key, turned it, it chugachugged for a second, then roared to life. Nothing was really wrong with the car; it was just out of gas!
I went inside and thanked the mechanic. Never had I been so happy to pay for a tank of gasoline.
“Don’t worry about it, Mr. Miller. It happens all the time. People drive their cars and never stop to fill them up. Then, when they go dry, everyone has a suggestion, but so often they forget to do the one thing every car needs – fill the tank.”
He handed me a receipt, I shook his hand and I went on my way. As I sat down in the driver’s seat, I started to put the receipt into my notebook. That’s when I saw the name at the top. “Bible & Prayer Filling Station.” I was sure glad I stopped there that day.
Perhaps all the experts’ advice, the marketing strategies, the new paradigms, the head knowledge, the modernization and new programs are not what we Christians and our churches need most. Each of them has value in their proper place. Maybe what we really need to get into God’s Word and seek Him until our hearts are full of our Savior’s presence. Perhaps our churches should focus on seeking God and listening to His Word.
I recently realized I was burned out, discouraged, nearing depression. I took some time off and that helped. But I also realized that as I got busy with life, as I ministered, as I blogged, as I worked, I was often forgetting to fill my tank by spending time in God’s Word, by praying, by seeking the Face of the One who sustains our souls. It is a fundamental mistake and I should have known better. You can’t drive a car without gas and you can’t succeed in Christian life or ministry without taking the time to fill your soul with the presence of Christ.
And, in our churches, maybe a new program can help. There is a lot of great new music being written for the purpose of praising God. It is possible that your church could find a new strategy that will help you be more effective in reaching your community. And undoubtedly Christians need to know more about the basic doctrines of our faith. But none of these things will fix the real problem most Christians, and their churches, have. Nothing will fill an empty tank but the Presence of God. Nothing cultivates the presence of God like the Word of God, prayer and genuine worship.
Could it be that simple?”
As much as I’m prone to agree, please tell me what you think?
Here is an excerpt from an article that was quite disconcerting to me - Reclaiming the Mission » The Mars Hill Seattle “Cease and Desist” Letter: Why Branding Is the Ultimate Anti-Missional Act:
“The part of the story I know goes like this: There was a church in Sacramento that named themselves “Mars Hill” several years ago. It is the same name as the well known Mars Hill church led by Mark Driscoll in Seattle Washington. A couple weeks ago the Sacramento congregation received a “Cease and Desist” letter which came from attorneys representing the Seattle Mars Hill Church. They were told that the Seattle Mars Hill had copyrighted the name “Mars Hill” and they demanded that the Sacramento California Mars Hill church stop using the name and any logos with similar lettering.” These events were made known by a blogger/pastor in the area (see here). A storm was stirred up. Then the Mars Hill Seattle pastors contacted the Mars Hill pastor in Sacramento. There was some good discussion, apologies and reconciliation. Sacramento Mars Hill agreed to change its logo so there would be less confusion surrounding its identity with the larger Mars Hill church in Seattle. (These events are reported here, here and here).”
My purpose here is not to attack Mars Hill Church (any of them) or Mark Driscoll, but I’m saddened that this seems to be what the institutional evangelical church is coming to – let’s trademark “our church,” and send threatening “Cease and Desist” letters to other ministries who use any portion of ”our” kingdom’s marketing tagline. Has the contemporary church become all about “logos and egos?” If this is being “missional” then I’m inclined to believe the goal is misguided. I know there are 2 sides to every story and my opinions here will offend some (I do have a right to be wrong, you know) but what is so disappointing to me is that this ministry (which includes Mars Hill Church, Acts 29 Network, and The Resurgence), one I have often appreciated and applauded, should not be anywhere close to this fracas (actually, none of these ministries should be).
Known for their emphasis on missional living, the theology of Driscoll’s ministries may be pretty solid but this sounds like a sound bite from the Google vs. Apple controversy, with similar innuendo, greediness, and sensationalism. Why are respected ministries resorting to the world’s tactics when God’s Word strictly forbids one Christian suing another (alright, there was no actual lawsuit, just the threat of one – see 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 anyway)? Understanding we all make mistakes and God’s grace covers a multitude of sins, this situation makes me question my approval of this ministry and its leadership.
Why? Because a lost and gospel-antagonistic world celebrates our pettiness and self-promotion. Since when do we think it is “missional” to brand or trademark a ministry (or church name and imagery… I do, however, totally understand content copyright) that is supposedly called to exalt the name of Jesus and His kingdom above all else? How many funds are being diverted for these kinds of secular tactics that are better served spreading the Good News and reaching those who are in spiritual darkness? Is this good stewardship (attorneys don’t come cheap)? Also, let’s not give the unregenerate more reasons to discard the claims of Scripture while we haggle over names and logos.
Let me continue my rant. Since when is the name Mars Hill so sacred? After all, we find the first example of the connection between Mars Hill and the preaching of the gospel in the book of Acts (see Acts 17 for the text). It (the Areopagus) was the place where Paul spoke God’s truth to pagans and polytheists. Figuratively speaking, “Mars Hill” was providentially designed as a platform for the proclamation of God’s truth not a scene of litigious protectionism. Haven’t we, like Paul, better things to do?
With no disrespect towards Mars Hill Church or Mark Driscoll intended - I could insert the name of any ministry or minister, mine included - let me take some radical (and to some, unacceptable) liberties with a passage from the great Apostle himself. You can find this text in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. It is part of Paul’s letter to a church filled with worldliness, strife, and carnal self-promotion. Please take particular note of the very last phrase of this passage:
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by [the Media] that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow [Mark Driscoll],” or “[I follow Mars Hill Seattle],” or “I follow [a church growth methodology or the "missional" creed],” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was [Mars Hill] crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of [Mark Driscoll]? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of [trademarks, branding, and threatened lawsuits], lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”
“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:4-5).
Per Wikipedia (how ironic), Mike Daisey is an acclaimed American monologist, actor and social commentator best known for his full-length extemporaneous monologues . In this Daily Ticker piece (found on Yahoo Finance), Daisey tells us what all astute followers of Christ and Bible students know; people worship technology. Read, watch, and listen for yourself:
It’s really not an outlandish idea that Dasiey is promoting here. The love of technology mimics the following of a religion. In this paradigm, Steve Jobs is worshipped like a saint and the products and services created by these inventors are adored (people stand in long lines at the break of dawn for this stuff). It has come to the point that many “can’t live without” their Smartphone, tablet, notebook, iPod, or Kindle. They go nowhere without their gadgets much like one would carry a copy of the Scriptures with them at all times. The information and amusement (After quickly becoming addicted, I believe Crazy Birds to be the spawn of Satan) derived from these small electronic boxes can become central to a person’s time, interests, and even motivation. They have become a type of religious artifact and many’s passions are to be found in their pursuit of the latest technology trend or application. I guess wi-fi would represent the Holy Spirit in this “new religion.”
To say the least, the use of technology has attempted to replace (or facilitate, for you techies) a myriad of essential human activities (even though using technology certainly involves human activity). Via technology, we have replaced human intimacy with images and typed words. We have allowed technology to “shortcut” the learning process by replacing analyzing and cognition (understanding) with information accumulation. We have allowed technology to be the slave-master called amusement (the word has 2 components; “a” meaning “not” and “muse” meaning “think.” When combined, the word means “not to think.”) Tragically, our heart’s main focus has often become our ”hardware” and replaced more important spiritual pursuits. When we count the time and energy devoted to them, it’s clear that sometimes our gadgets have become our gods.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think technology is inherently evil any more than the silver dollar sitting on my dresser. After all, I’m typing this on a desktop (OK, now you know how “uncool” I really am) and will post this article on my blog so that it will be exposed to billions through the “miracle” of the internet. I own an iPhone and my books can be found in an eReader formats. I’ve even been know to (legally, I must add) download Christian music from iTunes so that I can listen and be encouraged no matter where I am. I must confess that I get a bit of an adrenaline rush when I can find helpful information while browsing the internet on my Smartphone and never leave the couch. Also, I have more than once coveted the 4G speed that I don’t have. And I often use my most treasured gadget – the TV remote control (Or have we forgotten that is a form of technology too?).
No, we probably don’t see Androids displayed on mantels nor do we physically bow down to our laptops, but idolatry involves more than a wood carving, golden calf, or a “graven image.” It is something that has become central in our life. An idol is something that controls us, our time, interests, and affections. Having a false god is when we care more for something that has been created than the Creator (God) Himself. And when we believe that technology is the solution (“eventually technology will fix everything”) then it has become a savior. Instead we are called to, “love the Lord [our] God with all your heart and with all [our] soul and with all [our] mind and with all [our] strength” (Mark 12:30).
Now I’m not suggesting that Christ-followers eradicate all uses of technology (Excuse me as I pause…I just got a text from my Pastor). This is impractical in modern society and many of our jobs demand it. But this discussion does bring into question where our devotion lies (which is usually correlated with what we spend our disposable time, money, and thoughts on). I’m thinking a Christian response cannot mindlessly let these tools control us nor can we outright reject them. Rather, I believe that we must seek to redeem technology (see Colossians 4:2-6, where “redeeming” is often translated “making the best us of”). This means, when such is the case, unveiling it as an idol and dethroning it by bringing any unhealthy and unholy activity under the Lordship of Christ. However, we must also, after embracing our God as the only one worthy of our adoration and worship, be good stewards of these advancements, use them for the expanse of His kingdom, and multiply our effectiveness. Let us not treat our gadgets as gods but let us never forget that using them in a way that glorifies Him is a worthwhile use of the technology at our disposal.
As Paul said, “To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22-27).
As Christians (and Americans) we have been taught since birth that there is a direct cause and effect that governs our lives. You know, if we “do” this then we will “get” that. It is kind of quid pro quo formula. For example, if I work hard, I will get ahead at my job. Or, if I lead a healthy lifestyle I will enjoy good health and a long life. Although I believe in the theory of cause and effect as a principle in the physical realm, I’m not convinced it works in the spiritual realm. I’m not even sure it works in life. This thinking was the basis for the Old Covenant but is not the basis of the New Covenant that Jesus has ushered in.
This A + B = C sequence is clearly defined in Deuteronomy 29:9: “Therefore keep the words of this covenant and do them, that you may [be prospered] in all that you do.” There we see that our efforts (A) plus the working of God (B) equals His blessing in this life (C). And, whether consciously or not, we believe this because we have subtly (and not so subtly, I’m afraid) been told this is true. This message has been echoed from church pulpits, Christian counselors, and the shelves of Christian books stores. But it is wrong. It is a system intended to make this life better but it doesn’t work. It didn’t work for the Israelites and it doesn’t work for us. Leviticus 26:14 and following tells us what happens when the covenant (or equation) is broken . This system worked only if they kept all the law perfectly and there was a dangerous downside if they didn’t. They didn’t and they couldn’t. We don’t and we can’t.
But we still try. It’s engrained in us (it’s called pride) and we are indoctrinated in this linear equation. We often continue to pursue the blessing of a better life by trying hard, asking God to give us what we want, and expecting to see the blessings unfold. We are a slave to this law that often doesn’t work, which leaves us exhausted and filled with doubt about ourselves, God, or both. So our worldview goes down the tubes when we try really hard, tust God, and crisis comes. We did our best to do “A” and we trusted God to do “B” but we don’t see the evidence of the “C” that is the blessing of a better life. We have but two options here; we didn’t try hard enough and do all the right things or God is not good and faithful to His promises. Neither one is a good conclusion.
And, if this system does seem to work, it inevitably leaves us empty because we have this “better life” but have missed the point. That’s because the formula is wrong. It is based upon the Old Covenant, not the New Covenant. It is the way of the law, a law of cause and effect that Jesus came to do away with. For Christ has introduced a radical shift from the pursuing the blessing of a better life to one where our passion is the beauty of His presence. Because relationship and intimacy with Him is the point. It is that, and that only, which truly fulfills us and is our great blessing. Everything else is a weak, useless idol without any substance or value (see Psalm 115). And this Old Covenant formula is often the very thing that keeps us from fully experiencing Him as we seek His hand and not His face, His “presents” instead of His presence.
The writer of Hebrews explains: “For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God” (7:18-19). Notice in particular that last phrase, “a better hope [of] nearness to God.” Actually, the writer of Hebrews said much about those who looked to God in faith not for His earthly blessing but for the hope found only in His presence (see Hebrews 11:1-12:3). For we, in the end, do not find real satisfaction in “success” but in our Savior. For it is He who had crucified this old law so that we might live in Him, He might fill us, and allow us to enter into the life of liberty He so gloriously purchased:
For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:9-14).
*I’m deeply indebted to Dr. Larry Crabb and his book The Pressure’s Off for a significant part of these ideas and content. I highly recommend this book!
“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the LORD said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he” (1 Samuel 16:7-12).
Several years ago, when a church was in search of a pastor, they turned to the Pulpit Committee. One day churches realized they had a pulpit but didn’t have a pastor. So they changed the name to Pastor Search Committee but the endeavor was the same; find a man of God to shepherd the congregation. Although I’m not sure the methodology was correct, I presume the intention was; they were searching for the just the right man to lead their flock. So let me ask: Would you, if you were on the Pastor Search Committee, hire the preacher I’m about to describe?
This candidate brings an unimpressive resume (I guess it would be a Curriculum Vitae these days). Let me tell you about him:
- He had never been to seminary.
- He has no denominational credentials.
- He had previously followed another religion and was so zealous he was willing to kill for it (sounds like a radical Muslim).
- He would be considered homeless.
- He was in poor health.
- He was physically unimpressive.
- He had been previously married but was now single.
- He was a poor public speaker.
- He had been to jail more than once.
- He was a known trouble maker.
- He often was fleeing the authorities.
- He had never stayed, since his “conversion,” in the same place for very long.
- His profession was “tentmaker.”
- Many church leaders rejected him outright.
- He had offended many Christians and churches.
- He preached a Gospel of grace and not religion.
The only thread of hope for this candidate is the opinion of but a few that he was filled with God’s Spirit, a great apologist for the Gospel, and that God seemed to move in many of the places that he ministered. But that, more than likely, would not gain him an interview, much less a trial sermon, in many contemporary churches. For this man’s story is even more tawdry than the résumé reveals. Beyond his horrendous Curriculum Vitae, he had even been an accomplice, in his former days and ways, to the murder of deacons, disciples, and believers and was at the forefront of the early church’s persecution.
But now he says he is radically changed, transformed by the Good News of the Gospel. He has no pedigree, except in another religion. He has a questionable reputation and, seemingly, little to offer. Heaven forbid; how could we even consider this man as our pastor? Just look at his work history, lack of training, and, my gracious, his dubious of past! No way!!!
Can you imagine the scene as the Pastor Search Committee peruses this résumé? It’s almost as if this is a joke. This man? Our Sheppard? File 13! Honestly, would you hire this man as your flock’s leader? Would you even considered him? Probably not. Nor would 99.9% of contemporary evangelical churches. But on what basis do we make such decisions? From what source have we acquired our “formula” for finding church leaders?
Certainly you’ve figured this out by now. This hypothetical pastoral candidate is none other than the Apostle Paul. The one whose resume we would laugh at and never give a second thought to. But what’s most disconcerting to me is that Paul’s resume is not much worse than Christ’s would be. After all, Jesus didn’t come with sterling Curriculum Vitae and influential references. What in Christ’s resume and pedigree would make Him the top candidate to lead our congregation? Think about…even His hometown and family rejected Him:
“He went away from there and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief…” (Mark 6:1-6).
Could it be that we wouldn’t consider either Jesus or Paul qualified to pastor “our” churches today. If this it true, then God help us! For, if so, we have become so secular and “corporate” that we would discard those most preeminently qualified to lead us. It’s no wonder the institutional church is drying up and God’s Spirit seems to have moved, if it were possible, almost entirely to the 10/40 window, the persecuted church, and the house church movement. Because, I would venture to guess, almost all of the leadership of the early church (fishermen, tax collectors, and the like) would have no place in our pulpits today. But this ragtag, unlearned bunch turned the world upside down with the Gospel of Jesus.
So maybe we need to get turned upside down ourselves.
